By Samuell Armstrong
As more people choose to take pets along on family holidays, the need to find accommodation that is pet friendly is increasing. Here are some ways to locate information about holiday rental properties that welcome pets.
Pet Friendly Property Features
One of the most popular means of finding pet friendly resorts and accommodations is to conduct searches on the Internet. This will allow you to look at the specific types of amenities offered by each pet friendly accommodation, and determine if they would be a good fit for both your family and your pet.
Check the property has pet friendly features:
1. Wooden floors are easy to keep clean
2. Fenced areas (particularly for outdoor pets especially dogs)
3. Bath for washing your pet
4. Space from nearby properties to avoid your pet disrupting neighbours
Local Amenities for Pets
Check the local amenities for pets. Some examples of amenities to look for include, walking parks, pet sitting services, pet grooming salons in or near the accommodation, and veterinarians who are available in the event of an emergency. In many cases, these sorts of amenities will be highlighted on business web sites, so finding options for long term stays that welcome pets is somewhat easy.
Other information for holidaying with Pets
Another option is to contact hospitality associations within the city or town that you plan on visiting for your holiday. This may involve local business associations, or the local municipal government. Often, these resources can offer contact information on rental accommodations that welcome household pets and also have reasonable rates. If you are in doubt its best to email and obtain exact information about what is available or required when taking pet friendly accommodation. This approach also allows you to begin the process of building rapport with the property manager before you ever arrive for your holiday.
Bond or Additional Costs
Be prepared to pay a 'doggy bond' as most property managers will require bonds in pet friendly accommodation to protect against damage. Additional costs for de-odourising might also be imposed to remove smells and fleas, so the property is clean for the next visitor.
There are a large range of pet friendly properties and you'll have a lot more fun when you take your beloved pet away on holidays. Enjoy your vacation, woof!
Rent-A-Home.com.au lists a wide range of Accommodation including Holiday Rentals, Holiday Apartments, Holiday Homes and Serviced Apartments for short stay or long stay in Australia. For more information on Pet Friendly Accommodation, visit http://www.rent-a-home.com.au/theme/Pet-Friendly-Accommodation.htm To view accommodation, availability, and make bookings online, visit http://www.rent-a-home.com.au
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Your Pet's Health - Give Them the Calories They Need - and No More!
By Kenneth Wallace
All animals, including humans, have a recommended intake
of calories per day. Calories are what the body uses to have
energy and they are a way of monitoring how much you
take in. In all animals, there are also recommendations of
how many calories that animal should get.
Unfortunately, there is no way to pinpoint this right here for
you because all animals that consume calories do so based
on their age, size, physical activity and their overall type.
An example is that of a dog that is middle sized. He should
be consuming about 700 calories per day.
Talk to your vet about how many calories your pet should be
taking in each day. You will be surprised by what it should
be as soon as you start looking at the packaging for their
foods. Purchase pet foods that do tell you the calorie count
as these are often the healthiest options for your pet.
Strive to meet your pet's calorie intake goal. This allows
your pet to get the nutrition that he or she needs but helps
them to keep off excess weight as well. It is simply a
matter of monitoring portion size and food type to reach
their calorie goals.
It is important to realize that if a pet is overweight right
now, he needs to consume less than his recommended
calorie intake to lose weight.
As your body takes in too much food, food is stored as fat in
the tissues of the body so that when there is not enough
food, this stored fat can be used to help them to get through
the rough time. Most pets will never have that situation
since you are taking care of them.
To help them to lose this stored weight, then, you must
reduce their calorie intake by a small amount so that their
body uses stored fat instead of using the foods that they are
given for energy needs.
Depending on what your pet's calorie intake goal is, reduce
this number given to them by just 5 to 10 percent. This
small reduction will help them to use stored fat as energy
and therefore help them to lose weight. More than this
amount will cause the body to go into starvation mode which
will not allow them to use stored fat. Monitor restrictive
diets closely here!
Ken Wallace is an entrepreneur who specializes in helping people help others, including their pets! Visit his Pet Diet Tips website for resources on how to help your pet live a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life.
All animals, including humans, have a recommended intake
of calories per day. Calories are what the body uses to have
energy and they are a way of monitoring how much you
take in. In all animals, there are also recommendations of
how many calories that animal should get.
Unfortunately, there is no way to pinpoint this right here for
you because all animals that consume calories do so based
on their age, size, physical activity and their overall type.
An example is that of a dog that is middle sized. He should
be consuming about 700 calories per day.
Talk to your vet about how many calories your pet should be
taking in each day. You will be surprised by what it should
be as soon as you start looking at the packaging for their
foods. Purchase pet foods that do tell you the calorie count
as these are often the healthiest options for your pet.
Strive to meet your pet's calorie intake goal. This allows
your pet to get the nutrition that he or she needs but helps
them to keep off excess weight as well. It is simply a
matter of monitoring portion size and food type to reach
their calorie goals.
It is important to realize that if a pet is overweight right
now, he needs to consume less than his recommended
calorie intake to lose weight.
As your body takes in too much food, food is stored as fat in
the tissues of the body so that when there is not enough
food, this stored fat can be used to help them to get through
the rough time. Most pets will never have that situation
since you are taking care of them.
To help them to lose this stored weight, then, you must
reduce their calorie intake by a small amount so that their
body uses stored fat instead of using the foods that they are
given for energy needs.
Depending on what your pet's calorie intake goal is, reduce
this number given to them by just 5 to 10 percent. This
small reduction will help them to use stored fat as energy
and therefore help them to lose weight. More than this
amount will cause the body to go into starvation mode which
will not allow them to use stored fat. Monitor restrictive
diets closely here!
Ken Wallace is an entrepreneur who specializes in helping people help others, including their pets! Visit his Pet Diet Tips website for resources on how to help your pet live a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Choosing A Pet ID
By Elyse Grau
Pet identification speaks for your pet when it cannot. Wearing an id tag will increase the chances of your dog or cat being returned to you.
The most typical form of pet id is the simple collar tag. This is usually metal, but increasingly can be made of plastic or even paper. Metal tags last the longest and resist scratching.
The id tag is attached to the collar, usually using a figure-eight type hook or a double circle. The figure -eight is usually a sturdier connection.
This type of pet identification tag needs to be engraved. You can choose to put whatever you want on the tag. At a minimum the tag should include the animal's name and your phone number. If space allows, it is a good idea to provide at least one additional phone number, such as a cell phone, a neighbor or your vet.
By providing your address as well, the pet can be returned to you by the person finding it. City and state are not necessary; usually the animal is lost close to home. A zip code or area code is useful in case the animal gets loose somewhere farther away.
Temporary ids are made from paper or cardboard, which are then laminated or inserted into a plastic holder. These types of id tags are great for when you are traveling with your pet. Attach them to the collar in addition to the regular id. The temporary id should have the phone number or numbers where you can be reached, perhaps with the dates that you will be at these numbers.
If you want to get really fancy, you can purchase an embroidered collar for your dog or cat in place of the tag. Also, you can order a flat id that is threaded onto the collar. The drawback to this kind of tag is that it is not easily seen, and unless the finder looks for it, he may think the animal does not have a tag. The benefit is that it is unlikely to fall off, unless of course the entire collar is lost.
An even more permanent type of identification is the microchip. This is a relatively new technique that is becoming more and more common. Most animal shelters now automatically chip the animals when they are adopted.
The information embedded in the microchip also resides on the providing company's database, and can be accessed from anywhere in the country. The chip can then be traced back to the purchaser of the chip, not necessarily directly to you.
Since the tag cannot be seen or felt, the animal can also wear a tag that tells people it has been chipped. In order to read the microchip, the dog or cat will need to be brought to a police station, vet's office or animal shelter. Not all chips are compatible with all scanners, although improvements have been made in this area.
The firms that provide the chip also provide a recovery service. This is separate from the chip registration. An annual fee is charged. You register your pet with your information. If the pet is found and taken to someone who can scan the chip, the animal can be returned to you within twenty-four hours. There are also independent companies that provide lost-pet services, using any microchip brand.
Elyse Grau founded The Original Dog Biscuit Company, a natural dog biscuit producer. She is a herbalist, preferring to treat her animals holistically. She has made it a point to learn as much about animal nutrition as possible. You can read more of her articles at: http://www.pethealthresource.com
Pet identification speaks for your pet when it cannot. Wearing an id tag will increase the chances of your dog or cat being returned to you.
The most typical form of pet id is the simple collar tag. This is usually metal, but increasingly can be made of plastic or even paper. Metal tags last the longest and resist scratching.
The id tag is attached to the collar, usually using a figure-eight type hook or a double circle. The figure -eight is usually a sturdier connection.
This type of pet identification tag needs to be engraved. You can choose to put whatever you want on the tag. At a minimum the tag should include the animal's name and your phone number. If space allows, it is a good idea to provide at least one additional phone number, such as a cell phone, a neighbor or your vet.
By providing your address as well, the pet can be returned to you by the person finding it. City and state are not necessary; usually the animal is lost close to home. A zip code or area code is useful in case the animal gets loose somewhere farther away.
Temporary ids are made from paper or cardboard, which are then laminated or inserted into a plastic holder. These types of id tags are great for when you are traveling with your pet. Attach them to the collar in addition to the regular id. The temporary id should have the phone number or numbers where you can be reached, perhaps with the dates that you will be at these numbers.
