Archive for February, 2008
Feb
29
Posted under
Uncategorized Careers with Horses
By: Ron Petracek
If you are anything like Robert Botine Cunningham-Graham, Scottish horseman, writer, and adventurers, then you know that there is no heaven without horses. If you eat, sleep, and breathe horses, then why not parlay all your time and effort into a career in the horse industry? Can you imagine a better way to spend your days?
Surveys done over the last several years show that there are 7 million horses in the United States today. And according to American Horse Council figures, the horse industry supports more than 1.4 million full-time jobs. There are a variety of careers in the horse industry, from hands-on jobs like large-animal veterinarian to jobs that support the industry, like feed and supplement distributor. There are jobs in breeding, showing, health, education, product manufacturing, research, recreation, and service industries to name just a few that come to mind. And one of these areas is most likely just right for you!
So, how do you find a job in the horse industry that is right for you? Well, before you start randomly sending out resumes to every horse-related employer you know of, you need to spend some time considering the type of career you want. In many cases, you’ll have to come up with a plan that will lead you to that career. As wonderful as it is that you want to be a large animal veterinary technician, no one is going to hire you without the right credentials. In other words, like most worthwhile pursuits in life, you are going to have to spend a little time and effort to reach your goals.
So, are you ready? Answer these few simple questions and you’ll be on your way to finding an equine career that is right for you:
* What do I want out of a horse career? Do you want daily contact with horses, or are you interested in working in a supporting field without daily contact? There are pros and cons to both. A supporting role may offer you a higher income, regular hours, more job stability, and better benefits, but a hands-on career gives you flexibility and the ability to work around your favorite animals every day. What is more important to you? Think very seriously about your own interests, abilities, and personality. It won’t hurt to spend a few minutes writing down why you want to work with horses.
* What experience and education do I currently have? There is no teacher like experience, but is it more important than education in the horse industry? That depends on the job. For those seeking skilled hands-on positions like trainers, barn managers, and riding instructors, the more time you’ve spent around horses the better. Other choices, such as equine vet, writer, public relations expert, or lawyer require a college education and additional training.
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Do you have the time and money to spare, and are you willing to do so?
* What income do I need? Most people work in the horse industry because their love of horses supercedes their love of money. Many hands-on jobs provide minimal pay and benefits just for the pleasure of being around horses. Salaries improve with higher-level hands on jobs, and support jobs often pay the most and offer the best benefits. Before you make a commitment to a career, know how much money you need to live. Then do some research to find out if your career can realistically support you.
* Where should I enter the industry in order to have a good chance of meeting my goal? Whatever career track you are pursuing, enter the industry in a job that you can handle with your present skills and experience. Getting in over your head may not only prevent you from advancing, it is dangerous! Once you’ve figured out your entry level, you can work your way up as you gain experience.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1405.shtml
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Feb
28
Posted under
Uncategorized Cat Training - The Meows And The Purrs
By: Son Ngo
A Cat ‘meows’. Yes it sounds so good but if it meows loudly and continuously, then the same sound becomes irritating. What do you think the reason can be? Is it hungry?
YES and NO
Yes, hungry, it can be, but apart from this there can many other reasons, why it is ‘meowing’. The reason may be anything it may be because it is just bored, or can be because it has suffering from some kind of discomfort or has some medical problem.
What should you do it she keeps meowing? Offer her milk…
No! You should not offer her any food when it is incessantly meowing, as it will think that this as a kind of reward and would keep meowing… This will increase its bad behavior and would affect the relationship between you and the cat.
Offer it food, when it stops meowing, this will be registered in its mind, that if it does not meow unnecessarily, it will be rewarded. You will need to get your cat to learn when it is appropriate to meow, when they really need something. You need to see that all the cat needs is always available to it, as far as possible. This would mean your cat will do less meowing.
Cats are usually lazy and would not exercise by themselves. They love to cat nap all day long. You need to set up a playtime and a play area. Keep Strings, ball, catnip items, or simple home made items that your cat will love. See that the items kept are without any sharp edges which might hurt your pet. This will help it get into a good habit of keeping itself occupied while you are busy with something else.
You should spend sometime in a day and preferable keep it same time everyday. A good time would be when you return home from work and you want to relax. It is proved that playing with or just stroking cats helps one relax and keeps blood pressure under control.
Purring is another characteristic of a cat. Purring signifies that the cat is content. Follow this with caution as purring does not always signify that the cat is happy. Cats also purrs if they are ill, sick or dying. Pay close attention to your cat, when it is purring and check for any physical signals which might suggest that it is not feeling well.
If it stops purring, that too signifies that it has some discomfort maybe it may be sick with a virus or something could be making her feel sick. These are signals to suggest you that seek the services of a veterinarian and have your cat examined. Non-purring may also happen when cats get older or maybe the purring is so soft that you are unable to hear them it.
As in humans, emotions play a very important part of a behavior in your cat. Fears, grief, compassion, jealously affect the behavior of your feline friends too.
