Posts Tagged ‘cats’

Get Rid Of Fleas Using Simply Steps

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Many pet owners treat their furry pals as their own family. But at times they can unknowingly invite over fleas to the house. They can multiply quickly and even get sustenance from your blood. A bad case of an infestation may happen if you don’t keep them in check immediately. Get rid of fleas the moment you spot signs of their presence. Below you can find simple steps on how to do so.

The very first thing you must do is to focus on their source first: pets. Use a special comb for removing these creepy crawlers regularly on your furry friends. Dump any insect you will get into soapy water to kill them. Make sure to give your pets regular baths using an insecticidal shampoo that your trusted veterinarian recommends safe for them.

Kill those creepy crawlers that have nested in outdoor areas where your pets often stay by dousing them in soapy water. Your pets’ beddings need to be washed with hot water and soap too. Hang them under the sun to dry afterwards or place them in the dryer. To ensure that you’re beloved pets don’t end up with an infestation, take them to the veterinarian periodically.

Once you’re through focusing on the source of these bugs, your next focus should be on your home. Stash into the washing machine your garments, beddings, pillow cases and even drapes. Wash them using soap and hot water to kill off any insect in them. Transfer them to the dryer after washing, using the highest setting that won’t damage the fabric.

Get your vacuum cleaner and use it thoroughly where these pests could be hiding. They include your upholstered furnishings, carpets, bare floors, and even in wall and floor cracks. Stash the vacuum bag in a plastic bag afterwards, seal and put it inside the freezer to kill both eggs and adults. If you own a steam cleaner, take it out of storage and use it over those areas or things which you had just vacuumed.

These pests could also bug the inhabitants of your home, including yourself. Make sure to shower regularly, soaping and scrubbing very well each time. You may also use on your hair an insecticidal shampoo designed specifically for human use. Observe if you often get itchy red bumps as that’s an indicator that they’re already feasting on your blood.

By following the tips above, it’s possible to get rid of fleas effectively. However, if the infestation is already beyond your control, you should contact professional exterminators immediately to do the job for you.

Taking good care of your pets means knowing how to get rid of fleas safely. You should also learn how to treat ear mites in dogs for their comfort and health.

Finding A Veterinarian For Your Pet

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

If you are a pet owner, it is time that you got to know a veterinarian. And why, pray tell? Because, quite simply, a veterinarian is a doctor for your pets. It doesn’t matter if you own one pet or if you own multiple pets, but those pets of yours need somebody to see to them when they are sick – or prevent them from getting sick.

Some pet owners have this unfortunate line of thinking – “Oh, I’m only going to see a vet if my pet’s very sick or about to croak.” Yes, that is correct, in a way – if your pets fall ill or, Heavens forbid, are about to make their way to Pet Heaven, you do need to see a veterinarian, but it is also very important to schedule your pets for regular check-ups in the same way you schedule yourself and your family for your own routine doctor’s appointments. You cannot “not give” the right amount of care when dealing with your pets. Yes, it is possible for your pets’ symptoms to be curbed before they develop into something more serious, and the best way to do this is by bringing them to the vet on a regular basis.

If you’re a new pet owner, the very first thing you should do is set that appointment and take your new little (or big) buddy to a veterinarian. Let your veterinarian teach you all about your new pet. He or she will tell you everything – he will tell you how to care for your pet, what food it should be eating, how to give it good grooming and adequate exercise, the whole works. Be prepared to learn a treasure trove of information about pets – little known facts we’re talking about here. Whether you have a dog, a cat, a bird or a horse, I guarantee you that a veterinarian will teach you helpful tips that you didn’t already know.

I’m sure there are some of you out there who have pets but not a veterinarian, and if that is the case, then get of your butt and get your pet a vet! Interview friends or family members who own pets and look for a reputable, experienced veterinarian. Power up your Google and comb the Internet when finding the right veterinarian, or flip through the old, reliable yellow pages that still serves a lot of purposes in the Age of Cyberspace. You don’t want a fresh graduate from Podunk University – you want somebody with vast experience, someone who can specialize in your kind of pet, because there are general vets and specialists as well.

