Pet News Now

Why "Outdoor Dogs" Are Miserable

2012-01-11T10:26:00.003-06:00

What compels people get a dog only to keep it isolated outside, away from the family?

I have often wondered this as I walk my dogs down streets lined with fences behind which lonely outdoor dogs bark as we go by.

I don't know what they look like and can only guess their size by the deepness of their voices.

But I know what the lives of these dogs are too often like. They are animals born to be part of a social structure, a pack or a family, yet this is denied them. They spend their lives on the outside, looking in.

The experts say many of these dogs will never really bond with owners who interact with them so little.When the puppy is no longer cute and the children grow tired of the care they promised to provide, when the destructiveness escalates or the neighbors complain about the noise, it's often just easier to dump the dog than solve the problem.

I have always had difficulty understanding why people want to keep dogs outside. If keeping a beautiful house and yard are of the utmost importance to you, then don't get a dog. If you know someone in your family can't abide a dog in the house, for whatever reason, then don't get a dog. If you can't let a dog be part of your family, then don't get a dog. ...Read More...

Taking Your Cat For A Walk

2012-01-10T18:08:00.000-06:00

Our homes have been the homes of our pet cats. This does not mean however that you just have to keep them inside your house. You have to let them feel what is in the world outside. More than the basic needs of our cats, there are things like walking your cat outside that would surely help boost the total development of your cat.

When you take your pet for a walk, this would really be great for your cat pet. There are really great benefits from doing this activity. To do so would let your pet and you take a relieving break. Strolling around would entertain your pet and as well as stimulate it.

Another good thing about walking with your cat outdoors is that it would be able to overcome the boredom of being constrained inside your home. Just like us, cats also need to take some time and go outdoors. Being constrained may just make your pet depressed. It is really best to pamper your pet in the right way; to pamper your pet is not to keep him secluded from the outdoors.

Cats are not that expressive but studies show that behaviors of cats like scratching the furniture and others. This common behavior is one of the signs that may tell us that cats get bored too.

One thing more is that it could be the best form of exercise for your cat pet as well. There are cats which stay at home all the time that become overweight and to worse, become obese. We all know that this is not good and it could post a threat to the life of our pet.

Walking with your cats outdoors for it does not entail too much hassle, all you have to do is not only for your pet but it would surely entertain you as well. It would let you also spend some time outdoors, free from your busy schedule or the pressures of your tasks.

There are really good benefits when you walk your pet outdoors. You have to take time and feel the fun outside the walls of your home. It would definitely be a time to cherish, a time to savor.

Shelter Pets: Pet Adoption Myths

2012-01-05T16:41:00.000-06:00

Pet adoption is a great way of getting pets in a much less price. Pet adoption is also a great way of taking care and proving homes for pets and animals that have been left or sometimes even abused by their previous owners.

Adopting pets from shelters just charge an adoption fee which is very far from the regular prices of animals in pet stores. Adoption fees range from $35 to $200 and almost always include medical treatment like vaccines, de-worming, and spaying (neuter). There are even shelters that offer follow up veterinary services to ensure that pets remain healthy and able to get the necessary vaccines.

Animal shelters provide great choices for adoptable pets. Shelters not only have adult animals, but they also have kittens and puppies that a pet parent can choose from. However there are some myths about animal shelters and why it is not a good place to adopt from.

Many people believe that pets in shelters have behavioral problems. It is important to remember that these animals have bad experiences from their previous owners. They might have experienced neglect and abuse. Animals in shelters normally exhibit minor behavioral problems. Some of these pets may be scared while others can be excited. Animals that show major behavioral problems are not put up for adoption.

Animal shelters perform screen test to know the temperament of animals in the shelters. The shelters try to get as much information they could get from the animals’ previous owners. Soon-to-be pet parents are happier and at ease to know that their new pet has healthy and friendly temperament.

Since these animals have been neglected, abused and abandoned, the next parent should display more patience to train them. Also since these pets already know and encountered difficult hardships they display more loyalty and devotion to their new owners. There are some pet parents who have adopted from shelters saying that their pets are more loyal and loving than other pets.

Another shelter myth says that pets from shelters and pounds are mature animals and cannot be trained. Most pets in shelter are older animals but there are also kittens and puppies that is available for adoption.

Adoptable animals from shelters can be trained like other animals. The important thing during training is to be consistent, patient and understanding. Animals (regardless if they are in shelter or in homes) respond to good, effective, loving and humane training techniques.

There are shelters that offer the new pet parent the opportunity to participate in obedience training and pet parenting classes. These sessions serve as a transition period for the pet and the parent to bond together.

It is commonly believed that pets in animal shelters are inferior to purebred animals. According to the Humane Society of the United States there is an average of 25 to 30 percent of purebreds in animal shelters.

Also, mixed bred animals are not inferior to purebred animals. Animal shelters have pets that are healthier and have better temperaments than purebred. Interested pet parents just have to talk to the shelter and provide the what kind of behavior they would like to have in their pets. Mixed bred pets oftentimes exhibit traits of several breeds. If a pet parent like to have a purebred because of its temperament, the shelter would likely have a mixed bred that exhibits the qualities of the purebred.

Going to a shelter for a pet adoption is a great way of helping animals in need in a much affordable and economic way. Adopting a pet from a shelter is not only a solution for the pet parent’s problem but also a way of saving a life.

Pet Adoption Versus Animal Euthanasia

2012-01-05T16:32:00.000-06:00

Animal euthanasia is the act of inducing death to an animal. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress. Most of the times, it is called the act of “putting asleep” an animal. Meanwhile organizations like animal rescue groups and animal rights organizations strictly oppose this method. They say pet adoption could dramatically reduce the number of animals being “put to sleep”.

There are many reasons for animal euthanasia. Terminal illness, behavioral problems like aggression can be reasons for euthanasia. While there are animal owners inducing their animals or pets to euthanasia when they have illnesses or broken limbs that requires big medical and financial attention.

Old age is also a common reason for animal or pet euthanasia. Meanwhile for animal shelters, they induce euthanasia since they do not have enough space or room for an abandoned animal.

According to Humane Society of the United States, there is an estimated 4 to 5 million of adoptable animals in animal shelters euthanized due to lack of facilities. While American Humane Association cites even a bigger number, 9.6 million of animals in the United States are being euthanized every year.

According to the survey conducted by the American Humane Association, out of the 1000 shelters who responded to the survey, 2.7 million of 4.3 million animals (64 percent) are being euthanized. Out of this euthanized number, 56 percent are dogs and 71 percent are cats. There 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cars were reunited with their owners. Just a dismal 25 percent of dogs and 24 percent of cats were adopted.

Majority of the animals in shelters were being euthanized since there is a standard period of time (ranging from several days to weeks for unclaimed stray animals). However, there are “no kill” shelters run by private and animal welfare organizations. These “no kill” shelters make it an official policy never to euthanize animals for medical reasons.

Another reason why animal euthanasia is creeping to our culture is because of pet overpopulation. There are numerous pet owners surrendering their pet due to personal reasons and inadequacy in taking responsibility for their pets. There are also people who only wants puppies, once the puppies grow, they completely neglect them and eventually surrender them to shelters or rescue groups.

There are owners who due to failure of spaying or neutering their animals tend to reproduce. There are thousands of litters being born in American homes every day. It is important to consider the financial and medical attention and responsibility these huge numbers of pet reproduction. We do not want to contribute to the raising number of people surrendering their pets for adoption. Eventually, leading to not being adopted and euthanasia.

Clearly, there is crisis in the pet population of the United States. Too many animal companions competing for a few good homes than will take them is a clear effect of uncontrolled breeding.

Dog bite victims are now ranging to 4.5 million each year, due to uncontrolled breeding. Some of the victims fall prey to homeless and stray animals in the streets. They pose public danger, and the government is paying the people’s tax money in controlling these animals and maintaining animal shelters.

Pet adoption is a great way of lessening the impact of the crisis in pet population. Instead of buying pets from puppy mills or companies that breeds animals for profit, adopting an animal is a great way of reducing the number of euthanized animals in shelters.

There are countless benefits of pet adoption. There are studies conducted saying the adopted pets are more loyal and devoted since they have already experienced the worst. Pet adoption is a great way of reducing the number of animals in shelters and making way for another one. Pet adoption battles euthanasia – one pet at a time.

Ear Mites In Dogs

2010-10-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaCanine ear mites are a severely irritating condition for dogs to go through. Ear mites will never leave the host (your dog) however there is treatment available to stop the irritation in the ears.

Mites lay their eggs in the ear canals of the dog. Sometimes the ear mites will spread to surrounding areas in the dog's fur causing even more itchiness.

Although ear mites are more common in cats, canine ear dogs do exist. Because canine ear mites are contagious, it is even more important to treat it as quickly as possible if you have more than one pet at your residence.

Canine ear mites can cause various ear diseases and infections therefore a vet should be consulted if you have the slightest suspicions that your dog may have ear mites.

You will be able to tell by looking in the dogs’ ear. If you notice a crusty substance in there, and even white spots, then he is likely to have ear mites. You will also notice the dog scratching and shaking his head due to the irritation that canine ear mites cause.

If your canine develops ear mites on the skin, flea products can kill them. To treat ear mites in the ear canal, a vet can administer an injection or oral medication such as fibronil, thiabendazole and ivermectins.

It only takes a short time for ear mites to multiply and spread to other parts of your dog. If you suspect you dog may have ear mites, please see a vet quickly as it will certainly save him the severe discomfort that canine ear mites bring.

Ear Mites

2010-09-14T21:51:00.002-05:00

Ear mites are a common occurrence in pets and animals. Due to their ease and speed of spread, they can be transmitted extremely quickly between animals.

Cats and ferrets are the most likely pets to contract ear mites, however they can also occur in dogs and rabbits. There have been some known cases of human ear mite contraction as well, although this is quite rare.

One of the first signs of an ear mite infected animal is that he will be scratching and shaking his head around quite a bit. This is due to having thousands of tiny ear mites in the ear canal - the ear canal is extremely sensitive and any movement in there will cause extreme irritation and itchiness.

The next sign to look for is a brown crusty matter that will be noticeable when you look into the ear. This is caused by the serum from the ear lining which builds up. If not treated, this can turn into a fungal or bacterial infection, therefore it is mandatory that your pet is taken to a vet as soon as you suspect he may have contracted ear mites.

Sometimes you may be able to see very small white mites in the crusty debris. This is because these ear mites do not actually burrow into the ear, they simply live in the ear canal. Obviously if you can see white spots, your pet has ear mites and must be treated as soon as possible.

Your vet will advise on what action to take, however usually an injection or medication is given. Ivermectin is either injected or taken orally. There are special ear mite treatment products for cats as an alternative. These are used on the skin are effective for a month or so.

Ear mites need to be taken seriously and if you notice your pet displaying any sort of strange behavior relating to its ears, please see a vet as soon as possible.

Ear Mites In Cats

2010-09-09T04:25:00.002-05:00

Image by Stacy Lynn Baum via FlickrCats are the most likely of all household pets to contract ear mites. Ear mites in cats can thankfully be treated quite easily; however they will likely cause significant irritation to your cat if you do not pick up on the warning signs early.

To eliminate ear mites (in fact ear mites never completely disappear from the cat, they will always be there but the good news is that you can stop the irritation) there are several different treatment options.

Many people do not know that the flea treatment Frontline Topspot can actually be used exclusively to treat ear mites in cats as well. This treatment has been tested on cats, and vets are confident that it works. It is great news as it is a double treatment for fleas as well, so you are killing two birds with one stone.

Ear mites in cats are not just limited to existing in the ears. Ear mites can spread to other parts of the body, particular on top of the head. This is when flea control products will work best. There are also topical treatments that can be used once a month to combat ear mites on other parts of the cats’ body.

If ear mite treatment is not effective in eliminating your cats irritating ear mites, then it could be that he has a more serious ear disease. Please see a vet if you feel the ear mite treatment is not working as it should.

If you have more than one cat then it is highly possible that the ear mites will spread between them as they are highly contagious. You should have ALL your cats checked at once, not just the one that you suspect already has ear mites.

Ear mites, whilst annoying, are not serious if treated early. That is why it is vital to take your cat straight to the vet as soon as signs such as:

Itching
Scratching and;
Head shaking are noticed.

This will ensure the best outcome for your beloved cat!

Neutering Your Cat

2008-04-23T19:12:00.003-05:00

There are a large number of homeless and feral cats in the world. This fact has begun to impress upon people the importance of neutering.

Feral cats are unaltered pets that may have been released into the wild. Some are cats that were born and never handled by people so they are wild and uncatchable. Feral cats can spread diseases to other pets because they will raid trashcans, fight and can become infected with diseases and parasites easily.

Another good reason to have your cat sterilized is because of the racket that occurs when a cat is in heat. When females are in heat they attract males who will sit outside, yowl and fight with other males all night. She will literally attract every tomcat in the neighborhood. Tomcats will also mark their territory inside and outside your house.

Intact cats are also prone to certain types of cancer. They may develop cancers of the reproductive organs. These cancers are rare in cats that are sterilized by one year of age. They may also develop contagious reproductive diseases.

Cats can be sterilized at a young age. Most humane societies will do this at eight weeks. Veterinarians agree that is best to do this at five to six months unless they are feral kittens.

Neutering is harder on females as the surgery is more invasive. If you have both male and female cats, it is often best to neuter males first and then wait until females are six months of age to spay.

These surgeries are very easy and typical, however cats are prone to infection in their incisions. This is because they tend to lick and chew at the stitches. If this is the case you may have to use a plastic surgery collar to keep your cat from licking the stitches. Females will also need to stay indoors for three to five days after the surgery.

How Old Are Kittens When They Open Their Eyes

2008-04-17T07:53:00.001-05:00

When do Kittens Open Their Eyes
On of the greatest things to witness it the miracle of birth. Being an owner of cat that is expecting, with kittens is a wondrous thing. When kittens are born there and delicate ball of softness and fur which seem too dainty touch. Their survival depends solely on their mother. The mother supplies the nourishment to them as well as teaches them to relieve themselves and how to defend themselves and live amongst other creatures.

When a kitten is born, their ears are back and their eyes are closed, which means they are literally both blind and deaf. For humans, to look at the little newborn kittens, they find that they have a natural instinct to want to keep them warm and safe.

The best thing you can do is make sure that they are safe with their mother and their surroundings are safe so they will not hurt themselves or get into trouble once they start moving around.

Kittens are very weak when they first come into the world. The best they can do is crawl around their mothers side. This is all part of nature. This allows a mother to be able to keep up with each of the kittens in her litter. As they get older or their strength will improve and they will begin to walk.

Cats generally have very sensitive ears when they are born and that is only to help protect them. During their first few weeks of life their ears will continue to develop, keeping them closed and back, helps protect the very sensitive parts of the years as loud noises can hurt their ears. They're hearing will fully develop around 16 weeks of age.

Kittens are also born with a great sense of smell as their only contact with the world when they are firstborn is by smelling it. They cannot see it or hear it and have to rely solely on their sense of smell. Kittens get use to how certain things smell such as the mother and the humans around them.

They will hit us at things as they are not familiar just from their sense of smell. As to alert their mother that there is danger in the area. Many people wonder how long it will take to the kittens eyes actually open. It actually depends on the length of their fur. The cats with long hair will open their eyes much later than a short haired cat.

Some of the shorthaired kittens will actually get to see the world for the first time after just five to eight days from their date of birth. It may take up to 10 to 14 days for a long-haired kitten to open their eyes.

Litters that are mixed all have different rates of development where opening the eyes are concerned. Even when the eyes are completely open it can still take several weeks for them to grow into the special eyesight cats have. Cats truly are amazing creatures from them and that they're born until they become an adult cat.

Bring Home A Cat And You Just Might Live Longer

2008-04-16T00:25:00.004-05:00

Having a pet could surely help you live a better life. In even the simplest effect, it could not be denied that pets bring this different aura to lives of people and it brightens a home.

Any pet may be that secret stepping stone in achieving a certain amusement or comforter but there is something that sets up all these benefits higher, and that is if you choose cats as pets.
What is with cats? What makes them so special?

Cats would really be great companions and friends.

Research shows that having cats as pets could really lighten up a person’s physiological, emotional and psychological side. This is very true. These benefits would really heal the wounds of solitude, age, stress and depression. In addition, cats are affectionate but less demanding, low maintenance and it would surely be very suitable for those who have a modern lifestyle.
Cats are confidence boosters.

It is believed that people who take care of pets are more likely to be caring than those who are not. When old or sick people have pet cats, it would surely give rise to their esteem they will not feel useless or unworthy. When a person feels being needed, it radiates a very optimistic mind. Kids or young people, when being entrusted to do the care for pets, they would feel confident and responsible as well. Another thing is that by taking care of cats and other animals, people learn how to take care of others too.

Cats as pets do also relieve you from stress

According to Medical studies, sitting on a chair, placing a cat on your lap and stroking its hair would let you feel comfortable and at peace. This would make you feel relaxed and would make you feel relieved from stress caused by whatever endeavor.

Cats as health angels

According to the Society for Companion Animal Studies, patients recover or live longer through animals. It has been discovered that having pets would definitely ease the cases of physiological or psychological impairment in people.

Cats as social catalysts

Cats as pets could let you drop your hesitations and shyness. It would tech you what the essence of being with others and exploring the world is. When you go with you cat, people would be interested and as a cat-lover, you would not hesitate to show your pet off.

How To Select The Best Boston Terrier

2008-04-15T03:42:00.001-05:00

The Boston Terrier is perfect for people with limited space. It does not need to be outdoors a lot. It loves people and will not constantly bark at visitors in your home. It is also a very intelligent dog and is easy to train. Negative characteristics of this dog are a result of poor breeding by irresponsible breeders. Well-socialized dogs are loving and sociable and not at all aggressive. Always buy your Boston Terrier puppies from reputable breeders. Avoid buying from pet shops as you may get neurotic puppies. Consider adopting an adult Boston Terrier from a shelter or rescue center.

The Boston Terrier dog, although not officially defined as a Terrier by the American Kennel Club, is a small but sturdy dog. It is ideal for people who don’t have a lot of land and therefore cannot keep large breed dogs that are most happy with a large area to run around in. The Boston Terrier is best suited to an indoor life with occasional outdoor play. Their small size also makes them ideal for houses where space is an issue. They are also highly intelligent dogs, which makes training them much easier.

It is a great dog for families because of its loving nature. It is also very sociable and does not mind other dogs or cats. It can be hard to have territorial dogs if you are a social family and like to invite people over. The Boston Terrier is a very friendly dog and will not growl or bark at new people who come over.

A Boston Terrier dog is a very sensitive dog an it is especially attuned to its owner’s moods and feelings. Although it is a sociable dog and will generally get along well with all people in your house, your Boston Terrier may show a particular affinity to one person in the house. They are great companion dogs for the elderly and are very well suited to someone who is older and less active.

Each Boston Terrier is different; each has its own personality. There are high-energy Boston Terriers and there are less active ones who love to nap and cuddle rather than run around. Most Boston Terriers only bark when necessary making them good alarm systems but of course they are not guard dogs because of their size. Some Boston Terriers can be stubborn and you will need patience when training them. Never be harsh with your Boston Terrier when training, be loving and firm for the best results.

It can be hard to tell whether your adorable Boston Terrier puppy will grow into a well-behaved lovable Boston Terrier dog. One way to make sure that you get the best dog possible is to get your dog from a reputable breeder. Avoid pet shops like the plague. Most pet shops get their puppies from puppy mills where the dogs are taken away from their mothers too early and neglected.

This means you are increasing the chances of bringing home a neurotic puppy that you will have a hard time training and taking care of. Consider getting a Boston Terrier dog from a rescue center, not only are you helping to give a dog in need a home but you are also bringing home a dog whose personality has been developed. You can judge from an adult Boston Terrier right away what type of dog you have on your hands.

Wendy Caples is a long time fan and breeder of the Boston Terrier. The Boston Terrier makes a wonderful pet, its intelligence makes it easy to train and its loving nature makes it a family favorite. Basic Boston Terrier information in regards to behavior and temperament can be found in this article.

Choosing A Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

2008-04-15T03:32:00.001-05:00

Originally the Yorkshire Terrier was bred as a ratter and hunter who could be small enough to get into fox and badger burrows. Later the Yorkie puppy became a very popular pet, especially with women who wanted a small dog they could carry under their arm or in their bag.

Although small, the breed still makes an excellent guardian for the family. People will often have more than one Yorkie puppy in their house because they are so delightful to own.

For people who don't have a lot of space, the Yorkshire Terrier is an excellent breed. Although it is important to remember that each dog is an individual. While some dogs are great with children and families you need to consider every factor that is involved.

When choosing a Yorkie puppy one of the most important factors that you need to consider is the family lineage since it have a great impact on the general disposition of the puppy. It is also important that you have children who can provide your Yorkie puppy with a nurturing and loving environment otherwise it won't matter what personality your puppy has.

After you decide to get a Yorkie puppy you need to properly prepare your house for your new arrival. First it is very important that you find a veterinarian whom you are comfortable with and trust. It can be a good idea to talk with other Yorkshire Terrier owners in your area to get some recommendations of veterinarians.

The second important part of preparing for the arrival of your Yorkie puppy is to make sure your house is puppy proof. If you leave anything out your dog will get into it and sometimes the consequences can be deadly.

Ten of the most deadly items in your home include antifreeze, chocolate, bleach, Tylenol, watch batteries, mothballs, fabric softeners, mouthwash, peach pits and household plants.

