Infotips » Animals

You Dont Get a Second Chance!

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:58:08 +0000

If you dont want to see your Pitbull put to sleep or even shot, please read this article.

Im sure youre aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have. That reputation is mostly based on ignorance and irresponsible owners that dont take the time to learn about the breeds special needs.

You see, alot of people buy a Pitbull and expect it to naturally turn into a perfect pet without any work on their part. Thats exactly why you hear so much about Pitbull attacks in the news… Irresponsible and Uninformed Owners(as well as neglect and abuse in many human attack cases).

As a well known Pitbull expert, I receive up to 40 emails a day from normal people all over the world. Most of the emails are from people that are desperate for help with their Pitbull.

Unfortunately I dont have time to answer every email I get, but I often spend as much as 5 hours in a day answering as many as possible. Its because of this fact that I wrote The Pitbull Guide. The goal of my book is to help people before they get into a bad situation that requires them to give their Pitbull away, or put it to sleep.

You wouldnt believe some of the emails I get(Its depressing sometimes)… These are some of the common types of email messages I get:

Emails from People that believe you have to physically beat the heck out of Pitbulls to get them to behave. This is incredibly stupid because it leads to them being more aggressive toward strangers and terrified of their owner.

Emails from People that are upset that their Pitbull might be put to sleep or taken away because of an animal or human attack. It should never get to this, there are several simple things you can do to seriously reduce the risk of your Pitbull ever attacking.

Ive even received quite a few emails from upset owners that had their Pitbull SHOT by a neighbor or Police Officer, simply because it was roaming, or because it attacked another dog. Pitbulls were bred as fighting dogs and if you dont take the necessary steps to prevent it, theres a very good chance your Pitbull WILL attack another animal, and it will almost certainly maim or kill that animal.

Dont get me wrong, Pitbulls are not human aggressive by nature. However, there is a huge demand for Big, Mean, Aggressive Pitbulls by people that shouldnt be allowed to own any animal. Because of this demand, people have started breeding Pitbulls with bigger and more aggressive breeds. They still call it a Pitbull but its behavior is far from it.

I know alot about Pitbulls, and due to the amount of email Ive received, Im possibly the leading expert in the world on the problems people have with them. Most of the problems can be solved or prevented very easily if you just learn and use some simple techniques.

I want you to ask your self the following questions and really consider them:

What if your Pitbull gets out and kills a neighbors dog? What if that neighbor sues you?

What if your Pitbull gets out and approaches a police officer that has the common misconception that Pitbulls are viscous dogs?

What if a child chases a ball into your backyard?

Are you confident that child will be safe?

You might be thinking “thatll never happen” or “my sweet Pitbull would never attack another animal.” I more than anyone, am qualified to tell you that it can and does happen all the time. I get the emails from people that are desperate and depressed, seeking my help because these things did happen to them.

It is true that Pitbulls are naturally loving toward people, but dont dare think, for even one second, that Pitbulls arent naturally aggressive with other animals. Sure your Pitbull may get along great with your two Yellow Labs and maybe even your cat, but when your Pitbull stands face to face with another animal that its never met, theres no one on earth that can guarantee the safety of that animal! But you can greatly reduce the chances of your Pitbull ever attacking another animal if you know how.

You need to face the fact that Pitbulls are high energy, animal aggressive dogs. You need to know that Pitbulls are incorrectly viewed as viscous, child killing dogs and that people have shot and killed Pitbulls just for coming on their property(even when the Pitbull was wagging its tail, looking to be pet).

I know some of this is a little scary, heck Ill probably even get some hate mail from Pitbull lovers because of it. You see, Pitbull lovers hate to read anything negative about Pitbulls. But due to the increasing trend of outlawing Pitbulls(Its happening all over the world), their future isnt looking very bright. The purpose of this article is to slap Pitbull owners in the face with what has happened to other Pitbull owners, so they dont have to experience it.

You need to learn how to properly care for, and train your Pitbull so that it doesnt attack other animals or people. You need to learn how to keep your Pitbull from roaming. You need to understand why your Pitbull has certain behaviors. How to manage its energy level so that it doesnt dig and chew everything in sight.

I want everyone to understand that Pitbulls have special needs and that a little bit of work on your part could end up saving you thousands of dollars as well as a lifetime of heartache.

