Understanding the ingredients of your dog's food items is a must for the dog lovers or dog owners. Whenever you feed the dog with different kinds of food items, you should always read the label and understand the contents about the dog feed types that are being used in such commercial preparations. You should understand the ingredients while buying food for your dog and also know what to look for.
Feed items include dry and fresh food. The fresh dog food that is prepared in homes generally consists of ingredients like freshly cut chicken pieces in addition to the cranberry juices, blue-green algae, etc.
If you come across any different kinds of preservatives and if the dog develops all of a sudden signs pertaining to the food allergy, suspect the unwanted ingredient in the feed items given. Similarly, understand about the moisture status. If the food item is having more moisture, then the dog may prefer this as well.
Beet pulp, pasta, Soy bean oil, wheat middlings, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, copper sulphate, iron sulphate, zinc oxide, choline chloride, etc. are often the ingredients in case of vegetarian based diet items offered to the pet animals like dogs.
Raw egg, chicken, beef, mutton, fish, quail etc. are often the preferred ingredients in case of dog diets that are prepared on the basis of the non-vegetarian items. Taurine is one of the essential ingredients for the dog’s nutrition. Like wise, in the case of dogs feed with frozen fish items, the vitamin called thiamine needs to be supplemented as an ingredient.
Many premium type of dog food preparations contain essential fatty acids, carbohydrates with adequate fiber contents, vitamins like A, D, E and B complex vitamins.
Furthermore, minerals like zinc, is an essential ingredient for skin health status and calcium, which is an essential ingredient for bone growth, tonicity of muscles. They should be enriched in these food items. However, the cost of those food preparations are comparatively more expensive than the food preparations with general ingredients. Though it may be better for your dog's health.
Puppy shedding might be a real problem. A lot of pets will shed their coats completely twice in a year's time. Once in the spring and once in the fall season. This is known as 'blowing off'. There's nothing you can do about this seasonal hassle other than to smile and tolerate it and prepare yourself.
Puppies which are frequently coming in and outside of the home will usually not develop as heavy a winter fur as the ones that spend almost all of their time outdoors. That being said the indoor outdoor canine will tend to shed more inconsistently than a canine that is always in the garden.
Lhasa Apso EL Minja's Aisha (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Regular brushing of your puppy will surely assist. Use a hair brush which is able to get right down to the pet's skin. Just brushing the top certainly won't help. Do not be too abrasive, you do not want to hurt the animal's skin, but you do need to brush the under coat and eliminate as many loose hairs as possible. This won't help to handle the shedding but will certainly aid in reducing the possibility of your dog getting mats.
Brushing will in addition give you the chance to do a quick check of your dog. You need to make certain that the shedding isn't attributable to anything besides regular seasonal changes or just normal hair loss. Abnormal shedding can be the result of a variety of different things you'll want to be familiar with. Pets may loose fur if they have a skin irritation. Irritations may be a result of anything from, unwanted organisms to allergies.
Dogs do have allergies. They can be allergic to everything from cleaning soap products to rug cleaning solutions. A few dogs sometimes loose fur if they've experienced a recent shock that could be brought on by anything from a move to a new person in the family.
If you see that your pet is losing hair in certain areas, and is appearing patchy you need to investigate. You should also be certain to look for any abnormal itching that your pet is doing. This might be an indicator that his epidermis is irritated and if left without treatment might cause sores along with fur loss.
Fur loss is something that every dog owner will need to deal with and while your pet is going through his regular seasonal hair loss, put a protective cover on your sofa and invest in the best vacuum.
The eyes of your feline friends have often been used on horror films. But if you are a pet owner, you will know that the cat's stare is really the opposite of what's being portrayed on films. That is why you have to know the importance of cat eye care.
A closeup of a cat's eye, showing green iris and dilated pupil. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I Love You
How do cats say these words? Through their eyes, of course. That is why you shouldn't be frightened by that gaze. How does this work? First, the cat stares at you for a long while. And after that, it blinks its eyes slowly. Some people tag this as a cat's kiss. But you can also say that this is your cat's way of saying that it loves you.
But how do you return the favor? Easy, just follow your cat's lead. Stare at it for a long time and then slowly blink your eyes. See? Cats' eyes can also be used as elements for romantic films.
Not a Third Eye
Don't believe the horror films you see. Cats don't have a third eye. Their eyesight is really sharper than with humans. Instead of a third eye, what cats have is a third eyelid. This is called a nictitating membrane.
