Your Dog Care Tips – Keep Your Dog Safe in Your Backyard

February 13, 2011 by  
Filed under Dog Care Tips

Keep your dog safe in your backyard. All dogs suffer when it is too hot. Some are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke. If you are in a hot climate, make sure you have a shaded area or a porch where the dog can get out of the sun. It is vital they have a secure source of fresh water; by secure we mean he can’t easily tip it over. Common sense is important when deciding whether it is safe to leave your dog outside: a short coated dog or a companion dog that is bred to spend his life indoors will not be able to tolerate being left outside in a cold climate. Your dog care tips include:

Securing Your Yard

It may not make sense to you that the same dog that is so happy to see you when you get home may want to find his way out of the back yard to freedom, but many dogs are lost each year because of this. Most dogs do not have a good sense of the dangers cars represent. Once outside your yard, they may just follow interesting scents and be so focused on those they aren’t aware of approaching vehicles. They can also get frightened and run right into traffic. Many breeds are efficient diggers. They can tunnel under a wooden fence with ease. A back gate that is not latched properly can also give your dog an escape route. With smaller breeds, only a few inch gap between slats can be enough for them to squeeze through. Think of this in the positive way: your dog is not trying to escape from your house, he is perhaps trying to find you.

The first thing you need to do is check the perimeter of your yard for any gaps in the fence. One easy solution is to dig down six inches below ground and affix narrow gage wire fencing material to your existing fence. You can hold the fencing in place below ground by burying bricks, rocks or pavers. This will make it more difficult for your dog to tunnel under, and have the added benefit or making it harder for rodents or snakes to get into your yard. You may also want to padlock your gate. A strong dog may try to push open the gate, and some gates with loose latches can even be blown open by the wind. Keeping your fence in good repair is important. If the dog can find a loose or weak slat to chew through, he will.

Safety Inside The Yard

Your beautiful back yard with the trees, flowers, grass and vegetable garden may seem like paradise to you, and your dog will certainly enjoy romping around back there, but there are safety considerations as well, and you will want to make sure your tender plants are protected from your dog.

Again, dogs love to dig. Some breeds, in fact, simply have to dig. For them, it is part of the joy of being alive. They don’t care if what they are digging up is a prized flower garden, or the spinach crop you have been carefully tending since early spring. And a dog doesn’t at all mind taking a short cut through the flower beds trampling them as he goes. You may want to consider fencing off areas of your yard to protect your plants. This is particularly the case with frisky young pups. As your dog grows you will be able to train him to stay out the flower or vegetable garden, but to a puppy, it all looks like a playground.

Your dog care tips will keep your dog safe in your backyard.

Find more about your dog care tips. Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books and the novel “Over Time.” She is the proud companion of Rose, the Irish Setter, and Kate the English Springer Spaniel. Read Rose and Kate’s blog.


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    Dog Care Tips: #8

    February 5, 2011 by  
    Filed under Dog Care Tips

    How your dog marks his scent

    Although spraying urine is the most common form of scent marking, some dogs may rub up against objects such as furniture, walls, and other vertical objects, in order to spread his scent. This behavior is very similar to what cats prefer to do when it comes to scent marking. However, as great as it would be for dogs to only rub up against objects, most prefer the act of urination.

    Rub your dog’s tummy!

    Do you know the one place where you can rub your dog that will make him curl up in a ball of ecstasy? You guessed it, his belly! Dogs absolutely love when they get their tummy’s rubbed and can even be put to sleep that way. I have successfully made my Chihuahuas snooze by rubbing their bellies in just 10 minutes! Many dogs will literally roll on their backs, put their paws up, and demand that you rub their belly.

    Take care with heights

    Most dogs have absolutely no fear of heights. Ignorance is truly bliss when it comes to this kind of outdoor danger because a dog will literally walk along the side of a mile high cliff without one bit of concern of falling. And once they begin to slip away and lose their footing there is very little that they can do in order to stop themselves from going over the side. Also, many areas along the edges of the cliffs may be hidden by snow covering which makes it easier for a dog to make a fatal mistake.

    Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions at the worlds best homepage or submit or use content at free content resource.


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      Dog Care: Keeping Your Dog Safe From Fleas And Ticks

      January 30, 2011 by  
      Filed under Dog Care Tips

      March 1 marks the “official” beginning of flea and tick season. Are you prepared?

      Fleas are the most common external parasites that affect our dogs and, although they prefer dog blood, fleas are quite happy to dine on our ankles as well. And although ticks are not as common, they are potentially more dangerous, to us and to our dogs, because they can transmit such diseases as Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas and ticks thrive whenever and wherever the humidity is above 50 percent and the temperature is over 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

      Diagnosing a possible flea infestation is relatively simple…your dog will scratch. Additionally, you can usually actually see the little critters, or see white and black grains, about the size of sand grains, in your dog’s coat (these are the eggs and feces of fleas). Tick infestation can only be detected by finding one or more ticks on your dog’s skin, so it’s a good idea to check for these parasites when you groom your dog several times a week. To remove a tick, use tweezers to grasp it as close as possible to your dog’s skin, and then pull it out slowly. After removing the tick, clean the bite area with an antiseptic.

      While your dog’s reaction to flea infestation is usually mild (scratching, itching), other sensitivities, such as an allergy to flea saliva, bacterial skin infections and, in very small puppies anemia, can result, so it’s always good to do whatever you can to help keep your dog flea-free. Ideally, treatment should begin before the flea season begins in your area (early spring).

      Since the 1980s, pharmaceutical companies have developed many new chemical treatments for controlling or preventing fleas and other external parasites, and there are some great products available today in the form of flea collars, pills, oral liquids, spray-on formulas, and special shampoos. Look for products that contain IGRs (insect growth regulators), IDIs (insect development inhibitors), neurotransmitter inhibitors, naturally occurring neurotoxins, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or cell growth inhibitors.

      IGRs and IDIs (for example, Program) should be used only when your dog has no fleas, so now is the perfect time to invest in these products. If your dog becomes infested with fleas, that’s when you use the topical products, such as Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution.

      Remember, if a flea problem exists in your home, it is pointless to treat just your dog. Your dog’s total environment (including the carpet, your dog’s bedding, the yard, and even your car), as well as any other pets you have, must be treated in order to remove fleas in all stages of the life cycle.

      Flea larvae is probably also living in your dog’s bedding, as well as any furniture where your dog likes to lounge. It does no good to just get rid of the flea itself, you’ve got to treat your dog’s environment for fleas that may be in various stages of the life cycle. A female flea lays up to 50 eggs a day, and these eggs are dislodged into your entire environment when your dog scratches, so on any given day, the fleas in your dog’s environment (your home!) could be in different stages of their life cycle.

      Professional carpet treatment can be highly effective for preventing flea eggs and larvae from maturing, and many such treatments come with a one-year guarantee. Check with your carpet cleaners about such a treatment.

      Fortunately, most flea and tick infestations are relatively easy to diagnose, cause little harm to our beloved dogs, and will respond to treatment. But it’s always up to us to make sure our dogs are protected.

      Copyright 2006 by Lisa Pallardy.

      Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com an interactive site for dog lovers to find articles and information on dog training and care, post photos of their pets, and talk with other dog-lovers. She is also the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. In her spare time, she makes greeting cards from children’s artwork at http://www.MyLittleRembrandt.com

      For more articles like this one on dog care and dog training, or for links to discount dog supplies, visit http://www.BarkTalk.com


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        Dog Care Tips: #9

        January 26, 2011 by  
        Filed under Dog Care Tips

        Get your puppy to “come”

        By spending a lot of time alone with your new puppy you will slowly start to create a bond with him which will build a connection that will last a lifetime. One of the first things that you will want to engage in when it comes to training your puppy is to get him to follow you from room to room around the house. When you walk away from your puppy and he begins to crawl in the direction that your feet are going, start repetitively speaking the words “Come, Let’s Go”. Move quickly yet be sure that he can still see where you’re going

        Take care hiking in forests

        The natural woodlands and deep forests can be some of the most exciting terrain for your dog to explore. There are endless adventures to uncover and natural curiosities everywhere your dog turns. However, because the forest contains plenty of mammal life, it makes for great hunting and trapping. And this presents a life-threatening danger to your dog if you are exploring terrain that should be off-limits.

