Pet Care Pointers For Your Furry Friends - 1

Whenever I am pet sitting a cat, dog or other animals, my goal is to feed and give water, as instructed and then, ensure that everything is cleaned up afterwards. Treats are given as a bonus gift and this makes for wonderful friendships and helps with bonding. I next tend to the attention part of our visits by walking the dog, giving TLC or playing on the ground or in the yard depending on the location. This is the fun part of the visit and is a kind of a meeting of the minds so you can get to know each other. For dogs, playing ball, Frisbee or a walk is a great time to release some pent up energy. For cats, playing, petting or sometimes combing is great bonding time.

Most pets at the very beginning are stressed from being without their owners and from having a new face arrive to feed and give them water. It usually doesn't take long for the bonding to begin once they realize you're there to feed them and give them treats. Depending on the pets sometimes one day is all you need for trust to evolve and for others 2-3 days. It all depends, for dogs on the breed and the personality and for cats just personality. I usually try and suggest that before a long vacation, a couple of day visits be scheduled in a row which starts the bonding process and reduces the stress when the owner's time away is longer. This time together ensures well being for all pets especially after they have your scent down. I have sat on many many couches just letting the pets smell and thereby getting to know me. They are just so curious about the new scents and usually come right to you to smell and sense who you are. Sometimes, it's just seconds before they jump up on your lap, lay down by your feet or back away to come back, again. I have seen so many different reactions. Animals can be so inquisitive and stand offish all at the same time. My approach with all animals is to arrive in any home and then just go and sit down in the kitchen, usually at the consultation without making any big deal towards the animals that are either around me or backed away. I make my presence known by my posture and demeanor. This I think, ensures confident control, especially with dogs and lets them know in a subtle but assertive manner that I am boss. From this assertive role I am able to take great care of all pets.

All in all the above approach has worked for me unless I have been remiss at the consultation and missed some classic signs of behavior issues. In these cases my approach is totally different in regards to entering their domain. I am still assertive but am more aware of all my surroundings. Even still I have been bitten and have had to resort to different tactics by applying some Essential Oils to myself and the home which completely changed the dynamics of the then, hostile environment making it more peaceful and calm for everyone involved. I have found using Essential Oils has dramatically changed many of these difficult situations of inappropriate behavior from dogs to one of being calm and submissive.

Mary Varricchio has been a professional pet sitter for over 8 years and an owner for over 30 years. I have taken care of animals that are furry, scaled and feathered and have loved every minute of my time with them. I am a member of Pet Sitters Association and to which I have insurance through. I have many Pescapades or pet stories to tell you which, some will inspire and some will make you sad and everything in between.

Please feel free to visit my website:

[http://www.pet-ex.biz/naturalproducts.html]

Pet Joint Supplements - Finding the Best Pet Joint Supplements

Pet joint supplements are prescribed to a wide variety of animals to treat and prevent severe conditions such as arthritis. Certain animals are at more at risk than others including dogs and horses, so most vets will prescribe them joint supplements, particularly the breeds that are at more risk, such as the bigger and heavier breeds.

So the best way to locate the most effective and best pet joint supplements are by going through the tried and tested, and trusted methods of listening to what supplements work the best from veterinary professionals.

In my opinion the supplement that you give their pet for their joints should be being prescribed by vets before you consider giving it to your pet's. The reason why I say this is because of the fact that animal supplements are not regulated and policed by the FDA. This means that the quality control procedures in place are not as strict as prescription drugs for your pets. Because of this there have been reports of sub-standard supplements on the market only containing a fraction of the active ingredients needed to ensure the effectiveness of the supplements.

So as a pose to having to the hard work of testing out and trying out various supplement's on your pet's you should find out from a vet a supplement that is working effectively for their clients dogs that they would recommend for your pet.

There are a variety of vets that publish this information on the internet so, finding a good clinically proven supplement for use on your pets joints should not be to hard.

To watch a video of a vet with over 20 years experience talking about the pet joint supplement he recommends for his clients animals visit http://hubpages.com/Dog-Joint-Supplement where you can also find out how you can get a FREE months trial of that pet joint supplement.

Alternative Pet Food

Should you be concerned about your dog or cats health these days?

With all the dog and cat food companies that are recalling there food, for poisonings,

you most likely should be. As a pet owner now there are limited products for your loved pets.

But there is a solution to this problem, why not cook or bake for your cats and dogs.

At least you know what your putting in there pet food, and not to mention your cat

and dog will enjoy there new found pet food much better than that old canned byproduct anyway.

With limited choices of what to feed your pets, more and more pet owners are

feeding them table food and dinner scrapes. It is important to keep your pet healthy

with a balanced meal, with the right nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and proteins for your

type of cat or dog.

It's really not that hard to prepare meals and treats for your pets:

There are many different recipes you can prepare for them that are healthy and

good for them. Just put aside a little time each week to make your dog or cat treats,

and you will be able to give them there treats for the week and the same goes for

there meals, except you might have to prepare them a little more often, maybe

two or three times a week just to keep it fresh. But you can prepare one batch

for the whole week and freeze half of it in your freezer, provided you have the space,

or if you have a kitchen vacuum sealer for moist food, dry food you can just save in a container.

Article by Bill Carr

Safe Pet Food Recipes [http://www.petfoodrecipessite.com/]

Dog Ailments and Dog Health Advice

Yes, I am pretty sure we all know what it costs for a trip to the Doggy Doctor, there goes that new Taylor Made driver I had my eyes on. The canine world is abuzz with dog health questions. Your dogs health can be costly, that is true. The financial loss is nothing compared to the possible loss of a much loved and treasured dog. There are loads of dog ailments out there that could really make your pet quite sick. My mom always says, prevention is better than a cure. So lets discuss what we can do to follow Moms advice when it comes to our dogs health.

Potential Dog Health Problems:

There are plenty of dog ailments that are lurking out there. Only problem is that mister poochy cannot say, "Hey, Alpha Dog, I got an aching stomach". Dogs certainly have a much higher pain threshold than us, so you need to be keenly aware of when your best friend appears to be acting strangely. Basically, know your dogs standard operating procedure. Then you will soon see when your best buddy is not feeling well.

Infections:

Yes there are plenty, ears, eyes, skin and teeth can all be subjected to infection. Just apply that good old common sense here. Keep your dogs mouth clean and brush his teeth when required with a good quality dog toothpaste. Make sure you bath your furry friend often with a quality natural dog shampoo. Brush his coat regularly and check his coat as well for any strange skin rashes or objects. Dog ear infections are a major player as far as infections for dogs go. Your dogs ears could be swollen, showing red spots, itchy, smelly or extruding excessive moisture. You may need to see the doggy doctor "kching $$$", sorry. It pays to keep a good eye on your dogs cleanliness and avoid bacteria build up.

Allergies:

Once again, there are many allergies that dogs could be exposed to. Fleas are the most common and if not treated early could lead to skin infections. There are loads of good medications to eliminate a flea problem. Food allergies are not as common, but could lead to skin problems such as hot spots or ear infections. If recognized in time you could save a lot of discomfort for the pooch and money for you. Sometimes it is advisable to seek vet advice for dogs with allergies, as the symptoms are not always easily recognized.

Diabetes:

Just like us, what your furry friend consumes will affect his health. Avoid giving your best friend table scraps, "human food", they are not human. Pancreatic issues can arise from a diet filled with excess fat or sugar rich foods. Unfortunately, if your pooch does contract diabetes, you may need to administer regular shots to maintain his health. To ensure good pet dog health, always follow a strict diet for your furry friend. There are very many really good dog foods available.

Arthritis and Dysplasia:

This issue is more common in pure breeds, but does occur throughout the canine world. Larger pure bred dogs will tend to suffer more due to their longer bones and narrow joints. Best advice here is, supplement with quality dog vitamins and minerals. Try to seek vet advice for dogs with these arthritic problems so that you can keep track of the condition of your dogs joints.

Obesity:

Just when you thought we were so different to dogs. This issue is one of the more deadly dog health symptoms. As with us, too much eating and no exercise brings dog obesity to the fore quite quickly. Dog obesity itself does not kill, but the resulting dog ailments related to tumors, heart failure, malfunctioning of the liver and skin disorders can all lead to the demise of your best friend. These dog ailments require immediate attention when discovered or suspected. Good diet and plenty of exercise for you and your four legged friend are always good options.

In Summary:

Do yourselves, both a favour. Eat quality food to maintain a healthy inside. Maintain a healthy outside by bathing and grooming often. Supplement with Vitamins and Minerals. Get outdoors and relieve all your stress and your dogs stress with some healthy exercise. Go for regular checkups, just to make sure nothing catches you or your dog by surprise.

Remember what your Alpha Mama taught you, "Prevention is Better than a Cure!!!!". Good advice applies to dogs too, funny thing that.

Hi, my names Derek and I am a Dog Lover and Enthusiast. Please join me at my website where we deliver the Best Dog Health and Training Advice [http://www.besthappydog.com/good-dog-training-advice/] and share our insights along with many top experts.

If you are looking for some really good Dog Health Advice [http://www.besthappydog.com/general-dog-ailments/], for many common Dog Ailments, I would also recommend visiting us here.