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Cat Training - The Meows And The Purrs
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* Cat would exhibit grief, when something tragic happens to it like loosing its owner, the same way as we do when we loose our near or dear ones.
* Cats have compassion for other cats.
* Your meowing and purring pet also turns green with jealousy if it has to share its owner, home, toys or food.
It is these emotions, you need to consider, when you are training your cat. It would be disturbed and might resort to excessive meowing and refuse to listen to its master. When they show the signs of being emotional, you need to find what is affecting their behavior.
Are they hurt or are they ill or is it just their bad behavior.
Cats, being emotional, need your attention all the time. You need to observe, if they are satisfied with the location, they are comfortable with other pets or other members of the family and you should always be aware of their actions.
Training a pet is tricky. It is Time and Patience which will help you through. They are to be treated like our children, teach them good behavior and ignore their bad attitude.
Reward your cat for being good. You need to give time to your cat to teach them how to play with toys and other items which you have kept for their playing. Always feed you cat with healthy food; these will ensure good medical condition and happy-content behavior.
Get toys which they would practically like to play with. Do not go in for toys which you would like them to play with.
Love them, Hug them and be kind to them, and you would be able to share the most beautiful relationship.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1280.shtml
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Feb
27
Posted under
Uncategorized Alternative Therapies for the Horse
By: Ron Petracek
It is not uncommon that trends in veterinary medicine to mirror trends in human medicine. To that end, it’s not surprising that alternative medicine is being used more frequently on sick and injured horses. Instead of prescribing the latest wonder drug, some veterinarians are instead prescribing a little hands-on healing in the hopes that less invasive techniques will bring about a return to health. In this article, we’ll examine two alternative healing practices that are becoming very popular in the horse world: chiropractic and massage.
CHIROPRACTIC
Equine chiropractors traditionally deal with “subluxations” of the vertebrae. Defined, subluxations are incomplete or partial dislocations of the vertebrae; in other words, vertebrae that are out of alignment. These misalignments can not only cause the horse pain in his back, but can also cause soft tissue damage around the area of the spine. And since the spine is said to be the conduit to the central nervous system, subluxations may possibly change neurological function of the spinal cord, the spinal nerve roots, and portions of the nervous system. The equine chiropractor adjusts these subluxations?in plain speaking he put the spine back into alignment?and returns the horse to optimal health.
What conditions does chiropractic treat?
Chiropractic is used to treat back and neck pain in the horse, as well as nerve damage. It can also be used to diagnose and come up with a treatment plan for certain lamenesses. Some people even use chiropractic during prepurchase exams to determine whether the horse has any neck or back injuries.
How is chiropractic administered, and how much does it cost?
Like a vet exam, the chiropractic exam begins with a case history. Posture analysis, gait analysis, static palpation, motion palpation, orthopedic exam, and a neurological exam follow. Based upon his or her findings, the vertebra is then manipulated during the adjustment by the practitioner.
How much does a chiropractic treatment cost?
A chiropractic exam and adjustment cost approximately $50-75, depending upon the extent of the problem and the length of the session.
Are there any risks?
Some believe that in the wrong hands, chiropractic can cause back and neck pain, lameness problems, and spinal cord injury. The equine chiropractor must have strong knowledge of equine vertebral anatomy, including vertebral joint relationships, the relationship of neural components, muscle attachments and nerve supply, and normal and abnormal range of motion.
Alternative Therapies for the Horse
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Alternative Therapies for the Horse
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Alternative Therapies For The Horse
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Alternative Therapies For The Horse
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Alternative Therapies For The Horse
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As any human who has been the recipient of one knows, massage stimulates acupuncture points and relieves tension. Myofascial release therapy, in which the fascia that connect and surround the muscles are manipulated, and myotherapy, a method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation, and alleviating pain, are two of the most common types of equine massage therapy.
What conditions does massage treat?
Massage can really help sore muscles and tendons. It is frequently used to repair damaged muscle fiber, such as contracted tendons, ligament and muscle strains, chronic inflammatory conditions, peripheral nerve injuries, scar tissue, and chronic edema.
How is massage administered?
The soft tissues of the body are worked by the hands and fingers. The strokes are generally performed in the direction in which blood flows, which is toward the heart.
How much does equine massage cost?
A massage costs between $25 and $75, depending upon its duration.
What are the risks?
If your horse has acute inflammatory processes of the skin, soft tissue, bone and joints, fractures, sprains, circulatory disorders, presence or danger of hemorrhage, lyphangitis, and tumors, then massage should be avoided.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1410.shtml
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Feb
26
Posted under
Uncategorized The GSD History Is Of A Very Well Respected And Admired Dog Throughout The World
By: Debbie Ray
GSD history, relatively speaking when compared to many of the other breeds of dog, is still that of a very young breed. Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, developed the German Shepherd Dog breed in 1899, based entirely on his vision of the perfect working dog, one type of dog which could work equally well under any conditions.
