• 3 popular dog DNA test kits that yield accurate results

    Everyone is quite familiar with the concept of DNA testing which is used to find out one’s ancestry and family heritage. We have often seen how DNA tests have helped catch criminals (on-screen and off-screen) and the dramatic effects of the same. The curiosity to learn more about oneself has prompted humans to include their furry best friends as well, which is why there is a marked increase in the demand for dog DNA test kits. Unlike human DNA testing, the entire idea of dog DNA tests focuses on the desire to know the different breeds of dogs that are in literally inside your pet, especially, if it is of mixed breed. Dog DNA tests are quite useful as they check the dog for any gene-specific disease or disorder and you can seek timely treatment right away.

    As there are a wide variety of dog DNA test kits to choose from, you’ll need help figuring out the best one. So, take a look at the popular dog DNA testing kits and make the right decision.

    Embark Dog DNA Test
    The Embark Dog DNA Test Kit is extremely popular with pet owners as it yields highly accurate results and the reviews for this dog DNA test kit confirms the same. This kit tests for more than 200,000 canine genetic markers and can identify at least 160 genetic or hereditary conditions that can affect dogs. Also, it offers highly accurate identification of breed ancestry and the test results are confirmed and validated by respectable organizations. The Embark Dog DNA Test Kits are known to provide a detailed graphic representation of the dog’s karyogram or chromosome mapping and includes the vet’s report of the genetic summary of the particular breed.

    Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 2.5 Breed Identification DNA Test Kit
    The Wisdom dog DNA test kit is quite effective though it offers limited DNA profiling assessment tools. Once the tests are conducted, the results are delivered in two to three weeks and are accompanied with the certificate to authenticate the breed lineage of your canine. One of the key features of this dog DNA test kit is that it tests specifically for the MDR-1 gene. Additionally, it helps you identify your dog’s susceptibility to adverse drug reactions and offers highly accurate breed identification compared to the visual comparison.

    DNAffirm DNA Dog Breed Test
    This is a relatively simpler dog DNA test kit and doesn’t involve all the extra features the above two dog DNA test kits can offer. However, if you are looking for an affordable dog DNA test kit, then DNAffirm is the right choice for you as it doesn’t compromise on the authenticity of the reports. This dog DNA test acts as a simple breed determination kit and offers a customized breed certification that is accompanied by a vet report. The report includes the breed composition of the canine and the complete genetic background.

  • Important decisions you need to make before adopting a dog

    Getting a dog is probably one of the happiest moments of a person’s life. There are many ways by which you could get a dog, but the most animal-friendly way is adoption. However, getting a dog can be very overwhelming at times considering the fact that it could be your first pet. The first few days after bringing your dog home are very crucial and it is very important for you to develop a routine to help your pet make the transition from the shelter to your house. Here are some important decisions you need to make as a family before adopting a dog:

    It is necessary for the family that is adopting to think about who will be taking care of the dog and how much time each member of the family can devote towards the dog. The reason is that the dog once brought home cannot be left unattended. The process is quite similar to bringing up a child.

    Another major thing that the family needs to think about is the financial aspect of adopting a dog. Since the dog is being adopted, there is no money to pay at the shelter, but there are a number of things that go into taking care of the dog. The family needs to make sure that they can afford everything that the dog requires.

    A major aspect to consider while adopting the dog is the training process. Once the dog is yours, it needs to be trained to have basic manners. There have been cases where the dog adopted has not been trained and is left to do whatever it wants. The outcome of these cases turns out to be peeing in the house, biting the owners and outsiders and growling at outsiders among others.

    Something that is not spoken about often but needs attention is deciding the size and breed of the dog. Obviously, while adopting a dog these choices are not very open. If you do have any specifications, you can mention them at the shelter and the workers at the shelter will definitely try to meet your needs. The size of the dog should ideally be decided by the house it would live in as well as the environment around the house. For example, people who live in an apartment should get a smaller dog as a bigger one wouldn’t have a lot of space to move around.

    Getting a dog is a pleasurable experience, but one must take their time, consider all the basics and then decide to get one.

