2010年8月12日 星期四

How to Set Up the Perfect Environment For a Bearded Dragon

Everyone loves owning a pet and whether it is a traditional standard pet or a more unusual one they will still need a good amount of care. Reptiles and lizards make great pets and are suited to younger children as there is no walking involved, however they do require a lot of care. Bearded dragons are especially great as pets and will fascinate the whole family with the way they act. These reptiles can live up to 7 years so you need to be committed for that amount of time.
You should research well before deciding to get any reptile to understand their full care program and what living conditions they will require. Bearded dragons need a lot of space to roam around in and will appreciate a large area to run and play in. The larger the enclosure the better as this will be better suited to their needs, you should ensure you can accommodate this before decided to buy one. An average size enclosure is 42 inches long by 24 inches width wise and as tall as possible to allow your pet to climb. There are several different shop-bought enclosures that you can buy or if you want you can build one yourself.
You need to ensure that you have the correct lighting system as bearded dragons need to be kept at the right temperature at all times. The perfect temperature is between 35 and 20 degrees C, if you aim for somewhere in the middle then your pet will be comfortable at all times. The system will need to support both fluorescent and incandescent lights and you must have a day light to emit heat. The enclosure will also need a heat pad for the bottom of the enclosure this will help to ensure your bearded dragon is kept at the best possible temperature.
Placement is very important so that your enclosure is not in a draft or a very hot area, you should consider exactly where you will place it before adding the dragon. This type of pet loves to hide and will appreciate you adding logs and rocks to the enclosure; they will want to know they can hide if they feel threatened in any way. You will also need to supply things for your dragon to play with as they are very fun creatures. And you can add a lot to their habitat as they will feel at home if you do.
You will also need to source a good food and water bowl so that your pet can be fed easily and you may also need a smooth insect bowl. These can all be bought from a good pet store. Feeding your bearded dragon will need to be thought about as they often will need to eat live food, you will need a good supply of crickets and bugs. They do also eat fruits and vegetables as well and need a varied diet to remain healthy; you must however wash them first to avoid pesticides. You will need to supply clean fresh water daily and ensure that you keep the enclosure very clean at all times. If you look after your bearded dragon well then they can make excellent pets.
If you would like more information on keeping bearded dragons you should check out my website http://www.beardedlizards.org where you will have access to lots of interesting articles & helpful videos all with the sole aim in mind of helping you and your bearded dragon

Investing in Professional Training Increases the Value of Your Horse

One of the most common problems novice horse owners run into is to discover that the horse of their dreams is unmanageable. It can be heartbreaking to buy a seemingly well trained horse only to discover you are unable to ride it and you're at a loss of what to do. To attempt to resell the horse will only result in further financial losses so it's a good idea to enlist the help of a professional.
The first step to treating a behavioural problem is to understand its underlying cause. Professional horse trainers can easily identify and rectify a problem due to their extensive experience. A trainer can easily differentiate between physiological and psychological problems and deal with them appropriately.
A professional trainer will also be able to work with the horse according to the horse's abilities. Horses are individuals and some are more trainable than others. Enlisting the help of a trainer will greatly enhance your horse's training as they will be able to gauge the horse's potential and work with it to achieve desired results.
It is important to remember that horses are very sensitive creatures and they can easily detect your state of mind so it is crucial to remain calm and gentle during a training session. Trainers know how to use the right mixture of firmness and coaxing to bring out the best in a horse. A professional trainer will never feel frustrated or stressed while working with a problem horse as they understand how counterproductive these feelings are when it comes to working with horses.
Badly trained horses require more work than untrained horses because a lot of work is needed to undo bad habits or vices stemming from a traumatic experience. Untrained horses are actually easier to deal with because you're essentially dealing with a clean slate, a horse's initial training determines how he'll mature as a reliable equine citizen. Solid foundational training can help you avoid potential problems from developing in the future.
Sadly many novice horse owners buy horses only to find out that they are unmanageable. Some dishonest horse traders are highly skilled in covering up issues and vices in a horse and you may discover your new horse has a problem once it's too late. Selling your horse at this stage will only result in further financial losses.
Stal Amani can help you find the right horse or pony for you or your child. Whether you're looking for a beginner's pony or a Grand Prix level dressage or Show Jumper, Stal Amani offers you the unique opportunity to try before you buy because we understand the importance of matching the right horse to the right rider. http://www.stalamani.com

Five Tips to Help a Child Deal With the Death of a Pet

The death of a pet may be one of the first times a child has dealt with a close loss. This can be especially difficult because of the close bond most children spend with their pet. Death is a hard concept for everyone, but for children it can be impossible to understand or accept without help and guidance. Below are five ways to help your child deal with losing a pet.
Ask your child about what they're feeling. They probably are experiencing a number of emotions and don't know what to think. Let them know that they are not alone and that how they are feeling is okay. Share how you are doing and talk about what your pet meant to all of you and how important they were. This helps your child remember their animal and that even with this loss, they aren't alone.
Give them a day off of school, day care, or whatever else. A big event like this can disrupt their life and make them feel insecure. Making them continue on without time to grieve and adjust to losing what was probably a close friend, will only lead to problems. Their normal routine probably involved the pet, even if it was just greeting them when they got home and the immediate disappearance of that can make the grief worse.
Have a ceremony for your pet. Celebrating the animal's life and it's passing can be a good way to bring some closure for a child. It shows appreciation for the pet and is a time for remembering and honoring the good times. Ask your child to lead the ceremony and come up with something to say about their pet, and creating a grave marker or a symbolic shrine.
Be ready to discuss the concept of death. Your child may now have a lot of questions about death and dying, this is natural. Don't ignore them or push away the questions, just find a way to explain things in simple terms. Talking about your religious or spiritual beliefs is a good way to help them understand from concepts they may know like heaven or some form of afterlife. If you do not feel fully equipped to talk to them, there are a number of others available such as counselors and even veterinarians.
Immediately replacing the pet is not a good idea. Though it may seem to be an easy solution to make your child happy again and distract them, a replacement pet can make things worse. This could make it seem like the pet that passed away way not special or important, and your child may even resent the new animal. Take some time before getting a new pet, and consider getting a different kind of animal, making sure to include your child in the process.
Paul De Vizard is expert in Home Improvement. Check out his site http://BestGutterguards.net/ and especially look my information on the Gutter Leaf Guard to improve the value of your home.

Do You Know What is in Your Pet Food?