If you have read this article and still think it’s a total waste of time to have your pets see a vet, then you have to seriously consider giving those pets away to somebody who cares. It may be due to your lifestyle or due to other factors, but don’t feel like miserly old Scrooge even after that last statement. Give yourself some much-needed self-talk and convince yourself that if you are not able to physically or mentally handle the demands of caring for a pet, you’d be better off giving it away.

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Does Your Aquarium Need Plants?

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Adding live plants to aquariums provides beauty, shelter, food and cleaner water. Plants also absorb carbon dioxide and waste product and increase the oxygen level, aside from producing tiny worms, rotifers and protozoa the fish eats.

Lighting is important if you want your plants to grow successfully. They need 12-14 hours of light each day, just like in nature. The amount of light you need to provide is around 3-5 watts per gallon. Compact fluorescent bulbs and par 20, 50-watt halogen bulbs both do the job right, so experiment with different types of lighting to find out what works best for your plants.

You will also need to add nutrients to keep your plants thriving. This is not a hard job. The nutrients are provided by the fish in the tank, though it might become necessary to add more. And fish waste provides fertilizer. Of course you can add artificial fertilizer to the water as well, but it is not necessary. Too much fertilizer will cause algae growth.

What about water temperature? An average temperature of 72f to 78f is usually great for the plants to thrive. The pH of the water is also important – a pH of 6.8 to 7.8 is ideal.

Snails are also helpful in maintaining a good aquarium environment. Snails clean plants of food and small algae, as they crawl over leaves and foliage. Some snails, however, should not be used. Ramshorn, pond and some other species eat the leaves and should not be used. But, if you notice bad snails, removing them is very simple. Simply place lettuce leaves at the top of the aquarium to attract the snails – remove everything with a net once all the snails have assembled on the lettuce pieces.

Before placing new plants in your aquarium, rinse them thoroughly in warm water to remove any insects you don’t want invading the aquarium. Strong roots and firm leaves are the signs of a healthy plant. Avoid plants that give off a strange smell, especially bulbs, as this is an indication that the plant is not healthy and may not grow properly once placed in your tank.

Younger plants generally adjust better to transplantation, so keep this in mind as well. The plant might lose a few leaves during the adjusting period. There is nothing unusual about that. To promote healthy new growth, just remove dead leaves as they appear, being careful not to damage the roots.

Adding live plants can give your aquarium a lift, and it can benefit your fish more than you imagine.

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Dogs And Separation Anxiety

Friday, October 21st, 2011

Many dogs get anxious when left alone at home. Separation anxiety in dogs exhibits behavior problems when they’re being left alone at home. This often leads to excessive barking, whining, chewing, house soiling and other types of destructive behavior. Your dog doesn’t have separation anxiety if he can spend the night away from you comfortably. But he probably suffers from it if he misbehaves when you leave him at home alone. Know that this isn’t something your dog does on purpose. It’s just a natural panic response for not being with the owner.

Many dog owners have problems with separation anxiety, but most don’t even realize what it is. You need to find out whether your dog has separation anxiety so that proper treatments can be given to correct this behavior.

Don’t make a big deal out of your good-byes. Long-dramatic farewell will create more anxiety in him. A casual “Goodbye” or “See you later” will do. When you first arrive home, ignore him for a couple of minutes, and then calmly pet him.

You should let your dog play and exercise everyday. This will keep him happy. He’ll be happy to rest or sleep when you’re away. Mental exercises such as training and socializing with other dogs are all great activities for your dog.

Your dog should have some toys and treats to occupy him when he’s alone. Put some treats in his toys.

