Archive for February, 2010

Raw Food Can Heal -And Hurt- Your Cat

Raw food for cats and dogs is the new house-hold word. It may have been at least one positive benefit of the many pet food recalls the past few years. Suppliers making raw food have been sprouting up like mushrooms. While that is a terrific thing, you will need to conduct some research of the food, especially if your pet is a cat. Many manufacturers will make the same raw food for dogs and cats with the problem that cats have very specific requirements which are different from dogs.

When you decide to buy prepared raw food for your kitty, here are some things you HAVE to look out for:

1.Calcium/Phosphorus ratio. Felines have quite a narrow range of the calcium to phosphorus content of their diet. The best range for cats is 1.2 – 1.4:1 Calcium is found in bone and phosphorous is found in muscle meat and organs. Not only will Various types of meat have various levels of phosphorous, but thigh meat will have different amounts than breast meat.It is essential that the raw food you buy follow the above mentioned ratio. If the information is not readily available on the manufacturers web site, nor on the package, (which is all too common) you will need to email or call them. Make sure you get a definitive answer with the exact numbers including how they arrived to them. An imbalance of Calcium and Phosphorous can cause a serious problems. Then we have the:

2.Amount of Vegetable matter. Adding some vegetables to a feline diet is OK as long as it is a small percentage. 3-5% is OK. The food you feed should contain max 10% veggies. The percentage may not be available and you may need to contact the manufacturer. Garlic and onions can cause anemia in cats and should never be used. Tomatoes can exacerbate arthritis and most vegetables will raise the urinary pH which can cause urinary tract issues. Herbs should never be used long term and are frequently added to raw prepared diets.

3.Organ meats. Does the food contain organ meats and at what proportion? Feline diets should contain approximately 10% organ meats. Organs provide important vitamins and other nutrients vital for the cat.

4.Taurine. Taurine is an essential amino acid. Cats are unable to synthesize Taurine, therefore it needs to be provided in the food. In the wild cats naturally consume meats and prey high in Taurine. Mice are naturally very high in Taurine. A cat eating plenty of mice would be assured of their Taurine requirement. But what cat eats fresh mice regularly? While all meats contain Taurine to some degree, handling and freezing the meat diminishes the amount. Some meats, like rabbit have a dangeroulsy low amount of Taurine while chicken hearts have a high amount. Why keep track of all that when it is so easy to add some taurine yourself? Not only is taurine inexpensive it takes a second to add some to the food at the time of feeding. We recommend about 1000 mg per pound of meat. In the early days of commercial pet food, thousands of cats died before the pet food companies discovered that they have to add taurine. Taurine deficiencies can cause blindness and heart disease which can be fatal.

Raw food is ideal for dogs and cats. They are carnivores after all…but buyer beware. Make sure what you feed is properly balanced. Ask until you get the answers, and move on if the answers aren’t coming, or don’t provide the information you seek.

Pet Food Coupons can help you save on your pet care bills! Dog Food Coupons and other great deals on our website. We find the deals so you don’t have to.

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Tips On Puppy Potty Training

Puppy potty training may very well be one of the most difficult aspects of bringing home a new puppy. It requires vigilance and a dedication to constant supervision. It also requires a great deal of patience. No one enjoys the idea of a puppy going potty in the all the wrong places. We work hard to keep our homes clean and we do not enjoy those surprise methods.

The truth is that most people start off with a relatively patient attitude. After a few successful potty trips outside our expectations start to change. Some of us even take it personally when our pups don’t quite make it outside after a few weeks. Consistent training is essential to get the point across. Without consistency your puppy ends up confused.

It’s best if you can keep your dog in the same room with you. If you have areas of your house that are not used frequently it becomes a tempting indoor toilet for your pup. Instead, rigging a puppy gate that keeps him from leaving your line of sight can make a huge difference when it comes to helping him become more successful.

Keeping him in your close proximity is also helpful for you. You don’t have to stop what you’re doing to find out where he keeps wandering off to. You can do other things while you make sure he is behaving in a way that you find appropriate. This also helps reduce chewing issues. A schedule of trips outside can be very helpful for both of you. Puppies naturally need to go in the middle of or at the end of a play time, after eating, when they first wake, and before you all hit the bed for the night.

Reward him every single time he goes in the right place. Reward works much better than punishment. You should not be striking him or rubbing his nose in his mess. Instead, you should be throwing a party complete with treats every time he gets it right. If you find that he is still going in the house, make sure you nab him up in the middle of doing his business. Carry him directly outside and do not let him back in until he has finished his deal.

Make sure he knows every time he is successful and give him a schedule he can rely so his puppy potty training can be successful. Don’t move away from the routine for several months. Otherwise you can have slip ups that frustrate you.