Hope to see you soon, thanks for reading my article.

Cheers for now.

Regards

Derek

Dog Food - Choosing The Best For Your Pet

As a dog owner you naturally want what is best for your pet. One critical decision you face is the selection of the best food for your dog. Your choice will affect all aspects of his life. It is, therefore, very important that you make the right decision. Study pet food options and make sure that you select the right one.

There are many different kinds of dog food available today in the market. The different messages sent by the food manufacturers make many consumers felt confused. Especially, this is true for the mass marketed grocery store foods. This is perhaps the largest segment of market choose dog food.

If you find yourself concerned about your dog health and really want to make the best choices for your pet, look further. The bagged dog food in the aisle at the grocery store aren't always healthy for your dog. These brands are generally full of synthetic ingredients and artificial additives that can actually harm your pet's digestive tract. The recent major pet food recall is an example of how these substances can even be deadly if ingested.

Dog food available for purchase also involves two other types. There are highly rated dog foods available at pet stores and you can sometimes find them at your supermarket at premium prices. Some of these foods are good but some are not so good. You must be familiar with the ingredients and read the labels before buying. If you come across a food with an unfamiliar ingredient do not buy that food until you have researched the ingredient in question to be sure it will be good for your dog.

The final classification of dog food is natural or organic food. They are generally quite a bit costlier than grocery store foods and can only be purchased in a specialty store (physical or online). Brands like Honest Kitchen fall into this category. They cost more because you get what you pay for. Organic and natural foods contain better ingredients that are healthier for your dog.

Organic and natural foods have human grade ingredients, which are specifically made for dogs. Besides making the dog feel full, these foods that contain a lot of nutrition, makes the pet's fur and coat shiny. They are very healthy ,hence a person should be careful in choosing the right food in feeding his pet.

Of the numerous varieties of dog food available in the market, most consumers are still not tuned to the message that the food manufacturers want to convey and leaving them confused. Nevertheless, you do have more choices if you care about your dog and his dog health in particular. There are highly rated foods available at pet stores and you can sometimes find them at your supermarket at premium prices. Organic foods can only be found at specialty stores and may cost quite a bit more than grocery store brands. This is because these foods, such as honest kitchen, are much higher quality and contain much better ingredients.

Getting The Family Involved In Dog Health Care

Sole responsibility for dog health care can be stressful and challenging. Every dog owner wants the best for their mutt's health and the best way to ensure this is by splitting the responsibility across the whole family. This article will give you a brief guide on how you can get the whole of the family involved in looking after the dog and the dog health care.

Make It Fun

Kids naturally love dogs, so it shouldn't be too hard to get them involved in dog health care. Perhaps you could give the children tasks which you could oversee, such as feeding and bath time. This is especially relevant for parents with younger children and it will make it easier to get them involved when they are a bit older. They will develop an early understanding of what it takes to look after a dog and maintain these high standards their whole lives.

Shared Responsibility

If your family is a little bit older, then there is no reason why you cannot share the load of the more laboured responsibilities. Devise a rota so you take it in turns to bath the dog and take it for walks. This way everyone is pulling their weight and the dog's health can be easily kept on top of.

Extended Family

More and more families travel abroad for their holidays now, posing the problem of what to do about their dog and its health care. An animal should never be simply 'fobbed off' on a relative, because their health care may be unintentionally neglected, through a lack of understanding.

Earmark the relatives you are likely to leave your pet with early and make sure they have developed a relationship with the dog before the dog goes to stay. This way they will have an understanding of the dog's personality, as well as specifics such as their dietary requirements. This will ensure your dog has as fun a holiday as you do.

Michael is a writer from West Yorkshire, England, specialising on issues of dog health care. For more information on dog health care, visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/.

Are Foxtails a Hidden Danger For Your Pets?

You have probably seen plenty of foxtails, possibly growing in vacant logs, along roadsides, or in meadows, but you may not have known what they were called. Though found throughout the US, they are most prevalent in the West, particularly in California. The word 'foxtail' describes the grassy, seed-bearing structures that in the early spring months, are green and bushy like a fox's tail. In the summer and early fall, the grasses and seeds dry out, breaking apart. As this happens, they become dangerous, as they have a sharp point at one end that moves easily in one direction, but not the other.

When your pet comes into contact with a loose foxtail cluster, the cluster can attach to their fur, moving inward as your pet moves. The barbs on the cluster keep the foxtail from falling off or backing out of the fur, and the enzymes in the bacteria break down your pet's hair and tissues. Foxtails can enter your pet's nasal passage, eyes, ears, and mouth, and can work their way into their lungs, along the backbone, and into many other locations throughout your pet's body. If left untreated, serious medical problems - and potentially, death - can result.

Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your pets against foxtails. After they have been outside, be sure to check their coat closely. A well-maintained coat with a close-bodied cut during summer months can lessen the risk for potential problems for your dog or cat.

When you are outdoors, be aware of your surroundings, your yard and your pets. If you take your dog to a park, a lake or the beach, be mindful of the shrubbery around you. Foxtails grow in dry, bushy areas, so it is a good idea to check your pet's feet (pads and in between toes) and underbelly, and then brush your pet to be certain you have not overlooked anything. If you suspect your pet may have an embedded foxtail, contact your veterinarian immediately; he/she will need to locate the foxtail and remove it. However, if the foxtail has embedded past the reach of tweezers or forceps, your pet will need to undergo surgery to remove the foxtail.

If you suspect your pet may have an embedded foxtail, physical signs to look for include:

1. Nose: Extreme severe sneezing, pawing at nose, bleeding from nose; symptoms may diminish after several hours, but become intermittent for several days following;

2. Ear: Tilting/shaking head, pawing at ear, crying, erratic movement;

3. Eye: Squinting eye suddenly, eye swelling, tearing, mucous discharge;

4. Throat: Gagging, retching cough, compulsive grass eating, stretching neck and swallowing;

5. Skin: Small sore between toes or under arms, sores on skin accompanied by swelling, small lumps or blisters;

Pets Best Insurance is located in Boise, Idaho and provides pet insurance for the healthcare of dogs and cats. Jack Stephens, DVM is the president and co-founder of Pets Best and was the original founder of pet health insurance in the United States.

Learn more about the history of pet insurance at Petsbest.com.

Pet Allergies and Air Quality

Although there are many allergies people suffer from that are caused by the consumption of food and drink, there are a lot of allergies that come from allergens that are airborne. These airborne allergens get ingested through a person's nose and mouth when they breathe and they get an allergic reaction which can be mild through to severe.

Pets, particularly cats and dogs, produce many allergens which for most people have little no effect on their health. But for some, it can be very distressing and can cause severe respiratory problems, skin rashes and other medical conditions.

Interestingly a recent survey has found that despite being allergic to pets, one-third of people that suffer from pet allergies actually have at least one pet in their home. Even when advised by a medical practitioner to avoid contact with pets, only one out of five people gave up keeping a pet. The survey also found that over one third of the people surveyed admitted to getting another pet after one had died, even though they knew they were allergic to them.

People often refer to the cause of a pet allergy as being from the animal's hair. It has been proven that it doesn't matter what type of hair a dog or a cat has the animal still produces allergens. It is fair to say that allergens are sometimes on the hair of the animal and therefore if the hair drops from the animal it can float around a bit.

A pet produces allergens from glands on its skin. They dry on the animal's hair and become airborne and a person then breathes them in. Allergens are also produced in an animal's mouth and are therefore present in the saliva. If the animal licks its fur, then they get transferred and dry on the hair and become airborne and, if an animal licks a person, the allergens stay on the skin and dry and gain become airborne.

If you or a family member suffers from pet allergens, but it is not particularly severe, then there are a few things you can do to reduce the airborne allergens entering a person's respiratory system. Remember, the allergens from pets are mainly airborne so you need to clean the air in your home.

Air purifiers are very helpful, but they need to be placed in rooms where the pet is generally and if the pet is allowed into several rooms then you will need several air purifiers. However, you need to get purifiers that have high efficient particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters can remove 99.7 percent of airborne particles, therefore reducing the number of allergens floating in the air.

Filters must be regularly cleaned or replaced to ensure they remain effective. It is also recommended that, despite using electrical energy, air purifiers should be left to run continuously.

Vacuum regularly to get rid of animal hairs and again ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter, otherwise the vacuum will suck up the allergens that have got into the carpet and blow them out into the air making the matter worse.

Check out http://www.rabbitair.com/air-purifiers-for-allergies.aspx for more information about better air quality for pet allergies in your home. Visit RabbitAir online. Rabbit Air is a manufacturer of air purifiers. Their philosophy is to create the best purifiers available that also have a great design aesthetic.

Lymphoma and Your Pet

Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of death in American dogs; 1 in 4 dogs die of cancer here in the United States. News of your dog's cancer diagnosis can be as devastating as any other family member's diagnosis. First, of course, is the thought of potentially losing your loved one. Next, you worry about the efficacy - and expense - of the treatment options available. The good news is that veterinary medicine continues to research canine cancers, both from a treatment and prevention standpoint and great strides are being made on both fronts. Of course, these treatments (which often involve chemotherapy and radiation) can be costly, which is why a good veterinary pet insurance policy that covers cancer treatments is a wise investment.

