New pet owners who decide it's best to leave their furry companions live indoors - except when it is time for toilet calls, messy baths and long walks, of course, usually go through a teething period when your pet does not respect the furniture as it should.
Pets are like small children - they do not know what is acceptable in your household at first but will quickly catch on with firm and patient daily training. Get advice from books, veterinarians, web sites and trainers if you're clueless.
Pet stores sell sprays that cannot be smelt by humans, but which is unpleasant to cats and dogs so they will avoid the sprayed items. Some pet owners also cover the legs and back sides of sofas and wooden furniture with plastic for added protection until the animal is older.
While house-training is going on, here are some tips to save your furniture and furnishings:
- To prevent an accident, shelves used for decorations should be fitted with lids or doors.
- Trim or file your pets nails regularly.
- Buy a scratch pole for cats or have them old boxes to scratch.
- Products like Soft Paws are small plastic covers that can be fitted to trim nails of cats, a great alternative to declawing.
- There are also infrared motion sensors that can send ultrasonic sound waves to deter cats and dogs from entering certain areas of the home.
Almost every dog and cat, and most rabbits can be toilet trained. Some "accidents" may occur when they are young, but these should cease with maturity and proper training.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas and Flea Infestations Is by Using a Combination of Tested Methods
If you were asked the best way to get rid of fleas, I would say there is no one perfect method. You really do have to adopt a combination of tactics to get them gone otherwise your efforts will be wasted. They have been around as a species for an awfully long time and as a result are very resilient and have a couple of survival methods that make it hard for you to eradicate them. That said, with the right help and guidance you can do it very easily.
Obviously the best way to get rid of fleas is as quickly as possible, I am sure that you would agree. But, it is not enough to squash the odd adult you may find and think you have sorted the problem out. Because, for every one adult, there will be loads more developing unseen and the first you will know about it is when they all hatch, which is not nice.
Blood is the main food source for these tiny hopping horrors and that puts humans, cats, dogs, rabbits and chickens all very nicely in the frame as being an excellent meal for them. So, if you see your pet scratching and itching more than is usual for them or, you find the tell tale give away signs of red, itchy, hard raised lumps on yourself that mean you have been bitten it is time to act fast.
Once the adult female has had her fill she can then start to lay her eggs. Some of which will stay on your canine or feline pal and the rest drop off around your home, in your pets sleeping area and bedding or worse still into all those difficult to get into nooks and crannies in your floorboards and even under rug edges too.
This is why you have to be so thorough in really making sure that you adopt a belt and braces approach so that 1. You can kill the adults 2. Prevent any eggs and larva developing any further and starting over again which is pretty gross.
The first thing that you can use and is extremely beneficial in not only dealing with the adults quickly and efficiently, but because you can actually see that you are doing something really positive, really quickly and that is a flea trap. They work by luring them to their death using a combination of warmth and vibrations which to a flea is a very good indication that a food source is nearby. Oops, never mind not this time, they really are a brilliant bit of kit for sure.
You have to make sure to treat your furry friends with powders, drops and a collar too as well as putting their bedding through a hot wash in your machine. Your home is going to need some care too and there are any number of suitable products you can use. To really finish them off the best way to get rid of fleas has to be by being thorough and determined and you will be flea free in no time.
Obviously the best way to get rid of fleas is as quickly as possible, I am sure that you would agree. But, it is not enough to squash the odd adult you may find and think you have sorted the problem out. Because, for every one adult, there will be loads more developing unseen and the first you will know about it is when they all hatch, which is not nice.
Blood is the main food source for these tiny hopping horrors and that puts humans, cats, dogs, rabbits and chickens all very nicely in the frame as being an excellent meal for them. So, if you see your pet scratching and itching more than is usual for them or, you find the tell tale give away signs of red, itchy, hard raised lumps on yourself that mean you have been bitten it is time to act fast.
