Monday, April 3, 2017
Sunday, April 2, 2017
The COLLIE DOG.
The Collie dog makes an excellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of the Pointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and the Retriever. He can be trained to perform the duties of other breeds. He is clever at hunting, having an excellent nose, is a good vermin-killer, and a most faithful watch, guard, and companion.
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| Smooth collie during dogs show in Katowice (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Little is known with certainty of the origin of the Collie, but his cunning and his outward appearance would seem to indicate a relationship with the wild dog. Buffon was of opinion that he was the true dog of nature, the stock and model of the whole canine species. He considered the Sheepdog superior in instinct and intelligence to all other breeds, and that, with a character in which education has comparatively little share, he is the only animal born perfectly trained for the service of man.
At the shows this type of dog is invariably at the top of the class. He is considered the most tractable, and is certainly the most agile. Second to this type in favour is the smooth-coated variety, a very hard, useful dog, well adapted for hill work and usually very fleet of foot. He is not so sweet in temper as the black and white, and is slow to make friends. There is not a more graceful and physically beautiful dog to be seen than the show Collie of the present period. Produced from the old working type, he is now practically a distinct breed.
The skull should be flat, moderately wide between the ears, and gradually tapering towards the eyes. There should only be a slight depression at stop. The width of skull necessarily depends upon combined length of skull and muzzle; and the whole must be considered in connection with the size of the dog. The cheek should not be full or prominent.
The muzzle should be of fair length, tapering to the nose, and must not show weakness or be snipy or lippy. Whatever the colour of the dog may be, the nose must be black. The teeth should be of good size, sound and level; very slight unevenness is permissible. The jaws Clean cut and powerful. The eyes are a very important feature, and give expression to the dog; they should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape, and of a brown colour except in the case of merles, when the eyes are frequently (one or both) blue and white or china; expression full of intelligence, with a quick alert look when listening. The ears should be small and moderately wide at the base, and placed not too close together but on the top of the skull and not on the side of the head. When in repose they should be usually carried thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried semi-erect, with tips slightly drooping in attitude of listening.
The neck should be muscular, powerful and of fair length, and somewhat arched. The body should be strong, with well sprung ribs, chest deep, fairly broad behind the shoulders, which should be sloped, loins very powerful. The dog should be straight in front. The fore-legs should be straight and muscular, neither in nor out at elbows, with a fair amount of bone; the forearm somewhat fleshy, the pasterns showing flexibility without weakness. The hind-legs should be muscular at the thighs, clean and sinewy below the hocks, with well bent stifles. The feet should be oval in shape, soles well padded, and the toes arched and close together.
In general character he is a lithe active dog, his deep chest showing lung power, his neck strength, his sloping shoulders and well bent hocks indicating speed, and his expression high intelligence. He should be a fair length on the leg, giving him more of a racy than a cloddy appearance. In a few words, a Collie should show endurance, activity, and intelligence, with free and true action. In height dogs should be 22 ins. to 24 ins. at the shoulders, bitches 20 ins. to 22 ins. The weight for dogs is 45 to 65 lbs., bitches 40 to 55 lbs. The smooth collie only differs from the rough in its coat, which should be hard, dense and quite smooth.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Some Vital Caution on PET ADOPTION
Are you the type of person who loves giving surprises? Are you the kind who will try hard to think how are you going to make your loved ones feel that they are special? If you are pulling the trick all the time, you may feel that you are already running out of ideas. There is one surprise that you must not opt for. And this is none other than pet adoption.
Advantages of Pet Ownership
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| Dog at animal shelter (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
There are a lot of advantages of owning pets. It doesn't matter whether you are still young or you are on your senior years. Pets bring lots of joys in people's lives. But the kind of pet that one must own should be according to their lifestyle. So how can pets change people's lives? Here are only some of the reasons.
1. Companionship is the first and most popular reason whether for old and young people. They get pets of their choice to be there as a friend or even as a family. You treat your pets like babies. You feed them, bathe them and even teach them tricks if you can. For over stressed individuals and those who do not have their families to greet them upon coming home, pets become their alternative for such purpose.
2. There are scientific studies which proved that pets can cause good effects on one's heath, especially with the elders. Owning one and interacting with them can reduce your cholesterol levels. It can also regulate your blood pressure. Of course, it can eliminate or reduce the stress levels that you are feeling. Others say that this can also prevent some cardiovascular diseases from recurring.
Overall, owning pets can lead to a healthier you. Plus, you will also be happier and more energized. You will get the sense of responsibility for your pets' health and lives. You will have fun, excitement and more alert.
Red Alert
But not because you've read about the advantages of owning a pet means that you will head out the nearest adoption center and surprise someone with one. Mind you, this will also come with a lot of responsibility which the recipient may not be ready to owe up to. So make sure that you talk first to the person you have in mind to give a pet to before you make any moves.
