There are many reasons your cat may not be eating. If she isn't sick, you must do a little investigating to find the cause.
A cat may actually have trouble eating from a bowl that is too small or too light. If the bowl moves too much, your cat may find it not worth the effort. And some cats don't like where their food bowl is placed - try simply changing its location.
If you have other cats or pets, other animals may intimidate your cat. A cat may find it difficult to eat from a bowl placed near a dog's bed, near a noisy appliance or near a busy area of the house. Some cats will wait until a room is completely empty before eating. Many dogs will instinctively try to eat cat food when it is placed down.
And consider how long a bowl of cat food has been left out - food left out overnight or in hot weather may be unappetizing to your cat. And cats - even indoor cats - tend to eat less in warm weather.
Some cats don't like changing food. If you decide to change your brand of cat food, do so gradually over several days. Mix a little more of the new food into the old food each day until you have completely changed over.
If your cat's diet consists of mostly dry cat food, try giving it a treat of canned cat food occasionally, or add a little broth to its food. Some older cats or cats with sore gums or teeth can find dry food difficult to chew.
With a little investigation, you will be able to figure out just why your cat isn't eating. An adjustment here or there can turn your finicky cat completely around.
Before we begin to give you additional information on this topic, take a moment to think about what you already know.
Cats are basically very tidy creatures. They are in the habit of grooming themselves by licking every part of their body clean with their tongue.
This habit of tongue-bathing has several benefits to your pet cat:
- promotes better circulation of the blood
- gets rid of dead skin cells
- removes excess/dead hair on their coat
- tones their muscles
- keeps the fur soft and clean
Although your feline friends groom on their own, you should still do your part in keeping your cat clean and well-groomed.
Here are several ways to keep your cat well-groomed:
1. Brushing
Depending on the breed, your cat can either have long or short hair. Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat well enough to promote proper grooming.
-For cats with short hair, use a brush with soft bristles so that the skin will not be scratched or hurt in the grooming process.
Use soft, gentle strokes while brushing. This should make them purr in pleasure and you will have an easier job of grooming your pet cat.
After brushing the coat with a comb, you can finish the job by wiping the fur with a dry, soft and clean piece of cloth. This should maintain the shine on your cat’s coat.
-As compared to cats with shorter hair, long-haired cats would require more brushing time.
For this, use a comb with wide-teeth that is specially designed for cats. This should initially remove the knots and tangles on their fur.
Afterwards, you can use a fine-toothed comb to work the smaller knots on the fur and eliminate the more stubborn knots.
Do not forget to brush the hair around the face with a smaller comb or a toothbrush.
Avoid the eye and whisker area when brushing.
Brushing your cats fur on a regular basis will help keep their coat shiny and healthy, and will also give the owner and the pet some bonding time together. 2. Bathing
Cats do not often require bathing because they basically take good care of themselves when it comes to grooming.
However, there are some cases wherein you need to give them a bath no matter how you – and your pet – dread the chore.
You need to bath your cat if the coat has excessive dirt.
Sometimes, a substance that can possibly poison them sticks on the fur and it is vital to give them a bath in this case.
Another instance where you need to bath your cat is in case of fleas, ticks and lice clinging to their skin.
3. Cleaning the eyes and ears.
For the eyes and ears which are the most sensitive areas in your cat’s body, there are solutions that you may use.
Choose one which is specifically designed to prevent cats with light-colored eyes to develop stains.
For the ears, cats collect a considerable amount or wax so you have to take care of it when grooming.
Removing this would maintain your cat’s health and help prevent infections.
There are also cat wipes that you can use for the ears, eyes and teeth.
4. Keeping the paws clean.
Cats are in the habit of scratching surfaces so it is better to keep them away from the furniture items in the house. It would also help if you keep those paws clean and trim their nails.
You can go to a pet store and buy a nail trimmer specially designed for cats.
Ask your veterinarian for the proper way to trim your cats nails so as not to hurt them in the process.
If you find that your cat exhibits a not-so-healthy clawing habit, you may go for the option of declawing your cat.
This is a surgical procedure where the nails are permanently removed so that it will not grow back.
However, you should still ask your vets advice if you want to go for declawing because with this, cats will lose a natural defense mechanism.
A better and kinder option is to regularly trim the cat’s nails, have them use a wooden post for scratching, or crate-training to prevent them from clawing at your most-treasured possessions.
