Pet Information

When it comes to choosing a breed many people have a desire for a certain breed – a Labrador, German shepherd, Spaniel or whatever. But when it comes down to brass tacks, the economies of the situation, we can not always afford the price of a purebred puppy. Life and family get in the way, competing for the finances. This is where Dog Rescues can step into the breach and fill a need.

Dog Rescues are run by people who care enough about dogs that have been mistreated, abandoned or given up on by their previous owners. The whole aim of these organisations is to find a new home with caring parents so these unfortunate dogs can live the rest of their lives in a secure and loving environment.

Dog rescues normally cater for a particular breed of dog. This makes life easy as once you’ve found one for the breed you are interested in then it’s simply a case of registering and waiting for the right dog to come in. Usually they will have a contact list which will keep you informed when new dogs come in.

Finding a dog rescue can be as simple as looking in your yellow pages or searching on the internet. Doing a regional search by putting your city in the search terms will produce the nearest results to you.

One thing you must be prepared for with a Dog Rescue is the third degree investigation into your suitability as a potential adoptive parent. Don’t worry – they stop short of the bright lights and the coshes.

Be prepared to give them details on previous dog ownership, your family, your house and yard and where you plan on keeping the dog. They will also want to know about your experience training dogs and how you discipline your dog. And they will also spend time talking with you, trying to assess your character and how it will fit in with the particular dog you are thinking of adopting.

Be patient – there’s a good reason for this. All they are trying to do is make sure that you and the dog are a perfect fit. The last thing they want is for the dog to return to them at some time in the future. These dogs have already lost out once. Often they have suffered abuse and neglect and have fears and neuroses. The whole aim of the Dog Rescue is to avoid that happening again and give the dog a good chance of living a happy life for the rest of its days. So, having said all this, what can you expect from a rescue dog? The obvious difference will be the price you will pay. Expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars as opposed to the $1000+ for a purebred puppy.

Why so much for a rescue dog? You’ve got to remember that these dogs have often been abused or neglected and arrive at the Dog Rescue in a poor state. They often have ticks, fleas, skin problems, worms and poor or no vaccination records.

All of these things have to be treated before the dog can be considered ready for re-adoption. So the couple of hundred dollars is easily swallowed up by vet bills, feed bills etc.

Which brings up another issue. Due to his previous ownership and possible abuse and neglect, be prepared to accept that the dog you adopt may have need for further treatment to repair the damage done by previous owners. So there may be an ongoing cost for further treatment. Over time your rescue dog may cost you more.

You can also expect your rescue dog to be older. Adolescent and older dogs are more liable to be rescued than puppies. There’s an upside to this as older dogs have developed their personality so it’s easier to get an idea of the dogs’ temperament and match it to your needs.

This matching of dog and adoptive parent goes both ways. You have to ask yourself if you are right for a rescue dog.

Leaving aside the cost factors, there are a number of things you have to ask yourself:

• Is my life and household stable enough for such a dog. Due to the previous abuse, such dogs need a stable loving environment to repair the mental damage they have suffered.

• Can I, or my family, provide the daily care, grooming and medical care that may be required?

• Can I provide the training, or re-training, that may be required? Abused dogs often have incontinence problems that can take a long time to cure. Some dogs also need house training again. Can you face that?

• What age and sex dog do I want? Is an older dog better suited to your household? Many Dog Rescues have problems finding homes for males dogs for some reason. Could you be an exception and provide a home for a male dog?

For obvious reasons many of the best prospective parents for such dogs are older couples. Usually their children have grown and flown the nest and they have the time on their hands to give the dog the care and attention it needs for full recovery from both the physical and mental stress it has suffered.

There is one other advantage to a rescue dog over a purebred puppy. Once your rescue dog has recovered from the poor treatment of his previous owners, then you will have a dog that appreciates exactly what you’ve done for him. He’s experienced the bad and knows he’s now got it good. The result is a friendly, loyal companion for life.

