Archive for the ‘Pet Care and Products’ category

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What’s the Best Cat Scratching Post?

August 7th, 2009

Many cat owners only want the absolute best for their cats. They are willing to spend countless hours choosing and researching what the best possible items for their cat are, weather it be food, bedding, or entertainment. Only the best will do for their cat, and the scratching post is no exception. However the term “best” means different things to different people. Some people will say the most expensive models are obviously the best cat scratching posts.

So, what is the best cat scratching post? The answer is that there is no best. Every cat, house, and family is different, and will have different demands of their scratching post. To get the best scratching post for you and your cat, simply think about the features you and your cat would enjoy, and go from their.

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Chew Toys for Healthy Dog Gums

August 5th, 2009

Your dog’s mouth is an extremely important to it, for many vary obvious reasons. Even beyond simply eating, breathing, and drinking, your dog’s mouth also acts as it’s hands. Since it’s mouth is so important, don’t you think, as it’s owner and best friend, you should do all you can to keep it healthy? One of the best, easiest, and arguably most fun ways of keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy is with the use of the dog chew toy.

Dog chew toys come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The most common forms of chew toy are the dog bone and the Kong brand chew toys. These dog toys are usually made of hard rubber or latex, who’s rubbing action when chewed scrapes away plaque and other debris from your dogs teeth and gums.

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A Good Way to Deter Cats

July 26th, 2009

One good way that I have found to deter cats is to use an aerosol spray can. You know, like a Lysol can. Cats can get annoying and it gets worse when you are in a bad mood. You don’t have to spray directly at the cat but spray near them. For some reason the sound of the can spray irritates the cat and they run off. I have done this numerous times with my cat and everytime I do it, well she scrams. Now whenever she sees me go for the can she knows to go away.

Again, do not spray directly on your cat. The chemicals in the spray can be toxic and harmful to the cat. Spray near them. The sound of the spray can makes them run away just like a dog was chasing after them.

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Is that the thanks I get from my cat?

July 23rd, 2009
charlie from below
Creative Commons License photo credit: Yuval Y

I adopted my cat. One day she waltzed into my house made herself comfortable and that was it, she never left. Turned out she belonged to some neighbours who never let her in the house. Anyway I have become over attached, some may say, to my new furry friend and I thought she would be incredibly grateful when I relocated her from the mean streets of London to the rural expanse of the Languedoc region in France.

She now has acres of wide open fields to explore, where she can catch mice to her hearts content without any fear of being run over. But what does she do? Sits at home on my bed getting cat hair all over the place but rarely venturing outside. How’s that for gratitude?

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Humans and dog allergies

July 22nd, 2009

Sometimes animals and humans don’t mix. A human can be allergic to animal or can become allergic to animal. Sometimes the decision of many pet owners with dog skin allergies

Holly -- Get your Stick!
Creative Commons License photo credit: pmarkham

is to get rid of the dog straightaway. You can counteract the effects of a dog allergy or at least mitigate the effects to some degree by doing certain things.

You can make sure that your dog only stays in certain areas of the house. You should never allow your dog into your bedroom. You can make sure that when you handle the dogs toys or the dog itself you are wearing rubber gloves to protect yourself.  You can get loads of information from your physician or your dogs veterinarian about methods of dealing with dog allergies.

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Allergies in dogs

July 22nd, 2009

Usually the first time you will know your dog has an allergy is because it will get skin complaint. It’s simple… if your dog has a dog allergies , there’ll be more scratching than usual. Or it will start itching a lot more frequently than it was before. There can be a drastic increase in scratching one particular area or chewing at a particular area if the dog has an allergic reaction to flea bites. Fleas can cause an allergic reaction by their saliva, this is when the flea is sucking blood from the dog. Any unusual activity in your dog should encourage you to make a visit to the veterinarian.  They will be able to give you the best advice about what you should do and the necessary treatments.