  • Public access test for getting a service dog certification

    A service dog must be trained to be able to perform any major life tasks for a person with disability according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since service dogs are provided access to public areas such as housing complexes, hotels, restaurants, airports, airplanes, museums etc, it is essential that they are well behaved and stable around public. In order to get a service dog certification, your dog must pass the Public Access Test. This is solely to ensure that your service dog does not pose any risk to members of the public. Dogs that display aggressive or violent behavior and are difficult to control for the handler, do not qualify as service dogs. If your service dog meets the following criteria, then it is eligible for getting a certification.

    Note that the below mentioned commands are suitable for on-leash service dogs only. Service dogs that are not on-leash are also eligible for certification as long as they display an unobtrusive behavior.

    The below commands can be given to service dogs, verbally or using hand signals, or a combination of both. Some service animal registries certify service dogs that have been trained by the handlers themselves to meet specific needs of their disabilities.

    Sits on command: Your service dog must sit as soon as you give this command. It should not take more that two commands or simple gestures for it to heed to your instruction.

    Controlled entry through a doorway: As soon as you enter a building, your service dog must not wander off unattended or do something to attract attention towards itself. It must walk beside you quietly util you are inside a building.

    Heeling through a building: Your service dog must walk not more than a foot away from you, in a calm and controlled manner without seeking public attention. It must walk in crowded areas without interacting with any members of the public.

    Restaurant: If you are seated in a restaurant, the service dog must sit under the table or sit close to you.

    Noise: Your service dog must not react in an aggressive manner to noises. A startle is only natural but that should not lead to any aggressive reaction.
    Getting out of a vehicle: The service dog must wait until it is released from a vehicle by the handler or is given a command to step out. It must not run around or ignore commands.

  • Tips to bring up a Morkie puppy

    Morkshire Terrier or Morkie, initially called as Yorktese, is a designer breed of dog which is a cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Maltese. Morkie puppies were originally bred in the United States. Being a crossbreed, its appearance varies widely. Some look like the Yorkies, having pointed ears while some have floppy ears like the Maltese. Morkie coats can be black, brown, tan or white and mainly range between 4-12 pounds in weight. Morkie puppies require a lot of attention, care, and training. Here is a list of things you need to keep in mind while bringing up a morkie puppy.

    Essential supplies
    Collar, leash, ID tags having the dog’s name and owner’s name with contact details, puppy food recommended by the vet, water bowl, food bowl, exercise pen, baby gate or dog fence for making indoor pen and puppy toys.

    Food
    Morkie puppies are susceptible to low blood sugar. To keep the puppy away from this, you should feed the puppy four to five times a day. Human food should be avoided. If the puppy is already suffering from low blood sugar, energy giving food supplements should be given with the vet’s permission.

    Grooming
    Morkie puppies need a lot of grooming attention. To prevent their long fur from being tangled and matted, they need regular brushing and trimming. Morkie puppies should be groomed once in every three to six weeks in accordance with the season. To cut down the expense of grooming trips, you may clip the fur around the eyes at home, as it’s the most sensitive area and is prone to overgrowth. The long fur in this area causes irritation in their eyes. They need a number of baths as their fur tends to build up oil frequently.

    Housebreaking and training
    Small puppies are much difficult to housebreak, though it is not impossible. A little hard work and dedication will allow the puppies to learn to housebreak. Indoor potty pads are required for this. You need to appreciate your puppy every time he/she uses it correctly. After two weeks or so, you should try moving the pad closer to the main door. This way they will gradually prefer to go outside.

    Vaccinations and healthcare
    It’s extremely important to consult a local vet, skilled with hybrid and small-breed dogs. Vaccinations should be registered properly and according to schedule. You should keep the puppy indoors for the first few weeks to be immune.

    Warning
    Never let the young puppy go outside in extreme heat or cold. They are very sensitive to temperature and may fall sick easily.

