Pets Area

Siberian Husky - Show Dog Standards

2008-05-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Siberian Husky is medium in size and a graceful working dog that has a wolfish appearance and despite a powerful persona is nevertheless calm and friendly as well as attentive and even sociable in temperament. Good Siberian Husky care requires allowing them to exercise a fair bit and about an hour a day should do fine. However, they are very adept at losing themselves and so need to be kept within high and sturdy fenced areas. Other than that, they need to be groomed regularly which will include bathing, brushing and also caring for their ears, eyes, teeth as well as feet and nails.

There are a number of aspects to proper Siberian Husky breeding including realizing the need to ensure that the breed continues to remain a good show dog which is essential if you want the Siberian Husky breed to continue having great physical as well as mental attributes. In addition, if the breeding is done properly, it will ensure that the Siberian Husky continues to remain a breed that is able to both perform its required working dog tasks while at the same time being a good pet and be the fun animal which you know it to be.

When it concerns the best Siberian Husky breeding practices, as a breeder you must be aware of all possible hereditary problems that can affect the breed. Even after having provided it with the best Siberian Husky care, and once you become aware of potential problems, you need to then strategize so as to not have them affect your litters. One of the more common of these hereditary problems is juvenile cataracts, while others include corneal dystrophy and in poor Siberian Husky lines the condition known as hip dysplasia is commonly found to affect the breed.

In addition, there is hereditary epilepsy to think about that is a growing problem among the Siberian Huskies though it is by no means the only problem to be wary of. Another condition known as von Wilebrand's disease can cause disorders in the blood of your Siberian Husky leading to premature death in some instances. You will certainly have a lot on your plate when it comes to proper Siberian Husky breeding and it is only by being totally aware of all possible problems that you can do something to prevent them from affecting your breeding activity.
Siberian Husky breeding is not to be taken casually or lightly because then you would be no better than puppy-mills or like other unscrupulous breeders who care little about proper breeding practices and are more concerned about making a fast buck. And, with the present day trend of cesarean sections becoming a lot more common, it has led to many poor lines of Siberian Huskies being bred, all because of a problem with something called uterine inertia. It is problems such as these that are ruining the Siberian Husky breed, and as a responsible breeder you need to do something about this and also other problems such as thyroid problems which affects the skin and coat as well as reproductive system in the breed, causing poor lines to be bred in the process.

In addition, you need to ensure providing good Siberian Husky care, and to also ensure that all required testing is performed on the dogs prior to breeding. You must have enough funds available to meet the costs of conducting these necessary tests. It also does mean needing doing at least the genetic screening and failing to do so would indicate that you are not serious about proper breeding practices, which will be a reprehensible act on your part.

Andrew Preston knows much about the history of the Siberian Husky breed. The Siberian Husky has a long and distinguished history. Siberian Husky information can help you to learn about the specific appearance and ability of the breed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_A_Preston

Pets and Exercise - A Great Fit

2008-05-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

By Erik Weinstein

It may seem surprising, but one of the reasons that you think of your pet as your best friend is that you actually have a lot in common. Whether you own a dog or a cat, you both like to have fun, you both crave affection, and you both need exercise to stay healthy. In fact, making sure your pet is getting the right amount of exercise for its size can involve many of the same common sense approaches you would apply to your own exercise regimen.

Just as it is with their owners, pets need exercise if they are going to stay healthy, active and live a long, quality life. Nowadays, many pets live in urban environments that can make adequate exercise a real challenge. Unfortunately, many owners simply don't care for their pet's need for exercise. Consequently, many pets suffer from health problems that could easily be avoided by the proper amount of activity. By following a few simple rules, you can make sure your best friend is getting the right amount - and right kind - of exercise.

A great many ailments and conditions can arise from an inadequate amount of exercise, the most serious and widespread of which is obesity. How many times have you or a friend joked about the funny way one of your overweight pets waddled across the kitchen floor? In fact, obesity among pets is no laughing matter.

Obesity commonly arises from a number of factors. Many dogs are left alone, inside for long periods of time. Some cats spend all their time indoors. Many small pets don't have exercise wheels in their cages, or - in the case of birds - adequate space to fly about. All of these situations restrict movement and create a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, many pet owners don't take their animal's relative lack of activity into account when it comes to their pet's diet. As a result, many pets are fed far too many calories in relation to the amount of energy their inactive lives actually require.

The deleterious effects of obesity can vary, but all are serious. Primarily, obesity puts a great deal of stress on the body, exacerbating pre-existing conditions like heart disease, orthopedic disease, and some skin conditions. Obesity can also play a role in causing chronic diseases like diabetes.

If you own larger pets, the need for exercise is greater than with small pets. Large breed dogs, or even big cats can require much more exercise than their smaller counterparts. This is partly do to the fact that a larger animal needs much more space to get adequate exercise, where a smaller pet may get a good amount of activity in a much smaller area. Larger animals should get at least 20 minutes of exercise, twice a day. Just like with their human counterparts, this should be vigorous work that emphasizes strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. For a large dog, a traditional game of fetch can be great exercise, especially when combined with some good old fashioned tug-of-war between throws. Try using the My Good Dog Vibram Stick, for a new twist on this favorite, canine pastime. For a bigger cat, a similar game with a Cat Dancer Cat Charmer can provide great fun and aerobic activity.

If you own a smaller pet, you can arrange for adequate activity with less space. Many times intermittent game-playing can be adequate. Anything from friendly rough-housing with a small dog, to ball rolling can be a great way to keep your pet fit, and spend quality time together in the process. Add extra challenge by throwing a My Good Dog Vibram Ball into the fun. With smaller cats, a toy like the Cat Dancer Mouse in the House can provide lots of fun, fit play, even when you're not home to enjoy it together.

Always consult your vet with questions regarding exercising your pet. If your pet hasn't been getting enough exercise, start slow and work your way up the same way you would if you just joined a new gym. With a little common sense, both you and your pet can become healthier - and closer - than ever!

Erik Weinstein is the proud parent of 2 giant maine coon cats and the VP of http://www.pawschoice.com/ - the webs #1 destination for health conscious pet owners for all natural and organic pet food, treats and toys.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_Weinstein

New Trends In Cat Accessories

2008-04-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

By Dominic Lee

There's always been a certain air of bulkiness and ugly familiarity of conventional cat care products. Lately, there's been a craze sweeping across cat lovers to make cat products as unique and stylish as their owners. Of course, quality and durability is essential to withstand even the toughest cat. Here are some fun products, from beds to litter pans, that your cat will love using and you'll love looking at!

The stylish Feline Lotus Cat Furniture set looks more like a work of art than a multi-tiered cat lounger and bed. It has two flat tiers, and a wonderfully designed third tier that's gently curved for kitty comfort. At the bottom, it comes with a huge scratching pad and a spacious privacy bed.
To top it off, this cat furniture comes with an extra-durable mahogany, birch or cherry finish. These wood finishes are neutral enough to match any furniture color scheme and actually add to the stylish value of the room!