We Pitbull owners tend to blame the Media for the bad reputation Pitbulls have, but its really the fault of irresponsible owners and breeders. People need to know how great this breed is, but they also need to know that this breed has special needs and requires a responsible owner who is willing to put in the effort needed to ensure their Pitbull doesnt ever need a second chance.

I really dont want to receive any more depressing emails, so please do yourself, your dog, and your community a favor and learn how to properly raise, and train your Pitbull. With a little effort on your part, your relationship and time with your Pitbull can be better than you ever imagined.

About the Author

Chad Zetrouer is a leading expert on Pitbulls and is the author of the best selling book The Pitbull Guide. His goal is to teach people about Pitbulls so that they can avoid common problems and enjoy them to their fullest. His book can be found at http://www.PitbullGuide.com

“You Can Help Reduce the Number of Unwanted Cats – Spaying and Neutering of Cats”

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:58:06 +0000

Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are destroyed because they are unwanted. Animal shelters that take in these animals and try to find them homes are overcrowded. With so many animals in need, they cannot support all animals indefinitely. The solution is not to open more shelters, but for cat owners to become more responsible about spaying and neutering their pets.

A female cat can have two litters of kittens each year. The average survival rate is about 2.8 kittens per litter. If her offspring are not spayed or neutered, the result is 12 cats the first year, 66 cats in the second year, and at the end of ten years, the total would be 80,399,780 cats.

“Spay” is the term used for the surgical removal of a female animals uterus and ovaries. When a males testicles are removed, it is called “neutering.” Both procedures leave the animals unable to reproduce. Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, spaying and neutering of pets has other benefits for cats and their owners

Benefits of neutering a male cat

* Neutered cats are less likely to spray strong urine
* Neutered cats will lose the urge to fight
* Neutered cats will be less likely to try to escape
* Neutered cats will not suffer the abscesses from fighting
* Neutered cats will be less likely to contract diseases such as FeLV and FIV
* Neutered cats will not be subject to testicular cancer
* Neutered cats will not likely develop “stud tail,” caused by overactive glands in the tail
* Neutered cats have a decreased risk of mammary cancer

Spaying a female cat prevents mating behaviors such as fighting and yowling/hyperactivity in females. Spayed cats dont roam the neighborhood as much, protecting them from the dangers of vehicles and aggressive dogs. Their tendency to stay closer to home also provides protection against deadly diseases such as FeLV and FIV. Finally, “fixed” pets tend to be more loving, because they are not subject to the erratic effects of hormones.

One of the biggest benefits of spaying/neutering is that it dramatically reduces the

cats risk of developing cancers of the reproductive system. A female cat spayed before her first cycle, or heat, has a greatly reduced chance of mammary cancer.
Less than a decade ago, conventional wisdom dictated that pets should be neutered at between 5-7 months of age. Recent studies have found that it is not only possible to spay/neuter cats at a younger age, it actually is better for them. Today, cats undergo spay/neuter procedures at about 7 weeks of age. They recover much more quickly than if it was done later, and ensures that a female does not become pregnant with her first heat.

In the past spaying was limited for a number of reasons

* It was better to let a female cat give birth to one litter of kittens before spaying.
* That female cats in particular, might later develop incontinence as a result.
* That certain behavioral problems might result.

However, these theories have since been disproven.

In the past, animal shelters and humane societies sent unaltered cats/kittens to their new home because they wanted them to start their new life as soon as possible. Usually, owners signed documents promising to have the animal neutered. Some facilities took it upon themselves to follow up with phone calls to make sure the owners were living up to their commitment. The overwhelming number of animals coming and going in a shelter today makes this unfeasible. Instead of allowing their charges to add to the overpopulation problem, most animal welfare/adoption groups routinely spay and neuter animals before they are made available for adoption. A number of municipalities have passed laws so that no animal can leave a shelter unless it has been spayed/neutered.

About the Author

Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible supplies for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard – find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.

You CAN Have Your Cats and Your Furniture Too

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:58:04 +0000

No one wants to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in furnishings only to see them ripped to shreds by an overzealous pet, however beloved. To many people the obvious answer is to have their cats declawed, but it this really a reasonable alternative?

Its proponents depict it as a simple and painless operation, but it is neither simple or painless. Most people arent aware that its not just the claws that are removed. Declawing involves the amputation of the first joint of each toe, and as any amputee can tell you, the pain persists for months if not years. The only difference is your cat cant tell you it still hurts.

