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1/30/11

The most common reasons why people get rid of their pets



If you are willing to try keeping your pet, there are many things you can do. Lets look at some of the most common reasons why people get rid of their pets, and how to get around them.

 1: I'm moving.
Solution: Bring your pet with! A quick Google search for "pet-friendly housing" will show you many different directories of rental housing that allows pets. Here are just a few that I found: People With Pets, Pets Welcome, My New Place, Pets911, Home With Pets, and Dog House Properties. And pet-friendly housing is not just limited to those sites! Many apartment buildings and complexes will allow pets. You may have to pay an extra security deposit. But in the end, it will be worth it, to keep your pet with you!
Here is something else you should know. If things get really bad and you have no place to live, you still may not have to give up your pet. Pets Of The Homeless is a website that works to help homeless people to keep their pets, or find temporary homes for their pets until they get back on their feet.

 2: I can no longer afford my pets.
Solution: Call your local animal shelter, or food pantry, and ask about pet food banks. They do exist, and are becoming more and more common! You can even make your own dog food, which may be cheaper in the long run. (Its not difficult! Dogs can eat much of the same things we eat!) Your local animal shelter, or your veterinarian, may also be able to tell you about free or low cost vet care for your pets.

3: We're having a baby.
Solution: Pets and children are a great combination! Most pets are perfectly fine around children, although they may be a little confused by the new arrival at first. You should always supervise your pet around young children. When your child is an infant, he probably won't be unsupervised anyways, right? As your child gets older, you will have to teach the child to be gentle with the pets. Do not allow your child to pull your pet's tail, poke him, pick him up, etc. Many people feel that a pet should be obligated to put up with whatever your child deals out. But that is not good for anyone involved! Teaching your child, from a young age, to be calm and nurturing around pets, is a great learning experience for the child. If you have a dog, you may want to do some extra training with him before the baby comes, to teach him not to jump up on you when you're holding the baby, etc. Other measures may include banning the pets from certain areas of the house, hiring someone to come walk your dogs or clean up after your pets when you don't have time to, etc.

 4: My new boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance/roommate is allergic to my pet.
Solution: As long as the person's allergy isn't life threatening, there are many things you can do to greatly reduce the allergens on your pet. Keeping your house clean is a giant step. Dust and vacuum frequently, and use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if possible. You can buy an air filter for your home that sucks the allergens out of the air. A company called AllerPet makes a special liquid that you can wipe your pet down with regularly to get rid of the allergens on him. Sprinkling flax seeds in your pet's food can also reduce the amount of dander he produces. The person may even be willing to take allergy medication! After all, many people have seasonal allergies and take medicine regularly. They don't just get rid of the seasons!

  5: My new boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance/roommate doesn't like pets.
Solution: Are you really going to sacrifice your pet on someone else's whim? Are you sure you want to date someone or live with someone who doesn't like pets? That's a pretty big lifestyle change to make for someone else. If you're sure you want to stick with this person, work out a compromise. Maybe your pet can be banned from certain areas of the house, like the bedroom or the kitchen.

 6: I have developed health problems.
Solution: Speak to your veterinarian, neighbors, friends, people at your place of worship, etc. You can probably find some volunteers to help you take care of your pet. Having a pet can be a source of comfort when you are ill. In fact, many studies have shown that people with pets have lower blood pressure, lower heart rates, and are generally more healthy, than those without pets. If your health problems are so severe that you must move into a nursing home, maybe you can find someone willing too foster your pet for you.

