Obesity in Cats and Dogs

By Kiya Sama

Obesity in cats and dogs comes from the same cause as in human beings - the body takes in more energy than it puts out. Life is too easy, food too available. Too much food and too little exercise, along with a low metabolism rate, can make your pet balloon up fast. One cat in every 10 is overweight. Four dogs in every 10 are overweight. Why is this cause for worry? You love your pet fast as much as thin. But a fat pet has greater risk of diseases of the skin, heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys. Overweight can contribute to diabetes. It puts a burden on joints and contributes to osteoarthritis. And it increases a tendency to suffer from heat stroke and lengthens recovery time from surgery. As anyone who has had a fat animal knows, treating pet obesity is harder than preventing it. If your pet has a tendency to put on pounds, try the following:



Check your dog or cat for extra weight by feeling its sides - you should be able to feel the ribs easily. If there is more than � inch of fat between fur and ribs, the animal is overweight. You should be able to see a waistline from above on a dog.

Know what your pet weighs, and keep track of it. Most vets have a scale on which you can weigh your dog. You can also weigh your pet at home if it is light enough to pick up easily in your arms. First weigh yourself. Then hold your pet in your arms and step on the scale. Subtract your weight from the combined weight of you and your pet.

Check with your veterinarian before putting your dog or cat on a diet. In general, reduce caloric intake to 75 percent of what an animal of its weight should normally eat. Buy food that is low in fat - compare labels. For dogs, add fiber, like a bulking agent (Metamucil), bran, or canned vegetables (to 10-15 percent of the animal's food). Commercial diet foods come with instructions on how much food to give to animals of various sizes for safe weight loss. Change the diet in increments (shift foods) rather than all at once, otherwise the animal may get diarrhea. Supplement with multivitamins. Most important, discuss your animal's diet with your veterinarians.

Try feeding an overweight dog or cat more often. Take the daily ration and divide it into three meals, for instance.

Give your dog plenty of exercise, but increase it slowly. Don't exercise the animal within an hour after eating. Small dogs may need only the exercise they get in the house or yard. Older dogs may need only to be taken for walks. Other dogs can chase balls or sticks. You can take your cat for a walk on a leash, too, if you use a harness rather than a collar, which might choke it.

Don't feed your animal from the table, and try to stop feeding snacks like kitty treats and dog biscuits, which are high in fats. Animals are very good at begging, and all your efforts to help your pet lose weight may be foiled by one tender-hearted but unenlightened family member who slips the pet treats on the sly. Convince the members of the family that it is a kindness to help the animal lose weight. Be hard-hearted. If you do feed treats, figure in the calories.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

A Cold, But Successful Adoption Event!

By Cheree Miller

We knew it would be cold today. Temperatures were expected to stay in the 40s. And then there was the wind. One of those icy breezes that just sliced through your clothes. We took turns sitting in our cars to warm up, and sheltered the animals with wind blocks, keeping the youngest ones in the back of an enclosed pickup for extra warmth. We even took turns cuddling the animals for warmth. We considered calling it off because of the cold, but the need was so great, with so many animals needing homes, we decided to dress warmly and brave the cold.

Jan had even made a special run to Ola the night before to rescue a momma dog on the street with twelve -- yes, I said TWELVE puppies. They are a very handsome Rottweiler/Lab mixture. Six of them were adopted out. The other six came home with me. (I know, not the way it's supposed to work, I am supposed to come home with FEWER animals, not more. At least, that's what my son keeps telling me!) I did manage to adopt out Chai Kitty and Leonardo, although I brought another black kitten (this one female) home with me. I also took in two Weimaraner/Lab mix puppies. Total count for the day: 2 cats out, 1 cat and 8 dogs in.

I know, I know. I do really well when someone CALLS to say they need me to take in an animal. I simply take a deep breath and tell them, "I am so sorry, my rescue is full, but I would be happy to post a digital photo of the dog or cat on line and see what we can do that way." But, when the animal is right in front of you, and you know the next stop is the animal shelter -- or worse -- being put down, that is a completely different story. I take a deep breath and say, "I would be willing to take in this animal, but I would really appreciate it if you could make a donation to my rescue to defray the expenses. I will have to have it vaccinated, de-wormed, tested for heartworm/fe-leuk, spayed/neutered, etc."

I did pull in some donations today. I will probably turn around and spend them on more crates for the additional pups I brought home today, after all, I can't exactly throw them outside with snow in the forecast this week...

Cheree is practice manager of Azzore Veterinary Specialists, and founder of the Mill Creek Animal Rescue - both in Russellville, AR.

You can see a list of animals available for adoption through Mill Creek Animal Rescue at Petfinder.com

Rats As Pets?

By Mandy Kocevar

In the wake of Disney/Pixar's triumphant film Ratatouille, kids may start wanting a furry, little Remy of their own. Most parents, when faced with the question of rat ownership, will conjure up notions of disease, bites, and disgusting, fleshy tails, and instinctively blurt out, "No way!"

But the rats sold in pet stores are far different than their cousins who inhabit basements and sewers. They're called 'fancy rats,' and they couldn't deserve a better name. If you're looking for an energetic, loving, intelligent, easy-to-maintain, and relatively inexpensive pet for your children, you may not want to be so hasty in your decision. Rats might be just the thing you're looking for.

PROS


Rats are extremely clever - they can perform tricks, learn their names - even come when they're called. They love to spend time with their owners playing on the floor, snuggling in their arms, or just hanging out on a shoulder. They show affection by nuzzling and giving off loving, soft squeaks and squeals. Unlike most small pets (like mice, hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits), fancy rats rarely bite humans, even when provoked, so they're safe to handle.

They can be entertaining for hours, climbing on ropes and ladders, chasing each other, and wrestling with one another. Children are free to stretch their imaginations by building mazes, tunnels, and obstacle courses for their furry friends. And feeding time is always amusing - rats go crazy over fresh fruits and veggies.