This doesnt mean you have to put up with shredded furniture and drapes, or snagged carpets. I have four cats of my own, none of then declawed, and my upholstery and curtains are intact and my rugs unsnagged. There are a number of steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the damage.

1. Give them what they want.

Scratching is not just a means of sharpening claws, its a vital form of exercise that tones and strengthens the muscles. Even declawed cats go through the motions. Its instinctive. Birds gotta swim, fish gotta fly, cats gotta scratch. Whatever. So give them something suitable to scratch on, preferably not one of those pint-sized carpet-covered pet department abominations. That only confuses them.

If thats what you already have, at least pull off the carpeting and wrap it with good quality jute or sisal rope, half-inch in diameter, wound tightly and secured with glue. If you sew, you might try making a slip cover you can easily remove and replace as necessary. Burlap is good for this, but almost any fabric with a heavy weave or a textured surface will work. My own cats are partial to upholstery velvet and corduroy. Ideally the post should be at least two inches higher than the cat can reach.

Many cats prefer a horizontal surface to scratch on, and take well to a commercial scratching pad made from corrugated cardboard.

Whatever you decide to use, spray it lightly with catnip extract (not synthetic – they WILL know the difference) and place it near your cats favorite scratching spot. Once he or she becomes accustomed to the new surface, gradually move it to a more convenient location. These materials tend to be messy, so choose a spot where you can easily sweep or vacuum around it.

2. Use your good judgement when choosing fabrics and rugs.

Pass up all those lovely but delicate satin and damask weaves or the aforementioned textured surfaces. These are cat magnets. Knits and other stretchy fabrics are an

open invitation to snags. Leather and faux leathers are also major no-nos. Sheer panels at the windows? Forget it!

Look for strong fabrics with a tight weave such as sailcloth or canvas. Most denims hold up well, also. For curtains, go with something like percale or chintz. Most of the curtains at my house are made from bedsheets, and are not only attractive but virtually indestructible. For carpeting, a medium or low plush is preferable to a berber or a sculptured pile. Remember, minimum texture is the key.

As long as were on the subject, think brown. That way when your cat upchucks on it, and it will, it wont be such a disaster. If your cat is still drawn to the furniture, a number of companies sell clear plastic corner protectors that self-adhere to most fabrics.

3. Trim the claws.

Its not as difficult as it might seem, especially if you start them as kittens. Use a specifically designed animal nail trimmer and start out slow. Begin by just handling the paws, and practice extending the claws without trying to trim. The cat will become accustomed to being handled and will be less likely to react violently to the actual trimming. After a few days of this, try trimming, just one or two nails at a time, and only take off the very tips. If you still find it troublesome, most professional groomers will do it for a minimal fee.

4. Claw caps.

These are soft plastic covers that are glued onto the claws and last for up to 4-6 weeks. Ive never tried them myself, but many people report good results.

Cats and people have shared living quarters for thousand of years, and with a little forethought and cooperation we should be able to maintain a harmonious relationship between ourselves, our pets, and our furniture.

Kathie Freeman is the author of Catwalk, a Feline Odyssey.For more of her articles and short stories visit Kathies Stories and Tails at http://home.att.net/~kathiefreeman/This article is free to use as long as the byline and this source information is included.

About the Author

Kathie Freeman is a life-long cat person who along with her husband has been owned by as many as 13 cats at once. They currently share their California home with four cats and a dog.She is the author of “Catwalk, a Feline Odyssey”, the captivating story of a wandering tabby cat and the people she meets on her journey of adventure and discovery. Ms Freeman is also the author of “The Retro”, as well as numerous short stories and

You Cant Fool A Horse

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:58:02 +0000

In the dating world many men and women put their potential partners to a “dog test,” whereby they introduce their date to their dog and see how the dog reacts to the stranger. If the dog reacts badly towards their date then a red flag is waved, whereas if the dog accepts the stranger instantly the opposite holds true. While many people look upon this test in a tongue-in-cheek manner, many dog owners actually do take it seriously. As they probably should!

Many animals, including horses, possess an uncanny ability to detect emotion as well as the inner nature of an individual. Whereas you may be able to slap a forced smile on your face and hide powerful negative emotions such as stress or anger from fellow humans, you wont find it as easy to fool a horse! In fact I consider horses to be natural truth detectors due to their ability to read a persons emotional state as well as their sincerity when it comes to a love for equines.

