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.

 

Doggy Dinner: Choosing A Quality Dog Food

By: Don Krnel

 

With slick advertising, colorful bags, and multiple aisles of different brands, choosing the right food for your dog can be a confusing and daunting task. However, a number of key factors that contribute to making the right decision can be found right on the dog food label!

The first thing to remember when selecting a food for your dog is to completely ignore the bright and colorful pictures on the fronts of the bags! Many dog food bags are designed to attract the attention of the humans seeking them out and use adorable pictures of dogs and appealing colors to give the impression that the contents of the bag are as wonderful as the outside design. In many cases, however, this is not the case and, in fact, this is usually an indication of the exact opposite! Although people are often fooled by cute pictures, clever slogans, and perfectly shaped and colored nuggets of food, the reality is that the most important aspect of any dog food is its nutritional content and not the clever packaging design or delicious-looking nuggets.

One of the best indicators of the quality of a particular brand of dog food is the list of ingredients and, by far, the most important ingredient to look at is the very first one that appears on the list! Generally, the first ingredient comprises between 70% and 80% of the total content of the food and the first three ingredients combined make up 90% to 95% of the food! Dogs are naturally carnivores and, as such, they require their main staple to be some kind of meat in order to achieve optimum health. Therefore, it is always best to choose a food that uses some type of meat as the first ingredient. The best foods will list meats as all three of the first ingredients and others will list one or more "fillers", or digestible content that adds little or no nutritional value to the food. Nearly all dog food manufacturers use some kind of filler in their food, such as corn or wheat and the general rule is that the highest quality foods will have the least amount of fillers.

Dog foods can basically be broken down into three separate categories based on nutritional content and quality of ingredients used: Super Premium, Premium, and Generic. Super Premium foods are often manufactured by smaller sized companies and are usually only available in specialized pet stores. They use the highest quality ingredients and have an outstanding nutritional balance that can possibly add years to a dog's life! Some Super Premium brands include, Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo, and Artemis. Premium foods use good quality ingredients and generally have a proper nutritional balance. Some Premium brands include, Iams, Science Diet, and Nutro. With the exception of Iams, Premium brands can usually only be pound in pet stores. Generic foods are usually the least expensive and the easiest to find (these are the one found in grocery stores, Walmarts, etc). They use the least expensive ingredients and some brands change ingredients frequently, based on meat market prices (this can be very detrimental to a dog's digestive system, especially in sensitive breeds). Some Generic brands include Pedigree, Alpo, and Beneful.

When choosing a food for your dog, it is important to understand what each brand offers nutrition and quality-wise. With a quick glance at the ingredient label, you can often make a fairly accurate assessment of the quality of any given brand and make the right choice for you and your dog!

About the Author:

Learn all about Dogs and Puppies on Don Krnel's site http://www.dogsandpuppies.info

Hamster Behavior

By Adam King

Watching your hamster frolic around his cage can provide you with hours of enjoyment, but what exactly is he up to? Is he just playing, or do his actions have some other meaning associated with them. Hamsters are complicated little creatures and understanding a little more about why they do the things they do can help you keep your hamster healthy and stress-free. It's a well-known fact that reducing stress for a hamster is the best thing you can do to help your hamster live a long and healthy life.

If you see your hamster creeping along the floor of his cage, your hamster is nervous about something, usually something outside of his cage. Do you have a cat nearby, or is there a lot of commotion that could be startling your hamster? Keep an eye out for things that could be causing your hamster stress. If things get worse and your hamster gets frightened he may put his ears forward and puff his cheeks up. This is a classic sign of fright, and may be quickly followed by an emptying of his cheek pouches if he was carrying any food in them. At this point he's not happy about the situation at all and is getting ready to run.

If you ever attempt to handle your hamster and you notice that his ears are back then you'd better remove your hand quickly as he's feeling very aggressive and is likely to bite. Another warning sign if you ever go to handle your hamster is if you see him lying on his back with his teeth bare – you may think this a sign of submission but it's actually another sign that your hamster is frightened and he will bite you in this state if you attempt to pick him up.

Some of the more pleasant signs to look for in your hamster are burrowing and grooming. If you spot your hamster burrowing (which is very likely) it just means that he's looking for stray bits of food lying amongst his bedding material that he may have missed before. They'll spend a great deal of time doing this so it's an easy one to spot. If you catch your hamster grooming or stretching then you are looking at a particularly content and happy hamster!

If you have particularly good hearing you may occasionally catch your hamster making squeaking noises. Consider yourself lucky, as the average hamster squeak lasts only a fraction of a second, and the vast majority of hamster vocalization takes place in a frequency range that is completely undetectable by humans.

A more noticeable noise is teeth chattering – this is a sign that your hamster is unsettled, and is seen most often when a hamster is introduced to a cage that already has a hamster in it. Watch for the warning signs of potential combat between the two hamsters.

Hamsters use various scent glands on their bodies to mark their territory by rubbing the glands up against the sides of the cage. If there's a spot in the cage they wish to mark but can't get to with their glands they'll scratch their scent glands with their rear feet and then walk around the area they wish to claim as theirs. When males and females in the same cage are ready to mate they'll both reduce their markings, giving each other the signal that it's okay for the other to approach.

You may occasionally catch your hamster chewing at the bars of his cage. Although he may look like he's trying to chew his way to freedom he's actually keeping his every-growing teeth at a reasonable length. If he didn't continue to keep his teeth ground down they'd cause serious dental problems and illness. Just make sure the bars on the cage aren't rusty!

Visit the Hamster-Zone website for even more detailed information on hamster care, hamster diet, hamster cages, and much, much more. Learn important tips on how to keep your hamster healthy and happy, including proper diet, care, and cage enrichment. Remember, a happy hamster is a healthy hamster! Also get your FREE handy hamster illness chart when you sign up for the Hamster-Zone newsletter.

 

Day 6:Coughing in pets - what it means and how to treat it. PLUS: how to treat heart disease and lung problems.

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From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

 

Day 6:     Examination and natural treatment of heart disease and lung problems -plus how to finally treat your coughing pet at home.

 

I'll let you in on a little secret - Vets are only human. We don't have all the answers. Many times when we treat a pet, the pet was likely going to recover on his own. But we feel obligated to do something - it makes us feel better.

 

You know your pet better than anyone else. Take charge of your pet's health.

 

By reading this e-course you now know more alternative treatments than 90% of the Vets out there.

 

Your pet deserves all the options- don't you think?

 

 

 

 

The Heart

 

Your pets heart is easiest palpated on the left side of the chest at the 3rd, 4th and 5th rib space. This is located directly behind the left armpit.

 

Place your hand over the heart to feel it beating. You should be able to count the number of heartbeats in one minute.

 

A normal canine range is from 70-140. A normal feline range is from 120-200.

 

Listen to the heart by placing your ear directly over it. You should be able to hear a quiet lub/dub. In some pets with heart problems you can actually hear a heart murmur. This sounds like a swish; at times you can actually feel a sensation with your hand (in veterinary terms this is called a precordial shrill).

 

If you suspect a heart murmur, have it confirmed by your veterinarian. Discuss treatment options, for there are some new effective conventional medications. But there are some things you can do at home. I discuss the use of two herbs that have been effective in heart disease.

 

HERBAL HELP. Hawthorn. It has been shown to increase the ability of the heart to contract as well as causing the outside blood vessels to dilate, make heart contraction easier. The dose is 2 drops per lb twice daily of the tincture.

 

DIRURETICS. In heart disease fluid will accumulate in the lungs and abdomen. Dandelion is a very safe diuretic herb. The dose is 2 drops per lb twice daily. Apis is a homeopathic treatment for excess fluid. The dose is 30C twice daily.

 

 

Lungs

 

The lungs provide the oxygen to your red blood cells that allow our bodies to function. In evaluating the lungs, stand back and watch your pet breath.

 

Normal respirations are only with slight rises and falls of the chest.

 

The rate is quite low, 10-30 per minute.

 

Put your ears over the chest and listen to the lung sounds. They should be clear. Listen on both sides of the chest.

 

Any cracking is abnormal. This may indicate fluid in the chest, which is common in heart disease.

 

 

The Airways

 

Put moderate pressure in the airway (trachea) located just below  the larynx (adams apple). Coughing indicates a problem.

 

A common one in small dogs is due to a condition called tracheal collapse (the airway collapses in on itself).

 

There are a number of home remedies for coughing.

 

NATURAL COUGH SYRUP. Lemon and honey can soothe any sore throat. Mix 2tbspns of honey, 1tspn of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of water. Give to your dog twice daily.

 

Homeopathic cough syrups may also be helpful. I have used Hylands cough syrup dosing it at 1/2 of regular adult dose per 15lbs.

 

HARNESS UP. Any irritated airway will benefit from having less pressure put on it. Remove the collar and use a harness

for restraint.

 

 

 

 

 

As a student in veterinary school, our instructors made fun of anyone who used alternative medicine. They were called Quacks.

 

'There is no proof....'

 

But how do you think that most animals in the world are treated? It's with natural medicine.

 

Most people in India or China can't afford to even see a vet or buy medication. They use herbs, acupressure, massage, supplements, homeopathic treatments. The animals get better, because the treatments work.

 

I have seen thousands of pets recover with home remedies.

 

That is proof.

 

They work.

 

Best wishes,

 

Dr Andrew Jones

 

P.S. Isn't it about time you snagged your own copy of ' Veterinary Secrets Revealed ?'

 

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.

Does Your Shih Tzu Have Allergies?

There are many things that both the Shih Tzu and the Shih Tzu owners could have in common. For example, both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners could be prone to obesity if not regulating food intake and by not exercising.

In addition, Shih Tzu and humans may also acquire diseases that results from improper dietary regimen like diabetes, heart diseases, etc.

Moreover, the most amusing thing that both Shih Tzu and humans share is the fact that they are both vulnerable to allergies.

Sounds impossible? Think again.

Veterinary experts assert that Shih Tzu have allergies too. One of the primary signs of allergies is the itching of their skin. Their respiratory tract system can also be affected with allergies.

Normally, Shih Tzu will manifest symptoms of respiratory tract allergies like sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Their nose and their eyes may also manifest a discharge just like humans do whenever they have colds or flu.

There are also allergies that may have an effect on their digestive system; hence, it may result as watery stools, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Experts say that almost 20% of the Shih Tzu in the United States suffer from several types of allergy. So, for people who want to know more about the different allergies that Shih Tzu acquire, here is a list of the most common allergies:

1. Allergies with fleas

It is a well-known fact that Shih Tzu are usually infected with fleas. However, what most people do not know is that they can get allergies through these fleas, too.

Well, it is not the fleas that actually cause the allergic reactions in Shih Tzu but the flea's saliva. Hence, it is important for the Shih Tzu to undergo a skin allergy examination so as to determine if a particular dog is sensitive to flea saliva.

In the event that the Shih Tzu is allergic to flea saliva, it would be better for the owner to implement a rigorous flea control or flea eradication treatment in order to lessen the allergic reactions. Though, it must be kept in mind that solutions that are used in flea control should be safe for the Shih Tzu.

