Pet Ferret: How Do You Decide?

There are a some serious questions that you should ask yourself before choosing or deciding on getting a pet ferret.

�Do you have the time to care for your pet ferret?
�Do you have enough space to keep a ferret?
�Have you educated yourself about these furry little creatures?

If your answer to all of these questions is a �Yes� then your ready to start the journey of a lifetime.

Ferrets are highly active and mischievous animals who will keep you entertained with their antics. They are extremely intelligent and hence litter training your pet ferret is not difficult at all. However, since they are extremely active you will need to make sure to get rid of items that are dangerous for them. Once left loose outside their cages they will run all around your home and enjoy every moment of their freedom. You will find them scampering around to investigate items that are lying around and trust me, they think everything is theirs.

Your pet ferret requires a cage that is big with enough space for their bedding, food, water and also some space for play. Choosing a cage for your ferret also requires you to check on certain details before you invest in one. For example, you will need a cage with bars that are no wider than 1 inch. This will ensure that your pet does not try to escape through the bars and/or get their head stuck while trying to get out. A specialized ferret cage is an ideal investment that takes care of minute details like flooring, bar spacing and even the area inside the cage.

Your pet ferret will also need a lot of attention like bathing, grooming, feeding, brushing their teeth and other ferret care requirements that will ensure their well-being and good health. Pet ferrets are very active in nature and love to play around. Give them a toy and they will spend hours and hours playing with it. There is an old saying about ferrets that I have found to be absolutely true, �A Ferret Can Never Have Too Many Toys!� However, a pet ferret prefers playing with you. This not only keeps them busy and entertained but you can also enjoy yourself in this daily-required activity. Yes, I said daily. Ferrets require a lot of your time, everyday.

Ferrets are generally nosey little animals and they love inspecting every corner of your house. If you think that you have put everything away, you haven�t. It is just a matter of time before your pet ferret finds it. Everyday is a huge adventure and they love every bit of it. Their curiosity will normally lead them in some trouble, which could be a misadventure for you. It is therefore important to keep things out of their reach and hidden in a safe place.

When your pet ferret is out of his/her cage, ensure that you are with them. Leaving your ferret unsupervised is not a good idea, for a simple fact that these nosey animals could swallow things or get themselves into trouble. Also make sure that you do not keep plants around their play area as they may be toxic for your little friend.

If you want to keep a pet ferret, make sure you learn everything you possibly can about them. I have written an ebook myself about them and you will find other educational books on ferrets in pet stores and even online. Choose one that will give you the guidance you need before investing financially as well as emotionally into one of these lovely little friends. Best of luck.

Have Dog Fun on the Weekend

Want to have a real blast this weekend? Get your grass mowed, do a minor garage cleaning, tell your group you will golf another day, then pack up the family and dog. Get over to a dog agility course. It is not only great exercise for your dog, but also for you. An agility course is truly a Dog Amusement Park.

We have a real bonus here in town. Just a few miles from Pet Keepers Mount Pleasant SC Boarding Kennel there is a county park that has a fenced in agility course. The name of the park is Palmetto Islands County Park and the address is 444 Needlerush Parkway, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. You can google directions, or you can just get on Long Point Road, enter the Long Point subdivision and keep driving to the end of the road.

There you will find the park entrance gate. Pass over a few bucks, stay to the right, and drive right up to the "dog amusement park". Do not worry about parking. The course is surrounded by acres of grass. Distractions are few since the agility course is at the boundary of the county park, away from other attractions, and not on the major route through the park. The four-foot chain link fence surrounding the course lets you take off the lead and romp without worry. Cost? Completely free other than the few dollars you already paid to get through the entrance gate.

For those not so fortunate to live near an agility course, lobby for your county park to build one. The only substantial cost to the county would be about 300 feet of chain link fencing and some inexpensive obstacles. All of these obstacles are easily built by anyone somewhat handy with a saw, hammer and PVC piping. You could make the tunnel by cutting off the ends off fifty-five gallon barrels and joining them.

This course is not exactly what you see on TV for the competitions. It is scaled down somewhat and has a smaller perimeter, but still a terrific short course. There is no standard sequence of obstacles for real competitions because the judge sets it up how he wants each time. Competition dog agility is where a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs run off-leash with no food or toys as incentives. The handler cannot touch the dog or obstacles. You will not be this rigorous because you will be having family fun!

Obstacles at our neighborhood agility course include:

- A teeter board
- Tunnel
- Standard adjustable jumps
- Tire jump
- Weave poles
- Pause table
- Dog walk
- A-frame

Once you get good and worn out, cool down with a leisurely stroll with your around the park. There are walkways all over including some over marsh, a look out tower, slides and a playground. Talk about some great scents for your hound to investigate! This author has even taken the family Christmas photo at this site and always travels with a picnic lunch, including dog lunch. You can leave Splash Island for another day in the summer.

Avoiding Animal Attacks:

Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, or jogging, or frequently venture outdoors for any other reason, you are exposing yourself to a range of attacks from both domesticated and wild animals. Animal attacks don't just happen in the wilderness; dogs and other animals can attack you on jogging trails or in other suburban or urban locations. In fact, with cities encroaching more and more into formerly wild areas, wild animal attacks will continue to increase in frequency.

If you're worried about attacks from wild or domesticated animals, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. If you are venturing into their territory, do not do anything to attract or provoke wild animals. Avoid carrying food with you or store it securely. If you spot a wild animal, do not approach it to try to pet it, take photographs; scare it away from your belongings, or any other reason. The wildlife you encounter should be left undisturbed.

When entering an area where animals, either wild or domestic, may try to attack you, carry a device to keep them away. You have three main choices other than running when confronted with an attacking animal. Your first choice is to carry a stun gun. Although this is very effective on human assailants, it's not as effective on animals, because it is designed for use against a human and will have completely unpredictable results; it may even kill wild animals or dogs, even though stun guns are considered nonlethal weapons.

Another choice for keeping animals from attacking is an ultrasonic dog repeller, which emits a high-frequency sound that is very irritating for dogs. However, these are only effective against dogs and similar animals, and are purposely designed to be completely ineffective against humans, making them a less versatile self-defense device.

The best strategy for defending yourself against an animal attack of any kind is pepper spray. Either those designed for use against human attackers or those specifically meant for dog or bear attacks will be effective against wild animals and pets that are attacking you or have come after your pets. One benefit of carrying pepper spray as your self-defense device of choice is that it can be used against any human or animal attacker.

This multi-purpose self-defense weapon is small enough to carry in your pocket, and some pepper spray canisters can even be used as a keychain, making them easy to carry with you when you're jogging or going for a walk. Pepper spray is non-lethal, even when used against small animals, unlike many other types of self-defense products. Another benefit is that it works from a distance, which will keep you from having to get too close to an enraged animal.

Even if you're just walking your dog around your neighborhood, you never know what could happen. If you are going into wild animals' territory, your risks increase. With pets or wild animals, your best course of action is to avoid confrontation, if possible. If an animal begins attacking, pepper spray devices are simple products well worth carrying with you to ensure your safety against attacking humans or animals.

Facts on Dog Beds

A normal grown-up dog will sleep between 14 to 16 hours each day. If you have to sleep that much during the day, you will probably have to do it while feeling comfortable. This article will give you all the information you will need on dog beds.

If your dog has a washable dog bed, he can have his own space in which he is safe and protected. A dog bed will not only help to save your furniture, but will also assist you in getting your bed back. A lot of adult or dogs that struggle with arthritis will need a comfy and firm surface underneath them.
The size and kind of bed you will need to get for your dog will depend on how your dog likes to sleep.

To start with you should take note on whether your dog likes to sleep in a curled up position or whether they like to stretch them out. If your dog likes to sleep in a curled up position, they will almost certainly like a bed that is in a round shape. A bolster bed will probably suit their needs as it has a cushion that is almost three sides of the bed. This will offer your dog a very comfortable environment to sleep in. This bed will also make them feel more secure.

If your dog has a preference to sleep in a stretched out position, you should probably get them a rectangular type bed or pad. These dog beds are usually large, and come in a lot of styles such as thin foam pads and mattresses that is up to seven inches thick.

Should your dog sleep in both positions, you can go with either a rectangular or oval mattress style. They will sleep comfortably in both ways. You should also pay some attention to the age and physical condition of your dog. If your dog has arthritis, you will want to get them the best bed possible. Beds that have firm and supportive mattresses will be more suitable for these dogs. You will find that there are a lot of beds that offer orthopedic support available. It is not just about a comfy bed to sleep on, but also on how easy your dog can get off and on the bed.

Dog beds are available in most colors, so you will find one that will match your decor. You can make your selection from a lot of materials, styles and colors. Dog beds can also look like human beds if requested. You can also have the bed of your dog personalized.

Most dog owners would want a dog bed that is tough, but also easy to easy to clean. Removable and washable bed covers is an absolute must for easy of cleaning. If your dog likes to chew you should also go for a dog bed that can endure this.
There is a lot of benefit involved in giving your dog a bed that they can call their own. Your dog will definitely have a good rest on their much prized bed.

How to Build a Pet Bird Aviary

A bird aviary is an enclosure or unit that is used to house birds. It is mostly constructed and kept outdoors. Constructing a bird aviary is fairly easy but there some certain factors to consider when deciding the location or place to put the bird aviary.