If you want to get really fancy, you can purchase an embroidered collar for your dog or cat in place of the tag. Also, you can order a flat id that is threaded onto the collar. The drawback to this kind of tag is that it is not easily seen, and unless the finder looks for it, he may think the animal does not have a tag. The benefit is that it is unlikely to fall off, unless of course the entire collar is lost.
An even more permanent type of identification is the microchip. This is a relatively new technique that is becoming more and more common. Most animal shelters now automatically chip the animals when they are adopted.
The information embedded in the microchip also resides on the providing company's database, and can be accessed from anywhere in the country. The chip can then be traced back to the purchaser of the chip, not necessarily directly to you.
Since the tag cannot be seen or felt, the animal can also wear a tag that tells people it has been chipped. In order to read the microchip, the dog or cat will need to be brought to a police station, vet's office or animal shelter. Not all chips are compatible with all scanners, although improvements have been made in this area.
The firms that provide the chip also provide a recovery service. This is separate from the chip registration. An annual fee is charged. You register your pet with your information. If the pet is found and taken to someone who can scan the chip, the animal can be returned to you within twenty-four hours. There are also independent companies that provide lost-pet services, using any microchip brand.
Elyse Grau founded The Original Dog Biscuit Company, a natural dog biscuit producer. She is a herbalist, preferring to treat her animals holistically. She has made it a point to learn as much about animal nutrition as possible. You can read more of her articles at: http://www.pethealthresource.com
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Save $1000's Fighting Common Pet Pests
By Nicholas Scoville
There are several cheap and natural ways to fight common pet parasites, several of which are outlined below. These methods have the double bonus of being inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Natural Flea Remedies - Natural methods of fighting flea infestations on your pet and in your home include:
1. Ensure that you pet is eating a healthy and complete diet. A healthy pet is naturally better prepared to fight off parasitic infestations.
2. A well groomed pet is also a fantastic natural barrier to fleas and other pests. When a pet is well groomed, their body's inherent pest fighting oils will be in full force.
3. Feeding your pet garlic can help repel fleas. Garlic has many fantastic properties that well suit it for this kind of use, and it will increase your pets well being at the same time. A � teaspoon for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for larger ones of garlic powder sprinkled over their favorite food should be sufficient.
4. Feeding you pet Brewster's yeast, as in the beer ingredient, can have a similar effect as Garlic in repelling fleas. Brewster's yeast can usually be found near the flour and bread making supplies in a typical grocery store. A � teaspoon for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for larger ones of Brewster's yeast sprinkled over their favorite food should be sufficient. You can combine the Brewster's yeast and garlic powder for a natural double punch.
Natural Tick Remedies - Natural methods of repelling and removing ticks off of your pets include:
1. Sodium borate can also be sprinkled on the carpet to help control ticks. Sodium borate will dry up both fleas and their larvae and is effective for up to one year after being applied to a carpet.
2. When a tick is found embedded in the skin, use a fine pointed tweezers at the point of attachment, and grasp firmly. Using slow, steady, and firm traction, pull the tick straight out from the skin. Cleanse the skin with mild soap and water. If part of the tick breaks off, you can try to remove it as you would a splinter, but it is probably best to leave it alone. The body will 'eject' it in time. Place the tick in a jar of alcohol, noting the date, in case of future illness. Tick identification and location of tick infestation will be important.
3. Do NOT use a match or caustic materials to try to smother the tick or get the tick to 'back out'. This doesn't work, and may be causing the tick to regurgitate more saliva (and potential pathogens) into the skin.
Natural Worm Remedies - Most worm and worm-like parasites that infect pets are serious conditions that require the attention of qualified medical personnel. Keeping your pet healthy and well groomed are important factors in the fight against worms. Picking you after any suspected sick animal, especially if you have more than one animal is extremely important.
These methods are good at keeping fleas, ticks and worms at bay, but are mostly preventative measures, that is they are not meant to fight a full on infestation. If an infestation begins to get out of control, it may be necessary to use a chemical method to remove the harmful plague. If the swarm of insects becomes unmanageable and is leading to an unhealthy situation for you and your pet, please seek professional pest assistance.
Visit our companion sites deflead.com - free flea advice, deticked.com - tick articles and dewormed.com - wormy pet information for more information on fighting pet parasites.
There are several cheap and natural ways to fight common pet parasites, several of which are outlined below. These methods have the double bonus of being inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Natural Flea Remedies - Natural methods of fighting flea infestations on your pet and in your home include:
1. Ensure that you pet is eating a healthy and complete diet. A healthy pet is naturally better prepared to fight off parasitic infestations.
2. A well groomed pet is also a fantastic natural barrier to fleas and other pests. When a pet is well groomed, their body's inherent pest fighting oils will be in full force.
3. Feeding your pet garlic can help repel fleas. Garlic has many fantastic properties that well suit it for this kind of use, and it will increase your pets well being at the same time. A � teaspoon for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for larger ones of garlic powder sprinkled over their favorite food should be sufficient.
4. Feeding you pet Brewster's yeast, as in the beer ingredient, can have a similar effect as Garlic in repelling fleas. Brewster's yeast can usually be found near the flour and bread making supplies in a typical grocery store. A � teaspoon for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for larger ones of Brewster's yeast sprinkled over their favorite food should be sufficient. You can combine the Brewster's yeast and garlic powder for a natural double punch.
Natural Tick Remedies - Natural methods of repelling and removing ticks off of your pets include:
1. Sodium borate can also be sprinkled on the carpet to help control ticks. Sodium borate will dry up both fleas and their larvae and is effective for up to one year after being applied to a carpet.
2. When a tick is found embedded in the skin, use a fine pointed tweezers at the point of attachment, and grasp firmly. Using slow, steady, and firm traction, pull the tick straight out from the skin. Cleanse the skin with mild soap and water. If part of the tick breaks off, you can try to remove it as you would a splinter, but it is probably best to leave it alone. The body will 'eject' it in time. Place the tick in a jar of alcohol, noting the date, in case of future illness. Tick identification and location of tick infestation will be important.
3. Do NOT use a match or caustic materials to try to smother the tick or get the tick to 'back out'. This doesn't work, and may be causing the tick to regurgitate more saliva (and potential pathogens) into the skin.
Natural Worm Remedies - Most worm and worm-like parasites that infect pets are serious conditions that require the attention of qualified medical personnel. Keeping your pet healthy and well groomed are important factors in the fight against worms. Picking you after any suspected sick animal, especially if you have more than one animal is extremely important.
These methods are good at keeping fleas, ticks and worms at bay, but are mostly preventative measures, that is they are not meant to fight a full on infestation. If an infestation begins to get out of control, it may be necessary to use a chemical method to remove the harmful plague. If the swarm of insects becomes unmanageable and is leading to an unhealthy situation for you and your pet, please seek professional pest assistance.
Visit our companion sites deflead.com - free flea advice, deticked.com - tick articles and dewormed.com - wormy pet information for more information on fighting pet parasites.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Things You Can do to Survive That Time Right After a Pet Loss
By Barry Mcgee
How do you survive that time right after you lose your pet? The time when your loved one is gone, and you don�t feel like entering the real world again? Pet loss affects all of us differently, but there are some things that you can do to help make the time go by a bit easier.
Eat. Often people get so wrapped up in their grief that they forget to eat. Eating is necessary to fuel your body. Pick up something light and try to get it down. Soup is often a wonderful comfort food. It�s light on the stomach and will warm you from the inside out.
Cuddle. If you have another animal, give it some extra attention. Chances are it�s missing your other pet as well. If you don�t have an another pet, cuddle up on your bed with a heating pad and a stuffed animal.
Decisions. The time right after you�ve lost a pet is a very vulnerable one for most pet owners, so try to avoid making any rash decisions. This can be from throwing your pet�s toys or bedding away, to getting another pet. Avoid making any decisions until the grief has lessened.
Cry. This may sound easy, but some people absolutely refuse to cry after they�ve lost a loved one. It doesn�t matter that your friend had four legs instead of two: cry until you can�t cry any longer. Your body needs the release.
Talk. Talk about your loved one. Talk about them to other people who knew them, or to strangers who know what you�re going through. Finding a place online to talk, such as Pet-loss-memorials.com, is a great way to discuss your beloved with people who truly care.
Losing a pet is never easy, but know that, in time, things will not look quite as bleak.
Article written by Barry Mcgee Helping you cope, move forward, and cherish the memory of your loss pet at Pet-Loss-Memorial.com A Message From Rainbow Bridge
How do you survive that time right after you lose your pet? The time when your loved one is gone, and you don�t feel like entering the real world again? Pet loss affects all of us differently, but there are some things that you can do to help make the time go by a bit easier.
Eat. Often people get so wrapped up in their grief that they forget to eat. Eating is necessary to fuel your body. Pick up something light and try to get it down. Soup is often a wonderful comfort food. It�s light on the stomach and will warm you from the inside out.
Cuddle. If you have another animal, give it some extra attention. Chances are it�s missing your other pet as well. If you don�t have an another pet, cuddle up on your bed with a heating pad and a stuffed animal.