Most people think that if they are feeding their pet Science Diet, Iams, Nutro, Eukanuba, Pedigree, Purina, Whiskas, 9-Lives, Kibbles n Bits, Pro Plan or Beneful, just to name a few, that you are feeding your pet a healthy meal. You, like most people are not aware of what is really in the food and rely on the brands to deliver what they claim. Most of the above foods advertise and package their foods to look appetizing and nutritious. Most of them also use rendered meat such as road kill including cats and dogs, euthanized pets from vets, and any mammal parts in their foods. The following list are actual ingredients found in the above mentioned brands.
-Chicken By-Products meal: consists of ground, rendered parts of the carcass of slaughtered chickens such as necks, feet, undeveloped egg, intestines, feathers and blood.
-BHT/BHA-A synthetic preservative: know to cause liver and kidney dysfunction also a cancer causing agent
-Ethoxyquin: This is a hazardous chemical by OSHA. This was originally used as a pesticide known to cause cancer in animals. This is used as a preservative in pet food.
-Soybean Meal: This contains large quantities of natural toxins or anti-nutrient. There are potent enzyme inhibitors that blocks the action of trypsin and other enzymes needed for protein digestions. They can produce serious gastric distress, reduced protein, digestion and chronic deficiencies in amino acid uptake. In test animals, diet high in trypsin cause enlargement and pathological conditions of the pancreas, including cancer.
-Meat By-Products: This is not necessarily meat. It can come form any animal source even may include road kill, which may include dogs, cats, and euthanized pets.
-Sucrose sugar additives: Cat food manufactures rely on sweeteners to help addict cats to dry foods. Added sugar can affect absorption of other nutrients.
True healthy and nutritious pet foods will have human grade source in the first few ingredients you read on the label. Life span of many breed now live less than half of what they once did two or three decades ago. Some of the food companies mentioned above have even gone to lengths such as cash kickbacks to vets.
The benefits of feeding your animals a healthy food will lower you vet bills in the future, pets will have fewer behavior issues, and a longer life.
If you are looking for a healthy brand of pet food please visit my website and click on Wellness Pet Food. http://www.petsupplyplus-site.com

Pet Supplies For Cats

Having the right knowledge in pet raising and the right tools and equipments for the animal is very important before you take any kind of animal into your house. If you want that animal to stay with you for long and keep it healthy and happy under your care, you should know how to properly take care of that animal and give the things they needed for them to survive. This may sound demanding but actually it is not really a frightening task, all you have to do to is pay attention with your animal's needs and the rest will come naturally.
Buying them supplies is also not an intimidating task, though some supplies may be very expensive, you don't really have to purchase your animal with those expensive ones. Shopping their supplies will also not cost you much of your time as you can always include their supplies in your weekly shopping. What is very important though is knowing what the do's and don'ts in raising your pet and the likes and dislikes of your pet.
If you prefer your animal to stay indoor like cats, purchasing cat litter furniture will be of great help to you. There are so many types of litter boxes in pet stores right now; you can easily find one no matter where you search, whether at your local pet stores or online pet supply shops. This fixture is very good in keeping your house clean as it can help train your pet where to poop.
When you are planning to purchase supplies, whether at your local animal supply shops or online shops, it is very important to shop-around, and research on the product you want to purchase. Look from one store to another and compare their pricing, specifications and quality.
Some stores may offer new products; it would be wise to keep an eye for these things as your pet's taste might change from time to time.
As your pet grows old, its digestion system may alter through time, thus it is important that you inquire for the right food so you can keep them healthy even when they are ageing.
The author is a multi published author, a life long cat lover and has done a lot of research offline and online regarding animals, especially Cat and DOgs. To learn much more about this topic, please visit the author website at Sisal Cat Scratching and Pet Grooming

The Uncle Milton Ant Farm Experience - The Best in Ant Farm and Formicarium Entertainment

Ant Farms were the best experience decades ago due to the lack of readily available entertainment, but now thanks to great modern ant farm builders such as Uncle Milton the formicarium is once again the ideal home companion and education system. Read on and discover what is making the Uncle Milton ant farm so desirable.
Uncle Milton Industries has provided us with more than 20 million of these windows into nature since 1956. That alone is a pretty impressive statistic for a product that is not highly promoted or advertised in the main stream such as some others like some of these PC games that we see advertised all the time. So what is it that makes watching hundreds of little creatures go about their daily business?
One of the greatest weights mankind has to carry in this modern day and age is all the daily ups and downs that he/she is faced with which build up and eventually end up producing stress. One of the great therapies for reducing stress is to immerse ourselves into forms of relaxation. That is where a formicarium comes into its own right.
Once you start to watch the activities unfolding before your eyes in a formicarium the days stresses and strains fade as your interest grows.
Ants are highly fascinating creatures and their activities will never cease to amaze you as they dig tunnels, build bridges, and create mountains right before your very eyes.
The new styles of formicarium mean there is no-where that is not suitable. There are small, medium, and large ant farms to suit all situations. They come as illuminated, gel style, sand and Uncle Milton Industries even produces a giant ant farm that will satisfy any curiosity.
Imagine having one in your office, not only would you been keener to get in each day to see what your insect friends have been up to overnight, but the daily events make every working hour a constant hour of interest, far better than Newton's balls or any other desk gadget or stress reducer.
Then there is the home, keeps the children quite for hours and days as well as being a great educational tool. Even schools are in favour of ant farms as a form of demonstrating what goes on beneath the earth that we are not normally fortunate enough to get a close up view of.
As with anything worthwhile you can only gain a glimpse of the overall picture from an article or blog, but one thing that should not be overlooked when reviewing ant farms is the fact that they are probably the cheapest animal activity to maintain once a formicarium has been purchased.
Ants are more than happy to eat what you do not and that pretty much includes everything, but they are amazing to watch when live prey enters their domain, and of course have a sweet tooth just like most of us and are partial to the occasional sweet.
The Uncle Milton ant farm is probably the best choice when it comes to value for money as well as the comprehensive information and advice that comes with every one of their ant farms. There are of course also several different breeds of ant that are ideal for a formicarium, they are normally best suited due to their sturdiness to different environments and challenges that they face. Any of these provide great viewing and activities that we can immerse ourselves in
Discover the Uncle Milton ant farm , experience which provides you with an amazing array of ant colony environments to keep and study ants in.
Find out even more about ant keeping and ant colonies as well as a chance to see one of the biggest selections of ant farm available: Click to find out more

Pet Sitters - Discover the Benefits to You and Your Pet

Sometimes in your life, you face the problem of leaving your pet behind when you are traveling. It is not easy to leave your pet, and you will want to make sure that you have left your pet at a comfortable and safe place while you are away. Especially in America, sometimes you cannot travel with a pet, so you will have to plan his/her accommodation too. For this purpose, you might consider boarding your dog, for example, dog boarding Seattle or dog boarding Everett are two mostly used boarding systems for dogs. But if you want to be assured that your pet is being taken care of at your home, it is time to hire a pet sitter.
Pet Sitters are people who have a background in animal care, for instance, veterinary or medicinal care. They can be people who are animal lovers and have made it their primary career, or people who are professionals and know about the best ways to take care of animals. They work full-time with a pet sitting business. Most pet sitters already have pets, and realize how hard it is to leave your pets at home while you have to travel.
Benefits
The professional industry of pet sitters is growing rapidly, as now, more people are getting aware of the advantages to use pet sitters. Some benefits that you can avail from pet sitters are:
• You do not have to worry about asking your neighbors and friends to take care of your pet. As many people do not like to hold pets or care for them. Hiring a pet sitter will help you release yourself from the guilt of having to ask people around you to take care of your pets.
• At times, your neighbor's children are interested in taking care of your pets. But this might not be the safest option, as children can be irresponsible and overlook basic needs of a pet. Hence, safety of the health of your pets should be entrusted in paid professionals, as they give you peace and the tranquility of mind while you are unavailable.
• It saves your cost and tension of transportation. You can now be free from the added expense of transportation and time into your schedule.
• Pet sitters do not only sit in your home and take care of pets, but they provide additional facilities too. For instance, taking your pets to malls or teaching them new games. On the other hand, they also take care of other issues of your home while you are not present, like taking in your mail, watering your plants, cleaning your living room, etc.
As far as pets are concerned, pet sitters provide benefits to pets, as well. From your pet's happiness to their health, a pet sitter can take complete care of pets and provide the following particular advantages to the pets themselves:
• Pet sitters at your home help pets reduce stress that they might experience if moved to a new environment. Instead of plucking him/her from his/her old environment, it is better to let your pet stay in his/her original place so that they remains happy and content.
• The pet can maintain a balanced health and avoid digestive problems. Sticking to a familiar environment and old routines helps prevent digestive and psychological problems, resulting in a balance of the pet's energy and activity level.
Connor Sullivan recently reviewed dog boarding Seattle for his dog and loved the choices he found in his immediate area. He studied dog boarding Everett techniques for indoor pet obedience.

