Archive for June, 2010

It’s NOT a CAGE, It’s a CRATE!

June 29th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

It’s an indoor dog house. It’s a safe place. It’s where your puppy should be when you can’t watch him. Remember that it’s NOT mean to leave your puppy in his/her crate. It will better for your relationship and overall experience. This is the same principle as putting a baby into a crib or a playpen. It is important to crate-train your Labrador puppy so that he will be used to it when it is necessary such as for trips to the vet or travelling. Make certain there is something soft to sleep on and that they have enough room to stand and turn in a circle. Be careful not to get a crate that is too big otherwise, he will be tempted to potty there.

All of our trained Labrador Puppies begin their training in a crate. We take them out to potty every hour. However, the key to professionally trained Labradors is discipline and, in my opinion, there’s only one big dog. Think of sitting at your computer and the mouse or keyboard doesn’t work. Think of getting dressed…you’re in a hurry, you sit on the corner of your bed, and now you’re coated with dog hair. Think of grabbing boots with no laces or one heel shorter than the other. Remember, whining and crying or barking is the pipeline for communication. It means he is hungry or thirsty or bored or that he needs to go to the bathroom. It will be your job to exhaust all channels before putting him inside the crate. Do not let him cry inside the crate for no apparent reason. Sometimes a “SHHHH” or a “Quiet” in a firm tone of voice is the only answer for a stubborn puppy.  You can also try turning your back and walking away.

The crate is not a prison and should never be a place of punishment. It is his den, his quarters. You can buy one crate, and move it from room to room. You could also buy several crates – one for each room. Please do not put the puppy in the garage or any other cold dark place. If he has toys in his crate, he will want to go in there and stay quietly.

This article brought to you by Susana Labradors, a California Labrador Breeder.

Large Bird Toys

June 28th, 2010, Posted in Birds

In terms of form and function, large bird toys are not all that different from toys for smaller birds. The main difference is in size, though toys for bigger birds also need to be more durable to withstand the greater force large birds are able to exert. Just like with most birds, you will want to get a variety of toys from each category of bird toys, meaning your bird will have access to exercise toys, chew toys, comfort toys, puzzles, etc. You should also switch toys out regularly to keep things new and exciting for your pet bird.
In terms of chew toys, which are very important for birds to have so that they are able to exercise their impulse to chew, consider getting wooden bird toys that are made of harder woods for large birds. Of course, leather and rawhide are also options for these birds. Remember that chew toys are meant to be worn out and destroyed, so don’t get an indestructible toy for your bird thinking that it will save you money. Instead, anticipate replacing chewing toys each time they are worn out.
Birds are naturally curious, as this behavior is useful in yielding food in nature as when they must crack nuts, etc. to get to their food source. You can cater to this trait by getting your bird puzzle toys where they can untie knots, disassemble objects, and the like. Such toys can provide much amusement to your pet bird, keeping them engaged and entertained for long stretches and their mind sharp.
Some toys are made to comfort the bird, as one aspect of bird behavior is to cuddle with an object, usually another bird in the wild. Birds can also appreciate having a toy that enables them to hide, though this might be more suited to smaller birds.

Potty Training Your Dog

June 25th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Owning dogs is a wonderful thing that brings pleasure and companionship to many people throughout the world.  Cuddling with your puppy, taking your excited dog for walks, and watching your pup play with other dogs is always enjoyable for a dog owner.  One not so glamorous thing about being a dog owner though is potty training.  Different breeds of dogs need different tactics when it comes to getting them to go to the bathroom outside.  This article will focus on the beagle puppy.

