Usefull Information Pets for You

Starter Tips for Exotic Pet

2008-12-15T06:53:00.002-08:00

Some people like animals, and some are especially fond of the real exotic ones. Exotic animals are those not usually made as a pet. They are usually found in jungles, forests, and the wild. Therefore, you have to consider it seriously before decided to have one at home. And now that you're sure that you want to be an exotic pet owner, the following tips might be really useful for you.

Choosing the Best Exotic Pets for You

The first thing you need to do is choosing what exotic pet is best for you. When choosing them, it is important to know the reasons for owning one and the responsibilities needed for keeping one. You should have a good knowledge of a particular kind of pet before buying, else, the purchase or adoption could end in disastrous results. You should also know what your motivation is to choose and exotic pet, because it involves a continuous commitment.

Don't forget to consider their adult size, and it is important to know the sociability of a particular exotic pet and to match it to your preference, whether you want a pet that needs much of your attention or one that would best live if left alone in its dwelling.

The point is, the best exotic pet for you is one that you can keep, find as much information as you can before you decide which best for you.

Best Places to Look for Exotic Pets

Now that you've decided which exotic pet is best for you, you need to find out where you can get it. Since they are special pets, you can't buy them in a common pet shop or similar place. These are some places where you can get one.

The easiest way is by checking out the internet. Many exotic pet shops put their store online to get more customers. But beside that, you can also scout the specialty pet shops or veterinarian within you area. They might have one or two. If, unfortunately they don't have what you're looking for, they might know someone else who does. Another interesting option to get an exotic pet is by joining on exotic pet auction. This could be a wise move, because for sure, you are going to see lots of wonderful species there.

Steps in Acquiring an Exotic Pet License

Suppose you've got yours now. What's next? Acquire a license for your exotic pet. It's optional, though, depends on the local government in your area. But some local governments require people, who intend to take care of these exotic pets within their yards or homes, to secure a license. For one, in Illinois, it is illegal to own and take care of an exotic animal. In Georgia, you can take certain species of a skunk as pet without a permit.

But as a precaution, here are the steps you should do the moment you intend to take them home.

First, you need to look for a listing of pets considered as exotic within your area, then check your local laws and see if there is a rule against owning exotic pets. If it's allowed to own exotic pets as long as they have an exotic pet license, then you have no choice but to comply and process the necessary papers. You should also see if there is any vaccines or removal of body parts like teeth is required because some exotic pets can be harmful, and some local state laws require owners to do something like these in order to protect the other people within the community. After making sure that you have all the papers and the requirements met and ready, you are now ready to make a trip to your local government office to file and secure the permit with them.

Good luck, and have fun with your exotic pet!

Names For Your Exotic Pets

2008-12-15T06:53:00.001-08:00

Anyone who owns an exotic pet knows that traditional names like Spot or Fluffy do not seem to fit the bill. So where do you go for good ideas on pet names? Some exotic pet owners start by narrowing it down to the specific type or breed of their exotic pet and go from there. If your exotic pet is from a certain remote region of the world, it would be nice to give them a name to reflect that. Depending on where your pet originated from, there are many areas of the world that can reflect unique and creative names that will help others identify with your pet and know where it came from.

Some exotic pet owners give their pets names that are specific to the natural environment or habitat in which they originally came from. This is especially nice if your exotic pet came from a tropical or other interesting location that most people do not even know about. You can also name your pet after an element that is found in their natural habitat. There are plenty of ideas for exotic pet names if you want to take your time and put thought into it.

Other popular ideas stem from naming your exotic pet after an important historical figure that you admire, or a childhood hero that you have always looked up to. Some also choose favorite vacation spots or pastimes that remind them of happy times in their life. Exotic pets deserve exotic pet names, and really the only limitation to what you can name your pet is the limits of your creativity and imagination.

If you need some help in naming your exotic pet, there are resources online that you can check out, or you can also pick up a book on your type of exotic pet to help get some ideas. The pet store where you purchased your exotic pet from can also have some good ideas to help get you started on the naming of your pet.

Be sure that whatever you choose for the name, you base it on whether the pet is trainable or not. If it is a trainable pet, you want to limit the syllables in the name to only one or two. Anymore than that and the pet can get confused trying to learn commands and have problems telling the difference from their name and other words. If your pet is not a trainable pet, than the options are wide open.

Make sure that you are comfortable with the name you give your pet and feel good about using it for years to come. Some people pick silly names that are funny at first, but when it comes to tell people what the name of their exotic pet is, they tend to get a little embarrassed. Make sure that you put enough thought into the naming of your exotic pet and choose a name that fits them exclusively. Some people find that naming the exotic pet something related to their breed helps other people that are unfamiliar with the pet to identify better with them and know where they come from.

Exotic Animals For Sale

2008-12-15T06:52:00.001-08:00

Exotic pets are the ones which is rare and unique. Exotic pets for sale are found in various places and even in online. Buying exotic pets is not like buying a common domestic animal they need extra care for rearing.

Exotic pets are not commonly owned by any individual except some who loves pets and care them very dearly. It is task for an exotic pet and the subject can be a challenge but with lots of fun and enjoyment. It is a task because exotic pets are not traditional pets like cats and dogs. They are generally tamed belong either to rodents, or reptiles or amphibians.

Exotic pets for sale are from rare species like some kinds of skunks and foxes. Some other animals like ferret and frogs are also included in this list. Not every kind of frog can be considered fit in this regard. Green tree frogs are however included. Some turtles and rabbits like the European species are included in this list. These animals are for sale as exotic animals. The reason of their popularity is that these animals are not very often available for sale. These are pretty and nice animals.

While buying an exotic pet one needs to know what the size of the pet will be, when it grows up and several other points. Exotic pets for sale are not that much easy to purchase.

The price of each exotic pet will differ depending on the species and the gender. The cost of healthy nurturing exotic pet is also quite high and owner must know about these matters before buying an exotic pet.

Exotic pets for sale are very little ones; some pets will grow up soon and loots of lot of space, some pets' remains in smaller size. Some pets will become animals and they are difficult to handle. The food of the exotic pet is very imperative as health of the animal is depending on it. The supply of such nutritious food is a necessity for every owner.

Every exotic pet are very finicky about their sleeping places, make sure that your place is correct for pet. Moving about a lot does not suit for the exotic pets, they will suffer, the owner should consider about this also. The relationship between these exotic pet, children and other existing pets in the house must be healthier to avoid the adventures. Exotic pets for sale need special care as they newer to domestic rules of pet rearing. These special pet needs all to be special such as food, shelter and childish care.

7 Dangerous Exotic Pets

2008-12-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

What are this fascination with being different and the need to own something illegal and dangerous? Who owns these animals? And, what are these animals that are owned, sold, and traded worldwide regardless of the consequences?

7. Camels

Camels are known to be pretty temperamental guys. According to a report on Fox News when a local TV news crew was out filming exotic animal farms, an 1800 lb camel named Polo must have decided that they were not shooting his best side. When Polo became agitated he attacked his owner, kicking her and sitting on her. Ouch. Oh, and if you didn't know, camels like to spit too. And it's pretty gross.

6. Ostriches

Sure they seem cute and awkward looking. They hide their heads in the ground right. But apparently these guys will also chase you and they run pretty darn fast. Getting in the middle of an ostrich stampede just doesn't sound like my idea of a really good time.

5. Chimps and Monkeys

They are adorable. The human resemblance is amazing. They are also known to bite and attack humans and animals alike. I once saw the damage that a monkey caused when it attacked a dog in India and let's just say those puncture wounds weren't pretty. The dog also lost an ear and an eye in the process. Sometimes cute is pretty deceptive.

4. Venomous Snakes

Again I go back to my comments about the scorpions. They are snakes. They are poisonous. They bite. None of this is a good combination. In Cincinnati a man was bitten by his rhinoceros viper snake, which is one of the world's deadliest snakes. He did receive anti-venom and survived. But who really wants to take that risk?

3. Crocodiles and Alligators

Often people get crocs and alligators when they are little and cute and look like happy little lizards. Have you seen the jaws on those things? They didn't make an entire TV show around hunting them out if there wasn't some sort of risk and danger there. So keeping one in a kiddie pool in the back yard may not be the best idea. Just ask anyone who has lived in Florida and found one under their car.

2. Big Cats

Again it's these cute ones that you have to worry about. When these guys are babies, who could resist? But no matter how young they are or how well trained they are, they can turn on you in a second. They feed them raw steak for goodness sake, shouldn't that be a sign?

1. Kinkajou

OK, so I had no idea what a Kinkajou even was. But when I looked it up I couldn't resist its adorable little furry bodies and those big buggy eyes. A kinkajou, also known as a sugar bear, looks like a cross between a squirrel, a hamster, and a chinchilla. They are pretty darn cute. But again it's the cute ones. Paris Hilton has a pet kinkajou named Baby Luv. In 2005 she took it shopping with her and was attacked by the thing and it clawed up her face. The brilliance of this is that again in 2006 Baby Luv sent Hilton to the emergency room after she was bitten by that cute Baby Luv on the arm. And that is why this guy is number one on my list of dangerous pets.... Come on, cute rainforest animal that attacks Paris Hilton numerous times. You got to put that one at the top of the list just because.

Cat Eye Care - 4 Ways to Prevent an Eye Infection in Your Cat

2008-12-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

The physical feature that people notice most about cats is the eyes. It so important to inspect them on a regular basis. It's good to know that most of the time infections can be prevented. Below are a few things you can do prevent eye infections in cats.

Look out for mucous buildup

Mucous can build up and turn into an eye infection. Once a day your cars eyes should be gently wiped with a damp cloth. This should also be done any time you notice mucous around the eyes.

Eye protection

Anytime a chemical treatment is used on your cat's skin the eyes should be protected. One of the most common treatments includes flea dips. Your veterinarian will should be able to give you a neutralizing ointment that should be applied to your cats eyes before treatment.

Cat hair

Anything that comes into contract to your cat's eyes can cause irritation. This includes his own hair. Make sure you keep your cat's hair trimmed to a reasonable length to avoid unnecessary irritation.

General eye cleaning

Your cat's eyes should be cleaned at least once a week. You can make your own eye cleaning solution by mixing 1 cap of baby shampoo with 20 caps of water. Use either a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply the solution. Your cat will not enjoy this, but in the long run it's necessary.

What to do in case of an eye infection

Eye infections happen. Sometimes there's nothing you can do. If this happens to you, take your cat to the vet right away. He'll likely prescribe medicated eye drops that can be used to clear up the infection.

Tips to Stop Cat's Scratching Habit

2008-12-15T06:47:00.002-08:00

The cats use their claws for scratching for a variety of reason. They may be scratching objects for communication or marking territory. The cats show the tendency to scratch in the same area for a period of time. Scratching of cats have nothing unusual to it and is quite natural. Scratching also has some benefits for the cat; it helps to keep the nails healthy and removes the old layers of nail present on the nails of the cat.

The suitable method to stop cat scratching is providing a scratching post and teaching him how to use it. Scratching is instinctive to cats and is difficult to stop it completely. But providing a scratching post makes it possible to provide satisfaction for the cat as well as will not damage any valuable items in the house. Scratching valuable items like furniture or carpets in the house is that causes frustration to the cat. If the cat is directed to scratching this unacceptable scratching stops. The aim of the owner must not be stopping scratching but to stop scratching on everything that the cat see around.

There is certain taste in scratching for the cat. Some cats like to scratch in soft things while some prefers hard items. Some cats need to scratch on things of certain type at certain type. So the likes of the cat must be considered before designing the scratching post. The post must be chosen such a way that it will not get damaged after some scratching. Scratching posts made of wood will not get damaged quite easily and most cats like scratching it.

The scratch post must have the enough for the cat to stretch out fully when using it. This will give an opportunity exercise the muscles of the cat. The cat should be made aware that the post is only place that it should scratch.

Facts Few People Know about Cat Health Insurance

2008-12-15T06:47:00.001-08:00

If you have recently got a pet cat, you may not be aware of certain facts pertaining to its health insurance. As a matter of fact, it is also probable that you may possess a cat for many years yet you are not well equipped with all the facts pertaining to its health insurance.

Ever since the inception of internet, we have got access to much information which we could not get very easily earlier. You can know as much as you feel like via internet regarding your cat's heath insurance and its pros and cons. It is absolutely imperative for you to get a health insurance for your cat as you never know when any disease or accident might hit it. However, there are certain things that people overlook or do not bother to look into when getting a Cat's health insurance. You must not ignore these facts because if you don you may suffer in the long run.

While choosing a plan, you need to take into account several factors. These include your monetary circumstances, your living environment, if you have other pets as well; the heath and age of your cat and which veterinary service you are dealing with etc.

The insurance policies are of various kinds. You need to evaluate many of them to finally opt for the one of your choice. You must not be blinded by some flowery information on the net that you ought to get the most expensive health insurance for your cat. You must make sure that the plan you opt for must cover annual checkups, shots and vaccines, and other annual safeguarding requirements. Cat health insurance varies on the age or medical condition of your cat. Since your cat is like a member of your own family, you must be vigilant about its health issues and not take any risk. Health insurance also covers accidental cases. What you must ensure is that whichever policy you may opt for, it should meet your requirements. For this, you must do through homework before selecting any policy for your kitty.

Why is My Cat Urinating in The House?

2008-12-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

Are you frustrated with the smell your cat's urine throughout the house? Don't get mad at kitty. Cats are very sensitive to numerous stresses, and there could be medical causes such as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). The symptoms of UTI or FLUTD are difficulty urinating, bloody urine, discomfort, and can also include urinating in places other than the litter box. If the cat is showing signs of discomfort or has blood in the urine take kitty to the vet.

If there are no other physical signs of illness, the following could be causes of a cat urinating in house. The following is a list of stresses for a cat but there can be many more.

• Other cats (inside or out)

• Litter box aversion

• Owner is gone

• New child or pet

• Owner was absent for a lengthy period (vacation, trip, work)

• New house

• New furniture added or moved

Litter box aversion can create urination problems for cat urinating in house because;

• The box is in a noisy area

• Does the cat associate the box with something negative?

• The actual litter material may not be to kitty's liking, try another. This often happens if the cat has been declawed as they don't like the way the litter feels on their foot pads.

• Is another pet bothering the cat while she is using the litter box?

• They may not like the smell if not changed often. Cats are very clean. My cat tries to cover an accident on the tile floor even though no litter is near.

• Is the litter box shared by more than one cat?

• Did you change litter brands? Cats do not like change much.

• Do you have a covered or open box? Try switching

• Is the cat neutered?

Try correcting any of these suggestions and if you are still asking "Why is my cat urinating in house" you may want to try an anxiety medicine or consult your vet for other options.

What yoi Need to Know About Your Cat

2008-12-15T06:44:00.001-08:00

Why does my cat look at me like that, its a evil stare. Perhaps he is working out which bit to eat first!

Does he have a second family, who only look after him from 9pm - 7am! I might even get one of those cameras you can attach to cats, record his movements.

The dog even seems confused by the cats behaviour, does not even get excited when I put my walking shoes on! Does the cat not appreciate how much fun the dog has running around in circles, slipping on the wooden floor in a frenzied dash for the door.

Even simply walking across the floor has to be completed in an arrogant manner, tail up high and walking with attitude any self-respecting rapper would be proud of! Come to think of it, what music does the cat prefer, I know the dog has a liking for Status Quo!

So having watched a couple of Cat programs, it is time to communicate with this pet with attitude, I will show it who the alpha male around here is! First, apparently if you look your cat in the eye and slowly close and open your eyes, it is a sign of friendliness! Ok, the cat is definitely looking at me with a view to eating me!

Next, I try the rubbing of heads, which is another sign of greeting! The cat must of been watching Rocky 4, I never saw that left hook coming! I am sure the dog is laughing as well!

My final attempt at training the cat, put it on a lead and train it to walk by my side. This I have seen done, if the old girl down the road can train her pet cat to do it, then I am sure this fully qualified instructor of people can achieve it. The cat has definitely been watching Rocky, that was some combination!

I have not finished with you Tiddles! A quick bit of research reveals a book on "Understanding, Caring for & Training Your Cat"

The book deals with:

What Breed is best for you
What you should know before buying a cat
How to select a Cat Breeder
Discover how cats behave
How to create a healthy environment for your cat
Common cat diseases and health problems
Selecting the right cat litter
Grooming your cat
Selecting cat toys
Training your cat to walk (This was what I am looking for!)
Diet
Training tips

It was a comprehensive list, covering the areas I needed and some I should of read before letting Tiddles into the family home! It certainly would of saved a few quid down the vets, if I had read this book first.

The book was easy to read and understand, dealing with a lot of questions I needed answers for and some I had not even thought about.

Following the advice in the book, the cat is definitely beginning to understand me a lot easier! You never know it might even let me stay!

That's the cat sorted, now I wonder if there is a book on "Understanding,Caring For and Training Your missus"?

Emergency Care and Cat First Aid

2008-12-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

If you are cat owners, you may have to encounter emergency situations pertaining to your kitty. Your cat may fall ill anytime unexpectedly or meet an accident which would require you to act as her vet and treat her on urgent basis. In such emergency situations, mostly, you do not have the time to get across your vet.

For this reason, every cat owner needs to have the basic first aid knowledge and know-how to manage such situations. It is absolutely imperative to equip yourself with this knowledge because sometimes it may prove deadly for your cat if she is left untreated in emergencies. Here are some of the common emergency issues and their treatment.

Your kitty may break its bone while climbing, jumping or in a road accident. It is not recommend setting the broken bone yourself. All you need to do in this situation is to stop the bleeding if any with ice or cold water and take her to the vet for proper treatment.

Choking is also common issue amongst cats. If your cat gets choked, open her mouth gently and see if you can see the object. You must remember not to tilt her head backwards. You can remove the object if it is visible with the help of a tweezer or your own fingers. Make sure you do not push the object as it will aggravate the situation all the more. You should hold her upside down and press on her chest using your hands. In case you are able to remove the object, it is still advisable to take her to the vet to be on the safe side.

Getting an electric shock is also a serious issue. Some kitties bite electric wires while playing with them. It may produce burns on her tongue or palate of her mouth. It may cause breathing problem or pain in her mouth. You must remember that you should not touch your cat if it touching an exposed electric wire. You need to turn of the current first and then put your cat away from it with the help of a wooden stick. Take her to the vet.

If your cat encounters eye injury and the eye is bleeding, just wipe the blood with wet cloth. You must not let your cat go on rubbing her eyes. It is also advisable to not apply any medicine without consulting the vet.

Tips to Bathing the Dog

2008-12-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

The number one tip for bathing your dog is this: do not bathe him too often. Once every two or three months is a good rule of thumb. A dog's skin is very thin and excessive bathing will make him dry and itchy. If he gets too smelly, sprinkle some baking soda on his coat and rub it into the fur gently. Then, brush it out. He should smell better quickly.

The shower is a better choice for bathing your dog than the tub. One reason is that when he shakes off the excess water, the water lands on the shower walls and not your bathroom walls. If you must bathe him in the tub, do not fill it with water. They do not usually like to stand in water.

Use pet shampoo and not what you use on your own hair. Pet shampoo is made especially for your dog and will not irritate his skin. It comes in different formulas such as flea and tick shampoo, etc. Start with his back, tummy, legs and feet first. Then, use a rag to clean his head and ears. Make sure the rag is not too soapy. Do not pour water over his head because he really hates that! Be careful not to get any water in his ears because it can cause an ear infection.

If you prefer to bathe your dog outside, make sure that the outdoor temperature is real warm. Make certain that there is not a chill in the air. You will want to bathe him quickly if using a garden hose because that water can become really cold in a short time.

After his bath, rinse all the shampoo out of his coat completely. A hand-held shower head works best. Rinse and rinse until you have no doubt that there is no soapy residue left on his coat. If you do not rinse well, the residue will irritate his skin and make him itch.

When you are done, wrap him in a towel and hug him. Speak softly to him and lead him to a big blanket which you have placed on the floor. The blanket protects your floor from dog hair and moisture. Use as many towels as necessary to get him as dry as possible. Some dogs will tolerate the use of a blow dryer if it is not too loud. Turn it on low and do not get it too close to his skin.

Be very gentle when bathing him because most dogs do not enjoy bath time. If you are gentle and speak softly to him in the process, he may decide that it is not so bad after all. Gathering everything you need for his bath in advance helps you stay calm because everything is within your reach.

If you go in prepared and calm, there is a chance that your dog will not become overly anxious or fearful. Do your best to make it a good experience for both of you.

Dog Food Decisions - It Matters

2008-12-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

People are very aware of the nutrition that is contained in their own diet but sometimes we are not quite as aware of the quality of the food that we are feeding our pets. Dog foods are often commercial, high priced fillers that provide our best buddies with a full tummy and not much else. Sometimes the toxins and poor ingredients that are often found as the main products in commercial foods for dogs are doing more harm than good.

Pet owners do not mean to be ignorant of the facts, many of us are just trusting that well known names must mean that we are giving our best friends good nutrition. Sadly, this has proven to not be the case and we have recently seen pet food recalls and animals that have become severely ill when given foods that contain harmful ingredients.

Bad fats can lead to poor circulation and a weak heart, lack of good fats can give your pet a dull coat, and lack of proper vitamins in their diet can shorten their life and lead to poor overall health. Using cheap and unhealthy ingredients is a way for companies to increase their production and it allows the bagged and canned foods to last for a long time before the expiration date is reached. If you are one of the pet owners who assumes that one pet food is just as good as another, this information will open your eyes and your heart.

Unfortunately, most dog food products today contain the cheapest and poorest grades of grains, unhealthy and unsafe meat remnants and even artificial flavorings and preservatives that are not safe for humans or pets. Proteins and carbohydrates should be pure and of high quality to keep your pet healthy and happy. These are often only provided by using grains like bottom grade soybean, corn, and glutens. In fact, our own dogs can have natural allergies to these ingredients or they can develop allergies by being fed food that is not designed for their systems.

Many of the meat products used in our pet's food are generated from dead or diseased animals and chemical additives. This leads to diseases, parasites, and illness in our furry friends. You should always check to see where your pet food was produced and manufactured. This requires some care because just because a state packaged the bag of food it does not mean that this is where the ingredients originated. We are all well aware of how many beloved pets succumbed to the pet food disaster that was sent to stores by oversea manufacturers who did not care about our animals' lives. Products made by select American manufacturers should be high on your list of suppliers. You can check with your vet if you have any question about the quality of your pet food choices.

Our dogs need food that contains quality fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates, and good fats. Are you thinking that these all sound rather familiar? It should, as it is very similar to what we humans require. Your dog has to depend on you to check things out for him, because he will try to eat what you give him, even if it is not good for him. A good, high quality dog food will contain quality meat, eggs, amino acids, vitamins, and even brown rice. These are all wonderfully good ingredients for your pet. Vegetables can be vital to a healthy pet diet and these will provide vitamins, antioxidants and a longer life for your dog. Look for a product that contains things like this as well as fruit. Some products are even beginning to add Lactobacillus Acidophilus for a healthy GI tract for your pet. These additives and ingredients will give your dog a healthy, shiny coat, clean breath, clear eyes, and a healthy body.

Understanding Different Dog Worms Symptoms

2008-12-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

Type your summary hereDog owners are called to ensure that their dogs are always fit and healthy. One way of making sure that your dog is always feeling his best is by having regular veterinarian check-ups.

However, it's likewise important that you are able to detect basic symptoms of illness in your dog. In particular, you should be aware of the symptoms associated with common dog illnesses. The presence of worms in the bodies of dogs, for instance, is one very common complication.

Given this, it is crucial that you are aware of the various dog worms symptoms. This may prove to be a bit tricky for some dog owners because there are different dog worms symptoms depending on the type of worms that the dog has been inflicted with.

The tapeworm is a common type of worm that affects dogs. Dog worms symptoms of this specific type of worms include restlessness as well as an itchy behind. Distress and the obstruction in bowel movement are among those dog worms symptoms for a dog affected by round worms.

Another type of dog worms is whipworms. With this kind of worms, the dog worms symptoms include traces of blood in dog's stool and severe weight loss. There are also hookworms. Dogs with this type of worms would have symptoms such as rectal bleeding and skin dryness.

In addition to those already mentioned, heartworms is yet another type of worms. Owners can detect these through symptoms such as coughing, fainting, and the shortness of breath.

What is crucial here is to find out what specific type of worm is attacking your dog. It is important because there are different medications for the different types of worms.

In order to find out what kind of medicine is right for your dog, taking him to your veterinarian is necessary. Of course, as mentioned, as a dog owner, you still definitely play an important role here - familiarizing yourself with the various dog worms symptoms so that you can detect complications early on, that is.

Caring For Your Dog's Health When He is Not Eating

2008-12-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that dogs love to eat. They almost always have very large appetites and they will hardly ever reject a treat or extra meal. Given this, it should certainly be alarming if you find that your dog is not eating. Your pet's dog health could be in danger if he is not eating, so it's important that you know what to do in such a situation.

Your dog's overall health when he is not eating is something that you as an owner should definitely be concerned about if you observe behavior like this. Dogs that do not take in a proper diet will eventually begin to lose their energy and active nature. Their coats will start to lack luster and they might even refuse to engage in exercise or physical activity.

Your dog's health will definitely suffer when he is not eating. The reason for this behavior could be a variety of different things - the most common being that your dog is sick and not feeling well. As a result of this, his appetite is down.

The best remedy for improving the situation is to consult with your veterinarian. However, there are some initial steps you can take. First, never force food on your dog; instead, allow him to skip a meal and simply wait until he is ready to take in even just a bit of food.

It's also important to note that your dog could not be eating because they have found another source of food. It can be the garbage bin or even your neighbors who have taken the liberty of feeding your dog from time to time. Worry about your dog's health if this is the case, as you don't know where their food is coming from.

As an owner, you should definitely be concerned about your dog's health when he is not eating. Take action right away to find out what the problem is before it escalates into a more serious complication.

How to Care For Your Dog's Feet and Save on Vet Bills Down the Line

2008-12-15T04:38:00.000-08:00

Even though it may be an obvious fact, dogs have four feet. These four feet have no protection. As the caregivers for our companions, we need to take special care of our pets feet to ensure their pads do not become over-calloused or tender.

Be careful not to overexercise your pet, ensuring that they do not get blisters or split pads. Exercise should start slowly and increase gradually. It is not a wise idea to exercise your dog by forcing it to run alongside a bicycle or car, as you cannot readily check for exhaustion or foot problems. Your exercise program should end by checking the condition of your pets feet.

Grooming is an essential part of the care of our pets feet. Ensure your dog gets it's nails clipped regularly. Overgrown nails will curl into the dogs pads. Nails can also split if not clipped. Long nails can also cause a dog's feet to spread or splay. Trimming the hair around the pads can also reduce the amount debris that can get lodged between the pads which will cause injury.

After walks or exercise run your fingers over and between the pads checking for stuck materials such as rocks, gum, thorns, glass, impacted snow/ice, etc. Also check for sore spots. As you get to know your dog, check for spreading or splaying. In older dogs conditions such as arthritis may cause splaying.

At certain times of the year there may be bio-hazards on the ground from people using fertilizers, weed killers, or chemicals used for ice or snow removal. It may be wise to wash your dogs feet with warm water and baking soda regularly after your walk or exercise period.

If your pets feet are sore, reduce exercise and bathe the feet. If the condition persists consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your pets feet are their means of mobility.

Terrie Simpson has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Easy Way to Stop a Dog From Barking

2008-12-15T01:19:00.000-08:00

Stopping your dog from barking is usually the second most frustrating reason why dog owners want to take their dog to obedience training (next to housebreaking). Before you can even attempt to stop your dog from barking at everything that moves, you need to understand a few simple but important facts. Once you understand these, getting them to stop is easy.

First, you cannot expect your dog to stop barking altogether. What you can do is teach you dog when it is OK to bark and when it is not. You may even want to create a trigger word where the dog can bark on command. If you use a word which will trigger your dog to bark on command, you will greatly reduce the urge he or she feels to randomly bark without giving that command. For instance, train your dog to bark when you tell them "Rover, speak!"

Next, you want to move on to actually stopping your dog from barking when they are not supposed to. Usually the dog is barking for a reason, even if it isn't blatantly apparent to you at first.

Sometimes they are trying to alert you of danger or trying to get your attention to something. The key here is to think about what it may be that is causing your dog to bark and acknowledge it (and remove it if necessary). Then acknowledge your dog by saying something like, "Thank you, Rover. I see the squirrel (as you point to it). Now that's enough barking." Use a firm, but very calming and polite tone. The dog should pick up on your acknowledgment and stop.

This method should get you started in the right direction to a well behaved and quieter dog.

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Turtle Identification for Dummies

2008-10-29T03:24:00.002-07:00

Turtle identification is the first step in understanding how these animals live and behave. Before you can adopt a certain way of taking care of your turtle, you need to find out what type it is. Remember that living requirements will vary across different species because different types of turtles have different adaptation patterns. Just as humans have different habits, so do different species of turtles.

The pet shop
:

There are over three hundred species of turtles all over the world which makes turtle identification a bit of a challenge especially for beginners. However, you don't have to be an expert in turtles to be able to find out what kind of pet you have with you. There are all sorts of ways to get started with turtle identification. If you haven't really tried taking care of a turtle before, it's best to start with your local pet store
. You are sure to find someone there who can help you identify the turtle that you got and even obtain relevant tips on how to take care of your pet.

Research:

Another way of turtle identification that you can try is through research. You will want to read further on turtles and its various species. It's a good idea to start with literature on common pet turtles as these are the ones that you're most probably going to end up having. Turtle identification will require further studies on each kind of common pet turtle, finding out their dominant characteristics and markings. Zoologists usually have taxonomic keys that help them identify the species of turtles but you don't really have to go this far, although it would help if you had those.

Going online:

The internet is also a good source of turtle identification information. Many websites are established to help turtle owners identify the species of the pets that they are taking care of. These sites usually created by turtle enthusiasts and experts to provide valuable information to those who are interested in taking up turtle rearing as a hobby. You can also try visiting online communities composed of many pet owners around the world. Forums are usually available to provide a venue for those who are seeking aid in turtle identification. You can post your questions on these forums and wait for them to give you answers.

The pet doctor:

You can also bring your turtle to a veterinarian who can help you with turtle identification. Most doctors can actually identify common types of turtles just by observing them. Aside from turtle identification, the veterinarian can also examine your pet and make sure that it is healthy. He can also prescribe certain methods of rearing it - i.e. a specific diet plan, recommendations on the type of turtle tank and such.

Identifying marks:

Aside from the many resources that can help you with turtle identification, there are also simple markings on a turtle that can give you a good idea on what type of species you have with you. Try observing the neck, appendages, the shell's form and the size of your pet. Different species will have varied physical characteristics.

How to Analyse Dog Food Ingredients

2008-10-29T03:24:00.001-07:00

To give your dog, or any pet for that matter, a good foundation for a healthy life it is essential to start with proper nutrtion. There are many really horrible, low quality, chemical laden dog foods on the market still today, even though we have become more aware and educated about what to look for when purchasing dog food.
Cheaper dog food brands are generally sold at your local grocery store, whereas the higher quality premium dog food brands are found in pet stores, or online at specialty pet stores.

Increasing your dog's life span is easily achieved by feeding a properly balanced healthy organic dog food or high premium diet from puppy hood. An all natural healthy diet is as beneficial for your dog as it is for yourself. Improper or poor nutrition can cause diseases, allergies, obesity, and shortened life spans in your dogs.