Holly in the Evening Summer Sun
Creative Commons License photo credit: pmarkham

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Pet Strollers for the Unpampered Pet

July 15th, 2009
walking 2 dogs in a stroller
Creative Commons License photo credit: lindyireland

Not everybody pushing their dogs around in pet strollers are treating their dogs better than they should be treated.  Often times pet owners will use these pet strollers for dogs to help contain their dogs when their in an environment that could be stressful to to the dog or the people around the dog.  This comes into play when in very crowded areas.  If there are little kids around who can be very unpredictable, you may be better off with your puppy in a mobile kennel.

There are also some dogs who suffer from arthritis but still like to go out for some socializing.  It’s not only good for the dogs, it’s good for the owners and the people who come in contact with the dogs.  It’s been proven to be therapeutic for everyone involved.  But, sometimes little Fifi can’t walk around for an entire day.  That’s when it’s important to have a safe place for him or her to go and still be with the “pack.”

So, don’t feel as though you’re over pampering your dog.  You’re simply being a good and responsible dog owner who loves your pets.  Explain to people who give you a funny look and they’ll quickly become educated and realize pet strollers are a good investment.

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Can Your Cat Be Allergic To You?

June 25th, 2009

Allergic reactions to pets are pretty common. I bet you know at least one person who is allergic to cats, but did you know that cats can have allergies too?

It’s unlikely your cats would be allergic to you, but they could have a reaction to a detergent you use or something in the house, maybe even the material in their pet bed. Although this type isn’t as common. One of the more common feline allergies is to flea bites, but cats can also be allergic to pollens (inhalants) or food, just like us humans.

Fleas make cats itch anyway, but if they are allergic it can make the poor kitty pretty miserable. Food allergies usually develop over time and can be caused by something they have eaten regularly. Just because they have always eaten a certain food doesn’t mean it is still working well for them. Inhalant allergies to things like pollen, mold, dust mites etc are also pretty common in cats. Some of these allergens are seasonal, but some last year round.

If you suspect allergies it’s important to take your cat to the vet so she can be properly diagnosed and treated.

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Pamper your Feet with Coolmax Socks

June 24th, 2009

Dance, play, stand, walk and sway. You will never be too active with swollen and blistered feet. Take Coolmax walking socks and do your thing the most comfortable way possible. With these high-end socks, you definitely protect yourself from feet problems which are detrimental to your confidence and personality. How your feet feel is exactly projected on your face. Get into the rhythm of your life as these socks become a right choice for your daily battles. Pamper them with comfort and drive feet problems away from your heels, soles and toenails. With every pair of socks from Coolmax, you are ensured of safety and health. They are socks that relax, soothe and bring out the best in you. Right socks, great movement. You surely wouldn’t ask for more.

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Dog Training Commands: Come

June 19th, 2009
Dogs
Creative Commons License photo credit: star5112

When attempting to train your dog, the very first command the is important for them to learn is come. They should learn this without hesitation and if not learned properly, it can affect further training.

Come is perhaps the easiest command to teach a new puppy and can be used in many situations and games. But the sooner this command is learned the better and should be practiced until your dog’s response is automatic.

To begin training, you need to fasten a long leash to the dog’s collar. Now, allow him to wander away for a moment then open your arms, drop to one knee and say your dog’s name.

Then, a few seconds later say, “Come.” If he doesn’t respond, tug the leash and repeat the command.

It is very important when your puppy does come to give him lots of praise and a little treat.

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Fire Bellied Newts The Perfect Pet

June 5th, 2009

Fire bellied newts are one of the most beautiful and easily cared for aquatic pets you can ever want to own. In order to keep the fun little amphibians there are a few supplies you will need.

What you’ll need to keep fire bellied newts:

Fire Bellied Newt

Fire Bellied Newt

  1. 10 gallon tank (for up to 3 newts)
  2. Some pebbles, gravel, or smooth rocks.
  3. Some underwater plants (live or plastic)
  4. A lid for your tank

When setting up your fire bellied newts new home, consider that your new pet will spend most of its life in the water. Your tank should be about 2/3 water and 1/3 land. Make sure that you have the pebbles slope into the water making it easy for your newt to get in and out. Underwater plants provide hiding places for your new pet and help him feel at home.  Newts will live well at room temperature and require light( not direct sunlight) for atleast 12 hours a fay.

