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Here are a few reasons why I like the UgoDog dog litter box. I’ve seen a lot of boxes and this one really impressed me.

First, what I really like about it is how it is made. it’s hard to find a dog litter box that will support a dog that might be heavy. They use an injection molding process to make the UgoDog and because of that, it can be used by dogs of all weights and sizes. So you don’t have to worry about a maximum weight limit. Now that’s nice if you have a heavy dog!

Next, I like the grate system that they use. It is a very small grid and a dog or puppies’ paws cannot get caught in it. So it’s very safe for your dog. The urine goes through the grate and the dog’s paws stay dry. That’s a great feature because with newspapers or pee pads, a dog will step right in it and can track it throughout the house. That can make a big mess…been there, done that!

Another thing that impressed me is that it is environmentally friendly. You just use newspaper in the bottom and change it out daily. No messy litter to deal with. Newspaper is completely biodegradable and I am really into recycling and the environment.

Did you know that when you use pee pads they are just like a baby diaper and do you know how long they say it takes for a baby diaper to decompose? 500 years give or take! So needless to say, this is a great feature and something to really think about.

Finally, I like the fact that it’s simple and easy to keep clean. I like simple and I love easy! You spray or wipe it down, put in some fresh newspapers and your are ready to go! Now that’s really nice!

Well, that’s my take on the UGoDog dog litter box and I hope it gave you some things to think about.

Matting occurs in dogs when its hair gets intertwined and locked. Usually when matting happens, the dog’s hair will collect pieces of thread, cotton and dirt as it moves around. The matting also results in the dog leaving fur and hair all over the place. This is because the hair holds tight to other fibers which results in the strands getting cut. This can be very annoying not to mention the fact that there is risk of it getting into food or children eating it. I have provided here a few tips that will help you prevent matting and where it has occurred; know how to deal with it.

The first step is to study the habits of your dog. Does it play and roll in dirt, in the grass or on carpets a lot? Does it play in water and roll in dirt or grass? Wet fur easily leads to matting and collecting a lot of dirt along the way. Alternatively, if the dog loves to lick its fur, it could also have a similar but lesser effect as water. These habits will advise how often you should wash or brush the dog.

One way that you can prevent matting is to brush and comb your dog regularly. Regular baths are also very helpful in preventing matting since in the process; a brush runs though the hair. Washing in shampoo also helps reduce oils which can clump together and attract hair strands as well. Excessive washing is discouraged since it is harmful to the dog. The good news is that you can comb and brush more often as long as this is done gently.

Brushing the dog’s coat on a daily basis is a sure way of preventing matting. This not only deals with matting but also reduces the dirt that may be accumulating. Brush frequently but brush gently. If you are too rough, you might scratch the dog. Brushing also has a massaging effect. This is quiet enjoyable for the dog as well as having emotional benefits. It is said that dog grooming leads to bonding and you will benefit from such a bond.

We have focused our discussion on activities that prevent matting. Suppose your dog already has matting, what should you do? The first line of action is to do the things recommended above. If this does not work because the hair it tightly knit, go for a “curative” approach. Clip the hair and cut out the entire portion that has mats. Attempting to use force to comb or brush will not solve the problem. Instead, the dog will feel pain which will make future grooming sessions only harder.

If the fur has matted, do not use water to soften it. This experience shows is counterproductive. Instead, start slowly by running your fingers through the fur. If it loosens, then you can move on to using a comb or brush. This is one procedure you do not want to be doing in a hurry. Work on the matted areas by dividing into sections and moving step by step.

If you are looking out for a purebred dog, you will probably want to find a breeder from whom you should purchase the animal. You might think that it is as easy as looking into the classified section of your newspaper, but you will want to be certain that the breeder you choose is reputable. There are a number of ways of determining whether the breeder you have chosen knows enough, is professional, trustworthy and reliable.

Seek References
A good breeder should be able to give you references of the clients he has previously worked with. These people who had purchased a puppy and utilized a stud service should be more than willing to share their experience with you. It is always safe to choose a breeder who was used by a person you know. If your family member or friend was satisfied with the breeder and the service, chances are that you will be satisfied too.

Be prepared for questions
You know your breeder is good if he or she has as many questions to ask you, as you have to ask them. A good breeder is always dedicated to the dog’s welfare and will want to place the dog he or she breeds with the right people. Some of the questions you can expect are whether you have children, the size of your home and yard, and other related questions that can help them determine what kind of dog is suitable for you and also if you can provide the required environment and atmosphere for the dog. If your breeder does not ask you these kind of questions, he or she is probably just out for the money and you probably do not want to seek the services of such a breeder. A good breeder always thinks of the welfare of both the client and the dog.