There are many commercial grade dog food products available at the grocery store, and care must be taken when choosing one. After the recent pet food contamination scares and recalls because of toxicity and disgusting additives being found in the manufacturing process, many pet owners are becoming much more aware of what they feed their pet.

Here are a few general guidelines to follow when looking at the ingredients on a dog food bag:

Choose a food with high meat content. The first ingredient must be a specified meat. Another one or two meats or meat meal listed in the top 5 ingredients is a bonus, but not necessary. (Meat meal is meat with the moisture removed.)

If the same grain ingredient is used two or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", brewer's rice", "rice flour", are all the same grain), this is not a well balanced, nutritious product. It is loaded with "filler" and made to look like it is healthy by separating the one ingredient into sub categories, but rice is rice so it should be listed once.

Using high quality grains has become the standard for the premium quality dog food manufacturers, such as barley, brown rice and oatmeal. If the grains are organic, then all the better. Wheat and corn are inferior and useless as a nutritional element in dog food, and used as filler only. Dogs are known to be highly allergic to wheat and corn.

If there are any by-products at all on the ingredient list, pass this dog food by.

There should not be any fillers.

Carcinogenic preservatives do not need to be used, and if they are don't buy the product. (They will be listed as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.)

Artificial colorings are also cancer causing, and completely unnecessary. You'll be surprised to see how many products still contain this dangerous ingredient. The dyes will be marked as such - e.g. Red, Blue and Yellow dyes.

No added sugars or corn syrup should be in the ingredient list.

The more organic ingredients listed, the better.

Added glucosamine, chondroitin, pro and prebiotics, flax seed oil, barley, oats or oatmeal, and sunflower oil, are a good thing.

Slowly baked, not extruded, retains the minerals, vitamins and essential goodness of the food.

Hormone free, antibiotic free, pesticide and herbicide free, chemical and preservative free would indicate a high quality premium organic dog food.

And finally, no mystery meats should be in the list. Mystery meat will be listed as simply meat or poultry, rather than chicken or venison. The mystery meat will probably be some horrible rotten road kill, old euthanized animals, and parts of animals that are not edible.

Although the higher quality food might seem more expensive initially, it will work itself out and become cheaper in the long run. The savings in vet bills alone over the life of your pet will pay for the food.

I use a lazy homemade dog food tactic of using a high end organic dog food, and add just a few ounces of poached chicken, or broiled venison every day. The best of both worlds is then achieved for my dogs.

Always be aware, educate yourself and know that the big business of dog food manufacturing is in it for the profit, not the health and welfare of our pets. That is up to us. Just do the absolute best you can for your pet and it will be returned with more doggie love, which is never a bad thing.

Litter Box Advice From Your Cat

2008-10-29T03:23:00.001-07:00

Dear My Human,

I wanted to write you because we have a very serious issue to address. This issue is my litter box. My litter box demands are not being met to my satisfaction. Please find below my requirements to be a healthy and happy cat- and if these wishes are met, I will no longer poop on the floor:

1. I need a big litter box, like, the Taj Mahal of litter boxes. It needs to be big enough so that I can move around, stretch my little cat paws as far as they can go, read a newspaper, inspect my beautiful self and so forth. Also, I require a deep litter box so that if I so choose, I can dig to the ends of the earth in search of the finest fish. But, my dear human, the box cannot be too tall so as to cause injury my fabulous physique. I would advise cutting a “cats only” entrance for me if the box is too tall. If there is more than just one fantastic feline in the home, the quantity of litter boxes must reflect this. Many a cat doctor advise that you provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the home. This would be greatly appreciated, and well… I think I deserve it!

2. I understand that you don’t like when I track my litter around the house. Well, my human, there is something you can do. A litter box mat will catch the extra litter clumps from my graceful paws! It is, in essence, a red carpet grand entrance to my commode, and que bellisimo… a functional one at that! Mats come in many different colors and patterns, so you can accommodate my high society, cultured taste. Paparazzi, cameras, and fans are optional.

3. But what, my human, is the good of a red carpeted Taj Mahal litter box if it is not smelling of flowers and sunshine?!? You must promise to keep my litter box clean as the spring breeze. I have an unprecedented sense of smell; my nose abilities are far stronger than those of your primitive nasal cavities. If you don’t enjoy the smell of my commode, then most certainly I do not. We cats are simply creatures of a higher order, who will not tolerate foul smell or unsanitary conditions. In lieu of this information, human, my litter must be of the clumping order, unscented and dust free.

4. The proper cleaning of my commode should be completed twice a day. I ask you, my human, do you enjoy performing your business in an unsightly toilet? Nay, you say? I don’t often like to point out the similarities of you human creatures and we alluring felines, but unsightly commodes are not enjoyable for either of us. Please be wary of keeping the litter box sanitary, or I will remind you in a way that is unbecoming to my cat nature. Proper cleaning supplies and attire are advisable. A litter scoop made of plastic and strong will, a filter with the power of 1,000 white oleanders, and a proper holding container, preferably with the bright, enticing colors of the earth and sun will do. In this way, you can achieve litter box cleanliness that is fit for a king or queen! (namely, me). That being said, a maid’s outfit would make this more official, so please go to your local human store and purchase some appropriate cleaning attire.

5. My human, I understand that you are busy and may not have the time to keep my Taj Mahal box in perfect condition. (Try looking as good as me every day for a week…now THAT would keep you busy) But alas! There are easier ways to fulfill my cleanliness requirements! It is possible to purchase litter box liners, which easily fit in the bottom of my box. When the time has come to clean my commode, you simply lift the whole liner and dispose with the other rubbish. Simple, yet fruitful! Another easy way is a roll and clean litter box. Sometimes, you humans are just so darn innovative! You pick up this light, attractive box which serves as my commode; flip it over, and TA DA! The unused litter goes to the bottom, the used litter and the cute little droplings I produce are filtered into a tray that can be easily removed.

6. Location, Location, Location, my human friend. Location is of much importance for my litter box. Please do not place my litter box in a room or closet where the door is often closed, (because believe me, I will find a door that is open… probably your bedroom) a place only reachable by stairs, (when I grow older into a senior cat full of wit and wisdom, it may be difficult for me to reach it) or a very open, very public space (Unlike you, human, in your simple nature, this is not because of modesty, but because of my instinctual nature to always be aware of my surroundings. It is a wild jungle out there, and I don’t want to be ambushed by an enemy when my guard is down).

7. You say you don’t want the litter box seen by your “oh so high society” human friends? It is possible to acquire a very trendy, discreet and fabulous decoration to go over my commode. In fact, it matches the rest of our furniture! How Savvy! It looks like a wooden chest, (which you can place foliage and human pictures on top of so that I can knock them over with grace and ease) and even your most cultured friends will never know that inside is my very own Taj Mahal! While they come in different styles and colors, I prefer the one in wood with that fabulous cherry color. Perfect for the most refined fancy cat.

Thank you, my human, for taking the time to read my requirements to be a healthy, happy, and “non pooping on the floor” cat. To help you implement these wishes straight away, please visit www.mythreecats.com for reliable, online, amazing service for all my cat accessories.

What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Pet Allergies

2008-10-29T03:22:00.000-07:00

What causes pet allergies? The primary agents are proteins produced in the hair, feathers, fur, urine, saliva, and feces of pets. These proteins can stimulate a wide and uncomfortable variety of symptoms in sufferers.

Pet allergies can spring up all at once, or they can evolve over months or years. A new cat owner, for instance, may suffer no allergy symptoms until six months after introducing a pet to her apartment. It’s important not to jump to conclusions about the cause of symptoms.

Many environmental and physiological factors can produce “pet allergy like” symptoms. You may be allergic to other substances (e.g. pollen, mold, poison ivy, certain foods, climatic variations, and even stress) or suffer a medical condition like influenza, eczema, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The best way to settle the diagnosis is to discuss the matter with your doctor. He or she can perform a range of tests (including skin and blood tests) aimed at pin pointing triggers. Be aware that allergies can often be comorbid with other conditions. To relieve symptoms, you will need to treat all triggers.

Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Pet allergies can present in vastly different ways in different patients. Some sufferers may experience eczema, nettle shaped rashes, and other skin blotches. Others may get asthma or other bronchial problems. Still others may present with full-on “hay fever like” symptoms, such as watery eyes, runny nose, headache, and congestion.

Symptoms can also vary in how, when, and how intensely they present, and individuals can respond to allergens in their environments differently at different times. For instance, let’s say you're allergic to dogs. During one encounter with a golden retriever, you may develop hay fever symptoms and difficulty breathing. Several weeks later, you can encounter the same golden retriever, and this time, you may experience an allergic rash but no hay fever symptoms.

Allergic symptoms can create secondary health problems as well. Pet allergy sufferers are statistically more likely to develop ear infections, insomnia, and the common cold. Moreover, if left untreated, these symptoms can impede one’s ability to travel, visit friends, or even go shopping.

Notwithstanding all of these negative symptoms, a surprising number of Americans “work through” their symptoms just to have the joy of spending time with their favorite companions. Approximately two millions Americans, according to one study, keep cats even though they are allergic to them.

What Makes Pet Allergies Worse?

Just because you have a pet allergy doesn’t mean that you can’t be allergic to other things in your environment. Indeed, your allergy symptoms can be exacerbated by a whole host of environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, pollen, dust in the air, and even your diet. If you don’t stay in shape by running, eating well, sleeping enough, limiting your stress, and avoiding excess consumption of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine, you can make your symptoms worse. Some studies even suggest that non-allergic pet owners who lead unhealthy lives put themselves at risk of developing allergies to their pets down the line.

How to Treat Pet Allergies

Fortunately for pet allergy sufferers, solutions abound. The simplest but in some ways saddest solution is to avoid pets entirely (or at least the pets which trigger your allergy symptoms). Thankfully, there are intermediate solutions you can try before parting with Fido or Mittens.

Taking allergy shots can prevent symptoms from developing. Minimize exposure in your environment by cleaning your house of pet dander particles or setting up a HEPA filter to circulate the air and eliminate pet allergens.

Shop for so-called low allergy pets, such as shorthaired cats or “low allergy” dogs like Bichon Frisé’s. If you can wrangle your pet for regular baths, you can reduce the amount of pet dander that will circulate in your house. Also, make sure to keep your pet healthy and active -- studies suggest that pets that are confined can become more allergenic over time.

If you're “super allergic” to pets and you need to visit someone who owns an animal which triggers your symptoms, wear a mask, and/or bring medications to control symptoms. Finally, declare an “allergy free zone” in your house. You may be able to control your symptoms simply by staying out of rooms your pet occupies regularly.

Medications to Control Symptoms

You can find over-the-counter and prescribed antihistamines to control symptoms, and corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators can be effective as well. You can also try over-the-counter topicals, such as eye-drops, nasal sprays, creams, and even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Finally, it is possible to build up tolerances to pet dander through a program of controlled exposure over time. You may want to speak with an allergy specialist to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. If you're really allergic to a certain type of animal, make sure to carry emergency medication on your person in the event that you encounter that animal, since you may not have time to get to medical help before severe symptoms set in.

Benefits of Dog Training for Both You and Your Dog

2008-10-29T03:21:00.000-07:00

It will be a great and wonderful moment of bringing a new puppy into your household. With a proper dog training program, dog can provide unconditional love, hours of entertainment and genuine friendship; else it will be the other way round. Below are the benefits of having good dog training.

1. Training builds healthy bonding.Dog training is the best way of creating bonding between you and your dog. It must be start at the very moment you acquire your dog. Unfortunately, most of the people dog training only begins at the time of trying new trick. Your dog starts to learn by continually looking and learning from your actions. He learns from your reaction toward his by looking for guidance, for comfort and for food.

2. Training solves behavioural problems By developing the trusting bond between you and your dog, you can start to correct the behavioural problems of your dog, like barking at anyone passes by, chewing any things that come along his way etc. Your dogs will learn from you reaction whether his actions is right or not.

3. Training building the dog’s IQ Training your dog can stimulate your dog’s IQ. Due to the dog’s nature to be curious, your dog tends to explore any thing he comes across. He has the capability of becoming very intelligent if he is given correct stimulation which will encourage them to learn.

4. Training encourages sense of self belonging.

Dog need to have the sense of self of belonging in order for him to feel secure staying in the house as a pack of your household. He will feel like part of the pack if he receives the attention from every members of the house hold. So everyone in your family should take time to train your dog.

5. Training saves time. Last but not lease, dog training can save you a lot of times in future if your start the training in the early stage. For instance, you may save the time of cleaning up the mess he creates in future if your take time to train him now.

Training dogs do need times and effort. You must be very patient and committed in order for you to successfully train your dog up. Remember, with a proper training and guidance, you dog will become more adorable and loving and also for a better relationship between your dog and you.

So what are you waiting for? Start to train your dog now.

Book Review: Dog Park Diary - The Social Round of Goody Beagle by Kim Pearson

2008-10-29T03:20:00.000-07:00

I have always had a soft spot for dogs, each has their own unique character and charm. I also seem to attract them like a magnet. Case in point, I have just moved to a sleepy small town in Mississippi and have already made a 'new best friend,' a rather timid four legged creature that lives across the street. I have no clue what his or her name is. I call it 'Scardy Dog.' I just have to make an appearance on the porch and it comes running over to say hello. It also has great road sense, stopping at the curb and looking both ways before crossing. It is also scared of its shadow, one quick movement and it is off like a jack rabbit.

Kim Pearson and Anne Lindsay clearly share my affinity with our four legged friends, and Dog Park Diary is an exquisitely executed and highly amusing look at their pets, and their pets' best friends.

The action takes place in Robinswood Dog Park in Bellevue, Washington. A sanctuary where those pesky leashes can be discarded, and dogs can be dogs. This is the social apex for dogs that live in the neighborhood.

The hero of the story is one Dr. Jane Goodall Beagle, but as she explains most people just call her Goody. Goody is our guide and mentor in this voyage of doggy discovery. One of the first lessons that Goody introduces us to is doggy etiquette and the importance of playing 'sniff-butt,' this is the doggy equivalent of us humans saying 'hello, how are you today,' but also a lot more, you can tell if the other dog is sad or happy, friend of foe. As Goody puts it:

I think humans should do 'sniff-butt' too. Maybe they wouldn't fight so often.

They would look pretty funny though.

I enjoyed Dog Park Diary and Goody's explanation of the dog world. Although this book could be seemed to be aimed at the children's market it does contain some aspects that maybe a parent would not want to deal with, with their young children. Bodily functions are always a huge attraction to youngsters, and bodily functions do get a mention or two.

The photography by Anne Lindsay is superb, it matches the text so well. Both creators of this book deserve huge credit. While this may seem a very niche work, it is well worth seeking out. I really enjoyed it. Using minimal text Kim Pearson tells the story in a way that makes every word count. Goody takes on a personae from the very first page. Pointing out early on that she is a 'she dog', and as such has manners, not like those rowdy male dogs! "Some even pee in the water bowl" she tells us with disgust.

Dog Park Diary may not be the stuff that makes the New York Times best seller list, but I am sure it will find its way into the homes of many dog lovers.

You can order your copy from Amazon.

Are You and Your Dog Compatible?

2008-10-29T03:19:00.000-07:00

Dogs, by nature, are born to be active. So if you're a couch potato addicted to the TV, owning a dog might not be the way to go. A dog is more likely to feel depressed if he is matched with an owner who has a different lifestyle, creating discord in the relationship.

If you bring a dog into your home, there are activity levels that you should think about first in order to keep your dog fit physically and emotionally. Having a dog that needs walking twice a day might spur lazy adults to get the kind of physical exercise that they need. However, lazy individuals are not likely to change their habits enough to make a good fit between them and active dogs. It's the dog that will suffer as the lazy owner slacks off on walking and the dog fails to get what he needs in consistent outdoor time.

The amount and kind of exercise that you give to your dog is not the same as giving him the amount of physical activity that he needs every day. Every dog needs time to walk, run, play and relax each day. Go to a dog park or walk your dog on a leash in the neighborhood. Having a fenced backyard allows your dog to romp and play without a lead. Mobility limitations can often be a concern for older adults. If this is the case, choosing a dog that requires less daily physical activity is the best thing to do. Individuals that enjoy being outside and actively include their dogs are more likely to have healthier, happy dogs.

Larger dogs tend to be more physically active. Many larger dogs have heritages that include being working or hunting dogs. Their desire to be active and work off some energy are some of their inherent traits. Dogs which are born for movement and agility may include the Doberman, Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, German Shepherd and Greyhound. It is natural for them to require movement and exercise everyday. Not all large dogs require a high level of physical activity. Size can fool you. Breeds such as the St. Bernard and Bull Mastiff fit this category even though they may well outweigh their keeper.

Small dogs can comfortably live in small places. These dogs may include the Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Poodles and Pekinese who don't need as much outdoor activity since their nervous temperaments cause them to be high in activity around the house. Granted, their physical activity may be running aimlessly around the room, jumping on your guests or on you, but they do settle down when their energy wanes. Then it's time to recharge by crawling back on your lap or on one of their plush pet beds.

There's much to understand before getting a dog. So take the time to evaluate your living space, personality, and individual activity level so you can come up with the best dog fit compatible to you.

Feline Anxiety and Stress

2008-10-29T03:18:00.004-07:00

Cats want to do today what they did yesterday and plan to do tomorrow what they did today. Cats in particular, it seems do not want to have anything to do with change in their environment or even any type of confusion. When their normal surroundings are piled high with everything that was once in another room, they sometimes decide to spray on those things to lower their sweet little feline anxiety/anxiety levels.

Cats like to know when and were their human mom and dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job with late night hours, or work real early in the morning, this can drastically change your household routine and lifestyle and your cat may develop feline anxiety/stress because of it.

Feline anxiety and stress seems to be worse in indoor cats, presumably as a result of their smaller living space. In single cat households, the presence of neighbor’s cats in built up areas may act as a stress factor. Cat Toys will teach you how to take care of your cat’s exercise needs which is important for many reasons including relieving stress.

When the feline anxiety and stress level continually increases, at some point there will be a behavioral response from that cat. Once the cat has shown a behavioral response, the stress response starts to decline. Stress responses occur in response to both 'good' and 'bad' changes in the cat's environment. As a cat owner, you should know that urine marking (as one possible behavioral response) is highly motivated and that this is just a normal behavior that can be brought on by feline anxiety and stress. It should be noted that it is not unusual for a cat to have a medical problem when the behavior history says that it is only a behavioral problem. For instance, blood tests may be necessary to determine if a medical problem, such as kidney disease, is contributing to the spraying.

Other signs of feline anxiety and stress you may see are excessive grooming or biting at the tail or back. Control is best achieved by decreasing the motivation to perform the behavior. The cat environment of today has been changed considerably over the many years since they have been domesticated and they have adapted by changing a great deal of their instinctive behavior. It should be noted that wild cats avoid humans totally, and that true wild cats cannot be tamed just by raising them in a human household.

There are many causes of feline anxiety and stress and it varies from cat to cat. If you observe your cat closely and try to keep changes in their life and surroundings to a minimum, there should not be a problem.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

Caring for Your Dog in the Summer

2008-10-29T03:18:00.003-07:00

With summer just around the corner, it's important to know how to best care for your dog.

As the weather becomes increasingly warmer, many dogs like to lie in the sun, swim or play freely with their owners. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburns can be common and can become very serious - very quickly.

Heat and Hydration

Pay special attention to your dog’s food and drink during the summer. On hot days, when dogs lose more moisture through panting, dogs may drink more than usual so keep checking that your pet has fresh, clean water. It's probably a good idea to put an extra bowl of water outside if your dog spends time in the yard. Remember, water will evaporate more quickly from bowls when the weather is hot, so always check to be sure there's plenty of water and that it's changed frequently.

When you take your dog for a walk in the summer, and particularly when the weather is hot, carry some extra water for your dog, and a bowl. Stop frequently to allow your pet to have a drink. Wrapping a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog’s neck before heading outside can help her stay cooler and avoid heat exhaustion.

Never leave a dog in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. Don't be fooled by thinking you can quickly pop into a store or a shop with your dog and he will be fine in the car. In the summer, parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can heat up like ovens in a very short time. Panting is not efficient enough to cool the dog. Dogs can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long.

Strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather can also cause heat stroke. The symptoms are obvious – restlessness, panting excessively and drooling. Dehydration is another severe condition if not treated immediately. Dogs suffering from dehydration may have a loss of skin elasticity and their mouths may become dry and tacky and saliva is thick. If the dog is not treated immediately it will become a very serious condition.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in cool - not cold - water and wrap a damp towel around the dog. This is a serious medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention immediately.

Sunscreen

Other dogs need special care in the summer months, particularly white, shorthaired dogs or dogs with pale ears or noses like Boston or Bull Terriers. If your dog is white or has a pale nose or ears, buy some sunblock for your pet. Apply it to vulnerable spots every day. Because dogs have a natural inclination to lick off anything that is applied to their fur and skin, use a sunscreen that is known to be non-toxic to dogs. Your vet will be able to advise you if you unsure of which product to buy.

Swimming

Many dogs love the water. If your dog has never been swimming, try slowly introducing him to a lake, a pond or a pool. Get in the water with your dog as he builds confidence. Throw a toy or a stick a small distance away from you and encourage him to retrieve it. Or, bring another dog with you who loves the water and watch as your pet learns to swim by trying to keep up with his friend. If you want to be even more comfortable, purchase a life vest made especially for pets. The vest has handles to help you lift your dog into and out of the water. Finally, don't forget to rinse your dog with clean, fresh water after he's been swimming to be sure to get off any chemicals
or bacteria.

By following these simple guidelines, you and your pet will surely have a more fun and safe summer!

Caring for Your Dog in the Summer

2008-10-29T03:18:00.001-07:00

Should You Use Punishment

2008-10-29T03:16:00.000-07:00

Negative reinforcement can be used to teach behavior. The main disadvantage of using negative reinforcement is that you must precede the reinforcement with either a punishment, or the threat of punishment. This can cause fear and anxiety in animals.

A punishment, as we all know, is an unwelcoming event which an animal or human, for that matter, obviously wishes to avoid because of the fearful consequences. As Webster puts it a punishment is:

To impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation.

To inflict a penalty for the commission of (an offense) in retribution or retaliation. To deal with roughly or harshly.

A punishment is designed to make a behavior less likely to occur in the future. As children I am sure we were all punished. At least I was. That is for sure. I thought twice about doing that same naughty act again. An example of a negative reinforcement with a dog is a choker chain. If you are trying to teach your dog to walk beside you and to heel on command when you stop, you could use a choker collar. If he surges at another animal or human and he is wearing a choker chain you may pull on his choker chain. If your dog then stops, and heels the stopping of the pain and pressure on the dog's neck stops because the choker chain goes slack.

So, the stopping of the pain and pressure on the dog's neck is a "negative reinforcement" to the dog. It is reinforcing because it removes something that is not of benefit to the dog.

A lot of people seem to think using positive reinforcement doubled with negative reinforcement would make for a better behaving dog. There is no doubt that using negative reinforcement will make your dog do what you want. However punishment and negative reinforcement produce involuntary behaviors, as the dog doesn't willingly do what you want. Just imagine how you would feel if a powerful person punished you for a particular action and you didn't understand why. You would probably run away from that situation and avoid contact with that person at all costs in the future. A lot of dogs who are trained using punishment become very fearful which in turn causes anxiety.

4 Big Disadvantages For Using Negative Reinforcement To Train Your Dog.

1. The dog does NOT willingly do what you want.

2. The punishments must become more severe for the dog to continue to obey you.

3. The dog will link you, the owner with punishment therefore destroying your relationship with your dog.

4. Because the dog is fear driven it may become unwilling or unable to learn.

Examples of a dog feeling fearful.

A. The dog heeling with tail held low and ears laid back.

B. Dog returns slowly to you in an arc, rather than quickly in a straight line.

C. Cringing behavior when the dog is close to you.

At this point it should be very clear that positive reinforcement is the best choice for training your dog. Your dog will have a much better temperament and ability and willingness to learn.

If you missed the article on positive reinforcement drop me an email and I'll send it to you. BettyBulldog@ForTheLoveOfDogZ.com

Please put positive reinforcement in the subject line.

Saving Your Pet's Life

2008-10-29T02:43:00.002-07:00

Saving Your Pet's Life
A Serious Medical Condition to be Aware of

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus - commonly known as Bloat

This is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary assistance for proper diagnosis and treatment. If not treated immediately it can quickly take your dog's life.
Commonly seen in deep-chested breeds (such as Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, etc.), bloat is caused by an intake of gasses and fluids that aren't released. It often happens by eating too quickly, gulping water, and/or strenuous exercise after a meal.

Gasses and excess fluid trapped in the stomach expand, causing a distention (bloat) of the stomach, which is readily visible from the appearance of the dog. The distention of the stomach causes it to flip possibly a full 360 degrees and the spleen may rotate. Symptoms include:

Restlessness
Distended abdomen
Glassy eyes
Unproductive retching/dry heaves
Excessive panting
Salivating
Arrythmia
Pale gums and mucous membranes

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, take him to the vet immediately. Even after surgically releasing the gasses, the dog may need to undergo extensive surgical therapy to return the stomach to it's original position as well as treatment of shock symptoms. Many dogs never fully recover, and may die of complications stemming from Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Ongoing therapy is often needed.

In order to prevent bloat from happening, feed your pet smaller meals, broken up over the course of the day particularly if you have a large, barrel-chested breed like those mentioned above. Avoid exercising your dog immediately after eating and limit water after exercise to avoid gulping.

Once bloat happens, it is common that it may happen again. Owners of deep-chested breeds that have a history of bloat may consider having the stomach stapled to abdominal muscles to prevent future problems. This preventative step should only be taken under the advisory of one or more veterinarians.

Dog Food Blues- an Ultimate Answer to Canine Nutrition

2008-10-29T02:43:00.001-07:00

To improve the life of your dog you must make sure it is receiving the best nutrition possible. Research , external from established pet food manufacturers ,had to be done to determine what dogs miss out when owners buy commercial store food . Extensive research on what kind of boosters a dog needs to take its health to the next level had to be done.

Enter Dr Andrew Jones, a young holistic veterinarian, who has seen the results of poor dog nutrition in his 15 years of veterinary practice. He set out to to make the "be all, end all" solution for pet owners who truly wanted the best for their animals and used his in the field experience, coupled with the grief over the loss of one of his own pets, to design a supplement for dogs. He wanted to figure out the absolute best ways to...

* Help a dog strengthen its immune system to the point where no disease stands a chance...

* Give a dog everything it needs to have healthy, arthritis-free joints, bones

* Set the stage for proper growth and development in younger dogs

* Help ensure proper functioning of the muscles and nerves

* Ensure healthy teeth and gums

* Slow down the aging process and hardening of tissues

* Increase healthy eye sight long into a dog's golden years

* Aid in digestion, and provide nutrients that aid and improve your dog's metabolism

* Speed up the body's healing process for wounds and possible broken bones

* Cut down your dog's risk of allergies

* Decrease a dog's risk to viral and airborne diseases

* And most of all... PREVENT CANCER.

Dr Jones took every thing he learned from 15+ years of treating every dog disease imaginable and spent several years interviewing the people who he considered to be the experts on canine nutrition... researching the effects of using one vitamin or nutrient versus another... and figuring out exactly what a dog truly needs to lead a full and healthy life and came up with a formula for a new Canine Supplement. I know Andrew and his family and his commitment to his own pets and those of his patients and find him to be a caring and compassionate man, not a faceless multi-national corporation. I have read his various publications The Truth Behind the Pet Food Recall , Veterinary Secrets Revealed, Dog Health Remedies and First Aid for Dogs. Find out what his formula can do for your dog, and maybe lower your vet bills at the same time.

Should You Use Punishment

2008-10-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

Osteochondritis Dissecans: Dog Bones Disorder

2008-10-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

In any joint in the body, two bones come together and movement is allowed between them, there is an exceptionally smooth area of cartilage covers in surface of each bone which acts as a cushion and protects the underlying bone. If anything disrupts this smooth cartilage surface, movement of the joint becomes painful, this is called Osteochondritis Dissecans. OCD usually affects shoulder, ankle, elbow and knee joints, and primarily seen in human, horse and dog. In dogs, OCD mainly strikes large dog breeds, and is fairly common in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards. Not all big breeds are vulnerable: OCD is less likely to affect Doberman Pinschers, Collies, and Siberian Huskies.

This disorder seems to be spontaneous and not so easy to predict. OCD often cause of rapid bone developments and usually found in puppies between ages four to eight months of age. OCD also occassionally found in older dogs and small dog breeds, and the male dogs are more often affected almost five times than female dogs. OCD can be hereditary from any or both parents who had the condition. Other common cause of OCD are; too much stress on dogs young bones also, restricted blood flow to the cartilage, overweight problems, trauma, developed cracks on growing bones and weight bearing bones, or poor diet and nutrition. Proper petsafe is needed to ensure good health and wellness of dogs.

Every time this dog would move the joint or bear weight on it, the flap would irritate the underlying tissue and create pain and discomfort. That's why a dog limps with this condition. Injury to the surface cartilage may lead to the separation of the cartilage from the bone or cause a decrease in blood supply that leads to cartilage flap formation. Common signs of OCD are; limping dog leg, favoring one paw or leg while walking or even when lying down, swelling at the shoulder or, more rarely, the elbows and knees, pain and discomfort when trying to extend a swollen joint.

Osteochondritis Dissecans can be treated, one treatment method called "conservative treatment" requires the dog to be confined to pens or dog crates for number of weeks where activity and jumping will be kept to a minimum. After four to ten weeks of confinement there is about a sixty percent chance that the cartilage defect on the humeral head will heal and the dog will return to normal activity. The most direct approach and the one that returns the pup to normal activity the soonest is the surgical approach. In surgery the veterinarian makes an incision over the shoulder and accesses the shoulder joint. Opening the joint space the surgeon inspects for any loose cartilage pieces and rotates the humerus to expose the back side of the head of the humerus where the defect comes into view. For growing puppies, it has been recommended that animals that are susceptible to the disease be fed a diet that is lower in protein and fat, or that they are fed in a limited manner to allow steady even growth during the first year of life. This theory may have merits, but more specific studies need to be done before any general recommendations can be made. Some people believe that an overweight growing dog will be more likely to develop OCD, but there isn't much evidence yet. Protect a young pup's limbs from unnecessary physical impact, such as repeated jumps off a deck or out of a car. Proper diet certainly play a role, choose healthy, natural and balanced puppy diet that promote healthy bone growth and may reduce your dog's odds of getting OCD.

If Convenience is the Issue, Opt for Pet Medication Online!

2008-10-29T02:39:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly, pets are so much adorable and cuddly like babies. Especially for pet lovers, they find them funny and oftentimes treat them like a part of their family. Sometimes, they regard their pets as their confidant and make them a source of their joy whenever they are sad and down. They find real amusement in taking care of their pets. They sure bring a lot of happiness into our lives. But as caretakers, we should repay their outstanding loyalty and the inexplicable beatitude they bring to us. We need to be very responsible and sincere to their health and wellness. Like humans, they need to have the required vaccinations, supplements, emergency medications and etc. to make sure that they are healthy. We may find it costly and probably think of where to purchase those drugs in a very convenient manner. Well, there are already pet medication online that offers various services and pet health products needed by your beloved animals.

Pets like people are also prone to diseases. We probably never want to see them lying so sick in one corner of the house, would we? They can break our hearts just like seeing our child so dull and lame because of illness. We would probably miss their energy and presence in our homes.

As pet lovers, we would love to see our pets with shining, bright eyes, good set of teeth, shiny hair (if it is visible), and healthy skin. Who would want to cuddle and play with a pet that has all the irony of what we always want them to possess anyway? I guess, none.

