Archive for the 'Pets And Animals' Category
October 10th, 2009 - Pet Jewelry Review
There are many stellar websites on the internet today that offer fashionable pet jewelry at very reasonable prices. Some of these websites offer cat and dog necklaces made with holistic healing stones, and provide your pet with an alternative healing solution if your pet is ill. Many people believe that crystals and semi-precious stones possess the potential to heal the sick.
Ancient people, such as the ancient Egyptians and Chinese, believed that certain semi-precious stones and crystals could provide powers of good health and longevity to those who wore them. Pet jewelry is now available which uses those very same crystals and stones in order to make cat and dog necklaces that both look fashionable and offer the powers of good health to your pet.
Various crystals and semi-precious stones used to make pet jewelery possess different healing properties. With customized pet jewelry, “you can match the stones and crystals to your pets illness, and get some bling for your pet at the same time! You may be wondering what types of stones are used to create the pet necklaces. See a list below of some of the healing stones available:
Agate ” Said to instill calm. Amethyst ” believed to help with sleep and relieve stress. It boosts the immune, respiratory, and digestive systems. Bloodstone ” Believed to help with detoxification, and help with melancholy. Flourite ” Said to decrease nerve related pain, and boost the immune system. Jasper ” Believed to energize the body! Quartz ” A powerful general healer that eliminates toxins in the body, Quartz is a cleansing stone.
Although there are amazing healing properties in semi-precious stones and crystals, it is still essential to seek and follow the advice of a veterinarian on a regular basis in order to keep your pet in tip-top shape. Always consult your vet if your dog is ill, but also keep in mind that pet jewelry can also be a strong alternative health solution to keeping your pet feeling and looking great!
You can find the right bling for your pet by conducting some research, and taking a look at which crystals and stones are used to make the pet jewelery. Various websites are making some great pet jewelery.
September 25th, 2009 - Tips in Selecting an Aquarium Tank
If you’re thinking about buying an aquarium tank, the first thing to determine is how many fish you want, and what kind of fish. This will establish the size of tank that you need. Although many believe that fish will grow to the size of their aquarium tank, most species will actually keep growing, and will outgrow a tank that is too small. If this happens, you’ll need to upgrade to a larger size. It is much easier to buy the larger tank the first time around than to upgrade as your fish grow. Always choose an aquarium large enough to accommodate your chosen fish at their full-grown size.
Some fish require larger tanks. To determine the proper tank size, follow this simple rule of thumb: for every fish that grows to less than 4 inches, you need one gallon of water for every inch of fish. For bigger fish like the cichlid, you will need at least 55 gallons of water and for the angelfish, 29 or more gallons of water. The bigger the tank, the bigger the capacity to house more fish. The more water in the tank, the more oxygen there will be for your fish.
Size of aquarium tanks vary from two and a half gallons to several hundred gallons. They come in various shapes too: rectangle, round, bow front, hexagonal or cylindrical. If you’re a beginner, you might want to buy the prepackaged kit that contains all that a beginner will need to start. This may include the aquarium outfitted already with filter, heater and light. Pick the smaller tanks for starters for minimum maintenance. Just remember, not too small or your fish will not have enough room to be healthy.
Aquarium tanks can be found in both glass and acrylic styles. Those that are glass are less expensive and widely available. The glass will not scratch, but it is heavy. Glass aquariums come in limited shapes. Compared to glass, acrylic is lightweight. The acrylic material allows for a wider range of custom shapes and sizes. They are easier to scratch than glass aquariums, however, and are usually the more expensive option.
A filled aquarium will weigh about 10 pounds for every gallon of water. So a large aquarium will really be very heavy. Bear this in mind when choosing your stand. You do not want to put it on anything that might collapse under the heavy weight. There are specialized aquarium stands built in metal or wood that could provide the necessary support for your aquarium. Some even have compartments for your aquarium supplies. Be sure also that your aquarium comes with a lid or a ‘hood’ and that it’s the right size for your tank.