Rat cages are surprisingly easy to maintain. They eliminate in one communal corner of the cage, so cleaning is a snap. They keep themselves squeaky clean, grooming each other often during their awake times. Because they have sleek fur, they won't have an odor (as long as you're doing your part in keeping the cage urine-free).

Cons


Rats are nocturnal, so they will be most active at night. It's ideal to keep the cage in a communal area of the house, such as the family room, so the rats can interact with the family as much as possible. If keeping the cage in a child's bedroom, be aware that rats love to play at night and might disrupt your child's sleep patterns.

Rats do not do well alone, so it is recommended that they be kept in groups of two or three. It is also recommended that they be kept in same-sex groups of either all males or all females. Females are smaller than males so they are better for younger children with small hands, but females tend to get a bit agitated once a week when they're in heat. Males are larger and a bit lazier, but both sexes make great pets.

Since rats are so intelligent, cage-life can get boring quickly, so rats need about an hour of playtime outside of the cage a day. When they're outside of the cage, make sure vents and holes or crevices are blocked off - rats like to burrow into small spaces and you might have a hard time retrieving them. Some children make a "playpen" out of couch cushions or toy blocks for their rats. Also, always keep dogs and cats in a separate room when the rats are out.

Taking your rat outdoors is not recommended for several reasons: your rat could contract a disease or acquire fleas and ticks, which results in more vet bills; if you lose sight of your rat, he or she might be lost for good; and, the most important reason - birds of prey will not distinguish your pet from any other rodent. Believe me, you don't want your child to go through that! Keeping your rat indoors is always best.

And lastly, the life-span for a rat is about 2-3 years, so if you're looking for a long-lived companion, rats might not be for you.

Price


For under $150 you can have everything you need for three rats. The animals themselves cost about $10 each.

Cage


I've searched pet stores and the web and the best cage I've found is the 30x18x30 Small Pet Cage by Pet Cages, Etc. This size is great for three rats. It has two stories with ladders for optimal exercise, the bar spacing is ideal for tiny rat feet, and the bottom tray slides out for easy cleaning. This cage is $67.00.

Food


It's best to feed block or pellet feed and supplement each day with a few fruits and veggies during outside playtime. Block or pellet feed ranges from $3 to $10, depending on bag size, and lasts longer than the seed and berry mixes. Here are some good choices for fruits and veggies: broccoli, peas, carrots, berries, apples, grapes, and bananas. Rats also enjoy unsweetened cereals. Nuts in shells are great specialty treats but should not be fed often since they are high in fat. For instance, each Christmas my rats received a few walnuts to play with. They make great puzzles as well as snacks.

Bedding


Never use cedar or pine bedding for your rats as it can be toxic. Most pet stores carry Carefresh bedding which is bio-degradable, absorbent, dust-free, and controls odors. Aspen bedding is also safe and is less expensive than Carefresh.

Accessories and Toys


You'll need a food bowl and a water bottle - glass bottles are best, but plastic ones are less expensive. Ramekins make great food bowls and are less expensive than the bowls sold at pet shops. You'll also need a nesting box for your rats that is big enough for all the rats to snuggle into together. I like the plastic Pet Igloos the best. I also always love to provide a hammock for my rats at the top of the cage - you can find them online or in the ferret section of any pet store. Some rats like chew toys but they aren't necessary.

If you've made it to the end of this article, I commend you. It means that somewhere, maybe way deep inside, you're considering a rat as a pet. Either that, or the idea was so appalling to you, you had to see if I was serious. Either way, I hope you've learned a thing or two. And even if rats still aren't your thing, you should at least be able to see why there are many who adore them.

Mandy has been a dog trainer and family pet advisor for ten years. She is passionate about matching the right pets with the right families and has fostered countless animals in her lifetime. Currently she is a staff writer for Plugged In Parents, providing parents with family pet solutions and information. Plugged In Parents is also an online resource for up-to-date health and safety, nutrition, and baby info along with recipes, family movie reviews, money and tech tips, and more! Visit pluggedinparents.com today!

Pet Basics

By Tonia Jordan

Pets can have very beneficial effects on their owners. They're stimulating, entertaining, and can even improve the general health and well-being of an owner, such as lowering blood pressure or relieving stress. As humans, we often seek companionship and we find that easily in the pet-owner relationship. Before getting a new pet, though, there are several things we should think about first.

Compatibility:

Though it seems obvious, you should be sure that you're compatible with your pet of choice. If you have a great fear of an animal, it would be best not to keep it as a pet. Doing so will most likely cause unneeded stress to you and to the pet. Be sure your pet is compatible with members of your family, particularly children. There are types of species that are not good with children, and some pets require more attention than others.

Habitat:

Many pets require a specific type of habitat, whether it's a large enclosure, a cage or aquarium. Choose the habitat that suit's the pet the best. Research or ask a pet provider which is best. Many small animals like rodents can escape from cages that have small openings like spaces between wires in a cage. Some animals require more room than others. The best way to be sure what type of habitat is best for your pet is to ask a professional.

Food:

Be sure you'll be able to provide enough food for your pet. Food can get expensive depending on the pet. Some animals require live food, so be sure it is easily available for purchase in your area.

Maintenance:

Most animals need maintenance of some kind, whether it is keeping their habitat clean, checking for health problems or even just interaction. Know what you're getting into beforehand, and be sure you have enough time to dedicate yourself to proper maintenance.