Once the adult female has had her fill she can then start to lay her eggs. Some of which will stay on your canine or feline pal and the rest drop off around your home, in your pets sleeping area and bedding or worse still into all those difficult to get into nooks and crannies in your floorboards and even under rug edges too.
This is why you have to be so thorough in really making sure that you adopt a belt and braces approach so that 1. You can kill the adults 2. Prevent any eggs and larva developing any further and starting over again which is pretty gross.
The first thing that you can use and is extremely beneficial in not only dealing with the adults quickly and efficiently, but because you can actually see that you are doing something really positive, really quickly and that is a flea trap. They work by luring them to their death using a combination of warmth and vibrations which to a flea is a very good indication that a food source is nearby. Oops, never mind not this time, they really are a brilliant bit of kit for sure.
You have to make sure to treat your furry friends with powders, drops and a collar too as well as putting their bedding through a hot wash in your machine. Your home is going to need some care too and there are any number of suitable products you can use. To really finish them off the best way to get rid of fleas has to be by being thorough and determined and you will be flea free in no time.
Toxic Pets: Conditions and Causes of Chronic Health Issues in Our Pets
Our pets are now suffering from many of the same chronic health problems that we see in our own bodies, and for the same reasons, an accumulation of toxins that from various sources that our bodies are unable to get rid of. Many of the conditions now affecting our pets hardly existed 40 years ago. Their immune systems are breaking down due to poor diet, over vaccination, overuse of medications and antibiotics, and exposure to environmental toxins inside and outside the home.
There are many sources from which these toxins come, and as responsible pet owners, we need to be aware of them and know what we can do to help our pets by reducing exposure to these harmful toxins and also by cleansing their bodies naturally to help them eliminate the accumulations of these toxins that cause disease.
Common Sources of Toxins Exposed to Our Pets:
* Commercial Pet Food filled with chemical preservatives, many of which are cancerous
* Drugs and Antibiotics - including flea collars and drops
* Plastics in chew toys and food & water dishes
* TAP WATER
* Vaccinations
* Grooming Products that contain chemicals
* Fertilizers & Pesticides
* Home Cleaning Products
* Teflon Cookware - the fumes when cooking are toxic and can kill birds
* Fire Retardants and Antimicrobials in pet bedding and accessories
* Excessive use of "antibacterial" cleaning products and soaps cause resistance to common bacteria and increase the development of "Super Bugs".
Signs to look for that your pet is toxic include; constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, allergies, hot spots, cancers, parasites, urinary tract infections, kidney and liver problems, etc. Any chronic skin and coat condition is a sign of toxicity because toxins accumulate and are stored in fat and skin cells.
What Can We Do to Protect Our Pets?
1. The most important step that you can take immediately is to begin giving your dog or cat purified, ionized alkaline water instead of tap water. Alkaline water is simply water the way it was intended before our environment became what it is. It will help your pet eliminate toxins, absorb nutrients properly, and keep more toxic wastes from building up. It should be the only water your pet (and you!) should ever drink.
2. Make sure your pet is eating a high quality, ALL NATURAL food. Consult your holistic veterinarian for the recommended food for the breed of dog or cat that you have. Only feed all natural treats and avoid feeding table food to your pets.
3. Do not use antibiotics or other drugs for your pets unless absolutely necessary. There are many natural treatments available for common health conditions in pets, especially when it comes to allergies, rashes, hot spots, ear and eye infections, and other skin and coat conditions. This applies to topical creams, ointments and sprays as well. Instead of an antibiotic, use an all natural first aid spray for cleaning wounds or to stop itching.
4. Speak with a holistic veterinarian regarding what vaccinations are necessary and which are not for your dog's or cat's breed and lifestyle. Over vaccinating can cause life long health issues for your pet.
5. Lastly, there are many products available now that are made to be safe and non-toxic for our pets including their toys, bedding and accessories. There are all natural home cleaning products, specifically designed for pet safety, that are also much safer for you and your children as well. With the growing concern and awareness regarding toxins that are destroying the health of our pets, many new all natural and non-toxic products have become available.