By following these tips and making time in your busy schedule to groom your cat, you would have a healthy and happy cat and be a happy owner as well.
A relatively new feline breed, Peterbald has emerged from Russia. It traces its origin to St. Petersburg in the mid nineteen nineties when a Don Sphynx male was crossed with an Oriental Shorthair female. The resulting litters contained kittens of an individual and distinct disposition. They had inherited attributes from both their parents and yet were unique in their appearance.
Their breeding was thereafter started and the development continues to date. With time they are gaining gradual recognition by international registration bodies. However, it is one of the newest feline breeds and requires time before universal acceptance by cat fanciers is achieved.
Peterbalds have an elegant and slender physique. They are finely built and have a long and sleek body type. Head is triangular with bright almond-shaped eyes, well developed cheek bones and big high-set ears. Owing to a genetic transformation, Peterbalds have very short down hair in their coat. All fur colors and patterns are currently accepted. Tail and legs are thin yet strongly built. Overall appearance is that of a lean well muscled cat.
Peterbalds are still quite recent as a breed and not much is known about their health and the presence of any hereditary recurring medical conditions in them. They have an oriental look and are bred variously to Siamese, Orientals and Russian Blues to maintain genetic diversity and incorporate desirable attributes into their gene pool.
Owing to their short fur, Peterbalds are prone to losing heat quickly in winter and thus should be kept indoors. They have a very rapid metabolic rate and eat more and heal faster from their injuries than most other cats. Friendly and active animals, they adjust well to all members of a household. They shed little and don't require excessive grooming. Not overly vocal or demanding, the graceful Peterbalds are very calm and adoring by nature.
Alternately feared and revered, worshipped and reviled, the cat’s natural ability as a mouser ultimately won them a place in the lives and hearts of people.
A Wedjat/Udjat 'Eye of Horus' pendant (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Now we think of them less as pest control methods and more as members of our family.
But it wasn’t always so. Since the domestication of cats some 5000 years ago, they have been alternately welcomed into our homes and shunned as evil spirits.
It is interesting that the descriptions of the treatment of cats in Egyptian times sounds amazingly similar to our modern treatment, with the fortunate exception of punishment by death for anyone killing a cat.
The Egyptian goddess Bast was part woman, part cat. She represented the sacred eye of Horus, the God of Light. Regular feasts and holidays were celebrated in her honor.
The Romans adopted the cat more readily than other nations of the time. They were probably originally brought there from Egypt.
Roman armies traveled with their animals, including the cats. Some Roman towns were named for the cat.
In 936 the King of Wales enacted laws regarding the monetary value and desired traits of the cat. Expected qualities were to see, hear and kill mice; to have sharp claws and to be able to rear their kittens.
According to the law, if a person purchased a cat and it turned out to not posses one or more of these qualities, the buyer was entitled to a refund.
The cat’s mysterious character probably led to the many myths and superstitions surrounding it. Cat’s eyes were believed to tell many things – from the time of day to the state of the tides. Cats were also believed to be clairvoyant, and were used in charms and potions to bestow that talent on people.
Many body parts and substances from the cat were used for healing. The tail was particularly favored. In parts of England it is still used to cure sties.
Nautical superstitions involving cats are numerous. There are also quite a few nautical terms with “cat” in the word – a cat-boat is a small one masted boat; the narrow walk-way on a ship was called the catwalk, and whippings were often carried out using a cat-o-nine-tails.
Cats were believed to both foretell and affect the weather. Throwing a cat overboard was thought to bring about storms at sea.
In the 13th century, witchcraft trials began in Europe. Since cats were often named as a witch’s “familiar” (a spirit helpful to the witch), they acquired at this time an evil reputation.
Black cats were most strongly associated with witchcraft.
A book written in England in 1854 stated that a witch could only take on a feline form nine times. This is most likely the beginning of the myth that cats have nine lives.
Some modern day myths about cats still persist. For instance, while cats are extremely agile, it is not really true that they will always land on their feet.
It was once believed (and may still be) that cats could suck the breath from infants. The truth is that they just like the milky smell.
Though they may like it, milk really isn’t good for cats. A small amount probably won’t hurt, but too much can give both cats and dogs diarrhea.
Many people still believe that a black cat crossing their path brings bad luck.
Cats are inscrutable and mysterious; and can certainly look evil as easily as lovable. But all in all, they are wonderful companions and have been serving and entertaining us well for thousands of years.