The third more important thing to do before bringing your Yorkie puppy home is to educate yourself on the most common health problems for the Yorkshire Terrier breed. This way you can catch any health problems before they become a major problem.

Once you get your Yorkie puppy you want to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian for a regular check up as soon as possible. The best time to take your new puppy to the veterinarian is between three and ten days. This allows you Yorkie puppy to adjust to their new surroundings in your home. In order to avoid health problems it is important to keep stress to a minimum since stress is the most common factor for Yorkie puppies.

Take your puppy to the vet right away if you notice them acting strange or if they don't want to eat. Keep feeding your Yorkie puppy the same food that the breeder used for at least two weeks and then start slowly mixing it with your new dog food. You should feed your puppy at least three to four times a day and if you puppy isn't eating then you can add a bit of warm water. Maintaining a proper grooming schedule is also important, which should include checking the ears and clipping the nails.

Susan Bailey has spent years researching information on properly caring for puppies. It is important to make sure you are ready before choosing between Yorkshire Terrier puppies. Choosing Yorkshire Terrier puppy names is one of the most enjoyable parts of getting a new puppy.

What You Need Before Getting a New Kitten

2008-04-14T01:55:00.003-05:00

Cats have always been associated with power and mystery. In the olden time, cat was thought to be a witch’s best friend. This is probably because a cat is more intelligent than a dog. In fact, statistics reveal that cats are preferred over dogs as pets.

The reasons for this are not hard to guess. A cat is cleaner and more intelligent than a dog. While a dog needs to be walked and groomed and bathed, cats are quite self-sufficient creatures. They groom themselves with their saliva, use litter boxes and play on their own. Hence, having a cat as a pet can be a great experience.

However, before you bring your new kitten home, it’s important to take care of a few things first:

The new items that you will need:

Litter scoop/litter tray: In case you need to keep your kitten indoors, and then these items are important. Try shopping for a covered litter tray that will help to prevent any spillage.

Cat food: It’s important to know what kind of food is good for your kitten. Generally a balanced diet with all nutrients is a good idea. There are special formulas for your kitten depending on their age.

Pet carrier: A pet carrier is a great asset and makes visits to the vet and boarding kennels convenient and easy.

Collar and tag: Though cats have a great home sense, its better to have a tag and a collar on your cat lest it is lost.

Toys and scratching post: These are a must for your kitten’s health and happiness.

Kittens are as good or bad as children. They have no sense of good and bad and are capable of doing anything. Hence, before bringing your kitten home it’s important to cat proof your home. Take care that you don’t have small items that they can play with and swallow.

Examples are small items such as strings, rubber bands, buttons etc. You also need to take care of plastic bags that may be tempting to your kitten and cause choking (they love plastic bags because they rattle and make such intriguing noises). Keep bottles, pills and other medicines out of reach since kittens have a tendency to spill them and drink or eat the contents.

In the event that you have plants in your house, make sure that they are not harmful to your kitten just in case your new pet tries to eat them as some ornamental plants are poisonous and can cause harm. Hence it is important to examine your indoor garden before your new cat comes in.

Kittens are the stress busters of life and are a great delight to have. However it is important to make sure that they remain safe and happy in their new home. Hence we need to take care of little things that can make a lot of difference in your new kittens comfort!!

Choosing a Cat or Kitten

2008-04-11T07:58:00.003-05:00

One of the first things you will need to decide upon once it is sure that you will be adding a feline to your home is that of should I get Kitten or think about a rescue of a full grown Cat from the local shelter.

Kittens are often the best cats to start out with.

With a kitten you are starting with a clean slate and you will have a friend that will quickly bond with you. Kittens are excellent because they don’t have any bad habits yet and you can begin training them your rules right away.

Older cats are often best if you are a low energy person and you don’t have time to constantly be looking after a kitten to ensure they are not getting in any mischief.

Older cats have usually been spayed or neutered, may be declawed and their maintenance is much easier in terms of feeding and vaccinations. Ultimately, it will be up to you to determine if your lifestyle fits a kitten or an older cat.

The How to's of Keeping your Cat Worm Free

2008-04-05T13:29:00.002-05:00

Let’s first start with how the indoor cat can get worms. Well, the most common way an indoor cat can get worms is by fleas jumping into your house from the outside. Fleas carry tape worm eggs in their lovely, little black bodies. Your cat grooms itself all day long, and will eat a flea or two here and there.

The cat obviously doesn’t go looking to flea graze off its own body, but ingests the fleas when trying to pick them of itself in the course of grooming. Or a cat will accidentally lap up a flea while licking its coat. The most classic sign of tape worm infestation is the appearance of small white tape worm segments around your cat’s back side or in its litter. As soon as you notice this you should contact your vet to receive strong tape worm medication that will eradicate the worm.

If you think that tape worm medication is poison, which I don’t know if it is or not as of this typing, you can also try herbal remedies. Garlic, black walnut hull and wormwood, are mentioned in many Internet sites as cleansing cat bodies of tape worms.

Do not use these unless you have done your own research first and have determined that it would be safe to administer to your cat. Scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these natural remedies may of course be hard to find, because it is very difficult to profit of off a naturally occurring substance.

The outdoor cat is exposed to a whole range of worms. They can get tape worms by coming in contact with the fecal matter of another cat. And this is extremely easy to do, a cat simply has to accidentally step in some, and then lick its paws to ingest some of the eggs of the tape worm. It is very easy for this to happen. That is why you should keep your cat away from areas inhabited by feral cats, because they will most likely have fleas which carry tapeworm eggs, and they will have tape worm larvae in their fecal matter.

Another way in which cats come in contact with worms is by eating other animals, like mice, shrews, squirrels, birds, and chipmunks. The roundworm for instance can be consumed by a cat when they eat the flesh of one of the aforementioned creatures.

Roundworms can be transmitted to humans from cats. So if you have children be sure to keep them away from any cat you suspect of being infected. And always keep your kids away from cat litter boxes. The roundworm is a very, very resilient creature infecting both flesh and intestines. They are not killed easily, thorough research needs to be done for the effective treatment of a cat when it is known to have a ringworm infestation.

If you trust your vet, then take their advice, and put your pet on a course of de-worming medication.

Cats in general can also get two other types of worms, hook worms and whip worms. These two types of worms are a bit rarer and more difficult to find with the naked eye. That is why you should always have a fecal sample from your cat examined.

The whip worm is a freak of nature, its eggs can survive freezing temperatures and remain in soil for many years. That is why you need to manage worms in your cats pro-actively. Worms have life cycles like no other creature, they infect flesh and intestines and can actually go dormant for long periods of time within the cat.

Some worms even awakening during pregnancy just to infect kittens. These are sophisticated parasites and should be taken seriously. Dispose of your cat waste properly so we can all keep worms away from our cats.

To read about how to properly protect your cat from serious illnesses visit this cat health insurance site to read about the most reliable cat insurance available.

German Shepard Common Health Problems

2008-03-31T01:08:00.001-05:00

You can expect health issues with pretty much any pet you bring home and while a small percentage of pets ever do develop health problems you should still know how to recognize the signs of German Shepherd health problems if you are a German Shepherd owner. Your vet and your breeder will give you the information you need to figure out if you are dealing with normal German Shepherd behavior or potential health problems. It is always important to be able to recognize the warning signs.

One of the common health issues of larger dogs like German Shepherds is a dysplasia of the hip or the elbow joint that can result in severe pain and difficulty walking for your pet. If you notice that your German Shepherd is starting to have difficulty moving around then it may be time to get them to the vet for a check up.

Another common German Shepherd health problem is epilepsy. Basically the brain goes into a spasm for several reasons and your dog will go into convulsions and seizures. This can usually start around the age of one year and can be taken care of in conjunction with your vet through diet and medication. It is terrifying to see your pet go through a seizure so make sure you contact the vet immediately if this happens and for your sake and the animal’s sake do not panic because even in a state of seizure a dog needs you to be there for it.

German Shepherds can sometimes develop eye problems as well, ranging from cataracts to eyelid issues. The eyelids may develop incorrectly or eyelashes may start forming too close to the eye causing irritation. Any of these eye conditions can be corrected with surgery so if your pet is developing eye problems make sure you take them to the vet.

In some cases there are dog breeds that can develop the blood condition known as Von Willebrand’s Disease or VWD. VWD is like hemophilia in humans, in that the dog’s blood does not clot as it should and the dog will bleed profusely even with the smallest injury.

This is one of the more serious German Shepherd health problems and if you notice your pet with nose bleeds for no apparent reason or if you begin to notice your German Shepherd’s gums bleeding then it could be VWD and you need to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.

As a responsible pet owner it is up to you to make sure that you keep track of your pet’s health and that you stay in contact with your vet and your breeder so that you will be able to tell when symptoms may arise.

Your pet looks to you for its care and health and if you begin to notice health issues with your German Shepherd then you need to make an appointment to get your dog checked out by the vet as soon as possible.

Jan Ryan participates in charitable functions for local animal rescue groups and volunteers at local animal clinics. This article is another great resource for German Shepherd care information. This article will tell you when you may need to get emergency care for your German Shepherd.

Cats bring a New Outlook on Life

2008-03-30T08:54:00.002-05:00

Having a pet could surely help you live a better life. In even the simplest effect, it could not be denied that pets bring this different aura to lives of people and it brightens a home. Any pet may be that secret stepping stone in achieving a certain amusement or comforter but there is something that sets up all these benefits higher, and that is if you choose cats as pets.

What is with cats? What makes them so special?

Cats would really be great companions and friends.

Research shows that having cats as pets could really lighten up a person’s physiological, emotional and psychological side. This is very true. These benefits would really heal the wounds of solitude, age, stress and depression. In addition, cats are affectionate but less demanding, low maintenance and it would surely be very suitable for those who have a modern lifestyle.

Cats are confidence boosters.

It is believed that people who take care of pets are more likely to be caring than those who are not. When old or sick people have pet cats, it would surely give rise to their esteem they will not feel useless or unworthy. When a person feels being needed, it radiates a very optimistic mind. Kids or young people, when being entrusted to do the care for pets, they would feel confident and responsible as well. Another thing is that by taking care of cats and other animals, people learn how to take care of others too.

Cats as pets do also relieve you from stress

According to Medical studies, sitting on a chair, placing a cat on your lap and stroking its hair would let you feel comfortable and at peace. This would make you feel relaxed and would make you feel relieved from stress caused by whatever endeavor.

Cats as health angels

According to the Society for Companion Animal Studies, patients recover or live longer through animals. It has been discovered that having pets would definitely ease the cases of physiological or psychological impairment in people.

Cats as social catalysts

Cats as pets could let you drop your hesitations and shyness. It would tech you what the essence of being with others and exploring the world is. When you go with you cat, people would be interested and as a cat-lover, you would not hesitate to show your pet off.

Dog Training: What You Can't Afford To Miss Before Getting Your New Puppy

2008-03-27T22:31:00.000-05:00

Dog Training: What You Can't Afford To Miss Before Getting Your New Puppy

By Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Few things bring greater pleasure to a family than taking home a young pup. Even so, there are as well, fewer affairs that can cause a more immense headache at times. Choosing what sort of canine to take home may comprise an extremely difficult task.

You could choose on bringing home a big dog suchlike a Labrador retriever, which is highly popular and is well-known to act as an absolute good household dog. Or you could resolve to take home a little, lap dog as a Shih Tzu or an average sized dog similar to a Cocker Spaniel. As you consider what sort of pup to bring home, you want to consider your life-style and your livelihood arrangements. Do you reside in a flat, where small dogs suchlike the Shih Tzu would match fine, or do you require having a large fenced backyard for your large Labrador retriever?

A dog such as a Labrador pup would comprise a great alternative for an individual looking for a dog that may work easily with the household members, experience fewer health problems, and offer a life of companionship. Small dogs, similar like the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso or Chihuahua appear more appropriate for households where they will be allowed indoors and where the owner will be capable to allow for an great amount of interaction and physical contact. These little guys are as well exceedingly lovable, devoting and are outstanding companions, but they're not equally as good, guard dogs as big dogs could be. It is crucial to determine early on about what sort of domestic dog you wish to have. Are you seeking a lap dog, a safeguard dog, a watch dog, a sporting dog, a hunting dog, or a working type dog?

Please think of the fact that your puppy will grow up and mature and will impart you for several years to come, with love, companionship, dedication and a great deal more. Arriving at your dog's pick decision ought to be an intelligent one whenever it suits your life style. Whenever the dog does not fit for your way of living, your dearest companion could become a big headache, and he is not to blame. Therefore, before adopting your new puppy or relocating to a brand-new living space, please be sure that, that it will be fine with your landlord if you rent, and if you own your home make certain that the dog have the space it needs and that he will be safe in the home.

If you want a big dog like a Labrador retriever, do you've the time to dedicate to the dog in order for him to get the proper amount of exercise? Do you have a large backyard where the dog can romp or play games with you? Big dogs, in particularly, necessitate tons of physical exercise or otherwise they'll show behavioral troubles. Labs, for instance, are extremely energetic and active, and are amenable to play catch with a ball or Frisbee for endless periods of time. Whenever they don't get the required physical exercise, they'll become bored and could make a great deal of damage to your home, particularly if the dog remains indoors for a certain amount of time.

The outdoors exercise that a big dog gets is what maintains it in shape. The owner must be ready to to play with it. For a big dog to stay fit and healthy, the owner must be amenable to spend time outdoors with it by playing the dog or taking him for long walks. A Labrador pup, for instance, will have an added up level of vigor and the owner must be gear up for that.

If you choose a small or medium sized dog, are you sure that you are willing to own a dog that might like to be sitting on your lap day in and day out or at a minimum very drawn to you? As a whole, small and medium dogs likewise require physical exercise, though not equally as much as bigger dogs. Will you be able to take your little guy or girl for a regular daily walks? Are you amenable to bring the dog for grooming if you get a long haired dog? Will you possess the time to brush your dog's coating on a daily basis or on a regular basis as a minimum? Will it be okay with you whenever the dog casts off a lot of hair?

These above-named factors and numerous others need to be taken into account prior to acquiring your new fellow. A potential owner must weight down all these dog's traits and decide which the right dog is for his or her, as that will determine the happiness of both the owner and the dog in the long haul.

Before acquiring your brand-new pup you'll like to perform an exhaustive and complete search on the final size of the dog when matured, how much dog grooming and dog training will it require? Will it need professional dog grooming and how often? You would like to know what diseases is the dog inclined to, how does the dog act with other dogs, with cats, with children? These are barely more or less illustrations of matters you must take into account before getting your new puppy.

About the Author: Increase the happy years of your dog by checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's dog training blog right now…

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=236440&ca=Pets

Natural Ways To Help Keep Your Dog Flee Free

2008-03-27T22:20:00.001-05:00

Natural Ways To Help Keep Your Dog Flee Free

By Martha Hemblasit

The time has come to question the chemical cocktails that people pour onto their dogs and into their houses. For years, people have been talking about flee bombing their homes to eradicate the little black devils known as dog fleas. A flea bomb is an aerosolized canister that spews chemicals that should kill fleas. Should being the key word here. Fleas are very resilient, and have developed a resistance to some very potent concoctions.

Flea killing is a huge business. A company that sells you toxins to take out fleas really doesn't care if your house is flea free. All they care about is that your money hits the cash register so their retailers will buy more and more of their product. Flea bombing does not guarantee that your house will be rid of all its flee problems.

Especially if your house has egg laying fleas in all, or multiple rooms. Then you probably have a real problem, and then you probably think, well now I just need to buy more chemicals to treat more fleas. But again, there exists no guarantee of total flea destruction. Prevention is the key to the flea game, and it does not require the use of toxic, carcinogenic chemicals.

Fleas are in your house because they live near you and have access to your pets. The fact that your animal has fleas does not mean you are a bad owner. Flea infestation is a naturally occurring fact of pet ownership, and the animal kingdom. Attempting to control the problem with chemicals is not good for your pet, you, or your environment.

Other animals living around your dog will bring fleas to it, even if you are super careful, there is no way to control every animal that lives around your pet. You just can't do it. There are steps you can take, using natural products from the earth, that will help keep fleas at bay. What do you think people used to cut down on fleas before we had modern manipulations of chemicals? Did they just submit to all fleas, and die; I don't think so. They searched around for some leaves or branches or some other product of the earth to fight the nearly invincible little critters.

What did they find in their searches over all these centuries that helped to prevent flea infestation? Well many things that have nothing to do with modern chemical advances. The most interesting is actually the earth itself. Yes, that's right, the earth itself. Diatomaceous earth to be more precise.

Diatomaceous earth is actually earth that is composed of dead fossilized particles. These particles, when they come in contact with a flea, will dry the flea's skin out, causing it to dehydrate and die. Pretty interesting stuff. You can buy this product in various forms, make sure you find some that is ok for use on your pets.

So what other types of naturally occurring substances can help keep fleas away? Well, there is cedar, which fleas do not like. So you could find a cedar shampoo and use it on your dogs. Or you may be able to fill a dog bed with some cedar chips. Do not let your dog eat these chips though. Additionally, if you have a dog house, you can have it made out of cedar.

Or you could choose to get cedar floors in your house as opposed to carpet. Fleas will have quite a difficult time laying eggs on a cedar floor. And I haven't even begun to discuss the various plants that can be planted around your house to keep fleas away.

About the Author: More helpful information about natural ways to get rid of dog fleas And read about more natural cures for dogs

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=237077&ca=Pets

Spaying and Neutering Your Dog

2008-03-25T22:05:00.003-05:00

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering of dogs are highly wanted if you don’t want to breed the dogs and however, these activities need to be carried out by qualified veterinarians specialized in pet care and management. Anesthesia is required along with due surgical procedures for carrying out the spaying and neutering.

One has to understand first the terms like spaying or neutering. Both are related to the surgical approaches of sterilization in case of females and males respectively. However, the term neutering is also related to such procedures in both sexes. Accidental pregnancies that are not wanted can be highly minimized by these procedures.

Spaying and neutering helps to prevent occurrence of pyometra, which is a common reproductive disorder-giving problem to the dog owners. In male dogs, the neutering helps to prevent the occurrence of prostate enlargement or cancer. Hence, these help to minimize the incidences of reproductive disorders in dogs.

By these spaying and neutering, the male dog’s desire in search of female dog in heat is highly minimized and hence, wandering of male dog is reduced. The animal becomes calm also by these surgical remedies. Territorial behavior of these animals is also highly minimized by these in case of male dogs.

Spaying of your dog before the occurrence of first heat is the best one to avoid the incidence of breast cancer. If the dog is spayed after the first heat, the chances of occurrence of breast cancer in them is more and has been proved by research. Younger group of dogs need to be subjected to these operations to avoid complications in future.

Many veterinarians prefer the spaying and neutering of dogs only at the age of five to six years. However, these can be performed even at the age of three to five years. Postoperative care needs to be followed meticulously to avoid the occurrence of infections by microbial organisms.

Your Dog, Fleas, and Other Parasites

2008-03-24T21:55:00.002-05:00

Your Dog, Fleas, and Other Parasites

Fleas and other parasites need to be given priority by the dog owners. The common incidences of flea bite allergy in case of dogs cause worries among the dog owners. Flea bite induces allergic reactions in the concerned area bitten by the fleas. Hence, the affected area looks like hairless area and the animal starts scratching.

Fleas cause severe dermatitis in dogs with severe flea infestations. Many times, the flea bite causes allergic reactions in the dogs. In many occasions, dogs experience severe discomforts due to these allergic reactions. Medicated collars are available to treat and prevent the infestation with external parasites like ticks or fleas.

Other parasites like ticks, lice in addition to the internal parasites like hook worms, round worms, whip worms etc. cause affections in the health status of the animal. For example, if hookworm affects the animal, most of the times, the dog has anemia. The anemic signs become more prominent depending on the degree of affection by the hookworm.

Hookworm larvae can pass directly through the skin and cause problems in the affected ones. Such dogs may reveal lesions pertaining to the dermatitis in the feet region and in the skin areas. Skin rashes may be seen frequently in such cases and the affected animal passes loose stool, which is of red tinged and mixed with blood material.

If the round worms are seen in more numbers, the affected puppies reveal a potbelly condition, which is easily recognized by the dog owners themselves. Piperazine salts are given by oral route for the treatment of this problem. However, broad-spectrum anthelmintics like pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole etc. are given to treat these conditions.

Many drugs have come in market to treat the fleas and other parasites. Nowadays, the medical agent called as ivermectin is highly preferred by many dog owners to treat the fleas and other parasites in dogs. This drug is available in injection form and oral form. Even the drug is available for the external application also.

Cat and Kitten Diet Tips

2008-03-24T08:43:00.003-05:00

Kittens will need a kitten food to ensure that they are receiving all of the nutrients they need to grow. When it comes to feeding your cat there are many options. There’s dry and there’s canned. There’s kitten and cat.

In general cats need only four main nutrients. They require a meat based protein, taurine, water and various vitamins and minerals. Kitten food includes all of these just more to give the kitty the necessary energy to grow and be healthy and this is the main difference between cat and kitten food.

For the first five weeks, the kitten will be nursing from its mother. At week five the kittens can start to be weaned. They may continue to nurse until they are eight to ten weeks old. Pet owners should feed the mother a kitten food to ensure that she is receiving all the necessary nutrients that she needs for herself and her kittens.