2. Allergies pertaining to foods

Like humans, Shih Tzu gets allergies from food as well. There are instances wherein Shih Tzu gets allergies from foods that their system cannot tolerate, such as wheat, soy products, pork, beef, whey, fish, eggs, milk, corn, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives that are placed in their food.

Moreover, Shih Tzu can get allergies in food that they have not tried before. The best way to combat this particular allergy problem is to feed the dog commercial dog foods more often instead of homemade products.

Some signs of allergic reactions to food in Shih Tzu are shaking of the head, scratching the ears, irritated skin, biting and licking at the rear feet, inflammations in the ear, sneezing, behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

3. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a known allergic skin disease in dogs. This is usually caused by the hypersensitivity of the dog's immune system to ordinary substances that can be found in the environment like molds or dust mites.

Usually, a Shih Tzu is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitis when the Shih Tzu begins to excessively lick and chew its paws, licking the abdomen and its rear feet.

Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in the armpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin. In light-colored canines, atopic dermatitis can be seen as a red-brown stain found on the same parts that were mentioned.

4. Allergies resulting from bacteria

This is the most common cause of serious allergies in Shih Tzu. Generally, there are certain bacteria that thrive in the dog's skin. This is known as the species of Staphylococcus bacteria. In most cases, this does not cause allergies in Shih Tzu. However, there are certain types of dogs that develop an allergy to it.

The most common symptom of this kind of allergy is hair loss along with the development of ringworm like marks in the Shih Tzu skin. The areas where these marks appear usually get infected, hence, it is important to treat them with antibiotics.

Indeed, allergies are not for humans only. Allergies greatly affect almost 20% of the total population of dogs in the United States, and that is a pretty alarming number. Therefore, it is extremely important for dog owners to know these dog allergies in order to prevent them from further exposure.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter. We are the largest privately-owned Shih Tzu site on the World Wide Web.

 

When Hamsters Attack - Understanding Hamster Interaction

By Adam King

Hamsters, as a rule, are very territorial creatures, with some being far more aggressive to other hamsters than others. Syrian hamsters are a good example – never ever put two Syrian hamsters in a cage together unless you want to scoop out a dead hamster the next morning. Dwarf hamsters can be housed together, but it's a good idea to know how hamsters behave when interacting with each other so you can identify the warning signs of things possibly taking a turn for the worse.

Hamsters rely a great deal on body language to convey information or messages to other hamsters. Just as you or I would read hand wringing as a sign of nervousness or foot tapping as a sign of restlessness, hamsters read subtle body messages as signs of anger, anxiety, or pleasure from the actions of other hamsters.

Hamsters that have never met before can identify each other and their sex by sniffing a scent gland located just behind the ear. Hamsters that are related to each other take far less time to identify each other than they do strange hamsters, thus lending evidence to the theory that each hamster has a unique identifying scent. When two male hamsters meet and sniff, the subordinate hamster will turn and leave, while a female hamster in heat will, upon meeting and sniffing a male, turn and present her rear to the lucky male.

Being fiercely territorial creatures, hamsters spend a lot of time measuring each other up to see which is the dominant animal. They do so by sniffing another scent gland located at their midsection, forming a 'T', with each hamster taking turns sniffing. The subordinate hamster sometimes ends up on his rear legs due to aggressive sniffing on the part of the dominant hamster. If this occurs then the dominant hamster may seize the opportunity to do some damage by biting at the exposed stomach of the subordinate hamster. The attacked hamster at this point has two choices – surrender or fight.

If the subordinate hamster doesn't feel like testing his luck he can indicate his surrender by holding out one of his paws in front of him and avoiding eye contact. If this doesn't work then the two hamsters will enter the first phase of combat, called rolling fighting. This is basically some intense wrestling with a few bites at the midsection for good measure. A hamster can admit defeat at this point by rolling over on his back. However any fighting that continues past this point becomes very serious.

Any hamsters still fighting at this point are in it to do some serious damage to each other. In the wild a beaten hamster can attempt to flee, but in a confined space such as a cage the hamsters will fight until one has torn the other to shreds. Attempting to pull them apart with your bare hands will get you nothing other than badly bitten fingers – your best bet at this point would be to spray the hamsters with a water bottle and separate them while they're recovering from the soaking. Wear gloves or else you could still receive a nasty bite.

Visit the Hamster-Zone website for even more detailed information on hamster care, hamster diet, hamster cages, and much, much more. Learn important tips on how to keep your hamster healthy and happy, including proper diet, care, and cage enrichment. Remember, a happy hamster is a healthy hamster! Also get your FREE handy hamster illness chart when you sign up for the Hamster-Zone newsletter.

Day 5:The messy stuff... how to treat vomiting and diarrhea... PLUS: does your dog have arthritis? What to do now.

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From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

 

Day 5:              How to treat arthritis, vomiting and diarrhea

 

Sometimes I envy other vets.

 

I guess it's embarrassing to tell you that. But it's true. They are the "specialists"- the ones who can fix any type of broken leg or diagnose the most unusual disease.

 

Treating pets with alternative at home remedies never came easy to me. My first attempts at using alternative medicine didn't always work. I remember one time how I tried to direct a pet owner in applying a simple topical treatment for a hot spot.

 

It was a mixture of tea and aspirin. The owner thought that the dog should drink it.

 

The hot spot got worse, and his dog vomited from the aspirin.

 

Of course, I didn't clearly explain what to do.

 

I found this out by experience.

 

Anyway, one of the differences in my e-books is that my information is based on my experience.

 

I give explicit step by step instructions in treating your pet. I included only those at home remedies that work.

 

 

 

 

Musculoskeletal

 

In this part of the exam, we focus on the muscles and bones that help your pet move. Starting at the neck, run your hand along the spine to the base of the tail. Feel the muscles on both sides of the spine and notice if any feel unusually firm or knotted.

 

Pets can get a variety of conditions that will lead to muscle spasms in their back muscles.

 

Massage any tight muscles and take note of the area. A common condition in active dogs is to develop fusing of the spine (spondylosis). This can lead to decreased mobility, pinched vertebrae and back pain. Your pet will benefit from regular massage of the lower lumbar spinal muscles. Place your hands on either side of the spine and use deep circular digital pressure with your thumbs. Work on the affected area once daily for 5 minutes.

 

Next, palpate the bones and muscles of the legs. Start on the legs at the toes. Apply moderate pressure to the joints and move each joint back and forth. On the front legs pay close attention to any discomfort in the elbow or shoulder; these are common areas of arthritis. In the rear limbs, pay close attention to the knee and the hips for these are commonly arthritic. Your pet will resist moving these joints and may even yelp if she has arthritis.

 

HERBAL. A variety of herbs are used at different times for arthritis. The ones I have seen to be most effective include: DEVIL'S CLAW, used in traditional African medicine and has scientific studies to back its effectiveness, give 100mg or 10 drops per 10 lbs of body weight.

 

ACUPRESSURE. GB 41, located on the bottom of the foot, in the depression of the two outside toes, and is especially good for arthritic pain in the hips.

 

METHYLSULFONYMETHANE. MSM is a supplement, found in some plants such as Horsetail. It works by reducing inflammation in the joints by acting as an antioxidant. The MSM dosage is 50mg per 10lbs of body weight daily.

 

IT'S IN THE CARTILAGE. GLUCOSAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE is the most important supplement to add to your pet's diet. The dose is 1/4 of a 500mg tablet once daily per 10 lbs of body weight. It helps to rebuild the cartilage and delay further cartilage breakdown.

 

 

Gastrointestinal

 

A common problem for pets is vomiting and diarrhea. Any vomiting pet must be evaluated for dehydration. If your pet is profusely vomiting ( ie every few hours), then they are getting dehydrated and need veterinary care. If your pet is still consuming water and occasionally vomiting, then you can try some of the home remedies.

 

Two home remedies that are effective include HOMEOPATHIC and HERBAL remedies.

 

Nux Vomica is an effective homeopathic remedy for vomiting. Give 1 tablet of the 30C strength per 40lbs once daily for 3-5 days.

 

GINGER. A tasty addition for a curry is also effective for vomiting. The dried herb dose is 25mg per lb or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture

 

Diarrhea can be caused by a number of different things, from garbage, to parasites, to infectious agents (such as parvovirus). Most cases of diarrhea respond to symptomatic treatment at home.

 

The most effective one is 24 HOUR FAST. Stop putting food into your pet for 24 hours (Day 1). This allows the intestines to rest and regenerate. Always have access to plenty of fresh water. After 24 hours introduce a bland food for the next 24 hours (Day 2). Plain white cooked rice for dogs, feeding equivalent cups of rice as their normal diet.

 

For cats, protein is essential, try cooked chicken breast with the rice. After a day of the bland food mix 1/2 regular diet and 1/2 bland diet (Day 3). By the end of day 3 they should be back on their normal diet.

 

 

 

 

 

I just covered 3 of the most common reasons pets go to a veterinarian - Scratching, Vomiting and Diarrhea. Millions of dollars have been spent fixing these problems.

 

The treatments I covered may be all that you need for now. But I guarantee that you will use many of the thousands of at home remedies in my book.

 

I use them every day in practice. They work.

 

No side effects.

 

You should try it.

 

Best wishes,

 

Dr Andrew Jones

 

By the way, if you are ready to step up and get 'Veterinary Secrets Revealed'

 

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.

 

Day 4:Quickly relieve your pet's itching... and how to deal with bladder problems in cats.

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From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

 

Day 4:   How I naturally treat those itching dogs and solve bladder problems in cats.

 

I've seen every kind of problem come through my door, and have proven to myself and others that virtually every one of them can be treated or managed at home.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to put myself or other Vets out of business - though some of the nasty e-mails I've received from them show that they think otherwise! All I want is to make sure that every pet owner is prepared to make their pet's life as long and fulfilling as possible.

 

So I've developed this breakthrough system that allows dog and cat owners to care for and treat their pets on their own. It doesn't matter what category your pet's problem falls under.

 

In this part of the e-course, I discuss two oh-so-common problems - bad skin and problems with the bladder.

 

The Skin

 

The skin is the largest organ of your pets' body and reflective of what is going on in the body. Regularly brush your pet looking for fleas, lice or ticks. The hair coat should be soft and shiny.

 

If you are seeing areas of excessive shedding in your pet then you may be dealing with certain skin conditions such as mange, ringworm, hypothyroid disease or allergies; treatments for these are discussed in detail in the e-book.

 

If your pet has areas of hair missing around the face that are not itchy, then he may have a type of mange called demodex. This small parasite shows up in pets with depressed immune systems.

 

One very safe effective treatment is Vitamin E given at 400IU per 40lbs once daily for 3-4 weeks.

 

If your pet has an excess of flaky skin (dandruff), then she may be in need of a essential fatty acid supplement. Flax is the best source for dogs at a dose of 1 teaspoon per cup of dog food. For cats use the liquid supplement (such as fish oil).

 

Take note of any palpable lumps or bumps.

 

Lipomas (benign fatty tumors) commonly occur on the chest wall. If your dog has a soft moveable lump on her chest, then it is probably a fatty tumor.