Most of the time it is very confusing to choose a breed for a canine that you want to adopt because of the number that they have. Aside from that, it is even more confusing now that there are cross breeds. One example of a cross breed is the Goldendoodle. From the name itself, it originated from the Labrador Retriever and the designer Poodle. Because of this appearance, breeders were able to develop a canine that is close to an adorable bear.
This is just one of the breeds that you can get if you are thinking of purchasing a canine as a pet. Most people in the city of Texas, especially families, have Goldendoodle puppies for their pets. If you have your own family, it would be a good idea to consider their choice. If you are interested, read on for some of the most basic information regarding this interesting canine.
There are many notable features about the breed that you should learn if you are thinking of adoption. First are the interesting coats that they have, which by the way comes in various shades. It is very beneficial if you are looking for a specific shade. You just have to be careful about the coat texture. There are those that can be really frizzy while others are really soft.
When it comes to physical activities, they are in need of the average exercise. This means that they are slightly athletic. But even if it is just moderate exercise like walks or running around the yard, you still have to do it everyday. They do not really feel comfortable when they are idle for the entire time.
One trait that serves as the highlight of their personality is their naturally caring attitude towards people. They are especially empathic to those who are not feeling well or people they feel are going through something at the moment. When you feel that your day just keeps getting worst, a hug with them would be very therapeutic.
If you are the one who adopted them, you can expect their loyalty as well. This is due to the fact that they are easily and strongly attached to their humans. This is the trait that makes them really different from others and makes them the best type of canine to be around children. Families with children and have this type of dog adore them.
Teaching them several things such as what are the things that they can and cannot do inside the home would not be too hard of a task. They are very intelligent and they can pick up instructions and tricks easily. But you have to improve the way they interact with others.
If you are looking for a dog that you do not have to take to the grooming shop every now and then, this is the canine for you. Their coats are usually a mixture of both their parent breeds. But they usually take after the Poodles when it comes to the shedding part. It is necessary however that you comb their coats every now and then.
You always have to remember that research is a very important part of knowing which breed is the right one for you. You need to know their needs first to determine if you can keep up with it. And you also need to know their personalities and see if both of you would agree with each other.
About the Author: Beryl Dalton
You can visit southerndoodlin.com for more helpful information about More Information Regarding Goldendoodle Puppies.
Hip dysplasia is a poor formation of the hip joints, which is a common growing disease with younger dogs of virtually every breed. With larger breeds, unsteady hip joints are common, although hip dysplasia can be a serious problem that will limit the physical activity of your Golden. Although many Golden Retriever owners don’t realize it, hip dysplasia is something that dogs inherit from their parents, and gets worse with age.
A Labrador Retriever standing with hind legs close together to compensate for weak hips caused by an altered gait from hip dysplasia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia is nearly impossible to detect with Golden puppies, although it will start to show once the pup has reached the age of nine months. Even though you may take your Golden to the vet to have him looked at, your vet will tell you that you need to wait to see if the symptoms are there, once the Golden Retriever has reached a certain age.
The symptoms and signs of hip dysplasia vary, although the most common include crippling or the inability to walk properly. This disease can get better once the dog gets older though, due to the joints stabilizing, the inflammation going down, and the muscles in the hips getting stronger and more mature. Keep in mind however, that Golden’s who have hip dysplasia when they are younger will more than likely develop arthritis when they get older.
Golden Retrievers that suffer from hip dysplasia aren’t fit for breeding, although they can still live a long and healthy life. There are certain drugs that your vet can prescribe to your dog, which will help him control his weight and help control the disease. These drugs can also cut down on the pain as well, helping your Golden enjoy himself as much as possible.
Some Golden Retrievers that have hip dysplasia won’t begin to show any signs at all until they get a few years old, once the muscles start to wear down and the damage to the hip muscles start to become more noticeable. Although your dog may be active and healthy for most of his puppy years, dysplasia can slow everything down and make your dog look as if he is old and is suffering from the physical attributes of arthritis.
To eliminate the pain of hip dysplasia, there are surgery options available. Golden Retrievers have a high threshold for pain, and won’t normally show any signs of being in pain, even though you know they are. X-rays won’t show any signs of pain, although the limping or slow walking will tell you that your dog is hurting. Golden Retriever’s who have this disease won’t know it - which is why you should help as much as possible. If you do your part and help your dog seek relief - he will feel better than ever before - although he won’t let you know he hurt any at all.
