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Things to Look for When Buying Pet Insurance for Your Dog

May 17th, 2010

If you consider getting a pet insurance, then you might find these tips helpful especially when you start shopping for insurance policies for pets. Whether you are purchasing a pet insurance for your dog or your cat, you will benefit a lot by learning how pet insurance plans work.

First, you must check on the payout limits of the pet insurance you are considering. Many insurers have a set limit for payout they will cover every year. These companies will pay for the expenses incurred in the treatment or diagnosis of your pet provided it has not exceeded its yearly limit. There are also payout limits for certain conditions. This means that the insurer will not pay for treatment of an illness that developed after the policy was purchased, such as diabetes.

Likewise, not all life insurance policies have a lifetime cover. This means that the insurer can increase premium charges on your policy when your pet gets older, or if your pet exceeds its limit for treatment and diagnosis. However, there are also insurance providers that guarantee lifetime cover, meaning the plan holder will not have to worry about increases in premiums and changes in the coverage since it won’t happen.

Most of the cheap pet insurance for dogs excludes treatment coverage for hereditary conditions. So, if you have a pooch, which usually is prone to hereditary ailments, then watch out. Some of these dog insurance policies may deny treatment coverage for hereditary ailments, so you need to check first with the insurer before purchasing.

Likewise, some insurers may pay for the cremation of your pets, while some don’t. With that said, it is really important that you are fully aware of the terms and conditions of the policy that you are applying for, may it be a premium, basic, or cheap insurance for dogs.

These are just some of the things you need to thoroughly discuss and clear with the insurer before availing their insurance policy. Make sure you have everything covered prior to purchasing any pet insurance.

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How to build a dog kennel

March 8th, 2010
Sirius 6 meses
Creative Commons License photo credit: tehzeta

Though dog kennels can easily be bought from any pet store many people decide that they would enjoy designing and building their own outdoor dog kennel.  They can be as simple or complex as you would like, you will just need to ensure that it is big enough for your pet.  Use a good dog kennel guide for advice on types of wood and how to insulate.

Start by calculating the dimensions.  A dog kennel needs to be high enough for your dog to sit and stand comfortably, without bumping its head.  It needs to be long enough for it to lie down with its paws out in front and wide enough to be able to lie on its side or turn around.

A dog house needs to be completely weather proof to protect against rain, wind and cold and comfortable enough that your pet will choose to stay in it without fretting.

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Sport Dog Remote Trainer

March 6th, 2010

Dog owners often need a little bit of help when training their dogs.  Puppies in particular can be quite difficult to train without some sort of technological intervention. When throwing a ball at the park or going on an unleashed walk, dogs often like to wander off. All too often I see dog owners throw a toy across the park and upon retrieval their dogs run off in the opposite direction. Owners then proceed to chase their animals down, making the dog think that you want to play. The best way to handle this situation and get your dog trained is to use a Sport Dog Remote Training device.

This device consists of a battery powered shock collar with a wireless transmitter. When a dog runs away and refuses to come back, simply press the button on the transmitter and the animal will receive a small shock. The shock can be set to different levels. Oftentimes the lowest setting is enough to get your point across. With a remarkable half mile range, the transmitter allows owners to stay in one place and never have to chase down their pets. If you have more than one dog, the system can control up to three collars from a single transmitter.

The level and type of shock is completely customizable by the user. The system offers sixteen levels of continuous stimulation and eight levels of instantaneous stimulation. The continuous mode will give the dog a prolonged shock, while the instant one only lasts a short moment. You’ll always know if the batteries are running low because of the built in warning feature. The rechargeable batteries can be charged up in no time using the included power adapter. With just a few sessions of dog training, your pet can become well-disciplined and respectful of your desires.

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Horse Care – Hooves

February 17th, 2010
Hard Hairy Hooves

Horses are beautiful, loyal creatures, which give their owners many hours of fun and satisfaction.  However, along with this comes the fact that they take a lot of caring for.  It is important to use a good pet grooming guide to ensure that you are not neglecting any aspect of their wellbeing.