        Avoid using guilt when training your puppy

        In order to step in and start puppy training successfully, be sure to do so without the use of guilt. This is another falsehood that many inexperienced dog owners tend to follow. They think that by using guilt it is going to make more of an impact on their puppy. In a way, they are right – an impact will surely be made and it will not be a positive one!

        Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions at the worlds best homepage or submit or use content at free content resource.


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          Small Dog Care – Tips to Keep Them Healthy and Happy

          January 17, 2011 by  
          Filed under Dog Care Tips

          In the past several years, small dogs have become popular with dog owners.  They fit into different lifestyles from living in the city to the rural area.  If your home or apartment is small, a small dog is better suited for this environment, then a larger dog that requires much more space.  Small dog care requires many of the same necessities that a large dog needs, except there are a few exceptions. 

          Little dogs have much smaller stomachs so they require less food.  There appetites are small and because of this, they still need a high nutritional food.  Your dog will need to get the most nutrients and vitamins in the meal, so its very important to not cut corners on the quality of the dog food.

          Small dogs need to have their teeth brushed on a weekly basis because they tend to be more prone to dental problems.  Purchasing dog treats that help clean their teeth is beneficial to keeping their teeth clean and breathe fresh.

          Purchasing toys for small dogs is beneficial, as smaller dogs tend to have more energy then larger dogs.  Playing with your small dog, daily will help them from becoming bored and creating bad behavior.

          Small dogs like to have a safe area where they can sleep and a place to feel secure.  Small dogs enjoy having a space where they can retreat to without having visitors and activity, so they can feel safe.  Beds, crates or an area that is gated off, will supply this for your by giving good small dog care.

          Want to make your dog to be the healthiest pet a live please visit this link: http://www.santhana.com/discover-how-you-can-insure-that-your-dog-is-the-healthiest-pet-alive%E2%80%9D/

          Visit Our Site To Find Out More Information About Small Dog Care


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            Dog Care and the Happy Healthy Dog

            January 14, 2011 by  
            Filed under Dog Care Tips

            Proper dog care is essential to the health and happiness of your doggie. Many individuals and families choose to have a family pet and many of them consider a pooch to be an ideal pet for them and their family. Most likely, you are like many other dog owners today, you want your pet to be a happy and healthy pup. Dog care involves various issues concerning the needs of a pooch.

            A happy healthy dog deserves the best doggie care you can afford to give to him or her. Of course, you will need to consider the type of pup you have in order to care for it properly. Different dog breeds have different vises and virtues in temperament, personality and character traits. Some pooches make excellent family pets, while others are more apt to bond with only one person for their entire life.

            If you own a dog, you more than likely took the time to determine the right dog breed for you and your family. However, if you do not already own a doggie and would like to have a pooch, you need to do a bit of research on the various breeds of pooches in order to make the best choice for a canine companion. In order to give the dog you choose as a pet the best home you will need to consider various things. For instance, you need to determine the amount of time you and or your family members will be able to spend with your loyal companion.

            Just considering the basics your dog will need a nice warm and safe place to sleep, your loyal companion needs its own space. Your dog will also require food and water. The amount of food and water your trusted companion needs every day will depend on the size and breed of the dog as well as the amount of exercise it gets daily. A dog also requires the services of a veterinarian to attend to any shots and vaccinations as well as its health care whether it is during regular check-ups or during an emergency. You will need to consider your lifestyle as well as your budget when your have a great desire to have a pooch as a companion.

            Another thing you need to consider when you have a pooch is its grooming needs. You can choose to groom your pooch yourself and save money. Doggie grooming tools are available and affordable in the marketplace today. On the other hand, if you do not feel secure about grooming your doggie, you can hire a professional dog groomer to do it for you. Eventually, you will also need to consider having your dog spayed or nurtured. Then again, you may face the decision of whether or not you should allow your pooch to breed and produce a litter.

