Archive for November, 2007
Nov
19
Posted under
Uncategorized Photograph Your Pet
By Keith Jones
Cats and Dogs are smart - really smart!
Your cat or dog will happily pose for photos when its tiny - because everything is a game then.The best time to photograph a new puppy or kitten is when you first introduce them to your garden or home - that way EVERYTHING is exciting and new and its a voyage of exploration for them.
So for the best photos of your pet start early - and ALWAYS have your camera to hand for the best photos.
Make sure you have a spare memory card too - you will take LOTS of photos!
When kittens and puppies are really tiny, its fun to take pictures as they explore the world about them - and they are still small enough to get inside wellingtons and big shoes . I do not quite suggest dressing your pet up (that is a bit 1950s) but dogs particularly like a red bandana round their collar. Play with your puppy/kitten - use balls of wool on a string, fluffy toys,or just a plain old red ball (but not a tennis ball - they can quickly tear those apart and choke on them ) Its a lot easier if there are two of you - one to hold things out of reach and to feed tit-bits while the other one photographs the pets. Some of the best pictures are to be had when the baby animal is still with its mother and siblings. Get yourself a training clicker from the pet shop and this will quickly grab their attention.Have a supply of small treats (NOT chocolate -its bad for animals) to keep them interested.
Play with the pet till it is really tired and a bit dopey and that is the moment to get the cutest shots of all.
If you can get three or four puppies/kittens together then with a little patience and a lot of following around, you can get some great shots. If you want to fill the frame with the pets head then use a close-up lens and you will get sharp pictures much closer.
Lighting is simple - a main light to the right of the photographer with a reflector to the left. and if you have another light you could use that for rim lighting from slightly above and behind.If using Flash try to bounce the flash and avoid red-eye this will also soften the lighting.Outdoors,use flash to fill in shadows but stop down to - half a stop if you can to retain shadow detail.
Technically you need to switch OFF auto focus if you can as you will certainly miss some of the best shots while your camera hunts for a sharp zone. Use ISO 200 and the fastest practicable shutter speed to catch the action.
Patience really is the name of the game - and a cute and interested pet.Try introducing animals together - puppies and kittens have interesting interactions. Study old postcards for ideas on setting up fun pictures to sell - humour always sells.
If you are photographing Hamsters or Pet Rats then buy a small pack of ready made custard - rodents will do ANYTHING for custard ! They can learn tricks too.
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And they fall off remarkably easily. If you have kittens to photograph then take my tip and seal off your chimney with card and duct tape - I forgot and it took three hours to get the little blighters down.Their mother tried to go after them too !
If you are photographing a valuable dog please make sure they stay with you all the time. The dog gets worried in a new place without its owner - as I found out with a large dog that backed me into a corner of my studio for an hour till its owner returned… I don t understand - he s never done that before said the owner. Hmm
Always take full face and profile shots of your dogs - it s a good record of their growth apart from having good shots of them.
Some of the best pictures I have taken were when we visited the breeder to choose our puppies - with the breeders permission I took lots of shots and puppies at 4 weeks old are really cute .
If you are photographing someone else s dog or cat make sure your insurance policy covers you against claims for damage - it s always wise to protect yourself.
Keith Jones is a Professional Stock Photographer in Western Ireland.
He s illustrated several books on Cats,Dogs and Horses and has a Stock Photo Library.
To learn more about stock and Microstock Photography Please Visit:
http://www.squidoo.com/microstockinfo/
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Nov
18
Posted under
Uncategorized The Benefits Of Pet Therapy In Patients
By Joy Gill
Pet therapy is an area that has received increased attention in therapeutic recreation. In recent years, the experts have been relying on pet therapy as a valuable aid in reaching out to the elderly, the infirm, and to ill or abused children through-out the country. Pet Therapy is the commonly used term for animal-assisted therapy (AAT), animal-assisted activities (AAA) and pet visitation. It is also recognized at hospitals around the country as a great way to help children cope with the stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization. Pet Therapy is a general term that encompasses many therapeutic activities involving animals as companions or occasional visitors to the sick, elderly, or mentally ill.
Pet therapy is now being used to help with a wide range of medical and emotional ailments. Sometimes just one treatment can and does work in alleviating many symptoms. Pet therapy also promotes socialization, improves self-esteem and security, and provides entertainment and acceptance. The visitations provide a warm and comforting presence, patient listeners, and a relaxing interlude to residents of health care facilities. The pet therapy program was initiated at Wishard Health Services in November 2002 and is now is a recognized method of treatment the world over, more so in developed countries and continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Pet therapy is one of the most rewarding volunteer activities a dog and handler can be involved with and is becoming a popular and important role for many animals, especially dogs. Visits can have a positive effect on a resident or patient s physical health, as well as on his or her emotional health by reducing loneliness and creating a sense of purpose. For the lonely residents of nursing homes, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, and homes for the handicapped, holding a warm puppy or playful kitten provides the unconditional love they need so much.