When you have chosen and purchased your aquarium tank, test it first before putting your fish in. Place it in a container, like your bathtub (or you can place it outside in your yard), and put water in it. Then add and plug in all your aquarium equipment like the filter and the heater. Let your test run for a day to check if all the equipment is functioning properly. Make sure also that your tank doesn’t leak. If all goes well, transfer your fish to their new home carefully, and watch them live a long and healthy life in your safe aquarium tank.
August 1st, 2009 - Equestrian Safety: Protection For You And Your Horse
Horseback riding is a fun and exhilarating experience, but it can also become a nightmare in the event of an accident. This is why it is very important to protect both you and your horse by taking necessary safety precautions. The first thing that you need to do is to wear a helmet. This will protect your head in the event of an accident. Equestrian helmets are made specifically for this purpose and should be worn at all times. Your helmet should also meet ASTM/SEI safety guidelines.
It is imperative that you wear the right shoes on your feet when horseback riding. Sneakers, tennis shoes, sandals, or barefoot, are no way to go when it’s time to ride your horse. You need a good sturdy boot or shoe with a heel. This will keep your feet from sliding around in the stirrups and will help you be able to move your foot around in the event of an accident.
You also need to know how to saddle your horse correctly so that you both stay protected and safe. Begin by putting a saddle pad on your horse; this will protect your horse’s back. Next, place the actual saddle in the middle of the pad so that it is directly above your horse’s spine. This should be comfortable for your horse. Make sure that you are gentle throughout this process, as any roughness could cause him pain and to injure you as a result. Be careful in making sure that the buckles do not hit the horse’s legs. In addition, make sure that the saddle is fastened securely once it is situated. Also, be sure that you position yourself so that the horse doesn’t kick you while putting the saddle on him.
Mounting and dismounting can cause your horse to respond dangerously. This is because your entire weight goes to the side of your horse and causes uncomfortable pressure on his back. The saddle may also pull to the side. It may be easier to mount or dismount if someone holds your horse. A mounting block is a great solution to ease the painful twisting of the saddle on your horses back. It also makes it more comfortable for you to get on your horse. A mounting block should be sturdy and well-constructed. Your horse should be standing with his feet underneath him when you mount.
That being said, take care of your horse the best way you can, by making sure that you do what you need to do. Do the recommendations listed here and you’ll be off to a great start!
July 15th, 2009 - Dog Bedding For All Seasons
Helping your dog get a good nights rest is not as big of a challenge as you think. There are a variety of dog bedding styles both heated and non heated that will suit all occasions
Dog Bedding For Winter
For winter a heated dog bed may be the solution in helping your dog stay warm and comfy. Heated dog beds come in an assortment of styles. Some of those styles consist of orthopedic heated beds with thick orthopedic foam to help cushion the joints and decrease pressure points, pillow-style beds with a heater inside, igloo style half-rounded heated pads to fit in igloo dog houses, heated, oval beds for small and toy-breed dogs, and heated kennel mats for use outside.
A few things to look for when you purchase a heated bed are:
Dual thermostats to ensure consistent temperature; 102 degrees is an optimal temperature for dogs. Look for a heated bed that provides a full-range, variable heat control. This allows you to adjust the heat from off to full temperature heat quickly and easily. Look for heated beds that maintain the surface temperature of the bed about 12 to 15 degrees above ambient air temperature. When your dog lies on the bed, the temperature warms to a cozy 102. Because the heater from the warmer insert only warms up when your dog is on the bed, it doesn’t waste a lot of energy. Depending on the size of the bed, most heated beds use 6-13 watts. A removable heater is also recommended so that you can wash the bed and use it year-round without the heat. Read the product information vigilantly. Some heated beds are suitable and used for indoor use only, while other beds, such as heated kennel mats, are suitable for outside use.
A heated dog bed is the choice for winter so that your dog stays warm and toasty. There is a large assortment of styles that you can choose from such as the orthopedic heated beds with thick orthopedic foam to help cushion the joints and decrease pressure points, pillow-style beds with a heater inside, igloo style half-rounded heated pads to fit in igloo dog houses, heated, oval beds for small and toy-breed dogs, and heated kennel mats for use outside.
