Monthly Archives: April 2011

Ear Mites Can Be Treated

Will you find out if the cat has ear mites? If you can see the signs in its initial phases, regardless of how minor an ailment it can be, then the probability of limiting any kind of long-term damage is increased remarkable. This is extremely true with cat ear mites.

Should your cat pick up this fractious virus, the symptoms can be quite apparent. Ear mites will undoubtedly induce your cat to move its head frequently. As well as the constant scratching of the infected ear, it’s also wise to hunt for any blood or discharge coming from the ear. Because an afflicted area will split because of frequent scratching, there may also be a putrid smell. In case your cat exhibits some of these signs, you can be relatively sure it’s got ear mites.

There is a variety of reasons for cat ear mites. Included in these are common bacteria as wll as candida albicans and parasitical mites affixing themselves to your pet’s ear. Because they are fascinated by wax, it is critical that keeping your cat’s ear clean is on the highest on the list. In case your cat is contaminated, there could be significant long lasting effects if a mite remains untreated, as an example, rupturing of the blood vessels around the ear, and disfigurement.

Luckily, your cat has a great deal of treatments available, both traditional and alternative. In case you follow the traditional treatment, the the first thing that will probably happen is for a vet to scrub your cat’s ears by using a method referred to as flushing. This needs to be carried out by your vet, since there is the likelihood that you may hurt your cat if not done right.

The next process, your vet will set your cat on a therapy for drugs or antibiotics. As with therapies which are applied in opposition to fleas, these programs may perhaps last as much as four weeks, to make certain that both the original ear mites and any eggs which were laid are demolished. If the infection has spread, which normally happens, then a specialist flea cure such as shampoo or powder should be used.
Then again, you can also find non conventional strategies of coping with cat ear mites. Considering that antibiotics may actually reduce a pet’s defenses to particular ailments, they are often less favorable in the end.

Though cat ear mites are incredibly irritating for your pet involved, by looking out for as well as knowing the symptoms, and retaining your cat’s ears clean, it is possible to deal with this issue speedily and minimize the pain to your pet. 

Don’t Let Your Male Cat Urinate In The Residence

At any time your cat backs himself up to a door or other report in your house, lifts his tail, and releases urine – you have a conundrum. This difficult is regarded as spraying, and is very common with pet cats kept inside. Even nevertheless it is a quite grating unruly, it’s a setback that can be solved.

Contrary to what quite a few think, spraying isn’t a litter box quandary, but really a puzzle with marking. Cat urine that is sprayed consists of pheromones, which is a substance the pet cats and other animals use for speaking. Pheromones are a lot like fingerprints with humans, as they are worn to hyperlink the cat to other creatures.

When the cat sprays something, he is merely marking his territory via his urine. The spraying is austerely the cat’s way of charter others understand that the territory is his. Even nonetheless it may make you mad and frustrate you, getting livid with your cat can describe nothing. If you produce your declare or display to angry towards your cat, it can quite well findings in a lot more spraying.

Mice that are in depth are certainly captivated to the whiff of urine. For pet cats in ardor, spraying is far more or minus an invite for dearest. Usually instances cats that spray while in heat consequence in a litter of kittens that are untaught in just a few midstream months. Maintain in heed the kittens not only spray through fervor, as some will additionally spray throughout encounters with other mice, or, when they are affections stressed.

Despite the fact that spraying is a way of speaking for cats, the cats urine smell for people is atrocious. The good thing here is that most cats will do adulthood of their spraying past. If you have an internal cat that never goes outside, spraying can certainly be a hindrance. If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.

The most effectual and the easiest way to finish spraying is to have your cat moreover neutered or spayed, which of course depends on the sex. Most male cats that have been neutered will hinder spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, you should look into other options. If you prospect to one day breed your cat, you certainly don’t want to have him neutered or spayed.

The best thing to do in this location is to lecture to your veterinarian. He will be able to give you counsel, and maybe even explain the quandary lacking having surgery. There may be a checkup problem near that is causing the problem, which your vet can classify. You should always do something about spraying the second it starts – merely because cats urine odor stinks and it can hold off intrinsic and extrinsic stains all over your home.

