Posts Tagged ‘Fish’
A dog is a man’s best friend. A saying very true about our canine companions, but not necessarily limited to dogs. Cats, too, are a favorite among many of the pet lovers around the world. Owning pets is actually welcoming them home, and taking them in as a part of our family like any other family members. Just as we care about our family members, don’t we all want to keep our pets hale and hearty? Well, the health of our pets is very important and a big responsibility for us since their well-being is completely dependent on us. You can prevent, postpone, or minimize pet health problems, and further improve your pets’ health by introducing special supplements in your pets’ food. Just like we humans need a balanced diet with exact proportions of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, our pets too need nutrition as per their genetic makeup, and daily activities. Of course, this differs across species.
Being a dog trainer by hobby, I take keen interest in what people feed their pets. For pets, I prefer (and regularly advise people) to introduce supplements into their daily pet food as it is very important for pets like dogs and cats. As, our pets are not accustomed to eating foods we prepare for ourselves and when, we in our love for them, share certain eatables, it does affect their overall physical well-being. Say, for instance, dogs get affected, and may start shedding hair or may feel run out of energy. Pet health care requires us to closely monitor what our kids, too, share with our pets, such as chocolates, candies, chips, etc. Special pet care food such as dog food and dog treats, for different species of dogs, and even cat food with additional nutritional supplements are now available at various online shops. What we all need to understand is pets too need our constant attention and love that keeps them happy, just as they always bring a smile on our face when we walk in through the front door. In fact, you can just go in for pet training for dogs, and even dress your favorite pet in colorful, designer pet costumes.
George is a pet dog trainer by choice, as it has been his favorite hobby since high school days. He has been a pet dog trainer since the past 6 years, and has trained a wide breed of dogs. This passion also got him interested in, and working upon providing nutritional advice to pet owners – be it a dog or a cat owner.
According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, American pet owners spent nearly $22.45 billion on vet care, over-the-counter pet medicines and pet supplies in 2009. Pet medications are becoming expensive day by day. However, you can save lot of money and time by purchasing online pet medications.
While it is important to consult a veterinarian to diagnose your pet’s problems and to give you a prescription, you no longer need to travel great distances or pay high prices for pet medications. Online pet pharmacies come to the rescue in such cases, helping you get all the medication right at your doorstep, without needing to leave your house, except to visit the veterinarian.
Tips on Buying Online Pet Medications
Websites providing online pet medications usually offer both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Also, they offer medical supplies for pets suffering from chronic illness or having special needs. In addition, they offer a wide range of pet products and animal foods. Online pet pharmacies are associated with a large number of expert vets, who offer assistance to pet owners.
Here are few tips for buying online pet medications:
1. Get a written prescription from your pet’s veterinarian for the medication. This is required to buy prescription medicines and other prescription-only items via the internet.
2. It is preferable to store some supplies to avoid extra charges of expedite shipping.
3. Compare the rates offered by various online pet medication pharmacies. Some popular websites may offer discounts. Further, lesser known websites usually have more competitive rates.
4. Remember to check the charges for shipping. The website may offer cheaper medication but have high shipping costs.
5. Once you have chosen a website you may undertake the usual online ordering process. You can add the desired medicine to your shopping cart.
6. Make an online payment by using credit card or PayPal.
7. You will receive a fax number and a customer order number. Fax the prescription to the pharmacy along with the order number.
8. Once the medication arrives, compare it with the original prescription. Also, check the dosage information. Consult a vet, in case of any confusion.
9. Keep your order number handy to place future orders.
I can’t think of a time in my life that I haven’t loved dogs. As a very small child, I wanted to run to every dog that crossed my range of vision and play with it. Size and shape didn’t matter, they all needed to be petted and talked to. We had many dogs in my family while I was growing up, all mixes that brought us joy and companionship. I have fond memories of their unique personalities and quirky behaviors.
It’s no surprise that I told my fiance that we had to have a dog. Life wouldn’t be complete without one. He agreed, mostly because he wanted me to have some protection while he was at work. We spent the first two years of our marriage carefully researching breeds. We made a list of desired qualities and traits, looked at what kind of care we could give the dog, and started looking for a breed that fit the list. In the end, we decided on a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Do I love this breed? Absolutely. Would I recommend them to everyone? Certainly not. Why not? No one breed is ideal for everyone. In fact, dogs aren’t the ideal pet for everyone. Loving them is important, but that’s only part of the equation that leads to a happy owner and a happy pet. Falling instantly in love with the cute puppy does not qualify a person to own a dog!