A bird aviary has to be constructed in a way the keeps the birds protected from snow, sunlight, thunderstorms or rain, intruders should not access the aviary easily, it should be away from noisy roads and avoid placing it under a tree because certain unwanted things may fall into it. The size of the aviary should be constructed in a way that it can accommodate an extra number of birds in the future when need arises.

The size of the aviary will depend on size of birds. It should have equal panels and a gate should be included to make its easier for the birds to enter. The aviary should be big enough to have a view of the surrounding area; the recommended size of the panels should be a two by four of equal size, these panels should be fastened together with galvanized nails.

Perches should be placed inside the aviary where the birds can roost on at night usually they are made of wood and can be got from any bird shop. The perches should be many to provide a place where the birds can make a nest. The roof should be constructed with materials that will keep the inside of the aviary dry and the feeder should be placed in a way that it does not interfere with the birds while flying around the aviary.

The floor of the aviary should be easy to clean, ceramic tiles or concrete can be used for the flooring. Sand or wood shavings can be put on the ceramic or concrete tile to create comfort and warmth. A wire mesh should be used on each panel to avoid your birds from flying away usually a double wire mesh should be sufficient. It is important to note that when building the aviary with wood, take into consideration the type of wood you are going to use, there are some trees that are poisonous to some different type of birds. Building an aviary does not require expertise and information on the steps to take and the materials one can use to build one can be easily accessed from the internet.

Why Buy Cat Insurance?

You probably have some kind of health insurance plan for your family so why not have a health insurance plan for your cat. That is essentially what cat insurance is.

Cats develop health problems just like humans do. If you have an older cat or one that was very expensive to buy, or one that is of a breed that is known to have certain medical problems then cat insurance becomes even more important.

Based on your own budget and needs you can purchase exactly what range of coverage you are going to need.

You purchase cat insurance to protect you in the event of a financial loss not to make a profit. The most basic and affordable type of pet insurance coverage is for accidents. Your cat insurance policy should be as comprehensive as possible and cover as many risks as you can afford.

Unfortunately many cat owners will overlook obtaining cat insurance until it is too late. Compared to car or home insurance - premiums and deductibles for cats are quite low - typically in the $10 to $40 per month range depending on the coverage obtained.

Check out your local veterinarians to see if they have some kind of a wellness program which is more of a discount on routine treatment than true insurance.In an effort to get you to come in for all routine preventative procedures, and to use the same veterinarian, a vets office may offer a 6 or 12-month wellness program, which in effect is a percentage discount for the vaccines and routine check-ups you would have for your pet, anyway.

Like any other insurance policy you buy do not forget to analyze the pros and cons of the cat insurance policy you are interested in. Coverage such as death of a cat and the costs of replacement, stolen or lost and costs associated with a hospital stay and third party liability can also be included in the policy.

Caring for your cat becomes easier with cat insurance policy. The cats age is important while applying for the cat insurance policy. A proper pet insurance policy ensures that all the worries of a perfect care are provided under any circumstance irrespective of your financial condition.

The best type of policy is a policy which will cover a medical condition for life, not just for one year. If you want to avoid major expense, cat insurance should be taken out when you first acquire your pet, rather than wait until a problem occurs, as it will be too late to take out a policy to cover that particular problem.

There are often exclusions for older pets, or for pre-existing conditions, as well as conditions that are hereditary or breed-related problems.

If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they are not treated.

Although some health problems can not be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. A good diet means less health problems, less trips to the vet and lower veterinary bills.

Cat insurance is an essential part of reducing some of the high cost of veterinary bills. It has been estimated that almost 50% of cats owned by pet lovers require costly medical treatment, and therefore, getting a good policy for cat insurance is a must for you, if you own a cat. The right cat insurance is easy to obtain, provided that you do some preliminary research of the insurance market, to see what options you have available in your area or in your country.

The Most Popular Miniature Dogs

Many people all over the world own dogs for different reasons. They are considered as mans best friend. There are so many breeds of dogs with different characteristics and abilities.

Miniature dogs are the most popular nowadays among the types of dogs because they are easier to take care. Miniature dogs or sometimes called toy dogs are basically smaller types of dogs than the regular ones.

Many miniature dog owners feel the greater advantages of owning small dogs. For starters, smaller dogs do not consume as much food as compared to bigger dogs. Toy dogs also do not require too much space in their house or backyard. These dogs can easily adapt to owners who live in small apartments as they do not require too much exercise.

Though these dogs are small in size, they have strong and distinct personality. They are also ideal pets for younger children and a good playmate.

If you are interested in owning a miniature dog as your pet, it is important for you to understand that these dogs have special characteristics and needs. For example, the elderly would be more inclined to gentle and affectionate dogs for companion. Some would prefer the kind they could bring with them when hunting. Your lifestyle and personality should be considered when choosing what breed to get. You should also consider your financial capability in terms of providing the necessary food and grooming also.

Many breed of miniature dogs have an excellent intelligence just like the Shetland Sheepdogs. Some are good for dog shows while others are ideal as watchdogs.

Here are some of the most favorite miniature dogs of many pet lovers.

Miniature Poodle
Miniature poodles are considered one of the most popular breed in the world. Poodles are very friendly, obedient and intelligent. This type of dog excels in the field of obedience competitions. They are the most common types used for dog shows. They live longer compared to other types of dogs. Poodles need a lot of grooming and regular bath to maintain its hair.

This breed of dog is originally hairy retriever that has been used to protect flock of sheep. The word poodle was derived from a German word puddle. The miniature poodle that we have known today has originated from the standard poodle from Germany.

Shih Tzu
This breed of miniature dog is fun, loving and intelligent. This toy dog would love to be cuddled and adored. This type of dog likes to be groomed daily and walked on regular places. They are also considered as good guard dogs.

If you decide to own a shih tzu, it is important to groom it daily, otherwise its hair would develop tangles. The coat should also be trimmed in order not to hinder with its daily activities. Its furry body is also prone to nits and ticks so make sure it is bathed and shampooed regularly.

The breed of the Shih Tzu is the result of crossed breeding of Pekingese and Lhasa Apso by the Chinese people. During the time of Empress Tzu-his, the exportation of these breed of dogs is not allowed. It was until the death of the Empress that Shih Tzu dogs were smuggled and reached Europe.

Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is another breed of miniature dog. They are basically easy to maintain compared to other types of miniature dogs. It is the smallest dog breed in the whole world.

Its name was taken from a state in Mexico. These dogs are considered sacred for the Incas.

Whatever breed of miniature dogs you chose as your pet, it is important to know enough information with regards to the characteristics, maintenance needs and abilities before deciding on owning one as your pet.

Dog Fashion: Clothes, Sweaters, and Boots

If you take your dog boating then a dog life jacket can keep your dog floating and visible if he jumps overboard or to let him swim. Dog life jackets are adjustable and they come in various fashion designs.

Perhaps, you take your dog hunting, so a reflective dog vest would be useful. Some reflective vests are made to also protect your dog's stomach and chest from cuts or scratches and any other irritation to his skin while hunting. Jackets that protect your canine friend from the weather such as cold, snow, rain, and chilly wind are great to have when you want to take your dog outside in bad weather.

Rain jackets that have breathable fiber come in sizes for small, medium, large, and extra large dogs. Raincoats for dogs that are made with PVC material to repel water come in sizes from extra small to extra large. Pet boots are available with fleece lining and they have nonskid soles. They are useful in snowy or rainy weather.

When you get ready for bed, you put on your pajamas and you can dress your dog in pajamas too. Pet pajamas come in mixed materials like cotton with polyester. They have collars and four legs. They are made in various print styles. Thermal pajamas for dogs are also on the market. They come in different solid colors and will keep your doggie warm. Particularly good for small dog breeds that tend to get cold easily, but they come in sizes for small, medium, and large dogs.

Dog sweaters for small dogs are made of Dublin, knit, yarn, fleece, and some are hoodies. Some dog sweaters are designed for the holidays. Dog coats come quilted, reversible, in corduroy, in denim, and as parkas. For the fashionable small female dog you can get dresses that are gingham, corduroy, satin, and other fabrics. They come with ruffles, and as sundresses. Dog dresses are also available for big dogs.

You can also purchase visors, hats, and bikinis for dogs. Sports clothes for dogs such as jerseys are popular. There are supplies of dog jerseys for the MLB, NFL, and NCAA. You can also get NASCAR dog jerseys.

Dog tees come in many designs and with slogans. Dog pants and skirts are in fashion. Doggie, scrunches, ties, formal wear, chokers, neck warmers, and scarves are part of the total dog apparel available today.

Whether you want to clothe your dog for hunting, boating or bad weather there are plenty of choices. If you want to dress your dog up in holiday apparel it is out there. Getting your pooch ready for bed is no problem either because you can get doggie pajamas and thermals. If you are into sports dress your dog in a doggie sports jersey and if you want upscale fashion for your pet, you can find the clothes to match your taste.

Really, it is amazing that there are so many kinds of dog apparel out there in different price brackets.

