Pet Information

Ever since the beginning of time there has always been the pet and the family, today’s pets have become an integral part of the family, and even considered by some to be a part of the family. With this relationship being so vital, protection of the family pet is a major concern of many pet owners.

Each year millions of pets are reported lost or found, but a large majority of these members of the family are never reunited with their owners. The main reason for this is lack of identification is because most pets do not have a pet collar or identification tag to contact the owner if they are found, and the ones that do contain obsolete or outdated contact information. There are many ways to tag a pet, but the pet collar is, and has always been the most recognize method of identifying the pet, and its owner for those who find a lost pet.

The remedy for this dilemma seems simple, just buy them a new pet tag every time you move or change contact information. The problem with this solution is that buying them a new tag with every change can become a bit expensive in an upwardly mobile society. The best alternative is to register with a service that provides a unique tracking number for your pet, and provides free lifetime updating of your contact information.

One company that provides this service is RecoveryPets.Com, and their website is located at http://www.recoverypets.com. The services they offer includes pet registration with a unique identification number, and the register will receive a pet identification tag and pocket card with this identification number on both items. The service is internet based and is accessible from any computer in the world that has internet connection, and they provide unlimited lifetime of contact information, along with a webpage that contains a description of the pet, photograph, and up to ten contact numbers or emails.

Ensuring that our pets are safe is a major concern for many pet owners, and providing a way to recover a lost pet is just as important. With the advent of the internet, recovering pets has become increasingly easier, but it still takes an undertaking on the part of the owner to make sure that their four legged family member is protected.

The best gift you could give to anyone - or to yourself - is a pet. Pets not only keep you company and keep you amused — they also manage to bring out your tender and loving side.

And the first step to finding your perfect pet is to visit a pet store. Be very selective, though, because not all pet stores can give you the service and support you need. Below are the features you should look for:

A clean, odor-free and spacious facility. Never buy from pet stores that ‘overcrowd’ their pets. You want to buy animals that were raised in a healthy, hygienic and roomy facility to make sure that they do not carry any diseases.

A large, well stocked supply of items that pets (and pet owners) need. Look for a pet store that is a one-stop-shop. You want to step in there are be able to buy everything you need, from pet food to leashes to anti-flea powders. The store should likewise have a consumer-oriented return policy on supplies, and provide a good ‘warranty’ on pets.

Convenient location and business hours. For someone with a very busy schedule, these considerations are very important. Is the store still open when you get off work and during weekends? Is it located near where you live, or is at least on the way from where you work? You need a pet store that you can easily get to in case of pet emergencies.

Veterinary care whenever possible. The pet store does not need to have an in-house veterinarian (although that would be a plus), but it should at least have affiliations with local vets so that it can easily refer your pet when it needs medical assistance.

Just a reminder: Remember that it is very easy to buy a pet. But buying a pet is one thing, and raising it in your home as part of your family is another. Be sure that you are buying a pet for the right reasons.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a virus which is a variant of the Corona virus. Unfortunately there is no proven effective vaccine to immunize cats from its deadly outbreak. This virus is so elusive that the only way to accurately diagnose the disease is after the cat’s death. Sadly, there also is no cure for this disease.

The reason the virus is so difficult to diagnose is that it comes from a group of over forty viruses, in the Corona family. The tests that we have available to us today can only detect that the cat is infected with a Corona virus, but it cannot differentiate which one is actually infecting the cat. Since most cats who test positive for a Corona virus actually survives, it makes it difficult with certainty which cat has FIP, until it dies. This makes diagnosing Feline Infectious Peritonitis almost impossible without an autopsy.

The actual Feline Infectious Peritonitis disease is always fatal to cats. It is estimated that most household cats have actually been exposed at one time or another to the Corona virus. These cats will most times carry on with their lives just fine, with no outward signs of being infected, nor do they appear sick. For some unknown reason, in a small percentage of infected cats, the Corona virus will mutate into the Feline Infectious Peritonitis virus. This autoimmune disease then proves to be fatal.