This inner eyelid protects the eyes of the cats from harm and also from dryness. You will notice that when a cat is sick, this membrane will somewhat close. This should alarm you to call the vet or get your cat to them fast.
But this third eyelid will also show once a cat is happy. So you will know what mood your cat is in just by looking at the membrane.
The Pupil
Your feline friend's pupil of the eyes should also be observed. A change in size of one pupil can be an indication of an inflammation. It can also be a sign of a kind of a disorder in neurologic called Horner's Syndrome. Or worse, it can also indicate tumors or injuries in the central nervous system.
The Nocturnal Vision
Do not believe what others say that cats are color blind. They see some. They may not see as clear as humans do, but it's not like that they cannot see any colors at all.
Cats can also see clearly from afar. It's very different from people. They find it blurry to be looking at things that are so close to them.
Yes, cats have the nocturnal vision. But they can't see in complete darkness. Do you see the muscles on their iris that surround the pupils of their eyes? They are constructed in a way that it narrows into a vertical split when they are exposed in the bright lights. And it opens fully when the acts are in a quite dim light.
This feature of the cats may be traced back to their roots. They can use such to hunt for food during the night if they were left out in the jungle or left with no one to care for them.
So forget about the horror flicks. You've already got the thrills. Not it's time to put some effort into cat eye care. Do not let a minor thing worsen. Call the vet immediately when something's amiss. You don't want your cat to lose their sight or even lose their lives. It is always better to be safe than blind.
The Curly Coated Retriever has its origin in England and is one of the oldest dog breeds there is. English hunters favoured this breed, as they had very gentle retrieving abilities. This breed is particularly popular in Australia and in New Zealand. In the United States however they are fairly rare, and very difficult to get hold of.
Temperament
Curly-Coated Retrievers are very content and easygoing dogs. They are very bright, and always keen on pleasing their owners. This breed was formerly used as hunting and gun dogs, and this makes them very trainable. These dogs are also late to mature, and will only reach full maturity after about 3 years. This breed will make a wonderful family, and they like to be close to the family.
The Curly-Coated Retriever likes to show affection, and also makes very good therapy dogs. Seeing that these dogs are so tolerant, they are the ideal dog to have around your children. The Curly-Coated Retriever will make a brilliant watchdog and will also protect the family wherever they can. It is important to socialise the Curly-Coated Retriever well when still young, as they can be fairly reserved toward strangers.
Care
The grooming requirements for the Curly-Coated Retriever is not very time consuming. It is advised that the nails of these dogs should be trimmed, but only when it is necessary. The Curly-Coated Retriever should not be bathed excessively, and two or three times during the year should do. Too much bathing will strip their coats from the natural the oils. The Curly-Coated Retriever should not be rubbed down in order to get them dry, they should rather be left to air dry. The coat of the Curly-Coated Retriever will benefit from these dogs swimming and being out in the sun a lot.
Training
It is vital for these dogs to receive proper training, as they can be very difficult puppies. The Curly-Coated Retriever should get enough physical and mental stimulation, as they tend to get bored very easily. This will in return then lead to destructive behavior. The Curly-Coated Retriever will also bark a lot when bored. These dogs should also be learned from a young age that jumping is not suitable.
Health problems
The Curly-Coated Retriever has a few health concerns potential owners should be aware of. Like many other breeds they have problems with hip dysplasia and cancer. They can also suffer from patterned baldness, bloat and cardiac problems. Epilepsy is also a concern in this breed from time to time.
You may have heard of a place called Siberia in your history classes years ago. It's the place where Stalin sent millions to the gulags in order to "work". Not a pretty story from history, but Siberia is beautiful country nevertheless, beautiful and wild, and the native home of the great Siberian cats.
A 5m old silver mackerel siberian cat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Siberian cats are big. And, they are quite distinct looking with their rounded ears, large slanted eyes, and plumed tails. To many in North America they may looking decidedly Asiatic?
These big cats weigh around 15 to 20 pounds, which is definitely big for a cat. The only cats that are bigger would be maybe Maine Coon Cats and Norwegian Forest Cats (who are similar genetically to the Siberian).
Other unique features of the Siberian cat is their ability to jump great distances and their ultra thick coat of fur. These animals were born to survive in the frozen tundra wilderness and have developed, through long years of evolution, a double thick coat of fur. They have both an outer and an inner coat of fur which makes these cats virtually impervious to cold weather, they had to be in the deep, dark woods of the Siberian wild.