So as responsible pet owners, we should be prepared for any circumstances that would lead to our pets' sickness. Since pet illness is a reality and comes unexpectedly, we should be aware that there are some unknown causes and that we need to seek the help of a professional veterinarian. We could not diagnose our pets with anything without a vet's consultation.

Pet remedies, just like human medicines, need to be administered correctly. So do not ever give shots to pets without an accurate advice. We have to be aware that there are pet allergies also that may be disputable to the kind of drugs you are planning to diagnose them. If you try to give them one that would trigger their allergy/allergies, or if you diagnose them with something that contradicts to an active state of infection they have, that would lead to the soaring of their illness or would probably produce another kind of infection thereby increasing the hazard on your pet's health.

Medicines are specially made for a certain type of animal. You cannot give a treatment to a cat which is obviously for a dog. Animals differ in their systems. They may eat the same kind of food but the kind of immune system each type of animal has is different.

One of the most effective and useful pet cures is an antibiotic. But like any other pet medications, this kind of medicine should follow an accurate dosage. Even a tiny increase in the solution can harm your pets. So be sure to take proper measures and take heed in giving the right dosage. Hence, if your doctor advised you to stop or not to use the medicine at all, then you should follow. Illnesses like diarrhea may be acquired.

So if you are thinking where to get effective pet cures and a place where you can avail those pet health products discounts, a pet medication online store is always available for you. Just be sure that before you ask and purchase any pet remedies, it must be consulted and advised by veterinarians. Try to see if the medicine is approved by health institutions. If you are afraid of delivery delays, then order and request them to provide the pet medicines the soonest possible. The advantage of pet medication online is, you have lots of pet cures selection to choose from.

How to Choose the Breed of Dog With the Temperament Most Suitable for Your Needs

2008-10-29T02:38:00.001-07:00

How to choose the breed of dog with the most suitable temperament for your needs.

How to choose the breed of dog with the temperament most suitable for your needs

by Dennis Fisher

Different breeds of dogs vary considerably in temperament.

In deciding which breed would be most suitable for your needs and for the needs of your family, the distinctive temperament of the breed should be an important factor in your choice.

Obviously you cannot ignore practical considerations such as the size of your garden and the facilities you have for the dog to exercise. Some breeds of dogs obviously require more exercise than others. But do not ignore the natural, distinctive temperament of the breed you have chosen.

In order to make the task of choosing the breed of dog that best suits your needs a little easier, I have listed below the eight most popular dogs – according to A.K.C. registration figures – and given brief details about their temperaments.

The following list is in current order of popularity.

1. Labrador Retriever.

Then Labrador is a medium sized dog of about 22 inches in height with very expressive eyes. An important reason for it’s popularity to the fact that it is generally an even-tempered, friendly animal that is particularly good with children.

There are Labradors who have been trained to be quite effective guard dogs, but this is not a natural characteristic of the breed. But if is a lovable, friendly, affectionate, easy to manage and easy to train pet is what you require the Labrador is an excellent choice. Labradors are, quite understandably, the breed of choice with many eye-dog organizations.

A Labrador can be a somewhat greedy dog and there is a tendency for the dog to put on too much weight if the diet is not controlled.

2. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a fairly large, friendly animal, standing about 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing approximately 80 lbs.

This is a highly intelligent, very lively, active breed. It has a delightful temperament, friendly and affectionate and is very fond of children.

The Golden Retriever is very quick to learn and responds very well indeed to training.

It must be mentioned however, that the Golden Retriever is not a natural guard dog. It is a breed that appears to have no inherited protective, guard instinct. It is possible this can be instilled with correct training but it is not a natural trait of the breed.

3. Yorkshire Terrier.

This handsome little terrier, with a beautiful silky coat, although only about 7 lbs. in weight, is reputed to be one of the most courageous small dogs willing to tackle anything.

It is highly intelligent, friendly and lovable and can fit in easily in a very small home or apartment. It does not require a great deal of exercise.

The “Yorkie”, as it is affectionately known is definitely a terrier in nature. It is bright, intelligent, lively and alert and in spite of its small size makes a very good, protective watchdog.

4. German Shepherd Dog

This is the breed that has been my personal favorite for many years.

There is no animal as anxious to please, as easy to train and as adaptable as the well-bred German Shepherd.

But I would like to stress the “well-bred” aspect. In this regard I must emphasize that I consider temperament is to a very large extent an inherited trait. For this reason it is imperative that before you select a German Shepherd pup, you know something about his parents and make absolutely certain they have sound, confident temperaments.

If at all possible make a point of seeing both Sire and Dam.

A German Shepherd Dog is not for everyone! It is not the type of animal that can be ignored, except at feeding time and left in the backyard to fend for itself.

The German Shepherd craves attention. It is an animal that wants to be part of the family, which can be a definite disadvantage if you haven’t the time to give Shepherds the attention they need.

This doesn’t mean that you have to devote all your spare time training the dog. But it does mean that you will have to spend a fair amount of time training the German Shepherd in basic obedience. The dog must learn to respect you. This is of vital important and comes with training.

If you are willing to spend the time and effort in giving you German Shepherds the extra attention they deserve, you will be able to bring out the exceptionally fine qualities they have inherited from their ancestors.

5. Beagle

This is a dog that originated in England and was used for hunting rabbits. It is a very intelligent, good-natured animal that is easy to train. It also has a very good sense of smell.

Although smaller than most hunting dogs, standing only about 14 inches in height and weighing less than 30 pounds, it is nevertheless a sturdy animal. It has a white coat with black and tan markings and large, hanging ears.

This playful breed that was popularized though the “Peanuts” comic strips, that featured “Snoopy”, makes a delightful family pet because it is particularly fond of children.

The Beagle is also very alert that and makes an excellent watch dog.

6. Daschund.

The Daschund, a breed that originated in Germany, was originally bred to hunt badgers. In spite of its small size it was also used to hunt foxes. Because of it’s long body, loose skin and keen sense of smell, the animal was able to burrow underground.

Although quite small, no more than 25 pounds, it is a sturdy, well-muscled animal

The Daschund has a delightful temperament, fun-loving, undemanding and very affectionate. They do not require a great deal of exercise and are quite content to lie around.

In fact because of this they should not be over-fed otherwise they have a tendency to become overweight, which is of course unhealthy for any breed.

They are also inclined to bark unnecessarily. But his can be corrected with training. They are intelligent animals and although sometimes inclined to be obstinate, they will respond to firm, but gentle correction.

7. Boxer

This breed also originated in Germany and was the result of the crossing of dogs of the bull breed variety and terriers.

A well-bred Boxer has a great deal to offer. It is an animal that is exceptionally good with children. Because of its size – about 24 inches at the shoulder and between 65 and 70 lbs in weight, this muscular dog, with correct training can prove to be a useful guard dog.

A well-bred Boxer is muscular, very athletic, handsome animal.

A decided advantage of the Boxer is the fact that coat is short and requires very little attention in so far as grooming is concerned.

Boxers are capable of being trained and a number have done reasonably in competitive Obedience work. Sometimes they are not quite as quick to respond to commands as other working dog breeds, but once they understand your command they seldom forget.

They are lovable very affectionate animals that generally get on well with other dogs.

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8. Poodle.

The poodle is reputed to be the most intelligent of all breeds - with good reason. It is a remarkably intelligent animal, very responsive and very easy to train.

It is very playful lovable animal that very often attaches itself to one member of the family. Because it is suspicious of strangers it can also be a very good guard. Although it is sometimes a noisy dog, this alertness can be very useful when there is also a larger, guard dog in the home. The Poodle is alert to every strange sound.

A great advantage of the Poodle is the fact that it is the only breed that does not shed it’s coat. This can be of inestimable value if there happens to be member of the family who is allergic to dog’s hair. But because the dog does not shed its coat, the dog should be regularly brushed to avoid matting of the coat.

Because of it’s exceptional intelligence the Poodle can be remarkably easy to train.

Because of space restrictions this article provides only the basic facts about these eight breeds. If you would like to know more about these and many other breeds, you will find a great deal of information on the following site http://www,freedigadvice.com

Keeping Your Dog Warm and Comfortable During Winter

2008-10-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

If you live in the area that is subjected to heavy snow fall and very cold temperature especially on winter season, and you have a pet, you might want to start thinking of ways to keep them warm and comfortable for the season. One of the means to keep your pet warm and comfortable during the wet season is to let them inside your house. However, if you are not comfortable in keeping your dog inside your house, there are still alternatives to keep them warm and dry during the cold season.

One way to keep your dog outside your house but still ensure he is warmed and comfortable is to set him up a bed in your garage. A nice, thick mat or bed for your dog will keep him warm even he is in your garage. Making sure that the bed or mat is elevated from the ground to make sure that the cold will not creep into the bed. Another way is to put him in a dog house. Dog house is a great way to keep your dog outdoors and still ensures that he is comfortable and warm during winter.

Winter can create some health problems on your dog such as arthritis due to cold weather. A great investment is to put up a dog house that is sturdy and can withstand any weather. Keep in mind that it is important that the dog house should not be too spacious but also not too enclosed. Proper size of the dog house should be considered when buying or building. The exterior should be sealed against rain, snow and moist and wind. To ensure the warmth of the dog house, amenities can be added such as thicker blanket of bed. A heater can also be installed on the dog house to ensure that your dog is warmed. A well built dog house should provide a shelter for your dog at all kinds of weather. Building your dog a house will protect and give him shelter all year round.

There are a lot of means and ways to keep your dog warm and comfortable during winter or cold season. All you have to do is to explore the alternatives.

Dog Wormer is More Than Getting Rid of Worms

2008-10-29T02:35:00.002-07:00

I am a veterinary assistant. Working for about six months at my uncle’s clinic gave me some education that a few vet schools failed to teach. Being a veterinary assistant puts you to the actual health scenarios of the animals. But may be you are puzzled why I chose to become a veterinary assistant rather that being a real veterinarian. At first when I took veterinary medicine, I am hesitant if it is really the career I want to take. Of course I love animals but it is rather a different thing when you are a doctor. You are not only handling the health of the animals but also their lives. This is what I am thinking while preparing a dose of dog wormer for a beagle.

The beagle that I am currently attending to has been delivered here at the clinic late in evening yesterday with his owner rushing over the emergency situation. The dog was dehydrated, fainting and weak. With a few samples of the feces, it has been diagnose to have tapeworms and low concentration of hookworms. The dog was given medication in the soonest time and now I am preparing for a second shot of the dog wormer.

The owner is also fainting together with the dog. It must be funny but this happens every time an emergency condition happens here; may be because they really love their pet so much. My uncle said that being a veterinarian is more than giving medical treatment. It is giving a new life to the animals. Like what I am presently doing, preparing the dose of dog wormer is more than getting rid of the parasites, giving the dog wormer is saving the life of the beagle that I am attending do. When you handle a living creature, whether human or simply an animal, you are an instrument in extending their lives. That is why I have to prepare properly the doses of the dog wormers that I am asked to do.

The dog wormer that I am preparing is in the liquid form for easier digestion of the beagle. Though it can be on chewable tablets, and has the same effect, the owner would rather prefer the liquid for it to take effect immediately.

My uncle prescribed the dog wormer to be administered for three consecutive days. Since he prescribed panacur or febendazole, this is safe for the dog. Moreover, the veterinarian also suggested to the owner that though they are strict in the home hygiene, he should take deworming proactively by bringing his dog every month for a deworming session rather than waiting for the situation to happen again.

It is a relief to see the dog’s conditioned renewed after the medication. After such, now I am giving it a second thought to pursue my veterinary medicine career.

Top Advice for Caring for Your Dog

2008-10-29T02:35:00.001-07:00

Tip 1 – Make sure that your dog’s collar has attached to it an identification tag that shows their name, your name and your contact details. Generally it is best if you just place a phone number on which you can be contacted. By including this on your dog’s collar you are increasing the chances of them being returned to you if they get lost or runaway.

Tip 2 – You need to find out what the laws with regards to registering your dog and having them vaccinated. Today it is a legal requirement that all animals kept as pets are fitted with a microchip. This is done by your vet and generally the cost of having it inserted between the animal’s shoulder blades is around $50. There are some microchips which just provide an identification number, whilst others are designed to actually read the animals temperature as well. Once inserted the information is then entered into a database and should an animal be lost and found with such a chip they can be returned to you as their owner much more quickly.

Tip 3 – Whenever you are walking your dog away from your property it is important that they are always on a leash. Also check with your local authorities because you may find that certain breeds are classed as dangerous dogs and may be required to be muzzled when out in public.

Tip 4 – Although you dog may be inside most of the time when they are outside in the garden still make sure that they have adequate shelter, especially if you intend to leave them there whilst out. But although you may keep them outside you should also spend time with them as well and these are pack animals and so they like to be with others.

Tip 5 – You should make sure that you arrange for your dog to be checked over regularly by your vet. This way if anything unusual is noted they will be able to treat it much more quickly and which could save you on your vet bills in the future.

Tip 6 – Unless you are intending to breed from your dog it is important that you have the spayed or neutered. Many dogs after having this routine surgery carried out tend to live much longer and tend to be much healthier and have far less behavioural problems.

Tip 7 – It is important that you provide your dog with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure that they can easily get to fresh water when they need. This is especially important if you intend to feed your dog only dried food. When it comes to which food to give your dog as there are so many different kinds available it may be advisable to discuss the issue with your vet first. Certainly many owners today prefer to feed dried dog food simply because it is must easier and also contains the right balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that dogs need. The other choice you have and if you have the time is actually to prepare fresh meals for your dog which you can then freeze and give to them each day.

Tip 8 – If you have never owned a dog before then it is worth your while enrolling them in some obedience training classes. This way you can learn the most humane and safe ways to control your dog and provides you with a chance to bond much more closely with your animal. Your vet should be able to recommend a class for you, plus there are plenty who advertise in local newspapers and dog magazines. Before joining such classes go along and check them out first and speak with other dog owners who attend them.

Tip 9 – Although you dog may have the garden to run around in, it is worth actually taking them for much longer walks as well. It provides them with the opportunity to explore new areas so not only are they getting the physical exercise they need but the mental as well. Ideally you should be trying to walk your dog at least twice a day. However, this may differ from breed to breed and if you are unsure how much exercise your dog needs then speak to your vet.

Tip 10 – It is important that you have a regular grooming in place for your dog, especially if you own a large dog or a dog with a long coat. As you are grooming them you can actually carry out some simple health checks as well. It is best to start at the head and work your way down. You need to check their eyes, ears, nose and mouth to make sure that they are all clean, clear and bright. If you notice any discharge or foul smells then arrange for your vet to carry out a more thorough inspection. After checking them over then it is a good idea to bathe and then groom your dog. As well as getting rid of any unwanted guests on their body you are also helping to remove any loose hair.

Above we have shown you 10 ways to care for your dog. If you keep the above tips in mind then you will find that not only does your dog remain healthy, but they will be much happier too.

Top 10 Tips on Caring for Your Pet Cat

2008-10-29T02:34:00.001-07:00

1 - Fit your cat with a collar and attached to it details relating to you including your telephone number. This way if your cat does happen to get out and goes missing then the chances of them being returned to you will be greatly improved.

2 - Today you will also find that it is a legal requirement that your cat is actually micro chipped. This is something that your vet needs to do and normally they will inject the small device between the animal’s shoulder blades. As well as you having a copy of the identification information this is then entered into a database and so if animal is lost a quick swipe of the animal will tell if it is the one.

3 - Although many cats like to be able to go outside if you live in a built up area it is best if you keep them confined to your home. Ideally look at providing them with plenty of things such as a scratching post so that they don’t get bored and start to damage your furniture instead. Plus it is a good idea when you go out to restrict them to one room only in the house (i.e., the kitchen) and make sure that they have everything that they need.

4 - It is important with any pet including cats that they go to the vet regularly not just for checkups but for boosters of their vaccinations. If you are unsure which vet to use, ask a friend, neighbour or a family member if they can recommend someone.

5 - You may not like it but having your cat spayed or neutered is extremely important especially if they are allowed to roam outside. Not only will your cat be a lot healthier but this will help to prevent you ending up with more cats than you wanted.

6 - You need to ensure that you provide your cat with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure that they have a good continuous supply of fresh water. If you are unsure just what you should be feeding your cat then speak to your vet and they may recommend something for them. Certainly it is best for young cats (kittens) and older cats that they are give food specifically designed for them. A quick search online and you will see there are plenty of products now available suitable for all types of cats no matter their ages.

7 - As mentioned you need to prevent your cats from doing things that you find undesirable. Although you may not believe it but just like dogs a cat can be taught to do things. However, it will take quite a lot of time and effort on your part and certainly you will need lots of patience with your animal if you want to stop such problems from arising such as them jumping up on to kitchen counters or tables.

8 - If you want your cats coat to remain looking good then you need to be regularly grooming them, especially if the cat has long hair. Grooming long haired cats regularly will help to prevent their coats from becoming matted, plus it also helps to remove loose hairs as well. Although short haired coats don’t need so much grooming as long haired breeds by brushing them regularly you are stopping them from ingesting the loose hairs when they groom themselves. If they ingest too much hair it can form into hairballs which if they cannot expel can lead to other health issues for your cat.

9 - You may not believe it but it is a good idea to actually spend some time playing with your cat especially if they are kept in the house all the time. It not only helps to stimulate them physically but mentally as well, plus the bond between the two of you will be strengthened.

10 - Finally whenever you spend time with them carry out your own checks. This way if you spot any abnormalities in your pet you can take them immediately to the check to have the problem looked at further. When doing your own checks start at the head and work your way down the body. Check the ears make sure that they are clean and they are not producing any unpleasant odours. Next look at their eyes are these clear and bright and focus on you and check to see if there is any discharge. Then you come to the teeth this may be difficult but once you are able to make sure the gums are pink and there hasn’t been any build up of tartar on them. Plus you may not want to but see if their breath smells bad. The final thing to do is check their nose for any kind of discharge and when touched it should feel warm and dry.

Above we have shown you 10 ways to care for your cat as long as you keep these in mind then you will find that you will have a healthy and happy animal.

The Agent of Change

2008-10-29T02:33:00.000-07:00

Food, devices and gadgets are given more credit than they deserve when balance begins to occur between dog and owner. The real agent of change is the dog owner them self. This change centers more on what we are projecting through our personality rather than with devices, gadgets or treats. A device can provide a boost of self confidence to the frustrated dog owner and help with increasing interactions which meet the pack leader criteria. The owner or trainer in turn emphasizes the device or motivator as being the agent of change when in fact it is the opposite. Self-confidence is linked to the type of pack authority and demand which challenges and maintains the lead role. Dogs feel this being projected from our being. Authority, although necessary to create and maintain the pack roles, is not intended to be hurtful, aggressive or bad. Based on their individual needs, as temperament and breed,the dominant dog must feel that you represent the type of authority figure that allows them to release this dominant pack role.

Food and treats alone do not represent demand or challenge for the dominant pack dog. They are viewed as only something that the dog wants. The dominant pack dog may see the human owner as their follower and a pathway to get what they want. The dominant dog will respond for the food but still resist, challenge and express dominant and aggressive behavior. The owner can use treats as long as they are also expressing enough authority and demand to maintain a follower role for their dog. Often this isn't the case for the dog owner who expresses emotion first and seeks out methods or techniques which represent how they feel about their dog from a human perspective rather than as a dog. Dogs express demand, authority and challenge through their state of being and within the pack relationship.

Adopting this lead role requires the dog owner to mimic those traits which represent authority figure and maintains a follower role. Demand, challenge and authority must be expressed through interactions. This is more psychological presence than physical. The emotionally driven and self-focused dog owner often has great difficulty expressing the type of psychological demand and authority needed to meet their dog's basic pack needs.The emotionally driven dog owner is seeking love and attachment through a human agenda.This can lead to interpreting dominant behavior as a human expressions of love and affection. The dominant dog will follow the emotional human owner everywhere while avoiding those who represent authority figure. What the emotional dog owner perceives as expressions of love often represent possession and ownership to the dominant pack dog. Those whom represent authority figure to the dominant dog represent challenge and something to avoid. This leads to relationship issues with one spouse distancing them self while the other remains a source of empowerment for the dominant dog. Often the emotional dog owner will continue on the same path to the very end. The dog becomes the focus of the problem as a result. The owner must change for change to happen.

I absolutely love dogs, make no mistake about it, but I also know what I must do to prevent my dog from taking this unhealthy dominant role. You must have the ability to think beyond your own immediate needs, of what we might lose, fear and insecurity and adopt a new perspective, a new approach, a new realitity. That by meeting our dogs needs we also meet our own, in a much more powerful and meaningful way than ever before.

Tips for Coping With the Loss of a Pet

2008-10-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

Losing a pet can be one of the hardest things to go through. For many, pets are parts of the family, much like people. Here are some tips to help cope with the loss of a four-legged friend.

ALLOW YOURSELF TIME TO GRIEVE
Grieving is a natural way to help your mind and body heal from a loss. Allow yourself the time to reflect, cry or express your loss; it will make you feel much better faster. Many people find solace in writing down thoughts and feelings on paper - don’t be afraid to try. Grieving is natural, healthy and an important step in the healing process.

ACCEPT HELP FROM OTHERS
Let friends and family into your heart to help ease the pain that you are feeling. Ask for help - people often don’t know what to do or say when a close friend or family member loses a pet. But asking for help brings people to you; it will make them feel better as well as make you feel better. Reach out to others in similar situations; again, you both will feel better.

SET UP A MEMORIAL TO HONOR YOUR LOSS
Memorials and dedications honor your pets and help you to remember them in a way that fits you best. Some people memorialize pets by using photographs or doing things like dedicating a special tree in their honor. Others make donations to local animal welfare groups like the Humane Society.
Make a memorial that feels right for you and honors your pet.

TRUST YOURSELF THAT YOU WILL HEAL
Don’t give up hope, time is the best healer. Even when you don’t know how you will get over your loss, you will discover strengths in yourself that you never knew you had. Take one day at a time and you will get there. Healing will take time and effort, but it always happens.

The Myths of a Cat

2008-10-29T02:29:00.002-07:00

Because of their mysterious nature, many myths and old wives' tales circulate about cats. Here are a few of the more common ones and the facts behind the fiction.

Myth 1: A spayed or neutered cat will become fat and lazy. Not true! A cat's weight gain is not related to his or her reproductive status. Any cat who does not get the proper amount of exercise or who is overfed will become overweight and sluggish. Spaying or neutering is beneficial to your pet. Cats and kittens that have been spayed or neutered live longer, do not stray from home and become more affectionate.

Myth 2: My female cat must have a litter of kittens before she is spayed, otherwise, she will become unfriendly. False! Females who are spayed before they have kittens do not miss being mothers. In fact, some cats are not good mothers and may resent their kittens. One cat and her offspring can produce approximately 420,000 cats in seven years. With millions of unwanted kittens and cats euthanized in animal shelters each year, there is no reason to add to the pet overpopulation problem.

Myth 3: Cats belong outside. Indoor cats suffer or become bored if they are never allowed to go outside to hunt and explore. Not true! Indoor only cats thrive in the home. Given the proper amount of attention and affection, your cat will not miss being outside. Cats and kittens can learn to walk on leashes to safely experience the outdoors, and most are content to observe nature from a window. Cats who are allowed to roan outside do not live as long as indoor cats because they are subject to many hazards, such as traffic, diseases, and toxic poisons.

Myth 4: Cats always land on their feet when they fall. This myth is partially true. Cats have excellent reflexes and can right themselves quickly. They have a flexible backbone, and as mentioned earlier, can rotate half of their spine 180 degrees. This trait, combined with a fluid filled chamber in the ears, helps a cat to right himself if he falls. If a cat falls one or two stories, he usually will right himself and may only receive mild injuries. However, falling from three to six floors is usually fatal because the velocity from this distance is too great, although some cats have survived a seven or eight floor drop. In this circumstance, the extra time involved in the fall allows the cat to right himself, spread out his feet, and relax, thus creating drag resistance to slow him down.

Cats and kittens come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Although approximately 100 different breeds exist, they all share the same basic body structure. Nature designed cats perfectly. Their bodies, sense organs, and natural instincts enable them to hunt and survive in the wild with no help from humans. Surprisingly the domestic cat that we know and love today is not much different from his wild "big cat" cousins, the lions and tigers. Although our house cats are much smaller in size and cannot roar, they have retained many similar physical characteristics.

High Quality and Fashionable Pets Ceramic Treat Jar

2008-10-29T02:29:00.001-07:00

A complete line of personalized dog cookie jars. Your pet's treats will stay fresh in these decorative ceramic dog treat jars. Unique dog treat containers with pet themes will look great with your home decor. This versatile ceramic treat jar by katie is both stylish and decorative.

All personalized pet treat jars are available with matching ceramic pet food bowls. The personalized dog treat jars are unique ceramic works of art. The neutral color ceramic jar with faux leather handle and black felt trim will add to any home decor. The front of the jar has a subtle paw print decoration and the handle is removable so that the jar can be washed.

Plastic ceramic treat jar with bone is dishwasher safe. The jar available in three colors, and matching bowl with available. Ceramic jars are comparatively new. They are available in many sizes and innovative designs. Ceramic jars are useful for storing food items.

The pets ceramic treat jar are high-quality, heavyweight Pet Ceramic Treat Jars come in eye-catching designs that are sure to attract customer attention. They provide customers a whimsical twist on a practical necessity. Lead-free ceramic jars have an airtight seal that locks in freshness and flavor to keep treats tasting great.

The Ceramic treat jar red feature lids fit securely to keep treats fresh. This dog food bowl treat jar is sure to delight! The dog treat jar features a brightly color, adorable design, large opening for any size treats and seal to lock in freshness. Our Blue Paws Dog Bowl treat jar features a delightful design in a high-gloss finish that's easy to clean. Please purchase online http://www.katiewongnyc.com in NewYork city.

Can You Really Buy Pets Online?

2008-10-29T02:26:00.000-07:00

The world has gotten smaller. It has gotten so small that things you used to have to buy from someone in your town or geographic area can be bought from someone on the other side of an ocean. If you're at home with a sick baby and you only have a few days of formula left, you can purchase that formula online and it comes right to your door in a few days. If you want to buy a certain type of dog or cat, you simply make the transaction and meet that person anywhere within the country to pick up your new friend.

All of this is possible because of the Internet. All of this would not happen unless the Internet had opened up doorways to the world. People are able to carry out transactions anywhere in the world and it can be done so easily. But there is one exception and that exception is pet transactions.

Pet transactions

Pet transactions can be carried out easily on the Internet, but it is the delivery of the merchandise that gets a little bit tricky. This is because we're talking about transporting a live animal and there is not a shipping service for this. This is the one time in which you're not going to be able to buy a dog in England and have it shipped to you. You can, however, live in New York and buy an animal in California. That's if the person doing the selling is willing to meet you at a halfway point. Something like that is rare unless that person selling the animal is that passionate about placing that animal in your home.

However, you can make arrangements to go to California if you're that passionate about that particular pet. There is no problem with that. You can fly there and transport the animal on the plane to make it easier. It is up to you, but the point is that you can make such a transaction. And yes, if you want to fly to England to pick up a pet, you can do that, so an international pet transaction can definitely be done. You just have to be really passionate about that animal.

Pet transactions the usual way

The usual way in which pet transactions are carried out do not involve driving or flying across the country, or even flying halfway across the world. A person usually goes to the Internet to see if any breeders are selling a particular type of dog or cat. When they find that individual, they will contact that person and ask them questions about the pets that they are breeding. They will usually ask if the breeder would send pictures, which is most likely always done. After seeing pictures and doing some research on the breeder, the seeker will make arrangements to purchase the animal. After the purchase, the two will meet at a mutual place or the buyer will come to the breeder's home.

It is usually better to come to the breeder's home because you're able to see the condition of the animals and their living quarters. This ensures that you're not dealing with a puppy or cat mill. It also gives you the opportunity to back out of the transaction if you must. The important thing, however, is that the Internet brought you and this breeder together. You would not have been able to find this animal if you didn't have the entire world to search.

As for where you can find breeders, you can usually find breeders selling their animals on classified ad sites, auction sites, and other places throughout the Internet. If you see in a classified ad or in something else that a breeder is selling a Bichon Frise and you've always wanted a Bichon Frise, you're in luck. Maybe no one in your area breeds these dogs and that is why you've been unable to get hold of one. By checking the Internet you were able to find the dog of your dreams and you are able to make arrangements to pick him or her up. This is something that happens every single day, which gives dog breeders a much broader customer base.

Bringing pets and people together

It's amazing how the Internet has brought people and their pets together. It is sort of like personal ads for people and animals. You answer the ad and the next thing you know you have the four-legged love of your life in your arms. Many happy pets and their owners have found each other this way.

Another way in which pets and people have been brought together really digs at your heart. As puppy mills and unfit owners are stopped by law enforcement, pictures of these animals are placed online. They are placed on pet adoption sites, classified ad sites, and on social networking sites. Their stories are told and this really plucks at the heart strings of people all around the world. If it were not for the Internet, most of these animals would not find homes. Fortunately, because of the Internet, over 90% of these abused animals find good homes. It is because of the Internet that awareness of these issues is coming about so that these abused animals can be rescued and put into good homes.

So if you're looking for that perfect pet, make sure you check the classified ads online and various other sites around the web. You never know when you might become the love of an animal's life. You can be his or her hero. No matter how you go about it, you will find your best friend, your sidekick, and the fuzzy love of your life. So if you can't find what you want in your own area, remember that you have the entire world to find your best friend. You're not restricted by the borders of your own state or even by your own country. Take advantage of that and have fun with it.

Horse Training: It Just Takes A Little Bit Of Time

2008-09-07T06:39:00.001-07:00

When you have a wild horse or a newborn, they are not adept at all to your training techniques. In other words, they do not know you from Adam!

The very first step in training your horse is to develop a relationship between you and the horse. If you happen to have a new horse for yourself, you must take into consideration that he or she does not know you. The horse does not have the slightest idea of who you are.

So, the first step in horse training is to get to know the horse and let the horse get to know you. Regularly visit him or her, letting them get used to your presence, smell, and feel. You will have to start slow with a particularly wild horse, but patience really is a virtue.

For true success, the behavior of the horse has to come first in training it before anything else can follow. It is imperative for you to nip bad behavior in the bud well before you can begin anything else.

Some horses have natural bad habits. For example, balking is one bad habit but it is easily curable. This is when the horse will refuse to move forward at all. And in some cases, if you insist that he or she moves forward they may have a tendency to become violent.

This takes great patience as with all horse training techniques. There could be many several reasons for this behavior such as fatigue, hands are heavy, they are scared or even that they are just plain stubborn.

Bolting is another typical behavior of wild horses. This occurs when the halter is being removed and in a lot of cases, the horse will wheel away before it is even completely off. There are a few causes for this behavior which may include anxiousness, or even poor handling of the horse.

This is a behavior that you want to be careful of treating. The reason for this being is that horses tend to kick out as they are wheeling, so you must be careful. Treats can be very effective when put on the ground right before you being to take the halter off.

Other bad horse habits that you might need to watch for, including their definitions;

- Barn Sour: A horse that does not like to leave the barn or stable.

- Bucking: A movement whereby a horse lowers its head and raises its hindquarters into the air, usually while kicking out with its hind legs.

- Pulling The Halter: When a horse tries to break free from being tied up or lead by its trainer, oftentimes if the horse panics or is startled.

- Shyness: A horses learned response to a painful experience, usually one in which involved rough handling or abuse of some kind.

