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Browse published articles attributed to brian spilner, with full-archive search.
Fathers and daughters have a very special relationship. We’ve all heard the expressio “Daddy’s Little Girl” and we all know daughters who have their dads “wrapped around their fingers.” This special relationship deserves acknowledgment, particularly around the time of Father’s Day. If you’re ...
If you want to get a dog, but you have little dog experience the choice might seem daunting. With over 150 breeds to choose from you certainly do not want to bite off more than you can chew as a beginner or your dog might end up running your house hold. Never fear as the ten breeds on this list ...
You see the small envelope sitting in your mailbox and you know it’s either a Thank You card or an invitation. You think to yourself, “Hmm, I haven’t done anything worth being thanked for lately, so it must be an invite!” Upon opening the invitation, you’re greeted with primary colors, festive ...
In a time when everyone resorts to capsules to relieve their pain, a new form of treatment is growing in popularity. Across the world, dogs are being used to help people cope with mental and physical hindrances. Therapy dogs are a subcategory of service dogs; they undergo extensive training ...
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a tween as “a child between middle childhood and adolescence, usually between 8 and 12 years old.” In other words, a tween is a person who is most likely suffering the angst that accompanies a very awkward period in his or her life! If you have a tween ...
Lyme disease is a serious disease that occurs in dogs after they are bitten by ticks that are infected by the bacteria, Borrelia, that cause the disease. To prevent the disease, there are several vaccinations available that can be administered by your veterinarian. The vaccine itself is not one hundred per cent effective, but is an important first safeguard to protecting your pooch. There are several steps beyond this that you should consider taking to keep your dog as safe as possible. First, pick up a pet friendly insecticide that can help reduce the tick population in your area.
In the immortal words of ZZ Top, “Go and get yourself some cheap sunglasses.” Yes, they really do make sunglasses for dogs. You’ll probably do a double-take the first time you look down the street and see a dog wearing sunglasses, but they’re quickly gaining in popularity with dog owners. Although later in this article we’ll mention some of the other reasons pet owners are putting sunglasses on their pets, the main reason for this phenomenon is that it’s just too darn cute.
Most communities have a few K9 officers on their law enforcement teams, and the term “junkyard dog” is pretty obvious job description. Guard dogs have been part of virtually every culture on the planet, just as have hunting dogs. Dogs have always had jobs. And modern dogs have modern jobs. One of the capabilities that gets dogs off the unemployment line is that sniffer. Many governmental agencies hire canine employees to sniff things out.
Cancer is awful for the patient as well as everyone else involved. Unfortunately, our four-legged canine friends are very susceptible to this deadly disease. This article includes the dogs that are most likely to get cancer, the types of cancer that are common with the breeds and methods to ...
Maybe you do not mind your dog licking your hand when you come home. That is perfectly fine. But, what about when you invite company over and he tries to lick them? Not all people are okay with being licked by a dog. Your pet needs to be able to control his interest in licking. Before you ...
Taking your pet with you on a car trip may be a somewhat daunting and chaotic experience. Thankfully, there are many travel accessories that make things a little easier for you; here is a list of 5 helpful items that make the trip more enjoyable for you and your pet as you travel by car…no ...
Choosing a veterinarian for your pet is like choosing a pediatrician for your child. After all, man’s best friend deserves the best. Not only do you want your dog’s doctor to be an expert with all of the latest skills and knowledge on canine health, but you also want him to have a “bedside manner” and have rapport with your pet.
Lifes a Beach Unless you're a dog looking for a dog-friendly beach at which to cool off and cavort in the waves, chase seagulls and fetch driftwood. Beaches that allow dogs are getting fewer and farther between and irresponsible owners are largely to blame.
You’ve had a cat for years. She has become such a part of the family that you can’t imagine living without her. But, now you want something more: an animal less independent that needs extra love and attention. Should you get a dog? Will the presence of the dog make your cat ...
As your dog grows older, it is important that he receives proper care. Pooches age, similar to humans and experience many of the same ailments. There are preventative measures you can take and specific illnesses to look out for. An old dog still has a lot of life left. In order to properly ...