Things that must be done if the dog dies

The family will certainly be devastated at the death of the family dog. It is not surprising if the death of the pet will deeply affect the family given that dogs are really considered as members of the family. Children form legendary attachment with dogs thus when the pet dies, the children are the most affected. However this is one of inevitable times that have to be faced . This is a good opportunity for the parents to explain to the grieving child the realities of life

About six hours after the death, the dog will start to smell as the body begins to decompose. Preparations therefore for the disposal of the body must be done before the smell permeates the whole house. Rigor mortis makes the limbs difficult to manipulate thus any necessary preparations for the body must be done before it has stiffened. This way you can easily position the body to prevent breakage. After death; the muscles loosen up causing body fluids to leak. Before storing the body, you need to remove excrement from the mouth and from the anal and genital area of the dog. Position the limbs so that it will appear as if the dog is sleeping all curled up. Wrap the body with a blanket before placing it in a garbage bag.

An owner can choose how the body of the pet can be disposed. If space is available, the dog can be buried in the garden. A simple funeral service will not only allow a child to say goodbye to the pet but put a closure to the sad experience. A meaningful message on a simple headstone will signify the resting place of a dear loyal friend . If garden burial is not available you can have the remains cremated or buried in a pet cemetery.

You can have the body of the dog stored in a pet cemetery or a veterinary facility while arrangement for the pet’s burial are being made . You can have the dog buried in one of the lots offered by pet cemeteries. Similar to human cemeteries, these animal graveyards are beautiful and well administered resting places.

A pet owner can also choose to have the remains of the pet cremated. Pet crematoriums will do all the arrangements from picking up the body to spreading the ashes . Owners wishing to keep the ashes of the pet can have it delivered in an urn. The thought that the pet will stay with the family is comforting to owners that have formed a strong bond with the pet.

What to do if your dog dies? Sarah’s Dogs have more answers to this common dog behaviour as well as information on first aid for dogs.

How to: Find Your Lost Dog or Cat With PetAmberAlert.com

When the lost dog or cat is your own, it’s difficult to think straight. A pet is a member of your family, after all. Having a plan in place results in the best possible outcome for lost dogs and cats, and that plan should include the use of an alert system such as PetAmberAlert.com. The following “How to: Find Your Lost Dog or Cat With PetAmberAlert.com” article will prepare you for the unfortunate event of your dog or cat getting lost.

 

As soon as you discover your pet has gone missing, designate family members and friends to search the neighborhood. This is best done by car, as a pet can travel a great distance in a short amount of time. While your searchers are out, go to PetAmberAlert.com to begin the process of sending out a lost dog or cat alert. PetAmberAlert.com has three levels of alerts: poster, phone and the combined poster/phone alert.

 

The combined poster/phone alert combines all of the services of the alert system and is your best bet. Prices for this alert begin at $100, and the alert includes the design of a poster featuring a photo of your pet, its name, age, breed, color and location last seen, plus your contact info. Within a day, PetAmberAlert.com faxes and emails the poster to up to 500 local businesses and organizations – veterinary offices and hospitals, animal shelters, rescue groups and pet stores – within a 10- to 70-mile radius. It also goes to your local animal-control lost dog shelter, days before the designated euthanasia/adoption hold expires.

 

The alert also goes out by phone. Upon reporting your lost dog or cat, PetAmberAlert.com notifies up to 10,000 of your neighbors and nearby residents via a personalized recorded message. The message contains all of the information found on the poster.

 

PetAmberAlert.com has the largest and most accurate database for these purposes in the United States and Canada. As an emergency response service, it also is exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry. When it comes to finding a lost dog or cat, PetAmberAlert.com covers more ground in a day than you could in weeks. The success rate for lost dogs and cats, whether found by a neighbor or at the lost dog shelter, is 85 percent when the alert goes out within the first week.

 

Before your pet becomes lost, consider purchasing PetAmberAlert.com’s ID Tag and Protection Program. The tag allows you to preregister your pet with the alert system, saving valuable time in the search. For more information about the alert system for lost dogs and cats and the protection program, visit PetAmberAlert.com or call the service’s emergency hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (877) 875-7387.

