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PET CARE & NEWS
Below are some Syndicated Newsfeeds and other articles about pets. Hope you enjoy them.
GENERAL PET NEWS
If you are looking to adopt a pet, please do not do so at a pet shop. Many perpetuate the inhumane conditions of "puppy mills", for which Quebec, I am ashamed to say, has become notorious. Please check out your local shelter. I am including below, links to animal shelters in Quebec. The first one is Rosie Animal Adoption which is a shelter very near and dear to my heart, and the second is for all the other shelters in Quebec.
Pet Care Tips For SummerBy Mikael Rieck
One of the most fun times of the year to be a pet owner is the nice, warm months of summer. It’s a great time to bond with your pet outdoors and to go for long walks in the park. Your pet will love going outside and seeing the world and being able to run around free and burn up some of that pent up energy. However, as fun as summertime can be, it can also be a very dangerous time as well. There are a lot of different things pet owners need to be aware of to ensure that their pets stay safe this summer and enjoy the beautiful weather.
One of the first pet care tips for summer is obviously the heat. As we all know, the temperatures rise pretty steadily over the hot summer months, and in some places can reach record highs. This can be extremely dangerous for your pet, especially with a thick coat. If you’re experiencing a heat wave in your area when it’s very, very hot, then you should probably just keep your pet indoors where it’s cool. Make sure to keep the house nice and cool so that your pet doesn’t overheat inside either. If you don’t have air conditioning then you need to have a fan on your pet.
Keep an eye out for heatstroke, as your pet will be susceptible to this during summer months. If your pet has a dazed look in its eyes, seems to be panting heavily, or salivating badly, your pet may be having heatstroke. One remedy for this is to wet down a towel with cool water, make sure the water is not too cold, and give him a couple of ice cubes to lick on.
One common mistake many people make that ends up being fatal for their pets is leaving them in a parked car in the hot weather. This is really not safe, regardless of how much you have the window cracked or how good the shade is. After sitting for 30 minutes the temperature in your car can reach a devastating 120 degrees! You wouldn’t leave your child in a hot car would you? Then, don’t leave your pets in one either.
Another vital pet care tip for summer is to make sure that your pet has plenty of water to drink. Make sure the water you give your pets water that is clean and healthy for them to drink as well. Dogs can’t sweat like human beings can. They can only sweat through the pads on their paws and when they pant. You can actually lower your dog’s body temperature by giving them plenty of water to drink and keep them from getting over heated.
Heartworms are another huge problem commonly related to summer time. Heartworms are parasites that enter a pet’s blood stream through a mosquito bite. These parasites make their way to the pet’s heart where they reproduce, often causing death. Mosquitoes are very common in the sticky summer months so take precautions to protect your dog from this parasite. Purchase some heartworm medicine that helps protect your animal from the parasites. Try to avoid environments where mosquitoes are known to thrive in, such as ponds, swamps, and other bodies of water.
If you are planning a vacation, don’t leave your pets at home as this can be very dangerous during hot weather. Make sure to make arrangements for your pet at a kennel or just take him or her along with you.
Your pet loves you just as much as you love them, so make sure to have a happy and healthy time this summer.
About the Author: The Author is the happy owner of a pet health and insurance site called Pet Insurance Pro where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on VIP Pet Insurance.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=278209&ca=Pets
Pet Health InsuranceBy Mikael Rieck
If you are one of the millions of people around the globe who owns a pet, you no doubt already know how expensive they can be to take care of health wise. The price of a vet check up are continuing to gradually go up, and vaccinations along with surgeries are also getting to be at an all time high. One solution that pet owners are starting to turn to now is pet health insurance.
Pet health insurance isn’t a new phenomenon by any means. It’s actually existed for the last two decades; it is just that most people have never heard of it until now. Pet health insurance has gotten a lot of attention due to the extremely high price of pet health care. With life getting more and more expensive, it was becoming too difficult for pet owners to pay for the adequate care their pets needed, so many have begun to purchase pet health insurance plans to help them pay for the cost of expensive medical treatment.
If a regular check up is expensive, just imagine how expensive emergency care actually is. One of the most expensive procedures that pet owners find themselves paying for is surgeries. Pets get injured and are just as frail as humans are and need trained professionals to perform the necessary surgeries. This can cost up to $450 dollars. This why so many people are purchasing these plans to help cover pet medical costs.
