Winter and Christmas Holiday Hazards For Pets

By David Brooks

Please read the following tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the holiday season this year.

Firstly, please make sure your pet AVOIDs the following holiday food items:

Alcoholic beverages Chocolate (baker's (dark), semi-sweet, milk chocolate) Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans) Moldy or spoiled foods Onions, onion powder Fatty foods Salt Yeast dough

Ingestion of any food that your pet is not used to can cause intestinal inflammation (vomiting and diarrhea), but those mentioned above are specific toxins that may cause more life threatening conditions in your pet.

Holiday season plants to avoid:

Lilies found in holiday flower arrangements can be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, cause acute kidney failure in cats.

Poinsettias generally have low toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias irritate the mouth and stomach, causing mild vomiting or nausea.

Mistletoe can have a cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) toxic effect. More commonly, however, mistletoe ingestion usually causes gastrointestinal upset.

Holly ingestion can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Please call your veterinarian for advice in all cases to ensure that your pet doesnt need emergency veterinary care.

Hazards around the christmas tree:

Christmas tree water often contains fertilizers, that, if ingested, cause stomach upsets. Stagnant tree water can have extremely high bacterial content, which can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.

Electric cords should be hidden or covered safely. If they were chewed, they could electrocute your pet.

Ribbons or tinsel can get stuck in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction if ingested.

Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause serious ulceration to the mouth, tongue and intestines.

Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

Your medications:

Please keep all your prescriptions and medicines away from prying pets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills can be lethal to your pet in very small dosages. For example, one 200mg ibuprofen tablet can cause serious stomach ulcers in a 10lb dog. Less than one acetaminophen tablet (325mg) can be extremely dangerous to a 7lb cat.

More winter hazards:

Antifreeze has a pleasant sweet taste but even in small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat or dog. Please be very careful when changing your cars coolant and always thoroughly clean up any spills. Store your antifreeze in a tightly closed container well away from your pet. Low Tox™ brand antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households as this is less toxic. If you think your pet has ingested anti-freeze of any type please call your emergency veterinarian immediately.

Ice melting products can be irritating to the skin and mouth. Signs of ingestion can include excessive drooling, depression and vomiting.

Rat and mouse killers are used a lot during the holiday season. These can be lethal to your pet. Please be careful.

Your animal may become poisoned with little warning. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian and a local emergency veterinary service in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

During the holidays, many veterinary clinics and pet specialists have limited office hours. Our dedicated community of pet experts are online 24 hours a day 7 days a week over the holiday period. If you need advice, second opinions or have pet concerns during this period visit http://www.WhyDoesMyPet.com and a pet expert will be there to help. If you suspect your pet has a genuine emergency please call your local veterinary emergency clinic. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the pet experts at http://www.WhyDoesMyPet.com

 

Shih Tzu - The Dos And Don'ts Of Housetraining Your Shih Tzu Puppy

House training a shih tzu puppy is very important for the well being of both the shih tzu puppy and the owner. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so it is easy to see why proper house training is such an important consideration.

It is important to establish proper toilet habits when the shih tzu puppy is young, since these habits can last a lifetime, and be very hard to break once they are established. It is very important for the owner to house break the shih tzu puppy properly. In most cases, true house training cannot begin until the shih tzu puppy is six months old. Puppies younger than this generally lack the bowel and bladder control that is needed for true house training.

Shih Tzu puppies younger than six months should be confined to a small, shih tzu puppy proofed room when the owner cannot supervise them. The entire floor of the room should be covered with newspapers or similar absorbent materials, and the paper changed every time it is soiled. As the shih tzu puppy gets older, the amount of paper used can be reduced as the shih tzu puppy begins to establish a preferred toilet area. It is this preferred toilet area that will form the basis of later house training.

The Do's of House Training Your Puppy:

Always provide the shih tzu puppy with constant, unrestricted access to the established toilet area.

When you are at home, take the shih tzu puppy to the toilet area every 45 minutes.

When you are not at home or cannot supervise the shih tzu puppy, you must be sure the shih tzu puppy cannot make a mistake. This means confining the shih tzu puppy to a small area that has been thoroughly puppy proofed. Puppy proofing a room is very similar to baby proofing a room, since puppies chew on everything.

Always provide a toilet area that does not resemble anything in your home. Training the shih tzu puppy to eliminate on concrete, blacktop, grass or dirt is a good idea. The shih tzu puppy should never be encouraged to eliminate on anything that resembles the hardwood flooring, tile or carpet he may encounter in a home.

Praise and reward your shih tzu puppy every time he eliminates in the established toilet area. The shih tzu puppy must learn to associate toileting in the established areas with good things, like treats, toys and praise from his owner.

Always keep a set schedule when feeding your shih tzu puppy, and provide constant access to fresh, clean drinking water. A consistent feeding schedule equals a consistent toilet schedule.

Using a crate can be a big help in helping a shih tzu puppy develop self control. The concept behind crate training is that the shih tzu puppy will not want to toilet in his bed area.

And finally, it is important to be patient when house training a shih tzu puppy. House training can take as long as several months, but it is much easier to house train right the first time than to retrain a problem dog.

The Don'ts of House Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Never reprimand or punish the shih tzu puppy for mistakes. Punishing the shih tzu puppy will only cause fear and confusion.

Do not leave food out for the shih tzu puppy all night long. Keep to a set feeding schedule in order to make the dog's toilet schedule as consistent as possible.

Do not give the shih tzu puppy the run of the house until he has been thoroughly house trained.

House training is not always the easiest thing to do, and some dogs tend to be much easier to house train than others. It is important, however to be patient, consistent and loving as you train your shih tzu. A rushed, frightened or intimidated shih tzu will not be able to learn the important lessons of house training. Once you have gained your shih tzu puppy's love and respect, however, you will find that house training your shih tzu puppy is easier than you ever expected.

Connie Limon is a professional shih tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

A Beginner's Guide to Ragdoll Cats

In this article, I will give a brief overview of the Ragdoll Cat & Kitten for the benefit of animal-lovers considering buying and/or breeding this remarkable animal.

History

The original Ragdoll Cat Breeder was Anne Barker who created the breed in the 1960's and they were brought worldwide attention by Denny and Laura Dayton. Anne bred Ragdolls from predominately Persian and Burmese breeds that had desirable traits such as a large size, a placid demeanor and a fondness of being around humans.

Physical Description

Although they are large compared to other breeds (males are between 12-20lbs and females are between 10-15lb, on average), they are very gentle beings and are generally happy to be picked up by people. They have a muscular body with short legs, however because they are docile, they should not be left outside for prolonged periods - or at all - as they will not defend themselves if attacked. For this reason, Ragdoll Cat breeders will tell you it is very much an "indoor" cat. Ragdoll's have large blue eyes and rounded ears that tilt forward slightly.

Coat

The Ragdoll Cat is a medium-long haired cat that are categorized into one of the following colors:

Seal - Fawn and dark brown

Chocolate - Ivory and chocolate brown

Blue - Pale gray and dark gray

Lilac - Frosty white and pinkish gray

They also have different patterns on their fur that Ragdoll cat breeders split into the following categories:

Color point - Dark colored feet, ears, tail and face with a lighter body color and no white markings. Mitted - Similar to a color point but with white paws, chin, stomach and ruff. Bi-color - Dark points on the ears and tail and light between the eyes. Dark points also on the back with a pink nose and paw pads.

Although it has a soft medium-long coat, a Ragdoll Cat will not require to be groomed constantly and it's fur will not matt or shed to excess.

Personality

As previously mentioned, Ragdoll Cats are sociable creatures so you must be able to give them attention and not leave them alone for long periods. They are also quiet and not particularly active. They make a loving companion that is easy to train and will got along with other cats.

Summary

I hope you now understand a little more about Ragdoll Cats and if you decide that the Ragdoll is right for you, you will discover it can be a highly rewarding experience.

Daniel Dutton is the founder of Ragdoll Cat Info, an informational website dedicated to owners and breeders of Ragdoll Cats.

 

Monitoring the Healthcare of Your Tropical Pond Fish

You have a beautiful outdoor pond stocked full of the fish that create a wonderful kaleidoscope of color in your backyard. If you aren't careful, though, you can come outside one day to find most of your habitat dieing or in poor health. Let's take a look at some of the ways you can monitor the health of your outdoor pond fish.

* Your tropical fish live in that pond, but so do their waste, food, oxygen and everything else from nature that may drain into the pond. It's important to keep on top of pond maintenance to keep up the well-being of your fish. One of the regular maintenance items on your list should be to take the pH level of the pond at least once a week. Know what pH level is appropriate for your fish and if you notice an increase or decrease try to find and resolve the problem before it affects the health of your tropical fish.