For people who enjoy animals, pet therapy offers some solid benefits: better health, more relaxed mood, enhanced connection to the world, improved communication, and the needed chance to play and create. Under direction of health services and education professionals, animal-assisted therapy can promote physical movement, emotional well being, cognitive awareness and social improvement for people with disabilities. In a health care facility, people come out of their rooms to socialize with the animals and with each other.
Each dog must undergo extensive training before they can interact with patients. In order to participate in a pet therapy program, volunteers generally need to undergo training and testing. You can help prepare your dog by ensuring good healthy socialization, positive exposure to a variety of people, other animals, environmental factors and situations.
How Do Animal Assisted Therapy Pets Help Patients?
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Elderly People And Animal Assisted Therapy
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Finally, although pet therapy has been shown to be effective for many people, it is important to remember that not everyone enjoys the presence of animals. Like any other type of therapeutic intervention, pet therapy should take the patient s likes and dislikes into account. Overall, participating in any type of Pet therapy program can be a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. To find pet therapy near you, look for a program with clear, therapeutic goals for its participants and also have Infection control guidelines that ensure patient safety. Also, be sure to get approval from your Dr. before starting any visits.
Please visit http://trujem.com/blog to see more of my work.
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Nov
17
Posted under
Uncategorized Senior Pets Need Help, Too!
By Susan Osmanski
Many pampered pets are living longer now and can develop orthopedic or arthritic problems, just like their loving owners. As a result, many senior pets have problems reaching the couch or bed an action that was once a simple task. Today, there are many products on the market that are designed to enable aging pets to continue their normal activities, even though they may have some problems.
Pet stairs are a great way to help older pets reach their favorite places, such as a couch or your bed. Many are lightweight, weighing as little as 5 lbs, and are easy to handle, which can be just as important for an aging owner. These can fold away if needed, or left out, since their modern styling blends well with any decor.
Other types of stairs are actual pieces of furniture with roomy compartments for your pampered pet s treasures. In the line of beds, there are great beds made of new materials that both conform to your pet s body and provide an insulating environment. This provides soothing, warm comfort for aging joints. These beds are roughly 4″ high, allowing easy access.
Since heat is soothing for active, aging pets, there is a variety of heated pet beds and mats for all sizes of pets, for indoor, doghouse or garage use. The heated pet beds are self-contained units while the mats are meant to be placed under existing materials. Thermo pet throws are becoming popular and are basically electric blankets for pets. They are for indoor use and have adapters for use in vehicles.
For the aging but still traveling pet, ramps are a great way for your pet to get into and out of vehicles safely. Some ramps are as light as 7 lbs supporting 200 lbs, while others can weigh as little as 13 lbs while supporting over 400 lbs. Use of such ramps can save wear and tear on your pets aching joints.
If you are still an active individual but your pet is slowing down, you can still take him for bike rides with bicycle pet trailers for any size pet, or bicycle baskets for smaller pets.
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With so many great products available, your senior pet can keep up with you for a long, long time.
Susan Osmanski is co-owner of Maxie s Gifts & More, a great online pet supply and outdoor products web-store, specializing in pampered cat products, luxury dog items, indoor bird supplies, outdoor wildlife products, decorative backyard and garden items and gifts for pet lovers. To explore our great selection of products for older pets, visit http://maxiethecatgiftshop.com/dogs.html
To see all the great products they have, please visit http://maxiethecatgiftshop.com
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Senior-Pets-Need-Help,-Too!&id=795603
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Nov
16
Posted under
Uncategorized All About Dwarf Hamsters
By Adam King
The phrase dwarf hamster is commonly used to describe a group of hamsters that, although they share common traits, are quite unique in and of themselves.
All dwarf hamsters belong to the genus Phodopus, with the exception of the Chinese dwarf hamster - it belongs to a different genus altogether but is commonly referred to as a dwarf hamster because it shares so much in common with other dwarf hamsters.
The biggest difference between dwarf hamsters and Syrian hamsters is that dwarf hamsters tend to be far more social than Syrian hamsters. As you may already know you must never put another hamster in with a Syrian hamster, especially a dwarf hamster. The Syrian hamster is extremely territorial and will kill any other hamster that is introduced to its cage.
Dwarf hamsters do best when housed with one or two other dwarf hamsters of roughly the same size and breed. This means that although you can house a Campbell s Dwarf hamster with a Winter White hamster it will cause less stress on the hamsters to be housed with dwarf hamsters of their own breed.
A very important point to keep in mind is that unless you want to start breeding hamsters you must separate the male dwarf hamsters from the female dwarf hamsters. They are sexually mature at a very young age and will get pregnant early and often unless they are separated!