  • How to develop healthy eating habits for your dog

    Every pet needs to follow proper and healthy eating habits. It’s pertinent for dog owners to set these habits to ensure their pets remain healthy. It is also necessary to be aware of what foods are good or harmful for their digestive system. Additionally, there are certain specific food items that they need in plenty and if you fail to nourish them with ample nutrients, their health will be compromised. Below are a few useful tips to develop healthy eating habits for your dog.

    Prepare a daily routine
    As a dog owner you should make a daily routine to feed your pet and your dog should be aware of the time. You should not give snacks between two meals as it may lead to obesity. If your pet is not finishing his or her meal properly then it’s possible that you are feeding him more than is need. If your pet is feeling sick after eating then maybe there is something in the food that is not suiting him or may be he is physically unfit. You should always consult with a vet.

    Free choice feeding
    This means that you will give the pet its meal in the morning and he will decide when to have it. For this you must be very disciplined. Again remember, do not feed your pet with snacks for a second or third meal.

    Required nutrients
    A dog needs proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and plenty of water. If you have a puppy, then consult a vet about its feeding habits. A puppy needs different nutrients than a full grown canine. If you go for commercial food products then do check nutrition content before buying.

    Consult a veterinarian
    You must talk to your veterinarian about the required food for your pet as well as the food to stay away from. Chocolate has to be avoided. Different breeds need to avoid different types of food items. Many large breeds have a very sensitive stomach and digestive system. So you should be very careful.

    Restricted diet to avoid obesity
    Bad eating habits may lead to obesity, causing problems in your dog’s cardiovascular system. To avoid this you must restrict the pet’s diet or change some of its habits. You may have to keep the dog out of the room at your dinner time, for instance.

    For older dogs
    Older dogs require different kind of nutrients than younger ones. Consult with a vet and feed your old friend with the necessary ingredients.

  • Facts you didn’t know about Morkie puppies

    Morkie, the designer crossbreed between Yorkie and Maltese is definitely an adorable one. It does not require a long yard to play; it gets easily along with the adults as well as kids and can fit itself into any kind of household. However, this does not mean that every family can handle a Morkie. Following are some facts about the Morkies that one should remember before bringing a puppy home.

    Morkie puppies may look innocent, but they are extremely stubborn, making it difficult to dominate them. They prefer to do things their own way. It may be difficult at times to make them listen to you do not have a very dominating nature.

    These cute little puppies can live for 10-13 years. Getting a morbid puppy is a long time commitment. Getting a puppy home and abandoning it is not a good option.

    Morkies are a very tiny breed and may weigh anywhere from four to 12 pounds. You may end up having a puppy-like dog. While some don’t grow bigger at all, some do if they are fed a healthy and balanced diet.

    Morkies are very tiny and innocent animals. They can easily get hurt by kids or by other animals. When they are not willing to play, children can accidentally hurt them by playing with them forcibly or harshly. Hence, you should keep an eye on them while kids are around.

    If you are looking for an active dog then surely Morkies are not the apt ones. They can never be persuaded into long walks. They moment it gets too much for them, they will turn towards the house. A short walk of around five minutes is perfect for them.

    The appearance of these little Morkie pups may be quite deceiving. You will be surprised how fast they get hungry. They will jump at the chance of eating anything and will always appreciate you for feeding them frequently. However, you need to be aware that over-feeding may lead to obesity.

    These cute little ones are animal-friendly. They can be friends with both cats and dogs. Hence one need not worry about the other animals at home. Morkies will fit perfectly well.

    If you don’t like noise at all then surely Morkie is not a good choice. Like most other puppies, they bark a lot at almost everything.

    Morkies are quite fragile and you need to be very careful while handling them. A regular visit to the vet is highly recommended.

  • Shih Tzu puppies sale in the US

    Shih Tzu puppies are known by varied names including “Chrysanthemum Dog” because of the resemblance of its face with a flower. The coat of the Shih Tzu is similar to that of human hair and is long. Shih Tzu is a lovable, dignified, and sociable dog. If you are looking for Shih Tzu puppies sale, here are some of their best breeders in the US.