If one of my naturally friendly horses takes an instant dislike to someone out of the blue, 9 times out of 10 Im going to respect my equine partners instincts. Horses generally do not possess vendettas or have reason to target anyone for no real reason – they tend to call them as they see them. If a horse usually takes a liking to visitors but holds a sudden aversion to one in particular, clearly the horse sees or detects something that I may not have initially caught.

When a horse enjoys your company, youll know it. When a horse trusts you, youll know it. And when a horse actually dislikes you, he will make sure you know it. I often state that the world would be a much better place if people were as brutally honest as

horses. But I digress.

A proficient horseman at work should be cool, calm and collected, three essential qualities to maximize the productivity of a training session as well as create an all-around positive aura over human-horse interactions. Keep in mind that you are the horses leader, and as such the horse will take his cues from you. If you are agitated the horse will recognize something is wrong and either feel you are angry with him or you are annoyed with something else he cannot detect but probably should be also be concerned about. The horse will not be able to focus on the lesson or your requests well at all, nor will he be able to draw strength from you when he becomes concerned about a foreign object or behavioral request.

It is essential that you try not to visit or work with your horse when you are in a negative frame of mind since these undesirable emotions will disturb your equine partner. Try to take a few minutes, or even hours if necessary, to collect your emotions and clear your mind of lifes daily irritants.

When we see a loved one is feeling down, it often puts a damper on our day too since negativity tends to breed negativity. The same will happen with your horse, so do not underestimate your horses ability to detect your feelings.

About the Author

Jeffrey Rolo, owner of AlphaHorse and an experienced horse trainer and breeder, is the author of the above article. You will find many other informational articles dealing with horse training and care as well as games and other horse fun on his website: http://www.alphahorse.com.

Your ‘Purrrfect’ Companion

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:57:07 +0000

Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most expressive about its needs. The feline loves to be pampered and cared for. Don’t you just love the pretty pussy pictures they make? They can also become ’sulkily aggressive’ at times. Understanding their feelings and needs is not at all difficult.

Just like your body language, behavior, and words give away your intentions and feelings, similarly, your pets also communicate through their bodies, and noises they make. As a pet owner, it is important for you to understand the signs, scents, and body language of your pet. Other than those, the visual information is also very important for understanding what your pet wants to communicate.

No longer “The Mystery Cat”

The cat language can be understood by your cat’s postures. Cats can be lazy and furtive at the same time. Its arched back depicts the no-nonsense attitude where you need to be careful! There are various other postures like its lying on its side, and lying down with tucked paws. The former is the relaxed state, and you need to careful about the latter. It makes evident that your little pet is definitely up to some nuisance.

When a cat feels sleepy, like most human beings and animals, it adopts the fetal position.

Purrs, Sounds, and Noises

Your cat’s purr in various pitches can foretell the things in store for you. For cats, you-the owner is like family. They look up to you as bigger cats. Outsiders are like prospective predators and they are considered threatening. So, if your cat comes across a new face, please make sure they are at a safe distance from each other.

If you make a loud noise, your little companion might hide away somewhere out of fear. They love to spend quieter moments. They show their affection by purring politely at you. The cats love to hear female voices, as they are more attractive. Half-mews, “Prrrh” and trills friendly greetings when you are also welcomed with a little ‘fluffy’ rub.

Your cat needs attention or food when its mews are shorter vowel sounds. The sounds without vowels can either be questions or greetings. At

that instant you need to look at its facial expressions to gauge what is in your love’s mind. Sounds like ‘Mrrrheor’ or ‘Ree-orh’ are made to seek your attention.

Sweet Emotions

Your pet recognizes your touch and loves it. Patting your cat’s head for a sweet ‘hello’ can make him/her feel on top of the world. This strengthens your bond with your furry friend and enhances trust. Touching noses increases the level of intimacy and love at both ends.

The ‘Cat’ and Tail of it.

A cat’s tail is the best way to gauge its emotions. A low tail indicates that the cat is not too sure of its environment and is ready for any happening, whereas, an upright tail suggests its confidence and alertness. A lashing tail expresses pending aggression.

Your cat can become dangerous when its hair fluffs out. This is where it means, “Do not mess with me”. You’ll be able to make out if your pet has been engrossed in some violent sessions with its other ‘friends’ when its hair is all out of place and makes noises like it is crying.

Your cat’s flattened ears show fear or threat. When its ears are facing forward, it shows that it is paying attention.

