Tahoe Outdoors

You put time into picking out everything for your favorite pooch. You bought him a comfy bed and lots of fun toys. You even took time making sure that your dog is safe in your home; a pet gate and a pet door are just two of the things that you have added. Often, people overlook the importance of the bowls from which your pet eats and drinks. Before you grab the first plastic or cute bowl you find, there are a few things you should consider.

First of all, dog bowls need to be cleaned daily. Bacteria can build up around the bowl, making your dog not want to eat food or drink water. Since it is summertime once again, then it is especially important that your pooch gets plenty of water. So, tip number one: make sure the bowls can be easily cleaned. They do not have to be dishwasher safe; but they should, however, hold up to a brush, a dab of soap, and warm to hot water.

Second, dogs like to chew on things. Often, flimsy or plastic bowls will be the chew toy of choice. Tip number two: find a bowl that your dog will not want to chew on, such as ceramic or stainless steel. Also, make sure the bowl cannot be easily broken. Dogs get playful, and the bowl should be able to withstand being knocked over. The design of the bowl is important. If the bowl sits on the ground, then it should be bottom heavy. That way, it is more difficult to be knocked over. This is extremely important if you have an outdoor pooch. The last thing you want is for your dog to spill all his water right after you leave for work. On a hot summer day, the lack of water can be detrimental for your pet.

Tip number three: when choosing bowls, do not forget to consider the benefits of an elevated feeder. It has been suggested that elevated bowls promote proper digestion. Since your pooch does not have to bend down as far to eat his food, he is less likely to swallow extra air. The ingestion of excessive air can lead to painful indigestion. Elevated feeders are also helpful for larger or older pets. Bending down too far can be painful for arthritic animals.

Once you choose the type of bowls that your pet needs, do not overlook the design of the bowls! Pet bowls come in so many different styles that you are sure to find ones that match your home. Ceramic bowls are often hand painted and can be easily personalized. They are trendy and bring color to your pet’s meals. Elevated feeders also come in a variety of styles. Wrought iron and wood are just two materials used to support the stainless steel dishes. Some feeders are even adjustable; so as your puppy grows, his bowl will grow with him.

Before you choose the cutest bowl you can find, keep your dog in mind. It is easy to find something pleasing to you that will also fit his needs. For instance, do not buy a Chihuahua an elevated feeder that he cannot reach. Also, take into account how much food your dog eats in one sitting. The bowl should be able to hold the amount of food your dog needs: not too much food or too little food. Choosing the right size bowl will also help you judge how much food to give him. Since bowls come in a variety of sizes, then finding one to fit your dog’s consumption habits should not be a problem.

You take time when picking out items for you pooch; his crate and bedding were selected with lots of care and consideration. Food is a very important item that took some contemplation. The bowl he eats the food from is also an important object that deserves a fair amount of thought. The bowl should be easily cleaned and virtually indestructible. It should not be top heavy, too large, or too high for your pet to reach. Keep your pet in mind, but still have fun when choosing a bowl!

About the Author: this article was provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring Innotek, PetSafe and Dogtra.

Reptile Rescue is not for everyone. Although iguanas have become popular pets, their quality of life and their life span has suffered due to improper care. With proper attention to diet and habitat, and attention to the preparations listed below, an iguana and his owner can experience many years of companionship.

Step 1: Get informed. Consult a reptile expert, check out some reading material at your library (you can even start with Iguanas for Dummies) and search the web for more information about the responsibility of maintaining a healthy iguana.

Step 2: Clear a large space in your home. The ideal iguana enclosure should be approximately 6 feet tall. Seriously. Without the ability to explore, hide and sun itself, an iguana will become listless and ill. Young iguanas can be happy in a 55-gallon aquarium but will quickly outgrow such an enclosure. Iguanas grow to be very large!

Step 3: Purchase structures for your iguana to climb on and place branches, sticks, rocks, small trees and other climbing materials in the enclosure. You also need floor covering or substrate.

Step 4: Purchase food and water dishes. These should be shallow and not easy to tip over. You might need several water dishes as the iguana might begin to use one to eliminate waste. Iguanas are herbivores and you should plan on feeding yours a variety of fruits and vegetables. Plan on feeding your iguana daily, preferably in the morning.