Horses hooves need daily picking out to make sure that they don’t develop thrush or get bruised from impacted stones or dirt.  A hoof pick will make short work of this job and is best used straight after you’ve been out for a ride.  Encourage your horse to pick up one hoof at a time to allow you to remove all debris.

To prevent your horse from getting cracks in its hooves it is a good idea to apply hoof oil, which will act as a moisturiser for the hoof.

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Chinchilla’s Cage

January 5th, 2010

If you are considering purchasing a chinchilla, there are a few things you should know beforehand before you decide on your purchase. The main thing you should know is regarding chinchilla cages. Chinchillas are rather large animals and because of this, their space requirements are quite large. You cannot buy a hamster or even a guinea pig cage and expect it to be large enough for a chinchilla, since they require plenty of room to move around.

A large chinchilla cage is essential to ensure your pet remains healthy and well taken care of. Now days, there are chinchilla cage plans available for the aspiring do it yourselfer who wants to make sure their pet is well looked after. If you are considering building a homemade chinchilla cage, you have several options.

The first of these options is building materials. Before deciding on the building material of the cage for a chinchilla, you should know that like other rodents, chinchillas like to chew things. Because of this, metal chinchilla cages are best, as your pet will not be able to chew away the edges of a metal cage like the would be able to chew a plastic cage. With plastic, your pet could cut themselves on jagged edged made by chewing, or even swallow harmful plastic, which could cause severe internal injuries.

Creating a metal cage for a chinchilla is therefore the best option. Since your pet does like to chew, you will need to supply it with lots of wood to chew on to help whittle its teeth, as like many rodents, they continue to grow throughout their lifetime. In addition, you should supply your chinchilla with a place to dust bathe, as regular water baths are out of the question for chinchillas because of their fine hair consistency. All of these need to be considered when building your chinchilla’s cage.

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Safely Find Horses For Sale On The Internet

November 21st, 2009

You can purchase a live horse over the internet. It is a concept that is becoming increasing popular on several different websites. Some offer classified type listings and others dedicate the entire site to just horses. Many people are buying horses for sale on the internet every day. One of the downsides is avoiding scams and avoiding seller that are not serious.

Large purchases online can be a bit risky. Vital research is needed before you purchase anything on the internet. Before you make your final decision check around and ask several questions. Safety guidelines are usually posted on each website to help avoid fraud.

The first thing you will see is how many different search options are available. You will have access to search by color, size, name, or breed. You will find it easy to use and a way to narrow down your options. You can use these tools to find the perfect horse and the right breed.

Many sellers list specific details about each horse and post recent pictures. This is an advantage for many buyers and helps them visualize each horse. Sellers will usually take time and list all details needed to make an informed decision.

Options are endless and this ensures your chances of finding the perfect horse. Online searching is ideal when purchasing a new horse. Many of these site have listings located all over the country. You will have an endless amount to horse to search from.

If you need an way to increase your amount of interested buyers then an online ad may be the best solution. Make an eye catching ad and include as many details as you can. Consumers flock to well written ads that include a picture.

A new age of technology has hit the horse selling industry. Shopping online is hard to trust and you may want to pay for your new horse in person. This will protect you from losing money online to virtual thieves. Find a website that you can trust and that makes you feel comfortable.

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Dog Allergies & The Shetland Sheepdog

November 9th, 2009
IMG_0649
Creative Commons License photo credit: aigeanta

Demonstrative, tender, energetic and sharp, Labradors are one of the most deferential and reliable breeds in the world. Don’t forget Antihistamine for Dogs when needed. The Shetland Sheepdog is a diminutive breed from the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Very reliable to their owners and ready to please, Shelties have broad double coats that come in many diverse colors and marking patterns. Shelties are verbal herding dogs and for this reason can be taught to be superb guard dogs. The Doberman Pinscher is vigorous and smart and often trained to be watch dogs. Though they have a bad knock about their character, with a first-class owner they make poor family dogs and will even get along with cats. The Golden Retriever is a category of gun dog bred to help in the hunt. One of the most accepted breeds for families, the Goldie is an sociable and docile pet.