All animals have a higher nutrient requirement when they are pregnant. At week five, the kitten can begin to eat canned kitten food with its mother. The first ingredient on the package should be either chicken, beef or lamb.

Kittens will need kitten food for their first year. At six weeks of age, the kittens should be receiving four small meals per day. At twelve weeks, they can have more food divided into three meals. At one, the kittens may be switched to adult food and fed twice daily. Cats are capable of knowing when they are full, so you can leave a bowl out of dry food throughout the day.

The biggest debate amongst cat owners is whether or not they should use wet, canned or dry food. The answer is both. Kittens and cats need wet food because it contains water. They may not drink enough on a regular basis and the wet food ensures they stay hydrated. The dry food ensures they have something to eat whenever they are hungry. It also helps to scrape the teeth and keep them clean, which prevents dental diseases.

The kitten’s diet should consist mostly of canned food, as it is more nutritious. Keep track of whether the kitten is on track by weighing the cat on a regular basis. You also do not want to allow them to get into the habit of overeating or eating table scraps. Table scraps are high in fat and it also throws off their balanced diet that they receive through their regular food.
Do not feed your cat these foods:

Milk
Green tomatoes
Raw potatoes
Onions
Garlic
Root vegetables
Grapes
Raisins
Chocolate

These foods can be toxic and harmful to your cat.

Cats and Hairballs

2008-03-23T22:12:00.002-05:00

All pets have health issues that are innate to them and the cat is no different. They have a variety of special diseases and problems that can develop in addition to the traditional fleas, ticks and, of course, hairballs.

Hacking Up Hairballs
Cats are precocious and they love to leave you little presents, such as dead mice and birds. One present you don’t like to find, however, is the hairball. Hairballs, or trichobezoars, are really balls of hair. Hair is not digestible and since your cat spends a good amount of time licking and grooming itself, it also spends a lot of time hacking up hairballs. The hair does not pass through the digestive system, so the cat has to hack it up.

The cat has a serrated tongue that easily captures their hair as they groom. Cats with long hair are more likely to develop hairballs. Cats with shorthair will too, but not nearly as badly. If your cat is unable to get up a hairball, it can cause digestive blockage and will need to be treated by a veterinarian. Usually a cat will require surgery to remove those hairballs. There are several preventative steps that you can take to do your best to keep the hairball problem down to a minimum.

Prevention Tip #1
Regularly brush your cat. The more you groom the cat, the less hair it will swallow on its own. Brushing helps to get rid of the dead hair before the cats licks and grooms itself. You can also wipe your cat down with a moist towel to capture stray dead hairs.

Prevention Tip #2
At your local pet shop you should be able to find special hairball treats. These are edible treats that help to breakdown hairballs. Many of these also contain mineral oil. Some cat food has also been developed to aid hairball prone cats.

Prevention Tip #3
If hairballs are a constant problem you can use a special lubricant that is designed to help your cat pass hairballs. Products that contain petroleum are best. These are also available in several flavors so that your cat will readily consume them.

There is no cure for the hairball problem, but these are just a few preventative steps that should make your cat’s life a little easier.

Litter Box Tips for Cats and Kittens

2008-03-23T00:59:00.001-05:00

The Litter Box

One of the biggest drawbacks for some cat owners is the litter box. Not only do you have to clean it, but you also have to teach your kitten to use it.

It is usually fairly easy to teach your kitten to use a litter box. The most important thing is that you put it in the place you want it and leave it there. You also need to keep it clean so that they won’t decide to use the carpet instead. A litter box should also not be kept near food bowls or water, as cats like to keep these areas clean.

Once you find the right place for the litter box, you will need to teach the cat what the litter box is for. Begin by placing the cat in the box and raking your fingers through the litter. Your cat may quickly decide that they need to use it right away. If they hop out, play with them a few minutes and then place them back in the box. Repeat the process several times, but try not to overdo it.

After your cat eats, you will want to wait for about 10 to 15 minutes and then place them in the litter box. If they use it, then you will want to praise them. If your cat is taking a nap, watch the cat and place him in the litter box when he wakes up.

If your cat has an accident, you don’t want to scold them. They will only become frustrated or angry. Instead place the litter box in the area the cat tends to have accidents and encourage the cat to use it. Once they get in the habit, they should start to use it regularly. If the cat stops, try cleaning it. If it is not dirty, have the vet check him out for a bladder infection or other health problem.

There are several litter box designs that make it easier to keep the litter box clean. The hooded type is best for cats that want their privacy. It is also good for those who kick and make a lot of dust. There are also removable lines that help you in cleaning the litter box. Simply lift out the whole liner and discard it. Another popular litter box is the design that is self-cleaning. These are best for multiple family cats. The litter box automatically cleans itself after each use. You then empty the container the soiled litter is discarded in.

Hair and Nail Clipping for your Dog or Puppy

2008-03-21T17:26:00.006-05:00

Hair and Nail Clipping for your Dog or Puppy

With the onset of warmer weather in many parts of the country, it is time to think about our dogs, and how the heat can affect them. Living in South Texas we are already seeing some Hot days, but the evenings are still a little cool for a short clipping. I know some other areas are still seeing snow (Being originally from New England I can feel for you) and the cold weather tips might help you.

Many dog owners might think of clipping their pooch as only the mechanical activity of the actual clipping process. What they fail to understand is that clipping a dog is a Art. Clipping a coat or nail needs to be carried out in a careful manner to avoid the injuries to the skin or nail.

Clipping of the coat is to be taken care of as per the breed characteristics. If the coat is not properly clipped, this may lead to the dust accumulation in the coat and the animal may start showing signs of skin diseases. This is true especially when the grooming activities are not done in a proper manner.

Clipping of coat helps to get rid of the parasitic burden to a greater extent and also, the clipping of your dog is of more useful to expose on the type of parasitic problem that the dog is likely to suffer. Many pet health parlors are available wherein the clipping of dog will be carried out in a more systematic manner.

Always make use of a sharp clipper and in the winter regions, avoid the close clipping. This is due to the fact that the closer clipping in the winter seasons may expose the dog to the environmental stresses like the cold climate. Hence, the dog may become more vulnerable to the frostbite.

Avoid the close clipping of coat or nail because this may cause injury to the underlying tissues and may cause bleeding in the concerned animal.

Many pet owners need to avoid any clipping activity when the animal is not in good health.

Clipping instruments are available to a greater extent in many pet shops. Avoid the blunt instruments because they may not clip well and hence, repetition is required often.

Always use modern equipments for clipping activities.

Hot Weather and Your Cat

2008-03-20T23:26:00.001-05:00

Cat Safety in Warm Weather

If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your cat’s healthy so that he or she does not become overheated.

Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby—your cat cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your cat does not get too hot.

When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let your cat inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely.

In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet. If your pet will be going with you, make sure that cats are allowed wherever you will be.

When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that are not outdoors most of the time won’t know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a cat’s health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads.

If your cat does not use a litter box and instead goes outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.

Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you cat often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if possible. Preventing overheating is key.

As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry feline is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the summer days make your sweat.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) devices used to track pets cause of cancer?

2008-03-18T02:50:00.000-05:00

A recent Associated Press article in The Washington Post stunned cat and other pet owners who have animals with tracking implants. A series of highly accredited research studies, done over the last decade, have now been brought to light and show the same microchips or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) devices used to track pets are the cause of fast-growing, malignant cancers in 1% to 10% of lab animals tested. Now animal owners are faced with what to do.

Why Are the Microchips Causing Cancer?

As Dr. Katherine Albrecht, a consumer educator and privacy advocate who helped investigate and break this story, explains what the scientists believe is happening is similar to a common splinter. When you get a splinter in your finger, your body does everything it can to get rid of it. The site gets red, it swells up and attempts to dislodge the foreign object.

However, when a microchip is embedded deep in the fatty tissue of your pet, its body can't push the chip out like a splinter. Instead an inflammation forms around the microchip. Scientists believe these inflamed cells can turn malignant and then metastasize and move around in the body. What's worse is these tumors can be fast-growing and malignant.

What the Research Shows:

Between 1996-2006 eight published veterinary and toxicology journals reported that lab mice and rats injected with microchips sometimes had a tendency to develop subcutaneous "sarcomas" or malignant tumors surrounding the implants. Below are a brief summary of the some of the major conclusions.

* A 1998 study in Ridgefield, Connecticut of 177 mice reported cancer incidence to be slightly higher than 10 percent. Researchers described the results as "surprising."

* A 2006 study in France detected tumors in 4.1 percent of the 1,260 microchipped mice. This was one of six studies in which the scientists did not set out find microchip-induced cancer but noticed the results incidentally.

* In 1997 a study in Germany found cancers in 1 percent of 4,279 chipped mice. The tumors "are clearly due to the implanted microchips" the authors wrote.

What the Researchers Are Saying:

When Associated Press asked scientists to weigh in on the available research, specialists at some pre-eminent cancer institutions said the findings raised red flags.

--"There's no way in the world, having read this information, that I would have one of those chips implanted in my skin, or in one of my family members," said Dr. Robert Benezra, head of the Cancer Biology Genetics Program at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

--Dr. George Demetri, director of the Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, agreed. Even though the tumor incidences were "reasonably small," in his view, the research underscored "certainly real risks" in RFID implants. In humans, sarcomas, which strike connective tissues, can range from the highly curable to "tumors that are incredibly aggressive and can kill people in three to six months," he said.

--At the Jackson Laboratory in Maine, a leader in mouse genetics research and the initiation of cancer, Dr. Oded Foreman, a forensic pathologist, also reviewed the studies at the AP's request. At first he was skeptical, suggesting that chemicals administered in some of the studies could have caused the cancers and skewed the results. But he took a different view after seeing that control mice, which received no chemicals, also developed the cancers. "That might be a little hint that something real is happening here," he said.

--"The transponders were the cause of the tumors," said Keith Johnson, a retired toxicologic pathologist, explaining in a phone interview the findings of a 1996 study he led at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan.

What Can We Do?

1. Check your microchipped cat or other pet regularly for swelling or lumps, especially around the injection site. If owners or veterinarians find anything abnormal in that area or any other (as the chips may migrate), an x-ray or biopsy should be performed.

2. Dr. Albrecht also suggests pet owners help her volunteer to educate and contact animal advocacy and animal rights groups as well as veterinarian organizations by taking action at her AntiChips.com website. Many of these animal-loving groups endorsed microchipping pets without having access to the studies above. Dr. Albrecht hopes public pressure will also force Verichip Corporation, the manufacturer of the chip, to take responsibility or face a class action lawsuit.

3. Report any incidences of pets who have died of cancer or animals who have been cured of cancer to Dr. Albrecht at AntiChips.com, especially if is known or suspected that the tumor is or was linked to a microchip. This will help further document proof of the cancer and stop microchipping.

About the Author:Marika Ray, researcher and writer at Natural Cat Lovers (http://www.naturalcatlovers.com/index-html), makes it easy to learn nature's simple healing secrets from top veterinarians and cat experts. Get a free subscription to tips about natural cat health care. Okay to post, just use name and website.

Fleas and Your Cat or Kitten

2008-03-18T02:28:00.000-05:00

Fleas and Your Cat or Kitten

If your cat is allowed outside, chances are it’s going to bring fleas into your home. Most indoor cats will not have this problem.

Your first course of action should be to treat your yard. Bring in all pets and spray the yard with an insecticide to kill fleas, flea larvae and ticks. Next, you will need to treat your carpet and your furniture. Fleas will burrow into carpet as well as your seat cushions, slipcovers and bedding.

Begin by vacuuming your carpet and your furniture. Be sure to get all cracks, crevices and corners of the room. You will also want to use a powder, spray or fogger in your home as well. Powders are used on carpet and you simply shake and vacuum them back up. They can penetrate down into the matting to kill the fleas.

Sprays are short-term flea control. They kill adult fleas, but not the eggs. Foggers can be difficult to use because you have to leave your home for several hours and keep your pets out as well. You also have to be sure that they don’t get on food or appliances used to cook and prepare food.

After your home flea free, you will want to prevent any further infestations. Preventing is a lot easier than getting rid of fleas and you can begin by using these products:

Flea Baths & Dips: Flea baths use a medicated shampoo that is used to treat fleas. These are good for short-term, but they wear off quickly. Flea dips are more effective and last for several weeks. Flea dips should be a last resort as they often contain heavy chemicals.

Flea Powder and Spray Treatments: Flea powders and sprays are also a short-term defense. These treatments only affect adult fleas.

Flea Collars: Flea collars are also popular. These exude a gas that fleas do not like and is absorbed into the skin of the animal. They tend to only work in the vicinity of the neck.

Flea Medications: These are a pill that keeps eggs from hatching and reproducing on the cat. These do not kill adult fleas, but stop the reproduction process.

Absorbable Medications: This is a spot medication that is applied between the shoulder blades of the cat. They spread across their skin and kills fleas for about a month. They also halt the reproduction process.

Flea Combs: This is a good method to use on kittens and you don’t want to give her any unnecessary treatments. This is a fine comb that you use to pull the fleas off of the hair and then you have to kill the fleas by dousing them in soapy water.

Deworming Your Cat

2008-03-18T02:18:00.000-05:00

Deworming Your Cat

Just about all kittens are born with some type of worm infection. These worms are often transmitted through the mother’s milk while the kittens are still in the womb. It takes a lot to keep all cats worm free, so you will definitely need to work with your cat to keep worms down.

There are several clues that your cat might have worms:

If you find a stray cat, don’t assume that the cat is healthy. Automatically take it to the vet to be dewormed as well as have its health checked overall. Also, if your cat prowls outside and is prone to hunting, they are more susceptible to worms.

Even if your cat is predominantly an indoor cat, they will still be able to develop worms. If your cat has a heaving or retching problem that does not end in a hairball, there is a good chance that the cat has worms.

They may also vomit up worms or they may also be present in feces.
Not all veterinarian tests will show that cats have worms. Even feces tests do not always indicate worms as they worms can lie dormant in the system.

If your cats appetite changes, or if the cat develops diarrhea, you should have the cat dewormed. Some cats will also have dull fur or a potbelly. These are typically signs of worms.

There are a variety of different worms and they affect the body in different way. There are several over the counter worm medications that you can give to your cat in its food or as a pill.

Worm your cat on an "as needed" basis or whenever you see your cat getting in a wormy situation.

30 Tips To Keep Cats Out Of Your Garden

2008-03-16T19:18:00.000-05:00

Cats coming to the garden to do their business can be a Nasty and Smelly problem to have to deal with. Here are 30 tips you might find of some use, and not just for keeping the cats out of the garden. I'm sure you can think of some more, but as a slave to two cats we wanted to keep them Humane.

30 Tips To Keep Cats Out Of Your Garden

Are you bothered by cats coming into your garden and doing their business, scaring your birds away, or getting up to other mischief?

Here is a list of 30 deterrents you could try:

1. If a Tom starts to mark his new territory you could mark over it yourself although it may surprise the neighbours!

2. You can buy repellent pellets from garden centers that smell like citrus fruits, which apparently cats don't like.

3. Or you could use the real thing lemon or citrus peels work for a bit but you have to keep replacing them every three or four days. Not good for a big space unless you really really like lemonade.

4. You could try planting Coleus Canina which emits a foul odour when a cat rubs itself against it, but I'd imagine you'd have to cover quite a large area (depending on the size of your garden) for it to be effective.

5. Lion dung is said to keep them out but it may smell even worse than cats poo, but it's good for the roses. (And just where do you pick up a LOAD of Lion Dung?)

6. Small sticks pushed into the ground so that approximately six to 12 inches are sticking out of the ground like spikes. They must be close enough together to prevent cats snuggling their bottoms down between them to poo.

7. Get a dog. (It would be best if it wasn't to cat crazy for the best effect)

8. Some say Jeyes disinfectant fluid around the edges of the garden works but the fluid is actually quite poisonous to cats and will kill them in fairly small amounts. (OK, not very Humane)

9. Spray water at them, not from a hose, from one of those spray bottles from a garden center or use or a super-soaking water gun for cats further away.

10. I have heard that they don't like garlic.

11. A friend suggested moth balls worked for her.

12. Sprinkle black pepper & chilli around the garden, harmless to animals but an effective deterrent apparently.

13. Getting a cat yourself often works. Its very unusual for a cat to poop in its own garden, and other cats won't really come near another cats area, unless it likes them, and then it wont poop 'cos it respects the area! (I'm not so sure about the respect thing)

14. Catch the cat and rub its nose in it (not so it smudges all over the cat, just near it) then put the cat in next doors garden, or wherever you wish it to poop from now on.

15. You can buy some pet repellent spray from the DIY stores. It is harmless to animals and children.

16. Solid toilet blocks (used in public loos usually) crumbled around.

17. Scatter citrus peel (oranges & lemons) around the garden.

18. Place pine cones around near garden borders.

19. Plant geraniums, marigolds and petunias, cats apparently dislike those plants.

20. Grow spiky plants near areas you want to keep cats away from.

21. Ask local cat owners to provide an inside litter tray for their cats to discourage outside toileting.

22. Or if the cat owner doesn't want/can't have inside trays...Ask them to dig a pit in their garden, several feet deep and 2 foot square and fill with peat. Then all that is needed is for this outside toilet to be dug over frequently.

23. If you have bare soil cover it with gravel or slate chippings etc, it will discourage digging.

24. Keep your lawn short. If you let your lawn get to 3" ish high, they will poo in it and not bury it.

25. Place a small length of hosepipe in amongst your plants, cats and birds don't like snakes!

26. Invest in a bag of coffee (grounds), and spread around the garden.

27. Plant some lavender. It works for some and smells divine and for some reason the cats hate it.

28. Olbas oil (the one you put on pillows for blocked noses) works pretty well.

29. Water 'Scarecrow' that squirts water at things it detects moving, including you!

30. If all the foregoing makes you despair then go the high-tech route and buy yourself an ultrasonic cat repeller.

They have a motion detector built-in, can be mains powered and emit a high decibel tone that only cats can here. Problem solved.I use one at my house and found it excellent. Didn't hear any noises from it and it didn't bother the dogs next door either. I'd recommend the mains powered one rather than using batteries, they never seem to last for very long, but battery power does give more flexibility.

It has a PIR which means that it is only emitting 'noise' while the cat is in range so the cat cannot 'learn' to tolerate it. This also saves batteries (if you use them). There is an alternative of purchasing a mains connector if the battery option doesn't work out well.

They only activate when a large enough object passes by, humans included , and only go for a short time so small mammals are OK. There has been no reduction in bat activity where we live and no signs of them being mis-directed either.

The cat repeller is fantastic. Not a single cat in the garden at the moment, and when they appear they skulk along the wall and don't stay. I really recommend this investment.

About the Author:

Are you bothered by cats coming into your garden and doing their business, or scaring your birds away? First read these 30 tips, the last one really works - go to http://petthings.googlepages.com/cats

Your Cat and Moving

2008-03-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

Your Cat and Moving

Moving can be a difficult situation with which to deal for all member of your family, including your cats. If you will be moving in the near future there are a number of things that you should consider in order to make sure that your cat’s health is not compromised. Don’t forget to think about your furry friends when moving!

First, when you are packing for the move, it might be a good idea to confine your cat to a single room or to have a friend of family member watch your cat for the day. Movers are often caring very heavy items, like sofas and refrigerators, so they shouldn’t have to watch where they step.

Your curious kitty could also climb into the moving van or boxes and get packed away! If your cat is fully an indoor cat, the open doors while you are loading your belongings are also a worry, since it is easy for a pet to bolt out the door.

About a month before you move, have your cat wear his or her collar full-time, even if you do not normally put the collar on your cat. All of his or her information should be updated and the tags should reflect your new address.

When cats are confused, they often run, and a lost cat in a new neighborhood may not be able to find his or her way home very easily. If your cat needs certain medication, this can be very dangerous. By having his or her wear a collar at all times, at least until he or she gets used to the new location, you can make sure that your cat is returned home if lost.

During the move itself, don’t forget to make special accommodations for your cat. A cat carrier that is well ventilated is a necessity, and if the trip will be more than a few hours long, you’ll also need to carry food, water, and litter box supplied for your cat.

Cats that are not used to riding in cars may get sick, so talk to your vet about ways to prevent this. You can also cover the carrier with blankets to provide a bit of extra security for a stressed-out kitty when you’re in heavy, loud traffic or construction areas.

Remember, that you’ll need to find a new vet in your new neighborhood. This should be a top priority for you if you’re moving, and you should talk to your current vet about having your cat’s medical records transferred to a new location.

If your cat is acting strangely at all, do not hesitate to call your vet to more tips about moving with your cat.

We Have Adopted 4 Young Girls

2008-03-15T21:32:00.002-05:00

I told my wife we could pass them off as our own because they look a lot like her side of the family...LOL

Really it is just 4 cows roaming about 40 acres on the ranch, well until they find boyfriends, then we hope to have a few more around.

At least they should be harder to lose than that crazy rabbit we had disappear on us.

Pet News Now Updates

2008-03-15T20:57:00.000-05:00

Well it has been awhile since we last posted on here. Once we set Crash free (the baby cottontail rabbit we raised from the time he was days, maybe hours old) Wendy kind of lost interest in any of her "Pet" projects. Crash lived in our house, with free roam of where he wanted to go for 6 months. It was kind of the empty nest syndrome for awhile.

The other rabbit, the so called tame and domestic one who totally tore up the house when she was let out, decided to move on. She was outside playing with us right there with her, and then she wasn't.

