Pets-n-People Pet Care Advice

Ever wondered what life is like from your dog's perspective ... ?

2012-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

I just love this perspective and had to share it with my readers.

Picture published on imgur.

Retraining a needy dog - separation anxiety part 2

2012-01-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

A calm, relaxed dog is a happy pet!

We talked about several methods to help with separation anxiety in dogs, but if the situation is serious, some amount of behavior modification will be needed. If your dog is not obedience trained, you should begin that as well. But obedience training will not cure separation anxiety. It is merely a tool to enable you to work with your dog.

Assuming she does know basic commands, start off like this:

Put your down on a down, and tell her to stay. It's a good idea to develop a "goodbye" cue. I ALWAYS tell my dogs "Be a good boy/girl" before I leave, as it helps establish a routine. Then step out of her sight, around a corner, and count to three (if she can hold her stay that long). Step back within her sight and CALMLY greet her and tell her she's good, and return to her side. Repeat this step many times until she is calm with you stepping out of sight, and along the way begin varying the amount of time you are gone ... count 2, 5, 3, 7, 4, etc. Also you can gradually lengthen the time you stay out of sight, but this part of the exercise should not really go on with you being around the corner more than about 3 minutes.

Next, begin getting her used to you leaving the home. Calmly tell her "be a good girl" and step outside the door and close it. IMMEDIATELY open the door and come back in, and calmly tell her she's good. At no time should you make a big fuss over her. This exercise should go like the last one. After she becomes used to you stepping out and immediately back in, wait several seconds. Then begin waiting different lengths of time. You will not want to leave her on a "stay" when you leave the house, so let her do as she pleases during this phase.

The key is to let your dog slowly learn that when you leave, you WILL be coming back. You ALWAYS come back. It may be a short while, or you may be gone longer, but either way, she can count on you to return. That is the purpose of this kind of training.

You should see improvement with these methods. If there is any sign of regressing back into anxiety, slow down and back up the process a little. Routines can also be VERY important for dogs like this, so have a regular time and method for walking her, feeding her, playtime, and other aspects of her life. All of these things (including those from our first post on the topic) will help her feel more secure.

Help! My dog is too needy!

2012-01-22T14:53:00.000-08:00

Dogs with separation anxiety often chew things bearing their owner's scent

Question from our reader:
My dog is really needy. If I leave her alone, she tears things up (usually my shoes!), and when I am home she always has to be right beside me and follows me everywhere. If I go in a room and shut the door, she scratches up the door and just whines. Any time I leave, she acts as though I've been gone forever when I come home, even if I only went to check the mail. I'm going to have to start working soon, she is going to go crazy! What can I do?

It sounds like your dog has separation anxiety. We do see this a lot, so don't feel that you are alone.

There are a number of things you can do to help her.

Share the burden - First, if there is anyone else in the household and she is just overly attached to you, try having someone else feed her, walk her, play with her, and otherwise take care of her. That part is simple, but it can be helpful if the anxiety is directly only at you.

Give your dog a "security blanket" -- such as an old shirt that you've worn, but not washed. Having her lie down with it before you leave can help soothe her.

Prevent boredom -- Toys that stimulate a dog to do something, such as the treat balls that make a dog work to get the treat inside, can be a good distraction.

Remain calm -- Whenever you leave or return, do NOT make a big deal out of it. Make sure you accept comings and goings in a matter of fact way, or your dog will pick up on your cues and worsen the situation.

Provide a safe room -- Many people advocate the use of a crate in situations like this. While it can be helpful if the anxiety is very mild, it can actually backfire if the situation is more severe. If your dog is truly frantic at being left alone, she may even injure herself in her attempts to get out of the crate. It is much better if she has more freedom in a larger area of the house, though of course you are interested in putting her in a place where she won't destroy everything.

Calming supplements -- We often recommend Bach's Rescue Remedy added to the drinking water, which is a low-dose homeopathic remedy. It is easily found at natural health stores, some pet stores, or purchased online. If you choose to ask about herbal supplements at a health food store, make sure that the person helping you is very knowledgeable about herbal use in dogs, or double-check with your veterinarian, as some things safe for humans cannot be used for pets. Your vet may also suggest something stronger, but we suggest if you go that route, you combine it with other methods and aim to get the dog weaned off any tranquilizing medications as soon as possible.

Behavior modification -- Most importantly, if her reactions are severe, it is time to start teaching her to realize that when you leave -- you WILL be back! We will explore this in our next post on the topic, Retraining a needy dog.

Kitties gone wild - 5 tricks to help tame the beast!

2012-01-21T02:58:00.000-08:00

Cats CAN be trained not to claw furniture

Does your tabby track across your kitchen table ... after she leaves her litter box? Is your little tiger intent on shredding your new couch? Maybe you have a fat cat that likes to steal food from the counter tops? Whatever your little beast is up to, there are tools you can use to help train out bad behavior.

Following are five common (and not-so-common) solutions to your cat-training problems.

Shaker cans - these are made by taking a small can and filling it with 20-40 pennies, and taping a lid on the can. They work by means of startling the cat. You must catch the cat in the behavior you want to discourage, and shake the can, making a loud noise. The problem with this method is that cats are pretty smart, and will quickly figure out that you are the one shaking the can, and simply act on their impulses when you aren't there to see them. However, they CAN be very effective if used very sparingly.

Spray bottles - have exactly the same drawbacks as shaker cans, and are even more likely to tip the cat off that YOU are the driving force behind the spritz of water. Not only that, but you really don't want to spray water in the cat's ears, etc. so care must be taken.

Double sided tape - Cats HATE to get their paws on anything sticky, so double-sided tape can be a good deterrent. Place where the cat likes to scratch on furniture, on counter tops the cat wants to cruise, on carpet sections where the cat is trying to dig, etc. There are commercial products available as well, such as "Sticky Paws" which comes on a roll like tape, and also in large sheets, making application easier

SSSCat - this is an innovative little product, basically canned air with a motion sensor. Placed in a location you want to deter cat's misbehavior, the can senses movement and releases a hissing blast of air, which is completely harmless to the cat, but because of the sound and unexpected sensation are a GREAT deterrent. It does get used up, but the good thing is that the cat will recognize the can itself, and will avoid anywhere you place one. Placed creatively, this can stop almost all cat behavior problems.

Cookie sheets - can be helpful if your cat jumps on counters, tabletops, or other surfaces you don't want him on. You may need a lot of them though if there is a lot of surface area. Basically, if you line the cookie sheets up hanging about 1/2 of the sheets off the edge, the cat will view it as part of the surface and leap onto the cookie sheet, which will most likely fall to the floor with a crashing sound, dropping your cat along with it. This will prove so upsetting to the cat, he probably won't take long to stop jumping up.

Now, I will say that I have not had to resort to many of these with my own cats. I have found cats to train much like dogs, and to seek affection and approval. Generally, I have watched my kittens just as I do young puppies, and just clap my hands and say "NO!" when they are about to do something they are not supposed to do, and by the time they are grown, there just aren't any issues. I also keep food off the counters so there is nothing up there to tempt them, and keep them in a "safe room" when I am not there to supervise, so that bad behaviors never become established.

Except for plant-nibbling. That is in a category all its own at my house. I sometimes plant catnip and grasses for my indoor cats because they love chewing on plants SO much, and I have to keep my houseplants out of easy reach. I also make sure to avoid poisonous plants, because it's just not worth the risk. Some owners have had good results with bitter apple spray, or mixing lemon juice with water and misting the plant with it.

Many cats enjoy chewing grasses and other plants

Litter-box issues and elimination problems are a separate issue, and we will be addressing those in an upcoming post.

Can my puppy eat cat food?

2012-01-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

Pets often share the same space

Question: Our new puppy LOVES cat food, and is always eating from the cat's bowl. Can we just feed him cat food, since no one is eating dog food?

Most dogs do enjoy the taste of cat food and would happily eat it in place of their regular meals if they could get it. However, the protein levels are much higher in cat food, and several other nutrients are different as well. Dogs (depending on age and breed) are very likely to develop problems ranging from diarrhea to growth and skin problems and much more if they are fed cat food.

If you have a cat, you very likely also have a litter box, and that is something else your puppy will probably eat if he can get to it. The answer is that you will have to provide your cat a separate place to eat and toilet that the puppy can't get to.

Depending on how large your pets are, how athletic, etc. a number of solutions are possible. You may be able to raise the cat food up so that the dog can't reach it, though this is less practical for a litter box. A separate room could be used for the cat's necessities and a baby gate or other barrier to keep the puppy out that will allow the cat to jump over might work. Once our puppies passed a certain size (and we usually had German Shepherds, so it didn't take long), we used to use one of those sliding chain door locks mounted vertically outside the cat's room so that the door would open far enough for the cat, but not allow the dog through.

Cats and dogs living together present special concerns

Your cat will probably also appreciate having resting places where it can escape the rambunctiousness of a new puppy, if he hasn't already taught the puppy to respect his rest. Elevated cat trees or shelves, or simply allowing the cat in his own room or up onto furniture that the puppy can't get on would probably make your cat happy, and help promote harmony between the pair.

And just because we couldn't resist:

Smile!

Catching up on It's Always Sunny

2012-01-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Guest post written by Brandom Perkins

I used to watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia when it came on but I didn't really watch it that much in the past couple of seasons. I've graduated college and are constantly traveling because of my work, so my schedule has been a little different and my priorities don't exactly include watching all of my favorite TV shows when they come one. Well, the new season of It's Always Sunny premiered and I actually caught it. It reminded me of how much I love that show and I decided to catch up on last season in my spare time.

I used my wireless internet Waco to add the discs from the past couple of seasons that I missed to my queue and am going to make an effort to work them into my schedule to watch, like when I get home from work.
I had really forgotten about how in love I am with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It's just so laugh out loud funny that I almost choked on the popcorn I was eating when I saw the season premiere.

How do I make my kitten stop biting me? Six important steps

2011-12-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

Kittens often bite as part of play

This is a very common problem, faced by most people with new kittens. While kittens that are separated from their litter-mates and mother are the worst offenders, any kitten can get excited during play and begin scratching or biting.

Many owners make the mistake of treating the kitten like a puppy and try direct means of stopping the behavior, but harsh scolding, hitting, or punishment rarely work. If anything, they will usually cause a kitten to learn that after he bites you, he must run away and hide.

Instead, you have to respond in a way the kitten understand. Try these tips:

1. If you are going to scold, don't be harsh. A simple, disapproving "No" is enough.

2. If you are holding the kitten, put her down immediately. Then stand up and turn your back, and cross your arms. Ignore her completely. You want her to feel that she is getting the cold shoulder from you.

3. One of the most important rules of animal training -- BE CONSISTENT!

4. Be patient. The first correction won't make much of an impact, but over time the kitten will make the connection that playing rough means the end of playtime. Most kittens will begin to behave better within a couple of days (you may see results even faster), and they usually stop biting altogether within a couple of weeks.

5. Deal with it right away. If you wait until the cat is older, it can be much harder to make her stop.

6. Consider getting the kitten a toy to wrestle with. Under no circumstances should you make a toy of your hand.

If you are looking for a wrestle-buddy toy for your kitten, try to find a safe stuffed animal (with no parts that can be chewed off and swallowed) that is about the same size as your kitten. An ideal kitty-wrestling-toy will not be too tightly stuffed but have some "floppiness" to it -- all the better if there are arms/legs that flop around so she can roll and wrestle with it if she likes.

And above all, enjoy your kitty!

Considering a holiday pet?

2011-12-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Is there someone on your list who you know would love a new furry friend for Christmas? Are you imagining the excitement in your child's eyes when they open a wiggling package to discover a puppy inside?

Please reconsider.

If you are planning to gift someone else's household with a pet, whether it is to replace a beloved pet they've lost, or you think your grandchildren would benefit from having a pet to take care of, please please PLEASE don't make such a decision without involving the people who will be caring for the pet. It's always best to involve them in the selection process, if everyone agrees that a pet is a good idea and it IS wanted. Pets are a responsibility for the entire lifetime of the pet, or they should be, and it is a good idea for whoever is going to own the pet to be involved in choosing one.

If you as a parent have decided to give your child a kitten for Christmas, or maybe you have the parents' blessing to give a child a puppy, please don't give the actual pet on Christmas morning. Households have too much going on during the holidays, lots of noise and distraction, perhaps visitors or travel. Holiday decorations, lots of food being prepared ... this isn't a good environment to introduce a new family member.

Instead, why not give a stuffed puppy, along with a collar and leash, pet dishes, a bag of puppy food, a book on dog breeds or a book highlighting the chosen breed, etc. The child can still have the excitement of knowing that the pet is coming without running the risk of starting off all wrong because of holiday distractions. So many pets are added to homes on Christmas morning, only to be quickly resented because they don't become properly housebroken with all the flurry of activity, or they chew heirloom ornaments, or otherwise make a nuisance of themselves in ways that are not their fault -- they are only doing what animals do, but their new human family was too busy to oversee them. Don't add to that sad scenario .... wait until after the holidays and things settle down.

Not only that, but the shelters are likely to be crowded with new puppies and kittens in January who are suffering that exact fate. You may be able to rescue one of those unfortunate pets instead, and gain a lifelong friend in the bargain.

Why does my cat pee over the side of the box?

2011-12-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

Many owners ask me this question. It's a very common behavior ... instead of digging a hole and squatting to urinate, some cats will sometimes back up to the side of their litter box and pee against the side, usually splashing urine over the side, onto the wall behind the litter box, etc.

These cats are marking their territory. Be glad in fact that they are doing it only in the litter box. Some things can help, such as making sure you have plenty of boxes if you have multiple cats (the standard advice is one for each cat plus one more) but even that may not help if your cats REALLY don't want to share. Feline calming pheromones like Feliway may help if the cat is feeling a bit stressed and is territorial for that reason.

Homemade litter boxes help solve cat elimination problems

But you need something to keep your home clean in the meantime, and in case these measures don't work. The best solution we have found in this case is to make the sides of the litter box higher so the cat CAN'T pee over them. This can be done by giving the can an enclosed litter pan with a lid, or by giving her a much larger box. Many of our clients have found large Rubbermaid type containers to be helpful in this, and a very economical solution (they are generally cheaper than litter pans of a smaller size).

As long as your cat is able to jump into the box, all you have to do is give her an open container with litter in the bottom in place of her other box. If you prefer an enclosed pan, or your cat can't jump that high or is too nervous to do so, you can cut an opening in one side for her to crawl through. Just make sure it's as high up as is practical for the cat.

These containers make good covered litter boxes too by cutting a hole in the side for the cat, and putting the lid back on. Some cats prefer closed boxes, but a few are nervous about them. If your cat is reluctant, try giving it to her as an open box at first, then putting the lid over only part of the top (securing it with heavy tape so that it does NOT fall on her and frighten her while she is using the litter box, or you can end up with more difficult litter box avoidance problems!). You can move it a bit at a time until it is snapped in place and the box is fully covered.

Does your cat use this sort of litter pan, or have you found something else that works? Let us know in the comments below!

Recall – Advanced Animal Nutrition dog food

2011-12-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

Another recall due to high aflatoxin levels, this time from Advanced AnimalNutrition. Affected products include Dog Power Adult Maintenance Formula, Dog Power Hunters Formula, and Dog Power Hi-Pro Performance Formula, all 50 pound bags of dry dog food.

Please seek veterinary attention if your pet has eaten any of these and shows any signs of illness such as being sluggish or lethargic along with any reluctance to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, or yellow tint to eyes and/or gums.

Scrubs for vet techs

2011-12-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

Vet techs are normally expected to wear medical scrubs in the course of their work, and there are several advantages to this. Clients view the vet techs in a more professional light, and are more at ease with having their beloved pets handled by someone they have more confidence in. Durable scrubs also stand up to repeated washing, saving wear and tear of street clothes.

Finding well-made veterinary technician scrubs for a reasonable price should be the goal. Many tasks in a vet office risk soiling the uniform, so having a spare on hand is always wise. If the price is reasonable, it is possible to buy a week’s worth of scrubs and only have to launder once a week, which also saves some wear on the uniforms, even though they should be durable.

Image courtesy of http://www.blueskyscrubs.com

There are companies that sell cheap scrub uniforms that are made of inferior materials. Rather than saving a few dollars on the initial purchase, and then having to replace them sooner, it is better to purchase quality. There are companies that make quality scrubs, but offer a more simply designed line for a lower price. This option should assure quality uniforms at a reasonable price.

Merry Christmas ... from Simon's Cat

2011-12-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

Still LOVE these videos ... if they are not appearing large enough, you might like to see them directly on youtube ... much as I hate to send readers away from our site!

Again, this is MY cat!!! (And if you have a cat, you'll probably see your cat in the videos too!)

It isn't Christmas without cheesy holiday specials

2011-12-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

Guest post written by Melissa Hill

I'm pretty sure that there's a group of people in a room somewhere that just dream up all kinds of holiday TV specials. It wouldn't surprise me that way. It seems like as soon as Halloween is over with, I'm hit with so many different ads for holidays specials on TV. It can be a little overwhelming at times. But it would be downright annoying if I didn't enjoy them.

I was online during some spare time the other day looking up some info on holiday specials so I would know to DVR them and while I was doing that I ran across some info on miracle ear. After I read through it some I decided to go and get a hearing aid test and get fitted with some hearing aids.

I'm not really sure which one so far is my Christmas TV special because i always have a clear winner at the end of the holiday season. I watch enough of them to where I think that I have a right to say which one is the best one.

Pets and "Accidents"

2011-12-07T02:27:00.000-08:00

We’ve talked about how to handle “oopsies” but the fact is, if you have pets and you have carpets, sooner or later your carpets will need some deeper cleaning (and maybe your upholstery as well). You can opt to handle the job yourself, but many of the products available at the consumer level are not as effective as those used by professionals, so you need to consider your options.

http://www.thesteamteam.com/

You should also look for “green products” that are safe for pets (and people too!). Many animals are especially sensitive to chemical cleaners and other products. Those with a tendency toward allergies can develop asthma as a result of being exposed to household chemicals. Instead, opt for a non-toxic carpet cleaner. Austin, Texas has even developed an initiative that rewards residents for taking steps to create a healthier, cleaner environment, and many more municipalities will probably follow suit.

If indoor urinating is an ongoing problem, you may need an odor neutralizer. Your pet should be kept away from the problem area until the odor is completely neutralized or else he will be drawn to the same area and repeat the behavior. In the case of cats, one suggestion that often helps is tinfoil laid out on the floor, since cats tend to dislike walking on the surface. You might also consider a canister of pressurized air that is motion activated, and shoots a small burst of air when the cat comes near. It is not at all harmful, but cats don’t like the stream of air, and will quickly learn to avoid the can. Once the odor is eliminated, you can usually allow your pet free access once again without issue. However, if the problem does continue, you may to consult with your veterinarian in order to rule out medical causes.

Keep your pets safe - Iams dog food recall

2011-12-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

Iams announced that one lot of dog food had to be recalled due to high aflatoxin. The only pet food product included in the recall was Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry puppy food.

For full details, view the Iams press release at http://www.iams.com/en_us/data_root/_pdf/Iams%20Puppy%20News%20Release%20FINAL%20_2_x.pdf

Keep your pets safe, and watch for pet food recalls. If your pet shows any signs of distress, consult your veterinarian.

Dog Food Recall - Cargill

2011-12-06T23:01:00.000-08:00

Cargill Animal Nutrition is issuing a recall of two types of dry dog food – River Run and Marksman. The dog foods are reported to contain aflatoxin levels above established limits. No animals had been reported to be harmed by the foods as of this writing, and no other Cargill foods are affected. To see the full release, visit Cargill’s site at http://www.cargill.com/news/releases/2011/NA3052855.jsp

We are reporting this as a service to our readers, and sincerely hope that none of your pets are affected by this situation. Cargill is offering a full refund for any bags returned. If your pet shows any symptoms out of the ordinary and has eaten this food, report the news of the recall to your vet and have your pet seen immediately.

Holiday Safety

2011-12-02T03:31:00.001-08:00

Pets can be fascinated with holiday decor

Mistletoe and holly, tinsel, lights and jolly! It's Christmas time, bringing joy into hearts everywhere. Unfortunately, it can also bring unseen danger to your pets, so here are a few things to look out for.