You should train your dog to be used to your departure. You can try leaving him for a few minutes only at first. Don’t fuss over him. You should repeat this until he won’t get anxious. Try leaving him for longer and longer periods. Make sure to practice this over and over again until he gets used to being alone at home.

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The Controversy Of Breed Classifications

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

Dog lovers are preoccupied with the different dog breeds the same way that the fashion conscious are fixated with name brands. Dogs are classified according to breeds and some breeds are more expensive than others.

Generally, dog breeds were incorporated to give distinctive characteristics to certain classifications, thus, resulting to a substantial number of varieties.

However, people who breed dogs often find it hard to detect the specific characteristic of the resulting species. There are times that off springs appear to be different from their “parents.”

It is not enough that a puppy is produced from a recognized breed, but it must also show the same set of characteristic traits and appearance of its parents. If purebreds like black haired Retrievers are mated, its puppies are supposed to be similarly black coated.

However, there are instances that retrievers produce puppies that have yellow coats. When this happens, the offspring will not be recognized by the Kennel clubs. The breeders sometimes choose to euthanize the flawed puppies to prevent their proliferation and to preserve the purity of the officially recognized breed. Some quarters have for a long time disputed this view arguing that dissimilarities between parents and offspring occur because of genetic interference and are thus normal.

In addition, studies show that dog breeds, like the human race, have no specific scientific origins and that their breeds cannot even be identified and proven even by DNA. So, the chances of getting a purebred dog are not that common.

In order to be consistent, only purebreds are allowed to enter dog competitions by the Kennel clubs.

Today, there are about 160 dog breeds being recognized by the club, but most people can only recognize a dozen or two. In fact, even those who are experts in dog breeding may still confuse a certain breed as a cross between two dog breeds.

It is not therefore entirely accurate to judge the behavior and personality of a dog based on its alleged breed. A dog belonging to a supposedly friendly and people-oriented breed may prove to be hostile to people.

A dog will bite because it is in his instinct to bite which can be caused by environmental circumstances, e.g., when a dog feels threatened. Hence, experts contend that there is no breed of dog will attack somebody without any reason at all. It can be argued therefore that with rare exceptions, a dog will not attack a person without being provoked.

The point driven is that dog breeds continually evolve based on their inherited traits from their ancestors. Dog breeds as classified by Kennel clubs are therefore not absolute not only because it is arbitrary but also because of many influencing factors.

No wonder why the issues about purebreds are endless.

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Golden Retrievers And Their Medical Problems

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Golden Retrievers make great pets and are one of the most popular dogs around. Like all animals and humans too, they sometimes develop health issues. Her are some common health problems of Golden Retrievers.

Epilepsy

Epileptic disorders can be caused by hereditary factors, viral infections, or environmental factors. You should be concerned and visit the veterinarian if your pet has seizures often. Though your vet can give you medicine for your pet, it will just help manage the condition, and not cure it completely. But a dog can usually live a long and happy life even if he has epilepsy.

Skin allergy

Many Golden Retrievers have skin allergies. This might be caused by flea bites, dust, pollen, food, and mould.

Symptoms can vary, but they will include biting, scratching, licking, and overall discomfort. Irritated skin is prone to infection, so you should give treatment for the itching.

Giving your pet the right diet can prevent health problems. Of course, you also need to make sure that your dog is protected against fleas. If you consult with your vet, you can more than likely eliminate the risks your pet has of suffering the effects of a skin allergy.

Under-active thyroid

This condition involves a malfunctioning thyroid gland. Golden Retrievers that have hypothyroidism can have common symptoms like hair loss or obesity. They can also be less energetic. This condition is not always easy to diagnose, but it can be detected by a blood test which your vet will perform.

Oral medication daily is used as treatment for this. Once the correct dosage has been established, the prognosis will be good and dog can expect to have a normal, healthy life span, providing there are no other medical problems. But the dog should continue taking the medication for the rest of his life, though.