Decisions. The time right after you�ve lost a pet is a very vulnerable one for most pet owners, so try to avoid making any rash decisions. This can be from throwing your pet�s toys or bedding away, to getting another pet. Avoid making any decisions until the grief has lessened.
Cry. This may sound easy, but some people absolutely refuse to cry after they�ve lost a loved one. It doesn�t matter that your friend had four legs instead of two: cry until you can�t cry any longer. Your body needs the release.
Talk. Talk about your loved one. Talk about them to other people who knew them, or to strangers who know what you�re going through. Finding a place online to talk, such as Pet-loss-memorials.com, is a great way to discuss your beloved with people who truly care.
Losing a pet is never easy, but know that, in time, things will not look quite as bleak.
Article written by Barry Mcgee Helping you cope, move forward, and cherish the memory of your loss pet at Pet-Loss-Memorial.com A Message From Rainbow Bridge
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Pet Ferret Facts - Health Problems and Characteristics
By Moses Wright
The idea of keeping a pet ferret is gaining more popularity as more people discover how friendly and curious they can be. As ferrets can be comfortable around humans, they make good pets. They love to find hiding places for their tidbits and toys, and this is how they got their name. They were called 'thieves' or 'furoneum' in Latin, describing their furtive behavior when storing their possessions. However, bear in mind that you will need equanimity when trying to litter train them.
Ferrets were domesticated as few as 2,500 years ago. Ever since that time, they have considered humans as part of their social group. They were the favorite pets of the royalty in the Middle Ages for their friendly nature and unique looks.
Ferrets are part of the weasel family, which can include a lot of members. The weasel family are mustelids. They have over 65 different species of cousins in the weasel family, including otters and badgers. When you look at the ferret, you can see how they are closely related to these creatures instead of the rodents that they are frequently compared to. Ferrets come in different shades of brown with black highlights although they are sleek and have short fur. There are ferrets which are albinos and they are easily identified by their pink eyes and white fur, similar to other animals which have an albino strain.
Male ferrets are usually about 18 inches and 2-3 pounds, while females are a little smaller. We still have no clue why ferrets have a tendency to hide and hoard food and playthings. They probably initially started doing it to hoard food for the colder, more lean months similar to how squirrels act. This is probably where the behavior started, but it definitely continues to this day.
Ferrets are commonly blamed unfairly for being odorous. This is not the case. They give off a musty scent due to their natural oils, but you can have the glands that produce these smells removed. Usually, if your ferrets have a strong odor, it is due their cages being unsanitary or due to owners not giving them adequate care. If you forget about your ferret's litter box or cage for a few days, of course they are going to stink!
Ferrets will require some help to make sure that they don't smell and stay in excellent shape. Unfortunately, they are prone to a number of ferret diseases and their already too-short lifetimes can become even more shortened. The diet of the ferret should be very high in fat and protein. They need about 35% in protein about roughly 15% in fat to stay at their healthiest. For the first few years of a ferret's life, you will have to be very careful about what you feed them to make sure that they grow up strong.
You can give a ferret cat food if you are stuck in a bind, but you really can't give a ferret cat food for an extended period of time. After all, cat food doesn't have all of the vitamins and nutrients that ferrets need.
Ferrets are very intelligent and can be trained to do some tricks, although this will require some patience. They love holes as they were originally bred to get rabbits out of their burrows. They are descended from polecats and love to sleep. An average ferret can sleep up to 18 hours a day, but when they are awake, you will definitely know it! These pets are fun, loyal and smart, making them great animals to have around.
Moses Wright is a ferret pet lover. He loves to help fellow pet owners solve their home pet problems. He provides free ferret facts info, health care problems and supplies review on his web site.
The idea of keeping a pet ferret is gaining more popularity as more people discover how friendly and curious they can be. As ferrets can be comfortable around humans, they make good pets. They love to find hiding places for their tidbits and toys, and this is how they got their name. They were called 'thieves' or 'furoneum' in Latin, describing their furtive behavior when storing their possessions. However, bear in mind that you will need equanimity when trying to litter train them.
Ferrets were domesticated as few as 2,500 years ago. Ever since that time, they have considered humans as part of their social group. They were the favorite pets of the royalty in the Middle Ages for their friendly nature and unique looks.
Ferrets are part of the weasel family, which can include a lot of members. The weasel family are mustelids. They have over 65 different species of cousins in the weasel family, including otters and badgers. When you look at the ferret, you can see how they are closely related to these creatures instead of the rodents that they are frequently compared to. Ferrets come in different shades of brown with black highlights although they are sleek and have short fur. There are ferrets which are albinos and they are easily identified by their pink eyes and white fur, similar to other animals which have an albino strain.
Male ferrets are usually about 18 inches and 2-3 pounds, while females are a little smaller. We still have no clue why ferrets have a tendency to hide and hoard food and playthings. They probably initially started doing it to hoard food for the colder, more lean months similar to how squirrels act. This is probably where the behavior started, but it definitely continues to this day.
Ferrets are commonly blamed unfairly for being odorous. This is not the case. They give off a musty scent due to their natural oils, but you can have the glands that produce these smells removed. Usually, if your ferrets have a strong odor, it is due their cages being unsanitary or due to owners not giving them adequate care. If you forget about your ferret's litter box or cage for a few days, of course they are going to stink!
Ferrets will require some help to make sure that they don't smell and stay in excellent shape. Unfortunately, they are prone to a number of ferret diseases and their already too-short lifetimes can become even more shortened. The diet of the ferret should be very high in fat and protein. They need about 35% in protein about roughly 15% in fat to stay at their healthiest. For the first few years of a ferret's life, you will have to be very careful about what you feed them to make sure that they grow up strong.
You can give a ferret cat food if you are stuck in a bind, but you really can't give a ferret cat food for an extended period of time. After all, cat food doesn't have all of the vitamins and nutrients that ferrets need.
Ferrets are very intelligent and can be trained to do some tricks, although this will require some patience. They love holes as they were originally bred to get rabbits out of their burrows. They are descended from polecats and love to sleep. An average ferret can sleep up to 18 hours a day, but when they are awake, you will definitely know it! These pets are fun, loyal and smart, making them great animals to have around.
Moses Wright is a ferret pet lover. He loves to help fellow pet owners solve their home pet problems. He provides free ferret facts info, health care problems and supplies review on his web site.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Cat Diets - Cat Diets Will Protect Your Lovable Pet From Disease, Illness and Early Death!
By Avery Berman
It is said that a cat's health is directly related to the cat's weight. Your cat should actively have his or her weight checked. Just like humans, when your cat is overweight, the chance of disease and illness striking is highly increased. All animals, including humans, have a recommended intake of calories per day. Calories are what the body uses to create energy and are the unit we use to monitor how much we should be eating. In all animals, there are also recommendations of how many calories the animal should eat.
Unfortunately, there is no way to pinpoint this right here for you because all animals that consume calories do so based on their age, size, physical activity and overall type. Here�s a rough example for you: A mid-sized dog should be consuming about 700 calories per day. Talk to your vet about how many calories your pet should be taking in each day. You will be surprised by what it is after you start looking at the packaging and nutrition facts of pet foods. Purchase pet foods that tell you the calorie count as these are often the healthiest options for your pet.
Strive to meet your pet's calorie intake goal. This will allow your pet to get the nutrition that he or she needs and help keep off dangerous excess weight. It is simply a matter of monitoring portion size and food type to reach calorie goals. You can do that!
Thankfully, the combination of a healthy diet and effective exercise is virtually all that is needed to allow your pet to slim down and be all it can be! Dogs, cats, even birds, fish and ferrets all can be helped in this way. The best news is that it doesn�t cost you a small fortune to give your pet the gift of health!
Want tons more tips on how to best protect your lovable cat from illness, disease and early death? Check out 50 Tips To Seriously Slim Your Pet
It is said that a cat's health is directly related to the cat's weight. Your cat should actively have his or her weight checked. Just like humans, when your cat is overweight, the chance of disease and illness striking is highly increased. All animals, including humans, have a recommended intake of calories per day. Calories are what the body uses to create energy and are the unit we use to monitor how much we should be eating. In all animals, there are also recommendations of how many calories the animal should eat.
Unfortunately, there is no way to pinpoint this right here for you because all animals that consume calories do so based on their age, size, physical activity and overall type. Here�s a rough example for you: A mid-sized dog should be consuming about 700 calories per day. Talk to your vet about how many calories your pet should be taking in each day. You will be surprised by what it is after you start looking at the packaging and nutrition facts of pet foods. Purchase pet foods that tell you the calorie count as these are often the healthiest options for your pet.
Strive to meet your pet's calorie intake goal. This will allow your pet to get the nutrition that he or she needs and help keep off dangerous excess weight. It is simply a matter of monitoring portion size and food type to reach calorie goals. You can do that!
Thankfully, the combination of a healthy diet and effective exercise is virtually all that is needed to allow your pet to slim down and be all it can be! Dogs, cats, even birds, fish and ferrets all can be helped in this way. The best news is that it doesn�t cost you a small fortune to give your pet the gift of health!
Want tons more tips on how to best protect your lovable cat from illness, disease and early death? Check out 50 Tips To Seriously Slim Your Pet
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Some Basic Pet Supplies for Your New Pet
By Elyse Grau
Before bringing your new dog or cat home, it is a good idea to shop for these basic pet supplies. These are the things any pet owner will need to make the dog or cat comfortable in its new home.
