Happiness in Animals - Do Animals Get Depressed?

Depression is a condition of severe unhappiness that lasts for more than just a few days.

When you are depressed you experience a loss of interest in life, reduced activity levels, sometimes you eat too much or too little, your sleep gets restless or you start a pattern of insomnia. As your interest in life gets reduced so does your activity level.

When you are depressed life just is not enjoyable anymore - no matter what your circumstances are - whether the sun is shining or not - you feel sad and unhappy.

In addition to this your thoughts are coloured in a negative way, you have a pessimistic view of life and yourself.

As animals are very emotional beings they too can become unhappy and develop depression.

This maybe caused by loss of their companions, by being kept alone for too long, by a lifestyle which is unnatural or foreign to the animal.

Abuse, the experience of cruelty or otherwise inflicted traumatic experience has great impact on an animals emotions and may cause severe anxiety or/ and depression.

If an animal has to experience adverse conditions it can not escape it almost certainly will become depressed.

An unhappy animal may


lose interest in her surroundings
appear to be withdrawn or far away
lose his appetite
become lethargic
and sometimes ill tempered or aggressive

Since the emotions modulate the immune system a depressed animal has a reduced capacity to fight off infection and thus may even become physically ill or his recovery from an already existing physical condition may be compromised.

In pets we often find that the level of unhappiness an owner experiences may also cause depression in his animal. So if his owner is depressed the dog, cat or bird may also feel severely unhappy.

Pet Sitting and Boarding

There are people who share a great passion of pet love and care. Some of these people aspire to work closely with animals in their future career option. If you are among them, gaining quality information, mandatory education through books, magazines, workshops and newspapers is a must activity for you. It is because, as a pet sitter, you will be working closely with animals and travels far away to the client's place for a pre-decided hours or time period on a weekly basis. Usually, sitters take your beloved companion on walking and play with them so that pets don't miss their routine life. In addition, sitters are responsible for all the health issues related with your beloved companion. Therefore, it is always recommended for sitters to get friendly and comfortable with certain breeds and types of animals and their unique behaviors.

Earning a good name is quite important in pet sitting industry. A reliable and credible name instantly clicks with the client and they will come to you again and again for everything. You need to keep a useful journal about your beloved companion. List their special habits and behaviors and learn more about them. In addition, collecting information about animals can be a good time pass activity. More knowledge means better understanding and clarity about animals keeping and handling. Also, you have to take mandatory pet sitting insurance policies and bonds to safe keep your job. Choose anything from a full-time or part-time sitting activity which matches your interest to the maximum.

Basic Guidelines for Professional Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is becoming an extreme difficult and challenging activity for every sitter. It is mainly because pets show different behavior and moods every time. Coping with these unique changes and choosing the best possible course of action is a thoughtful process. Also, with the passing time, pet owners are coming up with new demands and expectations. To meet all these new changes and demands, a new bunch of professional sitters have stepped into the market catering new opportunities available in the market.

Following are certain important tips and suggestions for a beginner pet sitter that may prove crucial in a due course of time;

Know more: Try to know each and everything about your pet. Every domestic animal has some specific and unique characteristics and habits. As a beginner, you need to understand the thin line between how animals behave in a certain way. Try to explore different channels of communication to get the exact information that may help you to develop a better understanding about pets.

Visit them in person: Understand special needs of pet in a very clear manner. You will gain more insights by visiting them in person. Spend time with pets and observe them closely. It will surely help you to handle them in a better way.

Remember the instructions: Most pets have a planned routine and they like by sticking to their particular routine. Talk to the owner and get a guidebook about particular habits of their pets. Make your own diary and write your way of handling these specific needs.

By following the above suggestions, you will have a happy and satisfactory experience of a professional pet sitting.

Dealing With Odors in Your Ferret Mansion

Your ferrets can produce oily secretions to be able to condition their coat and skin. Without a proper routine bath, this oil may contribute to your ferret's strong smell. Bathing your pet regularly can help you minimize the odor; however, you should remember that this should not be overdone. Excessive bathing may cause your pet to have dry and itchy skin because too much oil is being removed. Aside from giving your ferret a regular bath, you should also maintain the cleanliness of your ferret mansion.

Another key to minimize the musky ferret odor is to maintain a clean living environment for your pet. Just like cats, ferrets are known to be clean by nature and they can also be litter trained. But as a ferret owner, you should be aware that their needs differ from what cats need. To accommodate your ferret properly, you have to make sure that you place a litter pan with a high back in your ferret mansion. As a ferret owner, you have to make sure that you clean out the litter pan in your ferret mansion to make sure that the odor is controlled. You also have to make sure that all hammocks and blankets are washed at least once every week to reduce oil and remove odor.

Daily Ferret Mansion Cleaning:

* Replace any soiled bedding and/or litter
* Get rid of all the wet spots or waste in your pet's bedding litter
* Empty and wash your pet's food bowl using lukewarm water and mild soap. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly before drying the bowl and putting it back to your ferret mansion and refilling it with food.
* Empty and wash your pet's water bottle using lukewarm water and mild soap. You may also use a bottle brush to make the cleaning easier and make sure to rinse it very well before refilling it with fresh water.

Weekly Ferret Mansion Cleaning:

* Remove and replace all of your pet's bedding and litter.
* Make sure to wash and disinfect the bottom of your pet's mansion as well as the toys.
* Wash all accessories such as the dens, shelves and beds and make sure to rinse it thoroughly and dry it well.

While you are cleaning the environment of your pet's mansion, make sure to keep it in a small exercise pen so that the cleaning would be a lot easier. Keep your pet occupied by giving it toys or treats while cleaning the cage to make sure that it will not cause any trouble until you are done cleaning.

Ferret Tunnel and Crumpled Papers for Your Pet

Ferret tunnel and crumpled papers for your pet? Ferrets are known as very playful little creatures, but most people fail to realize that they do need time to play for them to stay healthy and that owners cannot keep them on cages all the time. As ferret owner, you have to let them go out of their cages for at least 2 to 3 hours per day for them to be able to exercise by means of playing games. This is the reason why there are several factors that you should first consider before deciding to adopt or keep a ferret as pet.

You should remember that a bored ferret is also considered as an unhappy pet so you have to make sure that you can provide it with various types of toys for it to play with and enjoy. Ferrets are very simple pets and ordinary toys can already please them so you do not really have to break your bank. When choosing ferret toys, such as a ferret tunnel, make sure that it is suitable and durable. This means you have to consider the size of your pet when choosing toys for it. Also, you should not forget considering your pet's sharp teeth as they might chew on the toys and if they happen to swallow it, this may cause blockage in their intestine which can then result to a problem.

If you do not want to spend on toys, then you might want to create your own set of toys for your pet. A ferret tunnel can be a great toy for your pet and they will surely enjoy having one. When making a ferret tunnel, you have to make sure that your pet will fit inside it and that it has a way to move around. Make sure that the piping in your ferret tunnel has a diameter of at least 4 inches so that your pet will not get stuck inside it while playing. Using PVC in your ferret tunnel can also be a great idea as this material is known for its durability. Using PVC can assure you that there is no way for your pet to chew it and you would not need to worry about your pet's safety as well.

Aside from a ferret tunnel, crumpled pieces of papers can be a good toy for your ferret too. This type of toy can give your pet lots of fun as well. But of course, you have to pay attention to your pet's behavior while playing with this, because unlike the ferret tunnel, crumpled pieces of papers can easily be eaten by your pet so make sure to clean it up after your pet is done playing

Why Shop Online At A Pet Store - What Do You Think?

Most pet owners are not probably aware which pet product or accessories to buy for their pets. In addition, most pet stores in your locality does not even offer a wide range of choices when it comes to buying accessories for your pet. This is basically the reason why online pets stores are getting popular these days. When buying pet supplies online, you will be given with several different options, and this will allow you to get the best deals available.

It is very easy to find anything that you will need at an online pet store. Some pet owners think that finding pet supplies online is just way harder, as compared to going to an actual pet store. But in reality, this is actually a bit easier and convenient. The main reason for this is that most of your local pet stores only carry a certain number of pet supplies, because if a certain brand of product does not generate that much revenue, they will not sell them on the store.