- Striking and Kicking: A horses means of defense when it is afraid, attacking to defend, in pain or just plain malicious.

- Jigging: When an anxious or unsettled horse prances in place, in most cases because he wants to go but he cannot.

- Rearing: When a horse stands on its hind legs with both forelegs in the air, usually trying to unsettle a rider.

With a new horse, particularly a wild horse, you will especially need to practice extreme care and patience. Training a wild horse does not happen overnight and before you can start with the actual training, both you and the horse together need to get past the old bad habits and poor behavior. Only then can you both move forward together.

Are You Ready To Buy Your First Horse?

2008-09-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

You've loved horses ever since you were a kid and have always dreamed of owning one. You've spent the last three years taking horseback riding lessons. You know how to tack up, muck out, and have read just about every book out there on the care and feeding of horses. No one can doubt that you've put your time in. Horses are no fleeting fancy, but are a hobby that is here to stay!

So, are you ready to buy your first horse? Well, before you break out your checkbook you need to take stock of a few things in your life to determine whether horse ownership is right for you.

Do you have the knowledge? How much time have you really spent around horses, and has it been hands-on? If you ride at a fancy stable that tacks and untacks your horse for you then guess what? You aren't having the full horse experience! Make sure you know what is really involved in caring for, feeding, and cleaning up after your horse. A great way to learn about all that is involved in horse ownership, without making a long-term commitment, is to lease a horse. Try leasing a horse for a year or two and then decide if horse ownership is really for you.

Now that you know what is involved, do you have the desire? Horse ownership is a tremendous amount of work. Are you up for it? If you aren't, that's perfectly okay. If you really love riding horses but don't enjoy all the extra stuff that goes along with them, then why not just keep taking riding lessons? Ask yourself what you really love about horses. If you love things like mucking out, grooming, feeding, and taking care of horses, then you would probably make a great horse owner!

Do you have the time for horse ownership? No more showing up at the barn, riding for an hour, and then heading home to your real life. When you are a horse owner, horses are your real life. If you travel frequently, can't or don't want to commit to a regular schedule, or have a very busy work or family life, then this might not be the right time in your life for horse ownership. Remember, horses must be fed, watered, and cared for according to schedule, and it's up to you to be able to maintain that schedule.

Do you have the space for a horse? You either need good accommodations at home, or you need to find a place to board your horse. If you are keeping your horse at home, at the very least he needs two grassy acres, a run-in shed, and an adequate water supply. If you keep your horse at home you also need to know that he'll appreciate some company. It's best if you have room for an additional horse, a goat, or some other companionable animal.

Do you have the money for a horse? Horses are very expensive! Add up everything it will cost to keep your horse happy and healthy. Include food, farrier bills, veterinary bills, insurance, training, and board if you keep him somewhere other than home. Now, does this figure fit into your budget? On the fence about whether you can afford horse ownership? Again, leasing is a good option. When you lease a horse, you are responsible for all of his monthly bills for a certain period of time. If you find at the end of this lease period that your horse has eaten well but you haven't, then you may want to reconsider horse ownership when you are in a better financial situation.

Remember, owning a horse is hard work and can be extremely taxing on your time and resources. Before you embark on the exciting journey of horse ownership, make sure you are ready!

For more great information on buying horses please visit our horse network and find valuable information that will save you thousands in mistakes or vet bills.

Buying A Horse: How To Find Your Dream Horse

2008-09-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

You have been dreaming of buying a horse of your own for ever, and now that you finally have some money, you can simply go out and buy one, right? Not exactly. A well-trained, sound horse isn't as simple to get hold of as a cute little puppy or a kitten, especially not a good horse. Before you buy a horse, you will need to find a place to keep it. In addition, you should be aware of how much money you will need to spend to keep your horse.

Budget very carefully before you fall madly in love and buy a horse you cannot afford to keep. Having said that, most horseback riders are willing to give up a lot of life's little luxuries to be able to keep our horses and we never regret a single one of them.

Most horses need to be shoed every 6 weeks (even unshod horses need to see the vet every 2 months), they need to receive vaccinations and they need to be fed. You will need to spend a substantial amount on bedding, grooming supplies and equipment as well as tack. However, the most important thing you will need to do is to be sure you will recognise a good horse when you see one (and a bad one too!).

Green Horse, Green Rider
Depending on your own experience, there are lots of horses that you shouldn't buy out there. Some have bad habits like biting, kicking or cribbing (chewing on the edge of a stall door). Others are not well trained yet. Although they may know some of the basics, they are still very green, meaning they may be willing to wear a saddle, but do not know all of the signals that a thoroughly trained horse knows. A green horse and a green rider are the worst possible combination.

Further, some horses may be unsound or unhealthy. A serious problem with hooves or legs can render a horse worthless for riders. Owning a horse that can only handle a slow walk around the ring with a child on its back when you were hoping for an animal that could compete in shows is heartbreaking for a new horse owner.

Check his background, not just his pedigree
Now that you are aware all of the things that could be wrong with a horse, how do you find the perfect horse for you? You should be careful about buying horses at an auction or through the newspaper. A better idea is to ask around at horse shows, competitions or other events. Serious competitors often move up to more challenging or flashier horses as they gain experience. Their old, dependable beginner horses are perfect for people who want a first horse.

Should you find a horse that you are interested in, ask around before you hand over your cash, especially if the horse has competed in horse shows and competitions. Other horse owners will have heard if that horse has a nasty disposition or always balks at the flagpoles. They may even know about health problems the horse had experienced.

Full Vetting
Once you have investigated the horse's background, call in your veterinarian. Your vet will test your prospective horse's eyesight, hearing, heart and teeth. If you aren't sure how old the horse is, the vet can even estimate the animal's age by inspecting his teeth. Most importantly, however, your vet will take a look at the horse's legs and feet. He will be looking for swollen hocks, leg splints or thrush, which is a dangerous hoof infection that often is caused when a horse is left standing in dirty, wet bedding for long periods of time.

Finally, it is time to see if the horse is YOUR dream horse. Tack him up yourself to be sure he doesn't have any unsavoury habits, like refusing to take the bit or kicking and biting. Mount the horse and put him through his paces. Be on the lookout for flaws such as the inability to change leads or the refusal to back up on command. Some of these behaviours can be corrected with the help of a good trainer, but you will want your first horse to be well trained and well behaved. In fact, if possible take your instructor with you to view the horse.

And remember, keeping a horse can cost anything from $4000-10 000 a year!

Understanding Different Horse Breeds

2008-09-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Breeders are not the only ones who have the knowledge of different horse breeds. Many horse lovers do, too. The history of horse breeding as well as the features of different breeds are interesting learning that can give you a better understanding of these magnificent creatures.

History of Horses

Let us first examine how the relationship between men and horses has evolved, as this will help us better understand different horse breeds. Believe it or not, horses first became valuable to humans because they produced milk and could be eaten. Later on, however, humans realised that horses were strong and fast and began to use them to carry or draw loads and as a mode of transportation.

Now, horses are no longer just used to do labors. Rather, they are more often kept for sports or leisure riding. Hence, people are breeding horses to serve the different needs by human beings.

Breeding Horses

What the breeder do is to select specific male and female horses with the desired characteristics to mate, so that the new-born horses will carry the traits desired by us humans. With the success of purposeful breeding, more horses are now bred in planned ways to meet specific needs. A widely known example is the racing horses. In fact, there are different registries around the world that document the various horse breeds.

To know about the different horse breeds is probably a hard mission for an average person, but a true horse-lover can usually tell a lot of the breeds. This is especially true for someone who is fond of horse racing or simply would like to get himself a horse. Often, knowing the breed of your horse would tell you what the horse is capable of doing and whether its price is truly justified.

Horse Species

Despite the vast number of horse breeds, horses are generally placed under three main groups - pony, light, and heavy horses.

The smallest kind of horses are known to us as ponies. As they are so small, some would even not consider them horses at all. Even so, ponies can be as hardy as other horses. Some breeds can carry adult riders and pull heavy loads. Because of their size and mild nature, ponies are often kept as pets by children. Examples of pony breeds are the Shetland and Welsh ponies.

Next to ponies are the light horses. Some of the breeds under this group are the beautiful Arabian and the fast Thoroughbred. Other breeds are the Quarter Horse, Appaloosa and Morgan. These horses are primarily meant to be ridden for fun or for sport. In the past, they were popularly used to pull light wagons, carts, carriages or chaises.

Some horses belong to the heavy group. In the past, these horses were used for war. They were also used for carrying and pulling heavy loads. Heavy horses are therefore ideal for farm work. They are large but have well-formed, powerful muscles, shoulders and legs. Heavy horse breeds include Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron and Lipizzaner.

Keep in mind that even within the same group, different horse breeds can carry very different traits. Hence, it is always important to understand what sets your horse breed apart from the rest.

What to Look for When Buying Pet Food

2008-09-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

Most pet owners put as much thought and care into feeding our cat or dog as we do to feeding ourselves. Browse the pet food section of your local supermarket and you will see an incredibly large choice of cat and dog food to choose from, and there are even more options if you shop at a pet store.

The wording on pet food sold in the US is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. (AAFCO) Pet food manufacturers must list the ingredients by weight - with the first ingredient being the main one. The nutritional breakdown of fat, fiber and protein indicate that the food contains the minimum amount indicated and not necessarily the full amount.

The pet food industry is entirely self-regulated and there is nothing to prevent pet food companies from using poor quality ingredients. Consider buying name brand pet foods for your cat or dog. They may be priced slightly higher than the equivalent store brand - but premium pet foods generally have higher quality ingredients as well as contain added vitamins and antioxidants.

Try to choose pet food that suits the specific needs of your pet - your cat or dog will have different dietary needs as a puppy or kitten, than when full grown. You may find that you change your pet's food several times over the course of his or her life, especially if their health deteriorates.

You can buy pet food that is designed specifically for young or old pets, pets that are diabetic, lactating or pregnant - and even food designed for cats that have a problem with fur balls. There are cat and dog foods that are designed for the indoor or inactive pet. Never feed dog food to cats or cat food to dogs.

Perhaps your biggest decision will be whether to feed your pet dry or moist foods. There are advantages to each of these - and it doesn't hurt to vary your pet's diet by alternating between them. And if you are going to feed your pet the occasional treat, try to choose healthy treats - a surprising number of pet treats are unhealthy with a high fat content.

Cats have three basic types of food - dry, moist and canned food. Dry food - also known as kibble - has the advantage of staying fresh longer once it has been opened. It also tends to be the least expensive as well as the least tasty - if you have a finicky cat, he or she may not be enthusiastic about dry food. A cat eating only dry food will drink more water.

Moist cat food is similar to dry food, but is soft and chewy - most cats are able to easily eat this kind of food. Moist cat food has moisture content of around 35%, so if you are feeding your cat exclusively moist food, make sure that water is readily available. Once the food has been opened, it tends to dry out quickly and lose its taste.

Even the most finicky cat will eat and enjoy canned food. Canned food comes in an often overwhelming variety of flavors and the cost can vary, based on the content and quality of the meat. And cats that only eat canned food are getting plenty of water - most canned food has moisture content of around 75%.

Dog food also comes in the three basic types - dry, moist and canned. Dry food is less expensive, as well as being easier to buy in bulk and store. And dogs can benefit from a diet of dry food as it helps to reduce a build up of tartar and generally helps to exercise your dog's mouth muscles.

Moist foods for dogs can often contain a large amount of preservatives and artificial colors. They also tend to be high in sugar content and are not generally considered a good source of nutrition. Canned food tends to be better quality and actually contains real meat. An older dog or a dog with sore gums or having difficulty chewing should be fed canned food. However, canned food is costlier - especially when feeding a larger dog.

If you are changing the type of food your cat or dog eats, one effective method is to gradually mix in the new food with the old over a period of several days. On the first day, the serving should consist of ¾ old foods and ¼ new food, on the nest day ½ and ½ and so on, until your pet is eating just the new food.

Always discuss your pet's diet with your vet. It is worth taking the trouble to ensure that your cat or dog is not only enjoying mealtimes, but is being fed the right food too.

Organic Dry Pet Food: What Makes It Different?

2008-09-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

There are some things about organic pet food that might surprise you. We all know that organic pet food is better for your pet, but what you may not know, is that the best organic pet food companies strive to put ingredients in their food that humans can eat.

It's called "human-grade" ingredients. You will find "human-grade" ingredients in almost any organic pet food that is worth considering for you animal.

- The Facts about Organic Dry Pet Food: Something Else You May Not Have Known:

There are some critics who would consider dry pet food a bad option for your animal, period, end of discussion. This is because there is a lot of talk about whether dry pet food is a natural food that your dog or cat can properly digest. The issue has a lot to do with the cheap ingredients that are added to dry pet food, as well as the fact that the purely carnivore nature of dogs and cats makes it seem only obvious that dry foods will not provide the same nutrients as wet foods.

- Here is the Problem with Dry Food:

Dry pet food is essentially a cereal. This means that dry pet food is full of carbohydrates, and these are essentially absent from a dog's or cat's natural prey diet. This means that dogs and cats need a very small amount of carbohydrates, yet most dry pet food contain as much as 45% carbohydrates. This might explain why your cat gains weight easily, and your dog sluggishly bumbles around the house. Some critics would even go so far as to compare a dry pet food diet to a human diet consisting entirely of micro-waved mac and cheese.

- The Organic Dry Pet Food Solution:

What you will want to look for in dry pet food, and which should be naturally included in most organic dry pet foods, are ingredients like real lamb and chicken, brow rice, beets, spinach, tomatoes and other natural foods. These should have a somewhat "human-grade" quality to them and you will want to make sure the organic dry pet food is sealed with an oxygen barrier bag. This will also keep the organic dry pet food staying fresh for some time after you open it.

- Organic Pet Food: The Only Way to Go?

In my opinion, organic dry pet food is really the only way to go when it comes to dry pet food. Considering all the re-calls in pet foods lately, and the critics who will swear up and down that dry pet food is horrible for your pets and it suddenly sounds like a darn good idea to trust an organic pet food brand that prides itself on natural and healthy pet food for your animal.

- The Dry Pet Food Problem:

Some pet owners will tell you to stay clear of all dry pet food. The truth of the matter, is that some pets digest dry foods better, and if you must go with dry pet food, your best bet is going to be with a reputable organic pet food company. A company that understands the concerns you may have about dry pet foods and uses all natural ingredients that your little carnivore will appreciate.

Keep your Pet Clear of the Next Pet Food Recall...here are the 'red Flags' of Pet Food

2008-09-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

Last year turned out to be the worst in history for pet food recalls. While there is no way to be 100% certain that a pet food is not tainted or will be recalled, there are some red flags to look for when selecting your dog’s or cat’s food. Avoiding these common pet food ingredients can greatly improve your odds in purchasing a healthy, safe pet food.

Judging the safety or the nutritional value of a pet food starts by ignoring the advertising, the price of the pet food, and ignoring the front of the bag. The real signs to the safety of a dog food or cat food lie on the back or side of the bag or can in the ‘Ingredient Listing’. Regardless of what marketing terms (‘choice’, ‘premium’, and so on) are on the front of the bag or can of pet food, a pet owner cannot determine the quality or how safe the food is unless they look at the ingredients. With dry foods there can be 90 different ingredients (or more), with canned foods there can be 50 or more different ingredients. But don’t panic…you don’t have to understand hundreds of different pet food ingredients! You just need to be aware of a few key ingredients…pet food ingredients that you do NOT want to see in a dog food or cat food (or treats).

‘Wheat Gluten’, ‘Corn Gluten’, or ‘Rice Gluten’. These three ingredients were the bad boy pet food ingredients of 2007. Tainted glutens were found to be the cause of thousands of dogs and cats becoming ill and dying. It is not that glutens themselves are toxic to pets – these ingredients have been used in pet foods for years. The problem was the source or manufacturer of the glutens – imported from countries with far less quality standards than in the US. (The majority of glutens used in the US pet foods are from imported sources.) These imported glutens contained added chemicals that caused crystals to form in the kidneys of dogs and cats.

Not only is it important to avoid dog foods and cat foods (and dog and cat treats) that contain glutens because of the possibility of dangerous added chemicals, it is important because they add no real quality nutrition to the food. Glutens are used as a thickener AND as a source of protein in pet food. Adult maintenance dog foods must provide a minimum of 18% protein, adult maintenance cat foods must provide a minimum of 26% protein. If the meat source of the pet food does not provide enough protein, glutens are often added to boost the protein level of the pet food. The best nutrition for your pet comes from a meat protein pet food not from a gluten protein. Avoid dog foods and cat foods (and treats) that contain ‘corn gluten’, ‘wheat gluten’, or ‘soy gluten’.

‘By Products’. By-products have never been the cause of a pet food recall, but they are definitely ingredients you want to avoid feeding your pet. To give you an understanding of by-products, I’d like to compare this pet food ingredient to pies – you know, the dessert! How many different types of pies you can think of? There are apple pies, cherry pies, chocolate pies, meringue pies, meat pies, mud pies, pie in math, cow pies (yuck!) – I think you get my point. Now imagine if you purchased yourself a prepared ravioli dinner at the grocery and you looked at the ingredients and you see ‘pie’ listed as the first ingredient in your dinner. Hmmm, pie in ravioli – what kind of pie? You wouldn’t know if it was apple pie or mud pie or even cow pie. All you would know is that your dinner contained ‘pie’. Considering ‘pie’ could be anything from apple pie to cow pie – my guess is that you wouldn’t be having ravioli for dinner. Same thing with by-products in pet food.

AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials – the organization responsible for all animal feed manufacturing rules and regulations) defines by-products as “meat by-products is the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, and hoofs. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If it bears name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto.”

So, with respect to pet food – a by-product is a catch-all ingredient name. All left over meat materials from the human food industry are clumped into one ingredient name – by-product. There is NO certainty of what you are feeding – one batch of pet food might be more intestine by-products while the next batch of pet food might be more liver or bone by-products. There is NO way of knowing what is actually contained in the pet food ingredient by-product (the pet food manufacturers themselves couldn’t tell you exactly). Avoid dog foods and cat foods (and treats) that contain By-products of any kind…Chicken By-Products, Beef By-Products, Chicken By-Product Meal, Beef By-Product Meal, and so forth.

‘Meat Meal’, ‘Meat and Bone Meal’, or ‘Animal Digest’. These three ingredients are similar to by-products. AAFCO defines Meat and Bone Meal as “the rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably to good processing practices.” Again, a catch all ingredient name for the left-over parts of animals used for human food. No consistency to what is contained in these ingredients (all three of these pet food ingredient definitions are similar) – no way of knowing what is actually in your pet’s food. Avoid dog foods, cat foods, and dog and cat treats that contain ‘meat meal’, ‘meat and bone meal’, or ‘animal digest’.

‘Animal Fat’. In 2002 the FDA tested many different brands of dog food (cat food was not tested) for the presence of the drug pentobarbital. Many brands of dog food tested positive to contain the drug. Pentobarbital is the drug used to euthanize dogs, cats, cattle, and horses.

How can the drug that is used to euthanize animals be found in pet food? The answer – euthanized animals are rendered (cooked) and the end ingredients are placed in pet food. It has long been rumored that euthanized dogs and cats (from animal shelters and veterinarian offices) is the major source of the pentobarbital in pet food. However no one has been able to prove or disprove this rumor to date. The FDA/CVM (Center for Veterinary Management) developed testing methods on two separate occasions to determine the species source of the drug. No results have ever been determined. The pet food manufacturers adamantly deny they use rendered dogs or cats – but NO clinical evidence has ever been released to confirm the pentobarbital is from euthanized cattle and horses in pet food as they claim.

However, the one thing the FDA/CVM has determined through their testing is the pet food ingredient ‘animal fat’ is the most common ingredient to contain pentobarbital. In other words, if you are feeding a dog food or cat food (or treats) with the ingredient ‘animal fat’ in the ingredient listing – you are (more than likely) feeding your pet euthanized animals. Not every batch of pet food tested that contained the ingredient ‘animal fat’ has proved to contain pentobarbital – but why would any pet owner want to take the chance? Avoid dog foods, cat foods, and dog and cat treats that contain the ingredient ‘animal fat’.

‘BHA’, ‘BHT’, ‘TBHQ’, and ‘Ethoxyquin’. These pet food ingredients are chemical preservatives and you might have to look through the entire ingredient list to find them. It is worth the look because there is plenty of clinical evidence to associate all four of these chemical preservatives with cancer and tumors (simply do a Google search on any one of these chemicals). All four of these chemical preservatives are rarely used to preserve human food and if so, are used in quantities far less than what is allowed in pet food. Avoid any dog food, cat food, or dog and cat treat that contains ‘BHA’, ‘BHT’, ‘TBHQ’, and ‘Ethoxyquin’ on the label.

‘Corn’, ‘Wheat’, ‘Soy’. While there is no scientific evidence that proves these ingredients are dangerous to pets – they are potentially dangerous ingredients associated with recalls in the past (1995, 1999, and 2005). These grains are highly prone to a deadly mold (aflatoxin). It is suggested (by AAFCO) that all pet food manufacturers test grains for the mold, but as recalls of the past have proven – that doesn’t always happen. I do not think these ingredients are as risky as others mentioned above, but they are ingredients I avoid for my own pets.

There is more to selecting a true healthy pet food for your dog or cat than avoiding the above mentioned ingredients. This is just a start - based on pet food history, AAFCO ingredient definitions, science and opinion of many pet food experts including myself. There are many quality pet foods available that do NOT use the above ingredients and that add health promoting ingredients to their foods and treats. Continue to learn as much as you can about what you are feeding your pet and ALWAYS read the labels!

Feral Cats Can Make Good Pets

2008-09-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Many people feel that feral cats cannot be kept indoors as pets. This is not true. In fact, feral cats are happy being kept as indoor only pets if you don't attempt to treat them exactly like tame cats.

What are Feral Cats?

Feral cats are cats that haven't been properly socialized. What this means behaviorally is that feral cats are not tame toward humans. Very often, feral cats result from the offspring of cats that were once owned and then abandoned. As a result, the kittens are not properly socialized to humans and become feral.

There is a critical period during kitten development in which kittens must be exposed to human caretakers, otherwise they will be feral or at least semi-feral. This critical developmental period is generally from birth to 8 weeks old. If the first human exposure occurs past the age of 8 weeks this usually results in a feral or semi-feral cat. Sometimes older feral kittens can be tamed toward one or two human caretakers.

What to do if You Find a Feral Cat or Kitten

Many well meaning cat lovers will find feral kittens and take them to their local animal shelter. Unfortunately, feral kittens aren't very adoptable and most of the time animal shelters will destroy the feral kittens to make room for tame kittens that are more likely to be adopted.

Fortunately, there are some shelters that will spay or neuter the kittens and then return the kittens to their natural environment. This at least gives the feral cat a chance to live without the ability of producing more feral cats. This program is called Trap-Neuter-Return, and it is being implemented in many areas to control the outdoor cat population without having to kill the cats. It generally works like this: The kittens are caught in a humane trap, such as Havahart live animal traps. The animal is unharmed. Then the cat is taken to the vet or the shelter that participates in Trap-Neuter-Return and the animal is spayed or neutered and is usually given some vaccines. When the cat has recovered from the spay or neuter surgery the cat is returned outdoors in the same location where it was found. Trap-Neuter-Return is a much more humane way of dealing with feral cats and kittens than euthanasia.

Feral Kittens Can Also Make Very Rewarding Pets

Some people who find feral kittens take them into their homes as pets. This can be a very rewarding experience as you gain the trust of these special cats. It is also the best option for the well-being of the feral cat or kitten. Taking them into your home as a pet is even better than Trap-Neuter-Return programs. Taking them in as pets generally works best if you catch them when they are relatively young. The younger the better, although some people have taken older feral cats into their homes as pets and they have been fine.

It is also best to take in two feral kittens or cats from the same litter if possible. If this isn't possible it is best to have at least one other cat in the household because feral kittens and cats really enjoy the company of other cats.

Feral cats need to be kept as indoor only cats. Cats sometimes behave differently once they get outside. Because feral kittens and cats don't trust humans very much they may be fearful of approaching your house once they are outside and they may get lost. In general, they are very fearful of any humans other than the human caretakers that they have grown to trust.

I have four feral cats that have lived with me for about 2 years now and they have been very happy indoors. Three were caught when they were 10 weeks old and the fourth cat was caught when she was 12 weeks old.

For the first few weeks after I brought them in the house, all of the kittens used to hiss when I walked by them. Eventually they came to trust me and stopped hissing when they saw me. In fact, now they greet me at the door after work. When I wake up in the morning they come up on the bed to greet me the very first thing. They love playing with toys and with each other. They are still semi-feral, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing how happy they are and knowing that they are indoors where it is warm and safe.

However, they aren't exactly like other cats. For the most part you can't pick them up. One of the kittens lets me pick her up and kiss her on top of her little head, but the other kittens don't allow it (Actually, they are no longer kittens, but they still seem like babies to me). However, they do like to play toys with me, and except for one of them, they do like to be petted and to have their fur brushed.

Feral cats and kittens would not make good pets for children. Basically feral cats that live indoors with humans like to do their own thing most of the time. They don't want to be held and will usually only let you pet them on a limited basis. Because of this they are likely to scratch a child that attempts to have more contact with them than the cat wants. The key to making a feral cat happy is to only have as much contact with the cat as it wants.

Also, you need to give the shy ones extra space when they are using the litter or eating. Sometimes it is best to keep their litter and food bowls in low human traffic areas so that they can feel safe while eating or using the litter box.

Vet trips can be difficult because they don't always allow you to pick them up to put them into the pet carrier. However, there are ways to do it. Sometimes you can throw their favorite toy into the carrier and they will run in to get it and then all you have to do is shut the cat carrier door.

Feral cats are well worth the extra work and they are the best pets ever! Also, because they only want limited contact with humans you generally don't have to worry about them walking on your keyboard while you are typing or laying across you newspaper or book while you are reading.

In my opinion there is nothing more rewarding then gaining the trust of these cats, especially if you don't mind taking their special needs into consideration. The reward comes in knowing that you are providing a loving, warm, happy home with plenty of food, water, toys, and veterinary care for these special cats.

Identifying And Managing Your Tropical Fish Species

2008-09-03T07:10:00.001-07:00

Tropical fish come in a variety of different species. First of all, you have freshwater tropical fish, and saltwater tropical fish. These are the two main and distinct categories that all breeds of tropical fish can be divided into. Within these categories are different species. Did you know that piranhas, carnivore fish and other anti-social tropical fish all fall within the 'tropical' category?

The last thing you'd want, as a new owner of tropical fish, is to purchase tropical fish species such as piranhas or other related carnivores. Would you really want a flesh eating fish to be in the same fish tank as a beautiful yellow finned, delicate tropical fish species breed? I know I certainly wouldn't! So exercise due care and diligence when deciding which tropical fish species you would like to put in your tropical fish tank.

Now some tropical fish species don't get along with one another, even though they're not carnivores. Indeed, some tropical fish species are just naturally shy and don't mix with any other species other than their own. For this reason you may want to do a little research and ground work before deciding upon which tropical fish species you would like to integrate in your fish tank, as choosing two or more species that don't get along with one another won't be fun to watch at all!

Fish interaction is the main thing that makes keeping and maintaining a fish aquarium so interesting. If your fish live rather boring and dull lives, then you too will soon grow bored of looking at them! Whilst having a fish tank may be quite a novelty of sorts among your friends, if you want to have an enjoyable time watching your fish, then ensure you purchase the right types of tropical fish species.

Conduct further research into discus fish, freshwater tropical fish and saltwater tropical fish. There are so many different species and breeds to choose from that I couldn't even begin to attempt to list them here. Speak to your local pet shop store owner and ask them their opinion on what tropical fish species would be the most enjoyable to have within your tropical fish tank.

Do the groundwork now, and you'll save yourself hassle later! There's no point in just choosing some random tropical fish species, putting them in your fish tank, and hoping for the best. Planning how your fish tank will run before you've even set it up will lead you to long term enjoyment, and you'll be a new tropical fish hobbyist in no time.

7 Tips For Choosing Aquarium Fish

2008-09-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Buying the right aquarium fish for your tank is key to the success of your aquarium. When selecting fish, you may not simply be able to pick out the fish that catch your eye in the pet store as not all fish can live in the same environment. Additionally not all fish get along with each other so you will have to be careful to choose the types of fish that are compatible.

If all this seems like hard work, don't worry, you will soon become familiar with the types of tropical fish that work well in your tank and even have some favorites that you like to keep. When choosing fish for your aquarium, here's some tips to keep in mind:

1. Fish appearance. Observe the particular fish you are interested in carefully to make sure he is active and swimming around properly. Make sure his fins are not chewed and he doesn't have any growths or white fuzzy patches.

2. Tank condition. Dealers tanks can have parasites and disease that might not be apparent in your fish right away so you need to observe the other fish in the tank and take a good look at the tank conditions. Is the tank clean? If not that is an indication that the dealer probably doesn't care for the tanks well. Make sure the other fish in the tank are alert and swimming around actively. Avoid buying a fish from a tank that has dead fish floating in it. Even if your fish appears to be healthy, he could already be infected with something that might not show up until days after you get him home. By then it might be too late and you could risk infecting your other fish.

3. Water Conditions. The condition of your water is important as well as the number of fish you already have in the tank. If your water condition is poor then adding more fish will just make things worse and endanger the health of all the fish in the tank. Also, you should be careful not to overload your tank with too many fish as this will cause stress on all the fish as well as cause your water quality to degrade. The general rule of thumb for freshwater tropical fish tanks is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. If you add too many, you will have to spend more time changing the water and will need really good filtration in order to keep your tank healthy.

4. Water Temperature. Not all tropical fish like the same temperature water. While most will do well with temps in the mid 70's some do better in cooler waters while others like it on the warm side.

5. Fish size. Before you buy a new fish you might want to find out how big he can be expected to eventually grow. Since your tank can support about 1 inch of fish per gallon, you wouldn't want to put a fish that might grow to 5 inches in your 5 gallon tank or he might be the only one you can have!

6. The type of fish. Is your new fish aggressive or does he play well with others? Is he OK being the only one of his kind in the tank or will he do better in a school. Make sure you only put fish that will get along in the tank or the more aggressive fish will pick on the others. Also, some fish are territorial and you should only keep one per tank.

7. The food. Find out what type of food your new fish likes to eat. Most eat flakes, but some like freeze dried worms or other types of food. When you bring home your new fish be sure to also take home some of his favorite dinner.

Types of Pet Food Storage Containers Available

2008-09-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

The pet food storage containers are specially designed to keep the pet food stuff like meat, milk, fruits, vegetables and water. It also well designed with ample amount of space and space for the free going of fresh air for making the pet food material fresh, clean and natural. These storage containers for the pet food are specially designed to store dry as well as moist pet food for long periods of time. Hence, the measurements of the size and height of the storage containers are relevantly designed by considering the safety and convenience of the pets as well as the owners.

A wide range of pet food storage containers are available in the market. There is the food storage bin for the pet animals that looks like its made out of stone. Such food bins are landscape friendly. Such storage bin is incorporated with dry food for dogs and put off such pet food material from pesticides, varying climate conditions. This pet food storage container is designed of lid coil, which is helpful for opening and shutting of the storage container.

Such pet food storage container is provided with capacity of 13- gallon approximately containing the size around 15 x 14 x 21 inches. It is incorporated with controlling lock-in that magnetize and confine storeroom pet food so that it stays fresh and is protected form various types of bacteria.

Some kind of pet food storage container like bowl is designed in such a way that it keeps both food and water. Such food storage container has a facility to put in food material at the base and make it fasten, then insert the water to the peak and make the drawstring fasten.