There are a number of different companies who are offering health care plans for pets with a wide variety of coverage, payment plans, and deductibles. If you want to get the cheapest insurance you can, you might want to try going with a co-payment type of plan as these are usually cheaper and more affordable. There are a number of different plans to choose from which largely depend on your budget. You don’t want to get a plan you can’t afford to pay for, as that doesn’t help you out at all.
Finding adequate health care for your beloved family pet is a definite must if you plan on making sure that your pet is well taken care of. Many vets take insurance and will even help arrange sometime of payment plan with you to help you pay off your pet’s medical bills.
Often times when a pet is seriously injured or ill there has to be a decision made about whether to pursue treatment or not. What is unfortunate about this type of situation is that the majority of individuals who have to make this type of call about the life of their beloved pet are often forced to make this decision based on their financial situation. There are a lot of risks with pet medical procedures and there is not a guarantee that the procedure will actually work and the pet will make it through. This makes the decision that much harder to make, as your favorite pet’s life hangs in the balance.
Tough situations like those that were just mentioned are why buying health insurance for your pets is a much needed necessity these days. People love their pets and treat them like they were another part of the family, as if they were their children. If you care so much for your family pet, then it should be an easy decision to buy pet health insurance for your four legged friends. There are plenty of resources available on the Internet to help you find information regarding pet health insurance prices, premiums, and various other pieces of important information that you should know.
About the Author: The Author is the happy owner of a pet health and insurance site called Pet Insurance Pro where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on VIP Pet Insurance.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=278211&ca=Pets
AMPHIBIANS
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BIRDS
Tips For Clipping Your Bird's WingsBy C Swarens
Do you have a pet bird? If so, you might be considering the possibility of clipping your pet's wings. Within the world of pet bird owners, the subject of wing clipping is a bit controversial. While many specialists recommend clipping the wings of captive birds, some believe it is the wrong thing to do. Therefore, before you learn how to clip your bird's wings, it is a good idea to explore the pros and cons of wing clipping.
Benefits of Wing Clipping
One of the obvious benefits to wing clipping is the fact that clipping your bird's wings makes it difficult for it to fly away. As such, clipping is a good way to keep your pet bird safe from accidentally flying away and being lost forever. Clipping your bird's wings also helps to keep your pet bird safe, as flying around indoors can be dangerous. It is important to note, however, that a bird with clipped wings is still capable of flying. Basically, clipping slows the bird down and causes it to fly in a clumsier manner. Therefore, clipping should not be considered a foolproof method of preventing flight.
Some bird owners support wing clipping because they feel it helps them bond with their pet. After all, when your bird's wings are clipped, it becomes more dependent upon its owner to take care of it. There is no true evidence, however, to support this theory.
Drawbacks of Wing Clipping
Although clipping your bird's wings can prevent it from flying away, some bird lovers are afraid that clipping a bird's wings causes psychological as well as physical damage to the bird. In addition, after clipping a bird's wings, the bird is no longer able to get a good workout. Therefore, those that are against wing clipping feel that the lack of exercise is more detrimental to the bird than the potential dangers associated with being able to fly freely. Of course, clipping the wings of a bird can also detract from the pet's physical beauty because of the feathers it is missing.
Clipping Your Bird's Wings
When clipping your pet bird's wings, it is best to wrap the bird in a towel and to have one person hold the bird while another person clips the wings. The scissors used to clip the wings should be nice and sharp in order to create a smooth cut.
The only feathers that need to be cut are the outer six or seven on the bird's wings, as these are referred to as the "flight feathers." It is, however, ok to clip back more than just these few feathers.
You should check your bird's feathers about once per month to see if they need to be trimmed again, as they do grow back rather quickly. Once the bird is able to fly more than a few feet, it is a good sign that the feathers should be clipped again.
Before you clip your bird's wings for the first time, it is a good idea to have your vet perform the clipping while you watch. This way, you will have a clear idea about how far you should clip the feathers and which feathers need to be clipped and your pet bird can be safe and healthy.
About the Author: CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com. Research over 430 pet breed profiles at http://www.findapetonline.com/breeds.html
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=272170&ca=Pets
CATS
Keeping your Kitten Healthy Keeping your Kitten Healthy
Submitted by: Andrew There's a vast assortment of products and foods that are designed to help keep your kitten fit and healthy. Finding out which products will be best for your cat can often be found out by visiting a veterinary clinic.