One of the most common cancers in American dogs is canine lymphoma (lymphosarcoma.) Fortunately, it is a very treatable canine cancer; roughly 50% of dogs with lymphoma can be put into remission.

Cancer is an immune dysfunction disease, regardless of the species. The lymph system circulates the white blood cells and most importantly, lymphocytes, which are specialized cells involved in immune function found throughout the body. In normal healthy dogs, these cells are manufactured in the bone marrow, with a life span of about one month. Then, they die off and are re-absorbed into the body or eliminated through waste. With lymphoma, there is an overproduction of these cells, or the "old cells" live on, monopolizing the other blood cells. High white blood cell count and swollen lymph glands are the characteristic signs of this disease, followed by lethargy, loss of appetite and leading eventually to death unless treated.

Chemotherapy is the first line treatment for dog lymphoma, and because lymphoma generally affects young to middle-aged, otherwise healthy dogs, it is well tolerated. Sometimes the effected lymph glands are surgically removed as well. After surgery, some type of chemotherapy drug (again, generally covered by a good pet insurance policy) is usually recommended to clean up any remaining cancer cell not removed by the surgery.

As is the case with any cancer, the earlier the lymphoma is diagnosed the better the outcome. Just as the human members of the family should have a physical every year, so should your pets...and their annual visits are also covered under most veterinary pet insurance plans, so the early detection of lymphoma is possible! Treatment success is dependent upon a myriad of factors, including your dog's age, diet, medical history, the location of the cancer, and how extensive it is and what major systems are involved.

Pets Best Insurance is located in Boise, Idaho and provides pet insurance for the healthcare of dogs and cats. Jack Stephens, DVM is the president and co-founder of Pets Best and was the original founder of pet health insurance in the United States .

Learn more about the history of pet insurance at Petsbest.com.

Save Your Pet From Diseases

Pets are the favorite of every one. You might be having at least one pet at your place. In fact the pets form the best buddy in all means. Just like humans, pet also have their emotions and feelings. They should be cared very sincerely like the way you take care of your kids. It is very important to keep them healthy without causing any troubles. Just like man, healthy food items are very important for pets in order to keep them fit all through out. There are many types of pets and the most common one are dogs, cats, birds, and fish and so on. Regular medical check ups are very essential for pets in order to keep them fit by providing all the required medical aids. It is natural that you take the pets to your vet when they feel sick and give the medicines according to the prescription obtained from the vet. The question here is regarding the promptness in you for taking your pet to the hospital for regular check up. It is naturally known that the busy schedules are keeping you away from performing the act very seriously. With the aim of saving animals, a new venture has been started with the help of internet by the name of online pharmacy.

You might have already heard about the online pharmacy running for man but now it is available even for animals. You just need to log into the account and submit your prescription without waiting in long queues. In order to encourage more people to make use of the facility just by a click, the online pharmacies are providing high discount on many medicines and this is encouraging many people to buy medicines in bulk amount. The pharmacies are also in a way forced to be equip with required volume of medicines in order to serve their client promptly without causing any delay. As a result all the medicines will arrive at your doorstep within short time interval without causing much delay. You must be concerned on the type of medicine required by your pet. Rather than blindly placing the order through internet, you are advised to approach your vet for examining your pet and finally you can depend on internet to order the required medicines at low price.

Your pet is a member of your family. Help your dog, cat, or any type of pet stay healthy in a way that makes them happy. Cheap pet medication at the best prices are available from our online pet pharmacy.

Dog Health Care and the Ageing Dog

Dog health care routines, just like those of humans, should be altered as the dog becomes senior or geriatric. The old rule of thumb, that a dog ages seven years for each calendar year is easy to follow but not necessarily all that accurate. In fact, the breed of dog influences the age at which a dog is considered senior, with large breeds approaching old age at around seven years old and smaller breeds into their teenage years.

As with humans, there is potential for all manner of health problems to develop as the dog gets older, so it is important to know what is to be expected as a dog ages and what constitutes a potentially serious problem.

Owners should expect to see their dog visibly slow down as he or she gets older. Arthritis is very common in dogs, so pets which appear stiff or slower should visit the vet who may prescribe fish oil supplements. Reduced hearing is also very common in senior dogs. Unfortunately, there isn't very much the vet can do to prevent this, but owners who notice a reduction in their dog's hearing should still see a vet to rule out medical causes such as infections.

Remember that dog obesity is very prevalent in older dogs and it can lead to many serious diseases. Senior dogs require fewer calories as their metabolism changes and their activity is reduced, so consult the vet about dietary requirements to avoid weight gain.

Unfortunately, older dogs who have been house trained since they were puppies may start having accidents. This may be a simple sad fact of ageing, but it is vital to keep a record of accidents and to discuss them with the vet to rule out any serious medical conditions.

Finally, it is important to know that older dogs cannot regulate their body temperature quite as well as their younger counterparts. This means that care should be taken to keep your dog at a comfortable temperature, perhaps providing more bedding in the winter and more water in the summer.

It is very sad for dog owners to witness their beloved pets ageing, but it is important to be vigilant for signs of disease. A good dog health care routine will ensure that any warning signs are spotted early which may potentially save the dog's life.

Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about current affairs and animal care, including dog health care. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/dogs today for more free information.

Is Colloidial Silver an Option For Your Pets?

With so many supplements out on the market, it's hard to decipher which are good, which are bad, and which ones even make any difference at all.

Colloidal silver is a supplement that I've been taking for years, since university in fact. I am unsure if this is what keeps me healthy, or if it's a combination of the all the healthy things I do with my lifestyle, but I am very very rarely ever sick.

Colloidal silver touts itself to relieve spinal pain, osteoporosis, arthritis, nerves & stress, blood circulatory cleanser, eyes, conjunctivitis, ears (wash ear twice/day), canker, sinus, muscle & joints, bones & ligaments, colds, allergens, pollution, and skin problems.

It will also kill off all germs, viruses, bacteria, allergens & pathogens. By putting it in your pets water bowl, the silver ions will hunt down the invaders and deprive them of oxygen, killing them. Dose 1 teaspoon per cup of water daily for 10 days.

Colloidal silver can be administered orally, in the eyes (for eye allergies, conjunctivitis, keratitis, etc. - Spray or drop 3 times daily in affected eye. Give orally as well 3 times daily for a minimum of 3 days or longer until condition has cleared up.), in the nose (for sinusitis), sprayed on wounds, it doesn't sting or burn, via IV, Subcue, in the ears, and nebulized into the lungs.

To nebulize, put into a nebulizer cup. Use an ultrasonic or micro air nebulizer and nebulize pet, person, or animal a minimum of 3 times daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes each time, longer if possible for active asthma, bronchial, pneumonia, or respiratory anthrax symptoms. Give orally 4 times daily as well.

Apparently, because of the physiological differences of warm blooded mammals and those of fish, amphibians and reptiles; it is necessary to create two very different formulas. One for warm blooded mammals and the other for cold blooded amphibians, reptiles and 'water breathing' fish with gills.

It is essential that silver is colloidal, meaning it has a particle size of .01 to .001 microns in diameter. A particle of silver larger than these specifications can lose its anti-bacterial effect.

I could not find different formulations to offer you, but I have included an option for exotic pets that are mammals below, as this product is for humans.

Of course, always do your own research, and even ask your vet what they think about supplementing your pet's diet with silver.

by Kimberly Edwards

Kimberly Edwards is the founder of ExoticAnimalLover.com - Keeping Up The Fight To Preserve The Planet's Wildlife. Find awesome information about animals from all over the world, exotic animal news, updates on conservation, and anything else "Animal". For all of you who are exotic animal lovers, you know who you are...Check out: http://www.ExoticAnimalLover.com

The Importance Of Quarantine In Good Rat Care And Rat Health For Your Pet Rats

Goodbye Carmel

I've avoided and postponed writing this article about quarantine and rat care. The reason is the

passing of our beloved Carmel on June 3, 2006. I'm still teary-eyed as I write this and even more

painful is the knowledge that his suffering may have been prevented by proper observation of

quarantine.

Observing proper quarantine practices is essential to rat health when another rat is to be

introduced into your household. It's not like bringing in a puppy as a companion for old Fido.

Your new pet rat may carry diseases particular to rats (but harmless to humans). The immediate

introduction of another healthy-looking pet rat is extremely dangerous for your current rats and

may ultimately be fatal.

I'm no vet or super rat expert, but I've learned the hard way that pet rats have very tender

little lungs that are susceptible to nasty pneumonia-like illnesses that can result in death if

not treated immediately upon infection. To prevent any possibility of such infections as much as

you can, here are the necessary steps for a safe and effective quarantine:

1. Do not bring your new arrival into the home of your current rats. You must first find someone

living in a separate building who is willing to house your pet rat during the quarantine period.

If a new arrival shares airspace with your rats, even if just in the same house on different

floors, your rats will become infected.