Something to feed your pet in will be needed, of course. These don't have to be made just for dogs or cats, but it is a good idea to designate certain dishes for them.
Bowls made for pets do have some advantages. Many have rounded bottoms, and often these are the easiest for pets to eat from, especially if they are eating canned dog or cat food.
Some pet dishes have rubber feet or rings around them to make them "skid-proof", which is also a bonus. Bowls with round bottoms can't be tipped over by over-excited puppies.
When choosing pet bowls, stainless steel or ceramic are preferable to plastic. Plastic can leach toxic chemicals as they age. They are also harder to sanitize, as bacteria can invade the plastic as it wears. Plastic also scratches easily and cracks, and soft plastic can be chewed up.
A collar and leash is a necessity for dogs, and an option for cats. Cats can also be taught to walk on a leash if you wish to do so. If you plan to let your cat go outside (not recommended), than a collar is a necessity, not an option.
Identification of some kind should be firmly attached to collars of both dogs and cats. Be sure to include at least your phone number and the name of the pet.
A place for the dog or cat to sleep is nice. This may mean a place on your bed, or a bed made especially for them. Older dogs and cats might benefit from orthopedic bedding. This is usually made from "egg-crate" foam. You can buy a premium bed, or make your own from a piece of the foam and an old sheet or blanket.
Cats will often ignore any bed you buy for them and choose their own spot - usually your favorite chair or the middle of your bed. However, there are a number of cat beds available that made for the way cats like to sleep. They provide small, snuggly spaces, or are tent-like, offering a nice place to hide.
Most dogs will benefit from having some toys, and for puppies they are a must. Interactive pet toys allow you to spend "quality time" with your dog or cat while providing the animal with some exercise. These would include balls for dogs and wand-type toys for cats.
Chew toys are essential for puppies. Their natural instinct is to chew, and puppies go through teething just like babies. Here is one area where buying new is preferred. It is not a god idea to give the puppy an old shoe, for example, to chew on, as that would imply that all shoes are puppy chew toys.
Squeaky toys can drive owners crazy, but they are good toys to leave for your dog when you go out. Many dogs enjoy throwing these toys up in the air and then pouncing on them. Just be sure your dog cannot easily chew the toy up and swallow the squeaker. Always supervise your dog when giving them any kind of new toy, and make sure that it is appropriate for that dog.
If you are planning on getting a new dog or cat, it is wise to have all the necessary pet supplies on hand before you bring the animal home.
The author is an herbalist, pet owner and writer. Her website, Pet Health Resource, provides further articles on the health and well-being of your dogs and cats. http://www.pethealthresource.com
Before bringing your new dog or cat home, it is a good idea to shop for these basic pet supplies. These are the things any pet owner will need to make the dog or cat comfortable in its new home.
Something to feed your pet in will be needed, of course. These don't have to be made just for dogs or cats, but it is a good idea to designate certain dishes for them.
Bowls made for pets do have some advantages. Many have rounded bottoms, and often these are the easiest for pets to eat from, especially if they are eating canned dog or cat food.
Some pet dishes have rubber feet or rings around them to make them "skid-proof", which is also a bonus. Bowls with round bottoms can't be tipped over by over-excited puppies.
When choosing pet bowls, stainless steel or ceramic are preferable to plastic. Plastic can leach toxic chemicals as they age. They are also harder to sanitize, as bacteria can invade the plastic as it wears. Plastic also scratches easily and cracks, and soft plastic can be chewed up.
A collar and leash is a necessity for dogs, and an option for cats. Cats can also be taught to walk on a leash if you wish to do so. If you plan to let your cat go outside (not recommended), than a collar is a necessity, not an option.
Identification of some kind should be firmly attached to collars of both dogs and cats. Be sure to include at least your phone number and the name of the pet.
A place for the dog or cat to sleep is nice. This may mean a place on your bed, or a bed made especially for them. Older dogs and cats might benefit from orthopedic bedding. This is usually made from "egg-crate" foam. You can buy a premium bed, or make your own from a piece of the foam and an old sheet or blanket.
Cats will often ignore any bed you buy for them and choose their own spot - usually your favorite chair or the middle of your bed. However, there are a number of cat beds available that made for the way cats like to sleep. They provide small, snuggly spaces, or are tent-like, offering a nice place to hide.
Most dogs will benefit from having some toys, and for puppies they are a must. Interactive pet toys allow you to spend "quality time" with your dog or cat while providing the animal with some exercise. These would include balls for dogs and wand-type toys for cats.
Chew toys are essential for puppies. Their natural instinct is to chew, and puppies go through teething just like babies. Here is one area where buying new is preferred. It is not a god idea to give the puppy an old shoe, for example, to chew on, as that would imply that all shoes are puppy chew toys.
Squeaky toys can drive owners crazy, but they are good toys to leave for your dog when you go out. Many dogs enjoy throwing these toys up in the air and then pouncing on them. Just be sure your dog cannot easily chew the toy up and swallow the squeaker. Always supervise your dog when giving them any kind of new toy, and make sure that it is appropriate for that dog.
If you are planning on getting a new dog or cat, it is wise to have all the necessary pet supplies on hand before you bring the animal home.
The author is an herbalist, pet owner and writer. Her website, Pet Health Resource, provides further articles on the health and well-being of your dogs and cats. http://www.pethealthresource.com
Monday, October 15, 2007
Take the Scary Out of Halloween for Your Pets
By Deanna Raeke
Most people don't realize how scary and actually dangerous Halloween can be for our pets. They tend to think of it as just a mostly fun filled entree to Fall for children and adults alike but what about our furry companions?
It can actually be quite frightening for them, the constant knocking or door bell ringing, strange looking people showing up at the door making sounds, sometimes in sizable groups. This is especially noticeable in pets that are more accustomed to a relatively quiet routine.
You need to really watch for frightened or excited pets darting out an open door and racing into the street. Incidences of animals being hit by vehicles sadly tend to escalate due to this. You may see evidence of fear based aggression triggered by territorial or fear responses to all the ghouls and goblins, the laughter, the noise, the yelling and excitement.
The safest thing that you can do for your pet is to crate them comfortably or tuck them in a safe room away from all the excitement. In my case, I have two very friendly, rambunctious Springers who just love people and their reaction is to bark and run around and to try to rush out and meet everyone! My two cats, on the other had, are what I would call typical cats, they're not interested and they really don't care. They usually just go to one of their comfy spots and nap till all the commotion is over. Needless to say, I make sure my dogs are safely out of the way until the evening's festivities are done with.
Another thing that I don't even like to think about but it needs to be mentioned is the 'Black Cat' concern. As we all know, there are a lot of weirdoes out there and sometimes around Halloween black cats can be in peril. Many shelters actually will not adopt out black cats during this season. I'm not going to go into details but if a black cat is part of your family, just take the precaution of making sure they are safe at home during this time of year. Why take a chance?
And last, but certainly not least, the candy! This is more of a danger for dogs than cats because often dogs have a tendency to eat anything and everything, wrappers included! High quantities of sugar are obviously not good for our pets, they may just wound up hyper and 'bouncing off the walls' or it may make them sick; vomiting and diarrhea, or worse.
With concerns about sugar, there are quite a few sugar free candies on the market today and the big concern here is Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that is commonly used in sugar-free gum, beverages and candies, among other products. It is commercially produced from birch and other hardwood trees, wood chips and corn cobs.
Dogs who ingest Xylitol release massive amounts of insulin because Xylitol is about four times sweeter than sugar, and the pancreas responds proportionately. Evidence of hypoglycemia includes weakness, tremors and seizures. Hypoglycemia does not occur in all victims and may even occur up to two to four days. The dose required to cause problems for a pet varies, in any case, no dog should be allowed access to anything containing Xylitol, even in small quanities.
Dogs can experience gastrointestinal signs: vomiting and diarrhea but if ingested in sufficient amounts or if they are sufficiently sensitive to it, they can experience liver damage and anemia. The damage to the liver may be mild or severe. Those who survive initially may show icterus (jaundice, yellowing of the eyes and skin), bilirubinuria (red urine which may be confused with blood in the urine, caused by breakdown of red blood cells in circulation), loss of appetite and extreme lethargy. Bleeding may occur as a result of damage to clotting factors in the body.
Obviously, if you are concerned that your dog may have ingested Xylitol, they will need veterinarian treatment immediately.
Then we have the old stand-by, chocolate. I like to think that most dog owners by now know the dangers of chocolate but unfortunately too many still do not. Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.
And lastly, the wrappers. Most of the time this is not a problem but occasionally it may cause blockage, especially if there were a quantity of wrappers ingested. Usually you just need to wait and watch. You can also help out by giving your dog something else to eat to help move things along by increasing bowel activity. Another option is lubrication. That's right, lubrication. This will speed up movement of any foreign object. The safest and most effective one is Vaseline. The Vaseline dose is 1 tablespoon per 10 lbs. Place it on the roof of your pet's mouth. If you actually see the object protruding from your pet's throat or anus, like it or not, the safest thing to do is help remove it if your pet doesn't seem to be able to manage the job on its own. If the foreign object becomes a problem, often evidenced by bouts of vomiting and sometimes a distended abdomen, it's time to see the vet. X-rays and surgery may be necessary.