 

Sebaceaous cysts are another common lump; they can often be distinguished by squeezing out a cheesy substance. They are also very soft. Lumps and bumps become more prevalent as your pet ages and their immune system weakens.

 

The most important thing in helping your pet is having them on a premium quality diet and supplementing with additional antioxidants. The ones I suggest using are Vitamin E and Vitamin C and specific flavanoids.

 

Any lumps that are firm, rapidly growing, not easily moveable should be considered serious and examined by your veterinarian.

 

Allergies are one of the most common reasons that I see pets. There are a huge number of allergens. The 3 main classes are, Food, Fleas and Environmental. The most common signs are excessive scratching, paw and anal licking, hair shedding and excess dandruff.

 

If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, then the first 2 things that I suggest are to eliminated external parasites as a cause, and to feed a hypo-allergenic diet for 4-6 weeks (there are many available).

 

Some very helpful at home remedies that I often use are:

 

TO THE BATH. An oatmeal shampoo with cool water will ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly.

 

SOOTHE IT TOPICALLY. Calendula ointment is a herbal medication that has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.

 

THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty Acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are most important. A great, inexpensive source is ground Flax Seeds; I give 1 tsp per cup of dog food. Cats are unable to metabolize Flax, so I only recommend the liquid supplement for them. Other sources include fish oil, primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.

 

Evaluation of the Genital and Urinary system.

 

In male dogs look at the sheath of the penis to ensure there is no abnormal discharge. This is more common in intact males, so an easy remedy is to have your dog neutered. In female dogs examine the vulva. A common problem is skin fold infections.

 

These can be treated by washing the skin folds twice daily with an antiseptic such as Hibitane and applying a soothing cream such as Aloe Vera.

 

The urinary system is more difficult to evaluate, but there are some things you can do at home. Signs of a bladder infection are frequently urination, which may have blood and may be painful.

 

There are a number of home remedies for bladder infections, the most effective are Vitamin C and Cranberry juice. The Vitamin C acidifies the urine making it more difficult for the bacteria to grow, as well as dissolving the more common type of crystal, struvite. The Vitamin C dose is 250mg per 20lbs daily.

 

If you have a male cat, then it is imperative to determine that he is not completely blocked up. Using your thumb and other four fingers, palpate the entire lower abdomen. An obstructed bladder will feel like a firm distended balloon. If your male cat has this condition, it is an emergency and he must be treated by a veterinarian. !!!

 

I discuss ways to prevent your cat from getting obstructed; the most important thing is to feed a diet higher in moisture. This is accomplished with canned food. Then depending on the type of crystal he has it is important to either acidify the urine (with struvite) or make the urine more alkaline (oxalate crystals). An easy way to acidify the urine is to raise the meat protein level. Making the urine more alkaline involves decreasing the protein level and adding a supplement, potassium citrate.

 

I sincerely hope that you are learning a lot from my course - I know that there is nothing else out there like this.

 

Many of my friends say that I am crazy to give all this information away for free. Maybe I am, but I am helping thousands of pets by doing it.

 

You should check out my book. I guarantee that you will Treat Your Pet's Illnesses and Ailments Confidently, Competently And For Less Than It Would Cost If You Relied Exclusively On Professional Veterinary Services.

 

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.

 

Benefits to Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Dog's Health

By Karen Chrisman

I am sure you have heard of using apple cider vinegar for natural remedies in people, but have you heard of using it for your dog's health? Apple cider vinegar can help with digestion, gas, constipation, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. It is used to deter insects such as mosquitoes, fleas and tics. It can relieve skin conditions, and even take away the odor of skunk.

Many herbalists recommend the use of vinegar. It is recommended that you buy vinegar made from cold pressed, organically grown whole apples to get the benefit of the naturally occurring enzymes.

In it's natural form apple cider vinegar is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and deodorant. It helps to remove tooth tartar; prevents tooth decay and hair loss (even mange), prevents and heals gum disease.

Have I listed enough benefits to using apple cider vinegar, yet?

There are many other benefits to using apple cider vinegar. It is known to reduce common infections, aid whelping, improve stamina, prevent muscle fatigue after exercise, increase resistance to disease, and protect against food poisoning. Cider vinegar is rich in the vitamins, minerals, and trace elements found in apples, especially potassium; it normalizes acid levels in the stomach, improves digestion and the assimilation of nutrients, reduces intestinal gas and fecal odors, helps cure constipation, alleviates some of the symptoms of arthritis and helps prevent bladder stones and urinary tract infections.

You can feed apple cider vinegar daily to your dog to keep him healthy. Add to the food or water. You may need to gradually increase the amount. Start with a few drops and slowly increase each day until reaching the recommended daily dose below.

The approximate amounts recommended :
1 teaspoon - dogs up to 14 pounds
2 teaspoon - medium dogs -15 to 34 pounds
1Tablespoon - large dogs-35 to 84 pounds

By mixing in the food or water of your dog, apple cider vinegar will restore the acid/alkaline balance of his digestive tract, getting rid of the brown spots in the lawn. A correct PH balance also helps keep away the fleas, black flies, ticks, and other external parasites. Your dog will have less chance of getting ringworm, staph infections, streptococcus, and mange. If your dog already has these problems sponge your dog's skin with a mixture of equal parts of apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of warm water. If you prefer, you can use this mixture in a spray bottle to thoroughly wet your dog.

A NOTE OF CAUTION: Do not use apple cider vinegar if your dog is sensitive or allergic to yeast or if he has a chronic yeast infection. Also, do not give to dogs with irritated intestines.

Karen has been training dogs for over 35 years. She's also helped others learn to train their own dogs. Karen manages several dog web sites to benefit dog owners. Go to 4theLuvofDogs.com for more like this.

Day 3:The one simple test to catch the early signs of cancer in your pet.

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From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

 

Day 3:     If you choose not to buy my book - fine. At least commit to reading this e-course and giving your pet a thorough exam once a week.

 

Today's course focuses on the mouth, neck and larynx - I will show you some of the home remedies that I use to treat cancer.

 

The head and neck area of your pet are very important areas to help diagnose some common diseases. It is important that you become comfortable examining your pet - an early diagnosis of an enlarged lymph node may mean the difference between life and death.

 

 

 

 

 

The Mouth

 

Examine the outside of your pets' mouth first. The base of the chin can become infected in cats with a condition called feline acne.

 

One effective treatment for this is topical Calendula. The lips should appear smooth and have no signs of inflammation.

 

Pay close attention to lip folds in the large breed dogs with lots of extra skin. If saliva accumulates, then wipe the area with a medicated antiseptic such as hibitane.

 

Lift up your pets lips and examine their teeth. The gums should appear a healthy light pink color (except in breeds such as Chows with dark pigment). Pay close attention to the area where the teeth begin. Inflamed gums appear a darker red and may even bleed if you touch them.

 

This is a sign of gingivitis and may mean your pet needs a dental cleaning. There are some little known home remedies for gingivitis.

 

SUPPLEMENTS. For cats with recurring gingivitis, lactoferrin can be helpful. The dose is one half a 350mg capsule daily mixed in syrup or baby food. Propolis is a product of honeybees and is an oral antiseptic. It is applied topically to the inflamed gums.

 

HEALING LOTION. Calendula lotion can be used to heal ulcers in the mouth and promote healing of damaged tissue.

 

Examine all the teeth (42 in a dog), (32 in a cat). The teeth should not be broken or cracked. None of the tooth roots should be visible.

 

In cats pay close attention to where the teeth join the gum line. They are prone to a condition called FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion). The tooth  actually  erodes  at  his spot. Unfortunately, the only answer may be a dental extraction, but this is important to discover early because they are very painful.

 

 

The Neck

 

Palpate base of the jaw and the beginning of the neck. In this area you can feel the corner of the bottom jaw (mandible).

 

Here you should be able to feel the submandibular lymph nodes and parotid salivary gland. Most of the time you won't feel anything in this area.

 

If there are palpable swellings, then the lymph nodes are probably enlarged suggesting an infection in the body. There are two other area that I routinely check the lymph nodes.

 

The area in front of the shoulder blades has the prescapular lymph nodes. The area behind the knees in the rear legs has the popliteal lymph nodes. The lymph nodes may be enlarged due to a local infection, a generalized infection or even due to cancer.

 

Any lymph node swelling is serious, so have your veterinarian look for the causes of the swelling, but it is important to catch the signs early. Your pet may benefit from some immune stimulation. In my e-book, I discuss the use of specific herbs in cancer.

 

GREEN TEA (CAMELLIA) may stimulate the immune system and inhibit tumor growth. Standardized green tree extract dosage is 200mg per 40 lbs daily.

 

ESSIAC TEA. This contains a combination of herbs, which may inhibit tumor growth.

 

GARLIC. It has antioxidant and immune enhancing properties. It is best used in conjunction with other antioxidants. When given at high doses it can cause anemia in your pet, so it is best used in conjunction with your veterinarian. The dog dose is 1 clove per 50 lbs daily; the cat dose is 1/8 clove daily.

 

 

The Larynx and Thyroid gland

 

The last area of the neck to focus on is your pets adams apple (larynx). Feel for your pets' airway with your thumb and forefinger. Move your hand along the windpipe (trachea) until you feel the large firm cartilage in the middle of the neck. This is the larynx. In palpation you should find that with mild pressure your pet shows no discomfort and doesn't cough.

 

In cats pay close attention to the area around the larynx as this is where the thyroid gland sits. In cats with hyperthyroidism the gland is enlarged and often palpable. If your cat is 10 years and older you should regularly check the  thyroid gland and if it is enlarged, have your veterinarian screen for hyperthyroidism. There are some things you can do at home for your hyperthyroid cat.

 

CARNITINE. A supplement which has been found to be effective in reversing the signs of hyperthyroid disease in people. The starting cat dose is 250mg daily.

 

BUGLEWEED  (Lycopus europeus) and MELISSA (Melissa officinalis). These are herbs that have been used in combination to combat the effects of hyperthyroid disease. Bugleweed has been shown to decrease thyroid hormone levels in rats 24 hours after administration. The standard dose is 1 drop per pound of the tinctures given twice daily.

 

 

 

 

 

If some of these tips and treatments has helped you, then you absolutely, positively MUST also go through 'Veterinary Secrets Revealed'.

 

It's at: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

 

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.

 

Pancreatitis in the Shih Tzu

It is very important to feed your Shih Tzu a well-balanced diet of pet food and not table scraps. Pancreatitis is a severe inflammation of the pancreas that can result from feeding your Shih Tzu table scraps.

A Shih Tzu with pancreatitis may suddenly vomit, become dehydrated, be lethargic and have diarrhea. These symptoms are common to a lot of different canine diseases; therefore, the diagnosis of pancreatitis is very difficult for a vet to make. He will depend a lot upon a good history from the Shih Tzu owner.

High amounts of fat in the Shih Tzu's diet, a high-fat meal or allowing your Shih Tzu to get into the garbage and consume leftover food may cause pancreatitis Pesticides. Some canine drugs can cause side effects of pancreatitis as well. There is a higher incidence of this disease in obese Shih Tzu.