Another great thing about buying online is the fact that you can actually find better prices as compared to buying at regular pet stores in your locality. There are actually several reasons for this, and usually, the most common is that an online store does not have to spend for more overhead costs, such as building rent, utility bills, and salaries for several employees.

If you ask online buyers on why they prefer to shop online, the most common answer that they will give you is because of convenience. If you just experienced shopping online you would now how convenient it really is. Just imagine this - You no longer need to drive your way going to the store and worry about parking fees and traffic, or if it's just a walk away from your place, you'll save yourself ample time and much effort in walking your way towards the store just to find what you need for your pet. With online shopping, all you need is just a computer and an Internet connection and you'll be able to easily find the best products that your precious pet deserves.

Vet Prices - 14 Tips to Help You Reduce the Cost of a Vet Visit

Vets aren't cheap...in fact in a lot of cases they are more expensive than doctors. However, the are a necessary part of owning a pet. Listed below are 14 tips to help you reduce your vet care costs while still ensuring your vet is adequately looked after.

Tip 1: Look for affordable vet care: Don't limit yourself to private veterinary clinics; there are other options such as humane societies that offer vet treatments at a discount. DIY isn't advised. A three legged dog really isn't that much fun!

Tip 2: Vets with payment plans: If you don't have the cash up front there are some vets that offer payment plans. If the rates are still good and there is an interest free period then it is worth considering. Be careful however, as you may pay a premium for using a payment plan.

Tip 3: Don't buy pet food from your vet: It is generally overpriced. If you do prefer the top quality pet food, shop around for a wholesaler. Craps from the butcher are a good cheap alternative.

Tip 4: Get all of the proper vaccinations and treatments for your pet: While this costs you money up front, it is definitely less than curing a condition if your pet gets sick.

Tip 5: Go to a pet welfare agency etc for your pet vaccinations: Check out if there is a welfare agency in your local area that offers cheaper vaccinations. Their prices will be considerably cheaper than a normal veterinary clinic.

Tip 6: Treat your pet's ailments straight away: Fixing an initial problem straight away is generally cheaper than trying to fix the problem once the ailment has progressed.

Tip 7: The very cheapest vet isn't always the best: Just like with Doctor's, there are good and bad vets. Going to the cheapest one could cost you more money, or worse your pet, if they make a mistake. Costs are definitely a factor when choosing a vet, but also consider the quality of the vet as well. A full waiting-room is generally a good sign.

Tip 8: Consider vet schools: Taking your pet to schools where people are learning to become vets is a great way to save some money on vet fees. And don't worry all students are under the command of a fully qualified vet.

Tip 9: Don't rush into decisions: Don't feel pressured to agree to high priced treatments. Ask that you have a few days to think about it (this gives you time to research the issue and to see if other options are available). If they say no, then walk away and politely say you will be using the services of someone else. If they want a decision straight away it generally means they will be making a lot of money from the treatment.

Tip 10: Keep up to date with flea, tick and heartworm prevention: These proactive measures save you money in the long term.

Tip 11: Ask for generic prescriptions: As with prescriptions for humans, there are generic prescriptions for your pets. Ask for these and save yourself some money.

Tip 12: Urgent medication: If your pet needs medication urgently, use the vets one for the first three or four days and then order the rest online.

Tip 13: Not all vaccines are necessary: The number of vaccines depends on where your pet lives and the interaction they have with other animals. For example, things like "kennel cough" may not be required if your dog doesn't spend much time with other dogs.

Tip 14: Ask your vet how you can reduce costs: Always ask your vet what alternatives there are and if there is any way you can save money. If you don't ask you don't get!

Make Money With Animals - This Article Shows You 15 Ways

Working with animals can be a great way to make a small side income. In some cases, you can even make enough to give up your day job. So if you are an animal lover, and are looking to make a bit of extra cash on the side, then consider the following 15 tips!

Tip 1: Offer to walk people's dogs: If you are looking to create a little side income you can offer your services as a dog walker.

Tip 2: Dog sitter: If people are going on holiday offer to look after their dog.

Tip 3: Cat sitter: One of our friends has set up cat cages (including running areas) to look after cats when people are on holidays. It makes a nice little side income, and they get to enjoy the company of other cats.

Tip 4: Wash and clip animals: Offer your services as an animal groomer and you will make a small little side income. Remember...word of mouth is the best form of advertisement.

Tip 5: Become a pet chauffeur: A lot of pet owners, especially the elderly, find it difficult to take their animals to the vet. You can help them out, and earn a few extra dollars on the side by offering this service.

Tip 6: Become a yard cleaner: A lot of pet owners don't like picking up their pets mess. If you offer to pick up the pets mess, you can stand to make quite a bit of money. Once you get going you can set up regular times and schedules.

Tip 7: Check your pet into a model agency: You never know your dog or cat (or other pet for that matter) could be the next big thing on the big screen, or at least in a supermarket catalogue. You won't know if you don't try!

Tip 8: Aquarium cleaning: People love fish but not the hassle of cleaning their fish tank. This is where you come in. With a small amount of equipment (tank vacuum and some clean sponges you can quite easily clean a fish tank. You can even take this to the next level by testing water and the like.

Tip 9: Breed rabbits or Guinea Pigs: There is still some money to be made in breeding rabbits and guinea pigs. Do your research and ascertain what breeds are popular and suited to your local area.

Tip 10: Breed mice: This one is not for the faint hearted. There are many people that buy mice; unfortunately they are generally used as food for snakes or other animals. So if you can handle this thought then find some suitable prospects and let your mice do the rest.

Tip 11: Breed fish: This takes a bit more to set up, but can definitely be financially rewarding. Choosing fish with a higher retail value, as well as those that are quite hardy and can handle a variety of water environments, is generally a better bet.

Tip 12: Make bird seed bars: These are relatively easy to make (check out the Internet for some ideas) and can be sold at markets.

Tip 13: Invest in pet stocks: Pet stocks generally do pretty well. If you see a company out there that is constantly supplying good products and that is always in demand, then see if you can invest in it.

Tip 14: Milk animals: Yes this is completely outside of the box, but some people out there make very good livings by milking spider venom (one person has a basement full of 5000 safely enclosed spiders, and with the aid of carbon dioxide (to knock out the spider for a bit), milks the venom and then sells it to pharmacy labs. Definitely not for everyone!

Tip 15: Write an animal blog: If you are a knowledgeable person on a particular animal topic, then set up a blog for free, write about specific topics and put Google AdSense on the site.

How to Handle Ferret Eating

As a ferret owner, you should know that ferrets have very short and simple digestive system, and this limits the quantity of food they can ingest at one time. Ferret eating should be small and frequent, and is far from the diet of other animals of their type. Due to their digestive system's relative efficiency, ferrets need to get the most out of their every meal.

Ferrets are carnivores and they cannot survive without having eating meat. But of course, their diet should not be limited to meat alone as this may be harmful to their nutrition and may even cause a fatal imbalance. When it comes to ferret eating, you should know that they are incapable of digesting complex carbohydrates which are commonly found in grains and vegetables. Before, cat and dog kibbles are being used for ferrets to sustain their balanced diet. But ferret formulas are now available and it contains all the needed nutrients of your ferret including high protein, low fiber and high energy. So if you are planning to adopt or buy a ferret, then you do not have to feed them with cat or dog foods anymore.

You should also remember that ferrets do not want their food to be switched from one type to another, especially when they are already attached to a specific food and flavor. In order to prevent any supply problems in the future, make sure to select a brand that will best suit your ferret eating taste. Most branded ferret foods are now scientifically-formulated to complete your pet's diet requirements. These foods now have 30% more protein and are contained in a crunchy morsel which can be very irresistible for your pet. There are formulas that blend brown rice, real chicken and dried eggs, and there are those that mix wholesome ingredients such as chickens which are preservative-free and fresh eggs.

As a ferret owner, to maintain the health of your ferret eating, you have to make sure that your pets pelleted food is protected from moisture at all times. It is also wise to buy smaller packages of foods and store it in plastic bins with lids to make sure that it is free from moisture. Remember that your pet's food should be kept away from mold and damp as it can make it unpalatable or toxic. On the other hand, if in case your ferret eating is based on a dry diet, make sure to provide your pet with a constant supply of water for drinking. The required amount of water should be thrice the amount of the dry pellets your pet has consumed. During warm weathers, take note that your pet might want to drink more so make sure that you can provide your pet with more water during this time.