To most of us, our pets are a part of the family and their health and well-being is very important to us. Let's do our part as responsible "pet parents" in finding natural solutions to treat our pets!
There are many sources from which these toxins come, and as responsible pet owners, we need to be aware of them and know what we can do to help our pets by reducing exposure to these harmful toxins and also by cleansing their bodies naturally to help them eliminate the accumulations of these toxins that cause disease.
Common Sources of Toxins Exposed to Our Pets:
* Commercial Pet Food filled with chemical preservatives, many of which are cancerous
* Drugs and Antibiotics - including flea collars and drops
* Plastics in chew toys and food & water dishes
* TAP WATER
* Vaccinations
* Grooming Products that contain chemicals
* Fertilizers & Pesticides
* Home Cleaning Products
* Teflon Cookware - the fumes when cooking are toxic and can kill birds
* Fire Retardants and Antimicrobials in pet bedding and accessories
* Excessive use of "antibacterial" cleaning products and soaps cause resistance to common bacteria and increase the development of "Super Bugs".
Signs to look for that your pet is toxic include; constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, allergies, hot spots, cancers, parasites, urinary tract infections, kidney and liver problems, etc. Any chronic skin and coat condition is a sign of toxicity because toxins accumulate and are stored in fat and skin cells.
What Can We Do to Protect Our Pets?
1. The most important step that you can take immediately is to begin giving your dog or cat purified, ionized alkaline water instead of tap water. Alkaline water is simply water the way it was intended before our environment became what it is. It will help your pet eliminate toxins, absorb nutrients properly, and keep more toxic wastes from building up. It should be the only water your pet (and you!) should ever drink.
2. Make sure your pet is eating a high quality, ALL NATURAL food. Consult your holistic veterinarian for the recommended food for the breed of dog or cat that you have. Only feed all natural treats and avoid feeding table food to your pets.
3. Do not use antibiotics or other drugs for your pets unless absolutely necessary. There are many natural treatments available for common health conditions in pets, especially when it comes to allergies, rashes, hot spots, ear and eye infections, and other skin and coat conditions. This applies to topical creams, ointments and sprays as well. Instead of an antibiotic, use an all natural first aid spray for cleaning wounds or to stop itching.
4. Speak with a holistic veterinarian regarding what vaccinations are necessary and which are not for your dog's or cat's breed and lifestyle. Over vaccinating can cause life long health issues for your pet.
5. Lastly, there are many products available now that are made to be safe and non-toxic for our pets including their toys, bedding and accessories. There are all natural home cleaning products, specifically designed for pet safety, that are also much safer for you and your children as well. With the growing concern and awareness regarding toxins that are destroying the health of our pets, many new all natural and non-toxic products have become available.
To most of us, our pets are a part of the family and their health and well-being is very important to us. Let's do our part as responsible "pet parents" in finding natural solutions to treat our pets!
Keep Your Pets Safely When Driving
When you have to transport an animal in your car, keep it secured in a carrier or under the control of a back-seat passenger.
Small pets should never be allowed loose in the vehicle as they can easily slip into inaccessible corners or crannies. Can you imagine trying to focus on getting safely past the expressway as your children screaming in the backseat that their pet hamster has gone through under the seat, and can not be reached.
Large pets that can not fit into the carriers should either be well trained enough to sit quietly in the back seat, or tied and held fast to a backseat passenger. They should not be allowed to claw at the driver's arm, climb into the driver's seat, or block driver vision through the rear windshield or windows.
- Keeps all small pets safely in their carriers and do not open the carrier before you reached your destination
- If a pet in a carrier seems to need attention, but jumps out of the carrier as one of your passengers check on it, stop the car in a safe spot and catch the animal first before proceeding on with the journey. Do not continue to run and then meet with an accident when you find that in order to brake, you first need to stomp on the fluffy (clinging to the brake pedal).