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Dog Kennels and Diseases

October 28th, 2009

One of the unpredictable hazards of putting your pet into a dog kennel is the possibility of his catching kennel cough. The disease is not confined to boarding kennels either – it also breaks out from time to time at pet rescue centres, or anywhere else dogs congregate.

Kennel cough is a highly infectious disease and the affected animal doesn’t just need lots of tender love and care, he needs urgent veterinary attention.

Bacteria and viruses

The disease if not caught early, can have serious – even life-threatening – complications.

It is not unlike flu in humans, in that it is caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses and affects the upper respiratory tract. Droplet infection can exaccerbate its spread. Clinically, the disease is known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, with all the complications such a condition might entail. It is very contagious and affects dogs of all ages.

Like a chain smoker

Signs and symptoms include a harsh, dry, hacking cough like that of a chain smoker.. Nocturnal coughing can keep the dog and his family awake for hours, causing listlessness by day. There are times when kennel cough makes the dog sound like he is choking.

He may have a fever, runny eyes and feel generally run-down. He will also probably lose his appetite and suffer from depression. It is important to isolate him from other dogs. And if there are other pets in the house, they should be kept well away from the affected animal.

Contagious for three months

The disease is usually treated with antibiotics and/or a selection of natural remedies. It usually lasts for about a month and the dog will be contagious for some three months, warn vets. The main complication is pneumonia which, sadly, can make the condition terminal.

It is important, therefore, if you are considering taking your dog to kennels, or to visit a pet rescue centre (which may contain un-vaccinated dogs) to consider having your own dog vaccinated against the condition. Prevention is always better than cure.

Incubation time

What is the interval between vaccination and boarding?

The incubation time of most infectious diseases is seven to 10 days, according to veterinary experts (www.future-of-vaccinations.co.uk). This means that for the first seven to 10 days after the dog is infected, no clinical signs are present. It is therefore difficult to ensure that an animal is no carrying disease. For safety sake, veterinary surgeons advise owners whose animals are not protected by earlier vaccines to vaccinate them at least 14 days before boarding.

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Fat Mature Dog

October 19th, 2009

The fat mature dog – like the fat mature human – still needs exercise and nutritious food, just like his younger brothers and sisters.

His lifestyle may be very different from how it was even a year or two ago but elderly animals can still enjoy a full and active life and the dog will still need his daily walk.

When younger members of the family inherit a mature, or elderly, dog from an aged parent who has died or gone into residential accommodation it is important that they take the animal’s needs into consideration.

He may like to lie in in the mornings (as perhaps his erstwhile companion did). He might enjoy a spot of daytime TV viewing or even a siesta after his lunch.

Young couples who inherit a dog in this way would be advised to investigage their new companion’s needs. And don’t forget the favourite toy, his old bed, or even a piece of clothing belonging to his former owner. Then he won’t feel so strange and should soon settle in. With lots of tender loving care, the golden oldie should have many years of active and enjoyable life left.

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Good Kennel Ventilation

October 15th, 2009

Even if your dog is not going to be staying in his kennel for extended periods of time, it’s still important to make sure that the kennel is well ventilated.

Aside from the obvious benefit of fresh air flow, good ventilation also cuts back on odor, and also helps prevent bacteria growth, which is important if you want to have healthy dogs.

Ventilation is not always a major problem with kennels, especially outdoor kennels, but still you need to make sure that there is room for sufficient air flow in the kennel. Some kennels include an air vent on the upper portion of the kennel walls, which is usually enough to keep the air flowing freely through the kennel.

If you feel that your dog’s kennel isn’t well ventilated enough you could also consider installing an exhaust fan in the kennel. This would need to be powered somehow of course, so that it works but it is possible to buy small battery operated fans that work quite well when it comes to expelling stale air from a small space, such as a kennel.

Usually though, your dog kennel can be well enough ventilated simply by making sure the design of the kennel allows plenty of through air flow, and has sufficient openings where fresh air can come into the kennel.