Puppy potty training can be complicated by health factors. It can also become more complex if your dog starts to sexually mature. Often nearing the sexual maturity mark can mean a return of accidents in the house.

Crate training can help a great deal with puppy potty training. He can learn to hold it better when it means he has to sleep with it while you’re gone. Puppies do not like to have to live and eat where they take care of business, and thus crate training can be a wonderful tool in breaking the accident cycle.

So you have a new puppy? They can be wonderful but now you have to do the fun puppy potty training. There are ways to help you house train your pet simply. Find them out now! Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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Find A Great Pet In A Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a level tempered dog that you might see being used as a therapy dog. They are known to have a high capacity to think independently and are very smart dogs. Terriers are extremely agile and have powerful jumping ability.

The Border Terrier enjoys running, which means that you need to keep them extremely active. They come from a long line of foxhunters, used by hunter’s to flush the fox out of the hole as well as hunting badgers and otters. They are extremely fast with the capabilities of jumping very high considering the shortness of their legs.

Beware of these little runners, they have been known to chase many a small animal like cats, mice and others. It’s in their blood but you can break the habit if the Border Terrier is raised with the animal. But when you are outside your domain, keep an eye on them because they can disappear in a flash if something catches their eye.

Keep an eye on your Border Terrier when it comes to small toys around the house. They are known to chew, destroy and consume these little stuffed toys. Watch out for them become lethargic, they may be unable sleep or aren’t interested in affection. These can be signs that the dog has ingesting something.

There are times with these dogs when they just love to sit and watch all the activity going on around them. You can be out for a leisurely walk and suddenly your Border Terrier will plop down and refuse to continue. Tiredness can often bring this type of behavior on as well.

As with all breeds, these dogs tend to be prone to cataracts, retinal disease and hip Dysplasia. Seizures and juvenile diabetes are also an issues and it’s very important to know that they are very sensitive to anesthetics however they are slow to put under despite their small size. This little dynamo can also have a high threshold of pain so if injured you might not even know.

The Border Terrier has a weather and dirt resistant coat which needs brushing. Hand stripping and weekly brushings can keep their shedding down. As adults these dogs will typically weigh in at about 15 pounds.

Exercise should be a big part of your Border Terrier’s life. They are very active and we can curb this behavior by consistent command training from an early age. Their willingness to please makes training your Border Terrier easier then other dogs.

Border Terrier’s can be a nice addition to you family, just remember their limitations. Socializing your dog early on can minimize the confrontational attitude of this dog. While it’s not displayed often, it can occur so keep a watchful eye on your new pup and all should go well.

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One Method for Keeping Dogs Living Longer

You now have had a dog for about 2 years you say. So you are fairly accustomed to giving it good care. You water and also feed it on a daily schedule, and you take good care of its coat too. But you are asking for advice on how to help your dog survive healthier and longer. So here is a method that is easy to do and will result in your dog surviving longer and healthier.

Feeding your dog carefully is important to its health. Look for dog food that gives it totally daily nutrients. For a long time it has been advised not to feed your dog from the table scraps, that you and your family leave behind after a meal. It could cause your pet to put on excess weight.

The food that is specially made for dogs try to control the amount of fats that the dog would consume. There are various categories for the dog food which are adults, puppies, and dogs of the senior ages. Each category is made to help the dog in their development, at the age they are at.

Make sure that you put out water every day for your dog. Similar to humans, they need to be hydrated too. So be certain that your dog’s water bowl is refreshed when necessary, or purchase the type of water bowl that has a container that feeds water to the bowl automatically.

Brush and comb your dog to groom them as they need. Daily brushing can be done but bathing should be done maybe every two weeks, or when the dog gets overly dirty playing outside. Part of the dog’s health is their healthy coat.

Make sure your dog is getting enough doily exercise; you have a variety of activities to do with your dog that will provide the exercise. If you walk for your exercise just take your dog with you, he or she will love it. Fetching things like balls, sticks, or a Frisbee will do too; many times the dogs will run gleefully to retrieve these items. Swimming is another activity that a dog can do with you for exercise, whether it is a lake or a pool. There are various types of competitions that are regularly held for dogs to be put through their paces doing different tasks. There is now what is called dog parks, which are where dogs play with different dogs.

Yearly checkups at the vet office are required for the health of your dogs. Vaccine for rabies and other diseases need to be given to the dog annually. The health of the dog’s ears and teeth are crucial to their health. It would be quite hard for your dog to consume nourishment if their teeth would be lost. Infection can occur in the ears if they are not properly cleaned and checked. The vet is the main person who can help you keep your dog in great shape.

