pets alive

2011-03-10T11:54:00.001-08:00

House Sitting and Pet Sitting in Bucks County

Author: Elyse Coleman

Who will take care of the Dog and my plants?

What would you do if you returned home from your winter home in Florida to find your home here in Bucks County or Mercer County NJ had been damage by fire, your most valued possessions had been stolen, damaged by whether or any of the many disasters that could happen while your home is completely left unattended?

What if you could have the peace of mind knowing that Fido the dog and his trusted side kick Snowball the cat were safe and sound sleeping in the living room at home while you are relaxing on the beach at your luxury resort?

Thankfully, there is a solution to protecting your property. You will find a number of home sitting services available that provide and number of household chores, domestic services help for your home and yes…house sitting services in Bucks County while you are away for a long weekend or an entire winter.

Have your vacation without a glitch of worries of what will happen to your house or possessions. Available nowadays are the so-called House-Sitters and Pet-Sitters that will look after your possessions including your adorable pets with warmth and dedication.

House sitting is where responsible professionals are willing to care with all the details required to manage your home while you are away on vacation. Some of the responsibilities may include from the simple watering of household plants and gardens, arranging for a dog walker, collecting and forwarding important communications and overseeing contractors work while caring for your valued possessions. Perhaps there are a number of weekly activities that just must continue even while you are away? Home organization help services will also include errand assistance for Newtown PA residents like receiving UPS deliveries, sending weekly packages and overseeing a rental property.

Don't let the worries of maintaining your home here in Pennsylvania prevent you from enjoying the fruits of your labours. Let a responsible house sitting services take care of all the important details here while you travel across the world or just enjoying your winter home in Florida.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/house-sitting-and-pet-sitting-in-bucks-county-4381488.html

About the Author

Elyse Coleman is an organizing professional, helping people manage both their lives and lifestyle. Combining her natural bent for organization and simplicity with her extensive and diverse work background, she uses her organization skills to bring order and harmony to lives of her clients in the Princeton, NJ and Lower Bucks County, PA areas. Elyse very talented as a Home Organization helper in Mercer County. She is a member of International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association and Lower Bucks Community Chamber of Commerce. Her senior concierge services in Bucks County are recognized as an invaluable service by her clients, often the adult children of aging parents.

2009-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Prepare Your Pet For Your Baby

Author: Maria Cummings

A baby is going to cause changes in the household routine and lifestyle. Your pet will get used to the changes much easier if a lot of them happen before the new baby arrives home. Cats, dogs, and babies are beings of routine. They are all sensitive to routine and change tends to upset them. If the changes gradually happen before baby comes home then your pet probably will not resent the baby since baby will not be associated with the change in your pet's view of the world.

During the weeks before you are due to have your baby, gradually lessen the amount of time that you spend with your pet. If you think the time of day that you walk, feed, and play with or exercise your animal will change, modify those routines now giving your pet time to adjust. Have you trained your dog to commands like sit, stay, no, and heel? Does he obey you? Does he have any aggressive tendencies? You may need a dog trainer's help before baby arrives to help make sure your dog knows you are in charge.

If you have a cat, make sure the claws are routinely trimmed. Trim your dog's claws too. Get another family member used to cleaning the cat box. Have whoever changes it wear rubber gloves and wash their hands thoroughly afterward. Follow these precautions if you end up cleaning the litter box. Animals are easily startled by the spontaneous actions and noises of children. If your pets haven't been around children much, have your nieces and nephews over a few times or invite your friends kids over to play some games and have lunch. Don't let them mistreat your pet, but let them be in the house so your pet gets used to the noise of children.

You'll be preparing for the new baby by buying various baby items and setting up the baby bed. Let your pet smell these items. This can help your animal get used to these items being around. Never allow your pets to lie on your baby's belongings or get into the baby bed. If necessary keep the door closed to the baby's room.

Buy a container that seals to put the dirty diapers in so your animals won't get into the container. Unfortunately, they will be attracted to the odor. Your cat or dog needs a place of his or her own also. If you haven't made that space in your house yet, do it now before baby gets home. Teach your pet this is his special spot by putting one of his toys there and giving him bedding. He may need to get away from the baby and other children sometimes and this should be off limits to children.

To get your pet familiar with baby noises you can play a CD of a baby crying starting a few months before you have your baby. You can rock in the rocking chair and turn on the mechanical swing routinely ahead of time too. These small preparations can make the changes positive and less stressful for your pet. And you can also give him a treat or play with him as a reward for his ability to adapt to his new family member.

About the Author:
Maria Cummings is a devoted parent, wife and expert author on family matters and parenting. She is devoted to helping children's organizations and activities. Maria is the Sales Manager for BustlingBaby.com which offers a variety of baby products to help make parenting easier, from Baby Sherpa Backpacks to Snug As a Bug slings

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/prepare-your-pet-for-your-baby-836731.html

2009-02-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

Benefits of Purchasing Pet Meds Online

Author: Arianna Jordan

Pet owners agree that caring for their pets is often a joyous and enriching experience. Being able to care for an animal and experience the type of love that only pets can give creates a strong bond between owner and pet, so when a pet is sick or injured the owner may do whatever they can to take care of their pet. This generally requires a trip to the vet and, in many cases; it also requires that the pet be given prescription medications for a period of time following the initial visit. Most pet owners do not think twice about the prescriptions, paying whatever the cost is because they believe that there is no viable alternative source for the medicines that their pet needs.

Alternatives to buying pet meds directly from your veterinarian do exist, however. There are a number of websites, which allow you to buy the medications that your pet needs and have them shipped right to your door. The medicines that you order are the same ones that you would get from your vet, and are provided with the full knowledge and authorization of your veterinarian. You may find that there are a number of advantages to using online pet pharmacies, with the biggest benefits being the following:

Reduced Cost

While your veterinarian may be very good at what they do and offer reasonable prices whenever possible, many costs are associated with running a successful veterinary clinic. Online pet pharmacies do not have the same overhead as your vet’s clinic, and because the cost of running one of these pharmacies is lower, they are often able to pass the savings on to pet owners. Some medications may be significantly cheaper than what your veterinarian could offer, while providing the same quality that you would receive if you bought the medicines from the vet.

Convenience

When using an online pet pharmacy you can order your pet’s medications at any time of the day or night. You do not have to worry about making time in your day to take a trip to the vet, since you can place and update orders online when it is convenient for you. The pet meds are shipped to you as quickly as possible, often arriving within two or three days after the order has been placed. In many cases, basic shipping of your pet meds is even free.

Wide Selection

Whether you are looking for Zeniquin tablets for your dog, Fluoxetine for your cat or countless other pet medications, you should be able to find them when shopping at an online pet pharmacy. Most pet pharmacies operating online pride themselves in having a wide range of medications available for pet owners, as well as a number of over-the-counter pet medications such as flea treatments. You can even find pet accessories such as nail clippers and oral hygiene chews that you can easily add to your order.

Automatic Renewals

If your pet needs to be on a long-term medication then the convenience of buying pet meds online is even greater. In addition to being able to order online and have the medications shipped directly to your house, most online pet pharmacies let you automatically renew pet meds that have multiple refills. This means that the pharmacy can automatically charge your credit or debit card that you have on file and ship the medication to you without you having to do anything; they may even make sure that your new meds arrive before your previous order runs out so that you do not have any lapse in treatment. If you are not sure whether automatic renewals are right for you or need to make changes to your order, the automatic billing can be turned off at any time.

Top Quality Service

Just because you are ordering pet meds online does not mean that you are going to have to put up with lackluster service or inferior products. The customer service staff employed by online pet pharmacies is there to help you with any problems that you may have, allowing you to get the answers that you need by phone or email. Your medications are packed securely to prevent damage during transit, ensuring that you do not end up with broken bottles or other shipping problems. The online pharmacy that you choose should try to get your order processed and on its way to you, as quickly as possible so that your pets can get the medicine that they need. However, this may also take extra time to make sure that your order is correct before it is shipped. Online tracking helps you to see where your package is and it lets you know when to expect delivery to be made.

About the Author:

Arianna Jordan is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as pet meds.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/benefits-of-purchasing-pet-meds-online-767161.html

What You Must Know Before You Bring Your Baby Iguana Home

2009-02-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

Coming home with a baby iguana is usually an impulse buy. People see them in one setting or another and end up running out and getting one without realizing how much work they actually are. Don't make that mistake, read a little more and then decide if you are ready to be an iguana owner.

Choosing your baby iguana is one of the most important decisions you will make when getting your pet. You really need to be careful. Never blindly take one from a shop or private owner. You want to make sure that it is living in a clean environment (if the tank is dirty and the iguana is lying around in its own feces, it very well may be susceptible to very harmful bacteria). You are also going to want your iguana to be alert but not overly aggressive, it should watch your hand going into the tank to get it, but it should not be going nuts or flipping out. Also make sure the skin in healthy, that it is not skin and bones and the eyes are clear.

Now you are going to have to create a natural habitat for this iguana. You will do so by replicating to the best of your ability, the tropical environment in which they usually exist. First things first though, you need to get a large tank, in the 50 gallon range. This is a good start, but eventually, you will have to move the iguana to a dedicated room or very large cage as they get quite large.

You must now create natural surroundings in their holding area. Appropriately sized branches and a good heat source will do the trick. The iguana needs to be able to move around on the branches easily so don't get them too big when they are a baby. Let them get larger as the animal grows. You will also need to keep the tank around 85 degrees during the day and not let it get lower than around 72 at night.

An iguana will feed off of natural sunlight. It naturally supplies them with nutrients that they need. Do not believe anyone that tells you they can give you a light source that will duplicate this because it is a flat out lie. You do need to light the cage but the iguana will get its sunlight from the sun. Either locate the tank within a natural source or make sure you give the iguana access to an area where the sunlight will hit it.

The cage or tank is also going to have to be kept moist. An iguana does not really drink, they will use their water bowl or pool for soaking. If you notice that they are consuming large amounts of water, it means that you do not have enough moisture in the air (an iguana will actually absorb their water intake through their skin via the air). Invest in a good thermometer/humidity gauge that will allow you to keep track of this.

The fun is only just beginning. Once you get this little monster home you are going to have to worry about their health, proper feeding, trimming their claws and of course taming your wild baby iguana. The information needed to properly do this thing cannot be relayed in a paragraph so go grab a good book and make sure you are educated before taking on this responsibility.

Ferrets-They Become A Passion

2009-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Would you like to know more about ferrets but just do not know where to begin or look? There are millions of other ferret owners who are overwhelmed by the large volumes of information available to them, about this charming and often comical furry creature.

You may be trying to get a pet ferret, or living with someone who already has a ferret. You may all so simply be interested in the behaviour of these musk-producing mammals, here are a few basic things that you can consider first, before you get started with keeping a ferret and it becomes a passion.

Ferrets like skunk’s are also able to produce musk. Some countries allow you to remove the glands responsible for their musk production, this obviously will stop them smelling so much. But in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia you will find that this is not really necessary.

There fur is shiny and smooth to touch because of the natural oils produced by them. Regular bathing will remove some of these oils, which is not a good thing for your pets health. They also grow long nails, so a regular nail-cutting session will be in order for ferret owners.

There are many different colors and breeds available for pet owners. Breeding them is quite easy, especially when the ferret is mated with a pole cat, this was often done in ancient times. The younger the ferret is, the more difficult it is to look after. But then if you are able to obtain one that is still a kit, you will have the advantage of training it from a very young age.

As they grow older, they will need the company of other ferrets. Older ferrets will often will display domination or superiority to the younger ferrets. They also have the tendency to develop very close almost family like cliques and may not be as open to accept new ferrets in their circle easily. .

Regulations vary from country to country, so when you are caring for your ferret, always make sure that you are properly acquainted with the regulations of the country you live in. You will find that some countries do not allow ferrets to be domesticated and become house pets, while other countries have no restrictions on keeping them as pets.

By nature, ferrets are adventurous and curious creatures. you will need to interact with your pet at least once a day, this will help satisfy there curiosity and for them to be happy under your care. They also like to dance in a strange manner when excited and this may often look like they are ready to attack, but in reality, they are just expressing their enjoyment.

Since ferrets are extremely adventurous creatures, you will have to keep an eye on them frequently. They have the tendency to swallow objects that can be poisonous or damaging to their digestive system. On top of that if they are not constantly supervised, they may be prey to some other animals like snakes and hawks on there daily roam about,

Ferrets became popular as pets in America only in the 1980’s. Ferrets have been used for hunting for many years, mainly rabbits and rats, this is because they are well capable of entering rabbit warrens and tiny spaces. Their natural curiosity and lack of fear, makes them really effective aids to hunters. Even the Romans found many uses for them.

Ferret Care Is It Difficult?

2009-01-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

Ferrets are available to buy at your local pet shop or stock breeder, also you may be able to get one at a animal shelter. Because they live a long life just like a cat or dog, it is important that you know how to care for them and keep them healthy, happy pets.

Angora Ferrets are nocturnal animals that like to sleep during the day. When they wake up, it is advisable to let them out so that they can play and exercise. When you do let your pet out, it is better to make for sure all electric cords are secure, any small items are put away and all small spaces are blocked so they can not squeeze in to them. Doing this will stop your ferret from getting lost or inuring themselves.