Aluminum framed pet beds that are like a camping cot are a great idea for the summer months. The beds can be raised so that you have airflow under the cot to keep it cool and it also helps keeping your pet’s odor from becoming immersed into your carpets.
For hot summer months you can select a cool dog bed. Cool dog beds are great as they can be filled with water and the internal structure will cool the water down. Cooling, by nature, has a therapeutic effect on a dog’s health. It slows, relaxes and helps treat pain and swelling. This allows the pet to be more agile, limber and playful so it is a great bed for the young and older dog.
No matter what time of the year it is there will always be a type of dog bed that will be suitable for your dog just be sure that you measure your dog to purchase the correct the right size . There are three general rules of thumb when measuring up your dog for a bed.
Measure Your Pet Lying Down
1. Use the Weight of the Pet 2. When in doubt get the larger, not the smaller size In general we believe that measuring your pet lying down as he is normally accustomed to lying, is the best way. Measure from nose or front legs, to back legs or rump; add 9 to 12. Pick the size of the bed that will best fit those measurements, remembering that round bed measurements are in diameter (width across the circle).
By ensuring you have picked the right size bed and one that suits the season your dog will be comfortable and happy.
June 19th, 2009 - Information About The Llasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso, bred and honored by the Dalai Lama, is one of the oldest of the three breeds of dogs from Tibet. Please join us on a small journey as we unravel the fascinating history of the incredible Lhasa Apso.
There are references to the Lhasa Apso breed in art and literature tht go back at least two thousand years. They were given to nobility and monks in China to protect and guard.
For many generations it was not possible to get a Lhasa Apso unless given as a gift by the Dalai Lama!
They were valued both as a good luck symbol and as a sacred animal in the Buddhist religion.
Many holy men believed that the spirits of monks who were unable to reach Nirvana were reincarnated into the bodies of Lhasa Apso dogs.
The strong watchful and protective nature of the Lhasa Apso, combined with their beautiful coats and loyal nature, make them a true companion dog and loving pet.
THE TIBET CONNECTION
The Lhasa Apso breed originated over two thousand years ago in the high, mountainous country of Tibet.
These small sized dogs were bred and kept in the Potala, the palace and monastery of the Dalai Lama, as well as surrounding monasteries. The dogs were kept exclusively for nobility and holy men. Lhasa Apsos were prized for their temperament, beautiful coats, and their loyal and loving disposition.
The Lhasa Apso was not only prized as a companion dog but also as a watchdog.
The nobility valued the small dogs for their intelligence and regarded them not just as pets but more importantly as protectors and watchers for their castles and homes. They were also valued as a good luck talisman to keep evil away from the home. When the nobleman or holy man died, it was believed that his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso if it was not destined for Nirvana.
The Dalai Lama and other holy men carefully managed the Lhasa Apso breed, and it was not possible to buy a Lasso Apso dog in Tibet, rather they had to be received as a gift from the Dalai Lama.
This ritual began as early as 1583 in the Manchurian Dynasty and was honored up to the early 1900’s.The Emperors of China and other nobility were sent the dogs as a blessing from the Dalai Lama.
Lhasa Apso dogs were never given as individual dogs. The Dalai Lama presented pairs of dogs to visiting foreign diplomats and leaders. These dogs were then taken around the world and their popularity grew.
Lhasa Apsos are seen as a sacred blessing and are believed to bring luck and good fortune to the owner.
The first Lhasa Apso pair was seen in Britain in the 1920’s and the first pair in the United States was in 1935. Australia records the first Lhasa Apsos arriving in the 1960’s.
THE NAME
The majority of historians agree that the first part of the name, Lhasa, comes from the area of the Potala, near the sacred city of Lhasa.
The second part of the name, Apso, is a bit less clear. One group believes that the name is actually a misinterpretation of the word “raspo” that means goat-like. The coat of the Apso, if not groomed, begins to look like the hair found on Tibetan goats. Another group believes that the term Apso comes from the term “Abso Seng kye” that translates into “Barking Lion Sentinel Dog”.
Since the long hair of the breed does closely resemble the mane of the lion, and the strong protective instinct is there, it may be that the Apso is simply a mispronunciation of “Abso”.
