Latest Forum Topics

Latest Forum Topics http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/ List of the latest topics from our public forum. Lost and Stray dogs http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/26/lost-and-stray-dogs/
A stray dog is one that is without its owner and in a public place (or a private place where it's not allowed). Find out what to ...]]>
A stray dog is one that is without its owner and in a public place (or a private place where it's not allowed). Find out what to do if you find a stray dog, what happens once they are captured and what to do if your dog goes missing.

If you find a stray dog you should:

Contact the owner if possible - if the dog is wearing a collar it should have the owner's contact details, if not
Contact your council - they will arrange for a dog warden to collect the dog; or
Contact the PSNI – they will arrange for the dog to be collected.

Dog wardens are expert in capturing stray dogs and use scanners to check if the dog has a micro-chip (containing the owner's contact details). They can also check the dog licence disc attached to the collar against their records to find the owner’s details.

Most dog warden services are only available in office hours. If you find a stray dog outside office hours, your council's website should give details of where you can take it. There may also be an out-of-hours contact number.
If you wish you may keep a stray dog temporarily in your home while trying to contact the owner or the dog warden service (which you must do).

It may be possible to buy the dog if its owner is not traced or does not claim the dog within five days. You should tell the dog warden if you would like to buy the dog.

What happens when a stray dog is seized?

If your dog strays and is seized by a council dog warden you may be issued with a warning, a caution or a fixed penalty fine. You may even be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

The dog warden may also impose one or more control conditions designed to improve how you manage your dog.
If your dog is seized and you cannot be identified or located, your dog will be taken to the council pound (or a pound operated by a third party on behalf of the council). If you have not claimed your dog within five days, or you cannot be identified or located, your dog may be put down or sold.

If you claim your seized dog within five days, you will have to pay for the cost of keeping your dog in the pound and any veterinary fees, as well as any fixed penalty imposed, before your dog will be released to you. If you do not pay the necessary sum within a period set by the council, your dog may be put down or sold.

Dog homes and animal shelters

Dog homes and animal shelters normally only take dogs that an owner no longer wants or cannot keep. Local councils will also take unwanted dogs and try to rehome them. If the unwanted dog has to be destroyed, the owner of the dog can be asked to pay for this.

Neil]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/26/lost-and-stray-dogs/ Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:16:38 +0000 Neil Doggie Bathrobe http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/23/doggie-bathrobe/

Item: Doggy Bath...]]>

Item: Doggy Bath Robe

URL: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=150977323704

Alt URL: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Doggy-Bath-Robe-/150977323704?var=

(Sent from eBay Mobile for Android)]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/23/doggie-bathrobe/ Wed, 09 Jan 2013 07:50:33 +0000 jack russell Are your pets getting the nutrients they need to thrive? http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/17/are-your-pets-getting-the-nutrients-they-need-to-thrive/

Easy to use powder
plant based nutrition
probiotics and digestive enzymes
no synthetic ingredients

Reasons to try spark:
- supports healthy digestion
- aids in absorption of nutrients
- supports antioxidant function
- helps maintain a strong immune system
- nutrients for healthy skin & coat
- helps maintain strong teeth & bones
- dogs and cats of ALL life stages love the taste
- and BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR PET!
  
  More product info, pricing, ordering, background of company, and even how to become a distributor, and more can be found on my website at http://planetfirkid.rockyandbella.com or feel free to email me with any questions!
  
  Thanks,
  Carrie
]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/17/are-your-pets-getting-the-nutrients-they-need-to-thrive/ Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:55:28 +0000 Carrie Koziel 10 Pet Care Tips Professional Veterinaries Would Like You to Know http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/16/10-pet-care-tips-professional-veterinaries-would-like-you-to-know/
It can be difficult to stay on top of what's best for your own health and well-bei...]]>
It can be difficult to stay on top of what's best for your own health and well-being, so knowing what's good for your pet may seem a little confusing.
Keep your feline friends and canine companions healthy and happy by following these 10 pet care tips the pros want you to know.

1. Regular Exams are Vital
Just like you, your pet can get heart problems, develop arthritis, or have a toothache. The best way to prevent such problems or catch them early is to see your veterinarian every year.

Regular exams are "the single most important way to keep pets healthy,"

Annual vet visits should touch on nutrition and weight control as well as cover recommended vaccinations, parasite control, dental exam, and health screenings.

2. Spay and Neuter Your Pets
Eight million to 10 million pets end up in U.S. shelters every year. Some are lost, some have been abandoned, and some are homeless.