  7: I work long hours, and don't have much time to spend with my pet. Its not fair to him.
Solution: While it may seem unfair that your pet has to spend time alone, it is still better than making him take his chances in a shelter! There are simple measures, such as providing stimulating toys for your pets, or leaving the TV on during the day, that can help your pet to feel less lonely. One nice thing you can do is buy your pet a special blanket. Sleep with it in your bed for a few nights before you give it to your pet. It will smell like you, and offer comfort to your pet when you are away from the house! You may also want to consider pet day care, or hiring someone to stop in during the day to play with your pets. Also, spending as little as fifteen minutes before you leave for work, just playing with your pet and spending quality time with him, can make a real difference. You don't have to be a perfect owner and spend tons of time hanging out with your pet. He will love you the way you are... and again, it is better to be alone at your home than to die alone in a shelter.

 8: My pet still isn't house trained.
Solution: If your pet is suddenly having "accidents" around the house when he used to be house trained, there could be a medical reason. You may want to consult your veterinarian. If the house training has just never completely been accomplished, you may have to start over from scratch. For a dog, take him out more frequently and try to get him on a schedule. If you are not home during the day, and your dog is eliminating on the floor or furniture while you are gone, you may want to consider crating him while you are not home. For a cat, switching to a different kind of litter, getting a bigger litter box, or moving the litter box to a different area of the house, can help. Clean up accidents with a mixture of vinegar and water. This mixture gets rid of the scent of urine or poop, so that the pet doesn't feel the need to "mark" that area again.

9: My pet has developed costly health problems.
Solution: Speak to your veterinarian about this. They may be able to guide you to low cost veterinary clinics, veterinary schools that offer low cost treatment, etc. Many veterinary offices now offer payment plans for treatment. They may be able to help you find creative ways of raising money to pay for your pet's treatment, too!

 10: My pet has behavior problems. He bites/scratches/jumps on me, barks too much, etc.
You may want to consider a training class for yourself and your pet. Petco and Petsmart offer fairly inexpensive training classes. It can be a good investment! If you can't afford this, then the library can provide books on dog training, and the Internet can provide websites with tips. Try Googling a specific problem you're having. For instance, search for "teach dog to stop barking." Spending ten or fifteen minutes a day working with your dog, and then consistently rewarding your dog for positive behavior, can make a huge difference.
 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicki_Mann

1/11/11

A pet in winter time will need some extra care and effort


A pet in winter time may not want to go outside for potty training. They may also develop some bad habits when it comes to walking and exercise. A puppy may also have a thin coat of fur that makes going outside cold for a dog.
A puppy will not have their warm coat of fur yet. They will feel the temperatures faster than a regular full grown dog. They are also used to being warm and around their mothers warm milk, so the idea of placing them in snow may be a challenge.
There are some pet wear that could be placed on a dog to help with the winter chills. A pet may enjoy placing a fabric or material based covering over their back and sides to keep them warm. If they are not cold when they do head outside, they may not find it a challenge.
Most pets enjoy running and chasing things that move. Dogs cannot help but to chase a bouncing ball or a thrown toy. Once a dog is used to running and chasing items in the house, the same item or toy can be tossed outside in playful way. The pet should run out and chase it and not even realize the wet and cold snow that is under their feet.
Before a dog can change their mind about the snow and run inside. The owner may want to create the element of fun by continuing the game. The ball or toy can be tossed around as the pet runs and chases it. As the pet is running around they may not even notice the temperature or they may get used to the wet snow without even realizing it.
Another issue that some pets have in the winter months, is that the snow level is larger than the animal itself. If a pet cannot see above their head or in front of them, they may not feel comfortable going out. Shoveling snow in a large square area could help a puppy manage to go outdoors.
Young dogs may whine if they are left alone at night or cry if the owners of the home go out, being placed out in the cold alone could also be just as traumatic. The owner may need to make outside time a social event. When the puppy needs to go out for a walk or a run in the backyard, the owner should be out there in the back as well. They can encourage the dog to run and play. If the animal is not alone they may learn how to enjoy the outdoors.
Puppies, kittens, birds and more can be found in puppies Mississauga as well as puppies Toronto near you.

