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Pet Ferret: How Do You Decide?

2009-12-28T23:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-28T23:15:00.000-08:00

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:

2009-11-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-15T09:20:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-15T09:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T01:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T01:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T01:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T01:01:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T01:01:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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.

How To Give Medicine To Your Cat

2009-11-05T00:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T00:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T00:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T00:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-01T02:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T02:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T02:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T02:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T02:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T02:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Caring For Your Dwarf Hamster

2009-10-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

There are numerous varieties of dwarf hamsters. There is the Chinese Dwarf Hamster, the White Winter Russian Dwarf Hamster and the Campbell's Dwarf Hamster, just to name a few. Dwarf-like in stature, hence their names, they also need as much nurturing as the larger hamster species, like the Syrian Hamster.

Dwarf hamsters are characterized by their small size and dainty frames. Like little children, they are extremely high-strung and can slip from your fingers in the blink of an eye. You will have trouble locating them if they do escape so make sure that they are well contained.
The natural habitat of the hamster is a self-made underground shaft but tamed hamsters are usually housed in the plastic version of these shafts--the tubular habitats--that are sold in pet stores. Take note though that you should get the ones made for little mice and not the ones made for hamsters as the latter are too large for Dwarf hamsters. Wire cages and aquariums with a ten to twenty gallon capacity are also good options.

These sprightly creatures will find a running wheel useful. Statistics show that hamsters will run for five miles on this. To ensure your dwarf hamster's comfort and safety, purchase a wheel in accordance to the dwarf hamster's size.

Line your pet's cage with a soot-free and porous substrate and your pet will thank you for it. These creatures instinctively like to dig out tunnels for themselves, so this will really make them feel more at home. Fresh substrate every week is a must for these creatures.

Alternatives to the substrate made from wood shavings are paper-based materials such as paper towels, cotton and the like. Hamsters like having their own nest so they can have their solitude. Think of the nest as their bedroom and the cage as their home.

Your pets will love eating a variety of hamster food and like stocking up on them as well. Despite that, keep giving them fresh supplies of food and water even if they do not finish the ones from the previous meal. Because of their tendency to move around a lot they eat a lot too.

Just like teething babies, hamsters' teeth keep growing and thus the need to chew on almost everything, which is damaging to their teeth. Satisfy their urge by providing soft wooden chew toys instead of plastic ones.

Just as important as providing fresh substrate every week is giving your hamsters a clean environment. Thus, their cages and accessories must be cleaned with soap and water every week. Do not use harsh chemical solutions as they will harm your hamsters. Dry the cage and accessories thoroughly so that you can replace it with fresh substrate. All these little efforts are just a small price to pay in return for having the company of the perfect pets.

How Tracking Collars Work

2009-10-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

Dog tracking collars are used by hunters who use their dogs to track game, mostly birds. They can be used on all gun dogs and are mostly used on pointers as they normally cover the most ground when it comes to hunting. There are several different types of dog tracking collars available. The two most commonly used today are those that emit signals through radio frequency and GPS tracking collars that emit signals from satellite transmissions.

There are two parts to all tracking collar systems - the receiver and the transmitter. The transmitter is affixed to your dog’s collar. Most receivers today are a collar with a small antenna. This is very light weight and are just as comfortable as a regular collar on your dog. The antenna will transmit the signal to your receiver when your dog is hunting.

Radio frequency dog tracking systems work by sending signals to the receiver through radio frequencies. You normally have to adjust the receiver as it can tune on an many channels. Radio frequencies can be transmitted around buildings and trees, but they do get weaker when confronted with these obstacles. When you are hunting, you are most likely to run into trees, ravines and other areas where the signal will get weaker.

As your dog moves, you will be able to track him by getting signals from the receiver. The signals will get stronger as you get close to your dog. If you have a GPS dog tracking system, it will tell you the exact distance of your dog. Traditional radio frequency dog tracking systems will not be able to tell you the distance but offer more of a range and distance than their GPS counterparts. Most radio frequency tracking systems have lights that blink to let you know when you are getting close to your dog so that you do not have to use a beeping sound, which can scare away birds and confuse your dog.

It is a good idea to be very familiar with using a dog tracking system before you actually take your dog out and go hunting. Hunters who are not familiar with this type of system may have a difficult time using them to track their dogs. It is a good idea to practice tracking the transmitter before you actually put it on the dog. You can do this by putting the transmitter somewhere that you can track it using the receiver before you use the system to track your dog.

When your dog is out hunting for birds and game, he is doing his job. You have to let him out of your sight so that he can go about his business. But that being said, you do not want to lose your dog. And this can happen if you are hunting in dense woods or even large open spaces. When you use a dog tracking system, you will not only be able to locate your dog when he has retrieved or flushed game and birds, but you will be better equipped to find him if he gets lost.

How To Give Your Dog A Health Check

2009-10-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

Giving your dog a health check at home, at regular intervals, can alert you to potential health problems. Your dog can’t tell you when he is ill or in pain except through his appearance or behavior. Pay close attention to changes in his body or behavior and get veterinary care when it is necessary to keep your beloved companion happy and healthy.

Schedule your dog’s health check during his regular grooming sessions. Start grooming your dog regularly, if you aren’t! These sessions can familiarize you with your dog’s normal physical condition so you can catch problems early

Skin and Coat

All dogs shed, some more than others, but should not have excessive hair loss with the exception of seasonal shedding periods. Poor health is often apparent in a dog’s coat. Bald patches, reddened skin, scabs, flakiness and other poor skin conditions can indicate health problems or allergies. Dogs can be allergic to many of the same things as humans are, but they react to allergens through changes in their skin, not usually with respiratory symptoms.

While you are bathing or brushing your dog, run your fingers through his fur opposite the direction of its growth. Part the fur and check for ticks, signs of flea infestations or skin problems. Some dogs are more sensitive to fleas (actually, the fleas’ saliva) than other dogs, and just one flea may cause a sensitive dog to become extremely itchy. Excessive scratching can create secondary bacterial skin infections, misery for your dog, and big vet bills for you.

Ears

Once you’ve examined the coat, begin your health check of your dog at its head, and work your way back. Using a penlight, look into your dog’s ear canals. The lining should be a healthy pink color. Redness, crustiness, scabs and swelling may indicate an ear infection from excess earwax buildup or a foreign body (usually plant matter) in the ear canal. Ear mites will create a black, waxy coating in the ear, which can be treated with veterinary OTC medicines.

Never use a cotton swab or other object to reach inside your dog’s ears, or you risk popping an eardrum. Excess ear wax may be cleaned out by putting a teaspoon of slightly warmed light olive oil in the ear and massaging the ear canal. Let the dog remove the oil and dissolved wax himself by shaking it out (but move your dog to an appropriate spot first!).

Dogs who roam in fields and woods often get bits of foxtail in their ears. It’s best to let your veterinarian remove these barbed foxtails from the ears so you don’t accidentally do further damage.

Eyes

Your dog’s eyes should be clear and bright, without cloudiness, mucous, or ulcers on the surface of the cornea. Some dog breeds have a tendency to have “runny” eyes, but the discharge should not be excessive. Squinty eyes may mean that your dog is in pain. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in the condition of your dog’s eyes.

Nose

A healthy dog’s nose will be cool, moist, and free from crustiness. However, some dogs normally have warm, dry noses. Know what is normal for your dog.

Teeth and gums

Excessive “doggie breath” is not normal and can indicate that your dog is having dental problems, or even kidney or digestive disorders. Check your dog’s teeth by gently pulling his gums back from his teeth. The gums should be a healthy pink color. Press against your dog’s gums with your finger. The spot should blanche and then return to its normal pink color in a healthy dog.

Your dog’s teeth should be white and free from sticky, yellow plaque and black tartar. Dogs don’t get cavities often, but are susceptible to gum disease and tooth loss when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up and create infection. A severe periodontal infection may even threaten your dog’s life. If your dog isn’t trained to have his teeth brushed, break him in gradually by just rubbing doggy toothpaste (human toothpaste isn’t dog-safe) along his gums with your finger. The upper back teeth are the most prone to plaque buildup, so if he only lets you brush his back teeth at first, you’re doing well to concentrate on that area of his mouth.

Feet and Legs

Rub your hands down each of your dog’s legs and feet, checking for lumps, cuts, swelling, or signs of pain. Check between the toes of your dog’s paws for burrs, foxtails, and other bits of plants, especially if your dog is allowed to roam in fields and woods.

General Body Condition

Rub your hands down your dog’s sides, front to back. You should be able to feel, but not see, his ribs through his coat. If you can’t feel his ribs, he may be overweight; if you can see his ribs, he may be ill or underweight. However, some dogs are naturally thin and are healthy even though their ribs show. Weigh your dog each time you give him a physical examination, and record it. Sudden weight gain or loss may be a sign that something’s wrong.

Lift the loose skin on your dog’s neck and let it go. If your dog is well-hydrated, the skin will feel soft and pliable and spring back into the dog’s neck. Dehydrated, the skin will feel stiff and take some time returning to its original place. Dehydration may be a temporary condition brought on by over-exercising or hot weather, in which case your dog will benefit from a cool drink of water. Take your dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation if he appears to be continually dehydrated.

Elimination

Check your dog’s anal gland for redness or swelling. Watch your dog eliminate so you’re familiar with his regular habits and what his stools usually look like. Sudden changes may mean that your dog has just eaten something that didn’t agree with him, but if the irregularities persist more than a day or two your dog may have an illness.

Behavior

You know your dog best, and you can tell when he’s just not “acting right.” Your docile companion may become snappish, or your playful, active dog won’t be enticed to romp. Sudden changes in behavior can mean that your dog is in pain or has some other medical condition, or he may just be stressed out. Dogs are just as affected as the rest of the family by major lifestyle changes such as a new baby in the family or moving to a new home. If you can’t attribute your dog’s change in behavior to any such event, take him to the vet for a checkup to rule out physical causes.

First Aid For Dogs

2009-10-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

First aid training for dogs is a vital skill for a pet owner. Dog owners are some of the most caring people in the world. Many would come close to a nervous breakdown if harm should come to their dog. Unfortunately, part of the tremendous love owners feel for their dogs involves seriously overestimating the dog's ability to understand the risks around it and avoid injury. Even more troublesome, most dog owners would have no clue what to do if their dog becomes injured.

The first step an owner should take to prepare to provide first aid for their dog is to put together a first aid kit and keep it somewhere handy. Among other items this first aid kit should include day and night contact numbers for the dog's veterinarian, directions to the veterinarian's office and the number for the local poison control center. Locating these numbers quickly in the event of an emergency could save your dog's life.

Other items which should be included in the first aid kit mirror much of the contents of a normal kit for humans such as bandages and gauze of different sizes, scissors, tweezers, cotton balls, cotton swabs, a rectal thermometer, and disposable gloves. For dogs, it helps to have a thick towel handy in case you need a stretcher. You should also include a rehydrator such as Pedialyte and a dense high calorie supplement designed for dogs. Medicines you should have available include diphenhydramine hydrochloride (An allergy medicine safe for use in dogs. You should clear the proper dosage with your veterinarian ahead of time), antibiotic ointment, eye and ear wash, sterile saline, hydrogen peroxide, cortisone spray and activated charcoal. Having the tools you need handy can make the difference between an emergency and a tragedy.

Some of the most common pet injuries involve insect bites - Stings from bees, hornets, yellow jackets or fire ants. Dogs can not tell us how badly a bite may be bothering them so we have to be vigilant when the dog has been anywhere a bite might have occurred. A reaction to a sting normally happens within 20 minutes. Any dog that has a strong reaction to a sting should be monitored closely for the next 24 hours. There is a danger of anaphylactic shock.

If you notice your pet start scratching excessively, or biting at a particular area you should check for an insect sting. You should give the dog first aid as soon as possible. Find the location of the sting and attempt to locate the stinger. Insect stingers often break off and remain attached to the victim. Pulling these stingers out with tweezers often causes more venom to inject into the sting so you should gently scrape with a credit card, driver's license or some similar piece of plastic to dislodge the stinger. A paste of baking soda and water can be applied for quick relief. If that does not work, diphenhydramine may need to be administered in the proper dose.

Another major source of pet injury is chocolate poisoning. Dogs love getting into chocolate, yet a dose as small as 1 oz. of milk chocolate or .1 oz of baker's chocolate per pound of bodyweight could easily be toxic. At the least, lower doses can cause difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea and increased body temperature. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a large quantity of chocolate, you should induce vomiting by administering 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with a syringe and get the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

These are just a couple of potential dog emergencies in which preparation can make the difference between recovery and death. Knowing the right action to take in case of an injury to your dog can save you a world of unnecessary grief.

So You Want A Macaw A Great Choice

2009-10-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

Before you purchase a Macaw there are some considerations needing to be made.

There is this one thing few people consider. If, when you buy your bird you are in your later teens there is, assuming good care every chance your macaw will accompany you into the golden years. The birds can live between 30 and 50 years.

What this means is there is a reasonable chance your bird could bury you. The older a person is when the relationship begins the more likely that becomes.

There is nothing sadder than to see a bird thrust into situations with those who are unknown to the bird especially a well socialized bird that has bonded to one individual totally and completely.

So please as life goes along make sure for your macaw that should anything happen to you that the bird has a loving home to go to. A home with someone very familiar with the bird. Hopefully with someone the bird has a loving bond with.

Macaws can form relationships with more than one person so. If the proper time and socialization is done having someone special to the bird and to whom the bird is very special shouldn't be difficult. The bird will thankyou and I will too.

Some basic in general characteristics for two of the more popular Macaw parrots.

The Blue and gold Macaw:

1. A large bird the Blue and Gold is from the tip of tail to head normally around 33 inches.

2. The blue and gold can be trained to talk but are not good mimickers.

3. Is it a boy or girl. Hard to determine without DNA testing although some say that in the female the head is slimmer.

4. Because they can be very loud the birds do not make good pets for those living in apartment settings.

5. As can any large bird they can deliver a serious bite. As with all birds they are messy.

6. All parrots need training and the larger the bird the more critical proper training is. For best results a young hand fed bird will deliver the best results. They will adapt to your family much easier as a chick.

7. They can talk, they are affectionate, playfull, mischievous if socialized properly. The colorfull beauty is obvious.

The scarlet macaw:

1.The scarlet is thought to be the most colorfully striking of all the Macaws.

2.The scarlet has a very different psychological make up than the blue and gold.

3.They can be a bit nippier than the others mcaws.

4.They do react to faster movements around them.

5.As opposed to other macaws they tend to be a little tighter strung.

6.Scarlets are loving affectionate and very intelligent as is the case of all exotic large parrots. Once again it is often the training and socialization that are the determining factors.

For the bird lover you just cannot go wrong with macaw parrots. They in all cases are intelligent, curious, funloving, playfull, loud, messy and and all are very capable of demonstrating deep affection and love.

The birds are blessed with long lifespans. Their overall intelligence is estimated to be somewhere between that of a 2 and 3 year old human.

So take the following into consideration before you buy!

If you are not ready willing and longing to spend the majority of your life training, playing and caring for and about a totally dependent loud, messy and sometimes destructive 2-3 year old child. Owning a large macaw may not be the right choice for you.

On the other hand if you are ready to accept the responsibility of such an endeavor. The rewards of doing so can not be measured. Doing so can be a very rich life for both the bird and its owner. I wouldn't change a thing.

Crate Training Dogs

2009-10-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Training your dog for the crate is very beneficial for your dog and for you. It's a safe and comfortable space for your dog, actually it is less stressful for your dog. It gives your dog a space of his own so he can relax and give you a little time to relax too, knowing that he is safe and comfortable.

When training your dog, you should never force it, gradually introduce your dog to the crate and let him know it's not punishment or a way to seclude him. It's a place to keep him safe when you are not home, as well a place of his own. It's very beneficial for when your dog has surgery or you need to travel.

Crate training dogs isn't a form of cruelty, even though some people might view it that way. This is a very important step for your dog to learn. When done properly, it provides safety and someplace comfortable for him to retreat to and is a very valuable training tool. Training is most favored when in your dog is young, but isn't necessary.

Crate training dogs can be done in many ways and styles, but the most important thing to remember is to always us positive reinforcement. You can start by introducing your dog to the crate by saying to him "kennel" and let him get into the crate on his own, never push. The goal here is to have him feel comfortable. You can try and put treats in the crate, and placing a soft blanket in the crate also. Speak to him in a happy voice, keep it positive.

When he feels comfortable and gets used to entering the crate on his own, you can put his food dish inside close to the opening, and in time gradually place the dish further in the crate, and eventually you can close the door while he eats. At this time you will be able to have him stay in the crate in short periods of time while you are home, and longer periods of time alone.

Make sure you put him in the crate about 15 to 20 minutes before you leave, and to have him also in the crate when you are home. This will keep him from thinking that by going into the crate, that you are leaving him, which can cause anxiety.

For keeping your dog from feeling isolated at night, you can place his crate in your bedroom or just outside your door. And then when he starts to sleep through the night, and this does not cause anxiety or any problems, you can put the crate in the spot you want. Don't worry if this takes a little time, every dog is different and learn at their own pace.

So using a crate for your dog is a great way to strengthen your relationship and to let your dog feel comfortable and safe. And safe and happy is what is most important.

5 Tips to Effectively Cope With Pet Loss

2009-10-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

The death of your companion animal could be one of the most significant losses in your life. This loss will be accompanied by grief and the physical manifestations associated with it such as crying, fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, apathy, sleeplessness or oversleeping, anger, guilt and even anxiety.

It’s important to know that everything you are going through is a natural process. However there are steps, tools, and processes you can take advantage of that will make the grieving process easier.

Here are 5 tips that will help during the grieving process and allow you to move on with your life more quickly and easily.

Acknowledge That You Have the Right to Grieve

All too often the grieving process is complicated by feelings that you are over-reacting to the loss of your pet. After all “it was just an animal” many of your friends and family might say.

These well-wishers may not realized the depth of attachment that you shared with your constant and loyal companion. Realize right now that it was and still is a meaningful, heart-felt relationship and you have every right to deeply miss your companion and grieve.

Form a Support Network

During this vulnerable time surround yourself with people who understand and are empathetic to your situation. There are many support systems and communities available. Your veterinarian may have suggestions as well as your local humane society. Many cities offer local, in-person pet loss support groups. There are on-line forums and communities where you can connect with people in the same situation.

Perform a Ritual

When you feel ready performing a ritual is a way to formally say goodbye to your companion. It also gives you permission to move on with your life. You could have a funeral for you pet even several weeks or months after their passing. Consider performing a candle ceremony with select friends and family. Let your inner creativity shine and design a ritual from your heart. Know that whatever you choose will be perfect.

Take Care of Your Body

The grieving process affects your body. During such times it is important to give your body extra care and attention. Going for walks out in Nature can clear your head and ground you. Exercise can help put you body back in balance.

Consider getting a massage. Massages release toxins and relax you. What else can you do to pamper and take care of yourself during such a trying time?

Learn to Soothe Yourself

Soothing yourself is an important process to learn and implement during times of intense grief. It is a way to feel better and allow yourself to move up the vibrational scale.

Essentially, talk to yourself as you would talk to a hurt child. “I know that I am feeling extremely down today. But that’s OK. I’ll be with what I feel because I know that really soon I’ll feel better. I know that I have lots of options right now. I could go on-line and connect with new friends. Or I could call my grief coach. I know that this intense feeling will soon pass. I also know that my animal companion is with me, right now, in spirit. And if I get quiet I can connect with him. Actually, I can feel my spirits lifting right now. Yes, I do feel better. And I will feel even better if I take a hot bath right now. I am so grateful that I have this afternoon off so I can take the time to pamper myself. I deserve it.”

Play with this new tool often, whenever you feel like you would like a little lift to your spirits. You will be amazed at how effective soothing yourself is.