These mammals live on strict diet and you should be well aware that they are carnivores. This means they can only be fed meat or poultry products as they require a lot of protein. There are black-footed ferret food products in the market so you best stock up to avoid the mistake of settling with cat food instead.

Aside from food, ferrets need water. You can do this by putting this in a bowl or a bottle. It is best to put this in a feeding bottle so the contents do not spill.

Your ferret must never be left unattended while in your home. If you do have to go out then use a cage, that is what they are there for. The perfect cage size is one that measures 18” x 18” x 30” or a little larger. The main thing here is for you to make for certain that it is big enough for them to move around in.

Ferrets are curious creatures and love toys, purchasing some is useful if you have to come home late from work so they will have something to do until you return. The playthings you purchase will have to be robust, as they will require to be able to withstand their sharp teeth. Again these are readily available to you on the net.

The only way to keep your ferret and home clean at the same time is to toilet train it so that waste is on the litter box and not on the carpet. You can do this by putting some waste within the box and carrying them when you see that they are about to do it.

If this is done correctly, they should be rewarded with a light snack. This trick can as well be done to teach them how to do some neat tricks to amuse guests that drop by and pay a visit.

The pet ferret should also be brought to the veterinary. States that allow you to have one want owners to give them a vaccination once a year and keep the receipts for correct documentation.

Some would say that the advisable time to purchase a ferret is when it is very young because they are easier to train compared to those that are much older. But irrespective of age, how things will go will be entirely up to you.

Ferret care is not difficult, all it needs is a spot of common sense and you will be able to handle it ok. You are for sure to enjoy the company of your furry friend for many years to come and might even decide to add another one so your pet has company.

If you would like to know more Free information about Ferret Care Or Marshall Ferrets Then Be Sure To Visit Ferret Help.

Making Sure That You Have Appropriate Cover For Your Pet

2009-01-24T09:46:00.001-08:00

If you are in possession of a pet, or are considering getting one, then one thing of particular importance is the procurement of insurance. if you are getting a specific breed of animal from a breeder then it is possible to get insurance prior to actually picking the animal up. If you are just going to some rescue home though then it is unlikely that you will know all the bumph on the creature so you will have to get it insured posteriorly. Insurance for pets is for emergencies and therefore anything routine or elective has to be paid for out of your own pocket.

Therefore you need to pay a certain amount for the care of your pet yourself but as long as you are not having to have it put down because you cannot afford a veterinarian bill then you are covering the cost of your guilt. These days they use medical techniques that are used on humans so the cost of a pet procedure can run into the thousands quite literally.

Pet insurance falls into three categories. One type places a restriction on the amount that can be claimed for a specific condition. Another limits the amount that can be paid out in relation to your pet in any one year. Another type which costs the least is a policy which only lasts a year and limits the amount that is paid out. All policies pay out in the result of your animal dying, and all are privy to excess charges.

It is very difficult to be able to say how much a pet insurance policy costs on average. There are so many different pets and it is not going to cost the same to insure a hamster as it is to insure a giraffe. Obviously the age of the pet that you want to insure is going to come into play, as well as the level of coverage that you want for your pet.

There are certain things that will reduce the cost of a pet insurance policy. If you have an identity chip on your animal then this will generally reduce the cost of insurance. Having more than one animal insured with the same company will also benefit the cost of your policy. Finally you will be able to get yourself a good deal if you use the InterNet because you can get a plenitude of quotes from a comparison site and thus be able to see which company is going to charge you the least.

Maintaining Your Koi's Health

2009-01-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

When you built your pond, you probably spent a lot of time planning its design. You made sure every plumbing piece was in place. You carefully selected your filter and your pump. Everything seems perfect. While everything mechanical is in place, did you know that you need to plan your fish just as carefully as everything else?
Many experienced fish keepers will tell you that the best way to guarantee long-lived healthy fish is to buy top quality stock from local reputable breeders. This ensures you have fish that have not been overly stressed by transport, carefully bred for quality and grown on the best food.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have a local koi breeder, or you’ve already bought your koi, not all is lost! In fact, most purchased koi are from national-level breeders, have been transported and do not have confirmed breeding standards. This doesn’t mean you can’t have great fish. It just means you need to be extra careful to quarantine and feed high quality food for continued growth.

Quarantining your koi fish is absolutely necessary for koi health. Every time you obtain a new fish (regardless of source), you need to quarantine your new koi for at least 4 weeks before adding it to your existing stock. If you don’t properly quarantine, you risk introducing foreign bacteria and viruses into your stock. There are some fish illnesses, such as bacterial infections, flukes and worms that can kill your stock in one week after introduction.

Proper quarantine means no mixed water, food or contact between your existing stock and your new fish. When quarantining, you need to watch out for signs of stress in your new fish. Signs of stress and illness include a lack of appetite, discoloration on the scales/eyes, torn fins and lethargy. If you notice any such signs, there are several treatment options.

If your fish has torn fins or external lesions, you should treat with antibiotics administered with the fish food. If your fish isn’t eating after several days, you may have internal parasites. Praziquantel (a.k.a. PraziPro) or metronidazole are very effective safe treatments for internal parasites, including gill flukes and worms. We recommend NOT using Potassium Permanganate unless you have exhausted all other options. Potassium Permanganate should never be used on fish with external lesions as it will burn their internal tissues.

After you’ve quarantined your new koi, and all goes well, you can add them to your pond! Depending on your bio-load and the number of fish you add, you may need to up your water changes. Already you should be changing at least 30% of your pond water a week to keep your pH stable and nitrates low. Adding more fish adds more waste to your filter, and it may take some time for new nitrifying bacteria to build up. Water changes keeps nitrites low if you’ve recently added a lot of new fish. On top of water changes, you should regularly add salt to your pond. This isn’t table salt or anything like that. We’re talking about salt that’s iodine-free and designed for aquarium and pond use. When you add salt to your pond, your koi will build up a thicker slime coat that supports a strong immune system. Pond salt also helps respiration in koi, and is effective in killing many common parasites. You should add 2 – 2.5 cups of pond salt per 100 gallons. You should only add more salt when you perform a water change (it does not evaporate).

For your koi, you should vary their diet instead of feeding the same pellet every day. This ensures they get enough nutrients from a variety of sources. If you have very young koi, it doesn’t hurt to feed them a hearty supply of beefheart so they grow well. Also, it’s okay and encouraged for your koi to eat some plants. This gives them plant fiber which helps prevent bloat.

Koi are beautiful hardy fish that can live for years when they’re given a stress-free environment, good koi food and stable water quality. They’re well worth the effort!

Casey Coke is a Marketing Manager for Natural Environmental Systems, LLC, a global supplier of microbial solutions for pond and lake management. The company markets their own brand of koi pond supplies under the registered brand name of Pond Keeper.

Joining an Exotic Pet Auction

2009-01-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Do you intend to go to an auction to buy an exotic pet? That could be a wise move, because for sure, you are going to see lots of wonderful species there. If you have gone to one before, the proceedings should be familiar to you.
But if it is going to be your first time, listed here are the things that you should know about an exotic animal or exotic bird auction.

1. Most auctions are a one-day event. Some could extend the event to two or three days. There is also a specified date as to when and where they are accepting consignments. Joining an auction isn't limited to being a buyer of exotic animals. You can also join as a seller of such.

2. Some animals aren't accepted in auctions. This includes state regulated animals such as deer and elks, as well as all other types of poisonous animals and certain skunks. So if you are a buyer looking for a rather venomous animal or an animal not allowed in your state, don't go to an exotic animal auction anymore, because you are not going to find what you are looking for there.

3. Cameras and videos aren't allowed in an auction place. For security purposes and other related reasons, the auction sponsor reserves the right not to allow any form of camera and other image-taking equipments. So when you attend an auction, leave these things at home, because you can't use that inside anyway.

4. Auction sponsors get a sale for every item sold. If you intend to join the auction as a seller, you have to be informed that your sale is subject to commission of 5% to 20%, depending upon the price of the animal you are selling. So you can adjust your prices accordingly.

5. Auction sponsors could request for a registration fee for sellers. To ensure that the animal will arrive on the date of the auction, sponsors will ask for a registration fee, either refundable or non-refundable according to the agreement. Ask exactly how much they are going to charge per pet.

6. Admission fees can be collected from buyers. If you are coming as a buyer, a minimal amount could be asked of you as entrance fee. Usually for a 2-day event, the price is within the rage of $8 to $15. A single day event will usually be less than $10.

Is there an exotic pet auction coming up near you? If there is one, and you do want to get an exotic pet, join it. Your next best friend could be there!

Avicenna has written various articles about exotic pets related topics, including Pet snake and pet turtles

Treating your pets for fleas

2009-01-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

Submitted by artavia.seo
Mon, 1 Dec 2008

If you have a pet, you probably notice fleas. Even inside pets can get them, and once they get established they can be difficult to get rid of. They suck blood from your pets, they can bite you as well, and they just seem nasty and unclean, not to mention annoying. If you want to treat fleas on your pet, there are several ways that you can do that. Shampoos are one of the most common choices for pet owners who want to kill fleas that are already on their pets. For dogs this is not too bad, but for cats it can be a hassle. Most cats won't put up with being bathed. The other downside is that these products can be dangerous for puppies and kittens and they stop working once they are rinsed off. Very few of them have residual effects, and they only treat the fleas that are present at the time. Another way to kill fleas is through the use of powders and sprays. These work a little better because they have more residual effects, but powders can be messy and most pets don't like staying still while they are being sprayed. You might end up more coated than your pet.

If those don't seem like good options for you, you can try a flea dip. This will definitely kill the fleas and have some residual effect, but you have to be careful. Flea dips are very toxic and not following the directions careful could harm you and your pet. The easiest and best choice are the systemic. These are usually a small vial of liquid that is applied to the back of the neck. They work to kill fleas and eggs, and they also repel them, so your pet won't get more. They can be costly, but most are very safe and very effective, so they are worth the extra money.

About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Hyper Drug a supplier of equestrian and pet medication and supplies such as Frontline

Buying Your First Tropical Fish

2008-12-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

Whenever you start a new hobby it is very tempting to try to get everything at once. It can be also be easy to buy whatever the store clerk tells you is the right thing, especially as you are probably keen to get started. But if you are setting up your first fish tank and buying your first fish, then it is a good idea to think what you really want and what may be suitable for you before you buy.

If you are not familiar with tropical fish, then the best thing you can do is to find someone who is. If you have a friend who knows about tropical fish then take them to the store with you. But if you don't, make sure that you do your research first. It might be tempting to go to the store and buy the fish that look best, but if you have no idea whether or how you can look after them, then it is not a very good idea.

There are some wonderful beginners books on how to keep tropical fish that will tell you exactly what the requirements of each fish are and how well they get on with other fish. If you do this research then you will be in a much better position to choose the right fish that you can look after well and your new hobby is much more likely to be successful.

One mistake that many people make is that they buy everything at once. There is no point in buying the tank and all of the accessories at the same time as you buy the fish. To set up the fish tank properly without using chemicals to clear the water, you need at least 24 hours to let the water and gravel settle and clear. You also need to make sure that your filter, aerator and heater are working properly and that your tank is set up properly and that everything works well. There is no reason, even if you did not have to let the water clear, to leave your new fish in a bag while you do all of this.

It is much better to wait until everything is set up and working well so that when you get your fish then you know that they will be ok. Tropical fish are a great hobby and choosing carefully and taking the time to set everything up well can make all the difference.

How Go Hire A Good Pet Sitter

2008-12-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hiring a pet sitter is a great option for multiple reasons. First, it allows your dog to remain in her familiar environment when you're away. It also relieves family, friends, and neighbors of having to take care of your dog. And, the pet sitter will usually bring in mail and newspapers so that your home isn't a target for burglars. Interested? Here are some tips for finding a pet sitter.

Pet sitters have evolved. They're no longer the boy-next-door who just wants a bit of extra money. Sitters these days have commercial liability insurance and are often bonded. These combine to cover accidents and protect against theft. In addition, may pet sitters have completed some form of training and are associated with at least on vet. When interviewing potential sitters, make you ask if they're covered and what courses they've completed. In addition, ask the sitter if they have a backup.

What happens if they get sick or their car won't start? Does this mean your dog will be alone? In addition, ask for a written contract that covers any and all services and fees. The contract can also specify visitation times and duties. And, references are never a bad idea. Make a few phone calls to see if other clients were happy.

Once you've chosen a sitter, invite her over to meet your pet face to face. This will give your dog the opportunity to meet the person that will be taking care of her for a while. And, it will give you the opportunity to show the sitter where the dog eats, sleeps, her favorite toys, etc. Also, be sure to hold up your end of the bargain. Good communication is key.

For example, make reservations early, especially during busy holidays, and make sure you leave all the necessary information. Have specific instructions, vet numbers, food, supplies, and your pet's identification at the ready. It might also be a good idea to leave a key to your home with a neighbor in case something does come up and the sitter can't make it. If you have an alarm, let the sitter know the code. If you want her to pick up the mail, tell her.

The ideal pet sitter will make both you and your dog happy. Communication is key. Respect her schedule and always provide her with ample instructions. It's better to be overly communicative than leave some aspects to chance.