Cats always needs fresh clean water. In the past, cat owners have always been baffled as to why cats gravitate towards running water to drink. The key to this is basic water chemistry. The longer water sits, the lower the pH becomes as it loses oxygen, and the more sour water tastes. By using the Vet Ventures Drinkwell Pet Fountain, which circulates water and also passes it through a carbon filter, you provide the freshest and most natural tasting water possible. Keeping more than one in separate rooms makes sure you never run out of water for your kitty! It can also hold up to a gallon of water, plenty for even 3 or more cats.

Tired of keeping your kitty's ugly plastic bulky litter box hidden away in a closet? Now you can incorporate the often awkward litter box into stylish end tables! The "Refined Feline Litter Box" comes in a regular size and a larger size (to support automatically cleaning litter boxes). It looks like a stylish simple table, and it comes in mahogany, birch or cherry. It has two opening doors on the front and a nicely sized cat entrance on the side.

This trendy litter box is also highly functional. With your cat's litter box being enclosed as it is in the Refined Feline Litter Box, odor and tracked litter will be minimized or even eliminated. The trays slide out for cleaning and it also has a storage drawer for convenience.
The days of boring old cat products are out! These new products are a treat for your cat and you to enjoy and admire!

Dominic Lee is the spokesperson for PetPetSupplies.com - the premier internet destination for pet supplies, accessories, and products for pets. Please check out http://www.petpetsupplies.com/cats-cat-furniture-scratchers.html for more trendy cat furniture and accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Lee

3 Essential Tips on Choosing a Cat or Kitten

2008-04-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

By Steve Hill

Buying a new cat or a kitten can often be an impulsive action. Once you see a new cat, more especially a kitten, it is hard to resist their charm; this makes it important you answer a few important questions before you finally make your choice.

Cat or Kitten?

First establish whether you want a fully grown cat or a kitten. Kittens are obviously cute, cuddly and playful but they can be stressful and make great demands on you as an owner, they will initially require a lot of your attention and time so if you are not able to give them this full attention from the start you should consider getting a more mature or adult cat.

Older cats are invariably already domesticated and will have some established behaviour patterns. Ideally you should try and discuss with the previous owner details about the eating habits, disposition, toilet behaviour and any other habits the new cat may have.

Male or Female?

There is a widespread belief that male cats are usually more independent and females are more friendly and loving towards their owners, however there is little difference in behaviour between the sexes once they have been neutered. Unless you intending to let your cat breed, neutering is advisable as this will result in a better pet with less "anti social" habits which are associated with cats used for breeding.

Pedigree or Non-Pedigree?

An important advantage of pedigree cats is that you can usually easier to predict the sort of cat you are going to end up with, especially how it will look and to some extent what temperament it may have.
If you intend showing or using your cat for breeding purposes then you should buy a cat that has a proven pedigree.

Their will obviously be more factors you will need to take into consideration and there is a wealth of useful information to help you, this can come from magazines and books, friends and other cat owners, the internet or your local vet.
Steve Hill is a webmaster from Birmingham, he has interests in a number of websites including:
stuttering alternative therapies dvd replication
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Hill

Aggressive Cat Behavior - What To Do

2008-04-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

By Paul Proctor Any plans for happily ever after with your new feline friend are quickly ruined by aggressive cat behavior. If you are victim to a cat scratch, clawing, or biting, it can be more than a temporary ailment. If you do not clean and dress the wound, it might easily become invaded by bacteria and infection.

Instead of worrying about the consequences of aggressive cat behavior, it is much better to understand what causes it and to head it off before it starts whenever possible. This can begin with the play of tiny kittens, and requires understanding a cat's normal instincts and their psychology.

Kittens will naturally exhibit some degree of aggressive behavior since it is instinct for them to stalk and capture prey. However, it's important for the new pet owner to teach the kitty appropriate behavior. The kitten needs strict limits for his behavior and substitutes he can use to vent his aggression. Your first thought may be "How cute!" when your kitten viciously attacks you with little bites and claws. At this point you have to think of the future and tell your kitty a forceful "No!" What is cute now won't be so cute when kitty has grown to adulthood.

Always have cat friendly toys and furniture available for your four legged friends. These provide safe outlets for aggressive play and healthy scratching and stretching. Stand firm and be clear that biting and clawing people is unacceptable. Use kind words and occasional treats to help reinforce every positive behavior you see, but don't use violence to punish your cat. This will devastate your relationship, and often makes the cat more aggressive.

A cat that is ill or stressed out is unable to tell you in words, so he may display aggressive behavior to get your attention. If you pet begins showing aggression you haven't seen before, be sure to take him to the vet immediately to have it checked out. A pet can become stressed by such things as changes in your household or his diet, loud noises, or having a new pet invading his territory. If you can, introduce your kitty to changes gradually in order to reduce his stress.

Lower stress levels should result in less aggressive behavior.
Some think aggressive cat behavior may also be caused in part by the diet, so discuss this with the veterinarian as well. Obesity may cause joint pain in older cats, so weight loss can improve both mood and health. Again, speak with a vet because to rapid a loss can be dangerous and even fatal to a cat.

Make sure that you pay attention to the body language of your cat. An over-stimulated feline can quickly turn and show aggressive behavior, just like when a cat goes from purring to biting in the flash of an eye. Danger signs include a flicking tail, an arched back, and pulling back of the ears, which should warn you to back away from the cat. Starting behavioral training early in a cat's life and reinforcing good behavior will pay dividends for years and years by teaching the cat good habits at an early age.

Any plans for happily ever after with your new feline friend are quickly ruined by aggressive cat behavior. If you are victim to a cat scratch, clawing, or biting, it can be more than a temporary ailment. If you do not clean and dress the wound, it might easily become invaded by bacteria and infection. Then it can be a really serious issue. Unusual feline aggression may often be contributed to the cat's health. Without the ability to communicate many cats will use aggression as a signal that they are ill or have been injured.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Proctor

Natural Pet Health Information

2008-04-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

By Nadia Vg

If your pet appears to be having trouble with his health, first thing you should do is have your vet check him out thoroughly. Depending on what is wrong with your best friend, the vet may give you a prescription drug to tackle whatever is wrong. Sometimes, your pet will have to take these drugs for the rest of his life.

Unfortunately, a lot of these drugs have many potential negative side effects such as; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. They could even lead to serious, life-threatening side effects that might be a lot more dangerous than the illness that is being treated. Side effects can involve the digestive tract, liver and kidneys. Some pets have actually died from taking prescribed drugs to treat arthritis or diabetes, simply because they caused kidney or liver failure.

Luckily, a growing number of people are turning to holistic and natural medicines for their own problems. I am happy to see this change is slowly seeping through to pet medicines as well. After all, if a natural remedy works for an animal, you really know it works. They don't know or understand why you are giving them the remedy, they might not even realize they are receiving medication, and they certainly can't convince themselves it won't work anyway, as many people do.

But don't jump in the deep end and just believe the first sales pitch you come by. Take your time to discover what natural remedies are out there that can possibly help or even cure your pet.
Read reviews from real people, and be aware of scams. Plenty of manufacturers don't care about making your pet better, they only care about making another sale. Make sure the manufacturer has properly tested his products according to regulations. And if the company really believes in its own products, they will give a very good satisfaction guarantee and money back guarantee.