1. Do not give those who are not asking for it. There are reasons why people choose to have pets. But there are also reasons why they opt not to. This is the basis why the American Humane Society advices people to discuss the matter with the would-be owner before you pass on to them the responsibility of owning a pet. They do not encourage the gesture of giving pets as gifts.
2. Discussing will also prove to be easier on both parties. If they really want to own pets, at least you can ask them for their preferences. This way, you are assured that when you give them the pets, they will be happy about the gesture and that they will be prepared to care for the animal.
The vital factor in pet adoption is that you have to find the perfect match between owners and the pets. You have to make sure that both will like and love the fate that they are both about to venture into.
Friday, March 31, 2017
The Many Faces of the PERSIAN CAT
With its luscious longhaired coat and cute squashed face, the Persian is perhaps one of the most recognizable breeds of domestic cat around the world. It is certainly one of the most popular with cat lovers and remains high on the list in both the US and UK. But the Persian is actually more than just the one single breed of cat, with a number of breeds having been developed from it as well as differing types of the main Persian breed itself. So here is a glimpse into the many faces of the Persian cat.
Traditional and Modern Persians
Also known as doll-faced, classic or old-fashioned Persians, the traditional is one of the two main types of Persians cat found around the world. These cats are known for their less extreme features that have been selectively bred into the modern Persian cat and have less of a squashed nose look. They are also believed to more closely resemble the cats that first came to Europe from ancient Persia, now Iran in the 1500s.
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| Profile view of a less extreme type (doll face) Persian cat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The modern Persian, also known as the peke-faced, is perhaps the form of Persian most instantly recognized, with its short, squashed muzzle and round face. The look of the modern Persian has been the result of years of selective breeding to bring out these and other traits in the cats but has also brought out a number of health problems. They were first seen in the 1950s when a spontaneous mutation among a group of red and red tabby Persians led to a flatter profile and was named peke-faced due to the similarity to the Pekingese dog breed.
The breed standard for Persians with almost all major registries is sufficiently vague that either traditional or modern Persians can qualify. It calls for a cobby body with short legs, a broad chest and a general round appearance to the body. Generally, modern Persians score better in cat shows but there is a general public preference to the less extreme traditional style cats.
Himalayan
The Himalayan is a cross breed that was created by crossing a Siamese with a Persian. The resulting cats have the longhaired coat of the Persian along with the short muzzle and other physical features, while retaining the colorpoint coat coloration of the Siamese. They are known as the Colorpoint Longhair in the UK and were named Himalayan, as the color of the early cats was much like the color of the Himalayan rabbit.
Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is a Persian with a short coat - it was created by crossing with American Shorthair cats to create a cat that looks like a Persian but has the coat length of the Shorthair. Some registries don't accept them as a breed in their own right because most carry a recessive longhair gene, meaning that random kittens can be full, longhaired Persians.
Chinchilla
The Chinchilla is a special type of Persian, also known as the Silver Persian, which is being created as a separate breed by dedicated breeders in the US. The Chinchilla now comes in more than just silver as there are shaded silver, goldens and shaded goldens in these cats. Another group of breeders in South Africa have also established a line of Chinchilla cats that favor the traditional Persian in their features.
Health issues
Persian cats may appear to be silky and gorgeous but like any supermodel, there is work required to achieve that look. This means that their owners need to assist with the grooming process, usually on a daily basis. In addition to a daily brushing, Persians are often taught from a young age to be bathed to help deal with coat condition and also with the problems often found in their faces.
This is particularly the case with the modern or peke-faced cats who have a condition called brachycephalia, which results in a shortened skull and face. This means they can suffer from breathing difficulties, develop skin, and eye problems. Shortness of breath is common and they often have malformed tear ducts that mean their eyes leak, also needing human attention to prevent a build-up and soreness.
For more information about Persians, other types of cat and health and wellbeing issues, please see my articles at http://www.thebestcatlitterbox.com/
Article Source: EzineArticles
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Thursday, March 30, 2017
Your Pets and ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is the term used in both human and veterinary medicine to describe any type of joint inflammation. Several types exist, including rheumatoid, degenerative, and infectious arthritis, each having a different cause. Infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, and certain drugs, such as sulfa antibiotics, can promote joint inflammation.
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| Photo by eddale |
The clinical signs associated with joint disease are basically the same. Stiffness or lameness involving one or more limbs is often the most obvious sign of a joint problem, usually aggravated by cold weather and/or exercise. New medications and surgical techniques have been introduced in the treatment of canine joint disease.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, describes the condition in which a cartilage defects or erosion occurs. It can be inherited but is usually a part of the normal aging process in older dogs. Infectious arthritis is caused by bacteria that gain entrance to the blood stream causing inflammation in one or more joints. Bacteria from the gums, periodontal disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease can cause damage to the cartilage and joint structure.
