Pet Health Care Tips

Virtual Pets - Why Are Virtual Pets So Popular?

2008-03-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

Virtual pets, also known as a digital pet, are popular all over the world today. Many will say you can trace the virtual pets origin back to the 1970's and the "Pet Rock". The Pet Rock was an ingenious marketing idea. The idea originated in southern California but quickly spread across the United States. The Pet Rock fad only lasted around six months but it laid the ground work for many new ideas in the future.

Virtual Pets were built on the age old idea that you do not need a real live pet to have fun. You can create an emotional connection with an inanimate object. Today Virtual Pets have grown into much more than a passing fad. Virtual Pets have morphed into both physical robots and toys, to strictly digital in manner.

They are enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. VP's (Virtual Pets) are popular with both the young and the old. They have become extremely popular in the big Cities of the world. People in big cities do not have the room to raise a real pet. The Virtual Pet gives them the opportunity to feel the same emotional connection they would with a normal pet. VP's have to be cared for. You have to feed them and give them water; they must be walked and loved. If you do not take care of your Virtual Pet it could die.

There are different kinds of digital pets. A few of the different types are:

• Digital Pets: these are the most prominent. A computer or digital device is used to interact with the virtual pet. More often than not the pet is interacted with in a virtual world that exists in the computer or on the Internet. Games or puzzles are often played to allow the owner to earn money to buy food and care items for their pet. The pet can be bred with other owner's pets and can have offspring. You are limited only by your imagination. These virtual worlds come and go making it difficult to keep an accurate count of how many there are. They are numerous on the internet. Digital pets do come in different types.

Some of these are:

o The online Internet Virtual Pet.

o The desktop digital pet; requires software be installed on your computer.

o The digital device Virtual Pet such as the Palm pilot pet.

• Physical Virtual Pet: these come in several varieties. There are robot dogs, fish aquariums, small plastic pets and therapeutic pets for the sick and elderly.

• MP3 Digital Pets: there are different types here as well. Some of these have morphed over into the cell phone.

These are just some of the many different types of Virtual Pets you will find available for your enjoyment today.

When you tire of your digital pet you can think about creating your own alter ego in a digital person. Virtual people have also been created today. You can now create a digital avatar that looks somewhat like you, and lives in a "Virtual World". Your digital clone can have a digital family and a virtual pet. You can live and interact in huge digital cities and worlds. You can get lost in this fantasy land for days on end. It truly is amazing and great fun. It has taken the idea of the Virtual Pet to the next level.

Whether you decide for a physical Virtual Pet or a digital one you will have hours and hours of fun playing and caring for your pet. So let your imagination run wild. Get your digital pet today.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Virtual-Pets---Why-Are-Virtual-Pets-So-Popular?&id=1013690

Beware of The Creepy Crawly Animals

2008-03-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

A number of people these days are afraid of many bugs and insects because of their innate fear for such things. There is nothing wrong in fearing for such animals as all human beings are afraid of one or the other animal. For instance, there are people who even dread at the sight of domestic animals like cows and dogs. However, that cannot be mistaken for fear psychosis. There are many other small insects that people are usually afraid of.

The most common bug that people are afraid of these days is the household cockroach. Though this insect is not found to be harmful for human beings in any format, people are still afraid of them. The sight of cockroach itself is supposed to have repelled the feelings of many a people in the world. The giant American cockroach in particular is bound to create fear among any person in the world. However, cockroach is harmless. In fact, they are found to clean the house indirectly by feeding on micro organisms and other unnecessary things. At the same time, there are cockroaches, which behave typically like scavengers feeding on food left over and dinner dishes. There have been instances of cockroaches being found in dishes prepared in an unhealthy form. However, consumption of cockroach will not have any negative impact or health hazard among human beings. In some of the far eastern countries, cockroach is treated as a delicacy. If you are very dreadful about the cockroach, always use a repellant to keep them away.

The second most dreaded bug by human beings is the giant hornet and wasp. Both can be deadly when it comes to bites inflicted on human beings. A single bite can cause excruciating pain among the sufferers for a long period. Both wasp and hornet are known to inject juices into the human body whenever they bite any part. Generally, the sting is a defense mechanism. However, often so, it happens that the wasps sting human beings just to keep them away from the nest.

The third most dreaded bug is spider. The spider belongs to a very special category called arthropod. This category has one of the highest concentrations of species and is the most feared by human beings. There are more than hundreds species of spiders omnipresent across the world. The most dreaded of them all is called the tarantula, which is found nesting on the ground. There have been instances of people succumbing to injuries inflicted by the tarantula. Some tarantulas have the habit of injecting mild poison into the human body.

The fourth bug that has caused much anxiety among the human beings is the giant honey bee. An attack by a swarm of bees can cause death of a person in matters of hours. The sting inflicted by the bees is deadly. If a person is stung by more than a dozen bees, it is assumed that he or she needs medical intervention at the earliest. The treatment is over a long period of time. The fifth most dreaded bug in the world can be the house fly or mosquito, which is responsible for a variety of diseases.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Beware-of-The-Creepy-Crawly-Animals&id=1016485

Is Your Child Ready To Own A Pet?

2008-03-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

My mother used to have a rule about long hair that went something like this: "You can have long hair when you are old enough to shampoo it, dry it, and style it yourself."

My mother's long hair rule is now my pet rule. Yes, we've had pets. In fact, we've had as many as seven. Today we have two cats plus Candy the hamster. But periodically my daughter will bend my ear like so: "Can't we get a dog? Please can't we get a dog? They're so cute, and ya know, so-and-so has a dog, and oh, I just want a dog."

And that's when I lean on my mother's rule (because dogs are more work than kitties): So you want to have a pet? Then you need more than a vague notion of how to care for it.

When kids are truly responsible for the pets they own, lots of good things happen. One of them is that their thinking skills have a chance to deepen and grow.

Here are some signs that your child is mentally ready for this kind of commitment. You can bring some of these ideas to consciousness by talking about them and seeing how receptive your child is.

Before Your Pet ArrivesYour child

is involved in the decision to get the pet
talks frequently about having a pet
actively seeks information about the needs of the animal (e.g., a specific breed)
can describe her specific responsibilities once the pet arrives
understands how the pet would affect his routine

After Your Pet Arrives

Your child

executes her responsibilities MOST of the time
can link the pet's behaviour to her own choices and actions
knows that being in charge doesn't mean doing something stupid
knows when to ask for help

And here's one more tip from the pet pros: if you're venturing into pet ownership for the first time, avoid buying a pet on impulse. Pets deserve thoughtful owners and kids need time to prepare for pet ownership. Following these simple guidelines will help your child get the most out of this wonderful experience.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Your-Child-Ready-To-Own-A-Pet?&id=1014479

Pet Therapy Without The Pet

2008-03-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has ever owned a pet will be able to attest to the power of animals as spiritual rejuvenators and psychological healers. Pet owners don't need expensive studies to prove that pet therapy works; we've had first-hand experience of the phenomenon. We also know that the species doesn't make a difference. The only things that matters is that we love them unconditionally and receive more than that in return.

Unfortunately the scientific fraternity doesn't accept the word of those in the know unless it's been corroborated with a grant budget and at least two dozen clipboards. So, pet therapy has been successfully proven to the satisfaction of most scientists (there are always dissidents, even when proving that grass is green). Pets' ability to alleviate depression, loneliness and bring meaning to life has been used in old-age homes, in the treatment of the mentally and physically handicapped, and for terminal patients. They have also been used in poverty stricken areas to bring joy and a sense of responsibility to those living there.

In the spirit of bringing the benefits of pet therapy to the masses, scientists created "the Huggable", a robotic pet designed to simulate relationships with the real thing. New "sensitive skin" technology distinguishes the Huggable from previous generations of robotic pets and toys. The "sensitive skin" has temperature and force sensors, as well as an electric field that enables the Huggable to interpret different types of touch, such as tickling and scratching. It responds with behaviour appropriate to that touch. For example if you stroke its head, it will nuzzle closer to you, and provide the comfort of bodily presence.

The primary role of the Huggable is as a health care application. In addition to its sensitive skin and reactive abilities, it can also collect data about the level and type of interaction from patients and send it to nursing staff. It can detect the early onset of depression or other behavioural changes, enabling staff to treat problems proactively.

The Huggable will be an invaluable resource in overcrowded and understaffed nursing homes and hospitals. It's ideal for institutions and patients that don't have access to pets, or the budget to care for a large number of animals.

No matter how advanced and lifelike the Huggable is, and we can be sure that it will improve with successive models; it will never replace the pure joy provided by the real thing.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Pet-Therapy-Without-The-Pet&id=1017017

The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

2008-03-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Do you pick out a pet to fulfill a need or do you consider the added health benefits of owning a pet?

A great number of people want to have pets simply so that they can have something cute, cuddly or an animal that will always love them, never leave them and never complain. Some people have pets because they need assistance and the pets have been trained to offer them the assistance that they need just to get by.

Still others want to have more exotic pets ... some for the purpose of bragging or showing off and others simply because they have a deep love for nature. Whatever your reason for owning a pet, would you believe that it actually increases your chances of being healthy, lowers your chances of serious disease and even increases your lifespan?

None other than the Center for Disease Control says so. The Center for Disease Control or CDC has conducted a great number of surveys, scientific experiments and other complicated studies in order to help the American public remain healthy. Their research has proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that pet ownership has many health benefits.

Now more than ever, depression is becoming more and more common among people. Treatments for depression often include costly drugs that sometimes have very unpleasant side effects. Sometimes, for some people, the side effects are actually worse than the depression that led them to resort to medication. Well, according to the CDC, pet ownership decreases the incidents and severity of depression.

Heart disease is also a major concern for many people. While the causes for heart attacks and other heart related issues are numerous, pet ownership decreases most of the causes of heart disease. Pet ownership also greatly decreases the likelihood of a heart attack or other fatal heart diseases. Something so simple as a cuddly kitten could very well save your life.

Further studies by the CDC show that pet ownership decreases the levels of LDL or low-density lipoprotein ... also known as the bad cholesterol. Pet ownership has also been directly correlated to a reduction in triglycerides. Triglycerides can be less scientifically defined as the bad and unhealthy fats in food and in your body. A reduction in the levels of triglycerides results in a greatly reduced risk of many heart related issues. Pet ownership can be directly related to a reduction in many heart-related health issues but it still gets better.

Would you believe that pet ownership is proven by a federal government agency to improve your possibilities of having an active and rewarding social life? Yup! According to the CDC, pet ownership will actually increase your opportunities to get out and exercise and be a great conversation starter among members of the opposite sex.

Who knew it was so easy? Would you like a rewarding life replete with great exercise, health benefits and an equally rewarding social life? Believe it or not, according to the CDC, pet ownership not only makes it possible, but probable.