Natural remedies and supplements can help your pet, just make sure you choose the right one and check with your vet first before giving any kind of remedies, supplements or vitamins.
As a life long doglover I like to help out where I can to make our best friend's lives a litlle better. My advice is based on every book I've ever read, documentaries I've seen, my own experiences with dogs and the training I followed to become a dog behaviour therapist.
For more natural pet health information and please visit my website here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nadia_Vg

Traveling with Pets

2008-04-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

By Kiya Sama

Some pets are happy, eager travelers; others are totally traumatized. Dogs or cats that are ill, very young, old with medical condition, very nervous or aggressive, are not good candidates for travel. Also, pets that are prone to motion sickness should not be subjected to the rigors of travel. In general, dogs adjust better than cats. If you choose to take along your pet (or if you have to because you are moving to a distant place), there are a number of things you need to know so that your furry loved one will arrive safe and sound.

Before Leaving Home:
Your animal's vaccinations must be up to date you should take along a current health certificate. Be sure your pet is wearing and identification tag, and take along a color photo and a description of your pet (height, weight, distinguishing features), in case the pet gets lost en route.
Pack a bag for the animal: feeding and water bowls, grooming tools, leash and collar/harness, pet toys, cleanup items (pooper scooper or litter and litter pan, paper towels), food and water, any prescribed medications.

Most important: test your anima for motion sickness. Begin by taking your dog or cat for a short ride in the car and every day increase the length of the trip. Put the animal in a cat or dog carrier and be sure it is large enough for the pet to be comfortable.

Traveling By Car:
Pet carriers or kennels are a must, even for dogs that are used to short, frequent car rides. Having your pet in a carrier that is sturdy, well-ventilated and comfortable (soft mat or cushion inside) will best ensure the safety of the animal as well as the safety of the other passengers. The carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down in. It should be placed in the sunny side of your vehicle.

Do not feed your dog or cat for at least three hours before setting off in a car. In general animals should be fed less than usual when traveling. On longer trips, snacks and water or small amounts of food are fine. Remember that cats need to use a litterbox about every three to four hours. If possible, the main meal should be given at the end of the day when you are finished driving or have arrived at your destination. Frequent stops are recommended; the dog can stretch and exercise (be sure the leash is on before the dog gets out of the car) and the cat can just get a break from the motion of the car.

Leaving your pet in a closed, parked car can be dangerous, especially in hot weather when car temperatures can rise quickly and cause heat stroke. If you have to leave the animal alone, park in a shaded area, roll down the windows a few inches, and return quickly. Cold weather can be equally threatening, causing hypothermia if your pet is left alone for too long.
KiyaSama is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kiya_Sama

Importance of Choosing a Right Pet Name

2008-04-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

By A. Deep

From the history of mankind, men and animals have always remained together. Humans have tamed many animals and have made them pets. Some of the animals which are considered to be safe pets are - Dog, Cats, Hamsters, Ferrets, Fish, Guinea Pig , Rabbit etc Though these pets are living with us from ages but never before people were so much interested in the health and welfare of them.

Earlier When it comes to choosing a name for kids, people might do a long research but when it comes to choose a name for our pets, they generally don't care much about it. But with changing times, more awareness about pets welfare there names etc is coming up. Now people don't just choose any random name and start calling there pet with it. They do a proper research , they also consider pet horoscopes and then decide on which name suits there pet the most.

But before choosing any name for your pet some points should be kept in mind -

1) From the very day you had a pet, he/she has become a part of your family so treat him / her as your family member and give a name which every one in the family likes.

2) The name should be easy to remember.

3) The name should be like a unique identity - Don't just name your dog or cat as same what your neighbour calls his or her pets.

In today's world , choosing a pet name is not a very difficult as there are many websites with ample collection of pet names. These websites give you a wide variety to choose from as per your pets behaviour. So don't just pick a name and start calling your lovable pet, do some research on internet.It might take few sec but you will always be happy to have a nice name for your pet.

For more pet names, pet horoscopes and pet quotes visit http://www.mypetnames.com/ We are sure that this site will help you find a perfect name for your pet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A._Deep

Aquarium Planting Guide

2008-04-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

By Jincheng Ong

All plants need a combination of light, carbon dioxide (co2) nutrients and trace elements in order to ensure healthy growth. This is a common knowledge for everyone, but more people do not know that plants need those things in fixed proportions. For instance, if a plant had unlimited amount of light, co2, nutrients and most trace elements but lack of a specific trace element, the plant would not have a healthy growth. The excess nutrient will be wasted and might contribute to algae growth. In general plants need a balance of all its need in order to stay healthy.

Lighting

Light is required by plant for photosynthesis. It gives the plant energy for the chemical reaction involved. Without light, plant will die after all its carbohydrate storage has been fully utilized. Correct spectrum of light is also needed to ensure healthy growth. Plants use light primary in the blue and red spectrum but an aquarium will look better to people if full spectrum lighting is use.
Sunlight contains the full spectrum of colour and would first see as the best choice. But a more experienced aquarium hobbyist (myself) would say that this method has several notable disadvantages. The indirect source is often either too weak or short for plant functioning. Sunlight may also cause significant temperature fluctuations which is bad for both fishes and plants. Another side effect of sunlight is that they usually encourage algae growth.
Artificial light is therefore a more advisable alternative for plants in aquarium. Full spectrum or broad spectrum fluorescent light is the best recommendation from me.
For a sparely planted aquarium, I recommend 1.5w of light per gallon (1gal ~ 3.8L). If you have a densely planted aquarium, you will need somewhere between 3w to 5w per gallon for optimum performance. 10 - 12hrs of light supply per day is necessary for plant growth.

Carbon Dioxide (Co2)

Co2 is another essential component for photosynthesis, without sufficient quantities, photosynthesis cannot take place. During photosynthesis, dissolved Co2 is transformed into carbohydrate which is the energy needed for plant growth. Most tanks will have some Co2 due to fish respiration but it is definitely not enough to get a lush plant growth.
A non Co2 supplemented aquarium usually have between 1-3 ppm of Co2 and most plants will only flourish with an amount between 10-20ppm. Thus, Co2 supplementation is essential if you are serious about having a planted aquarium.

There are generally 2 type of Co2 which are:

Co2 tank which purchase from local fish shop. It is easy to use and need for bigger aquarium. Down side of it is will be expensive in the long run.
DIY Co2 reactor is made by combining Yeast, Sugar and Water. The by product of this mixture is Co2. This Co2 setup is suitable only for smaller aquarium (under 50g) as it is not enough for bigger ones. DIY set up is cheap, easy and most importantly fun to do. A guide of how to set up a Yeast co2 reactor will be posted next week.

Nutrients (Macro Nutrients)
The first three elements necessary is Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus. The plant requires these in large quantities. If you introduce a lot of macronutrients to your aquarium, it can lead to an undesirable 'algae bloom'.