The Otterhound is a breed of substantial size and great amiability. It is somewhat of a clown and enjoy rough and tumble play with other dogs. Otterhounds were originally bred as a pack hound, (to run with a pack) they generally get along well with other dogs. As the name implies, they were developed to give chase to the otter and so they do have swimming instincts. Otters at one time were so plentiful in the British Isles that they endangered the fishing industry and the hounds would be set upon the otters to keep this from becoming so great a problem.
However, the Otter is now on the endangered species list and of course their hunting is banned. The dog still remains popular as a pet and a Show dog and makes a gentle but protective guardian as well. They are not really a guarding breed but their voice alone is enough to sound quite an alarm not to mention their large size. Their bay is actually a delight to hear, being melodious and deep and the bark is gruff but soft.
The Otterhound looks rather rough in a natural state, the coat is shaggy and wiry or coarse. Historically, he has both Terrier and Hound in his genetic makeup and the coat reflects the characteristics of the Terrier type of coat. Colors are mostly tans and salt and pepper. The outer hairs are water resistant with a dense protective undercoat. He is a large breed standing 24 to 26 inches at the withers, with a large head and pendulous ears. His coat is easy to maintain as being of terrier type it easily sheds dirt and brambles and bits of leaves, etc.
This is not a dog that is for a neat housekeeper since he is continually bringing in such items on his coat and dripping them off onto the floor. Although he usually doesn't slobber he has a large mouth that can produce a lot of saliva when the smell food is in the air. Furthermore his hairy face will collect the water as he drinks and if his face is not wiped immediately it drips off of his hairs as he makes his way across a room. Many owners will keep a towel handy near the water dish or will allow access to water only when he is outside.
The Otterhound is in the same predicament as many of the large breeds when it comes to hip dysplasia. It continues to be a problem in the breed and care must be taken to x-ray this dog before breeding. Also the possibility of bloat or gastric torsion can be a problem. There is no way of knowing is this condition is genetic in nature though it is suspected that it is "familial".
After the Otterhound outgrows his puppyhood (which will last at least until the age of two) he usually settles down somewhat and at least is not so awkward .
He retains a bit of stubbornness in his personality, after all, he is a pack dog and has a tendency to tend to his own desires rather than those of his master. He is also a playful and boisterous breed, quite active and energetic. However he is intelligent and will respond to training. He needs plenty of exercise and of course needs a fenced in enclosure. He enjoys nothing more than being with his family on a regular basis but is not unhappy if in the yard and is not demanding of constant attention, especially if he has another dog to keep him company.
By Michael Russell
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals [http://animals-guide.com/].
Article Source: EzineArticles
Quite a few owners are employing crates to help teach their puppies. Several dog owners consider crates to be mean, terrible and restrictive but for those who have never used one you probably should look at the rewards.
A greyhound lying in his wire dog crate (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many pets look at the crate as being their personal spot. This is particularly true if it has been utilised since they were a puppy. Young dogs usually do not perceive the crate as a punishment, but as their den. If the crate is in a location where the puppy is able to go in and out many pets will use their crate on their own as a place to nap.
If your puppy is accepting and comfy with his crate he will be more than happy to be in it if you have to leave your house. This means that you don't worry about your dog chewing or destroying things when you're not at home.
Crates will also be wonderful when you have infants in the home. The dog will often take advantage of this space to escape while he wants to be left alone. It's important that you teach children to respect the dog's crate and not use it to play in. Kids should understand that this spot belongs to the dog and just the puppy and to leave the pet alone when he is in his crate.
Crate training may also help with house training. Puppies hate to dirty their bedroom. You will see that a puppy who sleeps inside a crate is less likely to have accidents. Keep in mind that the dog must be allowed out at regular times particularly when he is small. You do not want the animal to be forced to do his business inside the crate, if he's left in it too long. This might grow to be a pattern if the puppy spends a lot of time in his crate.
Crate training is also beneficial to help with additional instruction. In case your young puppy does start to play rough you can utilize it for a time out spot. You can even use the crate to keep your pet quietly restricted should you have visitors over who are not people who love dogs.
Dog crates can be a very valuable training tool, and will make living with a dog a great deal easier in lots of various ways. If you are thinking about buying a puppy you need to really look at the merits to getting a crate.