Pet Names - Don't Let Pet Names Become A Nightmare

2008-02-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, finding a name for your pet can be difficult. When people have a pet it is a very personal relationship for them. Pets truly are like children to most people. Pet's very often take on their owner's persona. Television shows have been created around how much pet's look and act like their owners. These shows are very entertaining.

Finding a name for a pet can be just as difficult as naming a child. Most people do not really think about what their pet can understand when naming their pet. We tend to give them all kinds of odd and unique names. Reality is, our pets cannot understand all the incredible names we give them. They usually learn one or two syllables of the name we give them.

Pet owners should think about this when naming their pet. Here are some things pet owners should remember when naming their pet:

• Remember that your pet is only going to recognize one or two syllables. Find a name that is simple and easy for your pet to remember.

• Make it easy for yourself. Pick a name that is easy for you to remember.

• Pick something you will not be embarrassed about. Don't find yourself embarrassed in public calling for your pet; here "Idiot Boy" or come "ugly mutt". Pick something nice and easy; here "Fluffy", come "Rover".

• Popularity: if you are going to be using a kennel or a park to walk your dog you want to use a name that is different. Do not use a name that is so popular that when called another pet may respond. When you call "Rover" you only want your pet to respond.

• Remember your pet will grow and become an adult. Do not use a name that is only appropriate for a young animal. "Kitten" is a good example.

When naming your pet it is always a good idea to wait a few days. Watch your pet's behavior and their personality. Observing your pet for a few days, even a week or two, will give you time to match a name to your pet that is appropriate. For instance; after observing your pet cat for a few days you may determine that it has a very ferocious attitude. Observing this, you may name the cat "Tiger". The Internet is a wonderful tool that can help you name your pet. There are several websites devoted to naming your pet on the Internet. Often, these websites have huge databases of names that you can search. This gives you thousands of names to choose from. You can find websites devoted to every different kind of pet. From A to Z. Don't forget to use this tool when trying to name your pet.

Dog Training - Common House Training Problems

2008-02-29T06:51:00.000-08:00

In terms of dog training, house training is one of the areas of dog ownership and one of the most common dog training problems that is most subject to misunderstanding, confusion, and just plain dread boy dog owners and even dog training experts.

In today's dog training article we are going to examine and learn how to deal with two of the most common problems surrounding the issue of house training your dog:

- Submissive and excited urination

- Scent marking behavior

Common house training problem #1: Submissive and excited urination

What is it a 'submissive urinator'?

A 'submissive urinator', in dog training terms, is a dog that urinates on the floor and himself (and sometimes on you or any guests you may have!) in situations of extreme excitement or stress, like when you return home at the end of the work day or when the dog is being told off for some bad behavior.

Why does this happen?

Puppies are the most usual candidates for submissive/excited urination, but it is also not uncommon to see this behavior in adult dogs as well. Usually, these are highly sensitive and timid dogs, and/or ones from a shelter/with a history of abuse (often these last two go hand-in-hand and one of most common things we see as dog training professionals.)

When does it happen?

Situations which are likely to trigger an excited/fearful dog to urinate: - Greeting time after a prolonged absence of owner - Play time where a dog gets too excited - The arrival of guests (particularly unknown guests) - Stressful situations at home, eg arguments involving owner - During a behavior correction such as you're telling him off - Sudden and unexpected loud noises such as thunder or fireworks

What can I do about it?

Luckily as dog training experts will tell you, it is not difficult to prevent your dog from doing his submissive or excited urination.

Firstly and most importantly, you should take him to the vet to make sure there is no unknown medical reason for the issue (such as diabetes or a hidden bladder infection.)

Next, it's time to take use good dog training techniques to control the problem:

- Try to limit his intake of water to help him control his bladder more effectively, this is very important. Don't restrict his water intake over a prolonged period of time, but if you know there is a situation coming which would normally result in a loss of bladder control, for example, you have guests coming over, or are planning on a play session soon, take his water bowl away for a period of time (maybe half an hour to an hour) before the event.

- When greeting your dog, keep it calm and mellow. The more excited he is, the harder it is for him to control his bladder, so don't encourage him to get worked up: ignore him for the first few moments, or give him a very neutral "hello", a quick and gentle pat, and then go about making yourself at home.

- It's important that you DO NOT punish or harshly correct your dog for this behavior. It is not something that he can easily control, and he's certainly not doing it on purpose. Punishing a dog for this behavior can cause emotional distress and lead to more problems for you and the dog in the long run. When you catch him in the act, you can interrupt him (a firm "No!" followed by praise when he stops should suffice) but don't punish him. Keep your cool, and try to be sympathetic: he doesn't mean to do it, after all!

- If he urinates out of fear (submissiveness) when scolding him for another offense, try to take the stress levels down a notch by keeping a firm, authoritative, but not angry tone. Remember, you're dealing with a sensitive, highly-strung dog: if you get angry or worry him further, the problem will worsen.

Common house training problem #2: Scent marking

In dog training terms 'Scent marking' is where a dog 'marks' his or her territory with urine. Technically this is not actually a house training problem, since it's based on the dog training issues of dominance and territoriality rather than insufficient house training. A dog can be perfectly house trained but still feel the need to mark inside the house.

However, because - since the problem centers around the unwanted presence of urine in the house - it seems logical, in a way, to link this problem with house training. Since this is one of the most widespread problems among dog owners, we as dog training professionals thought it worthwhile to include some practical advice.

Scent marking and lack of house training: how to differentiate between the two

Your dog is most likely scent marking their territory, rather than genuinely relieving himself, if:

- The amount of urine produced is relatively small, and tends to be directed against vertical surfaces such as doors, walls or furniture.

- If your dog is an unneutered male and at least five or six months old. Unneutered dogs are much more territorial than neutered ones. If you have an unneutered dog in the house, you can pretty much expect a certain amount of scent marking as he defines his own areas. It should also be noted that unspayed females also mark, but it is much less common. Spayed and neutered dogs can also exhibit marking behavior, but it's relatively rare but should not be discounted.

- It makes little difference how often he is taken outside for a toilet break

- He frequently targets items that are new to the house such as new possessions, guest clothing/footwear, etc that do not carry some form of his scent

- You live in a multi-dog household and there is conflict between two or more of the dogs. In this case it is a dominance issue between the two and they may both mark.

- There are other, unneutered or unspayed pets in the house

What to do about the problem?

From a dog training perspective the first thing you need to do is spay or neuter your dog(s) as soon as you possibly can. If you can do this early enough, ideally, at six months of age, this often halts marking altogether. If this is not possible or if your dog's been marking for a prolonged period of time, he or she may continue to do so after being spayed or neutered, since a pattern of behavior will have been established.

Ensure you clean soiled areas thoroughly. Use a non-ammonia based cleaner, because it smells just like pee, and stay away from vinegar too, it smells similar to pee as well. Oxi-Clean mixed with warm water is particularly effective on these areas and there are also plenty of commercial cleaners designed specifically to lift pet stains and odors, which you can buy from pet stores and some supermarkets.

Because dogs tend to re-mark the same places, you'll need to redefine the places that you know he's marked to prevent repeat offending.

Many dog training experts will recommend the following ways to do this:

- Feed him next to or on top of the spot

- Play with him there

- Groom him there

- Put his bed over or next to it

- Spend time there yourself: hang out with a book or sit down and work

Finally, one particular aspect of dog training that is often overlooked is if there is rivalry between dogs in the household. In this case you will need to take steps to resolve it. Any conflict is likely to be hierarchical in nature (a 'power struggle'), which means that all you have to do to stop the tension is pay attention to which dog seems to be more dominant than the other one (which one eats first, gets the toys he/she wants, 'stares down' another dog), and reinforce this position to establish the hierarchy.

So how do you do this? From a dog training perspective it is relatively simple. First, feed the dominant dog first. Pet him/her first. Give him/her a toy before anyone else gets one. This makes it clear to all dogs in the house which one really is the dominant dog. When this hierarchy's been recognizably established, territorial and dominant behaviors like scent marking often vanish overnight.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Training---Common-House-Training-Problems&id=878409

Safe Traveling For Your Dog, Cat or Bird

2008-02-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

Every pet owner is faced with the prospect of having to travel with their dog, cat or bird at some point. Whether it is a few days or a few weeks, there are steps and products you can employ to make this a comfortable - if not fun - time for your pet!

When traveling, the most important thing to do is to take frequent breaks. Always buckle your pet in with a harness if you are not using a crate while driving. The safest and most comfortable place for your pet during car travel is in the back seat. When you have your pet in the back seat, always have some sort of bar barrier between the front and back seat -such as the 10 Bar Euro Auto Pet Barrier - or use a hammock-style barrier. This keeps your pet out of the way when you're driving.

A great option for keeping your pet occupied during travel is some sort of cushioned booster seat, which are available for dogs up to 30 lbs. These booster seats are calming for animals that stress easily during travel. Your dog or cat will be able to watch the surroundings, and be cushioned for comfort. Some great booster seats are the Lookout I or II. An option for cat traveling is the Kittywalk Cozy Cabin. All have a seat belt harness for added safety.

Traveling with a bird can sometimes prove precarious. The best way to prepare your feathered friend is to acclimate your bird to a travel cage a few weeks prior to actually traveling. If you are using a crate, and your bird is calm around it, you can acclimate them to the crate. We recommend a travel cage when traveling by car. It allows your bird to look out and see you at the same time. This will provide comfort to your bird during the stress of travel. Some birds actually end up enjoying traveling - they get to look out the car window and see a whole new collection of sights!

Another thing to remember while traveling with your bird is environmental control. NEVER leave any animal in a car without environment control, regardless of the weather outside.

Unfortunately, when traveling with exotic birds such as parrots, theft is common. Never leave your windows rolled down or your doors unlocked when you have to leave a bird in your car. Get a few duplicate car keys and wear one around your neck while traveling. If you make a pit stop and you have to leave your car out of your sight with your bird inside, lock the doors with the car still running (for environmental control), and use your extra key to open the door when you get back. Only be gone for a minute or two at the most, and always cover your bird when you leave him behind in your car to deter theft.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Lee

Pet Checklist - 12 Points To Consider When Buying A Pet

2008-02-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

When you and your family are making the decision to purchase a pet, you will want to go through a checklist in order to make sure that it is the right decision for everyone involved. It is a major life event when bringing a pet into the home and the decision should not be taken lightly.

With a set guideline or checklist ahead of time, you will ensure that you are making the correct choice and there will be no anxiety once your pet comes home to meet his new family. Nothing can be more gratifying than having a family pet grow and thrive with you and your family over the years.

1- Room: Is there space for a pet in your home? Larger animals need space for exercise each day while smaller caged animals need just a small desk or counter-top. Depending on the type of ample space you have will portray what type of pet you will be able to house.