But, other than these indicators, you need to read your ‘purrfect’ companion’s face and eyes to understand its emotions and what it is thinking.

Authors Bio:
Mary Majorda of California has lived along with kittens since as long as she can remember. She got her 1st kitten at the age of 2 as a birthday gift from her dad and since then she hasn’t parted from cats and kittens. Besides having a family of a husband, 2 kids and 4 kittens, her love for them has pursued her to become a vet. Get Kitten Pictures from www.cutelittlekittens.com

About the Author

Authors Bio:

Mary Majorda of California has lived along with kittens since as long as she can remember. She got her 1st kitten at the age of 2 as a birthday gift from her dad and since then she hasn’t parted from cats and kittens Get Kitten Pictures from http://www.cutelittlekittens.com

Your Pets Health – What every Pet Owner Should Know

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:57:04 +0000

So you want to purchase a dog or cat. There is something you should know before you take the leap. House pets are to be taken care of like your very own children; it is natural that they become part of the family. All animals have wants, needs and health issues just like human beings. You really have to be prepared because there are many things you need to care for your pets in order to keep them happy and healthy. In regards to pet health, you have to realize that it can be costly for veterinarian visits, so you may want to consider pet health insurance.

Health insurance for our pets is an option growing in attractiveness to many owners of our canine and feline friends, especially because most consider their pet a full-fledged family member. More policies have been sold in the last year and a half than in the last 20 years, with the average monthly cost being between $9 and $25.

Some newer policies cover regular check-ups and routine care. You may not consider this to be a benefit seeing that the routine care that is covered usually costs less than the insurance premiums. Economically, pet insurance that covers unexpected, expensive health care costs make better sense. You have to as yourself some pretty grave pet health questions. For instance, if you had to pay out of your own pocket, would you seek treatment of internal injuries from an accident? Would you pay for needed cancer treatment or treatment for other diseases? What if your dog has hip dysplasia? Odds are, your pet will never need such care, but if he does, you might welcome the coverage when faced with a $5,000 bill. Other pet health questions to ask: Would I be able to afford a sequence of treatments that might add up that high? Would I feel forced to euthanize my pet if I could not come up with the money to pay? To some it is not an option.

Once you have considered these questions it will help you decide if you are going to purchase pet insurance. Deciding to purchase a health insurance policy for your pet may not be an easy decision. In many cases, preexisting medical conditions are typically excluded from coverage. Many companies that sell the policies in the past have gone out of business leaving policyholders hanging. If you decide to purchase a policy, make sure you are familiar with the fine print explaining what is covered and

what is not. Gather all the information you can before making a final decision. Also before purchasing a policy make sure it is accepted by your local veterinarian or veterinarians. Be sure to review what veterinary procedures and supplies are covered. Pet health policies are similar to human insurance policies; annual premiums, deductibles, and different coverage plans based on what the owner chooses. Plans are based on breeds, age, pre-existing conditions and in some cases, lifestyle of the pet (i.e. indoor vs. outdoor cat).

Most companies start policies at age 6-8 weeks, some have no age limit, and of the others I researched, one had a limit of 27 years, others had a limit of 8 years of age (if the animal was insured when less than 8 years, coverage would continue beyond 8 years). The current overall average for annual deductibles is around $100.00. The policy costs vary, depending on the animal and the different packages that owners can choose. Some packages are comprehensive, including such things as: annual checkups and vaccinations, routine care, preventive medications (like heartworm preventive supplements) and spay/neuter surgeries. Other plans cover only accident and illness. Most plans offer immediate coverage for accident claims, and 30 days for illness claims on new policies. Additional pets are usually covered at a reduced rate after the first policy-holding pet.

So you thought the hardest part to purchasing a pet was going to be choosing the one you would take home! Well now you know that being owning a pet has all the responsibilities of having a baby. It is important that people understand before becoming pet owners there is more to it than keeping their fur flea free, purchasing treats and pet products, like collars and toys and catering to the nutrition diet or diets of your puppies or kittens. There can be serious ramifications if you take pet ownership lightly.

Your Dog Will Thank You If You Read These Doggie Diet Tips

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:57:00 +0000

Although it was once common practice to feed dogs whateverscrapes came from the dinner table, today we realize that thereis much more to feeding an animal than we thought. It isimportant to give them foods that will provide them with ahealthy life and a long one too. In fact, there are a number ofresearchers who dedicate their lives to understanding just whatyour pet should and shouldnt eat. You can bank on what theyhave found that should be in your dogs diet.