I’m not saying everyone must take two years to decide on a companion pet, but research should always be the first step of bringing any pet into your life. Here are a few of the important questions that need to be asked and answered before getting any pet:
1. Are you willing and happy to train (or learn to train) a pet? If not, take dogs off the pet list altogether.
2. What is your activity level? How much time and space do you have for exercise with you pet?
3. How much time do you want to spend each week grooming?
4. Can you afford the costs of proper food and veterinary care? Does the pet/breed you’re interested in have a tendency for certain medical conditions?
5. Do you have (or are you planning to have) children?
6. Will you be traveling extensively?
7. Do you have rental limitations on pet ownership?
8. Are you willing to pay for the damage that pets will inevitably do to your property?
When you’ve answered those questions, you’re in a better position to do some in-depth research about breeds and breed mixes. Not all dogs are created equally. Never, ever, EVER get a dog based on looks alone. Find out what makes the dog tick. What are the instincts this dog is hardwired with? Was the breed (or dominant breed in a mix) intended to hunt, guard, be a constant companion, or some other work? Is the dog easily trainable? Is it independent or compliant? What are its exercise requirements? Is it calm or easily excitable? How much grooming is required each day/week?
Where do you start getting the answers to these questions? I recommend buying or borrowing the ASPCA’s book Complete Guide to Dogs. They have pictures and information on more than 150 breeds, as well as some of the most common breed mixes. The most helpful feature of this book is an easy to read key down the margin of each page that gives information about activity level, grooming needs, etc. It makes it much easier to find the breeds that fit your needs and lifestyle.
When you’ve narrowed down your list of breeds or breed mixes to a few options, there are several places to continue your research. National breed clubs are a great place to get information online. National breed clubs are parent clubs of a specific breed. They will have detailed information about the breed from people who specialize in that breed. You can find national breed clubs on the American Kennel Club website.
Internet message boards also exist for just about every breed under the sun. You can ask questions and get information from owners of the breed you’re interested in. Breed characteristics that are endearing and funny to one person may be terribly annoying and agitating to another. Don’t underestimate the value of talking to someone who lives with the breed every day!
After you’ve done your research, where do you get a pet? I have two dogs, each from a different source. We bought Rock from a breeder when he was a puppy, and a few years later we adopted Brodie as a young dog from a breed rescue. I recommend looking at a breed rescue group or your local humane society first. It is estimated that six million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because of irresponsible owners. They deserve a second chance in a good home. Breed rescues can be found on the American Kennel Club link or on a search engine. A good rescue will have you fill out an application and probably interview you to make sure you are a good match for their breed.
Most local humane societies will have a website where you can watch for the breed/mix you’re interested in. You can also search Petfinders website to see other dogs up for adoption in any geographic location. If you prefer to buy from a breeder who gives a health guarantee, the best place to find a responsible breeder is through the parent breed club or the AKC.
Having a purebred dog is not enough reason to breed! You should be prepared to ask a lot of questions yourself to ensure the breeder is ethical and responsible. A good breeder will have you fill out an application before the breeding is planned. They will normally not breed a dog unless it has earned its championship status. They may have you sign a contract to have your dog spayed or neutered on a designated timeline to prevent an unwanted, unplanned litter. A good breeder will have a lot of questions to ask you to ensure that you are the right owner for one of their dogs.
Be patient about getting your dog. This isn’t something that should be rushed through. The right dog in the right home will make very happy owners and very happy pets. My dogs are part of everything I do, my constant shadows. They are great with my kids because I taught the kids and the dogs how to treat each other from day one. They are curious, intense in everything they do, sneaky, independent yet clingy, affectionate, protective, quick to learn, not so quick to obey, and absolutely perfect for me.
I’m glad I did my research.
Yes, my title was intentional. I am talking about the high temperatures in July and as we go into August. The temperatures are in the 3 digits. You feel hot and want to stay indoors with the air conditioner full blast. How is your dog doing? Have you paid attention to the coat of your dog? Have you trimmed their coat for the summer. One great way we all try to cool down is to get in the pool. Kate, my ‘grandpuppy’ was here over the weekend. It was really hot in the house, because the air conditioner was not working very well. We all had a hard time sleeping. I noticed that Kate was very restless, and when she did lie down her breathing was very forceful, as if she was sobbing. She really enjoyed being in the pool with us, and ran around the pool to cool down afterward. So what can we do when your dog is feeling too hot?