2 - Lifestyle: Does a pet fit your lifestyle? For many busy families a pet will not fit into their schedule. You will need to be sure that there is time for a new companion in your home that may need walking each day, or just a few minutes of simple contact in order to thrive in your home.

3 - Cost: How much are you willing to spend on a pet? Are you financially able to maintain that pet if such things as vet bills become high? Determining your budget will show if you can really afford the maintenance such as yearly exams, periodic vet bills in the event of illness, etc.

4 - Regulations: Are you able to legally own a pet? Some families who rent are not able to have animals in various apartment buildings or condominiums, while some town homes and condominium associations have stipulations on what size of animal is allowed on the premises. Checking out all the necessary rules before purchasing your new family member.

5 - Pet Supplier: Will you be choosing a pet shop or local breeder for your pet? Some people decide on animals that are at local animal shelters. Be sure to do extensive checks on where your pet comes from, especially if they claim to be purebred.

6 - Traveling: Do you travel a lot? Are you able to travel with your pet or would you have to find alternative arrangements for your pet while you are gone.

7 - Veterinarians: Do you have a vet close by that you can consult in times of need? If you do not have a licensed animal care provider it may discourage you from choosing an animal that needs regular care.

8 - Activities: What type of activities do you enjoy doing as a family? Are these activities the type that you will be taking your pet with you? A pet is a member of your family and should not be left at home if you are enjoying time outside where they could be as well.

9 - Allergies: Do you know anyone with pet allergies? This can have a direct result on the type of pet you decide on if you get one at all. Some may find that it is not feasible since their mother visits each year for 2 weeks in the summer and is highly allergic to animals.

10 - Other pets: Do you have other pets that need to adapt to a new member? If so, this can be a very touchy situation when bringing in other animals into a '1 pet home'.

11 - Previous Pet Experience: Do you have any experience with owning a pet? If not, are you willing to do the necessary research in order to know how to take care of your pet properly?

12 - Responsibility: Is the responsibility of this new pet yours alone or will it be a shared family task? Be sure to set ground rules with everyone in the family so that it is a decision everyone is happy with.

If you are still considering a family pet even after going through this simple checklist and finding out that what you are looking for is a companion and a friend then you are ready to go out and purchase your new pet. After going through this list you will be well equipped with some basic knowledge about what you need to know when purchasing a new animal for your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers

Sure-fire Tricks To Liberate Your Pets From Stress

2008-02-27T04:05:00.000-08:00

Pets also have the right to be stressed too.

As most pet lovers know and all people should know, animals do go under stress as well.

It is more pitiful to see our beloved pets just slouching in a corner and never able to say a word but we just know inside that they do have something bothering them. Stress in pets do have a lot of complications which can be fatal if not taken cared of. And losing a pet is something some people do take years to get over with.

Hundreds and thousands of articles have been written on how pets can reduce a person's stress but do we think of their feelings as well? Outward signs include restlessness, ear-banging howling, peeing more than the usual, food-dropping, out-of-the ordinary panting and drooling, coughing, shaking, trembling, dilated pupils and diarrhea.

De-stressing the pets is a way to repay them for all the unexplained joy they have given to our lives. They have become part of our family and the bond is so strong that some regard them as their own children. Giving them a break can do a lot of good for them.

1. Take them to the vet.

First and foremost, a trip to the veterinarian's office is a must. The stress may have inflicted health complications so it's a good move to have the vet check them out first.

2. Tag them along on a vacation.

Just like humans, your pets need a break from the hustle and bustle. Relaxing vacation spots contribute to their well-being. A new environment will definitely invigorate their senses. It will also be the perfect time to bond with your pets too.

3. Visit your nearest pet spa.

A day at the pet spa will never ever hurt your dog. The nail clipping, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning and bathing do give your pets that refreshing feeling and it will be more alleviating for them if you go hands-on during the grooming session, this will give the feeling that you truly care for them.

4. Schedule play dates with other pets.

A good company is always a good way to de-stress your pets. Maybe all they need is a little play time with their kind. Just like us, no animal is an island all the time. Socializing should be part of their calendar as well.

5. Shower them with new pet accessories.

Why not do some retail therapy for your pet? Maybe they just need something to chew on or cuddle with or lie on. Changing their sheets can definitely do something good.

6. Make them eat something new.

Maybe their sick and tired of what's on the table, so to speak. Try giving them new brands and see if they'll like it. Just don't forget to consult your vet as well for any allergic reactions.

7. Spend a day with them alone.

Maybe they just need your warmth and presence. As they say, the greatest gift you can give is your time. And this can apply to your pets too.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Buying Pet Medications Online

2008-02-26T05:05:00.000-08:00

We all know just how expensive pet medications can be whether you purchase them at your local vet's office or at the local retail store. The hassles of finding the best product at the best time can be very frustrating, especially when you do not have the time to read the back of each product or cannot find the one your vet recommends. Today, all the hassles have been diminished with the use of the internet and the ability to find many products online.

The best reason to look for pet medications online is that you do not have to leave the comfort of your home to order the same quality meds that your vet recommends. There is absolutely no difference in the quality or brands available online and at your vet's office. You can find such name brand products as Frontline for fleas and ticks, Arthogen for healthy bones and joints, Atopica for the control of atopic dermatitis, C.E.T. Chews for cats and dogs to promote healthy dental care.

Not only will you find all the products online that you desire, but you will be saving yourself time by purchasing online. You will not have to worry about go out in all kinds of weather to purchase the pet supplies you need to ensure that your pet stays healthy during every season of the year. A matter of fact, you will not only be saving time, but money. With gasoline prices rising every day, think of the money you will save by not driving your car.

Remember, purchasing online is no different that buying them at your vet's office except that you will not have the hassles accompanied with going out on those cold winter days or those blistering hot summer days to find the perfect flea and tick control for your dog or cat. All the products you find online are the same manufacturers that you have trusted with the well-being of your pet for many years.

Purchasing pet medications online is convenient, many times cheaper than what you find at your vet's office and so much more less hassle. Give yourself a treat by checking into purchasing all your pet care needs online, you will be glad you did that very first cold winter morning when your pet needs attention.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Care of Pet Rats

2008-02-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

For centuries, rats have been much maligned by "civilized" society. Like mice, rats are unjustly accused of being "slimy," "disease-ridden," and "filthy." Urban legends tell of rats the size of dogs running rampant in the sewers and attacking people from dark alleys. The truth of the matter is, they are some of the cleanest, healthiest animals you could ask for. They require no vaccinations as they carry no communicable diseases. Indeed, the Black Plague of the Dark Ages was not caused directly by rats but rather by fleas that lived on the rats. Although the truth about rats is slowly overshadowing the myths and wives' tales, many people still operate under the assumption that they are free-agents and, therefore, requiring of little care. While taking care of pet rats doesn't involve unorthodox amounts of time or money, they are extremely intelligent, affectionate creatures who will either thrive or fail depending on the type of care they receive. Help your pet thrive by heeding the following advice.

First and foremost, rats are not solitary creatures. A lonely one is a recipe for disaster, both physically and mentally. For that reason, you should always buy a same-sex pair when you go to purchase your new friends. Two can live quite comfortably in a large wire cage made specifically for large rodents, especially if it contains several levels for your pets to explore and climb about on. Unlike their smaller rodent counterparts, rats do not need an exercise wheel. You will, however, need to add a large hanging water bottle, a heavy food crock, and a nesting box to your pet rat care checklist. Try to avoid wooden or cheap plastic nest boxes unless you want to replace them frequently, as your pets will gnaw them to smithereens. Speaking of gnawing, rats are chewers by nature and should be provided with pet-safe wood blocks and other toys that are meant specifically for the enjoyment of chewing rodents. If you decide to let your friends out for supervised playtime, be sure that any dangerous chewables (like electric cords) are out of reach! As for bedding, avoid pine or cedar shavings and opt instead for hardwood shavings such as those made of aspen. Clean their cage thoroughly at least once a week, changing the bedding and scrubbing down the toys and accessories.

Rats enjoy a varied diet, but again, as with mice, avoid feeding them cheese. They love dry cereal (no sugar, please!), fresh veggies, fresh fruit, and whole wheat bread and crackers. A food made specifically for these creatures should also always be provided, as it will offer a complete source of nutrition in addition to the other foods you choose to feed. Avoid feeding your pet anything that might be considered junk food, and remove any food from the cage that might spoil if it remains uneaten for too long.

As was previously mentioned, rats are extremely intelligent creatures, therefore, proper care of your friends requires intellectual stimulation in the form of interactive play and training. Many rats will love perching on your shoulder as you do chores, watch television, knit, or even take a walk around the block. They also enjoy riding in pockets and fanny packs. They can also be litter trained and taught to come when you call their name. While rats are, by nature, nocturnal, they are also highly adaptive and will adjust their sleeping and waking schedules around your interaction with them. Thus, many of them will be awake and ready to play when they hear you come in the door from work or school.

If caring for a pet rat sounds like a positive, enlightening experience, then it's time to put some effort into finding the perfect one (or preferably, two) for you. Due to the increasing popularity of rats as pets, breeders are cropping up everywhere, and rats can often be found for sale in the newspaper. You should also consider checking to see if there's a rat rescue near your hometown, or you could call the local animal shelter to ask if they ever offer them for adoption. Pet stores are also a good option, provided the ones available are healthy and well cared for. Spread the good word and show the world you know the truth about pet rats by becoming the proud new owner of a delightful pair or passel of these fascinating, affectionate creatures.

Dog Training - Common House Training Problems

2008-02-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

In today's dog training article we are going to examine and learn how to deal with two of the most common problems surrounding the issue of house training your dog:

- Submissive and excited urination

- Scent marking behavior

Common house training problem #1: Submissive and excited urination

What is it a 'submissive urinator'?

Why does this happen?

When does it happen?

What can I do about it?

Luckily as dog training experts will tell you, it is not difficult to prevent your dog from doing his submissive or excited urination.

Firstly and most importantly, you should take him to the vet to make sure there is no unknown medical reason for the issue (such as diabetes or a hidden bladder infection.)

Next, it's time to take use good dog training techniques to control the problem:

Common house training problem #2: Scent marking

Scent marking and lack of house training: how to differentiate between the two

Your dog is most likely scent marking their territory, rather than genuinely relieving himself, if:

- The amount of urine produced is relatively small, and tends to be directed against vertical surfaces such as doors, walls or furniture.

- It makes little difference how often he is taken outside for a toilet break

- He frequently targets items that are new to the house such as new possessions, guest clothing/footwear, etc that do not carry some form of his scent

- You live in a multi-dog household and there is conflict between two or more of the dogs. In this case it is a dominance issue between the two and they may both mark.

- There are other, unneutered or unspayed pets in the house

What to do about the problem?