12/19/10

Have an easier time with bathing your dog



Listed below are five effective tips for bathing your dog:
1. Prepare all your tools ahead of time.
Why would this be important? Once you've started bathing your puppy, you don't want to leave him by himself. If you forget the soap or even a wash cloth, you would likely have an escapee to deal with. Making sure you're prepared beforehand will ensure that your canine will be safe, in addition to not having a furry, wet pet tracking water all around your home.
2. Use soaps or conditioning products which have been made specifically for dogs.
This is important because Your dog's skin has a different pH level than our skin. Dog products are formulated to keep up the correct pH balance, giving him a shiny, healthy coat. And because most people shampoos are going to be too harsh on the dog's skin which often can lead to itching and scratching.
3. Make sure to rinse your dog off thoroughly after washing.
The main reason behind this is that residual shampoo can cause irritation for a dog's skin. This can lead to an itchy, uncomfortable dog. It is additionally a great idea because if your dog is scratching himself repeatedly, it might lead to further problems, including skin disease.
4. Pat dry your dog before letting him from the bath tub.
This just makes life easier for you! Getting the excess water off your pet before releasing him from the tub will lessen some of the "water spray" you're likely to see when bath time is finished.
5. Don't shampoo or bathe your pup unless he really needs it.
This is important because frequent baths will strip your dog's coat of its naturally occurring protective oils. Robbing his skin of such essential oils can bring about scratching from dried-out skin, and again, this can lead to bigger problems like dermatitis.
If you find you need to bathe your dog more often, try buying wet dog wipes or dry dog shampoo, available at most pet retailers. They can be used more often without causing a problem with your dog's natural oils.
Whenever you follow these five tips carefully you are likely to have an easier time with bathing your dog.

12/14/10

Dogs do not bark for no reason!!



The first thing to keep in mind if your dog is barking for no reason that is apparent to you is that your dog has far more sensitive ears than humans do. They hear things that we don't, and they can be scared by these things. It is perfectly natural for them to bark once or twice at unknown noises, but then it is up to you to stop the barking after that. You can do that in a number of ways that is natural and not painful or threatening to them.
Sometimes dogs bark incessantly because they need love, attention, and affection. Barking is their way of wheedling, of forcing their owners to pay attention to what they need. Whether you think of your dog as part of the family, or just a runt that the kid brought in, they are still a living animal that needs the same things that humans do. A dog cannot survive without sufficient affection, and just like a child, they will make noises when they aren't getting the affection that they need. Unfortunately, the barks can be loud and prolonged if your dog doesn't get enough love.
Dogs do not bark for no reason. They are barking for a reason you may not be aware of, and it is your job to find out what could be causing the barking. By finding patterns in your dog's barking, you might be able to figure out what your dog wants and what it is that happens to be bothering the dog at the moment.
Get free  tips, helpful recommendations, at this blog: stopbarkingdogblog.com

12/13/10

Balanced and nutritious pet food recipes


To keep the pets healthy and strong, we shall give them balanced and nutritious pet food recipes like the following:
1. Original Ultra Premium Dry Cat Food - this is something that is put together by considering all scientific tests and formula to make your pet cats healthy and strong. This has nothing to do with marketing campaign or tactics this is pure concern with the health and welfare of cats. Original Ultra Premium Dry Cat food is perfect for all breeds of cats and all conditions whether pregnant cats, kittens, male or female cats, even adult cats can all enjoy this tasteful and healthy food especially created based on their needs. This has ingredients like fresh chicken, carrots, sweet potatoes, skin and coat essential fatty acids and best of all it has NO artificial preservatives added. It is also highly digestible by your pets so by giving this to your cat you are guaranteed that your pet is having the high quality it truly deserves.
2. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food - this is a grain-free formula for dogs with allergies based on the unique protein and carbohydrate blend. What many people seem to not notice is that even dogs and all other animals for that matter can also be prone to some allergies so we shall be careful in giving the pets foods that may trigger the allergy. This dog food product is made from combination of sweet potatoes, chicken as well as natural ingredients that are effective to improve the immune system of dogs. If you notice that your dog is allergic to protein and carbohydrates in their diet by seeing symptoms like bowel movements and skin problems you should immediately switch to sweet potato and fresh chicken formula for your dog diet.
3. Grain Free Potato & Duck Formula Dry Dog Food - another type of dog food for dogs that have allergies to protein content of their food. Since this recipe uses the combination of fresh potato and duck meat, dogs can still get the protein nutrients they need in their body. Since dogs have not been exposed to duck meat, this formula is perfect for their diet and allergies.
With all the information you just read, it would be great if you will start providing your pets with these kinds of pet foods. Natural balance cat food or dog food can be the key to longer life of your beloved pets so try and order now. If you are the busy type of person who doesn't have much time to go to the market and go through long lines there is an easier and best option for you and that is by ordering online, you can check out different websites for more information.