How To Create A Comfortable Home For Your Pets

If you are in the process of making changes in your home, your spouse and children are probably more than willing to speak up and declare their demands. Everyone has an opinion and you are faced with the challenge of incorporating these opinions into your home design. However, if you have pets, they are obviously not so forthcoming with how they feel. Most pets are content to have a warm place to sleep and regular meals, but there are ways you can make your space even healthier and more comfortable for the furry members of your family. First, make sure you provide your pets with a healthy environment. Pets may be more sensitive to issues than humans, so if you have pest problems, be sure to call on reliable exterminators. Orkin and other options will allow you to create a bug-free space your pet will love.

Next, be sure your pet is healthy. In order to keep your home healthy, everyone in it must be free of disease and illness. Have your pets checked on the annual basis and be sure they are up to date with shots and medications. A healthy pet is more than likely a happy pet.

Be sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh air. Dogs will need regular walks or a yard in which to run around. Cats may enjoy paying outside, but many families prefer to keep their feline indoors. This is usually a perfect living arrangement for a cat, but they should still have the benefit of an occasional open window to enjoy the fresh outside air.

Give your pet plenty of space in which to exercise. If you keep your pet indoors, you can encourage them to run and play in staircases and wide open spaces. Giving them toys will encourage indoor play. If you have an outside space, fence the area in so you can just let the pet run loose and enjoy the open space. Something that you can do that is great for you and your pet is to play with them outside for a half an hour every day. They will get the outside time that they want and need and you can get some exercise as well. Go outside and throw the ball with them and run around and work up a sweat. For an even better time, involve your kids and start a game of soccer or football. Everybody will get some exercise, just by simply taking care of the dog.

Finally, arrange a private dining space for your pet. Feed them in this area consistently so they understand this is where they eat. This helps cut down on mess and it settles the pet when they know just where to go for their food. If you have a cat, be sure the eating area is far away from the litter box. If you leave your pet outdoors for a few hours at a time, be sure to supply them with food and water they can easily access.

How To Create A Comfortable Home For Your Pets

If you are in the process of making changes in your home, your spouse and children are probably more than willing to speak up and declare their demands. Everyone has an opinion and you are faced with the challenge of incorporating these opinions into your home design. However, if you have pets, they are obviously not so forthcoming with how they feel. Most pets are content to have a warm place to sleep and regular meals, but there are ways you can make your space even healthier and more comfortable for the furry members of your family. First, make sure you provide your pets with a healthy environment. Pets may be more sensitive to issues than humans, so if you have pest problems, be sure to call on reliable exterminators. Orkin and other options will allow you to create a bug-free space your pet will love.

Next, be sure your pet is healthy. In order to keep your home healthy, everyone in it must be free of disease and illness. Have your pets checked on the annual basis and be sure they are up to date with shots and medications. A healthy pet is more than likely a happy pet.

Be sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh air. Dogs will need regular walks or a yard in which to run around. Cats may enjoy paying outside, but many families prefer to keep their feline indoors. This is usually a perfect living arrangement for a cat, but they should still have the benefit of an occasional open window to enjoy the fresh outside air.

Give your pet plenty of space in which to exercise. If you keep your pet indoors, you can encourage them to run and play in staircases and wide open spaces. Giving them toys will encourage indoor play. If you have an outside space, fence the area in so you can just let the pet run loose and enjoy the open space. Something that you can do that is great for you and your pet is to play with them outside for a half an hour every day. They will get the outside time that they want and need and you can get some exercise as well. Go outside and throw the ball with them and run around and work up a sweat. For an even better time, involve your kids and start a game of soccer or football. Everybody will get some exercise, just by simply taking care of the dog.

Finally, arrange a private dining space for your pet. Feed them in this area consistently so they understand this is where they eat. This helps cut down on mess and it settles the pet when they know just where to go for their food. If you have a cat, be sure the eating area is far away from the litter box. If you leave your pet outdoors for a few hours at a time, be sure to supply them with food and water they can easily access.

Ferrets for Adoption

If you wish to buy a ferret, then you should know that you have a better chance of getting exactly what you want. If you are looking for a specific color, then you can find a pet store or a breeder that can provide you with what you are looking for. You can also find a baby or a kit which you can train. But you should also know that buying a ferret of your choice may cost you a bit more and aside from that, you will have to pay for your pet's neutering, vaccinations, micro chipping and descenting. Of course, it will be a lot different if you are looking for ferrets for adoption.

When it comes to ferrets for adoption, then you should deal with the local ferret shelter, association and organizations in your area, such as the ASPCA in the US and RSPCA in UK and check if there are any available ferrets for adoption. You might be required to undergo an interview for the staffs to be able to assess how suitable you are in adopting a ferret and you might be asked to make several visits for them to see the environment that you can give your future pet. You will also be given some tips and advices on how you can turn your home into a ferret-proofed home.

Most ferrets for adoption might be a little older and there are those who have already come from different homes. So before deciding which ferret to adopt, you have to make sure to ask for the background information of that specific ferret for you to decide easily. Although these ferrets have already gone through human intervention, you might need to train them still, especially if they do have some undesirable behaviors that you might want to change. You will also find out that some ferrets for adoption have already had all the necessary vaccinations and they have already been descented and neutered. If the ferrets you have chosen have not gone through any of these, the shelter or association can do that for you but for an additional cost or refer you to a veterinarian to help you out with these things.

Some shelters might request you to adopt more than one ferret at a time, especially if you are considering getting more pets in the future. As ferret owner, you should know that these creatures are very social and would love to form a bond with other ferrets. There are some shelters that have pairs or groups of ferrets for adoption and might not want to split them up individually. But if you really cannot take more than one ferret, then you may ask for a single ferret or you may also choose to buy one from a breeder or a pet store.

Dog Teeth Cleaning Success for Canine Owners

One of the most important aspects of successful dog teeth cleaning is understanding the importance of being patient. Regardless of the products used, either gels or sprays for cleaning dogs teeth, there will be a significant training process involved before a regular and thorough cleaning of the canine teeth can be achieved.

Dog owners must realize they can take several days of his several weeks of training their canine to accept the toothbrushing without stress or resistance. If it is initially approached wrongly or too aggressively than all future attempts at brushing a canine Steve will be futile.

When first beginning the process, it's important to remember the dog must connect the process was something pleasurable. For example, in the beginning have a toothbrush and dog toothpaste in your hands while petting and playing with the dog. Just get them used to seeing and smelling the brush and spray and gel.

Depending on the dogs temperament, this process may take several days, or at least it should. When first attempting to place the brush inside the dog's mouth, first place something pleasurable on the brush. This could be beef broth, peanut butter, or any other favorite treat the dog may like. At this time it's also advisable to place a small amount of the dog toothpaste on the brush also.

Here again, make this a fun and playful experience for the canine. Keep the session short and repeat them often for several days up to several weeks depending on the personality of your dog. The timestamp with the brush inside the dog's mouth can be extended over time as it is noticed the dog is excepting the process without stress or anxiety.

If done properly, it's possible for the dog to not only allow his teeth to be brushed, but he will be excited and enjoy the experience. This in fact, it's the only way that a successful cleaning of the dogs teeth can take place in the future.

Remember that dog teeth cleaning sprays are only used for those dogs who completely refuse access to their mouths with a toothbrush. The sprays are not nearly as effective for cleaning the tartar off of teeth as are the gel toothpastes. Additionally, even the spray can be a problem as some dogs do not appreciate the sound of the "hiss" the spray makes when it is applied. If at all possible, train your dog to accept toothpaste on the brush when cleaning his or her teeth.

Remember to put the easier it is to clean your dogs the better job you'll do. The better each cleaning is, the less often has to be done. Most dog owners find that three or four good cleanings per week are all that is required to keep the tartar removed from their canines teeth. With this maintenance schedule it's possible to prevent ever requiring a trip to the veterinarian's office for the old-style and dangerous teeth scaling procedures.

This will be especially important as your dog ages since older canines are more vulnerable to side effects resulting from the anesthetics used by the vets.

Tips for Living in an Apartment With Pets

Man's best friend: always loyal, always there and always easy to love. Over the years there has been much debate over whether keeping a dog in a smaller space like an apartment is healthy for dogs. Here are a few tips to make sure that your pet has the best of both worlds; the space of a home and the convenience of apartment living!