When it comes to housebreaking any dog, you want to be consistent in your actions, discipline, and praising.  Potty training a beagle puppy is no different when it comes to the basics.  Trying to remain patient throughout the process is a very important thing to remember.  Make sure your dog knows where the proper place is to go the bathroom.  I know it is quite difficult to remain patient if your puppy has soiled your carpet, but try to remember that he or she is just learning, so losing your cool will not be helpful.   It is important to discipline your dog if he or she has an accident inside the house, but be consistent in your punishments.  Your dog needs to know that it is not all right to go to the bathroom in the house, so be forceful when he has an accident.  It doesn’t do much good if you don’t catch your puppy in the actual act of having an accident in the house.  If you come home after a day at work and find a little surprise somewhere in your house, yelling and screaming at your dog probably won’t do a whole lot of good.  Dogs have very short attention spans, and he won’t remember what he did.  The accident could have taken place many hours ago.  So keep an eye on your puppy at all times, and try to catch him in the act.

Understanding Dog Kennels and Your Dog

June 16th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

All dogs spend a portion of their life outside, some love it and others hate it.  If your dog spends a lot of their life outside you should have a dog kennel.  The type of kennel really depends on where you live, the type of dog and how active he or she is.  If you live in a wet area, make sure your kennel has good solid cover and is built to withstand wind and cold too.  If your area is hot, make sure you have cover too, but from the heat.  Active dogs need a place where they can run and get the exercise they need.

There’s actually a lot of functionality you can get for your dog.  You can find flooring that actually keeps the ground dry and the odors down.  This won’t stop you from needing to regularly go out and “scoop the poop”, but it will make the experience a bit more pleasant.  You can also get bedding that works really well outside, which makes it more pleasant for the dog and keeps the odors down when they come inside.

Just remember to keep the dog active, take him out of the kennel and walk or run him regularly, especially if you leave your dog in for long periods of time.  There is a tendency to neglect and ignore dogs that live in kennels, this makes for a poor life and experience for your pet.  Make sure that you balance the dog’s life with activities that keep him active and involved with the family.

Whether you choose to build or buy a kennel just make sure it fits the needs of your dog.  Too often people don’t measure properly or consider the size of the dog.  With the right kennel and environment you dog will do brilliantly.

Finding the Best Dog Hair Brush Creates a Closer Bond between Master and Pet

June 15th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Grooming is a very important aspect in any dog’s health. It is done because of the following reasons: it improves the skin and coat condition of your pet, it decreases chance of skin problems in the future like thrush and scratches, it affects the general cleanliness of your dog, it allows any owner to do a routine check-up of his dogs health by carefully observing if it has any cuts, swelling or abnormal change in temperature, lastly it creates a bond between owner and pet.

One of the most vital tools for pet grooming to ever take place is a dog’s hair brush. In as much as we humans are very picky of our own combs and brushes; we should also do the same thing with our beloved pets. The kind of brush which we will choose will greatly affect their health condition, especially their coats health and shine.

Dogs come in different shapes and sizes thus the best dog hair brush also varies from one type of dog to another. You should look for the brush that acts both as a massager and old hair remover. You would not want your dog suffering the agony of everyday grooming simply because the hair brush lacks the soft bristles. Everyday dog brushing should be something that your dogs should look forward to each day. You will know if the brush you selected is the best dog hair brush if your pet behaves comfortably as you softly brush its coat. Otherwise, if the mere sight of the brush sends your pet away then you need no words to understand that it is not the best dog hair brush for him.

So next time you decide on treating your dog to the best grooming day of its life, make sure that you have the most efficient dog hair brush. Take some time in comparing the different dog brushes in the market today and ask your veterinarian for expert advise in the future.

Why Choose Heartgard

June 15th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

There are a number of cheap heartworm meds available but it has to be heartgard plus for Dogs that is by far the most popular of them all. Let us take a quick look at the reasons why this is by far the most popular choice.

The fact is that with so many heartworm meds to choose from picking one can be difficult. But Heartgard Plus has a very long reputation of being extremely effective at ensuring that our pets stay completely free of heartworms that can cause so many problems.

Given monthly it ensures that the worms can never develop in to adult form where they then put our pets at risk. Heartgard uses a very safe active ingredient called Ivermectin, and it is this which is the reason why it is so popular. There are very low chances for any side effects to occur in most breeds of Dogs and combine this with the low price and we have a definite and positive results when it comes to treating heartworms.