So, for your pet's sake, let go over this again quickly, basically two things; tuck your pet away safely until the festivities are over and keep the candy out of reach! The results otherwise can be more than scary, they can be downright dangerous.
The author of this article, Deanna Raeke, is a pet owner, pet lover. She dedicates her time to animal advocacy and welfare and just about anything that has to do with dogs. For information on current dogs news, tips and information, please visit For the Love of the Dog. For information for your pet's health, naturally, visit Natural Health for Pets
Most people don't realize how scary and actually dangerous Halloween can be for our pets. They tend to think of it as just a mostly fun filled entree to Fall for children and adults alike but what about our furry companions?
It can actually be quite frightening for them, the constant knocking or door bell ringing, strange looking people showing up at the door making sounds, sometimes in sizable groups. This is especially noticeable in pets that are more accustomed to a relatively quiet routine.
You need to really watch for frightened or excited pets darting out an open door and racing into the street. Incidences of animals being hit by vehicles sadly tend to escalate due to this. You may see evidence of fear based aggression triggered by territorial or fear responses to all the ghouls and goblins, the laughter, the noise, the yelling and excitement.
The safest thing that you can do for your pet is to crate them comfortably or tuck them in a safe room away from all the excitement. In my case, I have two very friendly, rambunctious Springers who just love people and their reaction is to bark and run around and to try to rush out and meet everyone! My two cats, on the other had, are what I would call typical cats, they're not interested and they really don't care. They usually just go to one of their comfy spots and nap till all the commotion is over. Needless to say, I make sure my dogs are safely out of the way until the evening's festivities are done with.
Another thing that I don't even like to think about but it needs to be mentioned is the 'Black Cat' concern. As we all know, there are a lot of weirdoes out there and sometimes around Halloween black cats can be in peril. Many shelters actually will not adopt out black cats during this season. I'm not going to go into details but if a black cat is part of your family, just take the precaution of making sure they are safe at home during this time of year. Why take a chance?
And last, but certainly not least, the candy! This is more of a danger for dogs than cats because often dogs have a tendency to eat anything and everything, wrappers included! High quantities of sugar are obviously not good for our pets, they may just wound up hyper and 'bouncing off the walls' or it may make them sick; vomiting and diarrhea, or worse.
With concerns about sugar, there are quite a few sugar free candies on the market today and the big concern here is Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that is commonly used in sugar-free gum, beverages and candies, among other products. It is commercially produced from birch and other hardwood trees, wood chips and corn cobs.
Dogs who ingest Xylitol release massive amounts of insulin because Xylitol is about four times sweeter than sugar, and the pancreas responds proportionately. Evidence of hypoglycemia includes weakness, tremors and seizures. Hypoglycemia does not occur in all victims and may even occur up to two to four days. The dose required to cause problems for a pet varies, in any case, no dog should be allowed access to anything containing Xylitol, even in small quanities.
Dogs can experience gastrointestinal signs: vomiting and diarrhea but if ingested in sufficient amounts or if they are sufficiently sensitive to it, they can experience liver damage and anemia. The damage to the liver may be mild or severe. Those who survive initially may show icterus (jaundice, yellowing of the eyes and skin), bilirubinuria (red urine which may be confused with blood in the urine, caused by breakdown of red blood cells in circulation), loss of appetite and extreme lethargy. Bleeding may occur as a result of damage to clotting factors in the body.
Obviously, if you are concerned that your dog may have ingested Xylitol, they will need veterinarian treatment immediately.
Then we have the old stand-by, chocolate. I like to think that most dog owners by now know the dangers of chocolate but unfortunately too many still do not. Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.
And lastly, the wrappers. Most of the time this is not a problem but occasionally it may cause blockage, especially if there were a quantity of wrappers ingested. Usually you just need to wait and watch. You can also help out by giving your dog something else to eat to help move things along by increasing bowel activity. Another option is lubrication. That's right, lubrication. This will speed up movement of any foreign object. The safest and most effective one is Vaseline. The Vaseline dose is 1 tablespoon per 10 lbs. Place it on the roof of your pet's mouth. If you actually see the object protruding from your pet's throat or anus, like it or not, the safest thing to do is help remove it if your pet doesn't seem to be able to manage the job on its own. If the foreign object becomes a problem, often evidenced by bouts of vomiting and sometimes a distended abdomen, it's time to see the vet. X-rays and surgery may be necessary.
So, for your pet's sake, let go over this again quickly, basically two things; tuck your pet away safely until the festivities are over and keep the candy out of reach! The results otherwise can be more than scary, they can be downright dangerous.
The author of this article, Deanna Raeke, is a pet owner, pet lover. She dedicates her time to animal advocacy and welfare and just about anything that has to do with dogs. For information on current dogs news, tips and information, please visit For the Love of the Dog. For information for your pet's health, naturally, visit Natural Health for Pets
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Overweight Pets - Dogs, Cats and Every Other Animal is at Risk of Early Death and Disease!
By Avery Berman
It can be said that a pet�s health is directly related to the pet�s weight. Every animal, from dogs, cats, rabbits or even your hamster should have their weight checked. Just like humans, when an animal is overweight, the chance of disease and illness striking is highly increased. Overweight pets are much more likely to contract diseases and illnesses and remain sick longer. They are more likely to have the symptoms of old age in their youth. Worst of all, they are much more likely to have a shorter life span. We don�t want your pet to die when he could�ve served as your trusty companion years longer!
Step One:
One of the first things that you should do for your pet is to actually have them examined for their physical fitness. Now, I know this sounds pretty obvious, but when was the last time you actually did it�
Even if you know that your pet is overweight and needs to lose the weight, an exam should be one of the first things that you do for them. Meet with a veterinarian that you trust and know is committed to helping your pet. It may sound a little strange, but interview them! Get to know them so that you can trust them with your pet's care.
Although this is not a specific tool to help your pet to lose weight, it is a crucial first step. Most people do not realize that a just few pounds overweight can be detrimental to a pet�s health. A doctor can help to point out specifically what needs to be done for your pet. Your doctor should also be able to monitor your pet's progression from their current level, to a healthier stage. They should be your ally in fighting your pet's overweight problem!
The good news is that pets are going to be healthy if you help them to be! It all comes down to you! A pet cannot feed himself while in captivity. While many pets do not need to have constant attention, they do need you to monitor their health and what they eat and how they exercise. Easy!
Want more tips on how to give your loved companion the gift of health, happiness and a long life? Check out My Pet Is Fat.com
It can be said that a pet�s health is directly related to the pet�s weight. Every animal, from dogs, cats, rabbits or even your hamster should have their weight checked. Just like humans, when an animal is overweight, the chance of disease and illness striking is highly increased. Overweight pets are much more likely to contract diseases and illnesses and remain sick longer. They are more likely to have the symptoms of old age in their youth. Worst of all, they are much more likely to have a shorter life span. We don�t want your pet to die when he could�ve served as your trusty companion years longer!
Step One:
One of the first things that you should do for your pet is to actually have them examined for their physical fitness. Now, I know this sounds pretty obvious, but when was the last time you actually did it�
Even if you know that your pet is overweight and needs to lose the weight, an exam should be one of the first things that you do for them. Meet with a veterinarian that you trust and know is committed to helping your pet. It may sound a little strange, but interview them! Get to know them so that you can trust them with your pet's care.
Although this is not a specific tool to help your pet to lose weight, it is a crucial first step. Most people do not realize that a just few pounds overweight can be detrimental to a pet�s health. A doctor can help to point out specifically what needs to be done for your pet. Your doctor should also be able to monitor your pet's progression from their current level, to a healthier stage. They should be your ally in fighting your pet's overweight problem!
The good news is that pets are going to be healthy if you help them to be! It all comes down to you! A pet cannot feed himself while in captivity. While many pets do not need to have constant attention, they do need you to monitor their health and what they eat and how they exercise. Easy!
Want more tips on how to give your loved companion the gift of health, happiness and a long life? Check out My Pet Is Fat.com
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Turning Feline Foes into Fido's Friends
By Amy Ammen
Properly introduced, dogs and cats usually end up being the most devoted of friends. On the other hand, on rare occasions, the combination can be deadly for the cat. So it�s not a decision to be made lightly.
Your dog�s breed should be a factor in weighing the possibilities. Even if your hyper dog was bred to ferret out small game, the combination may be surprisingly solid. In most cases, you�ll simply have to devote some time up front to supervising them both until he�s proven his trustworthiness.
A herding breed can be disastrous for felines � or ideal. If the dog is mesmerized by the cat and her movements, he may find it difficult to rein in his herding instinct. That�s not necessarily a problem if your cat is confident, bold, and enjoys teasing, playing, and racing around. In fact, such a cat may become his best friend within a few days of their introduction. But a timid cat will be miserable.
My Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs coauthor Kitty Foth-Regner has found the Oriental breeds, such as Siamese and Burmese, to be particularly well-suited to such cross-species relationships; they�re energetic, mischievous, and love to tear around the house with a dog in close pursuit. More docile breeds such as Persians are less enamored of such antics; but that fact may make these cats less interesting to a hyper dog and therefore less likely to be a victim of canine fascination.
