Do you know when you should start brushing your cat's teeth?
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Select your new dog with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. In addition to your new family member's personality, consider its temperament, size, and coat as well. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability or a tendency to bark. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a pet of any kind.
Breed Selection
There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience. Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet. Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and companionable as purebreds.Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.
Friend or Protector?
Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.
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September Newsletter: At What Age Should You Start Brushing Your Cat's Teeth?
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September Newsletter: What to Expect When You Adopt a Senior Dog
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August Newsletter: Tips on Grooming Your New Puppy
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August Newsletter: How to Introduce Your Cat to Your Dog
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July Newsletter: Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
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July Newsletter: What Is Leash Reactivity and How Is It Managed?
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Barking, growling and straining could mean your dog suffers from leash reactivity. Fortunately, help is available.
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June Newsletter: 5 Calming Items That Can Reduce Cat Anxiety
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June Newsletter: How to Reduce Excessive Dog Shedding
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May Newsletter: Which Human Foods Are Safe for Dogs?
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May Newsletter: Items That Should Be Included in Your Pet's First Aid Kit
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April Newsletter: The Benefits of Dental Chews for Dogs
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April Newsletter: At What Age Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?
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Not sure when to spay or neuter your new pet? Take a look at the latest surgery recommendations.
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March Newsletter: Tips to Prevent Your Cat from Overgrooming
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Is your cat's overgrooming habit causing hair loss or irritated skin? Find out what you can do about the problem.
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March Newsletter: How and When to Introduce Solid Food to Your Kitten
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February Newsletter: What Causes Nausea in Cats?
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Think your cat may be nauseated? These conditions, illnesses and diseases could explain why your pet doesn't feel well.
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February Newsletter: The Benefits of Proper Nutrition for Pets
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