And because the brand name Merial is so well recognised many owners simply feel safer choosing this medication over any other. The price for Heartgard is extremely reasonable and it costs little to treat our dogs because we only need to give it once a month. With the new chewables now available there is no doubt that it is one of the easiest ways to administer a heartworm treatment and this really does make it a very good choice. Many  owners find it hard to encourage their Dogs to swallow a pill so the fact that they can buy a chewable pill that is tasty for the Dogs means that every month life is made a little easier when it is pill time.

Buy Heartgard Plus chewables if you want to easily protect your pets from heartworms.

The Positioning Of Permanent Wheelchair Ramps

June 10th, 2010, Posted in Guest Posts

Permanent wheelchair ramps are mainly set up in public places to give access to the handicapped who do not have to alight from their vehicles to access the interior. The need for permanent wheelchair ramps can be traced to the human search for long term finesse. This is why they are meant to be installed in one convenient position for use by the largest number of users at any given time. This is especially the case in public entrances where it is easy to identify the place most likely to find these grounded aids to specialized conveyances.

The place where the implements are positioned must be inclined in order to qualify for that use. That is why they are mainly installed alongside the staircase within distance of, and accessibility to the respective entry points. All of them have a lead to where they direct the user, usually a room at the far end. But one common feature for all is that they must have an exit to the main entrance. This acts as an emergency precaution in case of disorientation such that the conveyed person can always refer back to the point of departure.

They are also built on relative inclines that are mostly more in length than in steep. This borrows from the fact that unlike those at home, steep places for the handicapped can be very strenuous in public places where there are only handrails to use and no pushing support from family members. That is why they are placed in navigable positions. They do not emphasize very angular set ups; rather, a shortcut is improvised to allow access to other rooms in the most convenient course. Most permanent wheelchair ramps are installed in places sufficiently far from the other members of the public to prevent collisions and hindrance of movement especially in busy buildings.

Animal Insurance to Cover Veterinary Expenses

June 9th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

There are a variety of Animal Insurance plans. But mostly these plans provide insurance coverage for any veterinary expenses accrued in case the pet or the insured animal is treated for injury or disease. A comprehensive insurance policy, especially pet insurance policies essentially covers incidents like accidents, sudden illness, injury, prescriptions, surgery, animal hospital stays, lab fees, x-rays and cancer treatment. In fact it has become fairly convenient to pay off the expenditure for the pets’ heath care, if the pet has the right animal insurance cover. Most of the insurance companies do not require the pets’ owners to spend from their pocket, the initial expenditure for their pets’ treatment. All that they are required to do is to get the pet treated and send the veterinary doctor’s receipts to the respective insurance company, who on receiving these receipts send the insurance agent to the veterinary clinic which has laid a claim and the payment is done by the insurance company immediately after verification.

Just like it is with people, the pets’ and the animal insurance policy premiums vary as per the animal’s age and general health. The higher the age, the higher is the premium amount and vice versa. Likewise, if there has been a history of considerable number of veterinary claims, then the risk factor is calculated as high and the insurance premium amount is also high, because this animal with a chronic history is more likely to visit the vet and hence the claim be filed.

However, one advantage of the animal insurance is that it gives allowance for treatment of the animal from any certified veterinary and get the reports and checkups done a t any certified hospitals. This is a facility that is provided by most of the insurance companies. However, there are those who restrict the pet care expenditure that can be claimed restricted to a state or a country. But those companies which give allowance to get the pet treated anywhere in the world, advise that the payments of claims will be made via proper money transfer channels between organizations only after the reception of the receipts.