Health:

Know the health risks of your pets. Some types of animals are more prone to specific diseases or conditions. Be sure that you're ready to deal with complications if they arise. Some animals require to be removed from their normal habitat and kept in a special "hospital" type habitat instead. (Fish, for instance, need to be removed from a common tank if sick)

In general, a good rule is to never purchase a pet on a whim. Do your research first. A pet is a great responsibility, as you will be accountable for a being's life. There are many advantages to owning a pet, but it is a decision not to be taken lightly.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Humane Treatment of Animals

By Tracey Wilson

Throughout the last several years, understanding animals has greatly evolved. Horrible, nightmarish acts were carried out on animals, all in the name of science. A lot of people thought that the animals they tortured actually did not have any emotions or feelings what-so-ever. The horrid tests they performed on these poor lab animals were beyond comprehension. The scientists working on the animals thought that the screams and desperate attempt to free themselves was all a part of an inherent reaction, void of pain or fear.

Thank goodness we now know this to be absolutely false. Animals can physically feel pain, just as humans. Studies have shown, beyond a doubt, that animals actually experience stress when placed in less than comfortable circumstances. When 'feed' animals are kept in the same room as the animals being butchered, their vital signs drastically accelerate, as well as portraying nervous tendencies. Sadly, they also distribute emotions for the animals being harmed or killed.

The cruelty we still inflict on caged animals can not be tolerated any longer. Even though we know they greatly suffer, the habitats and living conditions of these animals are abominable. A well known fast food chicken restaurant keeps their chickens piled on top of one another, cuts off their beaks, feeds them steroids and antibiotics, just to name of few of the inhumane acts. Not only do they not care that we know these things, they're arrogant in their reply to go eat somewhere else if it upsets you. Although I will not name this restaurant, with a little effort, you'll easily be able to find this information, along with video proof.

We need to be more proactive, and demand more humane treatment of the less fortunate animals who are born into, or adopted into such research labs or food houses. Just because an animal is going to be killed, doesn't give the people who are housing the animals the right to abuse them during the time they are alive. It's bad enough they're there for the reason they are. We also need to demand that they are put down in the most compassionate way possible.

When you are searching for a new veterinarian, take the time to ask him/her what their stands on animal's aches, pains and emotions are. You may be shocked to discover many veterinarians do not even distribute pain medication after surgery; especially routine surgeries, such as neutering, spade, cutting the horns off of bulls, etc... The more traditional veterinarians will actually laugh in the face of a 'newer age' veterinarian who takes the animal's pain and comfort level into consideration. It is shocking to learn this, because you would think if anyone has compassion about an animal's comfort level, it would definitely be a veterinarian. Many of the schools teach them to put up a wall to shield themselves from getting too emotionally attached. They do the same thing in medical and nursing school; they try to teach you to be detached from the patient, so the caring tendencies which usually helped you decide to go into this chosen profession, are quickly buried and covered with all the technical aspects of the business.

People need to start insisting that their health care providers for their pets and farm animals bring compassion back to the forefront of their chosen profession.

Humane treatment of living animals is not asking too much. Every little bit of kindness we can put back into the world will put a pin-point of light into the darkness.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/, which is a site for Pets.

Tips for Choosing a Terrarium Animal

By Will Kalif

An animal terrarium, also called a vivarium, is a wonderful way to blend the satisfaction of having a small pet with the aesthetic beauty of a terrarium. This article will help you choose which type of animal is right for your terrarium.

There are some quick rules of thumb you should consider before you build your terrarium. The first rule is that the animal comes first. Everything should be designed for the comfort and happiness of the animal. Some of these considerations will concern humidity, types of plants, amount of water, and whether the cage should be fully enclosed.

The second biggest consideration is toxicity. Because you are going to have plants and soil you may be using some kind of fertilizer. Never use chemical fertilizers; stick with all natural fertilizers. And when cleaning your tank never use toxic cleaners. I recommend you use simple green or another type of non-toxic cleaner.

Two more things to consider are the size of the animal and its behavior toward other animals. Only choose a pet that is small and will stay small. And never mix pets that will eat each other.

If you are an absolute beginner to pets and to terrariums I recommend you start with field crickets as your pet. They are very hardy, easy to maintain, easy to feed, and are quite fun to watch. They make an excellent first pet. Of course, if you upgrade to another type of pet you may have to remove the crickets because many of the pets suitable for a vivarium will deem crickets to be food.

There are two basic types of animal terrariums: Dry and wet. This is self-explanatory but it is important to note that dry terrariums are much easier to maintain so if you are a beginner to this hobby you should probably stick with them. And remember that dry doesn't mean no water at all. You should always keep a small dish of water in the terrarium as a minimum regardless of what type of pet you are keeping.

Some of the pets that are suitable for a dry terrarium include:





Crickets



Tarantulas



American Chameleon - These are easy to care for and inexpensive



Toads, but with a caveat - They are great when they are small but when they grow bigger they can be a bit of a hassle



Hermit crabs - Can be ok in dry cages but absolutely must have a water dish and things to climb on. You need to spray mist them regularly too. Best for them is a wet bottom terrarium with plenty of options for climbing to stay dry



Land Snails - Need a high humidity environment and will dig if your substrate is soil



Salamanders



Leopard Geckos




A Wet Vivarium can be an environment that has a portion of the bottom filled with water or be an aquarium tank where the complete bottom is filled to a depth of several inches. This does add the challenge of making sure you have clean water and even a filtration system. Some pets, such as tadpoles, absolutely require large amounts of filtered water for their well being. This type of terrarium is much more of a challenge than the dry type and you should tackle this kind only after having successfully kept a dry one for a period of time.

Some common and easy to care for wet pets are:



Green Tree Frogs



Red Bellied Toads



Dwarf African Frogs



Fire Bellied Frogs



Tadpoles



Fire Bellied Newts



Crayfish

So Which Pet should you choose? I recommend that if you are a beginner to vivariums you choose a pet from the dry list (because they are easier to maintain). Research the requirements of the pet you have chosen and build your terrarium accordingly. If you are looking for a bigger challenge, have a bit of skill, or want a more dramatic terrarium then choose something from the wet pet list. If you follow these simple steps you will build yourself a nice little animal enclosure that will keep your animal happy and bring you lots of fun in observing it and caring for it.

