http://swkpets.com The very best advice on pet care, training, products, and much more Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:06:49 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en By LINDA LOMBARDI For The Associated Press Dog agility competitions make great TV, with pooches racing around an obstacle course, jumping through hoops and dashing through tunnels. If you’ve seen it, though, your reaction probably wasn’t, “What about cats?” But that’s exactly the thought that Kim Everett-Hirsch of Portland, Ore., had before launching ... http://swkpets.com/agility-competitions-for-cats-gaining-popularity/ (ARA) - Whether city or country, bird watching is fun and you can create an environment for it in your own backyard in less time than you think. John Robinson, chief ornithologist and manager of Scotts Birding Center of Excellence, says there are three components to making your backyard an oasis ... http://swkpets.com/expert-tips-for-creating-a-backyard-habitat-for-colorful-birds/ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.  While this is an alarming statistic, most of these bites are preventable. “Human behavior is a major factor in dog bites,” explains Dr. Mark Stickney Director of General Surgery Services at the Texas ... http://swkpets.com/dog-bites/ By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON For The Associated Press When Maj. Randall Baucom received word that the Army was sending him to Iraq in 2006, he immediately began to worry about what he would do with his two mixed-breed dogs. Buster and Little Girl, a 70-pound male and a 40-pound female, were about a ... http://swkpets.com/groups-offer-pets-temporary-homes/ Today, most people own at least one pet whom they consider to be a part of the family. We are very attached to our pets, and try to provide them with the best nutrition and health care that we can possibly afford. As pet owners, we must remember that some ... http://swkpets.com/cat-scratch-fever/ By AMY LORENTZEN For The Associated Press Cynthia Frank is one of a growing number of pet owners using social networking sites to show off their animals and connect with other pet lovers. Since she and her husband separated, Frank can’t be with her dog, Scout, every day, but she can share news ... http://swkpets.com/social-networking-and-pets/ This posting may not be about dogs and cats, but I'm sure cattlemen small and large can relate to the story, and some of us not familiar with cow-calf operations may learn something. So here's the story: By KATIE STOCKSTILL The McPherson Sentinel MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — Jeff Smith has to make his rounds ... http://swkpets.com/calving-season-a-hectic-time/ ‘Be prepared’ is good advice especially if there is an emergency.  To be better prepared in a pet emergency, a pet first aid kit is beneficial. “The biggest advantage for having a pet first aid kit would be so that you can concentrate on what you can do for your pet ... http://swkpets.com/pet-first-aid/ NEW YORK (AP) — Sadie the Scottie was fully expected to reach the purple podium at America’s top dog show. She did, after two intruders turned the center ring at Westminster into their own platform. The heavily favored Scottish terrier won best in show Tuesday night and seemed to be an ... http://swkpets.com/scottie-sadie-wins-westminster/ NEW YORK (AP) — Ever since little Vivi ran away, whippets have been sentimental favorites at America’s most prestigious dog show. This year, the Madison Square Garden crowd can root for one — she’s Chanel, a sleek, 2-year-old who can sprint 35 mph and loves to chase birds and tennis balls. [caption ... http://swkpets.com/whippet-gets-fast-start-at-dog-show/