2. Do plan on a quarantine period of at least three weeks and no less. Many well experienced rat

folk prefer to extend it to a full month. During that time, you'll be watching for any signs of

illness in your new rat: sneezing, red discharge in the eyes or nose, refusal to eat and

lethargy. Should your new pet rat exhibit such symptoms, immediately contact a veterinarian in

your area with experience in rat care. In my own case, Carmel's sneezes were ignored until the

disease had progressed to a more stubborn stage.

Signs of illness may include but are not limited to any of the following:

* Red secretions from eyes or nose

* Sneezing

* Wheezing

* Rough coat

* Labored breathing

* Lethargy

* Hunched posture

* Swelling on neck or body

* Abscesses

* Scabs or itching

* Diarrhea

* Constipation

* Lack of appetite

* Eye ulcerations, bleeding, or swelling

* Visual identification of parasites including lice nits

* Abnormal odor from the rat

* Abnormal smelling feces or urine

* Respiratory distress

* Head tilt or abnormal gait

* Thinness

3. Do not handle or touch another rat right after doing so with the quarantineed rat. Disease

can be spread by contact as well as through the air just like the human cold virus. The consensus

among those in the know is to change clothes and wash all areas of your skin that came in contact with the quarantineed rat. Better yet, handle them on alternating days when you've showered and dressed in clean, fresh clothes. Again, this is a rule we constantly broke due to our ignorance about proper rat care.

4. Do not allow others to touch the quarantineed rat. If one person does all the caretaking for

your new pet rat, the chance of transmitting something is a lot less. The kids and the in-laws

and the neighbors can all wait.

Seems like a big deal, doesn't it? Your current rat is just that susceptible to outside diseases

and your new rat is just that likely to spread exactly that. If you can't make this kind of

arrangement, don't bother at all with getting another rat until your current ones have passed

away.

# Avoid pet stores that sell rats.

# Do not handle rats at pet stores or shelters.

# Have fellow rat fanciers wash up before visiting.

# If you are exposed to outside rats, clean up as soon as you return home or wait awhile before

going into your home. SDA and Sendai will only remain contagious when away from the host for

approximately 3 hours.

# Avoid housing rats in areas where wild rats have access.

# Avoid taking your rats to rat inclusive events.

# Avoid constantly adding to your colony. It is safer to get rats less often and quarantine them

well.

Dan Reinhold of Rat-Gifts.com, the place for positive presents for true rat lovers, works under the close supervision of his youngest son (a.k.a. Daddy Rat) and even closer supervision of the rats. Visit [http://www.Rat-Gifts.com] for more information. Copyright 2008, Rat-Gifts.com

Caring For Your Pet With Transdermal Medicine Delivery

Do you have a pet that is resistant to taking medication? It can be difficult to administer pills to many pets, as it requires getting your pet to open its mouth and accept the pill. If you don't want to fight your pet in order to get it to take its medication, you might want to consider talking to your veterinarian about transdermal delivery of the medication.

What is Transdermal Delivery?

Transdermal delivery of medication involves giving the medication to your pet through its skin. This is not the same as administering the medication through injection by a needle. Rather, the drug is simply placed directly on your pet's skin with the help of a patch or, in some cases, the medication may be in gel form and can be rubbed into your pet's skin. After the medication is on your pet's skin, it is then absorbed into its blood stream.

Why Use Transdermal Delivery?

The most common reason to use transdermal delivery is to give medication to a pet that is resistant to taking medication in other ways. In some cases, however, transdermal medication is the only option. For example, a pet that is very ill and is unable to take the medication orally may benefit from transdermal medication.

What Kind of Medication is Available?

There are many medications that are available for transdermal delivery. These include:

o Fentanyl

o Insulin

o Ketoprofen

o Methimazole

o Metoclopramide

o Phenobarbital

o Thyroid Supplements

There are many other drugs that are available in this form. So, if your pet needs to take medication and you think this is the best method for delivery to your pet, be certain to discuss it with your vet.

What are the Drawbacks to Transdermal Delivery?

While transdermal medication is a good option for some pets, there are some drawbacks to this form of medicine delivery. One of the drawbacks is the fact that little research has been conducted on using this method with pets. Although it has been successfully used for quite some time with humans, there is no certainty that it is actually making through the skin of pets or if it is benefiting the pet in any way. Dogs, for example, have relatively thick skin. Therefore, the absorption of the medication is unpredictable and the rate of absorption is uncertain.

Another disadvantage to this method is the fact that some medications cannot be made into transdermal formulations. This may be because the dose is too high or simply because the drug is too potent or too risky to be applied in that manner. In addition, some medications simply do not work well when administered in this manner. Antibiotics, for example, are not effective when administered in low, steady doses. In fact, this increases the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to the medication and making matters worse.

It is also possible for some pets to experience an allergic reaction to transdermal medications. Since the base commonly used for these medications is soy lecithin, it is possible for pets with soy allergies to experience problems with this medication. Furthermore, the fact that pets regularly groom themselves with their tongues makes it possible that they will ingest the medication when it is applied in this manner.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

Research over 430 pet breed profiles http://www.findapetonline.com/breeds.html

Dog Health Care - Allergies

If you are a dog owner you're likely to know a thing or two about dog health care. Perhaps you have even read a manual or book of tips. All the same, many dog owners are surprised when an example comes to light of just how similar dog health care can be to human medicine. For example dogs can give blood and it is now possible to fit them with a pacemaker. Did you know they can also suffer from allergies?

If you weren't already aware of this then you are not alone: dogs with allergies are exceptionally rare. We are very lucky in the UK that thanks to caring owners and sensible pet diets, our canine friends are generally in good health and this reduces the instances of dog allergies. Unfortunately though, sometimes our pets so suffer health problems and we might find their symptoms baffling.

Therefore, it is important to bear in mind that dogs can suffer allergies just like we can. Now, if your dog is presenting symptoms that you simply can't explain and you've consulted every dog health care manual you have, then it is possible that he may have an allergy. Whilst this may sound worrying, we should surely be pleased that the problem is a simple allergy which is treatable than anything more sinister.

Luckily, allergies in dogs can be dramatically improved. Joey, an Alsatian and Collie cross who was suffering with boils and skin sores every time he played outside or swam in the nearby river was diagnosed with an allergy following a blood test from his vet. He now takes antibiotics and a specially formulated pet food diet to control the allergies.

Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about current affairs and animals, including advising on dog health care. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/dogs for more information.

Make Your Pet Feel Special!

You can find an increasing number of supplement products for your pet now available in the marketplace. The business of providing supplies and supplements for pets is continuously growing with the introduction of new and innovative products. More than hundred brands of food supplements for pets are now available, packed fresh with the nutrients essential for the health and well-being of your dog or cat.

So, what all does a pets food include?

Generally, pet food contains a blend of meats, fresh grains and nutrients. Known brands focus on providing genuine food materials, and their food labels are written to explain what is in the food. Unfortunately not all pets food is nutritionally balanced, and using it can cause certain deficiencies. Food labeling should contain a guarantee analysis that indicates the food composition, including protein, fat and fibers in the food along with taurine, omega fatty acids and magnesium if used.

As there is a considerable rise in the demand for high quality meat products for dogs and cats, and some pet owners think they are really helping their pets by giving them canned meats. Although this may sound like a good thing for your pet, it is not necessarily so. Many homemade diets contain too much protein and phosphorous but not enough calories, calcium, vitamins, micro minerals and fiber that pets need.

Dry food for pet - Dry food is a mixture of meat bone, poultry meal, grains, flour and so on, mixed and blended according to the amount of each material included. It is recommended that you should not blend the dry food with liquefied material like water or milk.

Wet food for pet - In wet food there are a mixture of ground ingredients and additives, and of course water. The mixture is then cooked, canned and put into containers.

You should carefully read the label before purchasing food for pet, and consider supplementing the pet food with high quality supplements.

Dan Keenan has written numerous articles on dog supplements, puppy food and pet nutrition.

Dog For a Pet Means Important Decisions Must Be Made

Are you looking for a dog as a pet? Do you want a new puppy or an adult dog?

No matter what you may choose, many things need to be considered. People today also have many choices when it comes to what kind of dog they will choose as a pet.

Starting out with do you want a small dog or a large dog inside the house? Do I want a dog that is registered or one from a shelter? Will I have the time, the space, and the needed funds to properly take care of this dog? Will you have allergies problems, dog hair in the house, small children to be concerned with, or a lifestyle that will be changed?

Let us assume you have made your decision to get a new puppy of a small breed such as a Yorkshire. The many things to look at with a puppy may be a huge challenge to some people. They have to be potty trained, not allowed to chew on things, and to obey your directions. This of course will require lots of your time and patients to complete the task.

One way I have seen done to help potty train a young puppy was to attach a small bell to the door handle used to let them out to due their thing. Ring this small bell every time you take them out. A smart dog will soon start ringing the bell to get your attention when it needs out. Beware of when they get older and wiser they will use this as an attention getter also.

People that are more mature may select a dog that is older and well trained. They may become very attached to these dogs as a companion. In many cases I fell it helps widows and widowers to feel a sense of security.