Tommy, the monkey my in-laws had for 36 years passed on right at Christmas time in 2006. I still look for him in his house when I pass by it.

Well we have collected some great information for the cat and dog lovers, which we should be posting here in the near future.

2006-12-04T04:20:00.000-06:00

Create A Healthy Environment for Your Pet

EVERY pet depends upon it’s owner to keep it’s living / play areas clean and safe!

Start by keeping your pet free of parasites. This is often more challenging in an outdoor pet but you must be persistent ~ try various products to find one that gives good results, with an absolute minimum of side effects. Remember to also treat and clean your pets bed once a week to reduce infestations. If your pet or home seem to be heavily infested, consult your veterinarian for advice and alternatives.

Your pet’s excrement is a breeding ground for disease. Although cats will usually attract your attention in one way or another when the litter box is overdue for a cleaning, pets such as rabbits are less communicative, and will be depending on you to be observant and responsible. Even if the litter box looks clean, and is clear of clumped litter, it may still smell of urine. A through washing (and new litter for cats and rabbits), at least once per week, should meet your pets needs.

Observing your pet on a daily basis, knowing its habits and personality, will help you detect any changes. Noting any changes in your pet early can prevent future health concerns. Scheduling cuddle time with your pet, when you gently inspect its overall condition, is not only pleasurable for BOTH of you, it’s also your “Early Warning” system of anything amiss. Learn to look for any signs of illness such as fever, or a dull coat and/or eyes. If your pet is not showing any specific signs, but you know s/he is simply not behaving as usual, there is no harm in calling your veterinarian for advice.

Take the time to search out any hazards that could harm your pet ~ rabbits, especially, but also other pets, will chew electrical wires, so be sure to keep the two separated. Although you don’t want mice, mousetraps and poisons could also hurt your pet. It’s tempting to use air fresheners around your pet, to keep any odors to a minimum, but these can often be harmful to your pet.

Common sense, combined with LOTS of knowledgeable advice, will help you to spot any potentials for danger. Creating a healthy environment for you and your pet will enhance your relationship, keeping your pet comfortable and content.

Remember ~ a healthy pet is a happy pet!

News about Crash

2006-11-30T12:58:00.000-06:00

i've been posting to the PetsHub Rabbit forum, and discussing the release/non-release of Crash with them. This is my latest post there, and i think it is pretty self-explanatory:

*********

In answer to to your posts, BeetleBunny and prettybea:

My folks have a little 40 acre ranch, on which live: wild water fowl; tame water fowl; scads of wild birds; 2 dogs; 6 cats; a monkey; wild hogs; cattle; skunks; raccoons; rabbits; a mountain lion; deer; opossums; well, you get the idea. We live in an EXTREMELY rural setting ~ we are 2 miles, down a dirt county road, from the "main highway" of TX 119, and 4 miles down another dirt county road from the other "main highway" of TX 80. The nearest town with a WalMart is about 30 miles away. Our best grocery store is 25 miles away, although we can drive 17 miles to
the "bad" one. We live in the middle of nowhere ~ literally.

Anyway, about 5 weeks ago, my folk's dog came up with something in it's mouth ~ that
something was an approximately 3-day-old baby cottontail rabbit. The dog, who we THINK is part retiever, hadn't harmed a hair on the little bunny's body! My Mom recommended Pet milk, with a little drop of Karo in it, as a formula, and i began feeding it with an eyedropper.

i've got to tell you, we didn't hold out much hope of it surviving. i've rescued wild things before and i know that the mortality rate is high, especially if another animal has mauled the creature. After getting on line, i read about feeding it, and all the dire warnings, etc. (There was no choice about putting it back, once i found one of it's siblings that the other pets had gotten to.) He's now 5 weeks old, and seems to be doing great.

Okay, now about the 'cage' he'll live in ~

Like i said, we live on a ranch, so we could build a nice, large cage ~ we already have 6' x 12' x 6' dog run that a wire floor could easily be added to, along with adding a "loft" area that would make it 2 levels along one side. Until then, we have a small 2' x 4' x 2' cage that i have been putting him outside in, as well as a 4' x 4' x 4' cage. And, no, it's not being free, but it's the closest thing i can do.

This is ugly of me, but can you please explain to me how keeping him, in safety and some semblance of luxury (steady food, clean water, fresh veggies, a female "friend" ;) ) and having him "slip away" is somehow WORSE than some sort of horrendous, violent death?

And that's what it comes down to ~ i'd rather see him die from kindness.

*********

i've thought and thought about it, and that's what i finally decided to do ~ keep him in the manner to which he has become accustomed.

WWWAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!

2006-11-27T11:53:00.000-06:00

*sniffle* i've been over in the PetsHub forums ~ an EXCELLENT site, and the advice/information is top notch ~ asking and reading about what to do about Babby Bunny Boy. It would appear that i must turn him loose... Wild animals NEED to be wild and whenever we start monkeying around with the natural order of things, we really aren't doing ourselves or the object of our concern any favors. Sad, but true. We can help, but only to a certain extent; when the time comes, we have to be willing to let go. *sigh*

But you know me ~ i'll have my handy-dandy camera ready for big release! lol

Bummer...

2006-11-24T14:32:00.000-06:00

You know, i think we missed a perfect opportunity to litter train Baby Bunny Boy (who Kev now calls Crash because of his many mishaps of skidding into the sink, etc). i had been offering Rabbit Pellets (PetSmart has a house brand that is good AND reasonably priced ~ Nutriphase) to supplement Baby Bunny Boy's Pet milk formula, and to give him something to chew on. He did gnaw at them, but i don't think he realized that they were food. Anyway, he would sit in his little dish of them, and i would find a glurcky mess in it, meaning that he was probably sitting there, taking care of his business. i didn't snap to it in time, but i could have used some of that pelleted-cotton litter to potty train him, since rabbits only like to urinate in certain places, and usually only ONE certain place, whether it's in their cage or out and about. Cats are so easy to litter train ~ you put them in the box and show them they can dig, and they're trained! With rabbits, i think you have to let them decide exactly where they want to go, then it's up to us to keep those areas clean. Now, because a couple a days ago, i made some curried rice with an applesauce gravy and decided to use the little applesauce tubs as (pellet) food bowls, Baby Bunny Boy has been actually eating the pellets, so i'm afraid i've missed my chance. *sigh*

Hope everyone's dinner is settling ~> i'm off for another round!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

2006-11-23T03:54:00.000-06:00

To everyone AND their brother's out there, we'd like to wish all of y'all a wonderful (and FILLING!) Thanksgiving! See y'all after the leftovers settle! lol

Almost 1 Month Old ~ and still kicking!

2006-11-23T03:35:00.000-06:00

Baby Bunny Boy is going to be a month old on the 25th, and he's not such a baby anymore. He's grown so much! Check out the difference in the pics. That Pet milk is 'da bomb!' lol

We've been working on an outdoor cage for him ~ not such an easy task when you consider that we have to make sure that not only can nothing (Baby Bunny Boy) get OUT, but also that nothing (the 6 cats, 2 dogs, various assorted birds of prey) can get IN. Seems like our best bet is to dig up the yard where we want the cage to a certain depth (like 6 inches), lay the rabbit wire for the bottom of the cage, put the turf back on top of the wire, then tie the bottom to the above-ground part of the cage. *sigh* Sounds like a lot of work. Thankfully, it's all outside doings, and you know what that means, right? MEN'S WORK!!! rofl i suppose i'll have to supervise, but i can do that from an adirondack chair, in the shade, sipping a nice glass of Irish Cream!

Until next time ~

Baby Bunny Boy's 1st Foray into the World

2006-11-16T21:19:00.000-06:00

>

Baby Bunny Boy went outside!!! i put him in an old cage that doesn't have a bottom so that he could forage on the grass and he seemed to like it. i did pick a day that was guaranteed to be a little spooky to him, though ~ the winds were blowing like no tomorrow. i figured that he'd still be able to enjoy the outing, but he wouldn't be just SUPER anxious to get back out. (i know ~ i'm a mean mama. Oh, well.)

i pulled up a chair, then realized that i wanted the camera, too, and ran in to get it. When i came back out, i got frantic ~ he wasn't in the cage, anymore! i looked all around and almost fell over when he moved ~ in the cage! i was looking right AT him and couldn't see him! Here's a "Find Baby Bunny Boy" picture/game for y'all:

i promise you, he's in this picture, and in plain sight ~ unfortunately, you won't be able to see him move, so, well, um, good luck finding him! lol

Until next time ~

YIKES!!!

2006-11-13T23:49:00.000-06:00

He's so bright-eyed! (And a bushy tail, too ~ even if it IS just a little cotton ball of a tail! lol) He's discovered carrots, thanks to my Mom sending some baby carrots home with us, and he LOVES 'em!

You know, i've sat, watching him, and i don't think he blinks his eyes! That would be a very valuable trait out in the wild for a baby bunny rabbit, but it's sort of disconcerting to me.

Today, he either heard something (which i'm leaning toward) or saw something that has made him super hyper-active. When i was walking home with him, i heard some coyotes baying in the distance, and that may be what's gotten him all riled up. i let him out on the table, which is a disaster zone right now, and he had a grand old time hippity-hopping around through all the cool stuff, but when it came time to go to bed, he wasn't down with that, and is STILL rustling around in his cage. i wish our place was rabbit-proof, but with 2 cats and a dog, not to speak of a million live electrical wires that appear to have some sort of magical magnetic pull on rabbits, we don't dare just cut him loose here in the house. We're going to have to figure out an outside pen / cage for him, so that he can just be a bunny and do bunny things for certain periods of the day.

More later ~

OK, One Last Site

2006-11-11T23:46:00.000-06:00

I promise this is the last site for the time being, and we will get back to the rabbit updates shortly.

This next site we want to tell you about covers Micro Chipping our Pets. This newest site we have added goes into great detail on the subject of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) It covers the use for tracking and recovering our lost Pets, as well as how this technology is/could be used for tracking our movements, and habits.

This is a very controversial subject, especially when the technology is mentioned with us humans as the recipients. Be sure to check out www.kevincaldbeck.com/rfid/ for more information.

New Site for Dog Lovers

2006-11-11T23:33:00.000-06:00

OK, we told you about the NEW Cat site we have created, now we need to mention our Brand New site For Dog Lovers (It's OK if you Love them Both)

We at Pet News have a NEW site to tell you about for our dog loving friends. Finding Quality Information about our Pets can be a very hard task, that is why we have assembled a new site about Dog Health at www.kevincaldbeck.com/dog_health/ and a sister site concerning Cat Health at www.kevincaldbeck.com/cat_health/

We hope you will find all the information you are seeking at these sites, or at the outside resources provided within their pages. If you have any further questions be sure to contact us.

New Site for Cat Lovers

2006-11-11T23:13:00.000-06:00

We at Pet News have a NEW site to tell you about for our cat loving friends.

Finding Quality Information about our Pets can be a very hard task, that is why we have assembled a new site about Cat Health at www.kevincaldbeck.com/cat_health/ and a sister site concerning Dog Health at www.kevincaldbeck.com/dog_health/

We hope you will find all the information you are seeking at these sites, or at the outside resources provided within their pages.

Baby Rabbit Hauls

2006-11-11T22:55:00.000-06:00

Howdy Folks

Well it is time for another update in the trials and tribulations of the Baby Rabbit.

We are really starting to think the little guy just might make it. Well that will leave us with another dilemma, what to do with the baby rabbit. Should we try and keep him as a pet, or release him back to his "Normal environment"

Around here his "Normal environment" will consist of six or more "Country Cats" and another two (or more) "Country Dogs" all who think that rabbit for breakfast sounds great. Oh did I mention the Coyotes, snakes, Owls, Hawks, and ? That would also love a little rabbit for dinner.

What do you think?

Baby Bunny Boy

2006-11-10T23:29:00.000-06:00

He's growing by ~ dare i say it??? ~ leaps and bounds! lol Speaking of leaps, the baby bunny is learning to hop, so now we have to be extra careful of where we set him down. i've had him on the twin-sized bed / couch, and he's a riot! i guess what i find SO amazing about the baby bunny is that he actually WANTS to be around us. When we had the other rabbit, she was like some sort of alien life form that just wanted to be left alone, with one small exception ~ she would allow us to wait on her, hand and (lucky rabbit's) foot. Baby Bunny Boy seems to love being held and petted, and appears to be growing up to think he's a people, much like the cat (Hattie) that we got when she was only about 4 weeks old.

And speaking of the other rabbit and the cat, i've decided to use Frontline Plus on Baby Bunny Boy for flea and tick control. i've read that it also repels ear mites, but i usually doctor everyone's ears with ear mite medicine. The Frontline Plus worked on Rini, the huge Californian rabbit, with absolutely no bad side effects, but Baby Bunny Boy is a little cottontail rabbit, so i might have to use less ~ like 1/2 of the treatment. He really isn't old enough for ANY kind of parasite treatments, so this is something i'll be doing in the future, it's just that i treated the cats and the dog the other day, and it made me think about Baby Bunny Boy.

Oh! And here's another picture ~ sorry to drive you crazy, but it IS sort of like being new parents! lol

Here is yet Another Baby Rabbit Picture

2006-11-06T22:51:00.000-06:00

Baby Rabbit Rules

Well we really are starting to let ourselves grow attached to the Baby Rabbit. When Taffy first brought him home he was only a couple of days old, and frankly, I didn't think he would make it. Now we guesstimate that he is 2 weeks old, he is eating good, and he even gets lonely and wants to be around us (even if we are some pretty ugly looking parents for the baby rabbit).

Kevin

Protecting the Baby Rabbit from the REST of the zoo

2006-11-06T03:25:00.000-06:00

You know, we had a rabbit a couple of years ago ~ her name was Rini, and she was a huge Californian Rabbit, marked like a Siamese cat. She was still young enough to think that our 1/2 Siamese cat was 'family,' which Hattie (the cat) just freaked out about. Anyway, we did end up having a problem with protecting Rini from the other animals ~ TWO cats and a little rat terrier dog that went ballistic at the sight of her. i'm searching for places that rescue baby rabbits, to see how they house their adoptees ~ i need some better ideas than the one i keep dreading, which is that you can't have a baby rabbit AND have any other pets. In fact, that's why we had to give Rini up, but at the time, we were living in an apartment, not on 40 acres of ranch! i'll keep y'all posted.

OH! And Kevin? Very funny ~ NOT! lol

More Baby Rabbit Pictures

2006-11-05T19:40:00.000-06:00

As promised here is another Baby Rabbit Picture.

It is amazing how small he really is when you compare him to the normal sized hand that is also in the Baby Rabbit Picture.

Now that he has opened his eyes he is getting a little more curious to his surroundings. I bet it was a real shock to him when he finally found out what an Ugly Rabbit his mother was.

More Pictures to come.

Kevin

The Baby Rabbit opened it's eyes!!!

2006-11-04T19:46:00.000-06:00

Amazing! Went to bed last night, the baby rabbit's eyes were sort of glued shut; got up this morning and it can see us!!! And it still likes us!!! lol

So, if a baby rabbit opens it's eyes at approximately 10 days, and we've had it for 7 days, it was only 3 days old when Taffy found it's nest. It's really too bad we couldn't just put it back in the nest, but we know that the dogs had found that one, and the cats wouldn't be far behind, so we had to actually rescue the baby rabbit.

i keep calling it "The Baby," but it's becoming rather obvious that we need a name for it, since it does seem to respond to us talking to it. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Oh! And we think it's a boy because it's privates all seemed to be on the outside of the baby rabbit's body.

i've been to several sites, looking for a formula that we could feed a baby rabbit, and i've got to give my 76-year-old Mom credit for knowing exactly what to use: Pet milk with a drop of Karo syrup in it. Since i had nothing else, that's what we fed it, at first. Then, because of what i'd read, we got some of the Cat Milk Replacement stuff, but that sort of gave him the runs. So, back to the tried and true formula.

His ears are starting to stand up and he's looking more like a rabbit and less like a rat by the hour, it seems! lol

Stay tuned for more baby rabbit pictures and postings in this continuing saga.

Baby Rabbit Picture

2006-11-04T08:24:00.000-06:00

The Baby Rabbit Story Continues

Well as promised here is one of the many pictures we have of the newest addition to the family. I'm sure there will be more!

A Little Early Christmas Gift from Taffy

2006-11-01T21:08:00.000-06:00

Holy Mackerel! While slogging through a major storage facility overhaul (a bunch of the stuff we own is currently stored in a school bus), i looked up to see my folks Heinz 57 / Retriever / Hound dog with something moving in her mouth. (This is the same dog that chases down the cats, grabs them by the scruff of their necks and wags them around the yard. The smallest and the most timid cats have drawn the line at being bitch-drug around, and it's nothing to be out working in the yard, see the cat run past with the dog hot on it's heels, then, in a minute or two, see the REVERSE ~ the dog hauling heinie with the cat in hot pursuit!) Anyway, back to the story of the moment ~ So, i'm looking at the dog, and her mouth, thinking "What in the world? Is it a mouse? Naw, too big. A teenaged squirrel? Naw, no tail." The whatever-it-is squirms, and i rush out of the bus to find a teeny, tiny baby rabbit in Taffy's mouth, not a HAIR of the little darling out of place!

TO BE CONTINUED... WITH PICTURES!!!

(i hope!)

Dog Training 3 Tips to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on People

2006-10-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

This is one of our main gripes about folks who don't seem to want to be bothered with even basic dog training. Not only is it dangerous, but it is also just plain rude. We love our dogs, but we also realize our guests may not be dog lovers, and don't appreciate being jumped on, or licked, etc.

By: Marilyn Burnham
A sure sign of a well-behaved dog is when you enter someone's home and their pet does not jump on you in greeting. Not only is jumping on guests annoying, it can be dangerous. Large dogs can knock people down and are capable of seriously injuring small children or the elderly. Not to mention all the mud he gets on your clothes on rainy days!

Jumping on people is also a sure signal that your dog thinks he's the leader of the pack. Watch dogs together and you'll see them exhibiting the same behavior. Allowing your dog to jump on people undermines all your training.

These dogs have learned if they jump on people they get attention and often petted. Your job is to help them unlearn that with positive reinforcement. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Ignore your dog when you arrive and leave the house. Ditch the long goodbye and the long-lost dog owner greeting. Don't greet your pet for five minutes once you get home. This will help break the habit.

2. Do you want to dance? If a week or so of not greeting your dog doesn't break the behavior, try this on your medium or large dog. When he jumps on you, firmly grip his paws while he's still on his hind legs. Hold them without squeezing until he starts to squirm, then firmly command, "Off!" Some trainers recommend stepping on your pet's back paws at the same time, but this could cause injury to your pet's delicate feet. Holding his front paws, sometimes for several minutes, will do the trick and won't be painful.

3. Use the leash. If guests are coming over, keep your dog on a leash. When he jumps on the visitors, pop the leash to engage his training collar, command, "Off!" and lead him to the other side of the room. Praise him after you lead him away.

Marilyn Burnham
Author: 'Dog Owners Boot Camp'The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don't Want You To Know! For More Information On Dog Training
Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the decision to sell her business in the mid 90's. Get a copy of her book: Dog Owners Boot Camp The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don't Want You To Know!

Using a Crate for Puppy Training

2006-10-19T20:47:00.000-05:00

Sylvie Leochko

When most people see a puppy, their heart melts and they start yearning to get one. They see how cute the puppy is, how playful and how affectionate it is but what about the basic dog training that it requires?

What am I talking about? Well, for starters, your new puppy will need to learn a few things such as: becoming potty trained, to walk on a leash, to go to sleep at night without howling and certainly not to chew everything in site, including you.

Like a baby, a puppy has a lot to learn and limits are one these things. First of all, your puppy has no intention to displease you so when you see it has an accident on your carpet or on the floor; it is not its fault. Why? Simply because its bladder is so small and the muscles responsible for helping to control it or his bowels are not strong enough to do it yet. As it grows bigger and older, you will see the difference.

As for howling at night don?t forget that your puppy is missing the presence of its mother, it feels lonely and needs to cuddle up. As it will grow up, and that he starts feeling comfortable and at home, this behavior will come to an end.

And what about chewing? Well, he is basically teething. Also don?t forget that it is how it learned to play with its mother and siblings. Humans are more sensitive and so are their belongings so once again, basic dog training is required.

What can you do to train your dog in the best and most efficient way possible? Well, ask any veterinarian, dog breeders or experienced dog owners, using a crate is the solution.

Several people think that putting a dog in a cage is cruel and selfish but what they do not know is that later on, even the dog itself will enjoy it. It will become a safe and comfortable place where it can relax and sleep just like a doghouse.

Also, your puppy will not always be in its crate as it will be only at night and when you are gone to work or any other event where your dog will be left alone. At first your puppy may not like it, but believe me only time and patience will prove you the opposite.

Before purchasing a crate, you should consider a few things. For example, some crates are made of metal and are foldable and others are made of plastic and have a handle to carry it around if small enough.

The plastic one may be better for air travel or in some cases; car travel depending on its size but the fact that the view is limited due to the solid panels is one disadvantage as your puppy will feel lonelier. Also, if your puppy has an accident in it, the bad smells tend to seek in its surface due to a lack of aeration plus not having a removable tray, the cleaning is more difficult to do.

The metal crate tends to be bigger, especially if you have a bigger dog like a labrador retriever which makes it more difficult to find a space for it. They are solid, foldable which makes it easier when traveling and your puppy has a great view which helps against loneliness.

