Pet Care Information

The Pointer is a dog on the go. She has a lot of energy and needs plenty of exercise. She keeps herself clean and does not require much coat maintenance. She generally gets along well with other dogs and can be socialized early with other pets. She generally likes children, being a playful and happy dog. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Pointer is 24 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 44 to 66 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Pointer is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (common in dogs) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Pointer has a short, smooth, dense coat. She should be brushed regularly and wiped down with a cloth to bring out her natural sheen. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Life Span

The Pointer can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Pointer comes from Great Britain where they were developed to hunt game. They are not water dogs and they like warm weather better than cold. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1879.

Some Registries

American Pointer Club
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

5 to 6 Pointer puppies

Category

Sporting Group, Gundog

Terms To Describe

Power, agility, grace, noble, loyalty, devotion

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.
Make a medium guard dog.
Keeps itself clean.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Needs a ton of exercise.
Has a strong will
Will need early obedience.

Other Names Known By

English Pointer, Spanish Pointer

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com petpages.com, a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. petpages.com Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

I write this as a memorial to the most innocent of birds. These were noble trusting souls. It is likely they had known only one human in their lives. The next human they came in contact with was their last.

I have never told this tragic tale before. I was warned not to. It is over twenty years since it happened.

I was stationed on a high peak overlooking a long lake in the Rocky Mountains. I watched for fires and lightning strikes in the forest below me. The only way up to the lookout building was by helicopter.

The landscape near the summit was a desolate rocky, snowy, windswept plateau. Only in late summer did the snow completely melt, then the bare rocky summit was highlighted by patches of moss and the occasional severely stunted evergreen shrub.

The birds that frequently wandered over the rocky moss covered plateau were about the size of a small chicken. The birds were a light mottled grey colour. They were Mountain Ptarmigan which usually walked around in a group, searching for food. They looked like a family of birds. They behaved like a mother and her nearly adult chicks. I would see the flock every day or two meandering along the moss-covered areas of the plateau, searching for seeds or bugs to eat. Sometimes they would walk by the lookout. I would go outside to see how close they would let me approach. They were not very afraid of me but they had a comfort zone. It was a distance boundary I was not allowed to cross. I could come as close as fifteen feet before they would turn and walk away. They seemed to be very calm and curious.

One day when the birds came by I thought about trying to catch one. There was a storage area at the bottom of the lookout tower. I went outside and opened the three foot square door to the lookout ground floor storage area. Inside was a flat dirt floor with some paint cans stored in a corner. First I slowly circled the birds and moved behind them. I was then in a position to drive the birds past the lookout’s open door. The birds moved forward toward the open door. I had to startle them a little for this to work. Moving quickly they scurried by the lookout and one went in the open door way. I closed the door to give the bird time to calm down. Using a flashlight I went inside the storage area and caught the bird in the corner of the room.

The Ptarmigan weighed almost nothing. I was surprised at how light it was to hold. It felt like holding a bird skeleton covered with feathers. I gently stroked its head and back feathers trying to calm it. I did not wanting to stress the bird out for too long, so took it outside and let it go on the ground. It scurried away to a safe distance.

The next time the helicopter pilot came to deliver supplies he saw the Ptarmigan flock wandering about on the plateau not far from the helipad, so he knew where the birds were.

One day the pilot was talking on the radio, while he was working in the area. He mentioned the Ptarmigan. He planned to go hunting, and might get himself some birds. I didn’t think that was at all sporting, since the birds had very little fear of humans.

One afternoon a helicopter flew to the lookout helipad and landed. There was no delivery scheduled for that day. The helicopter was shut down. The pilot and another man got out. The pilot took out a rifle case from the helicopter. He removed a shotgun from the case. He walked toward the flock of Ptarmigan which weren’t far away. It was like shooting ducks in a barrel. The birds had no idea what was happening. The pilot walked up close enough so he had no chance of missing the birds. One by one he shot all the birds. It was a sickening, cowardly act. Not sporting at all. That was it for my birds. In a few seconds they were all dead.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to

Keeping a cat as a pet is a very rewarding experience. Cats can provide comfort, companionship, even entertainment. However, when something goes wrong and your feline friend is not feeling well, the results can be devastating. Fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to help keep your cat healthy and happy.