    Shih Tzu Garden
    The Shih Tzu Garden is a breeding farm in Central Coast of California. They are located between Montreal and San Francisco. The puppies are registered with AKC. They offer a health guarantee of 2 years along with a lifetime support. They also perform a genetic test on their dogs, and when you bring them home, you will be given all the test results. The only aim of Shih Tzu Garden is to produce better quality puppies.

    Puppies in a Box
    The Puppies in a Box will provide you only AKC-bred puppies. They are breeding for over 20 years and have earned a good name. They are present in Iowa. The dogs bred by them have beautiful coat and faces. They maintain high quality, and you will also get solid and rare colors.

    High Point Shih Tzu
    High Point Shih Tzu is in New Jersey and all the puppies are registered with AKC. You will find that the puppies are very friendly and are raised in a home. Cleanliness is maintained and they are well taken care of by a family itself. You can even see the puppies in person once they have been vaccinated, that is, after 6 weeks. Until then, you can see them via images sent through emails.

    Sonshine Shih Tzu
    Sonshine Shih Tzu has a reputation for over 42 years and is run by a Shih Tzu specialist. It is also known by the name of Anne’s Puppies after the owner’s mother who started it. The club has set standards and is considered one of the best registered breeders of Shih Tzu puppies. You will receive a puppy after it is 78 weeks old and has undergone all vaccinations and health checkups.

    Twa-NasPe-kae Shih Tzu
    While you are looking for Shih Tzu puppies sale,check out this breeder from Ohio, which provides purebred, and AKC registered Shih Tzu puppies. The puppies have an excellent pedigree and the champions’ sired ones are preferred by many. The puppies are cheerful, happy, and bred with care.

    Patchwork Pups
    The Patchwork Pups come from Pennsylvania. They are a home breeder and breed excellent and healthy Shih Tzu puppies. The puppies that you will get from them will be vaccinated, vet-checked, and even de-wormed. The pedigree lines of their puppies are very good and unique. If you choose them, you will get pictures of your puppy regularly until it is ready to go with you. They are very communicative and you can contact them at any time.

  • 4 reasons why it benefits to get your dog a DNA test

    Pet owners may often wonder what it would be like to get a dog DNA test. Well, now it is possible!

    There are a plethora of companies that specialize in developing DNA test kits for owners who are curious and wish to know more about the background of their dog. This opportunity often entices owner’s as they can get to know about their dog’s breed and even the potential health issues that their pet may be at risk of.

    All dog DNA tests aren’t always created equal. Depending on the company’s database of breeds, there is a higher chance for accuracy in the test. Wondering if you should get the DNA test kit for your dog? Well, here some reasons that make the dog DNA a great piece of information.

    Curiosity
    Dog owners are usually very curious about the breed of their dog. Also, “what is the breed of your dog?” is commonly a question asked at the dog park. Well, mixed breed dog owners may often find it difficult to answer this question. A dog DNA test is a great way to understand the breed of your dog and put your curiosity to rest.

    Keep health issues at bay
    There are potential health issues related to certain breeds of dogs. As mentioned above, the dominant breed gene can be established and the results of the same can be discussed with your dog’s veterinarian. Becoming aware of the potential health risk well in advance and keeping the veterinarian aware of the same can aid in averting issues in the long run.

    Prepare for training
    A DNA test can help understand the personality traits of your pet. Understanding how big your dog will get and the unique habits associated with the breed is great for when training and socializing the dog. A retriever mix will require a set of training methods that are different from that of a terrier breed dog.

    Diet
    The test results can also be used to derive the best kind of foods for specific dog breeds. A dog breed that is susceptible to certain diseases, such as arthritis, can be fed a diet that protects it against the progression of the same.

    A dog DNA test can be taken at home using kits that are available online as well as in pet supply stores. The popular offerings on the market include the Embark Dog DNA Test, Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test, HomeDNA Orivet Dog DNA Test, Find My Pet Dog DNA Test, and more.

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  • 3 Reasons Why Prepaid Cell Phones are the Right Choice

    Cell phones are important to us as we use them for personal and professional purposes. We use them for communication, entertainment, work, social networking, and so on. Overall, cell phones are a basic necessity for performing day-to-day tasks.