If you want to have several dwarf hamsters sharing the same cage it s best to get dwarf hamsters that were previously housed with other hamsters as they are used to the company. Be careful when introducing a new hamster to a cage previously occupied by a solitary dwarf hamster - he may have grown used to being alone and may challenge the new arrival.
If you do introduce a new dwarf hamster to a cage with an existing dwarf hamster then be prepared to hear some interesting hamster sounds and some minor scuffling. Don t be alarmed by this - it s likely due to the two hamsters trying to establish who s boss, and it rarely escalates into serious violence. Monitor the cage to make sure that the original hamster doesn t attack the new arrival - as mentioned above, sometimes they just get used to being alone and won t tolerate any new upstarts!
The most popular types of dwarf hamsters to keep as pets are the Campbell s Dwarf hamster, the Winter White hamster, the Roborovski hamster, and the Chinese hamster. The most popular of these is the Campbell s Dwarf hamster. The Cambell s Dwarf hamster was discovered in 1902 in Mongolia and is characterized by its trademark furry feet and short tail. If handled properly the Campbell s Dwarf hamster can be quite tame and friendly.
Winter White hamsters are unique in the hamster world in that they can change the color of their fur to a snowy white about once per year. In the wild this usually occurs around September, but domestic Winter White hamsters can change color several times per year based on the amount of sunlight they re exposed to.
Roborovski hamsters tend to be the smallest of the dwarf hamsters, reaching only about two inches in length when fully grown. They are very gentle and extremely fast, so try not to let one escape as you ll have an extremely difficult time getting him back!
Chinese hamsters are often called the rat-like dwarf hamster, owing to its long tail and thin body.
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Once breeding is complete the male and female Chinese hamsters should be separated again.
Want to know more about dwarf hamsters, including what kind of hamster cage is best for them, what type of food they like to eat, and what sort of toys they like to play with? Visit http://www.Hamster-Zone.com to learn all this and much more.
Sign up for our free newsletter and get instant access to our handy hamster illness chart!
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Nov
14
Posted under
Uncategorized Quick Pet Guinea Pig Care Guide! Simple Tips For A Healthy Cavy!
By Michael Porteous
Guinea pig s also known as Cavies are one of the gentlest, loving, clean and adorable pets you can care for. These timid creatures have grown in popularity over the last few years but not as much is known about pet guinea pig care as cats or dogs or fish which are more prominent. Luckily guinea pigs are not too difficult to look after, they are clean, do not smell like mice and do not bite like ferrets. Here are a few simple tips to care for your guinea pig!
Housing
It is best to keep your guinea pig in a decent size cage, four to six square feet of floor space for each guinea pig is good but slightly smaller will suffice. Make sure the floor is solid not wire cage like the walls however as this can hurt their feet, also guinea pigs cannot jump or climb very well also so you do not need a roof to their enclosure as long as it is about 18 inches high. Make sure your enclosure also has a place for your pet to hide in if it wants in the wild it was defenseless against predators so when it feels threatened it needs a place to feel secure in.
Bedding
A bed of shredded newspaper or wood shavings is ideal for your guinea pig. Beware however of wood shavings with a lot of aroma such as some types of pine as this can cause some healthy issues. Make sure you change the bedding at least once a week.
Food
For good Guinea pig care you should have a large and steady supply of water as they tend to drink a lot. Water in a dish is fine but can often get messy as bits of bedding may get into it and they might tip it accidentally and wet themselves and their cage. Most experts recommend a feeding tube attached to a bottle, these can be purchased at most pet stores and have a device that stops the water leaking out so the guinea pig can drink without making a mess.
Guinea pigs are also very susceptible to a lack of vitamin C and while their food pellets are infused with the vitamin older tablets lose their potency. You can add Vitamin C supplements to the drinking water however to keep their supply up.
While guinea pig pellets should be the main part of your pet s diet you can also feed them other fresher food like turnips, spinach, hay and kale. Do not however feed your pig fruits and sweets as this upsets their digestive system.
Diseases
A sick guinea pig will suffer from hair loss and crusty or inflamed eyes, nose and ears. These symptoms are caused often by a lack of vitamin C but also from diseases they can pick up from guinea pig colonies at pet stores, while the usual cure for diseases like these is anti-biotics, guinea pigs are known to react very badly to such treatment.
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Make sure your long haired pig is free from items getting caught up in their hair, this breed needs much more attention.
You should also clip the nails of your pig once a month, a normal nail clipper is good for this.
A Guinea pigs teeth are also always growing and they need something wooden in their pen for them to chew on so they do not overgrow.
You should now know the basics of good pet guinea pig care and will have a happy healthy little pet that will delight you for many years to come!
Do you need a comprehensive guide to guinea pig care to keep your little friend happy and healthy?
The Comprehensive Cavy Guide is a wonderful e-book with great life saving tips for your cavy, a brilliant breeding guide and many tips to help you understand your guinea pig better!
This e-book comes with many free bonus e-books for a limited time only!