Take heart that although this is a seemingly impossible time you will soon feel better. There are many resources and people to help you elegantly recover from the loss of your beloved animal companion.

Types of Dog Training Courses

2009-10-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

If you have decided to add a new puppy or dog to your household, then you have probably also already gone out and bought everything you need -- such as food, toys, bowls, leashes and a collar -- so that when you bring him (or her) home, everything will already be ready. But, have you also checked in to much needed dog training courses?

The answer to this question is probably "no", as many people do not think about obedience classes as a necessity for bringing home a new dog. Unfortunately, this is the mistake many make which can lead to an unhappy relationship between your new pooch and your family, especially if your four legged friend is quite unmanageable behavior wise. It is for this reason, that dog training courses are essential to the well being and overall happiness of you, your family and your new dog.

There are several different types of dog training courses that you can choose from in order to help you with the discipline of your new dog. Each one has many benefits and they each work in slightly different ways as far as the reinforcement of the trained behavior is concerned. The best way for you to determine which type of course is best for you is by doing a bit of research in to each one in order to understand any pros or cons each may have for you and your dog.

For example, one of the most popular types of dog training courses that people choose is the positive reinforcement/reward method. This type of training allows the dog to receive a combination of reward -- often a suitable doggie treat purchased at the local pet store -- as well as positive praise when they begin mastering the commands you are teaching, such as sit, stay, lay down and heel, to name a few.

Other types of dog training courses include the highly controversial choke collar training in which the owner would snap the leash and apply pressure to the dog's throat when an undesirable behavior is performed. This can seriously injure a dog's neck and trachea so should generally never be used.

There is also head collar training, which is more humane than the choke collar and can be used to steer the dog, gently, towards the desired behavior.

Then there is the click training method -- this method is relatively new and has shown great results; basically, a clicker is used in conjunction with giving a treat when you give a command, as the dog learns the command, the treat is gradually eliminated leaving only the clicker to reinforce his behavior.

Animals & Dreaming

2009-10-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

I came across this article recently, and thought I'd share. Got in a 'discussion' with an acquaintance about animals & dreaming- whenever I get the "but what do you EAT?' question, my standard answer is 'stuff that doesn't dream, play, or care for its young, whose production doesn't strip-mine the planet' (I'm about 95% vegan, but every now & then will eat sustainable fish or shellfish... I'll need to tweak my response a little, if I eventually go that last 5% to full veganity, but for now I think that's a nice quick summary!). The dude in question challenged the idea that chickens dream... Which is beside the point, really-- under my stated guidelines, chickens are covered by at least two other criteria!-- but anyway...

For general education of the masses, who fail to see that the differences between us & our animal cousins (in Darwin's words) is "one of degree, and not of kind," I thought I'd forward this along. I don't approve of keeping rats in labs & such, but this non-invasive study at MIT came up with some hard-science documentation of what is plainly obvious to those who pay attention: other animals (especially other mammals, with a central nervous system that closely parallels humans') are more like us than different, with awareness and thought processes very similar to ours. (DUH!)

Here's the link-- there's more out there, but this one of the best articles I've come across for debate purposes, regarding demonstrable animal thought processes.

For the record: All mammals and birds dream, with the specific amount of REM sleep they get determined by species & environment. Generally species that are more mature at birth demonstrate less dreaming, and animals born needing lots of maternal care spend more time in REM sleep (not jsut as babies, but throughout life). Horses and sheep have to lie down to dream, and may experience less dreaming-time in environments where they don't feel safe enough to do so. Most birds don't dream much, but do spend about 5% of their sleep time in a REM state. Only fish and amphibians have not been observed to have REM sleep. Just in case it ever comes up....

There are so many reasons to eat vegan (or at least MOSTLYvegan!) that this may seem minor- but for me it's a good example of why eating pigs & cows & chickens is deeply disturbing... a little too close to cannibalism, thank you very much!

Pet Turtles Need Top Class Care

2009-10-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Turtles date back 215 million years and are among the oldest reptile groups on the planet.

They are also one of the more fascinating pets and popular around the world.

There's a wide variety to choose from with some 300 different species, some of them really weird looking because of their shell formations. Turtles come in various colours and dimensions - from cute pocket size to giant size.

They are cold blooded, breath air, lay their eggs on land and most live in or near water. They live for many years and often outlive their owners. Parents sometimes leave their pet turtles to their children and heirs.

Experts recommend keeping the smaller types of turtles as pets because they are easier to handle.

Professional turtle types stress that learning how to care for a turtle is very important. Proper diet is essential and most turtle illnesses and fatalities are caused by pet owners not knowing this.

Another vital factor is the environment where the turtle is kept and water quality.

Turtles require high quality water at the correct temperatures. Smaller turtles can be kept in aquariums equipped with filter, heater and something on which the turtle can have time out of water.

They also need lots of ultra-violet light to ensure vitamin D3 for shell and bone growth.

Turtles are not ideal pets for children because they don't like being handled and can get stressed. For beginners the hardier types of turtles are recommended.

Macaw Parrots as Pets

2009-10-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Macaw Parrots have different varieties that range from the smallest variety up to the largest variety with sizes of 12 inches to 3 feet respectively. They are renowned to have majestic physical attributes with the addition of great personality.
If you are in the hunt for a good pet, Macaw Parrots may not be the first thing on your mind. But, despite the many rumors that they are not good pets, they can be. Basically, you will need basic knowledge that you can obtain through research regarding their care and nature or characteristics in order for you to understand them. You only have to put up with their attitude and behavior so you can have a great companion in the home.

These birds can live for up to 80 years or even more especially when they are properly taken cared of. They are large that ranges from around 12 inches to more than 3 feet in length. The Green Wing Macaw alone is 36 inches when measured from head to tail and it is only second to the largest variety which is the Hyacinth Macaw.

Understanding Macaw Parrots as Pets

Before you go about looking for the right variety, you need to remember some key points first and perhaps understand the birds more.

1 - Ability to Talk. They are not really considered as great talkers and some of them have capabilities to talk up to 6 words but they are highly trainable for speech and especially excellent in language interaction.

2 - Great Personality. They actually have great personalities although at times they can be very demanding. But, if you can set aside even a little time each day to interact, socialize, train or exercise, you would do well. The only thing you need to remember is to not let out the parrot unsupervised especially when there are kids around. Among the popular birds that could be suitable for you is the Blue Gold Macaw.

3 - Basic Needs. You need to know basic care especially their diet and caging so that you both are in good connection with each other. These parrots are demanding therefore you must meet their needs to keep them satisfied otherwise the bird will only bother you. Also, you need a lot of patience. You may want to give them toys to keep them occupied and provide those perches, ropes and secure them properly. If you want to have Scarlet Macaw for example, you will have to research about its nature.

4 - Aggressive Behavior and Taming. These parrot's personality can sometimes be complex but since they are highly intelligent and trainable creatures, you only need patience and persistence to meet their needs. As long as you can put up with their behavior, these parrots as pets could be excellent.

Heated Dog Beds

2009-10-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

There are many benefits for having heated dog beds including providing extra heat on cold nights, comforting whelping puppies, soothing dogs that are recovering from surgery or any type of therapy, or providing comfort for dogs with arthritis.

When the weather turns cold, and your dog spends his or her nights outside in a kennel or dog house, it’s important that they have enough heat to keep them warm. Heated dog beds provide that heat and then some by focusing all of the heat underneath your dog while he or she lays on it. Since many heated dog beds are for both indoor and outdoor settings, they can be used almost anywhere accept where they could get wet. Giving your dog this extra heat is just one way of showing how much you care.

Heated dog beds also help comfort whelping puppies, dogs recovering from surgery, and dogs with arthritis because the heat provides soothing relief to sore muscles and healing wounds. The heat acts as a form of therapy which helps encourage healing and good health for all types of situations that dogs must face.

So how do the dog beds work? It’s really quite simple. Most heated dog beds, like the Lectro Kennel, contain a heating element which can be controlled by a digital temperature control. Most dog beds are capable of heating anywhere from 80 to 100 degrees which is a sufficient amount of heat needed to keep dogs warm and comfortable. The digital temperature control allows you to set the heat level that you want for your dog.

Heated dog beds are great for any cool weather situation, or for any type of therapy that you may want to provide for your dog. Keeping your dog warm and comfortable is a great way to show you care, and is guaranteed to keep your dog happy.

Cat Breeds

2009-10-18T01:20:00.000-07:00

Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves. In the beginning, they were used for one purpose - hunting and killing rodents. As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking. Now days, there are several different breeds of cats - which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries. There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers. There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history. Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America. There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs. No matter breed of cat you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

Why Your Dog Needs Toys

2009-10-18T01:17:00.000-07:00

So you're getting ready to bring home a new puppy or dog and you want to make sure you have everything your new pal will need. You have picked out the perfect collar and chosen the right kind of leash. You have a crate and a bed for the pup, and his own special bowls. The only other thing your pooch will need is toys. How do you know what to buy? What is best for puppies? Should you get hard chew toys or soft, squeaky toys? If you've been in the local pet store, you'll know there are tons of things to choose from. This may not seem like a very important decision, but in fact having toys for your puppy or dog is crucial to his health and development.

Toys and chews provide a puppy or dog the ability to enjoy something that is natural for them. Make sure your pup knows which things are his to chew on, or he will go look for something on his own. Toys and bones provide an outlet for a dog to release pent up energy or relieve boredom. Chewing is good for their teeth and jaws, as well as being a good stress reliever.

The types of toys you will need to buy will depend several things. Puppies are teething and as their permanent teeth come in, they will lose the puppy teeth. Toys for a small or medium breed puppy or a small breed dog need to be small enough for the dog to carry around and small enough for them to get their mouth on it. A large breed puppy can be bigger than a small breed full grown. There are toys and chew designed specifically for puppies or small breeds and toys for large breed, powerful chewers.

Another thing to consider is what type of toys will your dog need. Should you buy bones, or balls or rawhide or squeaky toys? Once you decide what is the best size for your puppy or dog, consider how he or she will play with the toys. You should provide a variety of toys. A ball or a tug toy is great for playing with your dog. An appropriate size bone is good for your dog to keep himself occupied. Most dog experts recommend some type of puzzle toy where the pup has to figure out and work the toy to get a treat stashed inside. Many puppies, and even older dogs like to have a soft, stuffed animal toy. It becomes a comforting toy and they will not chew it or tear it up. My 3 Dobermans and probably other large breeds, like to tear apart anything like that, so we have no stuffed toys in my house!

Always keep an eye on your pup and his toys. Be aware if they are broken or torn in pieces and throw them out as needed, to prevent him or her from swallowing something that could obstruct the esophogus or intestines. Rawhides and certain other chews can cause problems for some puppies and dogs so always ask your veterinarian for his advice and recommendation.

Natural Remedies for Dogs

2009-10-18T01:16:00.000-07:00

A lot of dog owners are uncomfortable using prescription drugs to treat their pet's ailments, especially when it comes to skin or coat issues. The reason for this is mainly because the owner prefers something more natural and less chemical.

Holistic vets are very popular for the same reasons. They usually try other homeopathic, or natural, herbal remedies before moving on to the prescription medications only when the chosen alternative fails. Side effects are another consideration in choosing natural remedies.

Natural dog shampoos and conditioners contain the same ingredients that natural humam shampoos and conditioners do. The same hold true for skin care. natural products are primarily herbal, containing such things as oatmeal. chamomile, lavender oil, aloe vera, olive oil, and grape seed extracts. The often contain Echinacea and natural forms of Vitamins C, D and E. These natural products are usually far superior to traditional over the counter products and medications in that they leave the skin and coat soft and supple. They also rinse easily, leaving no soapy residue which can dry the skin and cause itching or even allergic reactions.

Many of the natural remedies also cause a natural calming or soothing effect, not only for hot spots for example, but for the general overall effect it has on relieving stress or anxiety the dog feels during bath or treatment. They are also very popular in stress reducing aromatherapies and come in spras, topical creams and ointments as well as shampoos cleansers and conditioners.

You can even find flea, tick. dewormers and heartworm remedies in natural forms. These treatments are safe for puppies as well as adult dogs. One thing to remember when using these products in their natural form is that it is on a continual basis, as opposed to the more traditional remedies that are only used every two to three months. The more natural approach is gentler and easier on a dog's digestive tract.

A very popular herbal remedy for high strung or over stressed dogs is the Bach flower. While not all emotional or stress issues are completely controlled by the flower, it is a very safe remedy and there is no concern about accidental overdose or injury. The easiest and most commonly used form of the Bach flower is liquid.

There are herbal remedies for ear infections, especially in those dogs with long droopy ears where chronic ear infections are a fact of life. For some dogs, the treatment may span a few months, but even the most troublesome are eventually cleared.

Natural Remedies for Dogs

2009-10-18T01:12:00.000-07:00

How to Choose a Horse Rug

2009-10-18T01:11:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of horse rugs, with various characteristics and functions. Therefore, the first step to choosing a horse rug is to decide which type you require for your horse. To assist you in this decision, following is a list of the main types of rugs and an explanation of their function:

- Fly Rug. The purpose of this is to protect the horse from flies that bite or sting. They are more commonly and accurately referred to as 'fly sheets' rather than 'fly rugs', as they are typically a thin plastic sheet or mesh, rather than a fabric rug. One can also get 'fly masks', which are made out of the same material and are intended to protect the head (especially the eyes and ears) from flies. As they are a thin sheet they provide little warmth or insulation, although some can provide protection from wind and rain.

- Turnout rugs. These are intended to provide insulation (warmth), to protect horses when they are outside. The amount of warmth depends largely on the amount of insulation, which is typically measured in terms of weight rather than thickness. Consequently, rugs with a moderate amount of insulation are referred to as Lightweight Turnout Rugs, while those intended for maximum warmth are known as Heavy Turnout Rugs. Some turnout rugs are resistant or impervious to rain.

- Coolers. Although they may look like some turnout rugs, their purpose is quite different. They are intended to help the horse dry by 'wicking' moisture away from its coat, and at the same time protecting the horse from cooling while wet (a wet horse can quickly become chilled if it is exposed to cold and/or wind while it has a wet coat). They are typically used after exercise, when the weather is cool or windy, and removed once the horse has dried off. These are also known as 'sweat rugs'.

- Rain sheets. These are typically a thin sheet, with little or no insulation. It is intended to keep the horse dry and can also provide protection from the wind.

- Stable rugs. Also known as 'stable blankets', these are similar to turnout rugs in that they provide warming insulation, but are intended to be used when the horse is stabled rather than when it is outside.

- Saddle rugs. A saddle rug (also known as a 'saddle pad') is placed under the saddle. It provides cushioning between the saddle and the horse, which protects the horse from the relatively hard saddle and at the same time protects the saddle from being rubbed down by the horse. As the horse tends to sweat under the saddle rug, due to the combination of exercise and the warming insulation provided by the saddle rug, some have built in 'wicking' materials to help remove the sweat from the coat.

- Show rugs. A show rug is placed between the saddle and the saddle rug. It is a relatively thin but colourful rug whose main function is look attractive. As it has little or no other practical purpose, it is typically used only during exhibitions or competitions.

- Summer rugs. More commonly known as 'summer sheets', these are thin sheets intended to keep dirt off of the horse's coat (e.g. if it rolls or lies down).

- New Zealand rugs. A turnout rug which is made of waxed canvas. It provides limited warmth but protects well from wind and rain (provided that it is re-waxed as required) and is relatively resistant to damage due to the strong canvas material.

- Riding rugs. These provide protection from the weather but are designed to be worn by the horse when it is being ridden.

Of these various types of horse rugs, perhaps the most commonly used is the turnout rug. The most important factor when choosing this type of rug is to select a rug of the appropriate warmth. Keep in mind that a horse which is too hot can be as uncomfortable as one which is too cold. Furthermore, a rug will discourage the growth of the coat and if too warm will actually result in the horse shedding its coat. Consequently, it is important both that the rug is heavy enough to provide necessary warmth but as the same time is not too warm. The warmth which an individual horse requires will depend on various factors:

- Weather. On a cold winter day, one will need a warmer (heavier) turnout rug than on a cool autumn or spring day. If there is wind, additional protection is required due to the wind chill factor. Likewise, if there is heavy rain, the insulation provided by the horse's coat and by the rug are both reduced, unless they have a rain resistant cover.

- Health and Age. Horses which are young, strong and healthy have less requirement for a warming rug than ones which are not. On a cold day, it may make sense to put a heavy turnout rug on a sick or old horse, when a younger horse in the same field may be fine with a light turnout rug or no rug at all.

- Thickness of coat. A horse with a thick coat will have less need for a rug than one which has a fine coat, or which has been clipped.

- Exhibiting. A horse with a thick coat generally does not look as attractive (in the eyes of most people) as one which has a thinner coat. Consequently, horses being exhibited usually have a rug which is warm enough to discourage growth of their winter coat. Such coats are relatively heavy for the horse's circumstances, as they need to replace the insulation provided by the natural winter coat rather than merely supplement it. Likewise, summer sheets and show rugs are for the needs of the exhibitor rather than the horse.

- Number of rugs. The above factors will determine the number of rugs required. For example, a young and healthy horse in a mild climate may not require a rug at all and may be happier without one. In a colder climate, a healthy horse may need only a light rug to be used during the coldest days. An elderly or sick horse may need multiple rugs, depending on the situation (e.g. uninsulated waterproof coat for summer rain, lightweight turnout rug for autumn or spring, and a heavy turnout rug for winter).

Once one has decided on the type of rug plus (in the case of warming rugs) the required weight, one can then look at the materials, quality and features which you may require. Some common items and features to consider are:

- Antibacterial. Some rugs are treated to be antibacterial.

- Breathable. Breathable rugs allow sweat to evaporate and air to access the coat, features which make the rug more comfortable and healthier.

- Coverage. Rugs generally cover the body. Some also have neck covers, either as part of the rug or an a detachable extra.

- Friction points. Rugs can rub, especially if worn by active horses or when the horse is working. The main points affected are typically around the shoulders and chest. To prevent this, some rugs have anti-friction fabric at these points to allow the rug to easily slide and move without rubbing the coat.

- Hooks, loops, buckles, straps and attachments. These should be strong, easily opened and closed, and firmly attached.

-Insulation. The amount of insulation is typically expressed in grams per square meter. For example, a '300g' rug has 300 grams of insulation per square meter of rug. The actual rug will weigh more than this, as this is only the weight of the insulation itself and does not include the weight of fabric, straps or buckles. In general, the heavier the weight, the warmer the rug. However, this is not a precise measurement as there are different types of insulation, which vary in terms of quality and effectiveness.

- Rain. A rug may be unsuitable for rain, or be rain resistant, or rain proof.

- Tear Resistant or Rip Stop. Rugs may use fabrics or weaves which are resistant to tearing, and in the event of a tear resist the tear becoming larger.

- Washing. Machine washable rugs are more convenient.

- Wicking. Remove sweat and moisture from the coat.

Once you have decided on the above, your requirements should be well defined in terms of type of rug, amount of warmth required and the various features which you would like. At this point, it is mainly down to quality and price. As in most things, you get what you pay for, so the better quality rugs are correspondingly more expensive. If your budget is limited, or you will only use the rug infrequently, then an inexpensive rug may be appropriate. However, if your horse will be using the rug frequently, it is usually worth investing in a better quality rug which will last. In addition, if your horse is active or frequently rolls, it is important to choose a sturdy rug which can resist this use.

Guide to Your Cat’s Grooming

2009-10-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Your cat are already spent so much time for their grooming, but it will be more rewarding if you will help them do the grooming to make them look even better. Through good grooming you are giving your cat the chance to reduce shedding, increased opportunity for bonding, and as the owner, you can easily detect any physical problems like fleas, ticks, or tumors. However, what are needed for your cat’s grooming?