    The demand for cell phones is ever increasing and we can witness it by the number of mobile phone companies and their carriers that exist in the market today.

    From premium phones to assembled Android phones, there is so much diversity. The carriers have also tied up with phone companies. With all these collaborations, contracts on cell phones have come into the picture. Let us decipher why it is a pain, and how prepaid cell phones are much better.

    You are not bound by any terms and conditions

    If you do not use a prepaid cell phone, you may have to go by the plan offered by the company. Or you might have to sign a contract. When you are under a contract or if you are tied in, it means that you can’t change or upgrade to a better or different phone.

    That is probably the most immobile aspect among mobiles these days. Does it not sound scary to you? It certainly does for many. Under various circumstances, you may lose your phone to your carrier or phone company, if you do not pay the dues every month. This is where prepaid cell phones take over.

    You get to keep your phone with you forever, from the time you buy it. You can also switch providers whenever you want. You will have the flexibility to do anything you wish. It could be anything like discarding your phone for a new one or getting a better plan.

    You may find it expensive to buy a whole new phone at the beginning, but the pain is worth it. You can check many offers that are available on prepaid cell phones and choose what suits you best.

    Customization and flexibility

    We do not deny that there are some good contracts out there, but if you do not like some aspects of it then you cannot change it. For example, a user may not want unlimited calls or unlimited data. They could be content with the limited prospects. When you are on a prepaid plan, this becomes easier.

    You can choose unlimited calls, unlimited data, or unlimited texting based on what you require. The customization element in prepaid cell phones is unlimited. You can buy a new sim if you feel a different provider is offering better services.

    All your favorite phones are available on a prepaid basis

    It may cross your mind that the number of phones available for you in the prepaid section is less. However, we can assure you that it is not the case. Actually, any phone that is available on a contract basis is also available on a prepaid basis.

    You will be surprised to know that iPhone X is also available on a prepaid basis. Other popular brands like Samsung also has the Galaxy 8 up for grabs in the prepaid division. So, you have a large variety of high-quality and reliable prepaid cell phones to choose from.

    The above facts will point out that prepaid cell phones are better compared to contractual phones. You are the owner of the device from day one, and you will have the complete flexibility. This will give you peace of mind and a relief from any terms and conditions

    You can check out the sales available online and in your local stores. We are sure that you will find your favorite phone in the prepaid section.

  • 5 toxic smells that trigger migraine

    Various odors and fragrances surround us, but not everyone is tolerant of them. Especially for people with migraine, different strong smells can act as a trigger because of smell sensitivity. Inhalation of these strong odors can lead to dizziness, headaches and other health issues. One can also look for ways to prevent a migraine attack due to such odors. Here are some odors that can be toxic to people with migraine:

    Car exhaust
    Car exhausts are among the leading cause of environmental pollution. The gas leak from car exhausts is therefore understandably harmful. The leak has a very strong odor and can be the reason for high CO or carbon monoxide gas buildup over time. These fumes often cause nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness.

    Cleaning supplies
    Cleaning supplies often contain Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. These emit gases that may or may not have a strong smell. Exposure to these gases can cause headaches and respiratory issues. They are considered toxic and are often the reason for migraines. Additionally, VOCs can also turn out to be carcinogenic for some people. Therefore, it is essential to use VOC-free cleaning products.

    Oil-based paints
    Oil-based paints also contain VOCs. These solvents get released into the environment once the paint is applied on any surface. These VOCs find their way into the body on inhalation, leading to dizziness and migraine. Alternatively, opting for odor-free or water-based paints is also a suitable option.

    Gasoline
    Gasoline emits potent vapors that hold the ability to dilate blood vessels. The unnecessary change in the state of blood vessels combined with the strong odors can lead to debilitating migraines and a heavy head. Gasoline generally contains more than 100 chemicals that make it toxic for anyone inhaling it. Using nose plugs is a safe way forward for people who work at places near gasoline or petroleum tanks.