Here's an easy way to avoid adding to that number -- spay and neuter your cats and dogs. It's a procedure that can be performed as early as six to eight weeks of age.

Spaying and neutering doesn't just cut down on the number of unwanted pets; it has other substantial benefits for your pet. Studies show it also lowers the risk of certain cancers and reduces a pet's risk of getting lost by decreasing the tendency to roam.

3. Prevent Parasites
Fleas are the most common external parasite that can plague pets, and they can lead to irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots, and infection. Fleas can also introduce other parasites into your cat or dog. All it takes is for your pet to swallow one flea, and it can to end up with tapeworms, the most common internal parasite affecting dogs and cats.
Year-round prevention is key, says McGeorge, who suggests regular flea and intestinal parasite control, as well as heartworm prevention in endemic areas.
Because some parasite medications made for dogs can be fatal to cats, talk to your vet about keeping your precious pets worm-free, flea-free -- and safe.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Many dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And just like people, obesity in pets comes with health risks that include diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.
Overfeeding is the leading cause of obesity, says Douglas, who adds that keeping our pets trim can add years to their lives.
Because pets need far fewer calories than most of us think -- as little as 185-370 a day for a small, inactive dog; just 240-350 calories daily for a 10-pound cat -- talk to your vet, who can make feeding suggestions based on your pet's age, weight, and lifestyle.

5. Get Regular Vaccinations
For optimal health, pets need regular vaccinations against common ills, such as rabies, distemper, feline leukemia, and canine hepatitis.
How often your dog or cat needs to be immunized depends on their age, lifestyle, health, and risks, says McGeorge, so talk to your vet about the vaccinations that make sense for your pet.

6. Provide an Enriched Environment
An enriched environment is another key to the long-term health and welfare of your canine and feline friends, says C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center in Columbus.
Pets need mental stimulation, say the pros, which may mean daily walks for your pooch, and scratching posts, window perches, and toys for your cat. It means play time with you, which not only keeps your pet's muscles toned and boredom at bay, it also strengthens your bond with your four-footed companions.

7. ID Microchip Your Pet
Lack of identification means as few as 14% of pets ever find their way home after getting lost. Fortunately, "microchipping allows for the pet to be reunited with its family," no matter how far away it is when found, Burns says.
About the size of a rice grain, a microchip is inserted under the skin in less than a second. It needs no battery and can be scanned by a vet or an animal control officer in seconds.
Be sure to register the chip ID with the chip's maker. A current registration is the vital last step in making certain your pet can always find his way home.

8. Pets Need Dental Care, Too
Just like you, your pet can suffer from gum disease, tooth loss, and tooth pain. And just like you, regular brushing and oral cleanings help keep your pet's teeth strong and healthy.
"Dental disease is one of the most common preventable illnesses in pets," Ohio veterinarian Vanessa Douglas tells WebMD, "yet many people never even look in their pet's mouths."
It's estimated 80% of dogs and 70% cats show signs of dental disease by age three, leading to abscesses, loose teeth, and chronic pain. In addition to regular dental cleanings by your vet, "periodontal disease can be avoided by proper dental care by owners," Douglas says. Owner care includes brushing, oral rinses, and dental treats. Your vet is a good source of information about brushing techniques, oral rinses, and dental treats.

9. Never Give Pets People Medication
Medicines made for humans can kill your pet, says Georgia veterinarian Jean Sonnenfield, DVM. As a matter of fact, in 2010 the ASPCA listed human drugs in the top 10 pet toxins.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common pet poisoning culprits, but antidepressants, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and acetaminophen are just a few of the human drugs that pose health risks to pets. Human drugs can cause kidney damage, seizures, and cardiac arrest in a dog or cat.
If you suspect your pet has consumed your medication -- or anything toxic -- call the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Also be sure to immediately check with your vet, and if it is during evening or weekend hours when your regular veterinary clinic may be closed, check for a local 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic and take your pet there for an examination. Many metropolitan areas have these clinics.

10. Proper Restraint in a Vehicle
You buckle up for safety when you're in the car, shouldn't your pet? Unrestrained pets in a car are a distraction to the driver, and can put driver and pet at risk for serious injury, "or worse," says veterinarian Douglas. To keep pets safe in transit:

Never allow pets to travel in the front seat, where they're at risk of severe injury or death if the airbag deploys.

Don't let dogs ride with their head out the window or untethered in the back of a truck bed. Both practices put them at risk of being thrown from the vehicle in the event of an accident.