The Christmas tree can be an irresistible temptation, especially for cats, but often for other pets as well. It should be securely anchored to prevent your pet from knocking it over. Often shiny ornaments and tinsel are attractive to pets as well. Those that can be broken and swallowed may cut the animal’s mouth or intestines or cause other problems. Cats in particular tend to be drawn to shiny tinsel and garland and will often eat them if not prevented. You may need to put the tree in a different room from your pets, supervise them, or forgo dangerous decorations. One particularly cute trick to keep a dog away from the tree is to take large boxes, put heavy cinderblocks inside for weights, wrap them in festive paper, and use them to build a “fence” around the tree. This only works if your dog tends to respect barriers. I’ve had friends who placed the entire tree within a playpen to keep it safe from dogs and toddlers. The wires of Christmas lights can also be a danger if pets chew on them or the bulbs, and the water reservoir of a live tree can harbor harmful bacteria, and some water additives can be dangerous to pets if they drink the water.

Many plant materials traditionally used to decorate at Christmas can be toxic or cause other problems, including mistletoe, holly, lilies, and poinsettias. Silk greenery and flowers can be safer, or at least make sure your festive plants are pet-safe.

Holiday foods can prove too great a temptation for your furry friends to resist, and well-meaning children or guests might slip them a treat that would be better avoided. Chocolate especially can be dangerous for dogs, but too much turkey or other treats can cause problems, especially if your dog manages to get the bones.

Candles are another common holiday danger for pets. Your pet could knock over a candle and start a fire, or even catch on fire themselves if their fur gets in the flame. Candles should always be watched when animals are around, and blown out if you have to leave the room.

Be aware of gifts you or someone else may want to give your pets. You know your animals better than anyone – whether your dog will chew that toy to bits and risk swallowing pieces of it? If he is a heavy chewer, choose one of the almost-indestructible toys like Kongs instead. Cats love toys with ribbons, yarn, etc. but may actually eat the lengths or bite off small parts that are attached with yarn and swallow them, which could lead to a blockage and possibly surgery. Instead, try a catnip mouse without small parts, or a cat fishing pole or similar toy.

If you’re going to be traveling, you’ll have to decide if the pets are staying home or coming with you. In either case, make sure they have identification attached to their collars, since being in a strange situation or with caretakers they are not used to can increase the risk of their being lost. If they are coming with you, bring their own bowls, litter and litterboxes, and food. Even a container of the water they are used to can be helpful, and don’t forget any meds they might need. You might want to look up the number of an emergency vet at your destination. If they are staying home, leave contact information and their vet’s information with the caretaker. It can be helpful for the caretaker to come before you leave to learn the pet’s routine.

Lastly, if fireworks are going to be a part of the New Year celebration, it’s a good idea to make sure the pets are inside in a place that helps them feel secure. The loud noises and flashes can make them panic and run away in fear, so it is safer to have them securely contained where they will be calmer too.

Enjoy the holidays, and your pets!

Mystery Diseases

2011-12-02T02:39:00.000-08:00

Once again I am gaining experience with a somewhat rare condition affecting one of my pets. Fortunately, I believe it was caught in time and hopefully my dog will improve.

I first noticed that he seemed a bit thin. He's a German Shepherd, nearing his second birthday, from a line of dogs where most of the males reach 150 pounds, so I thought he was just going through a growth spurt and needed more food, so I increased his food by about 20%. A week or so later, he seemed even thinner, so I fed him a little more. Within a few days he started having bowel abnormalities, and I knew something just wasn't right.

Of course, as it always seems to happen, it came up over the holiday weekend, and the vet's office was closed (I live far out in the country and there are few vets nearby). I'm not the patient sort when it comes to my animals being sick, so I read everything I could find, and suddenly all the pieces fell into place (especially with the help of some diagnostic stool photos that I will spare my readers). As I read the list of symptoms, I found comments about seemingly totally unrelated things, such as a tendency to chew wood, and extra aggression in some situations. He lined up almost perfectly with the diagnosis for EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Normally I would never suggest that anyone should self-diagnose their pets, but in this case I do have some background experience, there were symptoms that were almost a differential diagnosis on their own (though a test IS performed to confirm the diagnosis), no vet was available, and in my dog's case, the treatment was something that was otherwise safe even if he didn't happen to need it -- digestive enzymes. In fact I had noticed very loud rumbling in his stomach in the past and given him enzymes, which had worked for the stomach noises.

So, I started him on human digestive enzymes, and continued researching. It takes several days to see improvement, and he started getting better right on schedule. I've since gotten pancreatin for him instead, which is approximately 4 times better than the enzymes, and he's been on that for two days, and will hopefully improve even more. There are a few more issues that can come about as side effects of the condition -- he'll probably have to have B-12 injections intermittently for the rest of his life -- but hopefully it will be a long and otherwise healthy and normal life.

As it turns out, EPI is most prevalent in German Shepherd dogs and might someday be seen as a genetic factor that should be screened out in breeding dogs. I knew about hip dysplasia, but this was a new one to me. As much as I love the breed, I am glad to be educated about this now. And I will have to notify his breeder as well, so they can take appropriate measures.

How to get a cat to use a scratching post (scratching post part 2)

2011-12-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

Now, about those two things we promised that will help get your cat to actually use his scratching post ... (continued from part 1 - your cat's need to scratch)

The first is that cats also leave scent on a surface when scratching, as a form of marking. This is why they may be so attracted to your sofa or favorite chair, because it smells like you, and they want to add their own scent. In that case, it can be a good idea to take an article of your clothing that you have worn (preferably during a workout!) and hang it on the scratching post at cat-scratching level, unwashed. (On the other hand, if you have a sofa that perhaps smells like some other animal, that can also be a reason for them to scratch it heavily in an attempt to cover up that other scent, so you might want to deep-clean your furniture in that case.)

The other consideration is to make the scratching post a place that appeals to your cat, so that he wants to hang out there. There are several things to think about.

1. Cats like heights. If the scratching post has places he can climb to and look down from, that will be a big bonus for him.
2. Cats enjoy a view. If you place the scratching post near a window, especially one that has bird or squirrel activity in view (a birdfeeder can be a great idea!), your cat is likely to be drawn to it.
3. If your cat is drawn to catnip, try rubbing some on the vertical scratching area and on any horizontal platforms as well.
4. Cats often like to hide. A good scratching post will have areas that are at least partially enclosed and many cats will be drawn to these. If your cat is especially secretive, it can help to cover any opening with a flap of fabric, making it an even better hideaway.
5. Toys can be another way of enticing your cat. Many cats can’t resist if you move the toy up the side of a scratching post and onto the top, out of his view, and will feel compelled to race up the side after it. Toys which try to “escape” are often irresistible.

One last important point … if you have multiple cats, make sure your scratching post furniture has enough ledges and perches for all of them, and then some. There may still be bickering over favored spots, but that can be minimized by having plenty of perches and hiding places so that each cat can have his own special place.

Should I intervene in dominance issues between my dogs?

2011-11-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Many owners contact us wondering whether or not they should get involved in what seems to be dominance issues between their dogs. The first thing we always ask is how serious the struggle appears to be.

If the two dogs are just acting out dominance behaviors and not truly struggling, and there appears to be no danger of either dog being hurt, then we recommend owners not to physically intervene. If of course the dogs become aggressive with one another, they will need to be separated and further measures decided, but coming between dogs who are actually fighting is dangerous for their owners as well. That is a subject too involved for our space here, so today we are talking about dogs that are not becoming truly aggressive.

First, how can you TELL if your dogs are only working it out, or on their way to becoming truly aggressive? The dogs will usually let you know. If there is any snarling, snapping with intent to bite (SOME dogs do this as a display only, but unless you know exactly what is going on, we prefer to treat snapping as a more serious gesture), lunging, stiffened body posture, or a lot of direct, hard staring going on, these are all serious warning signs. These dogs should be separated and the owner needs to seek more indepth help.

If the dogs are simply "talking" making a lot of throaty noises (usually somewhat high pitched), pawing at each other, possibly mounting, placing their chin on the other's shoulder, bumping the other with the shoulder in passing -- these kinds of behaviors are signs that the dogs are making dominance gestures toward one another. If the gestures are coming from the dog that has always been the more dominant one, they are probably only to reinforce their position and are nothing to worry about, especially if the other dog accepts them without a fight, or submits in any way. Good clues may be found in both dogs' tail and ear carriage. The higher the tail, the more dominantly the dog is behaving.

If however it is a younger dog growing up and doing these things to an older dog, or a new dog coming into the home making these gestures to a dog who has been there (unless that dog happily submits to the newcomer), or some similar situation of "dominance upset" the situation will need to be watched carefully, and you might want to get further advice on your particular situation.

As long as the dogs are simply maintaining their order, there is no need for concern. You can help as the owner by not giving signals that conflict with the dogs' own hierarchy. The dog who is already dominant should be fed first, should be petted first, should be the first one released from his crate or out the door, should be given a toy first, etc. Do NOT "feel sorry" for the underdog and try to coddle it in order to "make up" for what the dominant dog does to it. If you do this, you make the subordinate dog "boss" briefly, and you force the dominant dog to re-establish his dominance, meaning that all those behaviors will increase. Even worse, if the subordinate dog actually gets the idea that he IS dominant because you place him in that position, he may fight back for dominance, and you could create a fight where there was none before.

Another consideration is the reproductive status of the dogs. Both males AND females will fight aggressively for dominance. Some people mistakenly believe that only male dogs are aggressively dominant, but unspayed females can be VERY aggressive with one another. Almost all dogs are calmer and easier to get along with once altered, and of course the risk of unwanted puppies is removed. We do recommend that all pet dogs be spayed or neutered.

Lastly, this is really just a simple overview of the question. Dog social interaction evolves and changes with many factors, and can sometimes become complicated. If you are in doubt, don't hesitate to seek out help for your particular situation.

Scratching -- the cat's needs vs. your needs (scratching posts part 1)

2011-11-27T01:14:00.000-08:00

Scratching posts can be great pieces of furniture for the cat-owning home. If introduced in the right way, they can be havens for your kitties, and can also save your furniture from being shredded by sharp claws.

Cats NEED to scratch. Contrary to what you might have heard, they are not sharpening their claws, but rather they are removing a sheath from the claw that encases it as it grows out. This is why you may sometimes find what looks like a claw embedded where a cat likes to scratch. This is the covering of the claw, and needs to be removed. Cats remove the front claw sheaths by scratching, and they remove the rear claw sheaths by chewing them off.

But you don’t want kitty scratching up your couch, your drapes, or your favorite chair. The ideal solution is to provide a surface where the cat IS allowed to scratch, and this is where scratching post furniture comes in. Cats enjoy scratching a number of rough surfaces, including carpet, sisal rope, fabrics, and even the edges of corrugated cardboard. Scratching posts come in all of these materials. Because a cat can have a preference, it is a good idea to buy one with multiple scratching surfaces, if you can.

The next trick is to get the cat to USE the scratching post. Many owners buy them and them complain that the cat ignores it. Next time we'll talk about the two important factors to consider in encouraging your cat to use its scratching furniture.

Gerbils - fun small pets!

2011-11-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

Are you facing an apartment lease that restricts owning dogs and cats? You are not limited to goldfish in this situation, you can still have a furry friend. Enter the gerbil.

Gerbils have a number of advantages as pets. Because they are small, they eat little and so are economical in terms of pet food. They are inquisitive and friendly, and do not tend to biting if handled properly. They can be kept singly if you have plenty of time to spend with them, or in pairs or small groups. And they are endlessly entertaining!

It's only fair to mention their downsides too, as we want all potential pet owners to go into their responsibilities prepared. Finding out that a pet isn't right for you after you have the pet isn't a good scenario for anyone involved, especially the pet. Gerbils must have their cages cleaned, and can have a bit of odor, especially the males. They live only a few years at best. And while they are often up and active in the daytime, they are also nocturnal and depending on your cage setup, may be noisy at night when you are trying to sleep.

If you have decided to get a gerbil, one of the decisions you will need to make is what to use for cage litter. There are many options available. We recommend NOT using cedar shavings, as these can cause respiratory problems. Each type of litter has advantages and disadvantages, and you can always try different kinds to see what works well for you. Recycled paper litter, corncob, aspen shavings, pine shavings, shredded paper and others are available in pet supply centers. We preferred to use a variety of bedding materials. The wire cages were filled with aspen shavings, and at least one aquarium was filled to within 6" of the top with soil, allowing the gerbils opportunity to burrow as they would naturally. We also provided plain paper towels for them to shred to make a soft bedding, which they often carried to whatever part of their habitat they wanted to line with soft fibers. Another thing you should avoid is anything with long strings as they can get tangled around limbs or swallowed and cause internal problems.

Accessories can make gerbil ownership especially fun. We bought several cages and connected them together with a series of tubes, allowing the gerbils to have an extensive network to explore. We also enjoyed using a clear round ball which the gerbils are placed inside and allowed to run around. Another fun accessory was a wire playpen made of a series of fence panels that can be connected together. We used two to make a large pen. But be aware that gerbils are jumpers and some can escape these pens.

Many free or household items make fun playground accessories for gerbils as well, and providing them with a changing series of these keeps the gerbils active and satisfies their desire to explore, and is also entertaining for owners. Wooden spoons, empty wooden thread spools, cardboard tubes from paper towels or wrapping paper, a series of small boxes connected to make "mazes", small wheeled toys from dollhouses, small balls or marbles, wooden twigs (check to make sure they are of a safe wood -- applewood is good), small chunks of soft pine leftover from building projects, or any safe object you want to offer them.

Some pet toys for other animals are fun for gerbils as well. Wooden ladders made for birds, crunchy dog treats, and bird chewing toys are popular choices.

All of these toys and accessories will keep your pet gerbil active and healthy, and also enrich the time you spend together, making your pet more enjoyable.

How do I teach my puppy to pee outside? Ten tips for house-breaking your dog

2011-11-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

So you have a new puppy ... and one of the first things you need to do is begin to establish a routine for training your pet to go outside to "do his business." No one enjoys cleaning up messes in the house, and they can damage your carpet, furniture, and other belongings. So, how do you potty-train your puppy?

1. Routine. Dogs "need" to go at certain times, and if you anticipate this, you can take your puppy to the place you want him to use. Puppies generally need to poop upon waking up, a few minutes after eating, after vigorous play, and it's a good idea to give them a last chance at night before putting them to bed as they likely at least need to pee then. All of these activities should happen at roughly the same times every day, so the dog gets used to his schedule.

2. Location. Take advantage of a dog's natural instinct to keep his den clean. Puppies should be given a crate to sleep in that is large enough to stand up and turn around, but no larger. This will make the entire area his "bed" and he won't want to soil his bed. The puppy should be taken out of the crate as soon as he wakes up and go outside.

3. You should take the puppy to his "spot" and wait for him. Don't play, don't try to engage him in any other activity. He is there to use the bathroom. You can use a "word" for him if you want to train him to go on command, and he will slowly begin to associate it with pottying. I usually tell my dogs, "Hurry up."

4. When your puppy goes in the place you have chosen for him, praise him. If you use a word, you can incorporate that in the praise to help him learn faster. I usually say "Good boy!!! Hurry up, good hurry up, Good Boy!!!" and pet him.

5. Learn your puppy's cues. Some dogs seek a faraway place to "hide" when they have to go, some circle around sniffing the ground, some will return to a certain spot inside. Watch your puppy and the instant the behavior starts, ask him if he needs to go potty, and take him.

6. Mistakes often do happen. If you CATCH the dog about to go, you can use a sharp word, "Wait!" and scoop him up and carry him to his place as quickly as you can. (Be aware you may want to hold him away from you as some puppies cannot stop) Once there, don't scold him anymore, but instead praise him for finishing in the right place.

7. If you find out after the fact that your dog used the bathroom in the house, put the dog away where he cannot see you and clean it up. Scolding or punishing a puppy after he has forgotten what he did is of little or no value. Whatever you do, do NOT rub the puppy's nose in a mess or you may teach him to eat messes in order to clean them up. If necessary, use an enzymatic cleaner to remove any smell so your dog won't later return to the same place.

8. While we don't recommend it, if it is absolutely necessary to teach a dog to go indoors, there are products you can buy that will encourage this (such as Piddle Pads). If you are using newspaper, keep a lower layer from a soiling when you clean things up, and add that to the clean papers to provide a bit of scent to the area.

9. Once your dog has learned to go outside, you may want to give him a way to signal you. We usually hang a large bell from the doorknob and teach the dog to bump it with his nose when he needs to go outside. Be aware that your dog should have plenty to engage his mind ... if he is bored he will likely ask you to play doorman for him!

10. Remember that some breeds are more difficult to housetrain than others, and some dogs will learn faster than others. I have seen (and owned) dogs that made few or no mistakes and were reliably housebroken within days, and others that took much longer. Consistency is the key ... the closer you can get to the dog ALWAYS using the preferred area because you took him there in time, the faster and more reliably he is going to learn.

Book Review - The Art of Raising a Puppy

2011-11-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Many of our readers are probably familiar with the Monks of New Skete, but if you haven't read this book, you are missing out. The Monks are experienced at breeding, raising, and training generations of German Shepherd Dogs and this book is the result of years of successful puppy rearing. You will gain a new understanding of the stages that puppies go through, and strategies for properly dealing with the challenges of each one. Communication with your growing puppy is a key, and will help you tackle common problems from puppies that chew up everything to those that jump up excitedly every time they see you. Learn how to effectively housetrain your dog and avoid accidents. The principles covered in this book will go a long way toward showing you how to raise a companion that you can take pride in, and enjoy being with. Your dog will thank you!

Alpha Dog training - is it good to follow?

2011-11-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Many clients ask us our opinion of the "Alpha dog" training concept.

I want to be careful in how I answer this, because what one person means by "alpha training" may not be the same as what another means.

In general, yes, the person needs to be in charge of the dog. We do recommend such things as teaching your dog to sit and stay while you place the food bowl down, and wait until they are told they may eat (but we do not recommend drawing this out into some kind of contest of wills ... a few moment's pause is plenty).

We also recommend teaching a dog to sit and wait at a door for permission to go through, rather than ever allowing a dog to simply shove his way through an open door. This can be dangerous if there is traffic, if there are people who may be frightened by the dog outside, if there are other animals outside dangerous to the dog, and it is just plain bad manners.

We believe owners should be in charge of where the dog is allowed, whether the dog is allowed to get on the furniture, etc. The dog should NEVER be the one sitting on the bed, growling at his owners and threatening them and not allowing them on the bed.

If this is your idea of alpha dog training, then by all means, be the alpha. You are meant to be in charge, and not the dog. We accomplish these kinds of things by training the dog to sit, stay, lie down, and having a release word that lets the dog know when he is free to do as he likes.

If your idea of alpha dog training is forcing the dog into submission through the use of an alpha roll, neck shaking and snarling at him, etc. well .... honestly, there can be a time and place for such tactics, but they are not necessary for the vast majority of dogs and not suited to the experience of the average trainer. In all the dogs I have handled and worked with, these kinds of tactics were needed with only one of them -- a super dominant, super intelligent, very large male German Shepherd, who incidentally turned out to be the best dog I've ever owned and who lived a long and productive life as my full-time companion and worked like an extension of my own arm, almost never needing any correction or even a leash. He was descended from a long line of working German police and protection dogs and was a very special case.

I've known other dogs that, if they had been treated in this way, would respond by become emotionally shut down, becoming fear biters, and having other negative reactions as a result.

The truth is, no one method works for every dog. Some dogs are ultra-sensitive and can't even handle being spoken to sternly, while others seem to be oblivious to any kind of verbal or physical correction. For these dogs, and all the ones that fall in between, the best training method in the hands of most trainers is usually a reward-based one. Tiny treats, best given at intervals and not for EVERY behavior is the fastest way for most people to get most dogs to become good companions, and since that is usually the desired end result, that is what we usually recommend.

Keeping Kitty calm for the vet

2011-11-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Many cats who are perfectly comfortable at home get so nervous and stressed when taken to the vet that their owners dread taking them, and may even avoid getting regular checkups for that reason.
There are several things you can do in advance to make trips to the vet as stress-free as possible.