Formicarium - The Modern Formicarium Is a Great and Enjoyable Ant Farm Solution

There are a multitude of different manufactured formicarium types, styles and designs, and on top of that are the kits and plans so you can produce your own using simple materials. Designed to enclose and house an ant colony within in a similar fashion to a fish tank or reptile vivarium a formicarium provides the ideal ant farm observatory.
The idea behind their design is to make them thin and long so that once the ants are added you will be able to view and observe the ants activities including looking side on into their burrows and tunnels which they will build before your very eyes.
Normally transparent from thin glass or a hardened plastic and elongated in shape the first types of formicarium were created back in 1929 and were decorated with palace and farm scenes to add additional visual interest. In 1956 they started to be manufactured by a company called Uncle Milton Industries and called the Uncle Milton ant farm. Since then they have gone on to sell well over 20 million varieties of ant farm to the general public.
There are a multitude of individual websites with formicarium interests that go into detail explaining how to produce your own using general items and household products, but there are a few base line rules that should be adhered to in every instance.
Housing: When choosing the main housing product be sure to make sure it is not too thin, you will be surprised as to what ants can actually chew through.
Security: One key factor is that ants are great escapologists and it is better to have several hurdles for them to overcome rather than just risking one.
Open Plan Ant Farm: Some people like to have an open plan ant farm with the formicarium in the middle and such things as tree stumps or similar around it so that the ants can be fed from these and viewed returning items back to the nest. Anything that is placed should be attached securely so as not to fall over while you are out and allow the ants to enter your home across the stumps.
Having ants in your home in any fashion is paramount to having a colony of miniature ferocious wild animals on the loose in containment, nothing will bring this home more than if you provide your colony with a live food source such as a fly. Ants are just as happy to eat cat food, grapes, meat, honey, and pretty much anything you wish to give to them.
A modern formicarium such as the Uncle Milton ant farm offers a great means of observing these highly overlooked fascinating social creatures. A great means of relieving stress is by having a formicarium on the desk at work or educating the family on the sideboard at home, but wherever you decide to place your ant farm it will very soon become compulsive and addictive viewing for all.
Discover the Uncle Milton ant farm, experience which provides you with an amazing array of ant colony environments to keep and study ants in.
Find out even more about ant keeping and ant colonies as well as a chance to see one of the biggest selections of ant farm available: Click to find out more

Pet Grooming Supplies

Dogs and cats are probably the only two types of pets that get just as attached to their owners as their owners get to them. Domestic animals become additional members of the family, and as such, they demand the same level of attention and care. For their unconditional love and loyalty, pets deserve the best.
While other pet's needs (such as: birds, fish, other reptiles and small mammals) are primarily a concern of being fed and having their living quarters cleaned on a regular basis, dogs and cats require the additional need of grooming. Professional grooming services can be costly however. From baths to fingernail clipping to teeth cleaning, the care that pets need is not affordable to everyone. Professional pet grooming locales charge to a varying degree based on several factors, including but not limited to: pet manageability, length of hair, and requested trim. Furthermore, additional services such as teeth brushing and adding accessories like cologne and bows are not included in initial quotes.
Arguably, those who cannot afford to pay for professional grooming services on a regular basis enjoy the experience of grooming their pets to a greater extent. As the pet owner, you experience the satisfaction of ensuring the health and comfort of your furry pal. Pet grooming, like playing, also serves as an opportunity to reinforce the mutual bond of friendship between owner and pet. Acquiring the necessary pet grooming supplies for an enjoyable experience is not difficult and can be an on-going process.
Traditional pet grooming supplies can be grouped into categories: hygienic care supplies, supplies for enhancing both the physical appearance and comfort of pets, and finishing supplies. The following lists of pet grooming supplies will by no means be an exhaustive representation of the wide variety of products and supplies available in the pet grooming market. Nevertheless, it will give you an idea of what types of products belong in which category, and the benefit each category will bring to your domestic animal.
Pet Grooming Supplies:
Hygienic Care Supplies:
Shampoos and Conditioners
Dental Care Kits
Flea and Tick Control
Chewing Products
Odor Control
Nail Clippers
Appearance and Comfort Enhancers:
Hair Removal Supplies - for stripping, for trimming, for shedding, etc.
Combs, Brushes, and Dryers
Ear & Eye Kits
Grooming Tables
Finishing Supplies:
Accessories - bows, ribbons, clothes, etc.
Fragrances and Nail Polishes
Fur dyes
Pet Toys
Supplements
Happy Grooming! Strengthen the bonds of love and loyalty with your furry friend!
Mark Alford is a jack-of-all-trades who enjoys helping others learn about a variety of topics.

Setting Up a Turtle Pond Information and Southern Painted Turtle Information

Setting up a turtle pond may seem like an easy enough task; however it isn't quite as easy as it may appear. Remember, once you introduce live animals into your pond; the care and time that are required to maintain your pond goes up exponentially.
First, you will need to make sure to dig out and line your pond appropriately, filling it with filtered water or water with purification tablets that will remove any harmful chemicals from the water itself. Once you have decorated and set up your pond; it is time to select the appropriate kind of turtles.
While many people would prefer to start off with baby turtles; laws in many states forbid owning turtles less than four inches in diameter. You should take some time with your local turtle experts to decide which turtles would fair best in your outdoor environment. Once you have chosen these animals, remember to safe-guard them from any possible predation by setting up fences and a lid (or grate) over the pond efficient enough to keep out cats, dogs, and birds.
Now that you have learned about setting up a turtle pond, it is time to get started! The sooner you create, the sooner you can enjoy your new space!
The Southern Painted Turtle (Also known as the Chrysemys Picta Dorsalis) is an ever-popular turtle in the pet trade. Their popularity due in part by the fact that they are extremely personable; this mellow species of turtle makes a wonderful pet for all family members if cared for properly.
This painted turtle ranges greatly in size, from three inches to seven inches depending on the sex of the turtle. The females tend to be the larger of the two sexes, much like most turtle species; making it important to provide ample space for your new Southern Painted Turtle to live in.
Southern painted turtles eat a wide variety of things. From fish, insects, and plant matter they are a hearty breed and easy to feed. While they are omnivorous they should be fed a steady diet that includes leafy greens, insects, and turtle pellets that have been specially formulated for their species.