The majority of the cats who do contract Feline Infectious Peritonitis are either very young, or they are quite old. Either way, death is eminent. There are certain procedures which can prolong the life of the cat for a short while, and even make the cat more comfortable for a short time, but the eventual result is always the same.

There are two different known types of FIP, the wet and the dry types. The wet type of FIP is where fluid begins to accumulate in the different organs of the cat’s body. This fluid causes swelling of the chest and abdomen. After the fluid has gathered sufficiently enough to cause the swelling, it begins to constrict breathing for the cat. The cat will also begin to have a fever, experience loss of appetite and show signs of jaundice.

The other form of Feline Infectious Peritonitis will cause almost the identical signs as the wet, but without the build up of fluid. Feline Infectious Peritonitis can also affect the central nervous system and the eyes of the cat.

Undoubtedly the worst part of Feline Infectious Peritonitis is that the cat’s immune system will actually work against itself in an attempt to overcome the disease. Since Feline Infectious Peritonitis is an immune system based disease, it quickly speeds up the disease process.

Hopefully, you will never have to suffer through the pain and eventual death of your kitty due to Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

Buying a new pet, especially a dog can be very exciting. It is worth considering your lifestyle choices and those who live with you before choosing a dog breed. Choosing any family pet may depend on several factors which must be taken into account. Perhaps the most important question is: are you prepared to take good care of the animal and treat it accordingly?

If the answer to the above question is yes, the next step is to decide the reason you would like a dog. There can be many reasons such as protection, as a pet for a child, as a show dog or simply for the sake of companionship. This is an important factor in choosing the correct breed.

After that you should consider your living circumstances as many of the other decisions will depend on this. You should consider the area in which you live: do you live in the town or countryside? This can limit how often and where you can take a dog for walks. Next you should consider the size of your house: do you have ample space for the new dog to cohabit with the owners and any existing pets? Does your house have a garden where the creature can play or rest? It is also worth thinking about how often the pet will be left alone each day. If you are going for an expensive rare breed this will obviously have to be very limited; however on the flipside if you decide to choose a big energetic dog then you still may not be able to leave it alone for extended periods.

Another side of lifestyle considerations is the associated costs with raising a pet. Ideally you should have a budget for basic needs such as foods and cleaning products. You should also take into account the possibility of other events happening. For example a situation may arise where you will need to leave the dog with somebody for an extended period of time on a paid basis. You should also think about health costs and possible veterinary services. A limited budget also means that your ability in choosing specially bred dogs may be more limited. However this should not stop you from being able to find a good pet.

Pets like human beings require attention and care. To many people their dog is a normal member of the household. Dogs must be given regular exercise and training to keep them active and in a healthy state. They must have necessarily health checks and be given essential vaccinations. Taking the dog down to the park for a walk is something you should fit into your weekly schedule.

Once you have acknowledged the extent of your lifestyle and your ability in raising a pet, it is time to decide the type of breed. The first thing to think about is the size. Make sure to discuss this with other members of the family as this is a big limitation on what breed of dog you may choose. Do you really have enough space for a German Shepard? Or are you prepared to deal with small Chihuahuas running around the house and having to look for them from time to time?

Perhaps one of the most underestimated things about any pet is the aging of the animal. Animals have a different lifespan to human beings. The reason that this is important is as important as buying the pet in the first place. Considering many people buy dogs for company, a family can very easily become attached to the animal. The pet becomes a ‘member’ of the family. For many people loosing a pet can be as shocking as loosing a very close relative.

Once you have planned and taken into account all factors, its time to make the exciting trip down the pet store or going to see a few dogs with other family members. Then you can hopefully make a decision as to who you would like to welcome to your house as new member.

Copyright 2005 Dave Markel

Homemade dog treats don’t have to involve any cooking or baking. There is an increasing trend in feeding dogs a raw diet that consists of uncooked meats and vegetables. One popular version of this diet is known as the bones and raw foods (BARF) diet. This diet places an emphasis on feeding your dog only natural foods that have not been cooked or otherwise processed. You can follow the principles of this diet to provide your dog with homemade dog treats that don’t involve a great deal of work.