For more interesting terrarium projects and ideas visit the authors website at: Terrarium Man

What Do You Know About Bears?

By Ray Cunningham

First of all, a bear is, often, a large flesh-eating animal, but may also lean toward a vegetarian diet, when prey is scarce.

It may be found both in warm and cold climates.

It has a solid body, covered with shaggy fur, is supported by thick legs and has a short tail. The complete sole of the foot lies flat upon the ground and the claws are perfect for both digging and climbing. Found in Asia, Europe and America; those from the cooler climes seem to be more savage and less happy eating just vegetable foods than bears living in warmer areas.

Brown bears are plentifully found throughout Europe and Asia; they eat fruit and vegetables, as well as animal food. They climb and swim with ease. At the beginning of winter, they search for a cave, or hollow and sleep until spring. The babies are mostly born at some time during the winter.

The American black bear is thought by many to be a variety of the brown bear. It is very fond of honey and is much less dangerous than the grizzly. Closely related to it is the Syrian bear and the Indian white bear of the Himalayas. The former is often mentioned in the Bible. Remember, black bears are strong climbers.

The North American grizzly is a very strong and fierce animal, chiefly found in the Rocky Mountains. The fur is dark brown, but somewhat grey around the head. The claws are long and curved. It is the most savage of bears and is said to be strong enough to drag along a buffalo carcass.

Many grizzly attacks on people, are purely defensive in nature, and by playing possum, you may show the bear that you are not a threat and escape a severe mauling, or death. Brown and grizzly bears are actually classified as the same species, 'Ursus arctos '.

Other bears are:

The Malayan sun bear is the smallest bear family member.

The Sloth Bear is found throughout India from the Himalayan foothills to the Southern part of India.

The spectacled bear of the Andes mountains is a small animal about three and a half feet long, with black fur and curious light coloured rings around the eyes.

The white polar bears of the Arctic region are the largest of all bears, often measuring 9 ft in length and are very strong. They swim very rapidly and live largely on fish. They are more apt to attack man than any other variety. Polar Bears are classified under the Latin mane of, Ursus maritimus, It is the largest meat-eating hunter.

The males do not sleep in the winter, but the females stay in sheltered places throughout the winter and their young are often born through this period. For this reason, bears weigh least in the spring or early summer.

Ray Cunningham, loves all animals and birds.

Has built a new web site at http://www.raygc.com/Wildlife/

Where these and other beautiful and exclusive, wildlife prints, may be obtained.

He is also adding to his Squidoo sites, where he hopes to show you some videos of these and other animals. Go here: http://www.squidoo.com/Bears-

Care of Pet Rats

By Barry Mcgee

For centuries, rats have been much maligned by "civilized" society. Like mice, rats are unjustly accused of being "slimy," "disease-ridden," and "filthy." Urban legends tell of rats the size of dogs running rampant in the sewers and attacking people from dark alleys. The truth of the matter is, they are some of the cleanest, healthiest animals you could ask for. They require no vaccinations as they carry no communicable diseases. Indeed, the Black Plague of the Dark Ages was not caused directly by rats but rather by fleas that lived on the rats. Although the truth about rats is slowly overshadowing the myths and wives' tales, many people still operate under the assumption that they are free-agents and, therefore, requiring of little care. While taking care of pet rats doesn't involve unorthodox amounts of time or money, they are extremely intelligent, affectionate creatures who will either thrive or fail depending on the type of care they receive. Help your pet thrive by heeding the following advice.

First and foremost, rats are not solitary creatures. A lonely one is a recipe for disaster, both physically and mentally. For that reason, you should always buy a same-sex pair when you go to purchase your new friends. Two can live quite comfortably in a large wire cage made specifically for large rodents, especially if it contains several levels for your pets to explore and climb about on. Unlike their smaller rodent counterparts, rats do not need an exercise wheel. You will, however, need to add a large hanging water bottle, a heavy food crock, and a nesting box to your pet rat care checklist. Try to avoid wooden or cheap plastic nest boxes unless you want to replace them frequently, as your pets will gnaw them to smithereens. Speaking of gnawing, rats are chewers by nature and should be provided with pet-safe wood blocks and other toys that are meant specifically for the enjoyment of chewing rodents. If you decide to let your friends out for supervised playtime, be sure that any dangerous chewables (like electric cords) are out of reach! As for bedding, avoid pine or cedar shavings and opt instead for hardwood shavings such as those made of aspen. Clean their cage thoroughly at least once a week, changing the bedding and scrubbing down the toys and accessories.

Rats enjoy a varied diet, but again, as with mice, avoid feeding them cheese. They love dry cereal (no sugar, please!), fresh veggies, fresh fruit, and whole wheat bread and crackers. A food made specifically for these creatures should also always be provided, as it will offer a complete source of nutrition in addition to the other foods you choose to feed. Avoid feeding your pet anything that might be considered junk food, and remove any food from the cage that might spoil if it remains uneaten for too long.

As was previously mentioned, rats are extremely intelligent creatures, therefore, proper care of your friends requires intellectual stimulation in the form of interactive play and training. Many rats will love perching on your shoulder as you do chores, watch television, knit, or even take a walk around the block. They also enjoy riding in pockets and fanny packs. They can also be litter trained and taught to come when you call their name. While rats are, by nature, nocturnal, they are also highly adaptive and will adjust their sleeping and waking schedules around your interaction with them. Thus, many of them will be awake and ready to play when they hear you come in the door from work or school.