People may be wondering about the personality of the Siberian cat, well, in general they can be very friendly and attentive, and they are quite happy outdoors, especially in the winter, as should be no surprise. They thrive in cold weather climates, in fact, owning one in, say, Florida, is probably just not a good idea at all, some might even call it downright torture.
Siberians are loyal like dogs, and have similar qualities to many dogs not to other cats. You will not find the typical standoffish cat personality in most Siberians. They won't jump up and lick you in the face either, they are cats, but it's pretty amazing to see how dog-like these cats are. Some folks will love this quality and others might find it disturbingly un-cat-like. It's hard to say for certain who will gravitate towards these magical animals.
The coloring of these cats will vary a good deal because of a lot of interbreeding between different packs, both in the wild and with licensed breeders. The most common color will be a brown tabby color, but they can also be tortoiseshells (torties).
These are truly interesting cats to own because they are so strong and athletic, but again, some people will love them and others will want a more independent and less outgoing cat.
By Kevin Highfill
My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at [http://www.online4pets.com/] to discover more information about Siberian cats
Article Source: EzineArticles
If you see a lot of dead skin flakes on your cat's back, it is likely cat dandruff. Like us human, it is not unlikely for cats to get dry skin due to climate, allergies, and even sun burn. Knowing what causes the dead skin, can help you to determine how to get rid of cat dandruff for good.
There are many causes of cat dandruff. Some are harmless, however others many need medical attention. Some common causes are diabetes, diet, parasites, and dry air. Before beginning an at home treatment, it is important to see a veterinarian first to rule out any serious medical conditions.
Once you have ruled out any medical ailments, put your cat on a high protein diet. Even if you think you are feeding your cat the highest quality food on the market, some are filled with animal proteins rather than meat proteins. Read the ingredient list. Meat protein should be the first item listed.
Cats are little people in the respect that their skin is subject to reaction to dry air and sunburn too. As if your skin needs moist air, a cat's does as well. Consider buying a humidifier for your home. Both your skin and your cat's will see the benefits. Also, as with fair skinned humans, if your cat is white furred, it is important to give them a place to get shelter from the sun when they are outside.
So, to get rid of cat dandruff, rule out the major health issues by going to vet. Then give him the proper diet and protection from arid and sunny environments. Your cat will be happy and sport a healthy looking coat!
To some people cats may all seem alike, despite differences in color or size. Certainly cats appear more similar than dogs, which range from the towering Great Dane to the tiny Chihuahua. But cats do have their own breeds within the species just like dogs, and each has its own unique characteristics.
Imagine a cat that likes to swim, or one that's related to a tiger! Sounds unreal, but it isn't. Many domestic cats have been interbred with wild species to produce gorgeous and extremely intelligent pets. If you are thinking about a cat why not try one of these breeds?
Bengal
The Bengal breed originated when cat fanciers mixed a domestic cat with the Asian Leopard cat. The result was an extremely intelligent and beautiful pet. Bengals are often gray with striping or rosettes, and sometime have a gold dusting that looks like glitter. Bengals can mature at anywhere from 10-14 pounds, but some males reach larger sizes. Bengals are a very vocal cat, and will chirrup at things that interest them, and yowl when they want something. They also defy the idea that cats hate water. Bengals love water and some will even swim. Like a dog a Bengal will chase his tail, fetch for you, and walk on a leash.
The Chausie is a result of mixing a domestic cat and the wild jungle cat (Felix chaus). Chausies are also known as "stone cougars" because their solid light brown hide and head shape are reminiscent of a cougar. These cats are also larger than their fellow domestic cats, getting up to twenty-five pounds in some cases. Like Bengals, Chausies are very intelligent and like to play and walk on leashes. Chausies must be at least four generations removed from their wild ancestors to be legally owned, and some cities have restrictions beyond that. Check with your local government to make sure a Chausie (or a Bengal) would be legal and welcome in your town.
Imagine having a tiny tiger of your own! With the Toyger breed, it's now becoming possible. Toygers are actually the result of selective breeding of tabby cats; they have no wild stock in them. The reason the breed was developed was to create a domestic cat that resembled the wild tiger and would remind people about the plight of the great feline. Toygers are still being developed, but the choice members of the breed have dark pumpkin colored fur mixed with horizontal black stripes, just like a tiger! For the most part Toygers will act like other domestic cats.