A set of the pet food storage containers are specially designed for the dogs. The size of such food storage bins are approximately 20 to 40 lbs. the pet food material like dry food for adult dogs, meats, milk and puppy toys are kept in such food storage bins. In addition, such pet food storage container is adaptable according to the size and type of the food material and it is modified for preventing the pet animals from critter and wetness. Such food storage container is incorporated with clean-up ability of the attachable facing.

We keep the pet food out in the open because of the pet food storage container having styling function. Such pet food storage container are available in three shapes and are available in three categories like Ultra 40 lbs, 20 lbs and 10 lbs. approximately. The measurements of such three categories of the pet food storage containers are endowed with a closure, which is twighlight blue color and apparent bottom.

These three dimensions are incorporated with several measurements. For instance, the size of the Ultra 10lb. food storage container is 14.3 x 9 x 15.5 inches approximately. The measurement of the Ultra 20lb. food storage container is 19.3 x 11.5 x 18 inches approximately and last category like Ultra 40 lb.of the pet food storage container has a measurement 21.5 x 13.5 x 22.5 inches approximately.

Why Wellness Pet Food is the Worlds Finest

2008-09-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Wellness pet food is a natural food for pets available from the top brand Old Mother Hubbard Company. They produce cat food, dog food, cat and dog treats etc. Wellness pet food is sold through independent pet stores and pet food retailers. These products include natural ingredients and they do not include meat by products. They never add any preservative or food colors to pet food. Artificial flavors are also avoided. Hence the food will really improve the health status of your pets.

The main ingredients in wellness pet food include potatoes, tomato, canola oil, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, barley and apples. They also include oat meal, whole chicken and turkey. In other words, this pet food contains all the essential ingredients required for your pets.

Wellness pet food is the world’s finest brand food for pets. Wellness for dogs involves thoughtful approach to provide adequate nutrition to your dogs. Dogs in fact are the lovely companions of human. By feeding them with natural and super premium food, they will show good health and long life. Wellness provides real foods like deboned meats, steroids, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help to provide adequate protein, minerals, vitamins etc in a delicious way.

Each and every ingredient used in wellness pet food is carefully selected by the experts to provide a wholesome food to your dogs. These foods are easily digestible and they help to improve the health and happiness of your dogs. Omega 3 and 6, and essential fatty acids are included in this pet food which offers healthy skin and coat.

There is no meat by products or any other allergic ingredients in this pet food. There are no dairy products or soy in this food. They never use artificial colors or dyes. They never use any inferior quality ingredients or any nutrition less ingredients.

Wellness pet food for cats is delicious and rich in high nutrition. Similar to dog food, this also includes wholesome grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, hormones and steroids to provide nutritious food to your lovely pet. They also include effective anti oxidants to keep your cat healthy and happy.

Wellness cat food formula avoids meat by products and any allergens like corn, soy and wheat. It includes only nutritional and healthy ingredients and it avoids artificial flavors and colors. The ingredients in wellness pet food for cats include easily digestible grains for energy and low magnesium ingredients for avoiding urinary tract infections. Fruits and vegetables are included to provide abundant anti oxidants. The product does not include sugar. This pet food is hence ideal for health and longevity of your cats.

Wellness pet food contains 100% natural and healthy ingredients which will increase the energy of your pets. They never cause allergy. They will improve the shininess in skin and coat. They also provide canned foods for pets. Wellness dry cat food and do food are also available. There is separate food for small puppies. This new formula pet food will help your puppy to grow fast. Since this pet food does not contain any animal fats or artificial ingredients, your pets will show greater immunity which will in turn increase their longevity.

Organic Dry Pet Food: What Makes It Different?

2008-09-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

How to Find a Horse Trainer

2008-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Why we need a a horse trainer to train our horses? This is largely because they aren't considered domestic animals, though they will be able to assist us to do different and complex activities.

Due to the fact that horses are not domestic animals, they are not ready to perform new activities immediately after being in the wild for some time. A horse trainer is needed here because untamed horses are truly uncontrollable and will not be useful to the owners at this stage.

The different tasks which the horses have been trained are for transport, for farm works, for sports and even for warfare.

In order for them to to perform any of the tasks intended for them, it is vital for them to undergo training sessions where they are taught the basic skills and tricks .

Employing a horse trainer

If you would like to make full use of the horses' assistant in carrying the tasks given, then you need to employ a horse trainer. He would be able to unlock the full potentials of the horse. Training sessions will only be possible after the trainer has conditioned the mindset of the horse so that it could be open to learning tricks.

What must you look for when looking for a reliable horse trainer? Look for your peers' and other horse owners' recommendations.

Your peers' advice will be a great help to you in looking for a reliable trainer. If that doesn't help go to the local veterinarian. He would be able to suggest the best horse trainer in your community. In addition he will also know if the horse trainer is reliable and trustworthy to do the work.

The good news is that there are some vets who also offer horse training services. However only a handful of them are doing it due to the effort and patience involved in the training.

If you can find a vet that provide training services, you might as well employ a horse trainer immediately. The links and contacts can be obtained from the online Craig's list or from the traditional and online classified.

The potential new horse trainer when being interviewed must give his personal and work history data to you. This is to ensure your horse is getting the best services.

Horse training bodies and industry groups are also being given the responsibility to certify a horse trainer's capabilities. The horse trainer who holds the certificate would be the right candidate.

Horse trainer that you should choose

it is a relative and case to case basis in choosing the best horse trainer. This is because horse owners' preferences and standards are not the same, one that is good enough for the standard of one horse owner may not be good enough for you.

For that matter, you shouldn't rely on other horse owners' experiences on horse trainers. You also shouldn't entrust the overall welfare of your horses wholly to the horse trainer though recommendations are favorable. Use your personal discretion and insights.

Don't be too sure that overall care for the horse is guaranteed, even if you are hiring a horse trainer. Therefore you must choose the best candidate available where you can get the idea during the interview.

Understanding Which Horses Make the Best Barrel Racing Horses

2008-09-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

When you look at horses for sale, you may be looking for a horse that will be good with the kids. You might be looking for a horse that you can bring into the racing world. But some of you will be looking for something more specific; those of you who have seen barrel racing at rodeos or even on television events might be thinking that barrel horses may be a great option.

Contrary to what some people believe, not every horse is an ideal candidate for barrel racing. Though there are fewer particulars than there are when looking for a Thoroughbred that will be a winner on the race track, there are a number of different characteristics that will be found in great barrel horses. Temperament can play a role in the success of barrel horses just as much as the horse's skills, character, training and lineage.

You read that right - even with barrel horses, you'll find that one of the major considerations that many buyers have is the lineage of the horse. A barrel horse's bloodlines can help to identify how successful past generations in the line were, what the horse was bred for and can provide a sense of what the horse will be able to accomplish during the race.

Of course, more than the bloodlines, most buyers find that, with barrel horses, it is about the build and health of the horse. A good barrel horse has legs that are straight, and if you're buying a horse that's already been raced, you will want to be sure that its legs are free of any bumps or external scars. It's important to be sure that the horse's hooves are healthy, that its back is strong and that the horse is flexible and athletic.

To some extent, you will be able to tell whether or not horses for sale are healthy based on looks, however, before you make a commitment to making a purchase it is usually a good idea to have a veterinarian check to make sure that there's nothing underlying that cannot be seen by the human eye.

If barrel horses have been worked with by trainers to get them ready for the sport, you will want to gather information about the trainers and their experience. The trainers, much like the horse's lineage, can tell you a lot about whether the horse that you are looking at is going to be ideal when you're looking for barrel horses that you will be able to take around the country to ride at events with the hopes of - someday - competing in some of the sports' biggest competitions.

On the other hand, if you only plan to participate in a race or two during the local rodeo season, you're likely to find that you are looking for a very different horse. Yes, the animal's health and build will still be important to you, but you won't want to focus as much on professionally trained barrel horses. Choosing a horse that is good for overall riding as well as barrel racing can, quite possibly, save you $20,000 or more.

In either case, you are going to want to focus more on the health and build of the horse than on the coloring and markings - characteristics that those who are looking for a horse for afternoon rides can focus on a bit more. When you are looking at horses for sale and trying to find barrel horses, you'll want to focus your attention on Quarter Horses which are great at running at high speeds in short bursts, or, if you prefer, Pintos and Paints.

Whichever horse you choose as your barrel horse, it is important to recognize that you won't just be heading into the ring to compete. In order to keep barrel horses ready - and to get them ready if they haven't previously been used for barrel racing - you are going to need to focus on building the horse's lung capacity with long trotting on a regular basis. A good goal to set for barrel horses that you are conditioning is the ability to keep a fast pace for six to eight miles at least three days a week.

To that end, keep in mind that conditioning barrel horses is not just exercise for them; it's also exercise for you.

Understanding What a Paint Horse Is, And How to Identify One

2008-09-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

Paint horses did not get their name because their riders and owners tend to be creative types who stabled them in their private studio. Paints did not get their name because they possess some unique creative gift of their own.

Instead, paint horses got their name for a far more obvious reason: in every case, whether their pattern falls into the Overo, Tobiano or Tovero category, the horse is marked by some percentage of white hair over un-pigmented skin in addition to another color: brown, tan, black or gray. The Paints' markings don't have any set location or size, they can appear anywhere on the horse's body.

So, if you have been looking at horses for sale and see Paint horses along with terms like Overo, Tobiano and Tovero, chances are good that you're going to have some curiosity about what they describe.

The Overo pattern describes Paint horses on which the white markings do not happen between the horse's withers and tail. Another characteristic of this pattern is that at least one, if not all, of the horse's legs will be brown, tan, black or gray in color. While the markings on the horse's face occur in standard patterns, the majority of its markings are irregular with the white often scattered.

On a Paint horse with a Tobiano pattern, on the other hand, the white spots are regular. The "painted spots" are often oval or round and found on the neck and chest. All four of the horse's legs are white - at least from the hocks and knees down - and at least one of the horse's flanks is dark. The tail will also be two colors - both dark and white.

Unlike the Overo and Tobiano patterns, Paint horses with the Tovero pattern have one or both blue eyes. Tovero Paint horses tend to be defined more by the location of their dark marking than where they have splashes of white. These Paints have dark pigmentation around their ears and around the mouth, on their flanks. Chest spots may also show on the horse's neck, and there may be dark spots at the base of the horse's tail as well.

When you're looking at horses for sale and see Paints, in addition to the terms that describe their marking pattern, you're also likely to see many of the following adjectives: hard working, dependable, athletic, intelligent, and friendly.

Paints earned their reputation as a hard working breed in the American West, ridden by Native Americans, cowboys, and the ordinary folks who needed transportation from the farm. For those who were looking for a horse that responded quickly, could maneuver easily, could run with great speeds to keep order on a ranch, Paint horses were a great solution. They kept a distinct, interesting look that made them stand out, and, like a Quarter Horse, they tend to have strong and muscular back legs, a low center of gravity and a good weight distribution, but not tall.

These same characteristics make Paint horses great for those who are looking for a horse that will get them around the ranch and from one area to another, for those who enjoy riding on a trail, as well as those who just like going out and taking a leisurely ride and enjoy a great afternoon on horseback. Similarly, those who are looking for a friendly, intelligent horse that can be well loved by the entire family - kids included - will find these attractive characteristics in a Paint.

As popular as Paint horses are with those who have owned and ridden them, there was not a registry for the breed until the 1960s. Previously, Paint horses - regardless of the pattern that they displayed - were widely unregistered as the American Quarter Horse Association, which included horses with the same body structure did not accept horses with the Paint markings.

Now, however, there are a number of requirements that are used to register and track the lineage of Paint horses. Either the sire or the dam must be registered with the American Paint Horse Association, and, if the other is not registered with the American Paint Horse Association, he or she must be registered with either the American Quarter Horse Association or the Jockey Club. Despite those standards, new registrations each year show that Paint horses are among the fastest growing and most popular horse breeds in the United States.

Understanding the Art of Buying a Good Horse

2008-09-03T06:54:00.002-07:00

Anyone looking through a list of horses for sale needs to have a strong sense of what they are looking to buy. When buying horses in Texas, or anywhere else, most people are going to find right off the bat that they are not just looking for "a brown horse," they are going to be looking for horses that will serve a particular purpose.

Cattle Horses

When some people look to buy horses, it is because they have a ranch and they need to have a horse that will allow them to keep up with a herd of cattle. Other people still view horses as an inexpensive mode of transportation that will enable them to move from one place to another with relative ease, despite the surrounding terrain. In other cases, people will be shopping for horses that will be workers - that will help to keep the herd together, move supplies, or even help pull the truck out of the mud.

In most cases, ranchers looking for a new horse will turn to American Quarter Horses, because they are well suited to the work. With strong hind legs, athletic bodies, speed and flexibility, American Quarter horses allow ranchers to get the job done every time, quickly and efficiently.

Rodeo Horses

Many people who are looking to buy horses are doing so because they are drawn to the competitive rodeo arena. Whether their goals include calf roping, barrel racing or steer wrestling, they know that the horses that they select need to be able to sustain fast speeds, be maneuverable and responsive to the rider.

In most cases, those individuals who are looking for rodeo horses are also going to be turning towards the American Quarter Horse, when they are shopping for a good horse. The reason for this is very much the same as the reasons that motivate buyers looking for ranch horses: American Quarter Horses have the necessary speed and athleticism to excel.

Horses for the Family

While those who have ranches and those who ride in rodeo events often have kids, they know that their horses may not be the most suitable horses for young, inexperienced riders. Therefore, plenty of riders look for horses that will be good for casual rides and for all members of the family.

Not surprisingly, many of them also gravitate towards the American Quarter Horse; however in this case, they often look towards older horses and those who have not been trained to participate in more competitive events.

Characteristics Of A Good Horse

In all cases, however, those who are looking for horses recognize that there are some characteristics that they absolutely do not want in a horse. They do not want to purchase a bad tempered horse that tends to bite or kick. They don't want to make an investment in horses that have not been broken - especially when buying a horse for the family.

Most importantly, when looking for horses anywhere in the world, even in Texas or Oklahoma, the most crucial element that they are looking for a horse that is in good health. The horse's hooves should be healthy. Its legs should be muscular and strong and should be free from scars and bulges. Similarly, the horse's hearing and eyesight, teeth and heart should be in great condition.

Finally, people who are shopping for horses will want to find a horse that is a good fit for them. In part, this is a measure of the height and weight of the horse. In part it's simply a determination that the horse is responsive, and is comfortable when you ride.

Texans Know Their Horses

It may be a common belief that everyone in Texas is familiar with horses, but those who are looking for horses in Texas know that this simply isn't true. Like everywhere else, people have different experiences with horses. The horses for sale that they see listed will also have different experiences. Some will have training for particular tasks; others will be better suited for kids. Some will be athletes, born and bred, while others will be geared for work, or standing around in a pasture all day long.

When buying horses in Texas, or anywhere else, it is important to take the time to ask questions about the horse's lineage - particularly if you are looking for a horse that can enable you to participate in rodeo competition. Understand that the look of the horse is less important than the horse's demeanor and strength, and make a wise and educated choice.

Wild Mustang Horses in the American West

2008-09-03T06:54:00.001-07:00

It is natural to believe that wild horses have "always" roamed America's Western States, but that simply is not the case. Horses were native to North America until the end of the last ice age, 10-12,000 years ago, and then they died out.

It took the joint actions of Christopher Columbus and Hernando Cortez, to bring horses back to North America. In 1493, Christopher Columbus brought horses from Spain to the West Indies, during his second voyage to the Americas. In 1519, the Spanish conquistador Cortez brought horses to the mainland, as the captain of the third Spanish expedition.

Horses arrived in North America, by way of Mexico and Florida, as a tool of the Spanish conquistadors and were used to great effect by Cortez in the defeat of the Aztec empire.

Many horses went wild after their riders were killed. Other horses escaped from their corrals, and many more horses were integrated into Native American societies. Within just a few decades, horses had migrated from Mexico and Florida and entered into the North American interior.

The History of American Horse Breeds

Nearly all of the horses currently running wild in the ranges of the Western United States hailed from the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, in a region defined by modern day Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Gibraltar.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations suggests that there are 17 individual horse breeds that can be defined as "Iberian horses". Three of the breeds hail from Portugal and the remaining 14 originated in Spain. Most of the Iberian horse breeds are considered to be Baroque horses, comprised mostly of horses of Andalusian, Arabian and Barb ancestry.

Many of the Native American tribes became master horse breeders, most importantly, the Comanche, the Shoshoni, and the Nez Perce nations. Through selective breeding by the Native American tribes, the first truly American horse breed was the Appaloosa.

The wild horses of the Western United States are actually more accurately referred to as horses that have gone "feral", or horses that were once domesticated and now are wild. Just as there is a huge population of feral dogs near the big cities of America, most notably near Miami, Florida, there is also a substantial population of feral horses in America.

Free-Roaming Horses Eventually Required Protection From Congress

In 1900, it was estimated that there were as many as two million free-roaming horses in the United States. During the early years of the twentieth century, the free-roaming horse population was severely diminished through a combination of factors including the capture of horses for use in the military, and more revoltingly, by companies who killed the horses to make dog food.

By the 1970's, the plight of wild horses in the United States had attracted the attention of the U.S. Federal Government. This newly focused attention eventually led to the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.

In recent years, it has been estimated by the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management that there are as many as 29,000 feral horses and burros on BLM-managed lands in ten western states. The ten Western U.S. states that have feral horses running wild includes: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.

It is estimated that more than half of the wild horse population resides in Nevada, and Montana and Oregon are the other states with significant wild horse population numbers. There is another few hundred head of wild horses free-roaming in Alberta and British Columbia, in Canada.

Through the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, the Bureau of Land Management has the responsibility of managing the numbers of wild horses and burros, to ensure that healthy herds thrive on healthy rangelands. Within the mandate of the BLM, they are responsible to manage the herd numbers of wild horses and burros that roam the American West.

The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Program

Wild horses left to their own wits can literally double their population within four short years, provided that drought and wildfires do not diminish their numbers naturally. Horses do not have natural predators within the rangelands of North America, so their numbers will generally run unchecked without BLM intervention.

The beauty of the 1971 law is that as the BLM culls horses and burros from the wild population, those horses and burros will become available for adoption and sale through the BLM program to individuals and groups willing and able to provide humane, long-term care to these beautiful animals.

To learn more about the adoption of purchase of horses or burros, you can visit the Bureau of Land Management website at: http://www.blm.gov or give them a call at: (866) 4MUSTANGS. You can actually adopt and purchase feral horses through the BLM program in states on both sides of the Mississippi River. Sales are held yearly throughout the South, the West and even in Illinois.

What You Should Know Before Buying a Horse

2008-09-03T06:53:00.001-07:00

Buying a horse is a huge investment in both time and money, and there are some things you'll want to know before you start searching for horses for sale. Buying a horse can be compared to buying a used car.

Unscrupulous horse traders will alter the appearance or behavior of their horses for sale to fool you. Even among the honest horse traders, most wouldn't purposely mislead you, but they may not tell you the whole story about their horses for sale unless you ask. Ask the seller some questions that relate to what you are looking for in a horse. Some of the following questions may help you decide if the horse you're looking at is right for you.

Why are you selling this horse and how long have you personally owned this horse?
Does the horse have any medical problems? Has the horse ever been lame?
How are the horse's teeth? Have you ever had the horse's teeth floated?
Has the horse ever foundered?
What type of worming program are you using?
What type of riding do you do? (Trail, English, Western, Three day Eventing, Barrel racing, etc.)
What do you feed the horse?
How is the horse kept? i.e. in a pasture, in a stall, in a small paddock, alone or with others.
Has the horse ever hurt anyone?
What type of training has the horse had? Does the horse have a trainer? Can I call the trainer?
How is the horse with the farrier? Can I contact the farrier?
How is the horse with the veterinarian? Can I contact the vet.?
Does the horse load into a trailer easily? How about unloading?
How is the horse with water? i.e. bathing, walking through it.

Ask the horse owner to show you what his horses for sale can do. Have the owner pick up the horse's feet. Watch to see if the owner can touch the horse anywhere on it's body, inside the ears, above the tail, on the flanks, legs, and belly. Watch the interaction between the horse and the owner to see how the horse behaves. Remember that if something bad is going to happen it's better to have it happen to the guy who's trying to sell you the animal!

Watch the horse move at liberty. Look for anything that is a sign that the horse may have medical problems, lameness, or a bad attitude. Watch the head when the horse walks, excessive bobbing of the head might signal a problem. Pinned ears or a swishing tail all of the time in horses for sale can indicate other issues.

As a rule, don't get on any horse first - have the owner ride the horse first. If the owner won't get on, there had better be a good reason. Ask the owner to bring the horse into a walk, trot, canter, change leads, etc so you can see all the paces. Watch for lameness, length of stride, range of motion, problems with the right and left lead, etc. If the horse doesn't look safe, don't ride him.

There are many other things to consider when buying a horse, such as whether you prefer a Mare or a Gelding (we never recommend buying a Stallion unless you plan on using him for breeding purposes, and have appropriate facilities to accommodate a potentially aggressive and dangerous horse).

You will also want to consider the ages, level of training, and constitutions of any horses for sale before making a purchase, and how these characteristics relate to your purpose for buying a horse in the first place. Be careful not to get carried away with a horse just because it's beautiful, and buy a horse that won't meet your needs. Remember, the most important thing is how a horse behaves and performs not how it looks in the barn.

Good luck as you search for horses for sale, if you find the right match, you will have made a very good investment to bring you satisfaction for many years.

Buying and Selling Horses

2008-09-03T06:52:00.001-07:00

Today it is often more difficult than going to the local stable to buy or sell a horse, in some cases it is even difficult to find a stable in the area. There is another way to buy or sell a horse today and that is on the Internet, there are reputable websites where advertisements can be placed to sell a horse and this is also a good place to begin looking for a horse to buy.

Horses, unlike most other things bought and sold, have a health history, a temperament and certain breeds are meant for certain tasks in life. The owner who is selling a horse has certain things that they can do to ensure the horse is sold in a reasonable amount of time and that it is sold to the correct new owner.

Selling A Horse
It is important to match the horse with the best possible owner for several reasons, the first of course is that is it a smooth sale and the second reason is to ensure the horse will have a good quality life and be treated properly.

Some ways to ensure this is to list the horse at a reputable website where it will attract quality buyers. Then the advertisement should also be properly written with a catchy title to attract views. Photographs should also be a part of this advertisement, an advertisement with accurate and clear photographs will have a much better response.

It should include the sex of the horse, the age along with the height and weight. In this advertisement it should also tell about the breed of the horse including any cross breeding.

The advertisement should also have information about the horse that might not be seen from photographs, things that only an owner can know, including the horses’ temperament. The advertisement should also be filled with any other pertinent or interesting information about the horse and its background and his appearance.

This advertisement should also include accurate contact information so that interested buyers will be able to make contact and any email or telephone messages should be answered promptly.

One thing that should always be done is to make a decision on the type of payment and stick with that, there are scams whenever selling anything and to avoid this a potential buyer should be checked out prior to accepting a check with their bank to ensure they are a member of that bank. There are also other ways of taking payment such as a cashiers check; this is an amount of money that has already been paid to the bank to draw this check. If selling the horse to a potential buyer that wants to send a check and have you send them the balance back, disregard this buy as a fraud. This is an Internet scam that has cost many unknowing and trusting people money because these checks are not good and the person is in a country that will not prosecute them.

The final step in most cases is done is to draw up a bill of sale that also includes buy back rights. In the event the buyer at anytime decides to sell the horse the original owner will have the option to buy the horse back. The buyer and the seller each receive a copy of the sale agreement.

Buying A Horse
When buying a horse there is as much information that needs to be researched as when selling a horse. One of the first things that needs to be decided is how experienced is the person who is looking for the horse and what they plan to use the horse for, such as riding, showing or racing. This can determine what type of horse to look for when reading the advertisements for horses for sale. Depending on experience and what type of horse they buyer is looking for they also might want to read the listings of horses for sale to avoid the untrained horse. The untrained horse takes an experienced person and they can take months to train making this an unfit match for the new rider and even the intermediate rider.

The age of the horse is also a factor, the new rider in most cases are not suited well with the young horse, because this horse is not as well mannered or calm as an older horse would be with the new rider.

If the buyer is going to look for a horse in the Internet they want to make certain that they are searching for the right horse on a reputable website. Each advertisement should be read over carefully, there are important facts that need to be known before purchasing a horse. The health records of the horse are as important as how nice looking the horse is, an unhealthy horse can be a great expense and also have a tragic ending.

The breed of the horse in some cases can also be a factor depending on what the horse is being bought for, as well as its age. This also applies to the buyer who wants to breed the horse.

In many cases when a horse is for sale the buyer can arrange a trial period with the present owner to try the horse out in their surroundings to ensure that it is the proper horse to purchase.

When purchasing a horse from a website on the Internet it is important to have clear concise emails and then phone conversations with the present owner until the time a meeting is arranged.

If this is the proper horse and the decision to purchase it is decided then a bill of sale should be drawn up that will protect the buyer in the case that the present owner has withheld any information about the horse that would have stopped the sale.

Above all when buying or selling a horse on the Internet it is important to ensure the site that is used is a reputable one and that they monitor their website to keep it safe for buyers and sellers.

How to Buy a Horse

2008-09-03T06:51:00.001-07:00

If you're new to horses, you might be thinking "I want a horse, but how on earth do I go about getting one?" Following these steps will help you avoid scams, traders, lemons, and other "oopsies". There are a lot of horses for sale, and you want to be sure that you find the perfect one.

1. If you've never owned a horse, don't go into it unprepared. You need to have a secure paddock with shelter, adequate feed, and room to run; or else board at a stable. You need to read up on the aspects of horse care, talk to friends you know who own horses, and visit with your local vet in order to plan for the best possible home for your new horse. Begin riding lessons and help out around a stable, so you'll be able to have a basic knowledge of horses before you tackle the responsibility of caring for your own.

2. You can ask your lesson instructor or horse friends to help you find a good horse for you to buy. Often they know of horse breeders in the area that are reputable for raising and training good horses. If you can find a horse to buy from a local stable or someone you know, that's the best route to take. Ask if you can begin lessons on the horse with your instructor, for a trial period, before you actually buy the horse. If this isn't possible, at least ask your trainer to go along with you to watch the horse being ridden by the owner first, and then with you riding. Schedule a prepurchase exam with a veterinarian, before you buy.

3. Other methods you can use to find horses is through the internet, with websites like www.liverystable.net. When you find a horse you are interested in, here are some questions to ask when you contact the owner: How long have you owned this horse? (If less than a year, beware.) Why are you selling? Does this horse have any known bad habits? Has this horse ever bucked, reared, run away, or kicked someone? How old was this horse when it started training? Do you personally know the trainer and recommend the horse as being trained well? Was this horse ridden regularly this past year? Do you have any knowledge of the sire and dam of this horse, whether or not they were good riding horses or have any outstanding accomplishments? Do you have the registration papers for this horse, and does the horse sell as registered? Do you consider this horse to be a good match for a rider of my level? Is this horse hard to catch? Does it have any known vices such as cribbing, wind-sucking, stall-weaving, pacing, etc? Is this horse easy to trim, shoe, bathe, trailer-load, etc? Does this horse have good ground manners, or are there areas he still needs work on? What potential disciplines would you recommend for this horse, and is there any reason why he would not make a good (fill in your intended discipline) horse? Are there any soundness issues or illnesses in this horse? Past injuries or problems?

4. When you have narrowed down your search and the above questions have been answered to your satisfaction, you will want to go take a look at the horse. Don't go horse-shopping by yourself. Take a trusted horse-owner who has years of experience or else ask (or "hire") your riding instructor to accompany you. You should schedule enough time with the horse's owner and your trainer/friend so that the owner can demonstrate all of the horse's capabilities to you. For instance, let the owner know you would like to see him catch the horse, tack up, ride the horse through all of its paces, and so forth. Then your trainer/friend should ride it, and after that, yourself. During all of these stages, you and your trainer should be watching the horse for any sign of a limp, short-stride, unruly attitude, balkiness, buddy-sourness, etc. If you can find any fault, congratulate yourself on money not wasted, thank the owner, and go home. Be aware that some unscrupulous horse sellers will drug a horse when a prospective buyer is coming to look at it, to pass off an otherwise unmanageable horse as gentle and well-behaved.

5. If you instinctively know that you have found the perfect horse for you, and your trainer/friend agrees wholeheartedly, then you're ready to shedule the vet to perform the prepurchase exam on the horse. This is something you will pay for, before you agree to purchase the horse. If the owner does not agree to the prepurchase exam, walk away. Be sure to inform the vet what you intend to do with the horse. For instance, an exam for a broodmare will be different than an exam for a barrel racing horse.

6. Once all of these things have taken place, you should draw up a bill of sale for the owner to sign. It can be a simple statement of the transaction, or you can download a bill of sale form from the internet. If you are buying a registered horse, the seller should give you the registration papers when you hand him the money for the horse (if he's waiting for any reason, understand you may be buying a "grade" horse that isn't worth half what you're paying for it!). With these papers, you need a Transfer of Registration form with the seller's signature and information written in. This enables you to send the registration in to have the ownership changed over into your name. It is like the title to a vehicle. You need a signed Transfer form in order for the Registry to make the changes, though.

7. You are now the proud owner! A few things to remember when you take a horse home to new surroundings -- don't just turn him in with his pasture-mates and let them run. Keep him in a stall or small secure pen for a day or two to let him get used to the area and horses around him. If he is going to be pastured with other horses, let them meet over a secure fence (no wire or sharp edges) and "talk it over" before putting them in the same pen. If your new horse is going to have a large pasture, it is wise to lead him around the perimeter of the field so he is acquainted with his boundaries, especially with wire fencing that is difficult to see clearly. The worst thing would be for him to spook and run through a fence the first day you bring him home.

Good luck, and enjoy your horse!

Basic Horse Care

2008-09-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

Horses are amazingly beautiful and sensitive creatures. Horses require not only understanding and patience to have a horse as a pet, it also requires a whole lot of care.

Herd Mentality:
Observe horses in the herd system, each horse's welfare in the wild depends upon an instinctive submission to the discipline of the herd. The instinct is for immediate action. To the horse, action is survival. When horses live in an herd environment, they often take turns sleeping and standing guard for any predators. When the leader of the herd signals danger they take flight.

Learning respect and ascending to authority starts on the first day of life for the foals, there is a distinct pecking order in herds of horses.

It is important to keep a quiet profile around horses. Horses naturally do not like unnecessary noise because in the wild their survival depends on detection of predators with their hearing. Extraneous noise interferes with this predator detection. This predator detection is tightly coupled with a horse's flight reflex. Due to these survival genetics, horses have a physiological wiring in their brains that predisposes them to prefer quietness and to become bothered by unnecessary noise. Many horses can get startled easily from abrupt noises and this could result in injury to the horse, the rider, or people around the horse. Talk to your horse in a quiet, reassuring voice.

Relationship With Horses:
A horse will love you if, first and foremost, you treat it fairly, and secondly, if you allow yourself to develop a relationship with it in the same way you would a human partner. There are too many who will look after the horse's material needs but put nothing back into the partnership itself. The horse born in captivity will identify with an alternative provider and companion, resulting in a healthy relationship from the beginning. A healthy relationship with your horse requires: trust, coupled with respect, fondness with compliance, and a desire to please.

