Pet Store | SMF-Animal

Do Basset Hounds Shed?

July 13, 2022July 13, 2022 - by Jarrod Marcelino

Getting a dog is one of the best decisions a potential pet owner may make in their life. It is so rewarding to see the positive effects that dogs bring us and our families. They certainly live up to the title of man’s best friend.

One awesome breed that pet owners around the world love is the basset hound! Famously known as a hunting dog with a long body, short legs, and long ears, basset hounds are charming and friendly companions.

However, it is important to know that owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. Not only do you have to take care of the pet by feeding it, taking it out for walks, maintaining its health, but also by grooming it. Learning whether your pet will shed or not is essential when considering which dog breed you want to get.

Which leads me to the next question…

DO BASSET HOUNDS SHED?

The answer is yes. Even though their hair is short and not very thick, basset hounds do indeed shed. More than you may think. Their hairs are so sticky that they tend to adhere to clothing, furniture, and carpet. Sure, the shedding won’t be as bad as it is for other breeds with longer hair, but basset hounds still do shed a lot.

Shedding is typical with almost every dog breed that grows hair. It is the process of old hair falling out, allowing room for the new hair to grow.

Shedding in basset hounds occurs due to a number of factors: age, living conditions, diet, medical conditions, stress, bath schedule, and negligent owners.

Basset hounds tend to shed an average amount throughout the year. In fact, they shed more during the spring and fall. The reason why this breed sheds more during these months …

Dog Food

Organic Dog Food and Making the Right Choice

May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 - by Jarrod Marcelino

So what’s the deal with Organic dog food?

As you know, dog food is available in a wide variety of colours, sizes, flavors, and shapes. The real distinction is obviously the ingredients contained in the products. You may be surprised to know that the ingredient list on Dog food labels reads very much like human junk food. Some ingredients are even difficult to pronounce and are borrowed from medical encyclopedias. Then of course there are dog foods that are teeming with artificial ingredients, additives, and preservatives that can be harmful to pets. So just what is “Spot” to do when it comes to healthy eating?

Many pet owners are discovering organic dog foods to feed their pets. Just as we humans are conscious of what we put into our bodies, these pet owners take that same consciousness and use it to make wiser decisions about not including chemicals in their dogs’ diets. Organic dog treats are the next best thing to all natural dog food, as they are free of the pesticides and insecticides that are present in many foods.

Be aware of food labels however, as they can be very confusing. Natural dog food is not the same as “organic”dog food and this can be quite misleading for many. The fact is, “natural” foods are not held to the same higher standard as “organic” foods. The USDA must certify a food as organic, in order for the food to be labelled as such. Natural dog treats are considerably less costly than their organic counterparts, and as such are not deemed as reliable. Natural foods do however guarantee the absence of food colouring and additives such as sodium metabisulfite or ethoxyquin, which are allergens linked to allergies, cancer and even brain damage.

Even though organic food servings are pricier and …

Dogs

5 Reasons To Welcome a German Shepherd Into Your Home

April 6, 2022April 6, 2022 - by Jarrod Marcelino

Many families enjoy the comfort and love of a furry animal by their sides. Dogs offer a great deal of love and support, and they can quickly become part of the family. However, there are multitudes of breeds, leaving people to wonder which one would work best for their home. A german shepherd is a wonderful option for loved ones who enjoy energy, playfulness and intelligence. Here are five reasons to consider making one a member of your clan.

1. They Are Playful

Not all puppies like the interact and run around with others. Some are more introverted. However, if you are searching for a black german shepherd for sale Florida, you’re likely to find a dog that wants to have some fun. German shepherds, by nature, have lots of energy and want to run around and play with others—their good companions for people who want to toss a play or learn outdoor games together.

2. They Train Easily

German shepherds are used on the police force because they train well. They have a natural ability to learn commands. Families who like order and control may cherish this characteristic. Hire a trainer to assist in the dogs’ behavior.

3. They Are Loyal

Do you want someone who will protect you and your loved ones? German shepherds have a natural inclination to connect with those they care about and try to safeguard them from harm. With a shepherd in your home, you have someone who wants to keep others out and maintain your safety.

4. They Have a Good Health Record

If you’re going to add dogs to the family, you probably want to hope you can enjoy their company for quite a while. German shepherds can live for quite a time when owners take care to provide them the …

Dogs

Dog Education in the Kitchen

February 25, 2021March 10, 2021 - by Jarrod Marcelino

Anyone who owns a large dog knows what counter surfing is. For all those of you who never: it is actually when the dog puts his paws around the kitchen counter in search of something appealing. Until you have got seasoned this canine phenomenon you might have no concept how far a dog can extend his otherwise stubby neck when a hugely valued item is just some more inches away.

I look at myself as a professional on the topic like a dog trainer and dog owner I have, over the years, personally lost: baked goods, tissues, medication, a bologna sandwich, and on one particular occasion the contents of a whole dinner plate within this manner. It can be humorous, but this habit is undoubtedly unsafe. Before I talk about what it is possible to do I’ll clarify why it is best to do anything quickly. I could go on and on about how embarrassing it is when you have enterprise over for dinner and also the dog runs off with all the roast, or how difficult it is to clean gravy out of tile grout. But very first and foremost, the reason should be to preserve each of your and your dog’s wellness and safety.

The superior news is you will find as numerous ways to cease this behavior as there are dogs. The bad news is that you are going to possess to take some time to figure out what works for the dog. Dogs often repeat behaviors they are rewarded for and are likely to prevent behaviors that bring consequences they dislike. If your dog has a dilemma with this behavior, then he, at the least when should have gotten something off the counter that he liked. This was his reward. Dog physiology 101; to extinguish the …

Dogs

Can My Dog Contract Swine Flu?

January 29, 2021February 2, 2021 - by Jarrod Marcelino

The news surrounding the swine flu is everywhere in recent times. It is regularly around the news and honestly who knows what to believe. Issues for our youngsters, the elderly, and ourselves tend to make us would like to develop into educated about this pandemic. One particular query which has arisen lately is what about my dog. Can animals contract the swine flu?

Well, the answer is no in regards to H1N1 or the swine flu. However, canine flu does exist and it may be lethal if not treated in time. A new, very contagious respiratory virus believed to impact only the greyhound racing industry is now becoming detected in loved ones’ dogs. Canine flu was 1st found a couple of years ago after an uncommon illness began to seem at greyhound racetracks in Florida. The dog influenza virus is an H3N8 style of flu that might have mutated from an equine influenza strain.

Edward Dubovi at Cornell University’s Animal Wellness Diagnostic Center in Ithaca, New York, stated serum samples from numerous suspected outbreak circumstances are arriving at his laboratory for testing. Cornell virologists, operating with researchers in the CDC plus the University of Florida, determined the sick greyhounds had a variety of influenza ordinarily located only in horses.

The dog flu virus is too new for dogs to have created an organic immunity to it, so any dog exposed will develop into infected, and about 80 % of infected dogs will create symptoms from the illness. Nonetheless, it truly is very treatable and only 10 % of dogs left untreated to die. Veterinarians occasionally diagnose this as kennel cough, canine bronchitis, or consequently from allergies. The flu strain can’t be treated by the bordetella vaccine, which is administered twice a year by your vet. On the other hand, the …