The key to lessoning the effects of any form of arthritis is early detection and treatment. Your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as vitamins and supplements, and even cortisone if needed. The real key is you and your observations to your veterinarian.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
NEWFOUNDLAND - The Aristocrat Among Dogs
The dogs which take their name from the island of Newfoundland appeal to all lovers of animals.There are now two established varieties, the black and the white and black. There are also bronze-coloured dogs, but they are rare. The black variety of the Newfoundland is essentially black in colour; but this does not mean that there may be no other colour, for most black Newfoundlands have some white marks. In fact, a white marking on the chest is said to be typical of the true breed.
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| Newfoundland dogs are well-known for their even temperament and stoic nature. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Any white on the head or body would place the dog in the other than black variety. The black colour should preferably be of a dull jet appearance which approximates to brown. In the other than black class, there may be black and tan, bronze, and white and black. The latter predominates, and in this colour, beauty of marking is very important. The head should be black with a white muzzle and blaze, and the body and legs should be white with large patches of black on the saddle and quarters, with possibly other small black spots on the body and legs.
Apart from colour, the varieties should conform to the same standard. The head should be broad and massive, but in no sense heavy in appearance. The muzzle should be short, square, and clean cut, eyes rather wide apart, deep set, dark and small, not showing any haw; ears small, with close side carriage, covered with fine short hair (there should be no fringe to the ears), expression full of intelligence, dignity, and kindness.
The body should be long, square, and massive, loins strong and well filled; chest deep and broad; legs quite straight, somewhat short in proportion to the length of the body, and powerful, with round bone well covered with muscle; feet large, round, and close. The tail should be only long enough to reach just below the hocks, free from kink, and never curled over the back. The quality of the coat is very important; the coat should be very dense, with plenty of undercoat; the outer coat somewhat harsh and quite straight.
The appearance generally should indicate a dog of great strength, and very active for his build and size, moving freely with the body swung loosely between the legs, which gives a slight roll in gait. As regards size, the Newfoundland Club standard gives 140 lbs. to 120 lbs. weight for a dog, and 110 lbs. to 120 lbs. for a bitch, with an average height at the shoulder of 27 inches and 25 inches respectively; but it is doubtful whether dogs in proper condition do conform to both requirements.
When rearing puppies give them soft food, such as well-boiled rice and milk, as soon as they will lap, and, shortly afterwards, scraped lean meat. Newfoundland puppies require plenty of meat to induce proper growth. The puppies should increase in weight at the rate of 3 lbs. a week, and this necessitates plenty of flesh, bone and muscle-forming food, plenty of meat, both raw and cooked. Milk is also good, but it requires to be strengthened with casein. The secret of growing full-sized dogs with plenty of bone and substance is to get a good start from birth, good feeding, warm, dry quarters, and freedom for the puppies to move about and exercise themselves as they wish.
Forced exercise may make them go wrong on their legs. Medicine should not be required except for worms, and the puppies should be physicked for these soon after they are weaned, and again when three or four months old, or before that if they are not thriving. If free from worms, Newfoundland puppies will be found quite hardy, and, under proper conditions of food and quarters, they are easy to rear.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Understanding INGREDIENTS
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.
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| Dog biscuit. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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.
Monday, March 27, 2017
DOG SHEDDING
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.
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| 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.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
A Basic Introduction to CAT EYE Care
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.
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| 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.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Fact Sheet: CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER
(Original Title: Curly-Coated Retriever - Dog Breeds)
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| Curly Coated Retriever (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Group: Sporting
Weight: Male: 80-100, Female: 70-90 lbs
Height: Male: 25-27, Female: 23-25 inches
Overview
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.
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.
Visit the following links for more info on the Curly-Coated Retriever or a full list of Dog Breeds. Article Source: EzineArticles |
Friday, March 24, 2017
SIBERIAN CATS - Prized Felines From Russia's Ancient Northeastern Wilderness
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.
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| 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.
My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at Article Source: EzineArticles |
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
How to Get Rid of CAT DANDRUFF
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| A cat's face (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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.
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| Cat Care - $2.99 |
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!
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Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Exotic CAT BREEDS
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.
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| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Chausies
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.
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| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Toyger
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!
Article Source: EzineArticles |
Monday, March 20, 2017
Things to Know About a GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
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.
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German Shepherd - Photo by Lucid Nightmare  |
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.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
BICHON FRISE: Hot Spots
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| 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”.
Author: Janet Combs
Saturday, March 18, 2017
How Sensible Is Cooking Your Own DOG Or CAT FOOD?
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| Shelves of dog food. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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)
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.
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| “Cookbook for dogs” recipe manual. |
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."
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