A good vet will also be able to advise you on the correct kind of food your cat needs, how much it should be eat per day and inform you about your cat's health. They can also check your kitten for flees and give your kitten any shots it might need.
A veterinary clinic is not just a place to get your cats health checked out you can also pick up a great deal of free leaflets and information. The vet might also be able to suggest some further reading and recommended books. The internet is also another great resource for finding out cat tips and advice, there are many websites run by cat owners and professionals.
Generally you shouldn't need to take your cat to the vet more than once a year unless it gets sick or injured. But for piece of mind there are a few simple checks you can perform on your kitten at home each week. Watch how your kitten walks and ensure it is distributing its weight equally on all of its legs, if your kitten has a limp or avoids putting weight on a foot there might be a problem with that foot or leg. Looking into your kittens eyes can also tell you a lot about its health, cat's eyes should be clear and not clouded with no discharges around them, if you find a small bit of discharge around your cats eyes gently clean it away and check again the next day, if the problem continues it could be a possible eye infection and you will need to see the vet again. You can also check your kitten's nose and ears in the same way, they should be discharge free and healthy looking. Another thing to check is the kitten's teeth, ensure your kitten hasn't lost any teeth and that they are clean and white. Heavy discolouration could be another sign of infection, in which a visit to the vet might be needed.
While you are stroking your cat you should check for any unusual bumps or lumps that may have appeared, if you find anything out of the ordinary its best to get the vet to check it out. Also make sure your kitten's fur is silky and healthy looking, if the fur is greasy or dull looking your kitten might not be getting the correct nutrition it needs. All of these checks can be done with in ten minutes and can help ensure your kitten stays healthy. About Author: The author of this article runs a internet directory for webmasters, feel free to browse through the links. Please keep the link working if you distribute this piece of writing. Article Source: Article Shelter |
Cat carriers for safety Cat carriers for safety
Submitted by: alister While some people may consider it cruel to cage up your cat it's actually a matter of safety for both you and your cat. For example if you were driving and your cat suddenly jumped on to you, or it got trapped underneath your feet and the brake this could cause a serious accident. Pets can sometimes be unpredictable and for reasons like those mentioned above and more it is always safer to use a cat carrier when transporting your cat to another destination such as the vet.
When choosing a cat carrier you will find there are hundreds of different ones on the market to choose from. Pick one that is suitable for both you and your cat and remember you will need a place to store it when it is not in use. A good cat carrier should be both safe and comfortable for your cat, it should have enough room inside for a fully grown cat to have some freedom of movement, and your cat should be able to both stand up and turn around in side its cage. Air holes on all sides are also needed as this allows the air to fully circulate and your cat to look out.
To make your cat feel comfortable and safe in its carrier it's a good idea to put a blanket in side of it, if your cat has its own blanket on its bedding then that is ideal as the cat will be able to recognize the smell, this should help your cat to feel a little bit safer. The first time you use your cat carrier it is also a good idea to put down some newspaper in side just incase your cat has any 'accidents'.
It can be awkward getting a fully grown adult cat into its carrier but you can sometimes trick them with food or treats, kittens on the other hand are much easier to get in to one as you can generally just pick them up and place them in side with out to much hassle. About Author: If you are ever staying in the English Lake district visit Barrow in Furness. pet shop in barrow Article Source: Article Shelter |
Taking Proper Care of Your CatBy Mikael Rieck
Cats make some of the best pets you can have. They are especially good pets for people who have busy lives and schedules that can’t afford to give a pet all of their time and attention. Cats are pretty private animals that don’t constantly need your attention, which frees up a lot of time. They are also fairly quiet pets which make them nice pets for people who live in apartments.
There are a lot of different aspects to taking care of cats that everyone should probably learn about before bringing home a new cat. One of the most important aspects of taking care of any cat is the type of diet your cat has. Nutrition and the type of food your cat eats will determine how long your cat’s life span is. There are tons of different brands and tons of different types that all claim to be the healthiest choice for your cat. You should do a little research and make sure that none of the companies you are considering have had any type of recalls lately. Also if you aren’t sure which one is truly the healthiest you should contact your vet who can help you pick the best brand for your kitty. The vet can also give you instructions about how much to feed your cat.