Your dog growls constantly. He growls at the mailman; he growls at you when you get home; he growls at the neighbor; he growls at the birds in the backyard; he growls at other pets in your home; you name it, and he growls at it. Growling can be an annoyance, especially if you can’t ...
For many people, choosing a dog isn’t as simple as picking the cutest one. Most of us have conce s or living circumstances that need to mesh well with our new pooch. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best dogs for your needs. Families with Children For families with young kids, choosing the right dog is vitally important to maintain the balance in your home. Picking the wrong dog can cause more than headaches.
With people postponing marriage longer than ever and dog ownership on the rise, it is no surprise that there conflicts arise when single dog owners bring a partner into the equation. It is quite common for a single woman to bring her new boyfriend home to find that her pooch pal detests her new ...
Aging dogs can develop many of the same problems that humans develop, and the eyes are no exception. Glaucoma can be inherited or caused by another eye problem. Glaucoma is often hard to detect in its early stages, but there are some things you can look out for. It can be treated, but often ...
Treadmill training is on the rise. More and more people are teaching their pooches the ins and outs of indoor exercise. There are videos all over YouTube of dogs walking and running on treadmills. The funny thing is that they seem happy and are not being forced by the owners. The reasons why ...
Golden Retriever owners know they have one of the kindest, gentlest breeds of dogs. Goldens are not only beautiful and obedient, they are also intelligent. Owners of Goldens are happy to take their pups out in public and display their pride in products that feature the face of their chosen dog. ...
There comes a time when we must let go of our pets. There are many reasons why our beloved companions must be euthanized, but knowing the reason doesn’t always help with the grief. Before you go to the veterinarian to have your animal put to sleep, it’s a good idea to have an ...
It is one of the most dreaded pet problems around. Your veterinarian has stressed the importance of preventing heartworms since the first time you took your pooch in for a checkup. Now, your pet is exhibiting the signs of a heartworm infection, and you don’t know what to do. You must ...
Working dogs work. It is that simple. Dogs take on a number of jobs, and normally perform those jobs with or under the supervision of a human counterpart. Often, extensive training is necessary to get the pooch in tiptop occupational shape, but many duties come naturally to a working dog. ...
When most people think of kittens, they think about their tiny size, their endearing faces, and their love of play. Kitties are known for their playful and curious nature. As kittens grow, they begin to act on their developing instincts, which is the primary cause of their playfulness. They ...
Why these breeds top the list Earlier this year, the American Kennel Club released its list of last year’s most popular dog breeds. Although the list was categorized by large cities (each breed was ranked based on the city’s registration statistics), many dogs showed up numerous ...
How to Stop Submissive Urination While you do not want an overly aggressive dog who thinks he is in charge, an overly submissive dog can be a problem as well. Submissive dogs will often coward in the presence of humans and can urinate as they do so. Submissive urination is a dog behavior that ...
What would you do if your dog had a medical emergency? Most dog owners don't give this much thought until they are forced to deal with the situation themselves. The first thought that comes to most people's mind is to call 911- that's smart. After you make that call, the response to your ...
Pollen, pollen, pollen, sneezing, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat. You know it is springtime, because your allergies are going crazy. Have you ever wondered if your pooch is feeling the same way, too? If he is constantly scratching and biting, then the answer is probably yes. Like ...
If you have ever watched the National Geographic Channel for any length of time then chances are that you have seen a show titled The Dog Whisperer staring Cesar Millan. Fro those of you who have not had the pleasure, Cesar is a television host who travels across the country helping people gain ...
While gas passing is not the most pleasant topic, it is certainly more peasant to talk about than it is to experience it first hand. Some dogs rarely pass gas while others have their owner’s leaving the room or opening a window to get away from the unpleasant odor. If you have ever had the ...
Inactivity in dogs can certainly have the potential to lead your dog into becoming overweight or even obese. When dogs weigh more than their target weight, it can have adverse effects on their heart, lungs, joints and other vital organs. If you suspect your pup is getting a little too pudgy, go ...
Loud noises and storms often startle humans; so, naturally, they can also frighten dogs. Sometimes, the fear will manifest into a phobia until your dog stops eating or socializing. The side effects of phobias are not healthy for your pet, but there are ways to help your pooch confront his ...