It is important to provide your animal with the right type offood. That means that you should give her food that is right forthe dogs age and activity levels and that is right for her sizeas well as her health. Youll find a wide selection of productsto choose from in your pet store. It is wise to purchase thebest quality of food for your pet that you can afford to buy.Realize that if you purchase poor quality food for your animal,his health can be lacking.

Your pets diet should include some dry food because the crunchwill help to keep her teeth clean and it will also help with gumhealth. It provides the fiber in your dogs diet that isnecessary. You can use wet food, but dont give them too much ofit. For example, pour some over your dogs dry food instead ofgiving them the whole can. If you are interested in providingyour pet with home made foods, find dog specific recipesthroughout the web to use. It is important not to give your dogleftovers from your meal though. You

need the food to providenutrition to your dog based on his needs. Things like fats, andfillers in human food, as well as spices, can make a dog sick.As a puppy, your dog needs to eat frequently throughout the day,about three or four smaller meals, until they are about threemonths old. Then, cut it down to only three meals a day for thenext three months. Ideally, your adult dog should each twice perday. You should provide your dogs food to them for up to twentyminutes. At that point remove it if they have not eaten it andare not in the process of doing so. This will help to stop pickyeaters. You do need to provide a constant amount of clean waterfor your pet to drink as well.

Ideally, you will need to get recommendations about the amountsof food to feed your dog from your vet. Sometimes, informationis also available on the food bags as well. Not sure if your petis eating the right amount? Heres a test. If you run your handagainst the dogs side, you should feel her ribs withoutpressing. If you can not feel them without pressing, she may beoverweight. If you can see them, though, she is underweight.

About the author:

Best Pet HealthInformation is a resource which will help you findinfomation, hints and tips to keeping your dog happy andhealthy. http://www.best-pet-health.info This article may bereprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links areincluded intact.

Your Dogs Health; Why Dog Breath is No Laughing Matter

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:56:04 +0000

Your dogs health is important to you. You show her how important by keeping her well fed and groomed, making sure she gets plenty of exercise and providing a collection of fun, safe toys for her entertainment. You dont skimp on the quality of his food. And to reward good boys and girls, there are always lots of delicious treats in the cupboard.
But if he has bad breath, you could be overlooking a serious problem with your dogs health.
“Dog Breath” is such a common condition that we make jokes about it. Sometimes we even tease our human “friends” using “dog breath” in play-ground style name-calling ( although hopefully this is limited to teenage boys.) And I know many pet owners who comment that they love their dog or cat like a child, but just cant stand the smell of the animals breath! Well, guess what? “Dog Breath” isnt normal.

Its estimated that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over the age of three suffer from the periodontal disease – a serious deterioration of the gums and supporting bones of the teeth. Yes, its periodontal disease thats responsible for “dog breath”. But the problem doesnt confine itself to your furry babys mouth. Its an infection, and the tiny creatures responsible for it can break loose and enter the bloodstream. Once they do, they can infect vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, endangering your dogs health by causing a far more serious illness.

The best way to insure your dogs health, especially where periodontal disease is concerned, is with prevention. It can make all the difference.

Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, which is virtually harmless and completely treatable. If allowed to move to the next stage–Periodontitis– it can be stopped, but not cured. And the worse it gets, the faster it progresses. This applies to all animals, two legged and four legged alike. Think of a car parked at the top of a hill. The emergency break is released, and the car begins to roll downhill. Now, if you hit the breaks right away, no harm done. But the farther the car rolls the faster it goes, and the more momentum it builds. It gets harder and harder to stop it. By the time its halfway down the hill, you could be headed for disaster!

You can maintain your dogs health nicely with proper home care. But, like the rolling car, if disease is already present, stopping and controlling it is a bigger job.

Prevention involves, above all, regular veterinary checkups and professional cleanings beginning early in your dog or cats life. Ill show you how you can help maintain oral health at home, but its impossible to do a thorough cleaning on an animal whos awake. Trust me on this. Its hard enough to do a thorough job with a cooperative human patient. When were talking about animals who dont understand what were doing or why, forget about it.

Most veterinarians recommend annual cleanings, but more frequent or involved treatment may be needed depending on your animals condition. Please, no matter what youre doing at home, follow the vets recommendations. As for your part, introduce your dog or cat to the idea of having his teeth brushed as early as possible. I know, its not easy, and it takes time and daily conditioning to get your little guy or gal used to it. But your dogs health is worth it!