Because dogs tend to re-mark the same places, you'll need to redefine the places that you know he's marked to prevent repeat offending.

Many dog training experts will recommend the following ways to do this:

- Feed him next to or on top of the spot

- Play with him there

- Groom him there

- Put his bed over or next to it

- Spend time there yourself: hang out with a book or sit down and work

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Kids, Cats and Dogs

2008-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

There are some common sense steps to take when it comes to either choosing a pet for the family, or trying to adjust a family pet to having a new baby in the house.

So many women, for some odd reason, decide to introduce a new pet to the family home when a new baby is expected. Perhaps all those hormones running up one leg and down the other are making some devilment with the old decision making abilities, because obviously this is the worst possible time to bring a new pet into the house.

Bad enough to buy a small pet, some people go the whole hog and purchase a Great Dane puppy or some equally large breed of dog. This poor animal's emotional needs and training issues are going to be set firmly aside as soon as Junior makes an appearance, so it is far kinder to leave well alone and invest in a smaller pet who might not require so much of your time when there is so little of it to go around, to avoid jealous confrontations between you and your pet.

If you already have a cat in the house, please be aware that cats love to settle down next to a nice warm baby to sleep. Very often if you ban a cat from baby's room or punish it for going near the new arrival, the cat will resent the discipline and try even harder to gain access to this new bundle smelling of baby powder, who takes all pussycats' lap space, previously reserved for him alone!

There is no reason why pets and babies cannot exist in the same house harmoniously, provided precautions are taken not to allow animals to go too near a newborn in view of infection and the dangers of suffocation should the animal settle close to the baby's face etc. Try to remember to make a fuss of your cat or dog when baby is around, so they are less likely to suffer feelings of rejection, especially if you have spoiled the animal prior to baby's arrival.

If you have a young family and have decided a pet would be welcome, choose sensibly. Fully matured animals of a breed known to have a possessive nature, such as German Shepherds, Pit bull Terriers, Welsh Collies etc, are not a brilliant idea, especially if you have no idea of their history. If you are choosing from the Pound there are so many smaller breeds with gentle dispositions, such as Labradors, Retrievers and Spaniels. A dog that dives on your children immediately and starts trying to chew their sleeves might be comical to watch but you are likely to have trouble with such a boisterous nature.

It is far better to try out a gentle dog, perhaps one that is already house-trained and obedient, especially if you have a limited amount of time to spend training.

As for cats, beware of the growling species! Those who are gentle by nature will always rub against your hand and purr loud enough to hear, so listen to what you are being told!

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Are Pets Good For Children?

2008-02-22T04:57:00.000-08:00

Most parents will, at one time or another, be asked by their children if they can have a pet of some sort. Kids and pets go together like ham and eggs on a Sunday morning. Most people agree that kids should have pets. Not only does having a pet teach a child the responsibility of caring for another living creature, but it creates a bond between the child and the animal.

Pets ask for very little but give unconditional love to their owners. Most children are interested in animals the minute they see these creatures. According to many psychiatrists, children who grow up with pets tend to be more caring towards other individuals.

In addition to creating empathy, pets can also raise a child's self esteem. A pet will always be there for a child, even when it seems as if nothing else is going right. There is a comfort that most people, children and adults, find in being unconditionally loved.

Studies of heart attack victims indicate that those who have pets are four times more likely to recover from their heart attack than those without pets. Pets calm us. The stabilize us in a highly unstable world. No matter what is going on in your life, your pet will still want to be walked at a certain time and you will do it because it is part of your routine.

Routines are the mainstay of a healthy mind. Routines are just as important to children as they are to adults. One thing that children like to feel more than anything else is safe. One way to get security in your life and your child's life is through routine. Pets force us to maintain a routine, making the entire family more balanced.

Just about everyone agrees that pets are good for kids. Even if it is a simple goldfish swimming around in a bowl, pets can teach children so many of life's lessons that they are well worth the investment. The type of pet that you get your kids depends upon their age as well as your lifestyle.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tips On Buying The Right Food For Your Pet

2008-02-21T04:56:00.000-08:00

Food is one of the most important necessities in your pet's life. It provides the nutrients they need in order to grow and develop into mature animals as well as giving them the energy they need each day to enjoy life by your side. There is a vast array of manufacturers that provide food for all animals and it can be a confusing task to decipher all the ingredients, proteins and benefits of each one in order to choose the very best one for your pet.

Depending on the type of pet you have, you will still have to do some research to find out exactly what you should be providing them for their main meals as well as any snacks or treats on the side. You can find a multitude of information on the Internet, from friends or family with similar animals, or even from sales representatives at your local pet shop. When it comes down to the final decision though, you are the responsible one who will choose what you feel is best for your pet, not your aunt or the guy in the pet store.

With the awareness of organic foods for the public in every supermarket and health food store, there has also grown the niche for organic pet food. There are many painstaking efforts that go into providing a balanced meal for your pet that is free of many additives that are not necessary for your pet's nutritional health and yet are included in many other manufactured pet foods.

Organic pet foods are not always available at every pet store or grocery store where other popular brands are sold, thus making it harder to find for some pet owners. With the increased awareness, organic meals are being produced more than ever, but due to the nature of the process, these types of foods for your pet are generally more expensive than a store-brand bag of dry food that you could pick up at any local corner store. As with any food for your pets, there are positives and negatives to each.

Price is not always an indication of the quality of food, but it tends to be a good guide for the market shopper. If you examine the store-brand plain dry food, you may find the ingredients to list not as many proteins or pure foods like some other popular brands. Additives may be more abundant in cheaper brands, but they can still be apparent in many higher-priced brand name pet foods. Just like you shop for your own health and wellness, be sure to read the labels and shop for your pet's health and wellness.

There can be side effects to supplying the low-cost alternative food for your pets in some cases. Your pet can develop anywhere from mild to severe health issues that are directly related to the type of food provided. With some cats, liver problems and kidney stones can develop rapidly if not provided with a good quality food each day. You will want to be sure that you are doing everything you can in order to maintain your pet's health and wellness for years to come.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

3 Tips for Traveling With Your Pet on a Business Trip

2008-02-20T04:55:00.000-08:00

There are many business executives and managers who love their cats and dogs so much that they can't stand to be separated from their loving animal friends, even on a business trip.

If you are traveling with you pet, here are 3 golden tips for a comfortable travel experience:

1) Take Hydration Gel packages with you to make sure your pet will have clean and safe water to drink and will not be dehydrated. Especially dogs love these drip-free gel packs which are 95% water and sold under different brand names. Open it only when you are ready to use it. Since most of them come in 8 ounce pouches, pack them with your check-in baggage if you are flying.

2) Make sure you have the proper documentation if you are traveling overseas with your pet. Every country requires different set of documents.

France, for example, requires your pet to have rabies shot and carry a microchip, plus the "EU Veterinary Certificate."

China also wants rabies shot and quarantine for 7 days. After that, you are supposed to keep your pet in voluntary quarantine at home for an additional 23 days.

Call the consulate or the Embassy of the country you are traveling to for the most updated requirements to save yourself last-minute surprises at entry.

3) Get a proper Pet Crate if you are traveling by air.

For short flights under 6 hours some airlines accept small pets traveling with their owners. But there is a maximum number of pets allowed in cabin on every flight and it varies from one airline to another. Most reliable mode of transportation is to have your pet travel in pressurized and temperature-controlled pet cargo section.

The pet crate must be an IATA/APHIS approved container with built in water and food bowls, with ventilation holes on all four sides, and large enough for your pet to be able to turn around in it.

Tips On Buying The Right Food For Your Pet

2008-02-20T03:30:00.000-08:00

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Common Foods Harmful to Pets

2008-02-19T03:29:00.000-08:00

As responsible pet owners we must be diligent about protecting our pets from harm. Besides taking care of their basic safety needs and seeing that they get regular veterinary care, this should also include closely monitoring the foods they eat. This is especially true if you are feeding your dog or cat any type of human food.

Some people have always given their pets human food as a treat in addition to their own dog or cat chow. However, in light of the recent pet food recalls throughout the United States and some other regions, many pet parents are opting to make their own, completely forgoing commercially made pet foods.

While this may offer peace of mind for some, it may not be safe without knowing what foods you can and can't give to your pet, as well as learning their exact nutritional needs.

Before you head to the cupboard or pantry to prepare your pet's next meal, make it a point to learn what foods and products may actually do your dog or cat more harm than good.

Common foods that are harmful to pets include:

Chocolate
Coffee, caffeine
Alcohol
Xylitol
Grapes
Raisins
Avocados
Macadamia nuts
Onions
Garlic
Chives
Milk
Raw or undercooked meat
Raw eggs
Bones
Yeast dough

Many people may be surprised to see milk on the list of foods that can be harmful to our pets. Although they may like the taste, cats and dogs, unlike most humans, do not have enough lactase, which is the enzyme needed to break down the lactose in milk. Milk, as well as other milk-based dairy products, may cause digestive difficulties in pets, particularly dogs. Diarrhea, upset stomach, and even vomiting can occur, especially in younger pets, after drinking milk.

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener commonly used in products labeled "sugar-free," is extremely harmful to animals, especially dogs, although perfectly safe for human consumption. Xylitol, which causes an excess of insulin production in most types of animals possibly leading to liver failure, can be found in snacks such as baked goods, candy, gum, and even in certain toothpastes.

Warning signs of xylitol poisoning include:

Vomiting
Lethargy
Loss of muscle coordination
Seizures

If you think that your dog or cat may have eaten something toxic, immediately contact your veterinarian or your local poison control center without delay.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Kids, Cats and Dogs

2008-02-18T03:28:00.000-08:00

There are some common sense steps to take when it comes to either choosing a pet for the family, or trying to adjust a family pet to having a new baby in the house.

It is far better to try out a gentle dog, perhaps one that is already house-trained and obedient, especially if you have a limited amount of time to spend training.

As for cats, beware of the growling species! Those who are gentle by nature will always rub against your hand and purr loud enough to hear, so listen to what you are being told!

Buying Pet Medications Online

2008-02-17T03:27:00.000-08:00

Social Anxiety - The Top 5 Pets That Can Help You

2008-02-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Pets can be more than just companions; they can also aid you in overcoming your social anxiety.

Treat a pet kindly, and it will love you for who you are. He/she will never judge you for your looks or shyness. He will depend on you to keep him alive. He will be there to comfort and play with you or make you laugh when you are having a bad day. He will shower you with love and reduce your loneliness if you have any.

Some pets require walks (the five listed here can all be taken for walks). For many people, a pet is like their security blanket or their guardian that they can take almost anywhere with them. The fact that their companion is with them in public can help reduce some anxious feelings. By having a pet with you, you have a good conversation starter right there, especially with like minded people. Don't be surprised if someone stops to compliment your critter.