 

About the Author: Dolly Mello writes about pet-related issues for a variety of publications. She recently learned about PetAmberAlert.com through a neighbor who used it to find her beloved Boston terrier at the lost dog shelter. The author wouldn’t hesitate to use the service if any of her pets were to go missing. Lost dogs need all the help they can get to return home safely.   

A dog’s snow eating habit

The first snow fall is the sign that the fun winter activities of dog owner and pet is about to begin. The four legged friend will be comfortable in the near freezing temperature as it will be fully insulated by the thick fur. Sledding and tobogganing – the pet will be a most entertaining companion. Most dog owners though would be concerned about the pet’s inclination to eat snow. Although the habit to eat snow would be much better than eating rotting animals and feces, eating snow cannot be totally danger free. People love eating snow topped with brightly colored fruit flavored syrup.

Snow with fresh or candied fruit toppings is also a favorite dessert. Apparently dogs do have many similarities with their human friends as these animals love eating snow too. Dogs are not fastidious eaters as they would love to eat even unflavored snow. Haven’t you ever wondered why the dog loves to eat snow? Does the dog turns to snow because the water bowl is always empty?

By eating snow, dogs in the wild have survived the winter months when the rivers and streams are frozen. Modern day dogs don’t need to fend for themselves as the owners provide the pet with all its basic needs as well as all the comforts imaginable. Dogs though are very curious animals. The glistening snow would not fail to catch the attention of the inquisitive dog. The freshness of the snow on the warm tongue as well as the crunching sound will motivate the dog to get another mouthful. Because snow eating is not dangerous, the dog owner would not prevent a pet that seems to get so much pleasure from eating snow.

If the dog’s stomach is filled with snow, the dog’s body temperature will be lowered. This will trigger a shivering reflex that may lead to hypothermia. The dog’s habit of eating snow can have another dangerous effect – poisoning. Instead of being topped with brightly colored and fruit flavored syrup like the snow people love to eat, the dog may be eating snow topped with anti freeze or other toxic substances. Snow eating for the dog can result to poisoning.

A dog that has the tendency to eat snow may be suffering from a health concern. The dog’s propensity to ingest snow may be due to an undiagnosed health concern like kidney or thyroid disease. Dogs are voracious eaters but Cushing’s disease and diabetes will increase the dog’s inclination to eat. These medical concerns have to be addressed to curb the dog’s inclination to eat snow.

At Sarah’s Dogs you can learn more about why dogs eat snow as well as dog first aid and other common dog behaviors.

Dog Crates and How Apartment Dwellers Should Deal With Them

Having to go through dog housebreaking is tough and quite a few employ using a dog crate to help achieve this purpose. Necessary as it is, dog crates often create some trouble for those with pets. As inconvenient as they may be for pet buffs with large homes, they are a lot more so for those who live in apartments and need to make use of every little space available.

Even small dog’s crate can bring up space concerns for people with size-restricted spaces. In addition, the most cost effective dog crates generally come in a single material: metal wire; and in two surface finishes: black or silver. The shades are neutral enough however a dog crate’s design is pretty basic, it’s a rectangular, cage-like structure. It doesn’t really translate as the pup’s personal bedroom; frequently, the dog crate’s wire bars and make them looking like a personal prison cell. 

Searching for a good work around on the look and feel of the dog crate for you as well as your dog’s sakes doesn’t need to be a Herculean task, nor does it have to cost an arm and a leg. To deal with this artistic challenge that is the metal wire “box” as well as the spatial problem of apartment dwellers is workable with the right alternative: dog crate covers.

These dog crate covers can deal with the two issues singlehandedly. First, these inexpensive solutions produce a visually attractive concealment for that metal eyesore of the dog crate-all while keeping suitable ventilation for the dog’s new personal hideaway. Second, it can offer the space your dog’s crate uses up one other purpose; it can now be used being an end table or being an extra seat. Plus, an added touch which will make the dog crate cover blend flawlessly into your home, you can customize it by picking out colors, detailing-like beadboard paneling or other type of surface covering, and even those accessories like the upholstered cushions and any fabric you have chosen.