Moistened wipes are an important thing that your cat grooming kit must have. This will not only keep your cat clean between baths, but also, it is perfect for cleaning and wiping off mud on your cat paws on a rainy day.

A perfect brush is also another important thing you must have for your cat’s grooming. A good brush will keep your cat’s fur from matting and it will reduce excess shedding as well. Just like the human hair, your cat’s coat will be shinier with frequent brushing.

Using a glooming glove is also recommended when you give your cat a good and relaxing massage or when you are in the mood of removing your cat’s loose hair. Using a glove will protect you and your cat from possible harm.

An eye and ear wash is also another important thing your cat grooming kit must contain. For your cat’s eye and ear care, you can consult your vet for the best eye and ear wash for your pet cat.

A nail cutter or nail trimmer is great to your cat’s claws even and healthy at all times. Nail trimming is a very important part of your cat’s grooming.

If the nail cutter or trimmer is important, then you must also keep a styptic powder on hand at all time. This powder will serve as a first-aid product that will immediately stops bleeding when trimming your cat’s nail.

A shampoo and conditioner is important to keep your cat’s fur shiny. Choose the right shampoo that suits best for your pet’s coat. Choosing a shampoo and conditioner in one is a great choice. Also, keep in mind to choose a shampoo that does not sting to your cat’s sensitive eyes.

Make sure that you also have an odor remover for your litter box.

Having a cat treat in your grooming kit is a great idea to keep your cat’s teeth healthy, as it removes plaque and prevents odor.

Keep your cat free from intestinal tract by preventing them from digesting their hair by having a hairball remedy in your kit.

Owners must also consider buying a cat shampoo that are in powder or foam form. These type of shampoos does not need water to apply, which is best if your cat hates to be bathe.

A skunk odor remover is also great to be handy, for this will works best if your cat will be sprayed, because it removes the smell in an instant.

Mentioned above are a few of the important things a cat owner must have in their grooming kit to keep their cat good looking at all times.

How to Keep Birds As Pets

2009-10-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

Having Birds as Pets: Responsible Ownership of Pet Birds

There are a lot of people who think that if you want to have a pet bird, it is like buying it and sticking it in a cage. Owning pet birds is not just feeding them when necessary and sometimes changing their paper. You have to be very responsible if you have decided to keep birds as pets. Even if you consider to give them some bird toys, it does not mean that you will have healthy and happy pet bird.It is a great responsibility and if you really want to acquire a companion, think in advance whether you are able to handle.

Before you start, consider a few things which are important if you intend to have a pet bird and after that you have to make the final decision to keep birds as pets or to choose a different type of pet.

Think about the cost

Depending on what pet bird you are going to have and how big it is, the expenses are different. For example, the larger the cage is the more expensive it is. Also there are other supplies, be ready to pay for some additional things.
Not only the cage, the same is with the food- the larger your pet bird is the more food you will need for it. Probably you think that all this sounds really expensive and you are right, do not forget that there are also toys and maintenance of the cage, all of them very important.

There are unexpected costs, for vets ,for example, who are maybe not very helpful with birds and you have to seek for an avian specialist who is very expensive.

Think about the time

You may think that you do not have free time to have a dog so you’d better have a pet bird because they do not require a lot of attention. You are wrong! Some people even do not have time for a nap, they will not have enough time for pets, either. For good bird health it is very important to handle them and play with them as much as you can.
Think about the space

Also there are a lot of people who think that birds do not require a lot of space and they are wrong again. The bigger your bird is the bigger space it needs, so be ready to move out some furniture. They also need to fly so if you do not have space for it, you’d better reconsider the things.

But do not forget the great advantage of having a pet bird- you can have a friend for life if you look after them properly, they are real characters and they bring joy and color in your home. Also they live long and they are commitment for a long period.

Pet Health Questions Concerning Cancer

2009-10-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

There are many pet health questions concerning cancer, which is one of the most common reasons for death in pets. Cancer will develop in more than 50% of dogs and cats over the age of 10.

More traditional medical treatments often do not help the stricken animals, but a number of home pet care remedies can be effective.

One of the common pet health questions concerning cancer is what are some signs of the dreaded disease?

A firm lump that grows and does not go away is one sign.
Another is an increased appetite but continued weight loss.
Respiratory problems are another sign and an overall weakness could indicate anemia.

Lymphona and mast cell tumors are the most common spreading cancers in dogs. Lymphoma is the most commonly diagnosed malignant type in cats often secondary to Feline Leukemia Virus infection.

Another one of the common pet health question is what causes the cancer to develop:

Cancer is usually a disease of older dogs and cats with over half the deaths of pets 10 years and older.

The exact causes of cancer are unclear but there is a genetic correlation with an increased incidence in certain breeds. The number one breed of dog diagnosed with cancer is the Golden Retriever with Boxers being a close second.

Exposure to smog, herbicides, and insecticides in the environment plays a big roll.
Preservatives and other chemical additives in pet food may also cause cancer.

The next one in line for common pet health questions: is what can done to prevent the cancer?

The most important thing that you can do to prevent cancer in your pet is to examine what your pet is eating. Healing of our pets can come from within when the body is supported with the building blocks needed to maintain healthy cells and repair damaged ones.

A premium, quality holistic diet, avoiding artificial colors and using a natural preservative is the best. Some dogs thrive on a raw food diet- if you take the proper precautions, then this is a great option.

Carbohydrates and proteins cause cells to thrive but can't grow as fast with fats. Certain veterinary diets have been designed for this, but you can also make your own low-carbohydrate, high-fat cancer diet.

Simple Cancer Diet: 50% chicken/fish, 50% mixed vegetables, 1/2 tsp of olive oil per 10 lbs, salt and garlic to taste.

A supplement is the next most important thing that can be done augment your pet's diet.

The omega 3 essential fatty acids should be added to EVERY pet's diet. These fatty acids are vital in that they are great anti-inflammatories and have been shown to prevent the spread of cancer. Flax is the best source for dogs but for cats, the liquid form is the only option. They should receive it twice daily of Salmon oil or a supplement such as EFA capsules, which can be purchased from your vet.

Flavonoids are also essential for a pet’s diet. These are compounds in a class of their own. They give the bright color to fruits and vegetables. They are antioxidants as well as having anti-cancer properties. These include flavones, (apigenin), isoflavones (genistein), flavanols (quercitin). Purchase a mixed bioflavoniod product that contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate), which is the specific flavonoid isolated from green tea.

Finally antioxidants have been shown to slow the growth and spread of some types of cancer. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium are the most effective ones.

Why Should You Get a Dog Fence

2009-10-14T00:38:00.000-07:00

Owning a dog can be a lot of fun, but it also entails a lot of responsibility. On one hand, a dog can provide you the warmth of sincere companionship, love and protection that is very hard to find nowadays while on the other hand, dogs enjoy running and playing in wide open areas. This could come quite easy if you own a large estate. But for most of us, our yards are simply too small for our best friends. As a result, they often end up wandering away from the lawns and either get lost get teased by the strangers which causes further wretchedness to them.

This is just one of the many reasons why you should install a dog fence as soon as you own a dog. Traditional dog fences are simply comprised of a fence that is made out of aluminum or wood. These are extremely easy to install, and with basic materials that you can purchase from your local hardware store. There are also a number of different fence designs that you can download from the Internet and use to build your own dog fence.

While traditional dog fences are able to serve its purpose of keeping your dog within the confines of your property, its effectiveness is relatively short-lived. Dogs are very smart creatures and over time, they eventually learn to get around the dog fence that you have put up. For this reason, many dog lovers have begun choosing alternative dog fences that are now available at local pet stores and over the Internet. The most popular choices have been electric and wireless dog fences.

Unlike its traditional counterparts, these kinds of fences are made to train dogs to become limited to a certain area of the lawn. Electric and invisible dog fences consist of wires that can be concealed among the bushes and grass around your property and a dog collar. When your dog comes into close contact with the fence, it sends out a signal to the dog collar which results in having a beeping sound and a mild shock to be given to the dog, discouraging the dog to ramble further. Thus not only these fences prevent your dog from running when the gates are open, these alternative dog fences allows you to keep your front and back yards beautiful and inviting, making these more appealing to many dog lovers. Moreover, electric and invisible dog fences can suit dogs of any size. This means that you do not have to increase the height of your fence should you and your entire family decide to get a much larger dog in the future.

Training Your Dog with Treats

2009-10-14T00:36:00.000-07:00

Giving dog treats is a popular part of training your pet. Most of the pet owners love to pamper their dogs with treats during their training sessions or to restrain them from chewing almost anything and everything around. These days a wide range of natural dog treats that promise to be tasty as well as healthy are widely available in markets.
What are Bull Sticks?

Bull sticks are popularly termed as beef sticks, steer stix, pizzle sticks and beef pizzles. Bull sticks are one of the many varieties of dog treats available in the market. Unlike rawhide bones, these treats are made out of the beef of cow and not from the hide. This makes bull sticks easy to digest without the risk of increasing obesity. This kind of dog treat has high protein content that keeps the pet healthy and energetic. Bull sticks are rich in taurine, an amino that prevents unnecessary health disorders in your pet.

Bull sticks are available in numerous shapes and sizes. Some pet owners prefer flavoured bull sticks. There are companies who manufacture braided bull sticks which strengthens the teeth and jaw muscles of dogs. Chewing of bull sticks can ward off the unwanted growth of tarter and plaque in your pet's mouth. Some brands produce natural bull sticks without any preservatives, added colours, chemicals, antibiotics, hormones or steroids. Dogs simply love to gorge on their bull sticks mainly because of the natural flavour and smell of animal flesh.

Are Bull Sticks safe?

Pet owners prefer bull sticks as a natural, safe, and healthy chew for their dogs. Bull sticks are made to ease out the chewing and teething problems of your growing puppy. Pets habituated to chewing bull sticks usually have stronger jaws and fewer cavity problems. Bull sticks last longer because they are harder than the other varieties of dog treats. Hence it gratifies the pet's urge to keep chewing.

It is advisable that pet owners conduct substantial research before picking up a particular brand of bull stick for their pet. One should never compromise on the quality of the treat as that can wreck havoc on the health of the pet.

Providing Bedding for Large Pets

2009-10-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

If you really care for your pet and love him then you'd surely look after the things that provide him comfort. And this can be quite a venture if you own a large breed of pet. Though, no one needs to worry about it any more since Mammoth Pet Beds are easily available in extra large sizes. Therefore, if you own a large pet you should really consider about purchasing Mammoth Pet Beds for your four legged friend.

The next best reason to purchase Mammoth Pet Beds is the comfort they provide to your pet. If you’re pet is a large breed it is a lot more complicated to make them at ease. Think about it; does any one like to lie down on the floor? Is it comfortable? No we don't, and if it isn't easy for us would it be easy for them? It also depends on the breed of the pet; if it is a large sized pet then it would be a larger painful process. Mammoth Pet Beds provide a better level of comfort to your pet. Mammoth Pet Beds are designed with such fabrics that give an assurance of complete rest and comfort to your pet while he is asleep.

Do you keep worrying that your pet isn't feeling at ease? Why then do you keep on kicking your pet off of the sofa or easy chair? These are some of the places that they really feel relaxed in while asleep and those are the same places that you might have to work with. Therefore, Mammoth Pet Beds come off as a convenience for the people who own pets. If you provide your pet with their special place to sleep or rest then they wouldn't come out invading your area. A pet invading your area isn't very bad, but some times you really cannot accommodate them.

A special space for the pet must also be considered when you want to clean the house. Your pet, being an animal is common to getting dirty and making your furniture dirty. If the pet has just returned back after playing outside, their paws and body might be filthy and you really do not want them to hit upon your bed or other furniture. There are health concerns also attached with it. Mammoth Pet Beds can reduce your concerns.

Do not think that owning a large breed pet or any pet is trouble. You do not have to forgo their comfort. You can demonstrate your love by buying a Mammoth pet bed, since even he is a part of your family. Therefore, when considering the comfort of your pet or your handiness you just need to consider Mammoth pet beds.

Safe Stable Cleaning

2009-10-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

It has come to my attention that whenever I go to any stable, farm or horse trailer, it always has that extreme odor that takes a lot for me to inhale. It can be so extreme that I cannot stay very long in its environment.

I wanted to find a way to attend to this issue with a product that would be safe and cost effective . There are so many products that are very harmful to our animals, people & our surrounding geographic
land.

It can be an extensive chore to actually clean a stable, because you must completely remove all the animals, all bedding and you have to wait for hours to air out the premises before allowing the animals back in. This is due to the chemicals that are out there to clean these stables.

Wanting to ensure a non-toxic product, research was done and a new product was formulated.
My main concern was the safety of the stable inhabitators.

Now, I have found a safe, tasteless (which promotes no chewing) hay-scented cleaner and brightener that works within the realms for animal safety.

Also, this can be done on a daily basis, so that eventually it will be a maintenance cleaning that will take less and less time as there is no major removal of your occupants.

This product has had excellent results and much feedback to be one of the first in it's field and can be used for various other applications such as removing mold, mildew and grime from wood, concrete, rubber matting, plastic and just about any surface needing cleaning.

How wonderful to be able to offer a product such as this knowing I am helping our environment, the stable owner and most of all our pets.

Tools for Finding a Lost Pet

2009-10-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

When a family pet goes missing, it can be a devastating and worrying event. But now there is one more way to seek out a missing pet – by searching online. Many public databases have now sprung up online, bringing people in communities and cities together in order to find and post, missing and found pets.

Previously, searching for a missing pet has been a stressful experience. But searching online can be rewarding, as people work together to find missing pets and return them home.

In cities across the world, online forums aiming to return lost pets home have sprung up as a way for communities to help one another. In these forums, owners of lost pets post classified adverts with descriptions of the pet, their name and how they might react to being found.

In addition, those who have found lost pets can go online, post adverts of found pets and search for adverts that could match the lost pet they’ve found. From there, the owner and finder can meet up and hopefully return the pet to their home. In many cases, owners will post adverts and descriptions of family pets even if they have not been lost. This ensures that the pet can be found if they ever go missing.

There are, of course, many other ways for pet owners to search for missing pets. Posting pictures of the lost pet - as well as any other information in the area that the animal was lost in - will help those who live there identify a lost pet if they see one.

It’s also a good idea to get many people involved in the search as possible to cover a large area of ground. Inform neighbours, local shop keepers and businesses that your pet is lost and be sure to give an up-to-date, accurate description of what your pet looks like and answers to. In some cases, offering a reward will help those that are reluctant to get involved search for the pet.

Be sure to contact your local veterinarian to let them know your pet is missing. This will ensure that you will be contacted in case your pet is found injured and is taken to the vet for medical care.

What's more, purchasing adequate pet insurance will ensure that the costs of searching for a missing pet are covered. That way, you won’t have to worry about the monetary costs of looking for your lost pet and you will be able to focus on finding your lost pet.

Tips on Caring For Goldfish

2009-10-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about breeding goldfish, then you will soon have some fry to care for. There are a few things you need to know about caring for goldfish. They are very fragile, so you can easily cause harm. This article will give you a few tips on how to care for them properly.

Water

When they're born, they measure about 1/8 inch and are very fragile. The water in the tank that you keep them in should never be above six inches. If it is, the weight of the water may crush them. The ideal water temperature in the tank is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Food

After they hatch, you don't have to feed them for a few days. During this time, they will feed off of their yolk sac. This lasts for about two days at which time they will start swimming around looking for food.

When caring for goldfish fry, most owners feed them strained egg yolk for about two weeks. After this, you can start feeding them brine shrimp. It's important that you always have food available for them to eat. However, you also need to be careful that you don't pollute the water too much. It can easily be fatal to the fry.

Size

You should never have fry in the same tank as adult fish. Goldfish will eat anything that fits in their mouth, and that includes their little fry. They will eventually grow in size, so you will need to have an additional tank ready to separate them when they're ready.

Tips on Sexing Discus Fish

2009-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Do you have some adult discus fish and want to know whether they are male or female. In this article I’m going to share with you some of the tips and techniques you can use to determine the gender of your discus or those you wish to buy.

First of all, know that these are only guides and they are not always 100% correct as in some circumstances females have male characteristics and males have female ones.

Here are ways to determine the sex of your discus

1, The dorsal and anal fins

Take a good look at the dorsal and anal fins of your discus. Are they rounded or are they pointed. Males tend to have pointed dorsal and anal fins or sometimes have extended growth on the end rear of the dorsal fin. Females tend to have rounds rear fins.

2, The colour and pattern of your discus

Please look at the colour and pattern of your discus fish, compare them to one another in the tank. Some fish will hopefully have more intense colour and some discus will have more pattern. Male discus fish tend to have less intense colour but have more pattern while the female tends to be more colourful but with lesser pattern.

3, Size of the discus

Compare the size of your discus. Male discus tend to be bigger than the females but the size can also depend on whether the fish was stunted or are just small in genetic make up.

I hope these three tips have helped you to sex your discus and will help you when selecting adult discus fish from a shop or dealer.

Fish Articles What Are Some Discus fish Secrets?

2009-10-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

Discus fish are quite a shy species of fish and they prefer their environment to have lots of places to hide in as well as for the tank to be kept in a quiet area of the house away from noisy places. The secret to keeping discus fish lies in the diet, the environment and believe it or not, the water is a very important discus fish secret.

Discus fish secrets are not difficult to come by, there are dozens of resources that you can use, including books dedicated to the care of discus fish, websites devoted to breeding and looking after discus fish and more. Many aquarists believe that keeping discus fish is a difficult task and should not be attempted by inexperienced fish keepers; however one of the secrets to successfully keeping discus fish is their environment.

Discus fish are quite large, especially when they are full grown so you will need a tank that can hold at least 20 gallons of water, 27 gallons at a maximum. Their tank should be kept in a quite place because discus fish can become stressed if subjected to lots of noise, and their tank should have plenty of places for them to hide, such as aquarium ornaments, over turned pot plants you can even add a few potted plants to your aquarium for your fish to enjoy. If you are attempting to breed discus, then you must provide them with a surface in which to lay their spawn such as an upturned plant pot.

Another discus fish secret is their diet discus fish must have a varied diet in order to thrive and this includes; beef heart, tetra pieces, blood worms and fresh or frozen brine shrimp. It is important to clean up any left over debris of food because this can make the water in the tank turn very quickly and lead to sick fish.

One of the most important discus fish secrets to know is the water. Discus fish come from the Amazon River and so are used to warm and distilled water. The water in the tank should be kept at a temperature of around 26-31 C, with the temperature 29 C thought to be ideal for fully grown discus fish. The water in the tank must be soft and slightly acidic with a pH level of 5.5-6.5 for wild caught discus fish.

Cancer in Cats and Alternative Treatments

2009-10-03T11:46:00.001-07:00

It is hard for cat owners to see their friend suffer from any disease, and the side effects of the medications for treatment. A campaign for awareness of side effects of chemotherapy and radiation is currently being conducted.

As with any disease, cancer has a cause, even though medical science does not know what that cause is. Suspected causes are environmental, vaccine related and diet is concerns for cancer in cats. Certain drugs for autoimmune diseases in cats are even seen to partially be to blame, as they are metabolized in the liver into cancer causing agents.

There are 3 conventional treatments available for cancer in cats. These include chemotherapy as well as radiation and surgery. The chemo and radiation are seen to most as a type of poison that has far reaching side effects. Surgery may not be an option for every case, as cancer is not always detected in time. Once it is diagnosed, it is normally too late to use surgery as an option for treatment.

Natural approaches and alternative medicine says that conventional drugs only treat symptoms and do nothing to aid the cause of the cancer, which is generally a weakened immune system. These holistic approaches say that the healing must come from within, and so they treat the animal completely, and not the cancer alone. Alternative remedies help internal healing and stimulate the self-healing while recharging the cat.