Pets are a great way to meet like minded, friendly people on forums or even clubs. Just remember, always research any pet before buying one. They all need certain housing, diet, and daily interaction time. A pet can be a big commitment.

Here are five great pet choices to help you with your anxiety:

Pet #5: Guinea Pig

The potential of a guinea pig as a pet is overlooked by many. If kept as an indoor companion and given attention daily, their true loving and funny nature will shine through. Guinea pigs communicate with their owners through various sounds, including purring, and many love to be cuddled and petted. A well socialised guinea pig is sure to brighten anyone's day.

Pet #4: Cat

Cats are the most curious and psychic of pets. Despite their independent reputation, many of them love their owners unconditionally and will cuddle up to you and show their appreciation as they purr. They are happy to sleep next to their owners and will comfort them when they sense something is wrong.

There is one individual cat in particular who lives in a hospital and can sense when patients are about to die (before anyone else knows). It will cuddle up next to the patient and stay with them so that they are never alone.

Pet #3: Horse

Horses have been known to help treat people with all sorts of mental disorders - including social anxiety. Riding a horse involves learning or mastering a skill and has been known to enhance one's confidence and self esteem in tackling new areas.

Horses are sensitive to verbal and non-verbal cues, and communication with a horse is vital in working with one. Horses also need to be cared for through grooming, feeding, and cleaning and rely upon their owners. They are also playful and loving creatures.

Pet #2: Dog

Dogs are commonly kept as pets, and for a good reason! They have been domestically bred for a very long time, and are well adapted to living in homes and interacting with people. Dogs can be playful, cuddly, incredibly affectionate, and can also guard their owners and keep them safe.

There are many different breeds (including mixed breeds) out there, and different types suit different people. Dogs are usually not low maintenance pets, so make sure you can make that commitment to keeping a companion dog.

Pet #1: Parrot

Cross a dog with a cat and a human child, and you have a parrot. While opinions may differ, for me, a parrot is the ultimate pet.

A parrot doesn't give love unconditionally at first, you have to earn it. But once a parrot bonds to you... wow. It will make you feel like the most important person in the world. A parrot that is well socialized with humans will also be friendly towards strangers, but you will always be his number one person.

Parrots are loving and affectionate, incredibly playful and silly, many love to be cuddled, and yes, even a parrot can be taken into public with you as long as he wears a harness. The special talent that the parrot has is his ability to speak 'in context'. They easily learn to associate human words with objects, actions, and sounds and can communicate to you on an incredible level.

Parrots need just as much, often more, attention as a pet dog does. They live for a very long time, and may even outlive you. If you have no experience keeping parrots, it is best to start off with a smaller species, such as a cockatiel or quaker.

Just about any pet can help that little bit more (or for some people, a lot more) in coping with social anxiety. Rats, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles, and fish have also been known to add happiness to a person's life.

Pet Food and Health Issues

2008-02-16T03:26:00.000-08:00

When it comes to our family pet are we doing as much as we can about the most recent spotlight on the pet food and health issues of our beloved animals? Maybe we should take a closer look at how we, as custodians of our pets, need to take new issue with the dangers that come with the commercial preparation of our pet's food.

We as a society are greatly concerned about the safety of the food we eat. We all like to think we are doing the best for our family, so we check out all the ingredient labels, thoroughly read all the warning labels, and teach ourselves how to read and understand the nutrition charts. Our families are, without a doubt, healthier and happier for it. We are good custodians of our family.

But what about the other family members that do not eat from our tables, but can only sit under and beg for some scraps or wait for the pity droppings or carelessness of young fingers? Do you know and understand what they are being fed in processed commercial pet foods? Do you know what their nutrition needs are? If we tell others our pets are like members of our family, can we, in good conscience, say we are doing the best when it comes to the healthy nutrition of our pets?

In most cases the answer to this is no. Unless we take the advice of our veterinarian to heart and learn as much about animal nutrition as we learn about the human dietary needs, then we are not doing right by these trusting and loving creatures. The problem is that can they never tell you if there is a problem. You have to know your pet well enough and pay enough attention to their daily activities and problematic symptoms to know when something is amiss. One of the most recent problems with pet health comes in the form of commercial pet foods that are not good for your pets. It has been discovered that some of the bagged, boxed, and canned foods we feed our animals may be slowly killing them. And it is not a very peaceful death.

The pet food companies list the ingredients that they themselves put into the pet food. But the basic ingredients that are put into the pet foods are obtained from elsewhere, and they do not have to list what these scraps, renderings, and leftover bits and pieces have for ingredients. As long as their basic governmental guidelines are followed, they can put into the finishing product whatever base they obtain. If you consider the amount of hormones, antibiotics, and other drugs injected into the chickens, pigs, and cattle (among other components) it becomes clear that your pet is ingesting many more things than is natural for the species. The buildup of these ingredients, especially long-term, can be devastating to your pet.

As one example, most all dry pet foods contain the preservative, EQ (ethoxyquin). It is one of the most powerful of all preservatives and also the most toxic. Long term effects can be spleen, liver, and stomach cancers, immune deficiency disorders, and because of the many other illnesses it can cause, one of the most critical signs you should watch out for is a major behavior change. If your passive dog suddenly becomes aggressive for no identifiable reason, you should check the pet food, then check with the veterinarian about your pet food and health issues. It is such a potent preservative that factory workers who regularly work with the chemical have shown the same symptoms and health problems that have been proven to be caused by Agent Orange. Can we afford to take such a chance with the pets we love so dearly?

The bottom line is, you need to learn all you can about the problems with commercial pet foods. You need to establish with your veterinarian a clear plan to follow to keep you own family pet happy and healthy. Pets need more than daily exercise, love, and a pat on the head. They need a champion that will take care of them and their pet food and health issues. That's what you're there for. Please be a good guardian to those who cannot do it on their own.

Different Ways Of Transporting Your Pet Safely

2008-02-15T00:33:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to transport your pet. Depending on the reason for the transportation, it can be a quick and easy trip for both of you, or it can be a lengthy excursion that needs detailed planning in order to work for both of you. You will want to be sure to take any necessary steps to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet during any traveling.

For making those short trips by vehicle, you have various options to choose from. Some large dogs that are typically put in the back of a truck can still be stationed there safely with a manufactured harness built especially for keeping them safe in the back box of a truck while the vehicle is in motion. For smaller animals such as smaller dogs or cats, there are seat belts that can be adapted for the inside of your vehicle in order to keep them stationary and safe. If you have a pet that does not stay stationary during travel or might harm themselves or others around them if being secured, you may want to invest in a carrier. By using a carrier they are free to relax inside during their short venture and are still able to see what is happening around them without posing a threat in a moving vehicle. There are many styles and sizes of carriers to choose from, so you have many options when it comes to colour, design or even ease of mobility.

For those larger trips in some countries there are pet transportation services. These companies do all the necessary work in order to prepare and transport your pet safely and efficiently to their destination. This type of company can be helpful if you have never transported a pet before and are unaware of the regulations for air or train travel for a live animal. They will have completed everything for you so you can relax knowing that your pet is in good hands and will see you at your final destination.

If it is a bird that you are transporting, you would be fine to use a small cage or even a cardboard box with air holes through it, but you would need a type of harness in order to eliminate the possibility of your bird flying away in fright once it has been released at the destination. There are a variety of harnesses or suits to fit birds of all sizes for this very reason. Your pet is part of your family and you will want to protect them from any dangers on the outside.

No matter which option you choose for your type of travels you will want to make sure that you are not sedating your pet. According to veterinarians, sedation can be harmful, and sometimes even fatal, for animals during travel. Do not feel that sedating them will make their trip, or yours, any easier. A pet that is well traveled with his owner will become accustomed to it and be a great companion on the road as well as at home.

Serious Health Signs in Pets

2008-02-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

When do you know you have to take your pet to the veterinarian? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then the time is immediately. There might be other signs, but these are the basic ones experts insist you must pay attention to:

Has your pet lost its appetite for more than two days?
Has your pet vomited more than twice?
Has your pet had diarrhea for more than two days?
Does your pet vomit and have diarrhea?
Is your pet behaving with unusual listlessness - brooding, hiding in the bushes, lacking enthusiasm for its favorite activities?
Has your pet collapsed?
Has your pet had a seizure or an uncontrolled muscle spasm?
Does your pet seem confused or disoriented?
Is your pet walking into things or circling without apparent reason?
Is your pet's body temperature more than 103F?
Is your pet having problems with breathing?
Does your pet have discharges from mouth and/or nose and is it breathing fast?
Is your pet bleeding from the mouth, nose, ears, anus, vulva or penis?
Have you observed blood in your pet's stool or vomit?
Does your pet flinch in pain when touched, when getting up or lying down? Does it display other signs of pain?
Is your pet suffering from a bite, large cut, or cut that bleeds so profusely you cannot stop it?
Do you suspect a broken bone?
Have you any cause to think that your pet has eaten poison?
Does your pet drink abnormal amounts of water? Is it urinating excessively?
Is your cat acting strangely in the litter box?
Is your pet's ear inflamed or discharging?
Is your pet's eye swollen, glazed, protruding, or discharging purulent material? Is the pupil unusually dilated?

Take your pet to the vet as soon as you can if you pet has any of the following signs of illness:

Lack of alertness and interest in the world.
Discharges.
Scratching.
Dull coat, hair loss, or irritated, unhealthy skin.
Lameness.
Overweight or unexplained weight loss.
Coughing or sneezing.
Swellings.
Constipation or incontinence.
Bad breath, abnormal teeth or gums.
Scooting rear end on the ground.