Pancreatitis can also lead to diabetes and loss of some liver function in your Shih Tzu. It is very important to introduce an easily digestible diet to avoid diarrhea.

Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis or has signs of diabetes may be chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis can appear suddenly, but doesn't last as long. There is little or no permanent damage to the organ. In chronic pancreatitis the pancreas undergoes permanent damage and possible loss of function.

Once a Shih Tzu is diagnosed with pancreatitis, the intestinal tract must be rested. All food and water is withheld from the dog for a period of time, usually 24 hours. If the Shih Tzu is dehydrated, intravenous fluids will have to be given. The Shih Tzu normally responds to treatment in a few days and can gradually be put back on food.

You need to avoid acute or chronic pancreatitis at all times with your Shih Tzu. Feed your Shih Tzu a well balanced commercially prepared diet to be certain your Shih Tzu is getting all the nutrition it needs.

The best choice of food for your Shih Tzu is a veterinarian formulated product inspired by nature and made using good science. Your Shih Tzu depends upon you to make the right choices when it comes to his or her health and happiness. Your Shih Tzu is a part of your family and you probably want the very best for him.

You might think all pet food manufacturers have your pet's best interests in mind. This is not always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never give to your pet. You probably would be shocked to learn what some brands of pet food really contain.

For example, the use of by-products on the label of a dog food actually means "feet, bones and intestines, etc.). You will often see listed on the dog food label, chemical preservatives (BHA and BHT), and grains that are often difficult to digest (corn, wheat, gluten and soy). These things are often used as a protein source instead of meat. These types of ingredients can also cause acute pancreatitis and possibly even chronic pancreatitis in your Shih Tzu.

Choose a dog food for your Shih Tzu that is made with the freshest, human-quality ingredients, which can give your Shih Tzu the best quality possible. This would be also a dry dog food that contains all natural chicken and top quality catfish with the best fresh fruit, vegetables and select farm foods. The dog food you choose for your Shih Tzu should contain no artificial flavors, colors, sugars, or chemical preservatives. Be sure to read the labels on the dog food before purchasing for your Shih Tzu.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Independent Field Representative/HealthyPetNet. Visit Trilogy Online at: http://www.healthypetnet.com/healthypetsandpeople for healthy products for yourself, your pets and your environment. Also please visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com I raise Shih Tzu puppies for pets or show prospects.

 

You don't absolutely need a pet mover when you move to another country. So why pay for one?

Flying off to an exotic new location is easy. Until you have to move your pet at the same time! Many people try to do this on their own, but the most stress-free way to move your pet internationally is to ask for help from a pet mover.

Your first call won't be to an airline. Right at the very start you need to check a few things with the embassy officials of the place you're traveling to.

There are many import details you will need to know before you can plan your pet's move. Professional pet movers will know this already, but you need to learn about any quarantine restrictions, points of animal entry into the country, and the travel papers your pet will require.

Next people to talk with are in the airline office. You will have questions about the crate your pet will travel in, and what travel dates are available for you both.

Then comes the vet. Pet movers will know about veterinary requirements; almost certainly there will be specialized advice a vet will need to give you. Also, the vet will be able to provide the official documents of health officials will want to see at each end of the plane ride.

Your pet will suffer discomfort if their stomach is uncomfortable when traveling. So feed him less before he flies and walk him outside an hour or so before you hand him over to the airline.

Obviously your pet should be moved in a crate that will let them move around comfortably during travel. A pet mover could give you advice, but basically the crate should allow the animal to turn around and stand up, and have areas for food, water and any medications.

The most critical thing, however, is the paperwork. Get it right.

About the Author

Len McGrane has written extensively on pet movers and recommends the services of usatransporters.com

 

If Your Cat Made A Mess

If your cat made a mess, don't be mad about it. There might be a reason why your cat urinates on the floor instead of using the litter box. Actually there will be a reason for sure because cats might "spray" at your furniture to mark their territory but they will certainly not do this on your carpet or floor. Cats spray vertically, similar to dogs...

In order to find out what might be the reason for this behavior of your cat, you need to observe your cat and find out what could be wrong. Here are some ideas of what to look for:

- Make sure the litter box is clean. Your cat does not like a dirty or stinky litter box.

- Is the litter box in the right environment? Where did you place the litter box? Hopefully at a silent place like the basement of your house.

- Is the litter box big enough? Your cat need some space to perform his ritual. The cat needs to be able to turn around without touching the litter box walls.

- If you 2 or more cats, then you might need more than one litter box. Some cats don't like to share their own place with other cats.

- Your cat might be stressed. Most cats react very sensible when confronted with to much stress. Make sure your cat has a silent place to "hide".

- Is your cat sick? Sometimes these accidents can be a signal for a disease. Take your cat to the doctor if necessary.

However, make sure your cat likes his home and his "bath-room". If there is still an unnatural behavior, go to the doctor with your cat. Make sure it gets professional treatment, an expert is always better than a friend who knows a lot about cats...

Here are some tips on how you can make your and your cat's life easier:

There are certain things that you can take care of in order to provide your cat a clean place to go. Use these advises and your cat will thank you for the good care by loving you.

- You should put at least 3 sheets of newspaper at the bottom of the litter box. then fill the litter box with enough litter, at least 3 inches.

- Change the litter at least every 3 days

- Clean the whole litter box at least every 2 weeks

- Use a mild soap and a lot of water to clean the litter box, don't use ammonia or chemical cleaners. They might hurt your cat's nose because the smell very strong.

- Don't put the litter box on a carpet, it might feel for your cat as if it was litter...

- get the "big" mess out the litter box every day.

- If you use clumping litter, scoop it at least once a day.

If your cat has made the mess, you need to clean it up. To get rid of the odor and stains completely get a professional cat urine cleaner. Home made cleaning products or average urine eliminator products won't work. Here is some more information about that: http://www.caturine-cleaner.com

Guido Nussbaum, a 28 year old cat-friend from Germany. I have 2 cats (brother and sister) that are 13 years old. My website cat urine cleaner deals with cat urine cleaning products and cats in general.

Cancer in Animals

By Sandy Cosser

Cancer is not restricted to human beings. As a disease it is indiscriminate and completely unbiased when it comes to affecting different species. Our beloved pets are not immune with dogs bearing the brunt of the disease, being affected by tumours twice as often as people. Cats on the other hand develop tumours only half as frequently as humans. Cancer occurs most often in older pets and is in fact the leading cause of death among cats and dogs. If you suspect that your pet has cancer it is vital that you get him or her to a vet immediately as the earlier the cancer is detected, the earlier treatment can begin and the better the chances of survival.

Cancer can be difficult to detect in animals especially as they can't describe their pain or show you exactly where it is. Here are 10 of the most common signs to look out for:
1) abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2) Sores that don't heal,
3) Weight loss and
4) loss of appetite,
5) bleeding or discharge from any orifice,
6) offensive odour, that is not normal pet odour.
7) difficulty eating or swallowing,
8) hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina, that is not laziness or due to heat,
9) persistent lameness or stiffness and
10) difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating.

Should you see any of these signs you should take your pet to a vet straight away so that the correct tests can be carried out and a diagnosis can be made.

These tests can include x-rays, which will show tumours, abnormal masses of tissue and degradation of bones; blood tests; ultrasonography; a physical exam and a complete medical history. To be entirely sure that it is cancer, however, a biopsy will have to be performed and the tissue graded to assess how serious the cancer is.

Animals get many of the same types of cancers that we do. They even get breast cancer, although spaying your female pets when they're between the ages of 6-12 months significantly deceases their risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is also one case where cats are more at risk than dogs, with more 85% of all tumours being malignant in cats and only 50% malignant in dogs. Skin tumours are very common in dogs but quite rare in cats. However, in the case of cats skin tumours are more often than not malignant, while in dogs they are benign. You should take all skin tumours to the vet to be examined. Bone cancer occurs most often in large dogs and seldom in cats. As with humans, it's most often the joints that are affected, particularly in the legs. Symptoms include swelling in the joint, difficulty walking and persistent pain. Lymphoma is common is both dogs and cats and occurs when one or more lymph nodes in enlarged. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for this type of cancer. There are many more types of cancers that animals get; the list is as endless as that for people.

The treatment for animals with cancer is the same as that for people and includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating), or immunotherapy. Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, its severity, and the breed of dog/cat and its size and also on you, the owner and what you want to do.

In regards to the side effects of treatment, surgery is usually the easiest to recover from with the animal able to return to his or her previous level of functioning within a relatively short space of time. Chemotherapy, however, does have side effects for animals just as it does for people, even though the dosages are much lower. There can be nausea and vomiting accompanied by a reluctance to eat. Your pet may become lethargic and be reluctant to move or even stand. There may be a fever and if this is the case you should call your vet immediately as it can be lethal. In general most animals that have had cancer and gone through treatment, enjoy a good quality of life. They resume their normal activities and play and have fun the same as before.

On a sad note, it is important to add that in most cases the cancer is not cured it is merely in remission, and that it will eventually come back. This must be thought about and discussed amongst the family before the initial decision is made to treat the animal. It will help you to decide if treatment is worth it in the long run. If it looks as if the treatment is not working or if the animal is experiencing pain and discomfort the vet is ethically bound to tell you. They are also bound to tell you that the pets enjoy their lengthened lives and do not know that they are on borrowed time. But you must know that they will have to go through the whole experience again and so will you. It is up to you, the owner to decide what is the right thing for your pet in that situation. It is a difficult decision to make and one that can only be made with love.

Recommended sites:

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Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Tell Her UK cervical cancer one of the most informative and user friendly cancer sites on the web

 

Choose the Right Dog Carrier

By Amanda Potter

With the popularity of small dogs, there are numerous types of dog carriers to choose from. Your dog carrier can range from styles such as a sports bag to a stylish designer purse. You can even choose a backpack or luggage carrier to take your little furry friend along with you wherever you travel.

When choosing a dog carrier, decide what size and fabric/style you would like. You can choose a generic bag to take everywhere with you or a small designer purse to take out on the town. Dog carrier purses range in sizes, from large ones that completely conceal your pet, to small ones that allow your dog's head or even legs to poke out. You may want a large bag for the day to hold your wallet, checkbook, make up, phone, keys, and any other accessories. For the night time, usually a smaller and flashier bag is perfect for holding your ID, cash, and some lip gloss and keys next to your favorite dog.

Determine an appropriate budget. If you really want to spoil your pup, you may wish to buy the more expensive carriers that can cost up to $1,000. Otherwise, you can usually find a carrier for about $30 and up. If you want a designer dog carrier purse, expect the price to be around $100-$400. Whatever budget you decide on, make sure you choose the right style bag to match your outfits and your dog's clothes too.

When deciding between carriers, be sure that the bag is sturdy enough to carry everything that you would require. It is particularly important that is has a removable and washable bottom. Make sure it is also soft enough and comfortable so that your dog wants to get inside and ride along with you regularly.

After you buy a dog carrier purse, pick up a gourmet dog treat to entice your dog to get inside the bag. Once he or she feels comfortable, you're both ready to go out. Whatever dog carrier purse you choose, you and your pup will look great wherever you go.