And, the pet sitter will usually bring in mail and newspapers so that your home isn't a target for burglars. Interested? Here are some tips for finding a pet sitter.

Pet sitters have evolved. They're no longer the boy-next-door who just wants a bit of extra money. Sitters these days have commercial liability insurance and are often bonded. These combine to cover accidents and protect against theft. In addition, may pet sitters have completed some form of training and are associated with at least on vet. When interviewing potential sitters, make you ask if they're covered and what courses they've completed. In addition, ask the sitter if they have a backup.

What happens if they get sick or their car won't start? Does this mean your dog will be alone? In addition, ask for a written contract that covers any and all services and fees. The contract can also specify visitation times and duties. And, references are never a bad idea. Make a few phone calls to see if other clients were happy.

Once you've chosen a sitter, invite her over to meet your pet face to face. This will give your dog the opportunity to meet the person that will be taking care of her for a while. And, it will give you the opportunity to show the sitter where the dog eats, sleeps, her favorite toys, etc. Also, be sure to hold up your end of the bargain. Good communication is key.

For example, make reservations early, especially during busy holidays, and make sure you leave all the necessary information. Have specific instructions, vet numbers, food, supplies, and your pet's identification at the ready. It might also be a good idea to leave a key to your home with a neighbor in case something does come up and the sitter can't make it. If you have an alarm, let the sitter know the code. If you want her to pick up the mail, tell her.

The ideal pet sitter will make both you and your dog happy. Communication is key. Respect her schedule and always provide her with ample instructions. It's better to be overly communicative than leave some aspects to chance.

About the Author:
To Find the best Dog Supplies for your dog takes time and effort. You can get your dog beautiful and elegant Dog Clothes to place a smile on their faces. Get your dog set to impress and keep them warm and comfortable in their new Dog Beds so they can feel safe and sleep well.

Article Source:
http://www.freearticles.co.za/pets-and-animals/how-go-hire-good-pet-sitter.html

How your pet will affect your Homeowners Insurance rates

2008-12-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

Due to the high number of liability insurance claims being filed due to dog bites, many insurance companies now are charging higher premiums to the homeowners, the type of dog breed an homeowner has will determine if they will get home insurance with certain carriers, to know if your rates will increase or if you will be denied insurance coverage one needs to be informed of the possible dog breeds that are considered high risks.
Some of the types of breeds that cause personal injury due to dog bites are Rottweilers and Pit Bulls which account for 50 percent of the emergency dog bites reported.

Other breeds include Malamutes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Huskies, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. If you have one of these types of dogs some things you may want to consider before getting homeowners insurance is to find out which carriers ban certain types of dogs, some insurance carriers will consider each case individually depending on the history of the dogs behavior and if their is any record your liablity rates will rise because of dog bites reported in the past. Plus if your dog is trained to attack individuals even in self defense you may not be eligible for coverage.

Some carriers will require a waiver to be signed by the homeowner who has a high risk dog. In order to get the best rates, one will have to check around and see what type of coverage is available. Dog obedience training may be required in order for your pet to qualify for coverage. Also it may be necessary to purchase a seperate policy for your dog. Laws on dangerous dogs and homeowner insurance varies by each state. Check and see what your state says about this issue.

Quality Pet Meds to Keep Your Best Friend Healthy

2008-12-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

In our daily lives we are surrounded by people who care about us, who think about our well-being and who worry when we are sick. These are the people we call friends, and every friend has this kind of behavior when it comes to people they care about.

Even though human interaction is very important for the social well-being, people aren’t the only ones we can call friends. There are also lots of animals that people prefer to spend a lot of their time with and these animals are often named best friends.

Pets are very important in anyone’s life, because they can sometimes offer the support a real person cannot. Maybe it is because of one’s ego, maybe it’s because of the lack of trust, but many people often turn to their pets to confide in, because they are the ones that will never reveal a secret, they are the ones that will always listen and they are also the ones that can get you in a better mood.

Keeping your closest friends in shape and healthy is, or should be a priority. When you pet comes down with something, you will need to provide pet meds in order to make them better, otherwise you might lose their company. They are not like people and they rely on their owner to provide the best conditions and the best health care in order to live their lives.

Pet meds are something you can find in lots of places. Veterinary pharmacies can be found quite often nowadays as opposed to the past, but these aren’t the only sources where you can purchase what you need. You need to find something that can provide lots of solutions with little trouble.

If you are in a situation when you cannot find what you are looking for, then this might be a good time to start thinking about turning to the internet as the provider of the pet meds you need. The internet is a very good source for everything you could possibly desire, because here you have access to a multitude of websites that are bound to solve your problems.

But enough about diseases and unhappy situations! What if your pet is feeling great, they play all day, bounce around feeling happy, making you wish they would keep this kind of behavior forever? Then you should consider helping them with some good pet supplies.

Pet supplies include lots of things, just about anything that relates to their overall good health and well-being. For example, if you leave for a few days, you wouldn’t want your pet to starve, would you? Then you should think about providing an electronic feeder.

Pets are like children, most of the time playful, but sometimes a little down. What is the best thing you can do to cheer them up? Another important part of the pet supplies is the toy department, where you can find all the things you need to keep your pet entertained and happy.

When you are searching for a website that can provide top of the line pet meds and highly entertaining and useful pet supplies, you may spend some time in front of your computer. Because of this you should look no further than epetdrugs.com.

How To Care For Your Turtle

2008-11-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

You should be a responsible pet owner if you intend on having exotic pets. You should personally consider your lifestyle in finding the perfect exotic pet. You should be committed as a owner in providing the needs of your exotic pet in order to survive.

There are exotic pets that may need special treatment. You may find exotic pets that may be required to eat large amounts of meat and could be a threat to your kids when they are fully-grown. Large exotic pets can be really challenging to care for compared to a parrot or a turtle which are easier to grow and breed. If you consider owning a turtle, here are some tips on how you can properly take care of your turtle.

1. Turtles need the right temperature in order to live. You should maintain a 77 to 96 degrees F temperature on the aquarium. You may install an aquarium heater to provide the needed temperature for your turtle. Turtles tend to become sluggish and lose their appetite when the temperature is low.

2. You should keep your aquarium clean. Prevent the aquarium from becoming too soiled. In this way, you will keep your turtle away from health problems. You may use a filtration system to maintain clear and clean water.

3. Supply your turtle with sufficient food such as algae, crustaceans, mouse pups, and small fishes. You may also provide food sources like fruits and green vegetables that are best for terrapins.

4. You may feed turtles two to three times a week. You may use a small holding container that will separate the left over from the normal enclosure of the aquarium.

5. You should always clean the whole aquarium and its filtration system at least twice a month. Remove the dirt from the ponds where in most of the time serves as the resting place of your turtle.

6. Allot 75 percent of water in the aquarium for swimming and the remaining space for your turtle's basking. Basking is essential for turtles because it prevents shell dryness.

7. You may schedule a regular check up with your community veterinarian who specializes in turtles and other reptiles.

Being an exotic pet owner requires a lot of responsibility. You should always assess yourself if you can really provide care for an exotic pet. You should plan very well so that you can prepare properly once you have decided to own exotic.

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About the Author: Want to find out about pet lizards and basilisk lizard? Get tips from the Lizard Care website.

Ferret Care And The Best Way To Keep Them Healthy And Happy

2008-11-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

Ferrets are available to purchase at your local pet store or breeder, also you may be able to find one at a animal shelter. Because they live a long life just like a cat or dog, it is important that you know how to care for them and keep them healthy, happy pets.

Ferrets are nocturnal animals that like to sleep during the day. When they wake up, it is best to let them out so they can play and exercise. When you do let your pet out, it is best to make sure all electrical cords are secure, any small item are put away and all small spaces are blocked so they can not squeeze in to them. Doing this will stop your ferret from getting lost or inuring themselves.

These mammals are carnivores and need a strict diet. What this means is they is they should only be fed meat or poultry products as they need a high protein diet to keep them healthy. There are many ferret food products available for you to purchase on the internet. But never make the mistake of feeding your pet cat food.

Besides from food, your ferret will obviously need water. It is advisable to put this in a water bottle, this will stop them spilling the contents.

Your ferret must never be left unattended while in your home. If you do have to pop out then use a cage, that is what they are there for. The ideal cage size is one that measures 18" x 18" x 30" or a little bigger. The main thing here is for you to make sure that it is big enough for them to move around in.

Ferrets are curious creatures and love toys, purchasing some is useful if you have to come home late from work so they will have something to do until you return. The toys you buy will have to be robust, as they will need to be able to withstand their sharp teeth. Again these are readily available to you on the internet.

You need to house train your pet, this way you will keep your home clean. A good way to do this is with a litter box, start by putting some of there waste inside the box and carrying them when you see that they are about to do it.

You should reward them with a light snack, if they do this correctly. Giving them a treat can also be done when you teach them how to do some neat tricks.

Some people will tell you its best to buy a ferret while it is still at a very young age, this is because they are easier to train while still young, than an older one. But despite the age, they still make a good pet and can still be trained at an older age, with a bit more effort.

Ferret care is not difficult, all it takes is a bit of common sense and you will be able to handle it ok. You are sure to enjoy the company of your furry friend for many years to come and might even decide to add another one so your pet has company.

This article was written by G D Williams, an up and coming expert on pets. Did you find this article on Ferrets As Pets useful? You can find out a lot more free information about Ferrets by visiting my site Ferret Help.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

PET SAFETY IN SUMMER

2008-11-23T15:17:00.001-08:00

By Alana Cunningham

Hot weather can take its toll on your four-legged pals. Here are some simple precautions you can take to keep cats and dogs safe:

1. Keep pets hydrated and protect them from the sun.
High temperatures can cause your pets to suffer dehydration and heatstroke. Here are a few ways to keep them cool:

• Never leave your animals in the car — not even if you leave the windows rolled down. According to a Stanford University School of Medicine study the temperature inside of a parked car can soar by 40°F in just an hour, even on a mild day. Eighty per cent of that rise in temperature occurs within the first half hour. The best option is to leave your pet at home while you drive to do errands.

• Make sure animals have easy access to bowls of water and refill them throughout the day.

• Always have a few shaded areas in your backyard where pets can hide out from the sun’s scorching rays. Remember to keep them indoors during the sunniest hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• If your pet is suffering from heatstroke (see “10 Signs Your Pet Has Heatstroke”), take her into a shaded or air-conditioned area. Soak her with cool (not cold!) water, preferably from a hose. Or, apply ice packs and let her lick ice cubes if she’s able. Then take her to your vet immediately.

• Even though pets are protected by fur, they are still prone to sunburn. This is especially true for pets with lighter hair and skin, or thin or shaved coats. Using animal-specific sunscreen is a good idea, especially if your pet is likely to lick it. Nutri-Vet and Epi-Pet have pet sunscreen sprays. Apply sunscreen on the ears, paws, tip of the nose, lips, and the belly if your pet likes to lie on his back.

2. Practise water safety with your pet.
Not every cat or dog instinctively knows how to swim; some have to learn. Also, it may be difficult for your pets to stay afloat in the water if they have health conditions such as obesity or heart disease. So pay attention to them around water.

• Never leave your pet unattended around pools, lakes, rivers or streams.

• Spot your animal as she learns to swim in the pool or lake. (It’s a good idea to clip cats’ claws before introducing them to water so you don’t get a nasty scratch.)

• If you have a pool, consider placing a safety fence around it.

• Install an emergency dog ramp in your pool and boat so your dog can easily get out of the water.

3. Ward off West Nile virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in general, the risk of cats and dogs contracting West Nile Virus is very low. Also, these pets do not suffer severe illness when infected with the virus.

However, young, elderly, or immune-deficient cats and dogs are more at risk. Symptoms include low appetite, problems walking, circling, tremors, convulsions, depression and abnormal head posture. There is no West Nile virus vaccine for cats and dogs currently, so try a little prevention:

• Keep your pets inside during the early morning and evening hours to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and their pesky bites.

• Keep your animals away from dead birds and squirrels that may carry the virus.

• Remove all standing water from around your home to keep mosquitoes away.

• If you’re very concerned about your pet contracting the virus, you can buy animal-specific mosquito repellent.

10 Signs Your Pet Has Heatstroke
1. Heavy panting an excessive thirst
2. Restlessness
3. Fever
4. Dizziness and/or lack of coordination
5. Excessive salivation
6. Vomiting
7. Lethargy or excessive fatigue
8. A fast heartbeat
9. A purple or dark red tongue
10. Unconsciousness

Alana Cunningham has written articles on pet care, college student finance and budgeting. Find more articles like this one by her at http://www.corecontentmedia.com.

Camouflage Print Tank Tops

2008-10-27T08:01:00.001-07:00

Brain Tumors in Dogs and Cats

2008-10-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

Though relatively uncommon, a brain tumor has always made a grim prognosis for any unfortunate animal that is diagnosed with one. Traditionally they were often assumed but seldom confirmed, but since MRI and CT scanning has become more mainstream they can be diagnosed correctly. Here we discuss the different types of brain tumor that affect dogs and cats, the clinical investigations that can be performed, the treatments available and the likely outcomes. Brain tumors seem to be more common in dogs than cats, and certain breeds are over represented such as Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Scottish Terriers and Old English Sheepdogs.
Primary vs Secondary Brain tumors can be primary or secondary (metastasis from other sites). Primary brain tumors are usually solitary, the most common ones in the dog being gliomas and meningiomas. In cats, the most common type are meningiomas and these can occur at multiple locations. Secondary tumors in dogs include extension of a nasal tumor, metastases from breast, lung or prostate cancer, hemangiosarcoma or extension of a pituitary gland tumor.