It’s extremely important to make sure that you avoid overfeeding your cat. By overfeeding your cat you may cause your cat to gain a lot of weight. This weight gain can eventually lead to your cat being very obese and unhealthy. This can shorten your cat’s life span and end up being fatal to your beloved pet. Cats don’t typically need the same kind of exercise that dogs do. They tend to get their exercise throughout the day around the house.
Grooming is another essential to taking proper care of your pet cat. You should divide up the grooming duties between those that need to be done daily, and those you can do weekly. Brushing out your cat’s loose hair is something you should probably do daily as this will also improve the shine of your cat’s coat. You should also check your cat for fleas and ticks regularly while playing with them and petting on them. Make sure you get the right type of shampoo to wash your cat in as well. You may want to sport some elbow high rubber type gloves when washing your cat to avoid getting scratched.
While cats are private animals that don’t exactly do back flips to get your attention, that doesn’t mean you should never play with your cat and spend time with him. Make a little time each day just to sit down and pet your cat or get out his favorite toy and just play with him. As stated earlier this is the perfect time to check and make sure he or she doesn’t have any ticks or fleas as well.
Having a cat for a pet is a wonderful experience that millions all over the world enjoy every single day. If you are looking for a pet that doesn’t require your constant attention, yet you can still cuddle and pet, a cat is the perfect pet for you. Make sure that if you have any questions you call your vet and ask so that you can be sure you are providing your pet cat with all the care and attention he or she needs. Your cat isn’t simply an animal that sits around the house; he or she is now another member of your own family.
About the Author: The Author is the owner of the pet health and insurance site named PetInsurancePro.com where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on Insurance for a VIP Pet.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=279690&ca=Pets
DOGS
SPUNKY AND THE APPLE A DAY DOT TREAT DOT FOOD RECIPE Spunky And The Apple a Day Dog Treat Dog Food Recipe
Submitted by: Bonnie My dog, Spunky, was put on a new diet last fall by our veterinarian who sold us the food. After five days Spunky became very ill. He was vomiting, eating less, became listless and staggered when he tried to walk. His veterinarian refused to admit that the new food was causing his illness. Spunky became so ill that he was hospitalized for five days and came to the point where we were told he was dying.
I insisted that we try to feed him some of his old food before we gave up on him. We visited the animal hospital and fed him small amounts of his old food. Within hours his bloodwork was back to normal and he recovered very quickly. Some damage to his liver, kidneys and gallbladder remained but these are problems that can be monitored. In my anger and despair I decided to publish an all natural cookbook of dog food recipes. Several months later the very food that made Spunky ill was added to the recall list and this only served to make me more aware that pet owners need to consider feeding their pets human grade food.
An Apple A Day Dog Treat
2 cups whole-wheat flour1/2 cup unbleached flour1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple, chopped or grated1 egg, beaten1/3 cup vegetable oil1 tablespoon packed brown sugar3/8 cup water
Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal in large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water. Mix until well blended. On work surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size.
Place treats on prepared sheet. Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed for 1 hour to make the treats crispy. Remove treats from oven. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag, and place in refrigerator or freezer.
Recipe makes 24 servings.
Pet owners who love their pets will no doubt be searching for new food sources. Remember that when changing your dog's diet (no matter what the food source) that you need to introduce the new food carefully and in small amounts before actually making the switch. If you have any concerns about allergies and food sensitivity please consult your veterinarian before introducing human grade food.
(c) 2007, Davis Virtual Assistance. You may reprint this article so long as you keep it intact with the resource box and make all links live. About Author: Bonnie Jo Davis is the publisher of niche recipe cookbooks such as dog food, baby food, fudge, holiday meals, leftovers and more. Purchase Fifty Fantastic Dog Recipes today! Article Source: Article Shelter |
Tips For Senior Dog CareBy Mikael Rieck
Having a dog that is starting to advance in years needs special care that is different from that of a much younger dog or puppy. A dog that has hit its senior years often has lost a lot of its former spunk and energy. Someone who owns a senior pooch has to pay much closer attention to their dog’s health needs in order to keep the dog healthy. Here are a few tips to help you along with the process of learning how to care for your older puppy.
The first thing that you need to know is that each breed of dog is different in its determination of senior years. A lot of your smaller breeds tend to be around 10 years old or so when they are considered seniors. This changes up a lot so do your research on the breed of dog you currently own so that you can know roughly when to expect these changes to take place. Bigger dogs are usually considered seniors at five years of age.