The BARF diet includes the use of raw, meaty bones and includes items such as chicken wings, necks and backs. It is important to note that while it is safe to give your dog raw chicken that includes bones, it is not safe to give them chicken that has been cooked that includes the bones. The bones are softened during the cooking process making them brittle and a choking hazard for dogs. However, raw chicken bones are not likely to splinter and create this hazard and are therefore safe to give to dogs.

Purchasing a bag of frozen chicken wings is one way to provide your dog with incredibly simple homemade dog treats. These treats can be as simple as removing a chicken wing or two from your freezer and distributing them to your dog.

Most kids want a pet of their own. This may be beneficial for the child’s development and sense of responsibility but it is the parents that usually end up caring for the pet. Because of this, some parents may opt not to have any pets at all especially those who want to maintain the cleanliness of their house. Dogs for example are noisy and dirty pets that need a companion every now and then and needs extensive house training before it can be released inside the house. Cats on the other hand, leave cat fur on the carpet and scratch marks on the furniture.For the parents torn between the desires of giving their children a pet and keeping their home clean, fish as a pet may be a good option. Here are some advantages of having fish as a pet.Pet NoiseUnlike a dog or a cat, a fish does not bark, whimpers or make scratching sounds on doors that can wake you up during the night. In fact, there will be no sound except for the sound of the aerator and the bubbles coming from the aquarium.Dirt and MaintenanceA fish will not soil your carpets, eliminate anywhere on your house, scratch your furniture and dig in your back yard. In fact, the only maintenance required when you have a fish as a pet is to clean the aquarium once a month and make sure that the water temperature and quality is just right.No HousetrainingHouse training pets is not an easy task. It requires a considerable amount of time and effort to house train a pet and most families simply do not have the time to do this. For this reason, a fish may be a good idea to give to your child as a pet. This way, he can learn how to be responsible when it comes to caring for his pet without being overwhelmed by the things he has to do everyday. It’s also easier for the parents as they don’t have to run around the house cleaning after the family pet.Low Maintenance and Low CostA fish is a low maintenance and low cost pet. It only requires a small amount of food every month which can be bought cheaply. This way, a family can enjoy the benefits of having a pet without the hefty costs of providing for it the food that it needs. You can buy three months worth of feeds for your pet fish for just two dollars which is a lot cheaper than buying dog food.Of course, you will also need to learn some basics about caring for a pet fish. This will involve things like maintaining the water quality by testing the water for nitrite, ammonia and PH levels once a week and by changing the water every month, putting new fishes in a separate bowl until you a sure that they are healthy and free from infections and using a strainer to remove dirt and uneaten food from the surface of the water.

Nobody likes surprises, so it’s always nice to know what to expect when you take your pet to the veterinarian. A good physical exam usually begins by weighing and recording so that a continuing record can be formed. An increase or decrease in weight can indicate a problem. Next, the temperature is taken, usually rectally with a normal temperature of 101 to 102.5 degrees for both dogs and cats.

Coat and skin are examined next as poor hair coat or skin can indicate a poor diet or dermatological infection. Coat should be shiny, not brittle and coarse, and the skin, clean and not greasy. While handling your pet, the bones, muscles, and joints, nails, feet, and lymph nodes are checked for any abnormalities. The chest, heart, and lungs are examined with a stethoscope, along with the rate and nature of respiration.

At the head, both ears are examined deep into the ear canal for infections. The visible eye structure and lids are examined and the interior of the eye is checked for cataract formation, and an examination of the mouth and throat for infected gums, loose teeth, tartar buildup on the teeth and any damage or swelling in the throat.

Lastly, at the rear, the anus, anal glands, prepuce/penis or vcalva are checked for any abnormalities, and the anal glands cleaned if they are compacted. During the examination the vet will usually ask the name of your pet’s food and any other treats or vitamin supplements, along with any medication you may have given your pet.