Nerve sheath tumors and skull tumors have also been reported. Secondary tumors in cats include pituitary gland tumors, metastatic carcinomas, local extension of nasal tumors, skull tumors and middle ear cavity tumors. What causes a brain tumor? The cause of brain tumors is not known. Diet, environment, chemical, genetic, viral, immunologic and trauma have all been considered. In cats with meningiomas, because they often occur in very young animals, a genetic element is suspected.

Benign vs Malignant
The terms benign and malignant must be used with care when referring to brain tumors. Normally these terms apply to various characteristics on a cellular level, but on a biological level, even benign brain tumors can kill the animal due to the secondary effects like increased intracranial pressure or cerebral edema. In short, any brain tumor can kill. What are the symptoms? There can be huge variety here. Many animals will present with vague signs, such as one or several of the following:

1. Loss of trained habits

2. Decreased levels of activity

3. Decreased frequency of purring in cats

4. Disorientation

5. Confusion More specific symptoms are dependent upon where exactly the tumor is located within the brain, the size of the tumor and how quickly it is growing. As a tumor enlarges, symptoms tend to become more severe.

These can include:

6. Seizures (often indicate a tumor in the cerebral cortex)

7. Facial paralysis (may indicate a brainstem tumor)

8. Tremors (may indicate a tumor in the cerebellum)

9. Wobbliness (may indicate a tumor in the cerebellum)

10. Full or partial blindness (may indicate tumor in hypothalamus or optic nerve)

11. Loss of smell (may indicate tumor of olfactory system) The physical presence of the tumor can cause knock on effects due to inflammation and edema of the surrounding area. This can cause symptoms such as:

12. Changes in behaviour or temperament (irritability, lethargy)

13. Compulsive walking

14. Circling

15. Pressing head against a wall or hard surface Animals can sometimes carry brain tumors for several years before presenting to a veterinary clinic, if the tumor is slow growing. In these cases the symptoms develop gradually, and the owner tends to get used to them so that by the time the animal is examined, the tumor has reached a considerable size. How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

History and Clinical Examination
The first step for a veterinarian is to take a thorough history of all of the clinical signs, and when they developed. This is followed by a full general clinical examination and a full neurological examination. Bloods After that, blood should be taken for routine haematology and biochemistry profiles. This is to look for any disease outside the brain. Results will be normal for brain tumors, with the possible exception of some pituitary gland tumors.

Radiography
Plain skull radiographs (xrays) under general anesthetic have little value in detecting a brain tumor, but they can be useful if there is a tumor in the nasal cavities or the middle ear which could extend into the skull. On rare occasions, they can identify bony changes in the skull which can accompany a brain tumor, or mineralization within the tumor itself. Radiographs and ultrasound of the chest and abdomen are useful to look for a tumor elsewhere in the body, in cases where the brain tumor is a secondary metastasis.

MRI and CT Scans
Confirmation of a brain tumor can is usually only achieved using the advanced imaging techniques, CT scans or MRI. Both of these have pros and cons when compared to one another. CT is better for bony changes, while MRI is better for soft tissue definition, for the detection of many of the knock on effects of brain tumors such as edema, cysts and bleeding. MRI is the preferred option for diagnosing primary brain tumors.

Biopsy
This is the only way to definitively diagnose a brain tumor. The advanced imaging techniques above offer much information, but they can occasionally confuse a tumor with a non cancerous mass or a cyst, and they also do not tell us the exact type of tumor present, and therefore the appropriate treatment and prognosis. The best type of biopsy is the CT guided stereotactic brain biopsy system, which is rapid, accurate and quite safe. Since exploratory surgery is high risk, it is not usually attempted unless there is a reasonable chance of removing the whole tumor with minimal collateral damage.
Many brain tumors in cats and dogs are not categorized on a cellular level until post mortem.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
CSF analysis is useful for ruling out inflammatory causes of the symptoms, but tumor cells are rarely identified here. Increased levels of white blood cells and increased protein levels may be present in the CSF with many brain tumors, though this is not diagnostic. This test can be high risk when intracranial pressure is increased, as brain herniation can occur.

Treatment
Treatment is aimed at being either curative or palliative. Curative treatment eradicates the tumor or reduces its size, whilst palliative therapy reduces the surrounding cerebral edema and slows down the growth of the tumor. Palliative therapy also involves administering antiepileptic drugs, if seizures are occurring as a result of the tumor.

Surgery
Whether this is an option depends on the general health of the animal, and the precise location, size, extent, invasiveness and nature of the tumor. Tumors such as meningiomas in cats can be removed successfully by surgery. However, surgery to remove tumors in certain locations such as the brainstem can be extremely dangerous, possibly resulting in death. Even partial removal can benefit the animal though, particularly if the tumor is slow growing.

Radiotherapy
This is probably the most widely used form of treatment for brain tumors. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. It is also useful in the treatment of secondary brain tumors. The aim is to destroy the tumor without harming the normal tissue too much.

Chemotherapy
The main problem with chemotherapy for brain tumors is that many drugs do not cross the blood brain barrier. In addition, the tumor may only be sensitive to high doses, doses which are toxic to normal brain tissue and therefore unsuitable for use. However, several drugs have been used for this purpose that can cross the blood brain barrier with reported success, including cytosine arabinoside, lomustine and carmustine.

Probable Outcome
Studies of animals that receive palliative treatment (corticosteroids) for brain tumors show a survival range post diagnosis of 64 to 307 days. This demonstrates the inability to accurately predict life expectancy in these cases. What is certain is that the survival times significantly increase with surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy seems to offer the best results, alone or in combination with other treatments. Generally, the more severe the symptoms, the shorter the life expectancy.

About the Author
Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the veterinary pet experts at www.WhyDoesMyPet.com. Our dedicated community of caring pet experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support.

How to take care of turtles or terrapins?

2008-10-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

You will be surprised to know that a turtle and a terrapin are both different things. There are a few species of this creature. Turtles live in fresh water and oceans. Terrapins are type of turtles that live in brackish water. So, if you are planning to own a pet turtle or terrapin for your family here are some great ideas so that you can know that how to take care of turtles.

Turtles are great creature as pets, in fact it’s a great fun watching them at your own home, one measure advantage of having turtles as pets is that they do not require any kind of training and they have along life expectancy. But as they have average life longer then other pets so it would be somewhat difficult to take care of turtles.

ou need to pay attention of a few things while taking care of turtles as pets

1. Make sure that you provide them both dry and wet habitat

2. Take care of the temperature around them for their well being and long life.

3. Turtle requires plenty of Fresh Food

4. They should be kept in Clean and Fresh water.

5. You should be able to recognize the difference between male and female turtles because they should be taken care in different ways

Generally turtles require more care than any other pets. You should keep a regular watch to check early signs of an illness; usually it can be detected from abnormalities in its shell.Finally if you do decide to keep a turtle or terrapin as your pet, be knowledgeable that you need to commit some time to take care of turtles, so that they can live a happy and healthy life and can be an ideal pet for you.

About the author:

If you want to know more about how to take care of Turtles, Turtle Care Guide ensures your turtle lives a long and happy life. Check out Turtle Care Guide Review. Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/23646

A Horse Training Secret From The 1800's To Teach A Horse

2008-10-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name Jesse Beery. Beery was an enormously famous horse trainer from the 1800's and early 1900's.He learned to train horses at a very young age. It was clear he had a gift for horse training and made it his life's work.

Among the almost countless things Beery could do with a horse, he taught them tricks. One of the most amazing tricks he taught was teaching a horse to drive without lines. (In layman's terms, you have no long reins (known as lines) connected to the horse. The only connection to the horse is the buggy hitched to the horse) This trick almost defies belief!Beery said this about driving a horse without lines: "While I do not advocate it as being a universally practical way of driving a horse, yet it is possible to so thoroughly train the horse to certain signals that he can be controlled more reliably under excitement and in case of danger than it would be possible to manage him with bridle and lines."Beery says there are a number of ways to teach this to a horse but suggests his method as the most reliable.

In a nutshell, Beery first turned his horse loose in an enclosure about twenty-five feet square. He would walk in with a whip and teach the horse to have confidence in him and not fear the whip. (The horse is never whipped).

Once the horse has learned to come to handler at the command of "Come Here" and shows no fear of the whip while it's gently waved over his head and body, and will follow the handler all about the ring, then you have laid a good foundation for further instruction.

Put the horse away until the next day where the horse learns signals of the whip. That process is as follows: Stand close the the horse's hip and take a short whip and tap lightly on the right shoulder until the horse, in anticipation of driving a fly off, will swing his head around to where the tapping is. Step forward quickly and hand him a few oats, or a small piece of apple, almost in the act of turning his head around. Step back and continue the tapping and rewarding. After a while, in his eagerness for the reward, he will take a step or two to the right when the tapping begins. Then caress him and treat him very kindly for that act. Soon, the idea will be conveyed that when tapped on the shoulder the horse will know to turn in that direction.

Remember to train both sides of the horse.Once both sides are trained now an open bridle can be put on. Use short lines that come back as far as his tail only - but they are used only if he becomes unruly or to convey your idea to him.

The handler's whip should not be over five feet long at this stage and the handler should stand directly behind the horse. (Beware of kickers) Let the whip extend to about the middle of his mane. The signal you wish for him to stop for is raising the whip and holding it in a perpendicular position. Associate the meaning of this movement, and position, just as the whip is raised so the horse can see it. Pull hard on the reins and say "Whoa" - all at the same time. After a few repetitions the horse will know what to do. (Assuming you have thoroughly educated your horse to whoa)
The first few times he stops without a pull of the reins step forward and reward him immediately. Much of the success of teaching this trick depends upon how you give the rewards. If the reward is given in a manner so that the horse can fully comprehend it was complying with the handler's wish, it will greatly enhance fixing this impression on the horse's brain.But if not given in the right manner, the reward will be worse than none at all. In the same manner, the horse is taught to turn left and right. This is done by giving the horse a pretty smart tap on the lower part of the shoulder and immediately place the point of the whip three or four feet in that direction. Should he attempt to jump and go ahead too much, you can hold him in check with the action and signal to stop him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.

Yellow Lab monogram pillow

2008-10-13T05:14:00.001-07:00

Paws & Pesticides - a Deadly Combination

2008-10-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

For the sake of your pets and family, please stop using chemical pesticides.

Toxic pesticides are considered an active poison. They are extremely dangerous to your health, your pets health and our environment.Every year, thousands of domestic pets and wild life lose their lives to the ravaging effects of pesticide poisoning. Most pet lovers also enjoy gardening and the great outdoors. Little do they know what caustic ingredients are in the pesticides that are being sprayed on lawns and green areas. We take for granted that most herbicides used by gardeners or sold in stores are safe. Many name brands such as "Weed n' Feed" and "Round Up" contain the same deadly cancer causing ingredients that were found in Agent Orange. Another synthetic poison found in these two well known garden products is 2,4-D. It is also the active ingredient found in "Killex." It can cause loss of reflex in humans along with comas, kidney and liver failure. In dogs it is the number one killer causing malignant lymphomas, a form of cancer.

Sadly, just five percent of pesticides reach their target weeds and garden pest. The rest are absorbed into our earth, targeting our water supplies through a process called run off or simply just dissipates into our air. Major health damage can occur when Toxic Pesticides are absorbed through our skin, swallowed or inhaled. When not applied correctly, pesticides can settle on ponds, pools, children's toys, pets left outdoors and even drift through open windows settling on our furniture, bedding and even our floors. This deadly poison is often tracked into our homes by our shoes and pets paws.We all face the continuing problem of toxic by-products through years of pesticide residue that is in our food supply and everyday environment. What we don't realize is how wide spread pesticide poisoning really is. These caustic chemicals are virtually used in all of our public buildings including our children's schools and play yards, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and private homes. Pesticide abuse is used in our agriculture and forest areas.

Why are Pets Vulnerable to Pesticide Poisoning?
* Pets spend most of their time close to the ground, this is where pesticide concentration is highest.
* Pets ingest most pesticides while grooming themselves. Any contact with chemicals connect with their fur and paws and is then ingested by the pet.
* Pets spend more time outside and play in heavily treated areas.
* Pets have higher absorption rates than human systems. Animals may be more sensitive and easily poisoned by conditions deemed safe to people.

Signs of Pesticide Poisoning In Pets
* Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth.
* Loss of thirst and appetite.
* Vomiting or diarrhea.
* Immune function decline.
* Convulsions and disorientation.
* Birds and fish die due to toxic runoff in our water supply.
* Feline thyroid disease.
* Dogs contract cancer (malignant lymphoma)

What Can We Do To Stop Pesticide Poisoning?
* Adapt an alternative "green" solution for pest control.
* Enjoy your weeds and bugs. They are part of nature.
* Educate yourself about pesticides used by your HOA, Lawn Service and immediate neighbors.
* Do not allow your pets to drink from ponds or outside water sources - always keep fresh, clean water readily available.
* Leash your pets, allowing them to run free is not a good idea.
* Bathe and brush your pets often.
* Wash down your outdoor living area.
* Think eco-conscious when dealing with your environment.

