If You Want a Friend, Get a Dog!
July 31, 2007
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original corporate raider, is often quoted as saying, “In this business, if you want a friend, get a dog!” The rest of us already knew that dog was man’s best friend, and with good reason. Dogs as pets date back at least as far as the days of Pompeii, where the remains of a dog stretched out next to a little boy were recovered from the rubble at Pompeii.
We all know that dogs are cute, warm, and cuddly, requiring little more than food, water, shelter and affection to return unwavering devotion. Dogs have earned their rightful place as a family member. In fact, what family portrait is complete without the family canine?
Dogs earned their place of prominence years ago among their blind and deaf owners and in local, state, federal and international law enforcement. Hint: be sure to rid your coat pockets of doggie biscuits the next time you travel, unless you want to be attacked by a drug and bomb-sniffing dog.
My Needs are Simple and Few!
July 30, 2007
My dear owner,
Thank you once again for giving me shelter. (Lick, slurp, lick, slurp) Aside from food, shelter and love, my needs are simple and few! Since I am dependent upon you to provide for me, we should discuss my basic needs. I can lend you the canine insight that you may lack as a human, particularly if I am your first canine companion pet.
Of course, I require a steady supply of food and fresh water, and while I long for the same quality of culinary delight that you routinely enjoy, I know that’s an unrealistic expectation. As long as you feed me something that’s nutritionally suited for my species, I’ll happily devour whatever little morsels of people food you throw my way. I’m not particularly fond of that stuff that comes from the tap, but it’ll do in a pinch. I draw the line at drinking from toilets.
Splish splash
In addition to my regular veterinary care, I’ll need a flea and tick collar at a bare minimum. How would you like those critters crawling all over you? Please help me to prevent them from crawling on me.
Got Fleas?
July 29, 2007
Author of Keep Fleas Off
Still using all the chemicals you can find to combat those fleas? Have you done everything outside of trying to shoot the fleas off the dog? You are not alone, there are an estimated more than 50 million households with pets, and yes, most are not just fighting the war against these pesky parasites, they are losing the war. Most people do not realize just how devastating the losses are. If only 10 per cent of these pet owners are treating the yard for fleas, can your imagine the amount of harmful chemicals that is getting into the ground water? These chemicals make their way to the sea where they have been found in fish and the seabirds that feed on fish. Clean water is a valuable resource, we cannot afford to destroy it. Think about all the chemicals put in our water now just to make it "safe to drink"; if you want to believe that it is.
A Healthy Cat Knows What Tastes Good…
July 29, 2007
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat encompasses a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.
However, the most important aspect of cat health is also often overlooked. People spend hundereds of hours and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a cat to keep it healthy, but most cat owners don’t pay nearly enough attention to the proper cat food.
The right cat food is absolutely essential to a healthy, happy cat.
But what is the best cat food for your cat? While each cat will have slightly different nutritional needs, there are some general rules that must be considered when looking for cat food.
First of all, cats (like their human owners) need a high quality diet. This means the best types of protein, fats, carbs, and the less preservatives and chemical additives, the better. Most of the research available online does not compare specific brands of cat food, as much as specific ingredients to feed your cat, and which to stay away from!
Herbs for Pets
July 28, 2007
Let me begin by saying that I am not an herbalist. I do not recommend using herbs as internal medication for your pets unless you have consulted a holistic vet and/or have done extensive reading and research and feel safe treating your pet. There are a lot more holistic veterinarians practicing today than in the past and you should have no trouble finding one if you live in or near an urban area.
The information I share here is strictly a minimalist take on the use of herbs as a natural way to help you and your pet with daily care and common conditions. Herbs can be substituted for many of the topical medications and household chemicals we use with animals. Besides using herbs, be sure that your pet is getting a good overall natural diet and plenty of sunshine. Sunlight is necessary for good health and helps their bodies convert food nutrients. If a regular dose of the outdoors in not possible, use full-spectrum lighting such as Vita-Lites. These are ideal for indoor pets such as birds, reptiles and amphibians.