Guard Your Pet's Safety

Pets are easily distracted. Moving objects become things to run after, open windows or doors turn into opportunities to go and play outside and even your friendly neighborhood postman becomes a chase buddy to an inquisitive pet. And when they run, the duty of finding them lies to us pet owners. There are a lot of proven ways to recover a lost pet. Collar with tags and microchip implants are just to name a few. GPS tracking devices are different though, these innovations eliminates the need of ever losing a pet.
Eyes At The Back Of Your Head
When you don't know the location of a thing, you declare them to be lost. Same goes with your pets or anyone you care about for that matter. The problem is unlike humans, pets cannot talk and so they get lost. GPS tracking devices prevent that from ever happening. These devices act like eyes at the back of your head. No matter where they go you can always be sure that a quick check to your server can tell you exactly where they are.
A GPS or Global Positioning System tracking device has been used for a long time now. Vehicles have lead in this innovation. Now pets follow the trail. It works by transmitting a signal like mobile phone does to a satellite. This signal is then recorded over a time interval so that it can pin point the exact place of the device. The information can then be viewed by either checking it on a computer or by calling your service provider.
Some GPS devices go further than this. You can even use GPS to set up an imaginary fence around certain places. And when your pets go out this "virtual" fence, a text message or an email will be sent to its owners. Some go as far as having an alarm system in place when pets go out of bounds. This will reduce the risk of a pet's chance of going astray.
Technology has gone a long way in our society. We use it to protect ourselves, our love ones and our investments. With this innovation we now even now protect our pets. Prevent your companions from being lost. Use a GPS tracking device to ensure that your pets are always with you.
Rick Condie has been an online trainer for over 8 years now. Specializing in eBay, and website design and marketing. For more information on pet security visit http://www.neverloseyourpet.com/

10 Tips to Help You Find the Right Boarding Facility For Your Horse

Choosing the right boarding facility for your horse is almost as complicated as choosing your own accommodations. Care, thought and research has to be put into the matter because your horse,s life and well being depends on the choices you make. Here are a few tips to help simplify the matter for you:
1. The Facility: Take a good look at the facility. Ask to see the stables, the tack room, the paddocks and any other areas around the facility. The facility should be clean, airy and not smell of manure or ammonia. The stables should be light and airy and away from any drafts.
2. The Managers: Talk to the owners or manager. They should appear knowledgeable and helpful and ask if any staff members remain overnight to monitor the horses.
3. Training: Find out if the facility offers any training for you or your horse. Professional training services can be very beneficial if your horse is green or has any vices.
4. The Horses: Take a look at the horses. Are they calm and clean? Horses can tell a lot about how they feel about their environment by the way they behave. Do they have proper bedding under them? Are the stables clean? Try to talk to other owners and ask them about their opinion of the facility.
5. Turnout Times: Find out about the facilities turnout routine. Horses need to spend time out in a paddock, this is important for their mental and physical wellbeing.
6. Additional Services: Ask about extra services such as veterinary care, shoeing, de-worming and vaccinations. Ask about the vet the facility uses and how they handle emergencies.
7. Location: The location of the facility is very important. Is it close to where you live? Is it easily accessible? Is it close to urban areas? 8. Opening Hours: Find out when the facility is open and decide whether their operating hours are convenient for you.
9. Costs and Contracts: Ask about monthly expenses and costs and read any contracts closely. Some facilities may seem cheaper than others but may have hidden fees, so make sure you read the contract properly and don't be afraid to ask if there?s something you don't understand.
10. Arenas and Riding Areas: A good choice of facility will include an indoor and outdoor riding area. If you choose a stable that is too close to the city, you may discover that hacking areas are limited.
Make sure you do your homework properly, research and try to get word of mouth recommendations from family and friends, use online resources to help find reputable stables on the internet.
Stal Amani is an impeccable equestrian centre complete with three indoor and outdoor arenas. We regularly hold show jumping and dressage competitions from novice up to Grand Prix level and due to our central location in Belgium, the facility is ideal for foreign competitors looking for a temporary or permanent base in Europe. We are minutes away from Herentals. For more information please visit: http://www.stalamani.com

Know the Breed of Your Pet Rabbit

Holland Lop is one of the breeds which is preferred for pet rabbit over any other available breeds of rabbit. Although the rabbits are available in an array of breeds that comes with different coats, colors and sizes. The difference in each of them is a matter of interest for those who show bunnies.
One is always concern about the size and the coat type of the rabbit while buying. But one needs to be careful as the pet store rabbits are not always of the pure type. Sometimes they even do not meet the minimum standard of ideal breed. Therefore pet rabbit are needed to be chosen carefully from the pet shop.
Every rabbit type has some specific size, color and coat type. It is to be noted that the rabbit with longer type of coats need extra grooming. The pet rabbits vary in size from giant to dwarf accordingly. There are varieties like Belgian hare, Californian, checkered giant, French lop, Florida white, angora, American frizzy lop.
Every specific breed of pet rabbit has different kind of size and weight. Another interesting fact for this is that all the breeds are being categorized into three groups according to their nature. Relaxed, excitable and curable are the three types of behavior in which every specific are being classified.
Fur types of the rabbit also depend on the type of breed from which it belongs to. So anyone who is concern about the bunnies might be careful about the breed of rabbit.
If you are curious about Rabbit Cages and want to buy it, click http://www.rabbitcagesforsale.com to know more.

Microchips on Pets - A Chip Trick

Have you ever lost a beloved dog or cat? If you answered yes to this question then you know the uncertain feeling it brings. The feeling that there's a good chance you may never see your lost pet ever again. Not to mention the stress it causes to both you and your lost pet. If you heard of microchips and thinking of implanting one on your beloved pets then here is what you need to know.
Although collars are the first aid of a lost pet, sometimes they are just not enough. They can easily be removed and sometimes are uncomfortable to wear. Microchips on the other hand are very good alternatives to your typical pet collar.
A microchip implant is a very small device - around the size of an uncooked rice - placed under the loose skin your pet, usually on their shoulder blades. This technology is based on a passive RIFD (Radio Frequency Identification). It is implanted by injecting it directly on your pet's skin. It is virtually painless and it's permanent. It works by providing contact information of owners when shelters and vets scan the implanted chip.
A lot of pet organization and vets nowadays recommend micro-chipping. It is said to be one of the most effective ways of recovering a pet. According to studies, the chances that a lost pet with a microchip implant will be reunited with its owner increases by 75%. And in the U.S. it is estimated that only 14% of lost pets are reunited with their owners.
If your pet came from a shelter, it is most likely that it has already a chip implant. What you need to do is to update it by calling the service provider, which your shelters can provide. If your pet still doesn't have a chip, shelters, vets and other pet welfare organizations can help you get one. A regular implant cost from $30 to $50, a cheap price to pay to recover a loved one. Remember to register your information after the procedure, to ensure that your pets can be safely recovered in case of a lost.
Technology is not only for humans, now even our pets can become high-tech. With this innovation, more and more lost pets are recovered each year. The stress of losing a beloved dog or cat can now be eliminated with microchip implants. The benefits are more than obvious. So if you're thinking of getting a pet, think about getting them implants. In a few years microchip implants will the collars of the future.
Rick Condie has been an online trainer for over 8 years now. Specializing in eBay, and website design and marketing. For more information on pet security visit http://www.neverloseyourpet.com/