Also, a metal crate has a removable tray which makes cleaning a lot easier. Since it has great air circulation, the bad smells only follow the dirty newspapers in the garbage.

Another thing that you should not about crate training is that it helps the dog training of your puppy in several areas. For example, at night, it solves the problem of finding little accidents on your floor by stepping in them. Also since a dog does not want to sleep where he relieves itself, your puppy will try its best to control its bladder and bowel movements which will help to develop these muscles as well.

Don't buy a crate too large for your puppy but make it large enough to accommodate your puppy when it will be fully grown.

When you are preparing the crate, make it inviting and as comfortable as possible for your puppy. Cover the bottom with newspapers if desired, put a blanket or basket in the opposite end and your new puppy's home is ready.

To help you with the howling, as more than likely it will happen for a while, you can also take a clock that ticks loudly to remind him of its mother?s heartbeat and a hot water bag filled with hot water to allow him to cuddle against something that reminds it of the softness and warmth of its mother.

Another thing to do to help it feel less lonely, is to put either a radio, some music or the television set on so it can hear noise and voices in the background. Another thing that can help to prevent it from peeing in his crate is to control his water intake by removing its bowl at 8 p.m. or approximately 2 hours prior to your time going to bed. This advice was given to me by my dog's veterinarian.

And last but not least, chewing will be controlled by keeping your puppy out of trouble. This way you will prevent him from being harmed by chewing electrical wires or simply from your frustration of having to replace damaged goods.

My name is Sylvie Leochko. If you wish to learn more about dog training or labrador retrievers as they are great service pets as well as wonderful with children, I invite you to visit the following sites: http://dogtraining.findoutnow.org/ and http://labrador-retrievers.findoutnow.org/

Wireless Dog Containment Systems

2006-09-15T22:57:00.000-05:00

By: Eric Morris

There are various types of dog containment systems found for keeping your dog restricted to a certain area. Of the lot, the wireless dog containment system is the most flexible and easy to install. It consists of a transmitter working with a collar receiver. You can take the transmitter of the wireless containment system and use it anywhere you like. The only drawback here is that the area covered by it is usually smaller, and in a pre-defined shape.

To install the wireless dog containment system, you have to put the transmitter in the required room and turn it on. Then the receiver collar has to be put on the dog. If you want to restrict the dog to only one part of the home or garden, you should use a single transmitter, but if you plan to define two or more areas that are either conjoined or completely separate, you have to use double or multiple transmitter installations.

As these transmitters are installed separately, you can put the dog in one place or another, without actually having to re-set the transmitter each time. Maintenance of the wireless containment system includes periodic monitoring to ensure its proper working, and physical checking of the wires for signs of wear. Have back-up systems charged regularly and replace used batteries in the receiver on a regular basis.

The transmitter of the wireless dog containment system emits a radio signal from the room it is located in. This defines the boundary for the dog. There is a lightweight collar on the dog that listens to this signal, so that the dog knows that it is free to run and play in the yard with the signal.

However, if the dog reaches the boundary of the signal, the dog receives a warning beep; and if it still does not retreat from the boundary, a correction is given to him. With some training, the dog is bound to learn its boundaries.

Dog Containment Systems provides detailed information on Dog Containment Systems, Wireless Dog Containment Systems, Wire Dog Containment Systems, Indoor Pet Containment Systems and more. Dog Containment Systems is affiliated with Invisible Dog Fences.

Wire Dog Containment Systems

2006-09-14T12:44:00.000-05:00

By: Eric Morris

One type of dog containment system is the wire dog containment system. This system consists of a wire buried underground around the place to be contained. Flags are placed in strategic locations to give you and the dog a visual reference of the location of the perimeter.

This wire of the wire dog containment system is combined with an electronic containment collar on the dog, which has a receiver that detects when the dog is getting close to the wire. At this point, the receiver emits an audible warning sound. If the dog keeps going towards the wire, then the collar emits a mild electric shock that only gets the dog's attention, and is not harmful.

This shock can be compared to static electricity. The intensity of the stimulation increases as the dog keeps proceeding towards the boundaries of the containment, until the dog stops and goes back. This way, the dog quickly learns to stay within the boundaries of the wire.

The installation of the wire dog containment system involves laying the wire around the area to be contained, above the ground. Then you have to dig a thin, shallow trench in the ground, put the wire in, and pat the edges of the earth back over the wire.

As the wire has to be a closed loop, any obstacles encountered have to be run through or the wire made to run under existing cracks or drainage pipes to complete the loop. You can either install the wire dog containment system to include the entire area of your house and yard, or only the backyard, or have double-loop installations that cost a little more.

However, this double-loop installation gives you the advantage of flexibility in precisely defining an area. You could also combine an electrical fence with a physical one for extra protection.

Dog Containment Systems provides detailed information on Dog Containment Systems, Wireless Dog Containment Systems, Wire Dog Containment Systems, Indoor Pet Containment Systems and more. Dog Containment Systems is affiliated with Invisible Dog Fences.

What You Should Know About Boarding Your Dog

2006-09-10T02:19:00.000-05:00

By: Philip Nicosia

It is a well-known fact that many consider dogs as man's best friend. There are times, however, when even best friends must part ways, even if for a brief period of time only. Even if dog lovers abound all over the world, there are places and instances that simply do not allow pets. In situations like these, you just might have to leave your dog.

Boarding is becoming an increasingly common option for dog owners these days. More and more institutions are starting to offer boarding services to dog owners. Yet before deciding to leave your dog in a kennel, there are some things to take into consideration.

The first thing to bear in mind is start boarding your dog early. Just like their human counterparts, dogs do feel some sort of separation anxiety. Dogs that have had boarding experience before they are 5 years old tend to adjust better to kennel conditions as they may still have memories of litter socialization.

Choosing the right kennel to board your dog is not a joking matter. The first thing you should do is search your local yellow pages for available boarding institutions and then arrange for a personal visit to each one of them. Evaluate the kennels based on several factors.

The overall appearance of the kennel is important.
Take note of the cleanliness of the area. Daily cleaning is a must to ensure your dogs health while you are absent.
Make sure that even if the kennels have a no visitors policy (in the areas where the dogs are housed), you will be given the chance to at least view where your dog will stay.
Security is a very important consideration. You will want to rest assured that your dog will be taken care of and will not have the chance to escape. The tendency for pets is to look for their owners when they are not around. Thus you must make sure that the kennel has tight security regarding this matter.
Your dogs safety is of utmost importance. Inspect his boarding area and see to it that there are no potential harmful objects or substances.
It is also necessary for your dog to be alone in his temporary home. Stress might arise due to other pets housed in the kennels. Boarders should have solid dividers in between them. This is especially important for male dogs, which may be more aggressive than others.

Other important considerations regarding the living quarters are temperature, bedding, ventilation, and lighting. Try to choose a kennel with conditions as close to your dogs normal living conditions as much as possible. Ensure that your dog is fed the proper food and given the right amount of water. If your dog needs regular exercise, look into the facilities of the boarding institution as well.

Leaving your dog, even if only for a few days, is a serious matter. Choosing the right kennel for him or her may take a chunk out of your busy schedule but it is better to ensure his or her comfort rather than to subject him or her to undue stress.

Resources.eu.com is an online resource centre covering many topics including pet insurance and dogs.

Flea Facts And Information

2006-09-07T22:19:00.000-05:00

On the right side column you will find some highly recommended resources for the control of fleas on your cat or dog! It would appear these persistent little buggers are every where, and they not only affect cats and dogs, but us human owners also.

By: Robert Benjamin

Fleas have been around for millions of years, sucking the blood of animals and humans.

Fleas live on pets, mammals, in carpets, in sofas as well as other household and farm goods. In a typical room, 5 percent of the fleas will be found on pets, 10 percent flea cocoons in the carpets, 35 percent flea larvae and 50 percent flea eggs again in the carpets.

Female Fleas lay eggs that turn in to grub-like larvae. The larvae then develop in to pupae and settle inside a cocoon. They wait for a host to start their life and suck blood. When something warm moves pass by the pupae, they unzip the cocoon and jump on the animal or human body. All this happens in three seconds and the flea can jump as high as four feet.

It is important to get rid of fleas by simple methods as these insects can cause serious diseases, such as, Plague, Murine Typhus and Tungiasis are just some of the diseases caused by fleas.

Fleas that are lodged on rats, which carry the bacteria, Yersinia Pestis ? The bacteria that causes Bubonic plague. Plague is a killer disease and can spread widely. It is completely curable. Murine Typhus is an infection caused by Rickettsia, R. Typhi. Rat fleas called Xenopsilla Cheopis transmit this. Tungiasis is caused by the Chigger flea, Tungia penetrans, whereby serious damage can be done to the feet as the female species burrow into the feet and breeds there.

Their feeding under the skin causes severe infection and irritation. The fleas are removed by surgery.

Fleas also transmit Tularemia and tapeworms to humans as well as pets. Other than these diseases, fleas also can cause allergies to both humans and pets.

However, there is no need to worry, as there are many solutions to get rid of fleas. You can take up the responsibility of removing fleas yourself or if the problem is severe and you are not comfortable with dealing with chemicals that may be toxic, then pest control professionals are there to help you in wiping out fleas from your house and surroundings.

Remember that adult fleas, pupae, larvae and eggs ? Fleas at all stages should be killed to rid your house of them completely. Resistive pupae and larvae grow on to become adult fleas in a few weeks even though the adult fleas are killed. Fleas should be removed from all stages in their life cycle, to protect your family and pets.

There is a Flea website that has more info on flea facts, and everything about fleas, fleas in carpets - rugs, fleas in vehicles, fleas in furniture, fleas on pets, fleas in lawns and yards, natural flea remedies and much more flea information. The website is called: Stop The Fleas, and can be found at this URL: http://www.stopthefleas.com

Robert W. Benjamin, started learning about fleas when he rented an apartment that was infested with them, he now uses his knowledge of fleas to help others deal with them.
http://www.stopthefleas.com/

Watch out Dogs and Cats

2006-09-06T21:16:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone and your Cats and Dogs

After some serious problems getting connected to the internet, we are back. (For good I hope)

Time to get back to the business of bring you up to date information, which we hope you will find relevant to the care of your pet cat and/or dog.

We will continue to bring you original articles as well as articles by other authors, about cats and dogs, we feel will be of interest to you.

Till next time;
Meow and woof, woof

Kevin

Cat Care Can Lengthen Your Life

2006-06-18T23:16:00.000-05:00

By: Bruce Walls
This article covers just about all aspects I have always felt about Cat and Dog ownership, and the benefits they can bring us besides companionship. We have two indoor cats and they get the Royal Treatment, and are treated just like our children.

Research suggests that spending time providing cat care may actually increase both your life span, and your quality of life. Studies have shown that the relaxation and happiness that come from spending time with a domestic animal like a cat or a dog have numerous health benefits. Cat care that involves directly interacting with your pet may help you make your life longer, healthier and happier.

The research done on the correlation between spending time with a pet and having better than average health is conclusive. A study conducted at Brooklyn College in New York followed a number of heart disease sufferers after they were discharged from the hospital. The single social factor that was shown to be the strongest predictor of survival was pet ownership.

Other studies have proved that citizens who put time into dog care or cat care visited their general practitioners less frequently than non pet-owners, and were less likely to require prescription drugs. Because of the mental stimulation and positive emotions associated with spending time with a pet, treatment centers and retirement homes across the nation are encouraging people to bring pets to visit residents who are in recovery.

This suggests that even short term exposure to a cat or dog can have positive health benefits. If this is the case, just imagine what spending time with a cat every day can do for your body and your mind!

As an aside pets are also used in prisons where contact between pet and inmate has improved the behavior patterns and tendencies of the inmate involved. This is more proof that pets have such an influence on the well being of their handler or owner. Who can forget the 'Birdman of Alcatraz' and his care of birds.

Some experts theorize that the reason why engaging in hands on care of a cat can both increase your life span and improve your health has to do with the simple fact that cat care offers you stability.

Cat care is a daily activity that requires you to spend at least a little bit of time each day sharing love and affection with another living being. This gives your day a little bit of structure that can help you stay calm and focused no matter what life throws at you. Pet care is a regular, steady routine that can help you stay motivated and focused on making progress in all arenas of your life.

Daily care of your pet can help you feel positive and confident, two traits which research suggest can greatly improve your chances of beating a disease or making a speedy recovery from a medical procedure. Offering your pet loving care is a boon to your health because it makes you feel like a great person every single day. The love your cat shows you when you provide top shelf care can help you shake off negative feelings and emotions like sadness or anger. Cat care can help you manage stress and keep an upbeat attitude.

What all of this research adds up to is that pet care is good for your health. Making cat care a part of your routine can help you take a positive, enjoyable step towards a healthier lifestyle in the present and the future.

The better care that you can provide for your pet, the more affection and happiness your pet can offer you in return. Think of great cat care as a way to say thank you to your cat for the health benefits that it offers you.
Bruce Walls is a writer and webmaster at http://www.catcarefacts.com/.

Build Your Own Dog First Aid Kit

2006-06-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

By: Laura Anderson

Having spent time living in the country it is amazing the trouble dogs can get into. This list will give you a heads up on treating minor problems, or gaining valuable time getting to the vet.

One of the first things to do when you get a new puppy is to build a first aid kit. You can never be too safe or too prepared. Remember you are the first line of care after an accident or injury. It could be quite a while before your puppy is able to receive medical care for an injury or poisoning, make sure you are prepared to help him through the immediate danger and pain.

You can purchase ready made first aid kits just about anywhere. There is one available through our store if you would rather spend your time engaging in other worthwhile exercises like playing fetch!

However, it doesn?t take much to build a first aid kit. Here are some of the most important things to have on hand. You could make all the difference in a life threatening situation. Make sure you are prepared!

A plastic TOOL OR TACKLE BOX

saline solution (to wash cuts )

karo syrup or glucose(for hypoglycemia)

bandage scissors

sterile gauze pads

alcohol prep pads for instruments

cold pack (break and use)

heat pack (break and use)

vetwrap flexible non-adhesive bandage

provodine-iodine ointment

magnifying glass

gloves

opticlear eye wash

iodine prep (betadine) solution

emergency blanket (silver metallic)

2" brown gauze rolls

triple antibiotic ointment (polysporin)

tweezers or hemostat

first aid booklet

splint (paint stir sticks or shims work well)

2" elasticon tape bandaging

1" standard porus tape bandaging

Peroxide (to induce vomiting)

Benedryl (1/2 -1 mg per pound of body weight for allergic

Aloe Vera gel (burns)

pack of guaze 4X4s

Ascriptin or other enteric coated aspirin

Laura Anderson http://www.puppys-place.com

Caring For A Cat Or Kitten

2006-06-12T13:20:00.000-05:00

By: Paul Hegarty

Caring for a cat or kitten begins with a knowledge of basic first aid. This will be very useful especially in emergency situations. If you have a nearby vet clinic that offers first aid training you are doing both yourself and your cat a service by enrolling.

Knowing what to do in an emergency situation will keep you calm so that you can help your cat in an efficient and effective manner. You may be able to limit your cats injuries or help save its life.

Below is a list of first-aid items to help care for your cat when those emergencies may arise.:

Antiseptic lotion - for cleaning wounds

Antiseptic wound powder - to treat wounds and promote healing

Cotton balls - to clean wounds and bathe eyes

Cotton swabs -to clean wounds and apply ointments

Pair of scissors with blunt tips and curved blades - to cut dressings to size and for clipping fur around wounds

Antihistamine -to ease insect bites and stings

Blunt-tipped tweezers -to remove insect stingers and ticks

Thermometer -for checking temperature

Petroleum jelly -apply to thermometer before inserting

Nonstick dressings and bandages - for bandaging cuts and to keep dressings in place

Surgical gloves -use when treating wounds

Heavy-duty gloves -to protect yourself when restraining your cat

Towel -to restrain your cat

These first-aid items can be bought from a local drugstore, your vet or a pet store. Having a home first-aid kit will enable you to treat minor injuries and keeps you prepared for an emergency. Knowing your cats personality and habits will help you detect any changes in demeanor and behavior, which may be signs that he or she is feeling sick.

If your cats eating habits change this can also suggest that it is sick and a veterinarian checkup is recommended. Caring for your cat or kitten is easier when you are prepared.
Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about caring for a cat.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Educational DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month?s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Discount Pet Drug Supplies

2006-06-11T00:51:00.000-05:00

By: Kent Pinkerton

The modern urban lifestyle isn?t very suitable for our pets. Pollution, stress, depression, anxiety and unhealthy lifestyles are having a devastating effect on the lives of pets. Behavioral problems become a key issue in today's life, applicable to the owners as well as their pets.

In the same way, physical ailments like diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, cystitis, kidney and liver disease, skin disorders, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and other problems are becoming more and more common in pets. As most of the pets are much more sensitive than human beings, a recent report says that even melancholy is a big problem in pets (although this is mostly referred to dogs).

Drugs and medications become major concerns if you want your pet to live a happy and healthy life. Just like humans, pets need proper health care to stay happy, healthy, and active. One should have a thorough knowledge regarding the potentiality of pet diseases, and should know more about flea prevention, hot spots, or hairballs. Pet supplies? health-care resources make it easy to find answers to the most common pet health questions.

There are many reasons why one should depend on discount pet drug supplies for a bright healthy life for their pets:

Professionals in this field have solved thousands and thousands of pet health problems and have tried to bring down the prices of these medicines. Discount pet drug supplies allow you to buy more drugs for your beloved pet.

The drugs that these discount suppliers offer are natural remedies, thousands of years of folklore, and the wonders of modern scientific technology applied to solving pet health issues.

Discount Pet Supplies provides detailed information on Discount Pet Supplies, Wholesale Discount Pet Supplies, Discount Pet Drug Supplies, Discount Pet Food and more. Discount Pet Supplies is affiliated with Custom Dog Tags.

Birds Egg Laying Can Kill Your Pet

2006-06-07T12:19:00.000-05:00

By: Michael Russell

As I check out articles to post here for you I run across a lot of interesting ones that do not relate to dogs and cats, and I have decided to post them here. After all, it doesn't matter if our pet has fur, or scales, or feathers, or ?

Birds lay eggs; that's what they do. But did you know that this could be deadly for your pet?
My beloved bird is a cockatiel. She's a beautiful bird and a great companion. About twice a year she gets in a mood to respond to her God given natural activity of egg laying. The first time she ever did this it was really cute.

The problem was, the egg wasn't fertilized, so it wouldn't hatch. So after a while of the egg not hatching, she determined the trick was to lay another egg, only to get the same results. This led to more eggs until she had six or seven eggs she was watching over.

When I first got her I did some research on the Internet about cockatiels and bird care. So when this egg laying event was happening, I remembered reading something about it depleting them of calcium. I went back and read more about it. Sure enough, laying eggs depletes them of calcium and that is deadly to them.

I decided I had to take away her eggs. I didn't want to lose her over this. So, away they went. I made sure she watched me do it so she would know it's dangerous to lay eggs in her cage. They won't lay them if they are not comfortable with the nesting area.

That didn't stop her. She started again and I took them away again. After a few rounds of this, I decided to pull the bedding out of the cage, thinking it would make it less 'homey' for her and she would knock of the egg laying. It did stop for the season, but a season later she got the call to lay again and we resumed the battle.

As the days and weeks went by, she insisted she was going to lay the eggs and I insisted she wasn't. But, she was winning, in spite of my removing them. Then it happened...
One day I walked by her cage and there she was, in the bottom of her cage, still and silent and her limbs and head were twisted into a nearly grotesque position and I couldn't tell if she was even still alive. I was devastated; even to the point of not being able to react.

The evidence seemed clear that I would lose her. This was not a goldfish, but a friend. We talked and played every day. We ate and went to sleep at the same time. She sat on my shoulder and cheered me on as I worked at my computer. There would be no replacement bird; no more than you can replace your child.

I couldn't think right so I had to call on a friend. As we raced down the highway towards the veterinarian, I kept talking to my bird hoping to keep her awake and maybe get that little 'peep' to tell me she was going to be okay.

We rushed her into the emergency room and the vet rushed her behind those swinging doors. Had I seen the last of my bird?

They came out and asked me to step back into another room, where I waited to hear the news. I was waiting for the 'bird nurse' to come out and break it to me, when the door opened and I only saw her back. She walked backwards through the door and as she cleared the door she turned around to reveal the white cage I had brought my pet bird in.

Inside that cage was a vibrant, confused and curious cockatiel who saw me and let out a loud chirp as if to ask, "What's up?" My bird was going to make it and doing just fine!

She had gone into a seizure because of calcium deficiency from laying the eggs. They gave her a shot of calcium to revive her. They also gave her a shot that was supposed to keep her from laying eggs. They said it might need to be done every month.

Sure enough, several weeks went by and she was back in the egg laying business. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't keep taking her to the veterinarian every month for expensive shots, but I couldn't go through that again.

I sat looking at her cage one day thinking about how I could make it less desirable for her to lay eggs. Finally, the light bulb went off.

I jumped up, went to the pet store and bought her a cage big enough for a parrot (remember, she's only a cockatiel). The reason I wanted this was because of the big grates on the bottom of the cage. She can still walk around the bottom of the cage, but she cannot nest an egg there because it falls through the grate.

Oh, she tried. She tried one time. She laid that egg and stared at it for days as it lay underneath that grate and she couldn't get to it. That was the last egg she ever laid. She doesn't need the shot either. She's in fine health and we're enjoying each other more than ever.
Isn't that grate (uh, great)?