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Itch Relief for Dogs

October 5th, 2009

It can be tough to watch your poor pet sit and be itchy; you want to do something about it.  Bathe the pet often if it has dry flakey skin, and find a shampoo that won’t make their skin crazy.  I like tea tree shampoo, and the dogs seem to enjoy the relief it offers.  Make sure your home is parasite free, or you are waging a losing war on the fleas.  Try to identify and food related items that may be causing the issue.  Table scraps and cheap dog food may be on the out if you have some dog allergies on your hands.  I don’t like anti itch creams on the dog’s body, but will put them on the lower limbs and paws if a rash is developing.

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Dog Training: Be The Pack Leader

October 4th, 2009

An important aspect that many people overlook when they first try to train their dogs is that they do not show them who is the boss. You have to make it explicitly clear to your animal that it is you who provides the food, you who has the chew toy privileges. You can easily do this by visibly making the dog food, and withdrawing the chew toy every now and then.

After you have broken your canine to your will, you may apply the concept that psychologists refer to as operant conditioning.

You can make dogs perform an activity more frequently by first somehow making them do the activity, and then rewarding them with treats (positive reinforcement) or by taking away their toys (positive punishment). On the other hand you can make a certain behavior decrease by scolding them when the behavior is performed (negative punishment).

To learn more about how to train your dog the right way, visit DogTipsDaily.com

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Where to Buy a Cheap Kennel

September 29th, 2009

Looking for a cheap kennel?  Perhaps you need a second dog kennel for temporary housing for a dog you’re dog-sitting, or perhaps you need to house your dog outside for some time, but not on a regular basis. There are all sorts of reasons for needing a cheap kennel, and for not wanting to invest money in buying one from WalMart or from a  pet shop.

One idea is to check around your friends to see if they have a second hand one that they’re not using.  You can also ask your vet if he knows anyone who might have a kennel they no longer need.  Craigslist is a good option for purchasing second hand dog items as well.  I also often find good deals too on the online auctions sites such as eBay or Amazon, or Yahoo Auction.

One word of caution though, if buying a second hand or cheap kennel, is to make sure that the kennel is safe. Sometimes older kennels can have broken sides to them which can injure your dog, or if it is a kennel with a door, perhaps the door doesn’t latch properly. Before you buy a cheap kennel, make sure that it is still in good condition or it will give you more problems than it is worth.

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A Big Collection of Cat Figurines

September 24th, 2009

I never really paid attention to how attached some people are to one particular type of animal until I went with my friend Charlene to visit her Grandmother.  She is what some might consider a “cat lady” and there is no mistaking the fact.  Entering into her house brings a faint scent of kitty litter and cats, but nothing too gross.  What stands out for me about Charlene’s Grandma is that having five real live cats just wasn’t enough for her.  She also has a house filled with various cat collectibles and memorabilia.

There is not a Hallmark store in the land that could compare to the woman’s collection of cat figurines.  There are hundreds of them covering every possible flat surface.  The idea of having such a collection seems a bit strange to me, but of course when I was younger, I actually collected business cards, so who is to say what is strange and what is simply being devoted to building the best collection possible.  I won’t be rushing out to build a cat collection any time soon, but although it was a little bit odd to see, I have to admit that it was quite an impressive display that was fun to check out.

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Personalized Dog Collars

September 24th, 2009

 

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Creative Commons License photo credit: ice.bluess

Everyone’s dog deserves to feel special while walking down the street wearing his or her personalized dog collar.  Okay maybe it’s not the dog that feels special.  Chances are the owner is the one who gets a little pleasure while seeing their puppy wearing a personalized dog collar.  Personalize dog collars can be both fun and very useful.  Personalize dog collars can be handmade by the dog owner.  The dog owner may have the collar made and specially embroidered with the dog’s name on it.  Or the dog owner may have a fancy Brass plate with the dog’s name, phone number, and address engraved and riveted on to the collar.  Have while personalizing your dog’s collar.  While you’re at it why, not make several.

Personalizing a dog collar is fun and there are so many things that can be done to the collar there are even special kits that you can use to rivet little jewels and studs onto the collar.