Nitrogen is usually available in sufficient quantities from fish waste in the form of ammonium (NH4+). Most plants will prefer ammonium but some will use the end product of the nitrification cycle, nitrate (NO3-). Ammonium is the preferred source since it takes less energy to use that form of nitrogen. A good test for ammonium levels is to monitor nitrates. If the nitrates are 0 ppm, you know that all the nitrogen is being used. This may indicate that some plants are starving for nitrogen. It also might indicate that a perfect balance has been achieved, but that is unlikely.

Potassium (K+) is also usually available from fish food. Unfortunately, potassium is difficult to measure in the water. If there are enough nitrates, there is usually enough potassium. Some fertilizers contain additional potassium and can be used to be on the safe side.
Phosphorus (PO4) is another Macro nutrient that is sufficient for plant from fish food. It is usually not a problem in getting enough Phosphorus, excess of it can encourage algae growth.

Trace elements (Micro Nutrients)
Nutrients like iron, copper, zinc, sulphur calcium and magnesium are some of these. Excessive amounts of these can prove harmful for the plants.
Iron may be present in tap water in the correct ionic state (Fe++) but will quickly oxidize to a form unusable by plants. To prevent this, chelated iron mixtures can be used. The chelator prevents the iron from oxidizing and makes it easy for the plants to assimilate. The iron concentration should be less than 0.2 ppm.

Sulphur, calcium and magnesium are usually found in tap water. If the water has too little hardness (less than 3 degrees dGH), calcium and/or magnesium may be in short supply. This can be remedied by adding calcium and magnesium sulphate in small quantities.
Other trace elements are needed in extremely small quantities and can usually be provided in fish food or specialized trace element formulations. Note that some of these elements are toxic in anything but trace amounts so the addition of trace elements should be done very carefully.
Interested reading more about fish keeping?
Visit http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com/
For those that are interested in my article and intend to post it in your site or blog, please refer it back to my website at http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com/

Welcoming A Bird Into Your Family

2008-04-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

By Paul Skellenger

Just like you and I, the bird's environment and its social interactions with others are keys to normal development. Getting this right is difficult, especially since we are not birds and most of us make lousy bird parents. Keep in mind that most behavior problems occur due to errors or omissions in the bird's social development. What follows are some key steps in the process.

A young bird must be nurtured and comforted - this is the easiest part for most of us. Yes, a safe, secure, and loving environment is very important, but we cannot stop there. As a bird owner, we must be parent, friend, peer, teacher, trainer, counselor, boss, and primary caregiver.

As the weeks go by, the bird's development transitions to becoming a more active participant in activities critical to its survival. Exploration should be encouraged with supervision to satisfy their normal curiosity. The bird learns to not be afraid of new things and learns important skills. Exploring should encompass the physical environment inside and out (if safe to do so) and the introduction of new things into its surroundings.

Birds are athletic, they can fly and they need to fly - it is what they were made to do. A newly fledged bird should be allowed to fly and then the wings are carefully trimmed using a graduated method so as to not amputate the bird's self confidence. Unfortunately, we see too many birds that never learned how to fly, steer, and land. Crash landings can be avoided by trimming the wings so they coast and don't just drop from the sky. Exercise is important to a bird's physical and mental health. Daily exercise is a must.

In the wild, birds spend more time foraging for food than anything else. This is a very important activity for pet birds as well. Providing one bowl of food the bird finishes in 10 minutes leaves the bird with nothing else to do the rest of the day. No wonder a bird with one bowl of seeds picks its feathers out. A variety of foods should be offered in many locations both in and out of the cage. Several food bowls, food stuck through the bars, food offered by hand, food on a tray or in its own cage (so the bird has to pick at it to get the food), or food on a skewer etc. Birds should forage several hours a day, usually in the mornings and evenings.

Again, most of us make lousy bird parents. Because of this many birds grow up as juvenile delinquents with no structure to their life, no understanding of good behaviors vs. bad, and no idea what they are supposed to do. Birds need to go to school and get a job. Beginning at a young age, they can be taught to behave (no biting or screaming) using positive rewards for the right kind of behaviors. The reward is usually a favorite food which is only offered when the bird has done something it was asked to do correctly. They should be taught new commands continuously. It establishes a line of communication between owner and bird that the bird can understand. Step up and step down are the first two commands, taught first outside the cage, then inside. Then there is poop on command, wave, turn around etc. Using a voice command and a hand gesture, the bird is coaxed to perform the command. If it does so, the reward is offered (usually a treat) but that reward is only offered when the bird performs correctly. The bird will try to get it right. This is basic obedience training for birds.

If you have ever purchased something to improve the look and feel of your home, you understand the concept of enrichment. The same old thing day in and day out makes for a very dull life. Instead, we can enrich the bird's environment by adding to it or changing it. Periodically changing fixtures or furnishings can lead to a healthier happier bird. It gives them something to investigate, something to do, something to enjoy.

Birds love to play games. Peek a boo, chase, hide and seek, catch etc. Activity is good. Birds tend to have fewer problems when there is plenty to do. Provide a cage location with at least one secure side. Remember that too many animals around might make the bird a nervous wreck. They tend to view other animals as potential predators.

When it comes to communicating with people, most birds have only a few options. They scream to be heard, they bite to say no, etc. Birds are very gregarious and chatty creatures. You are part of the bird's flock. Just observe how birds in a flock interact in the wild. So, try to communicate with your bird. Ask the bird to do something, and if it does so then reward the bird. If the bird is engaging in a behavior you dislike, the best response is no response. Teach the bird how to get what it wants. If they are incapable of or never learn any other way to communicate with you, it is very likely their response will be screaming, biting, or withdrawal.

We should offer our attention and respond when they "call us" in an acceptable fashion.
Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care.US and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with bird care. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Skellenger

Daily Cleaning Of Cages Leads to a Healthier Bird

2008-04-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

By Dennis Howell

Filthy cages may be a huge health risk to your pet bird. Some types of cleaning must be done every day to help in preventing the bird getting sick. Most people are very busy and feel they do not have enough time to clean a birds cage everyday, but it does not have to be as hard as most people think. Here are a few easy daily routines to make sure your pet's home stays nice and clean.

Clean water and food containers are very important to a bird's health. Make sure to remove your bird's food and water containers every day. Wash them with mild dish soap. Failure to do this will result in the expansion of bacteria that will harm the bird. Also, be sure to carefully rinse and dry the containers before putting them into the cage.

Another important thing to do is change the cage liner. First of all, if the cage liner goes to long without being changed, the environment becomes uncomfortable to the bird. On top of that, leaving the liner unchanged will result in an awful stench. To steer clear of this problem change the liner either every day or every other day.

Be sure and clean the different surfaces of the cage. Get a moist towel or cloth and clean the surfaces of the cage. This includes the bars, toys, mirrors, and perches. Sometimes messes are hard to clean with just a moist towel, in this case use a bird-safe cage cleaner.
http://wiredparrot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Howell

Excessive Barking of Dogs and How to Control Them

2008-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer A Johnson

Barking is a normal behavior for dogs. Barking is also a form of communication. It can be a warning barking, this type of reaction is most typically seen in domesticated animals in response to a perceived territorial intrusion or alarm barking. It is more likely to arise when a dog can hear, but not see the source of some noise.