Step 5: Purchase a small spray bottle that you will use to mist your iguana with several times a day. This will also add humidity to the environment.

Step 6: Lighting and Heating are crucial aspects of an iguana’s habitat. The enclosure needs to be at least 80 degrees at all times and should be lit with a full spectrum spotlight, which will mimic sunlight. You also need a basking spot that should be 90-95 degrees and can be achieved with a basking light. A reliable thermometer is a must.

Step 7: Cleanliness is an important factor in an iguana enclosure. Plan on purchasing materials to sterilize and disinfect everything in the habitat often and thoroughly. This includes the walls, dishes, branch materials, etc. Any soiled substrate should be removed immediately, as well as feces and other waste material.

As you can see, preparing for the arrival of an iguana can be a costly and time-consuming investment. The best thing you can do for your pet iguana is to educate yourself on the specialized care that it needs to live a long and healthy life.

About the Author: written by Jessica Taylor and provided by pet-super-store.com a pet site featuring aluminum dog crates, dog doors and dog beds.

In Tahoe we have a plethora of hotels, bed-n-breakfast’s and lodges. However, if you are traveling with your pet, then you have few more concerns. Well, thanks to the folks at Pet-Super-Store for giving us this article on how to choose your next pet friendly resort. And before you hit the road, you can buy dog crates, pet carriers or dog car seat covers that you may need on your next trip.

It is time for vacation, and this time you are taking your pooch! It is his first time on vacation, and you want to make sure that he completely enjoys the experience. Forget a hotel that merely allows dogs; you want a hotel that caters to dogs! Each pet-friendly resort has its own special pet services to offer. Here is a list of possible amenities that many resorts provide for pets and pet-lovers. Before you go, check with your choice destination resort for specific amenities.

Dog walkers: In most pet-catering resorts, a dog walker is standard. The hotel either has a person on staff or hires an outside pet company to take your dog on walks. You can specify the time to have your pooch picked up. Or, if you are going to be gone for the day, the pet walker can pick up your dog and take him out to do his business. Dog walkers are great for the busy vacationers!

Pet parks: A place for your pet to run and play! The pet park is like a small version of your local dog park. Pets can catch Frisbees and play together. This is a wonderful way to make sure you dog gets the exercise he needs while you are on vacation. Since they are usually fenced in, pet parks are a safe place for you and your pet. You don’t have to worry about him being somewhere he shouldn’t. Who knows?!? Maybe the dog walker can play with your pet at the park!

Bedding: Beds made specifically for dogs. You have your own bed, and so does you pooch. The beds can be simple puffy beds or designer beds with pillows included. When your bed is turned down for the evening, so is your dog’s. Some resorts even offer monogrammed sheets!

Dog menus: Yummy gourmet food and treats for your pooch. Just like ordering room service, you can order things for your dog. Some resorts offer full meals, making your life easier. Other resorts offer tasty treats 24 hours a day.

Dog television: If you have to leave your dog alone in the room, then turn on the television. Some resorts have channels designed specifically for the pet audience. The pet channel shows movies and programming that keep your dog entertained for hours! Maybe your dog likes music? Well, ask for a pet-specific CD to play for your dog.

Grooming: Does Maxie need a new hairdo? Then send him to the groomer! Sometimes, resorts have on-site groomers who can take care of your dog from pickup to drop-off. Others, hire outside grooming companies to do the job.

Spas: You love getting that spa massage while you are on vacation. So, why not let your dog enjoy the pampering? Many spas offer complete packages, including walking, grooming, and massages. What a day of relaxation!

Wash stations: After a long day of playing in the dog park, your pet can get sweaty and dirty. Don’t take him up to the room and let him dirty his clean, monogrammed bed. Instead, use an on-site wash station to clean his coat. The wash stations are often located near the parks.

Cabanas: Want to spend the day out at the pool? Take your pet along! Some places offer doggy cabanas, so that your pooch can enjoy being outside with you, while being protected from the sun.

Pet packs: Treats and information in a bag! The pet pack contains maps of nearby places to walk your pet, treats, safety information, rules and guidelines, and a list of local veterinarians. The pet pack is simple, yet useful!