Do you owe it to your little buddy to keep him safe and well cared for?
If so click here! http://smallandnfurry.blogspot.com/2007/10/comprehensive-cavy-guide.html
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Nov
13
Posted under
Uncategorized Hiring a Pet Sitter
By Elyse Grau
Going on vacation without the dog? Need to leave your cat for the weekend? You might want to hire a pet sitter. If you have never done that before, this article can help you avoid mistakes. Knowing you have a competent, reliable person taking care of your pets will make your trip less stressful.
The best way to find a pet sitter is to ask your veterinarian or friends who have pets for recommendations. There may be people who do it occasionally, like I do, just not as a business. Some pet sitters will advertise in the yellow pages or newspapers. Most will leave flyers or business cards with veterinarians.
Many pet sitters belong to professional organizations, and some of these have websites you can visit. Some of them offer a search feature, but remember that only their members will be listed. Some smaller towns may not have local professional pet sitters.
Keep your expectations realistic. Normally, a pet sitter will feed the animals, let them out or walk them, change litter boxes and do whatever else is needed to care for the animal. They will spend an average of thirty minutes for each visit. They might even pick up your mail and water your plants.
There is usually an extra charge for additional visits during the day. Some sitters may be willing to spend the night - something you may desire if you have older or sick animals.
Make sure the pet sitter will come and meet the animals before you hire her. It is important that both the animal and the sitter be comfortable with each other.
Be sure to plan well in advance, as pet sitters are usually in heavy demand. You should ask for the pet sitter s fees and policies in writing, so you know exactly what to expect. I would suggest getting references a trustworthy businessperson will have these readily available.
Ask what other kinds of animal experience the person has. Someone with veterinary experience, such as a technician, is a good choice for special needs pets. A dog trainer, or someone who has trained a few animals will know how to handle dogs with behavioral issues. A pet groomer will have experience handling both dogs and cats in stressful situations.
Pet sitters are not required to have any special licensing, but those who have gone to the trouble of acquiring accreditation from one of the pet sitter organizations show a high degree of professionalism in my opinion. They will have been required to take a course that usually includes business management, animal care and animal health instruction. Accredited pet sitters will therefore likely have more diverse knowledge and experience than someone who has not been through the course. Once you have found the right sitter for you, be sure to give and get all the information you both will need.
You will want to leave phone numbers for where you can be reached, as well as a friend or neighbor who might be able to answer questions or help out in emergencies. Provide the sitter with the name, address and phone number of your veterinarian, and leave a signed letter giving permission for necessary medical procedures to be preformed.
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Be sure to tell the pet sitter of any special behavioral problems or quirks. If your dog is afraid of people in hats, say, the sitter will not make the mistake of wearing her rain hat indoors! Point out where all the supplies are food, dishes, toys, beds, etc. Tell the pet sitter your rules on treats, how much you feed, how often and when. If you can put everything the pet sitter may need in one central location, so much the better.
If your animals are on strict schedules for feeding or medication, ask if these can be accommodated, and work out an acceptable compromise if need be.
Be sure your pet sitter is bonded and insured. Don t forget, she will have the keys to your home. Also, make arrangements for payment and the return of your keys.
It is a good idea to have a contingency plan in place in the event that your return is delayed. Plan to call the sitter on your return or ask her to call you at a specified time.
The pet sitter should also have a backup plan in case he or she is unable to attend to your pets for some reason. If not, you had better make a backup plan of your own.
Leaving the pets behind can add unnecessary stress to your trip. Knowing that you have hired an experienced pet sitter, and that you have provided her with everything she needs to do the job right can help ease that stress.
The author is an experienced pet owner, with knowledge of pet nutrition, feeding and training. She is past owner of a natural treat company. Elyse is also a herbalist, and uses herbs and holistic remedies for her animals.
http://www.pethealthresource.com
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Nov
12
Posted under
Uncategorized Second-Hand Smoke: A Triple Threat to Dogs and Cats
By Amy G. Casey
It makes sense that second-hand smoke affects the health of our pets, but our furry friends suffer a triple-threat from tobacco. In addition to the obvious danger of lung cancer, dogs and cats lick the residual tar and
nicotine from their coats, which can cause mouth and throat cancers. Curious animals also face potentially fatal nicotine poisoning from eating any tobacco products they find.
A Tuft s University study found that cats living in homes with smokers are more than twice as likely than other cats to acquire feline lymphoma cancer. This type of cancer was previously thought to occur as a result of feline leukemia. In a Science Daily report, Dr. Antony Moore of Tuft s said, “The results of our study clearly indicate that exposure to environmental factors such as second-hand tobacco smoke has devastating consequences for cats because it significantly increases their likelihood of contracting lymphoma.”
According to an Associated Press report, “In households where they were exposed five years or more, cats had more than triple the risk. In a two-smoker household, the risk went up by a factor of four.” In some cases, cats were at higher risk for cancer than humans living in the same home.