The Right Dog Toys For Your Dog

Dogs like toys and they will make a toy, if you don't give them one. They will chew sticks in the yard or furniture in the house. Your canine friend will race away with your slippers, shoes or a pillow. You can come home to find pillow stuffing scattered around the house. Dog toys keep your dog from being bored when he is home alone and from chewing up your things.

The safety of the toys you give your dog is important and keeping items out of his reach that he could hurt himself with is important too. Strings, ribbons, and children's toys with detachable eyes or parts are examples of items your dog might choke on. Throw away any dog toys that break so he doesn't swallow the pieces.

Rubber bones for puppies and dogs are good choices. Some of these are mint flavored and buoyant. There are sizes good for pups, little dogs, and big dogs. Squeaky rubber toys for puppies are something some puppies really enjoy. Puppy chew toys shaped like fish that come in different sizes are available and teething rings with keys are good for teething pups that definitely chew a lot.

Small dogs need and enjoy toys too. Smaller balls and plush toys are made for small dogs. The plush toys come in various animals like sheep, frogs, ducks, and bears. Be sure that the plush/stuffed toys aren't filled with Styrofoam beads as your dog may swallow or inhale the beads and be harmed. Bouncy, chewy rubber toys for small dogs come in different shapes like chickens, tennis balls, footballs, bones, and turkey legs.

You can give your dog some holiday fun with squeaky chew toys that look like Santa, snowmen, and Christmas trees. Toys with treats in them are popular with dogs. Some of these are rolling cubes and as your dogs plays with it the food comes out. Floatable toys are a favorite of any dog that likes to swim.

Interactive toys for dogs have gained in popularity. They keep your dog interested and entertained for longer periods; puzzles are one kind of interactive dog toy. These toys are a challenge for your dog. Some interactive dog toys let you play with your dog with his toy. Another kind is the motion activated dog toy that use electronics to entertain your dog. These are good when your dog will be at the house by himself.

Some of the interactive toys are plush and some have squeakers or flashing lights. Others float and some have treats in them. Some are balls that have treats in them and you can record a message for your dog. There are toys with removable parts, glowing bones, and motion activated toys. There are even tug toys that are made of fire hose material and they can be used as a fetch toy.

There is a wide assortment of toys for dogs and they are made for puppies, small dogs, and large dogs.

How to Make Cat Grooming Easier

Regularly grooming your pet cat help lessen hair ball problems and will make the fur of your cat look more healthy and shinny. Usually, cats love to be groomed but not all cats enjoy it. This article aims to help pet owners to make cat grooming easier. However hesitant your cat maybe to grooming you can still find ways to make it enjoy grooming. One way is to take advantage of upir cat's natural enjoyment of human contact. Even if you have a very aloof cat it also enjoys petting. Read the following pointers that you should remember in order to make grooming session with your cat will be stress free and enjoyable.

Reasons why your cat doesn't want to be groomed:
• Your cat has sensitive part of her body
• Dominant personality

First of all, you need to understand why your pet cat dont want to be groomed. Just like you, pets also has their sensitive parts and this is one of the reasons why your pet dont want to be touched or groomed. Another reason is injury. If your pet has injury or in pain it will most likely run away from you when you try to groom it. That's why it is advisable to check your pet's body to know which part of his body is sensitive or if your pet has any kind of injury. Once you know those areas then you can avoid it when you try to groom your pet but just make sure that you stop whenever your cat is starting to feel irritated. Thinking of other ways how to groom your cat like what I already mentioned can help your cat think that grooming is also pleasurable for him.

A cat that havent experienced that much grooming before is another tough case to break. You should slowly work your cat to get it used to grooming or even petting or giving it rewards after grooming can be very effective. Cats with dominant personally can also be reluctant to grooming. This kind of cat will usually refuse when someone is petting them or touching their head and other parts of their body which makes it hard to groom.

Understanding why your pet doesnt want to be touched or groomed can help you come up with ways on grooming your pet easier. Figure out what irritates your pet and from there try to come up with ways to make your pet love grooming. You should aslo take note how long your pet usually takes before it get upset or irritated when you are grooming it so that you will know when to stop. When your pet is starting to get tense or irritated you should stop grooming it this way you can avoid making your pet hate grooming activity.

Here are additional tips that you can try when grooming your cat.
• Groom your pet before feeding that way you can use the food to your advantage by making it as a reward to your pet for behaving well.
• Let your pet play with your grooming tools so that he can be at ease with those tools once you are using it unto him.
• Alternately comb your pets hair using your hand and grooming tool so your pet can feel more relaxed.
• Cats are more likely to be more relax during afternoon which also makes it the perfect time for grooming sessions.
• Use the right tools for the right job. Specialized grooming tools available in the market for your pets.

When you follow these tips and advices, you can be sure that you will have peaceful, enjoyable and stress free grooming session with your pet.

Pets, Mans Best Friend

Pets. They clearly represent everything that we look for in a partner.

Affection, constant attention, and a pair of ears that listen and never quite talk back. These characteristics are just a few that allow us to bond with our furry friends. While they may never be our lifetime partner or husband material, they are our best friends. Without them, chances are we would be lost and unable to tell our secrets to the world.

When our pets become ill, the last thing we want to do is watch them suffer. We know that they are struggling to tell us what’s wrong, yet it is often difficult to figure out what the problem is. With exuberant medical fees and medicines that cost more than your car payments alone, dealing with their issue can also be frightening. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to take care of your pet, without taking out a loan. Herbal remedies are wonderful resources for pets who struggle with joint pain, stomach aches, or allergies. Below are just a few remedies that may alleviate some of the ailments.Surprisingly, a simple herb such as rosemary can easily help with pain relief. Since it is an anti-inflammatory, it will help with joint pains and muscle tension. If you do give this to your pet, it will allow them to live more comfortably. As a result, you will not have to pay thousands of dollars for a medical pill that may not even work. Other anti-inflammatory herbs include Aloe Vera, which is also a popular remedy when humans find themselves dealing with pain. An additional herb that is used quite frequently on pets is Dandelion. This flower actually helps with the immune system, as it treats liver or kidney deficiencies. If you use the leaves, it actually can work as a diuretic. While these are just a few herbal remedies that will help your best friend, Noni supplements tend to work the best. These nutritional products, which began in the Pacific Islands, are making large splashes in the medical industry. After it was heard that Noni Juice could help with the spreading of cancer, people flocked towards this substance. Once it was found that it can alleviate joint pain, boost immune systems, and create energy, pet owners were trying this on their furry friends. Luckily, it works just as well. You no longer have to worry that your vet will not be able to fix the problem. Noni products may actually reduce the pain, and make your pet a lot happier.

Regardless of where we live in the world, pets are our lives. For some, they are a means of comfort. It is reassuring to know that they are always there when we need them the most. For others, they simply are a best friend that could never be replaced. After all, their ears are always on “turn on” mode, and they are more than happy to keep your darkest secrets. For these rasons, we absolutely want to do what’s best for our pets. If this means trying out alternative medicines such as Noni and herbs, then so be it. No matter what effects it has, at least we know that we gave it our all.

Wildlife Mammals and Birds

Unusual Birds and Mammals

We all know what wolves and coyotes look like, and nearly everyone is familiar with bears, deer and turtles; what about some less familiar animals such as capybara, kiwi, or tapirs? There are so many lesser known animals on this planet that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.

Mammals

Capybara are first on our list of unusual mammals. They are the world’s largest rodent, averaging 100 pounds. They are called rodents because they have sharp front teeth that never stop growing. They are semi-aquatic, spending a lot of time in the water. They live in grasslands and forests alongside water in Central and South America. They are most active during the early morning and late evening and rest during the heat of the day.

Our next animal is a cute little miniature "bear" called the kinkajou. These are a unique animal in that they are the only mammals that help to pollinate plants. They have very long tongues that they use to lick the nectar inside flowers. While they are licking, they get pollen on their fur and noses and this gets transplanted to other flowers as they feed. They are sometimes called honey bears because they love honey so much, but they are different from regular bears in that they are very small, most times not weighing more than 8 pounds. They are fun loving animals that even make good pets. They feed on fruit, honey and eggs in the wild and their closest cousin is the panda bear of Asia.

Another unusual mammal is a tapir. It looks like half anteater, half pig, yet they are not related to either. They descend from primitive horses and rhinos. They come in various color patterns depending on the region they are from. All baby tapirs, however, are born with a pattern of dots and stripes which make them look like a watermelon with legs. As they age, these markings fade away to be replaced with their adult color patterns. They feed on fruit, berries and leaves, and can live to be 30 years old.

Our last animal is a Marsupial Mouse. While this may seem like just any other mouse, there are some very distinct characteristics about the marsupial mouse that make it stand out. Being a marsupial, its young are "hatched" from inside their mothers and then they crawl through her fir up to their mother's underside where they attach and feed until they are fully developed. When they come out of their mother, they are so underdeveloped that in order to survive, they have to breathe through their skin. They are the only mammal found that can do this. As their lungs continue to develop, they gradually start to take over the breathing process until eventually, when fully developed, their skin no longer plays a role in breathing. They are carnivorous by nature, eating insects, small birds, reptiles and small mammals.