One important factor is the cat’s carrier. Ideally it should open from the front AND have an easily removable top. Instead of pulling the carrier out only when a trip to the vet is imminent, the carrier should be out at all times. Allow the cat to explore it, and encourage your pet to enter and enjoy the carrier by placing soft bedding inside (some pets are comforted by having an item of their owner’s clothing for bedding), offering treats inside, and never allowing anything frightening to happen to the cat while they are exploring the carrier.

Getting the cat used to the car can help as well. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, lock the cat inside and place the carrier in the car, buckling it in securely so it doesn’t slide around, and covering it with a towel. You can speak to your pet to comfort it, offer treats, place your hands near the opening to touch your pet – whatever your pet finds comforting. If this part is particularly stressful for your cat, it is best to move slowly … first putting the carrier in the car for a few minutes, then taking them back inside. Later starting the engine and letting in run for a few minutes, then returning them to the home. Finally taking short trips. In this way, you can slowly acclimate your cat to being in the car.

If you cat is very fearful of dogs, you might be able to find a vet that offers separate waiting rooms, or one that will have a room available at a set time so that you won’t have to expose your cat to rambunctious dogs in the waiting room.

In the same way that you accustom your cat to being in the carrier, you can also get her used to being handled. Go slowly and gently, and reward the cat after each session, but get the cat used to being scruffed, being flipped over, having his tail raised while lying on his stomach.

You can also make use of a cat pheromone product called Feliway that is meant to mimic the scent of relaxed, happy cats. Another product that may prove helpful is Bach’s Rescue Remedy, which can usually be purchased and health food stores, and added to the cat’s water.

Ask Pets-n-People – Should my dog sleep with me?

2011-10-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

The answer to that question is going to depend on the pets, and on the owners. So I have to say yes, and no.

First the no. If you don’t want your pet sleeping with you, you certainly don’t have to allow them to. They can be just fine on their own. A puppy can be provided with a secure crate with soft bedding, and it will become like a den to him that he retreats to when he wants to rest or “get away”. A cat can also be provided a bed, or may like a nook in a tall scratching post.

Other reasons not to allow your pets to sleep with you are if they are badly behaved and it prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. You can train them to behave and eventually allow them in the bed if you like, but daytime obedience is the place to start. If you are allergic to your pet, they should really not be allowed in the room where you sleep at all if you are going to manage your allergies and keep your pet. The same may be true if you have asthma and the pet triggers attacks. If you have severe immunological problems, it probably isn’t a good idea to let your pets on your bed. Babies should not have pets in the bed with them. And pets who are suspect as far as their health, have fleas or parasites, should not be allowed in the bed until these issues are resolved.

If you do decide to allow your pets to sleep with you, you can make matter easier on yourself by looking for sturdy, easily washed coverlets to put over your regular blankets. You should of course keep your pet clean and well-groomed. If your pet goes outside, you may find it useful to keep washcloths or towels that are for the pet only and used to clean their feet when they return inside, especially if it’s muddy outside. And if your pet begins to find it difficult to get on your bed, due to age or other problems, or if they are too small to easily jump up, there are all kinds of pet steps available to allow them to climb up more easily.

One thing you want to be sure of is to decide when you first get the pet if you plan to allow it on the bed. Many people make the mistake of allowing a puppy on the bed because it is cute (which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend anyway until the puppy is well housetrained!), only to expect it to stay off the bed when it grows larger. It is much harder to change an animal’s habits once he has become used to sleeping on your bed, so be fair to the dog and make it easy on yourself and decide one way or another.

As for myself, I never used to allow my dogs on my bed because I knew they would grow to be well over 100 pounds. Instead, I provided them with a fleece or pillow bed beside my bed, and they were “with” me just as much as if they’d been in the bed, since they could easily reach me. I did not allow my cats in the bedroom at night when they were young, since they tended to go a bit crazy in the middle of the night and run over my face, but when one cat developed asthma and had to have her breathing monitored all night, I started allowing her to sleep with me, and she had the good manners to curl up near my feet and not move or bother me until after I awoke.

Every situation is different, and you should not feel guilty whatever you decide. You are the owner, and whether you decide to allow your pets on your bed with you or not, we are here to help.

Breed spotlight - Scottish Fold

2011-10-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Scottish Fold are very unique cats. Although dogs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colors, coat types, and many other features, cats are much less variable. There ARE a number of very distinct cat breeds, but most of them don’t exaggerate features to the degree that dogs do, which always makes for a surprise when a breed does stand out in its physical features.

One such interesting cat is the Scottish Fold. The ear is folded in many of these cats, giving a unique appearance to the breed. (There are also non-folded cats of the breed.) The original Scottish Fold cats had a single fold in their ears, but they have since been bred to have two or even three folds, giving some of the cats an almost earless appearance. Scottish Folds are medium sized with a rounded body. Their large round eyes, spaced far apart, give them an especially endearing gaze, paired with their folded ears and rounded whisker pads and short nose. They really are the “baby faces” of the cat world.

They tend to be affectionate and get along well with their family and other pets in the household. They also tend to be very talkative, but not in the same way as Siamese or similar breeds, having much softer voices and a different set of meows all their own.

Not all Scottish Folds have folded ears. In fact, ethical breeders avoid breeding two cats with folded ears together as the chance of painful degenerative disease in some of the kittens is greatly increased.

The breed is fairly recently established (1966), all being descended from a single female kitten named Snooks, who was the fold-eared daughter of a barn cat called Susie who was found to have folded ears.

The Magic of catnip

2011-10-18T02:01:00.000-07:00

What is it about this herb that causes some cats to go into what looks like a drug-induced stupor, and is it bad for them?

Catnip is a member of the mint family, and is easily grown from seed. Many cats react to this herb in one of two ways. Either they will appear to be “doped up” and act very lazy and lethargic, or on the other hand they could become very excited, rolling around and scratching at the ground and air and playing so energetically that they actually seem aggressive (and may in fact become over-excited and attack humans or other pets in their play).

Not all cats react to catnip though. The ability to appreciate catnip is genetic, and only a little over half of all cats will respond to it. It is also something they “grow into.” Young kittens will not react at all until they reach around three months of age.

Despite the seemingly drug-like qualities of catnip for some cats, it isn’t at all dangerous or harmful to them. In fact, you can use your cat’s reaction to catnip to some advantage. If your cat becomes relaxed with catnip, trying sprinkling some in his carrier so that he becomes more relaxed and more willing to enter it on his own, making future trips to the vet or other places less stressful. If he becomes very excited, use catnip filled toys to entice him to play and exercise. You can also use catnip to attract either kind of cat to a scratching post in an attempt to get him to scratch there instead of on your favorite chair (though catnip might not be the best attractant – we’ll tell you why an old unwashed shirt of yours may be better!).

Catnip can be purchased dried, but it is also very easy to grow from seed. If you decide to grow your own, keep it away from the cat until it is well-established. You can then try the cat with it to see his reaction. Some may just nibble a bit, but many will get so excited that they may destroy the plant. In that case, you may want to simply trim off a little green for him when you like. You can also use older stemmy parts as a toy twirled or dragged in front of him.

So there is nothing to worry about, your kitty can safely enjoy this herb (if he is one of the lucky ones!) and you can enjoy watching him indulge.

Cutest kitten ever

2011-10-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this. I love watching animal videos on YouTube, but this one makes me smile every time I see it.

As an aside, you should know that cats can become very over-stimulated by playing with their bellies. That is why many cats will scratch wildly when played with in this way. There are a few cats (mine included) that actually like to have their bellies rubbed, but this sort of play is very likely to end with scratches.

That being said though, this kitty with his paws up in the air between bouts of being tickled is just toooo cute.

Cat in the Box

2011-10-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

I love these videos ... this guy must have a hidden camera in my house, because he's drawing cartoons of MY CATS!!!

Enjoy!

Breed spotlight – Boykin Spaniel

2011-10-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

I was first introduced to these charming and amazing dogs by my cousin. A true American breed, they were developed in South Carolina by hunters who needed a dog for duck and turkey hunting along the river. Because boats were often used in hunting, the dog had to be small enough. They are named for “Whit” Boykin, who worked with many breeds of dogs to develop the Boykin spaniel, beginning with a stray named Dumpy. Dumpy took up with a friend of Boykin, who recognized the dog’s aptitude for retrieving, and gifted him to Boykin, who trained him and watched the dog develop into a wonderful retriever and turkey dog. Because of his talents, Boykin used him as the foundation dog for his line of retrieving spaniels. Other breeds used in developing the Boykin spaniel include the springer spaniel, Chesapeake Bay retriever, American water spaniel, and the cocker spaniel.

These dogs have retained their penchant for retrieving, and are often used for a variety of game hunting from dove, quail, turkey, pheasant, duck, grouse, and are even sometimes used as deer dogs. All that wrapped up in a beautiful package with a soft coat and soulful eyes, the Boykin is not common, but is a family favorite with those who know them.

Vets helping pet overpopulation

2008-06-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

We recently visited a new vet who is much closer to our home to pick up some needed supplies and make an appointment to have our young males neutered. While there, we discovered that they keep several large cages of kittens. These kittens were from litters by local feral females. There are several individuals in our community who find these young wild families, trap the mothers (who are then spayed), and begin the work of socializing the young kittens, while treating them for the parasites, skin conditions, etc. that commonly plague these kittens who are uncared-for except for what their mothers (usually very young and unhealthy cats themselves) are able to provide for them.

When the kittens are brought to the clinic, they are further socialized, and taken home by employees to learn “house manners.” When they are in good health and friendly, the clinic offers them for adoption. The very nominal adoption fee of $30 covers any medication the kitten may still require, further boarding and treatment until it is ready to be discharged, if any is required, as well as all vaccinations (including rabies) and spaying or neutering. All vet care necessary for the first year is included for this low $30 fee.

Normally, these services would be worth several hundred dollars, depending upon the animal’s sex and condition. We were touched and surprised that a local professional and his employees are doing so much to help with the pet overpopulation in the community and find the animals good homes and help ensure their ongoing health at the same time.

The next time you are looking to add a pet to your family, call around to area vets and see if anyone is doing a community service of this type in your area. Support these businesses, and give a pet a good home.

Lost pets

2008-04-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Pets are members of our families, and anyone who has ever had a pet go missing knows the heartbreak and anxiety an owner feels when faced with lost pets. We were unfortunate enough to experience this a couple of years ago when our black Maine Coon cat sneaked out through an open door and disappeared.

My daughter was heartbroken, as he was her special pet. We visited the shelters, and the neighborhood was plastered with fliers with a photo of Lucky on them, begging people to call if he was found. Weeks went by, and our hopes began to fade. We still checked the shelters, and still looked hopefully around nearby neighborhoods, but the chances of getting him back were becoming slimmer.

Unfortunately, we discovered him on the side of the road, a month and a half after he had gone missing. He had been killed by a car. But other than that, he was in good condition. Obviously, someone had taken him in and been caring for him. We never found out how near he was to us the whole time, but perhaps the person caring for him didn't see our fliers. I wish there had been a better way to contact everyone within the nearby area to search for him during that time he was missing.

We have found such a service available, started by another cat owner who hasn't recovered her pet either. (By the way, the photos of her cat on the site show a well-named cat, a very lovely "Cutie McPretty" ... our condolences to Cutie's owner, and hopes that she finds her pet, especially since she is helping others to find their pets.)

The service at FindToto lets owners who have lost dogs, cats, or other pets fill out an information form about the animal and where it was lost along with their contact information. FindToto then contacts hundreds (you select how many based on the population where the pet was lost) of people in the area by phone to let them know your lost pet's information and how to contact you.

The service seems to be quite effective. I read the testimonial page and was surprised to see how many people found dogs and cats based on calls from people who had been notified. In many cases, several people call with information about the missing pet, because a number of people will have seen the pet and hopefully someone has taken it in and will also respond. Even in cases where the pet is frightened and hiding, it is possible to find the cat or dog when a neighbor calls to tell you that your pet is hiding in the field near their house.

We thought this was a wonderful service. We hope that you never need to use a service like FindToto.com, but if you do, it's good to know that such a service is available. It's also nice to keep it in mind in case someone you know loses a pet too. I only wish we'd had such a service available when our Lucky went missing. It's been a couple of years now, but our daughter still thinks of him and we all still miss him. He was a wonderful companion.

A sensitive brown dog ...

2008-04-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a website I ran across with a unique and witty twist ... it's written by a dog! Gary, the Sensitive Brown Dog, uses his keen dog-sense perspective to provide you with great information about man's best friend!

Including everything from Gary's perspective on designer dogs (essentially mutts) to his opinion of homemade vs. commercial foods, and much more. You'll find guidance on choosing your pet's name and dealing with nuisance barking. There are tips on boarding your furry friend while you are away, such as leaving a t-shirt belonging to the owner to comfort your pet. As a rescue dog, Gary encourages those seeking a pet to consider rescuing an animal from a shelter.

I'm not quite sure why the doggie necessities list includes "one toy" ... but I'm pretty sure Gary means it as a minimum. On the other hand, Gary considers doggie clothing a necessity only "if you want your dog to hate you"!

We found the site amusing, and look forward to future developments there.

Cat Scratching Posts

2008-04-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

A scratching post can offer your cat hours of enjoyment. Depending upon its design, a good scratching post can promote enticing play including both physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Some models provide platforms for cats to rest upon or to hide within, allowing them to choose a spot that is raised up high or one that is secluded, depending upon the individual cat's preferences. Your selection of a scratching post should take into consideration your own cat's personality and needs in order to provide the maximum enjoyment for your pet.

For cats that need to use the post to actually scratch upon, the surface should be rough in order to encourage the cat to dig its claws in. Sisal is a favorite of many cats, but we also thought the rough cedar scratching posts were a great choice. Carpet-covered posts may encourage scratching, but you run the risk of training your cat to scratch carpet, which may then transfer to your floor carpeting. Our recommendation for most cats is to choose a scratching post that incorporates some other rough surface in addition to carpeting, if your cat is to actually scratch it. Corrugated cardboard is another favorite rough surface that many cats enjoy, and can be used to apply dried catnip directly into the corrugating, though these posts or trays will need to be replaced periodically.

Another important feature to look for when evaluating the entertainment value of cat furniture is toy anchoring spots. Look for the ability to anchor toys that will hang / swing / spin. Another great feature shown in this cedar scratching post is the "mousehole" effect that encloses a small ball that will retreat when a cat tries to reach in for it, but returns to entice the cat to attempt to capture it when released.

For the best value in cat furniture, look for a piece that will suit a variety of needs all in one unit. Some of the Armarkat scratching posts offer some of the best value by offering high open perches, closed in hidey-hole cubbies, staggered tiers for climbing, horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces, and toy anchoring spots all within a single piece of furniture. Their prices also tend to be quite competitive, and consumers rate them as being sturdy enough to withstand their cats' antics.

Having a larger piece of cat furniture can be especially important in multi-cat households. Giving each cat a place within the scratching stand can help cut down on fights and keep all the felines happy at the same time.

To search for scratching posts, we used an pet product shopping site that returned a lot of relevant results that can easily be searched by category or arranged by price, etc. Pet owners can easily find a wide variety of styles suited to their particular pet just by browsing through such services. It can be helpful to discover products you may not even have realized existed. (On the same site, we discovered that noise-sensitive dog owners can purchase squeaky dog toys that squeak only in the range of doggie-hearing, so the dog can squeak to his heart's content and the owner never has to hear it!)

Cats urinating outside their litterboxes

2008-04-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

In response to a reader question, we want to cover the common topic of cats that urinate outside of their litterboxes.

Unfortunately, I can't easily address the problem our reader is having, because there can be a number of reasons why a cat may begin to do this. It is important to find the cause, for the sake of the cat's health and so that the problem can be solved.

The first thing the cat owner should consider is the health of the cat. Today's commercial foods have unfortunately caused a much higher incidence of FLUTD (Feline lower urinary trace disease) ... you might be more familiar with the older term of FUS (Feline Urinary Syndrome). FLUTD causes the cat to have painful urination, which he may then associate with the litterbox. Because he is afraid that going to the litterbox will once again cause the pain during urination, he is likely to seek out other places to urinate. FLUTD also causes more frequent need to urinate, and the cat may be unable to reach the litterbox even if he wants to.

The reason this needs to be considered first is that the health of the cat can be at stake, and if FLUTD is the cause, the condition can deteriorate while the owner tries to determine if other reasons are the cause of the problem. (If you KNOW why your cat is doing this, that may be another story.)

If that is not the cause, then there are other things to consider. First, if you have recently had the cat declawed, he should be given something soft in his litterbox until the wounds heal. Many vets recommend shredded newspaper, but there are products available. You should NOT use clay litter, clumping litter, sand, or any other abrasive substance, as this will be very painful on paws that have just had surgery.

Cats will often urinate to show their displeasure. If they are urinating on a particular person's belongings, bed, carpet, etc., consider whether that person has done anything to upset the cat. Cats can take a long time to forgive, and are masters at holding a grudge!

If you have recently added a new cat to the family, that may be the cause as well. If the new cat is using "his" litterbox, your cat may feel insecure, jealous, or for some other reason unwilling to use the same litterbox. Often multi-cat households must have multiple litterboxes to keep everyone happy.

Have you recently moved to a new home, moved the litterbox, changed the box or brand of litter, or made any other changes? Cats are creatures of habit, routine, and territory, and upsetting any of these can result in problems with urinating outside the litterbox. If things can be returned to normal, that may solve the problem. Otherwise, the cat may need extra attention and might benefit from being confined in a smaller area until he gets used to the new surroundings.

Is the litterbox clean? I used to have a cat that would urinate in the litterbox, but if he used it to defecate, he refused to re-enter it until it had been cleaned. He would then give me a "warning" by going into the bathtub for the next visit, but if I somehow missed cleaning up before he needed the litterbox again, the next time he needed a toilet, he'd visit my bed! Some cats are VERY meticulous. In such cases, it might be wise to have several litterboxes to choose from so he can select one that meets his cleanliness standards.

Cats may also have had some unfortunate experience around the litterbox. Did a broom fall and bang loudly on the litterbox cover while he was in there? Did a strange dog rush in and bark at him while he was using the litterbox? Anything that upsets him while he is in there can make him reluctant to return.

And cats do mark their territories, by spraying urine. This is most common in intact adult males, but neutered males and even females will sometimes do this. If you see the cat urinating, you can tell whether this is what is happening. Instead of the normal semi-squat, a cat who is spraying will stand with his tail quivering in the air and spray behind him -- usually onto a vertical surface. This is usually territorial, but can be brought on by having another cat around, stress, changes in surroundings, a new person being introduced, etc.

All of these are just to give you some ideas of some of the most common reasons cats may begin to avoid their litterboxes. Knowing the cause is the first step in solving the problem.

There are some general guidelines to follow whatever the reason may be. The first step is to find a litter your cat likes. Many cats like the fine clumping brands, and don't usually care for heavily perfume ones. The cheaper clay brands are, unfortunately, not popular with cats (nor do they do a good job of absorbing odor or offer easy clean-up). Make sure the litterbox is large enough, and the cat can comfortably and easily get in and out. Place the box in a quiet location so that the cat can be relatively undisturbed and have some privacy. Some cats like the covered boxes, while others do not. If you have multiple cats, make sure you have boxes for each cat (and an extra or two is a good idea too). Scoop the box frequently ... at least once a day. Change the litter completely once a week or so, and wash the box as well, rinsing well too, if you don't use a liner.

You will want to thoroughly clean the place the cat used outside the litterbox, to cover the scent so the cat won't be tempted to return. As our reader mentioned, ammonia-based cleaners (or those that contain any ammonia) can make the problem worse, because when the cat smells the ammonia, he will usually want to urinate over it to give it his own scent.

If the urine is fresh, you may be able to take care of it simply by blotting it up, wetting the area, blotting again, and cleaning with vinegar or baking soda.

First, blot the area with a clean white cloth, removing as much of the urine as possible. Follow with a warm-water rinse, and blot that up. Repeat if needed. You can then sprinkle baking soda over the area and rub it in (a toothbrush works well) and allow it to dry, and then vacuum it up. If you'd like to try vinegar instead, go through the same blot-and-rinse process, then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to a quart of warm water and apply that to the area (test first on an inconspicuous spot). Place a white towel over the area and apply pressure (you may want to place something very heavy there and leave it for a few hours.). Blot it up again after a few hours. Hopefully one of these methods will take care of fresh urine. However, if it has set for a while, soaked in, or stained the area, you will need a specialty product.