Protect yourself and your pets from synthetic pesticides by being an educated consumer and willing activist in our eco-system.

Natural Canvas Tote Bag

2008-10-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy for Animals, Part 1

2008-10-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

The trend toward natural health consciousness in humans is gaining popularity in the animal world too. Many veterinarians are beginning to introduce natural therapies in their practice, including osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essences and more recently aromatherapy. It's just been a few years since aromatherapists and vets have begun to recognize how animals can benefit from this wonderful natural therapy.
For humans and animals alike, essential oils are powerfully antiseptic, detoxifying and revitalizing, thus increasing resistance to disease while strengthening the immune system. Essential oils can also be used to control pet odors and to purify the air from dust, dander and allergens. For example, mix 50 drops of lemon essential oil in a 2-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very well several times and spray the room. You'll notice immediately that it refreshes and cleanses the air!
But aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance. Their remarkable actions upon animals -- most notably dogs, cats and horses -- are immediate, profound and long-lasting, positively affecting their overall health and emotional well-being.
Today we will focus on recipes and tips for Fido. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives. Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing in the freedom of nature. In fact, dogs will naturally purge their system in the wilderness, carefully choosing specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots, etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct, and are becoming less resistant to illness in general.
Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I'll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.

******** Blend to Relieve Skin Problems ********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
-5 drops Lavender -6 drops Geranium

******** Blend to Relieve Itching ********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
-4 drops Lavender -5 drops Geranium -3 drops Roman Chamomile

******** Blend to Combat Fleas ********
Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets' fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:
-7.5 ml Mint essential oil -22.5 ml rubbing alcohol
Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Spray the affected areas of your home. Don't forget your dog's bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

******** Blend to Combat Ticks ********
Check your home and pet for ticks - look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
-10 drops Tea Tree -10 drops Lavender
Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!

******** Blend to Ease Rheumatism ********
Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may treat him with specific medications or natural therapies. But locally, you can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
-8 drops Birch -8 drops Juniper -7 drops Rosemary

******** Blend to Ease Arthritis ********
As recommended by some veterinarians, soften your dog's bed to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an "outside" pet, allow him to sleep inside. A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets. Get him a warm sweater, or apply a moist heating pad. And massage the area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
-12 drops Birch -8 drops Juniper -7 drops Rosemary

******** Blend to Boost His Energy ******** Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.
-5 drops Rosemary -6 drops Lavender -2 drops Peppermint

******** Blend to Control Pet Odor ********
Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.
-10 drops Lavender -10 drops Geranium -6 drops Lemon

In Good Health, Francoise Rapp http://www.aromalchemy.com
(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include in-depth aromatherapy classes designed for working adults, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!
About the author: Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Fran�oise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom'Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Personalized Celtic Pet memorial stone

2008-10-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

White Poodle Dog Throw

2008-10-05T06:18:00.001-07:00

What to Consider when Purchasing a New Dog Bed

2008-10-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Buying a dog bed is one of the most important purchases you will make for your pet. It is an item that will be used on a daily basis to make your pet feel comfortable and secure. To make sure that you get the right bed for your dog, be prepared when you make your decision. Size isn’t the only important factor when considering what bed to purchase. There are many different shapes, sizes, colors and materials to consider, as well as orthopedic beds and even luxury beds to choose from. However, size should be the first of these factors to consider. Measure your dog by weight, length and width. Take into consideration any additional weight if your dog is still growing.

There’s no sense in buying a new bed every month as they grow. Secondly, you should observe your dog’s behavior when he or she is sleeping to find out what their preferred position is.

Whether you dog likes to curl up or stretch out will help determine what shape of bed to consider. If your dog curls up, a round or oblong bed with raised sides may be more comfortable for them. On the other hand, if your dog likes to stretch out while sleeping, a flat rectangular bed could be a better option. Look at all the options and try to picture which one would accommodate their sleeping behavior the best. Other factors to consider are the type of material used for the bed. Most dog beds today are made with non-toxic filling, but it’s always a good idea to check the material used for the entire to bed to make sure that if your dog does try to destroy the bed and ingests some material, it won’t be toxic to him or her. Also, your dog’s activity level and location of the dog bed will contribute to what type of bed you will need. If your dog is allowed to frolic in the backyard and come in muddy to his bed in the laundry room, you will most certainly want a washable, durable cover. Some detachable dog bed covers are even moisture and dirt resistant.

An indoor dog that sleeps on your bedroom floor will not need such a heavy duty bed.

After you determine the size, shape and material needs of your dog bed, you can consider what colors and patterns will go with your own home décor. You can be assured that if the dog’s bed is comfortable and appropriate for his or her size and shape, they won’t be picky about the color.

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Giving Your Cat the Safest Place to Come Back To

2008-10-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

When one thinks about cats as pets, the image that comes to mind is of a big furry cat lying down in his cat bed with a big plate of milk by his side. Cats have been known to be lazy, aristocratic interior house pets but that is not necessarily a rule. Most cats are very active, natural born hunters, who like to wander freely. For those, you might want to consider acquiring outdoor cat houses.

Many owners, when they have the habitation facilities for it, choose to give their cats the liberty to live outside and enjoy the freedom of having somewhere safe and comfortable to come back to when they feel tired of wandering. A great way to keep your cat coming back after his adventures is by providing them with comfortable outdoor cat houses. If you own a big house with a spacious garden, outdoor cat houses might be the way to provide with cat with proper housing in a safe environment.

Outdoor cat houses should be very sturdy and safe; preferably made of durable non toxic materials. They should protect your cat from rain, cold, wind and snow if it comes to that.
On the other hand, they should not be excessively warm and they should be able to adapt to warmer weather. Remember that the cat should always feel conformable inside his own house, so he won’t need to wander outside in order to find a comfortable place to stay. Most outdoor cat houses are made of isolated wood, which should have received a specific treatment to make them water and wind proof. They usually contain vinyl doors, in order to make it easy for your cat to go in and out and still keep the outdoor cat house warm and protected. The floor should also be taken care of in a proper way, in order to isolate the complete house. If you really want to add a special treat to your cat, you will be amazed at the amount of outdoor cat house toys you can find, to put inside your new cat house and give your cat another good reason to keep coming back to his safe place.

Other popular outdoor cat houses include models made of synthetic materials that are specifically fabricated to withstand very cold or very warm weather. When buying synthetic outdoor cat houses make sure they are not made of toxic materials and that they are actually safe for your cat. There are several outdoor cat houses available in the market today, and by doing a market research you will see you can find the perfect one within your budget as they come in all sizes and types of finishing’s.

You can go for a more modest version or, if you have the financial means, there are several luxury outdoor cat house models available.

Cats are free and independent animals. They are feline hunters by nature and they were not made to be kept inside the house at all times. Keep your cat happy by providing him the opportunity to be free and safe at the same time. If he knows that by coming back he will find a perfect and safe place to be, he won’t need to go wondering for comfort. Outdoor cat houses are a great choice for the true cat lovers.

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Choosing Pet Clothes for Different Seasons and Occasions

2008-10-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

After a hectic and busy day, you will feel good when your pets with pretty gestures welcome you. Pet lovers always consider their pets as one among their family members and take a lot of care for their needs. One product which all the pet lovers show interest is the Pet clothes. When you clothe them, you protect them from the changing weather conditions. Even though the pets have natural fur and hair for protection from cold, clothes adds more beauty and the pets also look very cute by wearing varieties of pet clothes.

The pet clothing for your pet depends on your living environment. If you are residing in a cold region your pet may be exposed to cold climate for a long duration and hence you have to choose thick clothes for your pet. When you are residing in a place with temperate weather condition, you have to unbutton your pet clothes and so you have to buy thin coats for your pets.

Though there are multiple reasons for dressing your pet, you don't have to be worried about your pet clothes if any of the following fits with your pet.

When the density of hair and fur is more on your pet, you don't have to additionally burden them with pet clothes. When you live in a hot climate your pet will not enjoy getting dressed. Lastly, if you’re pet refuses the pet clothes offered to it, don't force such clothes on it and don't ever try to make it wear pet clothes that it does not prefer. You can always beautify them by other means like hairstyles, jewelries etc.

Pet clothes are having increasing popularity as a lot of stores and suppliers now offer different ranges of pet clothes. Pet clothes are available in different varieties and styles for pet dogs when compared with other pets. This may be because the dogs show more of cooperation in getting dressed. Mostly sale of the pet clothes are focused towards pet owners who are fashion conscious and clothes are marketed with the multiple benefits your pet attains out of using them. Normally after winter walk, pets get tired and their body temperature undergoes sudden change and pet clothes can prevent them from catching cold. Another important benefit of providing clothing for your pet is to safeguard the pet's skin from scratching or aggravating any itching area. If your pet has undergone an invasive operation, then the pet clothes will protect the wound till it's healed. Some pet clothes are exclusively available for preventing family way in pets. Though it may look awkward but it prevents the number of pets in your home from increasing.

Most of the pet lovers choose sports style pet clothes like hooded tops, faux leather jackets, trendy vests, T-shirts and colorful knits as they add more of uniqueness in their appearance. Other fashionable clothes are pet's shoes and boots with matching pyjamas and there are also trouser suits that are waterproof available for your lovable pets. On special days if you don't want your pet to be left out, you can buy fancy costumes. The famous fancy pet clothes are bridesmaid outfit, wedding gowns, tuxedos, and seasonal costumes. When you love your pet and can afford more budgets you can buy fashionable pet clothes as a gift for your pet.
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Golden Retriever Christmas Ornament

2008-09-30T07:18:00.001-07:00

Causes and treatment of yeast infection in dog skin

2008-09-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

A yeast infection is a typical example of a beneficial organism revolting and causing harm if other systems of the body are not functioning properly. Yeast, a single-celled fungus that reproduces asexually by budding or division is present in the body and intestinal tracts of a dog. In a healthy dog, yeast identifies and destroys harmful bacteria and is controlled by the immune system.

A weakened immune system drastically reduces the number of friendly bacteria in the body. Without the active support of these friendly bacteria, yeast undergoes a dramatic change from a non-invasive and sugar fermenting organism to an invasive and mucus damaging organism.
This is the start of a primary yeast infection. Secondary yeast infection occurs when yeast penetrate skin that has already been damaged by scratching or injury. Skin problems in dogs and other pets produce symptoms that can bring about significant changes to the look of your pet.

Conditions like canine and feline acne, dog and cat dandruff, dog ear mites, pet intestinal parasites, imbalanced diet and eczema can cause an itchy skin. The resultant scratching can lead to skin damage and this increases the risk of penetration by yeast. Yeast infection mostly affects moist parts but can prevail in almost any part of the skin.

Giving frequent baths to dogs, which they actually do not require, leads to depletion of essential oils in the skin rendering it dry and vulnerable to yeast infection.

Major symptoms of yeast infection surface in the shape of skin rashes, itching, redness, pimples and sometimes greasiness. A veterinarian will take the help of a microscopic examination or culture of skin scrapings or conduct a smear test to confirm the diagnosis. Itching induced by yeast infection further leads to skin damage. If not attended to in time this may lead to canine or feline hair loss and further complications that may become difficult to handle.

More often than not, yeast infection is caused by some medical condition that has rendered the immune system incapable of functioning properly. Treatment of the underlying condition will effectively cure your dog of yeast infection. Topical treatments are not very effective as the dog is prone to lick them off. Shampoos containing antifungal agents in the form of a nitrate can help in treatment but only to a certain extent. A natural approach to health is any time better than going in for medication and treatment. A healthy, balanced and nutritional diet, avoiding commercial dog foods and keeping the dog dry whenever he gets wet are effective ways of preventing yeast infection.

References:http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_yeast_infection_of_the_skin.html http://www.priory.com/vet/vetatop1.htm http://www.doggiesparadise.com/dog-skin-disorders-yeast-infection.shtml

10-Week Basic Dog Obedience Training Formula

2008-09-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Learning new things can be stressful for your dog especially in the beginning when concepts and teaching methods are new. If your dog refused to eat during the early stages of training, stop the program and have a play session or calm your dog until it is relaxed and begins to accept treats again. This process may require 3 to 4 sessions but it is worth going through it to develop your dog’s positive attitude towards obedience.Conduct 3 training sessions a day, each session lasting approximately 20 minutes while allowing at least 1 hour rest in-between sessions.
In a 2-week period, there should be a total of 30 sessions.

Week 1 And Week 2

1) Teach your dog the “heel” command.

Repeat a series of 3 to 5 circles and perform 5 series of 4-step “heels” per session.

2) Teach the “sit” and “release” command. Command your dog to “sit”, let it stay in the sit position for a moment then give the “release” command to release your dog from the “sit”.

Repeat this series 5 times per session.

3) For each session, work on a series of 1 exercise and move to another exercise (i.e., work on one series of 4-step “heel”, then a series of “sit” and “break”, and finally a series of 4-step “heels”’).