GSD history began in just this way. Using a variety of German sheep dogs as his foundation stock, Max von Stephanitz developed a new and distinctive working dog breed, the German Shepherd Dog.
He greatly admired the herding dogs of his native Germany, and believed they had the full potential to be the total all-purpose working dog. Max von Stephanitz was very aware of the historically declining need for herding dogs and believed that the working abilities of the breed would decline unless they were put to other uses.
An idealist with both strong intellect and the financial capabilities to support his ideas, Max von Stephanitz also possessed the determination, drive, and dedication to put his ideas into practice. His perception of a herding dog was of an extremely intelligent, vigorous dog, of stable character and with many of the physical attributes belonging to the wild dog- fleet of foot, long of wind, and untouched by the extremes of other breeds. He was well on his way to beginning the GSD history.
He saw no beauty in a non-functional dog and was ruthless in discarding what he considered weak. Tireless and determined, he laid the foundations of the GSD history that were later to make the breed the greatest all-round working dog in the world.
Until Horand, herding dogs came in a variety of shapes, sizes, types and abilities.
Shepherds in Germany like elsewhere in the world, chose their dogs for their fitness, mental and physical, and for work only, and cared little for the dogs appearance.
Max von Stephanitz had very positive ideas about the mental, anatomical, and bio- mechanical characteristics required of a herding dog. He had a great understanding of the mental and anatomical requirements of a working shepherd dog.
Very possibly by chance, the beginning of the GSD history started at a dog show in Germany. While at the dog show, a medium-sized yellow-and-gray wolflike dog caught the attention of von Stephanitz, attending the show with his friend Artur Meyer. This dog, Hektor Linksrheim, was immediately purchased by von Stephanitz and renamed Horand von Grafrath. Horand became the first registered German Shepherd Dog, with the number SV1.
Only weeks later von Stephanitz and his friend Artur Meyer founded the Verein für Deutsche Schaferhunde, or SV (German Shepherd Dog Club), along with the help of a few other co-founders. The dog club, the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), was to become the largest and most powerful dog breed club in the world and a major step in GSD history.
A standard for the GSD breed was soon developed based on mental stability and utility. The captain’s motto was “Utility and intelligence”. To him beauty was secondary, and considered a dog worthless if it lacked the intelligence, temperament, and structural efficiency that would make it a good servant of man.
The German Shepherd Dog breed standard was developed as a blueprint listing the exact function and relationship of every aspect of structure, gait, and inherent attitude, combined with a comprehensive breeding regulation, which required that dogs used for breeding had first to prove their worth physically and mentally.
Later, using the co-operation of local police and working dog clubs, a set of specific dog tests were developed in tracking, formal obedience, and protection work. This developed into present day Schutzhund dog trials - another important part of the GSD history. The authorities were persuaded to utilize the German Shepherd Dog in many branches of government service and served during the war as supply carriers, sentinels, Red Cross dogs, messenger dogs, tracking and guard dogs, to name a few.
The GSD historically was just gaining notice in the United States when World War I broke out. In 1917, when America entered World War I, all things German became tabu. The AKC changed the name of the dog breed to the Shepherd Dog and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America became the Shepherd Dog Club of America.
In England, the name of the German Shepherd Dog breed was changed to the Alsatian.
After WWI, British and American soldiers, impressed by the abilities of the German Shepherd Dog, brought home examples of their own to breed. The dog breed instantly become popular, both as a family pet and as a working dog.
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The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. Puppy factories soon flourished to meet the huge demand, flooding the American market with poor quality “German police dogs”, resulting in a down-turn in popularity of the breed.
Later during World War II, the German Shepherd Dog was widely sought after and employed by both Allied and Axis forces. These dogs performed various duties such as mine detectors, sentinels, guard work, and messengers. In America, Dogs for Defense was formed, providing thousands of dogs to the army.
In GSD history the paths of German and American German Shepherds diverged after World War II. Many German Shepherd Dogs had been killed or destroyed due to lack of food. Later on the breeders again had individual dogs dominant in the desired virtues of the breed. By about 1949 quality GSD specimens again began to appear at German dog shows. In the 1950’s American breeders recognized the need for some infusion of outcross blood and Troll von Richterback, 1957 Grand Victor, was dominant in his day.
In the 1960’s there was an emergence of several strong families of stud dogs. This was an important part in rebuilding the GSD historically speaking. While the SV was in control of German bred German Shepherds, American GSD breeders were open to follow their own preferences. American and Canadian Grand Victor, Lance of Fran- Jo, represented a new era in American shepherds and was widely used during the 1960’s. Lance produced many GSD puppies which in turn became historical pillars of the breed in America.
In Germany, GSD history reveals that a very active market soon developed for German Shepherd Dogs and puppies sought in countries such as South America, Japan, Italy, many Scandinavian countries, and France. Additionally, the SV began to place more and more importance on dog training degrees. Temperament and courage tests became much more demanding, and the SV forced breeders to concentrate on puppy and dog problem areas such as missing teeth, poor croups, etc.