Luxury bed boutique

 

Dogs Need Good Food Too – Your Guide To Your Dog’s Diet

Dogs' nutritional needs may differ from ours. What we deem as healthy for us might not sufficient or appropriate for them. To give your dog the best nutrition available you will have to understand their specific needs and how to address them. After all, taking care of man's best friend does take a little preparation and know-how.

Your dog needs the essential nutrients to grow, go, and glow. If your dog does not receive proper nutrients it may result in poor health, stunted growth, lethargy and shortened lifespan.

Dogs like most animal life forms need the six basic nutrients for survival: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients serve different functions in sustaining the health and well-being of your dog. This guide will elaborate on dogs' need of these nutrients.

1. Proteins: the building blocks of your dog's health
Proteins are chemicals made of amino acids. Your dog can produce some of these chemicals in their own bodies. The rest has to be supplied through food. The best sources of these amino acids are meat and its byproducts. Dogs can extract proteins from these sources a lot easier than it would with plant sources.

Choose feeds that have an adequate amount of protein in them to help your puppies and working dogs grow. Too much of this, however, may cause kidney problems and has been known to cause temperament problems.

2. Fats: delivering other nutrients to the body
Fat sound like a bad word – everyone tries to avoid it because it causes tons of health problems. Dogs, however, just like man, also have a need for these nutrients – albeit in a moderate amount.

The right amount of fat is needed to promote good skin health, and to transport fat-soluble vitamins. Fats are also essential to kidney function and reproductive health. They make food tastier too. Too much fat will result in obesity and lethargy.

3. Carbohydrates: doggie fuel
Fifty percent of your dog's diet should consist of carbohydrates since they need it for their energy. Corn is one of the more popular sources of this nutrient, along with soybeans. If this source is clean and of good nutritional quality then that should be fine as well.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: keeping your dog healthy
It would have been easier if your dog only had to splurge on vitamins and minerals to get optimal health. However, the opposite is true. Your dog needs an exact amount of vitamins and minerals to be healthy. Although, your dog may receive these nutrients from food, vitamin supplements for your dogs could be helpful. Specially formulated commercial feeds also make it easier for dog owners to give their dogs good nutrition.

About the Author:

Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare

 

Dog Food Nutrition Basics

by Derek Young

Dog food nutrition is a basic skill that would greatly benefit pet owners to know. Knowing what kind of nutrition your dog needs, and giving your dog the best mix of nutrition will give your dog a longer, healthier, and more energetic life. Read on the learn more about dog food nutrition, and what you can do for your dog.

A word about commercialized pet foods. Commercialized pet foods generally don't contain the nutrients your dog needs, and also contains many harmful chemicals. Preservatives, taste and coloring agents, texturizers, among other chemicals have been proven to damage your pet's livers, kidneys, destroy red blood cells and are also suspected to cause cancer.

To give your dog the best dog food nutrition, it's best to prepare your meals for your dog at home. When preparing food for your dog, always serve at room temperature, not cold from the fridge or hot off the stove. Don't salt homemade dog food. Avoid feeding table scraps at dinner, which promotes excessive eating and also tells your dog its okay to beg. If you're feeding table scraps, be sure to put it in a dog bowl.

Your dog needs to have about 75% carbohydrates and about 25% fats and proteins. Carbohydrates include vegetables and grains, fats and proteins include meats, bones, and nutritional supplements.

A dog that's healthy is abundant with energy, lean and muscled, has little to no odor, and generally exudes a love of life and health. A dog that's eating a diet with low dog food nutrition is low energy, dull, has dog skin odors, and is much more susceptible to infections and diseases.

About the Author

Learn more about the best foods for your dog, how to boost your dog's energy, and how to extend your dog's life, at: http://find-out-inside.com/dog-foods/

 

Household Dangers from Kittens

By Jerry Carpos

Kittens and children are a lot less compatible than you would think. Most pregnant women are aware of the risks associated with cat feces during pregnancy, which in a worst-case scenario can lead to such severe complications as cerebral palsy in the unborn child. This awareness of the risks tends to relax, though, after the child has reached the toddler stage, to be replaced by a consciousness of the positive benefits to the child of keeping a pet.

Those who have lived with cats and especially kittens will know how common it is to be scratched and bitten by a playful pet. Most owners will minimize the risks, because in their experience nothing bad has ever come of a cat scratch. However, if people are better informed of the risks, they would not necessarily take these injuries so lightly. More than half all cat bites result in infection of some kind, most commonly from the Pasteurella multocida bacteria, which form part of the normal flora of cats.

A local infection, at the site of the wound only, can lead to swelling or the formation of puss. This in itself is not always dangerous, but may lead to complications, perhaps with the joints becoming infected, or even the whole lymphatic system being invaded. Clearly those more at risk to such forms of infection are the very young, the elderly or those with suppressed immunosufficiency, such as cancer patients on medication and AIDS sufferers.

Cat scratch disease is an infectious illness associated with cat scratches, bites, or exposure to cat saliva. The bacteria Afipia felis and Bartonella henselae do not necessarily provoke symptoms in the carrier cat. But complications arising from infections with these bacteria can lead to nasty complications in humans, not just locally where the skin has been torn. CSD is perhaps the most common cause of chronic lymph node swelling in children, a feverous infection lasting up to two months.

Children under nine years of age are especially vulnerable to scratches and bites in the face and neck regions, most especially from kittens, which happen to be the most likely carriers of the Bartonella henselae group of organisms. Thus the advice is not to let children play too roughly with kittens – and any scratches or bites should be washed immediately with soap and warm water.

Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis from cat bites is not uncommon. The synovial capsules of the joints are usually completely sterile and infection at these points is both extremely painful and potentially very harmful. Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis can affect any joint or bone, but most commonly involve the lower limbs. Both are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and require urgent treatment. The initial symptoms are tenderness and an unwillingness to use the joint or limb in question. Swelling and redness do not necessarily appear straight away.

Some authorities claim that fleas carry B. henselae bacteria, but the evidence is not conclusive. Nevertheless, it makes sense to keep fleas in check to guard against unnecessary risks. Cats should never be allowed to lick any wounds you or your child may have, as the saliva is where the bacteria come from.

If you or your child are bitten or scratched by a cat, at the first signs of any symptoms such as swelling, pustules, fatigue, fever, headache or swollen glands, consult your physician.

Custom pet portraits painted in wonderfully life-like type hand paint a lasting memory of your cats and kittens. Oil paintings art make thoughtful presents for pet lovers.

 

Creating Dog Friendly Yards

People who love gardening are often at a loss as to how to maintain pet friendly yards. Fortunately, with a little thought and compromise, it is not a difficult task to achieve. Pets and their owners can both enjoy their pet friendly yards with no major mishap to the pets or the gardens.

One of the first things that are needed in pet friendly yards is a high and sturdy fence all around. This will not only prevent pets from running out, it will deter stray dogs from coming in. The fence should be equipped with wire meshing at the edges to block off any gaps. Do not grow plants near the fence, as dogs like to establish their territorial rights. This may lead to unsightly dog paths being created here. Dogs need places to run around, so pet friendly yards should have stone paved areas or paths.

Take care not to leave any area with loose mud in the garden- it is an invitation to start digging! It may be a good idea to fence off an area that is exclusively for the dog to romp around. A dog house is also essential to protect the pets from excessive heat or wind. It should not be too close to the outer fence as dogs can climb on the house and jump out. The dogs should also have a bath room area that they are trained to use, to prevent the lawn from being messed up. Make sure there is water available for them to drink.

What to Grow In Pet Friendly Yards

Grass and plans cannot tolerate the nitrates in dog urine, so train them to keep off the grass. Some varieties of grass are sturdier than others, such as Bermuda grass and can with stand treading. Clover is perhaps the ideal choice, as it does not stain the way grass does after being subjected to dog urine. Delicate plants can be protected with wooden picket fences or wire cages around them. This prevents dog urine from reaching their trunks and roots, and damaging them. While there are numerous plants to choose from to grow in gardens, pet friendly yards should not have poisonous plants. Check out lists of plants that are suitable to have around with pets before planning the garden.

Pet friendly yards should have secure places for storing herbicides and other chemicals. Pets should be allowed to play only after 24 hours of fertilizing a yard. It is also a good idea to have pet toys and chews to keep them entertained while they are out.

Caroline Bourke is a full time beauty therapist in Florida. Check out these great Dogs Advice resources and articles or the more general Pets advice.

Natural Heartworm Prevention for Your Dog

By Brigitte Smith

If you think mosquitoes are somewhat annoying but nonetheless harmless, think again. For a human, a mosquito bite can be an inconvenience. But for your dog, it can ultimately be fatal. Life-threatening heartworm can be the outcome for your dog of these fairly innocuous little insects. Heartworm preventatives come in basically two forms – chemical heartworm prevention and natural heartworm prevention. The chemical types are said to be non-toxic, but they're really not at all. Natural heartworm prevention is the only sure way of looking after your dog's health without exposing your dog to a concoction of chemicals that are poisonous to humans. (So what does that tell you about their toxicity on your dog?)

Natural heartworm prevention is often fairly similar to the remedy that you would give your dog as a natural heartworm treatment if your dog is unfortunate enough to have already contracted heartworm. The object of herbal heartworm treatment and other natural heartworm remedies is to kill the heartworm larvae off before they have an opportunity to enter your dog's heart from the bloodstream where the larvae enters, and develop into adult heartworms. Once the heartworms have matured, a process which takes several months, they grow and fill the heart, blocking off the flow of blood to the lungs.

Because heartworms are parasites, the object of a natural heartworm prevention regime is anti-parasitic. Herbal anti-parasitic herbs will not only fight off the mosquito bites in the first place, by making your dog unattractive to the mosquitoes, but they also fight a broad range of parasites, including other types of worms, and sometimes also fleas and ticks.

Herbs which have anti-parasitic properties include Geranium (usually administered externally in the form of Geranium Oil), Garlic, Black Walnut, Artemisia, Wormwood, Clove Flower Buds, Ginger Root, Turmeric, Spearmint, Hawthorn Berry, Capsicum, Lavender and Tea Tree (the latter two also administered externally in the form of Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil.

Many people believe garlic to be an excellent natural heartworm prevention source. It is a blood cleanser which is thought to strengthen the immune system and repel both mosquitoes and fleas. Garlic should never be relied upon alone, however, as an effective natural heartworm prevention. Coupled with other herbs such as Black Walnut, Artemisia and others, it can be quite effective however. Pet owners also need to be aware that garlic can be bad for dogs in anything other than very small quantities.

As well as herbal heartworm treatment regimes, homeopathic remedies also exist which can very effectively prevent heartworm naturally. Generally these remedies are given for several consecutive days each month. The herbal heartworm treatment products are sometimes given daily and sometimes for a number of days each month. If you find a suitable natural heartworm prevention for your dog, it should come with instructions on appropriate doses, either on the product itself, or on an insert or the website where they are available. But if you are in any doubt, then you may wish to consult with a homeopathic or holistic vet.