Newts are carnivors and will eat worms, insects and brine shrimp. When you put food in the fire bellied newt tank make sure he is eating it. Newts tend to be a bit finiky and you may have to exchange the food for something he prefers. Aside from the initail set and live food they are wonderful pets that are extremely easy to keep.

Enjoy your new pet,

Kegnum

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Protect Your Cat From Hookworm

June 5th, 2009

Hookworms are small parasites that can attach themselves to your cats intestinal wall. This tiny blood sucker can lead to intestinal bleeding, anemia,

Hookworms

Hookworm

diarrhea and even death, especially in a cute kitten.

Signs that your cat may be infected with hookworm:

  1. loos of appetite
  2. weight loss
  3. hair loss
  4. bloody stool

There are several ways a cat can catch hookworm. Hookworms can be passed from mother to kitten in the womb via the placenta. They can be passed on through the mother’s milk when the baby cat is feeding. Within 5 days of being passed through an animals stool hookworm eggs turn into larva, not visible to the naked eye, and can be contracted if your pet comes in contact with the infected stool. Lastly, you pet can ingest the parasites by consuming unclean water or food.

If you think your cat or kitten maybe infected with hookworm, bring them to a veterinarian immediately. Hookworm can be diagnosed by examining your pets feces from eggs. If your cat test positive for the parasite, they can easily be cured with wither a topical ointment or indigestible medication.

Hope you found this post informative,

Kegnum

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Do You Need A Guard Dog?

May 28th, 2009

big-dogs

When searching for a dog breed that works best to guard your person and property, you should look beyond the size of the dog. Any large to medium breed dog can become a viscous junkyard dog to tie to the tree in the backyard. Do you really want that kind of beast?

Also, you need to differentiate between guard dogs and watch dogs. Are you looking for a yelper to warn you of uninvited company and fire trucks or are you looking for a animal designed and bred to protect your property?

There are lots of large dogs that can be used to protect, but you need to get the dog that is best suited to you needs and its temperament. Some large dogs are better suited for large stretches of property, while others are best in cold weather.

Before spending lots of money on a new dog, please research the breeds and select the best one for you.

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My Beagle

May 27th, 2009

Are you looking to buy a dog? If you are, then you should consider getting a Beagle. Why, you ask? Well, Beagles have a very specific breeding pattern, and over the years they have been bred for different things useful to a family. For one, they have an excellent sense of smell, so if something is burning they’ll be quick to alert you. They have been bred to be physically active and have a tight build, but not as tight as a pit-bull.

Because they are bred for warm areas, they have short hair to help prevent them from getting too hot during the summers. They are known to be good natured and are usually not aggressive. As a result of all these traits, they are easy to handle. Beagle training is very easy to do because they won’t fight you for the role of leader of the pack.

They are very fast learners and usually don’t carry an odor, like shaggy dogs! One downside is that they tend to have health problems, but that’s due to overall bad breeding practices conducted by people without proper knowledge. Beagles suffer from joint problems and skin disorders, but are still good dogs!

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Is Your Cat Suffering From Feline Eye Infection?

May 26th, 2009

One of the problems that can affect our cat’s health is cat eye infections, also called feline eye infections.  They can be caused by different factors, such as the presence of bacteria, viruses, and even fungal infections.

A cat eye infection can be easily treatable in some cases, but in others they are just the symptoms of a serious underlying condition. The most common case of eye infections in cats is conjunctivitis. You can tell a cat is suffering from it because you’ll notice an inflamed pink membrane. This doesn’t necessarily have to be present in both eyes.

If you notice your cat is suffering from an infection in the eye, you should take him to the veterinarian immediately to determine the cause of such infection; this will ensure proper treatment in time.