Rabbit Care

Many people love to keep rabbits as pets. Rabbits serve as lovely and wonderful pets, you just need to take little care of them and make sure that you are giving them a proper diet. A typical diet of rabbit consists of hay, fresh vegetables, water and cereals. Rabbits love fruits, but you should give them fruits in limited quantities, otherwise it may cause obesity in rabbits. Also, make sure that you provide them plenty of water as rabbits dehydrate very quickly. These steps will ensure that your rabbit stays in a healthy condition.
Timothy hay is among the best food items that you can give to your rabbit. It is rich in various nutrients and vitamins. Majority of people give cereal pellets to their pet rabbits. These are available at supermarkets, pet food stores and farm suppliers. These were originally given by rabbit breeders, as these items provide good amount of vitamins and minerals that too, at a reasonable cost.
Hay becomes almost essential for ensuring good health of rabbits. Presence of hay in stomach of rabbit ensures that your rabbit does not suffer from any digestive tract problem or gastrointestinal stasis. In addition to it, hay provides a good amount of minerals and vitamins at a low food energy cost. Alfalfa is another popular type of grass that you can feed to your rabbit, but do take care of the quantities.
Fruits are unhealthy if given to rabbits in large quantities. Most of the fruits sold in stores consist of high level of food energy and carbohydrates. Some of the best fruits that you can give to rabbits are berries, apple, kiwis, pineapple, peach and other citrus fruits. These if given in large quantities may have a negative impact on the overall health of rabbit, thus you need to ensure that you give such stuff in a prescribed quantities. Most fruits sold in pet stores are filled with sugar and high food energy carbohydrates. A good diet is must for your rabbit to grow in a healthy manner.
A healthy and a proper diet will ensure that your rabbit stays in the best of health. If you are looking for some good Rabbit Cages then do visit http://www.rabbitcagesforsale.com.
Anzer Khan - EzineArticles Expert Author

Russian Dwarf Hamster Information

Numerous varieties of species such as Roborovski's Dwarf Hamster, Campbell's Russian Dwarf hamster, and Winter White Dwarf hamster are all pertaining to Russian Dwarf Hamster. It is frequently mistaken that Campbell's Russian and Winter White Dwarf hamsters are just one species because their color and sizes approximately 8-10 centimeters are indistinguishable. The smallest among the three types of Russian Dwarf hamster is the Roborovski hamster. It is said that the average size of the adult grow for about 4-5 centimeters only.
In the pet store, Winter White Dwarf hamsters are rarely seen compared with the Campbell's Dwarf hamster. These types of hamsters are frequently sold twosome and are incredibly sociable. One dazzling characteristic of these tiny creatures is that it has the capability to transform its color in winter time. Back in its inhabitant homelands, Winter White that is normally dark gray in color changes to white so as to disguise themselves from the predator. It is one of the amazing attribute why some are captivated to choose them as pet. The quantity of natural sunlight that the White hamster receives everyday has great contributions in the progression of its color change. Shorter exposures of sunshine prompt them to change its color to white. Since Winter White exposed mostly in artificial light their colors presumably stays the same.
In one place in Mongolia called Djungaria, Campbell's Russian hamster originated that is the main reason why this hamster is called Djungaria. This type normally found in different local pet shops. Because of the mounting fame of this type of hamster, most of the pet owners find ways on how to creatively breed the hamster that's the reason why they come up into different combination of patterns and markings. Aside from its ordinary untamed color, color combination mottled and spots like shades of black, blue, and lilac are possible for the owners to breed.
The natural habitation of the Roboroski hamsters originated in the barren region sandbank of Eastern and Western part of Mongolia and some other parts of Northern China. Compared with Campbell's and White Winter hamsters family it is a bit smaller but have a little longer leg. It has sandy brown color that line up grey color underneath. Sometimes putting them into wire cages is not commendable because of its vigorous characteristics in addition to the facts that it is typically small in size. Most of these tiny active creatures can compress themselves between the bars. Roboroski hamsters are fond of bathing in the dust. They love to groom themselves most of the times.
The care given to different types of Russian Dwarf Hamsters is equally the same. Giving your dwarf hamster a hamster ball is one of the good thoughts for it to exercise outside the cage. Since most of them are fast and active, be sure not to place it near the stairs, for it has the tendency to stumble down using the ball.
Karren Rounds is a researcher/writer and a nature lover. She loves writing articles in various topic regarding health, family, hobbies, plants, pets and animals. Find out more by reading her newly informational articles regarding Russian Hamster and The Ultimate Guide Hamster.

Caring For Dwarf Hamsters

Dwarf Hamsters have numerous diverse species that can be considered as magnificent pets. They may be smaller than Syrian hamsters but the amount of care specified for both of them is the same.
The natural characteristics of dwarf hamsters entice the owner to select them over any other species of hamsters. It is more flimsy, jumpy and more rapidly to find its way to escape. Its size serves as an advantage for it to hide into different cracks so secure enclosure to those spaces is necessary. Hamsters tunnel themselves in dirt and sand where they feel the security when dwelling in their native homelands. Plastic tubular habitats serve as their protection in home environment wherein you can purchase it in different pet supply store. Nowadays because of the popularity of hamster as pet in home, there are lots of tubular habitats that are made smaller exclusively for mice. It is now easier for the hamster to clamber and perform some tricks properly. These types of enclosed space are suitable for dwarf hamster. Having wire cage or 10-20gallon tank is also best option as cage for your dwarf hamster to perform well. Since hamsters are physically energetic creatures, placing of wheel inside its cage is considered necessary because for them running is extremely vital as part of their regular exercise. It has been studied that the average distance that the hamster run on its wheel is up to about 5 miles. Smaller wheel is made especially for dwarf hamsters.
The cage of the hamster should be filled with the dust free and porous materials such as wood shavings. Make sure that the shavings are not from pine or cedar based product because it may cause repertory problems. The substrate that you put in the hamster's cage really gives satisfaction on their natural excavating instincts. This substrate that you put in its cage is good for about one week and need to be replaced to avoid having dirty and stinking cage. Most of the time, hamster loves to build nest out of the substrate in their cage. Owners are allowed to put also other nesting materials such as shredded paper, tissue, paper towels and cotton for their hamster's convenience. Owners are also advised to put a small nesting box so that their hamster could construct nest inside because hamster is naturally shy and the box provides privacy that it sought.
It is not surprising that dwarf hamsters munch as much as Syrian hamsters knowing that it is larger in size, because dwarf hamsters have hasty metabolism. They feed on various types of fruits, vegetables, seeds and pellets. Hamsters have a tendency to store their food on their nest than to leave it on their crockery, but still regular supply of water and fresh foods is essential. Giving your hamsters wooden chewing toys is important because as hamsters grow its teeth continue to grow as well so they undergo the unvarying urges to nibble something around them. Chewing on plastic accessories could harm them when it became rough and wrecked. Instead to keep the hamsters busy give them squashy wooden toys to gnaw.
Hamster's cage should be kept clean. Aside from replacing the substrate once a week, cleaning its cage and all accessories is also a must. After cleaning it using mild soap you have to make sure that you rinse it thoroughly using water. Place the cage on a place where it could easily dry. Make sure that it is completely dry before putting the shaving or substrate into the cage. Using of harsh chemicals in washing the cage is not advisable because it can irritate your hamster. The effort of maintaining all the basic needs of hamster may be an issue to others but to the hamster's owner all of the effort and care that they gave really outweigh by the astounding feelings the dwarf hamsters bring them.
Karren Rounds is a researcher/writer, nature and pet lover. She loves writing articles in various topic regarding health, business, family and pets. Find out more by reading her newly informational articles on Dwarf Hamster Care and How to Heed your Dwarf Hamster.

What's New in Large Dog Pet Supplies? Plenty!