It’s vacation time for you and your pooch! If you are going all-out to a pet-loving resort, then you can expect that you and your pet will be catered to around the clock. From specialized bedding, food, and television to pet parks, massages, and cabanas, you are sure to find the perfect resort for your pet! Each resort offers its own special pet packages. So, consider multiple options before deciding on one that is right for you and your pooch. Whichever you choose, you are certain to have a wonderful time together!

Getting lost in the great outdoors is no picnic, especially in the vast mountain ranges of Tahoe. The following is a list of dog breeds that may save your life. A special thanks to Pet-Super-Store.com for this article. Visit them for deals on dog training collars, GPS dog tracking collars and electronic pet containment for dogs.

Dogs have been used for search and rescue expeditions for many years. Hunting missing persons and assisting law enforcement officers are just two duties of the dogs. They are very intelligent and well-trained; their human counterparts are also well-trained to understand the dog’s communicative behavior. Most search and rescue (SAR) dogs are trailers because of their keen sense of smell. However, there are many breeds used for search and rescue.

We all remember the television show Lassie. Lassie, a breed of collie, could find and rescue anything or anybody. In all actuality, Border Collies are popular herding breeds used in SAR. The Border Collie is often referred to as one of the most intelligent dogs. One thing that makes them such a great SAR dog is the fact that they love working closely with humans and, because of this, are easy to train. The tirelessness and stamina of the Border Collie also adds to its use as a SAR dog.

German Shepherds are very useful dogs. Like the Border Collies, these dogs were originally bred as sheep herders. Now, the dogs are seen performing a number of tasks, including military duties, police duties, seeing-eye dogs, and family companions. Because of their keen sense of smell, the German Shepherd is often used to detect narcotics, seek out cadavers, detect explosives, and SAR. German Shepherds are natural protectors, so they should be socialized early on, if needed. They are extremely intelligent, and they love to work alongside humans.

Retrievers are also used as SAR dogs, because of their desire to work closely with humans. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers were originally bred as gun dogs. Gun dogs retrieve game that the hunter shoots down. Retrievers are naturally loyal and, with training, highly obedient. Both breeds are widely used as assistance dogs (therapy and seeing-eye dogs), but they can also be SAR dogs, hunting dogs, and scent detection (narcotics, explosives, etc). They are very lovable and friendly, making them perfect family dogs.

Because of their unmatched sense of smell, Bloodhounds are also used as SAR dogs. Bloodhounds can track a scent that is three days old. Because of their sensitive noses, they are very popular hunting dogs, categorized as scent hounds. Bloodhounds are relentless, and will not give up until the object emitting the scent is found. They are also even-tempered, so they make great house pets.

Rottweilers can also be used as SAR dogs; although they are better suited as police dogs. Alertness is the key quality of Rottweilers. Since Rottweilers are naturally dominant, they should be socialized early on. Unlike their negative association, Rottweilers are very lovable and protective dogs if trained properly.

Many breeds can become SAR dogs. There are SAR associations across the United States that will train you and your dog to join their effort, regardless of the breed. The training of the dog must begin at a very early age. Some dogs are trained to track the scent (after smelling an article of clothing or something similar), while other dogs are trained to track. Tracking dogs look for disturbances in their surroundings, such as broken limbs and disturbances in the soil. Because of their extensive training alongside a human companion, SAR dogs make loving and loyal pets.

Handlers are also in constant training. The handler needs to have the stamina to keep up with the dog for up to eight hours at a time. Handlers need the time and effort to provide ongoing training for the dog. Almost always, handlers undergo survival training to be prepared for any type of SAR. It is also a good idea for the handlers to know basic and semi-advanced medical attention procedures.

Search and rescue dogs come in a variety of breeds. With proper training from an early age, almost any breed can learn the tricks of the trade, including tracking by scent and tracking by environment. Handlers of SAR dogs must also go through extensive training with their dog. Desired skills of handlers include medical and survival training. Some of the most popular SAR dogs include Border Collies, German Shepherds, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Bloodhounds, and Rottweilers. The main similarity these breeds exhibit is their willingness and desire to work alongside humans. They are all very intelligent and obedient. Consider these breeds when looking for a pet; they are also great home companions.