Taking Ownership

Dogs depend on their owners for almost all of their needs, so most dogs; regardless of the breed can thrive in an apartment environment, as long as their owner is dedicated towards providing their four-legged friend with all the comforts of a house with less space to work with. This includes ensuring that one's pet is well received in their community and with the neighbors. Before adopting or purchasing your pet, make sure that your apartment is dog friendly and if there is a pet deposit that is required by the building or landlord. Additionally, many buildings have limits as to the size of the dog, so if you are planning on adopting or purchasing a larger breed like a Great Dane, make sure that you building doesn't have a 20 lb. limit.

Once you've brought your new friend home and they are all settled in, one way to ensure that your pup is the best behaved on the block is to take them through the basics of obedience training. No one's asking that you become the Dog Whisperer, but some base line training with regards to barking and running off leash are essential to keeping your dog safe in an apartment, even if the space is pet-friendly.

The Great Outdoors

Dogs are like people in that they need fresh air. Your dog may not beg to be taken out if they are house-trained, but every dog needs time outside. Would YOU like it if you went from work to home, never stepping foot outside? Your dog feels the same way. Regardless if you've chosen a low energy or medium energy dog, they will need to be walked at least once a day, if not more. Dogs that

Local dog parks are a great place for your dog to socialize with other neighborhood dogs and get out some of that pent-up energy. More and more dog parks are popping up in urban centers and are typically fenced in, so your dog can run and play while you meet your neighbors! Taking an hour out of your day to make sure your dog gets enough time to exercise and play will make a world of difference for both you and your pet and will ensure a happy and harmonious relationship not only with your pet but with the rest of your neighborhood.

Choosing Your Ferrets Toys

You might notice how your ferrets love chewing a flip-flop or the buttons of your remote control. This is due to the fact that it is part of your ferret's natural behavior. However, you must remember that these kinds of materials can easily block your ferret's intestine and this can be very fatal. Since it is your pet's nature, all you need to do is to provide your pet with safe ferrets toys that they can chew on without risking their lives. Make sure not to allow your ferret to chew on any of the items mentioned below as this may cause blockage or damage to your ferret's intestine or stomach. You should know that this can be a life threatening condition and can be very fatal if left untreated.

Rubber Ferrets Toys

Ferrets toys made out of rubber are extremely dangerous for your ferrets. Although this is one of their favorite toys to chew on, make sure not to give any of it to your pet. Soft rubbers, just like the ones used for remote control buttons, are dangerous to your pet due to the fact that they can easily bite it into small pieces and swallow the material. These swallowed pieces will end up in your ferret's intestine or stomach, and your pet will not be able to pass them out. If full blockage occurs and your pet is not treated immediately, a portion of your pet's intestine will then start to die which will cause your ferret to be very ill.

Wooden Ferrets Toys

Although ferrets chew on things naturally, these creatures do not chew on stuffs with the same reason as other small pets do. Usually, small pets chew on wood in order to control their teeth from continuously growing. Ferrets, on the other hand, are carnivores and their jaws and teeth were made to be able to chew on bones and meat. If you give your pet ferrets toys made of wood and they chew it, your pet will ingest the splinters and these can damage their stomach and intestines.

Rawhide

It will only take four hours for a ferret to completely digest its food up to the time when the food leaves its body. This means that there is not enough time for the rawhide in order to rehydrate and the pieces can cause severe blockage to your pet's intestines and stomach. If you are keeping dogs along with your ferrets and you are giving your dog's rawhides, make sure to pick up all leftovers before letting your ferrets out and play.

In case your pet accidentally swallowed any of the items mentioned above or any other types of nonedible items make sure to give your ferret a hairball remedy or a ferret laxative as soon as possible. Remember to watch your ferrets stool carefully for the next days and in case your pet was not able to pass the object, make sure to bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

Animals As Pets

Humans have always been fond of animals such that many people keep them as pets. There is much benefit associated with keeping animals as a pet in the home. Firstly it provides company, especially good if someone does not have other people to talk to. Sometimes people just prefer the company of animals, they do not cause the problems that frequently occur in human interactions.

There are numerous animals that are suitable as pets and one is available to fit with a the personality of the person concerned. Some popular pets include the following:

Dogs. It is of no surprise this is perhaps the most popular of all pets given the expression 'a dog is a man's best friend'. There are many variety of dogs to choose from, dogs small in size others much bigger, some that are timid to dogs that are aggressive. There are many different type of breeds and over the course of time, many variety have been bred together to give unique and interesting looking creatures.

Cats. Cats are probably the second most popular pets behind dogs. Independent creatures, many like to come home and leave as pleased, they are easy to maintain and look after. Again like the dogs there are many types of cats to choose from.

Fish. Popular type of fishes for the home environment are goldfish and tropical fish. Goldfish is easy to keep, they just need a tank full of cold water which need cleaning once a year. Tropical fish is more complex as the water temperature requires constant monitoring. As these fishes come from the tropics, the water is kept at warm and adequate temperatures, achieved through the use of heating and monitoring devices. As a result, they are expensive to keep but many people love the idea own owning tropical fish due to their wonderful and speculator colours.

Hamsters, Gerbils, Ferrets. Kept in a cage which is filled with hay and various play things to keep the pets comfortable. Maintenance is easy and they are generally well received.

Aside from these examples, there are other many other pets too. These include snakes, rabbits and tortoise. Given the human fondness for animals, with the exception of the most dangerous of animals, nearly all animals are kept as pets. The only difference is the number, millions of dogs are owned by people as pets while with snakes the number is far less.

Why Purchase Memorial Jewelry On Losing A Pet

When somebody close to you dies you will want to find away to continue remembering them and have them as a part of your life. Often people request to be cremated so that they can have their ashes scattered in a place special to them. Although this is great it can leave you feeling lonely and you will have nothing to hold close to your heart. Having memorial jewelry made from a small amount of the ashes will allow you to carry out the deceased wishes and have something for yourself.

This type of jewelry will not only help you to deal with the death but also will allow all of the family members to have something. You can have several identical pieces of memorial jewelry made to distribute between the family members. You can still have the bulk of the ashes in an urn which can remain in your home. Having this jewelry made can help everyone feel like they have a piece of the deceased and are a touching way to cope with their death. There are several different pieces of jewelry to choose from and they can be as simple or as complicated as you want.

You can have them beautifully made for you to wear everyday or an item which you wear on special occasions. You can have earrings, pendants, key rings, rings and bracelets made there are no rules and what design you choose will be your taste. You do not have to tell anyone that you have had the ashes made into this item as the ashes can be discreetly placed inside of the jewelry so it can be private to you. Although if you want it on display then it can be placed inside a glass container so it is visible, whatever you decide on it can help you to move on and remember your loved one.

Trimming Your Pet's Hair With Animal Clippers

Like people, pets also need to have a consistent haircut, and one way to take care of that is by trimming their hair with dog clippers. Taking a dog to a experienced pet groomer routinely might prove to be expensive as well as time consuming. However, cutting your own dog's hair isn't stressful at all and it can be a splendid bonding experience for you and your pet.

At first, you may need to ask anybody to provide help in giving a haircut to your pet. Ask your relative or a buddy who understands how to tackle pets. This will make the matter more convenient for you.

First of all, give shower to your pet. Mix a little do shampoo in the small jug of water and clean his hair thoroughly. Dry him up with soft towel and begin brushing his hair. Utilize a clean brush or hair comb that's right for your pet. Sort out matted hair and eliminate tangles. Now you're prepared to cut the fur by means of the hair clipper. Your pet might get terrified as soon as he hears the noise of the clipper. That's where you need a person to help you relax him.

In order to trim the hair of your dog properly, you must ensure that you are using the right type of blade. You'll have to pick the blades that are suitable for your pet's fur. If your pet's furs are dense and long then you will need to make use of sharper blades. It is better that you look over the directions in the guide that should have come with the clipper.

Start cutting the hairs of your pet. It is usually best to remove the hair of the head area first and then eliminate the fur from back side and tail. Try to move the clippers in the reverse direction of growth to trim the hair in a better way. Pet hair clippers will not harm your pet if you work with them attentively and carefully. After you have finished using clippers, use a set of scissors to complete the look for your pet. Any type of clippers shouldn't be made use of for removing the face fur so work with the scissors if you want to get rid of face hair of your dog.