* Maybe you just moved some of your favorite species from the indoor aquarium to the outside pond and they just don't seem to be doing so well. It could be "new tank syndrome" as they are getting over the shock of being transported to a new environment. Tropical fish are very susceptible to stress, and moving definitely applies stress to the poor fellows! Try to introduce them gradually to the pond, and always make sure they spend at least 24 hours getting used to the temperature of the new pond before releasing them.

* Don't crowd them out! You may think you have a big pond, but you still need to keep space considerations in mind. Too many fish in the pond will quickly turn the water toxic and could potentially kill off the entire pond. Start out small and keep a record of how many and what species you have introduced to the pond. Not only does this help plan out how many fish you can add, but if you notice a sudden change in health of the fish after adding a certain species you will have a record of where and when to help you isolate it.

* Keep on top of pond cleaning and maintenance. If you notice your fish losing their color, or becoming bloated it could be because there is too much algae, carbon dioxide or other parasites in the water. It's hard to control all the variables in an outside setting, but there are a number of additives you can put in the water to at least control the parasites.

Although an outdoor pond requires you to keep an eye on it a bit more than your indoor aquarium you will find that with just a little bit of extra work you can have a tropical fish setting that will please you for years to come – not to mention add that special touch to your outdoor landscaping.

The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com

 

Treatment of Betta Fish Diseases

By Bosun Sogeke

The main reason of the diseases of betta fish is internal pressure. The pressure can be a result of several different things. The most widespread disease is infection.

Betta Fish Care and Treatment: "Maracyn 2" by Mardel is suggested. Maracyn-2 is a all-purpose antibiotic tablet which is utilized for popeye, fin and tail rot, gill ailment, dropsy, septicemia, secondary and inner infections. It is essential that the treatment be absorbed within the beta fish to cure the infection. Regular water changes twice a week, in addition to higher temperatures may also aid the beta fight off the infection himself.

Fungal infection
Fungal infections generally happen because of bad water conditions. They become visible as white fluffy growths on the beta fish's mouth, eyes, and fins and are highly infectious.

Betta Fish Care and Treatment: Increase the temperature of the beta fish tank. Fungal infections are time and again an outcome of cooler water temperatures. Medicines including Malachite green or Methylene blue are also useful. Malachite green is a totally harmless and helpful cure in fresh and salt water on a wide variety of protozoan, crustacean, and other invertebrate parasites of fishes. Adding ordinary table salt (sodium chloride) to the water, one teaspoon per gallon can lend a hand in minimizing the healing time.

Ichthyophthirius multifilius (Ich)
Ich is a protozoan parasite found on the majority of the freshwater fish. It emerges as small white dots or stains on the beta fish's fins and body, which may seem to be like white grains of sugar. Eruptions mostly happen when the water temperature drops less than 80 degrees F.

Betta Fish Care and Treatment: Raise the water temperature to the mid to higher 80s degree F. Salt baths are very helpful against Ich. Adding common table salt (sodium chloride) to the water can lend a hand in reducing disease. Add one teaspoon per gallon as a pre-emptive measure. Medicines containing Malachite green or Methylene blue, continued at a time gap of 2 days are also helpful.

Velvet/Oodinium
It is an algae parasite found on several freshwater fish. This ailment emerges as a yellow "velvety" covering on the beta fish's body. It may also become visible as golden or rust colored. It is habitually found in fish which are anxious due to chilling, shipping, water changes or bad water quality. Symptoms comprises of fast breathing and lethargy.

Betta Fish Care and Treatment: Raised temperature and medicines like acriflavine, Methylene Blue or Jungle's "velvet guard" should help cure this parasite. Bowls or tanks should be drained and unsoiled. Dyes must not be used as they have mercury.

Fin Rot
Fin Rot is a bacterial disease and often happens to weaker beta fishes.

Betta Fish Care and Treatment: application of antibiotics, anti-microbials, and measures containing these is the perfect cure of this disease. One such anthology is Mardel Maracyn 2. Maracyn-2 is an all-purpose antibiotic tablet used for popeye, fin and tail rot, gill ailment, dropsy, septicemia, secondary and inner infections. Changing the water, increasing the temperature and adding a small amount of salt will often attain excellent results.

Dropsy
It is caused by an inner, bacterial contagion. It mostly shows itself as stuffed sides and overhanging scales on the beta fish. Again, the most possible reason is bad water conditions.

Betta Fish Care and Treatment: The application of Mardel's Tetracycline is suggested. Tetracycline is an all purpose antibiotic for ailing fin and tail rot, popeye, gill ailment and dropsy. It is mainly useful against gram-negative pathogenic organisms.

Black Spot It demonstrates small, black scraps on the body of the beta fish. It is time and again found in fish that are harassed due to shipping.

Betta Fish Care and Treatment: Adding common table salt (sodium chloride) to the water can lend a hand in minimizing the healing time. Adding one teaspoon per gallon is suggested.

Common Beta Fish Treatments

* Copper Sulfate is helpful as an antiseptic for equipment, tanks and bowls.
* Formalin is helpful against Ich and parasites.
* Malachite Green is generally used to cure protozoan infections.

Beta fish are flexible but do not bear thermal swings splendidly. Betas are tropical fish and must be placed in tropical temperatures. Beta fish need habitual, twice-weekly water changes in gallon water containers, a combination of foods (not just dry pellets), and your communication to remain healthy.

Most of the ailments or illnesses with tropical freshwater fish can be credited to their surrounding atmosphere.

Nearly always a rapid water change, the adding up of a bit of salt (unionized sea salt is the most excellent, about a level teaspoon per five gallons equivalent) will resolve anything which is ailing them.

For more information or to learn more on Betta Fish, please visit my blog

 

A Free Dog Training Tip

There are many small things that an owner can do to improve his dogs behaviour. You can consider clicker training as a form of reward training, and if you start to train your puppy from the beginning, you will most certainly have no big problems with you companion. Take jumping for example, a problem for many owners. Here is a way for you to work with a dog that jumps at you to greet you. When he start to jump, turn away from him.

Don't use any verbal languish, just silently turn away from him. Some dogs are very stubborn and can keep jumping for several minutes, but be patient, he will sooner or later stop and walk around you, as he wants to face you when he greets you. He might try jumping again, just turn away again. As soon as he is not jumping when he stands in front of you, use the clicker and reward him, by calmly petting him, or with a treat.

If your dog is very difficult with this behaviour, you might want to use treats in the beginning, to make him really motivated. He will soon get the idea and what you want him to do. Use the same exercise when people are coming to your house. Teach him to sit when people are entering the house. When he obeys for a couple of seconds or more, click and reward.

Remember if you use petting as a reward, to do so calmly, since petting in it self can exaggerate the dog to jump. On a given sign from you, you let the dog move forward and greet them, but forbid jumping by firmly saying "no" and holding him down. Click and reward when he greets without jumping.

Ask your friends to help you train him by coming over and ringing the door bell. In that way you will get more regular training opportunities, and soon enough your dog has gotten rid of this unwanted behaviour.

Want to get more free dog training tips? Please visit www.dogtraining.efven.com Beatrice Stephenson is a freelance writer on pets, recreation and health.

 

Healthy Dog Biscuit Recipes You Can Make at Home!

An overwhelming majority of people around the world own pets and most folks buy treats for their pets at one time or another. Some people own cats and buy cat treats, others own dogs and buy dog biscuits and chew toys. The one thing all of these people have in common is that they want their pet to have the healthiest food and treats possible! That's why home made dog biscuits and treats have become so popular! Here is an excellent dog biscuit recipe that is all natural and is sure to satisfy the hungry hound in your home!

This dog biscuit recipe is very simple and can be put together by kids or adults. You start with a fourth cup carrots, three cups of parsley chopped up very fine, one forth of a cup of cheese, grated fine. A good tip is to make sure your dog likes the particular kind of cheese before you make the biscuits. Usually, mozzarella or Parmesan are the best to use.

Add 2 and three fourths cup of flour, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder so the biscuits will rise a little when you bake them and 2 teaspoons of bran so they are extra healthy for your pooch. The final ingredient is a half cup to a cup of water, but be sure not to add it until the rest of the ingredients are blended. Now we are all set for the final steps. Make sure that you have paid close attention to the recipe up to this point.

Make sure your oven is set to 350 degrees. Kids, make sure mommy or daddy take care of this part. You'll want to use a cooking spray to lightly grease a baking sheet. Once all of the dry ingredients and the oil are mixed, slowly add the water until you have a moist texture. Knead the dough until it is uniform than roll it out with a rolling pin. Use a fun shape to cut out the biscuits and cook them for 20-30 minutes. Make sure they are fully cooled before you give them to your doggie!