    Scented products
    Most people that are prone to migraines are also sensitive to scents or fragrances added in skincare, haircare, cosmetics, or even household goods. The potent fragrance present in them might be responsible for the inflammation or swelling up of blood vessels. Flower bouquets and scented candles can also act as a trigger.

    Migraines can disrupt the daily routine and can be difficult to manage at times. Therefore, apart from avoiding triggers and leading the right lifestyle, there are medications that can help manage its symptoms and intensity. The new episodic migraine medication Ubrelvy® is a fast-acting option that is available with a doctor’s prescription. Unlike most migraine medications, this pill also helps at later stages of a migraine attack. Additionally, Ubrelvy® is a non-opioid and non-narcotic pain relief medication that can also help with chronic pain.

    Along with making changes to eating habits, incorporating medications like Nurtec® rimegepant as migraine-relieving options can also prove effective. It is known to be helpful in both preventing and stopping migraine attacks. These are available in dissolvable tablets, and their results are visible within 60 minutes of taking them. You can have Nurtec® ODT on alternate days as a preventive measure against migraine. Various online pharmacies offer nurtec rimegepant Rx coupons that help bring down the cost of this medication and make it more affordable for patients.

    Aimovig® is also known to help reduce the symptoms of migraine. 

    Aimovig® (erenumab) is a prescription treatment used for preventing migraine attacks in adults. Migraine can be caused by calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP). CGRP is a type of protein that causes the blood vessels to dilate and triggers inflammation, leading to migraines. Aimovig® is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the activation of this specific protein. Patients should take this antibiotic as directed by their healthcare provider. It is typically injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once every month. 

  • What do best CRM software Programs Offer

    The relationship a business is having with their customers decides the success or failure of that business. There is nothing more important than customer relationship management (CRM) in the business world. In fact, it can be described as most critical functions of modern day business. If your company does not have a properly structured sales process, you may have to deal with serious losses.

    It is mainly because of the fact that your business becomes incompetent to make use of the leads generated by the sales team. That is why several businesses have started implementing CRM software to make the relationship with the customers smooth and healthy.

    Choose a software solution that meets your business needs

    You should bear in mind the fact that all customer relationship management software programs are not made equal. Some of the CRM software products go well with the needs of small and medium sized businesses while some others are exclusively designed for the requirements of large corporations. If you are running a small company, there is no point is using a software solution designed for large corporations.

    It leads to wasting a lot of your hard earned money when it comes to price of the software and implementation expenses. Highly advanced CRM software solutions need a lot of tasks to be performed and all these things do not go well with requirements of a small business. It is absolutely necessary to select a suitable software program that goes well with the unique needs of a business.

    The scope of web based CRM solutions

    For small to medium sized businesses, web based software is the best option available. These types of products offer excellent flexibility and you can also expect to purchase them at affordable prices. Moreover, you can customize them according to your own exclusive needs. When you make such a purchase, you will easily get maximum benefits out of your investment. It does not matter how exclusive your requirements are, the web based CRM is the best option available and you can expect better affordability compared to on-site CRM.

    Benefits of Web based CRM solutions

    When you buy an on-site CRM, you need to invest in a dedicated server. When it comes to web based CRM, you do not necessarily invest in a dedicated server. It offers the flexibility to log on to the software program with the help of your internet connection. Accessing all information becomes a reality and you also have the freedom for setting different access levels. This approach makes sure that your employees get access to only highly relevant information. If you buy a high quality CRM software program for your business, you can stay connected with your business at all time. You can maintain a connection even when you are holidaying or travelling. These types of products offer 24/7 connectivity for the users and everything can be managed with the click of a mouse.

    The popularity of web based solutions has been increasing at a rapid pace and several companies, who earlier specialized in on-site solutions, are focusing on creating customized web based CRM solutions as well. You need to be prepared for conducting some research before choosing a CRM software. There are vendors who offer free demo and they also provide money back guarantee and testing these products before making a purchase is a good method of approach. You have to check the prices of different products available in the market and it is necessary to read software reviews online to arrive at the best decision. If you can manage to identify a reliable product, you can maintain healthy relationship with the customers to take your business profits into a different level.