If caring for a pet rat sounds like a positive, enlightening experience, then it's time to put some effort into finding the perfect one (or preferably, two) for you. Due to the increasing popularity of rats as pets, breeders are cropping up everywhere, and rats can often be found for sale in the newspaper. You should also consider checking to see if there's a rat rescue near your hometown, or you could call the local animal shelter to ask if they ever offer them for adoption. Pet stores are also a good option, provided the ones available are healthy and well cared for. Spread the good word and show the world you know the truth about pet rats by becoming the proud new owner of a delightful pair or passel of these fascinating, affectionate creatures.

About The Author: Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast. His site at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion's care.

For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline

What Are Heartworms And How Do Pets Get Heartworm Disease?

By Victoria M. Brown

Heartworms are parasites that attack an animal's heart and cause congenital heart problems if not detected. They are transmitted from animal to animal, after one is bit by an infected mosquito. Heartworms normally live in the right ventricle of the heart and in the nearby blood vessels.

Adult male and female worms that are living in your pet's heart produce millions of baby parasites that circulate through your pet's body. When a mosquito bites an animal with heartworms, it sucks up the baby worms and transmits them to the next animal it bites. Those worms now live in the heart of the newly infected animal, where they become adults and begin to reproduce.

When the baby worms are transmitted into the new animal, it takes approximately 6-7 months for them to become reproducing adult worms. They are only detectable when they are adults, so an animal needs to be infected for at least 6 months before it can be diagnosed through blood tests or X-rays.

Since heartworms can be spread easily from animal to animal, it is important to use preventative measures to protect your pet. Veterinarians recommend heartworm prevention for all dogs and as knowledge on heartworms in cats is increasing, prevention for cats is also becoming common.

In order to protect your pets from heartworm disease:

� Make sure you have your pet tested for heartworms before you begin to give them preventatives- unless they are less than 7 months old. If your pet is over 7 months and is started on preventative heartworm medication without initial testing, they are at risk for serious reactions to the medication.

� Puppies should be given a heartworm preventative by the time they are 8 weeks old.

� Puppies should be tested once they are 7 months old even if they are taking preventative medication.

� Dogs should be tested on a regular basis. Testing should be done every 2-3 years if the dog is regularly given the preventative medication, and every year if any doses of the medication were missed.

� In cats, one heartworm can cause sudden death, but it is difficult to test in cats. You can start the preventative medication without an initial test.

� Cats do not display the same symptoms as dogs. The symptoms in cats are similar to those of other common cat diseases. It is important to remember the possibility that such symptoms can be because of heartworm.

It is important to protect your pets from heartworms because it can be a fatal disease. However, if they are detected in your dog, there are curable treatments to use. A series of injections cause the adult heartworms living in the heart to die. The worms then continually break up into smaller pieces until they are small enough for the body to absorb. While this is happening, the dog's heart is working harder than usual, so it is important that the dog does not do any strenuous exercise for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks, the dog is given a one day treatment to rid its body of the baby worms. Be sure that your dog receives a follow up test 6 months after the treatment to ensure that the heartworms are gone. There are currently no heartworm treatments for cats yet. The best way to treat a cat infected with heartworms is to begin using preventative medications to help alleviate your cat's symptoms.

Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy & Veterinary Service http://www.corneranimal.com

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Submitted by Victoria at NewSunGraphics (www.NewSunGraphics.com)

Nervous Pet Rat? How To Help Her Become More Confident

By Catherine Smith

Patience is a virtue when dealing with nervous rats. A little understanding goes a long way. If your new rat hasn't been handled much by the pet shop/breeder or rescue centre you got her from, she will be nervous, but don't panic, you can still build up a wonderful relationship with your new pet.

Let her settle in

Give your rat a couple of days to settle into her new home. Some rats take to their new environment straight away, whilst others need a little more time. Make sure she has somewhere to hide in her new cage, so that she doesn't feel overwhelmed by all the changes. Speak to her through the cage, so that she gets used to your voice. Don't feed treats through the bars, as this may encourage her to nip your fingers.

Let her come to you

Sit next to the cage, with the cage door open. Be quiet and patient. You can even read a book. Let your rat come out of the cage to investigate. It may take a while, but you will probably find she will come and sniff you and explore her new environment. Have a few tasty treats on your lap to reward her with, if she manages to make it all the way to your lap, let her take a treat and talk to her in a soft, reassuring voice. You will find she gains confidence over time.

Make her feel safe

You want your ratty friend to associate you with safety. She will see your hands as these big, blurry shapes coming towards her and that sounds pretty scary. Always pick her up to put her back into her cage, so that she associates you with going to a place of safety. Have her food ready for her when she returns to the cage. She will think, "Hey everytime I go out, when I come back there is food for me".

b>Give her time

I have two beautiful boy rats, Billy and Ringo, who had never been handled before they came to me. It has taken 4 months of quietly and patiently building up their confidence, before they truly trusted me. This is an extreme case. It doesn't usually take this long. Now the boys love tummy tickles and playing chase with my hand and grooming my hair. It shows what can be achieved if you just give them time. Try not to make any sudden movements or loud noises, especially in the first week.

All rats can be lovely companions if they are just given a chance. Put yourself in your new ratties position and see how scary it could be. If you rat is a rescue and has never been handled, or a lab rat that may have been abused, you are changing their lives for the better and eventually they will understand this and hopefully learn to love you, as much as you love them. http://www.RatsRatsRats.com
Catherine Smith 2007

Check out my website for everything you've ever wanted to know about pet rats. From training to toys, housing to health. You can even go shopping for your ratty friend.

Enjoy Your Job More by Bringing a Pet to Work

By Bob Poole

I was sitting in my office the other day struggling with putting a concept for new business start-ups on paper when I kept getting 'distracted' by one of my two dogs. He was rolling on my foot sending out a message to "Please, rub my belly." It was then that I realized that working from home gives me the best job benefit I could want; I get to be with my dogs and cats all day. I stopped writing and started belly rubbing and pretty soon I felt totally relaxed and ready to tackle my project. Bucca, my youngest Shih Tzu, decided to stay with me and laid down to nap at the top of my stairs so he could also 'guard' me in case anyone tried to get into my office. Most of the time his guarding takes on the role of keeping the cats on a lower stair until one of them makes a mad dash at him and he lets them go by.