Though medical conditions are a bit more common with Golden Retrievers, keeping them healthy can still prevent these. You don’t have to worry about much if you just keep your Golden Retriever strong and healthy. Generally, Golden Retrievers are quite healthy, even if they do get sick at times. You can ensure that your dog will heal quickly if you take him to the vet right away when he shows signs of poor health.

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Best Methods To Get Rid Of Fleas On Pets Quickly

Monday, July 11th, 2011

Just one flea can become a large population and cause an infestation in the household. Pets can spread the pests amongst each other and to the human family. The flea eggs, larvae, and adults can only be eliminated by being killed and then repelled. There are many methods on the market that can help get rid of fleas, though some courses of action are more potent than others. Certain chemicals used to kill insects can be hazardous. Be sure to use sprays and chemicals in well ventilated areas to avoid harming pets and family members.

Checking pets regularly for flea eggs and bites is important to find the source of the problem. Avoid allowing infested animals inside a house, especially if they are stray or abandoned. The animal can be washed carefully with warm water and soap. If the problem persists, use a flea shampoo.

Fit the animal with a flea collar according to package instructions. These should not be left on for more than a short while, however, as they emit a poison that are often harmful to people and animals. An application of a flea medication may also be useful.

Sprays and gels that veterinarians sell from their offices are normally waterproof and can be applied just once every few weeks. They can cost a lot of money and they are not available in some rural areas. Only use them on the animals for which they are intended.

Any furniture or bedding the animal has come in contact with should be washed with hot water. Rugs and carpets can be vacuumed with a flea powder or shampooed. An exterminator is usually not necessary; flea larvae, adults, and their eggs can be eliminated with plain soap and water.

Certain varieties of flea might be passed to human beings. Sprays and candles can help to repel them. A flea bite looks like a large, red mosquito bite. Soothe itching with an aloe gel or an anti-itching powder.

Flea bites are itchy, but usually harmless. Few are allergic to flea bites, though if difficulty breathing occurs, medical assistance should be acquired immediately. Avoid scratching flea bites, or allowing pets to scratch their bites. Scratching can cause scarring and infection.

Infestations spread quickly, so be sure to get rid of fleas before they reach the entire household. If a piece of furniture cannot be cleaned, it may have to be thrown away. Flea infestations can cause thousands of dollars in damage and spread disease.

Making sure you understand how to get rid of fleas is important to the wellbeing of your pets. Ear mites in dogs is another typical ailment that can be controlled with proper remedies.

The Process Of Neutering Cats Explored For Both Sexes

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

Having found a lot of discussion about neutering cats and whether it’s humane on the animal or not… we decided to explore it. Cat owners are dismissing the idea of having their cat neutered as they feel it’s not fair on the animal as it takes away their ability to reproduce their own young ones. As you read on you’ll get an insight into why neutering cats is indeed for the greater good of not only your cats life but for your own piece of mind as well. We’re going to be talking about the procedures involved in the process of neutering cats for both the male cats and the females. Bear in mind though that the terminology differs for female cats as they’re procedure is known as being sprayed. It is the same thing just called a different name. If any of this gets confusing, there’s videos and other stuff that you can find for more detailed information to skim over at neuteringcats.NET. It’s often easier to watch something and see what’s happening rather than reading and trying to imagine what’s going to happen.

You should find though that the information here is detailed enough so that you’ll know exactly what’s involved with neutering cats and what to expect when you take him/her to the vets.

To kick things off let’s go through some aspects of your cats health and well-being being improved by having your cat neutered.