Check Your Horse:
Examine your horse every day and especially prior to riding the horse. Carefully examine the horse's legs and back for any unusual heat or lumps. Make sure that the horse's eyes are alert and not glazy. Listen for any excessive noise or gurgling sounds coming from your horse's stomach. Catching problems before they become serious is critical to keeping a show horse sound and alive.

Exercise caution and discretion when around stallions and mares when they are in heat. They are dealing with hormones on an order of magnitude that you probably can not comprehend. Stallions typically bite and some may be easily triggered into violent behavior.

Grooming Horses:
Keep your horse clean. Keep your horse's entire coat free from dirt, mud, sand, and sweat. Brush your horse every day. Pick out your horse's feet every day. Wash out any sweat residue from the saddle pad or girth every day. Wash out any dirt or sand residue, as from the riding arena, on your horses legs every day. A number of different problems can result if a horse's coat is not kept clean.

Barn Care:
Keep your horse's stall clean. Make sure that your horse's stall is cleaned every day. Be sure that any wetness is removed with the manure. Replace the removed bedding with fresh, clean, dry bedding. Water should be dumped from buckets every day without exception. Unhealthy dirt and bacteria can build up in a bucket if it is not cleaned on a daily basis. Clean water is essential to maintaining a healthy horse. Make sure your horse always has clean, fresh water available.

Training A Horse:
The intelligence of the horse increases rapidly with education. An intelligent trainer can make an intelligent horse. A kind but firm trainer will result in a disciplined but pleasing horse.

Horse Feed:
Feed your horse(s) at the same times every day. A horse may get upset and colic or injure themselves by kicking the stall or pawing, if not fed when feeding is expected. You should not make radical changes in a horse's feed program. If you must make a change in the feed program, make the change gradually. Drastic changes in a horse's feed program can cause the horse to colic and in some cases, may die. Your horse's stomach is a highly sensitive bio-reactor that maintains a delicate balance of the organisms that digest food in your horse's digestive track.

Visitors should not feed a horse that you do not own without the owner's permission; no carrots, no apples, no treats, nothing. The horse could potentially, get sick if they have an allergy or sickness.

Pay attention to everything that goes into your horse; that means all feed, all hay, all water, all treats, all supplements, all pills, and all shots. This knowledge could save your horse's life in an emergency situation. Post this information on your horse's stall door so that it is available to a vet if you are not around in an emergency. Make sure that your horse gets high-quality feed and hay. Your horse's health and soundness depends on the nutrition that you provide for them. Take good care of your horse. A rider without a horse is no rider at all.

Vet Care:
Make sure that you have a good equine veterinarian. A good vet will save you money in the long run and may save your horse's life some day. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure your horse has all the vaccinations that are normal for your geographical location. All horses should be on a good worming program to control intestinal parasites. A horse should be wormed by a vet at least twice a year.

Horse Flies:
In the summer spray your horse trailer down with fly spray about 10 minutes before you load the horses. The flies should leave, and your horses will be without those pesky flies!

Cooling Horses:
Never spray a hot, sweaty horse with cold water immediately after working the horse. This can cause muscle spasms and binding, or shock that can lead to death. Wait until the horse is breathing regularly, and use warm water if it is available. If a horse has heat shock, consult your vet and the vet may instruct you to cold hose the horse, even if still hot and sweaty. Never put a horse in a stall or confined area while sweaty or while they are still breathing heavily. This can result in shock and/or colic that can lead to death. Walk the horse until the horse is cooled out and the breathing is normal.

Shoeing:
Horses' hooves generally grow approximately 1 cm in a month, and take nearly a year to grow from the coronet band to the ground. Horse's hooves need to be trimmed regularly (about every 6-8 weeks). Shoeing a horse does not hurt them. If you were to grow out your finger nail, you could put an earring/pin through it without causing discomfort; however, if you pushed the pin through the part of your nail that is attached to the soft tissue of your finger, it would hurt. When horse shoes are nailed in, they are nailed at an angle so which the horse doesn't feel it.

Make sure that you have a good farrier, especially if you show your horse over jumps. The concussion from landing from jumps amplifies any problems in a horse's shoeing. If a horse gets sore feet or legs from bad angles or bad shoeing, the horse can not just take his shoes off, sit back on a couch, and rub their feet, or find another pair of shoes like you can. Bad shoeing can result in your horse becoming lame due to a number of problems including: bowed tendons, popped splints, or shoulder/back soreness or spasms. Bad shoeing can ruin a good horse, so don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish where shoeing is concerned. A laid-up horse is far more expensive to maintain than a good farrier. And remember not all horses need to have shoes, only if they are competing, walking on hard/rocky surfaces, or have hoof problems.

Sleeping:
Horses do lay down to sleep, but only if they feel completely comfortable in their environment. It is not enough to provide a dry stable, food and water. Horses will often sleep standing up by locking their knees. Horses are one of the few animals that can put one half of their body asleep while the other half is wide awake. Emotionally and mentally, all horses need to feel they have and be comfortable in their own space!

To fully enjoy a horse's finer qualities you must treat them with both kindness and quality care. In the end, a happy horse will mean a nicer ride and a happier rider.

Fish Tank Supplies: Your Buying Options

2008-09-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Have you recently decided that you would like to purchase an aquarium, which will be used to display a collection of your fish? Whether you are interested in owning tropical fish, saltwater fish, or even freshwater fish, an aquarium is an important part of fish keeping. That is why, when it comes to purchasing an aquarium, a lot of thought and consideration should be put into your purchase.

Although it is important to focus on the type of aquarium that you would like to purchase, it is not the only thing that you should examine. In many cases, you will find that the fish tank accessories you choose are just as important as the fish tank that you choose to purchase. In fact, there are some fish that cannot live a long and healthy life without certain fish tank supplies. These fish tank supplies tend to include aquarium lights, heaters, aquarium chillers, and filtration systems. It is also important to note that additional fish tank supplies may be vital to the survival of your fish, but it tends to depend on the fish in question.

If you are unfamiliar with the aquarium supplies or accessories that you may need to purchase, you are advised to do a little bit of research. The purchase of a fish keeping resource guide or a standard internet search should produce informative results. Depending on the fish tank manufacturer or supplier that you are interested in doing business with, they should also be able to give you assistance with what you should or shouldn't purchase for your new aquarium.

Speaking of buying fish tank supplies, when it comes to making your purchases, you will find that you have a number of different options. In the United States and all around the world, for that matter, there are a large number of individuals and companies who specialize in selling fish tank supplies and fish tank accessories. In fact, there are so many different individuals and companies, that you may have a difficult time deciding who do business with. To make your decision easier, you are advised to examine the advantages and disadvantages of each of your options. Doing so may help make deciding who to purchase your fish tank supplies from one of the easiest decisions that you will ever have to make.

As previously mentioned, fish tank supplies can be purchased from fish tank suppliers or fish tank manufacturers. Fish tank manufacturers are individuals or companies who actually construct the fish tank that you are about to buy. A large number of these individuals and companies not only specialize in the construction of fish tanks and aquariums, but they also provide additional fish tank accessories. If these accessories are not developed by the fish tank manufacturer in question, the manufacturer likely partners with another company to give you easy access to the fish tank supplies that you may need to make your aquarium a safe home for your aquatic friends.

In addition to fish tank manufacturers, fish tank suppliers typically offer a collection of fish tank supplies available for sale. These suppliers, in a way, act as a middle man. They purchase their products directly from the manufacturer and then they turn around and sell them to you. Fish tank suppliers often give you the largest selection of fish tank supplies and accessories to choose from. This is often because they tend to do business with multiple manufacturers, not just one. For an even larger selection of aquarium supplies and accessories, you are advised to shop online, but if that isn't an option, your local pet supply store or fish tank supply store may have want you need in stock.

Whether you make the decision to purchase your fish tank accessories and supplies directly from a product manufacturer, or an online or retail storefront, you are advised to choose who you do business with carefully. Doing business with a reputable company, such as Tenecor, helps to ensure that you purchase the quality fish tank supplies that your fish need and deserve to have.

Fish Tank Cleaning Supplies You May Need

2008-09-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Have you recently purchased yourself a new fish tank? If so, there will come a time when you will need to clean your fish tank. When that time comes, and there is no doubt that it will, do you know how you can go about properly cleaning your fish tank? If not, you are urged to familiarize yourself with common fish tank cleaning supplies, many of which you may find helpful.

When it comes to familiarizing yourself with fish tank cleaning supplies, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration. Two of those factors are extremely important. First, you will want to make sure that you examine the type of fish tank that you have. Secondly, you will want to make sure that you examine the type of fish that you have; for instance, do you have saltwater fish, tropical fish, or freshwater fish? While there are a number of universal cleaning supplies that can be used, for all different fish tanks, you will want to verify before using any particular cleaning product or piece of equipment, as you do not want to jeopardize your fish tank and its contents.

Although there are some instances where you may need certain fish tank cleaning products or equipment, there are many cleaning supplies that are sometimes considered universal. One of those products is floating magnets. Floating magnets are known as a safe, convenient, and easy way to remove fish tank debris, like algae, from the walls of your fish tank. While floating magnets can be used on a wide variety of different fish tanks, you are urged to keep the type of fish tank that you have in mind. When it comes to buying floating fish tank magnets, you will see that there are magnets which are designed solely for glass fish tanks and others that are designed solely for acrylic fish tanks.

Scrapers are another piece of cleaning equipment that you may need to purchase or want to think about purchasing. Scrapers, like floating magnets, are used to remove algae from the sides of a fish tank. Scrapers can get the hard to reach algae or the algae that didn't make its way to the magnets. For larger fish tanks, you should be able to purchase scrapers with extendable handles. Scrapers, as with fish tank magnets, are designed for both acrylic fish tanks and glass fish tanks. If and when you decide to purchase a fish tank scraper, it is important that you examine the scraper in question. While a large number of scrapers are designed for both glass and acrylic fish tanks, there are some scrapers that are only safe to use with glass aquariums. To protect your acrylic aquarium, you need to carefully examine what you are purchasing.

If the fish tank that you recently purchased was an acrylic fish tank, you may need to purchase an acrylic fish tank scratch repair kit. While you might not necessarily associate repairs with cleaning, you should, particularly when it comes to acrylic fish tanks. A scratch on an acrylic fish tank, even just a small one, may change the way that you feel about your aquarium. That is why it advised that you look into have an acrylic fish tank scratch repair kit to have on hand, just incase. Should you accidentally scratch your acrylic fish tank when cleaning it, having an on hand acrylic fish tank supply scratch kit could fix that scratch and have your aquarium back to looking new in no time at all.

Gravel vacuums are another fish tank cleaning product that you may want to examine closer. Fish tank gravel vacuums are ideal for all fish tanks that have gravel bottoms and since most do, this piece of cleaning equipment may be perfect for you and your new fish tank. With a fish tank gravel vacuum, you can clean your fish tank and the gravel, without having to separate all of the contents. A gravel vacuum can distinguish fish tank gravel from other fish tank debris. Owning a fish tank gravel vacuum is fish tank cleaning at is best; it saves time and it tends to eliminate some of the many hassles associated with cleaning a fish tank. Most fish tank gravel vacuums are safe to use with glass fish tanks and acrylic fish tanks.

The above mentioned fish tank cleaning supplies and equipment pieces are just a few of the many that you may need to purchase for your new fish tank. For a more accurate list of supplies that you may want to look into purchasing, as well as a large selection of fish tank cleaning supplies available for sale, you are urged to examine FishTanksDirect.com.

Catch and Release Fishing - What you Should Know

2008-09-01T07:47:00.002-07:00

Sorting out relevant information on any topic is very difficult but this article on fishing tries to put all the relevant information about fishing at one place.
Being interested in fishing means that you must be eager to gain as much information on fishing as possible. To make things easier for you, we have this article for you having all the relevant information on fishing.

When we decided on writing this article on fishing, we knew that we could provide our readers with something which would be different from what was being presented to them. And now when you are reading this article, you would have to decide on our success.

Fishing is a sport, but it has become less about survival and more about fun in recent decades. There is an issue of fish becoming depleted and many anglers are now employing the practice of catch and release fishing. Catch and release fishing is a great theory, but many people are doing it incorrectly and as a result many fish are dying. A few steps should be followed when trying to catch and release a fish. Once you get the hang of how to do it correctly, you will be able to enjoy your hobby and keep the population of fish full in your favorite stream or lake.

Article reading is something which is done to gain knowledge and information about a particular topic and if these means are not achieved then reading the article would be a waste of time. Now, when you are reading this article on fishing, how would you rate the time spent in reading it?

The best place to start is with the hooks. A fish that has a hole through its mouth is going to be more likely to survive than a fish with a hole in its lung or gill. If you happen to hook a fish in the gut, the best thing to do is to cut off the hook as much as you can then release the fish. Many times the hook will dissolve and the fish will spit it out, but they can also live with a rusted hook hanging from them. Whatever you do, do not tug on your line to pull a hook out or you will severely hurt the fish. If you are able to easily remove the hook, use a pair of needle nose pliers. The process of pulling the hook out is easier if you remove the barbs from the hooks, but try not to wiggle while you pull the hook out.

Learning is a continuous process and you can never claim that you everything worth knowing about any topic and we think that you must have realized this when you have started reading this article.

Fish are obviously unable to survive outside of the water. Therefore, the longer that it takes you to release them, the more it becomes as if you are suffocating them. The way that a fish is gripped when out of the water will make a big difference. For instance, avoid touch a fish’s body with your bare hands. The fish have a slimy protective coat that will be stripped if you touch them with your hands. If you have to touch a fish, make sure that your hands are wet. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts or permeating fish smells.

It goes without saying that you are interested in fishing and that is what prompted you to read this article. It is now for you decide if your effort has been fruitful or not.

Part of the fun in fishing is to “play out” the fish. The struggle can be what some anglers wait all day to do. Fish are like humans; when they “work out,” they build up lactic acid. When you are fighting a fish, they are fighting too. Just like when someone works his or her body out and it feels sore, a fish experiences the same thing. The build up of lactic acid can be toxic to a fish even days later. Therefore, if you are going to practice catch and release, try to keep the struggle to a minimum.

Hasn’t this article made you aware of the fact that so much information existed on fishing and that you were unaware of even the fact that you were unaware of it?

Try not to let a fish flop around when you catch them. A fish that flops around can bruise or damage its internal organs, causing them to die later from the injuries that are incurred. You can also revive a fish if you need to do so. A fish is likely to run out of oxygen and pass out, so to speak. In order to revive a fish, you place the fish in the water with their belly down and gently grasp their tail. Start to slowly move their tail back and forth until they give you the signal that they are ready to take off into the water. Sometimes you will need to repeat the process more than once, but don’t let a fish go until they are ready. A fish that is not ready to swim could get carried away and swept into rocks or embankment and cause serious injury.

More than anything, when you are practicing catch and release, have everything ready to go. Make sure that your camera, pliers, and gloves are in reaching distance. Try to take the precautions necessary to preserve fish and one of America’s favorite pastimes.

Are you looking for some inside information on fishing? Here's an up-to-date report from fishing experts who should know.

Selecting Marine or Saltwater Fish

2008-09-01T07:47:00.001-07:00

There are many factors to consider when selecting fish. You need to ensure that you have the experience to look after the fish you select, that the fish you buy are healthy, and that they are compatible with the fish you currently have.

As a starting point, it is very import that you only buy very healthy fish because the best way to keep strong healthy fish is to start with strong healthy fish. Buying a fish because it doesn't look well or happy and you feel sorry for it and want to give it a better home in your display tank is not a very good idea. An unwell fish can introduce diseases into your tank that can infect your other fish, and may even cause them to die. It helps to become familiar with a species of fish before you buy it as this will allow you to be clear on exactly what it should look and act like. Ensure the fish looks alert with clean clear eyes, fins and scales. It is also important that the fish appears eager to feed and can maintain its position in the water column. And finally, as a precaution, only buy from a clean healthy store that you trust.

To break this down I simply refer to all fish as number 1, number 2, or number 3 fish. I refer to number 1 fish as fish that most people can easily keep in regular aquarium conditions. Number 2 fish are fish that from my experience work for some people and not for others and number 3 fish being those which don't work for most people.

Some examples of number 1 fish are Damsels, Clownfish, Dottyback, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Foxface, Rabbitfish, most Wrasse, most Tangs, Blennies, Cardinal fish, lionfish. Some examples of number 2 fish are , most Tangs, Boxfish, Angels, Gobies, Sweetlip. Some examples of number 3 fish are Moorish idol, Powder Blue Tang, Achilles Tangs, Anthias, Filefish, pipefish, Mandarin fish, Butterfly fish.

Many people select marine fish by wondering into aquarium shores and looking around until they see a fish that catches their attention at that time, they will them ask the staff member closes to them if this fish will go with the few of their fish that they remember to name. If the staff member says yes then that is a green light to buy the fish. This approach takes very little into consideration and will as often as not result in the person purchasing a fish that was not likely to work from the start.

After a considerable amount of time and money, the person will start to understand which fish work in their aquarium, mind you most will have given up marine fish before this time has arisen. Instead of the impulse approach where you slowly learn the hard lesions of fish selection, I strongly recommend starting with a wish list.

A wish list is simply a list of fish that you wish to keep together in your tank. The beauty of a wish list is that you are able to show it to other experience aquarists to get their opinions on how these fish are likely to go together. If you have fish already you can add them to the top of the wish list to reduce the chance of adding other fish that won't work with the fish you have. If you have a wish list you are likely to seek out experts to ask in order to gain the right advise. With the impulse approach you are far more likely to ask the nearest sales person and hope that they know. With the wish list you are able to use the opinions of a range of experts to save you a lot of time and money learning hard lesson on paper instead of with real fish. This is a very responsible and economical approach.

When selecting fish for your aquarium there are several things to consider before purchasing it e.g. diet, aggression, territoriality and weather it will nip at your corals.

A simple thing that you need to remember is that fish don't want to die. They will only die if you don't provide them with at least their basic minimum requirements. By researching a fishes basic minimum requirements first and asking a few people for their experiences keeping that fish you can massively increase the amount of success that you have when keeping marine fish.

The use of the wish list is going to help you make sure you are mixing fish that will commonly work together. Regardless of where you are at it is worth asking the right person the right questions to ensure that the fish you add are likely to work together. Regardless of how qualified the advice you get, fish are fish and in the end they do what they want how they want. Just because 10 experts tell you something is likely to happen, it doesn't mean that that will happen. Understand that the fish you buy are your responsibility and your responsibility alone. So if the fish you buy don't seem to be mixing well, it is up to you to separate them, before too many fish affected by the troubles.

It is important consider aggression when selecting fish. Monitor the aggression of the fish you keep and only add fish that will be able to compete with the fish that you have and not over compete. If you add a fish that is too aggressive for the fish you have it is likely to act boisterously and eat all the fish food and attack the other fish in the tank, even killing them. When you see this type of activity remove the trouble maker before it is able to cause you any more problems. The key is just as much in the monitoring and the action you take once a problem is identified as it is in initial selection.

Some fish are more so territorial then plan aggressive, an aggressive fish will attack fish for seemingly no reason. A territorial fish will drive fish out of their territory but leave them when the fish is out of its territory. It is worth considering territorial behaviour when selecting fish. Some fish like the Dottyback is territorial and can often be housed safely with many fish because its territory is small, leaving room for the other fish in the tank, while some other fish like coral trout can get so large that its territory can be the whole tank.

There is a big difference between territorial, aggressive and predatory. Territorial fish drive fish out of their territory, aggressive fish attack other fish for what can seem like to reason but to show dominance and predatorily fish eat other fish. Predatorily fish don't have to be aggressive or territorial. Predatorily fish are primarily concerned with their belly, what can fit in their mouth is what they will eat. A perfect example of a predatory fish if the lionfish. This fish is not aggressive or territorial but it will eat any fish that will fit in its huge mouth, which is about the same size as it body. When selecting fish it is worth assuming that all fish are predatory.

When creating you wish list also include when you intend to adding the fish, because you also want to gather comments on this. Most groups of fish are best added at the some time to reduce territorially e.g. any tangs should be added together, any clown should be added together, this is also true for many fish even Wrasse and angels.

Many fish take about 3 day to settle into a new tank, in this time it is common for them not to feed and they may act differently. It is important to monitor new fish extra carefully for the first week for stress, behaviour, aggression and feeding habits. Always watch for changes in behaviour, action must be take when it is required.

Some fish live in large schools in the wild and do tend to fret with kept in aquariums singly or in small groups. These fish are used to having a lot of their own kind around them as an instinctual form of security, when they are placed in aquariums lightly stocked with fish they stress thinking there is danger because the rest of their school is absent. This can be the case when all the other fish appear fine but an individual seems to be jumpy and breathing quickly, some examples of these fish are Blue Tangs, green chromis and anthias.

If you are going to introduce fish to a tank with Coral and invertebrates it is important to identify which are likely to be a threat to them. This could be identified as A, B C fish. Some fish e.g. C fish will eat coral like Butterfly fish and Angelfish.
While others e.g. B fish will nip at it sometimes like Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Foxface, Rabbitfish most Wrasse, most Tangs Moorish idol. Others are mostly safe with coral e.g. A fish like Damsels, Clownfish, Dottyback, Blennies, Cardinal fish, lionfish, Anthias. Filefish, pipefish and Gobies.

Your wish list is a way of reduce the risk of introducing a coral eater to a coral tank. If you get a fish that only nips a particular type of coral you can consider avoiding that piece in the future. Hungry fish are more likely to graze on coral , even if your fish is not eating the coral it may stress it by nipping it regularly coursing it by often closed, depriving it of light.

Most fish need similar amounts of nutrients but the way they process the food means that not all foods are appropriate for all fish. You must consider what you will be feeding that tank when you buy fish for the tank. Herbivores have long digestive systems and a designed for consuming green food stuffs while predators have a short digestive system for eating fish meat. Some high quality pellet and flake foods can be fed to all fish but many natural food like fresh fish and seaweed are not suitable for some fish e.g. Meat is not good for herbivores and seaweed is not good for predators, this is because of the way that the fish process that food.

It is very important not to introduce new fish unless that your aquarium is running perfectly for the last month. You will increase the chances of problems like Whitespot if the fish are introduced more regularly than once a month, so add some fish then wait a month then add some more then wait a month. It will also help to ensure that you are running a lower salt level e.g. 1.020 when you introduce new fish, this will help lower osmotic stress on the fish and also help reduce the chance of problems like Whitespot.

Before Buying Exotic Pets

2008-09-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Each year millions of family pets are lost, and end up at shelters that have no idea who these pets belong to, or how to contact the owners to return the pets. But, something as simple as a pet tag that you only have to register for once, because the contact information can be updated free for the life of the pet, can almost erase this problem and reunite many pets with their families.

Questions to Ask Before for Buying Exotic Pets

Having a pet has always been found by many to be a life enriching experience. It isn't unusual for people to have a dog or a cat as companions at home. However, there are people who aren't content with the typical animal friends, others want the excitement and thrill that can be provided by exotic pets. Acquiring and maintaining exotic pets are not really that difficult nowadays, but if you are considering to get an exotic pet, you must first ask yourself the following questions:

Why do you want an exotic pet?

Many people consider having exotic pets because it seems to be cool to have one. However, having exotic pets is a serious decision that one must carefully examine. Many exotic pets need more care than typical pets. You should weigh all factors according to your abilities and capacities before getting any particular exotic pet.

Is it legal to keep the exotic pet?

Some animals are prohibited by law to be kept as pets. You should make sure that your area allows people to own the particular species you are eyeing before getting it. Otherwise you might have to give up your pet or be penalized for owning it. What are exotic pets like?

Do you have the capacity and ability to own the exotic pet?

Keep in mind that some pets, like a dog for example, are much more expensive to own than others. It is important that you know what you and your family can do to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe before you make any purchases.

As mentioned, most exotic pets need extra care and attention. You must be sure that you have the time, effort and money to spend caring for the exotic pet. Can you feed it? Can you provide appropriate shelter? Can you afford the health care expenses? Owning pets, especially exotic ones, takes great responsibility, and you must be certain that you have this quality before owning one.

Can the pet live in your area?

Certain pets may be legal in your area, but they may not necessarily be able to live in your home. Some pets might be too noisy or too rowdy to live in apartments and condominiums. Pets usually require a certain amount of space, air, and sunlight to live well and you have to be sure that your home can provide that.

Is the pet safe for you and your companions?

Pets have different levels of aggression and you must be sure that you and the people you live with can cope with the behavioral tendencies of the pet. Some exotic pets might also be poisonous or are prone to certain infectious diseases, and thus you have to make sure that you and your companions can avoid any untoward incidents.

Having exotic pets is a serious matter and you should examine everything before deciding to own one.

Some pets are stolen. A pet thief may snatch Fifi or Fido in hopes of getting a reward for its return, or to use in dog fights (even small or gentle dogs are susceptible - they can be used as "bait"), or for use in cult rituals.

Managing Exotic Pets

2008-09-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Every family would like to have an animal or pet in their house at some point of time. Generally people feel that cats and dogs only make great pets. However, there are other people who think that unusual pets are great. Although dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, rabbits etc. are the most common pets that you would find, some families would prefer to bring home exotic pets. If you know well about such unusual or exotic pets, they can be different and exciting and can be a good addition to your house. Else sometimes it could end in disaster.

You will perhaps require more expensive food and housing if you have a more exotic pet and also you should get educated more about such exotic pets as to whether they would be suitable to your family environment. Therefore, it is important to do a lot of research on such exotic pets well in advance before choosing an exotic pet. You can also find a lot of information available on the Internet to know whether a particular exotic animal or pet can be suitable. Also you can visit a few pet shops and get advice about the type of exotic pets and the needed arrangements for them.

Though exotic pets are great, they can create problems to eco-systems when unchecked. As food would be abundant, it could eat everything available and can also start reproducing heavily as there would be no predators and no enemies. There are many examples from lizards and snakes to ferrets and other such large animals of prey. It is even said that the sewerage system in New York was found to have alligators and animal control people and city workers captured many such creatures in the past. Therefore it is important that people who wish to get such exotic pets are responsible for the actions and consequences. It can be a fun to have a tiger cub in the early stages and there is a real problem afterwards with such animals. Therefore people should consider all the facts and know well before getting some types of exotic pets.

The new addition of exotic pet may upset your existing pets sometimes and you may not know how they will get along with each other. For keeping them well away, you may need certain alternative measures. Most exotic pets have unusual feeding habits and hence you need to ensure that you know the type of food they eat and also how to get that food. Also you have to know the appropriate type of housing required for the animal and the things needed to add to their aquarium or cage to make it comfortable for the new exotic pet. Also check whether a veterinarian is available in your locality to give health care for your pet.

Some exotic pets can also carry potential illnesses or diseases that could bring harm to the children or elderly people in your home. Also know that there are certain species that are illegal to keep as pets in homes. Therefore before you take such exotic pet home, know about the local laws. Nevertheless these are certain things that are to be considered and it does not mean that you not go for an exotic pet. They can be an excellent choice sometimes when you get exotic pets that are easy to handle and care for.

What to Look For in an Exotic Pet Store

2008-09-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you decide that an exotic pet is the right choice for you, and you do not want to go with the traditional cat or dog, then you are probably wondering where you can go to find the best exotic pet store that carries a variety and best types of exotic pets. Depending on your locality, there are usually pet stores that carry various exotic pets, however, you do need to make sure that the pet stores are knowledgeable about the exotic pets, know where they came from and many other details about them.

The breed and type of an exotic pet can make a big difference. Wherever you choose to look for your exotic pet, make sure that they know the breeders and where the pets came from. A good exotic pet store will have documentation of the origin of your pet and know enough about them to make you feel comfortable leaving the store and bringing your new exotic pet home.

Exotic pets can call for a lot of different kinds of care from traditional pets and different kinds of supplies and food, and buying your pet from a trustworthy and educated source is critical for your success in creating the right environment for your new pet at home. You also need to keep in mind what kind of food your exotic pet requires and where you will be able to attain it from. For instance, different species and breeds of snakes require different kinds of rodents or fish to live off of. Some are allowed to eat frozen animals that you could buy online if you had to, but others survive best off of live animals.

Other things to consider when choosing your exotic pet store is how the animals are kept there that are being sold. A good pet store will be exhibiting the exotic pet in his ideal environment and habitat and give him the proper space. If you enter an exotic pet store and see that the animals look too close, or not in the environment you think is right for them, you could be bringing home an unhealthy exotic pet. That could mean a lot of unnecessary costs and obligations for you.

It is important for you to do your own research before you buy an exotic pet. Know exactly what you are getting yourself into before you go in and pick out a new pet to bring home. Some people are unaware of the level of care that it takes to tend to the needs of an exotic pet and are not prepared for what to expect when they get them home. Choose a pet that fits best with your lifestyle and habits. If you are away from home a lot, you do not want to get certain kinds of exotic pets that require special care every day. Some are more independent than others, and it is important that you find out all of the information that you can prior to buying one.

Look around at the different exotic pet stores that are available to you, do not just settle on the first one that you go into. Look at all of them that you can to determine who seems to know the most about the pets and who is taking the best care of them. Make sure that they are willing to help answer any questions that you may have after your purchase of the pet as well. All of these things can be big factors in the health and happiness of your exotic pet.

How to Pick Names For Your Exotic Pets

2008-09-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

When it comes to thinking of names for your exotic pets, it can be a daunting task. It seems like there are plenty of names available for dogs and cats, but when it comes to exotic pets like snakes, tarantulas, lizards and ferrets, the list of possible names may appear to be a little short. But before you give up trying to decide on a name for your exotic pet, know that there are lots of available ideas out there that are as special as your exotic pet.

Anyone who owns an exotic pet knows that traditional names like Spot or Fluffy do not seem to fit the bill. So where do you go for good ideas on pet names? Some exotic pet owners start by narrowing it down to the specific type or breed of their exotic pet and go from there. If your exotic pet is from a certain remote region of the world, it would be nice to give them a name to reflect that. Depending on where your pet originated from, there are many areas of the world that can reflect unique and creative names that will help others identify with your pet and know where it came from.

Some exotic pet owners give their pets names that are specific to the natural environment or habitat in which they originally came from. This is especially nice if your exotic pet came from a tropical or other interesting location that most people do not even know about. You can also name your pet after an element that is found in their natural habitat. There are plenty of ideas for exotic pet names if you want to take your time and put thought into it.

Other popular ideas stem from naming your exotic pet after an important historical figure that you admire, or a childhood hero that you have always looked up to. Some also choose favorite vacation spots or pastimes that remind them of happy times in their life. Exotic pets deserve exotic pet names, and really the only limitation to what you can name your pet is the limits of your creativity and imagination.

If you need some help in naming your exotic pet, there are resources online that you can check out, or you can also pick up a book on your type of exotic pet to help get some ideas. The pet store where you purchased your exotic pet from can also have some good ideas to help get you started on the naming of your pet.

Be sure that whatever you choose for the name, you base it on whether the pet is trainable or not. If it is a trainable pet, you want to limit the syllables in the name to only one or two. Anymore than that and the pet can get confused trying to learn commands and have problems telling the difference from their name and other words. If your pet is not a trainable pet, than the options are wide open.

Make sure that you are comfortable with the name you give your pet and feel good about using it for years to come. Some people pick silly names that are funny at first, but when it comes to tell people what the name of their exotic pet is, they tend to get a little embarrassed. Make sure that you put enough thought into the naming of your exotic pet and choose a name that fits them exclusively. Some people find that naming the exotic pet something related to their breed helps other people that are unfamiliar with the pet to identify better with them and know where they come from.

