Thursday, June 26, 2008

Getting to Know your Dog

Dogs have almost always been around to lick our faces when they are happy to see us, to morn with us, and to guide us in our darkest hour. They are prized for their loyalty, devotion, courage and bravery. Millions of Americans own these four-legged canines and love them to death. Every now and again, on television, we see the one lucky dog that gets the five-star treatment, complete with massage, manicure and pedicure, its own hotel room, and maid service.
With our incredibly strong emotional attachments to our pets, it's very easy to believe that they somehow think, feel, and act like we do. But the truth is they don't. Having feelings toward a dog the way you have feelings toward a human being can be damaging to the pet-owner relationship. It is important to realize that while you may feel love for your dog, and it may also feel love for you, the way in which you both experience that love is different. Therefore, they way you behave around your dog should be different.
Cesar Millan, a revered celebrity dog trainer, says that establishing a healthy relationship with your dog is not about fixing the dog, or making it do things for you. It's about you, the owner, making an intention to get what you want out of the relationship. If you focus only on your feelings in your interactions with your pet, it becomes confused and, more often than not, tries to fill in the gaps with domination. This tendency is what leads to disobedient behavior in your pet.
One of Cesar's famous quotes is: "I rehabilitate dogs. I train people." This statement illuminates an important part of dog psychology that helps owners maintain strong relationships with their dogs. The key then is to train yourself not to rely on your feelings to get what you want out of your relationship with your dog. Make an intention and be consistent. You will thus transform into the pack leader, restoring and maintaining obedience in your four-legged friend.
Just like you, your dog needs balance in its life; a balanced diet, a regular exercise regimen, social time with other dogs, and all the other good things that constitute a healthy lifestyle. We dog lovers can sometimes get caught up in our feelings. Because of this we might forget to behave in a way with our animals that is best for them.
For more information on ways to establish a healthy relationship with your dog go to http://www.sanfranciscoveterinarianclinics.com
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

Cat & Dog Doors

Cats and small dogs can easily pass through the pet door. The door's flap is made of LEXAN, a transparent, highly-durable, polycarbonate resin thermoplastic for long-lasting safety and to allow you and your pet to see out the door easily.
Cat flaps these days are designed in such a sophisticated manner that they do not allow any other creature to enter the house except the pet cat. If there are very small children in the house then the cat flap should be secured so that the child does not crawl out of the house through it.
Dog doors generally must be bigger than cat flaps and therefore are often constructed differently; except in rural areas they tend to give access to fenced -in yards or gardens rather than the neighbourhood at large. Dog doors and cat doors provide your pets with the freedom to come and go as they please without requiring you to let them in and out every time. A quality pet door can help save energy during the hot and cold seasons. Dog and dog owners both enjoy the freedom that comes with a dog door. There is no more excessive barking when he or she needs to be let out at night.
Dog containment may be a dog fence, a dog pen or a dog crate. Dogs that spend too much of their early life confined in an unclean area - where appropriate space for bladder relief isn't consistently available - may learn to tolerate pottying indoors. Unless you've rescued your dog from such grim circumstances, however, he would probably prefer to potty outside.
Patio pet doors come with a security lock. This is a simple yet effective pin lock that will lock your current sliding door to the patio pet door. Patio door installation is so simple and easy. At the same time, it won't cost you big bucks since patio pet doors of any size and color are offered in very reasonable prices.
Dog doors for walls, patio pet door, pet door for through a door, doggie door, electronic dog door, and cat door for through glass. Dog doors and cat doors provide your pets with the freedom to come and go as they please without requiring you to let them in and out every time. Selecting a quality pet door can help save energy during the hot and cold seasons.
What is your ideal pet doors? Patio pet door? Johnson pet door? Sliding glass pet door? Find all about pet door now. http://www.BestPetDoor.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tsuyoshi_E._Suzuki