Cleaners are available to remove the urine scent ... check with a local pet shop or veterinarian for the best chance at locating one. Look for a product that uses enzymes and/or bacteria to "consume" the odor rather than a simple detergent-type product that you might find at mass outlets (like Wal-Mart). It is worth it to buy a product that will accomplish the job rather than have to keep cleaning the same mess and meanwhile having your cat more and more convinced that he should be urinating outside his litterbox.

Several such products include Just for Cats (Nature's Miracle), Urine Off, Urine Gone, Outright Pet Stain Eliminator, and Pet Oops Remover.

Abyssinian Cats - breed profile

2008-03-15T21:21:00.001-07:00

Abyssinians may be one of the oldest breeds of cat ... so much so that their true beginnings are lost to history. As fitting such an ancient breed, they resemble the wild African cat assumed to be the ancestor of domestic cats, and also have the same physical characteristics of ancient Egyptian portrayals of cats with their lithe, muscular bodies, large pointed ears, smooth coats, and exotic almond-shaped eyes.

Abyssinian cats should be muscular, of medium size, with slender legs, oval feet, and a long tapering tail. Ear tufts are desirable, and the eyes may be amber, hazel, or green but should be deeply hued. The short coat must have the Aby ticking, which again makes them resemble wild cats. There are, of course, much more detailed breed standards available as this is just a generalization.

As pets, Abyssinians are outstanding. Highly intelligent cats, they are also very people-oriented, though not in a sit-in-your-lap-all-day kind of way. Instead, Abys have ample curiosity to go along with their intelligence, and prefer to be around people but actively exploring and getting involved with their surroundings. Carolyn Osier of the Abyssinian Breeders International describes Abys as, "a cat that likes to be with people, a cat that wants to know what you are doing - then wants to help."

The short coat makes cat care simple where Abyssinians are concerned. Brushing regularly will keep the coat clean and free from mats and remove any loose hairs. Attention to the teeth is also recommended, to keep them healthy. If you are purchasing a purebred Abyssinian kitten, ask the breeder about the occurrence of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) in any cats related to the breeding stock.

Abyssinians are intriguing pets and, once you have been owned by one, you will probably never want to be without one. Along with a few of the other breeds we have profiled, Abys are outstanding in their devotion to their owners -- almost more doglike than catlike in that characteristic. For this reason, we believe that Abys combine the best traits of pet dogs and pet cats in one elegant package.

Horse exercisers

2008-03-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

I was raised in Louisiana, and I've spent some time on farms that raised and trained Thoroughbreds for racing. My cousin worked with the young horses, and I used to enjoy watching them exercise and train. I've seen different methods used to exercise horses, but I have to admit the horse exerciser I saw online today is in a class of its own, and very interesting.

Generally, the farm owners have had two options for exercising the horses that I have seen. One is to pay an employee to work each animal and assure that each one receives enough exercise. This is great practice for the horses, but expensive in terms of payroll. It can also be difficult to find enough employees that are light enough not to put more stress than desired on racers if the farm is a large one. The other option involves some kind of mechanical horse walker.

While some farms use a type of treadmill, the horse walkers I am familiar with have all been spokes radiating out from a central hub, with the horses each tied to one of the spoke ends. The horses walk around in their pattern, either with the machine turning, or else providing the energy to move the equipment themselves, but either way they had to be tied to the spoke.

This horse walker has such an innovative design, allowing the horse to move more freely because he is not tied at all. Instead, a partition is attached to the spoke and the partition is moved around the circle, which is enclosed by fencing panels, allowing the horse to walk naturally around the pattern. This freedom of movement is safer for the horse, alleviating the strain caused by the position the animal is brought into by being tied to the other type of walker. I can also easily see that this is the perfect conditioning for an animal who will need to be able to enter starting gates and to negotiate turns well.

I was really impressed by the idea. Another great part of this is that these horse walkers are available for rental as well as purchase, so anyone who is considering purchasing some new exercise equipment, hiring a new exercise boy, or just interesting in improving his methods can easily try one out and evaluate it before committing to buy one.

This is another one of those great products we love to share with our readers. For those of you in the market, take a look at this equipment!

Siamese Cats

2008-02-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Just like pet dogs, cat breeds also vary in their personality and looks. Some cats are more laid-back and accepting, while others can be more demanding. Some cats are large and spend a lot of time napping compared to other breeds which are active and curiously explore everything they can poke their noses into or fish out with deft paws.

Siamese Cats are among some of the most popular cat breeds, for very good reason. They are very distinctive in their personality ... this means that they are not a breed for everyone, but for those that enjoy Siamese, many wouldn't want any other kind of cat.

Siamese are very intelligent cats, and very social. Because of this, they are not well suited for homes where they will be left alone too much of the time. They need to be actively involved with people or at least other pets for a portion of each day. A Siamese cat won't let you wonder whether or not they are pleased either ... Siamese are among the most "talkative" of cats and will express their opinions and feelings about everything going on around them. They are great companions for this reason though. One can hardly feel alone with a playful and friendly little sidekick that goes everywhere with you about the home and comments upon everything with a wide range of vocalizations that the owner will easily learn to distinguish.

Siamese are also very lithe, limber, and active cats. Their bone structure is very fine and they tend to be athletic. They don't do well being closely confined, and it is a good idea to secure any items you don't want them investigating. However, they are also very intelligent and can easily be trained to respect the boundaries you set for them, especially if they are happy with their lives otherwise.

Among all of the cat breeds, Siamese are also perhaps the most recognizable. Their slender bodies are a white or cream color, with darker points on the face, ears, tail, and legs. Traditionally, these points should be chocolate, seal, blue, or lilac. Other colors of points are made by crossing out to other breeds of cat and may be red, tortoise, tabby, or cream. Tails are long and thin, and eyes sapphire-colored and are a slanted almond-shape.

Many people will remember Siamese cats as being more robust than the cats one commonly sees today, and with a lot of contrast between the dark and light areas. When I was growing up, almost all Siamese cats I knew had kinks in the tails as well. These are some of the characteristics associated with "traditional" Siamese cats, which may still be seen, but most of the cats bred today have the lighter body frame and un-kinked tails. The personality is quite similar, though.

Training of Siamese cats is much like training any other cat. Being very intelligent, the basic training is usually accomplished very simply. Just showing them the litter box is usually enough to let them know, although you may want to hold their paws and gently show them how easy it is to dig in the litter. The most important thing about raising and training a Siamese kitten is to keep them with you, interact with them, and talk to them. They will learn your tone of voice and be more interested in interacting with you than getting into trouble. The best method of discipline is often to say "no" and turn away from them, ignoring them for a bit. This is especially effective if they play too roughly with you.

Training them to stay out of an area should first be done by removing them and saying "no." If that doesn't do the trick, you can later resort to a means such as spraying them with a tiny stream of water or canned air, but be aware that Siamese will quickly come to realize that you are the source of the spray and will avoid the forbidden area only if you are around. If they don't expect to be caught, they might feel free to explore what is off-limits. Also, many Siamese are actually fond of water and may not be deterred by this method in the same way that many other cat breeds would be.

We will discuss more tips for cat training in a later post.

Massage therapy

2008-02-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

Increasingly the use of alternative medicine for humans is crossing over and helping to benefit the health of our pets as well. One interesting development is the use of massage therapy. Advanced massage therapy training is offered at a variety of schools, such as http://www.sanford-brown.edu/, for use on humans. Often pet massage therapists learn massage at such an institution.

However, they may also learn (or continue their education) at a school intended just for massage therapy of pets. The uses of massage and alternative treatments for pets are widely varied. Massage can be especially helpful for handicapped pets, for example. A number of other resources regarding pet massage are available on dmoz. Dogs and horses are the two species most commonly mentioned regarding pet massage therapy, but we were interested to find that a book was written about massaging your pet rabbit.

Pet massage may be practiced by holistic veterinarians for health concerns, or by massage therapists at shows, obedience events, etc. for the relaxation of competing dogs. More and more pet sitters are offering pet massage as part of their services to help calm and relax animals that are left behind when their owners are away. Groomers also offer massage more and more frequently, both as a means of calming animals stressed by the grooming experience and also as part of a spa-like treatment to be enjoyed by the dog as part of his overall grooming session.

Specialty Dog Beds

2008-02-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's almost impossible to find a good dog bed, particularly if you own a large or giant breed or your dog has special orthopedic needs. We were pleased to find a website that caters to owners of big dogs and offers furniture-quality luxury dog beds.

"Mammoth" seems a suitable name, with beds as large as 50 to 60 inches. Now large breeds can enjoy the comfort of a bed sized to fit them and ease the stress on their skeletal structure and pressure points while resting. Dogs with special orthopedic needs can benefit from the special support provided by the orthopedic dog beds, though all of the beds featured on the site have orthpedic properties.

We were impressed with the quality construction too, with the durable beds being made of industrial strength canvas, memory foam, and other quality materials. These beds are furniture quality and should give years of comfort to your pet.

Ease of cleaning is often high on the list of factors most pet owners consider. All covers are removable and can be machine washed and dried. The fabrics are treated with anti-odor Scotchgard and are stain, mildew and soil resistant and water repellant. Beds feature polypropylene liners and are antibacterial. Bolsters and many cushions are reversible. The foam is antibacterial and does not clump.

A large number of designs are available to suit any dog, from simple mats, to large donut-style bed, to couches with wrap-around bolsters for your dog to rest his head upon, tufted styles, and more.

Lastly, even though you might think you would have to sacrifice style for the sake of such a high quality dog bed, the additional good news is that a wide variety of designer colors are offered, making it possible to choose a dog bed that will look stylish in any room of your home. Personalization is even available.

Pearl Paradise Giving Back Program

2008-02-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

We are especially pleased to have been asked to share an offer from Pearl Paradise with our readers.

Pearl Paradise is celebrating their ten-year anniversary with a admirable program called "Giving Back" in which they are donating pearls to non-profit groups for fundraisers. A total of 2,007 pieces of fine pearl jewelry, each worth around $500.00, will be donated to non-profit charities. The pearls are to be used as fund-raisers in silent and live auctions.

We have been asked to share this information on Pets-n-People because Pearl Paradise is especially interested in helping animal rescue groups. It is our hope that in sharing this information with our readers, qualifying animal-rescue organizations will hear about this program and apply to receive a donation of pearl jewelry to help in their upcoming fundraisers. We plan to directly notify deserving animal rescue groups in our area and among our online network as well. So if you know of a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a fundraiser coming up within the next 3 months, please pass this information along to them.

Pearl Paradise is interested in other kinds of charities that benefit society as well, and has expressed particular interest in societies helping disabled children, environmental groups, those involved with cancer research, and groups involved with cruelty prevention. So please help spread the word and help Pearl Paradise give back and make a difference!

Maine Coon cats & kittens - the "dogs" & "puppies" of the cat world!

2008-02-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

Ever since I first saw Maine coon cats at a cat fancier's show, the breed totally captivated me. I decided then and there that I wanted my next cat to be a Maine Coon. The cats I saw at the show were all beautiful, large cats with wonderfully thick coats. They watched me with a friendly interest that you don't often see in cats. I asked several of the exhibitors about them, and each one told me essentially the same thing. Their cats acted almost more like dogs, loving to spend time with the family, travel with them, responded well to training, and displayed other similar qualities. I was hooked.

I like cats, but at heart I am more of a "dog person." I have met a few cats, though, that were even better than a dog as companions. One was a Maine Coon that came into our lives a few years ago. Although a wonderful family pet, he chose my daughter as his "special human." He slept with her and followed her like a puppy, came when called, and was ready to play at a moment's notice, even as an adult cat. He also adapted well when a dog was added to the family, becoming great friends with the dog and inventing games to play with her. He grew to be a huge boy, over twenty pounds of lovable lap cat, and was the darling of our home with his furry tufted ears, thick ruff, and long twitching tail.

Unfortunately, he accidentally got outside (we lived in the city then) and was tragically run over by a car. My daughter was heartbroken. Our other cat became withdrawn. After some time passed, we started looking for kittens for sale or adoption. I tried to find a local breeder of Maine coon cats, with no results.

One day about a year later, I heard a tiny cry from the woods near our new house. Going to investigate, I found only brambles too thick to penetrate. My daughter was there that day, and insisted on fighting her way through them. She managed to reach and rescue a tiny kitten, only a few weeks old. We checked with everyone who lived nearby, but no one was missing any kittens or owned a cat that had recently given birth to a litter.

We nursed the little guy, who looked quite a bit like the Maine Coon we lost. As he grew, his personality emerged, and he became more and more like the cat we had loved so much. He isn't pure Maine Coon, but we have been so fortunate to find that the temperament is there anyway. He's almost a year old now, and when we go out to do chores on the farm, the young cat always trots along beside like a dog, investigating all the latches we open, running ahead to hide in a bush so he can leap out and "surprise" us as we walk by, wrestling and playing with the farm dog. Inside the house, he chases stuffed animals and brings them back to us. Like our other cat, he always comes when called, and "answers" us whenever we talk to him or mention his name. He is even learning to sit on command! He's very adept with his paws and uses them like hands.

We still miss our much-beloved Maine Coon that we lost, but we are so pleased to have our new little guy as our constant "doglike" companion, even though he probably isn't pure-bred. The Maine Coon personality is the absolute greatest, in our books! If you are interested in adding a purebred cat to your family, we can fully recommend searching for a breeder who offers Maine coon cats for sale.

Boarding Kennels

2008-02-04T00:54:00.000-08:00

There are several things to look for when deciding on a dog kennels boarding facility. Location is of course a first consideration. Most people look for a boarding kennel near their home, to drop their dog off before leaving on their trip. This of course saves from having to travel with the pet, and keeps the pet near their own veterinarian as well. However, in some cases you may want to also consider a boarding kennel near your destination, particularly if your pet travels well. This will give you another location to search, in case there are no ideal facilities near your home, and also gives you the opportunity to visit with your pet and be available in case of emergency.

When deciding whether a particular kennel is a good choice, you will want to visit and check on things yourself if at all possible rather than just asking questions over the phone. An unannounced visit can give you a more accurate idea of how the kennel is run on a day-to-day basis. Check for factors such as cleanliness, condition of runs and dogs, and whether clean food and water are available (keeping in mind that some dogs will eat their food immediately). You especially want to make sure that the places where animals are kept (and any areas they move through between sleeping and exercise) are well-secured and safe. Watch to see how the staff interacts with other boarders. Find out whether pets are screened for immunization records and checked for parasites before being allowed into the kennel. Make sure your pet will receive adequate exercise while there.

It can be important to consider a particular pet's need. I once left a pair of German Shepherd Dogs together in a boarding facility. These were house dogs, and didn't appreciate the outdoor runs with dog houses provided for large breed dogs. The boarding kennel owners realized this immediately, so they instead allowed my dogs to sleep in the largest indoor cages (normally intended for smaller dogs), but allowed them to play outside together in an exercise yard most of the day. I really appreciated the owner's concern for my pets and understanding of their particular needs. Although my dogs were very happy to see me when I returned, they showed no signs of being upset by the boarding experience.

Also be sure to find out whether you can provide certain items for your pet's comfort. Dogs generally do best when kept on their own food, so find out whether it is possible for you to provide the food they are accustomed to (or whether the facility can feed this brand). Also consider bringing something your pet is familiar with and will be comforted by, such as a blanket or bed he is used to sleeping on, a favorite chew toy, or some other familiar object.

Don't forget to leave full information regarding your pet's medical conditions, contact information for his veterinarian as well as yourself during your trip, perhaps including a number of someone local or within your family if you may be difficult to track down. Provide permission for any emergency medical care while you are gone.

When the time comes to drop off your pet, be cheerful and matter-of-fact rather than giving a long-drawn out tearful good-bye. If there is a word your pet understands to mean that you are going but will return, be sure to tell him that before you leave. I used to always pat my dogs on the head and leave them with a "be good!" before leaving for work each day, so I did the same whenever I had to board them at any time. Being calm will help your pet remain calm and help him to understand that you will be returning, even if it's longer than a normal day. A sad good-bye may make him worry that you won't be returning.

While away from home, call and check on your pet's well-being. Being reassured that he is fine will help you to keep from worrying and better enjoy yourself (or take care of business) on your trip.

Christmas for the Birds ...

2008-01-24T23:07:00.001-08:00

Are you taking down a fresh-cut Christmas tree and wondering what to do with it? There's a great way to recycle your old Christmas tree, make a feast for the birds, and treat yourself to a show all at the same time. Stand your Christmas tree in the backyard, where it is visible from a window. (If you don't want to use your tree stand, you can nail boards directly into the trunk to make an x-shaped base.) Then get busy decorating the tree for the birds! If you have kids, get them involved in making the treats too.

String edible garlands by using a strong thread or fishing line, threading it through a needle, and use it to string peanuts in the shell, raisins, cut up pieces of fresh or dried fruits, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, etc. Some birds will eat Cheerios as well. Drape these garlands on your tree.

Slices of oranges and persimmons are especially attractive to many birds and can be hung on the tree. Many birds also like corn. It's a bit more work, but you can use a nail to pierce slices of corn on the cob and hang them as well. (Be careful and protect your hands and work surface. This should be done by an adult.)

Wrap a piece of wire (or string) around a pinecone to make a hanger. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, then roll it on a plate filled with birdseed until it is well coated. Hang the finished treat on the tree.

If you want to get more creative, you can make lovely shaped ornaments out of birdseed. Heat 1/2 cup water and dissolve a package of gelatin (like Knox) into it, then add 3 tablespoons of corn syup. Add about 3/4 cup of flour and mix it all together. Let cool a bit, then add 4 cups of safflower, millet, or other seeds (or a mixture). This can be pressed into molds to shape, cut with cookie cutters, or shaped by hand on waxed paper. Allow to dry before removing, then tie a ribbon for a hanger and attach it to your tree. Decorations of cranberries, raisins, etc. can be pressed into the mixture while it is being formed.

There are other recipes for bird treats online. Some things to remember ... if it gets too far above freezing, don't put out a lot of high-fat foods all at once. If they spoil, birds can become sick from eating them. High-fat foods ARE idea for birds in very cold weather, just put out as much as they will eat within a day or so. Also, remember that if you feed birds regularly, they will come to expect it and may depend upon you for a source of food. They may not find enough if you then stop.

Dog training for behavior problems

2008-01-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

There are any number of problems that are associated with doggy misbehavior. Ranging from an annoyance like having holes continually dug in the yard to a potentially life-threatening situation for your dog such as having a dog that tends to escape or won't come when called to even more dire situations as when a dog becomes aggressive or overly fearful and bites people. Dogs that display problem behaviors are often sentenced to the backyard or tied up because they are a continual annoyance, or worse, the owners may simply give up on their problem dog and turn him over to a shelter where he may be euthanized. The sad part is that good dog training methods and taking enough time with the animal to implement them could have prevented the problems in the first place, or solved them as they began to show up.

Dog owners have a variety of options for training their dogs. There are a number of good training books available, and we will make it a point to review some of these in the near future. Such information is also available online, and if we find a website with good information, we will be sure to post that here as well.

Professional trainers are another option. These generally operate in one of several ways. Some trainers require the dog to be sent to their facility for an extended period of time to be trained. While this can be appropriate for dogs working in a professional capacity who need extensive training, we do not generally recommend this for family pets. This type of training is generally quite expensive, and because the dog is being trained in another location by another individual, the behaviors learned may not transfer back into the home environment. The risk of non-transference is very, very high if there is no period in which the owner becomes involved in the training.

Another possibility is group training classes, where the owner and dog meet with a number of other pairs under the guidance of a trainer. These can be useful in some situations, giving the owner some guidance in dog training methods that may be sufficient if the dog is an easily trained one with no real problems. Socialization also benefits both the dog and the owner. These can be a good environment for getting dogs used to other dogs (if they don't already have problems) and can help them learn to work with distractions if they are doing well otherwise. The downside is that the professional trainer's time is necessarily limited with each dog and owner, and can generally only impart the basics in this environment.