If you can’t find any information concerning the aging of your particular dog’s breed you should call up your local vet and ask him or her if they can tell you that information. If the vet tells you your dog falls into this category you need to make sure you pay close attention to how your dog behaves and how he moves. Older dogs like this get sick a lot more often than younger dogs so don’t be surprised if your trips to the vet seem to increase. You may start to see your dog start moving a lot slower than he used to, which is a definite indication he is officially a senior dog.
One important aspect of caring for an older dog is his diet. As your dog ages you will need to change up the type of food he eats in order to make sure he is getting all the vitamins, nutrients, and protein he needs to be strong and healthy. Buying food that is specifically designed for older dog is a must. This food will not only give your dog nutrients but will also help your dog to maintain the correct weight.
Something most people tend to neglect is taking their senior dog out for some good healthy exercise. Just because your dog is getting older doesn’t mean he’s dead! Your dog still wants to play and have fun with you so feel free to take your dog out for a walk and play with him or her. They will enjoy it and it will help keep them healthy and in shape.
A lot of older dogs are prone to getting arthritis in their joints, which makes it very difficult for them to move around. You may start to notice that your dog has a hard time keeping up with you when you take him out, or that he is looking a little stiff at times. There are two things you can do to help reduce his pain during this time. One of them is to help your pooch slim down and lose a few pounds. You can also take him to the vet to checked out and get some medicine that will help with the pain.
An older dog needs even more attention, love, and special care than a young dog or puppy needs. This means that you will have to sacrifice a bit more of your time to try and watch your dog’s health so that you can make sure he or she is getting properly cared for. Remember to keep a close eye on your senior dog’s diet as well.
About the Author: The Author is the owner of the pet health and insurance site named PetInsurancePro.com where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on Insurance for a VIP Pet.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=279701&ca=Pets
Tips For Taking Care of a PuppyBy Mikael Rieck
If you have young children at home there is no doubt you know how wonderful the experience of bringing home a new puppy can be. Watching your kids’ faces light up with smiles and watching them play with their new friend is heartwarming. However, your children will need to be taught how to properly take care of their new pets. Here are a few tips for you and your kids to help you take the best care of your puppy that you can.
The first tip for taking care of your puppy is to make sure that you keep your puppy warm. Puppies can’t regulate their body temperatures so they need to be kept warm as much as possible. The best way to do this is to use an electric blanket that warms up. Place this under half of your puppy’s bedding. If your pup gets overheated he or she can move to the unheated side to bring down their temperature.
If you have a whole litter of puppies you’ll want to start to find them each good homes by around 8 weeks old. By this time the pups are no longer completely dependent on their mom for food, as they are able to eat puppy chow. If you are looking to bring a puppy home this is the age you want your puppy to be. Before you bring him or her home you’ll want to make sure that you have all that you need ready for your new furry friend.
You’ll need to have a place where your pet can sleep, eat, and do other activities safely. You should pick a corner of your home that is out of the way and make sure you mark it off so your puppy can’t get out. This is to help keep your new family member safe and secure. This will also keep your puppy from teething on your things, such as your shoes.
Your puppy will need a comfortable place to sleep as well. One of the most comfortable beds you can make for your pup is a cardboard box that is cut to be low walled. Your puppy will be able to get in and out of bed easily while they are still very young.
It’s no surprise that puppies crave a lot of attention. One of the best puppy care tips is to take some time out of your day and just play around with your puppy. Your puppy may not like your children or other pets right off the bat. You should try and allow them to play around one another in a setting where you can keep your eye on your puppy and your kids. After a short time your puppy will love their new playmates and have a lot of fun with them.
It’s important to take your puppy to the vet for all of his vaccinations and checkups. Make sure your pup is always up to date on his or her vaccinations or else your puppy could contract a disease that could seriously injure your dog or even be fatal.
Remember that the best thing you can do for your puppy is to love him or her and spend time with them. Taking care of a puppy can be a lot of work, but the rewards are well worth the work. These are just a few tips to help you and your family gives your brand new puppy all the care and love he or she needs to be a genuine part of your family.
About the Author: The Author is the owner of the pet health and insurance site named PetInsurancePro.com where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on Insurance for a VIP Pet.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=279703&ca=Pets
Arthritis in Dogs
By: Geoffrey English
Arthritis is a disease of the joints. It can be caused by too much stress on the joints over a period of time, or it can be caused by an underlying medical condition. Like humans, dogs can get arthritis. Unlike humans, they cannot voice their pain aloud. This is why it is important for any dog owner to know the symptoms of arthritis in dogs and how to treat it. It is equally important to understand the different causes of arthritis and how it can be prevented.