            There are many more things to consider when it involves proper doggie care, when you choose to include a dog in your family and into your home. Responsible dog owners make all of these decisions. Be sure to make the best decisions for your dog and its dog care needs.

            Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top source for designer dog beds online.


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              Dog Care Tips For Grooming Your Dog

              January 6, 2011 by  
              Filed under Dog Care Tips

              The best way is start grooming your puppy is when he first comes home with you, but if you have an adult dog who balks at grooming here are a few dog care tips.

              The first time you bring out the nail clippers hold the clippers in your hand next to the dog’s paw and give him a treat with praise. The next time hold the dog’s paw and place his nail in the nail clipper but don’t cut. Again praise him and reward with treats. When the dog calmly accepts you holding his paw and bringing the clipper to his nail, and placing the nail in the clipper, then cut the nail quickly and confidently. Don’t be nervous because your dog will pick up on that emotion. Praise your dog and give him a treat.

              Do this with the other dog grooming tools as well. The dog will associate being groomed with praise and treats. Keep your first grooming sessions short. Right before his dinner is a good time. Your dog will be alert and hungry which means he’ll be more motivated. He’ll start to associate grooming with dinner as well as treats.

              Don’t lose your temper. Keep a smile on your face and the sessions as pleasant as possible.

              Most dogs don’t mind having their teeth brushed and actually like it. If your dog struggles, use the same method with the toothbrush as you did with the nail clippers. Your first session, hold a treat in one hand and the toothbrush with a bit of dog toothpaste by his mouth. Give him the treat and lots of praise. Then gently lift his lip, again reward with a treat and praise. Finally lift his lip and gently scrub his side teeth. The dog should get a taste of the toothpaste and your struggles will be over. Don’t overdo the toothpaste, a little is enough.

              Veterinarians say that the most common pet health care problem is their teeth. If your dog has tarter it could turn into a serious problem resulting in infection, loss of teeth, and at the very least, very bad breath. Tarter is that yellowish soon to turn brownish hard build up next to the gum line. Prevention by brushing is much easier than getting rid of tarter. Most of the time that means a professional cleaning and it’s expensive. Dogs don’t sit still to have their teeth cleaned like people do, so they have to be under a general anesthetic and that’s costly.

              One method that seems to work with some dogs to get rid of a mild case of tarter is gently swapping their teeth with a piece of gauze soaked in medicinal strength (not hair bleach strength) hydrogen peroxide every day.

              When brushing your dog’s coat, hold the hair with one hand on the skin side of a tangle and use the brush with your other hand to brush out the tangle. That way your dog won’t feel the pull of the brush as much. Use a people hair detangling spray to make the brushing even easier.

              Use these dog care tips for grooming your dog and the sessions should be fun for both of you.

              Find more about dog grooming tools. Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books and the novel “Over Time.” She is the proud companion of Rose, the Irish Setter, and Kate the English Springer Spaniel. Read Rose and Kate’s blog.


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                First time owner (C.K.C.Spaniel/Daschund/Labrador)…?

                December 30, 2010 by  
                Filed under Dog Care Tips

                OK, first things first – yes, I’ve done my research ^^

                I first wanted a beagle because of its intelligence and goofy ways, but the more I researched the more I wasn’t as keen on adopting one because I would prefer a dog that didn’t howl when it found something or be too risky to be off its lead/leash. I know, obviously, if I got a beagle it may not turn out like what I’ve read, but then I got into thinking about a Caliver King Charles Spaniel, a daschund and a labrador – narrowing down the pros and cons. These three breeds seem perfect and the health problems aren’t putting me down because many of friends have labradors and my parents had a couple of daschunds them selves – living in Africa too!