Keeping your cat up-to-date on the necessary vaccinations will go a long way toward keeping your cat healthy and happy. Vaccinations (”shots”) can help keep your cat from getting many of the serious diseases which can make your cat sick, or even perhaps threaten your cat’s life. Your cat’s individual lifestyle and situation will determine which vaccinations your cat needs to have and how often these vaccines need to be given. Your cat’s veterinarian can help you determine what is right for your cat. Do not make the mistake of assuming that your cat does not need vaccinations if your cat lives indoors and never goes outside. This is simply not true, and there are diseases which your cat may be at risk for even if he/she never ventures outside. Nothing is more frustrating than watching your cat suffer through an illness that could easily have been prevented. If you do not know which vaccinations your cat needs, or whether your cat is up-to-date on these vaccines, please contact your veterinarian right now to find out.

Your cat also needs to be tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (also called feline AIDS). These viruses are common and are passed from one cat to another. The viruses can be passed to kittens from their mother as well. A positive test for either of these viruses indicates that your cat has been exposed to that particular virus. If your cat is positive, his/her immune system may be compromised and your cat needs to observed even more closely. Veterinary care should be sought at the first sign of even mild disease symptoms. A positive test also indicates that your cat could potentially spread the disease to other cats, so your cat should be isolated from other cats if he/she is positive for either feline leukemia or feline AIDS.

Fleas and ticks can not only make your cat very itchy and uncomfortable, they can also carry disease which can cause serious illness for your cat. In addition to causing problems for your cat, fleas and ticks can also attack people, and can spread disease to us as well. You should make a habit of checking your cat’s coat regularly for fleas and ticks and act immediately if you find evidence of these creatures on your cat. Fortunately, with the products we have available today, controlling or, better yet, preventing fleas and ticks is very simple. There are many products available that are safe, effective, and simple to use. Often, monthly application is all that is needed. Even cats which live indoors can get fleas. Fleas are small enough to sneak inside very easily. Preventing fleas and ticks will help keep your cat comfortable and healthy.

Preventing intestinal parasites, commonly called “worms”, is also important in keeping your cat healthy. Finding out whether your cat has worms is as easy as collecting a sample from your cat’s litter box and taking it to your cat’s veterinarian for testing. You should do this regularly. If you see worms in your cat’s feces, you should collect the worm, along with the feces, and take it to your cat’s veterinarian. However, you should not assume that your cat does not have worms because you are not seeing them yourself. Your veterinarian will use special laboratory techniques to check for worm eggs which you cannot see.

Spaying or neutering your cat is another simple way to help keep your cat healthy. Spaying your female cat not only keeps your cat from coming into “heat” and becoming pregnant, but spaying also provides many health benefits for your cat. Spayed cats do not develop the serious, life-threatening uterine infections which are fairly common in cats which are not spayed. And spaying your cat at a young age will also dramatically lower the chances of breast cancer occurring later in life.

For male cats, neutering helps prevent unwanted litters of kittens. However, it also makes living with your male cat more pleasant. The odor of your cat’s urine will be more tolerable if neutered, and he is not as likely to “spray” (urinate) inside of your house. He is also more likely to stay at home and less likely to get into cat fights if neutered. Neutering (or spaying) your cat will only improve your cats personality.

Regular physical examinations by your cat’s veterinarian are also mandatory to help keep your cat healthy. Often, a thorough physical examination will find evidence of a health problem while the problem is still in the early stages. Many illnesses are more easily treated when detected early, and treatment is often more successful as well. Finding and treating health problems early can save your cat a great deal of suffering and even extend your cat’s life by many years.

Copyright 2006 The Pet Med Site

Lorie Huston has been a veterinarian for over 20 years, working with both dogs and cats. She emphasizes the use of routine preventive pet health care to keep your pets healthy and safe. Lorie is the owner, editor, and webmaster of The Pet Med Site where you will find a library of information pertaining to pet health care, including free audio recordings describing the secrets to keeping your dog or cat healthy. For more information, visit thepetmedsite.com/cat-health/ thepetmedsite.com/cat-health/

The purpose of this article is to improve the public’s knowledge about dogs, the Cocker Spaniel in particular. Many people decide that they want a dog based off of appearance alone. While this may not be a terrible thing to do if the person has the ability to accommodate all types of dogs, for some individuals the care for specific types of dog breeds is not possible. The best way to avoid any surprises after the adopting or purchase of a dog is to understand the breed and what it takes to care for it. We will go over some of the basic characteristics of the Cocker Spaniel to help you get a better understanding of the Cocker Spaniel as a breed and possibly a new addition to your family.