Causes of dog arthritis
Arthritis can be either a degenerative condition or an inflammatory condition. Older dogs are more prone to degenerative arthritis because of the wear and tear on the joints. The joints hold the skeleton together and can be described to be like hinges. Cartilage protects the joints. The destruction of this cartilage is what causes arthritis in dog.
In some cases, the cause is unknown, although it is often due to excessive stress on the joints over a period of time. In other cases, arthritis just flares up. A disease like Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can cause this condition in dogs.
Symptoms of dog arthritis
Because dogs cannot relay their feelings, a dog owner needs to watch for them. Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include the following:
Limping
Unable to run
Unwillingness to play
Difficulty getting up
Yelping or barking when touched
Resisting touch
Difficulty climbing stairs
Slow walking
These symptoms should be checked out by a vet to diagnose arthritis. Because arthritis in dogs can be the result of an infection, dog owners should not just put this condition down to age.
Treatment of arthritis in dogs
Treatment of dog arthritis includes medication with painkillers in some cases. There are several medications on the market that can relieve the painful inflammation that comes with arthritis. Any medication given to the dog should be done so on the advice of a qualified vet.
Other treatment options include surgery in some cases. Making sure that the dog receives proper rest and is kept warm is also advised. A veterinarian is the best person to advise treatment for the dog in a case where arthritis has been diagnosed.
In the case of an infection that is causing an inflammatory arthritis, the underlying condition must be treated. Again, the vet will be able to prescribe treatment as well as pain killers to treat both the infection as well as the painful symptoms of the disease.
Prevention of dog arthritis
In the case of degenerative arthritis in dogs, owners can protect their dogs by making sure that they do not become overweight. Added weight puts strain on the cartilage and can cause arthritis. A healthy diet is necessary for the health of any dog and can help keep the dog at his proper weight.
Adequate rest is also necessary. Dogs should not be overworked without being allowed to rest. Many dogs will work themselves to exhaustion because they want to please their owners. Dog owners should make sure that their hunting companions are properly rested and kept warm after a day of hunting so that they can help to prevent this disease.
In addition, making sure that dogs do not fall prey to diseases that can cause arthritis is a key factor in prevention. Dogs should be protected against Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and other tick or mosquito bite infections that can result in this painful inflammation of the joints.
About the author: Gun Dogs Online
Article Source: I Snare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=387802&ca=Pets
FERRETS
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FISH
How to Successfully Breed FishBy Daniel Millions
For fish to breed successfully in the aquarium, they must be healthy and feel that all conditions are right. Generally, it is difficult to breed fish caught in the wild, as they are much more demanding in their requirements, but usually even the most awkward types can be bred by expert aquarists. After the first few generations have been bred, further breeding is progressively less difficult, as the 'easy breeders' become selected out from the population.
Thus fish which, when first imported, commanded very high prices become quite cheap once the principles of breeding have been mastered. For example, the Neon and the Cardinal were originally very expensive and bred only and with great difficulty by the specialist, but now both are standard aquarium fishes, available everywhere at moderate prices, and easily bred.
Among the species which cannot be bred easily are those which become very large, and in which only the immature fish are kept in the aquarium. Some African Catfish fall into this category, as do many marine fish. Usually, however, breeding can be accomplished once the environment and biology of the fish are completely understood.
One curious factor in breeding is that, although the breeder can often select out natural mutations with unusual colors or long trailing fins, and develop new strains, sometimes the general quality deteriorates in captivity. For example, it is seldom possible to preserve the huge dorsal fin on the Sail fin molly or the bright colors of the Cichlid Apistogramma ramirezi when these fish are bred in captivity. Wild stock are larger, more robust and more brightly colored.
Breeding considerations have given rise to much of the interesting behavior of fish. Even coloring can be traced back to breeding needs. Often male and female fish are colored quite differently, and male fish may be brightly colored both to attract females and to frighten off rival males.
Most fish do not breed continually. The experienced eye can pick out fish which are pairing off as they reach peak condition for breeding. The sides of the fish fill out, and females, packed with eggs, become especially plump. Coloring becomes generally more intense, and males may display to the females with rigidly out-stretched fins. When spawning is imminent, there is often a change in the fishes' behavior: they tend to become very active and to explore possible spawning sites.
