Babies and pets require some preparation in order for the combination to work well.

A large number of pets are taken to the shelters when they’re family members find out that they are expecting a child. It is very sad for the pet and for the family to relinquish a favored family member because a new arrival is expected. In most cases it is not necessary to give your pet away just because you are expecting a baby.

With a little effort and patience the transition can be made and all members of the family can remain intact.

One of the first things you, as your pet’s care giver has to remember is, your pet has been “your baby” for a good while and has enjoyed all of your attention. The new baby is certainly going to diminish the amount of time you have to give your cat or dog.

So what do you do?

Read the rest of this very informative article from Audrey Frederick here:

Babies and Pets

Gastric torsion and bloat is seen most often in large breeds including the Great Dane and Bloodhound, as well as some of the intermediate size breeds. It is a very serious situation and can be fatal! Please be aware and take precautions.

Torsion of the stomach is the abnormal positioning of the stomach caused by the stomach rotation about its axis. This is better explained as a mechanical twist of the stomach. In essence, the stomach becomes filled with gas, food, liquid, or a combination thereof which causes the stomach to become abnormally enlarged or distended. At this point when a dog engages in a sudden jump or plays and rolls around, the stomach actually swings in a pendulum-like motion which results with it swinging completely around the fixation point of the stomach where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, thus giving rise to a twist.

Read more about bloat and torsion (or GDV)

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a solidly built dog with a powerful presence, commonly used as a guard dog and hound. Brave enough to hunt lions, easy to groom, and providing excellent companionship and protection, the Rhodesian Ridgeback makes a loyal and affectionate modern dog for the experienced dog owner.

More about the Rhodesian Ridgeback

The aristocratic Borzoi was originally bred in Russia to hunt wolves, and his powerful jaws, height and great speed made it a formidable hunter. Now bred for companionship, the moden Borzoi can make a gentle and faithful friend, but is not a dog to take on lightly.

More about the Borzoi

This month’s photo is of an adorable Labrador Retriever puppy – so cute you just want to cuddle her!

Puppy photo of the month

We have just added 4 gorgeous puppy jigsaw puzzles which you can play on your computer, download to play later, or burn to a CD to share with friends.

 Puppy jigsaw puzzles

And we have added a new jigsaw puzzle of a handsome Rhodesian Ridgeback too.

Rhodesian Ridgeback jigsaw

We have just added a new section to www.FindOutAboutDogs.com to highlight and feature some of the truly excellent photos we have on the site. This month’s photo is of a gorgeous, curious boxer – his doleful, inquisitive expression and the quality of the photo recommended it to us!

Dog Photo Of The Month here

It is every dog owner’s nightmare, and fortunately it doesn’t happen often. But, how ever careful you are, there might come a time when you lose your dog. What should you do, and what steps can you take to help you be reunited with your faithful friend?

Tracing A Lost Dog

The Martingale Dog collar is also known as a Greyhound Collar or Humane Choke Dog Collar. They were originally designed for Sighthounds (ie, Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Borzoi, Saluki, etc) because their necks are larger than their head; but these collars have gained popularity among other breed owners in the recent past.

AKC Dog Show Owners prefer the Martingale Dog Collar because it does not damage the fur and will not crush the trachea. Many trainers have started to recommend them because they prefer its gentle choke over the choke chain. Others have learned about this style of collar and have made the switch from regular buckle collars.

Read the rest of this article about Martingale Collars

Alisha Navarro is the owner/collar artist for 2 Hounds Design, a company that specializes in Martingale Collars. She is the owner of 3 retired racing Greyhounds.