Starting with a common base, the German Shepherd breed in Germany and America have taken a separate course. The Americans and the Germans have both evolved closely-bred dogs. They differ in looks, movement, style, and structure and have developed both desirable and undesirable characteristics into the breed.
The Americans have a broader option to persue their own views and choose their own bloodlines whether from within or outside their own country. The Germans, controlled by the SV, will likely continue to look within themselves to further develop the breed. Today the German Shepherd Dog is still considered one of the most intelligent and versatile breeds in existence and the future will indeed be very interesting for the breed. Indeed, the GSD history has been nothing short of intense so far.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1239.shtml
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Feb
25
Posted under
Uncategorized Nervous Pet Rat? How to help her become more confident
By: Catherine Smith
Patience is a virtue when dealing with nervous rats. A little understanding goes a long way. If your new rat hasn’t been handled much by the pet shop/breeder or rescue centre you got her from, she will be nervous, but don’t panic, you can still build up a wonderful relationship with your new pet.
Let her settle in
Give your rat a couple of days to settle into her new home. Some rats take to their new environment straight away, whilst others need a little more time. Make sure she has somewhere to hide in her new cage, so that she doesn’t feel overwhelmed by all the changes. Speak to her through the cage, so that she gets used to your voice. Don’t feed treats through the bars, as this may encourage her to nip your fingers.
Let her come to you
Sit next to the cage, with the cage door open. Be quiet and patient. You can even read a book. Let your rat come out of the cage to investigate. It may take a while, but you will probably find she will come and sniff you and explore her new environment. Have a few tasty treats on your lap to reward her with, if she manages to make it all the way to your lap, let her take a treat and talk to her in a soft, reassuring voice. You will find she gains confidence over time.
Make her feel safe
You want your ratty friend to associate you with safety. She will see your hands as these big, blurry shapes coming towards her and that sounds pretty scary. Always pick her up to put her back into her cage, so that she associates you with going to a place of safety. Have her food ready for her when she returns to the cage.
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Give her time
I have two beautiful boy rats, Billy and Ringo, who had never been handled before they came to me. It has taken 4 months of quietly and patiently building up their confidence, before they truly trusted me. This is an extreme case. It doesn’t usually take this long. Now the boys love tummy tickles and playing chase with my hand and grooming my hair. It shows what can be achieved if you just give them time. Try not to make any sudden movements or loud noises, especially in the first week.
All rats can be lovely companions if they are just given a chance. Put yourself in your new ratties position and see how scary it could be. If you rat is a rescue and has never been handled, or a lab rat that may have been abused, you are changing their lives for the better and eventually they will understand this andf hopefully learn to love you, as much as you love them.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1487.shtml
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Feb
24
Posted under
Uncategorized Meeting the Needs of Your Older Pets
By: Debbie Ray
Depending on the size and breed of your older pets you may have noticed that it is a bit slower when chasing a ball, struggles a bit more getting up the first thing in the morning or loses its breath a bit quicker. The aging process wears down your pet in much the same way it does us, but on a much faster pace.
While most human beings live to be 70+, a dog, depending on many factors, often lives for 10 years or less. Many dogs begin showing health/age related problems at different ages. This is related in a large way to the size of the animal.
Despite all those size and age brackets there is no one hard and fast rule. The best way to judge is based on the individual animal and the changes in its own behavior and health. The best thing you can do for an older animal is to keep it healthy and not over or under weight. Also, keep your older pets exercised, but be careful not to overdo it.
There are certain things you should look for in your pet as you do your grooming rituals. Below find a list of several things to watch for, especially in your older pets.
Teeth/gums: Check your pet and see what is normal for it as ?normal? may be different from one dog to another. Changes in gum color can indicate potential problems. Foul breath can be another warning sign as well as loss of weight, pawing at the mouth, excessive salivation, swallowing difficulty or other signs of pain.
Lumps/bumps: Check your pet for these as you groom the animal. Masses are common and in most cases are benign but if you find a new one of these, consult your vet to have it checked as cancer is quite common in dogs, particularly those who have not been spayed or neutered early in life.
Eyes: If you notice a change in the dogs eyes, such as a bluish-gray tint, consult with your vet to see exactly what is the cause and what treatment is involved. Cataracts, genetic diseases and other causes are often the root of sight loss in older animals.
Mobility: Arthritis is common in the older pets but other problems such as degenerative joint disease may be at the root of that stiffness in the mornings. Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids are often prescribed to aid in this problem. Common aspirin can also help but is often used as a last resort due to side effects.
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Check with your vet.
Body/Coat Condition: Keeping your dog in shape cuts down on a lot of potential health problems - heart disease, etc. If the coat becomes overly flaky or there is excessive hair loss, your dog may have a hormonal problem which can be diagnosed through a simple blood test.
Heart disease: Changes in sleeping habits or coughing through the night can be indicators of canine heart disease. Frequent checkups can often prevent these types of diseases. Consult your vet with any questions that you may have concerning your older pets.