Just do these tips and add a good dose of love to make you dog live more years. Your dog is a family member and when one is lost it is truly heart crushing, so make sure to care for your dog correctly. In this way the dog will stay part of the family for many more years.

As a pet owner you’ll find a ton of things you must learn. An important thing is to get pet health insurance to make sure your pet is covered. Most owners of cats will go look for cheap cat insurance and buy poor coverage. Don’t let the price be the only thing you look at.

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Dog Biting Problems

Out of all the dog behavioral problems, biting is considered to be the worst and the most serious. Even if your dog goes on the couch quite often, it might not present you as much problem as from a biting behavior. Some communities insist on putting the dog down if he bites someone severely. If your dog has a biting problem it can even mean the end of his life. So you have to take immediate action to solve the biting problem of your dog.

On the other hand, biting problems are common and quite normal in case of puppies. This problem arises mostly during their teething period when they have an uncontrollable urge to chew and bite on anything and everything. Though a puppy bite might break your skin it will not pose any other serious problems. However, this is the right time and age to train your puppy not to bite ever again

You do not have to be cruel or give harsh punishments to train your puppy. They are very sensitive creatures and all you need to make them repent is a firm No! or a censorious Bad Dog, whenever they try to bite you. When your puppy bites you, pull your hand away and repeat the firm phrase again and again which will make him realize that he is hurting you.

Most often a dog bites due to some psychological reasons. A dog takes a bite not just because he wants to hurt something or someone. They also bite to hold on to something or they bite a person or another dog to warn them of something, or they bite just for the joy of it. The best way to break the biting problem of your dog is to start early, when he is still a puppy.

But then, some dogs are naturally aggressive and bite because they are inherently temperamental. To take care of such dogs you have to send them to an obedience school.

If your dog shows biting tendencies then you have take it very seriously and get help as soon as possible from a professional dog trainer, as an average pet owner is not equipped to address this serious problem.

If you have a pooch with biting problems in your neighborhood, the best defence is to be prepared with a bottle of pepper spray that is specially formulated to combat biting dogs. Never hesitate to use the pepper spray if any dog tries to bite you. Or, you could opt for a friendlier approach by offering a beef jerky.

Do you need ongoing help with your dog or puppy training? If so checkout the dog training basics information! Check out our many articles on most topics to do with dogs. From health to basic training to how to take care of a dog, such as how to avoid mistakes when training your dog. Don’t delay look today!

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A Happy Dog Will Live and Love Longer

Owning pets is no easy task. You have a lot of responsibilities to fulfill so that they can grow up to be well-mannered animals in the future. These responsibilities include satisfying their basic needs as well as their wants. From their food to their shelter, from their grooming to their health requirements, all these chores will be yours to shoulder the moment you have possession of your beloved creature. It is no different from being a parent to a human baby.

Dogs top the list of the most preferred pet in the history of mankind. They are loyal, easy to train, smart and fun to be with. Whether you like guard dogs like German shepherd or pit bulls, toy dogs like Japanese Spitz or Shih Tzu, sport dogs like Golden Retriever and Doberman, you will surely be having the time of your life if you spent it with these wonderful animals.

If you think your dog can offer numerous advantages in your life, doesn’t it follow that you should also do everything possible to keep them in an ecstatic state? It’s the least you can do for all the fun moments that they have shared with you. Here are some cool ways to make your canine happy. Read on.

The first thing that you should do to keep your dog in a state of nirvana is to provide it with the requisite food, water, exercise, dog house and a regular visit to the friendly neighborhood veterinarian. Make sure that you are presenting them with nutrients that are appropriate for their breed and age. Bigger dogs need more calories and protein than their smaller counterparts. In the same manner, puppies have slightly different nutritional requirements than their adult counterparts. Dogs with thick and fluffy coat also need more zinc and other minerals compared to those with thinner and finer hair.

An exercise routine every day or very week is the way to go in terms of bodily activities for these four-legged canines. Walking them in the park or playing Frisbee with them three times a week for a minimum of at least 30 minutes per session is enough to give their cardiovascular system a high-quality calisthenics. This will avert them from getting obese or developing diseases like atherosclerotic hearts.

A dog house is necessary to protect them from the scorching heat of the summer sun. It will also act as their refuge during the biting cold of the winter season.

Visiting the local vet will also guarantee that they are in tiptop shape. Be cognizant of their needed vaccinations. Shots against rabies and Parvo virus must be ticked off in their medical record. Pay attention to your vet’s recommendation if he wants added immunizations because they are responsive that each dog breed has varying needs.