Dogs living with smokers show increased risk for lung and nasal cavity cancers. Long-nosed dogs like Retrievers have a larger nasal surface area, which accumulates carcinogens from smoke. Shorter-nosed breeds such as Pugs show an increased risk of lung cancer. This research was conducted at the Colorado State University (CSU) School of Veterinary Medicine by Professor John Reif, who has been studying the effects of second-hand smoke on dogs since 1992.
Symptoms of lung cancer in dogs include chronic coughing, weight loss and fatigue. Symptoms of nasal cancer include swelling around the nose or sinus areas, bloody nasal discharge and sneezing.
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Smokers who share their homes with pets should smoke outside and be very careful about disposing of cigarette butts so that animals can t eat them.
Ask anyone who takes care of your pet about their smoking habits, and make sure to tour any petsitting or pet day care facilities with tobacco awareness in mind.
Amy G. Casey is CEO of Pet Health Focus (http://pethealthfocus.com), and an award-winning science writer and author of numerous science and pet health books and articles. Amy s experiences with her dog s health issues brought her love of animals and her research and science experience together to help people care for their pet companions.
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Nov
10
Posted under
Uncategorized How To Get Your Dog To Stop Jumping On You (And Pee On Cue)
By Julie Crawshaw
Does this scenario sound familiar? You re dressed to impress, ready to leave home for an important business or social gathering. You re about to open the door when your dog-who doesn t want you to go without him-jumps up on you, leaving smudgy paw marks and pet hair on your best clothes. Feeling exasperated, you raise your voice and shove your dog away from you, which does nothing to change his future behavior and quite possibly leaves him feeling a little confused and with hurt feelings in the present.
Or, you re walking your dog right before bedtime. The hour is late, you re tired, it s beginning to rain and your umbrella is back at the house. You really want your pooch to hurry up and pee so you can both go back inside-but your dog is having such a tough time finding the perfect clump of grass to water that getting to bed looks like being an hour away.
Don t feel like the Lone Ranger. Even the most experienced animal communicators can find it difficult to alter canine behaviors like these. Just remember that the trick to changing a dog s natural behavior lies in creating positive experiences, preferably ones that provide multiple positive reinforcements for the behavior you desire.
Consistently visualizing what you want your dog to do is tremendously important. Because visualization is the most ancient and powerful means of communicating, animals always give precedence to the images we hold in mind over our verbal cues. Unfortunately, we humans tend to unconsciously hold the image of the behavior we don t want in our minds instead of the action we would like the animal to take. When our mental images are different from the verbal commands we give, animals choose to obey the mental image almost every time!
Teach jumping on before staying off
Now, to help you solve the first of the two very common problems mentioned above: In order to teach your dog not to jump on you, you must actually teach him to jump on you first.
There are two psychologically sound reasons for this approach. The first is that teaching your dog to jump on you is easy because jumping is something most dogs enjoy. The second is that teaching him to jump on you provides a frame of reference for staying off of you.
Begin by changing into some clothes comfortable for playing with your dog. Invite him to come and sit in front of you and provide a soft food treat when he does. Picture your dog standing on his hind legs with his front paws on your chest as you pat your chest invitingly and say, “Come up!” in a friendly, playful tone of voice.
The moment your dog obeys, spend a minute petting and praising him, telling him how smart he is. Then, using the same friendly tone of voice, say, “Off” as you gently place your hands flat against on his chest and lower him into a sitting position in front of you again. Spend no more than five minutes repeating this sequence before ending the training time.
Add visual reinforcement
Repeat the sequence several more times during your next training time, which can be later the same day. This time, after praising your dog for jumping up as instructed, hold your hand palm facing out in front of the dog s face for a second before saying “Off.” This adds a visual reinforcement to the verbal command and helps you to shift the mental image you re holding from “on me” to “off of me.”
Gradually increase your emphasis on the hand signal until you feel confident your dog understands what it means. Then call the dog to you, but hold your palm up and say “off” before he begins to jump. Reward him for staying off with praise and a treat. When your dog has this sequence down pat, you ll never have to worry about his jumping on you without an invitation again!
Once you have taught your dog when he can and can t jump on you, you can take it a step farther and teach him he can jump up and down with you. Just start jumping up and down yourself after you have given the “off” hand signal.
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And now, a few words about peeing…
Finding precisely the right spot to pee is terribly important to dogs. They can spend hours sniffing every tree, shrub and blade of grass in an area no bigger than the average garage. And while allowing our pets to retain as much of their culture as possible, sometimes we simply need them to hurry it up a bit.
The way to speed up your dog s “relief trips” is to cue the dog to do what you want as he or she is actually doing it. In other words, when your pooch starts to pee, say, “find a spot, find a spot, find a spot” over and over again to set up an association in your dog s mind between the cue phrase and the action you want.