Although dogs need repetition to learn a skill, you need a variety of exercises to keep them interested as they bore easily.

Week 3 And Week 4
1) Reinforce the “heel” command.

Test the “heel” command from lessons learned from week 1 and week 2.

2) Reinforcing the “sit” and “release” command. Begin training your dog to hold the “sit” position starting from 5 seconds and gradually stretching the time to 10 seconds.

3) Begin teaching your dog the “down” command (use treats to lure your dog to teach it the command).

Repeat the series 2 times per session in week 3 and 3 times per session in week 4.Week 5 And Week 6

1) Continue to reinforce and test the “heel”, “sit” and “release” commands. Begin to include distractions when training “heel” and “sit” to train your dog to continue focusing on you even there are distractions.

2) Extend the concept of holding position to build patience by extending the “sit” from 5 – 10 seconds to 30 seconds – 1 minute before releasing the “sit” command.When you test your dog, you should repeat each test until it passes the test 3 consecutive times.

3) Start to reinforce the “down” command in week 5 by removing the treat and shoulder help. During week 6, begin reinforcing without any bodily assistance. You can reintroduce treats as the reward but do not tempt your dog. Only reward your dog after it has successfully completed the “down” command.Training sessions may become more stressful for both you and your dog as you progress from the teaching phase and enter into the more difficult reinforcing phase. If you find a particular test too tough for both of you; stop the exercise and continue to practice the skills individually, you can repeat that particular test a few days later.While the length and regularity of the sessions remain unchanged since the first week, the sessions are becoming less predictable and require varieties to make them as interesting and effective as they can be.

Week 7 And Week 8

1) While continuing to reinforce and test the “heel”, “sit” and “release” commands, don’t forget to reinforce the “down” command as well.
“down from a stand” exercise with the “down” command.

2) Extend the time-span of the holding position and begin teaching the “stay” command.

3) Begin combining the different commands when training. Teach “sit” and “down” from your front and testing motion “down” and motion “sit”.

4) Start teaching the “come” command. Put your dog on “sit/stay” position, while walking backwards monitor the position holding skills. Body language plays an important role in teaching this command and sending the wrong signals sometimes causes your dog not to hold the position.

Week 9, Week 10 And After

1) Reinforce “stay” and “come” command. Always practice a short leash recall to reinforce the final finish position. Repeat at least 10 times per session. “Come” is the most important command but the least practiced of all the other commands.

2) Conduct test and reinforce all obedience commands. Practice all commands equally, working on each command as little as 1 or as many as 5 repetitions per series though you should avoid creating patterns.

Make exercises targeted towards your practical obedience application. Include distraction training in at least 1 out of every 3 obedience practice sessions.
DogTrainster aims to educate dog owners and lovers to adopt positive training approaches in training their dogs.

To learn more us, visit us at DogTrainster.com - Ultimate Resource and Tips for Dog Training
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Insure your pet Today.

2008-09-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

SlenderPet Testimonials

2008-09-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

"I have a chocolate Labrador who loves to eat - ANYTHING!!!

She was growing fatter and fatter and was waddling like a duck everywhere she went.

My vet told me to 'harden my heart' and change her diet and she had to go for a run every day. To be honest, the same could be said for me, so I decided to join her! It was the EcoSlim Drops for me and SlenderPet for her and we are both looking slimmer and healthier. We have our run everyday and we are eating well, but no more junk for me and my 'Lady'!" Mal.

"I wanted to write and thank you for recommending SlenderPet for my overweight cat. Along with the dietary changes you suggested, she has never looked better and is also far more active than she used to be. It must have been as you said that she had a sluggish thyroid. She used to sleep all day and all night and never show an interest in anything. I thought she was just lazy but she is now behaving almost like a kitten again!" Regina L.

"Thanks to you and your wonderful team for the kind help and advice which have assisted me to find something that works for my pets. I have two dogs one is very fat and one is normal but they eat the same, yet the one is always hungry for more! When I used SlenderPet and then your Parasites remedy, my dog is not stealing food from his sister anymore and is proving to be very effective with your treatment" Gabby R.

Cat faces socks

2008-09-08T10:04:00.001-07:00

WHY DO DOGS HAVE SEIZURES

2008-09-08T06:25:00.001-07:00

The question about why dogs have seizures is a difficult one to answer since no one knows exactly what causes seizures in dogs. A seizure is a complicated condition in which a dog may become rigid, the head may seem as if it is twisted back as if someone is pulling it back and the lips may become contorted over the teeth. The dog may fall by his side as if unconscious, at times. Although the first seizure may lead to panic, canine and feline seizures last only for a couple of minutes and may extend up to five minutes. Only in the severest form of epilepsy known as status epilepticus, do seizures last for hours with without intervals. Extended seizures can cause brain damage and can threaten life.

Seizures are considered to be a neurological problem. However, it is also known that seizures can occur due to an underlying disease, genetic predisposition or a low seizure threshold as well. Seizures and epilepsy have become interchangeable terms over the years. Some professionals refer to epilepsy as recurrent seizures that are induced by an unknown cause. At other times, seizures that are unrelated to brain disorders or any other underlying disease are called epileptic seizures.

When the underlying cause of canine or feline epilepsy is not known, it is commonly classified as primary or idiopathic seizures. Cases where the cause is known are called secondary epilepsy.

Certain dog breeds like the German and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren), Beagle and Dachshund have a higher suspected predisposition to seizures. Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Golden, Labrador, Wire-Haired Retrievers and Siberian Huskies are some of the other breeds where the incidence of seizures is higher.

In dogs that are more than the 4 years old the underlying cause is most likely to be found in metabolic diseases like hypoglycemia (low blood pressure), arrhythmia (abnormal rate of muscle contractions in the heart), hypocalcemia (abnormally low level of calcium in the blood; associated with low secretions of parathyroid hormone or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency), brain tumors and cirrhosis (chronic liver disease).

In dogs below one year old, the most common causes of seizure are:

─ Developmental disorders like accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.
─ Toxicity due to lead, arsenic, insecticides that interfere with an insect's nervous system or chlorinated hydrocarbons.
─ Viral infections like distemper and inflammation of the brain.
─ Metabolic disorders like deficiency of metabolic enzymes, liver or kidney disorders.
─ Nutritional causes like thiamine efficiency or parasitism.

Genetic causes are often suspected in dogs between the ages of one to three years. Physical trauma, of course, can occur at any age. Head injuries, brain tumors and other types of brain damage caused by cysts can cause undue pressure on different areas in the brain. When this pressure is applied on the areas responsible for balance, consciousness and muscle movements, it can cause the dog to have seizures and accompanying symptoms.

Whatever the cause, the symptoms that a dog shows during a seizure should be noted down carefully and reported to the veterinarian so that a reasonably correct cause may be found.

Word Count: 528

References:
http://ak.essortment.com/seizuresdogsca_rfmm.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061120172125AA4VBUx
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/seizures_overview.htm
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Why.html
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/underlying.html http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1828&articleid=433

Horse Door Knocker

2008-09-01T15:25:00.001-07:00

Personalized German Shepherd Dog Ornament

2008-09-01T15:22:00.001-07:00

Symptoms of Worms in Cats

2008-09-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Parasitic worms in dogs and cats normally reside in the intestines. The one aspect of these parasitic worms is that worm larvae and eggs can remain dormant for years in tissues and wait for an appropriate trigger to surface and infest your pet. In many cases it is the stress factor that acts as a trigger for worms to migrate. Feline parasites like roundworms and hookworms can surface abruptly in advanced stages of pregnancy and transmit to the young ones.

Kittens can get infected while in the womb of the female cat or through the milk of the infected mother. Adult cats can get infected by ingesting worm infested feces. They can also fall prey to these parasites if they consume a prey that is infected. Larvae of roundworms can migrate to various parts of the body and can travel up to the eye and cause damage to vision.

Vomiting, diarrhea, an extended abdomen, dehydration, weight loss and listlessness are other common symptoms that manifest themselves among cats infested with worms.

Cat and dog tapeworm are made up of segments. These segments are shed periodically and are ejected through feces. They stick to the area around the anus and can cause irritation since they are alive. Excessive licking of the anus is a behavior that can lead to further investigation and reveal tapeworm infestation in many cases.

A severe infestation by tapeworms causes abdominal pain and an abnormal increase in appetite. An exceptionally severe infection manifests in symptoms like coughing, high temperature, pneumonia and heart and liver diseases.

Symptoms of worms in dogs and cats are not always conclusive. Sometimes there are no specific symptoms that surface. But in some cases, worms can lead to death due to the sheer numbers. Worms multiply in geometric progression in the intestines. A single female roundworm can lay up to a hundred thousand eggs in a day. If left untreated the worms can block the intestinal passage and cause death.

Nearly all types of worms are passed through the feces into the environment. Unless the symptoms are very prominent, the only way that infestation can be diagnosed is by visibly detecting live worms or their eggs in the feces. Roundworms are long, round and slimy looking creatures. Live tapeworms can be seen moving and look like grains of dried brown rice when dry. Since worms in cats can remain in the body without causing any symptoms, it is imperative that you get your cat’s feces checked regularly for larva or worm eggs. Outdoor cats need more frequent checking since they are more susceptible to the problem.

A cat infested with worms becomes more vulnerable to other diseases. Some type of worms can potentially infect humans too. It is necessary to carry out a regular examination of your pets’ feces in order to avoid such eventualities.

Cat Mania puzzles by Ravensburger

2008-08-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Tips for Safe Pet Air Travel

2008-08-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Before you begin your trip, be sure that your pet is "up" for the journey. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to tell your vet about your plans to travel by air.

Your vet can recommend to you whether your pet is suitable for this method of travel.

Once you’ve got the green light, here are some tips that will help make you and your pet’s air travel happy and safe.

• During your pre-trip vet appointment, ask your vet to issue a health certificate for your pet. This typically needs to be dated within ten days of departure. Carry this with you while traveling with your pet, as it may be required at different points throughout your travel.

• Consider booking a non-peak flight, which typically means less passengers and more cabin room. This will help ease potential stress for your pet.

• Have everything packed early and leave early to allow plenty of time to deal with normal air travel as well as your pet’s needs. Keep yourself calm before the flight as pets sense your stress and anxiety.

• Select the right carrier. Carriers are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided. Soft-sided carriers are more suitable for carry-on and tend to fit better under the seat. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as far as the appropriate size carrier for your pet.

The proper size carrier should allow your pet to be able to lie down comfortably, stand up and turn around. Ensure for proper ventilation and comfort.

• Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel.

• Include a favorite toy or item with your scent in the carrier with your pet for comfort.

• Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, the name of your final destination or contact person, home and final destination addresses, as well as your home, cell, and final destination phone numbers.

• Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors.

• Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.

• Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, secure a collapsible travel bowl to the inside of the carrier and place a few ice cubes in it.

• Use direct flights. Changing planes with your pet may cause undue stress on your pet, particularly if layover time is not adequate for a pet walk and bathroom break.

• When you board the plane, notify a flight attendant that your pet is traveling with you as special precautions may be taken.

• Attach two pieces of identification to your pet’s collar, a permanent ID tag and a temporary ID tag. The permanent ID tag should include your name, home address, and home & cell phone numbers. The temporary ID tag should include the name of your final destination or contact person name, your name, address and phone number of your final destination, as well as your cell phone number.

• Bring along a current photo of your pet. This will make it easier for others to help you find your pet should your pet get separated from you.

• Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless your veterinarian prescribes them. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

• Carry a leash with you so that you may walk your pet before check-in and after arrival. Do not place the leash inside the carrier or attach it to the outside of the kennel.

• When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet.

If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

Source: Free Articles

Dog Hookworm - How it Affects Puppies and Modes of Treatment

2008-06-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hookworms are relatively more dangerous than other types of worms in dogs. Left untreated, hookworms can lead to death. This is particularly true for young puppies.
Hookworms are ravenous creatures that suck blood by sticking themselves to the intestinal walls of the host.
The hookworm larvae can even burrow into the skin of the human foot or leg causing itchy lesions. Hookworms are not so common among the feline parasites that infect cats, but if they do infect a cat, they can be equally problematic for cats, dogs and humans alike.
The most common species of hookworm that infects puppies is Ancylostoma caninum. The natural habitat of this species is warm and humid areas in countryside but they are known to survive almost anywhere. Although the most common mode of transmission to puppies is through mother’s milk, hookworms can also penetrate the skin and get into a puppy’s body. Once inside, they cling to the intestinal walls with their hooks, a characteristic which gives them their name.

Symptoms of worms in dogs are mostly general in nature but hookworms being voracious blood suckers can drain energy in puppies to a much larger extent than in adult dogs. Symptoms of hookworms in puppies depend upon the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms of hookworm infestation in puppies include anemia in severe cases, disturbance in bowel movement and diminished vitality. Hookworms can affect a young dog to such an extent that even mild infection causes a puppy to curl up and sleep for long hours, shunning play.
Most other worms in dogs can be seen live in dog feces. Unlike other types of worms, hookworms are extremely small and cannot be viewed with a naked eye. This physical trait of a hookworm means that a microscopic examination is the only method to confirm the prevalence of hookworms. It is imperative that you initiate preventive treatment for hookworms in puppies as soon as they are 2 weeks old. For effective removal of hookworms the treatment has to be repeated after every two weeks till the puppy is two months old. In a high risk environment the same treatment should be continued at weekly intervals for another month and then at monthly intervals till the dog is six months old. Thereafter medication for preventing heartworm can be used which is effective for roundworms, hookworms and dog tapeworm as well.
Nursing mother should be treated along with puppies to ensure that worms do not continue to pass the worm through lactation.