A third option is a professional trainer that visits the dog in his home environment. This is an ideal situation, because the trainer can see the dog as he normally behaves at home, how the owner interacts with the dog, what the behavior problems are, and can often easily discern the cause of the problems. Having all of this information helps the trainer to quickly assess the situation and make suggestions about the best course of action to deal with your particular dog. In cases where there are already behavior problems, this can be especially helpful, since all of these factors can have an impact on the success of various methods and simply using a "cure" from a book or an uninformed trainer may not have the best outcome if the one giving the advice doesn't know the whole situation.

When evaluating a particular trainer or other resource, it is important to consider the methods used. There are many differing opinions about what constitutes good dog training. We do not recommend any method that is harsh or relies on punishment (especially punishment that comes directly from a human). While such methods may demonstrate quick results, the dog's behavior in such cases is almost always motivated by fear, and if a dog doesn't trust his owner, it is impossible for them to have a good relationship and the dog's behavior will not be reliable.

Look for a trainer that understands "doggy language" ... that is, there are certain ways of handling a dog that the dog will naturally respond to. Sounds, hand signals, and body language that give the impression that your dog is suddenly "already trained" in at least some areas. We don't mean to imply that there are magic methods to get every single response you may desire from your dog, but rather that there are natural ways to communicate with a dog that he will instantly understand and respond to. A trainer that understands these communication methods is already miles ahead of one who doesn't and can make training smooth, fun, and much less stressful for both you and your dog.

Having said all of that, we looked at online information for dog trainers and wish to share with you one that looks promising. While we do not have personal experience with BarkBusters, it appears that their training philosophy fits perfectly with what we have recommended, and their network involves many countries. Within the Canadian site we located links for dog training Toronto and dog training Vancouver. Other links are available for various cities and countries worldwide.

So if your dog is showing problem behaviors, please don't give up. Find out all you can, get help, and commit to provide them with proper training. They will reward you with years of companionship and love, and both of you will enjoy one another much more.

Online savings, gifts for animal lovers

2008-01-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

We found a great source for saving money when making online purchases for your pets (and there are great deals for just about anything you'd want to purchase for yourself as well!). Try an online coupon server, like CouponChief, to search for coupons offering discounts on a wide variety of merchandise and services.

For example, we found coupons for PETsMART offering $10 off a $50 purchase, free shipping, or 75% off clearance items (your choice). (Note: PETsMART is currently offering free shipping on purchases over $50 anyway, so it would be a smart move to combine that offer with the $-off one to maximize your savings.)

PETCO also offers coupons for 15% off a purchase of $70 or more, and $5 off plus free shipping if you choose a bill-me-later option during checkout. PETCO also has a 50% off holiday section that can be combined with the other discounts right now. Holiday merchandise includes Christmas cards that can be bought now to send next year, animal costumes for Christmas, reindeer antlers, etc. that would make adorable props for your holiday pet photos.

Looking to save money on meds for your pets? Compare prices and the wide variety of discount offers available from PetCareRx to get a good deal. National Pet Pharmacy is also currently offering free shipping on some products.

And, unfortunately coming after the holidays but still good information, Animal Den offers discounts on a wide line of gifts for animal lovers. Images of cats, dogs, wildlife, farm animals, reptiles, fish, marine animals, insects, birds, and more are available on products such as wearables, mugs, license plates, mouse pads, mugs, address labels, calendars, picture frames, jewelry, note holders, signs, flag holders, and much more.

I selected my favorite breed, the German Shepherd, and found address labels, a blanket, a bobble head dog, calendars, caps, Christmas ornaments, a clock, coasters, a collar & leash set, a cookie jar, dish towels, figurines, flags, floormats, hand towels, note holders, assorted jewelry, license plate frames, magnets, mousepads, mugs, angel ornaments, pet food bowls, picture frames, plush toys, many shirts, signs, socks, an umbrella, videos, and a wind chime, all featuring my favorite dogs! We were very impressed with the selection. Whatever the animal of choice and the product, you can surely find great gifts for any occasion for the animal lovers in your life at Animal Den.

Related gifting information ...

This year, animal print is the fashion trend for designer handbags and perfectly suits your animal-loving friends. If you're looking for a special handbag for your girl, Prada handbags are one of the most sought-after gifts this year. Once you've bought the engagement ring, you'll also want to get a special promise gift for your fiancee. For the jewelry loving woman, what better gift than diamond stud earrings. If your budget will allow, you might even consider diamond necklaces to match her earrings.

Meet Horse Lovers

2007-12-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Would you love to share your love of horses with others, build a network of friends with similar interests, or find trail-riding companions?

BarnCulture.com is an online community devoted to people who love horses. When you join, you can post a profile for yourself, and one for your horse. You will be able to meet people who love horses, who share your particular interests, and if you are interested in meeting other horse owners who live near you, you might find new trail-riding friends!

BarnCulture lets you share photos of your horse, videos of your latest ride or competition, etc. You can meet and chat with other horse lovers, post questions and get them answered, find non-profit horse groups where you can help others, watch videos posted by other members, and more. You can develop your own groups based on your personal interests (particular horse interests or other interests) or your area, and let others join in order to meet and talk to new friends. You can also tell others about a horse-related product or service, if you are offering one, or promote an event related to horses and riders.

It's easy to sign up and create your profile! Or, if you prefer, you can add color, backgrounds, upload photos, use graphics, and more to create a profile that really reflects your personality.

Also, if you are connected with a non-profit organization that relates to horses, you can submit an application to have it published in BarnCulture's special non-profit section so others can find your group and have an opportunity to help.

Horse lovers should check out Barn Culture, you'll be glad you did!

Pet-related bride and groom gifts

If your wife-to-be is a pet lover, consider elegant pet jewelry such as cat earrings for her birthday. She'll surely be excited to see them, but even more so after you show her the wedding ring! Real diamond rings, earrings and necklaces are many a girl's dream. So secure her heart to yours with a pair of diamond stud earrings. For the groom we recommend a Swiss watch.
Check the variety of mens watches available from top designers.

Cherish the memories ...

2007-12-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the holidays can be a very bittersweet time, especially when we have lost a loved one, or had some great personal loss, or even when a beloved pet no longer sits beside us at the hearth.

Many pet owners find comfort in keeping the ashes of their beloved friend in a pet urn. A design that honors the special memories of your pet is an especially comforting sight. Photo pet urns memorialize your pet in exactly the way you want to remember him, as you select the photo you want to feature. Some designs are dignified and unobtrusive, such as the elegant wooden box with frame. There are particularly discreetdesigns that resemble a simple wooden frame alone. Or for an extra measure of comfort, some designs include an angel figures poised protectively over the image of your beloved pet.

Another option are dog urns featuring particular breeds. Most of these are offered with your choice of a dog figurine in any one of a variety of coat color choices and positions. The dog can be placed atop a lovely wooden box with an attached engraved nameplate, or can be poised upon a rocky ledge with an angel figure gazing down upon the dog.

Such lovely urns can be a comforting way to keep your pet's remains. It is never easy to lose someone we love, but a visual reminder that honors your cherished memories can serve as an encouragement in your grief.

Pet Christmas Stocking

2007-12-13T04:21:00.000-08:00

Pets are members of our families, and as such, would enjoy having their own Christmas stocking filled with treats to dig into on Christmas morning. Children often delight in helping the pets discover what is in the stocking, and it's a good way to introduce younger children to the joy of giving, and focusing on someone else's pleasure other than own on Christmas morning. (Many children can focus on the pet's happiness before they are able to focus on another person's emotions.)

You can purchase a stocking for your pet along with other family member's stockings at the same time. If you like, write the pet's name in glue on the stocking and sprinkle with glitter for a glittery name tag. Or, find a stocking made for pets at a pet store or specialty outlet. Craft stores often have lots of designs for cross-stitched and other handmade pet stockings. Many cute options are available!

You can also make the pet's stocking if you like to sew. Patterns are easily developed, or many versions are available online.

There are lots of options for fillers. Gourmet pet treats are available (watch an upcoming post for recipes if you want to try making some yourself!). Regular treats are also good options, or maybe you'd like to splurge and buy a variety of flavors or a type you don't normally buy. Just remember to limit the treats when doling them out ... make them last and your pet's tummy will thank you!

Toys are another staple. Commercial toys are readily available. If you want to fill a stocking with lots of toys, look for value packages with lots of toys. Dollar stores are also a good source if you are familiar enough with the quality of toys, so that you can select a sturdy, safe, non-toxic toy.

Practical items are good stocking stuffers too. Consider collars (maybe a fancy one, or one decorated with rhinestones or ribbons), leashes, brushes, combs, and other grooming aids. This year there is an even wider variety of pet clothing available in discount outlets, from those that truly dress and warm the pet to simpler dress-up bandannas and bows.

Have fun selecting items for your pet's Christmas stocking. Get the family involved, especially if you have small children. Be sure to hang the pet's stocking with the family's stockings, but keep it out of reach. (If your pet knows the items are something he wants, and is very persistent about jumping or trying to climb to reach it, you may have to hang the stocking empty until almost time to give him the contents.)

Above all, have fun and enjoy your family members, both human and furry ones!

For the human members of your family who love animals ...

If you compare the women's shoes and prices from Ann Taylor Loft and winners, you'll see a great difference. All shoes at the loft are up to date with the latest fashion style. Many shoes at the loft feature animal prints, which is the latest fashion trend this season, and would be a great gift for animal-loving family members. Other stylish gifts include dresses from mexx which have
incorporated geometric designs and african prints. Swing jackets are styling at juicy couture. Grab a matching watch for all of your special outfits this season from Swatch.

A Rescue Pet's Christmas Poem

2007-12-13T03:46:00.000-08:00

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!

But now we sit here and think of the days
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew,
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children:, "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew,
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse - left to roam,
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye,
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."

So now here we are, all confused and alone,
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer,
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads,
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears,
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn,
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year,
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

Written by David, the Dogman
Permission given to crosspost poem with author's credit.

Christmas Pets

2007-12-13T03:08:00.000-08:00

Maybe your children have everything and you're trying to think of a gift that will really excite them. Or maybe they've been BEGGING for a new puppy, and Christmas seems like a good time. Not to mention, it's about time they learned some responsibility, and a pet would be good for them, right?

Maybe not ...

Remember that a pet isn't just a gift for Christmas, that can be enjoyed and put away when the excitement wears off. A kitten may be with your family for the next 15 or 20 years, while a puppy, depending on the breed, can live 8 to 14 years or so. They will need feeding, cleaning up after, attention, training, medical care, and much more for all of that time. And if you are considering a small caged pet or an aquarium instead, to cut down on the commitment, remember that even these pets will needing feeding and cleaning, and many caged pets still need attention.

Before you add a new member to the family, be sure that you can afford the commitment of time. And of money ... remember initial cost, supplies, ongoing feeding, toys, care during your vacation, veterinary costs, etc.

If you DO decide that you do want to add a pet to your family in the near future, first please consider very carefully whether Christmas is the time to do it. Most households have a lot of excitement and bustle going on, which doesn't leave a lot of uninterrupted time for a new pet. The pet will not understand the usual household routine either, if Christmas is very different from the norm. Also, typical holiday decorations are very tempting to pets, and potentially dangerous (not to mention, do you really want your favorite ornaments chewed to tiny bits?).

If you are going to be home, and not expecting lots of visitors, Christmas CAN be a good time to add a new pet to the family. This just won't be the case in most homes. If you do decide to add a new family pet, consider adopting from animal shelters and give the gift of life to a pet that might otherwise be on death row. While not usually free, the cost from a shelter will often include spay/neuter, which is a good idea for almost all pets in order to prevent unwanted litters.

If you really want to delight your children with a new pet, but realize that the holidays are not the best time to add a new family member, consider giving pet supplies as a gift instead, along with a promise of choosing a pet AFTER Christmas when things have settled down a bit. Including a book is a good choice, so the children can read about pets before choosing one, and it also helps to motivate them to use books to study something they are interested in.

It's also great fun for the children to be involved in selecting their own pet, which they will miss out on if one is gifted to them on Christmas as a surprise.

Price compare pet supplies online!

2007-11-28T00:34:00.000-08:00

We found a great site we want to share with our readers! Online price comparison sites are a great tool. They compile information from hundreds of sellers on many products, allowing you to search their site and get the best prices on whatever you are interested in buying. Savebuckets has a pet section that lists over 12,000 products ... everything from dog treats to wild bird food, squeaky mice to head collars, 150-gallon aquariums to iron parrot cages, rabbit hutches to cat trees, books and Science Diet canned food, and much, much more.

They offer not only pet supplies, but just about everything else as well. To give you an idea of the variety, we searched for an mp3 player and returned nearly 1,000 products with the players themselves starting at £3.96.

So not only is the site great for shopping for pet supplies, but have a look for anything else you might be interested in as well. But we were definitely impressed with the offering of more than 12,000 pet products!

Things Dogs Must Try To Remember...

2007-11-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Being a dog isn't as easy as it sounds!

There are rules concerning food:
1. I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.
2. I will not beg for food at the supper table, and especially not eat someone's food if they leave it for just a moment.
3. I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard or house depending on which end processes them first.
4. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
5. And most importantly, "Kitty box crunchies" are not food.

Rules about protecting our lives and property:
1. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff even though I haven't gotten the chance to rip the bag to shreds to see what was in it.
2. If Mom let them in the house, they are not burglars. I do not need to maul them.
3. My family is not deaf. Howling at sirens is not required.
4. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
5. Again, most importantly, I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and car registration.

Rules about hygeine:
1. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
2. I will not throw up in the car.
3. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up or have an accident.
4. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.
5. The toilet is NOT my water bowl.
6. I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
7. And especially, I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.

Rules about living in a house:
1. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
2. I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
3. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.
4. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
5. I will not take whatever I please and hide it under the bed so my people can have a scavenger hunt looking for it.
6. I will not stand around Mom when she is cooking or when she is carrying her coffee, so she won't trip over me.
7. I will not tear up the patio furniture, or put holes in the screen so I may jump in and lounge, just because I don't want to stay outside for more than two minutes.
8. I will not chase the cat and knock over breakable things in the process.

And rules about not REALLY upsetting the humans!
1. I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
2. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
3. I will allow Mom and Dad some room and covers when we go to bed.
4. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
5. I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose on her bottom.
6. I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.

The Pet Prescription

2007-11-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

Pets can not only make our lives more enjoyable, they can make us healthier too. Pets provide a variety of health benefits.

An active dog can help his owner make time for exercise in his busy daily schedule, strengthening his bones and making his heart healthier. Exercising with a pet can seem more like play than drudgery, and those soulful eyes and dancing paws can be a great source of motivation.

Stroking a cuddly companion can also decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness for the human caretaker, as well as decreasing blood pressure and slowing respiration and heart rate.

Just having a pet in the room with you, or watching a fish tank for a few moments can lower blood pressure as well as feelings of stress and anxiety. (How many times have you seen an aquarium in the waiting room of a doctor or dentist’s office?) Watching birds and other small wildlife visit feeders outside the window can provide similar benefits.

Pets can also help persons suffering from low self-esteem or who have difficulty interacting with other people. Pet therapy visits to in-patient facilities have also demonstrated that those suffering from a host of emotional or mental problems can become more communicative and interactive and less depressed by interacting with an animal. Generally speaking, the greater the emotional disability, the more the patient benefits from interacting with an animal.

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Related information:

First time pet owners may not know how to take proper care of their pet puppies and kittens. The first step (best taken before the pet is even brought home) is to make sure you purchase all the pet supplies needed for your pets. The supplies for a dog include training, feeding, grooming, and bedding supplies, as well as toys. The supplies for a cat often focus on the comfort of your kitty, which can mean anything from a private hideaway bed to even a cat spa! For your bird, you will need proper bird houses or birdcages as well as feeding supplies, food, and toys. Owners should also consider appropriate pest control.

Dressing up AS pets!

2007-10-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

We wanted to add another post ... some people like to dress up AS their pets. These sites are also useful for those who need animal costumes for plays, etc.

Some fun websites:

Coolest Homemade Animal Costume Photos and Tips

About.com's page for making animal costumes (Pets for Sale shown at right was really cute!)

Easy animal costumes for infants and up

Fleece Farm has a lot of useful, general costume-making tips

A little more difficult to make, but could be purchased (or inspire those crafty ones out there) are the Wrap-Around costumes

A site offering patterns for animal costumes

An interesting idea using stuffed animals to create an animal costume for two people to wear

And a forum with some useful ideas, if you don't mind searching through it

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Pet information offers from other sites on the web --

If you're considering purchasing a puppy, we have puppies for sale! With any purchase of a pet from our store, you will get 6 months of free pet supplies. All pet supplies include food and supplies under $100. Pet clothing such as dog clothes is not part of the free pet supplies. We can order any breed of full-grown cats or dogs from any place in the world. You can even order kittens or puppies from other countries.

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(Before anyone comments on the informational sites quoted above, I checked out the resources before I allowed them to be placed. These websites do not actually offer puppies, kittens, cats, or dogs for sale but rather offer resources to contact local shelters, breeders, rescue organizations, etc. as a resource for finding pets available all over the world. You can purchase pet supplies from these websites, and enjoy their entertaining and informative links and articles.)

Best Dressed Pets!

2007-10-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

We wanted to share a few photo galleries of pets outfitted at their cutest (or coolest!) ... Just click the following links

Pet costumes
Dog Star Wars Costume Contest
More Halloween Pet Photos

Pets Dressed for Halloween (this one has some of our favorites!)
Even More Halloween Pet Photos
Hounded Halloween (this one is costumes for sale, but we loved the photos!)
Washington Post Contest (you have to watch a commercial, but these are great!)
Halloween Pets (weird thumbnails, but you can still view the pics)

Enjoy!

Halloween safety for pets

2007-10-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

Every season offers its challenges and considerations for our furry, finned, and feathered friends. Halloween (whether you celebrate it yourself or not) is no exception ...

Some people like to dress up their pets for Halloween. Be careful to check their costumes for anything that could be chewed off and swallowed (pompoms, grommets, etc. are particularly common concerns). Make sure the costume fits properly and will not trip your pet, or obstruct his vision. If your pet will be going out at night in a costume, make sure that he is easily visible, such as having part of the costume contain reflective tape. And ESPECIALLY make sure that your pet actually enjoys (or at least doesn't mind) being outfitted in this way ... if the costume frightens or upsets him, he may struggle and end up escaping and if he is fleeing in fear from something flapping behind him, he could end up in the path of an oncoming car.

Remember that candy and treats are not for your pets. If you are passing out candy, make sure the bowl is secured where the pet cannot get at it. And if your children bring home a bounty, make sure they sort it where the pets cannot reach it, and store it in a safe place. Chocolate is toxic to most pets, but many other common confectionery ingredients are dangerous as well.

If you pass out candy, be aware of your pet when you open the door. All of the strange sights and sounds can cause them to act differently, and you will want to prevent escapes as well as be sure that visitors don't frighten them or make them feel threatened to the point that they could bite someone.

Also, it is unfortunate that we should be especially aware of "tricks" and other more dangerous threats to pets on Halloween. It is safer to bring outdoor pets in for the night (at least into an enclosed garage) or otherwise secure them to keep them safe from the mischief of others.

Keep your pets safe during this season.

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Related pet resource information:

If you've just bought a pet and don't know what pet supplies to purchase, PetOnlineMart can help you in making the right and affordable decision. If you have a tropical bird, you will need special bird supplies to suit its needs. When you look for bird houses for your tropical bird, consider its environment before you order. Ask our help staff for information on bird environments and other things like how to take care of newborn kittens. We have dogs for sale year round and with every purchase, you'll get a calendar of dog pictures for free.

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Just to let my readers know, before I posted the above information, I did check out the websites and the website does not actually sell dogs online. Instead there are links to animal shelters and rescue organizations provided for those who wish to adopt a pet.

Dog Breeders Online Directory

2007-10-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Searching for a new companion for your family? Pawsites online lists almost 10,000 screened registered breeders of many breeds of dogs all over the United States and worldwide. Catteries are also listed, as well as pets offered for free or nominal adoption fee from rescue organizations.