- Invest in a child car seat or belts designed especially for large pets. This will prevent the animal from being thrown around the vehicle in the event of an abrupt stop or accident.
- Don't tie an animal around the neck or any part of the vehicle during a trip. If the animal is thrown forward during sudden braking or a collision, it can suffocate or have his neck broken.
- If the animal gets car-sick, stop the vehicle and tends to it. Do not divert your attention on the road and keep turning your head to check on the animal.
- Never let your pet carrier or pet be positioned so that each time the driver glances into the rear view mirror, all he sees is a great pair of furry ears or a paw-print covered bag!
Aquarium Pets should be transported safely inside sturdy container with a generous cushion of air between the water surface and the lid so that oxygen exchanges is still possible. Container lids should be tight and no risk of coming off, with some holes in the top for ventilation. Traveling must be kept short.
Small pets should never be allowed loose in the vehicle as they can easily slip into inaccessible corners or crannies. Can you imagine trying to focus on getting safely past the expressway as your children screaming in the backseat that their pet hamster has gone through under the seat, and can not be reached.
Large pets that can not fit into the carriers should either be well trained enough to sit quietly in the back seat, or tied and held fast to a backseat passenger. They should not be allowed to claw at the driver's arm, climb into the driver's seat, or block driver vision through the rear windshield or windows.
- Keeps all small pets safely in their carriers and do not open the carrier before you reached your destination
- If a pet in a carrier seems to need attention, but jumps out of the carrier as one of your passengers check on it, stop the car in a safe spot and catch the animal first before proceeding on with the journey. Do not continue to run and then meet with an accident when you find that in order to brake, you first need to stomp on the fluffy (clinging to the brake pedal).
- Invest in a child car seat or belts designed especially for large pets. This will prevent the animal from being thrown around the vehicle in the event of an abrupt stop or accident.
- Don't tie an animal around the neck or any part of the vehicle during a trip. If the animal is thrown forward during sudden braking or a collision, it can suffocate or have his neck broken.
- If the animal gets car-sick, stop the vehicle and tends to it. Do not divert your attention on the road and keep turning your head to check on the animal.
- Never let your pet carrier or pet be positioned so that each time the driver glances into the rear view mirror, all he sees is a great pair of furry ears or a paw-print covered bag!
Aquarium Pets should be transported safely inside sturdy container with a generous cushion of air between the water surface and the lid so that oxygen exchanges is still possible. Container lids should be tight and no risk of coming off, with some holes in the top for ventilation. Traveling must be kept short.
Choosing A Veterinarian For Your Pet
The first time pet owners can feel lost when seeking a veterinarian for their pets. Still, finding a veterinarian is one of the first and most important things in a new pet owner needs to do, to have your pet checked for health, get it vaccinated against deadly diseases, and for good pet-care advice.
Even before bringing a pet home, ask pet-owning friends for vet recommendations. It helps to check with people who own the same breed or type of pet, as they will be able to tell you that the vet they are registered with seems comfortable and experienced with the scheduled species and breed of pet.
Some clinics receive rave reviews from regulars but terrible reviews from others. Sometimes the simple lack of chemistry between the pet owner and the clinic staff or a single bad experience. Of course there is the chance that the clinic is really terrible, in which case the bad reports - by word of mouth and online - will far outnumber the good!
Individual styles, attitudes and preferences are different, but some guidelines can help you choose a veterinarian who will be good for your pet:
- A good veterinarian should listen carefully when you describe your pet's condition.
- He or she should be comfortable interacting with and handling your pet.
- He or she must be willing to explain why a course of treatment is recommended (and the explanation should sound reasonable to you)
- The rules on the treatment of routine illnesses should work well and if they do not, a good veterinarian must be prepared to offer alternative medication or treatment.
- The veterinarian and assistants are patient with your pet, even if it is in a bad mood.
- The staff can patiently explain your take-home medicine dosage, timing and possible side effects.
