Are Annual Vet Visits & Vaccinations for Your Dog Really Necessary?

Some people feel that because their dog appears healthy that they can skip an annual checkup for their pet. However, an annual vet visit for your dog is an important part of his health maintenance. Remember that dogs age a lot faster than we humans do. Before we know it, that cute little puppy becomes middle aged, and health issues may start cropping up. With regular visits to your pets vet, he or she can detect any potential problems before they escalate.

Are Annual Shots and Tests Necessary?

Heartworm, which can result in congestive heart failure, can be fatal if not caught and treated early. It used to be found mainly in the South, but it is now seen throughout the U.S. Therefore, vets recommend that all dogs receive an annual heartworm test and, if negative, a prescription for heartworm prevention medication to protect against this disease.

The debate is still going on regarding the necessity of annual vaccinations and which ones. Research indicates that distemper and rabies shots dont need to be given yearly once your dog has received initial vaccinations and boosters. The time interval between subsequent rabies vaccinations may vary by law depending on where you live. Frequently, annual vaccinations are given as a 5-way, with adenovirus cough and hepatitis, canine distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Depending on where you live and whether certain diseases are a concern, it may also include leptospirosis and/or coronavirus. If lyme disease is a concern, you may want to ask for a lyme vaccination for your dog.

The bottom line: Opinions on vaccinations vary from vet to vet. Dont be afraid to ask your vet about the various vaccinations and for his opinion on whether your dog needs these shots annually.

Valerie Goettsch is web master of http://www.my-favorite-dog.com a website featuring dozens of articles and information on dog names and breeds and where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds and crates, training books and videos and dog clothes.

What Are The Characteristics Of A Doberman Pincher?

In the movies, the Doberman is portrayed as an aggressive dog that lunges at people with vicious eyes. In truth, Dobermans are loyal, intelligent family pets.

The American Kennel Club places the breed in the working group class along with dogs such as the Great Dane and the Boxer. They were originally bred for police work and even used in the German military (which is not surprising since the sight of these powerful dogs could make a person anxious.)

Physically, the Doberman is square with a strong chest and a bullet shaped head. It can weight around 55 to 90 pounds with a height of 24 to 28 inches. The coat is black, red or fawn with tan markings. Some Dobermans have a small section of white fur on their chest. The eyes are almond shaped and dark and most owners dock the tail to prevent painful accidents in the future.

The Doberman is a very energetic dog. They do need a lot of exercise so an apartment setting is not suitable. Even if you do have a yard, Dobermans enjoy time with their owners and need to be walked daily.

This breed is a family dog. They are eager to please and can be trained successfully. If you have a puppy in the same house as a small child, you might want to be a little more vigilant because the puppy doesnt know its own strength yet and can knock the child down.

Begin training as soon as you bring the dog home. Dobermans are smart. They can get into trouble if left alone. If you have a puppy, enroll it in puppy obedience class while still young and easy to control.

Nutritionally speaking, the Doberman pincher needs plenty of food and the food must be specially formulated for large dogs to ensure it gets the desirable nutrients.

As a breed the Doberman are prone to becoming overweight when they get older. Check with the doctor to ensure your dog is on the right track. Other possible afflictions are heart disease, hypothyroidism and a hereditary disease called Von Willenbrands disease.

It is relatively easy to groom your dog. All that is required is to brush the it once a week to remove dirt and cut their nails when they get too long.

In truth a Doberman Pincher is a pleasure to have in the family. If you want a dog that can guard the home and still be loyal and loving then you should definitely consider the Doberman.

George Adams is a staff writer at http://www.pets-digest.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.recreation-digest.com..

Choosing A Saltwater Fish Tank

What to Look For in a Saltwater Fish Tank

The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However, once youve decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium youll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.

But first youll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!

A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.

The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.

Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
* Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
* Glass fish tanks wont require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight

Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
* Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
* Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online

Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank

Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.

First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.

Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.

Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because youve purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Dont forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturers directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.

After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct youll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.

The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now youll be able to go and select your colorful fish!

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains the website http://www.goldfishsite.com/blog/ to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and gain an understanding of fresh and saltwater fish tank maintenance.