How to avoid excessive Barking of Dogs
An excessive dog barking can be annoying sometimes to the neighbors or even the pet owner itself. As dog owners, it is your responsibility to train your dogs. Since barking is a normal behavior, trying to reduce them than eliminate is more realistic. Understanding the reason why your dog barks so much is the key on how to avoid excessive barking. Most dogs bark to communicate, to get more attention, or simply to show their excitement. Dogs bark for many reasons and it can be hard to quiet them, because they are usually trying to tell you something.

Training and lifestyle are very important factors in teaching your dog how to communicate with you, its master. You may seek help or advice from professional dog trainers or a veterinarian. You may also need to use a dog bark control collars. Bark Control Collar is effective way to control unwanted barking of your dogs thus, its helps behavior modification of your dogs.

Types of Bark Control Collar
Sonic/Ultrasonic Bark Control Collars- A type of collar that produces tones that human may or may not hear. This can be effective on small dogs and puppies with timid personalities.
Citronella Bark Control Collars - This type of bark collar sprays citrus around the dog's muzzle when she/he barks. This treatment is considered by most to be humane because it is not painful. This works on small to medium size dog that don't have a strong personality.
Electrical Bark Control Collar - This bark collar produce a mild stinging sensation in response to bark.

These behavior modification collars are more preferred to teach their dogs how to reduce excessive barking. It is best to seek advice from professional what type of bark control collar is best for your dog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A_Johnson

Natural Dog Food - Give Your Dog The Best

2008-03-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

By Brigitte Smith

There are some dangers of feeding a dog commercial dog food. That is why dog owners have come with a new idea called natural dog foods for their beloved dogs which is safe, easy and healthier.

The best natural dog food is meat. Dogs require meat protein, and preferably meat protein. Always choose fresh meat for your dog. It's best to buy from a butcher or from a meat processor. These meats will be fresher, can be bought in bulk for better pricing, and you can have the butcher cut up or grind the meat for you if needed.

Natural dog food helps your pet maintain better health. There are a number of ingredients to choose from when natural dog food is made. Meats can be used, although it is preferable that they be boneless. Grains are also a great ingredient. There are also certain vegetables that are beneficial for your pet.

You will also want a nice choice of vegetables. Many types of produce are good for your pet, but brightly colored choices are among the best. These include orange, yellow, purple and even green items. Carrots and beets have necessary nutrients. For proper taste and texture ensure your choice of items is fresh.

There are a number of foods that are nutritious and good for people to eat that are at the same time unhealthy for dogs. Most of these are vegetables, such as beans, greens, and peppers. Since dogs mainly eat meat or grains, it is better to add a supplement to their meat rather than feed them these vegetables.

It is best not to over feed your dog. Determine how much to feed your dog each day by taking its weight and activity level into consideration. Aim for a consistent amount of food fed at consistent times each day. This will develop a routine for your pet. Many people cook their own dog food using recipes for dog food that were found on the internet. Just like people, controlling the ingredients and eliminating the fillers and preservatives will improve your dog's health.

Another option for your pet is sojos food. It's filled with the kind of nutrients, essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes your pet won't get from eating already cooked and processed nugget of kibble. Because sojos is natural and preservative-free, it gives your pet the same high quality nourishment usually reserved for humans.

Dog owners today have become more wary about the type of dog food they feed their beloved pets, after recent contaminated dog food scares. For many, natural dog foods have become the products of choice, not only for their safe, healthy ingredients, but because they are just as easy as traditional commercial products. You can find many recipes for dog food on the Internet. If you want your pet to have food that is higher quality, try Sojos food. The food produced in higher in vitamins and minerals that other prepackaged dog food.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith

Cat Care Tips - 10 Tips for Cat Lovers

2008-03-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

By Kurt Schmitt

Given the differences between humans and felines, it's amazing that we get along the way we do. These cat care tips deal with subjects such as preventing litter box problems and letting your cat act on her instincts. Following these tips will help you and your kitty to better bond and enjoy your lives together.
1. Lay your hands on your cat often -- some cats just don't like to be picked up no matter what. But, if you can start handling your cat often when she's a kitten, chances are good she'll better accept it later in life. She'll also do better when it comes time to get checked by the vet or have her claws trimmed.

2. Give your kitty an exam -- weekly (or more often) grooming sessions can be used to examine your cat for health issues. Check your cat for ear mites, fleas, and signs of injury, swelling, or pain, swelling, or injury. Examine your cat's gums and teeth, eyes, ears, skin, and extremities for obvious problems.

3. Provide a window seat -- domestic cats love warmth so much that they've been known to singe their fur on hot stoves. Cats love to sunbathe, so set up a nice comfortable bed for your cat by a window so she can have her place in the sun.

4. Make kitty an indoor cat -- following the recommendation from every major cat care organization, keep your cat indoors for better health, safety and a much longer life. Cats can live out a healthy life indoors. They can get the level of exercise they need, and survey their territory from a nice spot in front of the window.

5. Your cat wants to hunt, so let her -- no, I'm not saying to let your cat hunt rats. Instead, bring out the hunting instincts in your cat by spreading some treats around the house. This will make feeding time a bit more fun. One of my cats likes it when you toss dry food bits and let her chase them down. Try it.

6. Provide enough litter boxes -- follow the one plus one rule - one box for each cat in the house plus one more. This ensures that there's a fresh, available box to use at any given time. Some cats don't like using a box that was recently used, even if they were the one to use it.

7. Clean the cat litter box twice a day -- clean the box twice a day and change the litter every few weeks, thoroughly scrubbing the box and disinfecting with bleach when you do. Keeping the box spotless will help prevent any possible cat litter box problems that might arise.

8. Play with your cat often -- dangle toys for your cat to play with, or have your cat teach you to play fetch. Chase your cat around the house whenever you can. Get your cat exercising every day and you'll help lower her risk of diabetes and other diseases. You might get some exercise out of it too.

9. Provide a variety of interesting cat toys -- always leave your cat's favorite toys accessible, but rotate the others to keep it interesting. You should not leave your cat unsupervised while playing with most toys, however, as injury can occur. Also, a shoe lace, belt, or rope, if used safely, can make a great interactive toy. Playing with toys provides exercise for your cat, and fun for both of you.

10. Get your cat a playmate -- every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can't pay attention to your cat, another cat in the house will. A second cat around the house will offer comfort, encourage exercise, and reduce boredom. Bored kitties are candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief.

Encouraging your cat to exercise will keep her in shape, and encouraging her instincts will make her a better adjusted family member. More touching will bring you closer and make your cat more social. Keeping your cat indoors will keep her safe. In addition, the cat care tips above concerning the litter box will save you some possible headache. Preventing boredom will keep her happy, and keep both of you out of trouble.

For at least 15 more practical cat care tips see Kurt Schmitt's cat lovers website for details.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Schmitt

Coping With The Loss Of A Pet

2008-03-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

By Kate Tilmouth

Owning an animal used to be only considered when it was needed to carry out a purpose like ploughing fields, catching mice and rats or for hunting with. They were seen only as another possession and not something to be overly concerned about once it passed away. However all of that has now changed and owning an animal purely as a pet is far more commonplace and so to has their significance in our lives. We now consider them as part of the family, to love and care for them as we would any other member of our family.