So how do you prevent the most common of threats to your dogs health? Brush her teeth, of course! Every day. Just like you would your own (twice a day for you, and floss too!!). This isnt easy, but it can become an expected part of your dogs routine if you do it right. Here are some suggestions:

1.Start when your dog is a puppy. The earlier the better.

2.At first, you just want her to get used to you handling her head and looking inside her mouth. Practice lifting up her lips and looking at her teeth and

gums–front, back and both sides of her mouth.

3.Now begin gently touching the gum tissue with your finger and rub along her gums and teeth as if your finger were a toothbrush. Let her get used to the sensation. This is exactly the way you would introduce a human baby to brushing, beginning with just her gums. Even before there are teeth, there are harmful bacteria. So dont worry about a tiny puppy who doesnt have a full set of teeth yet–rub her gums, swab out her little mouth with your finger, and get her used the this kind of contact from her owner.

4.Your next step is to wrap gauze or a soft washcloth around your finger and rub the gums on both the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth.

5. Finally, introduce a tooth brush in one small area. As your dog gets used to the brush, you will be able to use it in place of the gauze or washcloth. Remember to brush the inside surfaces!

A little brushing a day, beginning with the first step and working your way up gradually, will eventually lead to a one to two minute session. Your dog will learn that it doesnt hurt and that she gets a couple of minutes of your undivided attention every day. It generally takes 8 to 16 weeks to get there, but in the end your dog will accept brushing as part of her daily routine.

If a little brushing is done every day at a set time, eventually your pet gets used to it, and some will even look forward to it. It will take most pet owners from 8-16 weeks until the pet accepts it readily. Now the pet realizes it doesnt hurt and that it will get 1-2 minutes of your undivided attention. Your pet enjoys your attention, and will eventually wait patiently for you to brush his teeth.

Theres a toothbrush with three heads that will allow you to brush all three surface of the tooth at one time, which makes life a lot easier for both of you! It also has nice, soft bristles so you wont harm your pets delicate gum tissue.There are also products that can be rubbed on the gums and added to the drinking water to help reduce bacteria in an animals mouth and promote the dogs health and healing. Bad breath is actually a by-product of the bacteria that populate the mouth. They break down proteins and carbohydrates from your dog or cats diet, and produce something called “volatile sulfur compounds”, or VSCs. Its the sulfur that make the breath smell extra special!

Certain dental products have an agent that neutralizes the VSCs. Many owners have commented that their cat or dog seems to like the drinking water better when these products are added–even though they have no flavor! And theres a gel available that, although formulated for the gums, can be very soothing for skin conditions, cuts, and surgical wounds thanks to the Aloe Vera it contains.

The best oral care products work without the use of fragrances and flavors, which entice human consumers, but dont benefit your cat or dogs health in any way!

I was a practicing dentist for over 20 years, and I saw a lot of human patients who had terrible breath (and periodontal disease) and werent even aware of it. People dont like to tell each other about bad breath. Even the dentist has to be delicate with this piece of bad news.

At least when dealing with a pet, you dont have to worry about social embarrassment in order to address your dogs health problem! Dont be shy, get in there and do something about it. Not only can your dog get rid of her breath odor, but she could even live 2 to 5 years longer as a result. And youll be able to get close again, without holding your breath.

About the Author

Carolyn Schweitzer DDS. Dr. Schweitzer was a family dentist for 20 years and is now owner and editor of several websites. You can learn more about specific dental care products by visiting her website at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/dentalcare

Your Childs First Pet

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Tired of hearing your child whine about wanting a pet? All parents seem to have this problem at one time or another. Many children want a pet, and its a perfect way to tech children responsibility. If youve decided to give your children the opportunity to have a pet of their own, you just have to figure out which pet is the right pet! There are a few smaller, easier to care for animals that make great first pets. These are typically a bit more affordable than bigger animals such as dogs or cats. However, with any pet, the owners personality affects the decision.