A fecal sample will be taken for examination to check for intestinal parasites, such as hookworm and roundworm, and a blood test may be recommended if heartworm is suspected. No checkup would be complete without a flea and tick prevention/treatment with a choice as to who will administer the treatment, you or the vet. As you can see,the vets examination is one of the most important things you can do for your pet. Whatever you do, do not ever skimp out on your pets care. While the exam may sound involved and complicated, the entire process usually only takes about 30 minutes and guarantees your pet a healthier happier life.

Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn’t win a fight against a fifth-grader. But did you know that for a dog agility is possibly even more important? With so many of a dog’s happiest moments spent running, jumping, catching, and stretching, dog agility training can really help dogs age gracefully and happily.

What is dog agility training?

You’ve probably seen dog agility training on television. The dogs run a course of tire hoops, tunnels, seesaw, dog walk plank, jumps, hurdles, weaving poles, and a 3-meter A-frame. Heeling, sitting, down stays, send-aways as well as walking off leash are also included.

Who can participate?

Anyone with a dog can do agility training. There is not age limit for people or dogs. In fact, children and puppies are encouraged to take part. All breeds and sizes of dogs without a physical disability can benefit from agility training. Be sure to check with your vet before you begin agility training if you have any doubts about your canine’s fitness.

What equipment is needed?

You as the handler will need comfortable shoes and clothes that you can run in, because this is not exercise for the dog alone. Your dog needs a leather or webbed buckle collar and a leather, nylon or rope lead of fairly long length. Do not use a chain lead; it could get caught in the jumps.

Agility Training Courses for Dogs

There are two sides of agility training for dogs. They are the obstacles and the control training. There are also tips for training your dog. Obstacles. Although it seems high to many handlers, the A-frame is the best obstacle to begin training. The dog walk plank, low jump and the tunnel (dogs love this obstacle) are also excellent for training the novice dog.

Control training is important to keep your dog disciplined both on the agility course and off. Everybody knows that a dog must heel and sit. You must also teach your dog to know and obey different commands: to go left and right, lay down, and wait. After those are mastered, the dog must learn normal recall (returning anytime you call) and recall over obstacles. Also important is the “send away” command, making the dog go ahead you.

Tips for Dog Agility Training

Begin training by getting your dog’s attention. Talk to him and offer a small treat. Coupled with the love he has for you, he’ll be all ears. Be sure you have the correct lead (generally 6 feet) and a comfortable collar (measure the dog’s neck and add 2 inches) for your dog. Give praise often. “Tune in” to your dog to be sure she and you are ready to train.

Here’s a final tip: make sure that you and your dog enjoy yourselves. After all, jumping through hoops is supposed to be fun–at least if you’re a dog.

Factors that adversely affect the health of a shih tzu’s skin are genetics, the immune system, nutrition, hygiene, bugs, and hormones.

Nutrition is the key to good skin health. If your shih tzu is prone to skin disease first check with a holistic practitioner or a conventional vet to see if he/she can recommend a nutritional program specifically for your particular shih tzu.

There is no single diet that can suit all the needs of all dogs, whether it be shih tzu or bulldog. Every dog is different. One dog might be deficient in one vitamin whereas another dog might be just fine. This is why the HealthyPetNet Life’s Abundance’s formulator formulated a daily supplement to pick up the slack where the food leaves off. One of my recommendations would be to use HealthyPetNet Life’s Abundance dog food and the daily supplement. HealthyPetNet also produces a skin and coat supplement that can be added if your shih tzu still has skin problems. HealthyPetNet also produces a daily skin and coat health bar you can add to your dog’s daily menu.

Whatever diet you provide, it needs to be hypo-allergenic for your individual dog. Adding supplements such as vitamin A, C and E and antioxidants especially the Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial and can all be found in the HealthyPetNet line of products.

Herbal remedies may be helpful. Herbal remedies can enhance the immune system, provide a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients and relieve itchiness.