What You Should Never Feed Your Dog
July 27, 2007
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very dangerous to your dog’s health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are essentially scavengers and will often eat just about anything they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think is well hidden.
One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to chocolate.
Here?s How To Find The Right Pet Meds For Your Favorite Pet
July 26, 2007
Our pets depend on us for their every need, including their pet meds. The more you know about pet meds, the more you’ll be able to recognize the signs when something is wrong with your pet, and know the best way to respond. Learning even a little about pet meds can bring peace of mind to you and your four-legged companion.
Your veterinarian is your best source of information. Don’t hesitate to ask questions at regular check-ups of any pet med concerns you may have. The proper pet medication can clear up an uncomfortable or painful ailment so your pet can feel good again. There are many pet med home remedies as well. If your dog or cat has trouble with ear infections or ear mites, pour a half teaspoon of almond oil into their ear canal and gently massage their ear to help clean it out. A 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water works well too. Irritated eyes can be treated with a drop of castor oil, although it’s wise to call your vet if the problem persists.
What are Pug Puppies?
July 25, 2007
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and loyal, and are happy to curl up at your feet. If you’re looking for pug puppies for sale, you can be sure of a loving companion. Pug puppies are playful with children, they get along well with other household pets an they train quite well. Pug puppies are intelligent, but are also sensitive, so that training needs to be done with gentleness.
Pug puppies are believed to be from China, perhaps a relation to Tibetan Mastiffs, brought to Holland first and then to Britain in the 1500’s- 1700’s. In fact, legend has it that the pug was a prized possession of the Emperors of China. They are generally silver and black in color, with a black mask. Pictures of pug puppies show the beautiful blend of black through the silver, especially down their back, which is most characteristic of pug puppies. Black pug puppies and fawn colored ones can be found as well. Pug puppies belong in the ‘toy dog’ category because of their size, growing to be about 10 inches tall and 15 lbs in weight. They generally need more exercise than other small dogs. Pug puppies adjust well to living in an apartment, as long as they’re allowed regular walks outside for exercise, fresh air and stimulation.
Here?s a Way To Make Your Dog Love Its Dog Crate!
July 24, 2007
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through his puppy days and for his whole life. Your dog’s ancestor, the wolf, had a den to call home, a place of safety. The dog crate takes the place of the den, which is deeply embedded into your dog’s instincts. The crate should be kept in a room where the dog can go for a retreat to rest.
A dog crate can make an enormous difference in house-training your new puppy. He will not want to do his ‘business’ in the close quarters of the crate. If you take him immediately from the crate to the backyard, where he can conveniently do it there, he will get the idea quickly. Using his dog crate will make dog training easier on you and your puppy.
Dog crates come in many different styles and sizes; everything from a standard dog crate to designer dog creates. It’s best to get a crate for training your dog that’s only just big enough for your dog to lie down in, because that gives him more of a sense of security. Some dog crates come with adjustable panels, so that you can gradually increase the size of the dog crate as your puppy grows.
A German Shepherd Puppy May Be Just What Your Family Needs!
July 24, 2007
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member of your household. German Shepherd puppies bond with the family, and you will never have a truer friend. They are very tolerant of little children and make ideal family pets. A German Shepherd puppy is good natured, but needs firm training. If you are considering German Shepherd puppies for sale, you should know the benefits of having your dog professionally trained. The right training can make an enormous difference in your German Shepherd puppy development. They keep their training for a lifetime.
A German Shepherd puppy usually will grow to 24 inches high and will weigh as much as 95 lbs. The males are usually a little bit larger than the females. They range in color from black and tan to black and red, while the white German Shepherd is being seen more often. They’re ancestors are believed to come from Germany, from the sheep herding dogs that were relied on daily to care for the herds. They’re greatly adaptable and respected around the world for their intelligence, strength and agility. A new German Shepherd puppy does best out of doors and with plenty of room to run and people to interact with.