Birds

Of the various birds in the world, the kiwi bird is one of the most unique. It is similar to the chicken in that it can't fly. Their "wings" are only two inches long and for all practical purposes are useless. They are the sole survivor of an ancient order of birds including the now extinct moas. They are semi-nocturnal animals, so catching a glimpse of them in the wild rarely happens. They can only be found in New Zealand and its surrounding islands. The reason they have survived the ages in New Zealand comes from the fact that there are no snakes or large mammals native to New Zealand. A bird the size of a kiwi, without the capability to fly would be an especially attractive target to snakes. Also...the island has no bears, bobcats, tigers, etc., with also makes it easier for the kiwi to survive. With the coming of humans to the island, especially the colonization by England, house pets such as cats and dogs have become the main predators of the decreasing kiwi population. Some of the biggest birds in the world are condors. They can have wingspans up to 11 feet; they use their large wingspan to "float" on air thermals for miles without having to move their wings, which conserves their energy as they look for food. They are in the vulture family, feeding on the remains of animals and thus they play a very significant role in the animal kingdom. They have highly evolved immune systems to ward off infection from the various bacteria left on the animal carcasses they feed on. They are very clean birds, spending much of their time cleaning their feathers and heads after eating to further keep them safe from disease and bacteria. Their heads are featherless allowing them to stay clean during eating.

The last unusual bird is the worlds smallest, weighing in at only 1.8 grams, which is less than a US penny. The bee hummingbird's nest is only 3 cm wide. Its tiny wings beat 80 times per second. Using all this energy requires them to eat half their body weight in food each day as well as drink eight times their body weight in water. That's like a 150 pound adult human drinking 144 gallons of water each day. They are found only in Cuba and the Isle of Pines.

Cat Scratch Diesease

For almost 100 years, cat scratches have been associated with illness in people.

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is also called Cat Scratch Fever and benign lymphoreticulosis. While CSD is found all over the world, it is an uncommon disease.

One estimate by the Centers for Disease Control found that there were 2.5 cases of CSD per 100,000 people per year in the United States. While multiple cases of CSD in one household can occur, this situation is rare. A study in Florida found that more than one member of a family contracted CSD only 3.5% of the time. The majority of individuals who contract CSD are under the age of 17, and are usually under the age of 12.

Typically, a small skin lesion (resembling an insect bite) develops at the site of a cat scratch or (less commonly) a bite, followed within two weeks by swollen lymph nodes and sometimes a fever.

The illness is mild and self-limiting in the majority of patients, although it may take some months for the swollen lymph nodes to return to normal. Treatment is usually not required.

Reports over the last few years, however, have extended the spectrum of problems associated with CSD to include such things as tonsillitis, encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonia and other serious illnesses in a very small number of cases. People with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS and cancer patients, are most at risk and can become most seriously ill.

Diagnosis of CSD may not be easy. There is no simple diagnostic test. Most physicians rely on history of exposure to a cat , the presence of typical clinical signs, failure to find another cause, and examination of tissues, such as biopsy of a swollen lymph node. Other diseases, such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and lymphoma, can cause similar symptoms.

Over the years, the cause of CSD had remained elusive, although bacteria were commonly suspected to be the culprit. In 1988, a bacterium called Afipia felis was cultured from the lymph nodes of patients with CSD. In recent years, many studies have implicated the gram negative bacterium Bartonella henselae as the primary (but not the sole) cause of CSD. B. henselae is related to the agent of Trench Fever, B. quintana, a disease common in the trenches of World War I. Other Bartonella species may also be involved in CSD.

Cats are the main reservoir for B. henselae. Surveys for B. henselae antibodies in cats in the United States have found average infection rates to be from 25% to 41% in clinically healthy cats. The lowest rates were in the midwest and great plains regions (4-7%) and the highest were in the southeast (60%).

Warmer, more humid climates are most supportive of fleas, which have been shown to transmit B. henselae from cat to cat. It appears that the majority of cats do not become ill when they are infected with this bacterium and kittens are more commonly infected than adults.

Experimental infections in cats, however, have caused a mild illness with fever, anemia, and transient neurological dysfunction. Once infected, cats carry bacteria in their blood for many months. It is important to note, however, that despite widespread presence of B. henselae in cats, CSD itself is uncommon. It appears that CSD is not easily acquired.

While most patients with CSD have a history of a cat scratch or bite, not all do. Some patients have had no contact with cats at all. This makes the exact modes of transmission unclear.

It is likely that CSD can also be contracted from environmental sources of the bacteria or from other animals. For this reason, the term “bartonellosis” is a better way to describe the variety of illnesses that are caused by B. henselae. Recently, it has been found that dogs can become ill with a related Bartonella species and the role of dogs as a possible reservoir for human infection is undergoing study.

CSD is primarily a concern in homes with immuno- compromised people. Since kittens are more likely to carry B. henselae than adult cats, it is recommended that people with compromised immune systems adopt cats older than 1 year of age as pets to reduce the risk of c ontracting CSD. Any cat suspected of carrying B. henselae should be isolated from sick or immuno - compromised individuals.

However, there is no reliable and available diagnostic test to determine if a cat is a carrier of B. henselae. Since carrier cats are always healthy and multiple cases of CSD within a household are rare, euthanasia of a s uspected carrier is not warranted.

Onychectomy (declawing) is also not recommended, since infection can occur without a cat scratch. As is always the case, any cut or scratch should be promptly washed with soap and water. In addition, children should be taught not to tease or annoy cats and rough play should be discouraged. A common sense approach is the best way to safeguard against CSD

Cat Scratch Diesease

For almost 100 years, cat scratches have been associated with illness in people.

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is also called Cat Scratch Fever and benign lymphoreticulosis. While CSD is found all over the world, it is an uncommon disease.

One estimate by the Centers for Disease Control found that there were 2.5 cases of CSD per 100,000 people per year in the United States. While multiple cases of CSD in one household can occur, this situation is rare. A study in Florida found that more than one member of a family contracted CSD only 3.5% of the time. The majority of individuals who contract CSD are under the age of 17, and are usually under the age of 12.

Typically, a small skin lesion (resembling an insect bite) develops at the site of a cat scratch or (less commonly) a bite, followed within two weeks by swollen lymph nodes and sometimes a fever.

The illness is mild and self-limiting in the majority of patients, although it may take some months for the swollen lymph nodes to return to normal. Treatment is usually not required.

Reports over the last few years, however, have extended the spectrum of problems associated with CSD to include such things as tonsillitis, encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonia and other serious illnesses in a very small number of cases. People with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS and cancer patients, are most at risk and can become most seriously ill.

Diagnosis of CSD may not be easy. There is no simple diagnostic test. Most physicians rely on history of exposure to a cat , the presence of typical clinical signs, failure to find another cause, and examination of tissues, such as biopsy of a swollen lymph node. Other diseases, such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and lymphoma, can cause similar symptoms.

Over the years, the cause of CSD had remained elusive, although bacteria were commonly suspected to be the culprit. In 1988, a bacterium called Afipia felis was cultured from the lymph nodes of patients with CSD. In recent years, many studies have implicated the gram negative bacterium Bartonella henselae as the primary (but not the sole) cause of CSD. B. henselae is related to the agent of Trench Fever, B. quintana, a disease common in the trenches of World War I. Other Bartonella species may also be involved in CSD.

Cats are the main reservoir for B. henselae. Surveys for B. henselae antibodies in cats in the United States have found average infection rates to be from 25% to 41% in clinically healthy cats. The lowest rates were in the midwest and great plains regions (4-7%) and the highest were in the southeast (60%).

Warmer, more humid climates are most supportive of fleas, which have been shown to transmit B. henselae from cat to cat. It appears that the majority of cats do not become ill when they are infected with this bacterium and kittens are more commonly infected than adults.

Experimental infections in cats, however, have caused a mild illness with fever, anemia, and transient neurological dysfunction. Once infected, cats carry bacteria in their blood for many months. It is important to note, however, that despite widespread presence of B. henselae in cats, CSD itself is uncommon. It appears that CSD is not easily acquired.

While most patients with CSD have a history of a cat scratch or bite, not all do. Some patients have had no contact with cats at all. This makes the exact modes of transmission unclear.

It is likely that CSD can also be contracted from environmental sources of the bacteria or from other animals. For this reason, the term “bartonellosis” is a better way to describe the variety of illnesses that are caused by B. henselae. Recently, it has been found that dogs can become ill with a related Bartonella species and the role of dogs as a possible reservoir for human infection is undergoing study.

CSD is primarily a concern in homes with immuno- compromised people. Since kittens are more likely to carry B. henselae than adult cats, it is recommended that people with compromised immune systems adopt cats older than 1 year of age as pets to reduce the risk of c ontracting CSD. Any cat suspected of carrying B. henselae should be isolated from sick or immuno - compromised individuals.

However, there is no reliable and available diagnostic test to determine if a cat is a carrier of B. henselae. Since carrier cats are always healthy and multiple cases of CSD within a household are rare, euthanasia of a s uspected carrier is not warranted.