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Birds

Cat Care Can Be A Treat For You

2006-06-06T11:29:00.000-05:00

By: Bruce Walls
Although the phrase "cat care" may bring to mind thoughts of hard work or obligation, with the right attitude and a little information, cat care can become an enjoyable part of your day. If you do it right, caring for your cat can be something that you actually look forward to.

Helping your cat stay happy and healthy is only as much fun as you let it be, but by learning how to provide the optimum care for your beloved pet, you can make care routines a treat for both of you.

One important part of making cat care fun is taking enough time to enjoy it. If you whip through your care routine with one eye on the clock at all times, you won't be able to fully appreciate the experience of being with your pet. Try thinking of your pet's care as a chance to relax and escape the hassles of daily life.

Put on your favorite CD and relax as you complete care tasks like grooming your pet and playing with him or her to help you both bond and relax. The process of caring for a pet is an inherently satisfying and enjoyable one so long as you allow yourself to have fun while doing it instead of trying to rush through and minimize the time you take for cat care. After all, the time you spend with your cat is quality time indeed.

Another benefit of making cat care a pleasurable activity is education. Teaching yourself a bit more about pet care techniques can help you be certain that you are offering your cat the best possible care. The more you know about your pet's care, the better equipped you will be to keep your cat healthy and happy, and there are few things as satisfying as seeing your cat's health improve because of your love and attention.

If you want the care of your feline friend to be a reward for yourself as well as for your pet, it is important to make sure that you are doing a good job of it. The better you are at caring, the more fun you will have when caring for your cat.

There are few experiences more rewarding than reveling in the knowledge that you have done a job well, and cat care is no exception. When you improve your skills or brush up on your cat care basics, you are taking steps to transform your pet care from a run of the mill experience to something that you can be proud of.

When you provide your cat with the optimum care for his or her personality, age, and type of cat, you will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment in your abilities that is invaluable, and very enjoyable. When you improve your cat care skills, you can look forward to a happier cat, and to a happier you as well.

Bruce Walls is a writer and webmaster at http://www.catcarefacts.com.

Aquariums The Different Kinds

2006-06-06T01:23:00.000-05:00

By: Michael Russell

Besides the enjoyment the aquarium can bring to you, just imagine the grand old time your cat could have trying to figure out how to get to the fish.

There are many different types of aquariums. There is pretty much one for each level of enthusiast and not all aquariums are for fish. There are aquatic plant aquariums as well and they are very beautiful.

One of the simplest of aquariums is a fish bowl. A fish bowl can even be part of a table arrangement. When one chooses a fish bowl it should be a big one. At least a gallon. You'll also need a small net and two 1 gallon bottles of drinking water that is not distilled or de-ionized, as tap water isn't safe for your fish. Even if water is treated with water conditioners it still wouldn't be safe. You will also need some floating fish food. You will need to fill your fish bowl 2' form the top of the bowl. Then you will need to cover your bowl with a clean plastic cover. Sometimes a clean lid from a coffee can will do.

You don't want your fish to jump out or another pet jumping in! You will need to replace about 20% of the water twice weekly and you can make your own bottled water by using the following method. Fill a bottle with tap water and leave about 2" of empty space at the top of the bottle. Add about five drops of water conditioner and then replace the cap tightly. You will need to let the bottle of water sit for at least three days before you use it for your fish.

There are also cool water aquariums. These aquariums sit at room temperature and do not require a heater. You need an aquarium and a cover. You should get an aquarium stand as well. You will need a five inch fish net, water conditioner and some food to feed your fish. . Make sure you read all the instructions from your aquarium and water conditioner. Make sure your aquarium is running for at least three days before you add any fish. Only add one fish at a time and wait for at least three weeks between fish. There is a maximum of one 1 foot fish per gallon.

Don't overcrowd your fish.

A Warm Water Aquarium will require more skill to maintain than a cool water aquarium. You'll need an aquarium, an aquarium cover, an stand and a power filter with a BIO-Wheel. You'll also need a 5-inch fish net and a bottle of water conditioner as well as fish food, such as floating flake food and freeze dried blood worms.

One other type of aquarium is the betta fish vase. This has become increasingly popular. Often times buyers of a Betta Fish Vase have been told that the Betta can live by eating the lily roots, this is a mistake. The Betta will eat the roots, but only out of desperation and it will not be a healthy fish.

The Betta should be fed floating food that is labeled for Betta Fish and freeze dried blood worms, which are actually mosquito larvae. Betta Fish usually do much better in a large fish bowl than in a vase. So if you happen to receive one, your fish may be better off if moved to a bowl. Please think twice before offering one as a gift.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aquariums

Air Purifier for Pet Allergy

2006-06-05T01:31:00.000-05:00

By: Ed Sherbenou

Are you allergic to your pet?

Approximately two percent of the U.S. population, between 6 and 10 million people, is allergic to pet cats. One third of these insist on keeping kitty, despite prodding from medical professionals. Add dogs, birds, hamsters, and other pets, and you have a near majority of the population. Many people are allergic to a pet belonging to a loved one, which they may see only on occasional visits.

The good news is that no boa constrictor allergies have been reported.

Allergies to pets can take years to develop. Signs and symptoms, which can come and go with immune system depressing factors, may be mistaken for a series of "colds." Eventually a chronic condition develops which is diagnosed by provocative testing as an allergic reaction.
For many, this is a heartbreaking discovery, especially where the pet has been a lifelong companion.

Assuming the allergic person does give up the pet, cleaning can begin. After the pet is gone, it can take months or even years to remove pet allergen from a contaminated home. Yes, an air purifier will reduce airborne dander, allergen, and odor while pets are still present, but do not expect full allergy relief.

Pet allergen comes mainly from the animal's saliva, it is a protein transmitted by licking. Dogs show affection with direct licking and cats groom themselves with their tongues.
When her fur is "clean" and dry, with saliva proteins ready to fly off, kitty feels pretty and ready for petting. The very behavior that makes a particular animal a great pet, their ability to demonstrate affection in a manner humans can see, spreads the allergens.

Humans, after interaction with pets, carry the allergenic particles on their hands, clothing, and in their hair. Pet allergen can be scientifically measured. These tiny proteins are found in schools, hospitals, doctor's offices, and anywhere pet owners congregate.

Furniture and especially carpet form a reservoir for pet allergens. Foot traffic will stir them up far into the future. Animal dander (skin flakes), while only a carrier of the proteins, is very tiny and light, it floats in the air indefinitely.

Pet allergen protein particles are one tenth the size of mold spores or pollen, in the .1 micron range. This particle size is difficult to filter effectively. Particles carrying pet allergen collect on surfaces high in rooms, where cleaning is difficult. Any draft will start them floating again.
Air purifiers chosen to deal with a pet allergy situation will need to remove .1 micron sized protein fragments. Only a few premium air purifiers can do this consistently. A top of the line HEPA such as IQAir air purifier, or a HEPA equivalent air cleaner such as Blueair, would be better for pet allergen removal.

If you choose, as many will, to keep your pet, get a powerful air cleaner. It won't be cheap. Then try to restrict your pet from your bedroom. Close off your sleeping area and try to get it clean. The air purifier should be run on higher speeds days and at the highest speed you can sleep with at night, even if symptoms subside.

The author, Ed Sherbenou, has air purifier experience dating back to 1977. He offers fact, opinion, and the most detailed air purifier reviews on the web at http://www.air-purifier-power.com.

Birds Are People Too

2006-06-03T00:24:00.000-05:00

By: Lance Winslow

Time for a little change of pace. I think the readers who are actually cats will really enjoy this subject.

Many bird lovers find themselves closer to birds than many people, indeed birds are our friends and they seem to be intrigued by humans for the most part. Many people have birds as pets and find them to be quite content to be our companions.

One author; Dale Sheldrake has written several books, which discuss how birds and people can communicate at times via brain waves or something other than verbal communication. His verified studies and research even show the ability of birds to communicate over many miles of separation. Yet how can this be? People cannot do that?

Well actually it appears people can. For instance have you ever heard your phone ring and just knew who it was or had been thinking about someone and suddenly they call? How do they do that anyway? Well, it turns out this is perfectly normal and although it does not happen so often in long-lost tribes they describe this ability as common and they use it to communicate. Very interesting.

And did you know that sometimes wild birds over 60 miles away and totally out of range will fly to a dead animal carcass which has been left right after the very first birds of their same species find it and land and start eating? How do they know? How do people communicate like this? My only question is how much abilities do we share with our feathered friends? Consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

So you're having kittens!

2006-06-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

By: Jacqui Odell
So you're having kittens! Well, your mama cat, or "Queen", as a pregnant cat is referred to, is. Our cat recently had kittens, and after extensive research on the net for tips on what to expect, I found that experience is the best teacher. With that said, hopefully these tips of our cats' birth will help with your own experience.

The Basics:
As mentioned, a pregnant cat is called a Queen. The gestation period for a Queen is approximately 56-63 days. A queen typically will have anywhere from two to six kittens, sometimes more. Our cat had three. Several factors determine the litter size including age of the Queen, body size, how many male cats mated with her, and heredity.

Provided your Queen has a normal pregnancy, caring for her should be as normal. Ensure she always has access to fresh water and plenty of food. It's recommended that she be offered kitten food as that has a higher calorie count and extra nutrition her body will need. As well, continue to offer kitten food while she is nursing.

Allow her plenty of space to exercise, especially outside, if possible. Keep her moving and in shape for the birth and nursing period.

If she has a favorite area of the house, prepare it beforehand with towels, old clothes and similiar. Her birthing area is subject to change, though, the closer she comes to beginning labor. With our cat, she chose her spot mere minutes before her first kitten was born. I'd prepared a space in my closet, and in a big box, but she chose under my bed and would not have her kittens elsewhere. Keep her litter box nearby and her food and water, if possible. Mother cats who are attentive and interested in their kittens will not be away from them for very long.

Pre-Labor:
Within a few days before active labor begins, your Queen's behavior may change. She may do a total one-eighty. If she seemed aloof and independant, she may become especially loving, clingy and needy, wanting to be held and be near you. If she was the cuddly type beforehand, she may become distant and want to be alone. You'll know birth is but a few days away if she changes her behaviors. Her appetite may decrease. This is perfectly normal. Continue to offer food and fresh water.

Labor and Delivery:
The day of labor, you likely will see marked changes in your Queen's behavior. She may meow, or speak loudly and frequently, and may act a bit frantic. She'll also likely be searching for her nest. It's best to allow her to birth where she chooses, unless that area is not safe. Wherever she chooses, she'll likely keep the kittens there for several days to weeks, although, if she's like our cat, she may move them a few times.

Right before the birth of the first kitten, you'll see greenish liquid. This is normal, and she'll clean it up. When you see this, you'll know birth is but minutes or a few hours away. You'll know what she needs- if she wants to be left alone, or if she wants you near.

With our cat, I allowed her to give birth to the first kitten on my bed, with plenty of towels. She loved it when I gently stroked her belly. I talked to her and helped her if she needed it.

Prepare to be very excited if you've never witnessed a live birth before! Don't be away too long if you wish to see it, because once labor is in full force, the baby will come out fast! First you'll see a dark and wet ball. That is the kitten in the sac. Once the kitten is out, there's nothing you can do but watch. Mama will cut the sac open, eat it and lick the baby to stimulate it to breathe. Don't be alarmed when you don't see the baby breathing in the first few minutes. If more than 4-5 minutes pass and the baby is not responsive, immediately contact your vet.

The mother will sever the umbilical cord and deliver the placenta, which she will eat. It's rich in nutrients and there is nothing for you to do until she delivers her litter. Then, you can quietly clean up and let her be provided all is well.

After her litter is delivered, and you are certain kittens and mother are doing well, you can leave her be. The kittens will nurse on their own and mama will continue to make sure they remain alert and well. Stay nearby if possible for the first day or so, and keep her food and water close by.

Enjoy your new family and expect many changes in the coming weeks!

LifeWriter is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Cat Health

2006-06-01T07:55:00.000-05:00

By: Paul Hegarty

Paul offers some very good tips here on keeping your indoor cat healthy, and happy.

Keeping your cat healthy is the key to extending your cats life. Although cats are independent by nature they really do need a good caretaker. As an owner of a cat you take on the responsibility of caring for your cat and making sure its needs are met.

Your cat needs access to fresh water daily. The water bowl should be cleaned out regularly. Feed your cat good quality cat food. Ask your veterinarian whether the brand you feed meets your cats requirements for his lifestyle and age. Obesity in cats is common in indoor cats. If you have an indoor cat and he has free access to food all day, you may try a light variety to slim him down. If you have a senior indoor cat he may need more nutrients than the light food offers, so once again it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian.

Exercise is very important for your cat. An indoor cat will often eat out of pure boredom. Provide a selection of cat toys and cat furniture such as a cat tree, to entertain your cat. Even an outdoor cat can benefit from this. Taking time at the end of the day to play with your cat will help keep it active.

When we have been away from home and our cat has been indoors the entire day, we help him unwind his excess energy with a bouncing ball. As a kitten he learned to jump in the air and catch a bouncing ball and we keep him entertained for half an hour with his attempts. Our other cat prefers to play 'fetch', where we throw a toy mouse for her to run and find. She does not always bring it back, but as soon as I say "are you ready?" She jumps behind our bedroom door and gets prepared to stalk her prey.

Providing a good scratching post is a wise investment. It may well limit the damage to your furniture and it satisfies your cats need to scratch. Keeping your indoor cats nails trimmed is important to keep them in good condition and so that they do not get too long. If you notice your outdoor cat getting his claws stuck in carpet or fabric he may be in need of a trim too. Most outdoor cats are able to keep their claws worn to a reasonable length.

Grooming your cat regularly helps reduce shedding and prevents matted hair. Both long and short haired cats will benefit from a groom. A brush is often a better suited grooming tool than a comb as it does not pull the hair. Keep your cat free of fleas and ticks.

A healthy cat is a happy cat. Taking time to meet your cats needs will keep your cat comfortable and content. You are rewarded with a purring companion cuddled up in your lap.

Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about cat health.
Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month?s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Are You At Risk Of Misusing Dog Treats

2006-05-31T14:11:00.000-05:00

By: Joseph Then

I really liked the part about the doogie bad breath.

You might disagree, but hear me out on this.

Dog treats are not something that you give as bait for better behavior of your dog. Dog treats are not something that is cheap to come by.

When you think of dog treats you are probable thinking of doggie bones and snacks. There are a lot more different kinds of dog treats out there that you can choose from for your family pet. You are able to purchase many different items such as soft chew treats so that you dog is not going to be able to eat up their treat right away. When you are purchasing a dog treat that is a soft chew treat you know that you are not going to need to purchase a new different treat right away in most cases.

No matter if your dog is just a family protector for the long night or if they are part of the family, because you spoil them you are going to want to get your dog some kind of a treat every now and then. If you notice that the dog has bad breath then you may want to even check out the dog treats that will help them out with bad breath. That could be a good lifesaver if your dog is one that likes to make sure that you are up in the morning so that you do not end up running late. Just think if you are getting them one of the dog treats that will help with bad breath then you are not going to be knocked out in the morning when they are trying to get you moving.

No matter what kind of a dog treat you are looking for there is so many different ones out there that you can purchase for your dog. There are even ones that you are going to be able to make in the privacy of your own home so that you are going to be able to save a little money in the long run. Plus you may end up feeling better if you are making the dog treats for them instead of buying them all the time. At least when you make them you are going to know what all is in the dog treat that you made them.

In conclusion, never make a dog treat like bait. Use them wisely and you can reap the benefits of giving your dog the treats they deserve.

Depending on you, dog treats can have a positive or negative effect on your beloved dog. Know more about dog treats for FREE by visiting this website: http://www.1-dog-treats.info

All Dogs Go To Heaven And So Do The People That Love Them

2006-05-31T13:43:00.000-05:00

By: Marcus Engel

I ran across this touching article, and thought I would pass it on.

"Sacrifice is a part of life. It is supposed to be. It's not something to regret - it's something to aspire to."

This quote comes from a conversation between an old soldier and his former captain in Mitch Album's book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Now deceased, they meet in heaven which, strangely enough, looks identical to the foreign soil on which they fought together.

As the two souls talk, the soldier, who died some 60 years after the war, learns that his captain sacrificed his own life to save those of his men during a battle. The former soldier learns from the captain, as well as the four other individuals he meets in heaven, just how much his existence affected those around him.

Very few of us will ever experience the ultimate sacrifice of giving our lives for another person. Yet, this part of the book stuck out so much due to some recent events.

We all make sacrifices every day. Some are big, some aren't, but each decision means turning away from another possibility. Maybe it is something as small as giving up a fun activity with friends in order to fulfill an obligation to a job, or maybe its something much, much larger.

Perhaps you or someone you know has given up a portion of their life to help care for an aged relative in the twilight of life. Privacy and freedom are moved to the back burner in order to assist a loved one nearing the end. The trade-off comes in the knowledge that someone is benefiting from that sacrifice.

From its inception, The Marcus Engel Newsletter has been a forum where each month I share a positive experience from which everyone can learn. If there's a little humor thrown in or you have an "ah-ha!" moment, all the better! This month, for the first time, I'm not sure thats going to happen.

If we've been acquainted for less than two years, you probably never had the pleasure of meeting my first Seeing Eye dog, Dasher, other than as a character in my autobiography.
I want to share a little history on the black lab that helped change my life.

Dasher and I were paired together when I was 19, less than a year and a half after losing my sight. Still fumbling through darkness and insecurity, Dasher helped reclaim more of the life I had prior to blindness than any other single element of my recovery. Through our seven years together, Dasher was the introduction to nearly every friend I met and every social interaction I had. As I began speaking professionally, Dasher shared the platform and broke down the barriers between the audience and me - something that is easier for a dog than any human!

In August of 2002 Dasher retired his leather harness and was lovingly adopted into "the good life" by my friends, Tempe and David. Knowing full well their new family member was in his golden years, Tempe and David still took on Dasher with all the enthusiasm and affection one would shower onto a new puppy. Handing over Dasher's leash was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but my heart and mind were put at ease with the knowledge that Dasher was going to a family he loved and who loved him.

Six weeks ago, Tempe and David lost a member of their family when Dasher breathed his last breath. Those of you who've experienced the death of a pet know how traumatic that loss can be. The inevitable passing of a pet is always unique and tragic in its own way.

Dasher's adoptive family made a HUGE sacrifice when they welcomed him into their home. After all, how many people really want to take on an animal in its later years knowing their time with that pet is governed by the laws of life expectancy. Practically no one. This is why I am so humbled and grateful for the sacrifice made by Tempe and David.

Friends, I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to have Dasher's final years spent under loving care and watchful eyes. That, faithful reader, is one of the truest definitions of sacrifice.

As I read the story of the captain's voluntary loss of life for his men, and especially the lessons he taught his former soldier, I couldn't help but think of what my friends gave up by adopting an old dog, and what they lost when Dasher died. Yet, what the captain said next helped ease that pain: "Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not losing it, you're just passing it on to someone else."

I'm not sure truer words have ever been spoken. If you are one of the thousands whose life was touched by Dasher, thank you. Your acceptance and love gave him one of the best lives a dog could ever ask for. I'm sorry if this newsletter is a bit of an emotional downer, but I wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices of Tempe and David.

Plus, after giving the majority of his life to my needs, Dasher deserves a fitting epitaph. In my humble notions of heaven, all things are perfect and all things are possible - including the presence of animals. So, to Dasher Thanks buddy, for seven great years. You helped me more than you'll ever know.

The article did not come with a link, so if any one knows of a link to Marcus's site I will be glad to add it.

Toilet training a cat - the pros, cons & hints

2006-02-23T21:00:00.000-06:00

I have seen these types of articles before and they always intrigued me. I wish we had taught our two house cats how to use the toilet. Maybe we could get some comments from people who have taught their cats to use the toilet. Enjoy the following article.

Toilet training a cat - pros, cons & guide
Claudine du Plessis

Cat toilet training in easy steps:

Toilet training your cat is an easier task than you might think. Several techniques can be used for training your cat to use the toilet, and you can even buy products that will assist you in toilet training a cat.

The advantages of cat toilet training:
Teaching your cat to use the toilet can hold several advantages for any cat owner. The biggest advantage of having your cat use a toilet is that eliminates most of the disadvantages that using cat litter holds. Cat litter is expensive. After toilet training your cat, you won't ever need to buy cat litter again. Cat litter boxes needs to be cleaned regularly or they will become smelly. With cat toilet training, the water in the toilet masks most of the offending smell and all you need to do is flush regularly - much simpler and easier than cleaning a litter box. Going away for weekends or holidays also becomes easier for your neighbor - instead of asking someone to clean out the litter box, all they need to do is flush your toilet once in a while (when they come around to water your plants and feed your cat).

How to toilet train a cat (do it yourself):
Toilet training your cat depends entirely on the cat's personality. Toilet training sociable cats that love being praised make the training task much easier. You might want to adapt the toilet training technique described below to fit your cat's personality. Training your cat to use the toilet can take anything between 2 weeks up to 3 months, depending on the individual cat's personality.

Cat toilet training basically consists of a simple procedure: gradually moving your cat's litter box closer and closer to the toilet, finally placing a bowl with cat litter inside the toilet, and removing it altogether when your cat is comfortable and used to it. Toilet training a cat is a gradual, step-by-step process, consisting of making small changes to the location of the litter box and only continuing to the next step when your cat is entirely comfortable with its current situation. You might have to wait anything between 2 days or 3 weeks before moving on a next step in cat toilet training. You might even have to go back a step once or twice when it turns out that your cat wasn't ready to move on to the next toilet training step. Beware - cat toilet training takes a lot of patience!