Despite proper treatment it may be necessary to provide supportive care in the shape of a high protein diet and iron supplements to make up for the blood loss. In extremely severe cases a blood transfusion may also be required. Considering the treatment protocol it is better to take preventive measures. Regular cleaning of the environment and periodic checkups can go a long way to prevent and control infection. Since hookworms can also penetrate human skin, it is advised that children be kept away from infected puppies. Walking barefoot in areas where the dogs defecate like the backyard or the garden can be dangerous for adults also.

Factors Responsible for Tumors in Canines

2008-05-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

The question what causes cancer has been one of the most frustrating questions for scientists involved in cancer research. Despite huge amounts of funding and resource being spent on the subject, there is still an element of doubt behind what causes cancer. At the most we know what the risk factors are because most of the causes carry an element of doubt along with them.

An important risk factor behind the development of lung cancer in humans is cigarette smoking. But cigarette smoking does not cause cancer on its own because there is strong evidence of many heavy smokers who do not develop cancer. Genetic predisposition and a change in genetic messages caused by carcinogens combine to cause cancer. For example, age may be one factor that has been identified. This is because advancing age allows for a series of changes in the body that can lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones. Risk factors are important in as much as they have the ability to affect genes responsible for normal cell functioning.
In dogs and other pets, risk factors like smoking and other items of human use are of little importance. Most of the factors that increase the risk of feline cancer and cancer in dogs can be classified under two categories:

* Carcinogens - viruses, chemicals and physical carcinogens that can be found in the environment

* There are certain DNA and RNA viruses, normally termed as tumor viruses that have the capacity to pass their own genetic information to the DNA of the cells they infect. It is a complex infection which may involve the virus turning into a cancer causing agent or merge partially with the infected cell.

* There are chemicals that may cause cancer directly or indirectly. Indirect carcinogens need enzymes present in the body to act as catalysts for them to turn carcinogenic. Direct carcinogens, however, are reactive compounds in their own right.

* Physical carcinogens include exposure to radiation: ionized or ultraviolet, fibers like asbestos, and hyperthermia.Genetic Disorders - inherited or acquired.

* A dog may inherit cells carrying genetic material from generation to generation. A gene that suppresses formation of a tumor may get inactivated. On the other hand a gene that causes normal cells to change into cancerous cells may get activated in the sperm or the ovum.

* In some cases cancerous cells develop during mitosis, the process of multiplication of cell by division and are not hereditary in nature. This is an instance of an acquired chromosomal defect where a parent cell passes on the genetic information to the daughter cells that it divides into.

Prediction of cancer is highly improbable. It is ultimately left to the correct reading of signs, such as symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, which can lead to an early detection of this fatal disease. Advancements in treatment therapies for cancer have resulted in many success stories of pet cancer treatment. If it is determined before metastasis affects vital organs, it is possible to extend the life of your dog as well as improve its quality for as long as he lives.

Cat T-shirts

2008-05-01T16:22:00.001-07:00

Are there any known holistic treatments for cancer in dogs?

2008-05-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

We all know that temporary treatment and relief from cancer in dogs is possible but a permanent cure is not, especially when metastasis has occurred and affected vital organs. Small localized cancers are curable and a dog can live a normal life. Benign tumors do not technically fall under cancer and can be removed surgically without fear unless of course a vital organ is involved.

Treating cancer, including canine and feline cancers with chemotherapeutic drugs is beset with dangers. Most veterinarians are against the use of these drugs since the affects are sometimes worse than the ailment. Mostly veterinarians suggest chemotherapy if the dog owner insists and is adamant to prolong the life of his dog, irrespective of its quality.If you are looking for a better quality of life rather than just adding the number of years, you should look towards a holistic treatment for cancer. A natural approach is devoid of toxicity, has no side effects and attempts to fight cancer cells in a natural way. Success, of course, is not in your hands but you can provide a comfortable life to an already beleaguered animal.

The first step should be to clear the pet’s environment of all potentially carcinogenic materials and chemicals. Change his environment so that there is no contact with harmful pesticides, chemicals and toxic materials. Clean the household where remnants of these tend to accumulate. Throw out the plastic feeding bowl and use ceramic or metal. Start giving filtered water to the dog.

Homoeopathy can do wonders if a remedy is found that meets all the symptoms present in your dog. Such a remedy can prove to be one of the best tools to manage cancer.

There is a strong correlation between nutrition and cancer. Commercial foods available in the market carry preservative and synthetic substances that may be carcinogenic and may cause harm to the process of healthy cell multiplication. Home cooked and organic food is best for your dog’s health. If home food is not an option, opt for health foods for dogs that are available in health stores. Before buying make sure that they do not contain hormones, pesticides or antibiotics.You may also choose to give therapeutic level supplements of antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Many herbs also help in fighting cancer and can be given directly or along with a meal. Discuss with your veterinarian and select a few herbs and natural foods that are rich in zinc, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil or flaxseed oil have anti cancer properties and increase oxygen uptake to cells.

Caring for a dog with cancer requires dog owners to be well-conversed with the minute details of how symptoms of cancer manifest in pets. Cancer tends to remain concealed till a long time.

For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs are vague and are normally ignored or associated with milder conditions. Creating a program for home cancer care will go a long way in curbing the growth of cancer cells. If you can start such a program right from the time you bring your dog home, it may even prevent the dreaded disease.

A mole on the skin's surface can be melanoma cancer in dogs

2008-04-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Cancer is actually an uncontrolled growth of cells resulting from an accumulation of changes in the structure of the genes that control cell division and multiplication. Melanoma is one of the several malignant neoplasms, usually of the skin. The affected cell is mostly melanocytes, a cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin under the control of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Benign and malignant skin tumors are a common form of canine and feline cancer.

Melanoma cancer in dogs occurs commonly in dark skinned animals, usually in areas under haired skin, as small, dark brown to black lumps. In certain cases they may appear as large flat wrinkled masses. Other areas where melanomas can also appear include mouth, digits and behind the eye. A swelling or increase in size of lymph nodes is the first clinical sign of a malignant melanoma. Although the pigment called melanin is the distinctive characteristic of such tumors, some melanomas may not display a darkly colored pigment.

Malignancy is established with the aid of a microscopic examination. For this purpose a small piece of the tumor is cut off and evaluated. The pathologist then grades the melanoma according to how rapidly the cells are proliferating. This gives an estimate of the likelihood of metastasis.

The best treatment of melanoma is a total excision through surgery. To be on the safer side, the surgeon may remove some of the neighboring tissue as well. If the tumor is confined to a particular area this amounts to a full cure. The excised sample is again sent for histological examination to ascertain whether the entire tumor has been removed or not.

Melanomas can also spread to distant organs in the body. Complete remission in such cases is rare and it affects the long term survival of the dog to a great extent. Once the tumor has metastasized, cancer can start presenting itself as varied symptoms like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs.

To the relief of dog owners, all moles in the skin are not malignant. It is normal for a dog or a cat to have dark pigmented areas of skin, particularly in the tongue, gum and eyelid tissue. As a general rule small skin tumors tend to be benign and the ones in the mouth toes, fingers or eyes are mostly malignant. Benign melanomas are seen as dark masses up to two inches in diameter. Unless the mole or a lump starts increasing in size, or elevates above the surface of the skin or bleeds, there is no need to worry. Such a condition necessitates an examination of the lump that you may see on the surface of your dog’s skin.

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Bulldog Dog Throw

2008-04-30T12:27:00.001-07:00

Causes, symptoms, and prognosis of auto-immune disease in cats

2008-04-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

The immune system in a cat’s body has a committed task. It is a complex interconnected system of white blood cells, antibodies and other substances that are released to combat infections and eliminate foreign proteins. On recognition of a foreign invasion, the system releases antibodies which chemically bind with antigens to destroy them.
The important part of the immune system is that it is supposed to recognize foreign substances and respond immediately to destroy them. Unfortunately it does not happen like this always. Certain disorders cause the controlling mechanism of the immune system to fail and it produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. These are known as autoantibodies. The resultant disease is known as an auto-immune disease. Even though it is known that an auto-immune disease is caused by production of these autoantibodies, the underlying causes are complicated and not thoroughly understood. Symptoms of auto-immune diseases vary depending upon the organ or system that has been affected. In certain cases multiple organs and body systems are affected.
Auto-immune diseases occur in both cats and dogs, producing relatively similar symptoms. The auto-immune disease of the blood in cats is rare and often secondary to leukemia. The antibodies disrupt the body’s own red blood cells causing hemolysis, a condition known as auto-immune hemolytic anemia. It may cause jaundice, lethargy, enlargement of lymph nodes and ulcerations in ears, nose, tail and feet. It is often accompanied with a substantial fall in platelet count. Hemolysis can also be drug induced, so a proper diagnosis is a must before proceeding with treatment. If the cat is showing signs of muscle weakness, difficulty in eating and swallowing, and regurgitation, there are chances that auto-antibodies are attacking the acetylcholine receptors on muscles. This can be a sign of a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness, especially in the face and neck, known as Myasthenia gravis.

Another musculoskeletal auto-immune disease in cats may occur in the form of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes extreme disability in the shape of lameness and stiff joints. In its extreme manifestation, a cessation of joint movement can also occur. Where the skin is affected, it causes ulceration in the mucous membranes of the skin, serum discharging lesions, crusts over the ulcers, itchiness and alopecia.

Auto-immune disease may affect multiple organs at the same time. Multiple organ auto-immune disease is common and makes diagnosis extremely difficult. The name itself presupposes presence of multiple symptoms that can be confusing at times, even for the expert veterinarian. There are indications that feline liver disease, such as chronic active hepatitis may have a connection with a malfunctioning immune system.

The complement system in the body is a series of proteins like the antibodies and is named based on the fact that its function complements the antibodies. Complement proteins are manufactured in the liver and sometimes liver disease in dogs and cats may be a harbinger of an immune mediated disease. Consulting your veterinarian is advisable when you see symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats. Prognosis of most of the auto-immune diseases is generally poor if not treated in the earlier stages. Those affecting the skin usually go into remission on treatment with drugs. Auto-immune hemolytic anemia and auto-immune thrombocytopenia (fall in platelet count in blood) requires aggressive treatment. Myasthenia gravis, the musculoskeletal disorder, has a guarded prognosis with an underlying risk of death.

Home cooked food is the best dog food for liver health and longevity

2008-04-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

It is a mad jungle out there when it comes to selling dog food. Seeing the number of brands, the different types of sales pitches adopted by marketers and the fancy names with tongue twisting ingredients printed on labels, it appears the focus is on attracting buyers and grabbing a share of the whopping $ 11 billion pie..

In addition, each manufacturer launches numerous types of pet food under one brand. There are moist, semi moist and dry dog foods. Their use of terminology, like ‘premium’, ‘super-premium’, and ‘gourmet’ are mere nomenclatures since they hardly mean anything. Even though the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates what must be printed on the labels. The warnings are all mentioned in small print and therefore do not serve to warn the consumers adequately. Apart from checking the nutritional adequacy and information about the manufacturer, you should focus on the ingredient list. Ethoxyquin is one of the most common preservatives used in dog food. This is used to prevent fats from turning rancid. There is verifiable evidence that there is a connection between Ethoxyquin and the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX and the elevation in liver related enzymes that can ultimately cause liver disease in dogs.

Some times dog owners indulge in over-feeding their dogs under the mistaken belief that the dog is hungry. Even a so called ‘light diet’ can lead to obesity in dogs if the calorie intake is more than recommended. Obesity can directly cause liver and heart conditions, diabetes, arthritis, skin disorders and cancer exposing the dog to a higher risk.

Diet plays an important role in liver health. It is one of the major reasons behind many diseases in cats too, including the feline liver disease. Instead of waiting for symptoms of liver disease in dogs or cats to surface, it is highly recommended that you be proactive and feed your dog with a healthy and nutritional diet to maintain health. A huge majority of commercial foods contain toxins that destroy the immune system and gradually kill your dog as you feed him. Dogs are basically meat eaters. Meat based dog food may appear to be the best to provide the required proportions of proteins and other substances needed by the animal. Manufacturers, however, use synthetic additives and preservatives to increase shelf life, which can be detrimental to the health of your dog.

It is not only the type of food but also the quantity that makes a difference. The age, weight and breed of your pet are key aspects that determine the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that the dog requires every day. The level of activity is another factor for arriving at the calorie intake. Your veterinarian is the best person to suggest where and how to source this information. As much as possible feed your dog home cooked food, raw meat and a natural diet that is free from toxins. The purpose of a natural diet is to boost the immune system and help the liver to regenerate its cells so that it can function to its fullest capacity. A toxin free diet is the key to longevity and liver health.