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Heartworms: Prevention Is Key

September 16th, 2009

So what exactly is heart worm disease, and how can I prevent my Fido from getting it? Well first, you have to make sure you are giving your loving Fido a good preventative medicine to completely do away with the environment these creatures need to survive and thrive. By giving your pooch this medicine, his body is going to automatically reject the microfilirae causing them to die off, instead of being able to flourish. This will ultimately be fatal to your dog, if you aren’t using some type of preventative medicine. There are a few types on the market, and one specifically that is well known, and works very well.

To learn more information about the best heartworm medicine for dogs, visit DogTipsDaily.com today. There you will find tons of useful tips and information for the average dog owner.

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Capstar Flea Control Side Effects

September 12th, 2009

Many veterinarians recommend using Capstar for fleas. Capstar is a tablet that kills adult fleas. Because the main ingredient, nitenpyram, only lasts for 24 hours the product works very quickly. As a result, your pet may experience a bit of discomfort while the fleas become agitated and die. Usually the pet will start to groom or scratch himself excessively about 20-30 minutes after the tablet is given. This is a sign that the product is working and shouldn’t be cause for alarm. As the fleas become affected by the medication they go through an excitement stage before dying which can be felt on the surface of the pet’s skin. Usually the pet will begin to relax in a short amount of time. Capstar is a very safe product and has been approved for use in dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens 4 weeks of age and older as long as they weigh 2 pounds or more. If you have any other questions about Capstar or its potential side effects you should contact your veterinarian.

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Cages for Your Hamster

August 27th, 2009

When it comes to getting hamsters cages, there are a lot that you can choose from. Having a hamster is a great way to keep you company as well as give you something to take care of. You will want to give your hamster different things that you can play with in order for it to get plenty of exercise. This is why getting cages for your hamster is great. You’ll want to get a cage that has different things for your hamster to do. Their cages that are quite simple that only have a couple of things in them. On the other hand, very cages that almost look like giant waterslides with different compartments that connect in a seemingly endless maze. You can look for these cages online where you will find a huge range to choose from.

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Homemade Bird Feeder

August 9th, 2009

When deciding to make a homemade bird feeder, it is important to consider that they neither need to be expensive nor complicated.  The simplest way of accommodating bird feeder is by dispersing some left over pieces of bread in your garden for the birds.  This being the easiest way can also become an indication of problem with the neighbors’ cat when they become aware of the availability of free meal at their convenience.

Depending on your preference you could also place some bird feed on a tray or plate and keep it in your garden.  This will attract these exotic birds as well as other animals such as squirrels. Most people prefer to use homemade bird feeder that discourages squirrels and this could be achieved through cheaper means such as covering a pine cone in peanut butter and rolling it in bird food.  After this hang the peanut butter coated pine cone using a piece of string from a tree branch.  However, another cost effective way of assembling a bird feeder is putting a string through an apple or bread and hanging it from a tree branch.

In today’s world there are many methods of producing a homemade bird feeder which doesn’t require you to go to DIY stores or garden centers to buy one. These kinds usually need to be purchased from stores and assembled at home.

If you look around your home and garden you will certainly find some means of hanging the bird feeder.  Small containers can be easily modified to hold the bird feed.  You could also use the eaves or rim of your house to hang small baskets and fill with bird feed.  Inexpensive materials at hand can make great homemade bird feeders and give you the pleasure of watching these exotic birds enjoy their meal.

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Moving Up From a 20 Gallon Fish Tank

August 8th, 2009

For many reasons, freshwater aquariums tend to be a lot less expensive than saltwater aquarium systems. But the two main reasons are the cheaper cost of the fish and the less complex filtering system needed for a freshwater aquarium. And then there’s the matter of size.

When you go from a 20 gallon fish tank to a much larger tank, such as a 100 gallon fish tank, for example, you have to begin to take serious consideration of the surface that you plan on placing the tank. If you choose an aquarium stand, make sure that it’s rated to hold at least a 100 gallon tank. If you choose shelving material such as particle board, solid wood, metal, plastic, or other – make sure that it’s thick enough to support this sized tank.

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