Cat toilet training steps:

Start gradually moving your cat's litter box nearer to the toilet until finally it should be next to the toilet. Ensure that your cat is always comfortable and sure of its litter bog's location.
Now start elevating the cat's litter box. Put something non-slippery like newspapers or cardboard underneath the litter box. A normal rate to increase the height of the litter box would be about 5cm a day, but be very attentive to signs that your cat is not comfortable with the current height, and adjust the pace of raising the litter box accordingly. The cat litter box should be raised until it is at a level height with the toilet bowl. Throughout this process it is very important to keep the toilet lid open and the seat down, because your cat will get used to it and might even start climbing on the toilet seat in order to reach its litter box.
Move the litter box to rest on the open toilet seat. Keep it there until your cat seems comfortable with this arrangement.
Buy a metal bowl or tray that will fit snugly inside the toilet bowl. It would be advisable for the metal bowl to have small draining holes. Fill the bowl with cat litter (preferably the flushable type). Now remove your cat's litter box entirely. If you have reached this step successfully you are very close to having a toilet trained cat!
While your cat is using the metal bowl inside the toilet, be attentive to where its paws are. The goal is teaching him to squat with all four paws on the toilet seat rim. You can move the cat while it is using the toilet and praise it (or reward it) when it is sitting in the correct position. Normally the cat will first sit entirely inside the metal bowl, then with front paws on the toilet seat, and finally it should sit with all four paws on the toilet.
Start using less and less cat litter. This can get smelly, so be sure to clean the bowl after every time your cat uses it. Cats scratch in sand or cat litter to cover up the smell (this is out of instinct), so if the bowl becomes too smelly your cat won't be comfortable using it (and you probably wouldn't be comfortable with using your toilet either). Using flushable cat litter makes cleaning the bowl very easy - just throw out the contents in the toilet and flush down, rinse out the bowl, refill with correct amount of cat litter and replace. A handy tip is to place newspaper on the floor around the toilet to help keep the room clean should your cat scratch in the cat litter. Decrease the amount of cat litter in a pace that your cat feels comfortable with.
When you basically don't use any cat litter inside the bowl anymore, start gradually filling the bowl with water. The water will also help mask the smell so your cat will be more comfortable using the toilet. Be attentive to your cat's behavior through this whole process - if your cat stops using the bowl inside the toilet, you may be moving on too fast and might need to go back a couple of steps.
When the water level in the bowl has reached about 4cm and your cat has no problem using it, it is time to remove the bowl entirely. Your cat should now be toilet trained. Remember to always leave the toilet seat up and flush regularly!

Products to assist you in toilet training your cat:
There are several cat toilet training kits available on the market. They basically consist of a tray that fits inside the toilet, and with a hole in the middle that you can gradually make bigger. When choosing a cat toilet training kit, ensure that you buy quality. The cat training kit should not be flimsy and should be able to support your cat's weight even when the hole becomes large. Be aware of cheap, flimsy products you buy at toy stores or pet stores, because if your cat falls in, it might loose interest in toilet training completely.

The disadvantages in toilet training your cat:
Not everyone agrees that cat toilet training is such a great idea. They argue that it is unnatural for a cat to use a toilet, as it goes against their natural instincts to cover up their smell. Toilet seats can also be slippery and there might be the risk of your cat injuring itself. Even if your cat doesn't fall in at all, he may become anxious whenever he uses the toilet and going to the toilet can become an unpleasant task.

A litter box also has the health benefit in that it's easier to monitor your cat's urine for signs of infections or sickness.

Moving locations will also be harder for the cat, because a litter box can be moved easily but the cat will first need to get used to using the new toilet. With some cats this is no problem and they can become comfortable with the new toilet very fast, while other cats might be less adaptable.

Things to remember when toilet training a cat:
The most important thing to remember is that the toilet training should be done gradually. Be very patient and never rush to the next step until you are sure that you cat is completely comfortable with the current setup.
Make using the toilet as easy as you can for the cat. Always remember to keep the toilet seat up and the bathroom door open. When you have guests, ensure that they also know about considering your cat. Flush the toilet regularly as cats do not like using smelly toilets.
For more information about interesting facts about cats, cat urine problems and cat urine removers see http://www.cat-urine.net

About the Author:
Cat Toilet Training

On a closing note I would think that in most cases at least, the cat wouldn't forget what a litterbox is for after it was trained to use the toilet. Well what do I know anyway, let's hear from some of the experts out there.

Kevin Lee

Winter and Dogs and Cats

2006-02-20T21:24:00.000-06:00

We are well into the winter weather season and I hope everyone's pets (and the Humans too) are doing well.

This is just a quick reminder that the cold weather can take it's toll on cats and dogs. Please do make arrangements for your pet to be warm and comfortable. The best scenario would be to allow them into the home, but this isn't always possible for many reasons.

Some of the cats, and the dogs, as well as the monkey we have around here have to stay outside, but they are provided with shelter from the wind, as well as access to a heated area. Now this is South Texas and we don't get the 20 below temps, but it does get cold enough at times to be a danger to them.

This is also a time to make sure the cats and dogs have plenty of quality food available. Food will provide the calories to burn, which in turn provides some warmth. If your pets are like ours they are much more active in the cooler weather, which will also impact their food needs.

A supply of fresh water is also a must, and in the colder climates where freezing is likely please check into a heated water dish.

That is it for these basic reminders. We will be updating this blog more frequently with fresh ideas for the Health, Care, and Training of our pet Cats and Dogs. Please Bookmark us, and check back often.

Till then,
Kevin Lee

Why dogs bark and debarking

2006-02-17T01:00:00.000-06:00

A barking dog can cause a lot of problems for their owners, as well as the neigbors. Debarking your dog should only be considered as a last resort solution, just the same as declawing a cat. This short article by Keith is packed with information, and I thank him for allowing us to share it with you.
Kevin Lee

by Keith Londrie

Picture this, you're walking in the park, minding your own business when suddenly a dog comes up to you and starts barking. You start to panic because there is no reason for this dog to be barking at you.

Why is this dog barking?

Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don't bark, so through genetic engineering and the selective breeding process, dogs these days have the ability to retain juvenile characteristics. This is through the process known as neoteny.

Humans have chosen to retain the infantile traits of wolves like large heads, flat faces, large eyes and of course the ability to communicate, barking. Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).

Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master.

Dogs are extremely social animals. Wolves themselves always travel in packs are usually never alone. Bringing a dog into your family is basically like bringing a wolf into a pack. It becomes a part of the family. Try not to leave it alone otherwise it will feel as if it was abandoned by the pack. Dogs are like having a baby in the house. They need love, attention, and someone to be there to take care of them. Like people they need a companion to blossom. Meeting your dog's emotional need for companionship and play will allow the two of you to form a strong bond together.

Sometimes having a second dog in the house can minimize the barking and minimize the loneliness. Although this may be rewarding at some times, it can also be a pain. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. Sometimes having two dogs may cause havoc because they may teach each other to bark more.

From the example above, dogs who bark at people are trained in a specific way. Everything boils down to how the owner trains their dog. If you reward the dog for barking, then the dog will understand that it's a good thing to bark. If you don't reward the dog for barking, the dog will understand that it's a bad thing to bark. If you are training your dog to become a watchdog, sometimes their barking can be very selective and discriminating with certain people. Sometimes they may just bark at anything they see. It is important to train these dogs by developing their intelligence level and how they interpret various events.

Dogs who simply bark because of activity or excitement are relatively hard to eliminate. Most of the time these dogs are unaware of their barking and in turn becomes a process that is hard to eliminate. You must turn to a dog trainer who teaches the dog to debark.

Debarking can be somewhat inhumane because the dog is trained to let out a low, raspy bark which cannot be heard from more than a few feet away. If you consider the process of debarking your dog you must weigh the pros and cons. It can be beneficial in the sense that your dog will no longer be the irritating dog on the block who barks at anything he sees but may be a problem if the dog is in danger. As an owner you would want to know where the location of your dog was if it was in danger.

About the Author Keith Londrie II has written several articles about animals. He has put up an informative web site at http:///about-animals.info/ Please feel free to drop by the web site to learn more about animals. Keith E. Londrie II infoserve @ mchsi.com about-animals.info/

OK, we are back

2006-02-04T21:45:00.000-06:00

The picture to the left is "Misty". She is 16 years old and slowing down in her senior years.

Here we have "Belle". She is the matriarch of the cats.

To the left is "Fizzle". He was the first "Truck Cat" we had when driving OTR, but he started climbing the walls.

What a trip. We had a few problems after the move getting back online, but now they are all straightened out. We have a few more pictures of the gang to post, and believe it or not, there will be more coming later. It is almost like a zoo around here even with out counting the wild animals.

Moving Day is Coming

2005-10-06T02:44:00.000-05:00

Looks like the clan here at Pet News for Cats and Dogs is going to be moving. The blog will still be here, but we will be saying Goodbye to the City Life. Well at least temporarily until the Doctors can get their act together.

We had a whole bunch of new things we planned on doing on this site but we have decided to hold off on that until we get settled into the new digs.

At least there may be some interesting stories about moving 3 cats, and 1 dog 100 miles down the road, with only one pet cage between them. Last time we tried taking 2 of the cats with us on a short trip we had one that got sick within 3 miles of the house, and the other one never made it out of the parking lot. Sure wish I had gotten a picture of her hanging upside down from the headliner in the car...She definitely wasn't a happy kitty that day.

Kevin

Our Family Pictures

2005-09-30T01:01:00.000-05:00

Here we Have Munch aka Squeaker

This is "Little Dog"

This is Hattie

Deaf Cat..Things are a little different

2005-09-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

Looks like we may have lucked out with our white haired, blue eyed, kitty.
Five years old she is, and stil doesn't seem to be missing anything. I need to get some pictures of the little buggers posted on here. Well that will be another post.

Living with a Deaf Cat
by Summer Fey Foovay

A genetic anomaly causes blue-eyed white cats to be born deaf. I have not been able to find out what percentage of them are deaf - but it is fairly common. Odd-eyed whites are often deaf on the same side as they are blue eyed! This anomaly is present in all the several breeds in which blue-eyed white cats occur, from Persian to Oriental to the lovely Turkish Van.

You would not, of course, go out looking for a deaf cat to adopt, but you might find a lovely white kitten you want to take home, and discover that they are deaf. So - then what?

You wonder how great a handicap it is. How difficult it might make it for you, or the cat.

I usually jokingly reply to people, when they ask what it is like to have a deaf cat that she is just like all my other cats. I yell "no" and she ignores me, just like all the others do.

In general, deaf cats cope very well with their disability. Pearl, my deaf cat, has taught me that there are only a few things I must keep in mind for her comfort. One is that - she cannot hear me! So I cannot call her to me, "kitty kitty kitty", like you can most cats. However, we have developed our own little sign language. I catch her eye and hold out my hand and make a scratching motion, as if I were scratching her back. She may decide to come over and get her back scratched. That's just the Oriental in her!

But she also cannot hear a shouted warning, the hiss of another cat behind her, or you walking up to her when her eyes are closed. It is simply considerate to let her know you are coming - otherwise she will waken with hisses and slashing claws. Like all cats, she is sensitive to vibration. If she is asleep on the bed, I put my weight on the bed a foot or so away from her and that will generally wake her up without startling her by touching her when she is sound asleep. My husband has less of a problem, since he is heavier than I am - she usually seems to sense him walking across the floor when he gets near. If she is very soundly asleep I might touch her whiskers gently. She will shake her head a time or two then open her eyes to see what is tickling her.

As far as shouting a warning - or "no" - there are several things that will work. Pearl has had a bit of a hard life so I try not to startle her unless it is absolutely necessary. I, personally, don't like the squirt bottle with water method because it upsets Pearl. However, with a new kitten, you might try it and see how the kitten reacts. For Pearl, I have a number of "koosh" balls - these are very soft balls that have a bit of weight to them. If she is about to put her dainty foot where it doesn't belong I will toss a "kooshie" in her general area. I don't throw them AT her to hit her, just so that she can see it - it distracts her - and she has gotten the message over time that when that koosh goes by, I am probably getting up to come get her out of whatever mess she is in, so its better to just stop or run off. And besides, she likes to play with them - so often she quits just to go play with the kooshie.

As time goes on and you live with your deaf cat, the two of you will work out a language you both understand.

Of course, you would never want to allow your deaf cat outdoors - unless you teach them to walk on a leash (the Orientals will learn to do this) and can be right there with them every minute. The world is too dangerous a place for cats - and even more so if they cannot hear.

I know when I adopted Pearl (who was almost 2 years old) I was curious about a couple of things. One was whether she chatted or purred. Orientals are usually very vocal. She does meow, and certainly purrs, although she is considerably less vocal than other Orientals I have had. (She is just as opinionated though). The other thing I've noticed is how expressive cats ears are. Yes, she still swivels them back and forth and up and down, but not to catch noises, but to express her mood from moment to moment. We are used to reading a cats body language by their tail, but the ears, too, have quite a bit to say.

If she is alert and interested they are high and perky. If she is relaxed they are relaxed also and sometimes even swivel slightly to the side and down. If she is angry, of course, they are flat and pointed back. There are about a million subtle nuances between these three stages, and you will soon learn them, as you grow closer to your cat.

My advice, if you are considering a adopting a deaf cat, is to feel comfortable and go ahead. So long as you do intend for the cat to always be an indoor cat, I don't think any other special measures are called for. The little bit of extra consideration and effort called for will be easy to give that white bit of fluff as it captures your heart with those gorgeous blue eyes.

About the Author
Artist, writer and webdesigner, Summer Fey Foovay also has the honor of being owned by Pearl, a deaf, and psychic, cat. Pearl has her own website at Pearlie the Psychic K

Canine Flu Has Pet Owners Concerned

2005-09-29T23:15:00.000-05:00

Canine Flu Has Pet Owners Concerned.
We need to keep on track of things like this.
Our 3 cats, along with our newest member of the family "Little Dog" are just like children to us, and we wouldn't want to see any of them sick or hurt.

Stella Thurkill
Q13 FOX News

September 22, 2005, 2:51 PM PDT

SEATTLE -- A new, highly contagious flu bug is spreading through parts of the country. This one can make your dog really sick. Veterinarians say some pets have actually died from it.

Shirley Munro has heard the startling news about the canine flu, a new, sometimes deadly form of a flu better known for affecting horses.

Shirley Munro/DOG OWNER: "Little bit of an alarm, but I think you go on with the things you do and keep and eye out."

Because Shirley says, Murphy isn't the type of dog who can stay indoors.

Shirley Munro/DOG OWNER: "I guess there's more risk in public places, but big dogs need exercise so you have to come to an off leash area."

Vets who have first-hand experience with this new Canine Flu say it can be passed from dog to dog -- in kennels, in shelters and in dog parks.

Close quarters aren't the only places where dogs are getting sick.

Vets outside our state say the canine flu is killing greyhound racing dogs in seven other states.

Dr. Mark Donovan/NW VETERINARY HOSPITAL: "Until recently, most flus were restricted to other species."

No confirmed cases of the disease have popped up here yet.

But it looks like there are reasons for vets and dog owners to remain on alert.

Dr. Mark Donovan: "I have heard through some faxes and e-mails at some animal shelters and emergency clinics that they were concern that this was a new strain of kennel cough bacteria and this may turn out to be some early cases of canine influenza in Seattle."

With that in mind, even pet lovers who try to keep their dogs healthy aren't taking the news of the canine flu lightly.

Dr. Mark Donovan: "Talk to your veterinarian if you're concerned about any symptoms. They may be able to help differentiate any of the diseases that could be going around."

Veternarians say symptoms of the canine flu include a serious cough and gagging for several weeks, a runny nose and extreme fatigue.
Copyright Â© 2005, KCPQ

Cat Health and Tips

2005-09-29T22:53:00.000-05:00

Ok, time to give our feline friends some attention. Take a look at these tips and keep your kitty in purrrfect health.

Got A Cat As A Pet? Here's How To Keep Them Healthy...
by Michael Erder

Our pet cats are often as close to us as members of our family. In fact, they virtually are members of our family! That's why cat owners should know as much as they can about cat health. Here are the major things to know about caring for your pet cat in a loving way:

GROOMING: Long-haired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less frequently than once a week.

DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your cat eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as your cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for it's age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed cat.

OLDER CATS: Some diseases occur simply because your cat is getting older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and they may need special diets.

LITTER: The litter box can be dangerous to both cat health and human health if it isn't cleaned regularly. Change your pet's litter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.

SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching a particular area often try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.

DECLAWING: Declawing your cat can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.

STRESS: Your cat can easily get stressed out. Stressful situations like moving, travelling, natural disasters or even changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your pet, buy a tranquilizer for distance travelling and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.

POISON: Make sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze cannot be reached by your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure to raise your plants and lock your toxins.

PARASITES: Parasites such as ringworms, heart worms and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat's stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

MOUTH: Cats often have mouth diseases and this can influence cat health. Cats are just as prone to gingivitis as humans. For problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat's teeth with a small child's toothbrush.

INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether your pet goes outdoors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.

Taking care of your cat is critical to your cats health. Hopefully this article has provided you with information that will make your pet's life much safer, healthier, happier and longer.

About the Author
Michael Erder is the author of http://www.elitepetproducts.com a site completely dedicated to pets and pet products. Visit http://www.elitepetproducts.com and keep your pet happy and healthy!

Some Tips for Choosing a Puppy Breed

2005-09-29T21:02:00.000-05:00

Everyone wants to get this right, but do you know the important questions to consider? Please read the following tips, and make an informed decision, your family and future puppy will love you for it.

Choosing the right puppy breed
by Randy Myers

For all too many, the process of choosing a puppy or puppies is based purely on how cute the puppy is or how playful its personality seems at the pet store or kennel. Granted, playful and cute puppies can really tug at your heart strings and urge you to make an impulsive and expensive decision regarding this very important addition to your family, but without proper thought and research into the type of breed you are purchasing, your family and your cute, adorable puppy could be in for a long road of pain and frustration ahead.

Purebred puppy breeds have inherent characteristics that are particular to their breed, and these characteristics usually get more pronounced with age. While different breed characteristics will be appropriate for different families, matching the wrong breed with the wrong family can have devastating consequences.

It has been estimated that the number one reason why competent pet owners relinquish ownership of their puppy or puppies to one of the many county humane services to be found all across the country is because they have become frustrated with certain characteristics of the dog. No matter whether the problem is big, such as aggression to children or other pets, or small, such as a tendency to chew everything in sight, as the puppy grows and its cuteness wears off, the frustration experienced from having a poorly matched puppy will increase. And the consequences can be heart wrenching for the both the family and the dog.

But by simply taking a little time to research the breed you are considering purchasing, you can guarantee that your new puppy will be a well-loved addition to your family unit. While I'm not saying that you should discount a breed entirely based on one troublesome characteristic, I'm saying that you should be prepared and able to deal with any problems, behavioral or health related, that is associated with the breed.

In order to obtain accurate information when choosing the right breed of puppy for your family, stay away from sources that have an interest in selling the puppy. I learned this one the hard way. After my children and family fell in love with a puppy at a local, reputable pet store, I had many questions for the sales clerk about how easily the puppy could be house broken. A puppy making messes all over the house is just not something that I can deal with a few times let alone for months of house breaking.

I was assured by the clerk that the breed was very intelligent and able to be crate trained in a matter of three days. To make a long story short, $1,500 and 9 months later the puppy still requires constant supervision and cannot be a complete part of the family due to our inability to house break him. Research conducted after the purchase revealed that the breed was inherently stubborn and in some cases unable to be house broken despite all attempts.

So, instead of relying on biased sources, turn to the library and people who own that particular breed of puppy or have owned one in the past. If you know someone who has relinquished a purebred puppy of the breed that you are considering for a fraction of the cost that they paid for it or for free, you need to ask them some serious and pointed questions before deciding to invest in that particular breed of puppy. Here are the most important questions that you need answered before purchasing a puppy or puppies:

1. What is the temperament like? 2. What is the mature size and weight? 3. Are they good with children? 4. What are their indigenous health problems? 5. How long do they live? 6. How much do they shed? 7. How much do they eat? 8. How trainable are they? 9. Can they be easily house broken? 10. Do they require a lot of grooming? 11. How noisy are they? 12. How protective are they? 13. Do they require any special care or management? 14. Are they good with other dogs and animals?

Now all you need to do is match the answers of these questions with your family's needs. Choose wisely, and you will have chosen a best friend of a lifetime, a dog that will truly be a joy to have and a treasured member of the family.

About the Author
By Randy Myers
Find more puppy articles, tips and tricks at my website:
Wise Puppy
http://www.WisePuppy.com

Preventing Dehydration in your Dog

2005-09-29T20:47:00.000-05:00

This is a little late in the season for the US, but some areas (like here in Texas) are still seeing triple digit temperatures. It is still good to keep fresh water available at all times of the year, along with proper shelter depending on your climate.

What To Do When Your Dog Gets Dehydrated by Nicollette Dial

Your dog can die from dehydration. Please understand how serious this can get. It's not like when humans get dehydrated, can drink some water and cool off, and they will recover quickly. It is much harder for a dog to recover. Caused by sickness, heat exposure, or lack of water intake, the situation must be taken care of immediately. If the dehydration lasts for too long, your dog's organs can start failing and he will die. Unfortunately, it is much easier for a dog to become dehydrated than it is for humans. But, luckily, it is also very easy to prevent it from happening.