Pets & Allergies

Are you allergic to your pet? Studies show that approximately 15% of us are allergic to dogs or cats. In fact, there's an estimated 1/3 of us who live with a pet that we are allergic to. So strong are our ties to our loving furry family members that we'd prefer to suffer than be without them.
So what can we do to ease our suffering and keep our pet's companionship? Well, there are steps we can take to reduce these allergy symptoms. One is to use a HEPA air filtration system in our home. We should also be cleaning frequently to remove dust and dander. This goes for our pets' things as well including their pet beds, dog carriers, cat carriers, any bolsters in dog crates, their toys if they are washable, etc. Having tile or wood floors helps in not holding onto dust and dander like carpet does.
Using a "microfilter" bag in your vacuum cleaner so you actually catch the dust and dander when you vacuum helps.
Now that you've got the house and fixtures clean, don't forget to bathe your pet weekly. Yes, even cats can get used to being bathed if you start early. Bathing your pet weekly can reduce the level of allergens in their fur by as much as 84%. Allergens are present in their fur because the glands in their skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins, called allergens. These are present in their fur, saliva, urine and also float in the air. Different people react more or less severely to these allergens.
Another thing you can do to help reduce your pet allergy symptoms is to create a place in your home where your pets absolutely don't have access. Your bedroom is a good choice as there are special mattress covers available to reduce allergies as well.
For those that really do suffer with animal allergies but are unwilling to give up their pet, you can go to an allergist and get shots. These work by desensitizing your immune system to the pet allergens.
If you don't have a pet and are considering getting one, be sure you know if you're allergic first. If you are and are willing to do what it takes to keep your pet, more power to you. However, if you are allergic and unsure about living with the difficulties that may bring, it's best not to get one.
Debbie Foster is the owner of PetBedsUnlimited.com and an avid animal lover. You can find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, large dog beds, cat carriers, and pet strollers at http://petbedsunlimited.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Foster

How To Recognize Pet Poisioning Symptoms

Unfortunately, most of our pets don't speak our language and that can make it difficult to provide the care that we would like them to have at times. No time is more serious than a time of illness and possibly one of the more serious is poisoning.
When dealing with some varieties of poisoning time is essential in getting your pet the care that may make the difference between lasting harm and minor discomfort. We'll discuss a number of different warning signs that you can be vigilant for to alert you that what is wrong may be poisoning.
Mouth
Most commonly the mouth is the entry-way for any form of poison that you pet may come in contact with. Thankfully the warning signs are usually rather noticeable and easy to identify. The first is simply excess saliva. If your pet is drooling more than usual or excessively then you may want to take a closer look at them. If think you recognize any of these symptoms please go ahead and verify the others and use your head.
The next symptom associated with the mouth is again rather obvious to spot. This symptom is vomit. Often you can not only identify the possibility of poison simply by the presence of vomit, but you can sometimes identify the poison's source within the vomit. Think about the situation and identify uncommon elements in the vomit and then check for other symptoms.
Behavior
If your pet is displaying a change in behavior, it may be poisoning. The easiest, often times, to recognize a change in are simply standing and walking ability. If you notice a significant change in these do not hesitate to check for the other symptoms. Some other less common "motor skills" are sounding, gas, attitude or personality. If your pet is belching or hacking these could be signs or symptoms of poisoning. If your pet's sounding (barking, mewing, etc.) changes, especially if it becomes frantic, that also could be a symptom or sign of poisoning. Lastly, avoidance or apprehension, or any change in interaction or personality, could be a sign of poisoning. Please, do not hesitate to check for other symptoms.
Stomach
If when you pick up your pet, the pet reacts with an unusual sensitivity that could be a sign of poisoning. Generally, this may be the last symptom that you check when you are verifying signs for poisoning. Also, you can check for sensitivity by lightly pressing on the abdomen. Take care not to apply pressure to the ribs or too much pressure to the abdomen.
If you think that, your pet is suffering from poisoning then contact your veterinarian immediately or the appropriate local emergency hotline or contact. With poisoning time is of the essence and you may want to ask your veterinarian about what emergency action is appropriate for you to take in the event that poisoning ever does occur.
For more information about pet health and free pet insurance, visit the author's site at http://www.petinsurancepro.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mikael_Rieck

What do Turtles Eat?