Taking a dog on a trip can be a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get some pooches to the destination. Some dogs are fearful of car rides, while others are overly excited. Both extremes can lead to carsickness, which isn’t fun for anyone. In February of 2007, the ...
Cats scratch. It is completely natural, and they scratch for a number of reasons. Excessive scratching, however, can be a big problem for you and your furniture. There are a couple of methods you can try to discourage your cat from scratching. In some cases, you may be able to easily stop ...
If you have witnessed your pooch eating feces, then you were probably shocked. Why in the world would a dog want to eat poop? There are many theories on why dogs take part in what is known as coprophagia, or the act of eating feces. There are methods you can try to discourage the habit; but, ...
Raison d'etre n. French: reason or justification for existence (Merriam-Webster) Or, what is that breed for? Sometimes a more logical question seems to be “what were they thinking, anyway?” In the modern world we mostly take for granted that dogs are here to be companions, best buddies, the one unerring source of unconditional love in lives filled with ultimatums and accusations, “if you loved me you would (fill in the blank).” In a purely existential sense, that is sufficient reason. Most of us don't need dogs to do jobs. That's why we have people.
Dog agility can be a fun sport at home or in competition. It is a great way to train your dog in obedience. It also provides a wonderful and fun exercise opportunity for both you and your dog. The sport requires speed, quickness, and training. For this reason, some breeds are better at ...
While economic conditions have caused many entrepreneurs to pack up shop, it might be a good time to open a pet care business. With so many American’s out of work and jobs becoming scarcer, opening a home based business seems like an attractive option. While home based businesses have high ...
Your pooch is a part of your family, and he deserves the best. Everyone else gets a birthday party, and so should your pet. There are many great ways to celebrate his birthday, and you can bet he’ll love the attention! First, you need to figure out when you should celebrate your ...
Once your puppy begins to get used to having a bath regularly, it is then time to develop your dog-bathing techniques. Believe it or not, knowing how to bathe your dog properly, as well as determining the best technique that works for you and your pup is important in establishing your ...
The first time you saw it, you might have chuckled to yourself and asked "why in the world does a pet need a stroller?" But, the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Pet strollers, very similar to baby strollers, allow pets to be taken places where they otherwise could not go, ...
Like humans, dogs are affected by many types of illnesses and diseases. Some afflictions are easy to treat and cure, while others require more invasive or long-term measures. Canine hip dysplasia is a common health problem found in a variety of dog breeds. With a little time and care, the ...
As the temperature gets warmer, your desire to jump in the pool greatens. Swimming on a hot day is extremely refreshing for everyone, including your pooch. Most dogs are natural swimmers and love being in the water. Others can be timid and scared, especially if they have never swum before. ...
Cancer is a devastating disease to humans and canines alike and presents in similar ways among both species. Some of the most common canine cancers include osteosarcoma or bone cancer, lymphoma, head and neck cancers, bladder cancer, mammary carcinoma, testicular cancer and malignant brain ...
There are numerous awards in place to reward humans for their outstanding achievements in education, sports, entertainment and a plethora of other merit based performance. With all these awards for people it is no wonder that we like to reward our dogs for their achievements. Whether it is ...
Your dog spent all winter lounging around, and now he’s packed on a few pounds. Obesity in animals, dogs and cats alike, is a growing problem in the United States. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 45% of U.S. pets are overweight or obese. Your animal ...
Myths, legends, and folklore will always be present in any society or culture. Today, there are myths about almost anything. A popular myth subject that reoccurs often are those that has to do with dogs. As with any medium, there are misconceptions and blanket generalizations or beliefs that may ...
Deciding to switch your dog over to a raw diet is a scary proposition. There are so many variables and you're responsible for all of them. There is no AAFCO looking over your shoulder, handing you little packets of pre-fab nutrients. You can't count on your vet for information most of the time, either, since many vets seem to take a dim view of feeding anything that doesn't come from the shelf at their office.
Agility training has many benefits; it teaches and reinforces obedience training, while providing extra exercise for you and your pooch. Purchasing agility equipment is a great idea if you want your dog to compete professionally or if you are just looking for something to fill your time at ...