Healthy Happy Dogs is a website devoted to the holistic health of your dog. To find out more on natural heartworm prevention, and other dog health issues, go to: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/Heartworm

 

Stop the Dog From Digging

By John S. Rhodes

You've probably taken great care in grooming your front or back yard lawn and garden. You finally have a chance to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the smell of the many varieties of flowers you've planted. Suddenly, you come upon a deep hole in your flower bed. Upon further inspection, you notice more holes in your back yard! Who is the culprit? You're recently acquired dog. Now what do you do? How do you stop the dog from digging?

If you've never owned a dog, you will need to understand that certain dogs react in different ways to change. To stop the dog from digging, it is essential to understand why they dig. There could be a myriad of reasons. Either they smell something interesting and wish to investigate; or if they come from an animal shelter they may want to protect their toys or even certain types of food from other dogs; or it is inherent in their breed. When you bring home a dog for the first time, their natural curiosity is to smell everything; especially in a yard or flower bed. Sometimes they are looking for scents from other dogs as well. In some cases, they may sense a smell deep in the ground; consequently, they dig.

In addition, dogs tend to dig out of boredom. It is important to stop the dog from digging by taking him or her on daily walks. Exercise is a key factor in alleviating any type of misbehavior. Keeping your dog occupied with other activities will certainly help you to stop the dog from digging. Again, depending upon the dog's breed, you need to research their habits and then act accordingly. You can also purchase books on the dog's breed, as well as their behavioral aspects.

Overall, however, to stop the dog from digging will take a certain amount of time and effort to understand the dog and the breed. More importantly, do not scold your dog. Changing a dog's behavior requires you to be kind, patient and loving. If you've ever seen the show, the Dog Whisperer, the method that always seems to work is to fully engage the dog in an exercise program and, at the same time, letting the dog know you are the pack leader. Once this type of training is establish, you will never have to stop the dog from digging again.

Do you really need to stop the dog from digging? Get FREE dog obedience training secrets at http://www.pet-comfort-products.com/sitstayfetch.html

 

Selecting The Best Beds For Your Cat

If you're one of those people who loves your cat, but would prefer it didn't hog the bed at night, it's own bed may will be the answer. Cats love comfort and warmth. A cozy cat bed, that can keep them warm in the winter and provide a soft, comfortable nest, is probably the best way to entice them off your bed, your couch and your overstuffed chairs.

There are so many different types and styles of cat beds that finding one that blends with your décor should not be too hard. You can look for colorful cat beds in fun pet prints that add a touch of whimsy to the room or you can shop for cat beds with plenty of designer elegance, instead. Of course, your cat will be more concerned with how the bed feels than what it looks like.

Cat beds often have fleece pillows to keep them feeling cozy. These beds may be oval shaped with high sides or they may actually be completely enclosed to form a cozy nest bed. Cats enjoy being able to snuggle up in a secure spot, which is why so many of them manage to squeeze inside sofas or other odd spots to nap.

Some nest beds are even heated to add more warmth. If you have a cat that spends time on the porch or in other chilly areas, you may want to consider providing him with one of these beds.

Cat mats protect your furniture and give your cat a special place to be. They can be rolled up and put away when the furniture needs to be presentable for company and they can save you extra vacuuming. A little cat nip sprinkled on the mat may help convince your cat that it's the perfect place for a nap.

A cat perch, which is a padded shelf, is another popular piece of napping equipment. Attach the cat perch to your windowsill so your cat can look out the window and dream of stalking the wild birds he sees as he naps.

When you buy a cat bed, don't be surprised if your cat ignores it completely for a while. If he refuses to explore the bed, you may want to add a catnip toy to the bed to attract his attention. Placing the bed in a cat friendly location will also make it more appealing to your cat. Cats do not care to nap in low places. Instead, position the cat bed on an end table or platform that is a few inches off the floor. Also, be sure the bed is not in an area that receives heavy traffic. If your cat feels as though he can never let down his guard and relax, he won't want to nap in his bed.

Cat condos, vertical carpeted structures designed for cats, are perfect if you have more than one cat or don't want a lot of cat beds throughout your house. Cats are natural climbers and seem to recognize the condo as their terrain. The perches and dens make perfect napping spots and the carpeted poles are designed for scratching.

About the Author

For more info, see Cat tips or Cat health. Ron King is a webdeveloper; visit his website Authoring Articles.

Copyright 2007 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

 

Dealing With a Dirty Dog

By Eric Hartwell

One of the more abiding mysteries in human existence is how a habitually-ordered neat freak – one who insists on having his surroundings clean, neat and sterile, with everything in its place and a place for everything, with a car that is lovingly washed and beautifully detailed once a month – suddenly finds himself or herself living with the ultimate slob who thinks nothing of tracking muddy feet into the living room, shedding hair everywhere from bedroom to sofa, to say nothing of spreading slobber all over the place.

Welcome to the wonderful world of people and their dogs.

Some people have said that taking on a pet, especially a dog, is like taking on a partner – you have to put up with each others' quirks, adjust to each other's follies and learn to adapt to each other's moods. Although, to be honest, most of the adjusting seems to be one way – you learn to adjust! A dog is still a dog and can't be expected to learn to wipe his feet before entering the house, pick up his toys after he's done with them or stop shedding fur all over the place, which leads to the problem: How do you reconcile a dog lover and a neat freak who loves a clean house and a cleaner car?

A Chow Named Chan and A Blue Chow Called Keisha

For marketing executive Judie Dahl, her first dog – a chow named Chan – was a match made in heaven. An admitted neat freak, she found Chan to be a dog with similar leanings to her. Chan, at six years old, wasn't big on mud puddles or beaches, wasn't one for slobbering all over her and doesn't mind when she wiped his feet off before entering her home. In other words, Chan was a freak for cleanliness, just like she was.

And then, after nine years together, Chan went on to doggie heaven. Two months after, Judie Dahl found herself missing her doggy pal and was generally miserable. Seeing an ad in the paper for "Blue Chow Puppies," she took a look – and walked away with a girl named Keisha.

The only problem was that Keisha was the opposite of Chan. The new Chow was no clean freak – unable to resist mud puddles, rolled around in the sand, ran on the beach and then, tired and dirty, would simply flop down in her car – dirtying the newly-detailed car seats.

Given the choice of letting Keisha go or just simply accepting dirty car seats, Judie Dahl took a third route: Start a business manufacturing doggie-proof car seats.

Practical Pet Car Covers

Judie Dahl manufactures Practical Pet car seat covers that are doggie-proof and actually work. The car covers are made of denim in three colors (beige, blue or black), which work with almost all car interiors so that you won't even realize there's a car cover in place. The denim fabric means that you can shake dog hairs off as well as ensuring that your dog's nails won't rip it, and they have a rubber non-slip backing that holds the cover in place.

The covers are machine-washable, which allows for convenience in cleaning and can easily remove doggie odors. They are also easy to remove in the event you have to take on human passengers. It comes in four sizes which cover all car seat types, from sedans to oversized SUVs.

Practical Pet is also coming up with new products to include non-toxic odor discs, cleaning fluids and other items for pet owners.

You can find out more about dog care here or you can share your opinions at the world's best homepage.

 

Pampering Your Pet with Gold Dog Tags

By Alison Cole

Why would your dog care what her tag is made out of? Well, that's not the point.

You want to pay all the attention you can to your dog. Seeing a gold dog tag on your pet will remind you that your dog is precious, and let others know exactly how much you care for him. Just think about it: if you had guests over, and they saw a piece of cardboard with illegible ballpoint scrawls, hanging by a natty piece of twine wrapped loosely around your dog's neck, your guests will feel rather sorry for your dog. They will think you probably feed him empty soda cans for breakfast and a bowl of insects for dinner. They will think that you sometimes chain him to the trailer hitch of your truck and drive away just for kicks. And then how could they respect you as a dog owner? They might call Animal Protection on you.

If you can afford gold dog tags, why not pamper your dog? A gold dog tag is indeed one of the finer things in life. Just as you would dress yourself up to go out, you can add sparkle and class to your class act dog.

Gold dog tags come in various karats and qualities. They come as small as a stud earring, or as large as the gaudiest of necklaces. Gold dog tags generally range from $225 to thousands of dollars, depending on the quality. You can get a simple yet beautiful yellow gold tag $300; or you can go all out, with an 18-karat tag with embedded jewels or diamonds. No matter what your taste or budget, a gold dog tag can give your dog a touch of elegance that also reflects well on you.

Dog Tags Info provides detailed information on dog ID tags, free dog tags, and custom dog tags, including gold and diamond dog tags and other dog tag jewelry. Dog Tags Info is the sister site of Pet Tags Web.

 

Feeding Your Pit Bull Terrier The Right Dog Food

By: Tim Amherst

Pit Bull owners who love their pets obviously want to do what is best for them. They want them to have the best care possible and be happy. Part of providing the best care comes with providing the best nutrition. All of the different types of dog food produced can make deciding what is best difficult for owners. There are many selections that are very healthy and nutritional, while others are very unhealthy with little to no nutritional value. The most nutritional foods seem to be those offered by the larger companies, in part, because they routinely test for food quality and nutritional worth.

Out of all the different types of food available, dry food tends to be the least pricey. Many owners prefer dry food because they have several dogs and it costs significantly less to feed them. The quality and nutrition of dry food varies dependent on the manufacturer. One advantage to dry food is that it can be purchased in large quantities and stored for quite some time, allowing the owner to avoid trips to the store. Being able to store the food also helps the wallet, if you purchase it in bulk when it is on sale. Dry food also is easier to prepare for your dog, as all you do is pour it into a bowl. It also doesn't smell bad, which is a plus for owners of indoor dogs. Storing dry foods for long periods of time may affect the nutritional worth of the food.

The semi-moist dog foods are usually made up of about twenty five percent water and meat products, making them very popular with most dogs, however, they are not very good for the dog's teeth as they tend to be very high in sugar content. They are also high in preservatives and additives, which most owners would prefer to avoid. Semi moist food is usually the most expensive food to purchase. As with the dry food, it all varies with each manufacturer; ingredients, nutrition, quality, taste, are all different from brand to brand.

Canned foods win the popularity bonus hands down. Canned foods offer a full meal in one can, which is often convenient for pet owners. They usually are made from animal by products, and contain more moisture than other dog foods. They often contain the least preservatives, and are the easiest food for dogs to digest. Purchasing canned food can be expensive, especially if your dog eats a lot, or if you have several to feed.

As with buying any food, it is always recommended to read the labels, so that you know what the ingredients are. You don't have to buy the most expensive food for it to be nutritional; you just need to be a smart shopper. It is important not to feed your Pit Bull too much, and to make sure he gets a lot of exercise. If you are still confused about the type of food that would be best, your veterinarian should be able to help.

About the Author:

To learn all about American Pitbull Terriers and how to train a Pitbull puppy, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/  today.

 

Coping With Cat Allergies

By Albert Tang

Before making any decision to get a cat, you should look into whether you and your family members are allergic to cats. Many people are allergic to cats, some more so than others. Too often, people bring home a pet only to find out later that they or their children are allergic to cats.