Exotic Pet Starter Tips

2008-09-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Some people like animals, and some are especially fond of the real exotic ones. Exotic animals are those not usually made as a pet. Exotic animals are usually found in jungles, forests, and the wild. Therefore, you have to consider it seriously before decided to have one at home. And now that you're sure that you want to be an exotic pet owner, the following tips might be really useful for you.

Choosing the Best Exotic Pets for You

The first thing you need to do is choosing what exotic pet is best for you. When choosing an exotic pet, it is important to know the reasons for owning one and the responsibilities needed for keeping one. You should have a good knowledge of a particular kind of pet before buying, else, the purchase or adoption could end in disastrous results. You should also know what your motivation is to choose and exotic pet, because it involves a continuous commitment.

Don't forget to consider the exotic pet’s adult size, and it is important to know the sociability of a particular exotic pet and to match it to your preference, whether you want a pet that needs much of your attention or one that would best live if left alone in its dwelling.

The point is, the best exotic pet for you is one that you can keep, find as much information as you can before you decide which best for you.

Best Places to Look for Exotic Pets

Now that you've decided which exotic pet is best for you, you need to find out where you can get it. Since exotic pets are special pets, you can't buy them in a common pet shop or similar place. These are some places where you can get one.

The easiest way is by checking out the internet. Many exotic pet shops put their store online to get more customers. But beside that, you can also scout the specialty pet shops or veterinarian within you area. They might have an exotic pet or two. If, unfortunately they don't have what you're looking for, they might know someone else who does. Another interesting option to get an exotic pet is by joining on exotic pet auction. This could be a wise move, because for sure, you are going to see lots of wonderful species there.

Steps in Acquiring an Exotic Pet License

Suppose you've got your exotic pet now. What's next? Acquire a license for your exotic pet. It's optional, though, depends on the local goverment in your area. But some local governments require people, who intend to take care of these exotic pets within their yards or homes, to secure an exotic pet license. For one, in Illinois, it is illegal to own and take care of an exotic animal. In Georgia, you can take certain species of a skunk as pet without a permit.

But as a precaution, here are the steps you should do the moment you intend to take an exotic pet home.

First, you need to look for a listing of pets considered as exotic within your area, then check your local laws and see if there is a rule against owning exotic pets. If it's allowed to own exotic pets as long as the exotic pet has an exotic pet license, then you have no choice but to comply and process the necessary papers. You should also see if there is any vaccines or removal of body parts like teeth is required because some exotic pets can be harmful, and some local state laws require owners to do something like these in order to protect the other people within the community. After making sure that you have all the papers and the requirements met and ready, you are now ready to make a trip to your local government office to file and secure the permit with them.

Goodluck, and have fun with your exotic pet!

Tips When Buying Exotic Pets

2008-09-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Are the kind of person who would enjoy taking care of an exotic animal for a pet instead of a dog, cat, rabbit or any of the regular variety pets? Caring for an exotic pet is serious business, but it can also be a fun and challenging endeavor.

Exotic pets are animals that are not commonly considered pets by many. They are not your regular, every day pets. Unless your pet dog or cat belongs to a very rare species, it's not an exotic pet. Exotic pets are also referred to as non-traditional pets because they are not the kind of pets that most pet owners would have. Some of the more popular exotic pets include exotic cats, frogs, hamsters, hedgehogs, lizards, monkeys (illegal in some countries), parrots, snakes, spiders, turkeys and turtles.

Before acquiring an exotic pet, you need to be clear as to why you truly want to own one. Are you just getting an exotic pet so you can be "cool" and show off to friends and family? If you are, it is best to forget getting one. Caring for an exotic pet demands is a big responsible, one you should never take lightly. Because you will be caring for a non-traditional pet, your exotic pet will require special accommodations, attention and food.

However, if you truly want to own an exotic pet not for the cool factor having one but for a real desire to care for one then the next thing you should do is research on the kind of exotic pet you want to have. Also, make sure that the exotic pet you are going to get is legally allowed in the area you are living in.

Below are a few more things you should keep in mind when buying an exotic pet.

* Consider how big the exotic pet you want will grow into as adult. Don't just go for an exotic pet because you think it's cute when it's still a baby. Think about its size when it becomes an adult. Remember that the larger the pet, the bigger the space it will require and the harder it may be to handle.

* Do you want an exotic pet that likes people and frequently handled? Perhaps you want an exotic pet that does not mind if it is not handled regularly.

* What kind of food will your exotic pet need? Exotic pets usually need specialized food. You need to know if you will be able to get food for your exotic food from a regular supplier. Also, consider how food would be prepared as some exotic pets require freshly prepared food every day. Factor this in your decision since you are the one who will be feeding your exotic pet.

* What kind of housing will your exotic pet need? Will a small cage do or will you need to build something to hold your exotic pet?

* Consider the cost of keeping your exotic pet alive. Exotic pets are more expensive to care for than ordinary pets. You will have to find out how much food, housing, supplies and veterinary care your exotic pet will require.

* What are your plans for the long term? Do you see yourself moving to a new place or being away for a long time? How will you take care of your exotic pet during those times when you are away?

* Do you have children living with you? Make sure that the exotic pet will be safe around kids and vice versa.

* If you have other pets in your home, make sure that the exotic pet you get is compatible with them.

* Make sure that there is available veterinary care nearby for your exotic pet.

* There are exotic pets that live a long time and may even outlive you so consider this when choosing an exotic pet.

* Consider an exotic pet's destructive tendencies. Will you be able to train your exotic pet? How much training will be required to curb your exotic pet's destructive tendencies?

* Keep in mind that there are animals that carry disease that can be transmitted to humans so take care when choosing an exotic pet.

* Avoid getting an exotic pet that can pose potential danger to your or other people's life. There are exotic pets that are aggressive and downright dangerous.

Elderly Cat Care

2008-09-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Our cats become a part of the family over time. But unlike humans, who are considered elderly at 60 or 65, cats are considered "senior citizens" at the ripe old age of 10. It is important to understand the proper care of cats at all stages of life. A kitten cannot be fed, groomed, medicated, and treated the same way as an elderly cat. Here is a guide to proper Elderly Cat Care.

Feeding Time

Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to elderly cats. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.

Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won't be as much of an obstacle.

Many cat owners find that their cat's coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.

Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet's eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.

Grooming Elderly Cats

Another element of proper Elderly Cat Care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn't just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.

It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don't want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat's coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.

Vet Visits and Medication

When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.

Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.

Pet Insurance

Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll your elderly cat into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.

The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.

Activities of the Elderly Cat

The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is "chase their owner." Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.

Most cat experts agree tht a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.

10 Minutes to Train Your Cat

2008-09-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

If you have a cat - or more than one cat - then you're in the market for some quick and easy training tips. The following tips . . . tricks . . . and techniques cover a variety of situations that most cat owners encounter.

The key to effective training is consistency. Whatever you choose, be sure to do it on regularly, otherwise, you'll be sending your cat mixed signals. And that will only make it that much harder to train her. Forget about cat training in 10 minutes!

Below are ten "must have" tips that will get you through your initial phase cat ownership.

1. Cats really don't care that you punish them. It's true. If you've owned a dog, you know that punishing him will help change his behavior. It doesn't with cats. Bottom line. Don't waste your time. They'll sit there purring at you and just perform that same behavior again.

2. Corporal punishment is out of the question. Because a cat's body is so delicate, you can't "spank" a cat the way you do a dog to get its attention. That means when you're training your cat, you have to match wits with it. Don't worry. I'm confident you'll win. There are things out there like cat clicker training, but I don't recommend it.

3. Use a form of positive reinforcement. As you become a seasoned cat owner, you'll discover that it's difficult to catch your cat in the actual "crime". It's far easier, then, to reward your cat when you see her performing a right behavior. Keep some cat "treats" on hand. Feed one to your cat whenever she is doing something positive - like using the litter box or using her scratching post.

4. Keep plenty of toys - either store bought or make shift - around the house. Much of the "bad" behavior of cats is simply because they're board. The feline is by nature a predatory animal. Remember the scene in the Disney movie, The Lion King, where little Simba gets "pouncing lessons." When you think your cat is literally bouncing off the walls and tearing down the curtains, he's only practicing his predatory skills. Provide him with alternatives and he'll tame down - at least some.

5. When you're away, keep him busy. If your cat is used to company, he may get bored and inadvertently destruction while you're at work or are gone for any length of time. Here's a quick hint. Buy a timer for your television set, make sure the TV is tuned to an animal-friendly channel (an outdoor channel or Animal Planet for instance) and then have the television automatically turn on at different times of the day. Cats can see images on the screen. He'll come to investigate the noise and stay to watch the picture - at least for a while.

6. The value of a spray bottle of water. In some instances, spraying a cat with a harmless water bottle is enough to get their attention and stop the bad behavior. You only need a simple spray bottle that you use for misting plants. Squirt the cat if it misbehaves. Soon, he'll know that he can't do that.

7. Blow a harmless puff of air in your cat's face. Yes, this sounds crazy, but it really works. If your cat is literally in your face and you need to teach him to keep a certain distance and give you some space, try it. Blow a puff of air into his face. It'll startle and puzzle him. Soon, he'll associate the two and you won't be bothered by the unpleasant attention he gives you.

8. Make sure you cat has "a room with a view". You know what they say, "curiosity killed the cat." More appropriately, an irate owner went berserk over something a bored cat got into. Much of the bad behavior of your cat is simply due to his innate curiosity. Make sure he has a ledge or window sill that he can sit in comfortably to check out the birds and squirrels in your yard. If your window sill isn't large enough for him to sit for extended periods, you can by an extension at the pet store. Or, if someone you know is handy, you can make your own.

9. Spend quality time with your cat. As a training technique, this may sound a bit unorthodox. But, it's really a savvy move on your part. The more time you spend with your kitty, the better you'll be able to communicate with her. Cats definitely have a form of communication skills that involves more than just "talking." The better you know your cat - and just as importantly, the better your cat knows you - you'll be able "to read her mind". You'll just "know" when she's considering an improper move. And she'll know when you disapprove just by reading your body language and the look on your face.

10. Confine the aggressive cat. Reward the victim. Got more than one cat? Then you probably have that occasional "cat fight." Felines are territorial animals. They will get into a fight now and then over their "catdom." If you view the fight, your first step is to disengage the action. Using a water sprayer is the best method. Squirt the aggressor. Try to avoid squirting the victim. After that, confine the "bully" in a less attractive space. In the meantime, reward the cat who didn't attack - even when she was being attacked. Give her a treat and let her free roam the house. When you do put this pair of felines together again, try to keep them as supervised as possible.

These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg when you're training your cat. As you and your pet begin to know each better, you'll discover a language of your own. It may be through speech - you talk and she meows. But more than likely, the two of you will eventually be able to read each other's body language. You'll soon learn the subtle nuances of this very effective form of communication . . . and teaching your cat what she needs to know will be easier than you can ever imagine.

How Cats Communicate

2008-09-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Bet you would like to know what your cat is trying to tell you?

You might not, if you haven't been around felines a lot.

Of course, cats meow. And the type of meow they use gives you a good idea of what they're trying to communicate with you. This is especially true if your pet is a Siamese cat. This type of cat is very vocal. One Siamese owner had a cat that meowed loudly - and persistently - whenever it wanted to play a game of hide and seek. Every time the cat used his "special meow", which the owner recognized, she knew that he was "hiding" and needed to be "found." She dutifully played.

In fact, Siamese cats have a voice that's often mistaken for a human voice. When a Siamese cat in heat, he sounds very human-like. Don't be surprised if your cat almost seems to be saying "hello." It's eerie to hear in the middle of the night. Many individuals also think that the meow of a Siamese cat is similar to a human baby crying.

But all cats use their voices at one time or another. And there are a variety of ways in which the voice of a cat indicates what the feline is trying to convey through "cat chat". The differences in pitch, intensity, frequency and even the pace and cadence of the cat's voice all leave clues about his feelings. The quicker the meows, for example, the more anxious or even frightened your pet may be. The slower the sounds, the more confident and relaxed he is. In addition to the occasional meow, cats more than likely will talk to you through a variety of other behaviors.

A favorite method of communicating is the cat's purr, which is unique to the feline species. You may already know that a cat purrs when he's content. Animal behaviorists now believe that they also purr when they are in the mood to be sociable.

However, if you pay close attention to your cat, you'll notice that he also purrs when he's nervous, feeling a little uneasy or even if he's in great pain. Some experts think it's a feline form of "meditation" and that this action comforts them. If this theory is at all correct, the "purring" sound of the feline is the equivalent of our "Ohm" when we meditate.

When your cat trusts you enough, she'll eventually roll over on her back, exposing her stomach. This, in cat behavior, is the ultimate form of submission. You should be impressed. It does not necessarily mean though that he wants his tummy rubbed. So be careful how you try this. To discover your cat's true feelings, watch how he holds his tail. The way in which he switches his tail is also a subtle form of communication. Cats are not dogs. When a dog wags his tail, he's a happy animal. You can tell if a cat is annoyed because its tail is flicking rapidly back and forth - the equivalent of a wag . . . or the least confused.

You probably are already aware that a "puffed up" tail indicates fear. You'll recognize this signal as soon as you see it. Your pet's tail will be at least twice the size it normally is. Could mean that he's been fighting with another cat, or he's just encountered something unexpected that startled him. A cat who is feeling "good about himself" will hold his tail high. A tail held a little lower indicates that he is feeling relaxed and relatively content. Cats possess something called a "third eyelid." This is a layer of skin that you can sometimes see that surrounds the cat's eyes. If you can see this, then you cat is either ill or extremely content and sleepy. The eyelid shows especially if you cat is running a fever.

You'll be able to tell if your feline friend is ill by other behavior. She won't be acting her normal self. If this lasts for more than several days, take your pet to the veterinarian if at all possible. Cats are very good at trying to disguise their true feelings. They may try to hide the fact that they are ill. Why? Because when their ancestors were out in the wild, many thousands of years ago, an ill cat did not live very long. So, cats try to keep a "stiff upper lip", as it were, in order to be able to survive as long as possible.

Your cat's third eyelid may be showing on the other hand because he's very content and near the point of sleeping. Again, by paying some attention to his other body language, you'll be able to read the signals.

Does your cat "head-butt" you? That's the cat's standard affectionate greeting. Try "head-butting" him back. Seriously. Not very hard of course. You'll discover that he really enjoys this. You'll also soon discover that you've got a bond forming with this feline.

Another form of an affectionate greeting is "the lick." Hard to believe, isn't it? But from the very moment he was born, his mother licked him. In his mind it's associated with love. In fact, this is the only way his mother had to clean him. When your cat takes that sandpaper-rough tongue and licks your skin, fight the first impulse to jerk your body part away. You really don't want to hurt his feelings, now do you?

Make no mistake about it. Cats are smart creatures. Some animal behaviorists even theorize that some cats possess the intelligence of a two-year-old human. So just be patient - and pay attention. Soon you and your cat will have your own subtle form of communication. And it'll be most enjoyable and satisfying.

Important Cat Care News

2008-09-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

You've brought your kitten home. You've got her set up with all her needs. Now, you're faced with some of the more puzzling aspects of cat care. You're wondering about declawing. And that's just for starters. Not to worry.

First and foremost, realize that the first step to successful cat ownership is to love your cat. Filling in the blanks on the information you don't know yet will come. And here's some information and knowledge to get you started. Of course homeopathic care for cat is something that is all over the news right now, but there's actually a lot more to know then that.

Yes, cats shed. And the shedding of a long-haired cat is more noticeable than that of a short haired feline. Expect your cat only to shed at the change of the seasons. That's not so. Because of his exposure to a constant temperature and continual artificial light, your indoor cat sheds year round. But it's not nearly as bad as it sounds.

Here's a good piece of important cat care information, cats take care of a lot of their shedding on their own. They are fastidiously clean animals. You'll discover they are constantly cleaning themselves with their rough, sandpaper-like tongues. The very mechanism, though, that helps them to control shedding also contributes to one of their health problems, hairballs. Hairballs are a very real threat to your cat's digestion. They can block the food that's already been digested from traveling through his intestines.

So how can you tell when your cat is experiencing hairballs? You'll be able to recognize them if he coughs them up - as cats are prone to do. If you find cigar-shaped masses of some indistinguishable matter on the floor or on your furniture, you've discovered a hairball.

Sometimes, though, a cat will expel them along with his feces in the litter box. If you find that your cat's bowel movements have hair on them, that means he's got hairballs. Another symptom your feline may exhibit is dry coughing or a hacking. This will especially occur after he's eaten. In fact, if your cat has a sudden, unexpected loss of appetite, you may suspect a hairball is at the root cause.

So how do you prevent hairballs? Take matters in your own hands, literally! Brush! Brush! Brush! Groom you kitty often. Most cats find it most enjoyable and it builds a marvelous bond between you and your feline.

If you discover that your kitten may need more aid than this, there are many effective hairball remedies on the market today. They come in a variety of forms, from granules you sprinkle inconspicuously on his food to gels.

Thinking about declawing?

If you haven't heard, declawing your cat so he doesn't ruin your furniture or accidentally seriously scratch an individual is controversial. A generation ago, this operation was routine, many times performed at the same time the kitten got spayed or neutered.

The public today, though, is more widely educated on exactly what surgery for declawing entails. It's not just a matter of pulling the claws out of the kitty. To remove a cat's claws, a veterinarian must actually amputate the cat's paws at the first joint. This would be the equivalent you getting your knuckles amputated right below your finger nails. Ouch!

In order to perform the surgery, your veterinarian will anesthetized your cat as well as give him pain medication. He will literally cut the first section of your cat's paw off, since the claws are intricately intertwined in the first "knuckle."

Following the surgery, your cat's paws are carefully bandaged. Your cat will undoubtedly spend the night at the animal hospital. The following day you'll be able to bring her home.

Be prepared! Your cat - understandably - will be distinctly uncomfortable for several days following the surgery. (Actually, she'll probably be in great pain. But felines are wonderful actors. Cats hate to show that they're in any type of pain.)

Considering, though, the extent of the surgery, your cat heals quite quickly. You'll notice that your pet walks around the house rather gingerly. That'll last for about a week. After that she'll back to her old self.

To help prevent infection, you should replace her litter with some shredded paper. This avoids getting granules of litter in his already very tender paws.

Declawing your cat does more than just eliminate the problem of scratching. Her claws -and that portion of the toes that are removed, are valuable to her in another vital way. Removing her claws may throw her entire system of natural balance off.

A cat, you see, is classified as a "digitigrade." It's a strange label, but essentially it means that she walks on her toes. But, a cats toes are used for so much more! Her entire balance and form are based on the length of her digits. Nature, it seems, designed the cat's body - including her back, shoulders, paws, leg joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and even her nerves! - based on walking on her toes. Because of this, her weight is distributed across its toes as it walks, runs and climbs.

That means a cat's claws are absolutely essential for her balance as well as for her ability to exercise effectively. Not only that, her toes - and especially her claws are vital aspects of her stretching. Notice when your cat scratches at a post (or, yes, your furniture!). We all assume she's just sharpening her claws. Not so! She is really stretching her entire body. When you declaw your kitten, it throws her entire body alignment off.

Hairballs and declawing. Not usually subjects that come up in everyday conversations, now are they? But these are only two of the important bits of information that every cat owner needs to know in order to give Fluffy the best of care. That, and your love, will help your kitten live a long and healthy life.

How to Clean Cat Urine & Remove Cat Urine Odor

2008-09-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

There are some nasty smells in the world and topping the list would have to be cat urine odor. Really I don't think there's much worse than visiting a friend and not being able to enter their house for the foul smell of cat urine, the odor meets you at the door and hits you hard. The stench is in the carpet, the furniture, it’s in the curtains, and it’s up your nose. Someone should really tell this person how to remove cat urine odor.

Cats are creatures of habit. When they find a place to urinate they will return to that same place and continue to urinate there – the fact that it may be your carpet, furniture or curtains really has no relevance to your cat at all. Once your cat finds a place to urinate it is drawn by the smell of its own urine back to that same spot time and again. Cats like the smell of their own urine, they have marked their territory and they’re happy with that.

To stop your cat urinating in the same place you need to remove the smell of cat urine completely, not mask or hide the smell, as it will just come back and so will your cat. It really is simple once you know how and which products to use and more importantly which products not to use. You may think you need a professional remedy for cat urine – but you don’t! You don’t need a cupboard full of cat urine cleaners either. You just need a tried and tested cat urine cleaner

So let’s learn how to get rid of the smell of cat urine.

First We Should Understand the Problem…

• Cats are not big drinkers so the urine is concentrated and very potent and gives the strong cat urine odor.

• Cat urine is made up of several different bacteria strains.

• Urea and Urochrome cause the stains, which can sometimes be invisible.

• Uric acid salts cause the odor by bonding to surfaces.

• Cat urine dries on the carpet and the uric acid forms crystals in the underlay padding. The Crystals are the source of that strong ammonia smelling odor and are also the reason puss returns to that “special place”.

• Cat urine crystals are the hardest part to remove.

• Most household cat urine removers contain ammonia so they are going to make the problem worse not better, your cat will be even more attracted to that same spot to urinate as puss thinks it smells wonderful.

• We need to use a cleaner that will break down the crystals so we can get rid of the cat urine odor.

• Water only spreads the stain and will reactivate the uric acid crystals, reviving old stains and smells.

• Normal cleaners, if they don’t soak the area with ammonia, will mask the odor of cat urine for a short time, but it always returns and so will your cat!

• We need to remove both the stain AND the odor.

How to Clean Cat Urine…

• Soak up the excess cat urine from the area as soon as possible.

• Use a dry cloth or paper towel (I like to use old towels as they are absorbent by nature) – do not wet the area or the urine will spread.

• Blot the area - don’t scrub the carpet – it’s kind of like when you get an ink stain on your clothes, and you scrub it. Does the ink come out or does it spread? Cat urine works the same way in your carpet as the ink. (By the way to get ink out, don’t wet the area or it will set the ink – instead soak it in a bowl of milk – yes I said MILK - and then scrub from the outside of the stain in towards the center, a nail brush is good for this! I just thought I would throw in that tip for you – it comes in very handy when you have kids.)

• Hold the cloth or paper towel over the spot for a while – I find standing on an old towel will absorb a good amount of the cat’s urine quite well.

• Let your cleaning solution soak into the area, again use a dry towel, put it over the urine stain and put some weight on the towel. Put something heavy over the towel and leave it overnight.

• The main objective here is to be eliminating cat urine stains permanently so your cat won’t be tempted back to this spot again.

• You really need to keep your cat away from this area until all trace of the urine odor has gone.

• If your cat keeps going back place some foil over the patch until the smell of the urine has gone.

• You may need to repeat this process until all trace of the urine odor and stains have gone.

What not to use. These are not effective Cat Urine Cleaners…

• Ammonia Might - remove the stains, but it smells too much like cat urine so puss will just keep coming back to the same spot to urinate again and again.

• Water -If used by itself can spread the urine and makes the problem area so much bigger

• Citrus based products - Only masks the smell – doesn’t get rid of it permanently

• Liquid soap - Just doesn’t work – at all

• Bleach - Which smells worse – bleach or cat urine – I think it’s a draw! Plus bleach tends to fade carpet, furniture and curtains

• Carpet shampooing - Only cleans the surface, wont soak down into the underlay padding where the urine crystals are

• Hydrogen peroxide - Only removes the urine odor temporarily – the smell soon returns

• Oxygenated products - Only works on the surface, doesn’t remove the smell from deep down and can cause fading or discoloration in your carpet, furniture and curtains

What to use. How to Choose a Cat Urine Remover…

There are many cat urine cleaners on the market. You’ve probably tried some of them while trying to find how to clean cat urine, and possibly found they don’t work. Why?

The bacterium in cat urine can be very hard to kill, and until you kill the bacterium you won’t be removing an odor. You need an enzymes to remove cat urine. Get rid of the bacteria and you’re one step closer to getting rid of cat urine smell.

There is no big secret on how to select a cat urine remover. You need natural cat urine cleaners. Using a combination of products found in your home. Once you use an all natural cat urine remover, you’ll wonder why didn’t try it sooner.

Find Cat Breed Information And Information On Shorthair Cats

2008-09-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

A cat is a small felid mammal that has been domesticated for several years. The word cat most usually means a domestic or house cat, even though people used to refer this as member of a feline family. For instance, people often refer tigers, lions, and jaguars as the large cats.

Domestic cats hailed from the inherited wild species such as Felis silvestris, the African and European wild cat. In recent times, people consider a domestic cat as a separate species and call Felis Catus.

While looking at the appearance of domestic cats, they are same as their wild relatives. Even many behaviors such as hunting down and other routine activities remain to be as same as their inherited form. The first ever domestication of cats took place in Egypt.

In 4000 BC, the Ancient Egyptians domesticated cats to protect their grain stores from rats and mice. They considered cats as goddess Bast's avatars. If any person killed cats, he/she would be given death penalty. At times, when domestic cats died, individuals arranged for mummification as similar to human.

Nonetheless, by 500 BC, the Greeks started to domesticate cats and spread this practice throughout the world. Recently, domestication of cats is very popular all over the world, mostly by the colonist from Europe.

Varieties of Domesticated Cat:

There are several names to domesticated cats, each with unique features and legacy. However, because of some common interbreeding in colonized regions, several cats are merely recognized as family members of homogenous varieties of domestic shorthair and domestic longhair, depending on their hair types.

Tortoiseshell (UK) or Calico (USA) cats have various colors. Bicolor cats are partially white. A tabby cat features stripe around its skin. A male domestic cat is a tomcat and similarly a female domestic cat is a queen.

A young domestic cat is a kitten. A domestic cat whose heritage is officially registered is a pedigreed cat or purebred cat or a show cat. The breeders and owners of these domestic cats contend against one another to see who breeds well.

Less than 1% of the entire domestic cats are purebred cats and the rest 99% have varied ancestry, known as moggies or more often domestic shorthairs and domestic longhairs.

Common Domesticated Cats:

Domestic shorthaired cats and domestic longhaired cats are the two major kinds of domesticated cats, which are popular all over the world in recent years.

Domestic shorthaired cats do not represent a renowned cat variety or feature a pedigree, instead they are popular for their wide array of colors around their body. This could be of any color or a mixture of various colors.

Domestic longhaired cats come with moderate or long hair. Their standard colors include tortie and tabby and/or are bi-colored. These cats are excellent family pets, especially for people who are ready to give their hair the additional care it requires.

However, with a little research work, people can ensure themselves to determine the right type of domestic cats for their own needs.

Getting to Know Your Cat

2008-09-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

pay or Neuter a New Cat
Millions of cats are euthanized each year in shelters due to the overcrowding of animals. Cats can easily have over 10 kittens in a given pregnancy leaving owners with problem of trying to find homes for these kittens. There is an easy remedy to this problem and that is spaying or neutering your cat. Not only is this the responsible thing to do but it is better for your cat. If unspayed female are more at risk of developing the following conditions: breast cancer, pyometra, tumors of the uterus & ovaries. While unneutered male cats run a risk of developing testicular cancer.

The Price of having a cat
When people see a cute kitten they immediately decide to adopt it. Once home they realize they have made a mistake. They are not prepared for the responsibility of a cat, not all members of the family are happy to have a cat, resident pets don't adapt well to the new addition or it just doesn't fit into your lifestyle. The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, vaccinations, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Checking the health of your new cat
When a household decides to adopt a cat, be it from the shelter or a breeder a great deal of time should go into selecting the right animal. Have questions about where the pet came from, how they have interacted with the staff, do the pet have a behavior issue, etc. If you are buying from a breeder, ensure they are registered with an appropriate cat council. When visiting the cattery check out the overall health of the animals. Always have everything in writing, including the final cost of the cat, health guarantees etc.

Buying purebreds from pet shops or backyard breeders
If you are buying a cat from a pet shop or a backyard breeder there is probably little chance that a proper screening of genetic problems has taken place. Pet shops generally charge more for purebred kittens than a registered breeder would. Not only this, but they most likely won’t have certified paper to ensure their authenticity and health. As a result, you may be buying a cat that could have substantial medical bills in the future or even pass away suddenly.

Seek veterinary help
People don't realize the seriousness of a medical condition & fail to take appropriate action & get the cat to a vet. This may be due to the lack of knowledge they posses or funds. Cat owners should look into the cost of having pet health insurance or a special Cat Fund prepared in case of emergencies.

Flea Control Product
Unless recommended by your veterinarian, cats should be treated with a cat flea treatment only such as Frontline. Pet owners think they will save money by sharing their dog’s flea control product with their cats. This can prove fatal as cats are extremely sensitive to pyrethrins & pyrethroids which are often in dog flea products. The use of these on cats can result in death.

An appropriate diet
Cats have very specific dietary needs and as such need a balanced diet. There are many commercially available brands of cat food available which will fulfill your cat's dietary requirements. Don't attempt to feed your cat a home-made diet or other human consumed foods unless you have spent a great deal of time researching, as certain food s can do more harm than good.

Your roaming cat
Some owners feel that having your cat roam outside the home is beneficial for them. In actuality it may do more harm as free roaming cats & their lifespan is considerably shorter than that of indoor only cats, or cats with limited/supervised access outside. Outdoor cats run the risk of being highly stress by been hit by a car, attacked by another cat or dog, plus many other dangers they encounter which is very traumatizing.

Declawing VS not Declawing
Declawing has been a heated debate for many veterinarians, cat advocates, and owners alike. Some veterinarians consider declawing a "routine" surgery, while cat advocates consider it cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary in almost every case. Declawing is not for everyone and cat owners should have all the facts before making this decision.

Litter Box Maintenance
Cats will use a litter box only if it is kept clean, and if the litter is not scented or pleasant to the cat’s feet. Carefully maintaining your cat's litter box will almost guarantee that you will not be faced with litter box avoidance problems. Don’t try to over clean the box with disinfectant or bleach as cats are very sensitive to these and other chemicals. It is also recommended to have an automatic litter box to help in reducing the maintenance. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the box despite your careful maintenance, you should immediately suspect a urinary tract problem and call your veterinarian.

A Detailed Guide to Grooming your Cat

2008-09-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

To keep your cat happy, healthy and clean it is essential to properly groom your cat. By reading this section you will learn how and when to groom your cat and also what equipment to use. You will learn how to brush your cat, bath your cat, how to clean your cats ears and how to look after your cats teeth.

Brushing and combing your cat

Cats spend 10 percent of their waking hours grooming themselves by licking dirt and excess fur of their coat but this is not enough to properly keep them clean and some cats do not clean themselves properly. You should brush and comb your cat on a regular basis. Short-hair cats are much easier to groom than long-hair cats. If you are unsure of what your cat is, visit the breeds section. When you are grooming your cat you should be alert and checking for fleas, scars, wounds and lumps.

The first thing you need to know is the difference between a cat comb and a cat brush. A cat comb is used to remove excess hair, remove knots and to remove dirt. A cat brush is to fluff up the fur and make it smooth and look good. If you own long-hair cat I would recommend buying both a comb and a brush as you will learn later on, if you own a short-hair cat it is not as important but you can if you want.

You could alternatively choose to buy a cat grooming kit which includes a comb, brush and everything else you need. You can buy the right equipment from your local pet shop but you could also consider buying online. There are many different combs and brushes to choose from and all of them have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to get the best results and not spend a fortune you should buy a wide toothed comb, a brush and a flea comb. This should all cost under $10 USD.

It is a waste of time brushing your cat with a normal comb/brush. The advantages of using a cat brush is that it shelters the natural body oils, the bristles gently remove tangles and after brushing your cat it will have a shiny, good looking and healthy coat. But most importantly it is designed to remove excess hair, then in future when your cat cleans itself it does not swallow as much hair, preventing it from having a hairball.