Onychectomy (declawing) is also not recommended, since infection can occur without a cat scratch. As is always the case, any cut or scratch should be promptly washed with soap and water. In addition, children should be taught not to tease or annoy cats and rough play should be discouraged. A common sense approach is the best way to safeguard against CSD

How To Give Medicine To Your Cat

If you own a cat, you already know how hard it is to get the little beggar to do anything he or she doesn't want to, and that includes taking medicine! Pills and capsules are a particular problem - it's almost impossible to get a cat to swallow a pill, so your only option is to crush it to powder and hide it in the cat's food. Cats have a good sense of smell, so you may have to hide it in a stinky treat, like salmon, for example.

If your cat is too smart for you, you could try getting your vet to prepare the medicine in a liquid form that the cat can't detect. Never forget that you can never count on a cat getting hungry - most cats have several houses in the street to 'stock up on' if the main home food dispensary starts playing up! Why only the other day, Woohoo brought home this fine cat - how could I possibly not feed him too?!

I'm against the use of plastic tubes to force the medicine down your cat's throat. You can traumatize the little fella if you do this - he almost certainly won't want to be your friend for days afterwards! No matter how sophisticated the tube (and some have 'launch mechanisms' etc), your cat will struggle, and this won't be fun.

In an absolute emergency (for example, when you know your cat has eaten something poisonous, and there is no time to call the vet) there is one guaranteed technique that could save your cat's life. I repeat, NEVER use this technique except in dire emergencies. Pick your cat up by the scruff of the neck and angle the cat's head backwards making his mouth face upwards. This is how mummy cats pick up kittens, and they have a reflex to temporary immobility in this position. You can then drop the medication straight down the cat's throat. The cat's usual reaction will be to swallow, although watch out for the cat breathing in - you don't want to pour it down his airways! Once swallowed, you can gently let the cat down. Remember to give her lots of strokes and treats after this kind of thing, because it is kind of traumatic for the cat (and the owner!).

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Setting Up a Reef Tank

Once the tank was up and running for a while, I was ready to look for some livestock. Keep in mind, if you are starting from scratch, you need to let the tank fully mature for 2-3 months with your rock and sand before adding your livestock. In my case, I used matured live rock and the same filters used on a matured tank. Although I could have stocked it within a day or two, I still ran the system for a couple of weeks, just to be sure everything was working the way it should. To mature a tank, you need to add a couple of fish and wait for the tank to cycle, although there are products available to greatly speed up the nitrification cycle.

The first fish I purchased were two yellow-tailed blue damsels, Chrysiptera parasema. These feisty little devils are very hardy, don't get very big (approximately 2 inches), are very active fish, make a good community reef fish, and are also good first fish for maturing a tank. They do tend to be territorial, and therefore a bit aggressive to intruders, but their size prevents them from doing any damage. Another good candidate, and a bit more docile, is the green chromis, Chromis viridis, which grows to about 3-4 inches. They are very active and are good schooling fish, in groups of three or more, with their iridescent green shimmering in the water as they dart back and forth along the upper levels of the tank.

The next candidate was a false clown anemonefish, Amphiprion ocellaris. These fish are a colorful orange with white vertical bands and black trim around the edges of all the fins. They make good community reef fish, grow to about 3.5 inches long, are active in the upper portion of the tank, and make an excellent choice for a reef tank. The clown anemonefish, Amphiprion percula has similar coloration, except the black lines are thicker separating the white bands from the orange on their bodies, among other distinctions. I also added a Clark's anemonefish, Amphiprion clarkii that a previous owner had for a few years, so he was fully-grown at about 5.5 inches. I guess because of his age and size, he is a bit bolder then the smaller percula clown, and lets everyone else in the tank know he's boss.

I hope this helps you in your quest for the first fish in your community reef tank, but I have only scratched the surface. There are many more fish that would make excellent tankmates. In the future, I hope to discuss them with you as I try them out in my reef tanks.

All the rock scrubbing was in vain, as when I returned from my trips, so had the algae. I loaded up the tank with approximately one crab per gallon, and every time I came back from a trip, you could see the algae disappearing, until after about three months, it was totally gone. These crabs not only eat the hair algae on the rocks, unlike the snails, they will pick the algae off the coral skeletons without stressing the corals. I was amazed at how fast they worked, around the clock, at removing the nuisance algae. They can get into the tightest areas, such as between the rocks and in the corners, to do their job, and do it well. And when the algae is gone, they will resort to scavenge the tank for leftover food on the bottom and in between the rocks.

Next, I found another unusual patterned fish know as the pajama cardinal, Sphaeramia nematoptera. Although this is a nocturnal fish, with the big red eyes, they tend to stay out during the day and just "hang" in the mid to upper levels of the tank as if suspended on a string. You can keep more than one of these fish in the same tank, and are a good fish to get two or three of at the same time. They can grow to a maximum 4-inch length. At the time I set up this tank, the banggai cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni was not available. This striking fish with black vertical bands against a silvery white background with many small white spots on the body and edging the fins, is another great fish to keep more than one in a community tank. They share the same traits as the pajama cardinal in that they sort of just hang there, although they are a bit more active, but they are a sight to see.

To take care of the lower portion of the tank, I obtained an algae blenny, Cryptocentrus caeruleomaculus, which can reach a length of 3 inches. These remind me of a stone, so ugly they are cute, as they will perch on a rock and not move for quite a while before suddenly bolting after a morsel of food or start "sucking" on the rocks or the glass for algae.

Astraea tecta snails fit the bill nicely, due to their relatively small size, which is about 1-1 inches. They are cone shaped, and because of their shape, they sometimes will fall and get stuck upside-down, when you will need to help them back on their "foot". Otherwise, they may fall prey to other scavengers.

Fleas, Ticks and Worms

Fleas and other parasites ought to always be given the highest priority by dog owners. Flea bite allergy in dogs is all too common and causes worry to many dog owners every year, especially in the summer, although all year round if your dog lives indoors with central heating. This is because flea bites often produce allergic reactions in the area bitten by the fleas, which is very often on the back just above the tail. In these cases, the affected area becomes red and bald due to the dog's continuous scratching of itself.

Heavy flea infestations can cause severe dermatitis in dogs. If the flea bites cause an allergic reaction or even dermatitis in your dog, he/she really ought to be taken to the veterinary doctor, because mostly, the dog will be suffering severe discomfort by now.

The vet will provide you a salve to soothe the itching and reduce the inflammation and some powder or a spray to kill the fleas. Prevention, however, is better than cure and medicated collars are available to treat and prevent an infestation of external blood-suckers like ticks and fleas.

Besides fleas, other parasites like ticks and lice in addition to the internal parasites like hook worms, round worms, whip worms etc. can affect the health of your dog. For example, if hookworm infects a dog, that dog will usually suffer from anaemia. The signs of anaemia become more evident depending on the degree of infection by the hookworm.

Hookworm larvae can pass directly through the skin and cause problems inside the affected dogs. Such dogs may reveal cuts due to dermatitis on the paws and on the skin. Frequently, skin rashes are the result in such cases and the affected animal passes loose stools, which are tinged red with blood.

Nearly all dogs and definitely all puppies will have round worms at some time, which is why dogs can sometimes be seen rubbing their bottoms along the ground. However, if round worms are present in very large numbers, infected puppies show a pot belly, which is easily noticeable by the dog's owners themselves. This can result in malnutrition and even death. A dose of piperazine salts can be given orally for the treatment of this condition. However, broad-spectrum anthelmintics like pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole etc. will also cure this very common condition.

Many drugs have arrived on the market to treat fleas and other parasites, although nowadays, the medical agent called ivermectin seems to be preferred by many dog owners to clear up fleas and other parasites in dogs. This drug is available for injection or oral use and is now even available for external application too.

Advantages Of Dog Food Coupons

There are many types of dog food coupons and they are easily accessible as well. You can find them on the internet as well as in traditional papers like magazines and newspapers. There are various brands which are offering dog food coupons for different varieties of dog foods like canned food, dry food and even packaged dog treats. Most of the people are always worried about the high costs of the special dog foods therefore, they always rely on such coupons. In this way you can arrange a different food for your dog without much expense. Most of the dog lovers go for these coupons and arrange cheap, unique and delicious food for their dogs. Dog food coupons cannot only decrease your expenses but they can also give you a chance to arrange food for free.
You can easily find these coupons on the internet and do not worry even if you are a first time user of these coupons. The only thing you need to do is to go on a search engine and find various dog food coupons offers on a number of websites. Dog food coupons are usually offered as a promotional strategy by a new dog food manufacturer but there can be a number of other reasons as well. Even the existing companies attract customers through such offers. Some people have misconception that the food that is available through these dog food coupons is expired, however, it is not always the case.
Dog food coupons can also give you a dual benefit. For example, if you have already taken a dog food coupon from a website and when you visit a store which is already offering sale or double coupon days, then you can get double advantage from that coupon. Such schemes can give you an opportunity to save a lot. Your lovely pet can also get a delicious food in this way. There are many people who usually complain that their dogs do not like canned foods. So, even if you buy a canned food and your pet does not like it then you will not feel wastage of money in that case. The reason is that dog food coupon has offered it at a very low cost.
Conscious consumers always go for dog food coupons. Therefore, if you are worried about the high prices of special dog foods, then a dog food coupon can give you a chance to give a cheap and unique taste to your lovely pet.