Whatever breed you seek, search for dogs for sale in your area. Along with popular breeds, search for others you may never have heard about by selecting a general category of dog breed (such as working dogs). We are well acquainted with hundreds of breeds, but still found several breeds from overseas we had never heard of within seconds of beginning our search.

If searching by breed, breed information is available to help you select a good representative, as well as to help you determine if a particular breed will be a suitable fit for your home.

Breeders and rescue organizations, as well as cattery owners, may also apply to advertise their dogs and puppies or cats and kittens on Pawsites. If you are interested in adopting a rescue animal, search the listings

Dog & Cat Insurance

2007-09-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Pet insurance helps to protect you and your pet. The cost of veterinary bills can become high, and most pet owners could benefit from having insurance to help offset the veterinary costs associated with unexpected illness or injury. Further, pet insurance can reimburse the owner in the case of an animals death, theft, or loss. Another advantage is the protection from liability in the case of third party lawsuits caused by the pet, whether for damage of property or injury to persons.

It is important to carefully read policies and understand your responsibilities under the policy so as to keep your coverage in effect. Most policies require you to fully vaccinate your pet, for example, and properly restrain him at all times. Reading the policy can also alert you to possible advantages of continued coverage. For example, while pets over the age of eight years are not eligible for coverage under most insurers, purchasing insurance before that point and keeping it continuously in effect may make your pet eligible for coverage no matter his age. Always ask any questions before deciding, and if necessary, get advice from a knowledgeable person before selecting any insurance policy.

Easy-clean Decorator Fabrics

2007-09-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

We are always more comfortable when our surroundings are visually appealing; soothing colors and attractive furnishings invite us to relax and enjoy our personal spaces. However, for the home with pets, sometimes utility must take first place, pushing aside our decor preferences to make way for something so mundane as "easy clean-up."

That doesn't mean you have to settle for an orange vinyl dog-bed in your pastel print room, though. We discovered a fabric and bedding supplier who offers a gorgeous line of decorator fabrics, including some matching and coordinating fabrics which are coated with PVC and can be simply wiped clean. Convenience and function are intimately wed with style and beauty, allowing discerning pet owners the opportunity to create an interior suited to their tastes, and still keep their beloved pets close at hand.

To view the PVC fabrics, open "curtain fabrics" on the top left and choose "PVC fabric." Solids, plaids, and patterns are available, and coordinate nicely with other fabric options on the site for use where PVC is not needed. For example, you may wish to cover the dog's bed with a PVC fabric, and use a matching or co-ordinating cotton fabric to design the room's drapes. Fabric calculators and detailed information on each fabric make online ordering easy.

Animal Welfare Programs

2007-09-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

It has now been about four months since we heard the mewling in the woods near our home that led my daughter to the tiny black-and-white kitten that was probably abandoned there. Now he has grown into a sleek, healthy, teenage cat and it is time to get his rabies shot, county license, and have him neutered in order to prevent more unwanted kittens who might not be so lucky as the little guy we brought into our family.

Animal welfare groups are doing a wonderful and tireless job of rescuing animals and improving their conditions as well as helping to educate pet owners and prevent births of unwanted pets. One such group is the non-profit New Jersey Aid for Animals (NJAFA). In their efforts to help abused and stray animals, the NJAFA rescues and transports these animals and helps to find homes for them, as well as seeking prosecution against guilty parties. Read about pets for adoption and recent animal cruelty cases. The NJAFA's spay/neuter assistance program is among the best in that they not only educate the public on the need to prevent unwanted animal births and help with finding assistance for those who cannot afford the spay/neuter, but also even help find transportation for those owners who need it.

Interested in reading ongoing news about NJAFA? Check out their myspace page or their blog. If you would like to help the NJAFA, consider a donation, or look into opportunities to volunteer. And while you are there, be sure to take a look at the photo gallery for some super-cute, heart touching, and laugh out loud funny photos of pets.

To NJAFA, and other organizations like them around the country, I would like to express my personal appreciation for all that they do to help the animals that are unable to help themselves.

Personalized Pet Gifts

2007-09-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Another great use for photos of your pets (or someone else's) is to make personalized gifts featuring a beloved pet. We found some especially unique options today that allow you to create personalized gifts for pets themselves or their owners, or anyone who loves animals.

Imagine cuddling up in a warm, plush blanket emblazoned with a photo of your loyal dog in order to draw comfort when you are feeling ill. Did you draw the name of an aunt who has everything for a holiday gift exchange? Surprise her with a throw pillow starring her precious kitty. What if you have a child that wants to sleep with a pet pony (or some other unsuitable bedmate)? You can creating personalized bedding featuring the animal and give it for a special birthday present.

Even harder is finding a unique gift for the pet. And sometimes, that's the best way to someone's heart. Surprise your girlfriend by giving her cherished pup a personalized dog bed with an enlarged photo of the dog ... she'll love it so much she probably won't want to let the dog sleep on it, but she'll definitely appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Personalized gifts are an especially nice way to show that you are thinking of the person, and are always appreciated!

Take your pets to work!

2007-09-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is not exactly tying Pepper's leash to the water cooler. It's even better!

We know you love your pet, and you probably take lots of photos of him. I know I take lots of pictures of mine! Wouldn't you love to be able to look up from the papers and reports spread all over your desk and into his sparkling eyes, or see his goofy antics, and smile?

We we so excited to find a product that is perfect for displaying and enjoying all of your treasured photos. You can transfer your digital photos directly from your camera's memory card into a digital picture frame. All you do then is use the remote and set up a slide show that will feature your beloved pet doing everything that makes him dear to you, and lifting your spirits at the same time. You can even set background music to your photos, and if you have movie clips taken with your digital camera, you can set your digital photo frame to play those as well.

Digital frames are a great way to keep your loved ones close when you have to be away. They can also be a great conversation starter too ... just like walking your dog down the street invites plenty of people to chat with you, so does showing off your pet in an eye-catching and ever-changing digital frame show.

The Playful Parrot

2007-09-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

Pet parrots are active, entertaining, and highly intelligent pets that require a lot of attention and stimulation in order to remain happy and healthy. In the wild, parrots would naturally spend all day in busy activities, such as searching for food, grooming, social interaction, moving from one area to the next, and playing. Caged birds need opportunities to mimic some of these behaviors in order to remain emotionally healthy. If a bird's emotional health suffers, its physical health will often decline soon afterwards, or such problem behaviors as feather plucking, incessant screaming, or repetitive motions will become entrenched and be difficult to eliminate later.

A bird play stand is an ideal solution for supervised playtime. Select the largest play stand you can afford that has appropriate sized perches for your pet. It should have plenty of places to attach toys, and if the bird will spend any length of time on the stand it should include food and water dishes (unless your pet can freely return to his cage). Nice features include such amenities as a good mess-catcher and perches that have varied shapes and/or sizes in order to better exercise the bird's foot muscles. Make sure the play stand offers opportunities for climbing.

Within the cage, parrots need a wide selection of toys. It is a good strategy to buy more than your pet needs and rotate them on a regular basis in order to prevent boredom. One thing you will need to remember is that most parrot toys are MEANT to be destroyed. That is part of the play value. So don't become upset when your pet turns into destructo-bird. The flip side of that is to make sure that any toy you select is appropriate for your pet and does not contain any materials that would be harmful or could be swallowed if he should tear it up. Buying toys intended for a parakeet can prove fatal for a parrot.

Good destructible materials for bird toys include wood, rope, leather, nuts, and similar items. Toys often contain indestructible parts made of such materials as plastic beads, acrylic and chain. Sometimes these toys offer extra value because you can add more destructible pieces to the main toy frame and extend the life of the toy.

A variety of shapes and colors will attract your pet and keep his interest. Rotating toys as mentioned above will help also. Toys that include edible parts (such as nuts) will mimic the behavior of food-seeking in wild birds and further enhance your pet's emotional health, so try to include such toys.

Many birds are also particularly fond of swings. These may be hung in the cage or outside on a playstand, or even from the ceiling. (If hanging from the ceiling, be sure to supervise your bird if the swing is climbable, so that he doesn't climb up and eat the ceiling!) Swings can be a good form of exercise for birds that enjoy them, and it can be entertaining to watch your pet learn to make the swing move and work to achieve higher and wider arcs. Swings also sometimes come equipped with attached toys and this can add extra interest.

Another good investment for your pet's health and happiness is a bird cage ladder. Like swings, these can be used in the cage, on the playstand, or anywhere else you don't mind the bird going. Ladders allow birds to exercise climbing muscles, and are often chewed as well. Another way to use a rigid ladder is in a more horizontal position, which allows your bird to climb in a different way, and variety is always a good thing when entertaining parrots. Just like toys, these come in a variety of materials, with wood being the most popular and rope allowing more movement of the ladder itself.

One last thing to consider when furnishing your pet's cage and play area are the perches. It is always beneficial to have as wide a variety of perches as possible. Different diameters or perches that change diameter along their length allow the bird to grip differently with his feet, which is a more natural situation and helps exercise the foot muscles properly. A variety of materials will also be appreciated by your pet. Perches are commonly available in sanded wood, natural wood, rope, concrete, and plastic.

Natural wood can be a lot of fun for the birds as they strip the bark from the perch. Usually natural woods used for perches are very hard and will last a long time even with this type of treatment. Sanded wood is more commonly available, and you can easily find different diameters and sometimes different shapes (such as more oval, which is better for most birds' feet). Rope allows the bird to grip in a different way, is fun to climb, and allows the bird to easily sink his beak into it, which often will result in him destroying it eventually, but remember that this is part of the value of cage accessories and not to be discouraged. Concrete perches are made to file down the nails of birds, and should be larger in diameter in order to more effectively accomplish this. Concrete is hard on the softer tissue of the bird's feet however, and should never be the only perch option. You should also use care when installing them ... if you make it the highest perch available, be sure your pet doesn't spend too much time on it because of the height (parrots will usually spend as much time as possible perched as high up as possible). Plastic perches can be good options, as they often come molded in a wavy shape that allows the bird's foot a variety of grips along the length of it, and are easily sanitized.

We hope this has given you some ideas and inspiration for furnishing your feathered pet's cage!

Rules for Cats

2007-09-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Rules cats must try to remember

Rules about other animals ...

1. The goldfish likes living in water and must be allowed to remain in its bowl.

2. Animals that live inside (hamsters and fish) stay inside, and animals from
outside (frogs and lizards) stay outside. I am not allowed to set the hamster
free in exchange for placing a frog in the fish bowl.

3. The gerbils like to sleep once in a while. I will not watch them constantly.

4. If I put a live mouse in my food bowl, I should not expect it to stay there
until I get hungry.

5. Birds do not come from the bird feeder, so I must not knock it down and try
to open it up to get the birds out.

6. The two very large dogs in the backyard have lived there for several years. I should not scream that I have just discovered the Demon Horror of the Underworld every time I see one of them through the window.

7. I cannot leap through closed windows to catch birds outside.

Rules about eating ...

1. Screaming at the cat food will not make it open itself.

2. The cat food is already dead. I do not need to kill it by swatting bits of it
all over the floor.

3. I am a carnivore. Potted plants are not meat.

4. It is not a good idea to try to lap up the powdered creamer before it all
dissolves in the boiling coffee.

5. If my human wants to share her sandwich with me, she will give me a piece.
She will notice if I start eating it from the other end.

6. My human is capable of cooking without my help.

Nighttime and napping rules ...

1. I will not stand on the bathroom counter, stare down the hall, and growl at
nothing right after my human has finished watching "The X-Files".

2. I will not perch on my human's chest in the middle of the night and stare
into her eyes until she wakes up.

3. The other cats and I will not play Herd of Thundering Wildebeests Stampeding
Across the Plains of the Serengeti over any humans' bed while they are trying to sleep.

4. A warm pepperoni pizza is not a good place for a nap.

General Household Rules ...

1. I should not assume the patio door is open when I race outside to chase
leaves.

2. When it rains, it will be raining on all sides of the house. It is not
necessary to check every door.

3. If I bite the cactus, it will bite back.

4. No matter how dangly and attractive they are, my human's earrings are not cat
toys.

5. If I play "dead cat on the stairs" while people are trying to bring in
groceries or laundry, one of these days it will really come true.

6. I will never be able to walk on the ceiling, and staring up the wall and
screaming at it will not bring it any closer.

7. I will not complain that my bottom is wet and that I am thirsty after sitting
in my water bowl.

8. If I must give a present to my humans's guests, my toy mouse is much more
socially acceptable than a live cockroach, even if it isn't as tasty.

9. I will not soak my catnip toy in the water bowl to make tea. I will not sit there drinking my tea and become intoxicated and knead the floor afterwards. I will not then get delusions of grandeur and make tea in the toilet bowl or the tub. And I will not try to make tea with used socks, worn underwear, or hair scrunches when my humans take the catnip toy away from me.

10. I should not try to jump into my human's lap while she is sitting on the toilet.

Packing your pet's bags

2007-08-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

This is the third and final installment of our "Vacationing with your pet" series this month.

Make sure to bring everything your pets needs when you travel. Don't forget bowls, food, treats, medications, toys, collar or harness and leash, vaccination certificates, the contact information of your veterinarian, bedding, litterbox and liners, kitty litter, and anything else your pet might need.

A few extra days' worth of food and medicines are a good idea, as is a supply of water from home if possible, to avoid stomach upset sometimes caused by unfamiliar water supplies. Extra plastic bags and some wet wipes and hand sanitizer can be a good idea as well, for unexpected cleanups.

It's a good idea to make up your list a few days in advance, and keep it in a convenient place so that when you remember that forgotten item you can add it to the list, hopefully saving you from having to buy items to replace anything forgotten.

Most importantly, enjoy your travels with your best friend!

Hotel stays with your pet

2007-08-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to stay at a hotel, double and triple check that pets will be allowed in the room you reserve. Do not rely on a reservation network ... contact the hotel yourself and perhaps even ask to speak to the manager to confirm. Keep the "do not disturb" sign on your door so that housekeeping does not open the door and allow your pet to escape (even if they normally would not try this at home). We had a cat that never tried to run outside at home, but each time anyone entered or left the hotel room, the cat tried to get into the hall. Perhaps because the hall was simply another "room" and the cat was used to being allowed the freedom of the house, and cats want to explore. We found the hook inside the door perfect for a small water sprayer to re-train the cat to stay away from the door.

Don't leave your pet alone in the hotel room if there is a chance it might make noise and disturb other guests. If you must leave your pet, keep it in a carrier so that it doesn't damage the room (again, animals often act differently in unfamiliar surroundings), consider turning the television on for "company" and leaving a small light on, put the "do not disturb" sign on the door, and most importantly, let the hotel desk know how to contact you (best via cell phone) in case there is a problem.

Please be responsible in your pet-vacationing so that the hotel will continue to allow pets in future. Make sure your pet is not harboring fleas, doesn't damage or dirty the room, doesn't make disturbing noise, and make sure you walk dogs away from areas people walk in (or better yet, clean up any mess).

Stay tuned for a bit of information about packing your pet's bags for vacation!

Travel with Pets

2007-08-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

August is vacation month for a lot of families, and some of you may be traveling with your pets. If so, there are a number of things you will want to remember.

If traveling by car, make sure your pet is accustomed to driving. A first-time traveler could suddenly panic, become ill, cry incessantly, or otherwise make your trip a nightmare. Begin with short trips and keep an upbeat attitude, taking your pet home afterwards and making sure the whole experience is a positive one, starting with short trips and increasing the length until you are sure your pet can travel well. If your pet is unable to travel, consider finding someone to care for him in your absence or you may need to consider something to calm the pet. (We prefer natural remedies such as Bach's Rescue Remedy, which is a "human" product that is great for anti-anxiety.)

Make sure the pet is safe within the car. Usually this means being confined to a carrier, or with a special dog seatbelt for larger breeds. It is dangerous for everyone if a pet suddenly moves around the vehicle, potentially causing an accident. Being confined also helps protect the pet in an accident (secure the carrier within the vehicle) and also prevents the sudden escape of a pet in an unfamiliar place at stops.

NEVER leave your pet alone in the vehicle. If the temperatures are warm or hot, your pet could suffer or possibly die from the build up of heat within the car. Even if the temperatures are moderate, you risk someone breaking in to steal the pet or to "rescue" him from being left locked in a vehicle. In many locations it is also illegal to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.

Watch for our next post regarding hotel stays with your pet!

Pet Insurance

2007-08-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

One of the most difficult and heartbreaking decisions a pet owner may have to face comes when the veterinarian informs you that your beloved family member has a health issue which can be treated, but which will cost more than you have available to spend. Or what if your pet is involved in an accident? Will you have to face the agonizing decision of whether or not to save a cherished pet, or be able to provide more practical needs for your family?

The best way to prepare for this eventuality is to purchase pet insurance in advance. Pet insurance is available for cats and dogs from just a couple of months of age, and it can be a very wise investment to purchase insurance when your pet is young and healthy, in order to prevent exclusions if a condition later develops.

Be sure to discuss the policy and any questions you may have with your agent, but in addition to veterinary fees, pet insurance policies may cover such things as complementary health, behaviorist referrals, specially prepared medically necessary foods, emergency boarding, loss or theft, rewards offered, burial or cremation expenses, liability costs, and quarantine. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind against many possible expenses related to pet ownership, and can help you provide health care for your pet when he most needs it.

diatomaceous earth as a pesticide

2007-08-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Diatomaceous earth was first recommended to me at one of my favorite message boards, BackyardChickens for use in dust bathing in order to keep feather mites down. I have since found that it is also effective against fleas and ticks (it may be dusted onto cats, dogs, etc.) or worms (it may be added to feed) as well as ants and many other pests. Pests should die within a couple of days of coming into contact with DE.

In researching diatomaceous earth (DE) I have learned that there are a number of different grades (NEVER use the pool grade as it is unsafe for pest use!), the best being food grade. Food grade DE can be used for both internal and external parasites.

DE is made up of the shells of tiny silicate creatures (diatoms). The shells have microscopic razor-sharp edges. DE works as a pesticide by cutting outer shell of the pests, and then the powder portion of the DE will absorb their body fluids and kill them by drying them out. It is NOT a poison (although some forms have poison added to them) but a physical means of pest control, so the pests cannot become immune to it.

Locating food grade diatomaceous earth is not always easy. Try checking at your local feed, nursery, or pet stores, but INSIST that the product is food grade (it MUST say so on the bag, no matter what the employees tell you) if you intend to use it for worms. If necessary, you may have to special-order it, or order it online, although in that case you may want to split an order as the shipping will add to your cost, and buying a larger amount will be much more cost-effective.

When applying large amounts or pouring into another container, it is a good precaution to use a dust mask and eye protection and wash hands and clothing afterwards, even though it is non-toxic.

As a dust bath ... add DE to sand and allow chickens or other fowl to bathe in it.

As a coop/cage/kennel pesticide (against mites or any other pests) ... use a shaker-type applicator to sprinkle DE liberally over the floor in into cracks and crevices. Use a puff-type bottle to apply if necessary.

Indoors, use a puff-type applicator to get it into crevices and hiding places.

For fleas or ticks, dust the animal with DE

For worms, consult a veterinarian, or use the following amounts as a guideline, adding DE directly to food:

kittens - 1/4 tsp.
cats - 1/2 tsp.
large cats - 1 tsp.
toy dogs - 1/2 tsp.
dogs up to 50lb - 1 tsp.
dogs 50-100 lb - 1 Tblsp.
dogs over 100 lb - 1-1/2 to 2 Tblsp.

A couple of treatments should take care of existing worms. For reinfestation, you may need to treat the area with DE and/or continue to give the animal maintenance doses. It is not toxic at all, so continued feeding of DE is not dangerous.

Can also be applied to the yard or garden as desired, and will kill any insects or worms it comes into contact with, so crawling types are the most affected.

Pets for .... gulp .... dinner???

2007-07-31T16:20:00.001-07:00

As our chickens grow, we begin to face that day far down the road when they will no longer lay as many eggs as we need them to, and remind ourselves that these animals were purchased as utility animals more than as pets. However, their personalities and antics are quickly making them pets, whether we intended them as such or not.

My daughter is already asking, "How can we ever eat them?"