Steps to recognize the first signs of liver failure in cats

2008-04-29T16:00:00.001-07:00

The liver in cats and dogs is more susceptible to liver disease. Its large size indicates its criticality to overall health. It is the industrial powerhouse of the body. From filtering toxins to providing energy to supplying nutrients, it is involved in practically all the biochemical processes that go on in the body.

As and when toxins increase, the liver is called upon to perform beyond its normal capacity, which may lead to liver failure. Initially liver disease manifests as mild symptoms like:

* Vomiting

* Anorexia ( refusal to eat)

* Weight loss.

* Pale gray and soft feces.

* Weakness and lethargy.

The symptoms of liver disease in dogs are almost similar to those of feline liver disease . This similarity exists even in the causes like excess of toxin intake and secondary infections caused due to disease in other organs. However, feline infectious peritonitis, leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus are few of the cat specific causes.Left untreated, toxins may build up and the disease progresses and presents the following symptoms that may point to liver failure.

* Jaundice

* Seizures.

* Circling

* Fluid retention and a distended stomach.

Liver disease can progress to a stage where treatment may become cumbersome and in certain cases, even impossible. It is advisable that positive steps be taken even on a mild suspicion of liver related symptoms. It is better to call your veterinarian to check as there are possibilities of cat owners misreading the symptoms. After all it is better to make a mistake than risk the life of your cat.

The best way to prevent liver disease is to check what goes in: diet as well as drugs. Some drugs that can potentially increase toxins are:

* Steroidal compounds.

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

* Heavy metals: for example mercury from deep sea fish and lead from paint chips.

* Phenobarbital, a barbiturate used as a sedative.

It pays to find alternatives for the drugs that are known to be toxic to the liver. For example, potassium bromide is safer and would work as well as Phenobarbital. Try to seek help from a holistic veterinarian who will not hesitate to make use of natural and safer homeopathic remedies.Even though specific causes of different types of liver disease that ultimately lead to liver failure is not known, obesity in cats is suspected to be one of the primary reasons. Controlling obesity will ultimately lead to effective prevention of liver disease.

Diet plays an important role in preventing liver disease in dogs and cats. Low fat diet rich in antioxidants and easily digestible grains provide a well needed rest to the liver so that it self-heals using its regenerative capacity. Restrict intake of proteins as this will lead to lesser production of ammonia. Change to small but frequent feeding with proteins of high biological value such as eggs and milk products. High fiber diet, ensuring that the cat is not undernourished, also helps in curbing ammonia production.

The most important thing is timely action. Cat owners who are overly concerned about the health of their companion should try to inform themselves of what causes feline liver disease and adhere to liver friendly diet from day one.

2008-04-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

As and when toxins increase, the liver is called upon to perform beyond its normal capacity, which may lead to liver failure. Initially liver disease manifests as mild symptoms like:

* Vomiting

* Anorexia ( refusal to eat)

* Weight loss.

* Pale gray and soft feces.

* Weakness and lethargy.

* Jaundice

* Seizures.

* Circling

* Fluid retention and a distended stomach.

The best way to prevent liver disease is to check what goes in: diet as well as drugs. Some drugs that can potentially increase toxins are:

* Steroidal compounds.

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

* Heavy metals: for example mercury from deep sea fish and lead from paint chips.

* Phenobarbital, a barbiturate used as a sedative.

Antioxidants and immune system vitamins for dogs

2008-04-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

While inefficient or over active immune systems can cause diseases, other diseases can also compromise the immune system’s ability to combat diseases. Many times a certain drug used during the course of a treatment negatively affects the immune system, which in turn can be a cause behind the occurrence of another condition.

A dog’s body is capable of fighting minor diseases on its own. Frequent occurrences of skin disorders, allergies, respiratory and eye disorders and other general problems are sure signs of dysfunction of the immune system in pets. It is important to be on guard rather than letting the situation go out of hand. Maintaining the health of the immune system of your pet will not only restrict frequent occurrences of disease but also help in improving chances of survival in the event of a serious disease.

Antioxidants are one of the proven supplements that help in fighting disease. Antioxidants also limit cell damage and thus provide support to the immune system when disease occurs. Vitamins are a group of organic substances that are essential in small quantities to normal metabolism.

Vitamin C and E are specific antioxidants that are normally used as supplements to counter the oxidizing chemicals originating during cell damage. Vitamin C also plays a key role in enhancing the T-cell production for an increased resistance to bacterial and viral infection and allergies. Vitamin E, on the other hand prevents oxidation of Vitamin A, red blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids.

Carotene, an orange compound of an unsaturated hydrocarbon found in many plants is converted into vitamin A in the liver. It is indispensable for a healthy skin, growth, digestion and repair of body tissues and protecting mucous membranes of mouth, nose, throat and lungs for reducing vulnerability to infections.

Bioflavonoids or simply flavonoids, a group of antioxidant chemical compounds widely found often as a pigment in plants, fruits and vegetables, are termed as ‘nature’s biological response modifiers’. They have a strong inbuilt capacity to affect the way the body responds to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Flavonoids are widely present in plants and protect them from microbes and insects. Diseases like liver disease in dogs or feline liver disease are highly progressive diseases that are also difficult to diagnose and even lead to the death of your pet. Moreover, symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats are varied and subtle and the disorder is likely to be diagnosed late. It would be unwise to look for vitamin supplements at the time of illness. The preferred approach should be to maintain the health of the immune system for reducing the incidence and severity of diseases in pets.

As much as you can, try to feed a natural diet to your dog. If you must buy commercial pet food gather enough information so that you can understand the contents mentioned on the label so as to be able to avoid those containing chemical preservatives. Chemical preservatives do more harm than the possible benefits of the ingredients. To ensure that your dog is eating the best food, feed a home cooked diet that is rich in Vitamin C, E and A, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids for best possible benefits for immune system. Even though dogs need meat based proteins, a healthy mix of meat and vegetables will go a long way to derive benefits that both vitamins and flavonoids can provide to the immune system.

The signs of diabetes in dogs

2008-04-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a common condition in dogs. Howsoever scary it may sound it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken. Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care. Diabetes, however, can cause an early death of the dog if it is not treated. High blood sugar levels produce clinical symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats that can help in early detection. Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to the inability of pancreas to produce enough insulin to manage glucose (a primary sugar) in the food that the dog ingests. In another situation, cells become resistant to the action of insulin, which also results in a high blood sugar level. If not managed within reasonable time, it leads to abnormally high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia. High blood sugar results when the dog’s body is unable to process and convert glucose to energy for maintaining healthy growth.

The excess glucose in the blood has to go somewhere if it is not used by the body’s systems and it leaks over to the urine. This leads to excessive urination (polyuria). As fluids in the body reduce, the dog feels the need to drink more (polydipsia) to compensate the loss due to excessive urination.

Besides these two most prominent symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats some of the other symptoms indicative of diabetes are:

* Weight loss

* Poor skin and hair coat

* Frequent bladder infections

On observing these signs, a veterinarian should be consulted at the first opportunity because untreated diabetes can lead to:

* Loss of appetite

* Vomiting

* Diabetic neuropathy, especially weakness in rear legs

* DehydrationLeft untreated, diabetes can progress and cause some life threatening disorders like diabetic acidosis, a condition of abnormally high acidity accompanied by an accumulation of ketone bodies. Some of the other complications arising out of unregulated blood sugar levels include liver and kidney dysfunction and canine blindness.

The cause of diabetes still remains a mystery despite large amounts of research that has been initiated in this area. Chronic inflammation of the pancreas and genetic predisposition are often suspected to be the cause in most of the cases. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are more predisposed to developing diabetes.

Once your dog has been diagnosed for diabetes, close monitoring of diet and regular checking of blood sugar levels is necessary. Minor increase in blood sugar can be managed by controlling and regulating diet. Abnormally high levels require insulin injections. Injection of insulin needs to be correlated with the amount, quality and timing of food intake. If you are taking care of your dog at home, make sure you get proper instructions about how and when to inject insulin on your own. Since excess insulin can lead to hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels, this is another area that you must understand well.

How to deal with a mean cat

2008-04-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Most people bring home a cat or a kitten expecting a friendly cat that will become a companion and lie cozily in the lap. It is unlikely that a cat will be confident enough to adjust easily to a new home and people. However, apart from the initial short period that the cat may take to get used to a new environment, most cats adjust easily in new homes. On the other hand, some cats remain fearful of the new surroundings despite patient efforts of the cat owner. Su situation may be the start of a problem. If the fearful and anxious situation continues you can be sure that you have landed yourself with a stressed and unhappy cat.

A fearful or defensive cat is likely to resort to aggressive behavior like fighting, biting and scratching. Understanding cat behavior is critical to handle an aggressive cat or to stop cat biting behavior. Unlike treating aggressive dog behavior , which requires re-training, handling a mean cat may require a little bit more than that. However, before you try anything it is recommended that you take precautionary measures and trim the cat’s claws. Trimming the claws should actually be a regular practice since the feral wild traits can manifest anytime.It is normal for owners to confuse playful aggression of cats with typical aggression. Cats need to play aggressively to spruce up their survival instincts. Play activities of cats include cautious, exploratory and investigative behaviors. This may appear as aggressive behavior to owners who have other expectations from their cat. Play that looks like aggression may be initiated by the owner or the cat himself. Do not use your hands and feet as toys for the cat. Do not play rough games with him nor indulge in any physical punishment. Cats are not likely to understand the association of the punishment with an act that they have done. On the contrary, they are likely to associate it with the individual who metes out the punishment. Try to divert the cat’s attention and offer toys so that he can play in a manner that is acceptable to you. Although domesticated cats have all their food available at home, they are prone to practice hunting skills.

For some inexplicable reason cats get fed up with petting very quickly. Watch out for signals that resemble predatory behavior and stop the moment you see those shifting eyes, pulled back ears and a twitching tail.Maternal dog aggression seems soft when compared to the maternal aggression of cats. Cats are very protective mothers and therefore it is best never to disturb a cat when she is with her kittens. Such aggression usually dies as the kittens grow up.

Cats are instinctive hunters. If you have small pocket pets at home, keep them out of reach of the cat. A cat may play with a pet canary is equally capable of eating it at a later date. Also, cats are expert predators like tigers and should not be let outside alone. They are likely to like the predatory killing if they get a flavor of it once. Both cats and dogs need a significant amount of socializing while they are young. Cat and dog biting is common among pets that have been weaned away early in life. It does not provide them with enough opportunities to learn to control their aggression.If you have brought a kitten that has not had enough time with siblings, gradual introduction to other cats will slowly but surely teach him that aggression is not acceptable.

Biting puppies - train the pup and yourself

2008-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

The first ten week period of a newborn puppy’s life is the best time to teach a puppy that biting is not acceptable. And training your puppy to avoid an incidence of dog biting is crucial.

This is especially because biting comes naturally to them and it is the easiest form of dog aggression that he can resort to in situations that induce fear, anxiety and aggression.

And such training is best done before strong adult teeth take the place of small nibbling ones. Curbing aggressive dog behavior among adult dogs is far more difficult than training puppies.While training puppies, always remember that physical punishment does not work. Punishment is tantamount to making the dog more resolute in his behavior and in such cases aggression is likely to become a permanent concern. The approach that you take should clearly indicate to the puppy that you love him but hate the biting habit instead. At the same time you must assume leadership as the dog considers you as part of the pack. Unless he perceives you to be the leader he is likely to let go of aggressive dog behavior easily.

Dogs use their mouth to express themselves. A pup also uses his mouth and his tongue for communication. Encourage licking, although not a compatible dog behavior, by offering treats and praise. Give licking a name so that he remembers the activity the next time. If the puppy uses his teeth on you, make an abrupt startling sound (e.g. OUCH) right in his face. His instincts will tell him that he has to stop. Isolate him for five minutes if you feel that the loud sound did not have an impact. Pick him up after some time and see how he responds now. Continue this till the time you feel that the pup has got the idea of what is acceptable and what not. By the time the pup is six weeks he should have understood that he can use his mouth on you but only for licking. If you have brought an older puppy, you might have to repeat this for some time since he may need more time to adjust to new faces and the new environment.

Expose the puppy to other dogs and humans. The reactions of other puppies and dogs when bitten are likely to make him understand that he should desist from biting. Exposure to humans will remove fear of strangers.Training alone does not inhibit dog biting. It is also necessary that all those who interact with the dog adhere to certain norms that restrict dog biting. Children are prone to unpredictable behaviors. This, more than anything else, puts a dog on his defensive. Keep children away from the puppy till the time you are sure that he is trained. It is pertinent to teach children the manner in which they should approach a puppy or a dog and what specific actions need to be avoided.

* Do not play aggressive or competitive games with the puppy.

* Define the areas that are out of bounds and consistently stick to it.

* Never tap on the head. Instead scratch below the chin.

Biting comes naturally to puppies. In a litter, they play by rolling over and biting each other even before they have developed their teeth. A younger dog can cause more harm with his sharp teeth in spite of the fact that his lower jaw is week. By the time he grows up his teeth may become duller but the strength in his jaws can inflict maximum damage. Teaching young puppies that no teeth can touch human skin or clothes always help in the long term.