The easiest introductions are between puppies and kittens. If they grow up together, they may almost behave like siblings instead of different species. If it�s too late for that, try these suggestions.
* Choose a cat who is young enough to be adaptable but old enough to defend herself. Six months is an excellent age. Don�t declaw her; instead, either teach her to use a scratching post or get over your need for perfect furniture. Give her a few days to explore her living quarters and get to know the human household members before introducing her to the dog.
* When your new cat is feeling at home, bring her into a room where she�ll be able to quickly get out of harm�s way if necessary, by racing behind a couch or jumping up on a counter. Then leash your dog and bring him in.
* The cat may well take this opportunity to hide. That�s fine. Stay in the room and do some obedience work or tricks. Have a seat and read or watch a little television. Let them get used to being around each other. Stay alert. If the cat decides to dart out of the room, you�ll want to be able to short-circuit your dog�s pursuit by grabbing or stepping on his leash.
* On the other hand, if she holds her ground, that�s great. Let him sniff while you praise the cat soothingly to relax her. Keep him leashed and watch for an opportunity to correct him for overstepping his boundaries or being impolite. Treat the cat like any other distraction; if he�s pulling on the leash, use the Sneakaway(TM) technique until he�s willing to greet her politely.
* You may have to do this twice a day for a week or a month before they�re ready to live together peacefully, and it may take many more weeks before they actually become friends. But chances are you�ll come home someday to find them cuddled up together, and all your efforts will be worth it.
* In the meantime, until they�re at least tolerating each other, use a closed door or baby gate to separate them whenever you�re not there to intervene. That way, they�ll be able to become accustomed to each other�s presence at their own pace.
* Once they�re friends, don�t stop them from roughhousing with each other. Let them enjoy each other, unless it becomes apparent that one of them isn�t enjoying the game.
The following excerpt is from Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs,
Written by Amy Ammen and Kitty Foth-Regner.
Copyright 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Amy Ammen is among the nation�s foremost authorities on training unusual breeds and solving confounding problems. She has trained thousands of dogs through Amiable Dog Training, Milwaukee � hosts Your Family Pet on WRRD-AM 540 � regularly appears on TV � is frequently quoted in print � and conducts seminars nationwide. Her dancing dogs are headliners at popular family-friendly festivals.
Amy has written five books in addition to her latest, Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs � as well as in a series of DVDs and articles for major dog publications.
This is her first book with Kitty Foth-Regner, a Waukesha, Wis., freelance copywriter. The author of scores of business-to-business brochures, white papers, and direct-mail campaigns, as well as The Cure (Main Street, 1987) and Heaven without Her (Thomas Nelson, 2008), Kitty is also a pushover dog owner. She first sought Amy�s help back in 1987, desperate for a way to stop her first Bassett Hound from chewing. Amy�s techniques instantly provided the needed relief.
For details, visit http://www.amyammen.com or call 888-875-4321.
Properly introduced, dogs and cats usually end up being the most devoted of friends. On the other hand, on rare occasions, the combination can be deadly for the cat. So it�s not a decision to be made lightly.
Your dog�s breed should be a factor in weighing the possibilities. Even if your hyper dog was bred to ferret out small game, the combination may be surprisingly solid. In most cases, you�ll simply have to devote some time up front to supervising them both until he�s proven his trustworthiness.
A herding breed can be disastrous for felines � or ideal. If the dog is mesmerized by the cat and her movements, he may find it difficult to rein in his herding instinct. That�s not necessarily a problem if your cat is confident, bold, and enjoys teasing, playing, and racing around. In fact, such a cat may become his best friend within a few days of their introduction. But a timid cat will be miserable.
My Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs coauthor Kitty Foth-Regner has found the Oriental breeds, such as Siamese and Burmese, to be particularly well-suited to such cross-species relationships; they�re energetic, mischievous, and love to tear around the house with a dog in close pursuit. More docile breeds such as Persians are less enamored of such antics; but that fact may make these cats less interesting to a hyper dog and therefore less likely to be a victim of canine fascination.
The easiest introductions are between puppies and kittens. If they grow up together, they may almost behave like siblings instead of different species. If it�s too late for that, try these suggestions.
* Choose a cat who is young enough to be adaptable but old enough to defend herself. Six months is an excellent age. Don�t declaw her; instead, either teach her to use a scratching post or get over your need for perfect furniture. Give her a few days to explore her living quarters and get to know the human household members before introducing her to the dog.
* When your new cat is feeling at home, bring her into a room where she�ll be able to quickly get out of harm�s way if necessary, by racing behind a couch or jumping up on a counter. Then leash your dog and bring him in.
* The cat may well take this opportunity to hide. That�s fine. Stay in the room and do some obedience work or tricks. Have a seat and read or watch a little television. Let them get used to being around each other. Stay alert. If the cat decides to dart out of the room, you�ll want to be able to short-circuit your dog�s pursuit by grabbing or stepping on his leash.
* On the other hand, if she holds her ground, that�s great. Let him sniff while you praise the cat soothingly to relax her. Keep him leashed and watch for an opportunity to correct him for overstepping his boundaries or being impolite. Treat the cat like any other distraction; if he�s pulling on the leash, use the Sneakaway(TM) technique until he�s willing to greet her politely.
* You may have to do this twice a day for a week or a month before they�re ready to live together peacefully, and it may take many more weeks before they actually become friends. But chances are you�ll come home someday to find them cuddled up together, and all your efforts will be worth it.
* In the meantime, until they�re at least tolerating each other, use a closed door or baby gate to separate them whenever you�re not there to intervene. That way, they�ll be able to become accustomed to each other�s presence at their own pace.
* Once they�re friends, don�t stop them from roughhousing with each other. Let them enjoy each other, unless it becomes apparent that one of them isn�t enjoying the game.
The following excerpt is from Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs,
Written by Amy Ammen and Kitty Foth-Regner.
Copyright 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Amy Ammen is among the nation�s foremost authorities on training unusual breeds and solving confounding problems. She has trained thousands of dogs through Amiable Dog Training, Milwaukee � hosts Your Family Pet on WRRD-AM 540 � regularly appears on TV � is frequently quoted in print � and conducts seminars nationwide. Her dancing dogs are headliners at popular family-friendly festivals.
Amy has written five books in addition to her latest, Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs � as well as in a series of DVDs and articles for major dog publications.
This is her first book with Kitty Foth-Regner, a Waukesha, Wis., freelance copywriter. The author of scores of business-to-business brochures, white papers, and direct-mail campaigns, as well as The Cure (Main Street, 1987) and Heaven without Her (Thomas Nelson, 2008), Kitty is also a pushover dog owner. She first sought Amy�s help back in 1987, desperate for a way to stop her first Bassett Hound from chewing. Amy�s techniques instantly provided the needed relief.
For details, visit http://www.amyammen.com or call 888-875-4321.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Choosing A Dog Carrier
By Luke Blaise
When you are choosing a dog carrier, you need to know what types of dogs can comfortable fit into the dog carrier. If you have a Pekingese, Chihuahua, Havanese, Maltese, Miniature Pincher, Papillion, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih-Tzu or a Poodle along with a few other breeds, you can comfortably and safely travel with your pet in a Sherpa dog carrier. If you have a puppy you are buying from a breeder and have to travel a long distance, a good sized dog carrier will be fine until they reach the weight, height and length restrictions.
Always follow the restrictions from the manufacturer, these restrictions on Sherpa dog carrier units are only done for the safety of the dog. If you try to put a heavier dog into something rated for a twenty-two pound, you are endangering their safety. The height and length as well are important, making a dog that is to big for the dog carrier crunch into one, could cause the dog undue pain and suffering. The Sherpa dog carrier does have the restriction to ensure your small dog is comfortable and has a good traveling experience. Many dog carriers come in different colors, sizes and a choice of totes, totes on wheels or shoulder straps.
The open top shoulder bags are cute and fashionable for the luxury lifestyle of the dog. These dog carriers are usually easy to clean as most are washable and some have lambskin liners to make the ride even more comfortable. Find a top entrance or an end entrance that makes it easier to place the pet in the dog carrier. If the travels you plan require a dog carrier, you can find choices for ventilation, durability, rubberized fabric, detachable shoulder straps and up to four mesh-viewing panels. Some even have inside leash rings to keep the pet in one area.
The better dog carriers with a leash ring is great if your pet tries to rush out of the carrier when you open it up. This will help with feeding and/or putting them into the dog carrier. Dog carriers are also nice for walks if you have a dog that is blind or two old to walk. They need fresh air as well and a dog carrier is a perfect way to take them outdoors and keep them safe. They will also feel safer especially if they have a hearing or seeing health problem.
Get more reviews about pet carriers at Sherpa Pet Review.
When you are choosing a dog carrier, you need to know what types of dogs can comfortable fit into the dog carrier. If you have a Pekingese, Chihuahua, Havanese, Maltese, Miniature Pincher, Papillion, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih-Tzu or a Poodle along with a few other breeds, you can comfortably and safely travel with your pet in a Sherpa dog carrier. If you have a puppy you are buying from a breeder and have to travel a long distance, a good sized dog carrier will be fine until they reach the weight, height and length restrictions.