The needs of an older animal are often different so it is very important to maintain communication with much veterinarian concerning all your pets health problems or changes which are included in this advancing age process.
Article written and reprinted with permission of:
http://www.pedigreedpups.com/
Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders
“Your New Best Friend”
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1253.shtml
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Feb
23
Posted under
Uncategorized Nervous Pet Rat? How to help her become more confident
By: Catherine Smith
Patience is a virtue when dealing with nervous rats. A little understanding goes a long way. If your new rat hasn’t been handled much by the pet shop/breeder or rescue centre you got her from, she will be nervous, but don’t panic, you can still build up a wonderful relationship with your new pet.
Let her settle in
Give your rat a couple of days to settle into her new home. Some rats take to their new environment straight away, whilst others need a little more time. Make sure she has somewhere to hide in her new cage, so that she doesn’t feel overwhelmed by all the changes. Speak to her through the cage, so that she gets used to your voice. Don’t feed treats through the bars, as this may encourage her to nip your fingers.
Let her come to you
Sit next to the cage, with the cage door open. Be quiet and patient. You can even read a book. Let your rat come out of the cage to investigate. It may take a while, but you will probably find she will come and sniff you and explore her new environment. Have a few tasty treats on your lap to reward her with, if she manages to make it all the way to your lap, let her take a treat and talk to her in a soft, reassuring voice. You will find she gains confidence over time.
Make her feel safe
You want your ratty friend to associate you with safety. She will see your hands as these big, blurry shapes coming towards her and that sounds pretty scary. Always pick her up to put her back into her cage, so that she associates you with going to a place of safety. Have her food ready for her when she returns to the cage.
Nervous Pet Rat? How to help her become more confident
...
Nervous Pet Rat? How to help her become more confident
...
Selecting a Rescue Dog
...
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...
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...
Give her time
I have two beautiful boy rats, Billy and Ringo, who had never been handled before they came to me. It has taken 4 months of quietly and patiently building up their confidence, before they truly trusted me. This is an extreme case. It doesn’t usually take this long. Now the boys love tummy tickles and playing chase with my hand and grooming my hair. It shows what can be achieved if you just give them time. Try not to make any sudden movements or loud noises, especially in the first week.
All rats can be lovely companions if they are just given a chance. Put yourself in your new ratties position and see how scary it could be. If you rat is a rescue and has never been handled, or a lab rat that may have been abused, you are changing their lives for the better and eventually they will understand this andf hopefully learn to love you, as much as you love them.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1487.shtml
.
Feb
22
Posted under
Uncategorized Feline Play Aggression
By: Anita Hampton
Problems with aggression between cats, or between cats and humans, are fairly common. However, most animals with an aggressive behavior problem are not abnormal. In the majority of cases of feline aggression, the cat is just displaying normal species-specific behaviors, which becomes intolerable or even dangerous to humans in a household.
A complicated mixture of inheritance, learning, physiology and early experience dictate whether or not a particular cat will become aggressive. Complete knowledge of normal feline-specific behavior is crucial in diagnosing the different types of feline aggression. For example, a young kitten that hides behind corners and suddenly pounces with widely dilated eyes is exhibiting normal play behavior.
Medical causes for aggression should be pursued only if a cat exhibits behavior that is unusual for the particular cat, or behavior accompanied by abnormal clinical signs. If a cat that previously loved to be petted suddenly starts biting when stroked, you should look for a possible source of pain.
Play Aggression
Play aggression is defined as the stalking, chasing, pouncing, biting, and scratching behaviors, which normally occur when cats engage in play. Problems occur when these behaviors are directed against instead of with people in the household. These types of problems usually occur in households with a single cat under two-years old. However, the problems can also surface in homes where a younger cat is living with older cats that are not playful.
Another common cause for play aggression towards humans is when owners leave a single young cat alone for most of the day. Play aggression can also be triggered and reinforced by owners who insist on letting a cat “attack” their hands and feet.
Owners must learn to recognize the postures exhibited by cats engaging in problematic, as opposed to acceptable, play aggression. The typical play aggression cat will demonstrate predatory type of behaviors.
The cat will stalk the owners and pounce on moving body parts such as hands and feet. Growling and hissing usually does not occur, however, the cat’s pupils will be widely dilated.
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In many cases of play aggression, the easiest solution is to get another cat about the same age as the aggressive cat. Usually, a cat engaging in play aggression will prefer to play with the cat instead of with humans. The only risk in getting another cat is possibly adding territorial aggression to the problem.
Cats usually do not accept a new cat into their house without reaction. Introductions must be made slowly. You must also be willing to accept responsibility for another pet and the added expense and needed care. Personally, I prefer trying using behavior modification before introducing a new pet.
http://www.eliminatecatodour.com
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1229.shtml
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Feb
21
Posted under
Uncategorized Dog Constipation? Home Remedies That Cure Dog Constipation
By: Oscar Uzoma
Does your dog have constipation? Does it happen frequently? Dogs sometimes, constipate for a number of reasons. If your dog starts constipating, don?t panic just yet. In this article, we’ll be looking at the various home remedies you could quickly apply to cure and relieve the dog of its constipation -if you suspect it has any.