Ocicat
The Ocicat is another example of breeding domestic cats to achieve and aesthetic look like a wild cat, in this case the ocelot. Ocicats come in also shades, from silver to chocolate, but they all share the spotting that makes them look so like their wild cousins. Some say Ocicats look a lot like the Bengal. Unlike the Bengal however they do not have wild ancestors, and behave more like your regular domestic cat, albeit with a gorgeous coat!
There are many other varieties of cats, some with long hair, some with no hair, and some with just enough. But whichever kind of cat you choose for a companion, remember that you are their guardian and provider. Good luck finding the exotic feline of your dreams!
By Michael Ron Puppies Long Island. Visit Worldwide Puppies and Kittens in Bellmore, New York, or call them at 516-679-7880 for more information.
Article Source: EzineArticles
A sound temperament is a must in a German Shepherd Dog (GSD). By sound, I mean a disposition where one minute you can let a protection trained GSD play alone with your 5-year old child, pull on its ears, pet its head, tug on its tail and NEVER-EVER be in harms way; while the next minute, it should turn into the "terminator" and crush its enemies as soon as it senses an intruder.
There are three conventional methods of dog training that you can choose from in order to train you German Shepherd Dog (GSD). They are training with treats, training with treats and clickers, and training with praise. All three methods of training will work; however, there is one that stands out from the rest. That is, oral praise. Why? Because you want your dog to listen to your commands even when you don't have any toys, clickers, and/or food. Imagine you dog wanting to jump at your every command simply because it wants your praise and love and not because you are going to bribe it with treats. Once your dog gets used to getting treats for performance, it will cease to perform when you don't have any more treats left. So, treat your GSD with kindness, and train it with praise!
Training a GSD which has not been genetically selected for working ability is that much more difficult than one that has already been selected for that trait. In my opinion, the age-old debate about beauty vs. functionality of the pure-bread GSD dog was settled by the founder of the German Shepherd Dog breed, Captain Max Von Stephanitz, when he said in his book,"...Utility is the true criterion of beauty..." (The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture, pg. 163). Many American GSDs today have been selected for beauty rather than functionality in order to win dog shows. In many of these dog shows, obedience and showmanship are separate events and a dogs' working ability is never considered in events where the dogs are required to meet breed standards. Hence, you have the decline of the traits for which the breeds were originated for in the first place. So when you set out to buy your dream GSD, look for temperament, health, and working ability first, and beauty last.
The importance of beauty, however, should not be ignored when it comes to posing your dog for a memorable photograph. Unlike other breeds, GSD's are shown differently in the breed ring. The proper method for posing your GSD for the breed judges is called a "stack". "Stacking" is the method whereby one allows the forequarters of a dog to be shown parallel to one another when looking through the viewfinder of a camera and when one allows the hindquarters of the GSD to be arranged so that the limb facing the camera is placed backward while the limb facing away from the camera is placed forward. Most professional handlers who pose their GSD's for photographers walk them into a "stack" instead of artificially manipulating them into it. If you plan to stack your GSD for a professional snapshot, remember to compose the image in such a way as to depict it from the tip of its nose to the tip of its hindquarters; NO MORE, NO LESS (please visit my web site to view photographs of how a GSD is stacked for the camera).
These topics cover just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowing the German Shepherd Dog breed. You can learn more about the GSD by visiting my web site or by getting involved in breed organizations like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA). With a little more reading, you can become familiar with this wonderful breed and all that it has to offer. And then perhaps you can decide whether this is the right breed for you or not.
Photograph of a Bichon Frisé - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Hot spots” are surface skin infections caused when populataions of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance. They ae generally curcular patches that lose hair, can be swollen, in extreme cases may exude smelly pus, and can be painfully itchy causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of self mutilation. Untreated hot spots can spread and provoke a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when touched.
Dogs most susceptible to hot spots are those with heavy coats and histories of allergies, ear infections, fles infestations, iritated anal sacs and grooming problems such as hair tangles and mats. The most common location for hot spots is the legs, feet, flanks and rump. These localized infections can also appear on the ears, neck, and chest if the dog is continually scratching.
To treat hot spots trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the infection and expose the edges of the lesion. Wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic. Thjee are over-the-counter products to deter the dog from licking and chewing. The #1 product for most breeders and handlers is called “tea tree spray” or melaluca alternifolia. It is supposed to have healing qualities as well as discouraging the dg from biting or licking himself due to the bad taste.
I also use a product called Sulfodene which specifically for hot spots. I have had good results with this and it can be purchased almost anywhere that sells pet products. (Department stores, grocery stores, etc.) If treated early hot spots may disappear in day or two. Sulfodene is a good early treatment product. Or, medicated powder. Dust the spot several times a day to dry any moisture and soothe the itch. This can also be purchased over-the-counter.