As a pet owner, you have to be able to do everything for your buddy even if that means that you have to consider replacing the cone of shame. When that happens, then you could have the benefits below. So, be able to do this not only for the canine that you love the most but for yourself as well.
To begin with, you will be away from the curious stares of strangers. With the right alternatives to Elizabethan collar, you shall no longer be drawing attention everywhere you go. You shall have that privacy which you have always been craving to achieve during the past few weeks and that could be a great gift to yourself.
They are going to be very flexible. That means that your dogs would still have the freedom to move their neck. In that way, they would not look awkward in front of a lot of people and this cannot cause any tarnish in your reputation. So, simply do what is needed to be done in here since that is for your own good.
These products have a foam inside them. That signifies that they will not be a torture to your animals. On the contrary, they shall be an essential part in this recovery of your canines and this is what is vital as of the moment. You are not allowed to lose sight of that goal as you move along the way.
You would provide safety for your dog as well. The new collar can prevent it from running into sharp objects. So, it is perfectly safe for you to leave them at home as you head off to work. When that happens, then you can still have a normal life which is very important in here in the least.
You even have nothing to complain about the size. You can just bring your pet along when you are shopping and the attendant in the store will measure it up. Thus, go ahead and make this happen while you still have the time of the day because of your busy schedule. This is the right flow in here.
Your dog would feel normal and that can really help in its recovery. As you can see, everything is starting to fall into place. When that happens, then you shall be able to do the usual morning rounds with your buddy and nothing can get any better than that.
Everything can be washed by a washing machine. This indicates that your life is still yours to have. So, go ahead and be sure that everything is going fine with the machine. When that happens, then you can already seal the deal.
Overall, you just have to get the best out there. This would be for the good of your lifetime partner. Be a concerned pet owner and you shall reap the fruits of your hard labor. This is really the path that you have to be in right now.
About the Author: Della Monroe
Read more about Benefits Of Alternatives To Elizabethan Collar.
Every pet owner wants to keep his or her beloved cat or dog as safe as possible. You do everything you can do make sure your pet is well cared for and healthy. If you have an indoor pet, you may not think that keeping identification tags is important, but it is. What if your fuzzy feline accidentally slips out of the door at night and you search to no avail? What do you do, especially if your dog or cat has no identification? Placing a collar with an identification tag is important, but collars sometimes become lost. When you consider the fact that many animal shelters only keep dogs and cats for seven days, you want to make sure that your pet is properly identified. That is where the microchip comes in handy. The microchip is the newest way to identify lost pets and helps ensure that your lost pooch or feline finds his or her way back home.
The technology of the microchip has become so popular that most animal clinics and animal shelters have the ability to scan a cat or dog for microchip identification. If you opt for the microchip, you should know that it is a painless procedure for your pet. Your vet will insert a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice directly under your pet’s skin using a hypodermic needle. The microchip is usually placed behind the neck. The microchip contains special digital number that has been entered on a national microchip database. That information will give the person your contact information. When you pet is lost, a veterinarian or animal shelter can use a special scanner to retrieve the microchip information. It is that easy.
Pet owners love the idea of the microchip because it is permanent. You cannot remove the microchip and unlike a collar or tags, it cannot be lost or destroyed. This is one of the best features of pet microchip, especially for cats. If you place a collar on a cat, more than likely it will be a breakaway collar. If your cat climbs a tree, or is caught on something, the collar breaks off. If your cat does not have a microchip, it will be very difficult to identify your cat if it is found.
There are a few important things to remember about pet microchips. First, if your pet gets lost, you should never just sit back and wait for a call, even if your pet has a microchip. Not all veterinarians and shelters are equipped with this technology. You need to take the time to call around and place “lost pet” flyers around your neighborhood. In addition, you need to make sure you take the time to update your contact information should you move. It does little to no good to have your pet implanted with the microchip if the information on the national database is incorrect. Your veterinarian can give you information on how to update this information.
It is important to get your pet implanted with the microchip at a young age. Puppies can have the microchip at age six weeks. Even small breeds of dogs can handle this procedure. Kittens can also undergo this procedure at six weeks. The insertion of the microchip is not painful and feels like a regular vaccination shot. You can have your pet implanted with the microchip at your veterinarian office and can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for this service.