It may possibly take you a bit of time to learn the best approach to provide hair-cut to your pet. Many pets don't like the sound of clippers and might be difficult to tackle initially. However, as time passes, you and your dog will become used to of this job and that will make things simpler for you.

Best Guide to Feed Sugar Gliders

There are rumors out there saying that it's hard to feed sugar gliders. The reason for those rumors are because of lack of the right information when it comes to feed captive exotic pets such as these.

Is there a best guide to feed sugar gliders out there that would let you know once and for all what to feed and what not to feed to them? Yes, there is and if you are looking for one you have come to the right place.

Why is it so important to feed your sugar gliders the right way?

We as humans can tolerate unhealthy food for quite some years before it affects our health in most cases, when it comes to the animal kingdom, however, it's a whole different story. Animals are much more sensitive to their diet than we are. Sugar gliders are no different. As a matter of fact, you could kill your little exotic pet with the wrong food in less than 3 months when their life expectancy is 12-15 year. This is what has happened to many new owners who have seen their pet die less than 3 months after they purchased it.

If you don't have any idea about the basic care for sugar gliders and especially how to feed them, you should definitely get educated before you bring your pet home. In the case you already own one or more pets and don't really know what to do it's not too late to get informed.

These exotic animals don't come cheap, so you don't want to waste your money and the life of your new pet because of lack of knowledge.

Knowledge is power and it will save you from a lot of frustration to know what to expect and how to feed your sugar gliders.

If you do it right, it doesn't have to be difficult or take a lot of your time at all. Frankly, it shouldn't take you more than 10 minutes out of your whole day to feed your little pets. Not only it will take you less time when you know what you are doing, but it will save the life of your little pet and help it thrive with energy and vibrant health.

Pet Pens On Sale - Find The Perfect Pen To Suit Your Playful Pet

There are a number of reasons why we might purchase a pet pen. Sometimes it's to keep pets from certain areas of the house or to give them their own part of the room if there are kids nearby. Sometimes our pets can be very excitable and to avoid any unnecessary trouble, it's fairer on everyone, including the pets, to allow them to have their own piece of freedom away from potentially delicate situations. Another option for pet pens is to give them somewhere to exercise should the owner not have enough time to take them for a walk. A large pen in the garden will allow you the peace of mind knowing your pet is safe, yet they have room to relax or run about as they please.

The Type Of Pet And Pen

The most important aspect of buying a pet pen is what kind of pet will be in it. We'll assume the pet in question is a dog, as they're one of the most popular pets all over the world. As such, you should look at the size and nature of your pet. Is it a large Great Dane or a small Chihuahua? These make vast differences to the kind of pen you should purchase or whether you should even purchase one at all, in the case of a Great Dane.

A larger dog will need a larger pen, probably made from chain link. This will provide not only strength and resilience against the dog's weight, but will also ensure that it lasts a good long time, preventing you from needing to purchase more materials in the future. For smaller dogs, simple yard or kennel fencing will do and while it may not last as long, it's usually less than half the price, so the savings add up.

Optional Items

Optional items depend on your usage of the pen. If it's an outdoor pen, consider a roof for your pet. Indoor pens or gates can also be purchased in specific designs, such as easy-open and easy-close. This will ensure that if you're carrying large items and are unable to properly latch the gate, it will do it for you. Extensible gates also allow you to stretch the gate from one wall to another, such as for large doorways.

Finding The Right Breeder

So you decided on the breed of your new pet and now it's time to search around for a breeder. This can be an easy process or a hard process depending upon location, breed and many other aspects.

Sometimes you'll luck into and find a great breeder on your first try, other times you won't, but here are some things to look for to help you find a good breeder.

Your first task should be to forget. That's right, forget about the pet stores and such, because 99.99% of the time they are getting animals cheap from some backyard breeder, who doesn't check for common ailments and other issues with the breed.

The pet store is just trying to hook you in on the cuteness of the pet and how much cheaper they usually are from a breeder.

But the last thing you want is a new pet and get loads of vet bills or even worse to lose your new pet. So stay away from them because in almost all cases, they aren't getting the animals from legitimate places.

Then there is always your local rescue if you're worried about price, as all the rescue animals come completely vet checked and up to date on everything. So if price is an issue, check around your local rescue organizations for the breed you're looking for, you may even find a new pet you weren't looking for but you want just the same.

But if price isn't an issue and you want a new puppy/kitten, then you now must start finding breeders. Your best bet to do this is to type the breed you are looking for into Google and put the word "Breeders" at the end of it.

Now start checking around to see if there are any in your area. If the search is too vague and doesn't give you much back, type in your location. But almost always you will find a page with the specific breed and it will have a list of all the registered breeders.

One other thing to remember is just because they are registered doesn't mean they are all that great. Also just because their website looks all fancy and legit, doesn't make it so. A website can be made easy enough, fake testimonials and all kinds of other legit looking things can be made and it could be all fake.

Now most breeders sites aren't fake but there are a few. So find the closest ones to you and see if you can visit. This is the best bet in every way because a visit can be faked as easily as the website.

With a visit you will get to check everything out and look around, this will help you distinguish what kind of breeder they are.

Look around for such things as:

Are they kept outdoors all the time or are they kept indoors?

Are they handled plenty or look like they've been left alone for long periods?

Are they getting accustomed to many sights and sounds?

Do they look healthy and well fed?

Do the parents look to be healthy and well fed?

Also among these and anything else you can think of, ask as many questions as you can think of, like:

How many times a year do you breed?

Do you have testimonials?

Do they breed more than one kind of animal?

All of these questions are relevant because most breeders won't breed all the time as it's hard on the animal, once a year is usually the maximum and they only breed them to a certain age. Testimonials will be good if you can actually call people and ask, the more information you have the better. Also if you find they are breeding more than one or two different breeds, then you may have just stumbled upon a puppy mill and stay away.

Generally you can also get a good sense of the breeder by talking to them too, as you can usually tell when someone really cares about their animals and when their full of crap.

So overall just do the research and take the time to find your new family member, as you want your new pet to be happy and healthy for many years.

Another thing to note though is when using such sites as kijjiji keep in mind that a lot of scammers use them, selling you dogs that aren't advertised, just plain taking your money or selling you sick animals. So be very wary when using sites like that.

Also one other thing to take note of is, any site or anybody claiming to be a go between, who will find you the breed you seek and then ship it to you from a breeder they have of staff or found or whatever else, is full of crap. It's a big fat scam, stay away from these types of situations.

Introducing Your New Pet To Existing Pets

So you're adding a new puppy/dog to your family and you already have other pets. While depending on your other pet's personality, traits, breed, and of course whether or not your existing pet(s) is a cat, dog or both, you could have an easy go of it or a rough go.

Here are a great number of strategies and tips in order to make their first meeting, and hopefully every other meeting thereafter, goes smoothly.

Let's start with introducing your new puppy/dog to a cat.

One good strategy is when looking for a breeder find out if they have cats. If you find one that does, then half the battle is already one, as your new puppy will already be used to cats.

Another thing to keep in mind is the breed you're after, as most dogs, especially if gotten young enough, are fully accepting of cats, but some like a Husky have a higher prey drive, so they may play rougher and accidentally hurt your cat.

So make sure the breed you are getting is a good fit. But as said, if gotten young enough, just about any breed can be taught to accept cats and it is a lot easier to introduce an adult cat to a dog then vice versa, as one good swat from the cat will let your new puppy know whose boss.

Now for their first meeting it's best to keep you new puppy on a leash at the start. This way you can easily observe what each one does with one another. If you like what you see, continue to supervise, but let your puppy off the leash. Then if either starts to get to rough, put him back on the leash until things settle down and try again.

Another good strategy is to examine your home and find some of your cat's favorite spots. Now see which of these spots you can keep dog free. This can be done as easily as sticking up a gate to one of your cat's favorite rooms. This can also lead them to get to know one another better as they tease each other from opposite sides of the gate.

You really only need one spot, but if you make a few, your cat will always have some place to go, making your cat still get the feeling of being in charge and hopefully making your cat more accepting to the new puppy.

Make sure your cat has a safe place to eat also, put your cat's food up a higher so the puppy can't get at it, giving him a safe environment to eat. This is yet another factor that gives your cat the sense of feeling of still being in charge.