Western Hognose snakes are a wonderful, small species of snake with lots of character. They have become more and more popular over the years and are now a commonly available species in the pet trade. In the wild they are known to feed on toads, lizard, snakes, eggs and even insects. In captivity however, they will regularly take to rodents. There are 3 subspecies of Western Hognose; the Plains Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus nasicus), the Dusty Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus gloydi) and Mexican Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi). The Plains Hognose snake is the most commonly seen in captivity, the care for all three species is virtually identical. Males grow to around 18”, females up to 30”. This is an excellent species of snake to keep in captivity, its small size, good nature and feeding response makes it a good beginners snake.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake’s life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult Western Hognose snake, a vivarium 60cm Length x 45cm Width x 45cm Height is ample. Contrary to popular belief, and propaganda spread by various campaigners, you can actually have too large of an enclosure for many snakes. The reason for this, is that snakes are very prone to stress, and being in an excessively large enclosure can scare them. Imagine in the wild they are constantly hiding from predators, then, when they feel it’s safe in the dark of night, they will venture out to hunt for food. Once they find their food, they will return to the safety of their secure hiding place until the next time around. Many species will not even hunt for food; rather, they will sit and wait for their prey to come along. They may also leave their den for sloughing their skin or finding a mate at certain times of the year. Many individual snakes feel very comfortable in captivity, although this generally comes with age and lots of handling. Snakes like these will often thrive in a larger than usual enclosure.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 ‘SSSHHH’ factors:

1) Safety – Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?

2) Secure – Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?

3) Size – Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?

4) Heating – Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?

5) Humidity – Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?

6) Hygienic – Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

Décor

Décor in your tank serves two purposes. First being extra cover for your snake and second, allowing for a more natural and pleasing appearance. When choosing décor, think about the safety of the snake. Make sure that whatever you decide to use, it is securely fixed and that no rocks, wood or anything heavy can fall and possibly injure, or even kill the snake. You must also make sure that everything used is parasite free. If anything has been picked up from outside, or has originally come from outside, such as cork bark, you should either boil it, or place the item in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes. Freezing works for some parasites, however others have been known to survive months in freezing conditions. Some parasites found in English conditions last winters in minus temperatures, so it is not entirely effective.

Once all your décor is parasite free, it is then safe to place inside your enclosure. As a general rule, if you can put pressure on an item to knock it down, an adult Western Hognose snake is also capable of doing this. When positioning rocks or heavy objects, make sure they are completely secure. If it is still uneasy, screw them or use superglue to fix them securely. If it is not possible, the rule is simple: Do not place the item in the vivarium!

If you decide to go for a large enclosure, you must provide plenty of cover and hiding areas. A hiding place can be anything from an ice cream tub with a hole cut out to a naturalistic piece of cork bark. There are many brands of fake plants and décor you can use which is both safe for the animal and pleasing to the eye. Cork bark is available from almost any reptile pet shop in the UK, and can be ordered in if they do not have it in stock. This is excellent cover for any reptile and is 100% natural. One thing you must consider when thinking about the size of the vivarium, is the bigger you go, the more hiding areas you must provide. I recommend at least one hiding place per foot in length of the enclosure.

NOTE: Never use sticky tape in an enclosure; this is an accident waiting to happen. Believe me; removing sticky tape from any snake is no easy task!

Heating

Western Hognose snakes require a thermal gradient, meaning they must be allowed to move around the enclosure to find their required temperature. The hot end of the enclosure should be 84-88ºF while the cool end should be approximately 74-76ºF. During the night, the temperature should drop to a more constant overall temperature of 72-74º.

In my opinion, the ideal way of heating a Western Hognose enclosure is to use a power plate. This is a small thin square plate, about 25mm thick which is screwed into the top of the vivarium. It does not need to be protected, as there is no way a snake can grip onto it. It is almost invisible to the eye as it simply sits on the ceiling of the vivarium. The only brand available in the UK is HabiStat Reptile Radiator; it is 75 Watts and is sufficient for any vivarium up to 4ft long and possibly larger. It produces no light and therefore in a vivarium you will need a form of lighting as well. A power plate should be used in conjunction with a HabiStat Pulse Proportional Thermostat, which will stop the power reaching the power plate as soon as the temperature goes above the setting, and turn back on as soon as it is too cool. This is one of the most accurate thermostats on the market today.

Ceramic heaters, spot bulbs and heat mats are also ways of heating a vivarium. These all have their advantages and disadvantages, but in my opinion, none quite weigh out to be as good as a power plate.

Lighting

Western Hognose snakes are diurnal, meaning they venture out in the day time. This is when their prey is awake. They will often bask in the sun, so lighting should be offered.