                Here’s a mouthful hard to swallow:

                C.K.C.Spaniels:
                Pros (for me personally) – Adorable! Amazing for the family, loyal, intelligent, VERY active (and I’d love a dog to have a lot of hyper times with, as I’m quite a hyper person and that I’m also 15, so I’d like to get distracted from Facebook and The Sims 3 ^^) and also said to be adjustable with cats (I have one cat who’s turning 2 this year).

                Cons (again, personally) – Grooming seems to be a bit of a handful – especially if I am going to be handling a dog for the first time (my parents – not a problem, as one of my dad’s dogs had around 4 litters in Africa! And my mum and dad had around 4-7 dogs any way)

                Daschund (shot haired):

                Pros – Extremely adorable (hey, dont we all want something to coo at once in a while?), quite active dogs and also, I suppose, easier to groom – oh, I’ve heard they can be quite fast little things, but then I’ve heard they need at least half of the average exercise of an average medium sized dog.

                Cons – I suppose I would like a dog to be able to run with and not get tired out as quickly and I’ve read that they’re a bit like beagles and can get lost in their own worlds, as they were trained for sniffing out other animals.

                Labrador:

                Pros – the right size, friendly, easy to train, great for running with or letting off the lead/leash and a reliable dog and also easy to groom.

                Cons – I dont think I have any! LOL >< Wow! I bet you're bored out of your mind after reading that >< I'm quite a picky person as you can see, but I'll buy either of the breeds as a puppy (shelter, dont worry!).

                So the big question:

                Which of those three dogs are best for a first time owner (me, mostly - like I said before, my parents have experienced dog days and will obviously guide me to look after the dog!)?

                Thank you sooooooooooo much :D

                P.S. Need additional commentry? Just say so >< P.P.S Like I said before, I'm a very active, hyper person and would love to run around. My cat, of course, can be hyper but also tends to show off his claws -.- Which isnt the best thing...

                Best reply by Kloe:

                They are all wonderful breeds, but Cavaliers have a tendency to suffer seperation anxiety when left alone too much, which manifests itself into destructiveness and chewing.

                Read more replies
                First time owner (C.K.C.Spaniel/Daschund/Labrador)…?

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                Pet Care Tips – 5 Ways to Pamper Your Pet Dogs and Cats

                December 28, 2010 by  
                Filed under Dog Care Tips

                A good way to treat you pet dog or cat is to pamper them once in a while. Giving them care and pampering is indeed a way of reciprocating the joy and companionship they have given you all the time. Here are some pet care tips and some pampering you can give to your pets.

                 

                (1) Get your pet a toy.

                 

                A frisbee would be greatly delightful for your pet dog. Choose a frisbee that is lightweight and but something that can’t be easily chewed apart. You can also give your pet rubber balls to play with. Some important pet care tips – be sure that you choose a toy that does not have some parts that can be easily swallowed and don’t leave them playing with something that they can tear into pieces and swallow.

                 

                (2) Style and shoot.

                 

                Give your pets the celebrity pet look and have a photo session for them. You can get good pet dresses for your dog or cat or you can also get themed dresses to make the photo shoot more exciting. This may be a challenging task but it could be a fun activity to spend time with your pets.

                 

                (3) Get a treadmill for your pet.

                 

                A pet treadmill is an amazing way to exercise your dog indoors. It can be convenient if you do not have the luxury of time to go outdoors and give them a good walk. Although a walk in the park can also give them a breath of fresh air, your dog treadmill can be helpful if you want to stay indoors. You can also choose a manual treadmill so they can have control over it, and never leave your pet on their own when exercising. One of the important pet care tips to keep in mind is to be responsible for the safety of your pets in whatever gadgets you are putting them in.

                 

                (4) Schedule a pet spa.

                 

                If you like going to the spa to pamper yourself, you can also book a great spa for your pet dog or cat. Bring them to pet day spa where they can be treated like a royalty! – just exactly what you want them to feel. A good massage, a great nail clipping and teeth and ear cleaning… it can be a great experience for your pets. You can even apply for programs on teaching your pets to do some tricks. This experience will definitely be great for your pet and for you as well. Having a clean, sweet-smelling pet at the end of the day is indeed something that you would want to cuddle and play with.