This attachment to our pets brings us many years of companionship and love but it does also mean that when they pass away, we also suffer grief and pain. However how do we express this sense of loss, when to many, an animal is just an animal and in many cultures grieving for a pet is seen as silly and as a weakness. It is just as important to find ways to come to terms with the loss of our pets, as it is when we lose any member of our family. If we don't it could lead to physical illness and depression.

It is therefore important to find someone to speak to who will understand your grief and who can help and support you through these sad times. They should allow you to cry and to talk about how you feel. If there is no one in your family or circle friends that you feel will be sympathetic to your feelings, then contacting a local animal charity and asking them for help is perfectly acceptable. Some animal charities even have dedicated telephone lines to help people with their loss of a pet.

Other important ways to cope with your grief are:
Make sure you eat regular meals, it may sound silly but during the grieving period it is common for people to forget to look after themselves as they normally would and may even find that they lose their appetite. Not eating will only make you feel worse.
Allow yourself to cry without feeling embarrassed about it. If someone asks why you are crying, simply say that you have lost a dear friend.
Try not to dwell on the loss, keep yourself busy.

Don't forget to continue to pay attention to any other pets you may have. They too will be experiencing a sense of loss even if it is not shown.
When we lose a member of our family or a friend the ritual of holding a funeral to say your final farewells can be the starting place to accepting your loss. Unfortunately this rarely happens for our pets and so because that final farewell doesn't happen we may feel that we have not yet let go of them and so can prolong the feelings of grief. It can therefore be helpful to have some sort of memorial for your pet. It doesn't have to be much, a planting of a tree or bush, or placing a small statue or plaque in the garden, may be all that is needed to say goodbye and to help you through the grieving process.

One of the hardest things to cope with when a pet dies is explaining it to a young child, who may have built up very strong bonds with the animal but who does not understand the concept of death. Many parents feel worried about trying to explain what has happened to the pet, as they feel that as the child's first experience of death, the explanation should be a positive one and not something that will frighten the child.

The best way to explain to a child about death is to be totally honest with them. Use real words like death and dying rather than words like sleeping etc. By explaining death to them in a calm and positive way it will help them come to terms with future losses and will prevent possible future confusion if they hear the truth from someone else.

Children will respond to the death of a pet in different ways, some may start to do some very strange things like burying toys for the animal to play with or drawing pictures of the dead animal underground. Whichever way they want to express their feelings should be allowed and even encouraged and crying in front of your child will allow them to also feel as if they can cry too and not to try and be brave about it.

Coping with the loss of a pet is never easy and you should always allow yourself time to come to terms with it. Often rushing out to replace the animal is not the best solution and can even cause other unforeseen problems not only for yourself but also for your other pets.

More cat health and cat care tips can be found at our site http://www.our-happy-cat.com/, a feline friendly community full of helpful advice and fun things to do to make sure you have a happy cat and a happy you.
Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Tilmouth

How to Give Your Pet a Balanced Diet

2008-03-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

By Derek Rogers

Just like all other living creatures, pet animals like dogs and cats require a combination of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins, minerals and water. This balance can be achieved by creating a balanced nutrition diet, providing sufficient calorie amounts to meet the daily needs of the animal for activity, growth and repair. While many pet food bags claim that they are "complete nutrition" foods, this claim means absolutely nothing unless the nutrients within are in a form that the pet can absorb into their system.

For example, since the hemicelluloses and celluloses of plant cells is not digestible in raw forms by dogs and cats, foods that are based on grains as a primary source of protein and carbohydrates absolutely must be processed in a manner that allows the nutrients to be extracted by the animal's digestive system. Not only do most major pet food companies work hard to balance their pet foods, but they also make every effort to provide ingredients in the most usable form possible.

Pet foods must contain vitamins and minerals in concentrations that are balanced as well. If there is too much of one mineral or vitamin, it may actually have interference against the absorption of another vitamin or mineral. Too little of a vital nutrient can interfere with vitamin or mineral use. Major pet food companies generally strive to provide the most balanced proportions of minerals and vitamins and other nutrients based on years of studies, and most pet food companies are constantly fine tuning their recipes to benefit the pets that their foods feed.
There are differences in the way that each pet food maker processes their food, and in the quality of ingredients they use, which can contribute to the balance of the food's nutrition. There are also finished product, storage and ingredient humidity and temperature changes that contribute to variation in the quality of the food. Some pet characteristics affect nutritional needs in food, including age, breed, activity level and level of health. More and more pet food companies are coming out with specialised foods for certain animal breeds, activity levels (overweight, sporting, working), size (small dog formula, large dog formula) and age level (senior formula, baby formula) and so on.

For some pets, a balanced nutrition requires an anti-allergen food, such as a duck and potato blend for dogs and cats with allergies to certain grains.
The best way to determine what the right balance is for your dog or cat is to speak to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will have a good idea of the myriad of food choices out there, and will be able to recommend a food that will offer the right nutritional balance for your pet. It might be fruitful to explore a second opinion, or even a third, because some veterinarians give preferential treatments to certain food brands and may be making a somewhat biased decision.

However, slight differences in processing temperatures, in quality of the ingredients purchased, and storage humidity and temperature of ingredients of the finished product can cause variations in the quality that may affect a particular dog, a particular breed, or a particular line of dogs within a breed. In addition, some breeds or groups of breeds may require slightly different percentages of particular nutrients. Therefore, all dog foods are not perfect for all dogs, a factor that leads to the production of a plethora of different foods, claims, and processing methods.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on pet food, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of pet supplies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers

Animal Communication for Healing

2008-03-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

By Helene Rothschild

Sandy's dog told me she was upset because she was. Her digestive problem improved when Sandy solved her problem. Mary's cat was running away because the new kitten received all the attention.

Gary's horse informed me that he was being abused by the owner of the boarding facility. Sharon's parakeet complained that his cage was too small. She had a much happier bird, after she purchased a larger one.

Are you very close to your pets? Do you sometimes wish that you could communicate with them, especially when they seem upset or have physical problems? Animals do speak to humans and it is a wonderful experience to be able to hear them and help them heal.

As a Marriage, Family Therapist and intuitive counselor, I had the opportunity to counsel many clients over the telephone that had beloved pets. They sometimes asked me to help them, too. Since I knew that intuition has no limitations, I tuned into them. The animals seemed very happy to communicate with me. When I told the owner what I heard, the information was always confirmed.

I was amazed to discover that they have similar problems than humans. For example, Kathy purchased a beautiful pedigree dog. Soon after, she noticed that her sweet angel seemed depressed and had severe digestive problems. Very concerned, she contacted me. When I communicated with the puppy, she informed me that she was feeling very insecure because her siblings were kept as "show dogs." She felt not good enough. When I helped her release that negative belief and realize that she was good enough (as I have with many children and adults) she felt much happier and her appetite returned.

It is interesting that I find that many pets (and children's) problems reflect the upset of one or more of the family members. It is normal and human to have issues. However, it is important to be able to resolve them so that everyone in the family, including the pets, can feel good and prevent physical problems.

