General Articles

Learn About Caring For Your Dog Here

Arguably, dogs can be as great a loyal companion as any person can. This is why a dog owner needs to learn whatever they can about how to care for their pet so that it lives a long and healthy life. This article is a wonderful start.

Your dog needs a stimulating environment if it is going to live a long and healthy life. Providing him or her with one is not really that hard. Simply make sure you take your dog for walks each day, and purchase a few toys that you and your pet can play with together.

Never bring your dog with you while flying during the hot summer months, unless the airline provides a climate-controlled cabin for him. Most of the major carriers use the same area for pets as they do for cargo, meaning your dog will have to endure some pretty high temperatures as you travel to your destination, jeopardizing his safety.

Try to always be aware of how your dog is feeling. If your dog seems to be nervous, fearful, or scared of certain things, you should take note of this and try to avoid putting your dog in a stressful situation. When a dog is stressed or afraid, you could traumatize your dog if you insist that it stays in the stressful situation.

Be careful if you’re searching for a new dog on Craigslist or other classified ads. Many people exaggerate the truth in order to unload problems or challenging training issues and you could end up with an impossible situation on your hands. Only talk to people who are verifiable through vet records and demonstrate positive handling experience.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. This is vital to the care of a happy dog. Many people don’t bother to exercise their dog, thinking that walks are enough. Dogs are active creatures and need to play. Talk to your veterinarian about how much activity your dog needs, and make sure he gets it.

In order to make sure that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to have access to clean water at all times during the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important components. The only exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy for three hours before bedtime.

If you are a very enthusiastic owner of a pure-bred dog, join your local AKC. They are an active social group where you can share your love for your dog, learn a lot and make new friends too. The experience can also help prepare you and your dog for entering contests and winning shows!

Be a responsible dog owner, to represent the species well. For example, Pit Bulls are feared and often even hated in most places these days, due to irresponsible ownership. People tend to blame the animals when in fact it’s the human factor influencing the dog’s behavior. Train your dog well and leave a good impression on others!

If you leave your dog with a boarder, there are certain things you need to tell them. First, make sure the boarder has a number to reach you in case of an emergency. Also, tell them of any behavioral issues you dog has. If the dog needs special foods or medication, let the boarder know this as well.

Owning a new puppy is very similar to having a new baby. Puppies need a lot of attention and have to be taken care of constantly. They are not ready to be left alone for long periods of time and need to have a fair amount of attention devoted to them.

Make sure that you’re feeding your dog a good quality food. Most dog foods available at your grocery store are mainly made up of grains or corn. Instead of this, you should try to find a dog food that is mostly made of meat. Foods that are high quality can provide you with many benefits, such as having a healthy pup, less vet visits, and your dog’s coat will shine more.

Owning a dog has a lot of benefits, and it can be the basis of a great friendship. The best thing you can do for your dog is to learn as much as you can about him. The tips you just read can be of great benefit to you over the life of your dog.…

Humane Society

Home Remedies For Cats With Constipation

Is your cat experiencing hard, compacted stools that are difficult or painful to pass, no bowel movement or the urge to move bowels? Is it plagued by abdominal bloating, cramps or abdominal pain and shows loss of appetite? Chances are it is suffering from constipation.

Causes

Constipation develops when waste becomes clogged inside the colon. If waste is not removed and stays in the colon for too long, it can result in toxins and harmful bacteria leaking into the body, causing other health problems. That is why regular elimination of waste products is vital for your cat’s health. Fortunately, there are a number of effective home remedies for cats with constipation which can cure the problem and reduce any discomfort associated with it.

Constipation can result from a number of factors but diet is the most important one. A diet low in fibre and insufficient water intake combined with an inactive lifestyle are often to blame.

You can prevent constipation in your cat by ensuring it eats a healthy diet. Therefore one of the most effective home remedies for cats with constipation is to feed a balanced diet; ideally raw rather than processed food. Avoid dry food altogether for the time being as it contains very little moisture. This will makes things worse.

Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to your cat’s food a couple of times a week helps to maintain regular bowel movements and also keeps the fur glossy. One teaspoon of canned pumpkin or half a teaspoon of wheat bran added to the food will add additional fibre. This helps softening the stool and brings relief. Psyllium husk and green oats provide a similar result. Feeding probiotics will balance the consistency of the stool.

Sufficient liquid intake is also important. Make sure your cat has access to fresh drinking water. Some cats don’t like chlorinated or fluorinated tap water. In this case, give filtered or bottled water. You cannot force a cat to drink, so in order to ensure your cat gets enough fluid, pour some water over the food. Avoid soaking it though as this is not very appetising.

Herbal remedies

Herbal home remedies for cats with constipation can also be used to great effect to cure the condition. One remedy you can easily make yourself is a tisane of wild chicory. Give one dropperful, twice a day. In addition, sprinkle a pinch of plantain seeds into water and give three times daily.

Alternatively, you can give one dropperful of a walnut leave tisane or a tisane made from fennel shoots, three times a day. Fennel shoots can also be chopped and fed raw to your cat. Dried figs coated in honey and given as a pill are another excellent home remedy for cats with constipation.

Hygiene

If your cat lives mainly indoors, keep the litter box clean at all times. Cats are clean creatures and a dirty litter box can discourage it from using the toilet.

Lifestyle

Cats also need exercise. Activity is good as it stimulates digestion of food. If your cat is not naturally very active, encourage it with some exiting cat games. Regular exercise will help not only keep your cat fit and healthy but will help with bowel movement as well.

The above home remedies for cats with constipation will bring effective relief from the symptoms and take care of the problem naturally.…

General Articles

12 Must Know Facts Before Buying a Ferret

12 Must Know Facts Before Buying a Ferret

The very nature of ferrets indicates their playful and curious side. Surely, they make great pets but owning one does not end in buying them. Buying a ferret also includes considering certain factors and below is a rundown of 12 must know facts.

1. Are you responsible enough? Do you have the time? These questions must be answered thoroughly before buying a ferret. Remember that these pets require special attention from their owners. If you cannot provide for their basic needs or show them your best qualities as a ferret owner, maybe it is best to sit this one out and consider another type of pet.

2. Legality is another important factor to consider. For all you realize, buying a ferret is considered illegal in your place. The best way to check this is through your local wildlife or Fish and Game Department. In this way, you are certain if you can actually own a ferret for domestic purposes.

3. Finances. Be reminded that buying a ferret and owning one can be very pricey. You have to be able to calculate every possible provision such as medication, vaccination, food, supplies and accessories.

4. Environment. Make sure that your surroundings are suitable for ferrets. This is particularly important if you happen to own other pets. Remember that ferrets do not think highly of fishes and birds. It is also likely that they will hunt or consider these other pets as possible preys.

5. Behavior is crucial if you want to own a ferret. If you are concerned with having an aggressive ferret, it is best to understand that these animals are trainable and can be taught manners. In fact, you can teach ferrets not to bite, litter or poop in the carpet.

6. There is an ideal age if you are into buying a ferret. The best solution is to get a kit aged 8 to 16 weeks old. Sometimes, others prefer older ferrets. However, if you want to create that special bond between you and your pet, then getting a younger ferret is most applicable.

7. Gender is also important. Decide whether you want a male or female ferret. A choice has its own pros and cons. Just make sure to do your research.

8. Studying the breed of any pet is also advisable. Deciding on the type of color even age and sex is deemed appropriate in buying a ferret. One obvious reason for this is its relative effects on health and overall condition.

9. Scent. Ferrets have a natural smell that comes across as stinky or offensive. This fact is part of the pet’s physiology and the only way to remedy any odor problems is by implementing sanitation and proper hygiene.

10. Litter training is also a matter of importance before buying a ferret. Be prepared to teach your pets discipline. Learn the very essentials of litter literacy. In this way, you can readily instill manners and good behavior in your pet.

11. Provisions like food and medicines are a must in ferret owning. Know the right types of foods to give to your pet. Do not miss veterinary appointments. Keep up with required medications and vaccines if needed.