I don't really have an answer right now. All I know is that in about 2 years I will have to order more chicks, and unless I want to double the feed bill and coop space, eventually, some will no longer be out there.

We are not the only ones to face this dilemma. I was reading a chefs site and came across an interesting anecdote that hit home for me. It was about a little girl whose grandmother planned to cook chicken and dumplings, and the little girl was most interested in NOT having her pet hen for dinner, no matter that she loved her grandma's chicken and dumplings. She considered locking the hen up in several locations to keep her safe, and finally settled on an old corn shed (after all, there's lots of food in there for the hen!). The story ends quite happily, though with the hen emerging after a few weeks with a brood of chicks!

Something tells me that I may be up to my neck in chickens someday, and STILL buying the chicken for my chicken and dumplings!

Exotic pets

2007-07-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

One of the things we have learned in our recent foray into farm animals is that having a great deal of experience with various kinds of animals doesn't necessarily prepare you to own OTHER kinds of animals.

Nowhere is this lack of information more of a problem than in the area of exotic pets, however. Exotics are more likely to bring "surprises" with them that the owner did not expect. Sometimes these surprises are merely unpleasant, and sometimes they are also expensive. Sometimes they mean the contentment of the animal and/or the owner will be compromised. Sometimes they are an outright danger to the pets or owners, and sometimes they result in a short, unhappy pet ownership experience ending with getting rid of the unfortunate animal. Education before ownership is essential, so that you know exactly what you are getting into and what to expect beforehand. Also, many exotics have laws governing their ownership that you should familiarize yourself with before getting a pet.

"Exotic pets" is a term that means different things to different people. Some would classify animals that are fairly commonly owned as pets, such as parrots, snakes, turtles, ferrets, and iguanas as exotics. Other people are referring to rarer (in the US) pets such as sugar-gliders, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, and coatimundis.

While a single article certainly can't address all the necessary aspects of exotic pet care (indeed, even a full book would not be enough), we would like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of learning everything you can before purchasing or otherwise acquiring a pet of a type you do not have a good deal of experience with.

Libraries are excellent sources of material. However, online sources are more readily available. Be careful though, as we have found much conflicting information online, and some information that we know is not accurate. The best thing is to find a number of sources, try to find reputable ones, and compare the information they offer.

Definitely search for your chosen animal, and perhaps for "exotic pet" as well. Sometimes information for a particular pet can be found on a site of a more common related animal (for example, we found much useful information regarding degus on a site devoted to gerbils.).

A few potentially helpful sites are also listed below (this list may be added to in the future, and we will also publish new posts when we find a particularly good website devoted to a particular type of exotic pet). If you would like to suggest a website you believe is especially helpful, please reply via the "comments" and we will check the websites and publish them as we get a chance.

Exotic-pets.eu

Exotic pets A to Z

Dr. Jungle's Animal World - this one actually has a good bit of information, but it wasn't easy for us to find. Keep clicking and following links and you can discover a wealth of information on many animal types

Hopefully, more to come!

Adoption

2007-07-31T15:11:00.001-07:00

Adoption is a great way to add a pet to your family. Through adoption, you will most likely save the life of a pet that otherwise might have to be destroyed. Most people think first of the local shelter, and dogs and/or cats when considering adoption, but there are a number of other options.

Your local shelter can of course be a good starting point. However, you may want to ask (if you are interested) if they have other animals available for adoption. Many times owners surrender pets such as extra hamsters, rabbits, roosters, etc. Sometimes animals are rescued from "farms" where they are not properly cared for, resulting in adoptable goats, horses, turkeys, geese, ducks, cows, sheep, pigs, and others. Sometimes lost exotics end up in shelters, such as parrots, iguanas, and snakes. Whatever your pet of choice, it's worth a call to the local shelter to find out if such pets are ever offered for adoption.

A number of good online resources for pet adoption are also available. Check out some of the following:

Petfinder.com lets you search for pets, look up helpful information, volunteer, find adoption and rescue groups, or post an ad for a pet you are offering for adoption.

1-800-Save-a-Pet has searchable listings for dogs and cats, and also will direct you to shelters and rescue facilities near you. Helpful information is also available.

Pets911.com also has searchable listings by pets, or by locations, and helpful information.

LostDogRescue also offers many pets for adoption, but unfortunately it is not searchable. They are listed instead by the pet's name, alphabetically. Local events are sponsored through LostDog and may be visited.

Check PetSmart.com for a location near you. These stores often offer "adoption days" once per week where adoptable animals are available for you to get to know, and adopt if you like.

Also worth a look:

NextDayPets has an adoption section, but a great many of the entries are really classified pets for sale. However, there are some listings for adoptable animals from shelters, and you can search the listings.

Finally, it's worth an online search for "pet adoption" (Or "dog adoption" or whatever pet you prefer) along with your local city, state, or county name.

Chicken coop challenge

2007-07-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well, those chickens are getting too big to be in the house. Especially since chickens create an ENORMOUS amount of dust. I never knew this. I have kept cockatoos and cockatiels before, both of which produce a chalky dust that coats their feathers, but NEVER have I experienced dust of this level before. Then again, perhaps it doesn't help that there are 26 chickens in the brooder box.

Speaking of which, the box of course is becoming too crowded. The chicks spend all day outside (as chicks should do as soon as they are old enough, because the sunshine and even slight heat stress is beneficial to them, as is access to grass, bugs, etc.) but even so just sleeping in the brooder it is becoming too small. Maybe it's just my conscience, as we have not experienced any aggression among the flock, but I prefer to keep it that way.

So, we have been trying to build a chicken coop. I say trying because we have gone through three different designs so far, and had to take them apart and start over for various reasons. Part of the reason is financial, as we live on a limited budget. Part is practical, as I am most interested in providing a spacious, easily serviced coop in which the chickens will be happy as well as protected from predators.

We finally decided on an A-frame, and that will be the design as it is FINALLY almost completed. I had hoped the chickens would spend tonight in there, but, barrring any unforseen emergencies, they should be in there tomorrow night.

I took pictures of the progress along the way, hoping to be able to write a post about how to build a chicken coop, since I looked for plans like mine and was unable to find any. However, it's turning into something more like how NOT to build a chicken coop, as I keep finding problems along the way that must be tackled.

One thing I can say is that, if you are not experienced in building, don't try an A-frame without benefit of plans. Even if you have a completed picture of someone else's project. You might be able to do it if you have many pictures of the process, but even so there are lots of little niches that need working out in an A-frame. I almost wish I had stuck with the low rectangular coop I had first begun, but that one didn't offer enough height for happy roosting nor ease of servicing.

Since it will probably be a while before I get the pictures developed (and even then I'm not sure I want to try to explain the process) I will instead post some great resources and information on chicken coop building that should give you some ideas whether you want something super-cheap and adequate, or you want to build a lovely chalet for your feathered friends.

There is a GREAT article here that covers all kinds of range houses, and lists pros and cons of each as well as considerations while building. Chicken tractors or arks are small housing designed to be moved daily (or every other day) allowing fresh pasture for the chickens and reducing their impact upon the lawn. Backyardchickens.com has a beautiful coop gallery. The message board there is also invaluable for advice and help on coops and all other aspects of chicken keeping. And for inexpensive, I very nearly went with the hoop house shown here.

So ... I hope the coop is finished tomorrow. And I plan to invest in an electric stapler to finish the run. If I ever get brave enough to try to give some pointers, I'll post the phots with instructions, best as I can offer them.

Aquarium and Pond Information

2007-06-25T21:23:00.001-07:00

Much of the Aquarium and Pond Information currently available on the internet is the same anecdotal information that is re-posted over and over many times.
This site has many articles that are well researched and frequently updated to reflect more current information. There are links to outside blogs too such as Aquarium and Pond Answers. The articles range from the popular Calcium & Electrolytes article with researched information not found elsewhere to the A Clear Pond: Pond Information article with many DIY filter and other unique pond ideas.
Many of the articles have little to gain as to sales to attached links (unlike many aquarium information sites), only the hopeful appreciation of readers and maybe the possible of visitation one the sites sponsors.

Fabulous Lady Gouldian Finches!!!

2007-06-04T22:53:00.001-07:00

This is one finch we are definitely excited about. While we have never raised Lady Goulds ourselves, they were always at the top of our "wish list" because of their absolutely stunning colors, making them the most beautiful finches in the world, in the opinion of many.

For an indepth look at these wonderful birds, visit the Fabulous Finch Home Page and enjoy the colorful artwork on the introductory page, showing several color mutations of these gorgeous birds (some of which I didn't even know existed!). The bird in the foreground with the red face is the "normal" variant, and the one we are all most familiar with, but the other illustrations are beautiful as well.

Inside the site, you will find information on color mutations for sale (with some photos). In-depth information on nutrition and feeding of the Lady Gould, varying by season and listing the exact foods fed each day is also included, and is more informative than any other site we have seen on these birds. The Fabulous Finch Online Store also offers a wide variety of products to keep your birds in optimum health through good nutrition and a varied diet. Mugs, books, and t-shirts are also available and would make nice gifts for any Lady Gould fan.

We were also very pleased to provide links to information and donation pages for the Save the Gouldian Fund, which is working to help stabilize the alarmingly shrinking wild population of Lady Goulds in Australia, as well as to promote efforts to eventually release into the wild birds which are being captive-bred. There are fewer than 2,500 Lady Gouldian Finches remaining in the wild at this time. It would be more than a shame to lose these loveliest and showiest flowers of the bird world, and we appreciate the work being done to promote and protect them. Visit today!

Ask/Answer pet questions

2007-06-04T22:15:00.000-07:00

We read some posts on an interesting site that allows you to ask questions about pets, or answer the questions asked by others if you are so inclined. Animal categories available include dogs, tropical fish, ferrets, lizards, toads, turtles, snakes, birds, hamsters, farmyard animals, chickens, and more. There are also specific topics listed for vets, pet illnesses, and pet insurance.

The post on controlling fleas in dogs has a couple of answers so far. One of them mentions several of our suggestions from another post about natural flea control for dogs. We especially like brewer's yeast and lavender oil for repelling fleas.

Many other interesting questions come up in the sidebar of this site, and change regularly. I spent some time browsing around and reading what others had to say on several topics. If I find some extra time for posting, I might offer some of my own suggestions on some topics. The internet is a great way to share knowledge and connect with people, and this is a good site to find or offer lots of information for fellow pet-lovers.

Lab coats / scrubs

2007-05-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Many pet shops interested in creating a more professional atmosphere are beginning to outfit their employees in a medical scrub or lab coat similar to those worn by professionals in veterinary offices.

Coats can be especially practical if an employee has an extra on hand and can change if the first one becomes soiled. Scrubs are more comfortable and job duties may be easier to perform while wearing them.

An advantage to ordering your own lab coats and/or scrubs is that you can choose a design that will stand out and better represent your business, creating a lasting impression as well as a more professional one, and reminding your customers to return to your store instead of your competition.

Related pet information from other websites --

We can provide you with all types of information regarding your pets, like how to feed your cat. We even have information on how to purchase a dog and where to get the cheapest dogs for sale. The rest of the pet supplies for your pets, you'll find here at our store. From dog collars to kitty feeders, we have everything for all types of animals. Our store has the largest variety of bird houses and fish aquariums too.

Natural parasite control for dogs

2007-04-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

If you have dogs and don't want to use commercial pest control products and medications on them, consider the following alternatives:

Wormwood capsules (or black walnut/wormwood combination) can be opened and mixed with the food daily (or given directly by mouth). Ask your health store owner, but generally one capsule is sufficient for small to medium dogs, and larger breeds may require 2 capsules per day. Giant breeds will probably require at least 3 capsules daily. If capsules are a problem, these herbs are generally available in liquid form. These herbs will help fight worms and intestinal parasites.

For fleas, consider brewer's yeast given orally. This is often available in powder as well as wafer form, and many dogs will eat them willingly.

Fleas are also repelled by a number of essential oils. Lavender oil has been particularly useful for us. Generally we mix lavender oil with water in a plant mister and spray the dog's coat thoroughly with the mixture. This will also relax dogs, and can help calm a hyper pooch.

Easter pets - part 3

2007-04-06T21:40:00.001-07:00

Ducklings - part 3

If you have considered everything and decided to get ducklings anyway, we hope this information will be helpful.

As mentioned in the first duckling post, they will need constant warm temperatures and protection from drafts. The simplest container could be a large cardboard box. However, due to their wet droppings and desire for water play, expect to change this box often. Some days we used 2 boxes within 1 day, and sometimes they last 4 days or so. Generally you can expect 2-3 days max from a cardboard box. And by the time they reach about 2-3 weeks old, a cardboard box will no longer do and they will have to have more permanent quarters, although still inside and heated unless in a very warm climate (80-85 degrees at 2-3 weeks old).

If you can afford it, a very large plastic container or aquarium is much more suitable and durable, as the sides can be cleaned of their droppings. Again though, expect it to be outgrown in a few weeks.

Heat can be provided by a lamp with a reflector. These are generally available at hardware stores and relatively inexpensive. You can use anything from a 100-watt white light bulb (if your temperatures are already pretty warm) up to a 250 watt heat lamp. Care should be taken that the hot parts do not touch cardboard, etc. or anything flammable. In very cold climates, or where the ducklings are not checked frequently, it can be a good idea to have 2 lamps so they will not get too chilled if one goes out.

Heat should be placed in one area of the box, so that if they get too hot, they can move away from it. The temperature can be regulated by raising or lowering the bulb. Make sure the ducklings cannot touch any overheated part and be burned. Also make sure their water cannot come in contact with electrical parts.

The simplest bedding is newspaper, which must be covered with paper toweling so that the slickness of the paper does not cause their legs to slip and become deformed. If you choose this method, be prepared to change it VERY often, most likely a few times a day. Also watch that they do not begin to eat the wet paper.

Pine shavings are also good bedding, but again must be changed when wet. Wet bedding can promote growth of molds and bacteria, which can make the ducklings (and possibly you) sick.

Screening or hardware cloth can also be ideal, if slightly raised to allow water to drip below, keeping the cage drier and being much easier to maintain. (You can use 2 x 2's or similar along the sides under the wire to raise it.) However, wire is hard on ducklings' feet, so you will need to cover it with paper toweling and keep that changed. Watch that their toenails do not become caught in screening.

Drafts are prevented by using glass, plexiglass, plastic, or cardboard containers. However, if you use a wire cage, you can prevent drafts by surrounding the cage with cardboard or covering it with heavy cloth or a blanket.

Feed should be waterfowl starter, if you can find it. Otherwise you can use poultry starter, but check the protein ratio. Rations meant for growing meat chickens are too high in protein and can cause various problems in ducklings. Food MUST be kept clean, dry and insect free during storage. Discard any feed that becomes wet (or that looks like it has gotten wet before you bought it). The food container (we use a sliding tray chick feeder for ducklings) should be carefully washed and completely dried before being filled. They should have a constant supply of feed, but not more than they will use before you have to clean the container. You will quickly learn how much to feed them, although you will have to constantly adjust the amount as they grow. They may also be provided with weeds from outdoors as long as they have not been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides or pulled from close to the road (due to car exhaust). They may be fed small amounts of hardboiled eggs (remove quickly to avoid spoilage) and small amounts of fruits and veggies (avoid uncooked potatoes). If foods other than commercial feed are provided, a grit should also be provided. (They can get grit from the soil if they are allowed to freely dig up weeds.)

Water MUST be provided with the dry feed or they could choke. Water should be clean and available at all times. You will need to use a feeder that allows them to get their heads in without allowing them to splash in it. Also, a guard that keeps them from climbing on top of either the feeder or the waterer and eliminating in it will keep it clean longer.

Speaking of food and water, very young ducklings may not yet know how to eat or drink. You should dip each one's head in the food and water when you introduce them to their new home. Watch and make sure that each one is eating, drinking, and eliminating.

Young ducklings benefit greatly from being allowed outside for a short time during the day if it is warm enough and you can provide them a protected area. It should be escape proof, safe from predators (including pet dogs and cats as well as hawks, etc.) and should not have been treated with chemicals. They will enjoy pulling at grasses and weeds and digging in the dirt, and may find a few bugs. Eating small amounts of dirt or tiny rocks are beneficial and not dangerous. They should be inside a pen, because even if they waddle clumsily in their boxes, they can very early begin to run quite fast if they want to escape and can be hard to catch again. They should not be allowed to swim until they grow their feathers in, since there is no mother duck to provide oil for their feathers or to make them get out of the water before becoming chilled.

Easter pets - part 2

2007-04-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Ducklings - part 2

Those downy balls of fuzz have their good sides as well. They ARE cute, no getting around it. They also have quite a bit of personality. Our 4 ducklings are just over 1 week old now, and each is very distinct. We have the friendly one, the bully, the shy one, and (unfortunately, poor guy) the stupid one.

They have all been handled several times daily, and one of them seems actually to enjoy it. He lies down in our hands as soon as we pick him up, and lets his head loll as we gently rub his neck until he is completely limp. He will sometimes groom us gently with his bill.

Speaking of the bill, when they DO get upset, they are not really biters. But when they try, they are not strong enough at this age to even give a pinch. The claws are growing out and sometimes scratch though.

We purchased ducks not for the sake of Easter pets, but because they are great pest control. Although we do expect they will generate mess and mud in the yard, we are planning to take steps to keep this to a minimum (as much as possible) and letting them roam the backyard in search of bugs. They already chase anything tiny that moves, and try to eat it, and have eaten a few moths and gnats. They are excellent for slugs, especially, and can be a gardeners best friend (assuming you can keep them from uprooting young plants).

Some ducks (Muscovies) are even able to kill snakes, and will gladly do so. (Another advantage distinct to Muscovies is that they are much quieter than other ducks. The females tend to make quiet hissing noises rather than quacks, and the males are silent.)

They are also very entertaining to watch, especially if you have ample space and (preferably) a place for them to swim. The swimming water needs to be either an ecosystem with plants, fish, etc. or something that you can easily dump and clean. The ducks will be happier and healthier, as well as cleaner, if given swimming opportunity. However, care must be taken that they are able to get out of the water as they may drown if they become tired and cannot climb out. Also, your swimming pool is not a good choice as they will quickly dirty the water and the chemicals are not good for them.

Female ducks of course lay eggs as well. Duck eggs have larger yolks and are richer than chicken eggs. They are especially nice for baking. However, ducks prefer laying in more secluded spots and may not be as easy to gather as chickens who are easier to train to lay in a provided nest box.

That's all for today. More practical aspects given next time, for those who have decided after all to get ducklings.

Easter Pets

2007-04-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ducklings - part 1

There's nothing cuter than a fuzzy duckling waddling around, and their cute downy fluffiness reminds us of Easter cards and springtime. Many indulgent and perhaps well-meaning parents and others are tempted by the offerings at local feed and farm stores this time of year.

Please, before you give in to that bundle of downy cuteness, think carefully.

Newly hatched ducklings require a special environment. They must be kept at a fairly constant 90 degrees the first week, and decreased by 5 degrees per week thereafter. They must be shielded from drafts, and protected from predators, including pet cats and dogs. While they are sturdy enough to stand up to a little bit of handling (more so than baby chicks), they ARE baby birds and need to be handled very carefully. They can be killed if dropped, or die from rough handling or being handled too much. They also don't really LIKE to be held and petted, especially at first. They are social creatures, with their own kind, and may cry incessantly if kept alone. One should really have at least 3.

They are hardier than some other newly hatched poultry, and fairly disease resistant, but that is only if kept in a proper environment. Their cage needs to be kept clean and dry, and this can be incredibly challenging with ducklings, because they will try to climb into their water, play in it, etc. However, they must be prevented from doing so, as there will be no mother duck to provide oil for their feathers or prevent them becoming chilled. They absolutely MUST have clean water at all times, because they can choke from eating food without having water to wash it down. They quickly soil their water, meaning the container will need to be cleaned and refilled several times a day, generally. Also, they create LOTS of droppings with a large water content, so their cage may need to be cleaned up to several times a day, depending on your setup.

Those who keep both chickens and ducks will tell you that ducks are easily 4 times as much work as chickens. They also have somewhat of an odor, again depending on how clean you keep them. However, we sometimes completely change all bedding and wash all containers 6 times a day, and still there is a slight odor.

