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

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
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