Even before bringing a pet home, ask pet-owning friends for vet recommendations. It helps to check with people who own the same breed or type of pet, as they will be able to tell you that the vet they are registered with seems comfortable and experienced with the scheduled species and breed of pet.
Some clinics receive rave reviews from regulars but terrible reviews from others. Sometimes the simple lack of chemistry between the pet owner and the clinic staff or a single bad experience. Of course there is the chance that the clinic is really terrible, in which case the bad reports - by word of mouth and online - will far outnumber the good!
Individual styles, attitudes and preferences are different, but some guidelines can help you choose a veterinarian who will be good for your pet:
- A good veterinarian should listen carefully when you describe your pet's condition.
- He or she should be comfortable interacting with and handling your pet.
- He or she must be willing to explain why a course of treatment is recommended (and the explanation should sound reasonable to you)
- The rules on the treatment of routine illnesses should work well and if they do not, a good veterinarian must be prepared to offer alternative medication or treatment.
- The veterinarian and assistants are patient with your pet, even if it is in a bad mood.
- The staff can patiently explain your take-home medicine dosage, timing and possible side effects.
Respect Non-Animal Lovers Feelings Too - Live And Let Live
Stressful stories of animal cruelty has been in the news recently, & such evil acts, there is no excuse, even if the perpetrators felt provoked. But there were other, unrelated stories that emerge about inconsiderate people who let their pets to make the environment unpleasant for others.
One case, highlighted by a letter to a newspaper, involved a family that allowed the dog to urinate on the exercise stations in a public park. Even the most ardent dog lover wouldn't want to use equipment with dog saliva & urine on it, much less one who protest against dog! So if you must take your dog to open a fitness corner, please leash it to a tree or post away from people who try to exercise.
Another issue is postponed for a couple who took a dog on an metro train, breaking the metro station's rule barring animals other than guide dogs for the visually impaired from its trains. If you're a non-driver who'll transport an animal, call a taxi company & ask for a driver willing to transport a pet house in a carrier (Please don't let your pet scamper loose all over the taxi seats), or contact a pet taxi service.
Other complaints involved pets in cafes, sitting on chairs & eat from a china designed for humans. We can certainly understand how horrible such scenarios must be to health conscious people, then you should take your pet only to restaurants that welcome them.
In conclusion, keep your pets away from people who may be offended by or afraid of it, follow the rules for the transport, retail & F & B operators, & clean up after your pet if it makes a mess in public places. Don't be inconsiderate & ruin things for everyone.
Live & let live - but protect what's yours
Some of us realized that the animals will be animals, but more is expected of those responsible for them. "It is cruel & misguided to vent one's anger on the animals which have damaged or harmed someone's property & pets, the animals don't know better, it is the people who left them or let them wander, to be taken to task.
Where we can, let us assume a live-and-let-live attitude. Strays cannot spread the disease to you unless you give them access to your personal, food, drink or pets, so keep them off your property by installing the grilles, they cannot easily get over or through.
Most stray do less damage than human litterbugs or vandals. However, an exception is when stray dogs gather in large enough numbers to form a pack mentality & attack people & pets in their territory. Ideally, such dogs should be rehomed or separated and sterilized so that they can not reproduce. It seems sad to routinely shoot or trap them if they do not actually do harm.
We share this planet with other living beings, just because we can have power over them, it doesn't mean we should throw our weight around at every opportunity.
One case, highlighted by a letter to a newspaper, involved a family that allowed the dog to urinate on the exercise stations in a public park. Even the most ardent dog lover wouldn't want to use equipment with dog saliva & urine on it, much less one who protest against dog! So if you must take your dog to open a fitness corner, please leash it to a tree or post away from people who try to exercise.
Another issue is postponed for a couple who took a dog on an metro train, breaking the metro station's rule barring animals other than guide dogs for the visually impaired from its trains. If you're a non-driver who'll transport an animal, call a taxi company & ask for a driver willing to transport a pet house in a carrier (Please don't let your pet scamper loose all over the taxi seats), or contact a pet taxi service.