900 cats took part in a 10 year study with a natural diet for health and production of healthy offspring. One set of cats took in only milk and raw meats, while another set was given only cooked food. The set that took in cooked food developed allergies and many other health problems while the next generation was not able to reproduce. If giving only cooked food makes this wild a change in cat health, there is no telling what commercial diets with added stimulants and preservatives will show.

The number one killer of pets is now cancer. The need to understand the internal and environmental agents that cause cancer continues. It makes sense that corrective measures and preventatives should be taken so that the environment favorable to the carcinogens is not able to survive long.

Homeopathic or herbal cancer treatments for dogs and cats as well as other alternative medicines take a holistic or natural approach, and insist on natural diets. The idea behind this is all species have average body conditions that need a certain diet so it is best suited to health. Their vulnerability to disease is aided by feeding them what is easier and more convenient for us.

Janet Markowitz has been a German Shepherd Breeder for over 20 years. She has always been interested in using natural and holistic remedies for her Shepherds whenever possible. She has found that by using natural Remedies in conjunction with conventional medicine, she has achieved great success in the health and longevity in her dogs.

Ring Worms In Cats

2009-10-03T11:44:00.001-07:00

If we're talking about cats, the M Canis fungi will be responsible for 95% of all cases of Ringworm. Usually, they will get this disease from objects that are contaminated, like clippers or bedding, or from other pets that are already sick.

If you have another pet that already has this disease, other animals should be kept away from it, so they don't get it as well.

The Ringworm disease is much more likely to show up in cats or kittens that have less than a year since birth. A kitten that is allowed to go outside is more likely to get it, either by meeting a cat that has it or by entering in contact with something that is contaminated. This happens because when they're young the immune system isn't as strong, so the Ringworm disease is more likely to affect them.

The Ringworm symptoms are broken or rough hairs and losing their hair around their paws or head. If you see a patch of skin that looks scaly, inflamed and itchy, chances are that the cat has Ringworm disease. Near that area of skin you should also see some broken hairs. It's a sensitive area, so touching it can hurt the cat. Avoid doing that.

Once those symptoms are observed in your cat, get on the phone and get that vet appointment. The treatment for this disease is usually tables or ointments. What he will give her depends on how serious the disease is. Tables are usually given to cats together with their meals. Ointments are spread topically on the coat of the cat. Make sure you respect the treatment each day, so the cat has a chance to heal. It can take six weeks or even more until the cat heals.

Cats that suffer from Ringworm disease should be treated as infectious, and not allowed in the vicinity of kids. Gloves should be used at all times when handling the cat. This disease is contagious, so be careful at all times. It's not a serious problem, but it can cause them, since the recovery time is slow.

How serious is Cat Dandruff?

2009-10-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cat dandruff is a lot like human dandruff, it is just the skin scaling off because it is dry. It is a bothersome disorder, but not often a serious one. It could also be indicative that there is something else wrong with the cat.

The thing that owners of cats with dandruff should be wary most of is that if the cat is scratching too much and could cause weeping and open sores that in turn could get infected.

While most treatments and medications will address the cause of the dandruff, the itching and discomfort caused by it will not go away until the cause of the dandruff is eliminated, and that could take some time.

There are also several things that you should take note of because these will make the dandruff worse:

1. Raise the humidity in the house. Dry air will aggravate the cat’s dandruff, and it is also a cause for brittle and dry hair on your cat. During this period when your cat has dandruff, and he needs grooming, do not use a blow dryer because the added heat will irritate the skin more.

2. Do not let the cat out in the heat, for the same reasons stated above. Wait until the late afternoon to let him out, when the sun’s heat has already dissipated.

3. If the cat has not yet been de-clawed, have it done as soon as it is advisable. It will prevent him from gauging wounds on his skin when he scratches. It is better to have dandruff than have dandruff plus skin wounds.

4. Keep the cat comfortable with topical applications that will get rid of the itchiness. It will relieve his discomfort and lessen the chance that he will scratch.

These are just a few things to keep in mind about taking care of your cat when he has dandruff. If the veterinarian has prescribed medication to get rid of the cause of dandruff, make sure that you follow his instructions well to give the cat a speedy recovery. You should also ask for something that will make the cat more comfortable.

Cat dandruff may not be a serious disorder, but that doesn’t mean that it should not be addressed. Every responsible pet owner knows that anything that could cause your pet harm and discomfort has a way of getting worse if you do not address it properly.

Cat Care 101

2009-10-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

It seems that cats have become a common fixture in our household. Many people own one, and in fact, having cats as pets has been a practice for over thousands of years.

Just like dogs, though not as many, cats also have numerous breeds, but the popular ones are Siamese and Persian. If you plan to get one for a pet, there are factors you have to consider, and among these is the cost.

Just like owning any other pet, it will cost some money to own a cat. Of course, you will need to buy food, medicines, clinic visits, and also a litter. The basic essentials you should have are: food plate, water plate, and a litter box. Additionally, cats love to play so buying toys would be recommended. Other paraphernalia you will need: cat collar, bed, carrier, and scratching post.

Feeding Your Cat

The kind of food and frequency of feeding vary with age. When a cat is still very young- a kitten- he will need to be fed several times a day; as he grows older, you can feed him twice daily, or even with one big meal. To be more specific, before he reaches 12 weeks, you will have to feed him at least 4x daily; when he reaches 3-6 months, feeding is lowered down to thrice daily.

Dos and Don’ts

1. Never feed him food that has been left out for more than half an hour.

2. Canned food can be given, but these can be expensive. For some reason, cats love canned meals but these do not really have any advantage to dental health in the way that dry meals do. So you might want to consider giving him dry food too.

3. When giving dry food, see to it that your cat gets sufficient water intake on a day to day basis.

4. When buying dry food, make sure that you look at the nutritional value it offers and not buy it because it is cheap. Usually, generic food does not contain enough nutrients that your cat needs.

5. Kittens should only be given kitten food, and do not feed yours with adult cat food.

6. Do not keep on giving your cat milk. They love milk but it causes diarrhea.

7. Do make sure to wash his plate everyday.

8. When giving treats, keep it to a minimum as this will make your cat fat.

9. You can feed your cat human food occasionally but still mix it with his regular food.

10. Brush their coat once daily to avoid hairballs, and at the same time, it helps keep their coat shiny and clean.

11. Clean their litter box at least once a week because cats hate it when their litter box is dirty.

12. Take regular visits to his vet, and make sure required shots are given.

Well, if you may have noticed, owning a cat is not always that easy as they require maintenance and care. But cats are wonderful, loving creatures who will keep you company for many, many years. In the end, it is going to be worth it.

Types of Cancer in Dogs

2009-10-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Lymphosarcoma is one of the most common types of cancers seen. It is also referred to as lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In dogs, many different species develop Lymphosarcoma. Like any other cancer, this one can “metastasize", which means it can spread and affect other organs and tissues.

Most dogs get a type of Lymphosarcoma that originates the lymph nodes and usually the nodes under the jaw get swollen. Sometimes this is the only symptom your dog will have. But the jaw is not the only place where this disease can begin. Some forms of Lymphosarcoma begin in the bone marrow, the chest, abdomen, or even the skin.

RENAL LYMPHOSARCOMA

When the disease attacks the kidney first, the illness is called Renal Lymphosarcoma. The symptoms include drinking a lot of fluids and urinating a lot. Also vomiting can appear and also loss of appetite. The pet can even get depressed.

MEDIASTINAL LYMPHOSARCOMA

The Mediastinum is the tissue near the heart and lungs. The cancer creates a tumor there and the pet has hard time breathing and the lung accumulate fluid.

BONE MARROW LYMPHOSARCOMA: LEUKEMIA

When the cancer has started or reaches the bone marrow, then it is called Leukemia. The cancer affects the blood. The bone marrow’s role is to create red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that destroy infection and platelets that help blood to clot. The cancer causes these types of cells to drop in numbers and it causes: infections, anemia and bleeding disorders.

DIAGNOSIS

The vets do a tissue biopsy to determine the disease. Is the microscopic analysis of the tissue reveals that the disease is present, a detailed exam follows. This exam will show if the disease has spread in other body areas. The vets call this “STAGING".

The diagnostic Procedures used to “STAGE" include:

- Different blood tests

- Cytology - analyzing cells in the large lymph nodes and taking a look at them under the microscope.

- X-Rays

- Ultrasound

- Bone Marrow Analysis

Staging helps the doctors figuring out the best way of treatment.

TREATMENT

More than 90 perfect of the dogs that get chemotherapy go into remission. This is not a cure but just a stage when quality of life is assured. A dog will normally have a stage of remission of about eight to ten months. Also, the dogs don’t get as many side effects as humans do. Less than 5% of the dogs get side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness and lethargy.

The dogs don’t lose their hair after chemo, like people do. Only a few breeds get these side effects: Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs). Usually even they only lose their whiskers.

CANCER DIETS

When a dog undergoes a cancer treatment, it must have a good diet with lots of vitamins.

Dog Lice - How to Get Rid of Doc Lice

2009-10-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Even the cleanest dogs can have lice, even if they are well cared for and groomed every day. They can carry it as a host. So you must be aware of the symptoms and as soon as they appear, you should contact the vet.

But what is it? Can it affect the owner too? How can you get rid of it?

These are a few questions that we will try to answer in this article. Dog lice can happen to clean dogs too. It is very common in the country. Lice infestation has many symptoms that the owners should be aware of.

For example, the infestation with lice causes the dog to get some severe irritations and illness symptoms. The dog lice also can carry other diseases and can turn to complications like dog anemia.

Under the microscope the dog lice appear to be gray, flat and wingless. They are parasites that measure about 12 of an inch in length. They move very slowly and sometimes they don’t even move for many days. You should know that the dog lice can not survive outside the host’s body. Without a dog or a cat, the lice die.

Dog lice come in two different types. One of them is the dog lice that bites the skin and then feeds on the skin flakes. But the other type will attach to the skin and feed on the pet’s blood. These are the worst because by sucking the animal’s blood, they will cause serious irritation by penetrating the skin and feeding of it. The first signs that your dog is infested are the fact that he scratches hard, is heavy and has some irritations on the skin.

Most of the times the dog lice get in the ears, the anus, neck or shoulders. They are quite big and they will lay eggs in the pet’s hair. The easiest eggs to see are the nits because they sit on the hair and they look like dust pieces.

The treatment for lice is simple. The lice do not have a resistance to the insecticides yet.

The vet will recommend you some insecticide in the form of bath or spray. That treatment will kill the lice for sure. You may also have to cut down some of the hair and then wash the dog one time a week with the prescribed insecticides. Repeat the procedure till all the lice die.

Plans for a Dog House

2009-10-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

DIY a dog house is something quite easy to do if you have the ability of searching in the right place. Online there are hundreds of sites that give you the possibility to download some high quality schematics in just mere seconds.

After reading this article you will be informed about a few tips on how to choose the correct guide.

The size of the dog house

Having the right measurements is highly important. If the kennel is too small or too big the dog might get frighten and not use it. Then you will have done all the work for nothing. Measure the dog before starting the construction. Make sure the he has a lot of space to move around in the house and not be cramped up in a corner.

Usually, three types of dog houses are being built:

- the medium sized kennel destined for the small dog breeds, like the Terrier, the Jack Russells and the Dachshunds.
- the large kennel built for the big dogs like the Golden Retrievers, German Shepperd and Dobermans.
- the duplex-style kennel, is recommended if you have more than a single dog. The duplex style kennel has a removable wall. You take down the wall if you want the dogs to snuggle and keep each other warm.

Some House Tips

Besides the size and the house design, you also need to consider other facts. First of all, raise the floor of the house a few inches over the ground. If there is a rain, the dog will not get wet and also the floor keeps cold in the summer time.

Don't use metal or plastic in building the house, especially if the climate in your town is warm. The dogs are very sensitive to the heat and the metal heats up fast.

Make the floor to be a small slope towards the opening. If any water gets in, it will drain outside. Provide the house with a protective roof in case of heavy rains and strong winds.

Dog Carrier Tips

2009-10-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Below are some tips that will help you choose the best dog carrier for your plane ride.

• Don’t buy a carrier right before you need to use it, buy it at least a week before hand to give your dog ample time to get used to it. Many people buy dog carriers on their way to the airport and then wonder why their dog won’t get into it.

• Don’t feed your dog for 6 hours before you get on the plane and hold off water at least an hour before the trip. If you dog has a full stomach, it could make for a very uncomfortable trip for them or even an accident while flying.

• When flying with your dog, make sure you get there early enough to give yourself extra time to get through security.

• Make sure you do your research before you travel. Some airlines require you to have an extra form filled out by veterinarian.

• Every airline is different, make sure you check your airline for different regulations regarding animals in the cabin and the extra fee associated with it.

• Not every dog carrier is airline approved. Not every airline approved dog carrier will work on every airline. Make sure you check out the regulations and requirements of the airline you are flying on.

Here are the regulations for a few of the bigger airlines.

American Airlines: Dogs & cats are allowed in the cabin. Prior arrangements are needed. Extra fee charged. Maximum carrier dimension- 23L x 13W x 9H. You must check in at the ticket counter.

Delta Airlines: Prior arrangements are needed. Extra fee charged. Dogs, cats, ferrets, & rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs are permitted. Contact delta for maximum carrier dimensions. Health certificate needed. Must check in at ticket counter.

Northwest Airlines: Prior arrangements are needed. Extra fee charged. Dogs, cats, & birds allowed in cabin. Animal & carrier must weigh less than 15lbs. Maximum carrier dimensions- 17L x 12W x 8H. Health certificate needed.

United Airlines: Prior arrangements are needed. Extra fee charged. Dogs, cats, & birds are allowed. Maximum carrier dimension: 17L x 10W x 10H. Health certificate needed.

US Airways: Prior arrangements are needed. Extra fee charged. Dogs, cats, & birds are allowed. Health certificate required. Maximum carrier dimension- 17L x 16W x 10H (soft sided) & 17L x 16W x 8H (hard sided)

Continental Airlines: Dogs, cats, rabbits, & birds allowed. Extra fee charged. Maximum carrier dimension- 16L x 12W x 8.75H. Health certificate required.

Southwest Airlines: Dogs & cats allowed. Extra fee charged. Carrier counts as your carryon. Must check in at ticket counter. Carriers can be hard or soft sided.

Frontier Airlines, Champion Air, Maxjet Airways: Do not accept pets in cabin. Service animals are allowed.

How to Treat Mange

2009-10-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Dog mange is a condition caused by the Demodex mite that causes irritation to the skin and hair loss. Most cases of mange appear in young dogs. Demodectic mange or Demodicosis is caused by the Demodex mite. The mite can be found in hair follicles. The Demodex mite, in small numbers is normal to be present on the skin of pet. Only when the mite begins to reproduce rapidly it causes the demodectic mange disease also called mange.

Treatment of canine mange

If the disease is temperate usually it heals spontaneously. Statistics show that 90% of demodectic mange cases are localized and can be treated locally. As a local treatment can be diluted Amitraz (3ml to 30 ml of mineral oil), or 1% rotenone ointment (Goodwinol ointment) and applied on the skin daily. In some cases these wounds will heal on their own but they may get worse before they improve. The numbers of mites should be reduced after only four weeks of treatment.

If the number of mites hasn’t reduced, the disease probably should be treated as a generalized form. If a dog develops generalized demodicosis, more aggressive treatment is usually needed. Although treatment is recommended, studies show that 30% to 50 % of generalized cases of mange heal will recover on their own without any treatment.

As a first step in treating the generalized form of mange you should start the treatment with a prescription product called Amitraz (Mitaban-Upjohn). Amitraz dips must be applied every two weeks. Before starting the treatment it is recommended that medium-length and longhaired dogs breeds to be clipped short, so that the solution can get into contact with the skin. First you have to wash the dog entirely with an antibacterial shampoo, like benzoyl peroxide shampoos, and carefully towel dry the dog. Before washing you dog with benzoyl peroxide shampoo you should apply a protective ophthalmic ointment to the eyes of the pet. After drying the dog, apply the Amitraz. Don’t forget to wear protective gloves when applying the Amitraz. Let your pet air-dry after the Amitraz dips. You might also want to administer an antibiotic to control secondary skin infections. This treatment require between 4 and 14 dips given at 2 week intervals. Skin scrapings should be tested for mites after every 4 dips. The treatment should continue until no mites will be found after two consecutive treatments. Dogs with generalized mange can be considered cured only after one year from the last treatment, if no mites we’re found during this period. As side effects to the Amitraz dips, some dogs may feel sedation or nausea.

Some dogs may not respond to this treatment. Although Ivemectin is not licensed for the treatment of demodectic mange, this is used by some veterinarians as treatment for this disease. In some cases, this drug offered good results. Large daily doses of liquid ivermectin must be administered so that the active ingredient should be effective against the Demodex mite. This should only be administered under close veterinary supervision. A second option if Amitraz dips did not work for your dog is Interceptor or Moxidectin. This is may be more effective than Ivemectin. No matter the treatment you choose to treat your dog for mange, you should first speak with a veterinarian.

Did you hear your dog needs?

2009-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Being a dog owner or having a dog itself an honor for anybody. The great craze for the dogs was not the matter of today people has liked the dogs from centuries ago and they are always seemed to be the best pet for householders. How could you be reckless for your dog when it comes to dog food? Feeding your dog with the full of nutrient and healthy dog food keep it healthy.

In the great concern to your dog health there’re many sort of dog food are available like dry food, burns dog food and fully nutrition food. If you do not have any idea about how what to feed to your loving dog you should have to care these things adequately. First of all, the size, activity of your dogs and condition of your dog should be kept on mind.

All this necessary details can give you a good guide to feed more healthy food to your dog in order to keep him healthy and fit. Not too many dog owners care about the health of their dogs, so when the dogs become ill they only reliable to the vet. There are several brands are available for your dog’s food and they offer quality dry food, burns dog food and fully nutritious health perspective food.

If you take these all feed your dog, the chances are likely impossible he may get ill and can live a good healthy live in touch of your gentle love. A dog with big shape and high daily activity needs a high dose of foods. You may involve high calories diet and protein to keep him fit and fine.

Life abundance dog food can give your dog a great dose of full of nutritious and full of mineral food that you can avail from any reliable stores. Be chose while purchasing the food for your dogs since there are many scammers that can bring you and your dog in trouble.
Sometimes, you may ask help from your regular vet because certain breeds of dogs need different nutrients and energy diet. The dry food and burns dog food also become very necessary from the moment when your dog start growing. There are fabulous stores to find all these great dog food products that you can happily purchase.

Dog Training Uncovered

2009-10-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Training your dog is no easy task; any pet owner can tell you that. While many dogs are very eager to please their owners, the bottom line is that they really don’t always understand what it is that you are saying and they have very, very short attention spans. These factors can make things difficult for even the most patient of owners, but before you are tempted to throw in the towel, let us consider some simple and basic dog training aids that you can use to help you along the way.

One of the best dog training aids that you can employ is to emphasize rewarding your dog for what he or she does right rather than simply punishing your dog when he or she does something wrong. Dogs crave attention and approval from their owners and will do just about anything to get it. If you want your dog to learn potty training, reward her when she goes in the right spot in the yard just as much as you scold her for going anywhere else. Many people neglect to include this positive reinforcement as part of their dog training aids arsenal, but that approval and affection can go a long way toward getting your dog to do what you want her to do!

Are there any training aids that we can purchase in order to help us with our dogs behaviour? Yes there are a number, and a visit to your local pet store will be quite an eye opener. Some of course are much better than others, as you would expect. Take for example dog leads. Nowadays, the experts tell us that choke chains and collars are not a good idea because they are of little benefit when training, but, a good study lead and collar on the other hand can work wonders when trying to get your dog to obey an instruction. Muzzles are another aid, not something that I like, but some people say that it help control a dogs barking both indoors and out.