It was fascinating to discover that Beverly's elderly, sick dog knew when he was going to die but told me not to pass the information on to her. Sure enough, three months later Beverly called me very upset because her beloved pet had passed away. I then told her what he had said. "She replied, "Is he all right? I just want to know he's all right." (This is a question that many clients also ask me about their deceased human loved ones.) I further comforted her by tuning into him and reporting that he was smiling and happily running around.

Ellen contacted me because she intuitively knew that her 14 year old pet was dying. However, she was too upset to trust her own answers. Her dog told me that she was leaving and gave me all the details of how and where she wanted it to happen, including the burial ceremony. Ellen took notes and was very grateful for the information.
Ellen called me a week after her dog died. She told me again how comforting it was to know exactly what her precious pet desired so that she could fulfill her last wishes.
Knowing how to communicate with animals (and humans) is very important in order to prevent and heal emotional and physical problems. Our beloved pets benefit greatly when we pay attention to their symptoms.

If we tune-in and listen to the animals, we can uncover the causes of their problems and help them to experience what they need to solve them. If you love your pets, I am sure that you agree that they also deserve to be healthy and happy.

©2008 by Helene Rothschild, MS, MA, MFT, Marriage, Family Therapist, intuitive counselor, animal communicator, and author of the Amazon best selling book, "ALL YOU NEED IS HART! Create Love, Joy and Abundance ~NOW!" She offers transformational, international phone sessions, teleclasses, books, e-books, MP3 audios, and a free newsletter, MP3 audio and e-book. http://www.lovetopeace.com/, 1-888-639-6390.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helene_Rothschild

Pet Insurance

2008-03-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

By Victor C.
I want to talk about something serious for us all; pet insurance. If you told me six months ago I would be talking about pet insurance, I would have laughed in your face. My family and I are a normal American family. We have a house, two cars, 1.5 kids, a dog, cat and a hamster. We love our pets very much. They are a part of our family. Well, we have gone through several "Skippy" the hamster. Please don't tell our son.

Our dog Angel is a three year old German Sheppard who goes everywhere with me. He is like my best friend. Not long ago he got very ill. We rushed him to the Veterinarians office. The Vet came out and told us that our pet had a tumor that needed immediate surgery.

We said "yes"; how fast can you perform the surgery. Our Vet is also just like family. She knew it was a vulnerable time for us and did not hesitate to perform the surgery. She knew that the pain after the surgery would be just as bad. What pain you say? The pain was receiving the bill for the Vet services. The bill was huge. Thankfully, our Vet worked out a payment plan with us.

I promised myself this would not happen to us again. I began to do some research and discovered there were companies offering pet insurance. I looked into the pet insurance and found that it was a good deal. It worked just liked my family health insurance. We pay a premium and when needed we take our pets to the Vet. We pay the Vet and get a form filled out. We send in our form and a receipt and the company sends us back a check.

Since we have taken out the insurance we have had to take "JoJo" (our German Sheppard) back to the Vet several times. It was so nice to not have to worry that we were going to have huge bills to pay off again. We want to emphasize to everyone how much peace of mind this pet insurance has given us.

Our Sheppard is completely healed now. We take him to see the Vet as often as we can. Not for a check-up, but just to see Ann, our Vet. Our lives have been made allot easier because of the pet insurance. Everyone should look into getting pet insurance coverage for all their pets.

Victor C. is an Engineer in Computer Systems who loves to read and write about any subject, as long as it's interesting and useful for the reader.

He is specially interested in Health, Flirting,Babies And Pets

Watch Funny Pets Videos At: Funny Pets Video Collection

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

Dog Health Issues - Kennel Cough

2008-03-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

By Alisa M Chagnon

When one hears the term of Kennel Cough, one imagines a horrible disease that affects dogs if they are left in unsanitary conditions at a rundown kennel. The image that this brings up is certainly unpleasant. However, dog owners should be aware of this health issue.

Kennel cough is a lung infection. Any dog can come down with this health issue. Most of the time, a dog will get this type of infection if the dog was exposed to large amounts of smoky air, air which was extremely dusty or a room with poor ventilation. Example may be if a large amount of construction work was being done in a house and brought up a huge amount of dust; a dog left to live and breath in those situations would be a candidate for this illness. If a dog was unfortunate to be in the vicinity of a fire, this would also likely cause a large intact of smoky air and the Kennel Cough may settle in. While some kennels may be poorly ventilated, these conditions can certainly be found at other locations other than a kennel.

This medical problem is an infection of a dog's lungs and will cause a dog to cough severely. The cough will be a dry cough; phlegm is usually not present with this type of illness.
The treatment for Kennel Cough is a strong round of antibiotics for your dog. These must be obtained from your vet. Once your dog has taken the course of medication, the coughing will cease. The recommended method of giving your dog medication is to mix it into their dog food. If a dog resists and eats around the medication, you can ask your dog's vet if you may break up the pill into dust or obtain a liquid version that can be mixed thoroughly into the food.
Other veterinarians opt to give dogs a vaccination to prevent this in the first place. It is a personal decision. The downside to having a prevention shot is that doing so may decrease a dog's defense system.

There are some herbal remedies that are sold; these claim to cure Kennel Cough. However, before using any type of homemade or herbal treatment a dog owner should always check with their vet. The last thing that you want to happen is for the treatment to not work and the infection to grow immensely.

Learn about Pug dogs at http://www.petpugdog.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alisa_M_Chagnon

Dogs and Cats - Should You Mix the Two Together?

2008-03-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

By Carol Waters

Dogs are fantastic and cats are great! How are they when together? This is all going to depend on the two individual animals; however there are some suggested methods to know ahead of time if the two will mix together.

It is first recommended to never get a new dog and a new cat at the same time. Not only would each animal need to get acclimated to the new house, they would need to figure out if the other is friend or foe; this is too much for a pet to handle.

Therefore, once you have a dog or a cat and that animal is a happy and content member of the family, you can then think about getting the other animal. Even if you have your eye on a certain dog or cat, it is strongly recommended to never purchase that animal until you test to see if they will mix well together.

In the best of cases, a dog and cat can be best friends. There are many families who report that their dog and cat play with each other, take naps together and even offer each other food!

However, in the worst of cases, there is an all out war. A dog, by nature and pure instinct, can see the cat as prey. This will trigger a battle that the dog has no control over and in worst cases will lead to the death of one of the animals. Once may assume it is the cat that always would lose this sad battle; however if you bring in a small toy breed such as a Chihuahua and put him together with a large cat, there is no telling what may happen.

Therefore, it is recommended to slowly introduce the dog to the cat. It will be your job to sit back a bit because the answer as to how they will get along will be to what degree they notice each other.

If they act as if the other is as interesting as a doorstop; you are in luck. They may ignore each other for now, but may become very good friends.
However, if the dog stares at the cat, this is the first sign of trouble. The more intense the stare of the dog, the more dangerous the situation can become. If the dog is looking at the cat and does not take his eyes off of her, he is deciding if she is prey or a threat.
If the dog stands still while doing this, and stares without moving his body, he may strike. If he is completely silent, does not move and the stare is strong, you must remove the cat immediately.