* Make sure there is water for your dog to drink, because they get very thirsty. You can tell if they are thirsty when their tongues hang out and their breathing is heavy.
* It would not hurt to add a few pieces of ice in the water
* Take your dog in the pool with you. Be sure that the pool does not have a heavy amount of chlorine. Chlorine hurts the eyes f your dog.
* Notice if your dog is having fun in the pool. After they get out, let them run around the pool so they can dry off. Running allows the air to circulate inside their coats. It works like a fan.
* There are cooling dog mats with foam that has special crystals that will keep your dog cool if soaked in cold water, and keep them warm when soaked with hot water.
* If you have tile, ceramic or wood flooring, dogs may feel cooler lying on them
* Make sure the room your dog stays in during the day is cool and maybe even a fan will really help keep them cool. If your dog stays in a crate during the day this would really help keep them cool
* If you keep your dog outside, give them shade and try to get them inside or at least a patio that is well ventilated and have a fan to help keep them cool.
The rule of thumb to know if your dog is hot is, if you are feeling hot and thirsty, you dog will too. Protect your dog and keep them cool. Dogs love us unconditionally, but should we not take good care of them so they are as comfortable as we are?
In Little Rock, Arkansas, a volunteer group called ‘Angels’ Care Animal Rescue’ is hosting their third ‘Dog-Gone Easter Egg Hunt.’ Dogs and their owners are invited to come and sniff and find 2000 treat-filled Easter Eggs. So what could the problem be with a harmless Easter Egg Hunt?
1. If the dogs bite into the plastic eggs they may swallow it and the plastic can be poisonous to their systems, or at the very least, it could cause minor cuts in their mouths.
2. All dog owners know or rather should know that if the eggs contain chocolate, it could be lethal to their pooches.
3. If owners decide to use boiled eggs, it spoils soon, and if the eggs are found several days later, it could cause stomach problems for the dog.
4. If baskets are left lying around and the dogs find them more interesting than the eggs, it depends on the type of basket, it may cause problems.
5. Now with lead in so many things made in china, one needs to be extra careful what their dogs bite into.
6. I am sure this group will be careful of what they bring, but one must always be aware of what else is around when it is in a public area like a park.
This group is also having an Easter Bonnet Parade, where all the dogs will be dressed in their Easter best, that would be designer dog clothes, or the most stylish dog clothes. The dogs will have a parade where they can strut their stuff and wiggle their tails in the finest clothes and Easter bonnet.
This will be a lot of fun for the dog owners.
Some dogs love to be all dressed up but there are some that are almost too shy to wear frilly clothes, It is important for the owner to make sure their dog likes to be dressed up, and that the apparel they choose for their dog actually suits them. Have you seen large dogs who look so unhappy in little tutus, and little dogs will trip over clothes that do not fit them well. The design and size of the clothes must suit the size and breed of dog.
There will be a photographer to take pictures of the dogs and their owners, but I hope the owners don’t forget to get their own pictures as soon as they dress their dogs, so they will be fresh and may even pose for a few lovely pictures that can be saved for posterity.
When people think of pet care products, most associate it with the essential pet supplies like pet food and pet houses, which allow pet owners to provide their pets with what they need to live long and healthy lives. However, for some pet owners, the term does not just cover the essential pet supplies that they need to provide for their pets. This is because for them the term pet care products also covers or includes some non-essential items, which are effective in providing their pets with the utmost comfort, which can also help them ensure that their pets remain healthy and happy.
One of the most popular non-traditional pet care products that pet owners get their pets are garments, which include pet T-shirts, bandanas, coats, and even sweaters, which allow pet owners to show off their pets when they bring them outdoors for their exercise. However, apart from being able to afford pets with a certain level of style, garments can be effective in protecting pets especially dogs against cold weather. In recent years, another non-traditional pet care product or treatment that pet owners give their pets is a spa treatment, which provides pets with grooming, certain therapies like aromatherapy, and a full day of activities that pets could do together with other pets.
Another example of such products includes car seats that allow pet owners to provide their pets with a comfortable way to travel. For dog owners, car seats have become popular because they allow dogs to stick their head out the window while being safely secured on the seats. Other non-traditional pet care products include pet electronic devices like invisible fences and training collars and pet mattresses that are designed to conform to the body of pets.
For some pet owners, pet care products do not only include pet supplies like pet food, pet dishes and houses that are considered essential in ensuring that pets live long and healthy lives. This is because for them, there are some non-traditional pet care products, which include pet garments and pet mattresses that are also as effective in ensuring that their pets remain both happy and healthy.