Creams and ointments are not recommended because they can seal in the infection and hinder recobery. Although, a prescribed ointment may be necessary if the area becomes infected. At this stage the hot spot needs to checked bya veternarian for treatament. Some pet owners demand a quick fix for the problem and aren’t tolerent of vets who require return visits. Some vets will give you that quick fix by prescribing steroids for allergies. This quick fix is called “Prednisone”. However, you are setting your Bichon up for serious problems later in life if you do this repeatedly. If you use the Prednisone do so sparingly. Once or twice a month during allergy season followed by antihitamines.
A steroid given over and over can affect the balance of cortisol in the dog resulting in a condition called “Cushings Syndrome”.
The first thing to remember when considering home cooking for your pet is the simple truth that you are NOT cooking for a person, you are cooking for an animal - that might seem obvious, but so many pet owners treat their pets as if they were children.
Dogs, cats and people have different nutritional needs and some foods which are fine for you can be dangerous to them - you must take this into consideration.
Some pet owners begin feeding home cooked food because they find that their pet is not too interested in the commercial food being offered. Eventually they find themselves trapped because the pet will now not eat any commercially prepared food, and home cooking now constitutes 100% of the animal's daily intake. In these cases, arranging a diet composed of foods commonly used in the household may be the only way of delivering a balanced diet to the pet.
In some European countries homemade foods already supply an estimated 35% of cats with 60% of their caloric intake. When the pet receives more than half its daily calories from table foods, the whole diet should then be formulated to ensure a proper nutrient intake and avoid the dangers of obesity or other health problems.
Really, it's up to you and the ingredients that you have to hand, but a good guide to follow would be that given by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns of Burns Pet Nutrition who advises the following proportions of a home made diet for dogs
1/3 rd by volume boiled brown rice
1/3 rd by volume meat (this should be varied regularly using chicken, fish, lamb, beef)
1/3 rd by volume vegetable, again varied using roots and greens and to include some seaweed (dried or fresh)
John Burns adds 'I have less experience in the use of home made food for cats but in general cats need a higher level of protein and less carbohydrate.
'This could be achieved by increasing the meat portion to 50% with the rice and vegetable portions of 25% each. Again, some seaweed should be included to provide trace minerals.'
Cats have a very specific requirement for meat, and can't survive without several essential amino-acids found only in meat. So a vegetarian diet for a cat is really not on. Also limit the amount of liver you feed your cat (to avoid an excess of Vit A) and make sure to cook fish (regular feeding of raw fish can apparently lead to a vitamin B deficiency)
A few good foods to include
Vegetables - Green vegetables are a great way of boosting your dogs immune system, you can feed these raw or cooked. Raw carrot makes a healthy treat. Vegetables are possibly better for dogs than fruit. Potato must be cooked, and mashed potato is a suitable ingredient for home cooking.
Fruit - in the wild, dogs would have scavenged windfall fruit as well as digesting the remains of fruit eaten by other animals when they pick over the carcass, so giving your dog fruit is not as strange as it might sound. Fresh fruit is packed full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and all sorts of other healthy nutrients, so it's great for keeping your dog in top condition. Some fruits are quite acidic (as well as sugary) and may not be good for dogs with skin or digestive complaints.
Grains - Rice is universally recommended, and brown rice preferred, but make sure that it is well cooked so that your pet can get the maximum goodness.
Meat and fish - Vary the protein that you are feeding, so that a good range of amino acids is provided. Fish, particularly oily varieties are a good source of omega 3 and 6 oils.
Yoghurt - this is a great source of protein, calcium and vitamins, and is particularly good for dogs with diarrhoea thanks to the probiotics it contains.
Cottage cheese - another surprisingly healthy dairy food which is great for growing puppies and lactating bitches.
Brewer's yeast - Can be purchased from health food stores or chemists as a food supplement and is full of nutrients and vitamins. You only need to use about 1/2 tsp a day with recipes.
A few things to avoid
There are a few "No's" when it comes to selecting ingredients for home cooking. Veterinary Surgeons would tend to advise against the following foodstuffs, or at least to be wary of feeding large quantities:
Mushrooms: best avoided as some dogs will not tolerate mushrooms well and they can cause serious toxicity.
Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine. Theobromine is a similar compound to caffeine and stimulates the heart and nervous system. In dogs it can poison them with death occurring from heart failure. Cats may not metabolise chocolate in the same way as dogs but are also thought to be at risk.
Onions (and garlic) OK in small quantities, but be careful. Can cause blood problems including anaemia.
Cows milk: Cats and dogs along with most other mammals lose, to a variable extent, their ability to digest lactose (milk sugar) with age, because the activity of the enzyme lactase declines with age
Macadamia nuts: The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.
Tomatoes: a small amount of ripe tomato is unlikely to cause any problems, but green tomatoes can cause stomach upsets so it's best to avoid them.
Grapes: The ASCPA (Animal Poison Control Centre in the USA) has recently published information stating the toxicity of raisins and grapes in dogs (they do not know how they affect cats yet, but advise to avoid feeding them anyway). Eating just a handful of raisins and grapes has been shown to cause kidney failure.
Fatty foods: Very fatty foods may lead to problems such as pancreatitis. The pancreas releases enzymes to help digest the food. Pancreatitis is a very painful inflammatory condition associated with the ingestion of fatty foods.
You need to be aware that there has always been a voice out there arguing that home cooking is not the best way of feeding. Here is a quote from the Canadian Veterinarian Association pamphlet on pet food, 'A Commonsense Guide to Feeding Your Dog or Cat:'
"Why Are Homemade Diets Not Recommended? Homemade diets are not recommended because there is a good chance that all the necessary nutrients or the proper proportions will not be provided. Incorrect preparation and cooking may also deplete certain nutrients and result in a deficient diet. As well, homemade diets are usually more expensive to produce, without providing better nutrition."
The author, who originally trained as a food technologist has, in his time owned dogs, cats, hamsters and birds, sold pet food and spent the past decade marketing it. Now down to one cat, one dog and running Pet Food Choice, a website full of information on pet food choices, money-saving ideas and much more - http://www.pet-food-choice.co.uk
Feral or unferal, your kitty may get tangled up in one of these if they are in particular an outdoor cat. Indoor cats if by themselves are obviously not as prone to this risk, unless they find themselves outside, or a stray visitor inside.. but two or more indoor cats can have their "bad" days as well.
If you allow your cat to roam outside in the big wild outdoors, I seriously recommend you take kitty to your veternarian from a young age and start getting him vaccinated! And make sure this is done every year no questions! This is necessary if you don't want your kitty to get infected by nasties like Feline Aids (FIV) which is transmitted through blood while fighting. This also protects your kitty among a lot of other different diseases out there like Feline Leukemia
(FLV). It is also highly advisable to get him (or her) neutered. Unspayed males will fight feirsly for a female if she is in heat, which can leave both cats in tatters and spayed males can find themselves in the middle of something they don't understand if an unspayed males get the wrong idea...
Cats fighting outside at night time can be quite of a shock, as sometimes they can sound close to a child shreking or yelling, and it is definately the last thing you want to hear when your trying to sleep at night! My ultimate way of getting rid of cats engaged in a fight is to turn the hose on them, as noises won't startle them hardly as they are concentrating too much on the other cat!
For indoor cats, obviously water all over the carpet is unwanted so I find usually placing a large object between the two which will cut of eye contact with both cats, if they are engaged in a fight, don't get in their way as cat bites can not only hurt, but are more likely to become infected than dog bites. Use a chair and turn upside down and use the back of the chair and gently slide the chair between the cats, this will startle them and stop them from fighting. Give the cats 'time out' by placing one in a closed room for a short period of time.
A good tell-tale sign if a cat is frightened, the hair will stand up all over the body and when the cat threatens or is ready to attack, you will see the hair stand up in a narrow band along the spine and tail to make him look bigger, and this is also a good time to get out that hose or chair!
With the average lifespan of an outdoor only cat if they are feral or unferal, is only about three years! Which is why if you love your kitty and want him to have a healthy live, keep him indoors and he can live a whopping 16 years longer!
Not only will you benefit from keeping your kitty living longer indoors, it will save you expensive veternarian bills for infected scratches, broken teeth, torn ears, and so on by these nasty one-on-ones.
Burmilla cats are strikingly beautiful. Their parentage is the Bernese and Chinchilla cat breeds. They have a striking contrast between their tipping or shading and their silver undercoat. You will also note that they have delicate Tabby markings on their head, legs and tail. They should have a distinct "M" mark on their forehead.