Animals are wonderful friends and sometimes I get lost in watching them interact with each other. If you have a pet of your own, I am sure you know what it is like to be welcomed home by them; to have them be there for you when you're having a bad day and to lift your heart. Many companies now allow pets (mostly dogs) to come to the office. They are putting in dog parks and the dogs love being with both other dogs and people. While it may not be something everyone wants, companies are finding that employees enjoy the dogs and it is fun to have them around. Some retail stores claim that their average sale increased when they started bringing in their dogs. In my experience, the most successful pet friendly companies start right from their beginning with allowing dogs and/or other pets. As the company grows it attracts employees who view bringing their pet to work as a benefit and you don't have the problem of someone not liking dogs or being allergic or having to adapt to a new situation.

However, before you decide to institute a "bring your pet to work" program or run out to the local pet store to buy yourself a dog, I would like you to think about something. Every year between 3 and 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized. Thousands are abandoned, abused, and killed each day. So before you become part of the problem, why not visit your local shelter and talk to them about a dog visit program. Many shelters would enjoy bringing around one or two of their dogs for visits which would allow employees to decide if they like having pets around the office, factory, etc. If you do find a shelter to work with you on this kind of a program, don't forget to make a nice donation to them. Many struggle to care for all the animals they get and they can always use your help. If you're not ready to start a program at work, you can still volunteer your services to a shelter. You'll feel great that you did and the animals will love you for it.

You can make a difference in the lives of many dogs and cats. And, for all the value you add to their lives, I promise they will add even more to yours.

�2007 Bob Poole - All Rights Reserved
Poole Consulting Group
The Sales & Marketing Guru�
31 Bryant Drive
Perkasie, PA 18944
215-258-3405 - office
215-258-3406 - fax http://www.PooleConsultingGroup.com

Creator of "Listen First - Sell Later"� Marketing & Sales Programs
Founding Member of the International Center for Professional Speaking of The National Speakers Association

"While I'm Away" - When You Travel, and Your Animal Companions Stay Home

By Nedda Wittels

Does your cat ignore you for the first 24 hours after you return from a trip? Does your dog or bird stop eating while you are gone? Do animals that normally get along begin to fight? Do they start to get upset when your suitcase comes out? Do you worry about them when you have to travel?

It does not take telepathy for our animal friends to notice that a suitcase has been pulled from the closet. They know this means something is about to happen that affects their lives, but they don't know what to expect each time.

Setting expectations helps reduce stress for everyone. Here's how to make things easier for yourself and your animals.

"Before You Leave" Technique

While you may not believe that you are telepathic, you can still communicate with your animals about your trip. If you think your animals may have questions, ask an Animal Communicator to help you with this conversation.

The animals are all telepathic, so if you choose to do this yourself, use mental pictures and take the time to fill in details.

1) Be physically present with the animal, sitting down if appropriate.

2) Close your eyes for a moment, take 3 deep breaths, and tell yourself to relax as you exhale.

3) Get the animal's attention by saying the animal's name.

4) Just as you would tell a spouse or partner about a trip you are taking, tell your animal friends. Include details and use mental pictures or images to help get the message across.

a) Tell them you are going away and the purpose of your trip.

Animals care about us and want us to take care of ourselves. When you explain why you are taking a trip, you can say:

VACATION: "I'm going to go on a vacation where I cannot take you. I need to rest and relax and have no responsibilities for a short time. Unfortunately, there is no way you can come along." Hold a picture in your mind of the place you are planning to visit.

BUSINESS: "I have to take a trip for my job. While I'm away, I'll be working." Hold a picture in your mind of you at work.

b) Tell them when you are leaving and when you are returning.

Animals understand concepts of time. They know what a day/night cycle is. They also understand human concepts of a week. Animals who live outside understand moon cycles. You might say, "Today is Wednesday. I'm leaving in two days, on Friday morning, and I will be back 4 days after that, on Tuesday evening."

c) Tell them who is going to take care of them. You can say:

KENNEL: "You will be staying at the same kennel you stayed at last time. Remember what a good time you had?" Have a picture in your mind of what the place looked like, followed by an image of a person at that place whom your animal really liked. (Make sure this person is still working there if you tell them to expect so see that person.) Remind them about the activities there that they like.

STAYING WITH A FRIEND: "You'll be staying at home. You'll get to play with is going to or to take of you."

d) Fill in more details about their care while you are gone.

Reassure the animals that they will be fed their normal food, supplements, and medicine.

Tell them what the caretaker will do: groom them, take them for a walk, play with them, clean their cage or litter box, whatever. You can say: "I'll make sure you have your own food, bed, and toys."

e) Tell them you will miss them and be sending them love from your heart while you are gone.

Use the "While Traveling" technique described below to communicate with your animal while you are away.

"While Traveling" Technique

Each day while traveling, you can communicate with your animal friends, sending love, reassurance, and updates (mental postcards) about your trip. You will probably find this is a relaxing moment for yourself. Your animals will appreciate your daily contact.

* Lie on a bed or sit comfortably in a chair or cross legged.

* Take 3 deep breaths, and on each exhalation, imagine any stress you are feeling is flowing out with your breath.

* Breathe normally, and pay attention to your breath, watch it going in and out for a minute or two.

* See, feel, allow, imagine you are in your heart center (a space in the middle of your chest).

* Just be in your heart center and connect with the Unconditional Love that lives there in unlimited quantities.

* See, feel, allow, imagine your animal friend in your heart center with you.