Note about pet birds: See your vet if the bird acts sick, sneezes, or vomits. Observe stools for diarrhea or constipation. Separate the bird from other birds, and keep it warm.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Care of Pet Rats

2008-02-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

Obesity in Cats and Dogs

2008-02-12T11:52:00.000-08:00

Obesity in cats and dogs comes from the same cause as in human beings - the body takes in more energy than it puts out. Life is too easy, food too available. Too much food and too little exercise, along with a low metabolism rate, can make your pet balloon up fast. One cat in every 10 is overweight. Four dogs in every 10 are overweight. Why is this cause for worry? You love your pet fast as much as thin. But a fat pet has greater risk of diseases of the skin, heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys. Overweight can contribute to diabetes. It puts a burden on joints and contributes to osteoarthritis. And it increases a tendency to suffer from heat stroke and lengthens recovery time from surgery. As anyone who has had a fat animal knows, treating pet obesity is harder than preventing it. If your pet has a tendency to put on pounds, try the following:

Check your dog or cat for extra weight by feeling its sides - you should be able to feel the ribs easily. If there is more than ¼ inch of fat between fur and ribs, the animal is overweight. You should be able to see a waistline from above on a dog.
Know what your pet weighs, and keep track of it. Most vets have a scale on which you can weigh your dog. You can also weigh your pet at home if it is light enough to pick up easily in your arms. First weigh yourself. Then hold your pet in your arms and step on the scale. Subtract your weight from the combined weight of you and your pet.
Check with your veterinarian before putting your dog or cat on a diet. In general, reduce caloric intake to 75 percent of what an animal of its weight should normally eat. Buy food that is low in fat - compare labels. For dogs, add fiber, like a bulking agent (Metamucil), bran, or canned vegetables (to 10-15 percent of the animal's food). Commercial diet foods come with instructions on how much food to give to animals of various sizes for safe weight loss. Change the diet in increments (shift foods) rather than all at once, otherwise the animal may get diarrhea. Supplement with multivitamins. Most important, discuss your animal's diet with your veterinarians.
Try feeding an overweight dog or cat more often. Take the daily ration and divide it into three meals, for instance.
Give your dog plenty of exercise, but increase it slowly. Don't exercise the animal within an hour after eating. Small dogs may need only the exercise they get in the house or yard. Older dogs may need only to be taken for walks. Other dogs can chase balls or sticks. You can take your cat for a walk on a leash, too, if you use a harness rather than a collar, which might choke it.
Don't feed your animal from the table, and try to stop feeding snacks like kitty treats and dog biscuits, which are high in fats. Animals are very good at begging, and all your efforts to help your pet lose weight may be foiled by one tender-hearted but unenlightened family member who slips the pet treats on the sly. Convince the members of the family that it is a kindness to help the animal lose weight. Be hard-hearted. If you do feed treats, figure in the calories.

Three Key Ingredients to Raising Healthy Cats and Dogs

2008-02-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this today, you are a proud mom or pop of a darling animal that loves you unconditionally, doesn't talk back, is there when you need them and brings joy into your every day life. I, myself, am the human of two sweet kitties: Wellington and Lacie. They are the one constant in my life when things get tough and have endured a move each year including two Atlantic Coast trips. I love my babies and as a natural health and wellness professional and advocate I extend my natural health knowledge to maintain and improve the health of my pets.

Diet, fish oil supplementation and other holistic and alternative therapies are essential to keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy.

When I began researching about the pet food I was feeding my cats, I was alarmed by the finding. This is a very unregulated industry and the bi-products and chemicals are frightening.

According to Dr. Richard Pitcairn in his book, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, there is no mandatory federal inspection of ingredients used in pet food manufacturing.In all but two or three states, the law allows pet food makers to use "4-D sources", that is tissues from animals that are dead, dying, disabled or diseased when they arrive at the slaughterhouse.Another shocking fact is that before meat even arrives at the rendering plant it has already been saturated with chemicals.

To comply with government regulations all meat rejected by slaughterhouses must be "denatured"; a procedure designed to make it unpalatable to humans, thus ensuring it cannot be resold as human grade meat.There are a variety of methods used.Dr. Wendell Belfied, DVM (former USDA vet) wrote in "Let's Live" magazine:"In my time as a veterinary meat inspector, we denatured with carbolic acid (phenol, a potentially corrosive disinfectant) and/or creosote (used to preserve wood, also a disinfectant)."

According to federal meat inspection regulations fuel oil, kerosene, carbolic acid and citronella are the approved denaturing materials used. Other foods rejected by the USDA that ends up in pet foods include moldy grains and rancid animal fats. According to an article in "Environmental News" (March '99) a large percentage of commercial pet food is made up of meat by-products: a toxic brew containing diseased and contaminated meat from slaughterhouses, animal heads, toenails, chicken feathers, feet and beaks.It also includes dead animals picked up from the nation's roads, rancid restaurant grease, and thousands of animals euthanized in animal hospitals and shelters (flea collars and all).Along with the meat come any drugs that have been introduced into the animals such as hormones, antibiotics and barbiturates used to put pets to sleep.Unsold supermarket meats arrive in their original Styrofoam and plastic packaging are tossed into the pot.

It would be wonderful if we could all feed our animals an all-natural raw food diet, but for some the following alternatives will be very helpful. After further research and discussion with natural and holistic vets the best organic and natural pet foods are listed below. The following is not a complete list of all that is available but will give you some respected names:

CANIDAE
CALIFORNIA NATURAL
PETGUARD LIFESPAN
SOLID GOLD
PRECISE
STEVES REAL FOOD
FLINT RIVER RANCH
INNOVA
WYSONG
WELLNESS
NATURAL BLEND
SOJOURNER FARMS

Fish oil or Pet Cod Liver Oil is essential for your dog and cat. It replenishes essential fatty acids- essential fatty acids - Fish Oil, Borage Oil and Natural Vitamin E - that are easily destroyed by the normal processing of commercial pet foods. Fatty acids are vital to the everyday health, skin and coat, heart and cardiovascular system, strong muscles and healthy stong joints.

When I started to give Lacie and Wellie Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil, their energy levels spiked, they stopped shedding as much and their fur is softer and shinier.

A very close friend of mine is a holistic vet who conducts acupuncture on pets and mixes herbal remedies for sick animals speaks highly of massage treatment for your pet. Essential you can give your dog or kitty cat a highly effective massage that will help release toxins and ease muscle pain they may experience. Massage in general is great for moving and releasing the lymphatic system. You can massage your pet when watching tv or a movie or when grooming. They'll love the attention and it will also increase the bond between you and your pet.

Keeping our pets healthy and happy further helps our own health as they give us so much joy and love that, in my fair opinion, we are the lucky bunch that comes home to a loving animal.

Caring for Guinea Pigs

2008-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Guinea Pigs are highly sociable animals which make great pets, and are ideally suited to families with children. However, it is important to think about all the implications of buying a pet, including housing and other supplies, which can be quite expensive. In addition to that, you're going to need to dedicate yourself to caring for the animals, ensuring you take care to feed and socialize with them at all times.

The first thing to think about before buying guinea pigs is the commitment required. With any pets, you're going to have to dedicate a lot of time to looking after them, and ensuring you tend to their every need, especially in the first few months. That means negotiating alternative arrangements whenever you go on vacation, and ensuring they always have food. These, although fairly independent, must obviously be given the essentials to survive, and so it is important you make sure you always look after them properly.

Next, you need to think about housing the guinea pigs, and potentially building a run. They need room to exercise, and if you don't want their health to suffer, or them to get too bored, it's important you let them out frequently to exercise. Additionally, spending time with guinea pigs is essential to ensure their effective social development. Additionally, you should ensure they are housed securely in a locked cage to avoid harm from predators, and of course, escape.

They obviously need a source of food, and like humans, they need a healthy and balanced diet. This largely involves a variety of vegetables and grains, which should be continually used in rotation to ensure the balance for healthy guinea pigs. On top of that, you should also ensure your guinea pigs are kept well groomed. This involves washing with a soft shampoo once a fortnight, and brushing their coat with a soft bristled brush. Also, remember you should replace bedding at least once a week to keep your pig clean and tidy.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your guinea pigs are kept healthy and happy. This should also improve their quality of living, and leave them happier in their lives, which should be reflected in the love they share for their owners. Caring for them isn't easy, but by making sure you tend to their every needs, it can be a highly rewarding pastime.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Dog Training - Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression Part 3

2008-02-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Continued from part 2 we continue our dog training examination of the causes dog aggression and what can be done to prevent and fix these dog training problems.

All dogs have different handling thresholds. Some dogs like lots of cuddles, and are perfectly content to be hugged, kissed, and have arms slung over their shoulders (this is the ultimate "I'm the boss" gesture to a dog, which is why a lot of them won't tolerate it.) Others - usually the ones not accustomed to a great deal of physical contact from a very young age - aren't comfortable with too much full-body contact and will get nervy and agitated if someone persists in trying to hug them.

Another common cause of handling-induced aggression is a bad grooming experience: nail-clipping and bathing are the two common culprits.

When you clip a dog's nails, it's very easy to "quick" him - that is, cut the blood vessel that runs inside the nail. This is extremely painful to a dog, and is a sure-fire way to cause a long-lasting aversion to those clippers.

Being washed is something that a great many dogs have difficulty dealing with - a lot of owners, when confronted with a wild-eyed, half-washed, upset dog, feel that in order to complete the wash they have to forcibly restrain him. This only adds to the dog's sense of panic, and reinforces his impression of a wash as something to be avoided at all costs - if necessary, to defend himself from it with a display of teeth and hackles.

Can I "retrain" him to enjoy being handled and groomed?

In a word: yes. It's a lot easier if you start from a young age - handle your puppy a lot, get him used to being touched and rubbed all over. Young dogs generally enjoy being handled - it's only older ones who haven't had a lot of physical contact throughout their lives that sometimes find physical affection difficult to accept.

Practice picking up his paws and touching them with the clipper; practice taking him into the bath (or outside, under the faucet - whatever works for you, but warm water is much more pleasant for a dog than a freezing spray of ice-water!), and augment the process throughout with lots of praise and the occasional small treat.

For an older dog that may already have had several unpleasant handling/grooming experiences, things are a little more difficult. You need to undo the damage already caused by those bad experiences, which you can do by taking things very slowly - with an emphasis on keeping your dog calm.

The instant he starts to show signs of stress, stop immediately and let him relax. Try to make the whole thing into a game: give him lots of praise, pats, and treats.

Take things slowly. Don't push it too far: if you get nervous, stop.

Dogs show aggression for a reason: they're warning you to back off, or else! If your dog just can't seem to accept being groomed, no matter how much practice you put in, it's best to hand the job over to the professionals.

Your vet will clip his nails for you (make sure you tell him first that he gets aggressive when the clippers come out, so your vet can take the necessary precautions!). As far as washing and brushing goes, the dog-grooming business is a flourishing industry: for a small fee, you can get your dog washed, clipped, brushed, and whatever else you require by experienced professionals (again, make sure you tell them about your dog's reaction to the experience first!)

Dog Training - Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression Part 2

2008-02-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Continued from part 1, this dog training article is dealing with dog aggression. Lets continue now and talk more about dog socialization.

How can I socialize my dog so that he doesn't develop a fear of strangers?

Socializing your dog is pretty easy to do - it's more of a general effort than a specific training regimen.

First of all, you should take him to puppy preschool. This is a generic term for a series of easy group-training classes for puppies (often performed at the vet clinic, which has the additional benefit of teaching your dog positive associations with the vet!).

In a puppy preschool class, about ten or so puppy owners get together with a qualified trainer (often there'll be at least two trainers present - the more there are, the better, since it means you get more one-on-one time with a professional) and start teaching their puppies the basic obedience commands: sit, stay, and so on.