You may also give your canine companions a treat once in a while by giving them pampering sessions in a dog spa. Bubbly shower baths nail clipping, fur trimming, tooth brushing and other related services will make your pet dog feel so loved. Accordingly, these hygienic activities will also assist in evicting the irritating fleas that might have invaded their susceptible skin.

Enjoy your bonding escapades with your pooch. Aside from your other cuddling moments during your exercise activities, make time to play with him as soon as you get home from your office work. You may also try talking to him like you would any normal person. Studies show that relating with animals decrease the harmful stress hormone cortisol in the body. Therefore, this task will then give long-term benefits to both of you.

Lastly, dog-proof your home so that accidents can be avoided or at the very least, minimized. Make sure all electrical appliances are kept or installed in harmless places. Be particular about floppy wires and blunt or heavy kitchen apparatus and utensils spread just about anywhere. Place your things in their proper locations so that your pet dog won’t trip on it.

Locating a VIP pet insurance can be very difficult and that is why we’re offering our pro bono assistance. To learn more about insurance and pet health be sure to come by our website today.

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Protect Your Dog With A Life Jacket

Dogs love the to be in the outdoors, but if any of your adventures involve the water, make sure that not only you has safety gear on. Your dog is your best friend, and it makes sense for your dog to wear a life jacket if you’re out for a day of sun and sea. The term doggy paddle is a bit of a misnomer as not all dogs can swim. The term is just used to describe a type of swimming stroke. There are some dogs, like Pincers, Dobermans, and Boxers who have a lot of trouble in water. Some dogs dislike water and will only swim if they really need to.

A dogs natural abilities in the water vary depending on the breed, size, physical strength and health. For those who own a puppy, it is important to use a gentle approach when introducing him to the water. Introducing the pup to water through a wading pool and slowly moving on to bigger ponds is sensible. You also want to look into what kind of water conditions your dog will be exposed to. Due to the calmer and gentler water movement of a wading pool, a puppy adapts better to playing around. Excess movement will make your dog anxious and complicate the process of teaching him to swim.

By having a life jacket on your dog, it can give peace of mind not only yourself, but also to your dog, while doing outdoor activities. Not only will a dog life jacket keep your dog floating when he is too tired to swim, but it will also reduce his anxiety and potential disorientation if he should fall into the water. Whether human or dog, life jackets are an essential, beneficial safety device. It is wise to keep one for yourself as well as your dog in your boat, on ferries, on planes and in the car.

Don’t be surprised if your dog throws a bit of a fuss when you first try to have it wear a life jacket. Before you head out on a trip, get your dog used to the life jacket by putting it on him at home. This will alleviate some of the stress that can occur by wearing a new accessory. Arrange a pleasant first experience around water for your dog. By ensuring this, you are increasing the chances of them loving the water.

When selecting your dogs life jacket, you’ll want to keep in mind certain guidelines like the size and weight of your dog. The materials used are also important, so get something that is breathable and durable. Never leave your pet alone wearing a life jacket, as there is a risk of entanglement. Also, be sure to get a life jacket with buoyancy ratings.

Dave writes articles on the small dog life jacket and about the importance of a dogs life jacket when around water.

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Pet dogs are the most fun and joyful creatures. They’re there for you when you require them and they merely relax you when they cuddle up with you lovingly. It is why a lot of folks love their pet dogs so much. They make sure their dogs are happy and content with them. Puppies are even cuter than dogs and sometimes they just make you want to get them appropriate away! 1 from the cutest kinds of puppy is a Beagle puppy. With its innocent looks and soft demeanor these puppies will certainly melt your heart. Most folks just buy them on impulse because they may be so loving and sweet.

Although a Beagle puppy will be the sweetest looking creature all over, there are some points about it that might not be sweet if they aren’t trained properly. It is because a beagle puppy is really a kind of proud dog! It may be a real challenge being with these puppies if a single does not train them inside the correct way. As soon as trained though the owners can make them behave like the cute puppies they were supposed to be. Otherwise there may be a bit of trouble in paradise!

A well trained Beagle puppy may be the nicest dog on earth, and they will give you love and loyalty like no other. These are also amusing because these are very excited small dogs. They can also be a good team with children since they aren’t aggressive at all! These are the most active little bundle of joy and fun. In case you know a bit about their behavior traits beforehand it will not be tough to have a single yourself.

The first and foremost thing you’ll notice about a Beagle puppy is that they’re an active bunch. They might end up really messing elements up close to the house if you usually are not careful.

This really is why it is crucial to keep them in a kennel or something that can keep them safe while you are not at house. Otherwise they will go about searching via your elements and will mess the entire place up. As soon as you get yourself the back up of a kennel it will be a much better experience for you.