How to set up a Good Rabbit Cage

June 6th, 2010, Posted in Rabbits

Rabbits make great pets but you have to make sure you have the proper supplies before you bring one home. The most important purchase you’ll probably make for your rabbit will be its cage. Some people let their rabbits roam free in their houses, but that can be a big mistake. Rabbits can cause a lot of damage when they chew up carpets or telephone wires. While you want to give your rabbit a certain degree of freedom, you’ll also want a designated area to keep your rabbit so you can give yourself a time-out if needed. After all, a loose rabbit may be too much trouble for one person to handle at all times.

Any commercial indoor cage will be able to house a pet rabbit, but you want to make sure you get the best fit. Good rabbit cages will have ample room, and doors that will easily allow you to pick up your rabbit. A door can be on the side or the top of the cage, and which one you want will depend on your rabbit’s preferences. You want to make sure there is enough room on the inside for all the supplies your bunny will need such as hay, bedding and food. The cage will be a rabbit’s home base so you want to make it as comfortable as possible.

A good indoor cage will also come in handy when litter training a rabbit. Without a cage, it will be very hard to train your rabbit to do its business in a designated area. But if you have a good litter box, it can be placed inside the cage which will guide your rabbit to the right area. Rabbits are not terribly strong animals, but you will still want to find a cage that will withstand all the things they can do to it like chewing and gnawing. With a good separated area, your rabbit will really appreciate its own personal area of refuge, so make sure the cage is as comfortable for your bunny as possible.

Choosing a Halloween Costume for your Dog

June 5th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Halloweens are not just for party goers but for pets too. If you have a cute little doggy which you are treating as part of the family, you could actually dress up your dog too during Halloween.

Don’t you know that dressing your dog would make him part of your family more?  There are a lot of people who love to dress up their dogs. Not just during Halloween but on an everyday basis. Doggy clothes are expensive though so for the average family it would be cuter to include your dogs on the dressing up amusement of your family during this holiday.
If you have a little girl at home who owns a dog, why don’t you try getting them the Corpse Bride’s Dog Costume for that night’s event. There is a actually a Kids Size Corpse Bride Dress for your little kid and a skeleton outfit for your dog just like Emily’s pet in the story. They would surely create a cute tandem with mimicking the animated movie’s characters.
With a little bride in that cute long white bridal gown, she would really make a cute Bride. There is no need to paint her very pale nor put black lipsticks on but just make your cute little girl corpse-like with powder. The character anyway is not a very violent-looking like the usual zombie costume. There would be no exposed intestines, nor broken limbs. There would be no fake movements of a zombie but your cute girl could just walk with ease. There would also be no blood, nor gross marks on the ensemble. It is perfectly a safe and wholesome character for your kids this Halloween.
Look at the bright side. Your kid would not have to go out trick-or-treating alone on that busy day. For the mothers, no more heart palpitations and walking around in circles waiting for your little dolly to be home. You will feel assured knowing that she has her pet with her to protect her.

How Anti Bark Collars Saved My Nerves

June 2nd, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Dogs bark.

Nothing new there.  It is what they are supposed to do.  But, as a dog owner and pet lover, what I cannot stand is a dog that barks nonstop and at inappropriate moments.

This is the reason why I first started using anti bark collars in the first place.

Let me explain further.

Here is my situation. I live in a neighborhood that is a block away from an elementary school and major street.

Additionally, my house is on the corner of a three way intersection.

You can guess where I am going with this.

My two dogs (a terrier and a pug) the cutest dogs you will ever see but they are little “yappers.”

There are some days it seems they bark non-stop.  From the moment they wake up to the moment everyone goes to sleep they are barking.

Anything can trigger them.  Kids getting on the bus, off the bus, the mailman, neighbors walking, neighbor’s dog, UPS guy, etc.  You name it and my dogs are barking at it.

It was going to be my sanity or the dogs.  Oh course, the kids did not like it.  Their nerves did not bother them like mine did.  Maybe it was because they did not have to work all day.

I went to the store and bought a citronella dog collar at Petco.  Enough was enough!  The children were given an ultimatum.  It was explained that either the dogs would be packed in the car and brought to the pound or we would buy some sort of anti barking collar (I would not really do that but I wanted to get my point across).