Even though the obedience work is very helpful and is a great way to start your puppy on the road to being a trustworthy adult dog, really the best part of puppy preschool is the play sessions: several times throughout the class, the puppies are encouraged to run around off-leash and play amongst themselves.

This is an ideal environment for them to learn good social skills: there's a whole bunch of unfamiliar dogs present (which teaches them how to interact with strange dogs), there's a whole bunch of unfamiliar people present (which teaches them that new faces are nothing to be afraid of), and the environment is safe and controlled (there's at least one certified trainer present to make sure that things don't get out of hand).

Socialization doesn't just stop with puppy preschool, though. It's an ongoing effort throughout the life of your puppy and dog: he needs to be taken to a whole bunch of new places and environments.

Remember not to overwhelm him: start off slow, and build up his tolerance gradually.

- Aggression towards family members -

There are two common reasons why a dog is aggressive towards members of his own human family:

- He's trying to defend something he thinks of as his from a perceived threat (you).

This is known as resource guarding, and though it may sound innocuous, there's actually a lot more going on here than your dog simply trying to keep his kibble to himself.

- He's not comfortable with the treatment/handling he's getting from you or other members of the family.

What's resource guarding?

Resource guarding is pretty common among dogs. The term refers to overly-possessive behavior on behalf of your dog: for instance, snarling at you if you approach him when he's eating, or giving you "the eye" (a flinty-eyed, direct stare) if you reach your hand out to take a toy away from him.

All dogs can be possessive from time to time - it's in their natures. Sometimes they're possessive over things with no conceivable value: inedible trash, balled up pieces of paper or tissue, old socks. More frequently, however, resource-guarding becomes an issue over items with a very real and understandable value: food and toys.

Why does it happen?

It all boils down to the issue of dominance. Let me take a moment to explain this concept: dogs are pack animals. This means that they're used to a very structured environment: in a dog-pack, each individual animal is ranked in a hierarchy of position and power (or "dominance") in relation to every other animal. Each animal is aware of the rank of every other animal, which means he knows specifically how to act in any given situation (whether to back down, whether to push the issue, whether to muscle in or not on somebody else's turf, etc etc).

To your dog, the family environment is no different to the dog-pack environment. Your dog has ranked each member of the family, and has his own perception of where he ranks in that environment as well.

This is where it gets interesting: if your dog perceives himself as higher up on the social totem-pole than other family members, he's going to get cheeky. If he's really got an overinflated sense of his own importance, he'll start to act aggressively.

Why? Because dominance and aggression are the exclusive rights of a superior-ranked animal. No underdog would ever show aggression or act dominantly to a higher-ranked animal (the consequences would be dire, and he knows it!)

Resource guarding is a classic example of dominant behavior: only a higher-ranked dog (a "dominant" dog) would act aggressively in defence of resources.

To put it plainly: if it was clear to your dog that he is not, in fact, the leader of the family, he'd never even dream of trying to prevent you from taking his food or toys - because a lower-ranking dog (him) will always go along with what the higher-ranking dogs (you and your family) say.

So what can I do about it? The best treatment for dominant, aggressive behavior is consistent, frequent obedience work, which will underline your authority over your dog. Just two fifteen-minute sessions a day will make it perfectly clear to your dog that you're the boss, and that it pays to do what you say.

You can make this fact clear to him by rewarding him (with treats and lavish praise) for obeying a command, and isolating him (putting him in "time-out", either outside the house or in a room by himself) for misbehaviour.

- If you're not entirely confident doing this yourself, you may wish to consider enlisting the assistance of a qualified dog-trainer.

- Brush up on your understanding of canine psychology and communication, so that you understand what he's trying to say - this will help you to nip any dominant behaviors in the bud, and to communicate your own authority more effectively

- Train regularly: keep obedience sessions short and productive (no more than fifteen minutes - maybe two or three of these per day).

Continued and finalized in part 3.... see you there!

Dog Training - Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression Part 1

2008-02-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

A dog is an instinctively aggressive creature. In the wild, aggression came in very handy: dogs needed aggression to hunt, to defend themselves from other creatures, and to defend resources such as food, a place to sleep, and a mate. Selective breeding over the centuries has minimized and refined this trait significantly, but there's just no getting around it: dogs are physically capable of inflicting serious harm (just look at those teeth!) because that's how they've survived and evolved. And Mother Nature is pretty wily - it's hard to counteract the power of instinct!

But that doesn't mean that we, as dog lovers and owners, are entirely helpless when it comes to handling our dogs. There's a lot that we can do to prevent aggression from rearing its ugly head in the first place - and even if prevention hasn't been possible (for whatever reason), there are still steps that we can take to recognize and deal with it efficiently.

- Different aggression types -

There are several different types of canine aggression. The two most common ones are:

- Aggression towards strangers

- Aggression towards family members

You may be wondering why we're bothering categorizing this stuff: after all, aggression is aggression, and we want to turf it out NOW, not waste time with the details - right?

Well ... not quite. These two different types of aggression stem from very different causes, and require different types of treatment.

- Aggression towards strangers -

What is it?

It's pretty easy to tell when a dog's nervy around strange people. He's jumpy and on the alert: either he can't sit still and is constantly fidgeting, leaping at the smallest sound, and pacing around barking and whining; or he's veerrrry still indeed, sitting rock-steady in one place, staring hard at the object of his suspicions (a visitor, the mailman, someone approaching him on the street while he's tied up outside a store.)

Why does it happen?

There's one major reason why a dog doesn't like strange people: he's never had the chance to get used to them. Remember, your dog relies 100% on you to broaden his horizons for him: without being taken on lots of outings to see the world and realize for himself, through consistent and positive experiences, that the unknown doesn't necessarily equal bad news for him, how can he realistically be expected to relax in an unfamiliar situation?

What can I do about it?

The process of accustoming your dog to the world and all the strange people (and animals) that it contains is called socialization. This is an incredibly important aspect of your dog's upbringing: in fact, it's pretty hard to overemphasize just how important it is. Socializing your dog means exposing him from a young age (generally speaking, as soon as he's had his vaccinations) to a wide variety of new experiences, new people, and new animals.

How does socialization prevent stranger aggression?

When you socialize your dog, you're getting him to learn through experience that new sights and sounds are fun, not scary.

It's not enough to expose an adult dog to a crowd of unfamiliar people and tell him to "Settle down, Roxy, it's OK" - he has to learn that it's OK for himself. And he needs to do it from puppyhood for the lesson to sink in.

The more types of people and animals he meets (babies, toddlers, teenagers, old people, men, women, people wearing uniforms, people wearing motorcycle helmets, people carrying umbrellas, etc) in a fun and relaxed context, the more at ease and happy - and safe around strangers - he'll be in general.

Continued in Part 2...

Getting A New Pet - Things to Consider

2008-02-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

While many people think that choosing a new pet is a small decision that doesn't require too much thought, think again. It is actually an important life decision- sometimes being a 10 year commitment or more. It is imperative to pick a new pet that is right for you and your family. Here are some questions to consider when you are picking out your new pet :

1. Most importantly, what type of pet do you want? Think about your lifestyle- what do you like and what do you want your pet to bring to your life? Research different types of pets and then talk to someone who has the type of pet that you are considering.

2. Do you have time to take care of a pet? Some pets require a larger time commitment than others. Puppies, for example, are a big commitment. They can't be left alone and they need to be played with and trained.

3. Can I have a pet where I currently live? Many rentals have rules against pets or restrictions on the type of pet you can have. Some landlords have an additional fee. If you can have a pet where you live, you need to decide what type you have enough room for. Small dogs and cats can get their necessary daily exercise indoors or in small yards, while larger dogs may need to have more space to run freely.

4. Do you know the local animal control laws? Some communities require licenses of pets and some limit the number of pets that you can have.

5. Can I afford it? Pets can be expensive. When choosing a new pet you need to consider the costs for food, grooming, veterinary care, toys, etc.

6. Do you have a veterinarian? If not, you need to choose one in your area that suits your new pet's needs. Talk to family and friends with pets to find out which veterinarians they like.

7. Do you have someone that can care for your pet while you're on vacation? Make sure that you have a family member, friend, or neighbor to care of your pet or money to pay for a kennel while you are away.

8. If you have children, what kind of pet do they want? The maturity level of your children is important to consider when choosing a pet. You need to make sure that your children are mature enough to know the right way to treat a pet.

9. If you have other pets, how will they tolerate a new addition? Old pets may get jealous of new ones and they may not get along. When bringing home a new pet, be sure to introduce the animals slowly. Give them their own spaces for a while until they eventually get used to each other. Don't expect them to be best of friends right away.

10. Does anyone in your home have allergies? Make sure that you talk to your family members and/or those you live with about any allergies they may have before you bring home a new pet.

There are many things to consider when choosing a new pet. It's an important decision that needs serious thought both for you and the animal. Be sure to do research and familiarize yourself with the type of pet you are considering before bringing it home. This will help to alleviate any problems and ensure that you and your pet will be happy and content for years to come!

Dog Training , Behaviors and Leadership

2008-02-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Dog Training Naturally

First, understanding how dogs behave in nature is helpful to meet their needs living in our homes. This will give you the tools to create a balanced, healthy environment where you, the human, sets the tone and is the " leader of your pack".

In the wild dogs have a pack leader. This is basic to their natures and is how they respond in our homes. In the wild, dogs work for their food and travel in packs. They are born having boundaries set by their mothers from day one. Their mother is their first pack leader. She teaches rules and sets boundaries from the start of their lives.

Newborn puppies develop the sense of smell, seeing then hearing. This is different from humans which are hearing, seeing then smelling. This is important to remember when meeting a dog for the first time. They will smell you and experience you that way to get to know you.

The dog's status within the pack is his or her identity. There are two positions for a dog. Leader of follower. Your objective as a dog owner should be to help establish the dog's position in the pack with you as the leader , in a way that is calm, not aggressive, firm and natural.

Dogs in nature, move around walking to get their food and water. This is a deep instinct. That's why walking your dog is so important. It not only exercises them but stimulates their mind and contributes to their overall complete happiness, at an instinctual level.

Your walks with your dog should always be with you ahead going in and out of the door , or beside if the dog has learned his position. A short leash is used to help you walk easily with the dog gently at your side or just behind., Never pulling ahead of you. The leash attached to the top of the neck helps you to guide, correct and communicate with your dog. If your dog pulls ahead, stop and firmly pull the leash with the dog beside your leg.

Off the leash free time should only be given once your dog has learned to respect you as the leader and then you can allow free play time in a safe place like a field .

Affection should be given after exercise and discipline , not before. You set boundaries, establish a calm firm atmosphere with you as the pack leader providing exercise daily for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the dog, and then you provide food and water. You will then experience a happy and calm dog that shows you great love for years to come.

This all sounds well and good, but often we are confronted by dogs ( and also humans) who are not in-tune with nature, happy and balanced. So we'll speak now to some of the common behaviors that people want to change in their dogs.