David Gilmore http://pettreats.info2have.com/

 

A Healthy Horse Is A Happy Horse

By Benjamin Wise

When you own a horse you become responsible for its health. Horses can become affected by many health problems such as colic, thrush and internal parasites. A number of conditions can be prevented and treated by an owner, but every horse owner should have the aid of a local equine veterinarian.

Before purchasing your horse, you should have a veterinarian give it an inspection to make sure that he is in good health. Thereafter it is advisable to have your veterinarian give your horse an annual checkup.

I was interested in purchasing a school master for show jumping from the stable where I kept my horse. I really did not have an in-depth knowledge of horses, but I knew enough to request a veterinary inspection. I did not know any vets, so I did not mind when the owner suggested using their local veterinarian.

We had gone over the horse and all seemed to be going well until we had him running loose in a lunge ring. I overheard the veterinarian inquire as to whether I was planning on doing much with the horse. I have no idea what he meant exactly, but I did know I was planning on show jumping. Ultimately I assumed that the horse had some health problems and would not be a long term investment.

The owners did not divulge any of the veterinarian's words, but I was saved from making a costly unsound investment. When you buy a horse you usually part with a substantial amount of money and it makes complete sense to ensure the health of your investment.

Horses require regular upkeep, they need to be dewormed and vaccinated regularly to prevent health problems and to maintain good health. When you do not deworm your horse, he becomes infested with parasites which can infect other horses he is around and it affects his own health.

You may not see the internal damage worms create, but with large infestations you will see the difference on the outside when his coat is no longer glossy and he keeps losing weight no matter how much you feed him.

When you look after horses you can do other prevention techniques besides deworming, to increase chances of a good healthy environment for your horse.
- Remove droppings from paddocks and fields on a regular basis. If completely removing is not possible then disk or harrow the field to break up the droppings.
- Rotate your pastures, leave a field completely empty for a period of time
- Remove bot eggs from the horses with a bot knife
- Grazing with cattle can aid worm control

The usual vaccinations given to a horse are for equine influenza, tetanus and equine encephalitis. It is strongly recommended that you have all your horses vaccinated; your local veterinarian will be able to assist you and determine which vaccines your horse needs and when he should be given them.

Having a horse is a huge responsibility and they are reliant on you for good health. Take pride in owning a horse and ensure he is well cared for. Have a basic first aid kit at hand and develop a relationship with your local veterinarian.

Horse Guide. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about horse health. Learn about Horse riding safety.

 

Bird Hiking-What Equipment Do You Need

By Darin Sewell

Go Watch The Birds

Watching birds is a very popular and growing hobby in north America as well as the rest of the world. Bird watchers usually refer to it as going bird hiking. A great benefit of this great outdoor activity is that going bird hiking is an inexpensive activity that can be done practically anywhere. The equipment you buy to make it more enjoyable can be as expensive or in expensive as you choose. Going bird hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty mother nature has to offer.

What Equipment Needed

Equipment is entirely optional and is not required to have a great time bird hiking. Identifying every bird you see ma not be your objective, but if you choose to identify different species then a good bird field manual is recommended. To save money you can get specialized field manuals that only have species native to the area that you do your bird hiking. Although very interesting, a complete world bird guide is extremely expensive and would be to heavy to carry with you.

Because Bird hiking is often times done in wooded areas you may come across mud, water and other rugged terrain so you will need good, sturdy, comfortable footwear. Although if you are just taking a walk around your neighborhood or through a park then a pair of tennis shoes will probably be fine..

binoculars are not a requirement but make watching birds more enjoyable, especially for near sighted hobbyists. You do not need the best pair to watch birds effectively and enjoyably, basic pair will do. With a little practice you may even be able to look through the binoculars will bird hiking on the move, adding a new level of fun to the activity!

If you live in a hot area then a good hat and sunscreen to shield you from the sun is a requirement, nothing would make bird hiking less enjoyable then a sunburn! A small backpack that you can carry a bottle of water, snacks and a small first aid kit in is also a nice piece of equipment to carry your gear while bird hiking.

Bird hiking is a great way to get out enjoy nature and get some exercise at the same time. Its a inexpensive simple activity to participate in but keep in mind it is done outdoors and the weather may not always agree with your plans!

Want more information on Hiking Excursions and Trips or Bird Walking then come visit a great online resource for your outdoor recreation!

 

Homemade Dog Food - Why You Need To Make Your Own Dog Food

Dog food is the main source of your pet's strength and energy and if you do not carefully prepare his meal, your pet may get sick and worse may die. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to be careful in feeding your dog. There are reports recently that commercial dog food caused the deaths of many dogs. Learning to make your own dog food and watching what he eats will ensure the health and safety of your canine friend.

Using commercial dog food maybe the easiest option to feed your dog, but are you sure it is safe for your dog? Do you know the contents and how it was processed? It maybe a little harder to make your own dog food but if you really care for your dog you will make time for it. Besides homemade dog food have many health benefits that you cannot get from any commercial dog food.

Here are the reasons why you need to make your own dog food:

No preservatives. It is beneficial to make your own dog food because you are sure that you are not feeding your dog with preservatives. The preservatives found in commercial dog food can damage your dog's health. Some diseases caused by deadly chemicals present in commercial dog food includes kidney cancer, liver dysfunction, immune system collapse, severe allergic reactions, behavior problems including increased aggressiveness and a lot more.

Complete with nutrients. You can supply your dog with all the nutrients he needs if you make your own dog food. Providing your dog with natural healthy food that contains vegetables, rice, meat and other unprocessed ingredients will give him the necessary nutrients and vitamins he needs. Feeding your dog with super tasty homemade dog food with carefully hand picked recipes will prevent him from getting sick. Your effort to make your own dog food will result to a healthier and energetic dog free from all diseases.

You can save money. If you make your own dog food, it is much cheaper than buying well-known dog food brands. You can use the extra money for other needs of your dog.

Your dog will love you more. Your dog will definitely love the meals you cook and will love you more than ever for making them. Dogs are great in showing appreciation and you will be appreciated for making the time learning how to make your own dog food. His loyalty and friendship will always be yours.

It is really more beneficial if you make your own dog food. It will prolong the life of your dog. But you can't make this change unless you have a good alternative plan in place. Discover a proven alternative plan and a survival-guide to a healthier, happier dog that lives up to 8.3 years longer than dogs whose owners feed them commercial dog food. Visit Dog Food Secrets at Dogs' Corner To know more about pets visit All About Pets Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including Homemade Dog Food – Why You Need To Make Your Own Dog Food. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

 

Dogs Hit By Cars

By John M Williams

Yours may be the best trained dog in the world, understand your commands perfectly. You may think that your dog understands the roads and can cope with cars well. But there is always a chance your dog could get knocked over by a car and knowing what to do in this situation is vital.

As stated above, you may think your dog is well suited to roads and can avoid cars and know when and where to cross the road. But from their perspective this is all guess work and learnt from previous situations and near misses. Even after many years of crossing roads and viewing cars, dogs can still get caught up in situations that are dangerous and harmful. If your dog does become the target of a road accident there are certain rules that should be adhered to when arriving at the scene and these rules can be the basis of how much pain and how healthy your dog will be afterwards.

The first thing to do is not panic, if your dog is conscious and can sense you panicking then they will panic also which won't help the situation. Common injuries of a dog being run over are cuts and bruises so there is a good chance yours is fine. They should not be moved after a car incident and until you know and are sure of the injuries they have, should remain in the same place or moved using a few people and a sheet or blanket as a stretcher if totally necessary.

Always check their breathing, your dog's breathing may have stopped as a cause of the accident and will need respiration by holding the muzzle closed and breathing air through the nose. If there is any severe bleeding you will need to add pressure to stop the bleeding and then seek urgent medical treatment. If you are not sure of the seriousness of the damages, then contact your vet and explain the conditions to get advice on how to deal with the situation properly.

For more information on Dog Behavior Training take a look at Dog-Behavior-Training.co.uk

 

Why You Need A Blacklight To Clean Cat Urine

By Mike Taylor

Of all the foul smells in the world a skunk's odor is probably the worst but a close second in my opinion is the smell of cat urine. My brother-in-law had several cats and he didn't keep the litter box clean so the cats ran rampant and when you walked into his apartment you were overwhelmed with the stench of cat urine. Trust me, on a hot Texas day it makes for a very disgusting and short visit.

Fortunately most of us have better housekeeping habits than he did and keep litter boxes clean but occasionally we are faced with kitty urinating or spraying where they weren't supposed to and we must clean the urine up.