Other complaints involved pets in cafes, sitting on chairs & eat from a china designed for humans. We can certainly understand how horrible such scenarios must be to health conscious people, then you should take your pet only to restaurants that welcome them.
In conclusion, keep your pets away from people who may be offended by or afraid of it, follow the rules for the transport, retail & F & B operators, & clean up after your pet if it makes a mess in public places. Don't be inconsiderate & ruin things for everyone.
Live & let live - but protect what's yours
Some of us realized that the animals will be animals, but more is expected of those responsible for them. "It is cruel & misguided to vent one's anger on the animals which have damaged or harmed someone's property & pets, the animals don't know better, it is the people who left them or let them wander, to be taken to task.
Where we can, let us assume a live-and-let-live attitude. Strays cannot spread the disease to you unless you give them access to your personal, food, drink or pets, so keep them off your property by installing the grilles, they cannot easily get over or through.
Most stray do less damage than human litterbugs or vandals. However, an exception is when stray dogs gather in large enough numbers to form a pack mentality & attack people & pets in their territory. Ideally, such dogs should be rehomed or separated and sterilized so that they can not reproduce. It seems sad to routinely shoot or trap them if they do not actually do harm.
We share this planet with other living beings, just because we can have power over them, it doesn't mean we should throw our weight around at every opportunity.
How To Build A Relationship With Your Pet
If you object to pet grooming and cleaning, assess the situation to see what can be reasonably improved, and what you can and only managed to work around.
First you have a good relationship with your pet. There is no point in lunging for the ears and gums of a dog or cat who hardly knows you - unless you point is to get bitten. Take the time to patiently make your pet trust. If a wound is an urgent need to look to, but the animal did not know you well enough yet, take it to the vet for treatment, then afterwards, build your relationship, so the next grooming is easier.
Determine if your pet needs time to know you, or if it has a behavioral problem that requires intervention by a professional trainer.
Even a pet that you can trust certain trigger points. Patiently insensitive to the trigger. For example, owners of pets that hairdryers anxiety may begin leaving the hair dryer in the area, shut off for weeks until the pet gets used to it. Then turn on the dryer for short periods, but without blowing it on the pet. End they build up to use the dryer on your pet after his bath.
Know your pet's mood and approach at a good time when it is quiet. Some pets are best handle when they are sleepy, others when they are full and happy, or just after training. You can also use distraction tactics, like having a family member, rubbing his stomach while you trim his nails, or patiently teaches the time that each bath ends with a treatment, so the berries with the water better.
Whatever you do, you must remain calm - yelling and screaming only disturb pets more and increase its resistance to grooming. Even in an emergency if it is evil and must have his wounds tent to keep calm so as not to panic and feed from your feelings.
First you have a good relationship with your pet. There is no point in lunging for the ears and gums of a dog or cat who hardly knows you - unless you point is to get bitten. Take the time to patiently make your pet trust. If a wound is an urgent need to look to, but the animal did not know you well enough yet, take it to the vet for treatment, then afterwards, build your relationship, so the next grooming is easier.
Determine if your pet needs time to know you, or if it has a behavioral problem that requires intervention by a professional trainer.
Even a pet that you can trust certain trigger points. Patiently insensitive to the trigger. For example, owners of pets that hairdryers anxiety may begin leaving the hair dryer in the area, shut off for weeks until the pet gets used to it. Then turn on the dryer for short periods, but without blowing it on the pet. End they build up to use the dryer on your pet after his bath.
Know your pet's mood and approach at a good time when it is quiet. Some pets are best handle when they are sleepy, others when they are full and happy, or just after training. You can also use distraction tactics, like having a family member, rubbing his stomach while you trim his nails, or patiently teaches the time that each bath ends with a treatment, so the berries with the water better.
Whatever you do, you must remain calm - yelling and screaming only disturb pets more and increase its resistance to grooming. Even in an emergency if it is evil and must have his wounds tent to keep calm so as not to panic and feed from your feelings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)