What do turtles eat? Well, that really depends on the type of turtle you are asking about. Most turtles are carnivorous when they are young, but grow in to omnivores when they mature. Some feed mostly on plants while others, like the snapping turtle, actively hunt small creatures for their food. A turtle's diet depends on what kind of turtle it is, where it lives and what it has access to.
If you have an adult turtle as a pet, here are some of the foods you can feed it to keep it healthy:
Protein: There are many sources of protein that are safe to feed turtles: small amounts of cooked fish, turkey or chicken are okay; boiled eggs are okay; mealworms, waxworms, earthworms and silkworms are okay; slugs are fine, as are shrimp, snails and crickets. Don't give them raw meat, though because it can contain a lot of fat and could become contaminated by the time the turtle decides to eat it.
Vegetables: leafy vegetables are best: grape and fig leaves, red clover, carrot tops, dandelions, lettuce (red and green are okay), turnip greens, water lettuce, duckweed, collards, endive and plantain weed are all okay. Regular vegetables like corn, green beans, beets, carrots, okra, green peas and some squash varieties are also okay.
Flowers: some turtles love flowers! Roses, pansies, petunias, lilies, carnations, hibiscus, hyssop, borage, nasturtium and geraniums are all okay as turtle food.
Fruit: some turtles also like fruit: kiwi, apple, mango, strawberry, cantaloupe, blackberries, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, blueberries and some citrus fruits are all a fine to feed a turtle.
Of course, there are some foods that should never be given to a turtle:
Turtles cannot digest milk or dairy products because their stomachs do not carry the enzymes needed for the breaking down of lactose. Feeding dairy products to your turtle is a good way to make sure it gets very sick.
It is also a bad idea to feed any sort of canned or processed food to your turtle. These usually have large amounts of salt and preservatives and people don't yet know what these ingredients will do to the digestive system of a turtle.
What do turtles eat from their natural habitats? Some turtles have been known to eat poisonous plants that are a part of their natural habitat-they do this as a way to make themselves inedible by predators. Unfortunately, especially in the case of pet turtles, you won't know exactly what kind of plants are a part of its native habitat, so it is best to keep poisonous plants (like poison ivy, rhubarb plants and avocado plants) out of their reach and out of their tanks.
What do turtles eat? The turtle's diet depends on what kind of a turtle it is and how old it is. While they are babies, turtles are almost completely carnivorous, though they change into omnivores or even herbivores when they get older (depending on the turtle species). If you are buying a pet turtle from a store, the pet store will likely have food you can feed it.
Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill
For great turtle care advice, turtle food recommendation or turtle health issues visit us at .....http://www.petturtlecare.net/
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Do You understand what Animal Cruelty really is?

One of the most gut wrenching things that happens on a daily basis is animal cruelty. For those who love animals, the sight of an abused creature can make them fighting mad.
Understanding what constitutes cruelty to animals can be difficult for some to comprehend. That is why many agencies that deal with this inhumane behavior have categorized the abuses into two types, thus making the topic easier to understand and perhaps to further help in the prevention of cruelty to animals.
The first of the types of animal cruelty that one should be aware of is passive cruelty, also known as an act of omission. This is the crime of neglect and is not an actual physical action perpetrated upon an animal. In other words, this is when an individual neglects their pets animals through starvation, dehydration, inadequate shelter or failure to seek the services of a vet when required.
This type of cruelty to animals can cause severe pain and suffering that often leads to death. In some cases, the reason for the cruelty is lack of education, and when informed of the cruelty to animals, the police can step in and educate the owner about being responsible for their dogs and cats, zoo animals and farm animals.
The opposite of passive cruelty is active cruelty to animals. This is when an individual deliberately and with intent causes physical harm to an animal. Those who display these acts of commission, as they may also be called, usually suffer from severe psychological issues.
If a child displays this behavior at any time, then a parent should seek immediate help. These occurrences have been linked to sociopathic behavior and can become worse as the child reaches adult life. As well, this type of cruelty often happens in an abusive home. In a union between humans, often an abusive partner will abuse the family pet for revenge.
Animal cruelty is one thing that can be stopped if individuals will only take the first step. Through education, people can learn about the types of cruelty and how to stop it from happening. Animal abuse will not be stopped or contained in one day.
However, if we, as a collective community, can become active in helping the animals that are mistreated, then perhaps one day we can put an end to this epidemic. All it takes is education and becoming involved in just a small way. One person can really make a difference in the life of an animal.
Mike Selvon has a passion for animal care, and his portal answers your common questions about animal cruelty. Visit his portal for your free gift and leave a comment at his humane society blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