Another weapon in your arsenal of dog traing aids is the good old fashioned grooming brush. Most dogs just love the time when they are groomed, and they also love having a toy to play with. Give them a chewy top and you will keep them happy for hours, and they won’t be looking to chew the furniture or get up to mischief. Another basic aid is you, yes, your playing with your dog is not only great fun for both of you, but it will make sure that he or she has little energy left to get into trouble. It does not cost anything to play, so make sure you do.

A final word to say about bathing your dog. They can be trained from an early age to enjoy this providing you use the right equipment. The shampoo that you use needs to be dog shampoo, not human shampoo, and a conditioner is helpful in order to making the combing activity easier later. Have a good size towel handy, and if necessary a leash in order to restrain them. You can make this an enjoyable activity for both of you providing as I said earlier, you start at an early age.

7 MYTHS of pet food

2009-10-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Read on to learn out the actual facts of general myths such as: By products are bad inedible & discarded animal parts, corn is a filler and is sickly digested, raw food is better than dry food, corn causes allergy, dry food induces bloating, extraordinary protein induces hot spot and etc.

MYTHS of pet food

Myth 1: By-products are bad, uneatable & discarded animal parts Fact 1: By-products are sometimes included in pet food as it is a very good source of protein. It is not bad and spoilt meat but actually comprises of animal body parts like feet, neck, kidney, stomach etc. These are common animal body parts that are commonly eaten by Chinese (Eg. Kway Chap & Pig Stomach soup).

Myth 2: Corn is a filler and poorly digested Fact 2: Corn can be badly digested if given in its physical form. In fact, if you give your pet a piece of fresh corn, it would most likely be indigestible and reappear in its stools. However, the corn seen in pet food is “Ground Corn” which means that it is finely grounded and handled carefully to help determine digestibleness. Ground corn can be more than 98% digestible. Corn is an greatest root of complex carbohydrates, contains linoleic acid for healthy skin and coat, provides for essential amino acids and has fiber.

Myth 3: Corn Gluten meal is bad Fact 3: Corn gluten meal is not corn. It is a well source of protein (60%-64%) and also it is a good urine acidifier to prevent/help urinary tract troubles in our pets

Myth 4: Animal origin proteins are better than proteins from plants and grains Fact 4: No single source of protein is perfect and no one source contains all essential amino acids. Animal and plant sources are good sources of protein. For instance, soyabean meal (high in methionine) complements chicken (low in methionine). The deviation is that true meat is a highly palatable protein source. The first ingredient for all PRO PLAN cat and dog products (except urinary tract health formula for cats-first ingredient is corn gluten meal as it is a good urine acidifier) are true chicken, turkey, lamb or salmon. This is why PRO PLAN is highly palatable and we assure that your dog/cat will love it.

Myth 5: BARF (Raw Food) is better than dry food Fact 5: Raw food diets Commonly are not perfect and well-balanced Danger of infection and pollution – Salmonella is very hazardous to both pets and humans and can be seen in the stools of pets. Bones can get stuck in your pets mouth

Myth 6: Cooking destructs enzymes and nutrients Fact 6: Cooking is advantageous. Cooking: Changes the digestibility of nutrients Changes structure of amino acids Breaks down non-nutritional components to increase digestibility Kills bacteria and parasites Dogs construct their own enzymes needed to digest food and utilize nutrients like protein. Also manufacturers of high quality pet foods sustain safety tolerances developed into formulations. Any nutritional loss in PRO PLAN during preparation and storage is reported for and will always be added back to assure high quality in our pet food.

Myth 7: Corn drives allergic reactions Fact 7: 10 different studies, representing 253 dogs Roundebush, Guilford , Shanely(2000) Adverse Reactions to Food, Small Animal Clinic Nutrition (4 th edition) Beef, dairy products and wheat account for 65% of all reported events of food allergies Chicken, egg, lamb and soy answer for for 25% of all reported cases of food allergic reactions Only 6 confirmed (2.4%) cases of allergies to corn

How dogs come to be abandonded

2009-10-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thinking about our pet dogs as a victim of our own abuse can be hard to imagine but under financial pressure, owners often take a first step in abandonment of a pet. People often simply leave their pet by the roadside or in vacated premises.

One recent example of this was a dog left alone and unfed, reduced to eating the plaster off the wall. How can owners be reduced to this level of uncaring? Simply that under pressure, the dog becomes the least cared for member of the family.

There is nothing new here. Dogs have often been left by the roadside in times of hardship. What happens then is they become wild and the sole reason is that they have been abandoned. It is in this state that they need protection.

If you want evidence of a lack of care, consider the recent case of a man now under arrest for suspicion of torturing his dogs. The evidence against him is 40 suffering dogs still in his property and the skulls of dead dogs found nearby. As you might expect many of these dogs are totally frightened of humans. It is believed that the only reason for police intervention was due to vigilant neighbors.

Animal lovers everywhere will be upset by this story and rightly asking how they can stop further dog abuses. The answer is to get more involved where things do not seem to be right.

Watching for tell-tale signs is one way of finding out if an animal is suffering. If no one has been at home for a few days and you know there is a dog inside, then it is not hard to investigate a little, by ringing the doorbell and listening for an animal crying out.

Look up your local animal support number and give them a call. They can then invesigate further and take action to save the dog, if he is suffering.

The humane society is an organization specifically set up to help in these cases. If you were to offer to look after the dog for while they will help by supplying food. It all starts with taking an action that could save a dog from suffering because you suspected something and reported it.

Shar Pei Nutrition

2009-10-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Not all dog foods are same. In fact, their qualities vary quite significantly. However, the dog itself can declare the final verdict, when it comes to the quality of the dog food. Your dog may show good results with a progressively healthy body and nice temperament if it is receiving good food. If this does not happen, no matter what its company claims, you are not feeding your dog well. Economy, Regular, Premium, Super Premium and Performance are different classes of commercially made dog foods.

Like any other dog breed, the Shar Pei has a simple stomach structure along with a short digestive tract. Shar Pei lacks saliva enzyme amylase, which is an essential food enzyme used to deal with pre-digesting starches.

Although Shar Pei dogs can be adapted to foods rich in vegetable proteins, they perform better when they are fed with foods rich in meat proteins as well as animal fats. Shar Pei nutrition essentially depends on two factors: nutrient sources similar to native environment and proper balance of nutrients in food.

Shar Pei nutrition requires vitamins and minerals added to the daily diet. However, the source of nutrients largely varies for different breeds. One source of mineral calcium may work fine for the Shar Pei, however may not work as well for other breeds. In fact, not all dogs from same breed require the same amount of nutrient content. It largely depends on a wide variety of factors including age, activity level, gender, weight, medical history, etc. For example, if your Shar Pei is very active, it may need more of the vitamin B complex.

As stated by many experienced breeders, homemade dog foods may also offer a perfect balance of Shar Pei nutrition. However, the food must be rich with fresh and high quality ingredients without any preservatives. Native foods most associated with supplying nutritional content are the essential requisites for preparing an ideal dog food for the Shar Pei. While beets, sweet potatoes, rice, corn, wheat, poultry meats, oxen and pork are perfect native choices for the Shar Pei, the food should also be rich with additional fiber and carbohydrate content as well. Stay away from avocado, potato, ocean fish, beef and lamb, as they are not good for your dog.

Here are two wonderful recipes for homemade ways to enhance Shar Pei nutrition. Cheesy Garlic Crunchy Snacks and Peanut Butter Treats can definitely help your dog to be healthy and active. For preparing Cheesy Garlic Crunchy Snacks, all you need two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, one half cup of melted margarine, two cups of whole-wheat flour, one clove of sliced garlic and one quarter cup of milk. Start by preheating the oven at 375?.

Blend margarine and cheese very well, then mix in the milk, garlic and flour and make it into smooth dough. Squeeze and roll the dough to a one-quarter inch thickness and cut it into smaller sizes in fun doggy shapes. Then bake for 20-25 minutes till the edges turn golden brown.

The ingredients of Peanut Butter Treats are two tablespoon of canola oil, one half cup of peanut butter, one cup of water, one cup of whole-wheat flour and two cups of white flour. Preheat the oven to 350?-375?. Mix all the ingredients together into a bowl except for the flour. Then add the flour slowly to the mixture, kneed gently to make dough and cut into small shapes. Bake it for 20-25 minutes just until crispy. Yummy!

Maine Coon Cats of Today

2009-10-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

This beautiful cat which has a delightful bushy tail, and which is striped and with long fur, is in fact a domestic cat which is surprising considering how large it is. The Maine Coon is native to North America and furthermore is actually native to the state of Maine, where it has been made the State Cat.

The Maine Coon has been around for more than a century, and it is believed that their physical design enables them to withstand the harsh winters of New England. Everything from their overall size, to the shape of their paws, to the thickness of their fur makes them suitable animals for harsh winter weather. Furthermore, their fur has a water resistant quality to it.

Could the Maine Coon have come into existence as a result of the local domestic cats mating with cats brought over by the Vikings? There is after all a definite likeness between the Maine Coon, and the Norwegian Forest Cat. Some people think this is a more likely possibilty rather than the suggestion that local cats mated with raccoons, an idea which has been discounted by the experts.

The Maine Coon Cats of today would not have been considered as a part of the breed at one time. Only brown tabbies were referred to as Maine Coon Cats, and any ‘Maine Coon’ of a different color was referred to as a Maine Shag Cat. Cat experts largely agree that the Maine Coon is a product of mating between short haired domestic cats with long hair cats from overseas, at a time when people began migrating from Europe.

Maine Coons have very special personaities similar in many ways to the family dog. Call out their name, and they will come bounding towards you. Go out for the day, and on your return you will find them eagerly waiting for you on the doorstep. They love people, and other animals, and in return they like a lot of love and attention themselves.

You may or may not be aware that cat shows have been taking place around the country since 1861, and it was in the 1900’s, with the introduction of the Persian cat, that the Maine Coons popularity began to wane. But they bounced back again in the 1950’s and their own Association was formed in 1968, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association, with the express purpose of protecting the breed. However it was another 12 years before all the cat registries recognized the breed.

Nowadays there are many, many people who are fortunate enough to own, exhibit and love a Maine Coon Cat. The Association which was founded many years ago by a mere six breeders has now grown to well over 200 breeders, and there are over 2000 other members who are not breeders as well.

Your Golden Retriever Puppy

2009-10-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

If you have ever seen a new litter of Golden Retriever puppies, you know how absolutely irresistible these furry babies are. However, those cute mugs and fuzzy bodies belie a dog that is going to grow quickly, with an exuberance and energy that will require plenty of time and effort on the part of the owner.

The puppy phase of the Golden Retriever will often last as long as three years, meaning that you are in for a playful, rambunctious dog for many years ahead. This can be good in many ways, but it can also be a challenge to train these pups into controlled, well-behaved creatures.

The first step in caring for Golden Retriever puppies is selecting the right breeder and then choosing the best dog from that breeder We have tips to help you do that, and give you the supplies and information that you will need to collect before you ever bring that puppy home. If you are well prepared to receive your new pet into your home, you will be much more successful in the housebreaking and training of your dog. A Golden Retriever that is properly trained and cared for is a delight to his family and the visitors that come to his home.

The first step in finding Golden Retriever puppies is to find a reputable breeder, and this can be a process in itself. Because this breed is a popular one, there are many breeders supplying puppies, but not all the pups will be as healthy and good-tempered as you would like. Ask the breeder about his practices, how he breeds out inherited conditions and less desirable traits. Visit his home to see whether the dogs are a member of his family and well socialized to people. A good breeder will also question you to see if you will be able to provide the best home possible for his precious pups.

Ask the breeder if he has documentation to show that he is actively breeding out hereditary disorders, and get the veterinarian records for the particular litter that you are considering. A good breeder will have questions for you also, since responsible breeders will want to make sure that their dogs go to the best homes possible.

There are plenty of reasons why Golden Retriever puppies consistently top the lists of most popular dogs today. When you choose a Golden Retriever pup from a reputable breeder, you will acquire a friendly, inquisitive dog with an insatiable desire to please his master.

When you have stocked your home with the right supplies and information for your new dog, you can rest assured that your puppy will receive the best care and training right from the beginning of his life with you.

When you prepare well and select your pup with care, a Golden Retriever can be the perfect choice in pets for many families today. A friendly dog that is always ready to play and never wants to be far from his family, the Golden Retriever has a well deserved reputation as one of the most popular breeds today. If you decide to add a Golden to your family, you will have a dog that will bring years of enjoyment and companionship to everyone in your family.

The Donut Dog Bed Style

2009-10-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

One of the more traditional, classic styles is the donut dog bed. This bed isn’t the latest and greatest in fashion, and there are many designer beds out there that may seem better. However, the classic design of this dog bed is that it has consistently shown itself to be both comfortable for dogs and nice to look at for owners.

One thing everyone really likes about donut dog beds is that you can quickly take them apart. The bed includes two parts: a cushioned ring that is made out of very soft, comfortable material, and a sturdy base that is padded very well. This design gives your dog something to rest its head on and keeps him from using pillows off of your sofa or even your bed.

The removable cushion on the bottom is often very soft in a donut dog bed and your furry friend will enjoy sleeping on its warm softness. If you are planning on traveling and your dog will be sleeping in the car while you drive then it is a good idea to go ahead and remove the larger ring and just use the bottom cushion to give you more room in the vehicle while providing the best comfort for your companion.

Another great use for this pad is for those times that you have to put your dog in a crate. Crates tend to not be padded at all, so placing the bottom part of your donut dog bed inside the crate adds a lot of comfort to it. Once you return home or can let your dog out of the crate, it doesn’t take much to reattach the top ring and recreate your dog’s favorite napping spot. This ability is one of the best features of the donut dog bed and essentially gives you two beds in one.

When looking into what type of bed you are planning on purchasing for your dog, you should know that donut dog beds are extremely durable. These pads have been made in a way that allows them to be disassembled and washed repeatedly. So, even if there are accidents, you can rest assured in knowing that your canine ’s favorite sleeping spot can easily be cleaned.

The cushion in a donut dog bed may be made out of a variety of different materials, including wool, flannel, leather, and microfiber. Deciding on which fabric to get is pretty easy-just take a look at what you need. A puppy or active dog may need a durable bed made from wool, while an older dog may appreciate the comfort that microfiber entails. Find the bed that’s best suited to your dog.

There are also a range of sizes offered for those interested in purchasing a donut dog bed. This form of bed can be ordered to fit anything from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. However, if you are purchasing the item for a larger breed puppy, be sure to calculate the animal ’s full grown size as they could outgrow their bed in just a few short months if it is too small.

Since the design of the donut dog bed is so popular, there is also a wide range of fabric patterns that you can select from. While color and design are not the most important trait of choosing the perfect sleeping arrangements for your canine friend, it can be a fun element to find something that perfectly matches your dog ’s attitude. Or, if you plan to put the fixture in a decorated room, you might find something to match that decor.

With all of these great features, it’s obvious why the donut dog bed has scored so highly with owners and their pets. It’s a very comfortable, sturdy, and even flexible style of dog bed that has many different uses. While other dog beds can provide some of these features, there’s nothing like a donut dog bed when you want a classic sleeping space for your dog.

Picking Cool Dog Clothing is fun

2009-10-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Who says you have to be the only fashionsable one in the house? With today’s design trends, your dog can be as fashionable as you with his own collection of dog clothing. This dog clothing can be used as everyday wear or for special occasions and you will never imagine all of the dog clothing products that are available for your dog. Some dog clothing is top of the line which will cost you a pretty penny while the test is rather inexpensive.

So what kinds of dog clothing are available? There are dog sweaters, dog life jackets and vests, dog coats and jackets, dog shirts and warm up gear, dog dresses, dog pajamas, dog sweaters and ponchos, dog raincoats and booties as well as an array of costumes to celebrate different occasions. This dog apparel is very cute and fashionable. They are made for all types of dog sizes in mind, but particularly for the little ones.

You should never let your pup feel a cold breeze when he is out for a walk. Therefore, you should pick up something warm for him to wear while out on the street like a poncho, sweater, scarf or jacket. All of these items are fashionable and come lined in fleece and some even adorn faux fur hoodies, turtle necks, thermal hoodies. Outdoor activities such as going camping are the ideal situation to pick up a heavy jacket for your pup.

The styles of jackets vary put are very attractive. If you are going out for a walk you may want a sporty jacket lined with nylon and reflective stripes. If you want to draw some fashionable attention you may want to put your dog in a parka jacket. These dog apparel jackets come in suede and faux fur as well for those cold winter days lines with fleece.

If you love to run and occasionally go for a walk or run together, you may want to match. There are a variety of doggy sweat suits that are available. Some come with reflector stripes in case you are going out around dusk, hoodies, racer sripes, wind and rain resistance, thermal materials and more. There are even pucci couture suits a play on the brand name juicy couture which are velour sweat suits that are available in pastel colors. Or you can take your pup to your rugby game in his rugby tee to support the team and maybe get in on some of the action.

Sometimes the rain can be an ugly thing but not if your pup is dressed in some of the finest waterproof dog clothing available. There are rain boots and rain jackets made especially for dogs so that they stay dry and healthy. You will never have a sick puppy after taking a walk in the rain while dressed for the weather. The majority of this pet apparel is designer dog clothes using only the finest materials like micro fiber fabric and non skid soles for the shoes.

This year you and your pup can dress up for the most anticipated dressing up holiday of the year; Halloween. Some themes include your pup dressing up as a reindeer, Santa, zebras, giraffes, chickens, cats, ghosts witches, devils, skunks, ballerinas, superheroes and many more. In addition to Halloween he can dress up for Christmas too in one of these fine get ups as a reindeer or as Santa.

Your dog will be comfortable in any of these fun outfits. Dog clothing is made to let your pup run free and play while also keeping him protected from the harsh weather such as the cold, rain and snow. Nevertheless some items are very breathable allowing your pup to breathe through his clothes in case it may get a bit hotter in the afternoon. Your dog will be the most fashionable of all running around the doggy park and will make everyone jealous.

Where Will I Find Dog Cookie Pet Treats?

2009-10-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

There are several internet stores that cater to animals, and where you will find dog cookie pet treats. I have included a few of them in this article and listed some of the dog cookie pet treats they offer.

Dog pet treats made by the canine Cookie Company are normally oven baked and made from the richest ingredients, sometimes corn syrup and molasses are used to sweeten them up. There is no extra salt added or even processed sugar in the treats. It is possible to find several options while searching for these cookie treats. ‘BAGGED TREATS’ are one of the best options which are found in bags of 10 ounces and a price of around $4.15.

Another very good dog cookie pet treats internet store is Pet Smart and you can see some of their products listed below.

Great Choice Healthy Treats are available at a price of $3.49.

Exclusively Dog Peanut Butter Flavor Sandwich Crme Dog Cookies only for $1.99.

Exclusively Dog Vanilla Flavor Sandwich Crme Dog Cookies can be ordered for $1.99, (there are also duplex Sandwich Crme Dog Cookies available for the same price).

Buy Exclusively Dog Best Buddy Bones Cheese Flavor dog treats at $1.99

The Old Dog Cookie Company offers treats that are all natural, yet help pets with Arthritis relief and diabetes management. These treats are herbal based, to help you maintain good health for your pet. These cookies are very good for older dogs as they help with the pain of arthritis. The Old Dog Cookie Company was started in 1996. They are geared to creating a much better life for older dogs with arthritis, and any dog with diabetes. They are dedicated to the life of your best friend.

Apart from these there are many other sites which serve dog food which are made from completely healthy and natural ingredients. Some of these products are just simply and tasty, while some others which serve the gourmet in Rover have different varieties. To find required stuff check all of them out.