Large dogs are not only our best friend but also our security partner. They are the ones that keep our homes and family secure. The problem with large dogs is finding the right supply for their needs. Many of the supplies that we need for our large dogs are expensive and hard to find. Some of the large dog pet supplies online are selling them for a fortune.
With these problems at hand, our goal is to find the best large dog pet supplies store that will provide us not only with low cost prices but also with quality and dependable products. Some of the necessary equipments that we need are dog beds, large carriers and first aid kit that is a must for a hunting dog. There are a lot of online stores that sells Large dog pet supplies but we can not always guarantee the quality of their products. So in this article we will discuss some of the best online large dog pet supplies store and their products.
PetSafe is a pet supply brand that specializes with the safety of our pets. They are best known for creating innovative products that raises the level of security for our pets. Cottageview Dog Kennel is a rust-resistant black powder coat finish kennel. SunBlock Top™ included for our dogs comfort and convenience. The kennel measures 5 x 5 x 4ft. / 1.52 x 1.52 x 1.22m and includes a 2 year limited warranty. This product is available for $279.
Pawz Away® Indoor Pet Barrier has an adjustable range from 2-12 feet in diameter. It is battery operated, lightweight, with waterproof receiver collar with progressive static correction and with a one year warranty. This product is available for $69.00 Ohmydogsupplies.com is an online pet store that offers unique dog supplies that you will never find in a local pet store. The dog Parka comes in hunter green and orange colors and is available in six sizes. It has a removable, snap on hood and is made of 100% polyester. This product is available at for $19.75. Retractable leads allow our dog freedom without losing control of the situation. Our reflective retractable leash adds the extra protection for safety and visibility for our pets. With soft rubberized grips for comfort and comes in red or royal blue colors. This product is available for $19.95.
Top Dog shop is a website that provides links to the best products for our large dogs pet supplies. The Mansion Dog House is a beautiful dog house that is already assembled with see-through doors, sturdy craftsmanship using kiln dried and treated wood. The dog house has raised floor and removable roof. This product is available for $349.98.
The Universal Pet Travel Bed™ is the best travel dog bed that you can find. This masterpiece dog bed was designed to give your pet the comfort it needs when traveling. This product is available for $279. All is Well is an online store that caters to natural alternatives to optimize your pet's general health and provides products that enhance the immune system and address special needs. Nature's Miracle is a product that is a natural enzyme that safely and effectively eliminates odors and stains including urine, feces, food, bleeding stains, odors and other hard to remove messes.
With all these large dog products available, we can guarantee the safety and health of our large pets. It is up to us to choose what product we will need from the large dog pets supplies stores.
These are just a few of the options in large dog pet supplies.
Next, discover how the different types of pet supplies at www.betterpetadvice.com that can really save you time and money and keep your best friend happy.

Pet Detectives

One of the most famous movies Jim Carey has done is Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. A far cry from reality, this funny movie is actually based on true to life heroes who dedicate their lives reuniting lost pets with their owners. Using more than ingenuity alone, these detectives use their own trusted pets, usually dogs to locate our beloved lost companions.
Millions of our companion pets are lost each year. And according to studies about 8 million of these lost animals end up in shelters. With no one to claim them, some shelters are pushed to putting up to 10 animals a day to sleep. This is a sad reality, to think that an accidental leaving of the gate open can cause a pet its life. And according to studies, about 90 percent of lost pets without any kind of identification never get to return home.
In these dire cases where lost pets are without any kind of identification like collars, tags, GPS or microchips, Pet detectives are your best hope. These detectives use scent dogs to track pets that have gone missing. Using the power of the nose of their pet companions, these detectives employ their tracking skills and investigating abilities to find the last known whereabouts of a lost pet. Sometimes, even after your pet has been missing for a week or two they are able to trace the scent.
Currently there are only a few of these Pet detectives available in every state. Some can cost about $700 to $900 of a days work, which some owners are willing to pay just to be reunited with their pets. Some detectives are also free, volunteers can be found if you know where to ask. Getting the correct set of skills to become one of these detectives takes time. Some of them train for years to become good at what they do.
The task of searching for a lost pet is hard itself, more difficult if there is no way of identifying them. Some lost pets are picked up by well-meaning strangers and bringing them to their homes or sometimes captured and given to shelters. Employing pet detectives increases the chance of finding your lost companions. They can point you in the right direction, where to start looking and where to post your posters.
The rate of success for these detectives is promising. Eighty percent of the cases handled by these professionals are a success. Pets and their owners are reunited. Some may take as long as months, nevertheless the important thing is that it works.
If you love your pet as you love anyone in your family, surely you will not think twice to ask for the help of these detectives. In times that technology fails to solve our problems, we come running back to the most basic solutions. A lost pet can be found with the help of another trusted pet and their masters, Pet detectives to the rescue.
Rick Condie has been an online trainer for over 8 years now. Specializing in eBay, and website design and marketing. For more information on pet security visit http://www.neverloseyourpet.com/

Holistic Diet Verses Chemically Prepared Foods

Diet is indeed a very important factor to make your pet healthy. We all love our pet and always take good care of them. But sometimes we fail to provide them proper foods which are very essential for their health. Lacking of proper knowledge is a main reason behind that. Most of us use to feed some easily available dog's food to our pet. Even we did not notice the ingredients of such food products. The manufacturers used to make their product attractive by adding some colorful pictures and eye catching quotations. We normally notice such photographs and quotations and buy it for our dog. But that is a very wrong conception. Infect such products will proved as very harmful for our pet's health. Commercially prepared foods are toxic for their health as the manufacturers use to add some harmful chemicals, artificial colors and additives. They hardly use natural ingredients in their food products. Some companies use very cheap ingredients to make their dog food product inexpensive. But genuinely regular use of such products will cause a great health problem for them. Even you may lose your beloved one forever.
We can suggest you a good solution in this matter. Holistic foods are very new aged sensational products which are good to your pet's health. Now you may think what the meaning of Holistic Foods is. Actually it is the balanced and scientific diet which has sufficient amount of minerals, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and fats. It can provide complete nutrition to your dog and make it active and disease free. They are made of natural ingredients including fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, beans, cauliflower etc., fresh seasonal fruits, various meats, fish oil and many more other ingredients which are good for your pet's health. They use to blend all such products proportionally and add salt and butter to it.
It is proved that if you regularly feed holistic diet to your pet the risk of various diseases will be reduced. It can boost the immune system of your pet. Even the skin diseases like itching and skin allergies will be completely vanish. Their digestive system will be stronger and also it will be helpful to manage a proper weight. Again it can enhance their energy level and vitality and thus make them vigorous. You can notice that their eyes will be brighter and skin will be softer and shinier.
You can have numerous holistic dog food products in the market. But you need a little knowledge after choosing such products. Always keep notice the AAFCO label in the product. AAFCO certified products are scientifically prepared and they don't have any side effects. So choose the holistic diet and help your pet to live longer.
Are you looking for Healthy Choice Organic Small Dog & Puppy food to help your puppy grow up big and strong? Healthy Choice Organic Small Dog & Puppy was created to offer your pet the ultimate completely balanced diet containing three sources of highly digestible meat proteins. For more information please visit the website at Healthy Choice Organic

Proper Food for Rabbits

Rabbits living in natural environment are not familiar with homely food. Their stomach and intestine have become accustomed to roughage, hay, fresh grass and vegetables. So a continuous diet of just shop bought rabbits pellets will upset its stomach and may even cause serious sickness. Rabbit pellets are rich in proteins and fibers. But the fiber in pellets is nicely ground and easy to digest. So, it will not function as fibers should do.
Though we can feed bunnies (young rabbits) Alfaalfa hay, which is rich in protein and calcium, we must condition them to eat grass only by the time they reach 1 year old. The fiber content in alfalfa hay is less than that of fresh grass.
Fresh vegetables should be a part of rabbit's diet. 2 or 3 cups of vegetables of different variety will do. Intake of different vegetables like broccoli, carrots, parsley, dandelion greens etc. will keep the rabbits from being prey to deficiency diseases. Lettuce, spinach and mustard green are also good for rabbits. We must ensure that these vegetables are pesticide free. Dark leafy and root veggies are good for these pets.
Occasional servings of fresh fruits are good for rabbits. Food other than the regular hay, grass and pellets can be considered as a treat for them. Small doses of treats are sufficient. Whatever you feed your pets, make sure that they are clean and devoid of any pesticide residues. Hay in the pets diet will remove hairballs, thus lessening the chances of hairball blockage. The twigs of apple tree are also found to act as roughage.
If you are curious about Rabbit Cages and want to buy it, click http://www.rabbitcagesforsale.com to know more.

Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Joints are located wherever two bones come together. There are many joints in the body, and several different types of joints. The type of joint most commonly affected by arthritis is called a diarthrodial joint. This type of joint is made up of two bones and a joint capsule. The knee (or stifle) is a good example of a diarthrodial joint, and one commonly affected by injury and arthritis. Dogs and cats both have more than 200 bones in their bodies. The actual number varies by the length of the tail. With all of these bones and joints, there is a lot of potential for a problem.
Arthritis develops secondary to trauma or to a developmental abnormality in the joint. When the normal mechanics of the joint are disrupted, surfaces don't glide smoothly across each other. Friction in the joint invites the presence of inflammatory factors, which then cause further destruction of the normal cartilage. An interesting study that followed Labrador Retrievers with a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia for 14 years, found that restricting food intake and maintaining a lean body condition greatly reduced the incidence of osteoarthritis in these "at-risk" dogs. Another interesting finding of the study was that some dogs had no evidence of arthritic changes radiographically (x-rays) until 10 years of age, after which they developed changes in their hip joints that were obvious on x-ray films.
The aging process results in a decrease in the body's production of glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two important compounds for the health of the joints. Glucosamine is a building block for normal, healthy cartilage. Chondroitin is also a building block for normal cartilage but has the added job of helping to block enzymes that can damage the cartilage. These two compounds are called "nutraceuticals". Chondroitin is manufactured from the cartilage of animals, usually the trachea of cows. Glucosamine is manufactured from the shells of certain shellfish, like shrimp or crabs. Nutraceuticals are not regulated by the FDA and therefore can vary in their composition and effectiveness. Using a brand name, veterinary form of glucosamine and chondroitin is a good idea.
There are many treatments available to help dogs deal with the pain of osteoarthritis, but there are not as many available for cats. Aspirin is one medication that can be used and may help some dogs and cats with the pain associated with arthritis. Cats metabolize this medication very slowly, so it is usually only given once or twice weekly. We used to recommend enteric-coated aspirin to help protect the stomach from ulcers, but it has been found that the digestion of this coating can be unpredictable. We now recommend non-coated aspirin. Because of potential side effects associated with aspirin use (bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, toxicity), aspirin should only be used under the direction of a veterinarian. Other non-steroidal medications (NSAIDS) have been developed as safer and more effective alternatives to aspirin. These are available as prescriptions from your veterinarian. (Pfizer has an approved veterinary NSAID, see their website for more information).
Alternative therapies, such as massage, physical therapy, and acupuncture are used in some areas where they are available. Mild, but consistent, exercise is important for pets suffering from arthritis. Swimming is a great option for dogs that like the water. Excess weight is a problem for all pets, but is especially painful for arthritic pets. Keep your pet in lean body condition to ease the discomfort of osteoarthritis. Many veterinarians have resources available to you about arthritis and your pet. Ask your vet today.
Drs4Pets is a collective of veterinary professionals with diverse backgrounds--clinical vets, corporate vets, consultants and authors-- and a shared interest in animal health and pet nutrition.
http://www.drs4pets.com

Select Rabbit From the Most Exotic Bunny Breeds

There are many types of rabbits. Rabbits are classified into different breeds according to their size, shape, color, coat etc. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) has grouped rabbits into 4 types according to their size; Small, Medium, Large and Giant. The Small rabbits weigh 2 - 6 lbs, Medium between 6 and 9 lbs. Rabbits that weigh 9 - 11 pounds are Large and that weigh more than 11 lbs are Giants.
American Fuzzy Lop, Jersy Wolly, Netherland Dwarf, Tan etc. are Small breeds. American Fuzzy Lop has ears that reach below the jaws. Jersy Wolly as the name suggests has long wool like hairs. There are many types of rabbits in Netherland Dwarf. They are dwarfs weighing around 1Kg. As the name suggest Tan has tan look.
Medium breed includes American Sable, English Spot, French Angora, Rhinelander etc. American Sable is sepia brown in color and has medium build. Spots on the lateral sides of the body give the English Spot the name. Black and golden marks on the dorsal side of the white body are distinct mark of Rhinelander.
American Chinchilla, New Zealand, Silver Fox, Californian are some of the popular Large rabbits. American Chinchilla has smooth, glossy hair which is densely arranged. Silver Fox is jet black in color with silver lines. Though the body is white, the nose, ears and feet of Californian are black.
Giant rabbits as the name indicates are giants in size compared to other rabbits. Checkered Giant, French Lop and Giant Chinchilla can be classified into this group. People love rabbits for their fragile and delicate nature.
If you are curious about Rabbit Cages and want to buy it, click http://www.rabbitcagesforsale.com to know more.

Pet Ownership - A Plus For Pets and Owners

Pet ownership has grown tremendously over the years. Dogs and cats were once relegated to living outdoors and having some work function (guard dog, cattle dog, mouser). They now have a very different relationship with us, their owners. They are spending much of their time indoors, sleeping on the couch and bed, and being considered members of the family. Because of this transition, we put a much greater value on pet health care. In so doing, we improve the quality of life of our pets and the quality of the relationship we have with our dogs and cats.
As dedicated owners, we are looking for sources of information about the choices we make for our dogs and cats. We want to make informed decisions when choosing products, services, and other things for our loved ones. Veterinarians can be a great source of knowledge. They can help us sift through information and make appropriate choices. Asking friends and neighbors, reading books, and searching the internet can also be useful. But, it's important to be discriminating when evaluating things we read and hear. Check the credentials and training of those who are providing suggestions. We need to make sure that we're making the best decisions for our dogs and cats.
The reality with pet ownership is much of our pets' overall health is directly related to basic, relatively inexpensive, preventative care that we can provide. First of all, we should ensure our cats and dogs are healthy when we initially bring them home, which is determined by a veterinary visit. Then, provide vaccinations and deworming, feed a good quality diet, and provide plenty of exercise. These are easy steps to take to make and keep our dogs and cats healthy. By providing a good foundation, our pets are less likely to become ill. It's always less expensive to prevent disease and problems than it is to treat them once they're already present.
In our hectic lives, it's wonderful to have loved ones at home to share our relaxation time. If we've had a particularly crazy day where nothing seemed to go right, how many of us have had the family dog or cat snuggle up against us and make all the frustrations just fade away? They help to refocus us on the things that really do matter in life. They help us rejuvenate and be ready to face the next challenge.
Studies have been done showing the strong health benefits of pet ownership. Not only can pets help lower blood pressure and heart rate, but they can help combat depression, and isolation. Owners of pets statistically have fewer doctor visits, shorter hospital stays, and easier recuperation after an illness. Dogs can help us stay on track with exercise and weight loss when we walk them daily. How wonderful that we can have a healthier life by providing a loving home to a dog or cat.
Owning a pet is a privilege many of us enjoy. Along with that privilege, comes a responsibility. It is our obligation to provide the best care we can for each and every dog and cat we bring into our lives. The strong bond we share with our dogs and cats enriches our lives. Providing them with excellent care and our love enriches theirs.
Deborah A. Ullrich, DVM
http://your-pets-dr.com/
Pet health care information from a veterinarian's perspective. Useful topics that dedicated dog and cat owners want to read about. Things that I, as a loving pet owner as well, want to discuss.