                 

                 (5) Give them a good bath.

                 

                Of course, the easiest and most common thing you can do for your pet is a good bath. Give your dog a good bath but do not also give them frequent baths as this can also make their skin dry and susceptible to skin infections. You can however clean them by rubbing their body with a damp towel and cleaning their paws. Cats on the other hand can manage to clean themselves but you can also give them a good bath. You can use lukewarm water and pour, not spray, on them. If you can’t get your cat to take a bath especially the older ones, you can also rub them with damp towels. Also comb their hair before bathing to get rid of loose hair and make your shampoo more effective.

                 

                You can start with this pet care tips to give your pets the pampering they need. You can also find more ways to make them feel important once in a while.

                Carolyn Anderson is a freelance author who loves to share tips and ideas on good living. If you want to make money from your passion of pets, she recommends the resource Bake A Dog A Bone. Also check out Dog Food Secrets, a great resource on finding out the right food for your dogs and what they should avoid.


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                  Healthy Dog Care Tips – 5 Ways to Help Your Dog Live the Good Life

                  December 23, 2010 by  
                  Filed under Dog Care Tips

                  If you just added a dog to your family, congratulations! You’ve just signed up for one of the best experiences life has to offer–the love of a dog. To keep its tail wagging perkily and its eyes shining bright here are 5 tips for caring for your dog that will reward both of you with years of happy times with a loyal companion.

                  Keep Wellness Appointments–Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian at least once a year. If this is your first dog, ask others whose dogs look healthy for a recommendation.  Any pet store, or a park where there are a lot of dogs will be sure to put you in close contact with owners who will be more than glad to give you the name of someone good.

                  Regularly scheduled visits to the vet help prevent problems like heart worms, conditions that result from fleas and ticks, as well as baseline numbers provided by having blood work done. Checkups also keep shots up to date which help avoid diseases that are preventable. This ounce of prevention is way less expensive than a pound of cure; and makes for a happier life for your dog too.

                  Groom Regularly–Different breeds require different amounts of grooming. Long hair generally requires more brushing and untangling than does short hair. Stick to a schedule of brushing and bathing that lets your pooch look and smell its best. Dogs like to look beautiful too; and remember, a clean dog will help your home look and smell clean too. Check with veterinarian for shampoo and a schedule that will keep skin healthy rather than drying it out.

                  Feed a Healthy Diet–If you have a puppy, consult with your vet about what you should feed, and how much and often. Because they are still developing their nutritional requirements are very different from a mature dog. If you have an adult, find out what your breed’s weight should be and stick to it. Unless your dog is a working dog on a farm, or retriever that hunts with you often, the portions on many brands of dog food will lead to obesity very quickly.

                  Food that is low in additives and fillers is best. Try adding small portions of fresh vegetables, meats, pastas, and bread. You will find your dog has more energy, that you can see a waistline, and feel (not see) his ribs. Controlling weight from the beginning is one of the best things you can do to avoid joint problems, and diabetes.

                  And of course making sure fresh water is available constantly is crucial. Some will prefer toilet water. If so, make sure that you flush after each use and avoid using self cleaning toilet bowl cleaners.

                  Schedule Exercise–Dogs (like humans) were never meant to be couch potatoes. So schedule of daily exercise is good. It can be a walk with you, or retrieving a Frisbee in the back yard, or a romp in a favorite park with other dogie friends. Exercise is not only good physically but will serve to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

                  Know Your Dog’ Habits–Part of the bonding process involves getting to know each other. Just as you will come to know what its likes and dislikes are, it will do the same for you. You will start to anticipate each other with just a look or a smile. This is a good thing because when your dog’s behavior, appetite, or disposition changes it can often mean that there is a physical problem at the root of it.

                  Don’t try to diagnose a significant change in your dog’s routine. See your vet immediately. Waiting to see, rather than going for immediate advice from a professional often gives a problem time to grow.

                  An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove the airborne dog hair and dander that you now also own is offered by PurerAir.com– the Pet Dander Air Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/pet_dander_air_purifier.html


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