As the name tells us, these dogs originate from China. They have been part of farm life in China from time immemorial. Farmers used this dogs as guards against predators and perhaps as herding dogs as well, in some parts of the country. Chinese Shar Pei puppies will eventually grow into fairly large medium-sized dogs. They aren't huge but they certainly aren't teacups.
My bonemouth Chinese Shar-Pei's first litter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The average weight for a Shar Pei is right in the mid-range, 40 to 55 pounds. This weight class is about the middle weight size of all dog breeds.
If we were able to follow the genetic roots of this dog breed we would probably find that there are many different lineages and breeds that have contributed to the Shar Pei we know today. This is usually the case for medium sized dogs and it makes sense, because many different breeds and sizes of dog have intermixed for generations, causing for the majority of these dogs to fall into the middle weight range in our modern day.
If you've just bought a Chinese Shar Pei puppy and you're wondering about names, might we suggest a traditional Chinese name to honor the lineage. Or, you could give the dog a Chinese name and an English name too. Sure, we like that idea as well. One could be the full name and the other a nick name; have fun with it, pets are supposed to be fun and there are no set rules for naming your pet.
Shar Peis are natural watch dogs, that was their primary purpose as they were bred, so they will make a good guard dog for the home. But, they are also not an overly aggressive breed so they will be fine with children (other breeds like Dobermans and Terriers are not). These are great family dogs, and can adapt to any environment from the biggest city to the most remote village.
Unfortunately they are prone to several medical conditions, as all dogs are prone to certain ailments. With the Chinese Shar Pei you have to watch their thyroid levels and their kidneys. Those are their weak spots. You'll be fine if you simply take your dog to the veterinarian for their regular checkups.
This is especially important for dogs as they get older. This dog breed live until around the age of ten, so at the age of five will be considered middle aged, from here you'll need to keep an eye on their weight. If they put on weight, it could be a thyroid condition. Be on the lookout.
If you're interested in information about buying Chinese Shar Pei puppies there are many routes that you can take, however the best method that we have found is looking for Shar Pei owners and asking how and where they got their puppy. It can truly be a time saver.
By Kevin Highfill
My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at [http://www.online4pets.com/] to discover more information about Chinese Shar Pei puppies.
Article Source: EzineArticles
It is believed that the origin of Chow Chow dog is in China. In his homeland, he is still used today as a daycare dog, as both houses of reed boats, and even as a delicacy in countries of other continents. The Chow is considered as a company dog. It has a very proud and reserved nature, which makes it become attached only to its owner. It always presents a clean coat and is easy to train, but is very difficult to live alone at home, because it has a great need for areas where it can be able to move.
The Chow Chow looks like major Nordic Spitz and still retains some features of him. For many centuries, is raised with care in China, where it is considered as a working dog. The many existing ancient witnesses tell us with certainty that their appearance has remained unchanged over time, and therefore maintain its ancestral characteristics of race. Its introduction in Europe is due to a British ambassador in Peking who gave a couple of these dogs to the Prince of Wales in 1880. Immediately, the race is spread fairly rapidly in England and were very numerous imports from China, to the point that in 1884 the English Kennel Club, the officially recognized.
It is a dog of strong constitution, good power and leonine appearance. The head is relatively strong and broad, with small eyes and dark, penetrating expression, whose apparent lack of eyebrows is due to the particular design of the folds. The trunk is very solid and powerful.
Height at the withers is minimum 45 inches.
Head: truffle large, broad and preferably black on sheets of white or cream can be clear, in blue or fawn, the color of the layer; snout of moderate width, eye width from the end; venture with scissors; skull flat and broad. Stop slightly marked.
Eyes: small, preferably almond shaped dark in color except blue dogs to lions, which can be clear.
Ears: small, thick, slightly rounded at the tip, carried stiffly erect, well spaced from each other.
Neck: strong, solid, slightly arched.
Forelimbs: perfectly straight, of moderate length and strong bones. Shoulders are muscular and sloping.
Body: chest wide and deep. Back is short, straight, strong, kidneys powerful.
Hindlimb: perfectly straight, well muscled. Hocks low.
Feet: small, round, compact.
Cola: high birth, carried well turned and resting on the rump.
Coat: plentiful, thick, smooth, straight, composed of relatively coarse outer hair and a touch soft, woolly undercoat.
Color: entirely black, red, blue (metallic blue), Ieonado, cream, and more rarely white. Stains are not allowed.