You can always find solutions you can find. Many of them are from people who’ve encountered identical problems and came up with an expedient means of solving it. Although not all of us are good with cabinetry or woodworking tools, we can easily always point, click, and specify what we like and let the professionals do it for us. Furthermore, as they’ve came across these very problems themselves and probably have pets themselves, they have a good understanding of your needs and your dog’s as well.  

The Latest Trend in Dog Apparel

It is the responsibility of a pet owner to provide their dogs with the basic needs like food and shelter. Grooming your beloved dog is a part of this responsibility. You groom your dogs not only to look good, but it also helps them to have a clean and healthy skin and shining coat. It also includes regular trimming of nails, brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears and eyes. You can do these yourselves or you can choose to utilize the services of a dog groomer.

There are dog owner who pamper their pets by providing them with things beyond the basic needs of a dog. As most dog lovers treat their dog as part of the family, they most likely bring them along wherever the possibility arises. They also give their dogs gifts during holidays. personalised water and food bowls, sweaters, collars and leashes are readily available in the market and are given as a gift. This latest trend in dog products pave way to a company that provides dog accessories but instead of personalized products, they offer sports apparel for your dog. DoggieNation specializes in this kind of product.

So if you happen to be a sport fanatic, would it be great to see your dog wearing a jersey of your favorite football team? Or drinking or eating in a bowl with the logo of your much loved hockey team? Or if you walk your dog, you will be proud that people will see you are a big fan of baseball by your dog’s collar and leash.  DoogieNation provides this kind of products for your dog. Aside from jerseys, bowls, collar and leash, they also offer bandanas, mats, t-shirts, sweaters and toys with logos of your favorite teams. You can find your favorite teams in MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA, NASCAR and MLS. These products are formally licensed by the different leagues. DoggieNation also offers bath tubs, carriers and strollers.

If you shop online they offer free shipping within the United States by simply joining their mailing list, and they will send you an update on their current offers and shipping promotions. You can avail of their online gift certificate and have it delivered without holdup. You can also avail of DoggieNation’s wholesale promotion with a “no minimum” policy. You can shop on line by visiting their website. Key in doggienation.com and you will see for yourself the wide choices of dog apparel and other accessories.

Things To Keep In Mind When Building A Chicken Coop

A chicken coop is a great addition to any home and you may be ready to raise chickens and this will provide you with fresh eggs that you can use all year. Chickens can be a lot of fun and this is a great way to teach small children about raising chickens and they can be involved in all of their care.

The placement of your chicken coop is a big factor when you are in the beginning phases of your coop. You want to make sure that your chicken coop is close enough to your home so that it does not become a chore to take care of your chickens each day. You may want to take a close look at your space and determine where the best spot will be and then make a plan.

You may not be aware of how many predators will be interested in making a meal out of your chickens and you want to make sure that you keep this in mind when you are building your chicken coop.

You need a coop that is sturdy enough to keep your chickens free from harm, especially during the night hours. The weather where you live should also be a factor and you want to make sure that your chickens stay warm during the winter months.

Your chicken coop should be attractive. This building is going to be on your property and you would be surprised at what you can do with some simple paint or stain. You will likely be looking at this coop on a daily basis and why not make it appealing to the eye. If you have neighbors this may make them happier also. A good idea is to draw up some chicken coop plans to begin with.

A light source may be a good idea to help add a layer of warmth especially during the night. If you use light as a heat source it will also allow you to see your chickens during the night and this can give them an extra layer of protection.

You should also be careful with the placement of the windows in your chicken coop and you want to make sure that they face in a south direction in order for your coop to get sunlight which can help naturally provide heat and ventilation.

Building your chicken coop can be very exciting and once you have completed this task you may have a great feeling of accomplishment. This can help you achieve something as a family and this is a great way to bond with your family and you will be able to take care of the chickens together also.

Fundamental Dog training Command: The “Come” Command

One of the earliest indispensable dog training abilities that most people desire to learn with their new dog or puppy is the best way to educate him to return when named. This really is a an extremely essential command for any dog owner to master. 