* Say hello to him/her and imagine yourself holding them as if you were actually physically present.

* Imagine stroking or petting or grooming them for as long as you wish.

* Talk to your animal friend, just as if you were with them. Tell them about your day. Tell them how much you love and miss them. Remind them you will be home in ___ (fill in number) of days. Tell them you will "visit" them again tomorrow.

When clients of mine have used these techniques, they have consistently reported success.

Kathy has many birds and a regular helper to take care of them. While visiting Hawaii, her helper called to say that Pidge, a rescued wild pigeon, had stopped eating. Kathy asked me what to do. When birds stop eating they can sicken and die very quickly. I gave Kathy the "While Traveling" instructions, which Kathy immediately began to use. Kathy's helper saw an immediately change in Pidge the very first time Kathy used the technique: Pidge became more relaxed and began to eat. Everyone was relieved and Kathy was able to enjoy the rest of her trip while "visiting" Pidge daily.

Whenever Elaine went on a 3-day weekend with a friend, her cat, Marie, would ignore her for 24 hours after she returned. I suggested Elaine follow the instructions for "Before You Leave", telling Marie where she was going and with whom, when she would leave and return, and about Marie's care while Elaine was gone. When Elaine tried this, for the first time ever, Marie didn't "scold" Elaine when she returned. Instead the cat greeted Elaine as if she had been gone only a few hours, rubbed against her legs, sat in her lap during the evening, and slept with her in bed that night, all of which was their normal routine.

Annette had been desensitizing Skip, her rescued German Shepard, to get used to the idea that staying at a kennel can be fun and is not abandonment. Still, Skip was having a difficult time with it, and Annette had a trip to take where the dog couldn't go. I suggested to Annette that she use both the "Before You Leave" and "While Traveling" techniques, which Annette was willing to do. As a result, she now has a dog whose separation anxiety is dramatically reduced and Annette is able to go away whenever she needs to travel.

If you have to be away on a trip, give these methods a try. You may find that not only are your animals feeling better about your being away, but you, yourself, may feel more comfortable with the idea of traveling and leaving your animal family members at home.

Rev. Nedda Wittels, M.A., M.S., is a telepathic Animal Communicator and Shamballa Master/Teacher offering private sessions in telepathic communication and in healing for humans and animals. She also offers Spiritual Empowerment Sessions for people awakening to new consciousness. Nedda teaches workshops in telepathic communication with all species and in Shamballa Multidimensional Healing. She can be reached at 860.651.5771, neddaw@sbcglobal.net, and www.raysofhealinglight.com

Ticks - How Can I Prevent My Pet From Getting Them?

By Victoria M. Brown

Does your pet like to play at the park or in your backyard? If so, your pet may be in contact with ticks! All pets that spend time outdoors can easily pick up a tick! It is very easy for a pet to get a tick and they can pick them up from a number of places. Such places include woods, parks, and even your own backyard. Some ticks cannot be seen because they live in dark, moist environments underneath plants and objects. Other ticks live in plain sight and are able to climb structures, such as fences, trees, or tall grass. A tick can easily attach to any pet close to them, so that being said, it is important to know how to prevent and get rid of them if your pet has one.

How Can I Prevent Ticks?

� While ticks are usually found in woody, brushy, and tall grass areas, the best way to prevent ticks is to treat your entire yard for them. Treat your yard with an insecticide, focusing on areas where ticks would most commonly be found. Also make sure to mow your lawn regularly and keep your bushes trimmed.

� You can also prevent ticks by treating your house for them. Ticks can move around a house very easily so it is important to treat the house thoroughly. Make sure you treat all carpets and upholstered furniture, including the sides and backs of the furniture because ticks can climb it. Be sure to treat walls and baseboards. Ticks will hide in baseboards and climb walls. Also make sure to thoroughly treat closets, storage areas, and other places where ticks can hide in your house.

� You can also get a tick preventative for your pet. Tick preventatives kill ticks that attach to your pet. They are a good way to help protect your pet from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. A good product to use for your dog is called Preventic. It provides safe and effective control of ticks for up to three months and prevents new ticks from attaching and feeding within 48 hours after application.

What Do I Do If My Pet Gets A Tick?

� If you have found a tick on your pet, you need to get it out. Pull your pet's hair away from the tick. Then use tweezers to grab the tick. Try to get as close to the head as possible. Do not squeeze the tweezers. Instead pull up and away from your pet, pulling the tick out. Do this slowly so you do not break off the head of the tick. Then flush the tick down the toilet.

� If your pet has brought many ticks into the house and caused the house to be infested, continually treat the house as stated above. Also be sure to use a tick prevention product on your pet and check its skin every day. It may take several weeks to completely rid the house of ticks.

It is very important to be aware of the areas where your pet can pick up a tick and know what to do if your pet does pick up a tick. Ticks can carry many diseases, including Lyme disease, and easily transmit disease to your pet. During the summer season, a quick tick check every day is the best way to protect your pet.

Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy & Veterinary Service http://www.corneranimal.com

Buy the Medications Your Pet Needs With Confidence. Owned by Ivy League Educated Dr. Dorothy Hayes and Dr. Judith Lombardi Daniels. "We treat your pets as family members. Their health and comfort are our primary concern."

Read our Blog to comment/ask questions at ( http://corneranimal.wordpress.com)

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Information About Commercial Dog Foods

By Jared Lee

There is no such single commercial dog food which can be designated as the "best-suited food" for all dogs. Every dog has different and exclusive nutritional requirements based on its breed, age, size, and level of physical activity. Therefore, what is best for one dog may not work at all for another dog. Feeding your dog with just one kind of meal for its entire life can leave a lot of nutritional gaps. Therefore, all dog owners prefer to feed their dogs with a variety of commercial dog foods in order to fill these nutritional gaps. In addition, commercial dog foods contain a lot of supplements for better health of your dog.