To keep pets safe, confine cats to carriers, suggests Douglas, then secure the carrier with a seatbelt. For dogs, there's the option of a special harness attached to a seat belt, or a well-secured kennel.

Health & Happiness to Everyone
Neil
]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/16/10-pet-care-tips-professional-veterinaries-would-like-you-to-know/ Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:32:49 +0000 Neil Animals needing a home http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/14/animals-needing-a-home/ www.7thheaven.org.uk
If anyone is interested in any they can contact us by e...]]> www.7thheaven.org.uk
If anyone is interested in any they can contact us by e-mail: animalrescuetrust@hotmail.com
We do not charge for any animal, but must find them the best home for them.
Thanks]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/14/animals-needing-a-home/ Sun, 13 May 2012 20:13:34 +0000 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust Stop The Barbaric Cruelty http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/12/stop-the-barbaric-cruelty/ K9friendsunited.com unreservedly condemns this inhumane torture against these poor defenceless animals. We will do everything in our power to support ...
We appeal to anyone who has any information about Puppy Mills / Farms or Pet Shops that sell P/M /F puppies to please use K9 friends united to expose the monsters behind this evil vile trade and help raise public awareness by informing people how to avoid buying P/M/F puppies. (Puppy Mills is the term used in the USA, Puppy Farms is the term used in the United Kingdom)

Puppy Mills / Farms is a multi million pound cash industry openly carried out right under the very noses of Government and relevant authorities and yet they fail miserably to do anything about it. It is shameful, disgraceful and despicable that those who are brought to court only get a slap on the wrist and a ridiculous paltry fine.

Remember the next time when it comes to a general or local election and the so called representatives come knocking on your door with their embarrassing big false shaking hands act and the ridiculous cheesy clown grins on their faces looking for your vote, ask them what they know about Puppy Mills / Farms, ask them how much tax these cruel heartless monsters paid from the sale of their vile trade, ask them how many has been brought before the court in the past year, ask them what sentence they got, ask them why do those in authority allow it to happen and then tell them where to shove their vote.

Unless something positive is done to protect and safeguard the welfare of these poor defenceless animals the untold barbaric cruelty to dogs will go on.

Neil]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/12/stop-the-barbaric-cruelty/ Sun, 06 May 2012 18:45:02 +0000 Neil Sometimes it really helps to share and talk http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/8/sometimes-it-really-helps-to-share-and-talk/ Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death, parting or enforced separation can be a sad and very difficult experience to come to terms with...
Intense grief over the loss of a pet is normal and natural. Don't let anyone tell you that it's silly, crazy, or overly sentimental to grieve. During the years you spent with your pet it solely became a significant and constant part of your life. It was a source of comfort and companionship of unconditional love and acceptance, one of fun, joy and much, much happiness you both shared.

Sometimes it really helps to share and talk about your feelings with someone who knows from a personal experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be and who will listen with compassion and without judgment to help you through this traumatic time in your life. Intense grief over the loss of a pet is normal and natural. Don't let anyone tell you that it's silly, crazy, or overly sentimental to grieve.

Remember, you are not alone thousands of pet owners have gone through the same feelings; K9 friends united is always here to help you through this difficult time.

Diarmuid Scullin
Founder of K9friendsunited.com

Email: diarmuid@k9friendsunited.com]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/8/sometimes-it-really-helps-to-share-and-talk/ Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:45:03 +0000 Neil Tips on How to Train a Dog http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/7/tips-on-how-to-train-a-dog/
Dog training should begin the moment you bring your new dog home, whether he’s a puppy or an adult. If you adopt a dog ove...]]>
Dog training should begin the moment you bring your new dog home, whether he’s a puppy or an adult. If you adopt a dog over the age of two, don’t expect it to come trained or housebroken, since rescued adult dogs are likely to have been neglected and abandoned by the previous owner due to lack of time or behavioural issues that were blamed on the dog but were ultimately the owner’s responsibility such as house breaking a dog.

Older dogs may be calmer and easier to train, but will require training, discipline, and role-establishing techniques as well. Dogs have a great ability to break old habits and learn new ones at any age.

The goals of dog ownership and training should be to create a happy, confident dog with a good dog-owner relationship, while avoiding behavioural issues. All owners want a calm dog that listens and is well-behaved both on and off the leash, and to have confidence in their dog at all times in all situations. By learning and understanding of hw to train your dog and by following these three basic dog-training rules, you will be well on your way to reaching these goals.