Having artificial light in a vivarium is aesthetically pleasing to the owner, and is a good addition to a snake’s enclosure. They will use this as a photo-period, and their regular time clock will generally adjust to the settings on which you have your light set to.

They do not require any form of special lighting, such as a D3 Ultra-Violet light commonly used for lizards. An Arcadia Natural Sunlight Fluorescent Lamp is a good form of lighting. This comes in lengths of 12” up to 48” and I suggest you use the largest size able to fit inside your vivarium.

Humidity

Western Hognose Snakes are generally not exposed to a high humidity range in the wild, and in captivity you should not worry about controlling this. A fairly dry environment should be provided, although raising the humidity when the snake is coming up to a slough may aid in shedding its skin properly.

Feeding

Hatchlings should be offered pinky mice, and as they grow the mice should become larger. An adult Western Hognose snake should be fed on large size mice or small weaner rats. Hatchlings should be fed on a regular basis, every 4-5 days is ideal. Their metabolic rate is very high and as they are growing, they need a lot more food to keep them going. Adult Western Hognose snakes need feeding once every 2 weeks on 2 large mice, perhaps one for males. The only exception when they should be fed more is bringing them out of hibernation, getting them into condition for breeding and then, fattening up females for egg production. An egg-laying female should be fed more often than normal, once a week on 2 large mice.

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the Boston terrier:

Nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” the Boston terrier is a cross between an English White Terrier and an English bulldog, first originating sometime during the late 19th century. During that era, the breed was called Hooper’s Judge, weighing around 30 pounds. Over the years, the Boston terrier’s name changed and it was bred down in size. Although the early breed was classified as lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight, today they are usually between 10 and 25 pounds.

The interesting thing about the Boston terrier is that it was the first American breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893. During the late 1870s, these dogs were used for pit fighting but today, they are known as being the first non-sporting dog bred in the United States, a docile breed. Hitting a peak in popularity during the 1920s, the Boston terrier remains a nice choice for families although males tend to challenge other dogs for turf.

Physical Appearance

Again, the Boston terrier is not a large breed, being very compact but well proportioned. The dog has a short tail, short muzzle, and alert, erect ears. Height can vary but most dogs in this breed are between 15 and 17 inches at the withers. As with other terrier breeds, you will find the Boston terrier marked with various colors and color combinations, as indicated below.

* Black with White Markings

* Brindle

* Seal

* Combination of black, brindle, and seal

Regardless of the color of the terrier, the chest, band around the neck, muzzle, and partially up on the forelegs, along with the hocks and rear legs should be white. Then, for American Kennel Club standards, the Boston terrier should also present a white blaze that goes between the eyes but without touching.

Temperament and Personality

The most noticeable characteristics of the Boston terrier are alertness, gentleness, and excellent manners. Because of the sweet disposition of this breed, it makes an excellent companion dog. Typically, the breed loves being around people, specifically adults. However, if socialized young, they also do quite well around children and other animals. Interestingly, the Boston terrier is not a big barker. While they will alert when necessary, barking is seldom, making them a great choice for apartment-dwellers.

Health

For the most part, the Boston terrier is a strong, healthy breed. However, the breed does not handle heat and humidity well, which is because of the short muzzle. In fact, too much heat could lead to heat exhaustion. Although the average age of the Boston terrier is around 13, some will live to 15 or 16.

Due to the short muzzles, the Boston terrier does have a few considerations. For one thing, they can “reverse sneeze,” which is simply a gasp and snort. While it sounds horrible to the owner, this does not hurt the dog. If you find your Boston terrier becoming overly excited with an episode of reverse sneezing followed, just calm the dog down and the episode will stop.

Another non-dangerous tendency is to snort and snore, again because of the short muzzle. Depending on the dog, he or she may actually need minor surgery to help, making breathing easier. Therefore, if you feel your Boston terrier is not getting adequate air, we recommend you talk to your veterinarian. Finally, some Boston terriers will have eye problems such as ulcers. With a prominent eye structure, you would want to watch for any signs of injury or redness.

The Scottish Terrier is a big favorite among dog lovers and has been for some time, ranking well in the AKC popularity charts. Everyone recognizes the Scotty on sight, and he’s well known as a solid companion to both adults and children.