Be patient-it usually takes a number of sessions for this association to be firmly made. But once it is, all you have to do is say, “Find a spot, Spot” and you re on your way back home!
Copyright Julie S. Crawshaw 2007. Julie S. Crawshaw is a freelance writer, 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.
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Nov
06
Posted under
Uncategorized Including Pets In Your Holiday Plans
By Liz Shulman
November and December is a busy time of year. There are holidays to prepare for. There are gifts to shop for, guests to invite over, travel to be done, even one evening of dinner and socializing can be a lot more activity than a night the during rest of the year. Amid all the activity, it s important that we consider our pets. The holidays can be stressful for pets, with all the additional comings and goings and changes in the daily routine.
If you are having company over, consider designating a “safe spot” for your pet. A room where he is comfortable that is in the quietest part of the house. If your dog is truly not comfortable with a lot of strangers coming into the home, it might be wise to put him in a boarding kennel for the evening. This will eliminate the chance of him becoming overwhelmed and possibly deciding that you need to be protected from your guests. If he is sociable, he can come out and greet people, but make sure he always has a place to get away from everything. Even the friendliest of pets can become stressed by a holiday party.
If you are traveling and decide to take your pet with you, make sure that you arrange it in your travel plans. Airplanes have pet restrictions and often require advance notice of pets that will be on board. Be sure you know the pet policies of any hotels you plan on staying at. Some hotels have a size restriction, some limit pets to certain rooms, and those rooms could be booked. Don t wait too long before making reservations.
If you will be traveling with your pet, make sure to have a packing list for him that includes a crate and his food, water, dishes, leashes and collars, and maybe a couple of toys. Get the pet used to the carrier well in advance of travel, as well as used to car rides, especially if you will be driving to your destination. If your pet is prone to car sickness, it might be better to make arrangements to have someone care for him at home or to board him. Crates can be a lifesaver while traveling with pets. If you stop for gas or food or anything else, you don t want the pet jumping out of the car when a door opens. A pet who is stressed from the travel and in an unfamiliar area can quickly become scared and run off.
The holiday season is a very busy time of year for boarding kennels and pet sitters. Many are booked up months in advance, so it is important that you make arrangements with them as early as possible. Before leaving your pet, make a list of contact phone numbers where you can be reached while you are away, as well as veterinary contact information and instructions as to what should be done in a veterinary emergency. Make sure you have enough food and any medication he might need for him for the duration of his stay, plus a little extra.
With all of the holiday meals, you might want to let your pet enjoy some of the food. If you do, it s important that you just give him a small piece of these treats and make sure he still eats his regular diet. Too much holiday food can be very difficult on your pets digestive system, making him sick.
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Garlands and ornaments are sometimes mistaken for toys. Every year around the holidays, we hear of pets who ate ornaments. Hang them high enough that the pet can t reach them, or limit them to a room that can be off limits to your pet.
Also plants, such as Christmas trees and poinsettias are toxic to pets. Take extra care to prevent curious animals from nibbling on them. Put them in inaccessible locations, use baby gates or scat mats to prevent access, and don t leave your pet unsupervised with the plants.
Often people think that pets would make for a great holiday gift. In actuality, they don t. One reason why they don t is that if they are going to be a surprise, then it is impossible for the recipient to be a part of the selection process, in which case the pet might be incompatible with his new owners. If you want to give a pet as a holiday gift, it is better to give an IOU, with perhaps some pet care items, and then let the individual choose the pet he truly wants.
The holiday season is not the best time of year to acquire pets. All of the traveling and activities make it very difficult for a new pet and his owner to set up a much needed routine and to bond correctly. The stress of going to a new home on the pet is compounded by the stress of the holidays. Again, it is best to wait until the holidays are over so that your new pet can settle into a quiet and loving home when you have time to attend to his needs during the adjustment period.
Liz Shulman has over 20 years experience with animals, and 10 years with dogs. Learn more about dogs at http://www.corgipower.com/
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Including-Pets-In-Your-Holiday-Plans&id=810801
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Nov
04
Posted under
Uncategorized Animals The Love Of Our Lives
By Sandy Paris
What on earth can come close to the divine unconditional love we get from our pets and other animals? They are truly a blessing in our lives that open our hearts to returning these blessing back into life. Divine love is the natural inflow and outflow necessary for spiritual and physical survival.
A spiritual divine love is a very powerful tool. It can keep us on course and help us ward off distractions that lead to many of the hardships in our lives. It is an absolute necessity for AGUB? (Accepting God s Unlimited Bountifulness).
Story:
The Squirrel and the Power Line
One day I was sitting in my car contemplating on the talk, I was about to give on “Living Life as a Spiritual Exercise”.
I noticed a squirrel running along the grass. He suddenly jumped up on a power pole, ran to the top of the pole, and jumped onto the power line. I was amazed by his grace, balance and complete lack of fear. He then ran the full length of the thin wire to the next pole and without stopping, he jumped onto the next wire and onto the third section that went to a huge tree. Then, about half way across, he finally jumped off the wire into the tree.