The Cocker Spaniel is very easy going in some respects and quite demanding in others. At about 15 inches tall and only about 28 lbs in weight, the Cocker Spaniel is not a very large dog so is therefore not demanding by way of feeding. The cocker is however a very demanding dog in the grooming department. When groomed and maintained nicely, this breed has a beautiful long silky coat, but at the same time, if left unkempt the coat will become a disheveled mess of hair clumps. The Cocker Spaniel is by nature a very friendly and happy dog which enjoys having a large area to exercise, but can also adapt to small suburban or even downtown settings.

We hope that we have assisted you I your quest for knowledge and understanding of the Cocker Spaniel. Please look below for some additional resources. The first thing you will want to do is see what the Cocker Spaniel looks like. The next thing you will need to do is house train your Cocker Spaniel. We find that one of the most common reasons that someone will get rid of Cocker Spaniel’s is that they are not house trained. There is a wonderful manual that can be used and you will find the link below. Lastly we want you to show off your new Cocker Spaniel. There is a wonderful online dog community complete with a forum for you to post pictures to. Check it out.

The key to success is to love your Cocker Spaniel and nothing will help you achieve that more than bonding with them. Spend time with your Cocker Spaniel and make them a happy and healthy addition to your family.

Learn about

Basic Commands your dog needs to know

There are certain basic commands that are considered important for your dog to know to be considered a trained pet. The most common and basic of them all would probably be the command “sit.” I suppose this is one of the first things that you normally teach your dog. Your dog should also understand “stay.” He should know when he is not allowed to move or follow you around. It is important also that your dog understands when you say “no.” Knowing that what he is doing is unacceptable would make him stop every time you give the command “no.” “Down” is an essential ingredient on the basics of dog training.

Picking out a dog food

The best thing you could probably do would be to do your homework and research on the particular needs of your dog. Just like human beings, dogs need the right combination of vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates and protein to keep them in tip top shape, to have energy needed for their various activities and for them to grow healthy and strong. It may not come as a surprise that many pet owners would choose the affordable ones, considering that these are hard times and often the budget is limited. You have to bear in mind though that you also have to take into consideration the importance of nourishment and nutrition to avoid future health related problems for your pooch.

Pet food manufacturers are exerting all their efforts to provide quality balance pet food incorporating them with the needed nutrition for a healthy pet. It’s a matter of you finding the right one for your dog because different breeds may require different needs.

Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions at theworldsbesthomepage.com the worlds best homepage or submit or use content at free-content-resource.com free content resource.

Amongst all insect bites, flea bites are the most common experienced by humans and their pets. These can be treated with creams, but better yet, you can prevent them by keeping your pets and house clean!

Humans can be bitten by variety of fleas, like human, dog or cat fleas. Fleas are blood-sucking parasites, and often cause annoyance by hovering and attacking you with their little proboscis. But often you will only realize the extent of this attack when your skin shows the result of that little bite with little clusters of itchy skin bumps and a central bite mark. Fleas usually reside and lay their eggs in dusty areas and cracks, animals bedding, and rugs, or even on animals. They generally stay close to the ground and can jump two feet high! As a result, flea bites are mostly found on the leg areas of the host’s body.

Usually these itchy flea bites improve in few days by themselves. But we can always speed up the healing by applying steroid lotion or cream on the affected area. The scars left by these fleas take time to go as there is not effective treatment for fading them.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, so it is very important to stop these fleas from breeding at all the stages. Pets are usually the first target, so it is necessary to properly clean and shampoo them regularly. These shampoos contain pesticides, which helps to kill and prevent the fleas from breeding. Also, it is recommended to spray animal areas with an insect growth regulator. The thorough cleaning of the indoor and the outdoor of your homes, in all the nooks and corners, with a vacuum, or any other technique, will help keep you free from the fleas and their bites.

Fleas-Web.com Fleas provides detailed information about fleas defined, cat fleas, dog fleas, flea bites and more. Fleas is the sister site of e-Pitbulls.com Pitbulls Info.