The Pro's & Con's of Discount Pet Meds

Like people, animals also need to be treated and handled with care. They experience illnesses and some health related problems that we least think could strike them any time. Taking care of pets would mean providing them with adequate medication whenever they need it. That would mean an exorbitant process that pet owners should extend to their pets. And as financially capable or incapable we may be, we are opted to cater them with those expensive treatments just to make sure that they are treated well. We are just so blessed to have embraced the wonders of technology as there are discount pet medications available online nowadays. I presume that would lighten the burden a little bit, wouldn't it?
These kinds of medications are those that are given to the public at low rates. As these medicines are discounted, that doesn't mean that they are less effective. They are still potent; the only hindrance is that they are not advisable during emergencies. Why they aren't? Because discounted medicines could take a few days before they reach your hands. However, through these rebated offers, you can still buy long-term medicines and some other supplements.
There are various websites that cater the needs of pet owners that give off detailed information's about their pet products. They also furnish specs of which goods are available or not. Even good pet health products of good quality can be purchased at low costs online.
In buying discount pet medications, be sure to consider some points. One is the quality of the health product, next is the company that offers the discounted products (whether they are trusted to provide the best overall cost of a particular order), and the third one is whether they supply free deliveries and that appropriate rates of discounts are offered. It is not really profitable to opt for medicines that are offered with very big rebates but would end up eating your money because of high charges on overnight deliveries.
At this time, a lot of online prescriptions are already offered by pharmaceutical companies. The advantage is, they are more cheaply compared to face-to-face consultations with a veterinarian and the total cost of a treatment. Nevertheless, this kind of process also has its drawbacks. Unlike having your pets checked up by a vet in person, the doctors online do give prescriptions without actually seeing the real condition of the animal. All you have to do is to provide them with a very comprehensive description or report of your pet's condition - which is not really that accurate. There may be a large selection of medication, but the detriment is the possibility of delayed shipping and a chance for you to pay for it.
Ordering via online or via mail would require you to go over the list supplied by the pharmacy. Try to look at their index and make sure that the company has the same medicine as what you requested. Be keen also on looking at the reputation of the company who manufactures or delivers the products. An approval from the government's health sector must be seen on the medicine too.
So to be sure, better consult a veterinarian or if you have your own, consult your vet about the right medicine to be diagnosed to your pets. Bear in mind that these depreciated medicines are not alternatives for the doctors. Before diagnosing your pets, they must undergo thorough check-ups to be sure on what kind of medicine the vet should prescribe. Like people, some animals have allergies and giving unwanted shots might harm them. So take heed.
As there are lots of pet cures available today which are suited for all the needs of your pets, discount pet medications still out stand among pet owners who want to avail a little abatement. As these types of medicines can help them save money, they are still sure that their pets will be cured just like using those expensive pet remedies. There are companies that sell drugs at wholesale prices, which mean another method of discount. So as a wise consumer and pet owner, all you have to do is to request them to provide the medicines as early as possible to avoid delayed deliveries. And as soon as you receive them, make sure to check if the orders you got are the same as the ones you asked from them. And oh, don't forget to check on the expiration date as well!
To learn more about the different types of pet meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Kramer

Homeopathic Product Guide

The title says: Natural Homeopathic Product Guide. So, what is exactly "homeopathic"? According to encyclopedias and dictionary: Homeopathic is: of or relating to homeopathy. Therefore, Homeopathy: a system of medical practice that treats a disease especially by the administration of minute doses of a remedy that would in healthy persons produce symptoms similar to those of the disease. So, what does that mean in English? In simple terms, as what is being understood in simple lingo, it is a natural way of getting rid of diseases in a general and holistic manner or the whole body of a human.
Human? So this means to say that there are some natural ways on how to help cure or get rid of the diseases that has been plaguing a human body? Like natural food supplements? Those things that have some label: No Therapeutic Effect"? But can still get rid of diseases through getting rid of the root causes like toxins and such?
Yes, that's pretty much it. Okay, that cleared things up a little bit but what has this got to do with animals particularly in pets like dogs or cats or parrots and alligators and snakes? Why? Are there also some homeopathic methods in getting rid of the various diseases in pets?
Just like humans, your furry best friend or your nice tabby cat is also prone to toxins. Toxins, as understood, are the real culprits why humans get sick and this is also true with animals.
Right now, the world is full of toxins. You and your pet eat foods that have chemicals in them. The water that you drink may be full of additives and other kinds of unwanted substances that are not suitable even for animal consumption. There was even this news about a leading dog food company who started to recall all their dog food products because they have learned that they are accidentally laced with ingredients that have contributed to a lot of pet diseases like renal failure, kidney failure, arthritis and obesity, to name a few.
But you know the worst part of it is? The very medicines administered on these pets have more toxins that can give out adverse and harmful side-effects.
It's the very same things as with humans. You get sick, the doctor will give you medications and those medications can have side-effects because of the chemicals mixed with it. But what else can you do? You need those medicines or else something worse will happen to you but the irony is, if you keep on using these medicines and you don't have something to sort of counter-attack them, you'll be in a lot worse of a situation.
And this is where natural medicine or herbal medicine comes in. And some specialists and veterinarians refer to them as healthy dog herbal supplements or something like that and these products are all available online. If you care for your pet, you should consider homeopathic or holistic and healthy remedies for different kinds of pet diseases and there's one natural homeopathic product guide that can help you deal with it.
To learn more about the different types of Natural Homeopathic Product Guide for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Kramer

