VetMatrix Releases “Pet Selector” Tool to Help Pet Owners Choose Their Ideal Dog or Cat

VetMatrix, a provider of websites and web marketing for veterinarians, has now created the “Pet Selector,” a new feature that presents website visitors a ten question quiz for clients to discover the best dog and cat for their household. Read more

Buyers Beware of Internet Pet Scams

The American Veterinary Association (AVMA) is cautioning potential pet buyers of internet scams that say they’ll deliver pets after receiving payment, but end up not fulfilling their end of the bargain.

These internet scams can be identified if the price of the pet is being sold at below market prices and requests wire transfer payments to Cameroon or a money drop in the U.K.  These potential buyers are then asked to pay an additional fee for insurance purposes, permits, transportation, etc. Read more

Four Easy Ways to Ruin a Dog

I talk to dog owners every day. Yet I have never met one that brought a cute, loving puppy into their home with the intention of surrendering the dog 9 to 12 months later because they could not stand him. But yet, it remains a fact that more dogs are put to death because of behavior problems than accidents and disease. An out-of-control adolescent dog is hard to re-home. Nobody wants a bad dog. Many do not want the cost of fixing a dog gone bad at their own hand.

The good news for me is, some do. That is how I stay in business. Though, I would much prefer earning my living by teaching dog owners what to do right from the beginning, at least for the dog’s sake. This being said, most of my business comes from dog owners and rescue groups trying to rehabilitate a dog after the damage has been done. Read more

How To Choose The Perfect Dog Name For Your Puppy

By Richard Cussons

So you’ve brought home your new puppy, it’s time to name your new animal friend but you’re running short on ideas. Choosing a name for your dog can be hard if you aren’t feeling very creative, so here we give you a head start with the basics and some great ideas to help you choose the perfect name for your puppy. Read more

Dog Names – 7 Puppy Naming Tips

By Jennifer McVey

You’ve picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on the internet, researching the right breed for you and your family. Then you went from breeder to breeder or humane society to humane society, meeting and greeting pups until you find just the right match.

Now what? He needs a name!

Over the course of its life, you will use your dog’s name more than 35,000 times. So be sure you’re picking a name you can live with and love. Read more

Introducing a New Puppy into a Home with an Existing Pet

By Cass Hope

It was November and I had spent 3 months searching for just the right puppy. Finally we had found what we considered to be the perfect one. Luckily she was already 7 weeks old so she could already be separated from her mother. I was so excited when we brought her home, our new addition to the family. I made sure I had all the required supplies; food and water dishes, food, a bed and a crate. We were ready. The fact that we already had a cat never really caused me much concern. I figured they would give each other a good sniff and surely it would not take long for them to become the best of friends and live happily ever after. I had visions of our little puppy all curled up with our cat in front of the fireplace. Read more

What You Should Know When You Get a Shelter Dog

By Louise Louis

It’s appealing to see yourself “saving” an adult dog from a shelter but
dealing with a dog with a troubled or insecure past can be very challenging.

The good news is that you’ll be getting a full size dog so you know what to
expect in that regard. He’s likely to have at least some rudimentary
training, perhaps from shelter personnel. Read more

Think Twice Before Getting a Dog From the Pet Store

As many people go shopping for the holidays, they will be passing by pet stores and stopping in to look at the cute puppies.  Shoppers may think that the puppies are healthy and in good condition, because they’re at a reputable pet store.    However, veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, reported on the CBS Early Show that they’re “being born in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions”.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reported several the pet store chain Petland Inc. advocated puppy mills and told their customers that the dogs came from good breeders.

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What to Consider Before Adopting a Pet

It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it’s a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you’re walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you’re like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life’s greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day’s work.

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So You Want To Get A Puppy – Now What? (Part II)

We were talking about getting or giving a puppy and the things one should consider before getting or giving a puppy as a gift. After all we don’t want this pup to end up at a dog shelter and possibly being passed around from home to home, or worse. So now what? What about the cost of not only acquiring, but providing for a new pup?

What are some expenses that come with getting a puppy? We have dog training classes, care for the new dog when you have to travel and can’t take the dog with you. This can be costly if you don’t have someone who is willing to take care of your pet for you.

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