Become the Leader of Your Pack

Dogs are pack animals and are happy as long as they understand their place in the pecking order, regardless of whether they are on the top or the bottom. If you want to be in control of your dog, the number one thing you need to do is establish yourself as the alpha dog. If you let your dog control you, instead of you controlling the dog, your dog will develop behavioural problems and won’t listen consistently.

If you fail to establish yourself as the leader of the pack, your dog will take on that role himself, leading to behavioural issues such as aggression toward people and other dogs. Your dog can sense that you’re not in control and will feel the need to protect you, even when it’s not necessary. If you have a dog that is aggressive or consistently attacks other dogs, it is likely because you have allowed him to establish himself as the alpha dog and he feels it is his job to maintain that he’s in charge.

Even if you adopt a calm dog that doesn’t seem to need a lot of discipline, there are still some easy strategies you can use to make sure that you are the dominant one in the relationship. You will be using your dog’s natural instincts in order to train him.

Never let your dog walk past your heel. This puts you in front of your dog and shows him that you’re in control. If you hike on trails with your dog off-leash, make sure that he follows you instead of running ahead.

Make eye contact with your dog whenever you speak to him or give him a command. This shows him that you are in charge.
Don’t feed your dog until after you’ve eaten. Make him wait until you’re finished and feed him immediately afterward. Pack leaders often provide the kill for the rest of the pack, eating what they want first and then leaving the rest for other pack members to feast on once they’ve had their fill. Of course, never feed your dog handouts from the table and you may want to train them to stay out of the kitchen completely.

Don’t allow your dog to sleep on your bed on sit on the furniture. This is your domain and allows him to be on the same level as you. You must establish that certain areas of your territory are off-limits to him.
Don’t let your dog lie down with his back toward you, which is the body language that an alpha dog uses to establish his role over a lower dog. If you see your dog’s back to you in a room, ask him to get up, sit, and lie down facing you.

Use Positive Reinforcements

Once you’ve established yourself as leader of your pack, you can train your dog to follow your every command without ever having to use punishments, violence, or even raise your voice. Dogs are much more willing to listen when they understand that they’re following the pack leader.
One of the first commands you’ll want to teach your dog is what “no” means. Whenever you see your dog doing something you don’t like, whether it’s going to the bathroom inside or chewing on your favourite shoe, immediately stop the behaviour and give him the “no” command in an even but firm tone. Then you must also show him the correct behaviour that you want to promote.

In the case of going potty indoors, you’ll want to take him outside to the appropriate potty spot or over to his indoor dog potty to allow him to finish, praising him for performing the correct behaviour. When you catch your dog doing something like chewing on your shoe, take it away from him and give him one of his own chew toys. You will need to be consistent with your training and make sure you go through these steps each time you need to correct your dog’s behaviour, in order to avoid confusing him.

Socializing with Your Dog

Dogs are social, pack animals that like to be around other dogs, people, and animals. If your dog never sees anyone but you, he’ll learn that other people, dogs, and cats are unusual, foreign, and threatening.
Puppies are easier to socialize since they haven’t learned as much aggressive behaviour, and it’s important to make time for your puppy to be around your friends and their dogs, cats, and kids, on both your turf and theirs.
Adult dogs can be socialized as well, but they may be more timid or aggressive and it may take longer. Over time, dogs get used to the environments they are exposed to, making them happier dogs because they feel comfortable in a variety of situations.

Enjoy]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/7/tips-on-how-to-train-a-dog/ Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:48:06 +0000 Neil Choosing Between Large and Small Breeds for Your Home http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/3/choosing-between-large-and-small-breeds-for-your-home/
Many factors go into the decision about which breed of dog to choose for your family, including...]]>
Many factors go into the decision about which breed of dog to choose for your family, including disposition, trainability, and hereditary issues. The size of a breed is the decisive factor for many dog owners, however, because each person has a different lifestyle that affects their ability to care for different sized dogs, particularly when it comes to where a person lives and the size of their home.

Generally speaking, people who live in cities and apartments tend to choose smaller breeds of dogs because they live in smaller spaces with less room, while people in suburbs and rural areas tend to have more space for larger dog breeds that often need more indoor space and exercise outside. On the other hand, city dwellers sometimes choose large dog breeds for protection (no one wants to break into an apartment with a Rottweiler waiting on the other side of the door), while suburbanites may choose a smaller breed of dog for a variety of reasons.
Regardless of where you live, some of the issues to consider when choosing the right breed of dog for your particular
lifestyle include...