12. Lastly, learn a thing or two about ferret proofing your home or place. Keep in mind that ferrets are active pets. They can get inside cabinets and sofa beds. Think of plants, drawers and holes as possible sources of dangers and ferret-related accidents.…

Dog Rescue

Is Your Cat Getting Enough Of This?

Water is a basic element we all need and cats are no exception. It accounts for up to 75 percent of your cat’s weight and it helps her digest food, eliminate waste and regulate body temperature.

The amount of water your cat needs will vary based on a few things including their activity level and diet, but ensuring she is getting enough water is important. Hydration is one of the factors that can contribute to urinary tract problems, which can in turn lead to other problems. But there are a few things you can do to make sure your cat is regularly getting enough water.

Ways To Encourage Proper Hydration

Fresh water should always be available to your cat, ideally in more than one location. You may even try moving one source of water around to see where your cat likes it best. Having more than one water dish is especially important if you have more than one cat.

Consider getting a re-circulating water fountain. Many cats like to drink running water. These water fountains encourage some cats to drink more often.

Another great way to get more water into your cat’s diet is by feeding her wet or canned cat food. This is especially important if your cat has had a feline urinary tract issues in the past. You can even add a little extra water to the food if you feel she isn’t drinking enough on her own.

What You Feed Your Cat Is Important

Besides adding some wet cat food to your cat’s diet the type of food you choose is important as well. If feline urinary tract infections are of concern choose a food that is low in magnesium.

To keep your cat as healthy as possible choose a natural cat food that uses whole food ingredients instead of by-products. Companies that make natural and organic cat foods often pay more attention to the ingredients in the food and in most cases they use better quality ingredients to encourage optimum feline health.

Litter Boxes

The other side of hydration of course involves litter boxes. Having clean litter boxes in out of the way places is important as well. If you have multiple cats you should have more than one litter box.

Taking a few easy steps to ensure your cat is eating and drinking well will help keep her healthier and it may cut her risk of some common cat health problems down the road.…

General Articles

Understanding Your Cat’s Needs

Understanding Your Cat’s Needs

It is a common misconception that cats are a “feed them and forget about them” pet. While cats aren’t necessarily difficult creatures to look after, you might be better suited to take a fish as a pet if you want a little to no attention pet. We’re going to talk about the basic physical and psychological needs of a cat to help you better understand the responsibilities that caring for a cat entails.

The dietary needs of a cat are fairly simple to satisfy. The three basic types of cat food available are dry (kibble), moist (usually bought in pouches), and wet (canned). If you are considering a kitten, it’s best to carry on feeding him the same brand and type of food that his breeder is feeding him. It’s up to you what kind of food you want your cat to eat. Many people encourage feeding a cat dry food as it helps to keep your cat’s teeth clean and strong. Cats that have a solitary diet of soft foods usually end up having far more dental issues than cats on a kibble diet. Always make sure that you have clean water available to your cat at all times of the day and do not feed your cat cow’s milk, as it has very little nutritional value for your cat and often results in digestive problems and diarrhea.

Setting up and maintaining a litter box is pretty basic. We recommend purchasing litter box liners (similar to trash bag material) to make changing out the litter an easier and more sanitary process. Using a litter scoop, you should remove clumps of poo regularly from the litter, completely changing out the litter about once a week. If you have more than one cat, you will likely need to change the litter more often to keep the smell down.

The grooming responsibilities for your cat will depend a great deal on the breed that you have. Cats with longer or thicker fur will require you to brush them once, sometimes twice a day. As a general rule, cats do not require baths. Cats spend a huge portion of their day cleaning themselves and they’re very good at it! If your cat has a mishap that leaves them too dirty to clean themselves, a quick bath with soap designed for cats is okay. You may find that if your cat is a very long-haired breed, his fur might become excessively oily. This is another case in which you may need to bathe your cat.