Oh course they called me “mean” but we all hopped in the car the next day and got the collar.

Quite frankly, I considered myself nice.  I researched it and there were three collars for me to pick from.

There were:

  • shock collar
  • ultrasonic collar
  • citronella (spray) collar

I opted for the spray collar.

Here is how it works.  You load this particular canister with a cartridge of lemon citronella.  This stuff is totally non-toxic.  It is a substance we use to repel mosquitoes and humans put it on their bodies all the time when they go camping.  Dogs hate the smell though.  Their noises are very sensitive and the small of this stuff is detestable.

Once they get a dose of this stuff they usually stop, immediately, in their tracks.

It worked great!

I put it on both dogs.  This device worked great!  The price I paid for it was totally worth it.

The collars were put on both dogs.  I put it snug enough where the the device could detect their bark but not so tight they were choking.

Sure enough a neighbor passed by my wide open windows.  She was with her son walking him back from school.  And, both dogs started barking immediately.

It lasted for a couple seconds.

The citronella bark collar shot a quick burst in their face.  Not much at all, just a quick little spritzer.  They let out a “yelp” and stooped bark immediately.  They gathered themselves and started barking again.  Same result.

They were beside themselves.  It was like their whole world had crumbled for a moment.  I had to try it again, just to make sure.

I rang the doorbell to see if it would work again.  Sure enough, they started barking.  And sure enough, they got sprayed.

Long story short their barking got less and less throughout the whole day until it totally ceased.

Now you have to keep in mind I love these dogs.  They sleep in my room every night and I have had them since they were puppies.  But as cute as smaller dogs are, and as much as I expect dogs to bark sometimes, I could not stand the constant barking.

I am a firm believer that these spray collars (citronella) are one of the quickest and more humane way to stop or severely curb excessive barking.  If are having this problem you should definitely try it out.

Here are some quick tips to go by if you decide to us them.

  • Make them snug but not tight
  • Take them off in the evening to prevent rashes
  • Make sure the battery works
  • Buy extra cartridges
  • Take them off when you go to the park or engage in fun activities when they are supposed to bark

Overall, this is definitely a device any dog owner should try if he is at his wit’s end.

Malaseb Pet Shampoo Treats Seborrhea

June 2nd, 2010, Posted in Cats, Dogs

Does you dog or cat scratch all the time and nibble incessantly at their skin?  Then they may have an irregular skin condition known as seborrhea.  Symptoms of this skin irritation problem include dry, flaky skin or oily skin combined with itching and possible infections.  Malaseb pet shampoo is one of the few products designed specifically to treat this problem in pets.

Seborrhea can be found in two classes:  primary and secondary.  Primary seborrhea is an inherited skin condition that can be very difficult to treat.  The more common form is secondary which is most often caused by Malassezia, this is a yeast which is found on the skin and in and around the ears of dogs and cats.  Bacteria’s can also lead to the secondary form of this problem

Malaseb shampoo is a great antidote for the alleviating the irritating symptoms of sebborhea.  It contains an anti-fungal called Micnazole which is designed to rid the pet of yeast and fungi and it also contains an anti-bacterial agent which has been proven to be a great germicide and bactericide.  These two ingredients offer a one-two punch which can eliminate most secondary cases.  An added benefit of this particular shampoo is the fact it is free from artificial scents and dyes and it also will not remove essential oils from the pet’s coat.

This shampoo does clean the coat and offer added comfort along with the removal of the fungi and bacteria which can cause the initial itching.  The medication in this product can also help in the treatment of psoriasis (inflamed and scaly skin) as well.

One warning note is the manufacturer recommends being very careful to keep the shampoo out of the eyes, nose , and mouth of your pet as it can cause irritation in these areas.  As with all medicated products, be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting any medication.  The layman can often times confuse one condition for another and thus treat the wrong problem.  Malaseb shampoo can be very effective if it is used for the correct problem.