Dogs can be a great addition to the family in many ways. They have smell senses that are super high compared to ours. This I am sure has saved peoples life in house fires. Some breeds can be great watch dogs, and others your best friend, and still others guide or rescue dogs.

L. Matheny wishes to thank you for taking your time to read my article. Hopefully the information has helped you in some way. If you would like additional information on this subject please consider looking at Low Cost Pet Supplies before you go. I believe that maintaining the health of your dog is also extremely important and should be a high priority from puppy to adulthood. When they become part of your family unit they should also deserve the benefits of preventing problems. It was your choice to have a dog so please do not let them down.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog From a Pets Guide

Many factors need to be considered by a family, before bringing home a new pet.

Some are as followed:

GENDER - SIZE - HAIR:

What about the gender of the dog? Are you interested in a male or female? Will you breed the dog once it is grown? If a breeding program is not in its future, consider neutering the dog. Are you interested in a large or a small dog? Often, potential owners don't consider the frame size and weight of the puppy when it becomes an adult. Also think about the grooming needs of a long-haired dog versus a short-haired one.

VETERINARY CARE:

The dog will also need regular veterinary care. All these costs can add up, especially if you're on a limited budget. What type of dog do you want? Purebred or mixed breed? Research the traits of the breed that interests you. Be aware that some breeds have specific benefits or problems. In addition, some purebreds can be very expensive. Perhaps adopting from your local animal shelter is an option.

TIME:

Another important factor is your family's lifestyle. Do you work all day? How much free time do you have? Remember, a new puppy will require four or more feedings a day and will need to go out just as often. Do you spend a lot of time traveling or entertaining? Do you have small children or other animals at home? Are you physically able to handle a dog? What about your location? Do you own a home or rent an apartment? Will your landlord allow pets? Do you live in the city or in a rural area? Is there enough fenced-in yard space for the dog to properly exercise?

DOG ROLE IN YOUR FAMILY:

Think about the role your new dog will play in your family. Will it be used as for:

a) My son/daughter/children

Trust me; this will be YOUR dog! After the 'honeymoon period', the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As children's interests and activities change, over the years, their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be, inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially, young children, will need to be 'trained' in how to behave with the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog.

b) Protection

I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of protection is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other situations - probably 99.9% - an alarm system, security fence, or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.

c) To breed puppies

If you've read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit, understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog breeding requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that 'final walk' with them.

BUYING STRATEGY:

Once you've decided on the type of dog you want and where you will purchase it, do not buy a puppy on the first visit. Instead, potential owners leave, think about the decision, and then go back. Avoid the temptation of buying two or more puppies. A single puppy will bond to its owner better and will be easier to train.

Depending on the breed, the best time to purchase a puppy is between 7-9 weeks of age. As soon as possible have the puppy examined by a veterinarian. If possible, ask the seller if you can have the puppy checked by a veterinarian before you purchase it.

Visit Our Pets Health Guide Specialists on our Dogs Forum [http://www.petshophome.com] and discuss with our growing members about your pet on our Pets Forum [http://www.petshophome.com] to learn more about your pet.

Selecting a Diet Plan For Your Pet - Does it Make Any Difference?

Choosing a right pet nutrition can be daunting task at first; with the availability of so many brands of food available you may feel a bit confused. Remember that not all dog foods are same. It is not required that you spend a lot of money to get you best diet, rather it is that you pay attention to some important factors. Below are listed some symptoms which can help you to understand if the dietary plan of your pet needs to be changed:

• The dog refuses to eat the food offered.

• Dog has gastric problems.

• Dog has a smelling breath.

• Dog sheds frequently.

• Dog has a dull coat.

These are a few indications that can happen occasionally with the dog, but if these are observed on regular basis, care has to be taken. First, understand that the dog is carnivore and thus needs meat. His teeth and body structure is made for ripping and tearing the meat. Your dog's body is made up of cells and each cell has to function properly. With all the nutrients like protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and water all the chemical reaction in the body takes place easily. All these act as a source of fuel for the body and every activity of the dog like running, playing and living a long life is determined by the level of all the proteins, vitamin, materials he is getting.

All the dog food packages are provided with the information about the amount of protein that is used in the food. The percentage is blended in the form of plants or grains, corn, wheat and rice, etc. Look out for the amount of grains in the food, the more grain in the food the cheaper it will be to produce.

When the protein needs of the dog are not fulfilled properly several problems might occur. Dogs may suffer from ear infections, spinning, aggression etc. To compensate for this loss you have to feed them meat along with amino acids complex tablets.

During a dog's life span their weight increases, ranging from 15 to 40 times. While the dog is growing he needs a stable diet. If he faces nutritional deficiency, problems can occur later on. Too much of protein and fibre rich diet creates problem, try to maintain a balance between on all the nutritional requirements.

There is a great need to consider your pet's requirements. It is wise to take time from your busy schedule and plan your dog's safe health!

http://www.missinglinkproducts.com provides a wide range of pet nutrition products. They provide a wide range of dog supplements and formulas for Avian (birds), Equine (horses), Feline (cats) and other vet products as well. You can trust them as providers of reliable Dog supplements and Pet nutrition.

Mosquitoes Are a Hazard to Your Pet's Health Too

None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and sometimes it is easy to forget that our pets suffer from mosquito bites too.

Mosquitoes feed on blood, and they will take it where they can find it. Only the female bites, the males feed on plant nectar. While the female may have preferred hosts, she must have protein from blood to produce eggs. And, one blood meal is often not enough to produce a clutch of eggs. Often the female will feed, rest to digest the meal and feed again up to three times before she can get enough protein to produce her eggs.

So, each time your pet is outside in mosquito territory, it is a sitting target for a hungry female mosquito that is eager to reproduce.

Many species of mosquitoes will choose birds over humans or pets, but they have even been known to feed on frogs and other reptiles, if that is what they can find for a blood meal.

Most responsible pet owners know of the hazards from mosquito bites associated with heartworm disease in cats and dogs. Mosquitoes carry parasite larvae, which they transmit to your pet once they bite. The parasite larvae then migrate to the heart and major circulatory organs in your pet, where it develops into an adult worm that can reach ten inches in length.

The problem with heartworms is that they can take many years to develop into an adult that can cause symptoms in your cat or dog. Dogs are usually more at risk than cats, simply because they are usually outdoors more often. By the time the symptoms develop, treatment is long and difficult. Sometimes the pet owner is unaware of the problem until the animal simply dies during exertion, a tragic ending that is very preventable.

Protection against heartworms is as easy as a trip to your veterinarian. Many effective medicines, which are given orally, can prevent development of the larvae, if an infected mosquito bites your pet. The biggest failure of these medicines is pet owner default. They must be administered faithfully once per month with no lapse in treatment. And, just because it seems like mosquito season is at bay, don't lapse and forget to give your pet its dose. Many mosquitoes over-winter in protected places and they arouse ready to bite long before you might expect them.

Luckily, it is now possible to get a shot for your pet that will afford protection against heartworms for up to six months. Even diligent and caring pet owners can sometimes forget about the narrow window of opportunity for administering the oral medication. This new advancement spares you and your pet the risky aftermath of those lapses.

Now, pet owners have an even greater concern about mosquito bites to their pets. While rare, West Nile virus has been reported in both dogs and cats. There are very few reported cases of pet fatalities in dogs and cats, but the risk still exists. Instead, most of the time, the animal may test positive for the virus, without having symptoms.

If your pet has West Nile virus, it may have the following symptoms: fever, depression or lethargy, muscle weakness or spasms, impaired coordination, seizures or paralysis. If your pet has these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Bird and horse owners should be much more concerned. West Nile virus is primarily fatal to many bird species. Crows, for example, are very susceptible to fatal cases. Sparrows, on the other hand, easily contract it, but have no symptoms. And, migratory birds like sparrows help to continue the spread of the virus because they are highly mobile.

Of those birds that are kept as pets, parrots, cockateels and parakeets are most at risk. The risk factor is lower because they are seldom outside. If your home is well sealed and has good screens, these pets should be easily protected, if kept indoors.

Horse owners are now able to protect their horses with a very effective vaccine. Horses are particularly susceptible to mosquito borne viruses, and it is difficult to keep them away from outdoor exposure, even in barns and stalls. No such vaccine exists for smaller animals.

The same thing that protects you against mosquito diseases also protect your pets. Prevention!

Keep your home and yard mosquito free by being sure that mosquitoes don't have places to breed. Avoid allowing any water to stand in containers, like buckets, birdbaths, pet bowls, gutters, storm drains, and plant saucers. Many mosquitoes need only ¼ cup of water to breed.

The FDA has traditionally advised keeping your pet indoors around dawn and dusk, because that is when many mosquito species feed. That advice is no longer enough to protect your pet. The Asian tiger mosquito is an aggressive day biter. It was imported to the United States in 1985 and is now found in 30 states. It carries both West Nile virus and heartworm parasites.

Instead, get rid of any possible breeding sites and also get a good pet insect repellant. Mosquito repellants made for humans are not to be used on pets. Never put any repellant on pets that is not DEET free. Instead get a repellant that is made for veterinary use and apply only according to directions. With your pets, you have to assume they may lick treated areas and you can't afford to take a chance that the repellant may be toxic to them.