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Pet Urine Products

Pet urine cleaning products became a necessity for me recently as my life was forever changed. As pet owners we are sometimes faced with situations we have never experienced before. Being a life long pet owner still did not prepare me for the day my 15 year old beagle Gypsy lost her eyesight as father time caught up with her.
She adapted very well to being blind, much better than I did. She was able to navigate through the house once she learned the layout of the furniture. She still bounces off of it and the walls sometimes but takes it in stride. And Gypsy wants most desperately to be out in the woods where it was obvious she was always the happiest. Talk about now traveling the path of a pinball!
The only exception was for some reason she decided it was okay to start urinating in the house. This was quite an extreme change since this had never been a problem for Gypsy. She was very good about going outside after she was house broken to the point of letting you know when she had to go. Sure we had an occasional accident when she was left inside for an extended period but, this was as much our fault as hers.
I do not know why her behavior changed pertaining to urinating inside. Maybe she just became disoriented as her sense of smell has deteriorated along with her hearing. The first couple of months after she went blind I learned to adapt with her. Cleanup became an almost daily routine to now care for Gypsy. It was the least I could do for the lifetime of memories she blessed me with.
Needless to say I learned first hand about pet urine cleaning products turning a bad problem into something that could be dealt with. The majority of cleaning products designed for the home just will not perform adequately when it comes to pet urine. Pet urine cleaning products are a necessity when dealing with this situation.
Pet urine is unique when it comes to cleaning. It is organic and therefore attracts bacteria. The only way to thoroughly clean this type of problem is with pet urine cleaning products designed specifically for the job at hand. Thankfully something clicked with Gypsy and she again started going to the door to be let out. Gypsy has since reverted back to going outside when ever she needs to relieve herself. Except for an occasional mishap, my pet urine cleaning products are no longer required as frequently.
Fortunately both myself and Gypsy have learned to cope with her loss of sight. We both look forward to whatever amount of time we have left that only the companionship a master (Gypsy) and her best friend (me) can know.
You can find more information regarding cleaning pet urine at Pet Urine Cleaning Products.
Ray Pugh is an avid pet lover and the owner of YourPetRamp.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Pugh

Shopping for Pet Products

Pet lovers and owners alike would want the best things for their furry ones. Whether it is a cat or dog, they would want to provide the most comfortable shelter, the appropriate food, nice accessories and so much more. This is the reason why more and more pet products are created.
Aside from that, pet shop owners have continuously found ways to make their customers satisfied. Whether it is cat toys or dog toys, they have it all. Let's start off with pet products. Any pet owner would want to train their dogs and cats. This is to ensure that their pets know their limitations and to observe loyalty. Training your pet may not be as easy. It greatly depends on the pet you have.
Some dogs are smarter than others while some dogs are hard to train. But there are already various pet products available in the market that provides astounding solutions and high-tech gadgets that will help you in training your beloved pet. Training collars come in different sizes and specifications.
Some training collars act to make your dog behave properly from a distance. When it comes to house entry, you can provide your pet with a dog or cat door so he can easily enter the house. In this way, you would not have to go over the painstaking task of opening and closing the door for your pet. Your kitties might love a cat door because it is their safe passage to freedom outside and inside the house. And if you have little kids or babies inside the house, you can buy a pet gate so you can make sure that your pet would not harm your little ones.
These are just some of the pet products and items that are usually bought in pet shops. When you are going to shop for pet accessories and stuff, you should make sure that the pet shop you choose has equipments and solutions for your pet needs. Some might recommend you with the best collars for training your pet.
If you are a first time dog owner, you can read books and manuals that are available in pet shops so you can have a background on what to do. Controlling your pet's behavior should be on top of your priority so that your pet can know his limitations. If you have a cat, there are lots of cat toys but before purchasing one you should know that it is safe and it has no small parts that might be removed easily. This might pose risks to your kitty.
To learn more about Cat Toys, Pet Products and other training tips and tricks please visit Pet Shop
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candy_Smith