FOOD: nutritional needs in inactive adult specimen have been estimated between 1,250 and 1440 Kcal; daily ration of maintenance. His diet should be as rational as possible, with adequate protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
DAILY CARE: The Chow Chow is provided with a rich, thick hair and a soft undercoat, which need to be brushed daily. This operation is extremely important because it allows for good aeration of the undercoat, reducing the possibility of developing pathogen. The brush should be dipped in a disinfectant solution.
DISEASES: It is known that this race could have hereditary disease (myotonia and muscle hypertrophy).
Are you are trying to integrate a new cat into your feline family? Do your cats fight with each other?
Is your new cat grieving its lost human companion who had to go into a nursing home? Flower remedies or essences are helpful in many situations. Choosing the right essences is facilitated by knowing what the animals are thinking and feeling. As an Animal Communicator, I can gather this information and choose appropriate remedies.
Flower remedies are the vibrational patterns of flowers in liquid form. Each flower's unique energy pattern models specific healthy emotional vibrations. When the bio-electrical systems of the animal align with the model, not only may an animal's emotional state and behaviors change, but sometimes even physical illnesses will be helped to resolve.
One client had six cats and had rescued a seventh. When she tried to integrate the new female, the cats fought and there was chaos. A new cat will cause a shifting about of everyone's position in the group dynamic. In this instance, the new cat was fairly dominant. She was unwilling to come into the group at the bottom of the pecking order. The currently dominant cat wasn't about to give up her position. The other five cats had their various relationships and ranks, but now all positions were fluctuating.
First, I explained to each feline what was going on and why the person wanted to keep the new cat. I also gathered information about how each cat felt about the new one and about their individual willingness to cooperate. I talked to the new cat to get her perspective as well. We all brainstormed for solutions that might help smooth out the process
Then I chose flower essences. While continuing to use Rescue Remedy, I added Walnut to help each cat cope with a major life change; Quaking Grass, to help each cat's vibrations find harmony and flexibility in the group energy; Chicory for the one cat who tended to be jealous and manipulative; and Tiger Lily to reduce aggressive behavior during the shift. In addition, I suggested that the client mist the house twice a day with some Rescue Remedy diluted in water, creating a calming atmosphere. The human agreed not to behave in ways that showed favoritism towards the new cat.
The cats began to settle down quickly once they were on the essences. Over a period of months, the new cat was integrated without anyone getting hurt.
Flower essences start working immediately, yet work gradually and gently. Sometimes behaviors change quickly, but the essences should be given for several months to assure a sustained transformation. Flower essences will not change someone's personality, although they can take the edge off of an extreme behavior.
Another client had a male Abyssinian cat who told me he was "a God" and who was beating up on the female cat in the family, a American Short Hair, because he felt she didn't "worship" him appropriately. His person was astonished. "Does he think my husband and I worship him?" she asked. The Abyssinian answered, "Yes." He said that his people thought he was beautiful; they fed, petted and admired him as much as he wanted. The female cat was sweet, but not very self- confident, especially as the male would swat at her each time she walked past him.
We set this goal: to boost the female's confidence while lowering the male's aggressive tendencies. For the male I chose Vine, for being domineering, inflexible, and a bully, combined with Beech, for intolerance, and Tiger Lily, for aggression. For the female I chose Larch, to build self-confidence, combined with Centaury, for allowing oneself to be bullied. As a result of the essences, the male cat stopped his aggressive behavior while the female no longer ran madly past him. The situation resolved quickly because the right flower essences were used. The male's beliefs about himself did not change; his concern about the female cat and his behaviors towards her did.
Flower essences can be used with most species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are non-invasive and do not conflict with prescribed medications. If you are having a behavioral or emotional problem with an animal and you would like to try a holistic approach, consider using flower essences. With the assistance of an Animal Communicator, you are more likely to hit on just the right combination, with the added benefit of understanding your animals' perspectives. This helps achieve the desired results.
Keeping your dog clean is an important responsibility for every dog owner. Fido depends on you for general hygiene. Clean ears, teeth and a coat free from fleas and ticks are all the conditions you check for a healthy pet. Bath time is a great time to bond with your dog as well as check his well-being.
A healthy dogs actually don’t need to be washed all that often, but humans prefer to bathe them so that they smell fresh and clean and not like...well…dog. Although most dogs don’t like to be washed, they will appreciate the contact and attention that they receive from their owners during a bath. It is also a good time to perform some other necessary “dog maintenance” such as cleaning the ears, checking for ticks and fleas, and brushing the teeth. Since many dogs do not like to sit still for any of these activities, it can be a good idea to do them all at once.