Did you just adopt your own Beagle puppy? This breed are some of the cuddliest dogs you will ever see. Find out how to take the best care of your Beagle puppy at: http://BeaglePuppy.org.

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When the time comes to choose the right dog cage or kennel for your pet, keep in mind that they are not all the same, and that there is a correct type for each situation. There are kennels which are designed and made strictly for the comfort of small animals which are being transported. There are kennels that are built extremely sturdily, to house large dogs and keep them secure.

Dog cages can be made in virtually any size imaginable (even large enough to house a room full of adult sized people), and have many styles that serve various purposes. Make sure to get one that suits your exact needs and specifications.

When looking for a traveling cage, you will find several styles to choose from: kennels made of metal grid with a solid floor, a plastic den with a metal door, or even a zipper-entranced, mesh-doored fabric “bag”. The many uses for this kind of kennel range from keeping your pet secure and under control for trips or vacations, to transporting it between training events. Also, these are ideal when you are not allowed to have your pet roaming free in a facility.

For the most part, training cages and kennels are designed for indoor use, and are used for potty training your pet, having a place to put him when he is in trouble, or simply as a place he can go when no one is home. By keeping the dog in the cage at night when you do not want to take him outside to go to the toilet, you can teach him to operate his body on a schedule that best suits your needs and schedule.

A training cage makes a good “time out” area when your pet makes a mistake and needs discipline. Your pet will quickly learn that if he doesn’t want to go sit in the cage he will stop doing whatever he did that got him there. While it’s not a substitute for your attention, sometimes a cage is a good way to keep your rambunctious pet under control during times when you’re not home.

You can also buy cages that are made for outdoor use, like kennels, wooden floor cages that are a part of a doghouse, that are great for having a nice place to sleep and move around outside, or dog runs, that are much like cages but have legs above the ground, and are stronger. Finally, walk-in cages are good for the temporary housing of several large dogs, and provide ease of access and cleaning.

Graham writes many pieces on pet dog cages and about the safety aspects of dog cages to keep your pet safe whilst traveling.

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How to Benefit From Being a Cat Owner

Are you living alone in a single apartment unit in the middle of a crowded city? Do you want some company that is not demanding of your time? Or maybe you just prefer indulging in your maternal instinct and want someone to cuddle when you get home minus the complications of a personal relationship. If you replied yes to the three aforementioned queries, then maybe it’s about time you get a pet.

Pets are the best way to have bonding moments with if you don’t feel like being in other people’s company. They are loyal, friendly and smart enough to be taught certain responsibilities and even a few fancy tricks. Unlike clingy individuals, you can leave them alone in your place without worrying that they will bother you every so often in your office. Isn’t it such a relief to be free from unwanted attention?

There are a lot of available choices in the animal clinic or at the veterinarian’s office. Obviously, there are dogs, cats, wild birds and farm animals like rabbits and hamsters. However, for those who prefer a more challenging task, albino pythons and tarantulas are also present. With the ease of travel even among pets nowadays, it is not that hard to find your ultimate match.

Majority of those looking for pets would be torn between dogs and cats. For those who picked the adorable feline over the popular dog, here are some perks of being a cat owner. Read on.

One, being a cat owner trains you to become more aware of other’s needs. Not only will you worry about your basic necessities for the week, you will also learn what food, grooming stuff, exercise routine and medication your cat will require. You will also deal with the fact that you have to visit the vet in case your pet doesn’t feel well. All these may sound like additional chores in your lifestyle but the virtues you will develop are simply priceless. Other people will definitely notice that you have changed for the better.

Second, if you possess a cat, you will be motivated to face each day with passion. This results from having found a purpose in life. Basically, you are now aware that you are being relied on; hence, you have something to look forward. You don’t feel as if you are alone in this whole, wide world. Coming home after office hours is also a pleasurable experience now with your cat’s presence. If you had a bad day at the office due to a fight with a co-worker or a crazy meeting with clients, you can de-stress with your beloved kitty.

Third, you can add more friends to your list if you participate in activities being sponsored by cat lovers or by joining a cat owners’ group. Since you have the same concern, you will not lose a topic to talk about. There are many passionate people like you who are into cats. There is no need for weird icebreakers to be performed if you find yourself in this predicament.

So after reading this interesting and information-filled write up, you are now ready to own a cat. Head to the nearest animal clinic and pick the feline of your choice. Enjoy!

Wanting to become a pet owner is great. But there are two things that you need to know about. An important key is quality pet health insurance because unless you have it your pet is not safe. The next key thing is that using cheap pet meds can hurt your pet terminally if you purchase poor quality of medication.

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