The sexual organs of fish are relatively simple, consisting of paired, elongated organs lying along the abdominal cavity these organs produce either eggs or sperm (milt). Nearly all fish shed both eggs and milt together into the water, where fertilization takes place. However, a few ,are live-bearers; that is, the male introduces his milt into the female, who retains the fertilized eggs and gives birth to live young. The Guppy is the best known of these fish.
Fish eggs are thin-walled and delicate, and are eaten greedily by most species, many consuming even their own spawn. Various special techniques have been evolved to ensure the survival of fishes' eggs or, at least, of enough of them to ensure the continuation of the species. Indeed, the method evolved by most fishes is to produce such huge quantities of eggs that some are bound to survive.
These egg scatterers are usually shoaling fish, which spawn in a group. Our common river fish are of this type, and so are their exotic relatives which are kept in the aquarium. Fishes like Barbs, Danios and Rasboras all scatter their eggs among plants. Sometimes the eggs are sticky, and become attached to the plants; others simply drop to the bottom.
About the Author: For more information on fish breeding, please visit Family Homes Network.
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HORSES
Undernourished HorsesBy Janine Carter
It is important to monitor your horses weight regularly, especially if he is prone to weight loss. A good way to monitor weight is with a weigh tape that can be purchased at most local tack shops or feed stores. If you use this tape at the same time each week it will be about 90% accurate and will let you know if there is any potential problems with your horse with weight loss being a symptom. There is also a thing called a weighbridge that your horse can walk up on to get an accurate weight, however these are not owned by most people as they are very expensive and only the large horse breeders can afford to install them.
When a horse looses weight, he looses his fat first and then the muscle tone. In this way he is just like humans. Usually a horse has a good amount of fat in reserve that he has stored during warm months to prepare for lean winters. It is inherent in their nature to store this fat. By the time weight loss can be seen on a horse, there has been a significant loss of weight already so it is important to keep track of any changes.
One way to put some weight back on your horse is to feed him "conditioning" cubes or feed. There are many varieties on the market such as Spillers Condition Cubes. You should see results fairly quickly in as soon as two weeks in most cases.
Feed more grain than your horses usual portion. Use a feed that is higher in fiber and lower in starch as this reduces the chances of your horse exhibiting bad behavior from his over abundance of energy. More protein and energy intake builds weight. Low energy feeds can be fed from 1kg to 6 kg without your horse going thru the roof with energy.
If you have no good grazing land, offer more hay during the day to provide extra roughage and nutrients. Of course fresh grass is much better, but the hay will still provide "gut fill" which creates heat from the process of fermentation. Try to stay away from large round bales as they can develop mold and are not suitable for horses.
Lastly, consult your veterinarian if you are unsure how to best feed your horse to get your horse back to the proper weight and health. If nothing else they can suggest a good nutritionist that will guide you to the proper diet and supplements.
If you have any questions on Horse supplies or Posh Pampered Pets, please call 979-221-7251 or email info@poshpamperedpets.com. Our home office is located in Waller, Texas, with warehouses located throughout the United States such as Dallas TX, Houston TX, New York NY, Denver CO, Chicago ILL, Seattle WA, Kansas City MO, Miami FL, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Los Angeles CA, Fayetteville AR, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix Arizona, San Antonio TX Texas.
About the Author: This article was written by Janine Carter, owner of Posh Pampered Pets. If you have any questions regarding Horse Supplies or Posh Pampered Pets, please feel free to call 979-221-7251 or visit us at "http://www.poshpamperedpets.com".
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Taking Care of Your Horses HoovesBy Janine Carter
Your horses hooves are extremely important in the way of caring for your horses health. It is best to have them trimmed and shod every six to eight weeks. Usually, the ferrier puts you on his schedule for six weeks out unless something comes up to put it off a week or so. You must also pick your horses feet before and after riding him. Pick up his foot and working from heel to toe, take your hoof pick and clean out the dirt and debris from the hoof and shoe. Dirt being left in the hoof can cause fungal infections and other problem with the legs. And stones left in the hoof can hurt the horses foot. Your stable floor should be kept as dry as possible allowing for proper drainage so that the animal won't be standing in a wet stall. or paddock. Standing in a wet environment for too long will cause the hoof to dry and crack.