Common Turtle Species

Turtle Species

Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles. They have a shell making them unique from other reptiles. Their upper shell is called the carapace, and a lower shell that protects the belly called the plastron. The carapace and plastron shape and color varies from species to species. One might think it would at least always be a hard shell, which also is untrue. There are softshell turtle species, along with many others.

Some turtle species include Clemmys insculpta which is the wood turtle; Geochelone sulcata which is the African Spurred tortoise; Chelonia mydas which is the green turtle; Emydoidea blandingii which is the Blanding’s turtle; Clemmys guttata which is the spotted turtle; Malaclemys terrapin which is the diamondback terrapin; and Trachemys s. elegans which is the red-eared slider.

The species name for the wood turtle is Clemmys insculpta. This turtle is the largest in its genus. The carapace has raised projections on the back that resemble a small pyramid, making it different from others in the Clemmys genus.

The wood turtle is omnivorous and eats things like algae, moss, blueberries, mollusks, insects, earthworms, and mice. Typically adult males are larger than adult females, but not by a whole lot.

The species name for the African Spurred tortoise is Geochelone sulcata. The African Spurred Tortoise is the only tortoise in the world that has adapted fully for terrestrial life. The turtle is famous for digging burrows to protect itself from predators and the temperature. This turtle can go weeks without food or water. When the turtle does get a chance to drink water though, it can drink up to 15% of its body weight.

The species name for the green turtle is Chelonia mydas. Adult green turtles have a different diet than juvenile green turtles. Adults are herbivores eating plants and juveniles are carnivores eating meat. Adults usually spend their time in patches of sea grass and algae to get their food, while juveniles spend their time among the coral reef. Adults preferred food is young leaves and roots of sea vegetation. Juveniles eat animals such as jellyfish, sponges, snails, bivalves, and others.

This turtle is a medium to large sea turtle that has a broad, low, heart-shaped carapace.

Most of their lives are spent in the water but females return to the land to lay their eggs. The eggs take about two months to incubate, and then hatch. As most turtles are, green turtles possess environmental sex determination. Temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchling. Warmer temperatures produce females, and cooler temperatures produce males.

Green turtles are found throughout the oceans of the world. Populations are endangered or threatened everywhere.

The Blanding’s turtle is a northern turtle that has a black carapace with tan to yellow spots on the scutes. Its species name is Emydoidea blandingii. Sometimes this turtle is confused with the box turtle because of similar appearances.

This turtle lives in clean, shallow water habitats. They like abundant aquatic vegetation, and firm aquatic bottoms in ponds, lakes, marshes, and creeks. However, preferences in habitat can change seasonally and by location. In Wisconsin, the Blanding’s turtle prefers marshes over ponds, which is just a location preference. Turtles elsewhere may choose a pond over a marsh.

This turtle nests once a year usually from late-May to early July during the night. However, not every female nests every year.

The common name for Clemmys guttata is the spotted turtle. This is a small, black turtle that has a pattern on its smooth carapace with small yellow spots. Over time the spots may fade, making older turtles appear spotless.

Male spotted turtles tend to have tan chins with brown eyes differing from the females who tend to have yellow chins and orange eyes.

These turtles live in areas that are shallow wetlands. This can consist of swamps, bogs, fens, and marshes, but not confined to just these areas.

Spotted turtles are active during they day for the most part, meaning they are diurnal. However, females are active at night while they are nesting.

Spotted turtles are preyed upon by bald eagles, skunks, and raccoons.

The species name for the Diamondback Terrapin is Malaclemys terrapin. This turtle is a small to medium size turtle which feeds on sponges, bryozoans, gastropods, crabs, carrion, and plant material.

They have a hingeless plastron which can be yellow to green or black, and an oblong carapace is gray, light brown or black. They can be found in estuaries and salt marshes.

Nesting for these turtles is different from a majority of turtles because it is during the day. Most turtles tend to nest during the night. High tide is the most usual time for this particular turtle to nest.

The red-eared slider is native to the United States. It is commonly found in the Southern regions. The species name for it is Trachemys s. elegans.

When the red-eared slider is young it is carnivorous, but as it ages they become more vegetarian. They are a medium size and have a dark green oval shell. Their legs are green with think yellow stripes. The head is also green, but it has a red stripe behind the eye.

These turtles are found in most permanent slow-moving bodies of water. They prefer areas with mud bottoms.

You Can Build Your Own Doghouse!

Anybody who owns a dog will know that they can be expensive. Vets bills and food supplies soon mount up and this is why so many dogs end up abandoned in rescue centers or put out on to the street. Responsible dog owners are aware of the costs which a pet incurs and so go into it with their eyes open. However, an unnecessary expense is that involved with the purchase of a doghouse.

Many dog owners allow their pets to sleep in the home with them, thus eradicating the need for an exterior doghouse. But others prefer to distance themselves somewhat from their pets, preferring them to sleep outside at night. For these owners, the need to buy a doghouse is essential. These can range from budget buys which are little more than a wooden shell, to hugely extravagant constructions complete with a porch and stairs to make their kennel into a luxury home. Obviously, the cost rises proportionately to the quality of the doghouse. However, there is an alternative option.

You could build your own doghouse. You would still be required to pay for the supplies and you would have to do the work yourself but it means that you can tailor the doghouse to your pet. A doghouse should be large enough for your pet to comfortably turn but no bigger than that in order for it to retain the dog’s body heat and so self-insulate to a degree. Most readily available dog houses that you can buy from pet stores or similar places are a fairly standard size. Given that your doghouse should be sized in relation to your specific dog, you may find that, if you have a particularly large or small dog, that the shop bought ones are not ideal. Therefore, building your own can solve this problem.

There are a few things to remember when buying the materials for your doghouse. The first is to ensure that the doghouse is raised from the floor slightly to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. The second is to ensure that you purchase exterior grade plywood and not pressure treated plywood. Exterior grade is slightly harder to come by as the majority of hardware stores sell pressure treated. However, this is treated with chemicals which may be harmful to your dog if they chew it.

These are the main things you need to adhere to when building your own doghouse. As long as these three areas, the size, raised from the ground and use of correct wood, are correct you can pretty much do what you like in terms of design and build. Why not decorate the finished doghouse to suit your pet’s personality? That is what I call a designer home!

How to Choose Goldfish

How you choose your goldfish, depends largely on two things: the type of fish you really like to see, and the kind of container you intend to keep them in.

People in warmer climates, like to populate their outdoor ponds and pools with goldfish, which is a wonderful addition to the outdoor décor of your lawns and gardens. These may be natural ponds, or manmade pools that are actually vinyl liners sunk into the ground, and provided with air and water circulation through a pump system. This circulation, natural or otherwise, is important to keeping the water well oxygenated for the fish.

But surprisingly, if your pond is deep enough, it's possible to over-winter your goldfish outside. If you are populating an outdoor pond, it's best to start with fish that were raised that way themselves, as there is less likelihood of losing some that are unable to adapt. Store-bought fish raised in tanks can adapt, but you can expect to lose a certain percentage of them, depending on the harshness of the weather.

If you're just starting out, you might try just the common goldfish at first, since these will be less expensive to replace, should you have a hard winter. If your fish are not surviving, you may need to look at better air and water circulation, or deepening the pond. But once you have a thriving colony, you can begin adding some of the hardier varieties of fancy goldfish.

How To Detect And Treat Whipworm In Your Dog

When it comes to keeping your canine companion healthy both inside and out, it's important for owners to know which parasites see your dog as the perfect host.

One of the lesser-known parasites that pose a danger to dogs is the whipworm. Whipworms, like most parasites, are resilient. In egg form, their hard shells allow them to survive outdoors in the soil for years in the time. In many ways, whipworms are like hookworms, but instead of ending in a hook shape, one end of this worm tapers to a narrow, whip-like point.

Unlike hookworms, whipworms can't enter the body through the skin. The only way for your dog to contract them is by eating the eggs. Whipworms exist throughout North America, and transmission is easy if your dog has any contact with other dogs. The long-lived eggs can show up in the soil, dog toys, discarded bones and water dishes. Once eaten, whipworms then grow to maturity inside your dog's digestive system.

When they reach maturity, the adult worms fasten themselves to the large intestine and the cecum, a transitional pouch between the large and small intestine. Here, these nasty little parasites slash and puncture the intestinal walls in order to feed. The female starts to lay her eggs, which the dog excretes through the feces.

Symptoms for whipworm resemble those for other worms, such as hookworm. Many dogs can carry a certain number of whipworms without showing distress, but past a certain point, your dog may begin to exhibit signs such as a dull coat, anemia, rapid weight loss, and a loose and bloody stool. He may also begin vomiting up a yellow-green substance. In very severe cases, the worms may begin to puncture the intestinal wall, to the degree that the intestine begins to stick to the body wall. In this case, you might see your dog licking and worrying his right flank.

When you take your dog to the vet, it may take some time to diagnose him with whipworm. Whipworms lay eggs only intermittently, and even when they’re actively releasing eggs, any diarrhea in your dog can make the eggs hard to find. Typically, vets will perform four stool samples over four days before ruling out whipworm.

If your vet finds whipworm eggs, she'll administer a potent dewormer. But all whipworm dewormers on the market are only effective against worms in their adult form. As a result, you'll probably need to re-treat your dog.