But, it's not just a simple matter of wiping up any cat urine you come across and thinking you are done. Oh no, there is so much more to it than that.

Since cats are not big water drinkers compared to other animals their urine is highly concentrated and very potent smelling. Also, cat urine is a very complex substance made up of several different bacteria strains. Some cause the pungent odor and some cause the stain that can at times be invisible.

Now, if you wipe up cat urine with any household cleaner you might think you have cleaned the mess up but in reality all you did was to clean the liquid you could see. The odor causing bacteria will remain in the form of uric acid salts that bond to surfaces and the smell will be back in no time. This is particularly true if the area gets wet as this reactivates the crystals and is why most typical cleaners do not clean the smell but just spread it around even more.

In fact, cats like that urine smell and will often urinate in the same spot over and over while you pull your hair out trying to figure out why they are doing it. After all, you are cleaning it up right away aren't you?

The problem comes back to those pesky uric acid salts. They can't be washed away because of the bonding action and in order to clean cat urine completely you need an enzyme based cat urine remover. The enzymes will eat the bacteria in the salts and presto your urine odor is gone. Note that if it's a stubborn spot you might need to clean more than once.

The biggest problem you will have in cleaning cat urine is finding the spots to clean, especially old spots. That is why you need a blacklight to show you where the stains are hidden. Using a blacklight in a darkened room will make any urine stains glow so you will know not only where to clean but you will be able to check afterwards to make sure you cleaned the urine spot completely.

You can buy a blacklight at a party store like Spencer's Gifts where they are sold to create special effects and enhance glow in the dark posters. Some cat urine cleaners will also include a blacklight with the product so you don't have to buy one separately.

Cleaning cat urine can be an easy task if you use the right tools. A good cat urine remover combined with a blacklight will give you the best chance at completely removing that cat urine smell that is so disgusting.

For more information on how to get rid of cat urine visit us at www.cat-urine-remover.com. We have great tips on how to select a cat urine remover.

Is The Chihuahua The Perfect Pet For You?

By Lee Dobbins

If you want a dog that is loyal, lively, intelligent and you can carry around in your pocket than the Chihuahua might be for you!

This tiny dog that originates from Mexico was actually introduced to the rest of the world by the Chinese. It Can weigh under 2 1/2 pounds and is one of the smallest breed of dogs. Thought to be a sacred dog of pre-Colombian Indians this breed is fiercely loyal and bonds with his owner.

These little dogs can come in almost any color combination and are often seen in a tan and black combination, fawn and brown. One of the more desirable colors is chocolate which is a dark milk chocolate color and they can also be a chestnut color, silver color or a blue as well as multicolored. This dog has a short stout body with a round apple shaped head the dark eyes and the large years that stand erect. One of the interesting aspects of Chihuahua puppies is that their skull plates do meet leaving a hole called a molera. This will eventually closes by the time they become adults but you will need to be careful with your Chihuahua puppy.

The Chihuahua is energetic and loving. Chihuahuas are often seen licking their owners face and while they love to give affection they also love to receive it. Most Chihuahuas will bond with their owner and be wary of strangers and other animals. If you want your Chihuahua to get along good with people and animals you should socialize him from an early age and be sure he's handled by lots of people. Chihuahuas do seem to like other Chihuahuas however, so if you want more than one pet you might consider getting two Chihuahuas! As you might imagine Chihuahuas need to be weary of other moving objects as they are so tiny and can easily be hurt. For this reason Chihuahuas and small children are not a good mix. The Chihuahua, although he may seem feisty, is very delicate and can easily hurt by a small child that doesn't know any better.

Although Chihuahuas are very smart they may be a little difficult to train especially when it comes to housebreaking. Many owners simply paper train them or you could use a dog litter box as they are tiny enough to make this worthwhile. But being as they are intelligent they can learn many tricks and obedience if you take the time to train them with positive reinforcement. Chihuahuas, or any dog for that matter, do not respond well to yelling and hitting and this should never be used as a method of training.

The Chihuahua can be a bit noisy and is also aggressive even for its tiny size. As you can imagine a larger dog may seem very threatening to your tiny Chihuahua but he will stand up to it with great courage. Therefore you should protect your Chihuahua from such threats even if the other dog is friendly.

Although Chihuahuas are tiny and they do make good apartment pets they do need some exercise. Playing with your Chihuahua and taking him for a walk will help him remain fit and in good health. When walking your Chihuahua it's best to use a harness as opposed to a collar said their tiny wind pipes can become crushed with a collar. Just remember, if it is cold out, please dress your Chihuahua in a sweater as these dogs do not take well to the cold.

Chihuahuas are long-lived for small dogs and can live up to 15 years with the proper care. Since their eyes are large care needs to be taken that they don't become damaged and Chihuahuas can also be prone to glaucoma and dryness of the eyes. Due to a short snout the Chihuahua can also be wheezy. You also need to be careful with these tiny dogs that you do not overfeed them and you do not feed them anything that is toxic as a little teeny bit of chocolate or fertilizer or anything toxic can have drastic results. Not to mention that a little bit of overfeeding can result in an overweight and unhealthy dog.

The short coated dogs are easy to groom and care for and shed very little. You should brush your Chihuahua every week or so and give him a bath to keep them smelling great. Make sure to give your dog the appropriate vet care including yearly checkups and immunizations and you will have a loyal and affectionate friend for many years to come.

Lee Dobbins is an animal lover and pet owner. She hosts http://www.dogbreeds123.com where you can learn about dog care and supplies as well as dog breeds such as the Chihuahua.

Dog Beds - The Solution to Never Having to Share Your Sleeping Space With Your Pet Again

Have you not had a good night's sleep for awhile because your dog has decided to make your bed his personal resting area. Well, if you are sick of sharing, just turn to lovely dog beds to solve your problem. That way, your dog really has a space of its own to rest so you don't have to share yours anymore.

The great thing about dog beds is the fact that they're available in all shapes of sizes and styles, making it easy to find just the right one to match your dog's size and sleeping style. For example, maybe you have a huge dog, like a German shepherd or a St. Bernard, and he really likes to spread out when he sleeps, then a great option for him would be a dog bad that is larger and flatter. Or, maybe your dog is small and little like a Yorkie or Chihuahua and it likes to curl up into a little ball next to something when it sleeps, then a great option for her would be one that has high sides and features a donut design.

Basically, there are just a huge amount of options and the choices don't stop there with the above selections since there are many others. Like, you can actually get ones that look like human beds with little mattresses and comforters, others that look like dog houses that you would find outside but are made entirely of plush fabrics, and there are a slew of novelty options available like ones in the shape of race cars and some that can even be personalized with your dog's name.

Now, if you're dog already has a place to sleep besides on your bed and you're not interested in dog beds, but still want to treat him to something nice, don't worry since there are a lot of other products that let you pamper him. Like, you can get him comfy clothes, a decorative color and leash set, deluxe food and water dishes, a ton of hair care products to keep his coat rich and shiny, different toys like bones and ropes, and you can even get jewelry for dogs if you want.

For an easy way to check out all the dog beds, and other dog products and supplies, you could get for your furry company, just hit the Internet for some online shopping. It is much more stress free process than going to the local pet store since you can browse through all the products without even leaving your home. Plus, when you do come across something you like, it will generally be at the best prices possible and it will be shipped right to your home.

To sum up, if you want your dog to get off your bed, then turn to lovely dog beds to make it happen. One provides your dog with its personal spot to take it easy. Make sure to get one today so you can get a restful night's sleep tomorrow.

Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous online specialty shops, shares her insight on how to create more space in your home for your pet by using plush dog beds, comfortable dog houses and essential dog furniture.

 

Kidney Failure In Dogs

Kidney failure means that the kidneys are not functioning properly and are unable to remove waste products from the blood in the body. This doesn't mean that your pet is unable to produce urine, which is a common misconception. In fact, a dog that has failing kidneys might be producing large amounts of urine, but the body's wastes are not effectively eliminated.

The kidney's primary function in the body is to help to maintain and regulate chemicals in the blood, and is a filtering system for waste products that come through the dog's urine. When the kidneys aren't working as they should, the toxins in the blood will not be filtered out. As a result, your dog's survival is threatened by the buildup of toxins and waste in his system. The size of your dog may give you an idea of when your pet may experience kidney difficulties. Large dogs may begin to have symptoms as early as seven years of age, whereas smaller dogs don't normally experience them until between 10-14 years of age. It can be a normal part of aging, so it is important to watch for signs that your pet is uncomfortable.

