www.frankthepug.org http://www.frankthepug.org Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 Choosing a Rescue http://www.frankthepug.org/2012/01/13/choosing-a-rescue/ http://www.frankthepug.org/2012/01/13/choosing-a-rescue/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.frankthepug.org/?p=12 Choosing a rescue dog is a complicated proposition but it’s one that can provide a lifetime of love for you and your new animal. If your house is ready for a pet (baby gates up, food purchased, Middleburg ADT installed) head to the shelter and consider the following:
How Active is the Dog: Decide before you go how much time you’re going to be able to devote. Are you looking at one walk a day or do you have kids at home who can play with the dog all the time? Choose your pet accordingly.
Assess the Dog’s Mood: Some rescue dogs may be more timid and nervous than bred dogs and this can lead to clinginess. Some owners love the love rescue’s provide but for some it’s more than they bargained for so think about it before you take him home.
What Do You Know: Some rescue dogs have more history than others so find out everything you can about their medical history as well as whether or not they’ve been abused. That can help you determine what type of dog is best for you and your family.

]]> http://www.frankthepug.org/2012/01/13/choosing-a-rescue/feed/ 0 Does Your Dog Need All Those Shots http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/15/does-your-dog-need-all-those-shots/ http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/15/does-your-dog-need-all-those-shots/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.frankthepug.org/&p=8 Keeping your dog’s vaccinations current is an essential part of responsible ownership. But you may be wondering why your dog needs so many and which are really necessary. Nearly all vets will recommend these core vaccines: Canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and rabies. Distemper and parvo can be deadly. It is very easy for a dog to contract these viruses and they are extremely difficult and expensive to treat. Early and consistent vaccination can save you the heartache of losing a pet to one of these illnesses. Some people question the necessity of rabies vaccination. Unless you live in a rural area your dog’s risk of infection is very low. But rabies vaccines are a legal requirement in most places. You could be penalized for failing to vaccinate your dog.

Your vet may recommend optional vaccines against Lyme disease, kennel cough, or
leptospira. Depending on where you live and your lifestyle these vaccines may be worth considering.

Vaccines are a simple and relatively inexpensive way to protect your dog’s long term health. Many vaccines now only require a booster once every three years. A little bit of prevention can go a long way to ensure that your dog lives a healthy life.

]]> http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/15/does-your-dog-need-all-those-shots/feed/ 0 The Pros And Cons Of Buying Pet Insurance http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/11/the-pros-and-cons-of-buying-pet-insurance/ http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/11/the-pros-and-cons-of-buying-pet-insurance/#comments Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.frankthepug.org/&p=7 The biggest benefit of pet healthcare is the coverage for expensive medical procedures such as MRI’s and chemotherapy which can cost anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000. These plans also allow you to pick your own Veterinarian. Premiums for these plans can range from 2,000 to 6,000 over the course of the pet’s life. You can choose a higher deductible to help lower the cost of premiums. One major medical procedure will make up for all of the premiums you are paying.

The negatives to any kind of pet health insurance is the question of when is it necessary.Get more information here. http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-insurance/save-big.aspx Since like all health insurance companies pet insurance providers will deny coverage to pets with certain pre-existing ailments. Premiums can be expensive and often unnecessary if your pet is healthy and does not need to have major procedures done. The key to getting insurance is you will need to buy it for your pet before your pet becomes ill. Not all plans are all inclusive or cover the same things. The biggest negative is pet owners assume their plan covers everything they need done for their pet. Assuming your policy covers all procedures is folly you need to read your policy before signing.

]]> http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/11/the-pros-and-cons-of-buying-pet-insurance/feed/ 0 Picking The Right Breed For Your Family http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/10/picking-the-right-breed-for-your-family/ http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/10/picking-the-right-breed-for-your-family/#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.frankthepug.org/&p=6 There is nothing better than the feeling of saving an animal and giving it the best home possible, but not all dogs are going to be suitable for your home. While all dogs will not follow the standard, each breed has its own set of personality characteristics that you can expect and knowing these traits will help you determine what breed will be best for you. Think about what type of home environment you will be offering the new companion; this is important because some breeds do well in apartments while others thrive in wide open spaces. Next, every dog needs some sort of exercise but each breed will require different amounts and different types of exercise; such as, a working breed will need exercise that will fulfill the need to accomplish a job. Also keep in mind the health conditions the dog may have because there are breeds that are more common to be at high risk for certain health disorders; knowing the common health problems of the breed will help to determine if you will be ready to make the commitment to those issues and keep check on them. Once you are armed with the knowledge of the breed that will suit your lifestyle then you are ready to start your search, but not all dogs fit the breed standard and their personality and love for you should be the final determination.

]]> http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/10/picking-the-right-breed-for-your-family/feed/ 0 Introducing Your Dog To The Family http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/06/introducing-your-dog-to-the-family/ http://www.frankthepug.org/2011/09/06/introducing-your-dog-to-the-family/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.frankthepug.org/&p=5 Your new canine family member may be nervous, excited, or even frightened. In order to relax your pet, and initiate your position as pack leader, take your dog for a walk before entering your home for the first time. It is critical to your position as pack leader, that you do not allow your dog to walk in front of you during the first walk. If you have other dogs in the home, they should be introduced to the new pack member in a neutral area outside, or away from the actual living area. Make sure that you lead your dog into the new home. Allowing your dog to lead you inside presents the message that you are not in charge. Keep your dog leashed upon entering your home for the first time, and allow the dog to smell the family. Family members should not talk to your new pet during initial introductions, but try to maintain a calm and quiet atmosphere. Since hugs symbolize social status rankings that represent dominance and invasion of space to dogs, it is important to do your best to refrain from hugs and kisses during the first several days. This step will pay off in the end, since it goes a long way toward teaching your dog that all humans in the household are higher in the family hierarchy.

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