For example, tea tree oil is a good natural mosquito repellent for humans, but it has proved fatal to some cats that have licked it off of their fur.

And, consider getting a propane powered mosquito trap to reduce mosquito populations in your yard. They are very effective, although expensive, but actually kill hundreds of mosquitoes if used according to the manufacturers directions. Over time these devices can actually decrease mosquito populations.

Mosquitoes are here to stay. Our best defense for our pets is to know how to avoid them, and how to keep our pets safe using the latest scientific advances. And, many of the things we do to protect our pets from mosquito borne diseases are good for us too.

The Significance Of Choosing Relevant Pet Toys

Pet toys are extremely important to keep pets happy and these items also allow the pets play for a longer period of time. Thus, you can visit several stores providing you with online pet supplies so that you can avail for some best pet toy stuffs and keep the animals in happy playing conditions for long. Playing with toys also helps in keeping the animals joyful and thus it is time for you to search for the best pet play items online. Once you visit the stores you get to see a hoard of items and you at once start selecting from them. The formation of the toys should be best in attracting the attention of the animals. The items should be built in a way so as to make the creatures play with ease.

Pet toys come in several shapes and varieties. They can be made with artificial bones, rubber, raw hide and plush materials. These are extremely durable materials and they tend to last for long even after rough handling. Pets are not civilized as humans and thus their nature of playing or gaming is immensely violent. They do everything with the toys they have. They chew, bite and even drag the play items roughly on the ground. Such nasty handling can spoil the make of the pet toys. Thus, the materials with which they are made have to be robust and long lasting.

However, not all pet toys are meant for all animals. The toys which are meant for dogs will not be feasible for cats and vice versa. However, there are some universal pet toys which can be handled by all animal types. There are toys for parrots, hamsters, cats, dogs and other exotic pet varieties. There are some dogs who have extreme chewing habits, special toys are made for them so that they can chew the items well without causing any sort of damage. Thus, once you visit online pet supplies stores you would have a better idea about these stuffs.

Again, pet toys are available in all sizes. Thus, not all toys are meant for all animals. If you have a dog for pet you must avail for the right size of toy according to the breed of the animal. Toys which are ideal for puppies are not fit for adult dogs as their attitude towards the play item shall be different and for teething dogs you have to select special varieties of play items.

When buying pet toys you have to ensure the safety factor of the animal. Not all toys are safe for all animals and thus you need to be sure in deciding which play stuff to buy for your pet. There are toys which are made with unsafe materials. However, you should stay careful about such items as they can be great risks for pet health. Before you offer a toy to your pet you need to check with the item well. It should be apposite for your beloved pet and thus you can leave the toys to your pet's discretion so that he can have a long time play with the stuff.

Before buying several pet toys you can have a peep at the petsvilla.com where you would find more details regarding which toy would be best for your beloved pet.

Cat Health Care - Are You Feeding Your Cat Properly?

In order to promote cat health and as a part of cat health care, a healthy diet for your pet is vital. It is incredibly easy to just buy any old pet food from a pet shop or supermarket but cat owners aren't always aware of what is in the food their cats are eating.

Cats are carnivores so they need a diet of meat. Unlike dogs, cats have no need for grain in their diet and if they are fed it they are at risk of developing diabetes and obesity, which are major problems for cat health care professionals to treat.

In the wild, a cat would normally get most of the water it needs from its prey. This means that pet cats, who don't hunt and who eat dried food will need to drink plenty of water to make up for the dryness of their diet.

Because of their need for plenty of water, it is better to feed cats moist food from either tins or pouches than dried food. Owners who wish to change their cat's diet from dried food to moist food might meet with some resistance from the cat who might not appreciate the change: mixing dried food and moist food with gradually smaller quantities of dried food should overcome this problem.

Once or twice a week it is advisable to feed the cat some raw sardines, herring or mackerel. Don't be tempted to feed tinned tuna though: it is too salty.

A healthy diet is the lynchpin of good cat health care. Being a conscientious owner will save your pet from bad health in the long term, as well as saving hefty vet bills.

Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about current affairs and animals, including cat health care. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/cats for more free pet health information.

Dog Health - Puppy First Aid And Top Three Problems You Can Solve At Home

Bringing home a new puppy can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The excitement is obviously due to the new addition, but the case of nerves can come from all of the things that you think are out to get your four-legged friend. Puppies are like small children in that they are susceptible to so much, yet our minds seem to create even more of an issue with their health than what they are probably already experiencing. Good puppy parenting is about finding a balance between paranoia and concern, and knowing the difference between problems you can solve on your home and those that require the care of a veterinarian.

To help get you started, here are a few of the most common problems that your puppy may experience that you don't have to seek veterinary care for.

Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes are part of the life of a puppy; just like children, they tend to get into everything and part of learning what is safe and what is not is getting into things that are not the best idea. This means that cuts, scrapes, and scratches will occur in the life of your pet, and it is your responsibility to discern between what things are safe to have in your small dog's environment, and what things are not.

Whether your dog stays in the house all day or they spend a majority of their time outside, it is going to be difficult to pick up any and everything that could potentially draw blood from their delicate skins. Sharp objects, rocks, and even other pets can cause cosmetic damage to the skin of your pet, but remember that it is just that-cosmetic. They won't kill your pet, and if you clean them right and do the right thing you might not even have to worry about a scar later on down the line.

In this case, some warm water and antibacterial soap is the best thing to have around. Your dog's skin heals a lot like yours, so keeping the wound clean and bandaging it if necessary can make all of the difference in the world.

Paw Problems

Again, remember that your puppy is new to the world and they are going to have to find out a lot of things the hard way. Chances are that whether you have them inside or out, they are going to stick their noses-and their paws-where they don't belong. This means that somewhere along the line they may end up with an object or a piece of an object in their delicate little paw pads.

While your little guy may be wailing like there is no tomorrow, don't let that fluster you. This type of thing happens all the time but as dogs get older the skin on their paw pads gets tougher, as do they. You may see a bit of blood, but what is important is removing the object (usually with the help of a pair of tweezers) and cleaning the area as you would any other wound. Paw pads go directly on the ground, so it may be harder for them to keep this area clean than other wounds they may incur. Be careful to pay close attention to the area and make sure that it looks clean and that is as comfortable for them as possible.

Internal Parasites

Another part of puppy-hood is contracting internal parasites. They can come from a variety of places, and they can be pretty nasty at that. If not treated, worms and other parasites can do harm to the inside of your dog's body and so it is your responsibility to make sure that your pet is de-wormed and ready to go. Luckily, this does not require the services of a veterinarian, at least in common cases.

Worms can be cured with a simple pill that can be bought over the counter, or picked up from your vet's office. After they take the pill, the worms will likely be flushed out of the body; they should be fairly apparent in your pup's waste material.

Of course, getting your dog to swallow the pill is half the battle. In most cases rolling it up in a piece of cheese or lunch meat or hiding it in a glob of peanut butter should do the trick just fine-your little guy probably won't even notice!

If you found this article of interest, you can find additional tips on Dog Health on Lisa Failla's blog. And while you are at it, you may also check out items like dog sweaters and dog coats for your pet there as well.

Caring For Your Dog's Dental Health

As with any animal, good oral health is crucial to the overall health of your dog. Brushing your dog's teeth regularly will not only prevent bad breath, but could also reduce the risk of serious health concerns, such as abscesses. Worryingly, bacteria from an abscess can quickly travel through the body and affect the heart, kidneys, liver and brain via the bloodstream. Therefore, it is crucial that the dental health of your dog is cared for correctly. Below, are tips on brushing a dog's teeth and other methods of caring for canine dental health.

Effects of Poor Dental Care

Unlike humans, dogs rarely have cavities. Instead, the most common problems in a canine mouth are gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums, and plaque, which is a build-up of bacteria caused by food debris between the teeth and along the gum line. Of course, as mentioned above, this can lead to an abscess, which can have extremely harmful and even fatal effects.

Obviously, brushing, which helps to remove plaque, is the best measure to prevent these potential health problems.

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

It is advisable to begin brushing a dog's teeth from early puppyhood, partly because it will allow him, or her, to become accustomed to the activity, but also because it is a good idea to be mindful of your dog's dental health from the very beginning.

There are toothbrushes specifically designed for canine use, which you can find in most pet stores. However, a soft bristled child's brush will work equally as effectively. Human toothpaste, however, should never be used for your dog. Canine toothpastes are available from pet stores or your local veterinary's office.

Some dogs are reluctant to allow their teeth to be brushed, hence the need to train them to be handled in this way from a young age. When training your dog, start with small steps, for example opening his, or her, mouth. Be sure to offer lots of praise for allowing you to do this. Then, begin brushing the sides of the teeth, again lots of praise should be awarded. When your dog is comfortable, increase the area and amount of time you spend brushing. If, at any point, your dog becomes distressed, stop and allow him, or her, to calm down before beginning again.

It is a good idea to pay particular attention to your dog's upper back teeth, as these will provide the first sign of plaque build-up.