Pets & Our Health

Having pets are one of the healthiest investments you can make,for long term health & happiness. We all know that having pets in our lives, through studies, have also been showing how the animals benefit from our bodies and minds. Apart from the lazy times in sun, walking and fetching guaranteed smiles through out our days, pets also provides health benefit that also basic extend far into our body also the mind, such lower blood pressure and heart rates, anxiety level as well as also providing the pet owners with the both consistent behaviors and also the offering love and the affection. Pets will in return, respond also well to the stability and our love and also the affection the pet owners out there upon them.
Pets have also been known as to also improve the lives of pet owners, significantly health, not only for young families, but also for elderly. Pets can also help owners live longer, healthier also ultimately, and more enjoyable lives. Journal of American Society published article May 1999showing independently living seniors with pets, tend also to have a much better physical overall and also mental health also and well healthier than senior out there basic that do never and do not own dogs. They is active, generally also much much more happier, cope also much better with the stress, have also significantly much much more lower blood pressure.
It will also seem that also taking care of our pet would be lot of much work. In fact, it is work, the maintenance walking also feeding also grooming the fresh water playing also petting that also lowers heart rate also decreases anxiety stress and also levels, increases also serotonin and also release beta endorphins in the pet owner. Even also just getting up to the open door for dog to be start let in or the out, or the changing of the water for kitty, require also some of cardiovascular and exercise, and also basic increases joint and also flexibility and also keep joints limber agile.
Consistent minor and also exercise like this one, ensures also much and much healthier bodies for all pet owners out there.Many of benefit having pet are also less and less tangibles. Pet allows physical contacts and also do offer consistent exercises for you, also as well as the unconditional love. They also may act as the support systems for the older people without the home or the families or the closest friends they may have. People with the pets now days generally also remain more and much stable during the problems than us humans without the pets.
Pets do also basic offers also protection from the isolation also separation anxiety example people in the nursing homes, and also for people who basic don't have much of the opportunity to start interact with the other people. Pets also basic help the elders perform all the daily functions and also stick to the regular routines such example getting up every all day and week, buying groceries and going outside of their home all these necessary physical emotional and also all the social activities, that also help elderly people to be active and do exercise and do become more motivated to start eat and also sleep in nights, and also much more comfortable in the environments and also with themselves. Through all of these interactions out there, pets do also enable elders people to start interact with others more and more frequently, which also much lowers the depression also the anxiety, than both frequent medical problem facing the elders people today.
About author
Sindre B.
Copyrighted
Feel free to copy this article and have it on your website or blogs as long as the authors name and links are included for more informationa bout pets health pet grooming pet insurance dog trainings visit http://www.petsbuddies.com for other health information visit http://www.mesot-helioma.com
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8 Foods that are Pet Poisons