A male Burmilla cat in the United Kingdom. His name is Ollie :-) Actually, his official pedigree name is Fandango Oliver Hardy and he comes from a long line of show-winners, but he isn't a show-cat. His official colour is blue. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The eyes of Burmilla cats are striking. In fact many people find their eyes to be their most striking feature. These cats always have eyes in a beautiful shade of green with dark penciling around the lids as if they are wearing eyeliner.
These very distinct looking cats are tipped or shaded in one of five colors: chocolate; brown; blue; lilac or black. Their coat can be shaded or tipped.
You will find that Burmilla cats have brick red noses that are also outlined in a very dark color. This makes their faces quite unique. Their hair feels like raw silk and is generally dense. They either have short hair or semi-long hair depending on the variety.
These cats are outgoing, friendly and personable which makes them a joy to have in your family. It is not known as a noisy cat but it is not completely quiet either. They are naturally adventuresome and inquisitive.
You can find a Burmilla cat to adopt or purchase by searching online. They are quite common in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Burmillas do not need a lot of maintenance and are very good with children and other cats. Their personality makes them a joy and they very much become part of your family. You should not have a problem adding one of these cats to your household.
If you are interested in this breed you can do some more research to make sure you can provide a great home to one of these beautiful cats.
To some, a dog may just seem the same as the other one, they eat, they play, they sleep, and they leave a mess, could it get more complicated than that. Well, basically they do have the same needs, but there are still some distinct differences in every breed which can require some special attention.
Sure they all need to exercise, but there are some differences as well. So if you own a French bulldog, or is planning to own one, then you need to know what this differences are to ensure that you will have a happy French bulldog and a healthy one at that.
A cream-coloured French Bulldog. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In this article, there is a vital list of the basic things that any French bulldog owner should know. This list will not only help you become a responsible owner, but also help those that are thinking about buying a French bulldog to decide whether they are ready to own one today. Here is the list of those instructions in no particular order:
Cool area in their home or in their garden - French bulldogs find heat as their waterloo. Because of their oddly shaped head, French bulldogs find it difficult to dispel heat. They also have trouble breathing when it’s too warm and when they are tired. Make sure that if you live in an area with a warm climate, an air-conditioned room should be available for them. Also, your garden should have areas where shades are available where they can lunge around in not too warm days. Providing your pet with a good shelter makes him feel important and valued.
Have water accessible – Water will help them dispel heat. French bulldogs tend to overheat so they need to rehydrate often. Even with just a small time spent exercising, they will soon become thirsty and panting, so have a water bowl ready inside and outside your home.
Exercise your French bulldog – Unlike other dogs though, French bulldogs cannot be kept active for a prolonged period of time. They tire easily and needs short breaks from time to time. Walking and exercising is necessary for strength development of the dog, so dog owners usually do it twice a day. This also helps them to dispel waste outside your home. Plus, prevent your French bulldog from overheating when walking him by doing your exercises at dawn and at night time where the sun can’t bet down hard on your pet.
Well balanced diet – Quality dog food should be the norm. A healthy diet will help keep your dog strong to ward off any health conditions. It will also keep your dog looking good with its coat shiny and vibrant.
Respect your dog – treat it humanely and as part of the family. Provide it with the attention it needs and spend quality time with it. French bulldogs in particular need more human attention than other dogs. Try to spend also on dog products like chew toys and treats. A good collar will not only keep it nearby with a leash, but also help it find its way home if it gets lost.
And finally, keep some time and money for vet visits. Your vet is your best friend and ally in keeping your French bulldog healthy and happy.
The Bichon Frise is a small dog that weighs between 10-20 lbs and stands only 23-30 cm. The dog's skull is slightly rounded and the tail is usually long and curly. The coat colors are solid white, grey or apricot. To make the hair even in length, it's recommended that you regularly trim it.
Blanca Photo: DAC
Temperament
The dog is said to have a merry and cheerful temperament. He is also gentle mannered, playful, affectionate, and playful. He loves human company; therefore, you should not chase him when he starts following you. The dog is also friendly to children and he tends to be very playful.
While he is very social, he can become very territorial if he is affiliated with a particular territory and encouraged by owners.
Caring for the dog
Proper care for the dog involves giving him the right foods, water, and exercises. Proper care also involves taking your dog for regular checkups. The most common diseases that affect the Bichon Frise are: cancer, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
Training the dog
One of the best things about Bichon Frise dog is that he is very intelligent and obedient which makes him very easy to train. For ideal results, you should start training him while still a puppy. To potty train your puppy, you should let him sleep in a crate then when he wakes up you should let him outside to relieve himself.