Good Western Racing Horses

2009-09-30T02:36:00.000-07:00

Whenever the term "Western horse" is used, most people picture a rough-and-tumble rodeo - an event full of color but so full of danger, too, that no youngster would be permitted to enter the regular events. What few people realize is that many small, country horse shows have classes open to Western horses. The wide range of these local shows gives them their importance to the show world, and if you own a Western horse, you should pay attention so you'll know about the shows in time to enter your horse.In case you strongly prefer western riding, you don't have to worry about being left out of the fun - or change your style simply because you thought all horse shows were exclusively for English riders. "Well," you may be thinking, "all I have to do, then, is to pick out the kind of horse I want and then use a western saddle and bridle on him. That's just fine."But it isn't quite as simple as that! You wouldn't advise a person about to go on a hunt to use an American saddle horse on the chase. You'd suggest he use a thoroughbred - or a horse with thoroughbred characteristics. The same standards of suitability hold true if you're picking out a Western horse for yourself. Suppose that, during your excursions to find a horse, a big, long-limbed thoroughbred strikes you as a handsome animal - one you'd like to own. After all, you reason, he has speed, courage, stamina - just right for a Western horse.Strictly in terms of breeds, the Morgan and the Arabian offer good Western horse prospects.Both are small horses and have plenty of strength and endurance. The Morgan is compact and therefore good at making fast turns, stops and starts. The Arabian is traditionally a desert horse and so is capable of working on little food and foraging for himself. Also, he has a perfect canter.However good Morgans and Arabians may be, an important western breed we haven't yet talked about is the quarter horse. Every Westerner will boast of the qualities of this breed, but the fact is that the quarter horse had his beginnings in the East - in Virginia.In the late 1600's, Virginia gentlemen enjoyed racing their stock but there were no big race tracks available. They would use stretches of road near the towns - the road lap usually being about a quarter of a mile long. The distance became standardized and men began to breed horses especially for these quarter-mile races. Usually the breeder combined imported English horses either with the speedy little runners developed by the Chickasaw Indians or with a Rhode Island variety which had come down from New England and competed successfully against earlier Virginia horses. Then a horse named Janus, an English racer with thoroughbred bloodlines, was imported and began to transmit his characteristics to all his offspring. In time, the entire breed was influenced by the speed and power he passed on to his foals, and, as sprinters, Quarter horses became unbeatable. Then, when racetracks were built, the Easterners gave up the quarter Horse in favor of thoroughbred racing on longer tracks. But ranchers and cowboys soon discovered that the compactness of the quarter horse enabled him to turn quickly and stop short. In fact, many people who want a Western horse get a quarter horse. Western horses come in all shapes and sizes, you just need to find the one that's right for you.

Do you need a dog?

2009-09-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

Once in the street you have seen it. Alternatively, you were on a visit at friends and saw it. The colleague has brought photos and you saw it. In general, it is not important where and under what circumstances it has happened. It is not important, what dog you saw. Important is, that you had the idea "Should I have a dog?"And you start to think, what exactly will be changed in your life after appearance of a dog. It turns out, that when you have a dog you get more negative things than positive ones.The dog takes away a lot of free time (which you could spend for yourself). You have to get up early and run out in the street at any weather. Then you have to wash its paws pulling and pushing your dog to bathroom (some dogs do not like it) and then catch the wet pat if it managed to escape from your hands. After catching, washing and drying the dog you have to feed it. If the dog eats the fodder, it is not difficult, but what if it likes natural feed.When you leave, you should hide all your things beyond the reach of the dog, because many of them staying alone and longing for the owner begin to chew all his stuff.Some dogs crush apartments. However, having returned, you cannot even swear as it was made of melancholy and love to you (is it possible to abuse for love?). Moreover, it was so long ago, that the dog has already forgotten and does not connect punishment with such trifle as the spoiled door or the wallpaper removed from walls, and connects it only with the arrival of the owner. Hence, punishment is not only senseless, but also harmful! While working, you will think what exactly will be rotten, chewed, crippled and slavered today and up to what degree it will be done. What will your neighbours tell you? Many dogs accompany the melancholy with howling. Not all neighbors adore your dog just as you and they do not consider that â€this terrible howlâ€ œthis terrible howlâ€ is music. You have to walk a lot with your dog because it was alone at homeIt is your problem if you still did not eat and drink! After walking couple of hours (in spite of what the weather is outdoor) you have to repeat a trick with washing and drying dog's paws, clean your apartment and then you can start to cook a supper not for yourself or your family but for the dog! You should feed your dog first because it has the regimen and the breaking of this regimen will cost you more expensively, than the disturbing of your own one. However, from the dominance point of view, you should take into account that your dog must eat after you. In the evening you must take care of your dog's hair (longhaired dogs should be scratched, sleek-haired dogs should be cleaned with a rubber mitten, wire-haired dogs should be trimmed, bare dogs should be smeared with creams). However, you may not do this, if you like to wash your apartment from dog'™s paws, clean your apartment and then you can start to cook a supper not for yourself or your family but for the dog! You should feed your dog first because it has the regimen and the breaking of this regimen will cost you more expensively, than the disturbing of your own one. However, from the dominance point of view, you should take into account that your dog must eat after you. In the evening you must take care of your dogâ€™s hair (longhaired dogs shouldYou have to spend a lot of money. Forages, ammunition, toys, vitamins, vermifugal drugs and vaccines - all this costs much more expensively, than the similar goods for people. Then services of the ringmaster, groomer and veterinarian go. If you got the exhibition specimen, if you are lucky and your dog wins, you will receive nice ribbon and if not, you will get handshake of the expert and a piece of paper with the description. To tell the truth, nowadays valuable prizes are given on the large international exhibitions, but not everyone can get them, and participation, preparation and travel will cost you such sum that it would be easier to purchase these prizes in a shop. If you decide that your dog must have posterity, you will have to spend large amount of money. You should not expect that having sold pups, you would suddenly grow rich. First, you should find, who will by it. To make money on dogs it is necessary to be serious professional (not only in cynology, but also in business) or to have luck, which extremely seldom happens! What will you do if the dog is ill? There is nothing to speak about. Do you still want to get a dog?Dog is a source of mud and illnesses. The mud falls of a dog'™s paws, a spit runs of a mouth, and finally its hair comes out. Dogs have the habit to defecate in apartment up to the certain age, and some of them keep this "nice" habit during all the life. Besides, the dog (in most cases) eats not so accurately, and on eaten wipes a muzzle using you and your furniture. Dogs periodically pick different rubbish in the street that is why the dog smells like rubbish. Do not forget that after picking the rubbish the dog will feel sick at home. Have I still not convinced you?The dog has ability to spoil your mutual relations with other people. You will quarrel with parents (which are not pleased, that you pay less attention to them, than before appearance of a dog). Your relations with neighbors will be spoiled as the dog barks when you are at home, howls when you are not present, missing you, it also defecates near the house, frightens small children and old men with its awful outward. If you will get a serious dog, you may quarrel with the dear person if your dog does not like him or her. However, it is possible to a meet a dog lover and then to combine appointments with the dog walks. Your friends will stop visiting you because of its hair, mud and a dribbling head on the knees when your friend eats. You cannot take the dog with you since mud, hair and spittle in apartments of friends will please them even less, than in your apartment.Have you changed your mind? Do you consider, what all this is a trifle comparing with an adoring dog view? Then you really need the dog and it is not clear how you lived without it until now! If you can live without a dog - do not have it! Well, and if you cannotâ€¦ I congratulate you, you have become one of us!

Top Reasons to Training Dog Trick

2009-09-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Sit! Roll over! Jump! Teaching your dog tricks might not be the easiest thing in the world, but it's highly beneficial to you and your dog. Teaching your dog tricks can help strengthen your relationship with your beloved pet in many ways. Below are some great reasons why you should start teaching your dog tricks.1. Make everyone safe- While learning to teach your dog tricks, you learn many training techniques which can also be used to gain control over your dog. Teaching him basic tricks like sit and stay can also be used in life situations like crossing the street or entering a store.2. Give Your Dog Something to Do- It doesn't take long before your dog gets bored and decides to take on a new hobby of chewing anything in sight, including your brand new sofa. Teaching your dog tricks will keep him focused on the task at hand, and will entertain him for hours!3. Help Keep Your Dog's Mind Sharp- Training your dog will keep his mind active and responsive. As dogs get older they become less physically active, but learning tricks will keep his mind active and alert. 4. Help Create a Better Bond between You and Your Dog- Your dog will look up to you as being the pack leader, and will listen to you instead of trying to get your attention in destructive ways. Best of all, once your dog learns tricks you two become a team when training or performing.5. Show Off- You can show off your dog if you teach it some cool tricks, and your dog will get people's attention. Dogs love attention and they love being in the spotlight so they will like performing in front of your friends and family. Of course, you will also get the recognition of being a star trainer.6. Make Vet Check Ups Easier- Both the veterinarian and you hate it when your dog can't control itself during a check up. If you teach it to be calm during the check up, it will make both of your lives easier, and you won't control itself during a check up. If you7. Gives Your Dog a Hobby- We all have hobbies we like to do such as watching TV or playing games, but dogs also need things to do. Training dog tricks is great to do on rainy days when you can't take him for a walk.If these reasons have inspired you to teach your dog tricks, then you've come to the right place. Dog Trick Academy and our community is devoted to help teach your dog tricks, we keep it fun and entertaining!

A Great Cat Lover Gift!

2009-09-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

Wonderful cat lover gift ideas
Tips and suggestions to personalize your gifts
Fun cat articles and stories
In-depth pet product reviews and recommendations

Finding the perfect cat lover gift will be a breeze!

With so many cat-themed websites out there, searching for the perfect gift might be daunting. Few of us have enough time and energy to do a thorough research.

The purpose of cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com is to simplify the whole process.

Cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com provides you with tips and ideas to help you find unique gifts for cat lovers. You will also find great pointers and suggestions to help you design your own cat lover gifts, and unleash your creativity!

Pet Health Questions Concerning Cancer

2009-09-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Betta Care: Points to Remember

2009-09-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Once you have chosen the living space for your betta fish, then you are almost ready to add your fish to their new environment but there are some important points that you should take into account for optimum betta care to keep your fish free from danger and disease and to keep them healthy.

When decorating your bettas home you should:

1. Take care to avoid jagged rocks and decorations because the betta fish could tear their fins on these. Stick to smooth surfaces when thinking about optimum betta care.

2. Make sure that you avoid any hard plastic plants as they can damage the bettas fins because they can be quite rough. If you are not sure about the roughness of the plants, then why not try the pantyhose test. Rub the plastic plant over a pair of pantyhose and if they snag or rip them then this means that the plants might damage the bettas fins. To be safe, by silk plants to increase betta care and happiness.

3. You dont have to use live plants but they can be a great addition to the betta fish tanks. Bettas enjoy hiding in the leaves to sleep and they can be much prettier than silk plants- and gentler on the bettas fins.

Another important point to consider when it comes to betta care is the water preparation. You should always use a water conditioner for any fish when putting tap water into a tank, and it is important to note that chlorine in the water can be harmful to betta fish. You can also let the water stand for a few days to remove the chlorine, but it is still very important to use a conditioner to remove chloramines.

When you fill your tank, you should fill it to about 80% of its capacity if it is an open top tank because when motivated, betta fish can jump over 3 inches! And you dont want your fish to leap out all over the place. you can use a mesh cloth which sits over the top of the tank so that the fish are not encouraged to jump and your can add extra water which will make the betta fish happier and can access the surface air easier. Before you add the fish to the tank, be sure to test the temperature of the water, it must be maintained at 78-82 degrees so a small heater will make this easier to do because the water temperature is often cooler than room temperature. You are now ready to add your betta fish to the tank!

Cleaning Up Pet Messes at Home

2009-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Its inevitable. Even the best pets make messes sometimes. Heres how to clean them up, as painlessly as possible.

Pet Piddle

If your cat misses the litter box or your dog has an accident on the rug, you dont have to live with the pungent reminders of accidents past. Pet accident on carpet and upholstery can be removed, especially if you attack them while theyre still fresh.

Start by soaking up excess liquid with a white rag or paper towels. Blot on a solution of one-quarter teaspoon of mild liquid laundry detergent and one cup of warm water. Repeat until there is no more stain transferring to your towel or rag. If needed, follow the detergent application with a solution of one cup white vinegar to two cups water. Blot dry.

Finally, cover the area with several layers of paper towels weighed down with a heavy, nonfading object. Continue changing the paper towels until the carpet is dry.

Pet Poop

Gently scoop up excess with a spoon or spatula. Deposit into a bag that you can immediately take outside.

Blot with the vinegar ammonia solution as described above. Allow the area to soak for several minutes. Blot and repeat until the stain is removed. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry.

To remove lingering carpet odors, sprinkle baking soda on the spot. Let it sit overnight, and then vacuum. If you cant remove either stain, however, consider recovering the furniture item or replacing the carpet. This might also be a great time to consider the benefits of a good dog trainer.

Litter Boxes

Its a messy task but someone has to do it. Its handy to keep all of your litter-box-cleaning tools together near the litter box: liners (great to cut down on weekly cleanings), scooper, gloves, and bags.

Each day, scoop the lumps out of your litter box as many times a day as you have cats. (Using a clumping litter helps tremendously with this task.) For example, we have two cats so my daughter scoops once in the morning and once before bed, wearing gloves and disposing of the scoopables outside, of course.

Each week, take the litter box outside for a thorough cleaning.

First empty the contents into the garbage. Then, using a scraper, dislodge any lumps of wet litter remaining. Fill the empty box with hot water, and then add a half-cup of bleach. Allow this mixture to sit and disinfect for at least 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, allow to dry in the sun outdoors, or use clean rags to dry.

Add fresh litter.

Dog Training - Stopping your Dog From Barking

2009-09-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

Unless you are one of the fortunate, all dog owners have had to deal with a barking problem. The truth is barking is a perfectly natural and all right thing for your dog to do. Think how you would feel if you were never allowed to talk, you would eventually burst out and just say everything on you mind. It is the same with dogs, the trick to stopping barking isnt stopping it but controlling it.

Dogs will bark for a variety of reasons including, staking their territory, telling you what they want, alerting you of danger, when around other animals, when bored or lonely, when cooped up in a dog cage for long periods of time and when theyve been encouraged to bark by you (more common then you might think).

The majority of barking problems are because owners will actually reward their dog for barking wether they realize it or not. This can happen when you yell or get angry at the dog and give them the attention they were after. If your dog is outside and starts to bark to be let in and you respond to his wishes, then you are communicating to you dog that all he needs to do is bark and you will give in. Giving any sort of attention to your dog will encourage him to continue barking. Dont feel bad all of us have done this one time or another. The key to stopping this barking is to ignore your dog, dont give them what they want and they wont have a reason to bark. This may be hard on your ears and your neighborhood but simply let them bark until they run out of energy. Depending on the bread this may be minutes or it over an hour but as soon as you give in all of your progress has been lost. Try just walking away when your dog starts to bark, go into the other room and do your normal activities. Eventually your dog will understand that his barking isnt getting him anywhere and will stop.

If you dog is barking when the phone rings then the best thing to do is get him used to the sound of a phone and turn it into something positive. Try calling your house a few dozen times and when your dog beings to bark just ignore him. If that doesnt work then hold a treat out in front of him and say a phrase like stop or quite and when your dog is silent give him the treat. Eventually after enough training no treat will be necessary to tell your dog to stop barking.

Another common issue with dog barking it when the mail carrier or guests are at the door. Believe it or not your dog is actually barking out of love for you. He doesnt know who this person is and naturally thinks theyre dangerous. After your dog has started barking and the mail carrier goes away you dog thinks that he was the one that stopped the intruder, encouraging him to bark. The first way I recommend stopping this is by blocking your dogs view of the street or where ever the mail comes from, this can be difficult based on the lay out of your home but a dog cage can be a useful tool. If that doesnt work try associating the mail with something positive like a treat it will encourage him to stop. Either try the previously stated way with a phrase or ask your mail carrier or guests if he or she would be willing to give you dog a treat when they come by, your dog will then see new people as a friendly visitor and will await there arrival.

Remember giving any attention to your dog when he barks will encourage the problem to persist. By putting your dog into a dog cage or dog pen during common guest hours your dog wont even be aware of the guest reducing the frequency of barking.

Looking for where to find a great dog cage? Try my website PuppyHideOut.com where you can find every day low prices on dog cage and dog cage accessories.

Dog Oral and Dental Diseases and Care

2009-09-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

Dental and oral problems are important to learn, to prevent and to cure. Dogs may not live to the fullest if there's something that bothers on their mouth. Mouth and teeth diseases will also keep the dog owner from getting too close because of unpleasant odor. Proper hygiene and oral care is important, and it ensures our dog is healthy.

Tartar Build Up. The most common form of canine dental disease is tartar buildup. This causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth (gingivitis), resulting in exposure of the roots. Ultimately, this leads to infection and tooth loss. Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Infection within the mouth will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. Kidney infections, as well as infections involving the heart valves, frequently begin in the mouth. One of the main factors determining the amount of tartar buildup is the individual chemistry in the mouth. Some dogs need yearly cleanings; other dogs need a cleaning only once every few years.

Bad Breath and Halitosis. Dog bad breath is a common problem that makes unpleasant situation for dog owners. Bad breath could keep from enjoyable playing and getting close with dogs which upsetting for the dog too. Dog halitosis bad breathe is a particularly foul and offensive odor coming from dog's mouth. While it's unpleasant, dog bad breath can also be a sign of a serious health problem like infection or any internal health issues that releases the foul odor. Furthermore symptoms like facial swelling, pawing at the mouth, sneezing, and nasal discharge can all be signs of mouth disorders. However, even if you only observe the foul odor, it's still important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian so that the cause of your pet's halitosis can be identified and treated, preventing continuation of the unpleasant odor as well as protecting your furry friend's health and happiness.

Periodontitis or Periodontal Disease. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth, the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, alveolus (small cavity) and cementum (bonelike connective tissue covering the root of a tooth and assisting in tooth support). It is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world in dogs and is caused by bacteria that make up plaque. 'Periodontal' comes from two Greek words that mean 'around the tooth.' Periodontal disease is a series of changes that are associated with the inflammation and loss of the deep supporting structures of teeth. Periodontal disease is inflammation of some or all of the tooths support structures (gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone). When compared to gingivitis, periodontitis indicates bone loss. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria. Initially a pellicle forms on the clean tooth. This pellicle attracts aerobic gram positive bacteria (mostly actinomyces and strepococci). Soon more bacteria adhere forming plaque. With in days the plaque thickens, underlying bacteria run out of oxygen and anaerobic motile rods and spirochetes begin to populate the sub gingival area. Endotoxins released by the anaerobic bacteria cause tissue destruction and bone loss. Small breed and brachycephalic dogs are at greater risk of periodontal disease because their teeth are often crowded together. This results in an increased accumulation of plaque because the normal cleansing mechanisms are hindered. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress to periodontal disease which is irreversible. Periodontal Therapy is one of the treatment that controls plaque.

Mouth Infections and Stomatitis. Infection or inflammation in the mouth - stomatitis - can be caused by cuts, burns, foreign bodies stuck in the mouth, and diseases of the gums and the structures that support the teeth (periodontal disease). Metabolic diseases such as kidney failure can also cause painful stomatitis. Stick are common and potentially serious, especially those in the back of the mouth. To treat stomatitis, the cause is addressed: physical injuries are treated, foreign objects are removed, dental conditions are corrected , and any underlying metabolic disorder are controlled to prevent recurrence. Secondary bacterial infection is common, so appropriate antibiotics are almost always used.