Gerbils make great pets for smaller children, as they are active during the day and are extremely curious and friendly. Gerbils are actually desert animals. They are very clean animals, which makes cleaning up after them a lot simpler. For a young childs first pet, these are perfect! Gerbils are very social animals, so a pair is definitely the way to go with these animals. However, be sure they are not mates, otherwise youd better be prepared to take care of lots of little gerbils! A large aquarium-style tank with a deep layer of wood shavings makes for a perfect home for these little creatures, as they love to tunnel and dig. To keep them (as well as your child) entertained, tunnel-type toys are great! Gerbil food is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any pet store. They also enjoy the occasional bit of

lettuce or cheese. Gerbils usually live up to three years.

Guinea pigs are good first pets, as they dont scratch and can be gently handled. Like gerbils, theyre social creatures, so a pair is preferred. Guinea pigs are very timid, so they need lots of places to hide in their cage. An aquarium-style tank works well for guinea pigs as well, as long as they have a grazing area and places to burrow. Guinea pigs need a daily diet that his high in fiber and vitamin C. Guinea pigs live up to six years.Most people arent entirely keen on the idea of keeping mice, but if youre looking to get one as a first pet, you should keep in mind that, like the others, they are social. Two to three female mice are the best way to go as males tend to fight and produce a much stronger smell. Cages must be cleaned two to three times a week. A wire-mesh cage works best for mice, as they need a well-ventilated living space, with tunnels and other toys. Mice need a lot of things to gnaw on, such as dog biscuits.

Though they generally have a shorter life span than gerbils or guinea pigs, mice are by far the highest maintenance. However, any of these pets are perfect for a childs first pet, and what better way to give your child a lesson in responsibility?
About the Author

Amanda Baker writes for All Things Pondered: http://AllThingsPondered.com

Would You Know What To Do If Your Puppy or Dog Fell Ill?

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:55:05 +0000

A pet relies on its owner to look after it. Sometimes aveterinarian is too far away when your puppy needs immediateattention. Would you be able to administer basic first aid ifyou needed to?

It is up to you to be able to administer the first aid that yourpet needs when he needs it. Something can happen at virtuallyany time at home or away from home. You should have with you afirst aid kit that is designed for your pet in mind. If you takeyour pet away from home frequently, make sure to store the firstaid kit in your car as well. These tools can save your petslife.

Here are some of the things that you should have within that kit:

Hydrogen peroxide

Gauze pads and tape

Absorbent cotton/cotton balls

Scissors with a round tip

Instant ice packs

Tweezers

A bulb syringe to be used to remove mucous from the mouth/nose

Eyewash solution specific for pets

A clean white cotton sock for paws that are hurt

Flashlight

A rectal thermometer

Medication syringe for dispensing medication

An electrolyte liquid such as Pedialyte

You need to protect these products so keep them in a hard shellcontainer that has a tight fitting lid. You should also have thevets name and number written and enclosed in this package. Youshould know and secure information about the local emergency pethospital as well. Also, when you leave your pet with anothercaregiver to take care of, such as when you are traveling, youneed to provide them with the kit and a release form authorizingthem to seek treatment for your pet.

A common dilemma is the bee sting. If this happens to your pet,you should restrain the animal and use a pair of tweezers toremove the stinger. Then, bath the area with a mixture

of waterand baking soda to relieve some of the pain. You can help toreduce swelling by using an ice pack on the area and usingBenedryl. Make sure you know how much to give your pet by askingthe vet.

What should you do if your dog is injured?

Youll need to approach the animal slowly and carefully becausethey may snap or bite at you. It is just a nature reaction forthem to do this. See what has happened to them and reassure thepet that you are not going to hurt her through a smooth voiceand calmness. Your first concern is to stop the flow of blood asquickly as possible. Apply pressure to the wound and hold itthere. Make sure to use a cloth that is clean and change them asneeded. Keep as much pressure on it as possible until you get toyour vet. If you need to, tape a thick gauze pad to the wound.Youll want to keep as much pressure on the wound though, so ifpossible have someone else transport you. In the case ofchoking, you should use a flashlight to check down the throat.If you can, remove the object. If you cant see it, youll needto use a Heimlich maneuver that is designed for your pet. As apet owner, you should have this basic training taught to you. Itis important to do it correctly in order to protect againstserious injury of the pet. You can get this type of training atyour local humane society or through your vet. You can alsolearn how to give your pet CPR and how to deal with seriousinjury and poisoning.

About the author:

Best Pet Health Information is a resource which will help youfind infomation, hints and tips to stocking a first aid kit for adog and keeping your dog happy and healthy.http://www.best-pet-health.info This article may be reprinted infull so long as the resource box and live links are includedintact.