All manufacturers of dog food are supposed to strictly abide by the AAFCO guidelines and provide the composition of the dog food. Although the list mentions the ingredients and contents of the dog food, the exact percentage by weight of each ingredient is usually not mentioned. Usually the list mentions the names of all the ingredients present in the dog food in decreasing order of weight.

There are different brands of commercial dog foods available in the market. They usually contain ingredients such as -- animal by-products, animal digests, meat (beef, chicken, etc), bone and animal fat. Many meals are grain based formulations containing corn gluten, and include corn, barley, whet, rice, oats, brewer's rice, brown rice or any other grain. Other plant based formulations include amaranth, alfalfa, semolina, barley, soybean, flaxseed, or linseed. Commercial dog foods may also contain whole eggs, whole fish or fish cuttings.

Many commercial dog meals are exclusively made up of fresh vegetable and fruit base. Such meals contain green turnips, tomatoes, carrots, peas, guava leaves or peppermint leaves. A variety of fruits are also used in commercial dog foods such as oranges, papaya or pumpkins. The benefit of a meal based on fresh fruits and vegetables is that it provides the essential vitamins and minerals required for your dog's body.

Check Out More Articles: Develop A Plan For Dog Training

Having A Safe Holiday With Your Pet

By Beth Chiofalo

Isn't it wonderful to put up a beautiful tree, decorate it with ornaments, lights, and tinsel? Isn't it fun to place gifts under the tree and watch the pile grow as Christmas day draws near? Of course it is, but it's as equally interesting to your pet. Now there are new smells, more fun toys and, oh boy, packages that can be played with for hours! Unfortunately, many of the new "toys" can be hazardous to your pet.

The Christmas Tree

If you have an unusually curious pet, it is best to gate them in a safe area away from the tree if you are not there to supervise. A curious cat or dog can easily bring the tree down with a few jumps or pulls on a branch and you will not only have a mess to clean up but your pet may end up being cut by broken ornaments or even receive an electric shock from the string of lights. Some pets may even chew on the tinsel or ornaments which can lead to gastric problems or even death from toxicity. Even a small tree on top of a table can prove to be harmful to a cat that likes to jump up and play around with the tree. Supervising your pet during this holiday season will ensure a happy one.

Cookies, Candy, and Chocolate

Who doesn't love giving and receiving goodies during this season? I remember our neighbor, every year, would give our family a box of Russell Stoffer chocolates and my mom would place the box under the tree. That is a huge mistake for pet owners. Chocolate is especially toxic to dogs and cats when eaten in large quantities. If your pet gets the Stoffers while you are out, he may consume more than he can handle and you'll have either a very sick pet upon your return, or he may possibly die. If you find yourself facing this situation, call the vet immediately. Cookies and candy are not the healthiest items for humans to eat, but imagine an animal that is about 1/10th your size. One cookie to him is like you eating a dozen. It is especially important to remember this if you have a child that "loves" to feed the family pet whatever he/she has not eaten. Dogs love to follow children around because they can snatch food out of their hands rather quickly and enjoy a "stolen" treat. Always be mindful of the goodies.

Friends and Family

During this season friends and family come to visit for holiday parties, dinners, and to deliver gifts. If you know you are going to have a group of people over, make a "safe" place in the house for your pet. By removing the pet from the party area, you can be assured that he will not be fed something he shouldn't have, nor will you need to worry about a possible "biting" incident. If you have a crate, set it up in a room that your pet is comfortable being in, and place him in there during the party. He will probably curl up and go to sleep. If you do let your pet wonder, cordially request that your guests not feed your pet. There is nothing wrong with giving some basic rules on how to handle the family pet and your guests will respect you and be more at ease around your pet when they know your expectations. Little children and pets are like magnets and can also be a poor combination. A simple yank of the tail or ear and the pet may scratch or bite. Again, if you know there are going to be small children and you can not properly supervise your pet with the child, remove the pet to a safe, quiet area. Always remember that you are the owner and you need to set the stage for a happy holiday for your pet.

I do recommend the Critter Cord which can be purchased through Amazon.com. It's not only great to use during the holiday season, but year round as well.

Beth has been a dog enthusiast for years and enjoys researching and studying canine health and related issues.

Flea Control Tips For Pet And Home Owners

By Ras Reed

If you have read somewhere that getting rid of and keeping fleas at bay is easy, it is suggested that you treat it with levity. Contrarily, it is a task that calls for your utmost attention, especially if you love your pets dearly. It a task that require all arsenals to fight as it can cut short the lives of your lovely pet.

The source of flea's infestation include but not limited to climatic changes, surroundings and lots more. Where you live is very important. Fleas love and desire a dirty environment to thrive. But when you take time to get your environment clean - both outside and inside, fleas find it hard living in such an environment. This is because you have goner against their main goal which is to feed and breed on fresh blood.

There are so many flea control methods out there that you can make use of in order to get rid of and keep the fleas at bay from your home and animals. You can either go for the natural methods or the chemical methods. You should know that these methods have their weakness and strength. Hence, it is advisable for you to see your vet before making use of any of the methods. But if you don't want to spend more money with experts, you can try out any of the methods until you discover the best methods for you and your pets.

If your lovely pet has been infested with fleas, it is suggested that try out advantage flea control. Sure, a lot has been written on this method, but I need to say that many of the writers have not really tried it out. I have and it works. I want you too to try it out and you will be glad you did. It has the ability to kill fleas on adult and little pets. However, I will suggest that you read and understand the manufacturer's instruction before using it. This is highly necessary. Don't think you know how to go about using it. Read the instruction and it will save you a lot of headache in the process of eliminating the fleas.

Ras Reed is the owner of Fleas Control Guide where he shares useful tips on getting rid of fleas from your pets and home. Get more info from his Fleas Control website.