What symptoms would you see if your pet has kidney failure or is in the early stages? Your dog may have blood in his urine, be drinking more water than usual (dehydration), vomiting, have loss of appetite, be more lethargic than usual, experience diarrhea, have a stiff gait when he walks, or you may see the condition of his coat diminish. Urination can be a symptom too, but for every dog it is different. They may urinate more than usual, less than usual, or you may see a complete lack of urination. If you suspect your dog is experiencing kidney failure, take him to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. There are two phases of treatment.

The first phase is meant to kick start the kidneys. Large quantities of fluids are fed to your dog intravenously. At the same time, electrolyte replacement, primarily potassium, is taking place. One of three things will happen after this first phase: 1) The kidneys will function again and continue to do so for a varied amount of time, from weeks to years. 2) The kidneys will function during the treatment, but not after. 3) The kidneys won't function at all.

The second phase of treatment may include a special diet, fluids given at home, and medications. There are even a few veterinary medical sites who offer kidney dialysis for dogs. Many veterinarians will tell you that your dog could respond well to treatment and could live up to four more years with the proper treatment, and of course, a great big dose of love from you.

Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care" http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our beloved four legged family member's health. She loves to give away free stuff! If you sign up to receive her newsletter, not only will you get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but for a limited time, she'll give you a FREE ebook. For more information, please visit: http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

 

Bloodhound - A Guide to the Breed

It is widely believed that the Bloodhound originates from Belgium and was first bred by the monks of St. Hubert's Monastery in around 1000AD. The bloodhound's ancestors undoubtedly came from France which was the home of many of the modern hound breeds. The dogs were known as 'Sequsius' and were used to track wolves, big cats and deer or to follow the trail of wounded game. After the Normans conquered England in 1066 they introduced many dogs and the St Hubert Hound was one of those brought to England. The Black and Tan variety of the bred became know as bloodhounds and the white were called Talbot Hounds. The first one entered the show-ring in England in 1871.

Care must be taken with young ones and they should not be over exercised, there bones and joints need to be given a proper chance to grow. The breed is cheerful and affectionate but because of its strong tracking instinct it can be willful which make obedience training tricky but achievable with time and effort. Patience and consistency is the key. As adults, they have exceptional stamina and need plenty of exercise. Their sense of smell in two million times greater than humans and once on the trail of an enticing aroma they will be desperate to find the source. Therefore gardens should be well fenced.

These dogs reach maturity at around three years old and they are gentle natured and affectionate dogs who will get on well with children, other dogs and household pets. They are very social dogs who do not like to be left alone. Due to this friendly nature they do not make good guard dogs as they would never dream of attacking and will welcome any visitor wanted or unwanted. They are one of the most patient and kindest dogs in the dog world but whilst quiet in the house they can be vocal outdoors.

They have several physical traits that account for their incredible ability to follow a scent trail left several days in the past. They can track humans easily as we shed skins cells constantly, Bloodhounds can detect as few as one or two skin cells in the air or on the floor. The breed has larger nasal chambers than most dogs which contain the receptors necessary for detecting skin cells.

Bloodhounds also have large, long ears which prevent wind from scattering skin cells away from the dog's nose and folds of wrinkled flesh under the neck which catch stray scent particles reinforcing the scent in the dog's memory and nose. One noteworthy dog called Nick Carter received extensive publicity in the early 1900's and went down in Bloodhound folk-lore. He was credited with more than 650 finds including one which involved following a trail 105 hours old.

In 2004 a UK kennel club survey had the average life span of Bloodhounds at just 6.75 years which is one of the shortest of any breed. Compared to many breeds, these have a high rate of gastrointestinal ailments (bloat or torsion). They are also susceptible to eye, skin and ear problems. Eyes, skin and ears should be inspected regularly and owners should be aware of the signs of intestinal problems (bloating) which are the leading cause of death in Bloodhounds. Symptoms include restlessness, inability to get comfortable, pacing and retching. The abdomen may also get swollen but not always. If an owner suspects a dog is bloating he should take them to a vet immediately as the dogs survival will depend on the speed at which care is given.

Bloodhounds have appeared as characters in various animated shows and movies including:

• Pluto, pet of Mickey Mouse
• Ladybird from King of the Hill
• Huckleberry Hound
• Snuffles in Quick draw Mcgraw
• Trusty in Lady and the Tramp
• Duke, Jed's bloodhound from the Beverly Hillbillies
• Buddy, in Cats and Dogs
• Bruno in Cinderella (1950's film)

Steve Batchelor is a dog lover and the webmaster at www.dogbreedguides.com where you can find some great information on many different dog breeds. He also recommends petinfogoldmine for more info on dog training, obedience, health care and many other subjects.

 

Unique Dog Beds: Going Beyond the Basics for Your Pampered Pooch

You can get the usual rectangular, round, donut, nesting, bolster, or orthopedic dog bed, but when ordinary just won't do for your best friend there is a world of unusual choices in dog beds to satisfy your craving for the unique.

You can find unique dog beds in every style and shape you could possibly imagine. If you are looking for a fancy bed, there are many designs. Among the more unusual are dog beds that look like cars, beds for tiny teacup dogs that actually look like teacups, four-poster beds, sleigh beds, dog chaise lounges, wrought-iron beds, environmentally-friendly dog beds, and beds that look like miniature elegant sofas, or high-backed chairs. Along with elegant bed frames, you can also purchase mattresses similar to what people sleep on-scaled down, of course.

Want to keep your pup off the damp or cold ground? Try a cot-style design. A well-made cot bed will provide firm and even support without the need for a pillow. They're ideal for keeping your dog comfy on the porch or patio.

Do you like to take your dog camping with you? Does he try to share your sleeping bag to stay warm? No need to, if you have a dog sleeping bag. Depending on the model, it comes with a waterproof thermal mat that you insert into the bag to help keep your dog toasty warm. You can even get a-you guessed it-pup tent especially for your four-legged pal.

You can spend $50, $500, or for a really unique dog bed, even a thousand dollars or more. But when it comes right down to it, what counts is comfort and support for your dog.

So what should you look for when you buy a bed for your dog? A good bed is a matter of construction and quality. Your dog's personality also plays an important part. Before you settle on a style, think about how he likes to sleep. Does he curl up in a ball, or does he prefer to stretch out. If he likes to curl up (many small dogs love to), then a bed that he can snuggle down into would be a good style for him. Typically dog beds are constructed with polyfil or foam. The baffled polyfil provides more uniform comfort than regular polyfil, which can shift around. The egg-crate orthopedic-style foam is a good choice for older dogs or those with arthritis. High end beds may even be constructed with springs and coils like the mattresses most of us sleep on. Whichever bed you choose, look for one with a zip-out lining so you can launder it.

Basic bed or fancy-whether he's stretched out on a doggie chaise lounge, curled up in a canopied bed, or lounging on a regular rectangular bed-as long as it's comfortable, your dog will feel happy and secure in his safe haven.

Valerie Goettsch is webmaster of http://www.My-Favorite-Dog.com featuring articles and information on unique dog beds, puppy training & more

 

Beware of These Common Betta Fish Illnesses

By Sarah Munn

Betta fish make fun and beautiful pets, but more than likely your betta fish is going to get sick at some point in time. It is important that you are prepared to treat your betta when he is sick and this includes being aware of various diseases that affect betta fish, their symptoms, and how you can treat them. Once you know the basics of betta fish diseases you will be better prepared to recognize and treat your betta to prevent the disease becoming too serious or even fatal. The following are five of the most common diseases that affect betta fish.

Tail or Fin Rot

Tail rot and fin rot are common betta diseases that are caused by water that becomes too dirty. You can actually prevent this disease from ever affecting your fish if you are careful to always keep their water clean. As a general rule this is an easy condition to treat and it does not seem to be contagious either. If you treat your fish as soon as possible you will be able to stop the progression of the disease and their tails and fins will grow back.

Some of the symptoms to look for include the betta's tail and fins getting shorter and shorter. Their fins may also start to have a darker color and they may appear as if they are dissolving or actually falling apart. While some betta's may not even act sick, others may stop eating, get clumped fins, and start looking pale.

Thankfully treating tail and fin rot is fairly easy and will provide results in a few weeks. For treatment you will need to do a full jar water change and use Fungus Eliminator, as well as either tetracycline or Triple Sulfa. After the initial change you will need to be sure to change the water every three days and when you do you should add more medication to the water as well. It is important that you continue the treatment until you fish improves and you seen new fin and tail growth occurring. This may take a few weeks, so continue the treatment until your fish improve.

Ick

Another very common disease in betta fish is ick. Ick is actually a type of parasite and many times it is present in frozen food that is live. Although ick is one of the most contagious betta diseases, it can be treated. You can prevent your fish from getting ick by adding Aquarisol and salt to your fish's water.