If you have a kitten, it should be brushed from an early age so it becomes accustomed to the process and doesn't find it a scary and distressing experience. It will enjoy the grooming procedure but most of all you will not have to train it later on in its life. If you have an adult cat that does not like to be brushed and finds the experience frightening, introduce grooming slowly and do not make the sessions more than five minutes. If this does not work you could try ending the grooming session with playtime so your cat will look forward to it each day. One of the most important things to remember is that a short session each day is better than a long session each week.

As I briefly mentioned before, short hair cats are easier to groom than long-hair cats, it is a bit more difficult and the process can take a bit longer. If you own a short-hair cat you should groom it on a weekly basis or every few days and it should take from 5 to 10 minutes. If you own a long-hair cat grooming should be done everyday or every two days and it should take about 10 to 20 minutes. By now you are probably thinking 'how can you brush a cat for 20 minutes'. The grooming process is not just brushing but is also cleaning nose and ears if necessary and sometimes brushing your cat's teeth. For more information about these, read on.

To groom your cat, follow these easy steps:

-Place your cat on a bench or table. It depends on what your cat is most comfortable with; some owners brush their cat on their laps.

-Gently brush from head to tale using short and gentle strokes with your comb to remove knots, do not pull hard otherwise it will hurt and distress your cat, making the experience unpleasant and enjoyable. For best results also brush under its neck and stomach. If you have a flea comb, brush again from head to tale.

-Use a brush to fluff up the fur, if you are unsure of what brush to use ask your local pet shop. A cat brush is good for your cat's appearance and health and can be brought from a number of different places.

Bathing your cat

It is not necessary to bath your cat unless it becomes very dirty. Most people who have prize-winning cats bath their cat on a regular basis. Many cats do not like water and find a bath a frightening and traumatic experience. If you ever need to bath your cat, the below information will tell you how. The first thing you need to do is to brush your cat to remove excess hair and dirt. Talk to your cat with relaxed voice to keep it as calm as possible and do no make quick movements. Have everything ready before you start which should consist of 4-6 towels, shampoo, a hair dryer and cotton balls. You can use special cat shampoo or you can use regular shampoo but it really doesn't make a difference.

Use cotton balls to protect water from getting into your cats ears. If your cat has smaller ears use only half or even a quarter. If you have a bathroom or laundry hose, use it because it makes it much easier. If you don't have a hose use a cup or plastic container. You should not wear good clothes because the chances are that you will end up as wet as your cat. Wash your cat in a bath or a laundry sink. Start by wetting it with warm water. Avoid wetting its eyes and ears as much as possible unless it particularly dirty.

Hold your cat firmly because it will try to escape and probably bite and scratch you. Once the cat is wet apply shampoo and gently massage. If your cat is really dirty you can shampoo twice. Rinse your cat from top to bottom and make sure you get all of the shampoo out. Use the towels to dry your cat as best as you can then finish the job off with a hairdryer.

Cleaning your cats ears

Cleaning your cat's ears should be a part of your grooming routine. To get rid of the dirt and wax, use a cotton swab but never go deeper than you can see because it can cause permanent damage to your cats hearing. It should be done every month.

Dental Care

Many people do not brush their cats teeth often enough, some have never done it. If your cat's teeth are not brushed, bacteria will build up and could result in loss of teeth. You should brush your cat's teeth every week. If you have a kitten you should start brushing when all of its 36 teeth have grown which is around 6 months of age. If you have an adult cat, introduce slowly and keep the sessions short.

You can buy special toothbrushes designed for cats but a child's toothbrush will be just as good, just make sure the bristles are soft so they do not cut the gums. Do not use normal toothpaste because it will cause digestive problems and make your cat sick. You can buy special cat toothpaste from your pet shop, vet or online.

To properly brush your cat's teeth start by gently brushing the outer surface of the teeth. Do not brush the inside of the teeth until your cat is used to the process. Brush in a circular motion from the bottom of the gum to the tips of the teeth. Some cats require professional cleaning when there is a severe build up of tartar. When brushing your cat's teeth note the condition of your cat's gums.

Consult your vet if the gums are swollen, if there is any bleeding, bad breath, drooling, dark spots, sores, refusal to open mouth or reluctance to eat. If your cat has any of these symptoms there is a chance that it has gum disease. Gum disease is common in cats and can be fatal unless treated. It begins with the build up of plaque and tartar which causes the roots to become infected. This can be prevented by regular brushing.

Does Your Cat Have A Healthy Diet?

2008-09-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

They say we are what we eat. This applies to your pet as much as it applies to yourself. A good diet means less health problems, less trips to the vet and lower veterinary bills. But how much thought have you given to what your cat should be eating to maintain optimum health? Ask yourself the following questions.

1) How many times a day do you feed your cat?

Since cats cannot be exercised like dogs can, the only way you can influence your cats weight is by controlling the amount and type of food he or she eats. If the cat is being fed individual meals several times daily, there is often a tendency by the owner to offer the daily supply of food on several occasions rather than divide up the daily feed into several meals. This can also occur with cats fed dry food ad lib. Cats usually regulate their food intake, but continual exposure to large quantities of food may lead to over-eating and subsequent obesity if too many calories are consumed. In short, both several individual meals a day and ad lib feeding are fine, it is the total amount offered per 24 hour period which is the important figure.

Kittens should be fed small meals at regular intervals due to their tiny stomachs. Four or five meals are recommended at eight weeks of age, decreasing to two at six months of age.

2) Is your cats diet manufactured specifically for cats or do you give human food?

Some cat owners like to spoil their cat by feeding them human food as the bulk of their diet. Others have tried feeding their cat regular catfood, but find their fussy cat will not touch it, and prefers to wait for the inevitable human food offering, which soon becomes the staple diet.

Is it really unhealthy to feed cats human food though? Of course it depends what food. Remember that cats are carnivores, and require a high proportion of meat in their diet. They simply cannot adapt to a low protein diet, and will lose bodyweight if deprived of it. In fact, as a species they are relatively unique... a deficiency of the amino acid, arginine, in a single meal can lead to symptoms of lethargy, hypersalivation and vocalisation. Arginine is required by the cat to produce urea, a waste product resulting from the breakdown of protein.

Another essential nutrient for the cat is the amino acid, taurine, which the cat cannot manufacture sufficiently by itself to meet its needs. The cat's diet must therefore contain taurine in sufficient quantities. If a deficiency develops there is a high risk of serious and irreversible damage to major organs such as the heart and the eye. Taurine is found almost entirely in meat, confirming the fact that the cat is a compulsory carnivore.

Another disease of nutritional origin is that caused by cats eating raw liver regularly, who can suffer from a condition called hypervitaminosis A. Cats suffering from this can present with signs of lethargy, unthriftiness, a stiff neck and other skeletal problems. To play it safe, do not feed your cat liver more than once a week.

Reputable cat foods are formulated after extensive trials by pet food companies to provide the mixture of protein, carbohydrate and fat that suits feline physiology best. It is easier, cheaper and possibly more healthy for your cat to be fed a reputable cat food diet, with occasional treats if desired (tuna, liver etc).

3) Which is better out of dry cat food or wet cat food?

Most vets recommend complete dry biscuit based cat food. This is because studies have shown that cats on dry food diets are less likely to suffer from dental disease than those on wet food from a tin or pouch. The physical motion of biting these biscuits helps prevent tartar from adhering to the surface of the tooth. However, even cats with no teeth can eat biscuit based food without a problem, as they just scoop up the biscuits with their tongue and swallow them whole. Another advantage of dry food is that it does not spoil as quickly which is useful for cats that are fed ad lib.

There are occasionally reasons why a wet food is preferable, as a method to increase the water consumption in a cat with a urinary problem such as cystitis.

4) Which is the best cat food to choose?

There are so many different brands of cat food on the market, the best one is basically a matter of opinion. Certainly palatability is a factor, there is no point in purchasing a particular food if your cat cannot stand it, although this is occasionally a necessity in cats requiring prescription diets. Rather than recommending you a specific brand, we suggest that you choose one which adheres to the criteria below.

Cat foods labeled as complete and balanced must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are now two separate nutrient profiles for cats - one for growth (kittens) and one for maintenance (adults). Maximum levels of intake of some nutrients have been established for the first time because of the concern that overnutrition, rather than undernutrition, is a bigger problem with many pet foods today. The standards include recommendations on protein, fat, fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and mineral content of foods. If you are prepared to get technical, you should choose a food that comes closest to AAFCO recommendations.

In summary, consider the following points:

Choose a food that suits your cats age. Most big pet food companies will have different foods for kittens vs adults. Cats with medical conditions may be recommended special prescription diets.

Choose a food that come closest to AAFCO recommendations.

The ingredients contains the truth about a particular food. Everything else is there only for marketing purposes.

There are no legal and scientific definitions for the terms "premium," "super premium," "quality," or "natural."

Use dry matter numbers to evaluate and compare foods.

The source of ingredients (e.g. animal vs vegetable) does not matter, except in the case of food allergies.

Avoid supplementation. All commercial cat foods have more than enough protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Feeding your cat a good food incorrectly can lead to significant problems.

5) My cat is overweight, but no matter how hard I try I cannot get him to lose weight. What can I do?

Your cat is almost certainly being fed too much. Below some common mistakes are listed. Have a good look at these and make sure none of them could apply to your cat.

Not following the guidelines on the packet when measuring a portion. Most cat foods will have a table on the packaging suggesting daily portions for cats of different weights. The weight of food suggested is per 24 hrs, not per portion! Use your kitchen weighing scales to measure out the portion until you are sure of the correct amount.

Using a complete dry diet as a replacement for regular biscuits, and mixing it with wet cat food. If it says complete, you should not mix it with anything or you will overfeed.

Offering inappropriate food that is high in fat, or cream/full fat milk to drink.

Several members of the household feeding the cat at different times, whenever the cat is meows for food.

Giving the cat regular treats in addition to its main meal.

The cat is getting fed by neighbors, who think they are being kind by feeding it and enjoy the attention it gives them.

The cat is scavenging food from outside sources, such as other peoples bins.

The cat is part of a multi-cat household and is stealing food from the other cat(s), or even the dog.
Keep an open mind. If there is a possibility that any of the above scenarios might be the case with your cat, investigate it. If you are still at a loss, consider starting a prescription diet (see below).

6) I have heard you can get special light diets, or prescription diets for fat cats. Do they really work?

Yes they do, if used properly. These types of cat food are available in complete wet (tinned or pouches) form or dry (biscuit) form, and are growing in popularity amongst conscientious pet owners. They are low in calories and high in fibre, and often contain high levels of L-carnitine. L-carnitine has been used to help with fat metabolism in other species and recent scientific work indicates that it helps reduce weight in overweight dogs and cats. The real benefit of these low calorie diets though is that because of its low calories, cats can still eat reasonable sized portions and therefore feel full. This means they are more content and less likely to beg and look for extra food.
These diets are perfectly healthy for normal sized cats to eat too, so if you have a multi cat household and it is unfeasible to separate the cats during feeding time, you can safely feed all of the cats the prescription diet together.

7) Where can I buy this low calorie food from?

Many of the big pet food companies are waking up to the problem of pet obesity, and adding light versions to their range. However, they are unlikely to be as effective as the traditional prescription diets that are on the market.

They are known as prescription diets, because they are a specialist food normally prescribed by a veterinarian. However, you do not need a prescription to buy the food as it is a general sales list product. These foods are rarely available in supermarkets as many supermarkets are keen to sell their own brand, or have deals with the big pet food manufacturers. Many owners but their prescription diet from their veterinary clinic for convenience, whilst others prefer to shop around to get the best price. Many online pharmacies and pet stores are now offering these prescription foods, but whilst they may appear cheaper online, watch out for delivery charges added on top.

Tweety Bird

2008-09-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

When your kids start asking for a pet, you might hear "I want a Bugs Bunny" or a "Mickey Mouse", both pets you might shy away from. But, for those that hear "I want a Tweety Bird", you have nothing to worry about as birds can make some of the most entertaining and loveable household pets around. Not only are they moderately easy to care for, they can liven up your entire house with their sweet song and a colorful plumage. For those Tweety seeking future pet owners, the reasons to consider a bird are numerous.

Small Birds

A small bird will be an incredibly easy pet for you to care for. Not often very expensive, requiring only a decent cage and a good supply of food, birds like Cockatiels and Finches tend to be more or less independent, especially if you buy more than one. They will be more than happy to entertain themselves and when it comes to time to watch them or whistle with them, they are more than willing to oblige. While some smaller birds can become ornery if not properly raised from birth, many are a joy to handle and keep around the house.

Larger Birds

Parrots are probably the most entertaining and intriguing of birds when considering them as a pet. Not only is their ability to mimic legendary, and quite often incredibly entertaining, they live an extremely long time, on par with a human life span, meaning that a parrot will be a pet and household companion for life. While these birds will cost a bit more and need larger cages and numerous toys to keep them occupied, a parrot for someone with the time to spend is a wonderful pet, one that will become so attached as to feel like a member of the family.

Choosing

The difference between a finch and a parrot is vast, a decision that will largely depend on where you live, how much time you have to spend, and who will be around the bird. While finches and canaries largely dislike being handled, a parrot thrives on that attention and the more time you spend with them outside of the cage, the closer they will bond to you.

A smaller bird will often serve as a companion of proximity, keeping a lively, energetic atmosphere in your apartment or home, while a parrot is another member of the family, a reason to turn off the TV and gather the family around while he plays.

Whichever bird you decide to make your pet, and it really depends on what lifestyle you lead and the time you have available, you'll find that they can make one of the most rewarding and entertaining pets around, with a range of interaction between species perfect for making your decision, based on your lifestyle. Whether large or small, a pet Tweety can liven up any home.

How To Know What Your Pet Bird Is Saying To You Even If He Can't Talk

2008-09-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

One of the unique aspects of having a bird for a pet is that this is one of the few pets that may actually be trained to talk. Many people feel that they'll be able to communicate and have conversations with their pet birds but this may not be true in all cases. Even if a bird can talk fluently you must remember that even the smartest birds only have the intelligence of a toddler and therefore may not be able to tell you how they are feeling.

Whether your bird can talk or not, understanding what your pet is feeling is important to both you and your bird. One way to be able to do this is to be able to interpret his body language as this is a sure giveaway to his state of mind.

One good reason for understanding the body language of birds is that you can often avoid being bitten whether by your own pet or another exotic bird if you know when he is scared and when you should back off. If a bird is very scared, he will often try to make himself as thin as possible you will notice him standing very tall and looking very thin. His eyes may be dilated but they are not moving back and forth at all. In a way the bird is trying to make himself invisible - he thinks that if he makes himself as thin as possible and doesn't move that the creature that is scaring him will overlook him.

If you try to reach into the cage to do pet or pick up a bird that is acting like this he may lash out with you in terror and you may get a nasty peck. The best thing to do is to squat down so that the bird is higher than you and look right at them with your eyes closed. Speak to him in a soft soothing tone and slowly open your eyes. This should help to relax the bird as they feel most comfortable when they higher than anyone else. The closing of your eyes is important because they consider blinking a sign of trust. Once you've got your pet bird into this state it doesn't mean that he's a can automatically let you reach in and pick them up you still want to use caution until you have him fully tamed.

If you bird is angry you will notice that his head is weaving back and forth and his eyes are dilated. He may be squawking loudly and leaning slightly forward for easy attack. His feathers will be puffed up. you might want to try distracting him with a millet sprayers favorite treat but you probably will want to get too close or you may experience a painful bite. When your bird is angry like this it's best to let him come down before you try to approach him. Perhaps you might want to find out what made him angry so you can avoid this next time.

An excited bird might look similar to an angry bird with dilated pupils and he'll be bobbing (not weaving) his head and have ruffled feathers. Depending on how excited he has his whole body to be moving around. He might be squawking and screeching sometimes loudly. An excited bird, even though he is happy, may also bite you because he's too excited. It's best to let him come down a little bit before handling.

A calm content bird will be sitting on his perch with one leg tucked up under him. He'll be easy recognize due to his relaxed posture and he might groom oneself stretch out and even go to sleep. If you don't make any sudden moves that startled her you can probably get them pop up when you finger and let you pet him easily when he is in a state of mind.

Knowing how your bird feels is important for training and ongoing companionship. Once your bird is very tame you probably won't have to worry too much as he'll welcome your attention, but in the beginning knowing whether he is frightened, angry or excited can help you gain his trust for easier training.

Humming Birds – Raising Pets in Their Natural State

2008-09-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

Pets are not always that are kept in a cage or locked in your place and adore it. They are some times left free or natural in state and still referred as pets, just like humming birds.

Humming birds come in all colors of the rainbow. A special feature of humming bird which attracted many people is that the color of the humming bird feathers change in sun light. Fortunately, people today have recognized that the feathers look great on the bird, rather than separating them from the bird.

In broad-spectrum, wild humming birds are not good pets, because these birds need a specialized diet and when not fed properly they get sick and die soon. A humming bird has very high metabolism rate.

They eat much food and need 3.14 to 7.6 calories per day. When compared with human’s metabolism, the bird’s metabolism rate is 77 times higher. A humming bird can digest a big fruit in just 10 minutes.

Humming birds prefer to live in large territories, which do not have any limits, where they can use their specialized flying techniques for finding food and mates for company. All these are impossible to provide in a small cage.

How to attract humming birds and maintain them as pets?

You do not need any big set up to attract humming birds; all you need is a garden full of flowers and a humming bird feeder (which attracts wild birds).

There is nothing more relaxing than having a sight of humming birds flying in your garden. Rather than shrubs, plants that bear flowers attract hummingbirds, as they drink nectar from the flowers.

Azalea, Butterfly Bush, Cape Honeysuckle, Manzanita, Mimosa, Red Buckeye, Coral Honey Suckle, Cypress Vine, Morning Glory, Trumpet Creeper, Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Columbine, Coral Bells, Four O’ Clock, Hummingbird Mint, Penstemon, Yucca, Fuchsia, Jewelweed, Petunia and Shrimp Plant attract humming birds to your garden.

It is a myth that hummingbirds are only attracted to red colored flowers. Humming birds apart from red colored flowers attracts to other colored flowers and light colored flowers.

Do not spray pesticides to kill the insects on the flowers. These pesticides can also harm your humming birds because these birds also feed on insects. So, stop bothering about insects that will spoil your plants and flowers. Humming bird will help in removing all the insects from the plant.

Bird feeders:

Usually the hummingbirds are not fed in bird feeders; they can search their food which is sufficient for their appetite. But, in winter, there is lack of food as the flowers shed and bird feeders are necessary to help feeding the birds.

Selecting a proper bird feeder is important. Primary need of a bird feeder is that should be in red color. Providing red color bird feeder will initially attract the birds and once they are used to the bird feeder, the feeder can be in any color. Some times, they can also be hung or kept in between flowers to recognize food source.

The main source of food that is provided in the feeder is nectar and even seeds can also be provided some times. Never use honey or artificial sweeteners in the feeder.

Honey is different from nectar, nectar is pure form obtained from the flowers and honey is fermented form with added sweetness.

Tips for caring bird feeder:
• Feeder should be cleaned every time before it gets refilled.
• Nectar should be changed for every 3-4 days.
• Never use harsh cleaning agents to clean your humming bird feeder.
• Rinse with hot water every time you change the nectar.
• Do not fill nectar in the feeder to its neck, maintain some space. Half fill the feeder, as the birds will not drink all the nectar and satisfy their hunger. Keep in mind that humming birds love to search food.
• If ants find your bird feeder, steps should be taken to control them. Ant moat is a small plastic cup that keeps ants away from the bird feeder.
If the birds find your plants interesting or your bird feeder interesting, they will visit again and again. Maintain a clean and hygienic garden and bird feeder to attract humming bird.

Choices For Names For Your Pet Birds

2008-09-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

The sky is the limit when it comes to finding creative names for your pet bird. The name you choose to give your pet bird could range from something silly to something serious and everything you could imagine. Some bird owners opt for sticking with traditional bird names, while others choose names that are off the wall. If you are unsure what to name your pet bird, there are some ideas that might help you decide.

Some birds' names are derivative of the kind or type of bird they are. Other ideas for pet bird names are descriptive of their feathers or colors. Whatever scheme you want to go with for choosing a name for your pet bird, there are plenty of good ideas for names available. Here is a list of some of the most common bird names for all types of pet birds:

A-B Pet Bird Names: Abercrombie, Acadia, Achilles, Adonis, Adriel, Amadeus, Ami, Ari, Aria, Ares, Arcadia, Amber, Adonis, Banana, Bam Bam, Bilbo, Berrie, Bernie, Brahms, Baby Beak, Barnabas, Bailey, Billabong, Binky, Brady, Boyd.

C-D Pet Bird Names: Chico, Chaso, Clyde, Cole, Conga, Conrad, Sparrow, Candy, Canoli, Caper, Captain Jack, ChiChi, Chelsie, Cherrio, Coco, Callie, Conrad, Dafney, Daisy, Dakota, Dali, Dania, Dinah, Dinky, Destiny, Dora, Doohicky, Dudley, Demeter, Dude, Darcy, Diego, Doozer.

E-F Pet Bird Names: Echo, Elan, Elgar, Emily, Emerald, Eve, Ernie, Elmo, Eggbert, Elsu, Euterpe, Feathers, Folly, Frank, Fern, Fanfan, Fallow, Faith, Falco, Fred, Frank, Fletch, Finesse, Frazier.

G-H Pet Bird Names: Gandolf, Gar, Gill, Giligan, Georgia, Grady, Grace, Goldie, Ginger, Gimli, Gallant, Goliath, Geebers, Hamham, Happy, Harry, Hailey, Hillary, Hermes, Hera, Hombre, Honey, Horatio, Homer.

I-J Pet Bird Names: Ian, Icebreaker, Ichabod, Illy, Inca, Indi, India, Indigo, Iris, Isaac, Isabeau, Isabelle, Isis, Ivy, Jake, Jay, Jo, Jewel, Jerry, Jude, Julia, Jumbo, Java, Jamie, Julius, Josetta, Jose.

K-L Pet Bird Names: Kade, Kya, Keeter, Kiara, Kamie, Kalypso, Kally, Kirby, Kip, Kira, Kiwi, Koko, Kako, Karma, Katie, Lacey, Lily, Lime, Lizzie, Lulu, Luke, Luca, Louis, Leah, Lanie, Larka, Leelu.

M-N Pet Bird Names: Maggie, Maddy, Melody, Max, Mo, Molly, Monet, Misha, Maya, Monroe, Melody, Maya, Maude, Nate, Neva, Nibbles, Nissa, Niko, Nero, Neptune, Norton, Nanny, Nessie, Newton, Nimbus.

O-P Pet Bird Names: Ocean, Odin, Olive, Ollie, Onyx, Opal, Oscar, Ortega, Olivia, Oedipus, Odilon, Pandora, Paco, Pepe, Percy, Polly, Pippin, Plato, Pip, Pluto, Poochie, Pascal, Pappy, Paloma, Petry, Priudence, Pickles, Pika, Pearly, Peedie.

Q-R Pet Bird Names: Queen, Qunicy, Quentin, Quennell, Querida, Radley, Rhett, Rocky, Rodin, Raven, Robin, Rosy, Ricky, Ruffian, Rowan, Rockey, Remus, Reed, Raphael, Rhianna, Rhona.

S-T Pet Bird Names: Sandy, Sierra, Sidi, Spud, Squek, Sparrow, Sparky, Shonna, Shylee, Sangria, Samson, Salterella, Sam, Sammy, Sahale, Sidian, Spike, Tiki, Tuck, Tweeky, Tweeter, Tao, Tico, Tia, Thor, Tequila, Taco, Teila, Tarma, Tansy, Tango.

U-V Pet Bird Names: Uh-oh, Ulani, Unity, Uriah, Uranus, Ulysses, Urania, Val, Virgil, Violet, Verdi, Vixen, Venus, Vesta, Voltaire, Verdis, Vaughan, Vanilla, Verne.

W-X Pet Bird Names: Wanda, Willow, Willy, Winter, Wriggley, Winnie, Winslow, Worple, Wanda, Xaviera, Xenos, Xerxes, Xylia.

Y-Z Pet Bird Names: Yale, Yancy, Yannis, Yasmin, Yetta, Yoda, Yvette, Yves, Yoshi, Yates, Yodel, Xena, Ziggy, Zoe, Zola, Zippy, Zorro, Zazu, Zen, Zeus, Zelda.

As you can see from this list of common bird names there is no shortage of creative and fun names, and names that have special meaning. Pet bird names are varied and you be as imaginative as you like. One thing to keep in mind when naming your parrot is to keep it something shorter and that is easy to mimic to help your parrot pick up on it faster and be able to repeat it.

Getting A Parrot Pet For Advantage

2008-09-01T06:50:00.002-07:00

Seldom could anyone think of acquiring a bird pet except that of having a parrot as one, because parrots have been favored and popular among other bird pets. You see and observe the beautiful multi-colored talking parrot of your neighbor.

Few never realized that it is near absurd to get happy effects of a parrot pet, if one is careless to select its kind. Your great interest to have one leads you to a "pet store." Lets talk about selecting the best parrot pet that'll make you happy and serve you better benefits than disadvantages; and companion, as well.

Whenever you go to a bird shop to canvass for the purpose of getting a pet parrot, don't be carried easily to persistent manipulative sales talk, all pro-relative descriptions about the bird. Shop owners or storekeepers target on maximum sales output, and will do best to convert stocks into cash.

Avoid "parrot pet" Impulsive Buying

1. Window Shopping - First day shop visit is a mixture of study process and analyzing of what, which, where, and how as regards the advantages, kind of parrot, and future living conditions as pet. Don't jump into positive conclusions that; because the bird takes to a lot of responding while on display, makes a good pet.

Attractive features, like color of feathers, size, and energetic fitness are poor criteria to base in selection. Deeper know-how on the origin, specie, and breeding should be of vital reasons to consider. Take into account what kind of space in your household could you afford for its cage (larger size cage need bigger space, or vice versa). Will you have enough time to train and tend the bird well for the benefit of yourself and its own.

2. Adapting the Parrot Persona Potentials - Certain pet birds are adept to creating a character that fits in to the lifestyles of pet owners. Various birds to select are; the hyacinth and scarlet Macaw, Amazons, Conures, Moluccan Cockatoos.

Each of these parrots display respective qualities in beauty or intelligence, and capable to love their masters. However, some need special care and attention. The degree of mental stimulation taken upon them will total to any output they'll give in return, to satisfy the pet's master. Without the proper approach and training you'll concern upon it, parrots resort to undesirable tantrum fits of depression leading to screaming, biting, and self-destruction.

Generally, all birds regardless of kind have common special traits that need to adjust in to special situations in environment, especially if they still come direct from the wilds, much lesser of breed ones. It takes a lot of research and inquiries from veterinarians, experts in bird handling, experienced parrot pet owners, special parrot shops, to pull together all positive angles to consummate a decision to act upon a purchase of a parrot pet.

Pet Bird Safety at Home - Things you Ought to Know

2008-09-01T06:50:00.001-07:00

One only needs to consider the past practices of how miners used canaries as a gauge for unhealthy air levels in the mines to sense how keen birds are to their surroundings. Should canaries expire while in the mines, it would alert the miners that the air was at an unhealthy level with abundant time for the miners to leave. While birds are sensitive creatures, they are also known to outlast some owners.

Just like birds found in the wild, pet birds are susceptible to unhealthy odors as well. Common household appliances and items such as Teflon pans, aerosol sprays and even innocuous furniture polish can be fatal for birds. One of the best practices when dealing with substances that may give off pungent odors is to use it in airy areas far away from your birds.

Pet birds have a natural inclination to chomp and it can be a major issue. When a bird chomps on soldered joints on welded items, lead poisoning is a common result. Also, birds do have a penchant to chew on potted plants. Despite popular sentiments, poinsettia plants are not deadly. It is important to remember that if you are unsure if a plant is toxic or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and move the plant away from the bird. A small pot of innocuous parsley can be helpful to the bird to overcome the desire of nibbling on houseplants as it is a safe substitute.

Fresh food that is fed to your birds will do them a whole lot of good; however, food like coffee, chocolate and avocado are fatal for birds and they should never be given such foods.

As the holiday season approaches, most people will bring a tree into their house. Many might think that a bird's natural habitat is a tree and have the belief that their birds will have an affinity for perching on it. It is true that birds might enjoy this exercise, many pine trees could have had preservatives or chemicals administered and prove fatal to your pet. Furthermore, electrical lights and decorations can be pose a certain kind of danger for your birds.

There are a number of precautionary issues to see to if your bird does not have had its wings clipped. Firstly, all glass doors and windows should be shielded one way or another. The best way to do this is with curtains or shades. An alternative to curtains or shades is placing safety decals on the glass so your birds can tell the glass is there and avoid serious injury or even death. You should treat other large reflective surfaces and mirrors in a similar manner when your pet bird is released from its cage.

Standing water can pose as a form of danger as well. The bird can meet its untimely end in a toilet bowl or full kitchen sink in a few seconds. If a bird is released from its cage, cooking with an uncovered pot is especially ill-advised.

Finally, always be mindful of the whereabouts of your bird even if its wings are clipped. On an updraft, even a bird with clipped wings can glide for quite some distance. It is easy to forget that your bird is perched on your shoulder when your doorbell suddenly rings and you rush to answer it but you must remember never to carry your bird to an open door regardless of whether or not its wings are clipped.

A Way Of Handling Your Pet Bird

2008-09-01T06:49:00.001-07:00

Bird trainers have developed skills or techniques, and become experts in understanding the behavioral nature of the parrot. Several books, manuscript, and guidelines in promoting the positive angles to be on the win side in behavioral conquest of the bird have helped a lot of amateurs and pet owners.

Parrots are the most misunderstood birds in existence. It's up for you to get thru better relationships with your bird, for it is, what you make it so. Before knowing it, at a slightest trait overlook, this bird in your cage could create havocs of anxiety and frustrations in your life. Basically, parrots need real training, otherwise, you will one day find out, it becomes an undesirable annoying character stealing away every bit of your peaceful, chaos-free moments.

Basics in training start with the bird's character traits and instincts. Your first approach is to notice its biting habits and screaming. These are inherent to parrots especially if it seemed likely to be ignored. Like humans they develop into emotional outburst, and their tendency is to find an object to threw out their fits.

Instinctive biting and screaming loudly distract. Try to find out what causes such behavior. Every bit of undesirable action could be a reaction that actually comes from its surrounding environment, either from your very self, or from anyone among your companions inside the house.

Behavioral Aspects in Training

1. Let us deal into terms similar to psychology in humans.

* Operant conditioning, situation in training, on other domestics or your bird pet; reacting well in order to gain something positive, or to evade from something negative. Example: Directing your bird to whistle, if it mimics the action, you hand in its food. Next time, instinct to eat allows impulsive choice to obey, whatever you want it to do, a whip of your finger, or cue from your mouth.

* Bridging stimulus set an example, when a hand is raised to command the bird to perch in one corner of the cage, the demonstrative actions serve a bridge for the parrot to choose in abeyance following the hand cuing, because a toy is ready at reach.

2. Do not punish pets for any negative attitude or actions done previously.

Example: When it unties cage's knots (birds do kept biting and untying); long time before you discovered it, don't whip or deprive it of meals. Birds or animals do not know of past and future. Bird's instinct is to live or act "here" and "now," and never aware of anything done ostentatiously. Turn to let a parrot obey you on what it does at the moment.

A large scale of parrot species need to be captivated to insure you with one of the best pet favored by many households. Research where your pet originated in order to pursue utmost care in mutual relationships between humans and birds.