Always follow the restrictions from the manufacturer, these restrictions on Sherpa dog carrier units are only done for the safety of the dog. If you try to put a heavier dog into something rated for a twenty-two pound, you are endangering their safety. The height and length as well are important, making a dog that is to big for the dog carrier crunch into one, could cause the dog undue pain and suffering. The Sherpa dog carrier does have the restriction to ensure your small dog is comfortable and has a good traveling experience. Many dog carriers come in different colors, sizes and a choice of totes, totes on wheels or shoulder straps.
The open top shoulder bags are cute and fashionable for the luxury lifestyle of the dog. These dog carriers are usually easy to clean as most are washable and some have lambskin liners to make the ride even more comfortable. Find a top entrance or an end entrance that makes it easier to place the pet in the dog carrier. If the travels you plan require a dog carrier, you can find choices for ventilation, durability, rubberized fabric, detachable shoulder straps and up to four mesh-viewing panels. Some even have inside leash rings to keep the pet in one area.
The better dog carriers with a leash ring is great if your pet tries to rush out of the carrier when you open it up. This will help with feeding and/or putting them into the dog carrier. Dog carriers are also nice for walks if you have a dog that is blind or two old to walk. They need fresh air as well and a dog carrier is a perfect way to take them outdoors and keep them safe. They will also feel safer especially if they have a hearing or seeing health problem.
Get more reviews about pet carriers at Sherpa Pet Review.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
How Is Your Pet Food Sold?
By Jeff Opachick
This is one of the most important aspects when choosing a pet food, next to ingredients, which is another story. Why? Freshness, safe handling, storage, what conditions has the pet food been exposed to?
Due to 50+ years of the same old distribution practices, the industry standard for distributing pet food that is sold in the national chain stores is 6 months of inventory up-front for future sales.
This means your pet food could be anywhere from 6 to 18 months old, what does this mean for your beloved pet:
Nutrient loss, possible spoilage, insecticides sprayed to keep bugs and rodents away. We have seen pet food set on semi-trailers for 6 months or more in the freezing cold and scorching sun because there was no room in the warehouse.
Shopping for your pet's meal can sometimes be as confusing as shopping for an electronic device such as a cell phone.
Which one is the best? Am I getting a good deal? Is there any fine print? How reliable is this company? Everyone wants to give their pet the best there is, but often it is a difficult task because of all the different choices of pet foods available.
The most curious part about all this is, there are pet food companies that sell pet food for $15-$25. That same company will sell a �better� pet food for more money with virtually the same ingredients.
Does this make any sense? If commercial pet food companies cared about our pets why would they offer us a lower grade pet food?
Seems like they are more concerned about what we can afford than the well being of our companion animals.
The next time you�re in a pet food chain store take a look at all the varieties of one brand, why so many?
Shelf space competition, the more you see of �me� chances are you�re going to purchase �me�. Most pet foods on the market today are formulated by marketing design not what is best for my pet.
Over $300 million is spent each year on pet food advertising, which contains statements or visions that are misleading. Fresh cuts of meat, vegetables, wholesome grains, these pet foods also contain by-products, harmful preservatives, wheat gluten, soy and other ingredients you would never knowingly feed your pet.
Jeff Opachick, Pet Food Advisor. e-mail: support@healthypetfoodforlife.com - http://www.HealthyPetFoodForLife.com
This is one of the most important aspects when choosing a pet food, next to ingredients, which is another story. Why? Freshness, safe handling, storage, what conditions has the pet food been exposed to?
Due to 50+ years of the same old distribution practices, the industry standard for distributing pet food that is sold in the national chain stores is 6 months of inventory up-front for future sales.
This means your pet food could be anywhere from 6 to 18 months old, what does this mean for your beloved pet:
Nutrient loss, possible spoilage, insecticides sprayed to keep bugs and rodents away. We have seen pet food set on semi-trailers for 6 months or more in the freezing cold and scorching sun because there was no room in the warehouse.
Shopping for your pet's meal can sometimes be as confusing as shopping for an electronic device such as a cell phone.
Which one is the best? Am I getting a good deal? Is there any fine print? How reliable is this company? Everyone wants to give their pet the best there is, but often it is a difficult task because of all the different choices of pet foods available.
The most curious part about all this is, there are pet food companies that sell pet food for $15-$25. That same company will sell a �better� pet food for more money with virtually the same ingredients.
Does this make any sense? If commercial pet food companies cared about our pets why would they offer us a lower grade pet food?
Seems like they are more concerned about what we can afford than the well being of our companion animals.
The next time you�re in a pet food chain store take a look at all the varieties of one brand, why so many?
Shelf space competition, the more you see of �me� chances are you�re going to purchase �me�. Most pet foods on the market today are formulated by marketing design not what is best for my pet.
Over $300 million is spent each year on pet food advertising, which contains statements or visions that are misleading. Fresh cuts of meat, vegetables, wholesome grains, these pet foods also contain by-products, harmful preservatives, wheat gluten, soy and other ingredients you would never knowingly feed your pet.
Jeff Opachick, Pet Food Advisor. e-mail: support@healthypetfoodforlife.com - http://www.HealthyPetFoodForLife.com
Friday, October 5, 2007
The Most Important Reason Why Your Pets Need Pet Health Insurance
By Yazed Jamal
Most people have pets in their house, whether it is dogs, cats, fishes, or even snakes! Pet is cute, but have you ever think about giving them a health insurance? By having a pet health insurance, you can save lots of money when you have to pay the veterinary bills on your pet. In a year, one of three pets need a veterinary treatment.
Veterinary care for your pets can beat your daily or even weekly expenses, depends on the treatment needed. The only way to escape from the responsibility to pay the veterinary is to get a pet health insurance.
Pet health insurance offer you different plans based on species, age, and general health of your pet. Pet health insurance have similar policy with the common health insurance. When your pet is injured or ill, your pet will be take care by the veterinarian and the claims are sent to the policy provider. A pet health insurance policy usually pays for the unexpected illness, accidents, injuries, or other emergency conditions.
It's not that hard to search for a pet health insurance companies. Just do some search on google, and you'll landed on millions results. Or, if you prefer the quick way, you can ask your veterinarian what companies that he or she recommend for you.
The most important reason about why your pets need pet health insurance is to save you lots of money. Not only that, a pet health insurance also save you from the cost of routine vaccinations and a veterinary treatment. Have you ever heard the pet routine vaccinations cost lately? It's range about $40 to $75 per shot. Yes, it's expensive. If you say it's not expensive, try to consider the emergency care and operations cost for your pet.
Want to learn more about Insurance and understand it better. Surf up to http://insured.em-up.com for more article and guide.
Most people have pets in their house, whether it is dogs, cats, fishes, or even snakes! Pet is cute, but have you ever think about giving them a health insurance? By having a pet health insurance, you can save lots of money when you have to pay the veterinary bills on your pet. In a year, one of three pets need a veterinary treatment.
Veterinary care for your pets can beat your daily or even weekly expenses, depends on the treatment needed. The only way to escape from the responsibility to pay the veterinary is to get a pet health insurance.
Pet health insurance offer you different plans based on species, age, and general health of your pet. Pet health insurance have similar policy with the common health insurance. When your pet is injured or ill, your pet will be take care by the veterinarian and the claims are sent to the policy provider. A pet health insurance policy usually pays for the unexpected illness, accidents, injuries, or other emergency conditions.
It's not that hard to search for a pet health insurance companies. Just do some search on google, and you'll landed on millions results. Or, if you prefer the quick way, you can ask your veterinarian what companies that he or she recommend for you.
The most important reason about why your pets need pet health insurance is to save you lots of money. Not only that, a pet health insurance also save you from the cost of routine vaccinations and a veterinary treatment. Have you ever heard the pet routine vaccinations cost lately? It's range about $40 to $75 per shot. Yes, it's expensive. If you say it's not expensive, try to consider the emergency care and operations cost for your pet.
Want to learn more about Insurance and understand it better. Surf up to http://insured.em-up.com for more article and guide.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
4 Reasons To Consider Purchasing Pet Insurance
By Tom Simone
Millions and millions of people in the US have some kind of pet. The majority over pet owners though, do not have pet insurance. We become very attached to our animals and they become like part of the family. We don't hesitate to purchase insurance for our own health, our cars and homes, so it makes sense that we should consider insurance to protect our pets.
Pet insurance is an industry that has been overlooked and thought to be silly by some people, but if you've had to take your pet to the veterinarian lately, you realize that those trips can be very expensive! Vet costs have risen tremendously over the last decade and the need for pet insurance has grown to offset those high costs. About a year ago, one of my dogs was hit by a passing vehicle. $1200 later, I decided I should take a closer look at insurance for my dogs.
So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider pet insurance?
1) Accidents or serious illnesses can and do happen to your pets and always seemingly at the worst time. As the owner of several dogs and a cat, I can assure you that when you least expect it something can happen to one of your animals.
2) When an accident or illness does happen and you're given an estimate of the cost to make your pet well again, the last thing you should have to deal with is the stress over the expense of saving your pet. I remember well, the vet telling me that it would cost "at least" $1000 to save my dog! This dog is a part of my family but in the back of my mind, (and I'm ashamed to say this), I still wondered if the cost was worth it? Especially when you know that even with the surgery and treatments, my dog could still die from complications. Fortunately it all turned out well and my dog is happy and healthy today.