Guarantees
The breeder you choose should check the puppy for potential health risks before selling you the animal. There are, however, some problems that go undetected till too late. For instance, if you are purchasing a golden retriever, and 6 months later discover that it suffers from hip dysplasia (a defect in the hip joints of the animal, virtually undetectable till several months after birth), your breeder should be willing to issue you a refund, no strings attached. These kinds of genetic disorders can be avoided by using selective breeding (there is a 25%-85% chance that hip dysplasia in a dog is genetic), but it is possible for the pup to suffer from such disorders even if it was absent in the parents.

Other sources
Besides searching for a dog breeder in the newspaper and the internet, they can also be found through references from veterinarian’s offices, dog shows and pet supply stores. Dog shows are one of the best places to find good breeders, as usually the breeders who attend them are showing one of their own dogs or have come to see one of their clients dogs.

You can’t wait! You remember the chocolate-brown eyes peering at you when visited the breeder’s for the first time. How can you forget those tiny paws and the energetic wagging of the tail? You’ve fallen in love with that special one who has already melted your heart. It’s only a few weeks before you take your new and very cute puppy home. But how ready are you?

There are some essential items you need to consider purchasing before your new addition arrives. You may want to invest in a small bed straightaway but this isn’t necessary to begin with. Instead a cardboard box and towels will do the trick.The box can be padded out with old newspapers. There will be lots of ‘accidents’ from new puppy so at least newspapers can be thrown away. Be aware that urine does stain the carpet and grass – buy lots of disinfectant.

Purchase a water bowl and feeding bowl. When your puppy arrives you will probably have to show him or her where the bowls are.

After three to six weeks dogs can be taken for regular walks. You might want to invest in a roman harness, which straps round the animal. In fact most veterinarians now recommend a harnesses, instead of collars, for smaller dogs.

Think also about investing in a dog ramp. By introducing a dog ramp at an early stage it will encourage your dog to realise that they can’t be lifted into your car when being taken out. A dog ramp can be a godsend when the dog gets bigger. It can help avoid muddy paws and save your back.

It will take new puppies a while to settle in and they will pine for their mothers. Make sure you have an old fashioned ticking alarm clock, a hot water bottle and a towel. The idea is that this will help simulate the dog’s mother.

Dogs, like babies, love toys to play with. They need rubbery toys to chew on from the start, which will help with oral hygiene. You may also want to consider buying a crate and your vet or pet supplies can advise on the size of the crate. It needs to be large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around when full size.

By getting ready beforehand with essentials such as leads, bowls and a dog ramp, you can help make your new puppy settle in quickly.

Very often a dog will suffer spinal damage from degenerative processes. This is usually referred to as “slipped discs,” but they are not really discs at all, and they have not really slipped. Essentially what has occurred is a loss of resiliency between the vertebrae, and so-called slipped disc can be the result of an accident or, more likely, a gradual degenerative progression that shows itself in one of the body’s weakened areas.

A contributory factor could be lack of exercise (a sedentary lifestyle in which the older dog very frequently indulges). Lack of exercise decreases blood flow to vital areas, slackening the muscles and allowing the intervertebral “shock absorbers” to become thinner and less resilient, thereby leading to possible perforation upon impact. Diet is also a factor, since the cells that make up the “shock absorbers” are being starved for nutrients, which impairs their vitality and regenerative ability.

Whether the origin lies in degeneration from lack of exercise and poor nutrition, or the slipped disc results from an auto accident or other acute calamity, rehabilitative factors remain the same. The dog needs to be put on an optimum diet containing ample amounts of vitamin C and its complex, the bioflavonoids. The dog needs to maximize his digestive potential with the use of enzyme therapy, taken both internally and by injection at the site of the ailing disc. Raw grated vegetables and sprouts should be added to the food as sources of additional live enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in a readily available form. The herb comfrey is a most valuable addition to the diet in all bone disorders. The entire matter of diagnosis, diet, and injection should be discussed thoroughly with your vet.

Exercise up and down the stairs should be stopped temporarily, as it will only serve to put more pressure on the already weakened spinal joint. The dog should remain on level ground, placing newspapers in the house if necessary, as it can be a toss-up, in severe cases, between temporary paper training and paralysis. As the dog begins to rise and walk on his own, then slow walks on level ground can be encouraged. When the dog is feeling much stronger, you can slowly reintroduce more vigorous exercise, including the resumption of climbing stairs.

Slipped discs do not suddenly appear mysteriously, and they will not subside mysteriously either. If you are taking proper precautions with diet and exercise, the chances of your older dog suffering slipped discs are happily minimized. Should you also take vital precautions and not allow your dog out without a leash, then you are eliminating the chances of his getting a slipped disc through his being struck by a car. Remember that a slipped disc can lead to paralysis and impairment of vital motor and excretory functions and this can most certainly lead to death.