The breed’s disposition
The breed’s ease of training
The size of the breed
The size of your living space, family, and vehicle
The amount of time you have to devote to exercising the dog each day
Your work schedule and the number of hours you work
Your own activity level

Of course, some people prefer to adopt mutts or mixed breeds in order to avoid problems that come along with inbreeding and the homogenization that sometimes comes with purebred dogs. Conversely, some dog owners choose purebreds because they’re more likely to know what they’re getting themselves into before they bring the dog home. And it’s important to keep in mind that the personalities of some mixed-breed dogs will still be dominated by only one of the breeds in their blood.

Apartment Living with a Dog

Apartment living presents several additional challenges for dog owners, chief among them the inability to send your dog out into the yard to relieve himself on his own. While people who live in smaller apartment complexes or close to the first floor have fairly easy access to the outdoors, residents of high-rise apartment buildings are forced to contend with long hallways, elevators, main lobbies, and sometimes nothing but concrete for blocks once they get outside. These situations don’t give Fido a lot of time to reach the outdoor bathroom when he really has to go, and training a puppy to go strictly outdoors can be nearly impossible.

Get Real

Please don’t rush out and buy a dog just for the sake of having one, it is not a fashion item that you wear one day, then throw it away the next. Give it some serious thought first, ask yourself… Why do I want a dog? then write down the answers on a blank sheet of paper. Please share your answers with us we would love to see the results.]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/3/choosing-between-large-and-small-breeds-for-your-home/ Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:32:49 +0000 Neil Health Benefits of Owning a Dog http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/2/health-benefits-of-owning-a-dog/
There are many benefits of owning a dog, and many of them are deemed common sense. Canines can provide you with loya...]]>
There are many benefits of owning a dog, and many of them are deemed common sense. Canines can provide you with loyalty and companionship, act as a guard dog or watch dog, serve as a tool for teaching responsibility, perform fun tricks, and so on. However, a less obvious effect of dog ownership is improved health. Dog owners are often healthier than people without a pet in numerous ways, both physically and mentally. The following is a discussion of some of the health benefits of owning a dog.

Reduced Blood Pressure
If you get yourself a dog, you may not have to renew your blood pressure medication. Petting or stroking your pet gives it immense satisfaction, as can easily be ascertained by its body language and any noises it makes. What you may not know, however, is that petting a dog positively affects the human as well. Petting animals has been demonstrated to reduce blood pressure, including lowering high blood pressure that has been brought on by stress or tension. One study on stress and pet ownership showed that stock brokers who received a dog or cat as a pet had lower blood pressure and healthier heart rates than colleagues who did not receive a pet.

Increased Happiness
In general, dog owners live longer than non-dog owners. The unconditional love and companionship provided by the dog enables people to better cope with stress and acts as a safeguard against depression. A person with a dog, whether living alone or with other people, knows that he will always be there to cuddle up with him, to go take a walk at the park, or even just to sit on his lap and keep him company while he reads a book or watches television. Research has shown that a person who dealt with a stressful situation was better able to cope with and recover from the situation by spending time with their dog than by talking it over with a friend or relative. A friend might not give you the advice you want to hear or might say something that makes you even more despondent – a dog on the other hand, will give you only love and affection. Having such a great companion acts an outlet for stress or anxiety that increases a person’s overall wellbeing.

Besides acting as a companion, dogs can improve your social life and interactions with human companions. Having a dog can make you a more compassionate and caring individual, which will make people like you more. In addition, a dog can often act as a catalyst for conversation. You may be out walking you dog when someone stops to ask about your dog and ask if they can pet it. This is the starting point for a conversation that could have any number of positive benefits: you could gain a new friend or acquaintance, find out useful information of which you were previously unaware, or learn about other dog-related events and information.

Exercise
Because the dog will want to get out and walk around, a person who owns a dog will be forced to go out and exercise. You might take your dog out for a stroll around the neighbourhood, or take him to the park and play catch, running back and forth with your canine companion. Having a dog may even encourage activity where none would be found before. A person going to the beach who would otherwise just sit on the sand and lie in the sun might instead go to a dog beach and take a beach jog with his furry friend.

It should come as no surprise that dog owners have lower cholesterol than dog-less individuals. Studies indicate that dog owners have lower triglycerides as well, and are at less risk of developing heart disease and various other cardiovascular problems. Dog owners are healthier overall than the rest of the population.
There you have it – dogs are not only loyal companions, but a source of health, vigour, and positive energy. A dog would make an indispensable companion in you life, and will provide you with many benefits you would ordinarily not consider.

K9 Friends United]]> http://www.k9friendsunited.com/forum/thread/2/health-benefits-of-owning-a-dog/ Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:33:32 +0000 Neil