If you are unsure of what the term constipation means, here is the definition. It is defined according to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary as the difficult or infrequent emptying of the bowels. Did you think it was only restricted to man? Now you know. Dogs too have it.
The following usually cause constipation;
1. Meals the dog is fed with. Foods containing high sugar content, rice, flour, high protein are the main culprits. Foods such as cookies, Ice cream, chocolate.
2. Lack of fiber in its meals.
3. Lack of water
4. Lack of good diet and exercise.
5. Feeding from the dinner table.
6. Psychological stress and lack of proper grooming
So what cures or home remedies can do the “magic”?
1. Maintain a healthy routine in terms of proper diet and exercise. This is necessary because exercise triggers the movement of the dog’s bowel. Exercise makes it possible for the dog to move its bowel. Walking your dog twice a day -if you can afford the time- is good. But if you can’t, make sure you do it once a day.
Another option you might want to consider is employing the services of a Dog walker.
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Dog Constipation - Stop It Now
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To do this, consult your phonebook or phone directory for a listing. On the other hand, you might want to search for them online. You can easily do this by typing the Keyword “Dog walking services + Your State” in the search bar. For example, it could be “Dog walking services in Boston”. You get the idea.
It works if you can trust other people with your dog. By the way, there is nothing to be worried about as all the dog walkers are usually confirmed to be excellent animal lovers. Therefore, your dog is safe. In the meantime, if you want to give a quick remedy, add two teaspoonfuls of bran to its meal and you are good to go.
2. Addition of half a teaspoonful of psyllium -Metamucil- to its meal twice a day.
3. Give your dog lots of water to drink, as feaces needs moisture to be easily expelled.
4. In cases where you have large build-up of hard stool, two teaspoonfuls of mineral oil should be added to its meal twice a day for a week.
Use these tips and you may not even need to see the vet. But if your dog’s condition has not improved after all these treatments and you notice its inability to pass stool, decreased appetite, passing of blood no matter how small, then it’s time to check in with the Vet.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1342.shtml
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Feb
20
Posted under
Uncategorized Top Tips To Housetrain Your Dog Or Puppy
By: Marc Andresen
I brought Rufie up from a puppy, and believe you me, a strong willed dog can be hard to train! Here’s what I found to be valuable when training a puppy:-
1) Toilet Training
The best way is to teach the dog to only ‘go’ when outside. If this is impractical, you can buy commercial ‘dog potty’ products. Make sure you always use the same command, (such as ‘Potty’) and praise him highly when he gets it right. Remember - consistency is the key to ALL training!
2) Walkies!
Get a rhythm going, so your dog knows when it is walkies time. A short walk after meals, and a longer walk in the morning and evening are best. Sometimes (especially when young, your puppy may NEED to go outside. It’s smart to establish a signal so you can tell when he’s desperate. Pawing the front door, or fetching the leash are good ones - you can’t misinterpret them. Don’t forget to use the ‘potty’ command when outside, and reinforce his behavior with praise when he gets it right.
3) Accidents
Accidents happen - puppies in particular have less than perfect bladder control.If an accident occurs, be firm, and use the ‘NO’ word strongly, then take him to the designated area. Don’t delay - if you do, he won’t be able to understand why he is being scolded.
4) Clean up
After the act, clean up. Use plastic bags (sandwich bags are good). Make sure you don’t come into contact with it - use the ‘inside out’ bag trick, and deposit the waste as fast as you can in the nearest litter box.
5) Litter trays are for cats
Unless your dog is a small breed, you will probably have trouble ‘litter training’ him. Even a medium sized hound can make more mess in a litter tray than you would believe. However, as an emergency measure, they can be valuable - at least you confine the mess to one area. Don’t forget the praise reinforcement! Watch out your pooch doesn’t start trying to eat the litter pellets - you will never know what your dog thinks is ‘tasty’!
6) Territory!
As your dog grows older, you may suddenly notice him starting to pee around the house again. This is his ‘territory marking’ behavior, and is natural, if undesirable.
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If you catch him at it, let him know this is NOT OK. Afterwards, douse the area with a mix of vinegar and water - he will stay away from that area long after you can’t detect the smell.
7) Consistency and immediacy.
The key to all training is consistency. With a dog, you also need to be immediate - even 30 seconds and your dog will have no idea why you are praising or scolding him.