The Scottish Terrier is warm-hearted, discreet, sociable, brave, and prone to keeping a sharp eye on family activities. He isn’t as loud or reactive as some of the other terriers, so when he’s well trained, your eardrums should remain intact. The average Scottish Terrier weighs about 20 pounds. Unlike some terriers, his tail is left natural, not cut.

His convenient size, cheerful outlook and dramatic coloring has helped make the Scotty the popular all-around favorite he is today. Scotties come in many colors, from the classic solid black (with a red tartan bow, of course!) to wheaton and brindle. White patches or markings are a fault.

You’ll need to take your Scotty to the groomer’s several times a year. If you do, this minimal investment in appearance will pay off in a sharp-looking dog. But woe to owners who don’t take even that much care with the Scotty’s coat! Your poor pet will itch with matted dead hair that he’ll trail all over the house.

Occasionally, your Scotty will go through something resembling a molting process, in which case you’ll need him clipped quite short indeed. You can do this yourself or take him to a groomer, but it’s always a good idea to have a professional give you some tips if you opt to do it yourself.

The basic Scotty trim cuts the hair close on the head, neck, shoulders and body, but leaves ample fur on the lower parts, creating that distinctive and very attractive Scotty shape. This simple trim leads to a really nice-looking dog.

Investing on a good quality dog bed is one of the more important things a dog owner can do for their dog. A lot of people assume that getting a dog bed is an indulgence or a luxury. A good dog bed is far from that. Your dog needs a warm, supportive bed in just the same way that you do. A quality dog bed can provide security for your dog, as well as other far reaching benefits on their health and wellbeing. There are lots of different types of dog beds available. You can get small dog beds, large dog beds, quilted, water proofed and even fashionable dog beds!

One of the little understood benefits of a dog bed is the security it can provide for your dog. Many dogs suffer from anxiety and stress, especially when their owner is away for extended periods. Having a place that your dog can go to when they feel anxious or maybe when they just want some time-out can benefit your dogs’ emotional wellbeing. When you get your new dog bed, observe where your dog prefers to lie. Most dogs have a special area that they favor more than others. This is where you need to put your dogs’ new bed. This will be ‘their spot’.

A good quality dog bed will provide insulation for your dog especially during the night. It will also provide essential support from a hard cold floor. Although dogs will sleep on a floor, it is often uncomfortable for them. This is usually the reason that they sneak onto the furniture the minute you leave the house. Your dog will be glad of a comfy warm bed of its own.

In a lot of dogs, as they get older they will start to suffer from joint pain, arthritis and hip problems. This can occur in much younger dogs too. These ailments are just as painful for your dog as they are for humans. If your dog sleeps on a hard floor, or in an area where cold draughts exist it can compound the problem. An additional problem here is that your dog will probably not be sleeping well, which can lead to other problems such as lethargy and unwillingness to go for walks and exercise. Luckily for your dog, you can get orthopedic dog beds which are specially designed to provide relief for your dog from such symptoms.

Something else you will need to consider when getting a new dog bed is what size bed to get. The rule of thumb here is to measure your dog from head to toe when it is in its natural sleeping position. When you have this measurement you must add about 5 inches. This will be the size of bed you need to get. If you find it difficult to measure your dog sleeping, try measuring with your dog standing. This will give you a slightly longer measurement but will give you a rough idea what size you are looking for.

If you invest in a good quality dog bed that is washable, it may last the life time of your dog. Buying a cheaper bed is a false economy as these will quickly wear out. You can be sure that your dog will appreciate a new bed and with the added benefits discussed in this article, it’s well worth the investment.

Who says dogs and cats don’t like each other? When I was growing up we had a dog and cat that slept together their entire lives!

Two years ago, my daughter (who was over 22 at the time) came home with her then fiancé and plopped a month-old grey tabby with deformed paws into my lap. Cute as he was both her father and I had been saying since the passing of our own cat 8 years before, that we didn’t want another cat.

But our Labrador/retriever mix took one look at that little grey bundle and was so happy that she was practically dancing and howling around him! She kissed him and picked him up and put him in her bed! She proceeded to clean him from nose to tail tip and wouldn’t let anyone touch him for almost a week, unless it was to feed him. She trained him to behave and “told” our niece (in howls) not to take him out of her view, she actually goosed her away from her “baby”.

When we had to put her out when we left for work, the two of them would (still do) talk to each other through the glass sliding doors.