This breed which originated in Germany was originally used to hunt badgers. His long body strong jaws and short legs make him a perfect candidate for charging into holes to retrieve small animals. Today, however, toxins are mainly used as pets where they prove to be courageous, loyal and sometimes comedic.

Dachshunds actually come in a large variety. There are three different types of coats, the shorthaired, the long-haired, and the wire haired. In addition there are three sizes which all three coat types come in. The standard size ranges from 14 to 18 inches and can weigh up to 20 pounds. The dwarf or miniature size ranges up to 14 inches and can weigh up to 9 pounds. There was also a toy size, which is not highly recognized but being bred today, and this size goes up to 12 inches and 8 pounds. Along with the different coat types and sizes they also come in many colors. Toxins can be a single color or by colored and can also come in a harlequin or piebald. The solid colored dachshunds can be yellow or can. Bi colored dark sense are usually a chestnut color and have black gray or brown markings. So if you are thinking about adopting a dachshund you have a lot to choose from!

in the dachshund is a muscular dog with short legs and a long body, he has a long head and ears that droop down past his skull. he has a strong chest and strong draws. The eyes are oval in shape and dark in color and can be black, brown or dark red. His tail is in line with the back and carried straight up.

As part of their nature dachshunds can be a bit willful and stubborn and this can make them rather difficult to train. They also can be clownish and mischievous and are prolific diggers so if you let one out in your yard you’ll have to watch for holes! They usually get along with other pets but they can tend to be a bit protective and probably are not a good match for a family with young children. Some say the long-haired dachshund is the calmest of the three coat types and the wire haired as more of a clown. Dachshunds are said to be great travelers, so if you travel a lot and like to take your dog, the dachshund maybe a good choice.

Dachshunds can make good apartment dogs as they are active inside and don’t necessarily need a yard. However, this is not mean that they don’t need any exercise. Dachshunds are quite active and love to be walked and, despite their small legs, can keep up with you quite easily. You will have to take care to watch her dachshunds in crowded areas, however, since these little dogs can easily be stepped on.

One of the biggest health issues with dachshunds Is that they can easily become lazy and overweight. This can exacerbate troubles that they have with spinal discs. For this reason it is important not to overfeed your dachshund and he should also be discouraged from jumping as this can damage his spine as well. Other health issues include diabetes, urinary tract problem, and heart disease.

Dachshunds do not shed excessively and are fairly easy to groom. The long haired type will need weekly brushing and wire haired should also be taken in for a professional trim twice a year.

The dachshund and can make an affectionate and loyal pet and with proper vet care can live up to 15 years.

Lee Dobbins is a dog lover and long time pet owner. She hosts dogbreeds123.com dogbreeds123.com where you can learn more about dog care and supplies as well as different breeds like the

Anyone who intends to have a dog as a pet should be aware that this is an important decision. A dog will not only make changes in your family’s everyday life, it will also, at times, cause problems. A dog is a living creature that needs your presence and care on a permanent basis. In return, your dog will provide much joy as a loyal, affectionate, and faithful companion.

You must determine whether you are in a position to cater to the animals various needs for as long as it lives, which is generally from 10 to 15 years. You must also consider the other expenses involved apart from the purchase price: food, grooming, and veterinary care. Besides the expense, your life – style, your activities, and your age should influence your choice of a dog.

You must also decide what you intend the dog to be: a pet, a watch dog, a guard dog, or a hunting dog. In the country, and suburbs, adequate space is no problem. City dwellers however, are well advised to choose a medium size animal since a big dog is likely to cause damage and be unhappy in a small home. Large breeds need up to 180 square yards of space, at least an hours walk every day, and should be allowed to play freely outside one day a week.

On the other hand, even small dogs can make poor urban pets. Any type of dog that has been bred to hunt needs to run regularly. Toy dogs that bark frequently, if not nervously, do not belong in thin walled apartments buildings where footsteps in the corridor or in the upstairs unit could confuse any animal that has territorial issues.