If the dog does have this reaction, it would take an enormous amount of training for the dog and feline to get along; and this can end badly while you are attempting a pairing. It would then be suggested that that particular dog is just not a "cat person"!

For information regarding the lovable Chihuahua, visit http://www.petchidog.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Waters

My Pet My Friend

2008-03-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

By Byron Pulsifer

Thousands upon thousands of people world-wide enjoy having a pet as part of their household. And, one of the challenges every pet owner has is to find good pet names. Some people decide to name their pet even before they find the type of pet they want. In other cases, people decide upon a good pet name based on some unique characteristic of their pet after observing some of their individual antics for a few days or weeks.
Pets provide some unique advantages to people. Some people find that owning a pet hones their skills for caring and nurturing. I have known many people over the years that have had a pet to care, to train, and to form an integral part of their household long before they have children. Now, I'm not saying that caring for a pet is the same as caring for a child. What I am suggesting, however, is that some of the routines associated with consistent pet training also apply to being consistent with positive reinforcement so necessary when raising a child.
Also, pets provide the companionship to many single people as well as to many seniors. There is something very special about having a pet when you live alone. This pet isn't just a pet; this pet is bonded to you always there to provide devotion. Your pet is always there to welcome you home after a hard days work, and is always there as a friendly distraction so as to give you an opportunity to forget about little things that really are not important. You may have had a very trying day but your special friend is always there to provide loving attention. It's hard to remain in a down mood when you know there is an unquestioning loyal friend there to play, to walk, to run, to entertain with their own special characteristics, or loving antics.
Unfortunately, not everyone that has a pet treats them the way they deserve. Take some dogs, for example. How many times have you been out and about and noticed a dog that is neglected, who has to stay outside no matter how inclement the weather without having a shelter to retreat to? How many times have you seen someone mistreat their dog with harsh treatment, or worse still, with physical abuse? Would a human friend put up this kind of abuse? I think not. To me, these kinds of people should never be allowed to have a pet of any kind.
Human friends may come and go, move away, or leave you when you're feeling down. But, your pet is there as a constant companion, never complaining (unless you don't feed them on time), always up for some fun, and never without an unkind remark.
Find good pet names for your new pet. http://www.goodpetnamess.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Byron_Pulsifer

Cat Training Made Easy

2008-02-26T00:08:00.000-08:00

By Kathrynn Kelley

"It's like herding cats!"
We've all heard that expression when someone is trying to describe an impossible task. And as a cat owner I certainly could sympathize with it. With my cats I knew I needed to discover a method for cat training made easy. My three cats, Jalepeno, Thai, and Cricket were all feral when I got them. I work at a place where people would often just drop off a litter of kittens in the forest. So my co-workers and I gathered them up, got them neutered and gave them away. Hence the need for cat training made easy.
It's hard enough to get tame cats to behave how you want them to, let alone wild cats. My cats, at first, didn't seem to feel the need to use the litter box when the kitchen rug was fine, or perhaps any convenient house plant. And if you've owned a cat I don't need to tell you the shape my hands and arms were in. But since they go outside I didn't want to de-claw them (which I hate to begin with).
But it's my house not theirs so I realized I needed a good system of cat training made easy- Easy enough for me to understand and simple to put into action. And frankly, my vet wasn't much help. The problem is there is a lot of information about dog training. Dogs are pack animals and always obey the pack leader. If that is you then you're all set. But cats are far more independent. And while they love their people, they seem to be quite content living solitary lives.
What you need to do is "get into" your cat's mind. You have to learn how felines think. While you don't want to inhibit their natural instincts, you DO need to pinpoint the exact reason why your cat is misbehaving and modify her behavior. You too need a good approach to cat training made easy.
Fortunately for us someone came up with just such a method. A wonderful woman by the name of Liz Barton researched cat behavior and came up with a tremendous method for controlling your kitty. She came up with:
• 8 common symptoms of a stressed-out cat• 7 ways to keep your cat from ruining the furniture • 2 things that cat's look for in a scratching post
And dozens of other handy tips to make you and your cat's lives a happier one together! I know it's worked for my family and our dear kitties. All I can say is, "Thanks, Liz!"
Buddy Tripp is a husband and father and proud keeper of three peaceful cats. If you are interested in finding out more about Liz Barton's revolutionary method for Cat Training Made Easy just click here: Cat Training Made Easy

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10 Fun Facts About Long Haired Cat Breeds

2008-02-25T23:55:00.000-08:00

By CS Swarens

Long haired cats are known for their beauty and lustrous but labor-intensive coats. Popular breeds include the glamorous Balinese, the affectionate Himalayan, the almost dog-like Maine Coon, the water-loving Turkish Van and the quintessential Persian. If you're a lover of long haired cat breeds, keep reading for 10 fun facts about long haired cat breeds.
1. Long haired cats were first spotted in Europe in the early 16th century. The first known longhair, the Angora, was named after the Turkish city of the same name. Meanwhile, Persians weren't imported into Europe from Persia until 1620.
2. The Maine Coon is the largest domestic, non-feral cat breed and regularly grows to over 20 pounds. This hardy and robust cat originated in Maine and is known for its love of snow and unique willingness to "play fetch."
3. The Norwegian Forest Cat is another long haired breed known for its size. These winter-loving, independent and robust cats will reach up to 22 pounds and are believed to be ancestors of the popular American Maine Coon.
4. The Turkish Van is one of the oldest cat breeds and unique because of its love of water. Vans are known for enjoying the occasional swim and love to get into bathtubs, puddles and any other body of water they can find.
5. The Persian cat, a longhair, is the most popular purebred cat breed in North America. Beloved for their sweet and gentle dispositions, these cuddly felines could win their way into anyone's heart.
6. Most long haired cat breeds are known for their docile and sweet dispositions. Because so many long haired breeds, like the Himalayan and Persian, are very passive, it's important to keep these gentle and kind cats inside and safe from potential predators.
7. The Javanese, a cousin to the popular Balinese breed, is a longhaired breed known for its intelligence. Hailed by breeders and fans of the cat, the Javanese is often touted as the most intelligent feline. These frisky cats have been known to open doors, break into cupboards, and track down hidden treats in safely locked drawers.
8. The Birman, a popular Asian longhair, is believed to have sacred origins in its homeland of Burma and Thailand. The legend goes that Sinh, the first Birman cat was owned by a respected and renowned priest named Mun-Ha and was appointed guardian of the temple of Lao Tsun. The legend says that one day Mun-Ha was killed during an attack on the temple. When he died, Sinh put his feet on his fallen master and his legs turned brown like the Earth, his eyes blue like the sky and where his feet touched his master turned pure white.
9. The Cymric, a close long haired relative of the Manx, is known for its small and sometimes absent tail. This unique breed is known as "the rabbit" thanks to its bobbed tail and tufts of fur on its neck and belly. This playful breed also has a reputation for chasing anything that moves.
10. The Ragdoll, a fairly new large long haired breed, was first bred in 1960s in California. Bred specifically for their gentle personalities, the Ragdoll is often considered the gentlest breed.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

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By CS Swarens