Although pet allergy symptoms can be keep under control, in many cases for some allergy sufferers, the various sneezing, stuffy nasal passages and itchy, watery eyes become too much to bear. Eventually, it becomes virtually impossible for them to stay with the cat.

As a result, many cats are sent to animal shelters each year as their allergic owners can no longer bear the severity of their allergy symptoms.

Even if you do not suffer from cat allergies, consider others close to you who may no longer feel comfortable visiting your home because they are allergic to cats. It would be very unfair to the cat later on if you had to give it away just because your social life declines.

For those who are mildly or sporadically allergic to cats, you can follow these strategies in order to have cats living in the same household. As you know, most allergies occurred due to the presence of danger particles in the air, and to control these danger particles, just follow the strategies below:

1) Apply cat safe, anti-allergy wipes or sprays to the cat's fur recommended by your vet
2) Use vinyl or leather furniture instead of upholstered
3) Replace carpets with hard floors
4) Prohibit your cat from entering your bedroom
5) Clean your air-con filters, furnace and ductwork regularly
6) Use an air purifier to eliminate the danger particles
7) Use hot water to wash your bed linens regularly
8) Wrap mattresses and pillows with plastic covers to prevent dander from settling in the bedding
9) Use distilled water to bathe the cat once a month

Allergies should be treated immediately to prevent weakening of your body's immune system. Prolonging your treatment will lead to other problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, or sinus or ear infections. It may even lead to life threatening cases if allergic responses are severe enough.

If you are experiencing symptoms that would not go away, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause. A test can then be perform on you to determine the exact allergens that are causing your symptoms so that an appropriate treatment can be administer on you.

Albert recently developed a eCourse for looking after your cat's mental and physical needs. If you are interest in learning more about this free eCourse and taking good care of your cat, please go to http://catcentral.justastore.com or you can send an email to catcentral@getresponse.com to request for your free eCourse.

Throw Up And Diarrhea In Dogs

When your dog has diarrhea everyone in the house is unhappy. When you look into their sad eyes, you get a sense of meaning to the phrase "I'm sicker than a dog!"

Diarrhea is the number three reason people take their dogs to the vet. Before running off to the vet, look around at what you might be doing to cause your dog to have diarrhea. The good news is that most episodes of routine diarrhea can be prevented, or at least minimized.

The usual suspects are:

• Food- either too old, left out too long, or exposed to high temperatures. Such exposure can happen while being transported to the pet store. Bugs and flies may have climbed into open bags, laid eggs and left droppings during packaging or in your home after they being opened.
• Chlorinated water- your dog's intestinal tract requires a variety of bacteria to break down and process the food. Chlorinated water can kill these bacteria, causing diarrhea.
• Cleaning agents. Don't forget, dogs living indoors are walking barefoot. If not sufficiently diluted, many cleaning agents can burn their pads, their eyes, and their lungs. They will often lick their pads to stop the burning, which can lead to diarrhea.
• Pesticides/Insecticides- Similar to cleaning agents in that when dogs lick their pads, they will ingest some of the chemicals. They might also eat a bug that has been exposed to insecticides.

Dogs are notorious for eating bacteria laden morsels out of garbage cans, or found while out on a walk. Dogs off leash are more likely to drink from a stagnant puddle. A few slurps is all it takes! Puddles can be toxic cocktails containing anything from bug larvae, discarded food morsels, infected spittle, leaked automobile fluids like transmission oil, or antifreeze.

Stress is another cause of dog diarrhea. Stress comes in many forms. Small dogs are particularly sensitive to non-harmonious living environments. They prefer peace and quite to yelling, screaming, or fighting; many get crazy if you run the vacuum cleaner, blender, or just leave the room.

Travel, or the anticipation of travel (with or without them) causes stress. Traveling with your dog often means different air quality, humidity, water, sounds, even food. Rescue dogs also feel the emotional stress of all involved in the rescue mission. Now that's travel stress! Any one of these can cause your dog to have diarrhea.

Female dogs in heat will drive male dogs that have mating experience into a frenzy that can cause loose and bloody stools. The female doesn't even need to be in your house. It could be a neighbors dog out on a walk.

How to handle routine dog diarrhea?

A lot of people think it's a good idea to let their dogs outside to eat grass when they have diarrhea. Well, that's partially true. Dogs eat grass even when their GI tract is not upset. If you look carefully you will notice they pull at the grass. They do this to get at the dirt around the roots, which is teaming with soil-based organisms (SBOs). SBOs are essential digestive aids that also help maintain optimum intestinal balance.

Healthy grass and soil contains organic sulfur (MSM), as well (SBOs). However, if you live in an area where lawns are watered with municipal water (chlorinated) or are treated with inorganic fertilizers, or sprayed with pesticides and insecticides it is not a good idea to let your dogs eat the grass.

The actual cause of diarrhea is an intestinal imbalance between what is commonly referred to as "good and bad" bacteria. A balance of both is essential to break the food down so that the nutrients can be absorbed through the intestinal wall, as well as to push along what's left to be eliminated. The good bacteria get spent in the digestive process and need to be replaced daily to maintain optimum GI balance. Once the "bad bacteria" get the upper hand, they breed quickly.

As I mentioned earlier, in most cases it is not a good idea to let your dogs eat grass. Supplements that contain SBOs are available today that are specifically formulated for dogs. If you were to give SBOs to your dogs on a daily basis, all but the most treatment resistant cases of diarrhea could actually be prevented. A side benefit is that they would be more alert, easier to train and have improved physical performance.

The author of this article is Robert Hart, the co-founder of Vitality Science, Inc., a company that formulates scientifically proven, all natural supplements to restore and maintain pet health for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies. To learn more about their products vitalityscience.com Robert Hart has articles published in Fido Friendly Magazine, Ani-Med, The Pet Professor/Pet Style- on-line pet portals, and pet newsletters.

 

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Just like humans, dogs produce ear wax (cerumen). If there are factors present which increase production of this ear wax, or if the normal clearance mechanism is compromised, then manual removal might be necessary.

Why clean the ears?

1. So that your veterinarian can visualize the ear drum. Waxy debris obstructs the view, so the integrity of the ear drum cannot be ascertained.

2. To remove debris prior to applying topical ear medication to treat an infection.

3. As part of a preventative ear care programme, to minimize the chance of an ear infection occurring.

When performing a general clinical examination, for example during a yearly check up at the time of vaccination, a veterinarian will usually look at the inside of the ear for excessive wax or inflammation. A vet will only want to look further into the canal with an otoscope if the dog is showing symptoms of an ear problem, such as scratching at its head, rubbing its head along the floor or head shaking. Otoscopic examination of the ear canal is usually performed to check for the presence of ear mites, foreign bodies (e.g. grass seeds), polyps, tumors and middle ear disease.

If the ears are waxy, but there is no evidence of an infection and no itchiness, then regular cleaning with a dog ear cleaner is the recommended course of action. Ear cleaners can usually be purchased at veterinary clinics, pet shops or online.

What do ear cleaners contain?

Many ear cleaners contain ceruminolytics, which disrupt the wax by acting on the cells it adheres to. Many also contain lubricants, which soften and loosen the wax. The main components are listed below.

Detergent (e.g. docusate sodium, carbamate peroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate)

Lubricant (e.g. squalene, propylene glycol, glycerin)

Ceruminolytic (e.g. olive oil, aqueous alkaline solutions)

Disinfectant (e.g. parachlorometaxylenol)

Antimicrobial agents (e.g. lactic, salicyclic or oleic acids)

Drying agents (e.g. isopropyl alcohol)

Is there a recommended technique for cleaning the ears?

The most common cleaning regime is to apply the product, gently massage the ear canal and then wipe with dry cotton wool. The objective is to keep the ear canals open, clean and free from accumulations of wax, debris and hair. Start with one ear, go through the following process, then move onto the other one. Squirt some of the ear cleaner into the outermost hole in the ear, when looking at it from above. Hold your dogs head steady as it will be inclined to shake its head at this point and disperse the liquid. Massage the ear canal with your fingertips so that it makes a squelching noise. When you have massaged for a good 20 seconds, take a ball of dry cotton wool and clean out the ear by wiping in a corkscrew motion. Your dog may now shake its head to remove the tickly remains from its canal.

Can I pluck the hair from inside the ears myself?

Regular plucking of hairy ear canals will make cleaning easier and improve ventilation. Although it seems like a sore thing to do, there are actually no nerves running through the hair follicles in the ear canal so plucking is painless. Owners can do it themselves at home if their dog is cooperative, but many prefer to leave it to the grooming parlour or to a veterinary nurse.

How often should I clean my dogs ears?

As a rule of thumb, once a month should suffice. However, dogs with large hanging ear flaps such as spaniels and basset hounds might need their ears cleaning more often. Dogs that swim frequently also need closer attention.

What if the home treatment system does not work?

Some ears are so dirty, hairy or sore, that a dog will not permit its owner to clean them out via the technique described above. These owners require veterinary assistance, where either simple lavage or mechanical removal is performed.

LAVAGE

This is usually performed under heavy sedation, or general anaesthetic. A syringe is attached to a soft catheter, which is fed into the ear canal. Water is repeatedly injected and then sucked out again, containing globs of wax and debris. This is repeated until the liquid sucked out is clear. Sometimes other liquids are used rather than water, such as dilute chlorhexidine or povidone iodine. However, these can cause damage if the ear drum is ruptured. Since by definition most dogs requiring veterinary assistance to clean their ears have very dirty ears, it is safer to use water or saline as an irrigant.

MECHANICAL REMOVAL

This is the safest method of cleaning out wax as there is no risk to the ear drum. Sedation is generally required. A wire loop or blunt curette is gently pulled along the lining of the canal, loosening and rolling wax out of the canal as it progresses.

Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the online pet experts at Why Does My Pet...?. Veterinarians, breeders, trainers, behaviorists and homeopaths are online right now waiting to answer your pet questions!

 

Tips On Selecting Hamster Cage

Choosing a suitable cage for your hamster(s) should be one of the most important decisions for each hamster owner. Bare in mind that the cage is like house same as for us human. All of us want to live in a safe, comfortable and clean home. Your hamster(s) should have the same rights and it is your responsibility to provide them with suitable living place to keep them happy, active and healthy.

There are several factors to consider when selecting hamster cages:-

Cage Size

The cage should have ample room for the hamster to do their favorite activity... exercise! For a solitary Syrian hamster, the cage should at least able to fit an exercise wheel and some extra space to live and doing other things. A small box that could act as a bedroom also recommended as the hamster usually prefers to have privacy when goes to sleep.

Dwarf hamsters should need a bigger space as we need to take into consideration that dwarf hamsters prefer to live in groups. So we need a cage that at least could cater for two of them plus spaces for them to play and sleep.

If you are planning to allow your hamster to breed, a bigger cage will be needed. Provide enough room for the hamsters to have their private spaces especially for a pregnant or nursing mother. There are cases when the mother attacks her companions due to overly protective reaction to their litters or maybe due to stress of feeling too crowded. Stress could also cause the mother to eat their litters.