The squirrel s action completely captured my attention. I asked Holy Spirit, “What could be learned from this golden wisdom that touched my heart so deeply”?
This is what I received:
- The squirrel s mission was his spiritual roadmap to wisdom and knowingness above the limitation of mental and emotional doubt.
- The squirrel knew with absolute certainty, that he could accomplish his mission.
- The squirrel confidence overshadowed fear.
- The squirrel manifested his finished dream through his divine imagination through the guidance of Holy Spirit.
- Animals are Soul just as humans beings are. Except in many cases animals exhibit a greater degree of diving love.
The squirrel helped me recognize that certainty in everything comes from the lack of doubt, fear, and anxiety. It is the complete surrender to the AGUB? (Accepting God s Unlimited Bountifulness).
I also realized that this is one of the most important fundamental keys in charting a path to success in all our dreams. This is living in a can…do consciousness above the distractions of the changing physical world. It is mastering our dreams already completed.
The squirrel knew with a deep feeling of certainty what his destination was and imagined it from its finished creation. He did not force the results in any way. Nor did he place his divine imagination or feelings on the obstacles he could encounter or he surely would have fallen off the thin wire onto the ground.
This art of knowingness must be practiced until it becomes a natural part of our consciousness. Then it becomes a state of divine wisdom, which we can then put into action in our daily life experiences. These spiritual gifts go far beyond the mental realm. The mind only functions in the physical universe. On the other hand, Soul, humans and animals, can functions in the spiritual worlds above the limitations of time and space and the battleground of positive and negative forces if our hearts are open to divine love.
It isn t always easy to step beyond mental reasoning to pure simple spiritual truth!
The squirrel also helped me realized on deeper level how important it is to master our usual negative responses that lead us down a road in the opposite direction of our spiritually finished dream with Holy Spirit.
I received the following technique as I contemplated the squirrel s strategy.
Technique:
Simplicity through Relaxation
Throughout the day remember to take breathing and relaxation breaks that free the heart of the stress and material distractions buying for our attention in order to keep us from experiencing spiritual and physical freedom.
Relax and take six deep breaths
Relax and roll your shoulders
Relax and open the heart to divine love
Close your eyes and rest in the moment of now, eternity, free from the past and future, free from dual influences of positive and negative energy.
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Now, remain in this state of pure cause as long as you can. When you begin to feel stressed step back into the moment of now and use this breathing and relaxation technique again. Teach your body the discipline of this art form and it will certainly change your life.
Then move on with your day from this rejuvenated state as Soul, your Spiritual self.
Open your outer eyes and inner knowingness
Open your outer ears and inner listening
Pay attention to the divine love, guidance, and protection from Holy Spirit that brings the miracles around you to life each moment. Like the squirrel story, take time to master your ability of watching and listening to your animal friends, they have so much to teach us about visiting our finished creations and making our dreams realities.
Be sure to log these stories and experiences. It takes time and repetition to bring Spiritual wisdom and knowingness alive in your life. In fact, it is an ongoing, unending journey.
There has always been and will always be a plus element in all the spiritual worlds of giving us the ability to accept God s unlimited bountifulness. These are some of the keys to charting a Spiritual roadmap through our animal friends.
Article taken from: Spiritual Roadmap To Unlimited Bountifulness (book journal combination and free inspirational quote DVD while in stock) $25.00 available at www.sandyparis.com Not sold in stores.
Sandy Paris, author of the Making Dreams Reality Book Series, keynote speaker of 36 years, publisher, syndicated magazine columnist and Cambridge Who s Who. Sandy Paris has been classified as a Spirituality expert with the likes of the Dalai Lama, Wayne Dyer, and Deepak Chopra. She is also a co-author with internationally acclaimed best-selling authors Jack Canfield, Bob Proctor, Alan Cohen, Richard Carlson, and John Gray. Her books, and products reflect the infinite potential in all of us as unlimited beings. Visit her website for FREE GIFTS http://www.sandyparis.com Contact Sandy at: sandyparis@mac.com for speaking engagements.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Animals-The-Love-Of-Our-Lives&id=803052
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Nov
03
Posted under
Uncategorized Halloween And Your Pets
By Joy Gill
Halloween can be a festive and fun time of year for children and families but for pets, it can be stressful and even dangerous. Here are some tips to keep your pets happy and safe this Halloween. Some readers may be surprised to learn that one of the most dangerous things for your pet this Halloween is candy, especially chocolate, which can be harmful, even fatal to pets. Chocolate can cause tremors nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate and, in severe cases, seizure and death. As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candies, always remember that chocolate is deadly to them in any amount. Secure all candy safely away from pets. The wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and make them ill or cause death. There are plenty of recipes for making home made dog and cat treats and you can always make them on a Halloween note. If you are like me and have no idea how to make pet treats of any kind, you might be able pick up a box of dog or cat treats for them at a pet bakery or order them online before hand.