If you start to see white dots appearing on your betta's body, including the head and even his eyes, this is a sign that your fish has ick. More than likely your beta will also become much less active than before and may appear sick and have clumped fins as well. They may feel itchy, so you may see them darting and rubbing against rocks in their tanks.

Since ick is such a contagious disease it is best to go ahead and treat the entire tank of fish for disease. Ick is very sensitive to temperature, so you should raise the temperature in your tank to about 85 degrees F. For every gallon in your tank, add one drop of Aquarisol every single day until your fish are better. Usually it will only take a few days to get rid of this disease.

Dropsy

Dropsy is actually the most common disease among bettas and it is also the most likely to be fatal to your fish as well. While not a great deal is known about this disease many feel that it is linked to live foods, and it especially seems linked to feeding them the black worms. Many people have found that they can prevent dropsy all together by not allowing their fish to eat black worms.

The symptoms of dropsy are quite easy to recognize and they include a bloated belly and scales that appear as if they are raised. The raised scales may actually appear very similar to a pine cone.

Unfortunately there is not a known cure for this betta fish disease. It is, however, very important that you isolate the betta that appears to have dropsy as soon as possible so the other fish will not contract the disease.

Swim Bladder Disorder

Another very common disease that betta's may get is swim bladder disorder. This actually comes as a result from feeding them too much. This disease is not contagious, and as a general rule it affects the younger bettas if they have eaten to much or have become very stressed.

If you see a betta that is having a hard time swimming, seems off balance, or prefers to just lay near the bottom, there is a good chance they are suffering from swim bladder disorder. Many times you will see them just sliding along on the bottom of the tank as well.

Many times you will find that your betta will recover by himself, but it is probably a good idea to not feed them as much for a few days. It is also helpful to eliminate brine shrimp from their diet as well, as this can actually cause part of the problem. In the future, try to be sure that you feed your fish a balanced diet to prevent this from happening again.

These are just a few of the common betta fish diseases that you my deal with in your bettas. Other diseases that bettas may have to deal with include external parasites, bacterial infection, fungal infection, depression, and velvet. Having medications on hand such as tetracyclin, Ampicillin, jungle fungus eliminator, and maracin 1 and 2. Just taking some simple preventive measures can help keep your fish from developing many of these diseases, but it important to know what to do if these diseases occur in your fish.

For more information on betta fish illness, try visiting http://www.bettafishcenter.com, a popular website that provides tips, advice and resources on caring for betta splendens.

 

How To Make A Bearded Dragon Eat More Veggies

Lizards from Pogona genus are commonly named as Bearded Dragon. They have broad triangular heads and flattened bodies. They reach a manageable average size of about 18-22 inches (46-56 cms). The average weight is about 10-18 ounces (283-510 gm)

The species of Bearded Dragons get their name from a distinctive series of lateral spines (specialized scales) radiating horizontally from the head and base of the tail. As juveniles, they are semi-arboreal. As adults, they are mostly terrestrial, but climb to bask and search for prey.

A common problem many bearded dragons have is when the dragon refuse to eat veggies. This can get very serious and caused many times the death of bearded dragons. Here are a few tips you can use to convince the pet to eat:

- put the crickets in his/her greens. I would also try some supersworms over their greens. If there is a petsupplyplus by you. They sell worms in small qty, it usually work with most dragons. You can also shred something your dragon likes and gradually mix with a lot of greens and vegetables

- Make sure the dragon sees the greens by placing them in a shallow dish-which it can easily see. Pay attention also that the greens are bite-sized.

- Try to attach a big leaf, using a clip. Let the dragon have the fun of tearing it into pieces.

- Start feeding greens from the very first week. Then, it will begin to relish them.

- Set your light timers to turn on the lights an hour before you get out of bed in the morning. When you get up, give your beardie salad. After having basked for an hour, the dragons will be hungry enough to eat the greens.

This should completely solve this problem. Please let me know how it worked. Wishing you lots of fun with your dragon!

Florian Ross is a freelancer and small lizard expert. For more tips on raising Bearded Dragons Lizards and having them live 3 times longer, go to http://www.pets-lovers.com/bd/beardeddragons.htm

 

Dogs With Skin Or Digestive Problems Require Enzyme Support

By Janie Knetzer

The dog's coat may become dull and, if he is a working dog, his performance may be affected. This is due, in great part to a variance that many dog owners have imposed on dogs when they domesticated them. In essence, it is a nutritional deficiency that, though unintentional, can lead to health and digestive issues.

In many cases, digestive enzymes for dogs can correct or substantially reduce the problems. Enzymes are substances found in the body that have the ability to induce chemical reactions or accelerate these processes. Enzymes are broken down into two parts, one is a protein called apoenzyme and the other is a non-protein. The non-protein can either be a coenzyme or cofactor.

Every cell in every plant and animal contains enzymes. They regulate biochemical reactions that aid the system and sustain life. When the delicate balance of the body's digestive system is upset, various undesirable reactions can result.

Enzymes can bring balance, but if they are not present naturally in the diet then supplements must be introduced. A supplement can reduce or even eliminate the undesirable side effects of an improper diet in a dog. Gas and flatulence, skin problems and lack of energy can be turned around and the dog's coat will be shinier.

Dog digestive problems are common even in dogs whose owners feed them top of the line dog food. The problem stems from the processed diets that most domestic dogs are provided. A dog is not equipped to digest this type of diet because kibble lacks the necessary dog enzymes his body needs.

Wild canines, such as wolves, exist on a raw diet. In their natural environment, wolves will kill their prey and consume the organs first. The organs contain the vitamins and nutrients that the wolf needs and it is these vitamins and nutrients that boost their system, aiding in digestion.

A domesticated dog does not have access to animal organs from prey or a raw diet, so their body requires an enzyme supplement for proper digestion and a healthy system. A dog is naturally designed to consume raw prey. However, with domestication, man has imposed a diet of kibble which is more convenient and cost effective, but the dog is paying a heavy price because his diet is nutritionally lacking.

In such cases, enzymes for dogs are necessary to provide what the dog's diet is lacking. This is true for dogs of all ages and especially important for senior dogs. However, when a dog is started on digestive enzymes as a young dog, it will give greater assurance to the owner that the dog will be healthier as it ages.

It's never too late to start providing your best friend with an enzyme supplement for dogs.

With over 25 years of dog handling experience, Janie shares many articles on the importance of dog care and canine nutritional health. Visit us here to complete a simple comparison for yourself http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com Find more information on the benefits of enzymes for dogs, visit:http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

Keeping a Rabbit

Of all the affectionate animals rabbits are perhaps loved the most. By innate nature they are affectionate, quiet and entertaining. It is said, that though they are timid by nature, if they are given an invigorating environment they can show other more impressive attributes.

There are immense stories of spectacular cleverness of rabbits that are enshrined in pages of fiction. As animals, rabbits are generally very easy to care for. The easiest way to keep them in a good condition is by keeping them clean, well fed with plenty of clean water, and comfortable living conditions.

Just like other animals rabbits are prone to many dangers. Therefore there is always need for a close observation so as to protect them. It's your cherished pet after all! It is your duty to keep them in the best manner possible.

The first and foremost responsibility is to keep the pets in shade if the temperature rises above 80 degrees. As heat becomes excessive the rabbits start feeling restlessness and the rising temperature thus becomes too dangerous. You can help the situation if you manage to keep the rabbit in shade and as cool as possible.

There are several responsibilities on your part. You must check the pet on a regular basis and always maintain a close watch on him or her. Thus you would be able to recognize changes regarding food habits and behavior, if there are any.

A rabbit's teeth never stop growing and so rabbits need to chew! Often it is found that of all diseases through which the rabbits are affected it is mainly a dental one. So check the teeth to be sure that the alignment is strictly maintained and that none of them are broken. Generally rabbits can be best provided with apple tree twigs after having been dried for three months at a stretch.

Try to watch out for rabbit droppings - if changes in droppings are noticed, like smaller size, then something could be wrong. Diarrhea is supposed to be the first sign of serious illness. There are also instances when rabbits start to release chalky colored urine which is thick and sludgy – this could be associated with kidney problems or stone problems. Red urine is normally caused by blood in the urine or eating carrots or evergreens. So if such changes are noticed or anticipated the nearest veterinary practitioner should be contacted at the earliest opportunity.

Other than diseases, the presence of a lot of animals may prove to be dangerous to rabbits. So always try to keep carnivorous animals like cats, dogs, hawks, eagles, owls, raccoons, opossums, bobcats and coyotes at a safe distance. Like other animals rabbits also have a peculiar tendency to lick feces of animals. As these can carry diseases, there is a chance that they may make your rabbit unwell.