Foreign bodies in the mouth and throat. Dogs love to chew sticks, stones, bones and other hard materials but also potentially dangerous: sticks can cause damage to the mouth and can also crack teeth, especially molars. This may lead to tooth-pulp exposure and infection. Sticks can also lodge in the back of the throat, too far for easy removal with a spoon handle. A dog with something in its throat gags, paws anxiously at its mouth, and may drool or vomit. A foreign body in the throat may cause swelling that interferes with breathing. If the object blocks the voice box, the dog chokes and faints. Treat the dog immediately for choking. For severe cases, surgery is needed. Always supervise what the dogs chew, or rather give them balls and other chewing toys instead of sticks and other not safe to chew materials.

Dog Mouth Tumors. Tumors are uncommon but can occur on the gums, tongue or roof of mouth, or in the salivary glands. When possible they are surgically removed, followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Dog Oral Examination. The annual physical exam must include an oral exam to recognize problems with teeth, periodontal disease, and other oral diseases. The comprehensive oral exam begins by observing the face, recognizing that there are normal breed variations but carefully observing for abnormalities.

Diet and Chewing Behavior. Studies show that hard kibbles are slightly better than canned foods at keeping plaque from accumulating on the teeth. Dogs that chew on various toys or edible dental chews may remove some of the plaque build-up.

Home Care. The owner plays an important role in the oral health care for their companion animals. We consider the pet owner and the family veterinarian as key members of our dental health care team. Out Comprehensive Oral health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) as well as all of our services may be ineffective without the pet owner's involvement. It is important that the pet owner has interest in their pets' oral health. Regular teeth brushing are strongly recommended because it is a huge benefit for pets and it allows for close observation for oral problems

Dog Sunburn And How To Prevent It

2009-09-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Dogs just like us humans can get sunburned as well. Dog Breeds like Shar Peis, white Pit Bulls, and Chinese Crested Hairless dogs are in particular vulnerable. All dogs, even the ones who have thick coats also can get sunburn. The areas that need special attention are the ears, nose, and around the eyes, where the coat is often thinner.

To prevent sunburn you may want to apply sunblock to your dog's vulnerable areas. You can use children's sunscreen, there are various good products available in the market and are conveniently purchased. These Sunscreens contain avobenzone, also known as Parsol 1789- a UVA blocker, and octisalate that blocks UVB rays. But be careful, you should avoid sunscreens that contain zinc oxide because accidental ingestion could lead to a serious condition called hemolytic anemia the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells with some pets.

Another effective way to counteract sunburn with dogs is to cloth your dog with a sun suit. A sun suit will cover the areas that are very sensitive to the suns UV rays. The fact that the easiest way to protect your dog's skin from the sun's UV rays is to cover up with a sun suit. Clothing that covers the skin and protects against the sun's UV rays, reduces the risk of sunburn and even worst skin cancer. Your Dog loves the sun and keeping your dog away from it can be very unfair for your dog also the fact that keeping your dog out of the sunlight is nearly impossible.

Another well-liked item that guard's a dog's face are DOG HATS. Justin Bryce owner of the DesignerDogwear sells a lot of dog hats and sun suits. This dog hat protects your dog's sensitive areas of the face from sun's UV rays. Justin's dog Fred wears them all the time and is very comfortable with it.

Long walks and fun times at the dog park is a lot of fun and are very good for your dog, but watch out of high temperatures. The rule of thumb- when it gets above 85 degrees, dog owners is supposed to be cautious when exercising their dog outdoors. For most dogs, moderate activity for 30 minutes is good. But when the temps exceed 95 degrees, it's probably best for both of you to leave out the outdoor exercises until it cools down. Throughout the summer months, aim to walk or jog in the early morning or evenings or search for shaded trails. When your dog start's to have fast or labored breathing, starts to refuse walking, or acts unhappy, your dog may be overheating. When this happens you should stop, rest, and give your dog water. This doesn't mean you should discontinue exercising just because your dog is out of breath; you need to strongly watch your pet to conclude if the panting is extreme or abnormal. When you are not sure take a break and let your dog cool down, if all else fails contact your vet for immediately.

Rollerblading With Your Dog

2009-09-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

Rollerblading with your dog? Seems somewhat dangerous? Well, actually it is. Rollerblading with your dog takes coordination, talent, confidence and it is essential you understand your dogs obedience level. You need to have control over your rollerblading skills as well as have control over your dog. Many are thinking thats absurd, but it is possible and is a lot of fun for you and for your dog as well. Rollerblading is not for everyone, therefore, its advised to have mastered the skill before taking your dog out.

You must consider your skill level before incorporating your dog into the mix. Several things to ask yourself : Are you able to stop quickly? Are you able to react and maneuver? Can you multitask (roll while changing leash hand to hand, then stop quickly so your dog can go potty)? Do you have hand eye coordination? Are you able to move around your dog when he runs in front of you and or scares easily from approaching cars and or other animals? Can you run in grass if you need to react quickly?

There are many circumstances to consider when rollerblading with your dog. The most important is to be confident and have control. Be aware of your dogs strength and conditioning as you dont want to run him into the ground.

The following guidelines should be considered when rollerblading with your dog :

? Keep in mind weather conditions as early or late hours are typically best for your dog (dogs perspire through their feet; if the ground is hot, he wont be able to cool down).
? Fresh water and bowl for you and your dog is essential.
? Protective equipment is always recommended for you.
? Dont forget the Poop bags.
? A leash long enough to manipulate is essential as you will need to pull in and let loose at various times.
? Its best for your dog to run on grass
? Utilize a harness.
? Keep your dogs nails trimmed short.
? Talk to your dog and offer praise

Rollerblading with your dog can be enjoyable for you and your dog. Be flexible, yet have control over your dog. Watch for hazards, such as other animals, vehicles, children, etc that could get in the way of your rollerblading experience. Have fun and happy exercising.

5 Signs of Illness & Health Problems in Dogs

2009-09-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know that people grieve the loss of their animals harder and longer than we often do the loss of our friends and family member?! We want them to be happy, but often we don't even know our animal friends are suffering -- until it's too late.

Being able to detect if your dog is sick quickly can mean the difference between recovery or not, in some cases. Our job is to listen to them so we can learn about their experiences and discomforts and then take appropriate action.

Begin by paying attention to subtle cues:

1. Energy levels -- watch out for changes in your animal's energy levels and behavior. I promise you, what your animal does makes perfect sense -- to them! If you notice your friend slowing down or not wanting to go as far or as fast as before, or not wanting to play anymore... this could indicate a pain problem or illness.

For instance, if your dog would happily play fetch for hours, then all of a sudden quits after only 30 minutes of play or won't bring the ball back to you, chances are he may be feeling sore or getting winded, so he doesn't want to run anymore. You might feel glad for the break! But you should also check him for other signs of distress.

2. Hiding or running away/escaping -- this can be a common management problem, such as leaving them alone too long or overwhelming them with too much stress and activity... or this could indicate something unknown, like an undiscovered abuse situation.

One dog I worked with was being teased by the kids in the neighborhood so she escaped from her yard and ran away when they were around. Then she happily came home to wait for her humans to get home from work!

3. Aggression -- growling, biting, not wanting to be touched are all signs that something is wrong. Pay attention to what areas of your friend's body evoke this kind of response, and what kinds of triggers spark the reaction.

Evasive reactions to certain areas of their bodies can mean different things. Ducking the head reaction from a dog can mean either a dominance issue problem, or it could mean they have a headache or vision problem. Sensitivity in the hips or back or shoulders can mean pain, as in "Ouch! That hurts! Stop That!"

4. Refusing food or not drinking water -- be alert for any changes with eating and elimination. Problems here can mean many things, from food allergies to kidney or bowel problems.

It could be the food you're offering them isn't good for them or it is no longer meeting their nutritional requirements, or has been contaminated in some way (remember the pet food recalls). Or they have ingested something toxic. Dogs will often impose a fasting period on themselves while their system works to clean itself up and heal. Or they could have a bowel impaction or are suffering from bloat, which can be a life threatening condition requiring an emergency vet visit. The sooner you notice and start asking them the right questions, the sooner you can take action to prevent whatever is wrong from getting worse.

5. Sad eyes -- always an indication of something wrong. Our animals grieve and feel emotional pain. They also can get depressed and sad about changes in their lives. Or they may just have a headache or other pain issue that you aren't aware of.

Do your best friend a favor and learn what to watch out for. Learning how to communicate with your animal can help you detect physical discomforts and the reasons for their behavior. Then, you can more easily correct the problem through appropriate caretaking, because you need to understand their experiences of illness and health problems. Talking with them can also help to properly prepare an animal for surgery or other medical interventions will facilitate a speedy recovery with less trauma or complications.

Catching these kinds of things early can mean the difference between life and death - literally!

Val Heart, Expert Animal Communicator, Behaviorist, Author, Master Healer -- Providing Communication, Clarity, Balance and Healing for You and Your Animal.

Are you Ready? Take a pro-active approach to improving your relationships with yourself & your animals through improved communication, energy medicine, health & balance for body, mind & spirit. Working with chronic pain, illness, trauma, training, behavior, performance, euthanasia?specializing with dogs and sport horses.

Tips for Stopping Puppy Biting

2009-09-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Most puppies think it is an exciting game stalking, nipping, or biting your fingers, or ankle. But this is not helping the dog at all to become a mature and responsible pet overtime. Indeed, you at least as dog owner have one reason why the puppy needs to be dissuaded from getting accustomed to play biting. The big reason is that biting says, "I'm more dominant than you," or I want to challenge your authority."

In fact, chomping on your hand is the puppy's way of checking what is your position in the pack, and what is their own position. Moreover, if the dog's line of reasoning turns up the idea that nobody at home is in charge, it will want to assume that responsibility. And a dog preoccupied with such a duty is a tense, unhappy and unpredictable house pet.

But back to the first idea of this article: you are the dog's Alpha, which means that from this point on you must teach or train the puppy not to nip or bite at your hands (or feet). Stopping puppy biting is actually doing the dog a big favor.

To get a puppy to stop this behavior, make an abrupt, loud, high-pitched voice the next time the puppy bites. Then when the dog lets go of your hand, turn away from him, and cut short the activity you and the puppy were doing prior to the incident (but be aware that some activities may indeed cause the dog to get excited and to play a mock-fight, e.g. a tug of war). After a few moments of not paying attention to him, go back to him, but this time carry along a chewie toy to distract him from making an attempt at your hand.

This sort of behavior is actually the exact reaction that the dog's littermates would also make if the puppy started playing rough with them too. Within a few days, your puppy will understand that using his teeth on his human alpha leaders make the people turn away from him.

The key to ultimately stopping puppy biting is consistency. From this point forward, never allow your puppy to get away with laying his teeth on peoples' hands or nip at any other person without the result of people moving away from the dog.

How is appropriate play behavior reinforced in a dog? The answer is in the method just elaborated upon. This is best done between two and four months of age. But the only sort of biting that should not worry you is soft biting on bare hands. Should the dog do so, refrain from sudden movements. Remain still and then redirect the puppy's attention to a more suitable chew toy.

Exotic Pet Bird

2009-09-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in an exotic pet bird, there are a few things to consider before you settle on a specific breed. You will want to consider how much time you will be able to spend with your bird, how much noise you can tolerate, and whether of not you have enough space. The exotic bird you choose will and should depend on what your life style is as well as your personality type. You will also want to consider how much you can afford on food, shelter, toys, and Vet costs. The larger and more exotic the bird you choose the more money you can look forward to spending. Once you have decided a particular bird is right for you, it is now time to provide your pet with good food and shelter.

When it comes to food you will want to start young. Younger birds are much less picky and not so set in their ways, making them more willing to try new things. Be sure to let the bird know that what you have given him or her is food by placing it in a recognized dish. A great way to get your bird to try a new food is to mix a few sunflower seeds, cheerios, and/or raisins in with the meal. While searching for his or her beloved treat they will ultimately try the food and like it. The best time to introduce new food to your pet bird is first thing in the morning. It is instinctual for birds to forage for food in the morning so this may make it easier on you and your bird. If you are giving your pet bird vegetables you may have to do some trial and error. Some birds prefer raw, cooked, warm, cooled, and even pureed veggies. You will have to try them all to see which ones your bird like best.

When it comes to offering food to your bird, it is important to be creative. Try clipping veggies and fruits to the side of the cage in or around a play area. Weave greens through the bars of the cage for fun nibbling. Many bird owners have found this very useful for birds that will not touch fruits and veggies in their dishes. Chucks of corn on the cob can also be a favorite. Many birds enjoy not only the corn but gnawing on the cob as well. Many birds love brightly colored foods, as they seem more appealing. Try mixing yellow, orange, and red fruits and veggies in bite sizes together in a dish. When offering your exotic bird greens, it is best to wash them first and then hang the wet leaves in the cage. The water left on the leafy veggies is very attractive and can make your bird more prone to testing. You can also take a nibble of the food you are offering. Many times if your bird sees you eating a particular food he or she will want it now too. Feeding other people in the home and making a big fuss over the food will be all your bird needs to want some. You bird could also enjoy fresh seed just sprouted, as well. These are an excellent source of nutrients and can make the transition from seeds to leaves easier as well.

When it comes to shelter, you will first have to take the size of your bird into consideration. Each bird species has very specific shelter guidelines that need to be followed. There are several basics to providing your pet bird with a comfortable, safe, and convenient home. You will always want to go bigger when it comes to cage size. The requirements are the bare minimum and many birds do not thrive well in small confined spaces. Make sure the bars are in regulation for your specific bird. You do not want them too large and have your bird escape but too small can cause your bird to get his or her head stuck and cause serious harm. When it comes to cage shape never use cylindrical cages, they are very small and do not provide enough room. They can also cause your bird to feel unprotected and make them anxious. You will want to be sure that the cage you select is long and high enough for your bird to fly and play in. Birds need to have room to exercise so taller and longer is best.

Choosing Chinchillas

2009-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

A chinchilla is a small burrowing rodent that originates from South America. These small creatures are taken into many American homes today and treated as household pets. You need to know the basics about owning one of these small exotic creatures.

One of the most important things to remember about caring for non-domestic animals is that their behavior can be quite unpredictable. Therefore, if you are going to purchase a small household animal such as the chinchilla, you are advised to invest your money in one bred in captivity rather than one was captured from the wild.

Not only is the behavior of wild animals unpredictable, but they can also spread unknown (and many known) disease agents which could be harmful, especially to children and other household pets. Therefore, choose carefully when chinchilla shopping. The future of your entire household depends upon it. You need to know what you are getting yourself into when you commit to buying one of these animals.

Another aspect of owning a chinchilla involves assessing the cost of taking care of one once you bring it home. You need to make sure you can afford to feed your pet the proper chinchilla diet. The good news is, however, that chinchillas are not nearly as picky of eaters as ferrets. The most important aspect of feeding a chinchilla is to make sure that you do not give it any seeds. They do not take well to seeds.

If you want to make absolutely sure that your chinchilla is fed right and receives the right nutrients, you can feed your animal chinchilla pellets-and NOT rabbit or gerbil pellets. Food pellets created for chinchilla contain the amount of prescribed nutrients that is right for them. The best pellets created for this type of animal contain two parts calcium to one part phosphorus, with a low protein count and high roughage count. You can further check with experts to see what they would recommend. If you follow these above guidelines your animal will be most likely properly fed, however.

If you want to calculate the cost of feeding your new pet, you may want to make sure you consult a specialist who deals with exotic animals, or you can research that cost online. Pet stores that deal with chinchillas would have this kind of information as well. Talking to a chinchilla dealer about that animal's eating patterns will help you figure out if you can afford to feed your pet.

Another important factor you may need to know about your chinchilla is how to properly groom and care for your pet. For example, you may need to know how to deal with blotches of fur that may come out when you comb its hair. You have no need to be alarmed if this happens. It will grow back if it does. If you want to prevent from the hair falling out you will want to be careful not to pull too hard when coming.

Another time when you have to be aware of fur falling out is when you are handling your pet chinchilla. Sometimes they will lose fur when someone pulls on their fur too hard. If you do not want your animal to lose hair you can grab it by the base of the tail and the shoulder. This will decrease the chance of your pet losing too much fur. You will want to teach others how to handle your pet as well, so they are prepared in case the animal wants to get away.

The process of a chinchilla losing fur is a natural defense mechanism, which they use to protect themselves. If they are not alarmed by those who are holding them, they will be more likely to not lose any fur. No matter how careful you or your visitors are, however, it could still happen regardless. Either way, just do the best you cannot to startle your pet, and to teach others how to handle it properly. That is all you can do, and allow the pet to warm up to you and those around you.

For more information on what you need to know if you own or plan to own a chinchilla you can read more articles such as this one. You can also count on the advice of experienced pet owners and pet professionals to help you out. You can find these resources very quickly by searching on the Internet.

Fennec Fox and Why Use as Pets

2009-09-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

For people that are looking for something a little different when it comes to a house pet, why not consider an African Fennec Fox? Provided the local laws in your area permit the keeping of exotic animals this could very well be the pet you have been waiting for. Fennec foxes are native to Northern Africa within the desert regions, and are considered very social and well-mannered creatures. This is a very passive and relaxed canine and has been said to be the smallest in the world.

One really great aspect about the Fennec fox is that it will live between 12-16 years in captivity, making this pet a welcome addition to a home that has a small family to bond with. With the right amount of training and socialization the Fennec fox can become very much like your typical household dog. What is really interesting about the Fennec fox is that you can actually train them to use a litter box, rather than have them go outside. This is due to their tiny structure, and private nature while doing its business. You will however, want to ensure that the litter box is covered, as the Fennec fox is an active and avid digger. This will keep the litter where it belongs and not all over the house.

Fennec foxes are very curious and active animals, they can be very social and will warm up to their owner relatively quickly. The Fennec fox will even take to strangers with the right socialization and patience. Fennec foxes are very small ranging from 8-10 inches tall, and 16-18 inches long. They are very meager in weight topping in at a whopping 2-4 pounds. These tiny little canines can be very quiet yet extremely friendly and will demand a lot of attention from their owner or the family that it lives with. This makes the Fennec fox a great addition to the home, even with children involved. You will need to keep a close eye on the Fennec fox inside and outside of your home, as they are great escape artists and are more than a little curious. They are a very energetic and active breed and will surely keep you busy most of the time.

Fennec foxes are great climbers and even better diggers; there must be some form of supervision at all times when the fox is not in a pen or cage. With the speed that a Fennec fox can display, you must be very careful when taking a Fennec fox out for a walk on a lead. Should they get startled they may wriggle free from their collar and you will definitely have a chore catching the little fox? Another wonderful thing about the Fennec fox is that they are practically odorless, in comparison to other foxes. This is great for an animal that will be in your home at all times, as we all know some animals can really stink a home up relatively quickly. Fennec foxes regardless of their small size have absolutely enormous ears. The general measurement of the fox’s ears is 6 inches; this is huge in comparison to the size of their head. It is not that the fox needs those big ears to hear well, as much as it is for heat dissipation. While in the desert region in Africa the large ears allow a great measure of rapid heat loss.

The Fennec fox likes the warmer climate, yet when it gets too hot you can see them rapidly panting. If the temperature falls below 68 degrees F they will start to shiver in an attempt to keep warm. It is always best to keep a Fennec fox in a warmer climate. When the Fennec fox is most comfortable and happy, you can find it making very interesting little noises. Many times people will refer the sound to the purring of a cat, and many people find this absolutely adoring. The Fennec fox is relatively easy to feed, with eggs, fruits, vegetables, premium dog or cat food, mealworms, crickets, and wet dog or cat food being the most common elements in their captive diet. This is because the Fennec fox is omnivorous and will eat what ever it can find in the wild.