There are no simple and effective ways of removing whipworm eggs from the soil around your house. However, a contaminated environment can infect your dog over and over again. The best way to combat reinfestation is to make sure your dog's quarters are sunny and dry, since whipworm eggs require moisture. Try to place him in an area of fresh new gravel, pavement or soil.

How to Find a Sitter For Your Dog

Whether your dog is old or a just a puppy, there will come a time when you have to out of town for business or a vacation where dogs aren't allowed. Therefore, you will need to leave your prized pet in the care of a pet sitter. Where can you find a pet sitter? What types of pet sitter services are available? How much will it cost to hire a pet sitter? These are some of the many questions that you need to answer before you hire a pet sitter.

You have two main options of where to leave your pet when you are away. You can take them to a boarding kennel or you can hire a pet sitter. By hiring a pet sitter it means that your dog will stay at your home and a pet sitter will visit your home several times per day to take care of your dog. The following questions and answers are geared toward those pet owners that decide to hire a pet sitter to take care of their dog.

Question #1: Where do I find a pet sitter? You can find a pet sitter through a number of means. Consult your veterinarian, groomer, and breeder for recommendations. Often times they know of a reliable pet sitter in your area or they can point you in the direction of pet sitter services. You can also check with your friends and family to see if they can refer you to a pet sitter. Word of mouth referral is a common way to find a pet sitter.

You can also take a trip to your local pet store or a chain pet store such as PETCO. Many pet sitters advertise their services at these places so you can find their contact information. The pet store owners and staff may know of a great pet sitter as well.

Another option is to call Pet Sitters International at (800) 268-SITS or check out their website at http://www.petsit.com/. Pet Sitters International is the world's largest organization of pet sitters. Pet Sitters International is highly respected organization. They offer a multitude of services including finding a pet sitter based on your zip and giving advice on how to prepare your home for the pet sitter.

Also spend time researching information about the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters by calling them at (800) 296-PETS. You can peruse their website at www.petsitters.org. Not only can you find a pet sitter based on your zip code, but you can find a "certified" pet sitter. They offer a certification program that ensures a pet sitter is knowledgeable about business management, animal care, and animal health issues. This type of certification can be a comfort in the event that your dog has a health problem.

Question #2: What type of tasks does a pet sitter do for you and your pet? A pet sitter is there to provide comfort, help, and care for your dog while you are away. They will visit your home on a daily basis to feed your dog, take them for walks, and let them out to go the bathroom. They can help your dog with any health ailments or continuing care such as medicines while you are away.

A pet sitter needs to be informed if your dog has any special needs. For example, your dog may be elderly and blind or deaf. Your pet sitter must know this so they can properly help your dog. Or your dog may be just a puppy and require more exercise then most dogs. Let your pet sitter know and they can increase the frequency of visits each day. The pet sitter should be able to work with your needs.

Your pet sitter will also take the responsibility of taking your dog to the vet if an accident occurs or the need arises. You need to let your pet sitter know how you want them to handle these types of situations and how to contact you in the event that this happens.

Question #3: How do I find the “best” pet sitter for my dog? Only you can determine the best pet sitter for your dog. Follow the same procedures you would as if you were hiring a babysitter for your children. Check out their references, interview them, and inquire about past work history. How do they interact with your dog? Speak to former or current clients to determine if they are right for you.

Also make sure the pet sitter has been certified and/or bonded and insured. Your dog's life is priceless so you definitely want a serious professional pet sitter to take care of your pooch.

Question #4: How much does a pet sitter cost? The cost of a pet sitter varies based on their experience, your location, the number of dogs you are leaving, and the level of care you need for the dogs. Some pet sitters charge on a per visit basis while others can work with you to determine a reasonable price. Make sure to have their scope of services and fees in writing. This will safeguard you against any miscommunication.

Question #5: How should I prepare my home and dog for the pet sitter? First of all, your dog needs to meet and get to know the pet sitter before you leave town. Have the pet sitter visit a few times until your dog is comfortable with their presence. You don't want to leave and suddenly have a new person show up to take care of your dog. Your dog may confuse the pet sitter for an unwanted stranger.

Provide emergency numbers of your veterinarian and also a number at which they can reach you. You want to make yourself available by phone in case an emergency pops up. Make sure your home is clean and the dog food bowls are clean. Speak with your pet sitter about feeding, walking and other pet care procedures first, but also leave all the directions in writing. Verify that this is plenty of dog food for the length of time you will be gone.

If you following these tips you will find the best pet sitter for your dog and have a comfortable time on your trip knowing your dog is in good hands.

Professional Dog Grooming

Think grooming a dog involves washing it in the bathtub? Think you don't need a groomer?

Dog groomers do far more than just fluff and dry; they address several vital health practices regarding your dog's eyes, ears, and anal glands. Of course, it's not impossible to take care of these grooming concerns yourself, but in many instances it's safer and more practical to let a professional handle these sensitive areas.

Proper ear car requires periodic ear cleanings. Veterinarians and professional dog groomers use an agent that dissolves earwax, or saline solution to clean dogs' ears. These cleaning agents are usually put into the ear before bathing. It is crucial for the groomer to keep the dog's ears dry. If water runs into a dog's ear during the bath, a drying agent containing isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, or boric acid must be put into the ear. Professional dog groomers recommend using a wash rag instead of Q-tips to help dry out the ears. Using Q-tips increases the chance of injuring the dog's eardrum. If the cleaning requires reaching places that are out of a wash-rag's reach you should seek professional help.

Dog groomers usually apply an ointment to the dog's eyes before bathing in order to protect the cornea. However, the trend is to move away from these practices because some professionals believe the ointment may trap irritants that run into the eyes during the bath. Closing, redness, squinting, and excessive tearing are good indicators of eye problems.

Another part of proper dog grooming that the professionals see to is expressing the anal glands. Have you ever noticed your dog dragging its bottom across the carpet? If you have, you know how important it is to take it to the dog groomer. What it is trying to do is release the fluid that has built up in tiny sacs located under the base of his tail. If he is successful, you will know it by the rank smell. Since the sacs are fragile (and discoloration of the fluid could indicate infection), this part of grooming should be left to a professional or a veterinarian.

Adequate grooming is absolutely necessary to maintain your dog's health. If it's something you want to do personally, educate yourself on the finer points. But using a professional dog groomer will be the most beneficial to you in the long run.

Cockapoo Training Tips for First Time Owners

The cockapoo came in existence by crossing either an American or English Cocker Spaniel and a poodle. Bred for the first time in the United States, cockapoos become popular not only in the United States but also in other countries like Australia and Sweden, called spoodles and cockerpoo respectively. This breed is known to be very people oriented but nevertheless, cockapoo training is still necessary in order to raise a well behaved dog anybody would love to spend time with.

Though this breed is known to be intelligent like their poodle ancestors, cockapoo training can be challenging especially to dog owners who don't have experience of what it is to have a dog, much more a very active dog that may jump on furniture.

To get you on the right track, start socializing your dog at the earliest time possible. The puppy may have already been socialized by the breeder but that doesn't mean you never have to socialize the pet yourself. Introduce the four-legged to other animals at home as well as to other family members. Failure to introduce them properly may result to various issues such as dominance and aggression. Gradually introduce new surroundings, things and other stuff essential in the human world. Never limit your pup's world within the comfort of your home only, much more within the four corners of a crate. Failure to socialize a pup will only result to being timid, shy and submissive.

Along with socialization, housetraining should start early as well. Puppies have limited bowel and urinary control thus they must be constantly supervised to prevent accidents in the house. After waking up in the morning, after eating and drinking, after doing activities, when excited or nervous and before going to bed at night are the best times to take the pup out to urinate/defecate. Setting potty time like this will definitely help the pup eventually develop regular potty shedule. Of course, housetraining may not be such a big hassle anymore should you adopt a cockapoo from dog shelters nearest you since most dogs in the shelter or rescue groups are already trained by their previous owners or volunteers.

Your trait as owner is equally essential for the success of cockapoo training. Determination, patience and consistency are keys to help you carry out with your goal - determination to keep you going with the training, patience to endure your dog's mistakes and consistency of the training to make your dog understand what information you are trying to convey. If you haven't got these traits, poor Fido will probably do well in the hands of a more suitable owner.

Relocating pets

Most pet owners treat Fido or Fluffy like another member of the family, with birthday parties and stockings full of rawhide hanging on the mantel during the holidays. These pet owners come from the school of thought that a pet is not just a pet—he or she is a beloved member of the family, an integral part of the home, and a loyal best friend.

At some point, relocation counsellors likely will be faced with the task of overseeing the move of this trusty companion. It is not always just a matter of handing off the transferee to a pet relocation company that specialises in the international door-to-door transfer of pets.

Many times, the relocation counsellor is the one responsible for having the initial conversation about the pet move with the transferee. Having a general knowledge of how the process works and answers to common questions will ease concerns about the pet’s upcoming move, and can facilitate a smooth transition from the relocation counsellor to the pet relocation company.

How does pet relocation work?
Pet relocation companies boast the ability to serve the entire world. The practice itself is fairly straightforward: pets typically are picked up at the transferee’s residence, checked in at the departure airport, cleared through customs on arrival, and delivered to their owner’s new residence. Pet relocation specialists also usually are responsible for selecting appropriate flight arrangements, carefully reviewing the import and export documents, and counselling the transferee on the intricate details of the pet’s move.