It didn’t take long before “Pepper” was a full member of our household. When it came time for our daughter and son-in-law to move, we knew Pepper would be staying right where he was-with us and his adopted “doggy” mom.

When you’re learning about something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders.

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training – the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.

Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.

If your dog training tip facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important dog training tip information slip by you.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training – the leash.

It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

There’s no doubt that the topic of dog training tip can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about dog training tip, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

If your idea of dog crates is the ordinary plain colored plastic boxes or wire cages, then you will be surprised at the variety of dog crates now available for your four-legged friend.

But how important are these dog crates? Dog crates are important because dogs, like humans, have an instinctive need for enclosed space to provide them protection, especially when they don’t feel well. When dogs feel tired, lonely, or insecure, they naturally want a den or a safe haven and a comfy space they can call their own. Without their own crate, dogs tend to develop bad habits and exhibit problem behaviors such as excessive chewing, lying on or beside furniture, and clinginess to their owners.

There’s good news for dog lovers who want a stylish dog crate that fits the needs of both dog and owner. There are designer dog crates that can fit perfectly in your lifestyle and with your home furnishings.

The crate is a must-have for dogs and can also be used for a variety of purposes. First, it is ideal for housetraining. You can simply take the dog outside after his nap or meal. Avoid playing with your pet until he has done what he is supposed to do. If he has not relieved himself after ten minutes, take him inside the crate. Repeat the routine after ten to fifteen minutes.

Second, crates are important protection from overeager toddlers. Kids need to understand that dogs need some rest. A blanket draped over a wire crate will teach kids that their pet needs to rest.

Third, crates can serve as playpen for puppies when their owners are not at home. A dog inside his crate will not wet the carpet or chew the furniture while you’re gone.

Fourth, crates can serve as sanctuary for an overexcited puppy. You need not let you pet dog terrorize the whole household, and don’t feel guilty that you are restricting his freedom. Sending the pup to his crate is like sending a child to his room. The dog will know that you are angry and he will feel comfortable inside the cage whole you collect your thoughts.

The more authentic information about pet grooming you know, the more likely people are to consider you a pet grooming expert. Read on for even more facts that you can share.

We all know that basic dog grooming or cat grooming is a necessary evil, but do we give our animals all that they deserve? Do we even know what kind of dog grooming supplies we need? Why own a pet at all if we are not going to love and care for it properly? There are so many animal facilities available, both stationary and mobile, there is absolutely no excuse for an unkempt animal. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, horse or other animal you care for it is imperative that they get the attention they deserve.

Admittedly there are a few owners that go way overboard when it comes to their pets. There are places that will provide exercise and socialization, spa treatments and even birthday parties. Some owners think of their pet as a family member and indulge them unmercifully. When it comes to cucumber facial masks and aromatherapy that may be taking things a bit too far, but that is an owner’s exclusive right or privilege. However, this article is not concerned with overindulgence, but with the basic necessity of rabbit , horse or cat grooming plus shih tzu, poodle or other types of dog grooming. A well-groomed animal is much easier to love.

So exactly what does pet grooming involve? What type of dog grooming products do we need? The basics to cat or dog grooming, and even the job to groom other animals for that matter, is simple. It boils down to a shower, shave and a haircut along with a couple of other easy procedures. Obviously, keeping your animal’s hair the proper length is very important for its appearance. This can involve either cutting or brushing the hair. Some pets never need a cut while others look much better with an occasional clipping. With some animals regular brushing will be enough to keep the hair nice and neat.

Bathing is another important step in keeping your pet groomed properly. This is a simple matter of hosing them down, rubbing in some shampoo and then rinsing them off. This can be done in a tub or outside with a garden hose. With regular bathing and brushing 90 percent of the chore is done. The other main ingredients to successfully keeping your pet looking its best are using clippers for clipping nails and possibly a little flea control. There is not much more to it than that. Sure, it is possible to spend a lot more time and money on mobile pet grooming, pet grooming supplies, oiling down the coat, tools, products and other extravagances, but it is not really necessary. Now if you have a show animal on the other hand it becomes a whole new ball game. But the basics are simple, wash, cut or brush, clip and flea control.

If you are the lazy type or just do not have enough time to spend on this job it is a simple matter of finding a mobile pet grooming company that will do the job for you. Or even a dog grooming school. Of course you will pay more, but if having your animal look its best is important to you this is certainly a consideration. If you are going to do the work yourself you might want to search for some online instructions, videos or tips.