Safety

Barred cages are commonly used as a hamster cage. For this type of cage, make sure the bars are close enough so that the hamsters couldn't slip through. This problem commonly occurs to dwarf hamsters or baby hamsters due to their small body size.

If you have other types of pets such as cats or dogs in your house, choose other types of cages such as aquarium or plastic modular cages rather than barred cages to prevent any unwanted circumstances.

Easy to clean

Choose a cage that will not give you headaches to clean up. A tedious cleaning job could make some people bored and might end up doing improper cleaning or even didn't do the cleaning job regularly enough.

Expandability

Some cages are designed to allow future expansion possible. Usually these types of cages are quite expensive. A simple cage could be expandable up to being just like a castle for hamsters. Unless you can afford it, this feature is rather optional.

Jalte Aimal is the owner of site MyHammie.com. You may freely reprint this article as long as nothing is changed, and bio is included with all links intact. Hamster Care Guide The most recent version of this article could be found at Hamster Cage

 

Dog Intestinal Problems

By Audrey Frederick

Upset tummies are common problem in dogs.

The effects of over-processed foods, stress and environmental conditions can affect dogs just like it will humans.

Vomiting, diarrhea, grumbling stomach and bloat though common, can have a variety of causes, some of which are easy to solve with a change in diet, others with some serious medical treatment.

What I will try to do is cover some of the more common causes and what can be done to avoid or treat the cause.

Intestinal upsets and diarrhea can be caused by numerous things such as stress, allergy to a new food, viruses, bacteria, parasites, and change in diet or by your pet eating something that was not meant to be digested.

Bacteria caused diarrhea includes the Salmonella varieties, e-coli, and food poisoning, most of which last a short time and can be treated by over-the-counter medication recommended by your veterinarian.

Viral causes of diarrhea include distemper and parvovirus. These two usually attack puppies and young dogs and can be prevented by having your pet vaccinated.

Parasitic causes of diarrhea include worms (hookworm and whipworms) and Giardia (a form of protozoa) all can be treated with medication from your vet.

Food-related causes of diarrhea can be caused by a change in diet, an enzyme deficiency, allergy to a certain food ingredient or by eating something that is foreign to the body. Food related causes may take some searching, but usually can be isolated within a short period of time.

While diarrhea is caused by the irritation of the small or large intestine, vomiting is caused by an irritation of the stomach.

If a dog throws up after a meal or after eating something distasteful that is commonly known as regurgitation and is not considered serious.

Vomiting on the other hand is retching, a forceful stomach contraction that forces the food out of the stomach. Vomiting can be retching without food being forced out and you will see bile or saliva instead.

After vomiting a dog will appear restless and may even drool (salivate.) Any sign of vomiting with out producing a sign of food or other substance is serious. As it could mean the stomach has flipped (a sign of bloating) and demands immediate attention of your vet.

Vomiting as a general rule is not a sign of a serious illness. Some dogs eat too fast, some dog's vomit after eating grass and some dogs vomit a fluffy yellow mixture shortly after waking up in the morning, neither of which is a sign of concern.

This is known as "reflux gastritis" and can be corrected by feeding your dog small meals throughout the day or by feeding a meal shortly before going to bed for the night. There are also some drugs that are available to help this problem (see your Vet.)

However, chronic retching, blood in the vomit, and projectile vomiting are signs that a visit to the vet should be taken at once. These are signs that something maybe awry in the area of the kidneys, liver, or pancreas.

Intermittent vomiting and diarrhea can be an expected part of living with a pet, just as it is in our own lives, we all experience those problems a time or two ourselves. Granted cleaning up their accident leaves much to be desired, but vomiting is not life threatening unless it persists.

What are some of the things you can do to help your dog?

Your vet may suggest some Pepto Bismal or other over-the-counter treatment. It is best to withhold food for a while, but not water, however do not let your dog gulp down a large quantity of water at one time. A bland diet of chicken and rice will help soothe the stomach and can be fed once the stomach has settled down.

Make certain you pet does not exercise an hour before he/she eats and waits at least another hour or two afterward before heavy exercising.

Control water consumption before eating. Too much water can upset the stomach.

Feed high quality food and do not overfeed. Avoid rich people food.

When in doubt about any unusual pet behavior, please do not hesitate to call your vet or other pet health care provider.

Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only for the pet, but for our pocketbooks, also. If the only time you need to visit the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and necessary shots you are saving money. Nutrition is very important in keeping a dog healthy, proper quality food that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals is a good way to start. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

 

Amazing Tips To Eliminate Cat Urine Odor and Stain

By Richard Lindner

"Inappropriate elimination," is a fancy term for your cat urinating anywhere around your household.

The issue of cleaning cat urine is complicated and there are no easy answers or quick remedies. It leaves hard to remove stains and odor infusing through your home. After a thorough application of cleaning products and deodorizers, stains remained and worse, the odors come back!

Cat urine smell is so difficult to remove and it comprises of three major components: Urea – which is the sticky stuff, Urochrome – the pigments which give it color and Uric Acid – which is the stinky part.

Uric Acid is comprised of crystals and salts, when dried it releases relatively little odor, once the crystals and salts dampen again, with rain or humidity the odor comes back.

You can easily get rid of the stinky stuff and the color stain using a proven cleaner or urine remover. The trouble is, because of the uric acid that cat urine contains, normal cleaners do not effectively eliminate the smell.

There are products readily available in pet stores containing enzymes which will neutralize the smell. Examples of effective cat urine remover are Odor Secret. Follow the directions on the bottle and see the results for yourself.

I advise you to discover not only how to clean your cat's urine but what to do so you can stop the problem in the first place. The key is to completely get rid of the smell from the cat's perception because the cat may still smell where it urinated attracting it to pee in the same area over and over again.

Another tip is NOT to use ammonia or ammonia based products to clean up cat urine since ammonia smells similar to cat urine, so you will be attracting them to pee on the same spot.

One of the best things you can do to eliminate odors associated with the litter box is to keep it clean. Cats may urinate outside their litter boxes for many reasons: Cats are territorial; they mark their territory by urinating and when they feel threatened. Stressful situations can cause cats to mess anywhere or your cat has Urinary infections.

I believe in approaching the problem from many different angles and not just the most obvious you'll find the bottom line answers to putting a stop to your cat urine problem.

Find out that there could be many causes to your cat's problem and what you should do about it. You'll learn that there are more ways of dealing with your pet's problem than just cleaning it up.

Canine Bathing Shampoo Guide - What Dog Owners Need To Know

Did anyone ever tell you how to choose a good shampoo and conditioner that's right for your dog? For a start, never try to use human shampoo and conditioner on your dog as it can irritate your dog's skin and possibly cause an allergic reaction. You must buy shampoo and conditioner that is specially formulated for dogs.

Dog shampoo is designed to cleanse away dirt and excess oils, just like human shampoo does. The main difference between the two is that dog shampoo has a lower pH level that is more suitable for canines' skin; they also include a non-tearing formula to prevent eye irritation, in case a little shampoo suds get into your dog's eyes during scrubbing.

A good dog shampoo formula should also produce fewer suds for quicker rinsing. They should also preferably have deodorizing effect as well as leave your dog's coat shiny. If you're just looking for a cleaner dog, a standard dog shampoo will get you what you need. Dog shampoos are also formulated for different skin type namely normal, dry and oily skin. Seeking your veterinary advice, you can choose the shampoo that will work best on your dog's coat.

You can also select a dog shampoo for more specific needs. If your dog seems to be feeling itchy, scratching all the time and his coat looks patchy and rough; you may need to look for a dog shampoo and conditioner for skin disorder condition. Dog shampoo for a less serious problem is available at most pet supply stores and can easily help irritated skin as well as maintain a clean shiny coat. Medicated dog shampoo is also available by prescription if the condition is severe.

If your dog does develop a skin irritation or experiences an allergic reaction, the source, or the allergen, can be anything, but it could be the chemicals used in dog products. If this is the case, you can consider using organic dog shampoo and conditioner.

When looking for dog shampoo and conditioners, look for a product that is easy to use, lathers well, rinses well, is tearless and leaves your dog with a shiny coat. Good dog shampoos have ingredients that hold moisture to the skin and are often natural.

If you find anything wrong with your dog skin upon using a new shampoo, you should stop using it as fast as possible. Lastly, be sure to look at the ingredients label of your dog shampoo and check for anything that might irritate your dog. Take note that heavy scents that human love may irritate your dog's skin. Just understand that what's good for us might not be good for them.

Moses Wright is the founder of Dog Carriers and Grooming. He provides more useful information on Dog Toy and Dog Clothes on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Dangerous Plants And You Cat Or Dog

You can do many things to keep your cats or dogs from harm, but an inconspicuous danger may still remain in your house - your plants and food.

Curious pets might take a taste of any plant. An pet may feel the need to self-medicate (like cats eating grass), and so the plant in a pot might tempt them. Or they may just be curious. Despite being toxic, some plants taste good (for instance, the taste of a berry is no indication of its safety, as some berries can taste fine but be highly dangerous).

It is also no guarantee if a plant is edible by people. Many plants can be poisonous for pets, yet completely safe for humans. For instance, onions are very toxic to cats. Also, the quantities that pets need to eat to be affected is much less than we'd have to eat, because of their small size.

However, although many houseplants are perfectly safe, many aren't, and it is necessary to be aware of what ones to avoid.

Cats need to avoid completely: chinese evegreen, crotons, peace lillies, onion, lily spider, rubber plant, iris, evergreen, black-eyed susan, belladonna, daffodil (bulb and plant), tobacco (such as ashtray butts), rhododendron, asparagus fern, rhubarb, english ivy and other ivys, tulip plants and bulbs, lily of the valley, easter lily, aloe vera, holly, oriental lily, chrysanthemum, jasmine, java beans, potato, poppy, mushrooms, umbrella plants, honeysuckle, mistletoe, amaryllis bulbs, apple seeds, sweet pea, poinsettia, yews (all types) tiger lily, baby's breath, marigold, morning glory, philodendron, eggplant, and eucalyptus, which can include a wide selection of plants in your home and larder.

Dogs need to keep away from (among other things): croton, apricot, chinese evergreen, daffodil, easter lilly, jasmine, baby's breath, philodendron, potato, hydrangea, poinsettia, apple, mushrooms, corn plant, honeysuckle, mushrooms, mountain laurel, mother-in-laws tongue, walnuts and many nuts, apple, pear seeds, aloe, holly, umbrella plant, green potatoes (especially the skins), lily of the valley, virginia creeper, peace lily, jade, hyacinth, wisteria, iris, plum, peach, apricot, cherry, pits, schefflera, almond, black-eyed susan, ficus, english ivy, tomato plants (and green tomatoes), and yews. These would include a wide variety of plants in your house and larder.

Note that this list is not complete. If you are in doubt about any plants, do research at your library, or on the Internet, consult knowledgeable friends, or if all else fails, get rid of the item.

Even if you truly value a favorite plant, your dog or cat must come first. If any plant is creating a health problem, it's an easy choice what to do, and you can make the correct decision for your pet's wellbeing.

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 on pets, cat and dog care and animal health and visit our associated site articles for free.