To be able to prevent dehydration, it is important to understand how and why it occurs in dogs. Dehydration occurs after an extreme loss of bodily fluids. The essential minerals called electrolytes are depleted from the body. Dogs do not have sweat glands to cool them off like humans do. To relieve themselves from heat, they pant to regulate their body temperature. But the process of panting results in a rapid loss of bodily fluids, which will result in dehydration if the electrolytes do not get replaced.

Dehydration will not occur if your dog always has access to a fresh supply of water. If you keep your dog indoors, make sure that there is always at least one large bowl of water. If you live in a large home, consider placing two or three bowls of water in other areas of the house. During hot and humid summer months, try to keep your dog indoors as much as possible. If you keep your dog outside during warm temperatures, ensure that he has access to not only a constant supply of water, but also shady areas in which to rest.

If you think that your dog is dehydrated, you can check for certain symptoms. The skin will become tight, the eyes will dry out, and the tongue and nose will be dry. If your dog is dehydrated, he will also have problems with the circulatory system. To rest for this, push your finger into its gums until the area under your finger turns white. If the color does not quickly return to normal, a delay is a sign of fluid loss.

Once you determine that your dog is probably dehydrated, you need to cool him off and start replenishing fluids. Then immediately take him to the vet. Start by wrapping him in a cool, wet towel. The prime areas you want to cool off are the head and the underbelly, which is the best place to access the internal organs. Do not give the dog too much water. A severely dehydrated dog will start vomiting after a large amount of water intake. This will cause more fluid loss and make the situation even worse. Even if your dog recovers from the dehydration and stops showing any symptoms, you need to take him to a vet as soon as possible to determine the exact cause of the dehydration. Even though most cases are caused by heat and fluid loss, it can also be a result of a larger illness, so the vet needs to do a full checkup to make sure he will stay in good health.

About the Author
Nicollette Dial is a freelance author who has worked in the pet care industry for several years. She contributes to several websites, including http://www.bedsfordoggies.com

Basic Dog Grooming Tips

2005-09-29T20:38:00.000-05:00

Moms were always telling us to take a bath, brush our teeth, clean behing our ears, and trim our nails. Looks like puppies hear the same thing from their Moms too.

Basic Dog Grooming Tips You Need To Know
by Rose Lenk

Brush your dog often .

Brushing will stimulate oils in your pets skin & keep it moist & healthy. Brushing will prevent matting of your dogs coat. Brushing is a great way to show your dog attention. Brushing eliminates dead hair in the coat that contributes to shedding.

Maintain the length of your dogs nails.

You can walk your dog often to wear down nails. Clip your dogs nails on a regular basis. If they are cut too short they can bleed & sting. Groomers usually charge a little less than veterinarians to cut nails. If you believe your dog will be aggressive about getting their nails cut it is best to take them to the veterinarian.

Bathe your dog regularly.

Buy dog shampoos & conditioners from pet stores. Do not use flea & tick shampoos unless your pet needs them, they can dry out your pets skin. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly, leaving soap on skin can cause problems. Bathing a dog with knots & mats will worsen them, be sure to eliminate these before or immediately after the bath. When drying your dog use low heat. Dogs are sensitive to burning, keep this in mind while adjusting water temperature. Bathing your dog will cut down on chances of infestations of fleas & ticks. Place cotton in your dogs ears before bathing. Often water in the ears can lead to ear infections. By washing away dead hair, regular bathing reduces shedding of your dogs coat.

Keep your dogs ears clean.

Do this with dog ear cleaner bought from any pet store. Put a small amount of ear cleaner on a cotton ball and swab outer surface of the inner ear. Keeping your dogs ears clean & dry will reduce chance of ear infections & ear mites. You can also buy ear wipes from any pet store to keep your dogs ears clean. Dog groomers & veterinarians can also clean your pets ears for you. Many longhaired dogs grow hair in their ears that needs to be pulled to prevent ear infections. This hair can be gently pulled out with hemostats. Most people leave this to their groomer or vet.

About the Author
By Rose Lenk
Find more dog and puppy articles, collars and information at her website
Dog Collar Direct
http://www.DogCollarDirectcom

Pet Turtle Health Reminder

2005-09-22T21:41:00.000-05:00

Although we are primarily a Dog and Cat site I wanted to add this because I have seen these turtles being sold. Many people have more than one pet, so we will also put Health and Safety items as they concern our Pets and Families.

Pet Turtles May Be Harmful to Your Health!

The FDA is alerting parents to the danger of human disease from small turtles, which are illegal as pets. Small turtles are a source of salmonellosis, an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella.

Symptoms of salmonellosis may include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and headache. Symptoms begin in six to 72 hours after a person is exposed to Salmonella, and they generally last for two to seven days. Salmonella, which occur naturally in turtles, usually do not make them sick.

Anyone can get salmonellosis, but the risk is highest in infants and young children, older people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The sale of turtles with a shell (carapace) length less than four inches has been banned in the United States since 1975 because of the public health impact of turtle-associated salmonellosis. The FDA enforces this regulation in cooperation with state and local health jurisdictions. Experts estimate that the regulation has prevented about 100,000 cases of salmonellosis a year; however, there has been an increase in the sale of turtles in recent years.

The FDA urges parents and others responsible for the care of children to be alert for any turtles in petting zoos, parks, child day care facilities, or other locations. People who come in contact with turtles or their housing should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Copyright Superintendent of Documents Sep/Oct 2005

Source: FDA Consumer

Disaster Relief Fund - 2005

2005-09-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

Disaster Relief Fund - 2005: "
Yes! I want to help animals affected by Hurricane Katrina and other disasters by supporting The Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) Disaster Relief Fund.
LAST UPDATED: Wednesday, September 14, 2005; 1:40 p.m.
The HSUS is leading a massive relief effort to rescue animals and assist their caregivers in the disaster areas. Our highly trained Disaster Animal Response Teams are working around the clock in New Orleans and Mississippi. We now have more than 300 people on the ground doing search-and-rescue and staffing temporary shelters, and have rescued thousands of animals from New Orleans and other areas - with many more still stranded and needing our help."

This will be my last (I think) post concerning the relief effort for the animals affected by Katrina.

Pet project aids the elderly

2005-09-14T10:53:00.000-05:00

Herald Sun: Pet project aids the elderly [13sep05]: "Pet project aids the elderly
Jordana Borensztajn
13sep05

LOOKING after dogs and cats has proven health benefits for pet owners of all ages.

But many elderly people face the heartbreak of losing their beloved companions because they are unable to care for them. "

Nice article about how to help the Elderly and their Pets

Kevin

New Email, Still looking for Your ideas

2005-09-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

Howdy Everyone

As I promised in an earlier post, I did setup a email address just for the blog. If everyone would please use this address from now on, it realy would make things a lot easier on this end. No need to re-submit what was already sent, I have it all saved.

And the New Address is: petnews4catsdogs@gmail.com

That should do it for this time around. We still would like to hear from you about the website.

Kevin

More Ideas for Helping Katrina's Lost Pets

2005-09-12T19:48:00.000-05:00

Main Page: "HURRICANE KATRINA INFORMATION

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA), the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA), the Louisiana Animal Control Association (LACA), the LSU AgCenter, and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) are managing animal evacuations and recovery plans for New Orleans pets and displaced animals. Click HERE for more information."

Need Your Input for the Cats and Dogs Website

2005-09-11T19:05:00.000-05:00

Howdy

Well things are settling down some around here, and it's time to get back to work on the Pet News for Cats and Dogs website.

The Official Launch is getting close! We still have time to implement a few more ideas from the public. Several suggestions have already been included, with more ideas set for inclusion a little later.

Whatever your idea we would love to hear it. Our goal is to have one of the best sites available on the internet, when it comes to finding information concerning Cats and Dogs. Together we can do this, after all it really is about helping our four legged friends who we call Master

A couple of people have asked about writing stories and articles to be included, Yes, this is exactly the type of things we are looking for. Now the stories/articles will have to be about Cats and/or Dogs, well at least Pet related.

Last thing for this post. Another idea from a reader was to include a section for Pet Jokes. This will be something else the visitors can be directly involved in. We need some jokes to get it started, they do need to be Clean and in Good Taste.

Till next time

Kevin

P.S. Those of you who have the email address please continue to use it. I will be posting the new address as soon as it is setup and working correctly.

Katrina and Pets

2005-09-08T20:28:00.000-05:00

Katrina and the devastation she left in her wake has dominated the News Broadcasts for some time. Fortunately, it seems they are starting to get a handle on a situation that is like nothing this country has seen before.

Our Prayers go out to everyone affected, from the victims, the rescue workers, the crews working to drain New Orleans, the military, volunteers in the shelters, etc...

There really are so many that we owe a big Thank You to for their response in the aftermath of this storm. Let's not forget that this isn't just about New Orleans, but the whole region.

As a result of Katrina, many families have lost everything, including their pets. In some cases they have had to give them up because of circumstances bryond their control. Still others may have had to leave their pets behind, and now have to live with not knowing.

What can we do beside the obvious of donating to organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.? Consider being a Foster Caregiver to a pet rescued from the storm area. If you are not in that area, you might consider sending a donation to a rescue center that is down there. Another idea might be adopting a pet from your local shelter, in honor of the pets from down south.

Below is a link to one such site that has been recommended to me. I will be listing more sites like this as I hear about them.

Till Next Time,
Kevin

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

2005-09-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them
Ian White

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Lets face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse wont last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not fragile characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide dinner. Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats arent easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldnt take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kittens disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying down will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Copyright 2005, Ian White

About the Author
Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties. http://www.cat-breeders.biz

Interior Decorating for Cat Owners Part 3:

2005-09-04T02:53:00.000-05:00

Interior Decorating for Cat Owners Part 3:

The Beauty of Cat Decor

For the most part cat décor is less about being beautiful and more about keeping your pet safe and comfortable. However there are so many manufacturers of cat products that you can fine almost any of the items mentioned above in several different colors. Try purchasing items such as litter boxes and scratching posts in matching or complimentary colors. If you match the hue to the rest of your setting you may be able to blend them seamlessly into the area

Alternatively, you may want to set aside a space just for the cat’s things, in order to separate them from the look of the rest of the room. While this won’t completely eliminate the intrusion of cat toys onto your setting, it can allow you to create interplay between the cat’s possessions and yours. If your home is predominated by a single color such as green or blue, purchasing matching black cat possessions can actually compliment this look. If your colors are more mottled, then patterned cat toys, or subdued sandy colored ones, may be a better way to create equality in the room’s hue.

The litter box is one of the most troublesome cat possessions to decorate around. It stinks, it’s dirty, and it’s generally surrounded by stray litter tramped out of the box by your oblivious cat. One way to deal with this item is to hide it, either in a bathroom, or somewhere out of the way such as a closet. If you don’t have anywhere to hide it, then you should consider getting a covered cat box. They are much more attractive then leaving the litter bare, and will also reduce the smell. Unfortunately these are rarely attractive, and become dirty easy. To create your own custom covering, get a giant cardboard box and place it over the litter. Cut a hole in the front where the door is. Cover the box in decorative paper, such as wrapping paper, and then coat this in plastic to protect it from moisture. This method should only be used in conjunction with an existing plastic cat cover; otherwise moisture will seep into the cardboard and turn it to mush.

Cats can make wonderful loving pets. They are fairly self sufficient, and don’t require much attention. However, they are still animals, and will be oblivious to the beauty of your home. In order to maintain the look of your setting, while maintaining the safety of your pet, you will have to plan the décor that you develop in your home. Every cat is different, so let your home evolve with the pet, until you reach a stasis in which safety and beauty are at their best.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Joey Lewitin is an artist, author, and designer that specializes in innovative decorating ideas. Click here to see more Interior decorating and home décor ideas from him and experts

Interior Decorating for Cat owners Part 2

2005-09-04T02:41:00.000-05:00

Interior Decorating for Cat owners Part 2:

Protecting your pet

If you own a cat, then designing the décor of your home will require taking several precautions in order to protect your pet from harm. Glass items should be avoided both because they are easy to shatter, and because fragments of glass can then become embedded in your cat’s skin. Other items to avoid are those that have sharp edges, spikes, or that have small pieces which can break off and be swallowed.

You should also consider whether any object you bring into your home would be unhealthy if eaten by the feline. These items may include plants, flowers, and scented candles. Cats are fairly self-sufficient, as well as intelligent, however they are also curious, and you do not want to give them any easy method for hurting themselves.

Cats are fascinated by string, as part of their inherent instinct to kill snakes. This fascination may carry over to electrical wires. If you catch your cat attacking or playing with electric cords you should stop them immediately. This is a very dangerous problem that can not only result in the cat electrocuting themselves, but also in causing a fire. If your pet persists in this problem, one way to protect your wires is to wrap them in duct tape. This will make them harder to break through and less appetizing for a cat to chew on. There are also many natural sprays which have specially formulated smells that will cause a cat to avoid an area in which it is sprayed.

Curtain cords hold much the same fascination that electrical wires do, and they can also be a danger from strangulation. If you have rope that dangles too far from your curtain, the cat may attack it, causing it to tangle. If the cat becomes caught in the tangle itself, it can be very dangerous. Long hanging cords should be tied up out of the cats reach, or cut so that they do not dangle where a feline can reach them.

The level of caution you should use is based upon your individual cat. Monitor your pet and your home, and change your setting as necessary. Always use caution when bringing a new object into an area, and be certain you don’t introduce anything which can be harmful to the cat. Mostly, just use common sense and try to remove any obvious hazards to where they can’t be reached.

Lewitin is an artist, author, and designer that specializes in innovative decorating ideas. Click here to see more Interior decorating and home décor ideas from him and experts

Interior Decorating with Cats In the House

2005-09-04T00:20:00.000-05:00

Interior Decorating For Cats
by Joey Lewitin
August 24, 2005------------------------------------------------------------------

Interior Decorating for Cat Owners – Part 1:

Protecting your possessions
The first thing a cat owner should know about home décor is to keep it simple. Cats are completely convinced that they are in charge, that the house and its possessions belong to them, and that they have every right to break rip or shred anything they like. Even a well trained cat (a possible oxymoron) will occasionally get overzealous, and with an inadvertent sweep of their tail will knock your favorite decoration from its place to a pile on the floor.
This disregard for your possessions, overt or otherwise, requires that you use some strategy when deciding on the placement of various decorative pieces. This is going to amount basically to common sense. Any surface that a cat can reach, they will walk on. Therefore low shelves or dressers should not contain any objects that are fragile. Items should be moved towards the middle of a surface, or back against the wall, to prevent them being knocked onto the floor. Items that have a broad or sturdy base should replace other more top heavy objects. Decorative accents that can shatter, such as ceramics or stone statues, may have to be replaced by steal or wood.
One way to display fragile items is to move them up. High shelves that are isolated from cat “stepping stones” will be out of dangers way. The same may be true of tall dressers, although unfortunately some cats will take a tall isolated dresser as a personal challenge, which they simply have to climb. Your décor will have to be matched to the personality of your cat.
Mirrors can also provide a problem, as some cats tend to attack their own reflection. If your cat has a problem with this, buying velvet or satin cloth and draping it over the mirror can be a decorative way to solve this.
Plants can be one of the biggest décor problems a cat owner will face. Your pet can chew on leaves, dig in the soil, or urinate in them. Luckily, there are ways both to decorate around these problems as well as to train your cat out of them. For biting and chewing of leaves, a natural spray repellent applied to the plant will cause most cats to avoid it. To stop a cat from rooting in or excreting in your plant you have to realize that the dirt in the pot is reminiscent of the cats litter box. In order to change this, use stones or gravel to fill over the top of the dirt. This will remove the cat’s fascination with the soil, and can be a lovely decorative accent to your plant
Cat grass is a special kind of plant you can grow in your home that is specifically formulated to be safe for felines, and to provide them with certain vitamins they may be lacking. Purchasing this can give your cat an acceptable alternative to messing with your plants. When you see your cat eating the cat grass, reward them lavishly. When you see them going near other plants, pick them up and place them in front of the cat grass. If they eat the offered vegetation, then reward them. In this way you can use positive reinforcement to turn one behavior into another
Cats will scratch anything which is made of cloth, including couches, drapes, and pillows. Because of this, you may want to start by spraying natural cat repellent on your more attractive pieces. A plastic couch cover may have to be used for a short time while the cat learns to behave itself. Buying your pet a scratching post and praising it for scratching that instead of your couch is a good way to positively reinforce the negative behavior out of the cat. You will have to carefully monitor their progress, and only remove protective coverings from your furniture when you are sure they are safe.
While cats are a hazard to most décor, planning ahead can minimize these problems. Cats are so difficult to train that it is often easier to simply decorate around them. Using common sense, and paying attention, should allow you to develop a setting that compliments your pet owning experience.

Lewitin is an artist, author, and designer that specializes in innovative decorating ideas. Click here to see more Interior decorating and home décor ideas from him and experts

Adopting A Dog

2005-08-26T01:41:00.000-05:00

Adopting A Dog: "Adopting A Dog
By Simon Harris
There are lots of ways that people choose a new family dog. Some may search the newspaper for advertisements from breeders who are selling new puppies; others find breeders via listings on the internet, while still more may simply purchase a puppy from a local pet store. Perhaps the best method, however, in terms of being helpful to society in general is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter.

Adopting a dog brings a new friend into your life. It also helps to reduce the number of unwanted and homeless dogs in your area. Unless the shelter is a 'no kill' facility (and these are sadly few and far between), it will also save a dog�s life. Animal lovers everywhere champion the adoption of dogs from shelters as opposed to any other method of bringing home a new pet for this reason alone, but there are other reasons to choose the adoption option.

Adopted pets have had their shots
Shelters often have information about a dog�s temperament
Adopting a pet frees space in the shelter for more dogs

When you adopt a dog you can be sure that the staff at the shelter has had the dog examined by a vet for diseases and parasites and that the dog has had its shots. This is not always true of dogs acquired by other means such as kids giving away 'free puppies' from a box in front of the local grocery store or PetsMart.

The dogs at a shelter are not just strays and often are turned in to the shelter by former owners for various reasons. When this happens, the shelter collects as much information about the dog as possible, including whether its good with children, how much it barks, how playful or obedient it is, whether its housebroken, and other important details. While it�s true that this information is only as good as the honesty of the former owner, mo"

2005-08-22T23:01:00.000-05:00

Did you know that there are key health benefits that can result from owning a pet? Having one can enhance your physical, mental and social wellbeing.

1. How can a pet help your physical health? Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more exercise. With your faithful friend at your side, you're much more likely to go for a walk. Walking is one of the best health activities you can do. While walking you're also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.

2. Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at Buffalo shows that pets can help lower blood pressure. Stockbrokers with high blood pressure were studied to see what happened when they adopted a pet dog or cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps control increases in blood pressure due to stress. In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology, Purdue University) found that the simple act of petting your dog slows your heart rate and causes your bloodpressure to drop. An added health advantage from pet ownership is that patients may live longer after heart attacks. Some doctors recommend that a heart attack survivor adopt a dog because research has shown that a faithful canine companion can help prolong an owner's life.

3. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health? Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A study conducted at Australia's University of New England found that people who own feline friends may experience fewer psychiatric disturbances than those without cats. Pets can help their owners overcome depression through their companionship and unconditional love. They seem to possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy life more. Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness. English poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends. According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues. When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine of getting out, buying food and providing exercise. This can help fight off depression and loneliness. The simple responsiblity of pet care can help you get your mind off yourself and your problems.

4. How can a pe

How Does Your Dog Rate For Intelligence?

2005-07-16T18:29:00.000-05:00

In my explorations, i found a site that lists dogs according to intelligence. i have a little bit of a problem with the rankings, however ~ dogs who are more independant, such as Chow Chows, are ranked very low, but i have found them to be perfect farm/ranch dogs, specifically because they aren't as 'needy' as some of the other breeds. Other dogs, mostly in the AKC's Working Classification, such as the Great White Pyrenees, i have found to be a complete disaster, even with PLENTY of room to roam and other animals to herd (cows, in my case).

Here's a link to the site so that you can see where your dog stands, and if you have any dispute with the findings, please leave me a comment!

www.petrix.com/dogint/intelligence.html

Least Expensive Pet Meds

2005-07-16T18:10:00.000-05:00

In an effort to save myself some money, i recently went on a search for Pet Medicine ~ specifically, Frontline Plus for fleas and ticks. The prices are usually pretty steep, but i did find it at PetShed.com, which is an Australian site, at a very reasonable price. PetShed also publishes the expiration date for the meds, so that you aren't buying anything that's out-of-date!

Price Comparison

PetMeds.com
for Cats
3 month supply = $37.99
6 month supply = $68.99

PetShed.com
for Cats
3 month supply = $25.95 (a savings of $12.04)
6 month supply = $43.95 (a savings of $25.05)

Since we have 2 cats, the savings really add up!

Wild Animals do they belong in our homes?

2005-07-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

Many people have contact with wild animals and, especially if the animals are young, are tempted to take them home as pets. Baby animals are often cute, cuddly and responsive to attention. The temptation to remove them from their natural environment can be very strong, but before you try to make a pet out of a wild animal, please consider the following:

Great article for anyone who would consider opening their home to a wild animal