If you can't supervise and still feel weary about leaving them alone together, put the puppy in a crate. Again giving your cat the full run of the house while the puppy has to learn to respect the cat or access is limited.

Now for introducing you puppy/dog to another dog.

The best thing you can do is let them meet on neutral ground, say a park or at someone else's house. You can even consider taking your dog to the breeder's to meet the puppy, if of course you're allowed and think your dog will be fine with it.

Make sure there is nothing around to bring on aggression, like food or a favorite toy. Also try to let them have as much space as needed to get to know one another, while at the same time trying to keep them from getting overly excited, as one might nip the other creating a bad first meeting.

Make sure you still give your dog the same amount of attention as he's always been used to getting. Keep the pecking order the same until they both become used to one another and then don't care.

If your dog is having trouble adjusting give him some alone time, take him for a walk, while the new puppy explores the home, with someone else there supervising, of course. Let them out at different times, crate your new puppy to give your dog some much needed rest.

A crate will also provide a safe haven if your puppy feels the older dog is getting to rough, so it can work to everyone's advantage.

Feed the separately or at least a good distance apart at first or at different times if that's what it takes. The last thing you want to bring on is food aggression and you don't want to change your older dog's meal times, so work around that with the puppy.

Overall it again depends on the cat, the dog, and the new puppy/dog you are bringing into your household.

Some cats will accept dogs of any kind, not caring, some won't, same with other dogs. You just have to assess all of these situations out before getting a new addition to your pet household and make sure you are making the right choice.

Your existing pet should always come first, so if you don't think the breed you are looking at will get along well, then you may want to look at another breed to get.

As you want all of your pets, new and old, well being to be taken into account, making the transition as smooth as possible for all involved.

Freshwater Aquarium Grass That I Can Live With

What completes the natural feel of a fish tank is its beauty and its aura? One could probably not imagine an aquarium without plants, not only for their aesthetic character, but more importantly, for their vital role with fish. Freshwater aquarium grass come in many types, both rooted or floating. They serve as both food and shelter for the fish. From the hundreds of species of plants, there are now dozens of types of freshwater grass popular and used in aquariums. Some people prefer artificial grass or manufactured plants in plastic or silk. Many others prefer real grass which is transplanted from a lake, river, pond and wetlands or even from an aquarium plantation. There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing either the live version or the imitation. Of course, nothing beats the real one that is why many aquarists who master the hobby always aim to get only real grass in their aquarium.

Some people prefer artificial grass or manufactured plants in plastic or silk. A lot of others prefer real grass, transplanted from a lake, river, pond or sea or even from an aquarium plantation. There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing either the live version or the imitation. Of course, nothing beats real grass and that is why many aquarium owners who love the hobby, always aim to get the real grass for their aquariums.

Artificial grass is easier to maintain than the real grass simply because it does not need light like real plants do, and it does not decay over time nor contribute to fish tank problems like ammonia build up. The fake grass is not subject to change in color, size and general appearance.

Give your new artificial grass a light bath in slightly salty water before you put them in your aquarium. It functions as a major decoration in the tank while the fish can use it as a playing field and a nice hiding place, but not as food. You will have problems with your tank water if you use any imitation grasses or plants made with metal wires or toxic elements, so beware of what the fake stuff is made out of. Make sure that the grass is especially manufactured for use in an aquarium and no other application.

Real grass on the other hand requires patient hands and eyes to maintain. It reacts to light, water temperature and the general activity of the aquarium. Real grass also reacts with live organisms such as the fish and other plants as well as the coral and rocks at the bottom of the tank. Your aquariums entire ecosystem benefits because it produces oxygen and soaks up carbon dioxide which helps stabilize your fish tank.

Being active, live grass can help break down bacteria and make the removal of waste more efficient, thus chemical filtration in your fish tank becomes almost unnecessary.

Real grass also provides organic food to fish especially the herbivore species that normally feed more often than the carnivore types. The grass needs special monitoring, care and maintenance as they may decay with time and that invites algae to grow, which can be toxic to your fish.

Live plants are also known to be carriers of possible pests and parasites in the tank, but for the benefit of the fish and for a healthier environment, let the grass grow and live. The tank will still reap great nutrient benefits from the grass even if your fish make a snack out of some of the blades of grass. This is something not to worry about with fish tanks because even in their natural habitat in the wild, fish have always loved real grass for the nutrition it brings, the benefit of protection from predators and for spawning. Aquarium grasses like Willow Moss, Foxtail, Stonewort and Crystalwort are among the favourite plants for fish eggs, young live-bearers and baby fish.

As a decor, the grass can be the centrepiece. It may also serve as a foreground or background. The Four-Leaf Clover usually grows up to two inches high that it makes a pretty front grass, while the flowering Eel Grass and the Corkscrew are highly recommended as background grasses.

Grasses like the Salvinia and Duckweed are good top cover while the Micro-Sword Grass makes a magnificent foreground especially when coupled with a high intensity of light. Different types of Udwigia and Cryptocoryne are great choices regarding the instances where light can affect the shape and color of a plant. For Goldfish bowls, the Anacharis plant is a wonderful treat.

Your fish and pets can live and breed in comfort in a pleasant and wholesome environment with grass and the grass can bring hour of blissful watching for your family.

Grass is grown from a few sources that are transferable to an aquarium thru a store which are, from the ground on grass farms or in pots or floats and also can come in solo blades or in bunches. With artificial grass, you only have to consider the shape and color in selecting the type that you will add. With real grass, you have to anticipate the size and appearance of the plant as it matures.

While both artificial grass and real grass have unique beauty, they have their pros and cons. The bottom-line is that it is still better to invest your money, effort and time for something that is real and is capable of completing the biological function of your aquariums mini-ecosystem.

Its a sound idea to get grass for your tank for the benefit of helping create an ecosystem in your aquarium but also, it gives a nice thick and rich look to your fish tank which will keep eyes locked on the scene and maybe make you a hero.

Discount Pet Meds For Dogs With Arthritis - Controlling Pain And Inflammation With Novox

Dogs may also suffer from arthritis. Arthritis which means "inflammation of a joint or joints," may cause a lot of pain and distress to your dog and may even threaten your dog's life. When a dog has arthritis, its joints, which are the points of connection of two bones, are inflamed due to damage, usually caused by trauma. Dog arthritis is so common that it occurs in one in every five adult dogs in the US. It can happen to all dogs, regardless of breed, size, and age. However, the risk of developing arthritis is higher in dogs of old age, and in large-breed dogs. Other causes of dog arthritis include improper nutrition, injuries, and obesity.
Most pet owners cannot easily detect if his or her dog is suffering from arthritis. Most dogs would manifest certain behaviors that could be telling signs of arthritis. While some dogs may feel lazy on occasion, most dogs who become lethargic and remain to be so for a long period of time may be suffering from arthritis. Inactivity and sudden change in their mood, as well as observed difficulty in performing motor skills such as standing, sitting, and running are indicative of pain caused by arthritis. When the arthritis has become severe, your dog may develop fever. Weight loss due to loss of appetite is also an indication that your pet is sick or is in distress.
If your veterinarian diagnosed your dog with arthritis, he or she might suggest that you take some of these measures to control pain and inflammation:
* Give your dog a balanced diet so you can manage its weight. Having less weight may help lessen the pressure on his joints.
* Take your pet to a 20- to 40-minute walk regularly, because exercise helps in reducing your dog's joint pain.
* Be watchful about your dog's actions and behaviors, so you can monitor the progress of its arthritis. Taking regular trips to the veterinarian is also very helpful in managing your dog's arthritis pain.
* While there is no known cure for arthritis, doctors commonly prescribe pain relievers such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, specially formulated for pets to ease their discomfort.
There are a number of branded NSAIDs available in the market that you can choose from. But if you are looking for discount pet meds, you can try Novox, which is a generic brand equivalent of Rimadyl (carprofen). It is cheaper but has the same efficacy as other branded pet meds. Novox comes in caplet forms, and introduced orally. Like any NSAID, it helps ease dog pain caused by arthritis by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins - the chemicals responsible for triggering inflammatory responses such as pain and swelling. Pain relief efficacy may be recognized within hours of introducing Novox to your pet, and anti-inflammatory effects can be seen after a number of days. As with any medication, Novox may also come with side effects such as stomach upset and diarrhea. When administering any medication to your pets, it is always best to consult your veterinarian or your pharmacist.