Degus as Pets

2009-09-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

There are many small animals on people’s radars these days when it comes to finding the right pet for your home. They are quickly becoming a very popular choice for people that do not have the space to own a dog or cat. One such pet is the Octodon Degu, or Degu for short. This very social and adventurous creature is very similar to the chinchilla and ranges from 5-7 inches with another 6 inches of tail. This rounds the Degu out to about a foot in total length. This is a great pet for those that would like to have an animal live a healthy life span as the Degu can live up to 10 years. Typically the Degu will enjoy an n active 8-year life, and there will never be a dull moment when a Degu is concerned.

Degus are considered extremely active and curious animals, they will always explore should they be given the space to and will seldom be found sleeping during the daytime hours as Degus are diurnal. If you handle your Degu at a very young age and very often, the Degu will become very tame and easy to trust. If you do not socialize or interact with your Degu however, you will find that it will become very neurotic and aggressive. This is due to their extremely social nature. If you have been thinking about purchasing a Degu you may want to consider buying more than one as this will help with the Degu development due to their active and social lifestyles. Degus need an ample amount of exercise and should be kept active while awake so they do not become bored or lazy.
degu

Having a lot for the Degu to explore while they are awake and alert is a very good idea, while in the wild Degus will construct vast tunnel systems in their colony much like prairie dogs. By having newspaper strips and cotton batting scattered within their home, you will encourage their digging and burrowing nature that is a major part of their make up. Aside from digging and burrowing, Degus are avid chewers and will indeed find means of escape should you opt for a wooden cage to house them in. a wire cage will be the best method of keeping them where they belong. The cage should ideally be of the larger variety, as they will need room to play, this would especially be the case if you have more than one Degu residing in the same environment. The minimum recommended cage size should be 24 inches long x 18 inches deep x 24 inches tall. This will adequately house two active Degus and you will not see size constrictions.

When choosing a cage for your Degu, or more than one, it would be best that you have a solid floor to the cage and not a wired one. This is because Degus are prone to foot problems, they can easily get their feet caught in a wired floor and could really hurt themselves. Not unlike any other smaller animal make sure that you do not use cedar or pine chips as a form of bedding as the oils in the wood can impose skin irritation and repertory tract problems. Using paper pellets or shredded newspaper works best. Some people elect to use a form of cotton batting like the type that couches are stuffed with. This will ensure that they will be comfortable and healthy. You will need to change this on a regular basis again for health reasons. A very good idea would be a nest box for your Degu and it will simply fit right into a cage that is large enough. The nesting box is very important for the Degu as it offers them a safe haven should they not wish to be disturbed. This gives the animal a sense of security and will allow the Degu to be social under its own terms and not feel forced or pressured.

Degus are in many ways like chinchillas where a dust bath is concerned. They will need to have a dust bath 2-3 times a week and this can be done at their own leisure provided you place a shallow bowl in their cage with sand or a store bought chinchilla bath dust.

Rooting for Rats

2009-09-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

A pet rat is a good pet that is if you don’t have an innate fear of them. If you don’t like mice, then it might not be a good idea to get a rat as a pet. Don’t be fooled though, a rat is a lot cleaner, and more sociable with other rats and humans than mice are, so if a rat suits your fancy, then get a rat for a pet. Before you do though find out all about the benefits of owing a pet rat, and how you should care for them.

Contrary to popular belief, rats are not smelly creatures, in fact they spend more time on hygiene than a dog or cat does. If you’re a good owner and clean their cage regularly you won’t find any smell with your pet rat either. In their cages they’ll even mark off where they use the bathroom. You’ll find evidence when you clean their cage that a certain part of it has a heavier weight and a different texture to the hay or pellets. If you buy rats as pets, make sure that their bedding is dust free because they will get a respiratory infection if you don’t. A dust free kitty litter works great for their home. Another big misconception is that rats on live a few months, when in fact, they will if taken proper care of, live up to three years, and some even more, if they’ve that good genes in their bloodline.

A sturdy cage should be bought because rats love to chew, and because their teeth grow it feels really good for them to chew. Whatever types of cage that you buy or make at home have a sturdy gage wire for the outside of it, but line the bottom with a heavy plastic. Rats will injure their feet on the wire cage, if you don’t. Another good thing about rats are that you can buy prepackage rat food pellets at your local pet store. That’s really all they need to survive and be happy. However, if you want to make your pet rat really happy, feed them some hard nuts or crispy fruit. Rats consider it a holiday when you take the time to go out and dig up some outside critters for them to enjoy too! Grasshoppers and fresh crickets will make your rat smile for days. In other words, some of their food is free, and the other costs a little at your pet store.

Rats don’t spread disease either as most people think, especially if you don’t bring one in from the outside. It’s not the Middle Ages anymore, and domesticated rats from pet stores or breeders are very cautious about selling rats to the general public that might have fleas. Fleas off of rats are how the plague got started in Europe and China, but today you don’t have to worry about this at all. Always though remember to buy from a reputable breeder and pet store. They can give you advice too on how to care for your new pet rat. Rats live a good while too, on average up to four years old, and are under a foot in length from the tip of their nose to the end of their hairless tails. A small child might have difficulty holding them, when they move about, but an adult will not have a problem.

You won’t be bored with having a rat in your house either. Rats will require you to pay attention to them because they are social, and a little while out of their cage is necessary because they get bored easily. When you buy a rat it’ll be good if you get two of the same sex, so you can just watch them play and interact. Any type of tunnel or rope will let them have hours of entertainment, and you’ll love watching them. When placing their toys inside the cage look at the attachments toward the top because if there’s the slightest gap because of the toy, they’ll push out the top and get lost in your house. Rats are highly intelligent animals, so be prepared for a chase if they get out.

Even though a pet rat will require just as much attention as your family dog, don’t let that stop you from buying one. They’re cute and very social able animals and they’re clean, and like to be with people once they’re trained. Having a rat in your house isn’t a scary thing, and your family will enjoy them in time.

The Best Snake Options for Reptile Newbies

2009-09-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

If you’re thinking about getting a snake as a pet, then know what it takes to care for them, and what the best type of snake is for the first time owner. Lots of people have started to keep snakes as pets after serious consideration of the responsibility of purchasing one, and that’s the best way to begin, knowing the facts about picking the right type of snake and caring for one.

The best way to get your first snake is by talking with and then purchasing one from a reputable breeder of snakes. They know what it takes to capture and then breed the snakes, and can tell you the correct way to handle and feed them. Some people try to go out and capture wild snakes and then breed them. This is very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing; so don’t try this at home! Wild snakes do have a nasty temper, and will bring into your house diseases and certain parasites that live underneath their scales before they shed their skin. Because they’ve lived in the wild, they aren’t used to humans interacting with them, and the snakes will bite.

Several different kinds of snakes are good to have as a first time owner. Small garters to massive pythons can be kept in captivity, but pythons are certainly not for the first time snake owner. Ball pythons and Corn snakes are two of the best types for you to have as a first time snake owner, but remember to buy it from a snake handler. Their size depends on the age, but typically they range from four feet for the Corn snake to about 21 feet for the Ball pythons. You might find when feeding a captive or trained Ball python that they’re finicky eaters. When they’re stressed or just stubborn they will not eat for months at a time. A Corn snake on the other hand will eat on a regular basis that is if it’s not sick. Both of these snakes usually have a good nature and overall feeding them in a captive environment is easily done.

Of course, all snakes in the wild kill their own food, but if you want a trained or captive bred snake you’ll have to provide its food for them. You want to feed them already killed food because they types of rodents they kill can inflict some nasty cuts and punctures. The last thing you want is to loose your snake after you’ve made a nice home, and have gotten emotionally attached to it, so feed it with dead bait. Also, you’ll find that it’s much cheaper to buy dead food than to pay for live mice or rats, and it’s a lot more convenient too. Just pop a supply into a freezer that’s kept from your food and you’re ready to feed the snake. A large local pet supply store might carry what you need, and if they don’t you can order it from them, the handler you bout your snake from, or on the Internet.

There are certain snakes to stay away from if you’re a first time owner and handler. This is very true if you’ve got small children in the home. A large Burmese python can take down any small person, or child. They’ve even been known to kill other household family pets like dogs and cats. A Burmese python can grow to over 20 feet, and weigh up toward 250 pounds. A boa constrictor is dangerous too if you don’t know how to handle them because they have massive constricting power for a smaller snake than the Burmese. Snake handlers state that having either type of snake should have two people when working with them.

Finally, there are other types of snakes that you should stay away from like any that is poisonous. Not only could someone else be fatally injured, but you could find that you’re sued in court for damages. Having a snake could be a life long commitment of time and money, so make sure you’re ready for the challenge. Read and learn what it takes to care for your new snake before you ever purchase it, and you’ll be ready for snake ownership for years to come.

Matin Sugar Gliders

2009-09-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Okay. So maybe you really didn’t want to hear about your pet’s sex life. However, it will be necessary for you to learn how the sugar glider mates if you are going to take care of it. You will want to research this aspect of owning a sugar glider before you invest in one. Some of the most basic facts about the sugar gliders sex life include the following:

Since sugar gliders live most of their infancy in their mothers’ pouches, they are able to breed quite easily. That period of time is approximately 2.3 to 3 months.

They attached to the mother’s nipple until they no longer need to be. If you remove them too early from the mother they will not be able to reattach themselves. This is important for you to remember during the mating and breeding process.

They breed after about 8 months, and they mate year round. When they mate they usually produce two offspring at a time, but have been known to produce at least 4 babies a year. In order for this to happen the newly weaned animals need to be removed right away from the mother.

Sugar glider females reach sexual maturity at between 8-12 months and males reach maturity at about 12-15 months.

It is suggested to leave the mother along during the birthing process. However, sometimes the males remain present during it. Then, just after the babies are born, the male steps in and helps feed them.

Infant sugar gliders are feed mostly semi-solid foods such as low-fat fruit yogurts and baby food until about three months old (along with the mother’s milk).

The process of the separation of the baby from the mother glider causes some minor stress for a few days. Female sugar gliders are usually aggressive after female young when they reach three months old and older. The males are often ignored.

If you want to breed sugar gliders and sell them, you will need a license. To obtain information about obtaining this license you can call the U.S. Department of Agriculture and ask them for more information, or you can write them. They also have a website that you can visit. Furthermore, if you want to know how to promote your business in the event you obtain a license to sell these animals you can find contact the USDA regarding that as well.

If you want to prevent your sugar gliders from producing, it will be necessary to have them spayed or neutered. However, it is not recommended to have the females spayed unless it is for medical reasons. The males, on the other hand, are very easy to neuter and done in some cases as a birth control method. The other option is to just purchase only one sex of sugar gliders if your only intention of owning one is to enjoy it as a pet.

The neutering process should only be done under the direction and care of a licensed veterinarian, with the animal under anesthetics. Usually this procedure is only performed on sugar gliders if the owner does not want to breed. If you own a sugar glider and are considering letting them reproduce you will not want to get them neutered. Most likely it would be very difficult to get this procedure reversed.

Now that you know some facts about the sugar glider’s sex life you will be prepared in the event you have a female who is pregnant, even if not planned. If you suspect that your pet is pregnant, you will want to have it checked out by a vet. In addition, you will also want to make sure your female pet receives proper nutrition so that it carries healthy babies and produces strong offspring.

After the new glider babies are weaned and are on solid foods you can begin to carry them around in a bonding pouch. You can even carry them around while they are sleeping. It is important to have as much contact with these animals as possible because they will need to be used to it, because they will be handled quite a bit in their new home.

If you want to learn more about the sexual activity of sugar gliders as pets, and you want to learn more about breeding them you can read more articles like this one. Furthermore, you can ask questions of any vet who deals with small exotic animals such as the Australia and Guinea native-the sugar glider.

HOW HORSES SLEEP

2009-09-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

How horses sleep: What does your horse need to sleep well? Maybe not what you think, say equine-behavior experts.

You're at a show, and it's almost time to warm up for your next class. Butterflies are starting to flap up a storm in your stomach. You glance over at your horse. Is he feeling the excitement?

Nope. He's standing next to you with eyes closed and head hanging. How could he sleep at a time like this?

A comfortable bed, darkness, privacy, and eight hours of peace and quiet-that's what you need to sleep well. But your horse's needs are very different. Knowing about those differences can help you ensure that he gets the rest he needs.

"Horses have sleep patterns typical for prey species that evolved on open plains," says Sue McDonnell, PhD, head of the Equine Behavior Lab at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. There isn't a huge body of research on equine sleep, she notes. But over the past twenty years or so, she's gathered detailed data on the daily behaviors--including sleep patterns--of stabled and feral horses in a wide range of settings throughout the world. Here, she and two other equine-behavior experts will share their insights--so read on to learn your horse's sleep secrets...and what he needs to sleep best.

To Sleep, Perchance to Flee

Not every horse falls asleep waiting around at a show, but all horses can sleep standing up. Your horse has a sort of internal hammock-a system of tendons and ligaments called the stay apparatus. This system lets him lock his legs in position so (unlike you) he can relax his muscles and doze off without keeling over. Even when he's not sleeping, he uses the stay apparatus to rest muscles and reduce fatigue.

Being able to sleep standing up is a great advantage for a prey animal. If a mountain lion comes creeping through the underbrush, the horse can be off and running without wasting precious seconds struggling to his feet. Horses plan for a quick getaway in choosing resting places, too. Out in the open, they go for sheltered areas but position themselves to get out fast--butts to the windbreak, heads pointing toward a likely escape route. "They're like volunteer firemen who back their cars into parking spaces so they can pull out fast," Sue McDonnell says. In many cases, even horses in box stalls rest standing toward the back of the stall, facing the door.

Down Time

Even though they're able to snooze standing, horses apparently need to lie down for rest and sleep at least some of the time. In fact, scientists think horses must lie down to go into deep stages of sleep. Like humans and many other animals, horses experience both slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid-eye-movement (REM) deep sleep. (SWS is characterized by slow, synchronized waves of electrical activity in the brain as recorded by electroencephalography. REM sleep is characterized by jerky eye movements and rapid, disorganized brain waves.) REM sleep seems to occur mostly when the horse is stretched out flat on his side, rather than resting on his chest.

People dream during REM sleep, and it seems that horses do, too. Beneath closed lids, their eyes move rapidly back and forth. Sue McDonnell has even seen some horses move their feet as if "trotting" in their dreams. But what horses dream about is anyone's guess.

Power Naps

Studies of herds of wild and semi-wild horses show that horses take "power naps" and use the buddy system to get the rest they need while keeping safe from predators.

If you're like most people, you need a good, solid eight hours of unbroken rest every night. If you don't get it, you drag through the following day dull, drowsy, and sleep-deprived. You might assume that your horse has similar needs. But according to Sue McDonnell, horses do well with far less sleep than people.

Horses typically spend anywhere from four to fifteen hours a day in standing rest, and anywhere from minutes to several hours lying down. Only part of that is actual sleep time, taken in brief naps that last a few minutes each. The daily total sleep time for an adult horse may range from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Foals and young horses, like other youngsters, sleep more, more deeply, and more often than adults.

This pattern is another plus for a prey animal: His sleep can be interrupted repeatedly by predators and false alarms, but he'll still function. Rarely does a horse suffer from true sleep deprivation, says Sue McDonnell. The minimum amount of deep (lying-down) sleep he needs is very small--perhaps an hour in many days. Still, if he doesn't get that minimum, he eventually begins to drift off into what appears to be deep sleep while standing-and buckles at the knees.

Where you want your rest in a solid block of time, horses spread theirs out in scattered periods throughout the day and night. According to Sue McDonnell, "For any horse or group of horses, there is usually a recurrent pattern of rest and other activities," such as grazing. The pattern varies with the weather, the season and what's going on around the horse. Stabled horses, affected by the activity around them, typically get much of their sleep during the evening and early morning hours.

"Horses tend to learn the pattern of the barn," Sue McDonnell says, "and their deepest rest and sleep tend to occur soon after the busy 'people day' ends."

Buddy System

You're probably not surprised to hear that horses sleep best when they feel safe from danger. But the factors that help them feel safe may not be what you think. When you put your horse in his stall and close the door, you know he's protected. But he likely feels isolated and confined-and for a horse, isolation and confinement can be dangerous.

As part of her work at U of P, Sue McDonnell has studied the behavior of a semi-wild herd of ponies over time. She says feral horses actually sleep more than stabled horses. They also get more down time: As members of a herd, they're able to relax because one horse acts as a sentinel, standing guard while the rest snooze. "In feral groups, all individuals tend to rest together, eat together, go to water together. The young may get additional rest and sleep during grazing, with the protection of the adults." The adults share the sentinel duty, so everybody gets to lie down.

Solitary adult horses tend to get less deep sleep than horses in groups--probably because, with no sentinel on guard duty, and no other horses to help deal with danger, the solo horse feels he has to look out for himself at all times. He startles out of sleep at the slightest disturbance. In many cases you'll see horses stabled next to each other rest standing against the two sides of their shared stall wall, Sue McDonnell says--probably to take advantage of the sentinel effect.

Does your horse eat like a pig?

2009-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yes! Then acorns are one porcine delicacy he should avoid.

Acorns are seeds or nuts produced by oak trees. There are more than 60 varieties of oaks in the continental United States. The bark, leaves and acorns contain an acidic chemical commonly known as tannin.

Tannin has a bitter taste and is an astringent (contracts tissues and draws out fluids). It can damage the liver and kidneys of horses. Tannin also interferes with the utilization of protein.

All plants contain some level of tannin. Oaks contain high levels. Within the family of oaks, red or black oak varieties contain the most tannin; white oak varieties contain the least. Buds and early spring leaves have a higher concentration of tannin than mature leaves. Green acorns have a higher concentration than ripe acorns.

Live Oak Acorns

Squirrels, birds and deer eat acorns with no apparent problems. These free roaming species search out the less bitter tasting acorn varieties (less bitter means a lower tannin level). Stored and ripe acorns that have been soaked due to rain will also be lower in tannin. Tannin is water soluble and leaches out. It is important to note these animals have access to other foods which will help buffer and dilute the tannin.

Poisoning due to the ingestion of acorns is rare in horses which have access to plenty of good quality forage. An occasional acorn throughout the day should not harm a healthy horse with a digestive system full of long-stem fiber.

The ingestion of buds and spring leaves should be avoided. Make sure low hanging or broken branches are removed before they can be eaten. Providing plenty of forage will help deter horses from eating these forbidden windfalls.

Occasionally a horse will develop a taste for acorns. Such an individual would rather eat acorns than good quality forage. If your horse is one of these fanatics you will have to remove the horse from the pasture which contains the forbidden nut.

The signs of acorn poisoning can be: loss of appetite, excessive salivation, blood in the urine or manure, colic-like pain, slow or irregular heart-rate, elevated temperature, pale mucous membranes, watery eyes and a depressed attitude. In the early stages manure is hard and dark in color; the horse may be constipated. Often, in the later stage, the manure changes to diarrhea. Mouth ulcers may form; salvia may escape from the nose. In extreme cases liver and kidney failure ensues and other organs begin to hemorrhage. Some poisoned horses may founder.

Horses that are extremely sensitive to tannin or have eaten large quantities of oak leaves, bark or acorns may die.

If your horse develops acorn poisoning there is no antidote. The common treatment is supportive care. The affected horse must be removed from the source of the poisoning. Your veterinarian will probably give intravenous fluids to help flush out the toxins. Mineral oil and charcoal may be given to help rid the digestive system of the tannin. Hay and water is made available, which also helps dilute the poisonous material in the digestive system. Your veterinarian may also give pain killers to help make your horse more comfortable.

The best thing for the health of your horses and trees is to protect them from each other. Horses are hard on trees. They disturb the root system, chew the bark when bored and rub the branches. Forests or woods do not make good pasture. Fence off any trees. If the trees are providing shelter or shade erect a horse-safe structure, such as a three-sided loafing shed.

There is nothing more beautiful than a majestic oak tree and a horse - they just shouldn't be in the same picture.