They can also be rather noisy when grown, at least the females. Males are generally quiet.

That's most of the bad news. We will offer some of their positive points in our next post!

Rope bone

2007-02-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

Looking for an inexpensive but safe toy for your dog?

Buy a length of heavy cotton rope at a hardware store, suitable in diameter for your pet.

Tie a knot in both ends (for heavier ropes, this will require a LOT of strength) and you have a rope bone!

This can be tossed in the washing machine when necessary, but should be double-rinsed and then dried with no added fabric softeners.

Puppy Socialization Part 3

2007-02-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

Part 3

All of this brings us to the period we wished to talk about. Puppies also need to be socialized to the WORLD. From about 3 months old to 5 months old they are in a period of learning about the world around them. They should of course have already experienced things like grass, sunshine, wind, hard surfaces, and more before this period. However, it now becomes important to broaden their horizons.

If you ever plan on being able to take your dog ANYwhere (and you will want to be able to visit the vet when necessary, and remember that you may have to move during your pet's life ... you never know what will come so you should prepare your puppy now) ... if you ever want to be able to take him anywhere and have him be calm and well behaved, the period from 3-5 months is the time to prepare him for it.

Your vet may have advised you to keep your puppy strictly isolated until after all vaccinations are completed and effective. However, you can take your puppy with you and exercise reasonable caution. You won't of course want him to run around in a park where other dogs have been, and defecated.

However, you can take him for rides in your car. Allow him to wait in the car with the window down (restrained if necessary, and with you in sight if necessary). Visit the homes of cooperative friends. Some stores will allow dogs inside, particuarly pet shops and feed stores. Carry your pup if you are concerned about contacting surfaces.

Walk him on hard surfaces outside. Let him see many people, and other animals of various kinds. If you live near farmlands or forests, let him see horses or explore the woods. He will encounter many smells in the process as well. Let him hear many sounds ... traffic, horns, sirens, thunder, shouting, fireworks, and perhaps gunshots if you will live around hunting. Let him experience the city as well as countryside, and various kinds of weather. Take him to construction sites and let him see and hear what goes on there. If there is a beach or stream nearby, take him. Let him visit a ballpark with a game going on.

The idea is to give the puppy as much and as varied experience as possible, under your guidance, so that he knows all these things are normal. Later he will not be likely to suddenly become frightened and slip off the leash and run into traffic the first time he visits a city, or to disappear the first time he hears a gunshot or fireworks explosions, never to be seen again.

He will also be far less likely to become frightened at some novel experience or loud noise and lash out at someone in nervousness or fear, biting them, and possibly subjecting you to a lawsuit.

Another benefit of all this experience is that he will learn what is NOT normal and be a more effective helper to you, using his acute senses and warning you when something is not safe or something strange is going on around you. He will also be a more natural guard or watchdog, without training along those lines.

So in order to enjoy your dog to the fullest, make sure he has a well-rounded socialization and experiences as much of life as possible at an early age, so he will be confident and steady as he grows.

Puppy socialization - part 2

2007-02-04T21:17:00.001-08:00

Part 2...

During this early socialization time, the puppy should begin to be socialized with people as well. The time when a puppy best learns to interact with and trust humans is from the ages of about 4-1/2 or 5 weeks through about 3 months old. A pup that has been ignored and neglected up to that age will have MUCH more trouble adjusting and behaving normally with people after that time, if he is ever able to do so.

It can take a professional behaviorist and many, MANY hours of patient work to bring a dog that has had his social development neglected in this way to even a basic level of interaction and trust of humans, and it may be that he may never be fully trustworthy.

To be continued ...

Other Pets

2007-02-01T16:42:00.001-08:00

All posts about pets not listed in any other category will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

General Pet

2007-02-01T16:41:00.002-08:00

All general posts that can apply to any pets will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

Ask/Answer Questions about Pets

We read some posts on an interesting site that allows you to ask questions about pets, or answer the questions asked by others if you are so inclined. Animal categories available include dogs, tropical fish, ferrets, lizards, toads, turtles, snakes, birds, hamsters, farmyard animals, chickens, and more. There are also specific topics listed for vets, pet illnesses, and pet insurance.

The post on controlling fleas in dogs has a couple of answers so far. One of them mentions several of our suggestions from another post about natural flea control for dogs. We especially like brewer's yeast and lavender oil for repelling fleas.

Many other interesting questions come up in the sidebar of this site, and change regularly. I spent some time browsing around and reading what others had to say on several topics. If I find some extra time for posting, I might offer some of my own suggestions on some topics. The internet is a great way to share knowledge and connect with people, and this is a good site to find or offer lots of information for fellow pet-lovers.

Reptiles, Amphibians

2007-02-01T16:41:00.001-08:00

All reptile & amphibian posts will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

Birds

2007-02-01T16:40:00.002-08:00

All bird posts will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

Ducklings - part 1

There's nothing cuter than a fuzzy duckling waddling around, and their cute downy fluffiness reminds us of Easter cards and springtime. Many indulgent and perhaps well-meaning parents and others are tempted by the offerings at local feed and farm stores this time of year.

Please, before you give in to that bundle of downy cuteness, think carefully.

Newly hatched ducklings require a special environment. They must be kept at a fairly constant 90 degrees the first week, and decreased by 5 degrees per week thereafter. They must be shielded from drafts, and protected from predators, including pet cats and dogs. While they are sturdy enough to stand up to a little bit of handling (more so than baby chicks), they ARE baby birds and need to be handled very carefully. They can be killed if dropped, or die from rough handling or being handled too much. They also don't really LIKE to be held and petted, especially at first. They are social creatures, with their own kind, and may cry incessantly if kept alone. One should really have at least 3.

They are hardier than some other newly hatched poultry, and fairly disease resistant, but that is only if kept in a proper environment. Their cage needs to be kept clean and dry, and this can be incredibly challenging with ducklings, because they will try to climb into their water, play in it, etc. However, they must be prevented from doing so, as there will be no mother duck to provide oil for their feathers or prevent them becoming chilled. They absolutely MUST have clean water at all times, because they can choke from eating food without having water to wash it down. They quickly soil their water, meaning the container will need to be cleaned and refilled several times a day, generally. Also, they create LOTS of droppings with a large water content, so their cage may need to be cleaned up to several times a day, depending on your setup.

Those who keep both chickens and ducks will tell you that ducks are easily 4 times as much work as chickens. They also have somewhat of an odor, again depending on how clean you keep them. However, we sometimes completely change all bedding and wash all containers 6 times a day, and still there is a slight odor.

They can also be rather noisy when grown, at least the females. Males are generally quiet.

That's most of the bad news. We will offer some of their positive points in our next post!

Ducklings - part 2

Those downy balls of fuzz have their good sides as well. They ARE cute, no getting around it. They also have quite a bit of personality. Our 4 ducklings are just over 1 week old now, and each is very distinct. We have the friendly one, the bully, the shy one, and (unfortunately, poor guy) the stupid one.

They have all been handled several times daily, and one of them seems actually to enjoy it. He lies down in our hands as soon as we pick him up, and lets his head loll as we gently rub his neck until he is completely limp. He will sometimes groom us gently with his bill.

Speaking of the bill, when they DO get upset, they are not really biters. But when they try, they are not strong enough at this age to even give a pinch. The claws are growing out and sometimes scratch though.

We purchased ducks not for the sake of Easter pets, but because they are great pest control. Although we do expect they will generate mess and mud in the yard, we are planning to take steps to keep this to a minimum (as much as possible) and letting them roam the backyard in search of bugs. They already chase anything tiny that moves, and try to eat it, and have eaten a few moths and gnats. They are excellent for slugs, especially, and can be a gardeners best friend (assuming you can keep them from uprooting young plants).

Some ducks (Muscovies) are even able to kill snakes, and will gladly do so. (Another advantage distinct to Muscovies is that they are much quieter than other ducks. The females tend to make quiet hissing noises rather than quacks, and the males are silent.)

They are also very entertaining to watch, especially if you have ample space and (preferably) a place for them to swim. The swimming water needs to be either an ecosystem with plants, fish, etc. or something that you can easily dump and clean. The ducks will be happier and healthier, as well as cleaner, if given swimming opportunity. However, care must be taken that they are able to get out of the water as they may drown if they become tired and cannot climb out. Also, your swimming pool is not a good choice as they will quickly dirty the water and the chemicals are not good for them.

Female ducks of course lay eggs as well. Duck eggs have larger yolks and are richer than chicken eggs. They are especially nice for baking. However, ducks prefer laying in more secluded spots and may not be as easy to gather as chickens who are easier to train to lay in a provided nest box.

That's all for today. More practical aspects given next time, for those who have decided after all to get ducklings.

Ducklings - part 3

If you have considered everything and decided to get ducklings anyway, we hope this information will be helpful.

As mentioned in the first duckling post, they will need constant warm temperatures and protection from drafts. The simplest container could be a large cardboard box. However, due to their wet droppings and desire for water play, expect to change this box often. Some days we used 2 boxes within 1 day, and sometimes they last 4 days or so. Generally you can expect 2-3 days max from a cardboard box. And by the time they reach about 2-3 weeks old, a cardboard box will no longer do and they will have to have more permanent quarters, although still inside and heated unless in a very warm climate (80-85 degrees at 2-3 weeks old).

If you can afford it, a very large plastic container or aquarium is much more suitable and durable, as the sides can be cleaned of their droppings. Again though, expect it to be outgrown in a few weeks.

Heat can be provided by a lamp with a reflector. These are generally available at hardware stores and relatively inexpensive. You can use anything from a 100-watt white light bulb (if your temperatures are already pretty warm) up to a 250 watt heat lamp. Care should be taken that the hot parts do not touch cardboard, etc. or anything flammable. In very cold climates, or where the ducklings are not checked frequently, it can be a good idea to have 2 lamps so they will not get too chilled if one goes out.

Heat should be placed in one area of the box, so that if they get too hot, they can move away from it. The temperature can be regulated by raising or lowering the bulb. Make sure the ducklings cannot touch any overheated part and be burned. Also make sure their water cannot come in contact with electrical parts.

The simplest bedding is newspaper, which must be covered with paper toweling so that the slickness of the paper does not cause their legs to slip and become deformed. If you choose this method, be prepared to change it VERY often, most likely a few times a day. Also watch that they do not begin to eat the wet paper.

Pine shavings are also good bedding, but again must be changed when wet. Wet bedding can promote growth of molds and bacteria, which can make the ducklings (and possibly you) sick.

Screening or hardware cloth can also be ideal, if slightly raised to allow water to drip below, keeping the cage drier and being much easier to maintain. (You can use 2 x 2's or similar along the sides under the wire to raise it.) However, wire is hard on ducklings' feet, so you will need to cover it with paper toweling and keep that changed. Watch that their toenails do not become caught in screening.

Drafts are prevented by using glass, plexiglass, plastic, or cardboard containers. However, if you use a wire cage, you can prevent drafts by surrounding the cage with cardboard or covering it with heavy cloth or a blanket.

Feed should be waterfowl starter, if you can find it. Otherwise you can use poultry starter, but check the protein ratio. Rations meant for growing meat chickens are too high in protein and can cause various problems in ducklings. Food MUST be kept clean, dry and insect free during storage. Discard any feed that becomes wet (or that looks like it has gotten wet before you bought it). The food container (we use a sliding tray chick feeder for ducklings) should be carefully washed and completely dried before being filled. They should have a constant supply of feed, but not more than they will use before you have to clean the container. You will quickly learn how much to feed them, although you will have to constantly adjust the amount as they grow. They may also be provided with weeds from outdoors as long as they have not been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides or pulled from close to the road (due to car exhaust). They may be fed small amounts of hardboiled eggs (remove quickly to avoid spoilage) and small amounts of fruits and veggies (avoid uncooked potatoes). If foods other than commercial feed are provided, a grit should also be provided. (They can get grit from the soil if they are allowed to freely dig up weeds.)

Water MUST be provided with the dry feed or they could choke. Water should be clean and available at all times. You will need to use a feeder that allows them to get their heads in without allowing them to splash in it. Also, a guard that keeps them from climbing on top of either the feeder or the waterer and eliminating in it will keep it clean longer.

Speaking of food and water, very young ducklings may not yet know how to eat or drink. You should dip each one's head in the food and water when you introduce them to their new home. Watch and make sure that each one is eating, drinking, and eliminating.

Young ducklings benefit greatly from being allowed outside for a short time during the day if it is warm enough and you can provide them a protected area. It should be escape proof, safe from predators (including pet dogs and cats as well as hawks, etc.) and should not have been treated with chemicals. They will enjoy pulling at grasses and weeds and digging in the dirt, and may find a few bugs. Eating small amounts of dirt or tiny rocks are beneficial and not dangerous. They should be inside a pen, because even if they waddle clumsily in their boxes, they can very early begin to run quite fast if they want to escape and can be hard to catch again. They should not be allowed to swim until they grow their feathers in, since there is no mother duck to provide oil for their feathers or to make them get out of the water before becoming chilled.

Fabulous Lady Gouldian Finches!!!

Ferrets

2007-02-01T16:40:00.001-08:00

All ferret posts will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

Rabbit, Guinea Pig

2007-02-01T16:39:00.002-08:00

All rabbit & guinea pig posts will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

Gerbils, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, etc.

2007-02-01T16:39:00.001-08:00

All gerbil, hamster, rat, mouse, and other small rodent posts will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

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(posts about gerbils, hamsters, etc will be placed in this space)

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Related pet topics

One aspect of pet ownership is the necessary pest control. There are many aspects to proper pet care. These are all made easier by purchasing the right pet supplies; with them, you can give your pet a comfortable life. People that have birds as pets need to purchase proper bird supplies. Proper bird supplies include a sturdy and spacious cage, an easy to clean feeder, sturdy toys, generally a way for the bird to bathe, etc. Other interesting products include a barking system to scare away prowlers, featuring barks from many different types of dog breeds.

Fish

2007-02-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

All fish posts will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

Fish, Aquariums, and Ponds

We haven't posted any information for fish owners yet, so we want to offer a GREAT site with tons of aquarium and pond information.

There is a link to lots of question and answer posts on a wide variety of topics ranging from fish health to aquarium products, from aquarium repair to pond setup, and much more. The site also includes a great article on UV (ultraviolet) sterilization as well as a number of filtration articles, and an overview of various types of aquarium filtration. There is an informative article on aquarium basics, as well as one on saltwater aquariums.

These are just a few of the articles available on the aquarium and pond information website. A number of other useful pages covering everything from diseases to lighting to feeding to plants and so much more will provide you with hours of helpful and interesting reading. If you are seeking a good aquarium resource site, be sure to visit this one!

Cats

2007-02-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

All cat posts will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

September 2007

Rules cats must try to remember

Rules about other animals ...

Rules about eating ...

Nighttime and napping rules ...

General Household Rules ...

10. I should not try to jump into my human's lap while she is sitting on the toilet.

Dogs

2007-02-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

All dog posts will be reposted here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.

Thursday, February 1, 2007
New Puppy Socialization

There are a lot of new Christmas puppies out there, and many of them are about 3 months old now. Socialization is a most important issue, and our next 3 posts will deal with it in detail as it pertains to your puppy's life right now.

Puppies have definite times in their lives when they SHOULD be socialized in certain ways.

The first of these socialization opportunities will take place as the puppy first begins to explore and interact with others.

That is one of the reasons that a newborn puppy should be left with its littermates and mother for the first couple of months. Not only does he need to nurse from the mother in order to grow properly and be as healthy as possible, he also needs to learn how to be a dog, and this can only be learned from other dogs. Puppies should always be socialized with their littermates if possible until about 8 weeks of age.

To be continued ...

Sunday, February 4, 2007
New Puppy Socialization Part 2

During this early socialization time, the puppy should begin to be socialized with people as well. The time when a puppy best learns to interact with and trust humans is from the ages of about 4-1/2 or 5 weeks through about 3 months old. A pup that has been ignored and neglected up to that age will have MUCH more trouble adjusting and behaving normally with people after that time, if he is ever able to do so.

It can take a professional behaviorist and many, MANY hours of patient work to bring a dog that has had his social development neglected in this way to even a basic level of interaction and trust of humans, and it may be that he may never be fully trustworthy.

To be continued ...

Monday, February 5, 2007
New Puppy Socialization Part 3

All of this brings us to the period we wished to talk about. Puppies also need to be socialized to the WORLD. From about 3 months old to 5 months old they are in a period of learning about the world around them. They should of course have already experienced things like grass, sunshine, wind, hard surfaces, and more before this period. However, it now becomes important to broaden their horizons.

If you ever plan on being able to take your dog ANYwhere (and you will want to be able to visit the vet when necessary, and remember that you may have to move during your pet's life ... you never know what will come so you should prepare your puppy now) ... if you ever want to be able to take him anywhere and have him be calm and well behaved, the period from 3-5 months is the time to prepare him for it.

Your vet may have advised you to keep your puppy strictly isolated until after all vaccinations are completed and effective. However, you can take your puppy with you and exercise reasonable caution. You won't of course want him to run around in a park where other dogs have been, and defecated.

However, you can take him for rides in your car. Allow him to wait in the car with the window down (restrained if necessary, and with you in sight if necessary). Visit the homes of cooperative friends. Some stores will allow dogs inside, particuarly pet shops and feed stores. Carry your pup if you are concerned about contacting surfaces.

Walk him on hard surfaces outside. Let him see many people, and other animals of various kinds. If you live near farmlands or forests, let him see horses or explore the woods. He will encounter many smells in the process as well. Let him hear many sounds ... traffic, horns, sirens, thunder, shouting, fireworks, and perhaps gunshots if you will live around hunting. Let him experience the city as well as countryside, and various kinds of weather. Take him to construction sites and let him see and hear what goes on there. If there is a beach or stream nearby, take him. Let him visit a ballpark with a game going on.

The idea is to give the puppy as much and as varied experience as possible, under your guidance, so that he knows all these things are normal. Later he will not be likely to suddenly become frightened and slip off the leash and run into traffic the first time he visits a city, or to disappear the first time he hears a gunshot or fireworks explosions, never to be seen again.

He will also be far less likely to become frightened at some novel experience or loud noise and lash out at someone in nervousness or fear, biting them, and possibly subjecting you to a lawsuit.

Another benefit of all this experience is that he will learn what is NOT normal and be a more effective helper to you, using his acute senses and warning you when something is not safe or something strange is going on around you. He will also be a more natural guard or watchdog, without training along those lines.

So in order to enjoy your dog to the fullest, make sure he has a well-rounded socialization and experiences as much of life as possible at an early age, so he will be confident and steady as he grows.

Monday, February 12, 2007
Rope bone

Looking for an inexpensive but safe toy for your dog?

Buy a length of heavy cotton rope at a hardware store, suitable in diameter for your pet.

Tie a knot in both ends (for heavier ropes, this will require a LOT of strength) and you have a rope bone!

This can be tossed in the washing machine when necessary, but should be double-rinsed and then dried with no added fabric softeners.

New Puppy Socialization

2007-02-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of new Christmas puppies out there, and many of them are about 3 months old now. Socialization is a most important issue, and our next 3 posts will deal with it in detail as it pertains to your puppy's life right now.

Puppies have definite times in their lives when they SHOULD be socialized in certain ways.

The first of these socialization opportunities will take place as the puppy first begins to explore and interact with others.

That is one of the reasons that a newborn puppy should be left with its littermates and mother for the first couple of months. Not only does he need to nurse from the mother in order to grow properly and be as healthy as possible, he also needs to learn how to be a dog, and this can only be learned from other dogs. Puppies should always be socialized with their littermates if possible until about 8 weeks of age.

To be continued ...

Introduction

2007-01-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hello!

All About Pets, at pets-n-people.info will cover all kinds of topics, from selecting a pet, training, grooming, housing, health, feeding, etc. as they apply to many kinds of pets.

We have been pet-owners for 40 years, and have also owned a pet shop, bred exotic birds, raised and trained German Shepherd Dogs, and dabbled in genetics in raising various rodents and fish.

While we are most familiar with dogs, cats, exotic birds, fish, turtles, guinea pigs, and gerbils, we will also present information on hamsters, ferrets, reptiles, rabbits, chinchillas, and many others.

Welcome to All About Pets — relax and stay a while!

anna