If you will be having inside visitors for the evening, remind your guests not to give your pet any candy no matter how cute they think he or she is. Tell them of the health risks involved with candy and pets. It will be way easier to tell everyone upfront, than to have to tell each person as they try to share a treat with your pet. If you are having an indoor party, seriously consider putting your dog or cat in a room where they won t be disturbed. Secluding your pets in a quiet room away from the Halloween activities will ease your mind and allow you to enjoy your guests. This will also ensure that your pets won t panic and escape when bell-ringing trick-or-treaters arrive, nor will they become threatened or aggressive at the sight of costumed, little people. With many people visiting the home in strange attire, even normally calm pets might over react. These things can cause undue stress and possibly cause aggression in even the nicest dog, goldfish, or iguana for that matter. Pets, especially dogs, that are easily excitable or threatened by strangers should be kept from the front door so they cannot bite anyone or run into the street.
During Halloween, pets are often the victims of pranksters cruel tricks. If you work in a pet store, remember that this is the time of year that can be deadly for black cats. Many animal shelters make black cats unavailable for adoption the week before Halloween because of black cat abuse.
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It is probably best to keep black cats inside for the whole week of Halloween. On this Halloween night, try to keep all pets safely indoors at all times. With a frequently opened door, keep pets secure so they don t end up leaving with a band of trick-or-treaters. Keep pets on a shorter-than-normal leash if you plan on walking outside on Halloween.
Always watch that any open flames (like candles or jack-o-lanterns) are out of reach (of pets and kids). Not only could your pet start a fire but they could severely burn themselves in the process. Finally, dressing up a pet dog or cat has become increasingly popular in the last few years, which in turn means a big market for dog & cat-related products. It is best to avoid the temptation to dress up your dog and send him or her out trick-or-treating with the kids. If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. I personally see nothing wrong with dressing your pet if they are in agreement with it, but on a busy holiday like Halloween they should also be wearing their collar with an Identification tag, just in case.
Please visit me at http://trujem.com/blog
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Halloween-And-Your-Pets&id=809208
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Nov
02
Posted under
Uncategorized Children With Allergies Can Have A Pet - How To Pick The Right One Is The Problem
By Chris Emmerson
Mum dad said I had to ask you, can I have a pet, can I have one mum can I.
How many times have you heard it or something like it.
Please mum I promise I will look after it, I will do all the cleaning up after it and the pestering goes on.
You know it is not true because you did it yourself when you were a kid.
Your parents may have bought you a pet, regardless of what it was I bet they took over the care of the animal.
You are probably thinking to yourself now, I just do not have the time to care of a pet.
Think again you may be doing your child some harm by refusing them an animal friend.
1. It has been proven that animals in the home can be beneficial to a child, the child can build up a tolerance to allergies this way.
2. If your child has shown to be ill after being with friends animals you can work out what animal made them sick.
3. Long haired animals seem to be the worst offenders.
So why not look at some different species, hamsters a favourite of mine when I was a kid. The only trouble is they are nocturnal, and kids are not.
So the problem starts when the kid tries to wake the hamster during the day, if disturbed they can bite and as small as they are they hurt.
Rabbits are always a favourite with children, but they can also bite and scratch when frightened. If your child is calm towards their rabbit they can make good pets, but a boisterous child can scare the animal into biting.
Guinea pigs can make marvellous pets especially if they have been handled from a young age. But they do not like to be on there own, they are often kept with a rabbit for company.
If you know for a fact that your child is allergic to fur clad animals there are numerous options.
1. You may not like the thought but snakes can make an interesting hobby for a child.
2.
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There are hundreds of tropical fish to choose from. Another alternative nowadays are cold water fish, do some research they can be fascinating.
3. My grandson was allergic to all fur clad animals when he was younger, he suffers with allergic asthma his parents bought him some geckoes ( small lizards ) he now breeds them for sale.
4. Terrapins can also be a great hobby for a youngster with allergies, but I would think carefully about this subject because there is a lot of work involved getting the conditions right for them.
5. A little known fact, it has been shown that boys who have had pets and have actually been involved in their upkeep. Will grow up and have a better understanding about children as they get older, meaning they can turn out to be better fathers.
There you have it folks you may have to care for the family pet yourself, while the kids have the fun bit playing with them.
But you could be doing your children a big favour by granting them their wish an animal to love. You never know it might take you back to your childhood and you will love every minute of it.
If you are still stumped as to what pet you would like, have a look on the internet but if you decide it is going to be some exotic animal you are on your own.
I have not got a clue how you would look after a big cat or a crocodile cheers folks.
Chris Emmerson full of aches pains and woes but sorry folks still around contrary to some folks wishes.
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