I used these tips to train Rufie, and if you liked this article, I would appreciate it if you go cast a vote for him at http://petmillions.com - it doesn’t cost anything! His number is 1049, and you can vote for him at http://www.petmillions.com/?vote=1049. Thanks, and good luck training your pet! Marc.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1195.shtml
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Feb
19
Posted under
Uncategorized Herbal Products For Kitty
By: Renske Buursma
Many cat lovers want to pamper kitties with natural, holistic herbal products instead of conventional store brands or even at times, costly veterinary medicine. The herbal practitioner focuses on natural diets and lifestyles as the preferred foundation for your cat?s optimum health and age for your cat. Here are tips to help with choosing herbal products for kitty:
1) Herbal products and treatments like those for treating and preventing health issues for pets, feature natural products from the environment instead of man-made materials and medicines.
2) Many herbal products for pets are offered in either liquid or powder forms. You puy them and then either mix the products with food, give them to your pet with a dropper or syringe, or you can mix it with liquid like water.
3) There are herbal products that act as treatments for a variety of ailments and chronic conditions, some that are vitamins for promoting good health, some for dental care, for relieving constipation and other medical conditions. There are also herbal products for cats that have allergies, and cats that needs calming ? like before heading off to see the veterinarian, pet groomer or before traveling in cars or airplanes. OYu can also find herbal products to help with vision care, and teeth and gum cleaning.
4) Try a herbal purifier to detoxify your cat?s system, relieve your cat?s diarrhea and help with soft stool issues and diarrhea relief. Try digestive relief herbal products for upset stomachs or weak digestive systems with your kitty. And check out gas relief herbal products to help with digestion, to relieve inflammation (of digestive tracts) and to help with intestinal issues, gas pain and pressure.
5) For itch relief, try skin and coat herbal products. And for joint pain and inflammation plus good circulation, seek out herbal products for joints.
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To help kill parasites and aid your kitties? digestive system, seek out help from herbal products to help, too.
7) Check into getting Echinachea in herbal form to help your pet?s immune system and to help fight off infection.
Regardless of your pet?s situation, when in doubt, ask first. And make sure to read directions thoroughly before giving herbal treatments and other products to your pet. Always think safety first for your pet!
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1363.shtml
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Feb
18
Posted under
Uncategorized Holiday Gifts for Backyard Bird Watchers
By: Michael Rasco
The holiday season is upon us, and we begin the sometimes maddening task of finding gifts for our friends and loved ones. Perhaps this article can be of assistance - at least if you have bird lovers on your gift list. Let us examine a few popular birding items, including wild bird feeders and birdhouses, and explore why they make great holiday gifts.
Bird Feeders
The cold weather can make finding food a difficult chore for birds, so almost any well-made bird feeder will be a welcome addition to your backyard, as far as the birds are concerned. Platform bird feeders, which feature a large seed tray, will attract many ground-feeding birds. A tube-style bird feeder brings in smaller songbirds. Suet feeders provide much needed protein for wild birds. If the bird watcher you are buying for lacks one of these types of feeders, they will appreciate the new variety of birds that it will bring.
Another good idea is to find out if your bird watcher has a favorite type of bird, and purchase a feeder that is more likely to attract that species. For example, there are bird feeders that hold a block of suet, or beef fat, and are paddle-shaped. These are specially designed woodpecker feeders. The paddle extension at the bottom of the feeder gives woodpeckers a support for their tail, which is how they keep their balance. If you could combine the thrill of bird watching with the warmth and comfort of one’s own home, you would have a gift any fan of the birds would love. That must be why some clever person invented the window bird feeder. Some window feeders attach to glass by way of strong suction cups. Others are mountable in the window, providing a panoramic view of the feeding area.
Birdhouses
It does not make sense to give someone a birdhouse over the holidays, because birds nest in the spring, right? That is not necessarily true. For instance, purple martins begin arriving back in the southern parts of the U.S. as early as January! Some other migratory birds do the same. Even in places where birds are not due to nest until later, it is not a bad idea to have the birdhouse in place early, as long as the birdhouse landlord is diligent in excluding some of the non-native pest species, like house sparrows and starlings. It is impossible to predict the exact day when birds will be scouting a particular area for nesting possibilities. Having the birdhouse in place before they arrive will send a clear signal to the house-hunting birds.
Birding Paraphernalia
Of course, gift ideas for bird lovers are not limited to birdhouses and bird feeders. Many accessories or bird-related gifts will be greatly appreciated. Following are eight examples:
1) Heated birdbath - If your special bird watcher already has a birdbath, consider giving them a heater to add to it. Frozen water does birds no good. Some birdbath heaters are submersible, and some float harmlessly on the surface.
2) Binoculars - A good pair of binoculars is an essential tool for bird watchers.
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Backyard birders do not need a very high magnification, which is the factor that can drive the price higher.
3) Bird food - This one seems obvious. Birds do not frequent empty feeders. Make sure you know which type of food your bird lover prefers, whether it is a seed mixture, seeds and fruit, suet, or even insects and mealworms.
4) Bird guide book - There are books filled with tips for attracting various birds, or books that help with the identification of birds.
5) CD’s and DVD’s - Teaches bird watchers all manner of facts about birds, and allows them to see or hear their favorite flying critters anytime, without even leaving the house.