Lhasa Apso dogs also have the distinctly lionish habit of pawing the ground with their front feet and taking a square stance when feeling threatened. They truly do resemble little lions and are excellent watchdogs and guardians.
The Manjuri Buddha, the God of Learning, is often presented in art and literature in the company of a Lhasa Apso, which changes into a lion when danger threatens the Manjuri Buddha.
Take the time to find out more about Lhasa Apso Breeders. The investment in time you make will be extremely worthwhile.
That’s all on the amazing history of the Lhasa Apso.
April 25th, 2009 - Advantages of owning a dachshund
If you are considering getting a dog for yourself or your family, a dachshund might be the answer. Why so? Well, small dogs have become more fashionable in the public view lately, probably because there are many celebrities who own them.
Besides, there are many advantages to having a small dog. These include portability, an end to the fear of large dogs, bonding and maintenance.
Dachshunds can be taken pretty much anywhere. They are small enough to fit safely inside a special bag or a large tote bag designed especially for small breeds of dogs. These can be found at your local pet store or online. Also more restaurants and retail stores are starting to welcome small dogs. This is definitely an advantage to pet owners.
Dachshunds are good pets because they don’t take up much space. They’re ideal for apartment living. Food costs are lower too because dachshunds require less food than larger dogs. The larger your dog, the more food you have to feed it (and more comes out the other end!). This will save you money on your dog food bills.
You can save even more if your dog is housed in a kennel or needs grooming. With a dachshund, these cost less since these small dogs occupy less space and have fewer hairs.
Provided you take time to pick the right dog, dachshunds tend to be less threatening to young children and other pets that you may already have in the house. This is true if your dachshund is properly socialized.
Since you can take a dachshund anywhere with you and a small dog is less intimidating to other people, you can coddle and pamper your pet anywhere.
There’s a lot of information about dachshunds on the Internet. With a little knowledge on the breed and enough room in your heart and home for a pet, you’ll find the dachshund a welcome addition to your family.
Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe wireless pet fence.
April 17th, 2009 - Dealing with your Dogs Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety is a problem many dogs suffer from. Separation Anxiety is when a dog’s owner leaves home, perhaps to go to work or some other appointment, and the dogs thinks that their owner will not return.
Dogs are usually a part of a pack; they are used to being in a group of others by nature. When you bring them home they tend to make you and your family a part of their pack. However, the behavior can be one of a positive nature, when they are sure you are the leader of the pack, and one of a negative nature when they are trying to assert themselves as the leader.
Dogs are very affectionate animals and in many cases they tend to worry when you are not around. They very commonly question if you will return at all when you leave – when they start to think in this way they get frantic, they might get angry and sometimes start getting destructive.
There are a number of reasons that separation anxiety can come about. Common reasons often include moving houses, the loss of a family member, or a change in your schedule. Dogs that have lived tough on the streets or have been through shelters are most likely to suffer separation anxiety – they constantly fear a return to the street. Dogs with separation anxiety are more likely to be unpredictable, and may even be aggressive at times.
Dogs with separation anxiety tend to cause massive destruction. They will chew through furniture, destroy books and bite through cables. Sometimes they use your entire house as a toilet and other times they bark non stop. These behaviors usually only worsen as the condition drags on.
There are many forms of treatment available for a dog with separation anxiety. The most important thing being that you take the time and use patience to help your dog with the feelings of panic they get when you leave them alone. Also you must remember if you should punish your dog for the destruction that happened while you were gone will only make the situation worse because now he believes that you don’t love him and are angry and will be convinced that the next time you leave you really won’t be back for him.
Try to learn some new commands that you can use to calm your dog. For example, before you leave your house to go out, jingle your keys, tell your dog “Calm”, and then return in 5 minutes to your house. By changing your routine and introducing some new commands you should be able to get past your dogs condition rather quickly. Always remember to have plenty of patience and consistency when training your dog.
This will show him that even though you left you came right back. You may also try to crate your dog as this will give him a safe place where he feels comforted. Lastly reward your dog when he exhibits good behaviors. With all of these things you will ease the effects of separation anxiety.