The first thing that you’re likely to notice shortly after your cat has been neutered is that he/she is going to be a lot more affectionate than they were before. This is because they no longer will be subjected to raging hormones that make them want to go out and find a mating partner. So your cats health is going to be improved just by that itself. It’s going to be less anxious and more relaxed. Others can be

- That the risk of cancer malignancies will be greatly reduced

- That he won’t be as prone to get into some vicious cat fights when he’s out and about

- You won’t have to bother him/her with medications over their lifetime for birth control (which can produce some negative side effects)

When’s The Best Time to Have The Neutering Cats Procedure Done

The best age that a cat should be neutered is about the 4 month mark for a female cat, and the males it’s advised that between the ages of six and eight months old would be an appropriate time for them to be neutered. As soon as they start to mature and present signs of calling is probably when you should speak to your vet to have it seen to.

The Procedure That Is Done To Neuter A Male Cat

Male and female cats are neutered differently. The procedure for neutering cats that are male involves having their genitals removed. Sounds nasty, I know but it really is a painless experience due to the general anesthetic the vet will use. He’ll be oblivious to the operation. The vet will put him to sleep and give him oxygen through a mouthpiece to ensure he’s as comfortable as possible. They’ll then shave a bit of fur around the cats scrotum. This lets them see better what they’re doing and where as they need to make a tiny incision to get to the cats parts. They’re then tied together usually before being removed. It’s all done with in usually less that 20 minutes. Since you’re asked to not feed him the night before the operation most vets will place him into a cat bed or cage area with blankets and things. They’ll then give them a bite to eat to make sure they don’t vomit or anything like that. Once the vets satisfied that the cats in good health following the surgery, you’ll be able to take him home the same day. You’ll be given information leaflets concerning some adverse reactions that may take place but they’ll have a phone number to get in touch with your vet for any concerns you have.

How A Female Cat Has The Neutering Procedure Carried Out

Neutering cats procedure for the females of the species is a lot different from that of the males and in some ways a bit more difficult leading it to be a tad bit more expensive. The cat will have it’s fur shaved along its side. (grows back fairly fast) and and small laceration will be made so the vet can get to the cats overies and perform the surgery. It’s more complex as it’s close to the kidneys and the cats bladder so it takes a lot more precision by the vet.

There’s videos on both male and female surgeries being performed over at neuteringcats.net. It’s probably easier to see how it’s done than it is trying to read about it.

The behavior change after the neutering cats operation has been done.

Cats will display behavioral changes once they have been dressed. These aren’t huge changes but they contribute a lot to your cat becoming more relaxed around you and your family. Since they don’t feel the need to find a mating partner they’ll be much more likely to stay around the home and enjoy the TLC that you’re able to provide him/her. The most noted changes in their behavior is that male cats won’t be as territorial and often stop leaving a trail of urine around the home as they go about marking their territory. For female cats they will be a lot more calmer and enjoy a more tranquil life with you as they won’t be calling out as they otherwise would do. That happens when a female cat is in season. It’s that dreadful screeching sound that can keep you up most nights as with their loud cries going out to male cats. Once she’s dressed her hormones will calm down and that stops her from calling. She’ll then appreciate the TLC that you are able to provide for her and the cat will enjoy being around the house a lot more. They make for much more friendlier and adorable pets.

Why It’s Imperative To Consider Neutering Cats For Animal Welfare And Control

As you’ll probably be aware from the media exposure surrounding the amount of cats there are turning up in animal shelters across the globe that are in need of adoption and can’t find loving homes for them, is something that cat neutering is looking to address. When you think about the reproduction capabilities of cats it’s easy to see how the problem is so severe. Females around a year are ready to produce their own young. They can do this at least twice a year. A litter can have anywhere from 2 to 6 kittens each cycle. So per year a female can produce 12 kittens. If half of those are female that’s 6 kittens the following year going through the same cycle producing even more kitties. That one litter can go on to produce about 72 kittens the following year and even more as the others fall pregnant. They’re not long in multiplying.

Neutering cats calms there hormones and eliminates the birth cycle for every cat that has the procedure done.