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

 

Dogs and Bones

By Eric Hartwell

You see this everyday; in cartoons, in pictures of dogs, in dog food advertisements… dogs love bones. Bones, especially the long marrow ones are the distinct symbol for dog happiness. They are relatively seen as dog treats that would send your dog into a frenzy every time you give them some. It can't be helped, really. Even humans attest that meat definitely taste better when they are still attached to bones—think steaks or barbequed ribs! So who are we to argue if dogs find bone treats as delectable and mouth-watering as we ourselves find ribs and steaks?

The Advantages of Giving Bones

Giving your dogs some bones generally have the effect of making you a hero in their eyes. Dogs absolutely love bones and some cartoons even attest to this like when dogs are depicted as hiding their bones under mounds of earth just to keep these treasures to themselves. The bone is tastier for them since it contains the marrow, a fatty network of connective tissue that is the source of blood cells. Chewing on the bone also occupies much of a dog's time and may keep him entertained for hours and hours until he finished everything off. More time eating, and definitely more delectable food—what more can a dog ask for?

Not only are they delicious, chewing on bones help keep a dog's teeth healthier and cleaner than before. Chewing provides stimulation for the salivary glands to work and the saliva of a dog has been proven to help keep his teeth healthier. Chewing also keeps the tartar from building up on the teeth and helps maintain the cleanliness of the teeth too. Puppies are especially fond of chewing anything they get their paws on so giving them some bones to chew will definitely transport them to their happy places!

The Disadvantages of Giving Bones

But are they really treats or do they pose some risks for your beloved dogs? Dogs may see them as a delicacy, but bones have a somewhat sinister effect to them. This is very much the concern for all pet owners. Bones may cause some health problems for dogs like grating the vulnerable linings of the alimentary tract and may even cause some degrees of fecal impaction when not digested properly. Splintering bones are known to damage the alimentary tract especially when given raw or undercooked. This is especially hard for puppies since they still have underdeveloped teeth and digestive systems. As a general rule, it is usually best to give teething puppies some artificial nylon bones first to give them the satisfaction of chewing and keep them away from harm at the same time. It is usually best if you take the time to cook the bones in a pressure cooker first to make them softer for your dogs. This way, you make sure that the bones are safe for your dogs to eat and are properly digested too. You do not want to give your dogs some fecal impaction, right?

Giving your dogs some bone treats are definitely the way to their hearts but keep in mind that you have to be careful when giving them some, too.

Do you want to know more about dog care or anything about the crazy world of dogs? then visit us here

 

Keep Your Cat Safe

Because it is a curious creature, your cat is likely to create an emergency situation. Even the best well-protected house cat is subject to dangers in the home. Although you can do your part by cat-proofing your home emergencies do arise. First aid measures are not a substitute for veterinary care. If an emergency arises, always call your vet. In some cases, however, you may have to administer first aid before you can take the cat to the vet.

If you live in high rise flat, there is a real danger of your cat falling and injuring or killing itself. Install grills on windows and balconies to prevent this. The size of the spaces in the grills should be such that your cat should not be able to squeeze through. Some steps that you can take to prevent an accident, include not hanging things that might attract your cat's attention, e.g. wind chimes, on or near the window ledge.

Cats, like a lot of youngsters, will eat almost anything. And they will play with anything that can move. Strings, yarn, dental floss, elastics and especially needles and thread are highly enticing, but if swallowed they can do serious, often fatal, damage. Store anything string-like and any items small enough to swallow in a drawer or somewhere that feline paws can't penetrate. Chewing an electrical cord can be fatal, and pulling on it may bring down an appliance — in the case of an iron, possibly a hot appliance. Hanging cords, such as those for curtains, blinds and lamps can be strangulation hazards. Bundle all cords or tie them off out of reach.

Your child must learn to respect the cat and treat him gently. Your influence as a role model is essential here. Supervise any interaction between your child and the cat until you are confident both are behaving properly.Your child should be sitting calmly for the initial meeting, any fast movements will send the cat into hiding. Bring the animal to the child and help your youngster pet him, stroking with the fur, not against it. Show your child how to play gently; no tail pulling.Teach your child how to hold the cat so that he is properly supported. And more importantly, your child should know when to let the cat go.

Most youngsters can learn to read body language: If the cat is wriggling or his tail is lashing and his ears are back, it's time to put him down. Kittens are delicate and can be injured by a child's overly tight hug. And don't allow a child to tease the cat, or to disturb him when he is eating, using the litter box or in a deep sleep.

Many toxic products are labeled with warnings. But the toxicity of other products may not be immediately apparent, and your cat doesn't necessarily have to eat or drink something to ingest it; when grooming, your cat will swallow anything on his paws or body. Furthermore, some toxins can be absorbed directly through the skin or gums and still cause serious problems. If you don't know that a product is safe, treat it as a potential poison. Store it in a tightly sealed container in a securely closed cabinet, preferably out of reach of your cat.

Hassany Ummar Email: drhassan57@yahoo.com Website: http://cat-world.50webs.com

 

How to Choose a Betta Fish

By Bosun Sogeke

Betta fish, also famous by the name of Siamese fighting fish are a great first pet for children's, in addition to people who don't have sufficient time or money for bigger pets. Bettas are reasonably priced, resilient, and easy to care for. Betta fish are a great substitute to goldfish as they require less space. They are contented in a fishbowl or aquarium and have the need of less maintenance as they produce a lesser amount of waste and don't infect the water as much. There are very few materials needed for acquiring a new betta fish: an aquarium or bowl, water conditioner, a net, and a few gravels. The fish will also be more contented with a small number of accessories, such as a plant and a place to hide.

Betta fish are a fun fresh pet as they come in a range of unusual colors and types. While selecting a betta fish, look for one that shows energy and has its fins unharmed. A healthy betta fish will show awareness during feeding times, and they should be fed on a habitual schedule so that they become used to expecting food. Betta fish can be fed on a mixture of foods, from dried arranged foods to frozen brine shrimp. Some betta fish have even got trained to rise out of their water during feeding times. They should only be given to eat once a day, and be alert not to overfeed. Fish will keep on acting hungry until they overeat, which can kill them, and extra food can also pollute the water.

Betta fish are disreputably resilient, and many have lived through ordeals that would kill most fish. This is not a justification to keep the fish in a tremendous environment, as they are displayed in most pet stores. Some of the containers sold specially for betta fishes are better than others. While it may be enjoyable to place two betta fish in a small container divided by a divider as the fish will regularly want to fight, the fish will in fact be happier in its own spacious container. With sufficient space, betta fish will swim around energetically, flaring their gills and showing off their fin display in order to be a focus for mates.

While betta fish are time and again placed in very small containers in a pet store, they will be happier with more room to roam. On the other hand, they might feel frightened by very large aquariums. Betta fish do not take pleasure in company and will not bear other fish trespassing within their territory. While most tropical fish can only have the need of a filter and heater, betta fish can get familiarized to incredibly small environments and do not require any more than a small bowl to live in.

The majority of the betta fish sold at a pet store are the more radiantly colored males. An unhealthy fish will not swim around a lot and will not show awareness in food. The state of its fins may also get worse. Do not purchase a fish that appears to be less healthy, even if all of the fish in the store that day appear lethargic and unwell. Consult a pet store expert if your fish starts showing these symptoms--many fish ailments can be easily cured. Symptoms of a healthy betta fish are the similar signals that a male will give off when he is prepared to mate. A healthy male will make bubble nests and move rocks to make certain that his territory is the ideal place to attract mates. After mating, the seemingly violent male will for a time quietly clean the eggs and place them in his bubble nest, while the female has no part in caring raising young. On the other hand, the young baby fishes must be removed soon after hatching before the male becomes territorial and tries to eat them.

Even though it is a betta's normal propensity to fight, they should never be put together for amusement, and two male betta fishes should never be permissible to live together in an aquarium. Unlike in the wild, there is no space for the losing fish to go and high, and so, generally putting two bettas in a tank will end result in the death of one or both fish. Even mating the fish is a very dangerous endeavor, and hobbyists watch their valued specimens very watchfully during the entire process. Betta fish are some of the most satisfying pets to maintain for very little work.

For more information or to learn more on Betta Fish, please visit my blog

 

Types of Dogs / Shih Tzu Aggression

By nature, Shih Tzu is generally not an aggressive type of dog. However, there are exceptions and in this article I will discuss 4 types of dog aggression that could be a warning sign to the owner that his Shih Tzu is in need of professional help.