Finally, try to match the temperament of the dog with your disposition. For instance, a nervous person with limited living space might be happy to own a dog that barks readily. An athletic person will choose a muscular animal to jog with. A fastidious housekeeper would not be happy with a long haired breed. Before you take the plunge, weigh all your options carefully, theirs nothing more heartbreaking than to have to give up a pet after you have become attached to it.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest joncopets.com/ small dog sweaters and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at joncopets.com joncopets.com

If we see two people out in public and they appear to be affectionate, like holding hands or even kissing, there’s usually a term we use to describe their behavior. The term we use is lovebirds, because they appear to be in love. But those people really are imitators, because the real lovebirds are birds. A lovebird is a type of parrot. Their name comes from the fact that they are very sociable and affectionate. When they bond with their mate, it usually lasts their entire life. Though it’s possible to have only one, it’s best to keep the birds in pairs.

The lovebird is short and stocky. It’s considered to be one of the smallest parrots in the world. Though many lovebirds are green, they can come in many colors. The average life span of a lovebird can be anywhere between 10 to 15 years. There are 9 different species, so how can we know the difference? They can be identified by their colors and markings; each species has their own unique color scheme.

Lovebirds were basically unknown until the 1600s. Some Europeans, touring Africa, saw the birds and decided to write about them. The first lovebirds were imported into Europe in the 19th century but by the 20th century, many were being imported into both Europe and the US.

The lovebird can be found in Africa and in Madagascar. It prefers a dry and open area. The lovebird can lay between 3 to 6 eggs at a time and it usually takes about 22 days for the eggs to hatch. The baby birds generally leave the nest within 5 weeks of being born. When in the wild, lovebirds like to live in small flocks. Their diet consist of grass, seeds, fruit and vegetables.

Lovebirds are popular pets. Breeding lovebirds is a big business. Though some owners may have lovebirds from the wild, most are purchased through breeders. The lovebirds that come from the breeders are more tame and should probably adapt to their new environment, easier then lovebirds from the wild. Pet owners need to be sure they want lovebirds as their pets. If the owners only want one bird, then they need to know that a lovebird requires a lot of attention and interaction. That’s why it’s suggested that lovebirds be kept in pairs, so they can keep each other company. Lovebirds, just like humans, sometimes don’t get along. Owners need to make sure their birds are compatible, because if they’re not, they will fight.

The lovebird is one of those exotic birds that has been able to adapt to domestication much easier than most other creatures from foreign countries. They make great pets, as long as the owners understand all that is involved with owning them. Maybe it’s their social ability or the chirping that makes the lovebird such a desirable pet. People love having something foreign and exotic to liven up their homes and show off to their neighbors. Lovebirds have created a large and loyal following in the world of pet owners.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to birds.free-resource-guide.com/ Birds

People seem to marvel at small dogs wearing clothing. They are just so cute you want to hug them! Not only are they cute but clothing can be functional too! Short haired dogs benefit from sweaters or coats in cold weather. Long haired dogs that live in the house really benefit from a rain slicker in wet weather keeping the wet dog smell down.

Hunting dogs benefit from leather boots to protect their feet from sharp rocks. Rubber boots help protect the feet from tracking mud into the house. Insulated boots help with the frost factor in some of the areas that have lots of freezing weather. Antifreeze chemicals used in deicing streets in cold weather states hurt dogs paws, the animals may start licking them and end up ingesting the toxins. Ingested antifreeze toxins can shut down your dogs kidneys. To prevent this, it is necessary to wash the dogs” paws in warm water immediately.

An Article in the Moscow News

“Dogs need to go for daily walks-and because Moscow’s sub-zero temperatures and sidewalks may be covered in ice or harmful chemicals to melt it, warm clothing and even shoes for dogs become not only practical but also humane.”
“In temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius or below, it is imperative to put coats on dogs.” Said Valeria Shishmaryova, a veterinarian at the Movet Clinic in western Moscow. When the weather is not that cold, Shishmaryova said, dog owners should take two factors into account: breed and age.

Because of the companionship, entertainment and unconditional love dogs give us it stands that we humans are willing to care for mans best friend by spending millions to protect, dress and entertain them.

About the Author

Judi Burns lives on a small horse ranch where she breeds and trains horses.
She has three constant companions Libby (Border collie), Red and Wendy (Aussies). Libby is a retired Search and Rescue dog. Judi and three of her horses are certified and active in Mounted Search and Rescue. Judi also sells on-line dog apparel.

primpmypet.com dog apparel