6) Sun hat - Even in winter, it is possible to get too much sun if one is out all day looking for birds. A good sun hat is a gift that will be cherished year-round.
7) Tickets to a birding event - Though a bit pricier, serious birders will love you for a gift like this. Many tours and events are scheduled throughout the year, giving bird watchers the opportunity to learn and share with like-minded individuals.
Birding kitsch and miscellany - This includes T-shirts, baseball caps, neckties, mousepads, coffee cups, ties, yard banners, framed pictures, and much more. Items like these, though you may not remember seeing any on your last trip to the mall, are very easy to find if you have an internet connection and the ability to type “bird related gifts” into a search box.
During the stressful holiday season, take solace in the fact that bird watchers are easy to shop for. Any gift that enhances their enjoyment of the birds or that celebrates their love of birds will surely put smiles on their faces. In fact, if you are not already hooked by the fascinating pastime of backyard birding, maybe you should buy yourself a bird feeder, too. There really is no better time to get started. Happy birding!
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1435.shtml
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Feb
17
Posted under
Uncategorized How Long Do Dogs Live
By: David Beart
>From the time we bring them home as wriggling bundles of joy, we all want our puppies to live forever. As they bond with us and grow into full fledged family members, we tend not to think about the end of their life or how many precious years we have with our canine friends.
However, when picking out our new puppy it is rare that we give adequate consideration to the average lifespan of the dog. There are distinct factors that play into whether our puppy will be with us until our children graduate from high school or if they give us a few good years.
Most experts agree that small breeds tend to outlive large breeds. The general rule of thumb is the larger the dog the shorter the life span. Large medium to large breed dog tend to live about ten years, although there are exceptions to every rule. We have a feisty-willed large breed mutt who is determined to see his fifteenth birthday.
Smaller breeds tend to live longer, anywhere from twelve to fifteen years. Occasionally you will run into the nearly twenty year old Scottie, but most don?t make it past their sixteenth year.
Again, every rule has its exceptions. The Irish Wolfhound isn?t expected to make it more than six or seven good years although there really isn?t a conclusive reason as to why this is so. Of course these figures are taking into consideration overall good health and quality care. Genetics play a vital role in longetivity, but those we can?t control. There are a few factors in our favorite little guy?s life we can do to help him get to his ripe old age. Some of them can even combat predisposition to genetic diseases.
One of the fastest ways to shorten a dog?s life is to keep him outside all the time. Dogs that live outside tend to be missing a few key ingredients in their overall care that impact their life span.
Even with a shelter available, dogs do wear down and age quickly when they are dealing with constant element exposure. While some can adjust, most dog bodies find the extremes the environment can dish out at them to be exhausting and threatening.
Dogs who permanently reside outside tend to receive less over all care. Since people spend the majority of their time at home inside, often small health problems go unnoticed until it becomes an overwhelming problem. Even the responsible pet owner can forget to feed or water the dog who is permanently engaged in outdoor activities when the lifestyle inside the home becomes stressed or busy.
Outdoor dogs also lack the essential strong emotional connection with their owners that indoor dogs benefit from. Having their human friends to please and play with goes a long way in their overall happiness and health. Often a sick dog who has no emotional connection will stop eating and caring for themselves long before those who have families who love and care for them. If you want your little guy to live a longer, fuller life, bring him inside and let him be part of the family lifestyle.
Whether you are bringing home a purebred puppy or a distinguished gentleman of questionable descent, their life span can be about the same. Barring any health problems, each should live as long as the other and it really just comes down to personal preference.
>From birth to about two years old your puppy is learning and growing. Every day your little guy is reaching new miles stones and his body is very busy. High quality puppy food packed with nutrition can help set him on the foundation for a healthy life. These foods are a little more expensive, but they can be well worth the cost when considering the effects of malnutrition.
If your little guy comes from a family or breed history of hip and back problems such as hip dysplasia, excessive exercise in the first two years can put added stress on the joints in question and actually exacerbate the potential for later problems. Exercise is good, over doing isn?t.
Regular veterinary check ups and of course vaccinations during the first two years can help to catch problems early on, which will increase his overall health. This is the time when your puppy really needs you to watch out for him, whether his body is having health problems or he is ingesting things that can cause long term problems, staying on top of him now reduces health effects in his later years.
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Watch for signs of growing obesity and make sure he is receiving ample exercise and fun play time. If he is a healthy dog then these years should be stress free.
Keep at least annual appointments with the vet for check ups and updated shots. His food should be a high quality protein based variety, but if he?s showing signs of to much happy eating either cut back on his portions or switch to a low calorie variety.
Once he gets into his fifth to eighth year we can consider him a middle age to aging dog. These are the years when small but manageable health problems are likely to show up. If he?s a really good eater but hasn?t shown signs of obesity before, these are the years when his activity will slow down some and he may develop a weight problem now. Again, a good low calorie food and a few perhaps coaxed walks should be enough to help him keep his youthful figure.
Other problems such as cataracts, arth