3) The financial strain of making or keeping your pet well can be overwhelming. When my dog was injured, it came at a time when that was the last thing in the world I needed to happen! I had recently been laid off from my job and quite frankly we were "over-extended" on bills. I ended up borrowing part of the money from a friend to satisfy the vet bill.
4) When money is an issue, you're more likely to give your pet the "bare minimum" with regards to care. When you have pet insurance, you can give your pet the care it deserves because cost is no longer a major concern.
Insurance can usually be purchased for anywhere from $20 to $40 per month so it's very affordable, especially if you get hit with a huge vet bill. Various different coverage options are available so you can tailor the insurance to meet your specific needs. Some insurance providers even offer "multi-pet" discounts. Hopefully this article will make pet owners think twice about the usefulness of pet insurance.
Tom Simone is the owner of several pets. After one of his dogs was injured after being hit by a car, he learned the usefulness of pet insurance and created the website http://www.doginsurancehome.com to help other pet owners understand the value of pet insurance.
Millions and millions of people in the US have some kind of pet. The majority over pet owners though, do not have pet insurance. We become very attached to our animals and they become like part of the family. We don't hesitate to purchase insurance for our own health, our cars and homes, so it makes sense that we should consider insurance to protect our pets.
Pet insurance is an industry that has been overlooked and thought to be silly by some people, but if you've had to take your pet to the veterinarian lately, you realize that those trips can be very expensive! Vet costs have risen tremendously over the last decade and the need for pet insurance has grown to offset those high costs. About a year ago, one of my dogs was hit by a passing vehicle. $1200 later, I decided I should take a closer look at insurance for my dogs.
So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider pet insurance?
1) Accidents or serious illnesses can and do happen to your pets and always seemingly at the worst time. As the owner of several dogs and a cat, I can assure you that when you least expect it something can happen to one of your animals.
2) When an accident or illness does happen and you're given an estimate of the cost to make your pet well again, the last thing you should have to deal with is the stress over the expense of saving your pet. I remember well, the vet telling me that it would cost "at least" $1000 to save my dog! This dog is a part of my family but in the back of my mind, (and I'm ashamed to say this), I still wondered if the cost was worth it? Especially when you know that even with the surgery and treatments, my dog could still die from complications. Fortunately it all turned out well and my dog is happy and healthy today.
3) The financial strain of making or keeping your pet well can be overwhelming. When my dog was injured, it came at a time when that was the last thing in the world I needed to happen! I had recently been laid off from my job and quite frankly we were "over-extended" on bills. I ended up borrowing part of the money from a friend to satisfy the vet bill.
4) When money is an issue, you're more likely to give your pet the "bare minimum" with regards to care. When you have pet insurance, you can give your pet the care it deserves because cost is no longer a major concern.
Insurance can usually be purchased for anywhere from $20 to $40 per month so it's very affordable, especially if you get hit with a huge vet bill. Various different coverage options are available so you can tailor the insurance to meet your specific needs. Some insurance providers even offer "multi-pet" discounts. Hopefully this article will make pet owners think twice about the usefulness of pet insurance.
Tom Simone is the owner of several pets. After one of his dogs was injured after being hit by a car, he learned the usefulness of pet insurance and created the website http://www.doginsurancehome.com to help other pet owners understand the value of pet insurance.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Choosing The Right Hamster For You And Your Family
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_King]Adam King
Hamsters are loved as pets around the world by young and old alike. Their cute antics and playful nature make them a popular choice for a family pet. The average hamster lives anywhere from one to three years, so when considering a hamster as a pet for a child it is important to keep this in mind. Coping with the loss of a pet hamster can be a sad yet important life lesson for a young child, and in the meantime they can learn responsibility while they care for the daily needs of their pet hamster.
The two most common pet hamsters are the Syrian hamster and the Dwarf hamster. The Syrian hamster has been bred into many different types that go by several different names: Teddy Bear hamster, Golden hamster, and Fancy hamster to name a few. A fully grown Syrian hamster can reach about seven inches in length, with the females being just a touch larger than the males. The most important thing to remember about Syrian hamsters is that they�re extremely territorial, so you must only ever have one Syrian hamster per cage. They will fight to the death if housed with another Syrian hamster!
Dwarf hamsters are smaller, and most importantly, can share a cage with other Dwarf hamsters without fights breaking out. Dwarf hamsters are a popular choice as they tend to be quite tame and friendly as long as you handle them correctly.
When taking your hamster home it�s important to remember that hamsters are extremely susceptible to stress, so you want to make the journey to their new home as pleasant as possible. A pet store will typically give you a small cardboard box to carry your hamster home with, but if possible you should bring a larger container filled with hay and some hamster food.
You should buy and prepare your hamster cage before heading out to get your hamster so that when you return to your house his home is ready and waiting for him. Be sure to get the essentials such as bedding and nesting material, a food dish, a water bottle, and some toys. Having all of this prepared will drastically reduce the stress on your hamster.
If you choose a wire cage for your hamster make sure that the distance between the wires is no more than half a centimeter or else your hamster can squeeze right through!
The location of your hamster cage is just as important as the type of cage you choose. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures and so they sleep during the day. They�ll need some peace and quiet during daylight hours, so don�t put their cage next to a blaring TV set! Hamsters are also very susceptible to temperature changes, so keep them away from direct sunlight or drafts. And even though they�re in a cage, having a cat or dog tormenting them all day long will lead to a very stressed-out hamster. If you already have other pets please keep this in mind when deciding on a location for your hamster cage.
Hamsters are naturally quite clean creatures, but even so you�ll need to clean the cage about once a week. The hamster will need to be removed from the cage while you do this, so it�s a great opportunity for him to get some playtime in a hamster ball. Throw away all the old bedding material and replace it with fresh material. Use a light disinfectant as any strong smells left behind by your cleaning will upset your hamster, and make sure that the cage is completely dry before you put the new bedding material back in the cage.
Visit the [http://www.hamster-zone.com]Hamster-Zone website for even more detailed information on hamster care, hamster diet, hamster cages, and much, much more. Learn important tips on how to keep your hamster healthy and happy, including proper diet, care, and cage enrichment. Remember, a happy hamster is a healthy hamster!
Also get your FREE handy hamster illness chart when you sign up for the [http://www.hamster-zone.com]Hamster-Zone newsletter.
Hamsters are loved as pets around the world by young and old alike. Their cute antics and playful nature make them a popular choice for a family pet. The average hamster lives anywhere from one to three years, so when considering a hamster as a pet for a child it is important to keep this in mind. Coping with the loss of a pet hamster can be a sad yet important life lesson for a young child, and in the meantime they can learn responsibility while they care for the daily needs of their pet hamster.
The two most common pet hamsters are the Syrian hamster and the Dwarf hamster. The Syrian hamster has been bred into many different types that go by several different names: Teddy Bear hamster, Golden hamster, and Fancy hamster to name a few. A fully grown Syrian hamster can reach about seven inches in length, with the females being just a touch larger than the males. The most important thing to remember about Syrian hamsters is that they�re extremely territorial, so you must only ever have one Syrian hamster per cage. They will fight to the death if housed with another Syrian hamster!
Dwarf hamsters are smaller, and most importantly, can share a cage with other Dwarf hamsters without fights breaking out. Dwarf hamsters are a popular choice as they tend to be quite tame and friendly as long as you handle them correctly.
When taking your hamster home it�s important to remember that hamsters are extremely susceptible to stress, so you want to make the journey to their new home as pleasant as possible. A pet store will typically give you a small cardboard box to carry your hamster home with, but if possible you should bring a larger container filled with hay and some hamster food.
You should buy and prepare your hamster cage before heading out to get your hamster so that when you return to your house his home is ready and waiting for him. Be sure to get the essentials such as bedding and nesting material, a food dish, a water bottle, and some toys. Having all of this prepared will drastically reduce the stress on your hamster.
If you choose a wire cage for your hamster make sure that the distance between the wires is no more than half a centimeter or else your hamster can squeeze right through!
The location of your hamster cage is just as important as the type of cage you choose. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures and so they sleep during the day. They�ll need some peace and quiet during daylight hours, so don�t put their cage next to a blaring TV set! Hamsters are also very susceptible to temperature changes, so keep them away from direct sunlight or drafts. And even though they�re in a cage, having a cat or dog tormenting them all day long will lead to a very stressed-out hamster. If you already have other pets please keep this in mind when deciding on a location for your hamster cage.
Hamsters are naturally quite clean creatures, but even so you�ll need to clean the cage about once a week. The hamster will need to be removed from the cage while you do this, so it�s a great opportunity for him to get some playtime in a hamster ball. Throw away all the old bedding material and replace it with fresh material. Use a light disinfectant as any strong smells left behind by your cleaning will upset your hamster, and make sure that the cage is completely dry before you put the new bedding material back in the cage.
Visit the [http://www.hamster-zone.com]Hamster-Zone website for even more detailed information on hamster care, hamster diet, hamster cages, and much, much more. Learn important tips on how to keep your hamster healthy and happy, including proper diet, care, and cage enrichment. Remember, a happy hamster is a healthy hamster!
Also get your FREE handy hamster illness chart when you sign up for the [http://www.hamster-zone.com]Hamster-Zone newsletter.
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