dog

Regular exercise is important to help keep your dog's heart, lungs, joints, and muscles healthy. It also helps their minds stay healthy and happy and can alleviate behavioral problems.

Excerpted from: Adopting a Dog

There's much more to adopting a dog than finding a cute furry bundle and bringing it home. One thing to consider is the cost of keeping a dog healthy and happy. Even if you already have a dog at home, it may have been years since you've had to think about all the initial costs of integrating your new friend into the family.

This dog cookie recipe is easy to customize to your dog's tastes. Check the bottom of the recipe for some pet treat variations. Use your imagination!

Always check with your veterinarian if your dog has dietary restrictions.

BASIC COOKIE RECIPE:

Ingredients:
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp. reduced sodium beef bouillon granules
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 tsp.

On a hot summer day, what could be better than a day at the beach with the dog? Whether your dog enjoys chasing the waves, running along the shoreline, or just standing in the cool refreshing water, it's a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.

Unfortunately, dog-friendly beaches are few and far between.

Sunshine, fresh air, and days spent relaxing outdoors are what summertime is all about. But with the hot summer weather come dangers, too. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you are your pet can safely enjoy the summer days together.

- Go for walks in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.

- Keep your pet cool by providing plenty of shade and water.

- Bring water for your dog when engaging in outdoor recreation. To keep the water cool, freeze it overnight in a container.

Pets often have minor illnesses or injuries that don't cause any lasting harm. Naturally you don't need to run to the vet every time your pet sneezes, but how do you know when it's time to go see your vet?

It can be hard to tell if your pet is suffering since so many animals hide signs of distress.

Many families bring their pets with them on holidays, staying in "pet-friendly" hotels, motels, cottages, and resorts. Here's a quick list of questions to ask your lodging if you plan to bring your pet along. Remember to always mention your pets when making reservations!

- Pet surcharges: Are any "pet fees" applicable to your stay? Is the fee per pet? Is the fee "per day" or "per stay"?

- Types of pets allowed: this is particularly important if you plan to travel with something other than a dog (many places permit dogs, but may not even permit cats, let alone reptiles, birds, and other pets).

Most dog owners have experienced (or seen) yards where there are numerous "hidden gifts" from the resident dog. You could be heading out for a bit of gardening, about to mow the lawn, or ready to bask outside -- only to see (and hopefully not step in!) one of these reminders of dog ownership.

The good news is that you can train your dog to use only a specific area of the yard to do his business.

Animal shelters and rescue organizations are filled to overflow with homeless and abandoned pets. Sometimes pets arrive at the shelter in need of extra care before they can be made available for adoption. This is where "foster parents", or foster families, can help.

Most seasoned pet-toting travellers have stayed in hotels and motels.