The emotional needs of a cat are harder to predict. Cats are affectionate creatures, but the affection is usually given and received on their terms. You may find your cat is a fairly solitary creature and only comes around for a snuggle once in a while. This is quite normal behaviour for a cat, so don’t feel bad if your cat doesn’t spend a great deal of time around you. That being said, all cats have different personalities, just like us. Some cats enjoy being around people and others don’t-it’s simply a case of figuring out what your cat likes. It’s best to let your cat approach you for attention rather than seeking him out.

Exercise is also important for your cat, but they can get plenty of that indoors. Try investing in a kitty gym, scratching post, or pet steps to encourage your cat to be active.

For more information about raising cats and dogs, visit the Help Your Pets website.…

Dog Shelter

Cat Allergies Air Cleaner – 5 Features That Spell Effectiveness

If your adorable cat makes your eyes water whenever he is near, you are probably allergic to its dander. Using an air purifier with the following 5 features indicates its ability to minimize your allergy symptoms

HEPA Filtration—Dander protein is one of the most potent allergens known. Dander is microscopic in size but it packs a powerful punch to those with allergies. Sneezing, congestion watering eyes, coughing and a constricted throat can all result when dander levels are high.

A HEPA (or high efficiency particle arresting) filter is recommended by doctors as a necessary part of any allergy management plan. It is able to effectively eliminate airborne particulates as tiny as .3 microns in size with a micron being described as one millionth of a meter.

This type of filter will easily remove dander as well as allergens such as bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew spores, dust, and dust mites. It is because of its efficiency that this technology is used in hospitals to insure clean air.

Carbon Cloth Filter—While cat-related pollutants may be the primary source of your allergy problems, flare-ups are often caused by a combination of triggers including smoke, odors, and airborne chemicals and scents from household, personal, and cleaning products.

Originally invented by the British Military as protection against chemical warfare, this type of filter serves a dual purpose. Not only can it remove gaseous allergy triggers, but gives additional protection against particles because it is woven like cloth.

24 Hour Operation—Keeping allergen levels low helps you avoid the triggers. It is essential that any cleaner be able to run safely and effectively all the time. That is the only way to insure that irritants never rise to a level that will trigger an attack. This literally keeps the dander down!

To do this your cleaner need to be equipped with a split capacitor motor. Look in the technical specifications or the owner’s manual to confirm that this is the type the purifier has.

360 Degree Intake—A unit that can pull air in from all sides is a huge advantage. This means you can place it any where that is best for your situation. Rather than need to be put in the center of the room you can put it as close as 6 inches to any surface and have it still function at 100% efficiency.

Casters—You’ve probably been told to keep your feline friend out of the bedroom. But if this is a long standing tradition you may not be heeding the advice you’ve been given.

A purifier with wheels that can roll effortlessly over any surface is a huge advantage. This would allow you to roll the cleaner into your bedroom at night which would help keep the allergens low and allow your friend to stay in the bedroom with you. Just a thought.…

General Articles

Male Cat Behavior

Male Cat Behavior

The male cat as I have often observed is much more difficult to handle than its more docile female counterpart. They tend to be more aggressive and are prone to fighting with other cats. Sometimes males even kill kittens to satisfy their hunting urges. Aside from the previously mentioned, they are also prone to the habit of roaming around in long distances from its owners’ house.

Just like other territorial animals, cats mark their territories with urine, leaving behind a scent to warn other male cats not to intrude. In conjunction to this, male cats are often engaged in territorial battles with other cats that often lead to death. Cats that often fight are also more prone to contract viral diseases that may lead to death.

Cats no matter how domesticated, still have within them the urge to hunt and kill prey as it is their instinct to do so for thousands of years. Often times, cats, especially the male, go out to roam in search of small animals for them to kill and eat. Just like fighting cats, cats that hunt are also prone to diseases. At times however, when access to other animals they usually kill is out of the question, they kill the kittens of other cats. They rarely kill their own offspring.

When male cats feel the urge to mate, they most likely will roam away from the owners’ house. Usually, they are gone three to five days at a time in search of a mate. Most of them are hard to handle. They are aggressive and is a hassle to control. The only solution to eliminate these testosterone fueled activities is to castrate the male cat early on.…