An accurate professional diagnosis is necessary to adequately treat skin problems. A professional holistic or conventional vet can provide several different types of tests to determine the cause of your shih tzu’s skin conditions. You must also realize the skin is an extremely complex organ system that requires an approach to treatment that is oftentimes multi-faceted, requiring the use of many different disciplines of knowledge. So the first step in accurately treating your shih tzu’s skin problem would be a visit to your holistic or conventional vet. If the recommendation on nutrition is something other than the HealthyPetNet Life’s Abundance Nutritional System, and you continue to experience problems inspite of all you try, then it certainly would not hurt to present the idea to your vet of changing over to the HealthyPetNet System of Nutrition, or just make the changeover yourself to see if this helps your problem.

Honestly, I have fed no other food that has provided my shih tzu with better nutrition for their skin and just in general good health. I know they have more energy, their eyes are brighter and the hair is shinier with no flakey skin. I think the food gives their immune system an extra boost. I also use the HealthyPetNet shampoos.

However, in all honesty, you need to follow the advice of your own vet when you are trying to solve any kind of a health problem with your shih tzu, as I would do the same. Presently, I am experiencing no particular health or skin problems in my shih tzu, especially since making the switch over to this new dog food and shampoos.

I think the air in an environment also affects the skin and coat of dogs. I would recommend anyone having pets in their home to have a good air cleaner. I like the systems produced by EcoQuest, and have found them to be better at odor reducing. I suffer from allergies myself and have at times been without medicine, but with the air cleaners, and I feel like this is what kept me free of symptoms for so long. I eventually went back on my medicine, because there were days when I had increased symptoms, but I truly think, without the air cleaners I use, I could have not survived one day without my Allegra D. So I think it is important to have an adequate air cleaner in everyone’s home, but especially the homes you share with pets to improve the health of both you and your pets as well as your hair and skin.

Most cats behave in the same way, and have similar characteristics. For example, they all have feline mannerisms, like their sense of balance, their ability to jump, and their uncanny resemblance to predators in the wild. Other typical cat behavior includes purring, sleeping, and climbing. Below are some of the most common cat behaviors and what they mean.PurringMany people assume that a purring cat is content and happy. That’s usually true, but there are other times when a cat will purr.Kittens an their mothers will purr while nursing. In the same vein, a typical cat will purr when it is being petted or when it is in familiar, safe and comfortable surroundings.However, purring may also be a defense mechanism for a sick, injured, or stressed out cat. Purring is a way for a cat to calm and soothe itself. Some people compare it to a person smiling nervously or rocking to soothe themselves.SleepingThe typical cat also likes to sleep, and can sleep for as many as sixteen hours a day. Through scanning their brain waves and observing their movements while asleep, scientists have also determined that cats do dream. Sleep can also be used to determin how healthy a cat is. Although cats don’t show illness very well, a change in their sleep habits may be a sign of sickness, and should be a clue that they need to see a veterinarian.ClimbingThe typical cat loves to climb and perch on high places. Cats may feel safer and less vulnerable higher up, and it gives them a strategic advantage. They can view what’s going on around them, and yet be hidden from view below. This behavior is a throwback to when the cat was primarily a predator, hunting small animals below. Cats may also appreciate that warmer air rises, so the higher they are, the more comfortable they are. You may also see cats fight for high perches, since this behavior may indicate social status — a cat may choose the highest point to prove its dominant status in a household.PlayCats love to play and pounce. This, again, is probably indicative of their stalking heritage in the wild. One difference in cat toys versus the wild, however, is the presence of catnip. Many toys these days contain catnip, and you can also grow it in containers. A typical cat will munch fresh or dried catnip and roll and rub their heads in it, or claw at a toy and rub it around. When a cat smells catnip, it can become a crazed animal that runs, spins, and plays before regaining its calm. The reaction doesn’t last long, but it is intense and very fun to watch.Most cats have different personalities and temperaments because of their breeds or their environements. However, all cats share some common behaviors and actions. Purring, sleep, climbing and play are all part of what makes up a typical cat. More about cat behaviour at http://cat-pets-dissected.info