The Hoof wall is also important to take care of as it controls the moisture balance. Wash off the foot carefully with a wet hoof brush. In a dry climate this will keep in the hoof moisture. In damp wet climates use hoof oil on the underside of the foot to stop the hooves from becoming weak. It also gives the foot a nice outer appearance. You can ask your ferrier to advise you on what to apply to keep the hoof in good condition.
Feed is important to a horses foot health. Low protein or an unbalanced diet will cause unhealthy horses and hooves. Supplements may be necessary to add to your horses diet. Some horses, when put on a diet with levels of biotin and methionine, will show improved hoof health. Biotin is a vitamin that promotes the health and growth of keratin and other connective tissue. Methionine is an emino acid that is essential for the growth of healthy hooves. Products high in zinc and copper also promote also helps the hoof remain healthy.
It is also important to remember that unless you are riding your horse frequently or in rough terrain, there is no need to have shoes put on. Many horse do just fine with no shoes at all, and in many cases horses that have had shoes on for long periods of time can take a break from them for a month just to rest the hoof.
A few other supplements for hoof care are Manganese, Selenium, Iodine, Lysine, Threonine and B vitamins. The hoof wall is like a humans fingernail, and it grows very slowly at a rate of about three-eights to one-half inch per month. It can take up to a year for healthy tissue to reach the bottom of the hoof, therefore any supplements may take weeks or months to show any results on the hoof.
If you have any questions on Horse supplies or Posh Pampered Pets, please call 979-221-7251 or email info@poshpamperedpets.com. Our home office is located in Waller, Texas, with warehouses located throughout the United States such as Dallas TX, Houston TX, New York NY, Denver CO, Chicago ILL, Seattle WA, Kansas City MO, Miami FL, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Los Angeles CA, Fayetteville AR, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix Arizona, San Antonio TX Texas.
About the Author: This article was written by Janine Carter, owner of Posh Pampered Pets. If you have any questions regarding Horse Supplies or Posh Pampered Pets, please feel free to call 979-221-7251 or email info@poshpamperedpets.com.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=274955&ca=Pets
REPTILES
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RODENTS
A Rotastak Home For Your HamsterBy Derek Rogers
Rotastak is a type of housing for hamsters, although it can easily be adapted for other small rodents.
When constructing a Rotastak you should put into consideration a hamster's natural habitat. Their natural habitats are mainly underground burrows in the desert. The most common materials needed to make a Rotastak home for a hamster are plastics bottles of all shapes and sizes, the idea being to try and make a playing room and a resting place for the hamster. Try to make them as pretty as possible by using different colours especially attractive to children. This also makes it look beautiful and fit in with the home setting.
The resting room should have a diameter of around 15 centimetres and should be made up of two pieces of plastic that are dish shaped and that are able to twirl together. The piece at the bottom should be made of solid plastic. The other one should be made of coloured clear plastic that enables the owner to see the hamster. This also enables the hamster to see through as well. Make sure when making the homes that they have exercise areas on various levels so as to encourage mobility. Hamsters are known to love exercising, by running round in circles inside their homes.
Your hamster will adore discovering his new home and will have so much to do that he will never be bored. The bedrooms should have a hole for one tube on the bottom or on the side and connected to a tube that connects two rooms together. Another room is the maxi division. It is a tank in the shape of a kidney that is quite large and the hamster can use it to play around and rest as well. It can be made of clear plastic and should have a plastic lid with hinges for easy access for the pet. On the front part of the structure, two holes can be seen and three others on the lid. This allows one to build round rooms in an upward direction and another one in the part of the lid that has the hinge.
Other rooms include the dining area where the diameter is the same length as the one of the round room. It has two tubes on the side and one hole on the floor. One hole is used for putting a bottle of water. This allows the hamster to always have sufficient water available. Make sure this is topped up daily with fresh water. Make a sliding drawer on the dining room wall in order to make feeding times easy. Always make sure to plug in all the holes of the Rotastak, or the pet will easily wander off.
Since the Rotastak is small and portable, it can be placed in any room of the house. This will not hinder the hamster from exercising. Another advantage of the Rotastak is the material that is used for its construction. Hamsters would gnaw on wood and thus the manufacturers use a kind of plastic that the hamster cannot chew through, so your hamster home should last for many years.
About the Author: Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For information on pet supplies, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of Rotastak Hamster Cages.
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