Some pet relocation services arrange door-to-door moves by opening offices at major hubs or franchising their businesses in various parts of the world. However, a pet is not always travelling to and from the main ports of entry—sometimes it is necessary to facilitate customs clearances or deliveries in more obscure cities and countries.

Most reputable pet relocation companies are members of the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). The association regulates and monitors the pet transportation industry by setting ethics standards and overseeing the performance of its members. As part of their membership, companies are given access to a network of pet transportation professionals worldwide that have guaranteed reputations for the services they provide.

“IPATA is crucial to upholding quality service for pet relocations,” said current IPATA President Gay O’Brien. “If a company wants to ensure its transferee’s clients are receiving the highest level of care, with careful attention paid to the well-being of the pets, IPATA’s listing of member companies is the best place to start.”IPATA is comprised of pet transportation professionals—local pet taxis and veterinarians, major corporations, freight forwarders, and customs brokers. Because of IPATA’s exacting standards for membership, affiliates are able to safely coordinate the door-to-door service for the most precious of cargo. As a way of bridging the gap often found in a global industry, IPATA also offers an annual conference where the members gather to meet and exchange ideas, attend classes on country import requirements and species-specific handling techniques, and attend forums where representatives from major airlines come to answer questions in a round-table format.

International requirements vary from country to country, so working with a quality pet-relocation company which is up-to-date on the current import requirements is critical.

These intricacies often can affect the overall cost, and many people tend to underestimate the rates surrounding a complete door-to-door relocation for a pet. The cost of the pet move consists of the ground transportation to and from the airports, the documentation and import fees, and the air freight charges for the pets. When pets travel as cargo, the airlines generally charge for the dimensional weight of the travel crate, which sometimes can mean that the cost of a one-way international flight for a pet travelling overseas costs the same amount as a first-class, round-trip ticket for his or her owner.

Important questions to ask

The general transportation procedure may be understood by the transferee, but there often are concerns regarding the care and safety of his or her beloved pet(s), rather than the “nuts and bolts” of the logistics.

At-risk Breeds
Following are breeds of pets that are susceptible to heat stroke and breathing problems when exposed to stress or extreme heat—a condition that puts them at risk for travel—because of hereditary respiratory problems.

Dogs
• Boston Terrier
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Boxer
• Dutch Pug
• Pekinese
• Brussels Griffin
• Bull Terrier
• English Toy Spaniel
• Shih Tzu
• Lhasa Apso
• Japanese Chin
• Japanese Pug

Cats
• Himalayan
• Persian

“Most important is how our clients feel about [their pets’ moves],” said Rick Olson, regional operations manager of Crown Relocations, Los Angeles, CA. “It is a foreign process to them loaded with emotion and concern.”

These sentiments and anxieties can lead to a multitude of questions for the relocation professional.

Why use an expert?
Many myths surround pet safety and air travel, which perpetuates anxieties that a transferee inevitably has when they first start contemplating a pet move. Most of the horror stories that circulate about pets flying are a direct result from pet owners attempting to fly their pets without assistance. Anyone who has ever tried to highlight their hair using an at-home kit or build a deck after picking up some two-by-fours at the local hardware store knows that some processes—while not impossible to do on one’s own—often are better left to professionals. It helps to remind the transferee that they will be in experienced hands—for professional pet relocation companies, their duty is to ensure that every pet arrives safely and without incident.

The risk of extreme temperatures affecting the pet’s safety is one of the other common concerns among pet owners—many airlines even will embargo pets during the winter and summer months. However, most reputable pet relocation companies work with airlines that have programmes in place to keep pets in climate-controlled environments for the duration of the flight. The pet never is exposed to inclement weather, and this allows companies to relocate pets all over the world year-round.

‘Crate-train’ pets before the flight
Dogs escaping from or getting hurt while in their crates is an example of why pet relocation companies emphasise to clients that they crate-train their pet before the day of the flight. Some relocation companies even can arrange professional crate-training classes. It is important to contact the pet relocation company as soon as a potential transferee mentions he or she might be relocating a pet, as the more time he or she can spend getting accustomed to his or her new crate, the more relaxed he or she will be on the day of the flight.

There are three different ways a pet can travel on an airplane: with the owner in the passenger cabin, as accompanied (or excess) luggage in the cargo hold, or as manifest cargo (typically without the owner). Most owners initially want to take their pets in the cabin, but unfortunately because of airline restrictions on weight and size limits, as well as various government restrictions for international imports, rarely does a pet qualify to fly in the cabin. However, as long as care is taken in choosing the correct airline, the cargo hold where the pet will travel always is pressurised and climate-controlled. This means a transferee’s pet will travel in comfort even when apart from its owner.

Which airline?
While direct flights always are ideal, direct routing is not the best way to make a decision as to the airline on which the pet should fly. “Pet-friendly” airlines such as Continental, Northwest, and KLM created cargo programmes designed to care for four-legged travellers.
Tips for transporting snub-nosed breeds

• Use a larger travel crate than normally is required (four to six inches clearance on all sides).

• Use a travel crate with ventilation on four sides.

• Get the pet used to the travel crate by working on crate-training the pet before its departure.

• Provide plenty of water for the animal before, during, and after the flight.

“We have spent time and resources developing a service and product that caters to pets, with their best interests in mind, as well as those of their owners,” said Digna Faber, international sales manager—Variation Live (North America) of KLM Cargo’s Variation Live department, Los Angeles, CA. “We only work with specialised agents who make the arrangements that include booking with KLM, coordination of health documentation, and communication to the shipper and consignee, again, in the best interests of the pet and owner alike. No matter if it is for import, export, or transit, all pets go through KLM Cargo’s Animal Hotel in Amsterdam, KLM’s primary hub. The Animal Hotel offers care and attention by specialised and trained staff, and even on-site veterinary services, if required, 24-7.”

Like KLM Cargo, other pet-friendly airlines have kennel facilities at their main hubs, where during the connection the pet can be checked on, fed, and given water. Other airlines are not adequately set up to take care of a pet in the event that there is a delay or emergency.

Despite all of this careful attention, there still are some pets that most pet relocation companies consider to be “at-risk” when travelling. Older, infirm dogs and cats can travel, as there is no age limit, but it always is best for the transferee to seriously consider the amount of stress an elderly pet can endure. High-anxiety pets also pose a risk for hyperventilation and injury to themselves if they are not properly crate trained and conditioned ahead of time. Snub-nosed dogs, such as pugs and English bulldogs, are at an elevated risk for travelling because of their delicate respiratory systems, which can become impaired under high-stress situations. The length of travel and the pet’s individual personality can contribute to the amount of risk. Ultimately, it is left to the pet owner’s discretion to make an informed decision whether to fly with their pet after consulting with their pet relocation specialist and veterinarian.

Navigating the diversity of import requirements
For transferees making international moves, the idea of sending their pets to new countries becomes even more daunting and worrisome. At first blush, the variety of import requirements and quarantine restrictions can be overwhelming. Each country has its own set of individual import and export requirements, and it is important that the pet relocation professional have a familiarity with shipping to and from the transferee’s destination. International relocations for pets, just like their human counterparts, require months of advance planning and careful attention to paperwork details. The most common misconception among pet owners concerns quarantine facilities and their attendant level of care.

Countries with unavoidable quarantine periods, such as Singapore and Australia, have created very comfortable, clean areas for pets to stay, not unlike modern boarding facilities found in the United States. Singa¬pore’s quarantine facility has visiting hours when owners can take their pets outside to designated pens for exercise. The one caveat with these facilities is that they often fill up months in advance, so it is crucial for a transferee to be connected with the pet relocation specialist early on to secure quarantine booking ahead of time.

Other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Japan, have mandatory six-month quarantines; however, this usually can be avoided by doing what is known as “home quarantine.” A pet must receive a series of rabies shots, followed by a blood test, and then wait out the requisite amount of time in the origin country prior to travelling. This also requires ample advance planning and careful attention to the order in which the inoculations must be given.

Certain countries have restrictions on the types of animals that can be imported and exported. For example, many countries have banned American Pit Bull Terriers outright because of their aggressive reputations. Switzerland does not allow animals with docked ears and tails into the country without proof that the owner of the pet is moving to Switzerland, such as a visa or residency permit. In September 2007, Indonesia banned all animals coming from anywhere in the United States (with the exception of Hawaii).

Import and export policies become increasingly thorny when dealing with exotic pets or animals, such as wild birds protected by international trade laws. It is crucial that exotic animals be properly exported, because if the owner ever needs to move his or her pet again, he or she will need to show past documentation demonstrating that the animal was legally brought into the country. All of these delicate matters make up the stepping stones of an international pet relocation and are why it often takes several months to prepare all of the necessary documentation.

Home at last
After all of the stressors of moving, a transferee is at his or her happiest when the pet safely arrives at the new location. Through careful planning and open communication between the transferee and the pet relocation specialist, a corporate relocation professional does not have to be concerned with the intricacies of a pet move. From Albany to Amsterdam, pet owners around the world will agree that their house is not a home until their best friend is resting beside them.