Chihuahua Dogs - Small Dog Syndrome

You've heard the saying, "treat everyone the same?" This should also hold true for dogs regardless of whether they are small or large in size. Believe it or not - dogs are often stereotyped in similar manners as people. Our perceptions about the behavior of small chihuahua dogs versus large ones might lead us to false conclusions about whether it's friendly. Some negative and false perceptions of small pets are they bark more frequently than larger dogs and that they're meaner due to their lack of size. On the flip side, large dog owners hear about how their pets look like vicious killers that are ready to pounce on their prey, shredding it to pieces. Perceptions about small and large dogs are just that..perceptions. The truth of the matter is the behavior of dogs - from their perspective - has absolutely nothing to do with their size, as you will soon understand.
Believe it or not, the behavior of dogs is relatively consistent. In comparison, it is really not much different than people. We have our good and bad days. Our moods are up one moment and can go down the next. The reason for this is all humans come from the same species. Small and large dogs also come from the same species. In actuality, they come from a subspecies of the wolf, known more commonly as canine. The point is all dogs regardless of size do what is natural and instinctive, much like humans.
Civilized humans are expected to conduct themselves in a specific way or manner that conforms to how society functions. For the most part, it is understood by all people. The same holds true for all dogs based upon their own behavior. But as humans, we often perceive or categorize that behavior based upon their size. For example, if a large 100-pound Boxer jumps on his or her owner, it is considered to be unacceptable. However if a four-pound pet Chihuahua follows through on the same action, it is perceived by some to be, "cute," making it okay.
The truth is the behavior of the two dogs is exactly the same. The intent of the 100-pound Boxer was to dominate his owner. The same holds true for the four-pound Chihuahua. It is the same behavior with the same intent. Yet, the perception of the large dog is that it is a killer while the perception of the smaller animal is that it is being playful.
The bottom line is that small, medium-sized, or large dogs should ever be allowed to get away with this type of behavior. Dogs don't think about their size when they are reacting in the moment. In fact, size is not a factor in their minds. It is not uncommon to see a small dog snip at a larger one. As you can see, it doesn't matter whether a small or large dog commits the same wrongdoing. Both should be disciplined without excuse.

Important Ferret Facts

When it comes to ferret facts, you can easily find lots of sources available online. Each of these is presented in a detailed and comprehensible manner, to be able to provide information seekers everything that they are looking for. You may also find lots of information about breeding and owning online, and you can use this as your central theme to easily find the information that you are looking for.
You should know that ferret breeding is very different from ferret owning. Although both have the idea of dealing with ferrets, these tow have different components. You should know that ferrets are very passionate mates. For some, the mating process of ferrets may be characterized as unusual and uneasy, particularly those who have very sensitive eyes. But what you must understand is that just like any other animals, ferrets act based on their own instinct. There are some online sources that would mention things about a ferret's pregnancy, as part of their list of ferret facts. Other animals do have longer pregnancy periods, but ferret pregnancy usually last from 38 to 44 days. These ferret facts might require updates, particularly when it comes to the nutrition and health of the animal. It should also be known that pregnant ferrets require higher amount of protein, as well as vitamins for added provisions.
Aside from all these, most information about ferret facts include ways on how to rear and care for your pet's offspring. As we all know, mothering is proven to be a part of every mother's nature, but they do have the tendency to not feed their newborns or they may even kill it. This may sometimes unusual for animals but this is one of the ferret facts showing that mothering for these animals may sometimes be normal or abnormal. But this usually depends on the mother ferret's ability to support and cope. Most of these ferret facts usually compel ferret breeders to gather new information and acquire additional learning. This is due to the fact that breeders knew that when it comes to ferrets, they are entailed to numerous responsibilities. Make sure to address all your ferret's obvious needs. As owner or breeders, you have to be very aware of their requirements and special specifications.
Ferrets are naturally good in nature and they are considered as very likable pets. Keeping a ferret for a pet does not only bring entertainment but it can also help enhance the owner or the breeder's ability. Ferret owning does not have to be about the ferret's best trait alone since your commitment is the major thing that will spell the difference.

Choosing the Right Chicken Coops for Your Chickens

Getting the right chicken coop is vitally important for your chickens and size is probably the most important thing when thinking about what type of chicken coop you will purchase. First deciding how many chickens you are going to have will be the a priority and then you will need to decide whether you want a standalone chicken coop or a chicken coop that has an enclosed fence which means that when your chickens leave the coop they are within their own enclosed area. Many people prefer this because it means whilst the chickens have enough space they will not be roaming completely free in the garden and digging up any expensive plants. Chickens are known to like digging and foraging about and it is certain that if they are completely free in the garden they will make a mess.
The next thing to think about is how many chickens you are going to keep. A small chicken coop will hold a few chickens (3 or 4) comfortably but if you are planning on adding to your flock, you might want to start off with a larger coop to save on expense later on. Most chicken coops are raised above ground level but don't be tempted to buy the ones that aren't, if you did you may run the risk of infestation of rats or mice who will be lurking around anyway because of the chickens food source.
Chicken coops come in all shapes and sizes, many are single storey coops and some have two or three floors, generally the larger ones. Coops will two or three floors are probably the better ones to opt for simply because chickens, especially cockerels like to roost high and in the event of a fox visit, having floors will reduce the risk of the chickens being caught.
Chicken coops should be kept clean at all times and cleaned out at least once a week to avoid the bedding becoming too damp. Straw or sawdust is the best bedding to use; hay is generally not recommended because once it gets wet it can give off harmful bacteria which in some circumstances can harm the chickens.
Nest boxes are generally incorporated within the coops and these especially should be kept clean and free of any mess. Hens generally don't like to lay on soiled bedding in nest boxes and will lay elsewhere if they are too soiled, this means you are more likely to have broken eggs and even eggs laid outside of the coop.
ukchickens offer a wide range of chicken eggs from a wide variety of chicken breeds, we also offer advice and information on keeping chickens.

Keep Serious Disease Away

It is possible to assume health problems together with basically any family pet you carry inside your residence while a suitable tiny percent of dogs and cats at any time do produce health conditions you ought to still realize tips on how to understand the particular indications of German Shepherd health in case you are usually a suitable German Shepherd manager.

Your current vet and also your current cat breeder can offer you the particular details you will need to find out in case you are usually working with regular German Shepherd actions or perhaps prospective well being troubles. That can be essential for being in a position to understand the particular forewarning indications.

One particular from the particular frequent health problems of greater puppies similar to German Shepherds can be a suitable dysplasia with the particular hip or perhaps the particular elbow joints that can lead to extreme soreness and also problems strolling just for your current family pet.

In case you observe that your current German Shepherd can be commencing to have difficulties going around next it could be occasion to help acquire those to the particular vet meant for a suitable inspection. One more frequent German Shepherd medical condition can be epilepsy.

Fundamentally the particular human brain switches into a suitable spasm just for many causes and also your current puppy can enter withdrawal leading to convulsions and also seizures. That can easily typically commence all-around the particular era of just one 12 months and also may be cared for in tandem with your current veterinarian by means of eating habits and also treatment.

That can be horrifying to view your current family pet proceed through a suitable seizure thus ensure you make contact with the particular veterinarian right away. Certainly when it takes place just for your current reason and also the particular pet's reason, do not necessarily stress due to the fact inside a suitable expression for seizure a suitable puppy requires yourself to always be right there for doing this.

German Shepherds can easily produce vision issues at the same time, including cataracts toward eyelid concerns. The particular eyelids may well produce wrongly or perhaps the eyelashes may well commence building also near the particular vision producing irritability. Any one of these kinds of vision ailments may be adjusted together with surgical procedure. As a result your current family pet can be creating vision issues. Don't forget to take it to the particular animal doctor.

What Will Become Of Our Pet When We Die?

We rely on our pets for companionship, laughter and many other things and when we lose a pet, the pain and heartbreak that we go through is hard to bear. Having lost a beloved cat very recently, I understand these feelings only too well. I'm still the happy owner of two dogs and one cat but the loss of one of the 'team' has made a difference to life.