April 16th, 2009 - Treating dog arthritis
Dog arthritis is one of the most common conditions seen by veterinarians. Old dogs are more likely to suffer from this disease than younger dogs. Therefore, pet owners should understand the disease so they can protect their dogs from it.
Dogs with arthritis are usually given NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs help relieve pain relief, reduce inflammation and hinder the progression of the disease.
Joint fluid modifiers work by modifying fluids in the joints to help them heal. These are new drugs for arthritis. They are often used in the long-term treatment of the disease and may not provide immediate relief from the symptoms of arthritis. Veterinarians usually prescribe these medicines together with NSAIDs for fast relief from arthritis pain.
Surgery may be the only option for dogs with advanced cases of arthritis. However, this is rarely carried out because many pet owners aren’t willing to put their pets through such an ordeal. What’s more, surgery is very expensive.
To top it off, few veterinarians are qualified for this procedure. Still, the prospect of surgery may appeal to some pet owners who truly love their dogs and who are willing to take the risk to attain relief.
There are many natural treatments for dogs with arthritis. Most of these cures can be found at health food stores. If you want to know more about natural remedies for arthritis, there are many good books on the subject.
There are many vaccines for dogs that can help fight arthritis. Take your dog to a veterinarian for regular checkups to learn about this.
If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis pain, don’t make it suffer any longer. Relieve joint pain, lubricate the joints, increase flexibility and improve mobility with this best buy dog pain reliever.
February 3rd, 2009 - Yorkie 101: The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier
If you took a trip back in time to 1870, you probably would have a hard time recognizing a Yorkshire Terrier. In about one hundred thirty years, the breed has gone through tremendous changes in their looks and in their functions. But the Yorkshire Terrier has adapted to the great changes that the Industrial Revolution brought to the economy and to family life. Yorkies back then weighed about thirty pounds and came in more colors than just blue and tan.
Despite being named after a Northern county in England, the direct ancestor stock of today’s Yorkshire Terrier came from Scotland. When Scottish weavers lost work because of the rise of factory made clothing, they had to move south and brought their dogs with them. These dogs were Scottish Terriers, Paisley Terriers, Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terriers, the latter two breeds are now extinct. The Scottish dogs bred with the local terrier breeds, thought to have been Skye Terriers, Maltese and the now extinct breeds of Black and Tan English and Waterside. The eventual result was Huddersfield Ben, considered the fore sire of the entire Yorkshire Terrier breed.
The ancestors from Scotland were called, appropriately enough, the Scottish Terrier and the Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terrier (which is now an extinct breed). It is thought the also extinct Scottish breed the Paisley Terrier made a significant genetic contribution to the origins of today’s Yorkshire Terrier. Scottish weavers became suddenly unemployed during the Industrial Revolution and moved south to the rough English county of Yorkshire in order to find work. They brought all of their families with them – including their dogs.
The Scottish breeds inevitably bred with the terrier breeds already in Yorkshire, which experienced a great wave of Scottish immigrants in the late 1800’s. The Scottish breeds were purposefully put to breeds that were known for killing rats. Yorkshire Terrier information sources guess that these breeds included the Maltese, the Skye and the now extinct breeds of Black and Tan English, Waterside and quite possibly the Manchester Terrier (which still survives, but is considered an extremely rare breed). The result was a rat-killing machine that was extremely friendly with people.
Back then, dogs went everywhere with their masters. A Yorkshire Terrier would go to work in the mines and come home with his master to the family. The family found the Yorkies to be great companions and excellent watchdogs. The coats became even softer and silkier. Eventually, the men went to work without the dogs and the dogs became pampered family members. The breed needed very little exercise, looked spectacular and was very trainable.
Also back then, the sport of rat killing was very popular. Rats were put in a barrel and then a terrier was dropped in. The winner was the dog that killed the most rats in the least amount of time.
However, the Yorkshire Terrier also became loyal and friendly companions around the home. They became excellent guard dogs and soon won their way into the wives and daughter’s hearts. With the advent of dog showing, the breed became fashionable and ever smaller. The breed was introduced into America as early as 1872 and quickly conquered the New World. In 2006, Yorkshire Terriers became the second most popular purebred dog in America.