You cannot predict when knowing something extra about pet grooming will come in handy. If you learned anything new in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again. As your knowledge about pet grooming continues to grow, you will begin to see how important of a subject this really is.

So you’ve finally talked your Mom and Dad or your Teacher into getting you a pet for your home or classroom, and you’re thinking of something a little different. How about a reptile? They don’t take up much space, are fun to watch and you will have fun building them a fascinating terrarium environment as well.

If you want to put together your own Reptile Terrarium there are some things to think about..

• Most reptiles need a place to bask. Many reptiles are active during the daytime and love to sit under a light, so you’ll need to provide one of these for your Reptile Terrarium. Being cold-blooded, reptiles need some heat to get their blood moving and to help them digest. A reptile basking lamp of the appropriate wattage should be placed in the center or off to one side of the terrarium so you can see your pet reptile easier (not hidden in the background). An interesting place for your reptile to sit and bask under the lamp would perhaps be an unusual piece of driftwood, a bamboo root, a jungle vine or even a twisted tambora wood root.
• Reptiles need a place to hide. Like you, your pet will probably want some time to be alone and a couple of hiding places should be provided in their home. Think about having some pieces of wood or vines in their home with holes or spaces behind them for your pet to snooze in. Pet reptiles love to explore all the nooks and crannies you have put in their cages, so have fun designing a really nice terrarium.
• Reptiles need a place to watch the world from. Your reptile will love having a place to run up and look down on the rest of his home from. Think about placing something inside the area which is fairly high but can easily be scampered up. A real jungle vine put into the terrarium at an angle will also give your pet reptile the opportunity to get a little closer to the light and warm up on chilly days.
• Create a terrarium that looks natural. Reptiles are not your traditional domesticated pets, and many of them come from the wild. So it makes sense to provide a home for them that looks like one they would have lived in, if they were living in the wild. Decorating your reptile terrarium with natural products is not only fun, but helps to make your reptile pet feel more secure and enjoy his new home. Try mixing together a variety of stone, jungle vines and root hiding places and more to create an unusual and lifelike environment for your reptile pet.

Do It Yourself Guide on How to Create a Great Reptile Terrarium

• Place a good base of bedding on the bottom of your new reptile tank. Calcium sand, aspen bedding and reptile bark all make good bedding choices for reptile terrariums. But speak with your local pet store or read more about the species of reptile pet you plan to house, so you know for sure what he/she will like the best. It is sensible to use bedding that is easy to replace when cleaning time comes around. Tropical moss, bark chunks or leaves provide an interesting addition to the base bedding as long as they are thoroughly cleaned before being placed into your reptile terrarium.

• Place your basking lamp on the top above the screen to provide loads of light and warmth for your reptile to warm up to. Again,’ its best to talk with your local pet store, or read up on the species you plan to keep to ensure you choose the right kind of lighting/heating so your pet reptile stays happy and healthy for many years to come.

• Choose a selection of natural terrarium decorations for your pet to play on, hide in, scamper over and bask on. Stones, slate pieces, bamboo roots, jungle vines and hollow logs are ideal additions to any reptile terrarium. Make sure these are placed in the reptile tank carefully so they are stable and will not wobble or fall and hurt your pet.

• Keep it clean. Don’t forget to remove uneaten food and waste from the cage quickly. Rotting slices of fruit or vegetables, or dead bugs are just not nice to look at (and your Mom or Teacher will complain too). Just like caring for other pets, a clean environment is very important for pet reptiles too. Think about where you will place your feeding bowls or where the water is going to be placed in the cage.

• Ventilation is important so choose a reptile cage or aquarium that has plenty of ventilation.

• Choose your reptiles well and make sure they are species that are easy to care for and will live for many years in the type of reptile terrarium you plan to build. Also keep in mind that many reptiles are sold as babies that will grow quickly and need a bigger enclosure soon. When that time comes, you may wish to expand or purchase a new cage for your reptiles, and add some new terrarium decorations to their environment.

• Keep it looking fresh. Replace any decorations that have become worn or tired looking. Your reptiles will love a new and exciting change from time to time.

Most importantly!!! Enjoy your new pet reptile and ensure their home is as fun for your pet reptile to live in as it is for you to watch!