Almost anyone who has a pet, knows that people food is not pet food. You cannot provide proper nutrition for your dog or cat by simply feeding them the same dinner the rest of your family is eating. But did you know there are many people foods that we might be tempted to give our pet as a "treat" that could be harmful to them?
1) Alcohol - depending on the amount ingested, alcohol can cause our companion animals to suffer vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma and even death.
2) Chocolate - Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. It can also cause the development of life threatening pancreatitus. In general, the darker the chocolate, the higher the toxicity in animals. As little as 10 ounces of milk chocolate, or a mere 2 ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a ten pound dog.
3) Coffee - In all forms, coffee, beans, and even the used grounds contain a potentially toxic amount of caffeine for your pet.
4) Macadamia nuts - Raw or roasted, as few as six macadamia nuts can cause locomotory difficulties in dogs; including weakness, tremor, and paralysis, as well as excessive panting and swollen limbs. This muscle weakness seems to be quite painful, but if treated by a vet the dog can recover. Some dogs have also had this problem after being given macadamia butter.
5) Onions, Onion Powder, Garlic and Chives - These plants and others of the allium family contain disulfides. If ingested in large quantities they can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells. Cats are more susceptible than dogs.
6) Raisins and Grapes - As few as five raisins or grapes can cause renal failure in dogs.
7) Avocado - Dogs can experience significant GI (gastrointestinal irritation) including vomiting and diarrhea. Birds and rodents appear to be particularly sensitive and can experience respiratory distress, generalized congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart, and possibly death.
8) Spoiled or Moldy foods - if you wouldn't eat it or feed it to your family, don't feed it to your pet!
There are a number other people foods that are potentially dangerous to pets if eaten in significant quantities. Pear pips, apple cores, potato peelings and green looking potatos, brocolli, and others.
The best policy is to keep your food to yourself, and buy appropriate treats for your pet at the pet store.
If you have seen your pet ingest something you know is potentially harmful, or you suspect she has, contact your vet immediately. Harmful effects are not always immediately apparent, so even if the pet seems fine, it is safer to consult with your vet. Gather a sample of the substance, and/or the container it came in, to take to the vet with you. If your pet has been vomiting, take a sample of the vomitus in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag to the vet with you.
The ASPCA poison control center is on call to assist you and your vet. The number is (888) 426-4435, however there is a $60 fee for the service. For more information visit the ASPCA's website at http://www.aspca.org/
Summer Fey Foovay is an artist, writer, and webdesigner. She has been involved in animal care most of her life, both professionally and as a hobby. Her website, Animal Nerd is full of information about caring for your pet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Summer_Foovay

How to Get Rid of Fleas the Right Way!

As you probably know fleas primarily survive off of the blood of your pets. It is often difficult to spot the fleas on your pet due to their fur. Fleas can cause your pets to lose so much blood that they become anemic or they can transmit some pretty tough diseases into your pet. Because of this you will need to be completely committed to wiping out this pest wherever they live.
The exam should start with your pet. You will do well to comb them each day with a special flea comb. If you just put a bit of vasoline onto spines you will find the process much more effective as the little parasites get stuck to the jelly. During this combing you should do a special check in some hot spots. These include areas behind their ears, spots in between their toes, the fur in their armpits, and the spots under their neck.
You will be able to see the fleas a lot better if you put a white towel or cloth underneath your pet during the combing. Black specs on the brush or on the towel means that your pet has fleas. Pure alcohol can be used to stun the fleas you brush out so that you can effortlessly dump them into a cup of water to die. The mug should be emptied down the toilet to make sure that any survivors don't make it out. Simply bathing your pet regularly should kill the fleas unless you're dealing with a major infestation. Special shampoos are made to kill fleas but they are usually too toxic to use every day.
One chemical free method involves cutting up lemons and squeezing the juice into a quart of water. After it settles in a few hours you can put it into a clean spray bottle. A little spray across the body, while taking care to avoid getting any into their eyes, is usually enough. There are other products available commercially (such as rosewood, cedar, or eucalyptus) but you can't always rely on these to take care of minor flea problems.
If the fleas have reached a level of infestation on your pet than they really need to see a veterinarian. A professional will analyze your situation and probably prescribe some type of growth regulation spray or pill and possibly a strong fogger (Precor and Nylar are two popular versions). There are many versions available that are all perfectly safe for your pet and the environment. A good vet may also give you Diatomaceous Earth or a Boron substance to use in your home as a cheap and effective flea killer.
Strong medications such as Imidacloprid (popularly known as Advantage) or fipronil (known as Frontline) will be able to wipe out all of the adult fleas on your pet in hours while preventing outbreaks for up to 3 months. It just takes a few drops of these substances onto your pet's shoulder and the special chemical will spread and cure on its own. These both also offer little toxicity to your pet. Any flea killer that uses a substance called Pyrethrum is effective for quick relief too.
You have to be incredibly careful with your insecticides though. These are dangerous chemicals if used improperly. Ask your vet before you do anything it doesn't mention. An insecticide intended for use on a dog has the potential to kill a cat. The formulas just don't mix. All in all, there are many flea control techniques you might not have been aware of before!
Ruby Miller has tried nearly all of the major flea control products for her two basset hounds. Learn which one´s worked for her and her 1 to 5 star ratings on popular flea products Frontline, Advantix, Advantage, Biospot and others at her personal site, http://www.stopdogfleas.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruby_Miller