Since the cats hormones aren’t raging when they go into season they won’t be going out on the ran-dan looking to mate with a partner and coming home pregnant. They don’t make loud noises in the night when they want to find a mating partner and male cats won’t go chasing a female cat half way across town to mate with it. The cat world is a lot different to the human world so it will be horrific for female cats out there in the animal kingdom. It’s best to have her neutered early and save her from such a traumatic experience.

Learn more about neutering cats. Stop on by our site where you can find out all about our list of best reasons for neutering cats + where you can find financial aid to help with vet costs

Kitty Thirsty?

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Just like you, cats need to drink plenty of water to stay healthy. This can be a challenge to cat owners, since cats usually do not drink enough water. But they are always present when you have milk, coffee, tea or soda. As much as they may want these liquids they may make your cat sick. Coffee and tea can be deadly.

It is so important for cat owners to encourage their felines to drink. Cats can easily become dehydrated. While this may not seem like that big of a deal it can actually cause urinary tract infections, kidney, bladder issues and left uncorrected, death.

Never fear there are fun ways to encourage your stubborn feline to drink more without even realizing it. Invest in a pet fountain. Cats enjoy the noise, watching the water move and they just cannot help trying it out themselves. The best fountains are made from ceramic, but a rid, (food approved), plastic is perfectly acceptable. At the very least get rid of all plastic bowls. Plastic bowls have two disadvantages: they cause feline acne and they can have a strange taste. Use ceramic, glass or metal bowls. Try all three and see which one kitty prefers.

Does your cat come running when you turn the faucet on? Let her have a treat by allowing her to drink directly from the faucet. Have you ever tried adding ice cubes to the cat’s water? Cats love to bat the cubes around and drink from their paws. It turns into a great game and them your fur companion close to water! Placing bowls of water in many areas around your house will also be a great encouragement to drink. Unlike owners of dogs, you should never leave your toilet seat up.

Cleanliness is a priority. Bowls easily grow bacteria which can lead to illness for kitty or even you! So, change the water in a bowl every day and drinking fountain every four to seven days, depending on the number of cat companions.

You know your cat best so if you notice that he is not drinking the same a trip to the vet is in order. Cats classically hide illness and even a slight change in water intake may be an early warning sign of a more serious issue.

Check out our review on basic cat care for new kittens for more info on must-have cat supplies and where to find affordable New Cat Condos online

What Are The Safest Choices For Cat Beds And Accessories

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Many feline owners can tell you that by providing your cats with all the toys and accessories they need, they are much happier and content pets. You will have literally hundreds of items to choose from and making your choice will be fun. Check out these tips for selecting the cat beds and accessories that will make your cats more comfortable.

You most likely have noticed that your indoor cats love to sit in front of the window, watching the birds and squirrels in the yard. To make this a much more comfortable experience for your cats, choose a pet perch to install at the window with the best views. These are neat additions to any home that has cats living in it.

Cats that are indoors and outdoors pets should have a pet door to use at their convenience. This helps to also save you a lot of time going back and forth to the door to let him in and out. These doors are also great for those times your cats may encounter an enemy outside and need to get in fast. Select the size you need from a pet shop near to you or by going online.

One great thing you should buy for your felines that can provide a lot of fun for both of you is a toy. There many choices available online and in pet shops. Many of the toys you can choose are interactive and will help you to spend bonding time together. One thing to remember when selecting toys is making choices that do not have small parts or feathers that can be chewed off and choked on.

Cats love sleeping in high places. You help to enhance this kind of napping by purchasing one of the many styles of cat condos. Select one that has indoor holes and toys attached for the greatest fun for your cats. These condos can help you to have abed and playtime all in one for your feline. Many styles are even made to add to the decor of your home.

Enjoying your cats can be done much better when you have those items in your home that make ownership easier. Playing and sleeping make up a large part of a cats life and enhancing these times will help you to have more great times with your pet.

Cat condos are perfect exercise for the cat. A cat towers is also amazing for the cat to lounge around on. Your cat deserves one right now.