Have you ever wondered what your pet can go through if they lose us? Like us, animals have their own way of grieving, but without their devoted owner, the comfortable environments that we so lovingly provide for them, largely with the cash that we work so hard for, could change radically for them, and perhaps not in a way that we would wish for them. Who will be there to provide for your pet and give them the same financial commitment that we do to keep them in the way they are familiar with? A friend of mine recently calculated that my pets cost me around £400-£500 each month by the time that basics such as food all the way through to luxuries like hydrotherapy were taken into account. This is indeed a tidy sum, and my friend was surprised that it hadn't even crossed my mind!

Your Will is the first place to ensure that your pet is cared for by someone of your choice after your passing. It is little known, and perfectly acceptable, that a trusted friend or family member can be named within your Will to take over the responsibility for your pet, but do remember to ask their permission first! If this is done then at least your loved ones will know exactly what you wanted for your pets.

But what of the cost? The person most willing to care for your pet may not have the financial means to support them in the best way and may well have their own financial commitments, such as children or pets of their own. A life insurance policy is an excellent answer as this will enable you to leave a legacy for your pet. Very willingly, we put in place life insurance policies to provide for our loved ones in the event of our passing but we don't always consider doing this for our pets. Putting in place a policy to cover the expenses involved in caring for your pets will provide their new owner with the funds required to ensure that they continue to have the care that we would have afforded them ourselves. Placing this policy in trust would also ensure that the proceeds pass immediately to the correct person and fall outside of your estate for potential inheritance tax purposes. Such policies should be calculated according to the funds you would like to create and need not be expensive at all.

I am always happy to discuss these matters on an individual basis according to personal circumstances. Those you leave behind will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Pets Can Be Obese Too

A new issue arising on how we look at our pets. Dogs and cats are suddenly showing obesity symptoms. It shows in their appearance. It shows in their weight. It shows in their activity levels.

More and more pets are indoor pets. They become one of the family. We have begun to feed them the foods we think that they like. We talk to them as if they were our child. We buy them clothing to accent their personalities. Dogs are no longer left outside to simply watch the yard while being on the chain. Sure, some are there to take walks and play fetch. We enjoy our pets just the same.

Those cats and dogs that live with us may be allowed to eat our leftovers away from the table. Some of them are given treats that we take for granted. We let them sleep all day while we may be at work. We seldom decide what they do all day, unless we hire a dog walker, or take them for day care.

We need to actively engage our pets. A dog needs a daily walk to keep his or her joints mobile and to keep the heart working effectively, just like we do. We may need to be creative to keep our cats active also after they leave the kitten stage.

Dogs and cats are displaying more illnesses that humans have. More diabetes, cancer, and diseases. The joints may suffer due to excess weight. The heart can be stressed with too much fat. I am sure the animals feel the lethargy, the disinterest in moving, the frequent discomforts of being overweight.

I have heard people say that if their pet is happy eating what we eat, why should I be bothered. They enjoy that interaction with their pet. Seriously, our own obesity is the result of unhealthy choices of foods, preservatives, eating for stress relief, not enough water to stay hydrated, Sometimes our weight is already health related or provoked by disease. We have choices. Our pets just trust us to feed them, love them, and keep them safe.

What's Your Hive? - Langstroth Vs Top Bar

When people think of housing requirements, they usually think of apartments, condos, houses, maybe even mobile homes. Beekeepers think of Langstroth and Top Bar bee hives. Where your bees live is one of the most important decisions you can make as a beekeeper. It can have a profound effect on the health of your hive and the quality of the honey it is producing.

In the United States the most common type of bee hive is the Langstroth hive. The Langstroth hive is a rectangular box with wooden frames that holds the honey combs. The combs themselves are rectangular or square sheets that can be lifted out of the hive for easy collection of the honey. Despite popular belief, this kind of bee hive doesn't have a top or a bottom, just a set of walls that hold the frames in place. Most of the framed combs have a sheet of plastic or wax on one side that the bees can use as a starting point for making their honey. After the bees have built up their own comb structures they will start making honey to fill them.

Most commonly used in Africa, the Top Bar bee hive is an alternative to the Langstroth hive that is starting to gain a lot of support in the United States. As the name suggests a Top Bar hive is built by placing a set of bars along the top of the bee hive frame to allow the bees to build their honey combs from. There is no starting template like the Langstroth hive, but this kind of hive produces the most natural kind of honey comb possible in a contained situation. The downside to the Top Bar hive is that the combs that are produced can't be used again, the bees have to start all over after each harvest. While this may seem like a deterrent to using the Top Bar hive, the quality of the honey and honey comb is well worth the additional time. If you want to start selling in-comb honey products, take a close look at the Top Bar hive before you get started.

Choosing a location for your hive is almost as important as what kind of hive you intend to use. Look into the local laws surrounding beekeeping to make sure you aren't going to do anything illegal - your local city hall is a good place to start. Don't try to hide your hive among the bushes in your back yard, your bees need to have open space around them in order cover the most ground. If you pin them in, they won't go very far and won't be able to collect much nectar. Do not put the hive in a residential or recreational area, you will probably get people stung and possibly send someone with a bee allergy to the hospital. The impending law suit will likely use up all of your honey profits. If space is a problem, try asking a local farmer for permission to keep the bees on his property. He will know how important bees are to the health of his crops and most likely not have any problems with keeping them around. You also need to make sure that the bees have a plentiful source of water while at the same time they are well protected from the elements and predators. Anyone who has taken a trip out to their hive following a rain storm knows that soggy bees are angry bees. Follow these tips and your colony of honey producing friends will be happy and healthy all year round.

Reduce the Cost of Pet Ownership - 11 Secrets Revealed

Pet ownership can be expensive. Luckily there are some simple things you can do to ensure your pet doesn't break your budget. Listed below are 11 money saving tips to help you save money on your pet. Enjoy.
Tip 1: Consider natural remedies: We were told by a vet to use glucosamine from GNC for our pet. It does the same as the pet medicine but costs about a fifth of the price.
Tip 2: Research your pet's aliments: Before agreeing to a treatment program from your vet for your pet's aliments, undertake some research and ascertain if there are any other cheaper treatments available. Internet forums are a great place to start. You can even leave questions for other pet owners to answer.
Tip 3: Animal psychologist: While there are "experts" around, the benefit you may derive from an expensive session can be quite limited. It is a very new field and there are not that many fully qualified animal psychologists out there. Of course if you think your pet is an immediate risk to yourself or family then contact a vet or specialist straight away (better than the neighbour with the gun!).
Tip 4: Exercise your dog regularly: A fitter pet is a healthier pet. Regular exercise, for example 1/2 an hour three times a week, will keep you and your dog healthy and happy.
Tip 5: Always keep your dog on a leash: Leaches are essential when walking your dog. It will ensure your dog isn't involved in an accident, and more importantly doesn't bite anyone. Dogs act on instinct, and even the most well trained dog in the wrong environment can act up. Why risk the potential associated costs and harm to your dog.
Tip 6: Discounts for strays: If your pet is a former stray, you may be eligible for discounts at some vets or on some treatments. This is a reward for bringing a once neglected pet into your loving home.
Tip 7: Actual cost of owning a pet: The average cost of owning a dog is between $1,000 and $2,000 a year. Definitely worth keeping this in mind before you buy a pet.
Tip 8: Consider the life expectancy of your pet: If you own a "normal" dog breed then you can expect your dog to live for up to 15 years. Based on the above tip, you could be spending between $15,000 to $30,000 in total!. Crikey. We definitely encourage you to have a pet, but just make sure it is one you can afford! Maybe downscale to something cheaper. Though a budgie or fish isn't the same.
Tip 9: Don't try and sue your vet: If something happens to your pet due to a medical mistake, it generally isn't worth your time or money trying to sue. Chances are you will get less money back than what you have spent in legal costs. Generally it is not a wise financial decision to make.
Tip 10: Prevention is better than cure: As with us humans, prevention definitely is a more cost effective treatment than curing a problem. Keep your pet active, and give them a healthy diet. Try training them to do the chores. Tell them this isn't a free ride.
Tip 11: Swap "pet sitting" with your friends and family: The average cost of having your pet looked after is around $20 a day. If you are going away for a month that's an extra $600 you have to think about. It is much better financially to have friends or family look after your pets when you are away. You can return the favour to them when they travel. If they don't have a pet then you score extra points.