An obedient canine who comes when called by hisowner is considerably more likely to stay out of every types of problem. You can avert him from coming into fights with other dogs, intimidating children, getting muddy in circumstances where you don’t want that, and you may often keep him off the highway and out of danger easily by calling him to you at the best instant.

It appears that this essential dog training aptitude would be a very uncomplicated thing to teach your pooch. However, there are numerous reasons why pet dogs and puppies do not want to leave whatever exciting thing they were doing and come to you each time you shout. They adore to discover and to find out every of the engaging essences that they stumble upon when they’re taking a hike. 

This indicates that as a way to tutor the pet dog to come every time, rather than only when he has nothing more advantageously to do, you may have to create certain sort of retribution. The idea of gratifying pets for the appropriate comportment is ordinary to all fundamental dog training procedures. 

The principal sorts of bonus that you may employ with a dog are congratulations or other forms of positive consideration, and treats. When you start out with rudimentary dog training you will prefer to reduce the confusions so that your puppy realizes the bond between coming to you when named and getting a treat. 

The less distractions you have, the sooner he will learn that these 2 events are not occuring mutually by absolute hazard. Thus it is fundamental to commence training him in the domicile in a one-on-one condition when there’s nobody else around. You will begin giving himreward and a treat. When he appreciates that ‘Come’ or ‘Come here’ indicates hemust come to you, you can move the training to outside. You may discover it functional to start by putting him/her on a long leash. This will stop him/her leaving so distant that heare not able to hear you clearly.

When he has learned the skill systematically, you may end giving the goodies. But in no way stop giving the praise. Even when he is twenty years old you should still praise him for approaching to you when he is called.

Make certain that you only reward him in this special means for coming when you name him, and not for coming to you at other times. You have to be the one who is responsible.

Consider that a canine doesn’t have a long concentration span for most things. The instruction need to be brief so that the pet does not become bored or annoyed. 

Another thing to watch out for is your tone of voice. People are used to speak to pets in a serious or stern voice when they’re attempting to teach them. This really is not helpful because the dog will think you are annoyed before you even begin. This will make the teaching traumatic for him. So seek to employ your regular voice the vast majority of the time when you are beginning with basic dog training.

Dog First Aid – Limping

There are various reasons why a dog would limp. Limping can be a trick learned by the dog to entertain the family. But we are aware that dogs are very active animals and they also have high prey drives thus injuries that would cause the dog to limp can happen. A sprain, a stone that was lodged between the dog’s toes, a thorn that was embedded on the dog’s paws would make walking difficult for the pet. The limping of the dog can be due to a broken nail. Limping that is caused by these conditions is not serious so that the dog will be able to walk normally even without treatment.

Treatment though would be necessary for some kinds of limping. Urgent treatment may be necessary to prevent further damage that can cause permanent lameness. Limping can happen to all dogs but this condition is more common in large breeds because the legs and the feet are encumbered by the body weight. Even the normal activities of playing and running can result to cuts, sprains and torn ligaments.

A dog owner has to have first aid knowledge as emergency care will be needed to help the pet. As with any kind of injury, immediate treatment makes for speedy recovery. Emergency care can save the pet from the pain as well. A dog owner that see the dog limping will know at once that the pet has an injury.

The first reaction of a caring dog owner is to see what is wrong with the pet. The paw, foot and leg must be thoroughly examined for cuts, swelling and other abnormalities. Debris and foreign objects stuck between the toes must be removed. The toes and the joints of the feet must be examined for signs of sprain. A sprain would make the dog yelp. Dogs have the inclination to wander so that the limping is often caused by a cut paw.

A wound or a broken nail must be washed thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with sterile gauze to prevent dirt from getting into the wound. The dog’s limping can be due to fractures or dislocation. Never try to set the bone or realign the dislocated joints. Only vets and qualified people can manage these kinds of injuries. However, the dog owner can prevent further damage by splinting the injured foot with rolled newspaper or with a flexible wire that can be bent into the shape of the dog’s foot. Wrapped in gauze or a strip of cloth, the splint will immobilize the injured foot to prevent further damage.

Learn more about limping as well as first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.