Brushing your Dogs’ Teeth
Brushing your dogs’ teeth is just good dental hygiene. Most vets recommend that it be done at least twice a week to ensure your dog maintains healthy teeth and gums. If you’ve have been doing this, it’s never too late to start. The dog should have its own toothbrush and special toothpaste designed for dogs. You pick up everything you need at your favorite pet supply store. Make sure you brush the back teeth in small circles, the same way you would your own, and brush up and down the length of the “pointy” canine teeth. Dog toothpaste is made to have a pleasing taste, to dogs that is, and this should help make your dog willing to let you perform this activity. If you cannot brush his teeth, the next best thing would be to give him teeth cleaning dog biscuits but brushing is definitely preferred.
Checking for Ticks & Fleas
Ticks are nasty little arachnids (they’re eight-legged creatures like spiders, and therefore are not insects) that will latch onto your dog’s skin and feed on his blood supply. They are most common in wooded areas, but your dog should be checked for them regularly because they can carry a number of diseases. The best place to look for these bugs in under the collar or on the dog’s underbelly, buried in the fur. If you find a tick, be sure to use tweezers and remove the tick by its head.
Fleas can be found in the same places, under the fur. The presence of fleas can be betrayed by the sight of their droppings on the dog’s coat. They look like flecks of pepper. The fleas themselves can vary in size, from tiny infants to larger adults, which are about an eighth of an inch long. They can’t simply be picked off the dog like ticks can, they will jump before you can catch them. If you do find a flea or their droppings, you know it’s time to start the dog on a program to control and eliminate these pests.
Cleaning his Ears
Pet supply stores sell special solutions for cleansing a dog’s ears. Dogs can easily get ear mites. These small insects live in the ears and feed of the waxy secretions there. Over time, the bodies of these short-lived creatures build up and form a black, dirty substance. Using a cotton swab dipped in a bit of this solution, gently clean the inner ear. It may be difficult to hold the dog still for this procedure, but it doesn’t take long. The result will be clean ears and the avoidance of potential infection and earaches for your dog.
So you see, the quality time you spend bathing your dog will not only make him smell great to you but it will make him FEEL great.
The Standard Schnauzer (often called just the Schnauzer) is a working breed. They have bushy eyebrows, a distinct beard and wiry coat. The breed is thought to have first appeared during the Middle Ages. They were initially bred for herding, catching rats and acting as a guard dog. These days they're a popular choice as a police dog, drug detection, search and rescue or companionship. They are believed to have originated in Germany and are a descendant of black Poodles, grey Wolfspitz and German Pinschers.
Standard Schnauzer at 9 months (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
They're identified as a medium sized breed. The standard male measurements are 18.5-19.5 inches high and a weight of 45 pounds, whereas the female dimensions are 17.5-18.5 inches tall and a weight of 35 pounds. They're famous for their bold, lively and fun-loving character. They are suitable as a guard dog, as they will protect their family if required though they are mostly non-aggressive with people they're not familiar with. Compared with all other breeds, they are known to be highly intelligent, and are ranked 18th when learning new things.
They're somewhat suitable for a family pet, as they're good with kids (provided they're older). Animals like other dogs who they can become aggressive with don't live well with them. Grooming them is a simple task. They need proper grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, and moderate brushing through their coat every few days. They love having a large, well-fenced backyard so they have plenty of room, but can be suited to apartment life.
As with many medium sized breeds, they are by and large longer-lived with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Their major health risk is hip dysplasia, and they're also vulnerable to skin conditions. Things such as obedience, exploring, running or traveling will give them enjoyment. To prevent bad behavior, they need very long walks each day due to their high level of energy.
You must be ready to meet their high demands for exercise and leadership if you choose to buy the Standard Schnauzer. They're less suitable for less active owners or those with other pets, but a perfect option for families with older children. Here are a few of the things you'll like about the Standard Schnauzer:
This breed has been pretty appealing to a number of people, and one of the greatest reasons why is that it is friendly towards guests but will still be able to protect your family if required.
One other attractive fact about them is they will go exploring with you anywhere and love to travel.
One more characteristic dog lovers like in regards to them is you don't have to worry about many health problems.