Four types of dog and possibly Shih Tzu aggression are:

1. Dominance Aggression Toward People
2. Interdog Dominance Aggression
3. Fear Aggression
4. Territorial Aggression

Dominance aggression toward people: Dominance is the driving force behind all canine aggression. Without dominance dogs and Shih Tzu also would not be able to stand up for themselves. Even a Shih Tzu with a submissive type temperament will have a small amount of dominance behaviors, enough to warn intruders off a favorite food, toy or circumstance. Protection of the Shih Tzu's valued assets can be virtually the only sign of dominance. An aggressive response by a dominant Shih Tzu may also occur when the Shih Tzu is prevented from doing something it wants to do, in response to manipulations around the head and neck or when the Shih Tzu is disciplined. Different dogs and different Shih Tzu have different priorities with regards to what will "tick them off." Dominance aggression is also dependent upon the time, place and circumstance. Dominant Shih Tzu is not likely to become aggressive toward the person he perceives as his leader. Dominance aggression is the primary way dogs and Shih Tzu establishes their hierarchical structure and relationships with each other. Therefore, some dominance aggression in dogs and Shih Tzu is to be expected.

Interdog dominance aggression: This is a dog or Shih Tzu that constantly picks fights with other dogs. The subordinate dog defers to a dominant dog by averting his eyes; holding the head low, body hunkered down, tail tucked or held low, which is the canine equivalent of waving a white flag. Treatment of aggression between dogs is not easy. You can, however, keep your interdog dominant Shih Tzu on lead when he is likely to be confronted with other dogs. Seek professional help if your Shih Tzu continually exhibits this type of aggression.

Fear aggression: Fearful and insecure dogs or Shih Tzu may exhibit aggression whenever they feel threatened. Often there has been a point in these dogs' lives when they were exposed to some unpleasant experience involving a person or another dog. Many Shih Tzu from rescues, pet shops or puppy mills may acquire fear aggression. A Shih Tzu purchased from a reputable breeder and then mistreated by new owners can also acquire fear aggression. Fear aggression involving people are often men and children, and almost always strangers. Professional help is often needed for this type of Shih Tzu and most often the cause for the fear aggression can be ascertained.

Territorial aggression: Some Shih Tzu aggressiveness to strangers and other dogs occurs when they are approached within their own space or territory. The territory can be the owner's home and property. They will bark and otherwise attempt to intimidate intruders until such time as it is clear that the visitor is welcome by the owners.

One very positive side of dog aggression is that a good guard dog is better than any alarm system. A house with a dog is far less likely to get burglarized. Many times the house with the dog or dogs remains unmolested. Just having a dog with you as you walk is a deterrent for many would-be attackers.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Designer Dog Clothes are offered on the website.

Day 7:Evaluation of blood pressure, treating kidney disease, treating anemia, plus how and what to put into a pet first aid kit. Assembling your pet f

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From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

 

Day 7:      Evaluation of blood pressure, treating kidney disease, treating anemia, plus how and what to put into a pet first aid kit.

 

Checking the pulse and evaluating blood pressure

 

Evaluate your pets' blood pressure by palpating their pulse.

 

The best spot to do this is on the inside of the back leg (thigh). Place your three middle fingers across the middle of your pets inside thigh and apply moderate pressure. Here you are feeling the femoral artery. This is more difficult in small dogs and cats.

 

Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4. This will give you the beats per minute (bpm).

 

Normal resting rates:

Cats: 150-200 bpm

Small dogs: 90-120 bpm

Medium dogs: 70-110 bpm

Large dogs: 60-90 bpm

 

The pulse should be strong and regular. In some conditions, the pulse can be too strong (high blood pressure). This is a common condition in cats with kidney failure. If this is the case, then your pet must be seen by a veterinarian, who may check for diseases that can cause elevated blood pressure.

 

KIDNEY DISEASE REMEDIES

 

FLUID, FLUID, FLUID. The most important thing that you can do for your pet with renal failure is to maintain adequate hydration. Offer lots of fresh water. If your cat isn't a great water drinker, then make the switch to canned food.

 

LOWER PROTEIN AND PHOSPHORUS LEVELS. Newer research has shown that the most important thing to restrict in early kidney failure is phosphorus. This mineral speeds up destruction of the remaining kidney cells. Stop all dairy products, as they are very high in phosphorus. Feed a specific, moderately reduced protein diet, such as a premium quality senior diet, in the early stages. As kidney failure advances, switch to a restricted protein diet.

 

 

Mucous Membrane Color

 

This refers to the normal pink color of your pets' gums.

 

Lift up your pets lips and examine the gums. They are normally a light pink color, although this is difficult to tell in breeds with dark pigmented gums.

 

Assess your pets blood pressure by measuring capillary refill time. Press your index finger on the gums and count the time it takes for the pink color to return. Three seconds or less is normal.

 

Greater than three seconds suggest low blood pressure, as is seen in cases of blood loss.

 

In cases of bleeding your pet may become anemic. This is seen by the gums becoming a paler color, and at times even white. In this situation, it is first important to have your veterinarian determine the cause of the anemia, but there are things that you can do at home.

 

HOMEOPATHIC. A common remedy for many types of bleeding is Phosphorus. I would dose it at 1-3 pellets of Phosphorus 30C twice daily for 3-5 days. They will go down easier when mixed with ice cream.

 

ACUPRESSURE. Some veterinarians have had success using this nitrating a variety of immune related disorders. The GV14 point located at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades. Apply pressure for 1 minute three times daily.

 

This discussion about bleeding leads me to the final part of the day 7 e-course. Every pet owner should have a Pet First Aid Kit.

 

Here are some basic items that all first aid kits should contain.

 

1.         Rectal Thermometer - the newer electronic kind works best. The electronic ones beep when they are finished registering a temperature. They are slightly smaller than the glass kind. They do not break as easily. They can be covered with thin sleeves to halt the spread of germs. They can also be used as oral thermometers. They do have a battery, which will need replacing, and they are more expensive then the glass ones [normal canine temperature - 100.5 to 102.5F]

 

2.         Lubricating jelly to lubricate thermometer

 

3.         Gel packs that can be used for hot and cold compresses

 

4.         Adhesive tape to secure bandages - both non-stick tape and water proof tape

 

5.         Blunt tipped scissors (a must for animal first aid - used for cutting hair away from wounds)

 

6.         Bandage scissors

 

7.         Splints

 

8.         Alcohol swabs to sterilize instruments or small areas of skin

 

9.         Antibiotic ointment for wounds (not for eyes) (ie. Polysporin, for non-puncture type wounds)

 

10.       Contact lens solution for rinsing eyes, to clean wounds (water can be substituted)

 

11.       Cotton swabs (ie. Q-tips)

 

12.       Hibitane - a mild antibacterial soap for cleaning skin, wounds

 

13.       Sterile cotton or cotton balls

 

14.       Sterile Gauze Pads (the larger 4" size is better since it can easily be cut smaller if necessary)

 

15.       Rolls of gauze or cling gauze bandage(1-2")

 

16.       Hydrogen Peroxide - 10 ml every 15 minutes to induce vomiting in animals that have ingested a non-caustic poison

 

17.       Razor Blade can also be used to shave away hair and abrade the skin following a tick bite.

 

18.       Stockingette to protect bandage on leg or foot

 

19.       Rubber bulb ear syringe - used for flushing eyes, ears, wounds

 

20.       Forceps and/or tweezers

 

21.       Self-adhesive bandage (ie. Vetrap)

 

22.       Numbers for the Animal Poison Hotline & Poison Control for Pets (800/548-2423 or 900/680-0000 both numbers charge a fee). The National Poison Control Hotlines for humans should also be included.

 

 

In and of itself, healing your pet at home is easy.

 

The Exam: If you do this every week you will become very skilled.

 

Diagnosing the problem with your pet - as you become comfortable with the exam, then you get to know which area of your pet's body is affected when they are sick.

 

The treatment: Every natural treatment option is in my book.

 

These things are simple.

 

These are the things I teach.

 

Why don't you get Veterinary Secrets Revealed today and find out more about how it all works.

 

I hope this information has been helpful to you. I know that if you get 'Veterinary Secrets Revealed' you will find it helpful also.

 

Remember that no one product is going to do everything for you and your pet. You'll want to learn all the information you can -- from e-books and courses.

 

Learning is a great investment.

 

Don't read one book and expect to become an expert. It's a process and a learning curve.

 

Keep learning.

 

Keep trying.

 

Best wishes,

 

Dr Andrew Jones

 

Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed , a holistic pet health manual and Pet First Aid Secrets Visit his sites: The Online Vet.

You may reprint or redistribute this information. The only restriction is that you cannot modify the information or remove any of the crediting information relating to Dr. Andrew Jones and Veterinary Secrets Revealed.