Salmonella Poisoning in Dogs, Cats and Humans

Salmonella are bacteria which can cause diseases in both humans and animals. Salmonella is found in both cold and warm blooded animals and in the environment. They cause salmonellosis but can also cause typhoid fever.
Dogs and cats can become carriers of salmonella. These bacteria can cause salmonellosis, infecting the gastrointestinal tract. Salmonella can also infect other species of animals or birds. Salmonella can be found in raw eggs, uncooked meat or poultry, milk and cheese products.
Healthy animals can protect themselves against colonization of their gastrointestinal tract by salmonella. However, when there is a disruption of the mechanisms that protect the tract, dogs and cats become infected.
Salmonella poisoning is associated with signs such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea or fever. Some dogs and cats may even die from salmonella poisoning, although the percent is rather low. Animals that become infected may be older or very young, or suffer from other diseases. Salmonellosis occurs because of contamination of food or water, toys or other objects. Raw and uncooked foods, or foods that stored improperly can also be the cause of the disease. Pet foods have sometimes been recalled due to them being contaminated with Salmonella.
A pet infected with salmonellosis can spread the infection to humans. It is one of the few diseases that can be transmitted between species. Fortunately, symptoms may disappear within one week. Nevertheless, the animal may loose a lot of fluid during this period, and its condition may deteriorate. Most cats or dogs can survive a bout of the disease, but those that are chronically ill have to be treated with great care. The earlier the treatment starts, the better chances are for your pet to recover fast and easily.
Dry pet food can be contaminated with Salmonella and as healthy pets may be just carriers, they may become an unrecognized source for human infections, especially in young children. In the United States, babies younger than one year represent the group with the highest rate of salmonellosis resulting from contamination from pets.
Pet owners that are also young parents have to pay special attention to the proper handling and storage of pet foods. Two studies that highlighted these needs were recently conducted by researchers from Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Health and FDA.
FDA discovered problems related to pet food produced in a plant in Pennsylvania in 2007 and 2008. The study examined the link between gastrointestinal illnesses in humans reported during this period. The results showed that there was a definite correlation between children that had regular contact with pets that consumed the brand of pet food under investigation. More recently, in 2009 three brands of pet treats were recalled as they were found to contain salmonella tainted peanut butter.
Pet food advertisements claim that such products offer complete and balanced nutrition. However, a growing number of veterinarians are concerned that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in dogs and cats. Processed pet food is thought to suppress the immune system and can lead to liver, kidney or heart diseases.
Please visit ThePound.org to learn more about your local Animal Shelter and Pet Shops.

Know How to Build Your Own Rabbit Cage

What about building a rabbit cages for your bunnies? In fact rabbits are one of the pet which could be housed conveniently both indoor and outdoor. Even rabbits can also be housed outdoors also but one needs to be careful about the fencing in case of outdoor cage.
Therefore give your bunnies a shelter which would be reliable for them and cost effective for you.
Few steps to build rabbit cage:
1. You can collect a plan or layout from internet of a rabbit cage and collect lumber and plywood according to your plan. Make sure to make it big so that your rabbit can roam about freely within it.
2. Buy some wire for fencing. If it is an outdoor hutch for your bunnies then fencing is very much essential. This type of special wire cage is available at your nearest pet shop.
3. Give a supported framework so that it provides utmost support to it. Moreover it is required for strong construction also.
4. You should make legs for the cage. This would help to keep that place clean where the cage is being situated. Try to make the legs about 3feet in length.
5. Selection of a place for building the hutch is also an important task. Build it according to your convenience.
6. Roof is another factor which needs utmost attention. Hinged roofs are much preferred.
7. Add up all the other important accessories on the rabbit cages.
Ultimately gift your rabbit a perfect shelter to reside.
If you are curious about Rabbit Cages and want to buy it, click http://www.rabbitcagesforsale.com to know more.

A Dozen Ways to Keep Your Pets From Making a Mess of Your Home

When you schedule your residential cleaning company to come in, you know they have the tools and expertise to make your home look fabulous. If you have a pet, here are a dozen tips for keeping your home looking its best between visits.
1. Clean up immediately
If your pet has an accident or makes a mess, deal with it quickly. Leaving water, urine, feces, mud, or other debris for later creates lasting problems.
2. Make use of mats
An extra mat at the door your pet uses and a mat or spill-proof pad under food and water dishes will cut down on damage to carpets and floors.
3. Wipe paws
When your pet comes in from outside, use an old, soft towel to wipe your pet's paws. Keep the great outdoors where it belongs-off your floors and carpets.
4. Invest in toys
If your pet likes to chew or scratch (or both), choose toys that will allow for that behavior without sacrificing the carpeting or the furniture.
5. Choose the right flooring and/or carpeting
As a pet owner, opt for sturdy materials. Laminate flooring is a good choice. A durable hardwood like oak or maple, while not entirely resistant to scratches, will do much better than softer woods like birch, cedar, pine, or redwood. Nylon carpet is tougher than fabric and relatively easy to clean. Carpet squares are an even better choice because they can be individually replaced if damage occurs.
6. Choose appropriate upholstery
Do you want your sofa or recliner to be treated as a giant chew toy? If not, avoid leather, suede, and wool. If you already own pieces made of these materials, cover them with slipcovers or a soft, microfiber throw. For new furniture, pick microfibers that are both easy to clean and fur-resistant.
7. Treat surfaces
Scotchgard products are available for use on leather, upholstery, slipcovers, drapes, carpet, carpet squares, mats, area rugs, hardwood floors, and resilient flooring before damage occurs.
8. Install barriers
Cut down on the number of pet prints you have to wipe off the windows, doors, and other glass or shiny surfaces by limiting your pet's access to certain areas of your home.
9. Create a pet-friendly area
Give Fifi and Fido their own beds. Look for a fabric like Crypton, which is moisture, stain, odor, and bacteria-resistant.
10. Use filtration devices effectively
Choose a furnace filter that effectively captures pet hair. Replace your filters frequently.
11. Spot clean and keep up with regular cleaning
A combination of spot cleaning and deep cleaning will keep your house fresh and clean. Use a tool for capturing pet hair. Clean up after pet accidents. Keep up with regularly scheduled cleaning by your professional cleaning service.
12. Train your pet
A housebroken pet cuts down on cleaning chores. So does a pet that sleeps in a pet bed instead of your bed and a pet that lounges on a washable piece of fabric instead of your expensive sofa.
Use these tips to keep your pet from doing a number on your home between your cleaning crew's visits. If you are not yet a pet owner or you are considering another four-legged friend, be sure to research which breeds will help you keep your home looking the way you want it to look.
Corinne Zoscak and her AMI Commercial Cleaning Services team are dedicated to improving the appearance of your work and home environments. They provide top-level cleaning services by using their exclusive Quality Improvement Checklist to communicate with homeowners, business managers, and construction site clients. You only get one chance to make a great first impression. Visit http://www.ami-cleaning.com to find out how to make that first impression spotless.
Corinne Zoscak - EzineArticles Expert Author