Dental Care Treats

Crunchy treats, and those specifically designed to improve the dental health of your dog, are great for removing food from between the teeth and leaving gums healthy. Typically, crunchy foods are better for your dog's dental health then soft, canned or pouched, foods, so you may like to add a mixer to wet food. Alternatively, ensure that your canine companion has a crunchy treat after every meal.

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning that is done under anesthetic. A veterinarian will take X-rays, examine each tooth carefully and remove any abscessed or infected ones. Then, the teeth and gums are meticulously cleaned.

This treatment may be necessary when you adopt a rescued dog, as their dental health is often poorly cared for. In addition, older dogs are likely to experience problems with their teeth and gums and may need prophylaxis. However, as prophylaxis requires an anesthetic, and anesthetic always carries risk, it should not be used as an alternative to regular brushing and dental care in the home.

Although your dog may not enjoy it, it is crucial that you clean his, or her, teeth regularly. If you are having difficulties with training your dog to accept brushing, seek the assistance of a veterinarian or an obedience trainer.

Samantha Markham is a freelance writer based in the UK. She currently works for Remmeer.com, a high quality supplier of pet products. Remmeer.com has a range of unique items for pets and their owners, including dog lover gifts and dog memorials.

Dog Health Food

When my one year old Labrador started showing signs of constipation, I decided to take an extensive look at her diet and resolved to provide her with high fiber foods. But with all the dog food advertising, how do we know that we are giving our dogs only the best?

Here's what I've learned during the latest grocery shopping and veterinarian consultations:

1. Understand the needs of your pet - Our pets need a majority of meat in their diet, followed closely by vegetables and grains. Taking into consideration the 50-40-10 ratio would be a good start in choosing the right dog food. Dogs that are more active would require bigger servings of dog health food and would require one with the highest maximum nutrition value possible.

2. Know your dog's body condition and health history - Puppies would need the kind with higher levels of vitamins and minerals to address their growing bodies' needs. Additionally, your dog's weight and age will be a factor to consider. Nutritional requirements for the different dogs body types and conditions will vary, thus it is important to consult your veterinarian first so we would be able to provide the maximum potential dog health food.

3. Create a budget Plan - Set a limit to your budget, as dog health food varies in prices. The best dog food will be the one that you can afford. This is because the key to a good nutritional diet is consistency. If the food we choose is beyond our budget, our tendency is to scrimp the usual and recommended serving size and then we defeat the purpose of providing quality dog health food to our pets.

4. Consider your dog's taste - Like us, our dogs have preferences. My Labrador only prefers to eat dry food and refuses to eat something canned. Sometimes, our dogs simply cannot stand one specific brand of dog food, and they might even get sick from it. Trial and error is the key to finding the right health food. Upon considering the major factors, do not forget your dog's preferences when choosing the dog health food that they will take.

When choosing a dog health food that will ensure maximum nutritional value, it is important that we take note of the following vitamins and minerals that should be present on our dog food. Make it a habit to check the labels for these and read the serving sizes and compare to the requirements of your pet.

· Protein - can be sourced from meat and is considered to be the building block of life. This can be taken from meat like chicken, lamb and fish. The combination of these three meals will provide your dog enough energy to run around and do exercises to maintain good muscle and bone structure.

· Omega 3 Fatty Acids - can be found in fish products, Flax Seed and Sunflower Oil;

Dog health food that is enriched with these components will ensure that your dog's skin and coat will remain healthy and lustrous.

· Thiamine, Vitamin E and B and Carbohydrates - are the components of a nutritious dog health food which will ensure short term energy our dogs can utilize. Oatmeal, Ground brown rice and white rice are good sources of these nutrients.

· Lecithin - Most dog health foods contain the ingredient lecithin; this is a natural food emulsifier that is tasked to aid in the breaking down of fats in the blood. This ingredient aids and improves utilization of essential fatty acids needed by our dog's body.

The above ingredients are usually all present in the highest quality dog food- so check for Breeder's Choice logos and Premium Seals. Upon checking the levels of nutrition present in the dog health food of your choice, make sure that you cross-check with the nutritional values that your dog would require.

Consult your veterinarian for the most required nutrient for your dog's breed, age and activity and remember to request for the correct serving portions. Adult dogs would most probably require feeding once a day, or twice, if serving is divided into two equal portions.

Allow time for your dog to adjust to a new dog health food, with a slow introduction to the new feeding variety. It will take approximately 5 days to a week for a dog to adjust to the new food, so remember to gradually increase the amount of dog health food in their meals while gradually decreasing the previous dog food.

Get More Information about Dog Health Food and everything dog lovers should know about dogs health problems and general health questions at:

> > http://www.DogsHelpLine.com

How to Choose the Best Veterinarian For Your Pet

Finding a veterinarian for your pet is a vital part of your pets health. So, you may ask yourself, where do I start? To help you over the hurdle, here are steps to assist you and your pet.

Word of mouth is a great way to find a veterinarian.
Ask friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors what veterinarian they use.
Humane societies, animal shelters and animal rescue organizations are a fantastic way to find a vet.
Social media ex: Facebook can provide you with links to animal hospitals, veterinarians and you can view posts from other pet owners.
On the internet you can find veterinarians by simply typing, how to find a vet?
Does the clinic have a clean environment?
Are the staff friendly and do they address the pets and owners by name?
Do they make you feel rushed or welcomed?
Do the doctors and staff introduce themselves properly?
Does the veterinarian and staff have great interpersonal skills?

What to expect at your pets first visit to the vets: Make sure you call ahead of time and book your pets appointment. At this time, the doctor will probably not be able to speak with you because he/she will be extremely busy with their scheduled patients. Your first contact will be with the receptionist who will book your appointment. Have your pet's medical history ready in case you are asked any unforeseen questions. This is a good time to ask about fees, payments and emergency hours. It is important to have a veterinarian that accepts after hour emergency calls. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by the receptionist/assistant. You may be asked to fill out standard paperwork about your pet's age, name, sex, medical problems, diet and vaccinations. The technician may weigh your pet and then lead you to a room where you will meet your pet's doctor for the first time. The veterinarian will then proceed to obtain any medical history from you, regarding your pet. It is important that you tell them everything you know about your pet. If you are coming from another clinic, make sure you have your pet's medical records with you or the name of the previous clinic so your new vet can obtain your pets health records. Your veterinarian may begin the initial exam by:

Looking in your pets ears, eyes and mouth
Check your pets skin for skin irritations, fleas and ticks
Feel the abdomen for pain, organs and abnormalities
Genitals for enlargement, discharge and oddity
Take your pets temperature
Check for joint pain

After the initial exam your veterinarian may want to run routine blood analysis and ask you about spaying or neutering your pet (if not already done). Your vet will discuss your pet's necessary vaccinations and will probably give them their updated vaccines. The doctor may advise you on flea and tick control and de-worming your pet. At this time you should be able to see the compassion and love that your doctor has for animals. Does he talk to your pet? Is he reassuring? Has the doctor and staff made you and your pet feel welcomed? Did the doctor take their time with you and your pet? Were your questions or concerns answered? In my opinion, when you are finished your appointment, you should be feeling good about the animal clinic you just left and there will be a business card tucked safely in your wallet with their name, address and phone numbers and a smile on your face for making the right decision. Remember to recommend this veterinarian to your friends, family and co-workers. Lastly, sometimes there is just no cure. Don't forget that your veterinarian is feeling the pain and anguish too. Just like you, he is human and loves animals too.

Renate Efford lives in Newfoundland with her husband and children. She has three cats, dwarf rabbit, guinea pig, hamster and two budgies. She is the founder and owner of http://www.lovingmypets.com - Affordable Pet Supplies at Discount Prices. Providing you with premium pet supplies and valuable Pet Links. Her products are available throughout Canada and United States including Alaska and Puerto Rico. Her dedication to her customers is backed by her own love for animals. When her own kitten, Mattie, was diagnosed with cystine crystals and flown to Prince Edward Island for live saving emergency surgery, she knew that it was time to follow her dream. A dream that would allow her to sell pet products but at the same time, fully understanding what these pets mean to their owners. Providing essentials links for pet owners is one way she can help someone else. You can follow her blogs on http://lovingmypetsforever.blogspot.com/

Tips on the Balanced Diet of the Pets

Generally it is said that the pets are like the family members and become the essential in the life of each and every family member. They are very conscious about the food and the health of their pets. Even if you love your pets so much you are sometimes sternly ordered by the vets for not providing them the more food then their diet even if they are asking for food. Nutrients and the minerals are very common and the essential factor which decide the quality of the foodstuff for your domesticated animal. Some basic tips for your pets are mentioned below.

Food for dogs:

Every dogs breed has the different taste some like the food with the lots of vitamins and other like to have the more fat contains food. The food given to the puppies are full of vitamins, while the food which is required for the grown up dog is a food full of fats. So, some of them prefer to give their pets a homemade food, so you should keep in your mind about the vitamins and the nutrition based food for their pets.

Food for cats:

The cats need the extra and the perfect diet cats require the extra protein and the amino alkaloid acid with fatty acid. The kitten should not give the abundance of vitamins and proteins. The elder cat needs the light weighted food so that they can easily digest it.