Pets show us how to Love

An excellent article I came across:
The caramel-colored corgi spotted me walking toward the city-run recreation center. Out for a walk with his person, the little dog stopped in his tracks and fixed me in his gaze. The woman on the end of his leash tried to move him along, but he wouldn't budge.
He stood his ground, waiting for me to approach him. I bent down and opened my palm for him to sniff, talking softly to him. He licked my hand and fingers eagerly, and enjoyed having his head rubbed and ears scratched.
Only then would he consent to being lead away by his bemused owner. Slightly embarrassed and certainly bewildered, she didn't seem to understand what just transpired, but I did. That sharp little canine intuitively sensed that I could use some affection and comfort, and did his best to offer it to me.
I felt better immediately and will appreciate that compassionate pooch for the rest of my days.
Animals show us all the time how to love. They constantly offer up true love-the unconditional kind so simple that we so-called intelligent beings simply don't trust it, convinced that love surely must be complex, unfathomable, and scarce. What a pity we don't pay more attention to our animal teachers. The few times we do, it's an even greater tragedy that we generally don't understand the lesson.
Take the tale of Oscar, a feline supervisor at a Rhode Island hospice care unit. The tabby cat made national headlines when his story was posted on the website of the New England Journal of Medicine at this URL: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/357/4/328.pdf
Then there was Scamp, an adopted canine with similar duties at a Canton, Ohio, nursing home. Like Oscar, Scamp the schnauzer always seemed to know when a resident of his facility was close to death. We didn't know what to make of the animals' abilities to predict and indicate imminent death or their love for the dying person. Idiotic, fear-laden headlines yammered on about "ominous talent" and "first grim cat, now grim dog."
How tragic that death holds such terror for us, and we are so divorced from our spiritual natures, that we react to the love--the compassion and empathy--shown by animals with fear, distrust, and even a tinge of loathing.
By easing both the dying and their loved ones through the transition erroneously known as death, Scamp and Oscar show us the meaning of love as well as how to love. The animals' presence at a resident's bedside alerts staff to contact the patient's family in time for them to say their good-byes. Doing so provides a tremendous amount of comfort to the dying person's loved ones. And for those without family able to arrive in time, Oscar and Scamp make sure that none of those they watch over dies alone.
Science, naturally, provides theories about how animals can sense impending death. These explanations focus on chemical smells, called pheromones, that animals can detect but elude human nostrils. Pheromones may well be at work, but that does not exclude another interpretation of these events. The dying most often are comatose, unconscious, or too far in mental collapse to be aware of the animals' presence by what we consider normal methods. They cannot use the physical senses to see them, hear them, or feel the animals' fur or slight weight next to them.
Even unconscious, however, the dying are still capable of sensing and benefiting from the vibration of love. Detecting love's presence is a gift of the spirit that precedes physical life and remains once it is over because it is the essence of the energy-spirits that we are. Love does not depend on physical life or physical senses to exist and be given or received. And surely it is love that Oscar and Scamp are giving those at death's door, and love that the little corgi offered me. True love that makes no demands, imposes no conditions, sets no restrictions.
All of us long for that kind of love, and we need not wait for it until the end of our physical lives. It's available to us right now, if only we open our hearts and souls to the animal teachers all around us, willing to show the living as well as the dying the way to love.
Candace (C.L.) Talmadge is the author of the Green Stone of Healing(R) http://greenstoneofhealing.com epic fantasy series and a political columnist syndicated by North Star Writers Group http://northstarwriters.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candace_Talmadge

Come Learn How to Take Care of your Pets

Hi There,
I started this blog because I realized that there are a lot of people out there that will aquire a pet through a pet store or have someone give it to them and really not know the best way to care for that pet. I first want to say that the very first day that you bring your pet into your home(dog,cat,rabbit, etc..) you are adding a new member to your family whether you now that or not and if your not willing to commit the time & effort that goes into taking care of that pet then you should'nt even bother doing it. Pets need our love and attention as much as children and when we neglect to give them that we are neglecting them. I have 4 kids & 3 cats and I now that they all need a constant supply of our attention to be happy, so I am going to give you all the facts,reviews and opinions from all my resources to keep you well informed about your pets no matter what ind of pet you may have.
Thanks.
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