Barking can be annoying , threatening and sometimes needs to be stopped. Thinking about the cause of the barking is useful as well. Is your dog afraid, over excited, or feeling protective? If it is your own dog you can use behavioral modification techniques that reward positive behaviors you want to encourage. Use treats your dog likes and only provide them when he does the "wanted" behavior. In this case; stops barking.

You have to be consistent. Often however barking and other unwanted behaviors are the result of pent up energy and the dog will respond well after daily walking( with you as pack leader) and settling him down into the previously described calm, natural environment you've worked to establish as pack leader.

Never tie a dog up alone in your back yard where children or other dogs can approach. This is illegal in some areas but also the dog may easily feel threatened and be trying to protect his territory and can even become injured by pulling and twisting himself up with rope or chain. A good fenced area is best where he can feel secure and no others may enter without your knowledge. Aggressive dogs are often the product of an owner's misunderstanding of how to treat and interact with their dog(s). A dog training professional should be consulted when you are concerned about your dog's aggression and other's safety and have had no luck changing their behavior yourself. The dog deserves a chance to rehabilitate normally, and requires your committed time and attention.

If your dog barks and shows aggression or other signs of fear or protectiveness when friends or family come into the house , your dog may not realize you are the pack leader and feel he is the protector. You can change this behavior by calmly establishing yourself as pack-leader daily , consistently.

To review , we've discussed the natural instincts of dogs and the owner's responsibility to be the pack leader, providing a safe, calm and happy home for their family and family pet by knowing each one's needs. We've touched on some basic steps to achieve the balance a dog needs, including walking, food / water and affection. In that order. We've looked at a few typical problems owners have with their dogs . I hope this helps you and your dog have a happy and loving relationship for years to come. Happy leading your pack!

If Your Pets Have Fleas, They Need Natural Protection Solutions

2008-02-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

The absolute best natural flea protection solution is to reduce your pet's susceptibility to fleas by improving its health. The healthier your pet is, the less attractive it is to fleas. Parasites and fleas in particular are attracted to weak, unhealthy or young animals whose immune system is not functioning well. The quality of nutrition is a major factor in achieving natural flea protection.

Good nutrition is a tremendous factor in natural flea protection.

A nutritionally complete and balanced homemade diet of fresh, wholesome foods has many benefits including reducing your pet's susceptibility to fleas. This is not as difficult or time-consuming as you might imagine.

Many flea products on the market are not considered natural protection against fleas. Many popularly used products contain ingredients such as carbaryl (Sevin), a nerve-paralyzing chemical that can cause a host of side effects, DDVP (dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate), methylcarbamate, rotenone, pyrethrins, and piperonyl butoxide. Piperonyl butoxide is used as a booster in most of the new pyrethrum products. It is associated with liver disorders. DDVP is the chemical found in the majority of plastic flea collars. DDVP numbs an insect's nervous system and, although your dog cannot speak, the chemical can have the same effect on your pet. Flea products containing d-Limonene or citrus oils are considerably safer than those listed above, but still have significant toxicity potential.

Cats are especially sensitive, and dips have been known to be fatal in some instances.

After good nutrition, natural flea protection requires grooming and bathing as the two best ways of getting rid of fleas on your pet, but caution - you can attain natural flea protection without bathing your pet with a chemical flea shampoo that leaves a petrochemical residue on the dog's skin, which is potentially unsafe for the canine and the household. Unlike with a more natural solution, when the pet licks itself, it gets an oral dose of a toxic chemical.

Guardians of dogs or cats who desire a natural flea protection as we all should need to be working on the pet's general health. At the same time, it is necessary to treat the household as well.

Place moth ball crystals in your vacuum bag and vacuum the house thoroughly. Carpets, throw rugs, all floors, corners, upholstery, pillows, sofa cushions, under couches, mattresses, including in the basement.

Seal the vacuum bag securely inside a plastic bag and dispose of it.

Wash all throw rugs, pets' bedding and your bedding in water as hot as the fabric allows.

To kill the tiny pests the vacuuming missed, two natural products for flea protection are diatomaceous earth and borates. Sprinkle garden-grade diatomaceous earth and/or borates in rugs, under sofa cushions, under mattresses and in your pets' bedding. You can rest assured you aren't harming your pets or your family, but you are killing and eliminating fleas.

Use caution in your sprinkling not to create unnecessary excessive airborne dust any more than you would do so if it was baking flour. Dust particles of any sort are not healthy to breathe.

Depending on the severity of the flea problem, comb your dog at least weekly or as much as twice daily. Concentrate on areas around the neck in cats, and on the lower back and belly in dogs. Drop the fleas off the comb in a bowl of soapy water to drown them.

A flea comb is a very fine-toothed comb; the teeth are closer together than the width of a flea. It may be helpful to clip the hair coat short in heavily infested animals to control the problem.

Give your pet a bath to remove most if not all the fleas. Use any quality non-medicated pet shampoo. Leaving a thick lather on your pet for 10-15 minutes will drown the fleas. Be careful not to let small puppies or kittens become chilled or overheated, and don't bathe more than weekly.

You wouldn't put toxic substances on yourself, don't put them on your pet.

Use non-toxic flea protection solutions. That means no flea powders, sprays, collars, shampoos, and dips that are toxic and harmful to your pet; including the newer products that are given by pill or applied to a spot on the skin. Despite the manufacturers' claims of safety, they do not offer natural flea protection, and many problems, some quite serious, have been observed with these products. Why risk the health of your pet?

Natural flea protection happens by building a strong, healthy immune system in your dog or cat that, in turn, will help them repel the fleas!

Pet Care - Your Essential Checklist To Caring For Your Pet

2008-02-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

The decision to bring a pet into your home for you and your family should not be taken lightly. A pet will become a member of your family and not just a fixture in your home. Pets are not meant to come and go, but to remain as part of your home for years to come. Unfortunately for some, pets are disposable items that will be moved if they are an inconvenience. This should be avoided since unstable homes can make unstable pets.

A checklist for pet care can be an essential tool when you first bring home your new pet. For many people, a new pet is their first experience at being a full-time pet parent, and for those this list will be most useful. Preparing yourself, your home, and your pet for those first few months in a new environment will make the change go gracefully and help everyone adjust easily.

The first thing you want to be sure of is that your pet has all of their vaccinations up to date. It is important that your new pet is protected from such outside irritants as fleas, tics, ringworm, or many other ailments such as distemper or rabies. The health of your pet is one of the most important aspects of ongoing care. Wellness exams each year are important for your pet. A veterinarian will perform a thorough exam on your pet looking at such things as their vital signs, ears, eyes, mouth, the heart and lungs, as well as the reproductive organs and their skin. This step is a very important preventative measure for your pet each year.
Getting your home ready for your new pet can be a big task, but one that is essential for the big day that your new friend comes home. If it is a small caged animal, a small space that is quiet is fine for them to be used to their surroundings. You will not want to take your new friend out just yet, but let them get used to the sounds and smells of their new home before you start introducing them outside of their immediate surroundings. If it is a larger, self-sufficient animal such as a cat or dog, you will want to make sure that they have their own space, a blanket or pet bed for retreating to, out of the way in case they are too overwhelmed at the beginning.
Regular physical routine is essential for any pet. This is their exercise routine since they are not like us and do activity regularly without the help of us. Larger pets such as dogs must be walked every day, smaller animals like cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds can be trained to play with anyone in the family. Toys such as balls, bells, tubes, or even apparatuses are useful in helping your pet achieve physical activity during the day while you are away or even you interacting with them while they are exploring.

If you follow some simple guidelines, your new pet is sure to adapt to his new family in no time at all. Regular checkups, physical activity and preventative measures can not only make your pet more comfortable, but also extend the life of your pet. A pet is an investment so you will want to be sure to take care of him for the benefit of everyone.

Family Pets - 7 Tips for Choosing an Age-Appropriate Family Pet

2008-02-01T01:56:00.000-08:00

Even though your kids want a pet and promise to take care of it, it doesn't necessarily mean they are mature enough to handle the responsibilities of pet ownership. Pets offer companionship and teach children important life lessons about friendship and responsibility, however, some pets are better than others for certain ages and lifestyles. Following are 7 tips for choosing an age-appropriate pet for your family:

Choose a social pet Consider choosing an animal that has already been socialized and knows how to behave around children, such as an older cat or a dog with a history of getting along well with young children. Families with small children should be wary of bringing home a new puppy or kitten since baby animals require extra care and are more prone to scratching and playful biting.
Learn about breeds. Using dogs as an example, it's important to know that some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are traditionally gentle and friendly and, thus, offer a great choice for families with small children. Find information on different breeds online or at the library. Ask veterinarians or friends with similar pets about their experiences. Determine if you can accommodate the type of pet based on their exercise, space and attention requirements.
Practice first. If you have never owned a dog before, be sure to do a trial run with a relative or a friend's dog before committing to the real deal. This way, you can make sure your kids are capable of tackling the responsibilities of caring for a pet.
Teach behavior. Show your kids how to act appropriately around animals, such as how to handle their new pet without squeezing, dropping, or disturbing the animal. Remind them to always wash their hands after handling any animal. Never leave a small child alone with a dog or cat until you know the pet is trained to stay calm. Remind children to ask the owner before approaching animals they don't know.
Consider your schedule. Think about how much space you have inside and outside your home to accommodate a pet, how often you are home, and if you have time to devote to feeding, walking and cleaning up after a pet. This will help you determine if you want a pet that needs a lot of attention, or if you want a pet that requires minimal interaction. Also consider any allergies of family members before bringing a pet home.
Be prepared. Discuss the pet's needs and type of care required and try to have all the equipment ready in your home before the new pet arrives.
Clean up potential hazards. When bringing a pet into your home, you will need to pet-proof it as you have childproofed your home, such as removing plants that are poisonous if ingested and securing electrical cords so the pet won't chew on them.

Following are age-appropriate pet recommendations:

Ages 3 to 5: Consider a guinea pig for preschoolers. Guinea pigs are gentle, like to be held and rarely bite.
Ages 6 to 10: Consider "shelf pets" for elementary-age kids, such as fish, mice, hamsters and gerbils.
Ages 10 to 13: Consider rabbits, dogs and cats for tweens.
Ages 14 and up: Consider a bird or fish for teenagers. These low maintenance options are great for older kids who are busy with school and extracurricular activities.

Following are age-appropriate pet chores:

Ages 3 to 6: Play with the pet while supervised, help pick up pet toys and wipe up spills caused by the pet.
Ages 7 to 10: Feed and brush the pet. If the pet is a dog, this age group can help walk the dog.
Ages 10 and up: Clean a cage, walk a dog, empty a litter box, bathe a pet and help give medications.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/