Food for birds:

Your pet bird has its own balanced diet, they have their own taste sometime they like vitamins based food and on other hand they like the food which is full of minerals. It is quite difficult to judge them but the only think you can do is that never give them the food in huge quantity.

Food for fish:

There is not the specified food for the fishes because they love to have the variety of food. They like the food which contains the proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and the lipids. Always try to give them different food because they like the different spices.

Prevention:

It is well said that the prevention is better then cure. The daily checking and the preventive health care will help you in many ways. Firstly it will help you from the needless anguish of the money. Secondly prevent your pets from the incredible pain and suffering.

This is all about how you can take care of your pets, I hope after reading this article you will take a good and the better care of your animal friends.

If you are interested in traveling with your pets and looking for Pet Friendly Hotels then kindly visit us at http://www.officialpethotels.com

How to Bathe and Groom Your Pet Dog

Dog grooming is not just about making your dog look nice,it is essential to both your dogs health and the health of you and your family. The ideal frequency would be once every day, but this is not always achievable with people leading busy lives. No less than once every week is highly recommended.

The more regularly you brush and groom your dog the easier it will be for you to carry out the task.This is essential in the dog shedding season. Regularity is not only easier for you to carry out, it will be a less painful for your pet dog too. In addition you will be helping your dog to avoid infections which can occur,if not done on a regular basis.

Ensure that you do not use a comb designed for humans which could be either too soft to carry out the process satisfactorily,or too hard which will cause damage to your pets skin. You can take advice from your local vet on the most suitable brush and comb for your particular breed of dog.

Although regular bathing is essential for your pets well being, it is also possible to overdo the bathing process by bathing your pet too frequently. To a large extent it will depend on the breed of dog. Some breeds are very active others are not so active. If your pet is not so active you may have to rely on your sense of smell and the appearance of your dog, as over bathing will reduce the natural oil levels in your pets skin causing the skin to dry out and your pet to start itching and damaging the dry skin. If in doubt obtain advice from your vet for you dogs particular breed.

Brushing your dog on a regular basis is not the only requirement. Your dog will also require to be bathed regularly as well. Dogs have highly sensitive skins and require a shampoo which has been specifically prepared for dogs. Once again the ideal shampoo can be different for some breeds of dogs and professional advice should be taken before you purchase.

If your pet has picked up fleas there are shampoos which can help to remove these parasites,in addition to using flea powder. If used on a regular basis when bathing your pet,it will help to keep him free of fleas. When bathing always ensure that your dog is thoroughly rinsed to remove any remaining flea powder previously applied. Failure to do so could result in your dogs skin becoming irritated which will cause him to incessantly be scratching, which will cause skin damage.The ideal situation is to brush your pet immediately before bathing, as this will make the bathing process be much more effective by allowing the shampoo to cleanse your dogs skin.

Still with the bathing process you will need to be aware of sensitive areas of your dog. When bathing his face to remove the shampoo, do not rinse water directly over his head. Instead concentrate on lightly applying around the area by using your hands to direct out the dirt from your dogs head and ears and ensure that the shampoo does not run into your pets eyes and ears.It will make the process easier if your dog has a mat placed at the bottom of the bath so that he does not accidentally slip in the water. This is important when applying shampoo and rinsing around sensitive areas.

The ideal way to make sure that your pet becomes accustomed to the bathing process is to start grooming and bathing him when a puppy. If this is carried out as recommended it will become a fun activity which the puppy will carry through into becoming a fully grown dog. The grooming and bathing process will then become an event which both owner and pet dog will both enjoy.

Harry has written a number of articles on various subjects including Holidays,Vacation Attractions, Organic Food, Health, Pet Dogs and other subjects. Visit his latest website http://www.smalldogclothinghoice.com/ where he provides information and descriptions for visitors to assist in locating small dog clothing available on the Internet.

How to Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays

Ah, the holidays! Such a glorious time of year, filled with happy anticipation and joyous reunions with family and friends you haven't seen for a while.

Unfortunately, the holidays can spell disaster for our four-legged family members. Thousands of pets sustain injuries from holiday plants, decorations and foods at this time of the year.

Help Fido and Fluffy celebrate the season safely by protecting them from these holiday pet health hazards:

* Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and Christmas lilies all make lovely holiday decorations but are all toxic to pets when ingested. Mistletoe causes gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems. Holly and poinsettias can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and lethargy.

* When using holiday plants to decorate your dining table, move them to a location where pets can't reach between mealtimes. Hang mistletoe where pets can't reach it; berries are highly poisonous, and highly attractive to cats. Don't allow pets to remain in the room with your Christmas tree without supervision. Even eating a few pine needles can cause a puncture in pet intestines!

* Tape down or otherwise secure electrical cords for holiday lights to prevent chewing on them and unplug tree lights before leaving home.

* Secure your Christmas tree to the ceiling to keep it from falling on pets. Don't let pets drink water from the tree holder. Even fresh water can contain fertilizer residue, and stagnant water is full of bacteria. If you use tree water preservative, be sure to buy one that's labeled non-toxic in case pets decide to quaff while you're not looking. And NEVER use aspirin as a preservative in tree water. Ingesting aspirin-laced water can cause serious illness and even death.

* Keep tinsel and other ornaments well out of pet range. Cats in particular like to play with tinsel, and some will eat it, which can block intestines. Pets can mistake ornaments for toy balls to pets, and shards from broken glass ornaments can cause injury to mouths and paws. Swallowed, they cause major injuries to stomach and intestinal tract.

* If pets persist in trying to play with ornaments, blow up a few balloons and hang on lower branches and stick around until your dog or cat snares one. The sharp sound of even one balloon breaking is often enough to convince even the most determined pet to leave tree decorations alone.

* Once gifts have been opened, have children put their new toys away, especially those with small parts that can cause choking and intestinal blockage in dogs and frequently need to be removed surgically.

* Most pets love snoozing on a warm hearth. Always use fireplace screens, even when you think the fire is completely out. Keep candles out of pet reach and extinguish when leaving the room.

* To reduce stress, maintain pets' routines. Walk your dog as you always do. Serve pets' meals at regular times. Make sure fresh water is always available for them.

* Remember that holiday foods that are fine for people can make pets seriously ill. Macadamia nuts can cause muscular weakness, depression, vomiting, disorientation, tremors, abdominal pain and muscle stiffness in dogs. Chocolate can be fatal; ingesting as little as 1/4 ounce can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increase thirst, urination and heart rate.

* Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet may have ingested something toxic. If unable to reach your vet call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

Copyright Julie S. Crawshaw 2007. Julie S. Crawshaw is a freelance writer, lifelong animal lover and the author of Talking With Animals, available at http://www.howtotalkwithanimals.com

Please feel free to use this article with attribution and without changes, and to visit http://www.howtotalkwithanimals.com/books.html for more articles about interacting and communicating with animals.

Pet Health - Most Common Skin Problems and How to Prevent Them

Humans want to keep their skin healthy-away from infections and skin conditions. The same is true with our pets. We want them to be healthy, especially in terms of their skin. There are a few skin conditions that pet owners should be knowledgeable about. They should also know about how these conditions can be prevented.

These conditions can appear as open lesions on the skin. Some hairy animals can experience hair loss on the affected areas. Depending on the causative agent, the affected area can be dry and cracked or have purulent discharges with red, fresh subcutaneous layers.

Poor hygiene is one of the most common causes of skin conditions in animals. So, in order to prevent such skin problems from occurring, owners are expected to bathe or clean their pets regularly or whenever there is a need to do so. The use of antibacterial and antifungal pet soaps, shampoos, or other products can greatly help prevent the development of such conditions.

Remember that there are different products for different problems. As said, antibacterial or antifungal formulations will be best for infections. There are also products specifically made for controlling the shedding of your pet's hair. There are also those that are for allergy control.

However, the type of pet product that you will use can either have good or bad effects your pet's skin. So, do make sure that you only use products that you trust. Those that have good track record in keeping animal's skin healthy will be your best choice.

Even during cold weather, your pet needs to be bathed to get rid of harmful organisms that have found refuge on their skin and hair. You just need to make sure that the water that you will be using is warm enough to ensure their comfort.

Notice that from time to time, your dog will shed off hair or skin. This is normal as they replace the old skin with a healthier one.

Your pet's diet also plays an important role to its skin's health. It is a no brainer that your pet's diet should be rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. The amount of fats and carbohydrates should be limited. This can be provided to your pet simply on the food that you give it or you can give it supplements to make sure that vitamin and mineral requirements are met.

Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most recommended minerals that your pet should take in. These are believed to have good effects on the skin as well as on the body's cells.

More about allergies, you need to be aware of what the causes of your pet's allergies are. Make sure that you avoid them from being exposed to such allergens. One of the most common causes is dog food that is laden with grains. Many dogs are allergic to these and can manifest with breaks or lesions on the skin. Reading the food label will allow you to know what you are giving your pets. You can ensure that there are no grains included or have least amount of grains included. You can even know what nutrients you are giving your pet.

Jerri Torres enjoys writing for Petflow which sells fromm and innova pet food as well as a host of additional products.