When he urinates outside, you should reinforce the good behavior by playing with him. Before the dog sleeps, you should take him outside and let him relieve himself in the yard. Again, you should praise him when he does the right thing.
As he grows up, you should use the crate less and less. You should not feel guilty for using the crate. You should know that the crate can't harm the dog.
To make your dog comfortable, you should give him a lot of care and attention. To reduce the risk of aggressive and anxious behavior, you should start socializing him early enough. Here you should let him freely interact with the members of the family and other dogs.
The dog is known to be highly energetic which can result to destructive behavior if the energy is not reduced. To reduce the high energy you should take the dog for walks. To ensure that you are in control, you should always put a leash around your dog.
When we suffer from headaches, chances are that we will turn to an over-the-counter solution, like Ibuprofen. It's a great way to alleviate discomfort, but one cannot say that the same dose should be given to pets. For this reason, I would like to discuss what the proper aspirin dosage for dogs entails. If you'd like to know what this entails, here are just a few of the most striking details that you would be wise to consider in the long term.
If you're curious to know what the proper aspirin dosage for dogs entails, you should try to focus on older dogs especially. These are the pets that should be given this solution, since it can be especially harmful to smaller or younger dogs that do not have the strongest biological systems. Even if this component can be used for older dogs, it would be a lie to say that further medical expertise cannot prove to be helpful.
Even though aspirin may not be the ideal solution for extensive care, there are certain food products one can give their aching dog. Did you know that fish oil can lead to a decrease in inflammation? This can be seen in the canine's joints, back, and - of course - their head. Of course, this is yet another quick remedy that virtually anyone can get their hands on. In order to correct this problem, ensuring that it doesn't crop up again, the proper authorities must be consulted.
For ways to correct this problem, from a medical standpoint, try to look into companies such as Assisi Animal Health. Seeing as how they have been able to work with numerous pets in the past, wouldn't it make sense for them to understand the proper aspirin dosage for dogs as well? In addition, you can become informed of other pain relief solutions, such as the Assisi Loop. With how well it can transit electromagnetic waves for healing purposes, this is another option that's worthy of your attention.
As you can see, there exist many details to consider when it comes to the proper aspirin dosage for dogs. Keep in mind that this should not be used as a long-term solution, since the care that a veterinarian can offer is nothing short of worthwhile. Nonetheless, if you're careful about how much is given, aspirin can prove to be an effective remedy in the short term. Consider consulting your vet earlier if you feel like you can benefit from additional details.
Panther, a toilet-using cat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cats are very intelligent, instinctively knowing how they should use the litter box. After the cat has finished using the litter box, someone in the family will need to scoop the waste from the litter box. This can be a very dirty and somewhat smelly job, one that is often overlooked during the day when the workload gets heavy. Cleaning up the litter box doesn’t take but a few minutes, although most would prefer not to do it at all. Although the litter box will need to be scooped out daily, it will also need to be changed once a week as well, by throwing the current bag out and replacing the box with a new bag and fresh litter.
Those who don’t like to scoop out the litter box should invest in one of the best inventions ever – the self cleaning litter box. These litter boxes are easy to use, and will keep the area clean. After the cat has used it, the self cleaning litter box will automatically clean the litter either by sifting or using a device that resembles a rake.
Self cleaning boxes that use shifting will often times have a round design. Once the cat leaves the covered box, the dome on top will revolve for the box to clean. The litter in the box will be shifted with the waste being put below the litter where it is discarded. Once the waste is properly disposed of, the litter will be returned to its normal position in the box for the cat to use again.
Boxes that have raking systems will often times sport a rectangular design. Once the cat leaves the box, the rake will automatically come out and clean the litter. The rake will clean all of the litter in the box, including the clumps of waste as well. Rakes are popular, although the shifting litter boxes are by far more popular and more common.
Those who are often times away from home could greatly benefit from a self cleaning litter box. They are great to have for cats that spend a lot of time by themselves, as they virtually eliminate any scooping of litter on your part. You can find them at your local pet or department store, even online as well. They are very affordable – and ideal for anyone who doesn’t like scooping waste from their litter box.
Raw egg, chicken, beef, mutton, fish, quail etc. are often the preferred ingredients in case of dog diets that are prepared on the basis of the non-vegetarian items. Taurine is one of the essential ingredients for the dog’s nutrition. Like wise, in the case of dogs feed with frozen fish items, the vitamin called thiamine needs to be supplemented as an ingredient. 