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Top Three Best Dog Breeds for Kids

May 21st, 2009
  1. The Pug.   Short haired, hardy, solid little dogs with a fantastic zest for life and just the right amount of energy for kids to deal with.  Easy to groom, train, and manage size wise, they are the perfect companion for a little guy dying for a pet of his own.  A very forgiving first breed for small children to learn on.
  2. The Retriever.  I don’t really have an opinion on which one is best, Flat coat or Golden, but they are an awesome dog for an active older kid capable of handling a dog who is going to mature to 75+ lbs.  I like the soft mouth; you can do surgery on these dogs without sedation and they won’t bite a soul.
  3. The English Bulldog.  May sound like an odd choice for children, but they are protective and form excellent lasting bonds with those they see themselves charged with.  They have modest levels of exercise needed, minimal grooming requirements, and are just a great, patient, fun pet.  Look out if you’re fond of bullying their humans on the school bus!

Regardless of the breed make sure your child doesn’t have any dog allergies before you take home your pet.

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Leash Training Your Kitty

May 20th, 2009

Keeping your cat indoors can help her live a longer life, but some cats really have a craving for some time outside. If this is the case with your kitty you may consider trying to leash train so you can go for walks and get outside together.

While some cats may not adapt well to being on a leash, some will, and you don’t know unless you try. But there are a few things you can do to help make the training more successful.

While that cute cat collar with safety feature is fine for everyday use, it’s safer to use a harness instead of a regular collar while leash training your cat.

Let the cat get accustomed to the leash and harness by leaving them around and work towards having her wear the harness in the house for short periods of time. Then practice walking her inside for a few days so you both get the feel for it.

Finally it’s time to go outside, but keep the first few “walks” short and stay close to home. Avoid noisy and busy areas as well as areas where you may see other dogs or cats.

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Profile of Afghan Hound

May 20th, 2009

Known mostly as a show breed, the Afghan Hound is slim, tall, hairy dog with plenty of personality fit for any family. The Afghan Hound is a very affectionate dog and does well around children of any age, but socialization should begin immediately from puppyhood. These dogs are considered very independent and have been known to ignore commands, so obedience training is very important.

The only drawback to the Afghan Hound is it long silky coat. While the the coat distinguishes the breed, it can make for a lot of maintenance. It is recommended that this dog be bathed at least once a week and combed often to prevent the hairs from matting.

Incidentally, the first successful cloned dog in history was an Afghan Hound named Snuppy in North Korea.

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Bringing Puppy Home

May 20th, 2009

There are a lot of important factors to making a decision about bring a new dog into your household. It is always best to figure out what is best not only for you, but also for the puppy.

Before the puppy comes home, you should have already puppy-proofed your home. Remember to make sure that whatever areas you are going to let the puppy roam are free of hazards. Check for items left on the floor, dangling chords, and dangerous chemicals that might be left out where the dog can get at them.

Make sure you discuss the puppy’s previous diet with the breeder or kennel and then bring home the same foods he was eating. A sudden change in diet could cause the puppy stomach problems like bloating and diarrhea.

But before you even bring him home, you need to introduce yourself , so it is good to have some toys and a blanket to bring along. Remember this is a new experience for your new friend and it is best to make sure it is a happy and wonderful transition for the new pet.

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Stuff for Your New Puppy

May 19th, 2009

There are many things that you need to buy when you buy a new puppy. You should buy some books on the breed so that you know the specific needs of the dog. You will also need a leash and collar for your new puppy. A collar that has a tag with you phone number is important because it will help you find your dog if he runs gets away from you. Make sure that the collar is not too small. You should be able to fit two fingers in between the collar and the puppy’s neck. You will also need a dog kennel for your new puppy. This is important because you will need to have a place to put him when you are not at home. Of course you should also pick up some food and bowls to put it in. You will also need shampoo to wash him and some combs to brush his hair. Don’t forget to also buy some nail clippers and stuff to clean his ears with. If you have all of these things you will have the basic things that you will need for your new puppy. He may also appreciate a toy or two!

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