12/11/10

Which cat urine cleaner you should buy?





The following are four tips to buying cat urine cleaner:

1. Fragrance Free : The best option is to go with fragrance free urine cleaner. Those that contain heavy perfumes only cover up the smell and do not clean the actual urine out of the carpet or furniture. Masking the smell only gives you a false sense of clean when the stain is removed and the odor returns. Instead, choose the cleaner that does not have a fragrance so that you can tell when the odor is gone.

2. Repeat Soiling Prevention : It is important that your pet understand that the spot that the soiled is not the place to do their business. Cats tend to use the same area over and over as it is comfortable to them. Any cleaner should include a repellant to keep the cats from wanting to urinate on the same spot. This may cost a bit more overall, but the end result is definitely worth it.
3. Safe : Any cleaner that is used should not contain any harsh chemicals that can harm any living creature in your home. There are many natural ingredients that can be used and should be the main ingredients in any cleaner that you choose. If the cleaner does contain harmful or toxic ingredients, you, your family or your pets can become ill or worse.

4. Size : Finally, you want to make sure that the company is offering enough of the cleaner to do a proper job. A small bottle may not contain enough cleaner to take care of more than one stain. You want to get at least a quart for your money's worth in order to have it one hand when you need it.

The smell of cat urine is one of the strongest and should be cleaned up as soon as possible. A safe and non-toxic cat urine cleaner that is fragrance free is your best option. 

12/10/10

The best veterinarian for your cat



In getting the best veterinarian for your cat, check nearby animal hospitals and check for feline specialists. Ask about the length of their practice, their specializations and the availability of the doctor if ever you need to ask something about your pet's health or condition. It is better if you can talk with the chosen vet before formally deciding whether you want him or her to be your pet's vet. You would want to gauge if the vet is approachable and friendly.
You may want to try bringing your pet to see if your pet is comfortable with the environment and the cat vet. Along with the vet that you want for your cat, also consider the staff in the hospital. Are they friendly to animals and do they give attention to every patient they have? Look around the place. Inspect for cleanliness while waiting for the vet. Also choose an animal hospital near your place in case of emergencies. Ask recommendations from friends and search the internet for opinions about different pet hospitals and cat vets in your area.
After getting your pet a veterinarian, bring your pet over to get acquainted with the doctor. Also ask about general check-ups and vaccines. Get all the vaccines your pet needs and schedule other check-ups in the future. With a cat vet, you are now confident that there will be someone to take care of your pet in case something goes wrong. The next thing that you should know is when to bring your cat to the vet.
When to bring your cat immediately to the vet? When your pet experiences trouble breathing, seizures, and bleeding in any area, you have to bring it immediately to your vet. Call your vet in time when your cat suddenly changes its routine like more frequent use of the litter box, appetite loss and lethargy.
Since cats are fastidious animals, they most often spend time grooming themselves. At the same time, a cat grooming one particular area over and over again may also mean that it's suffering an illness or allergy. Sneezing, coughing, vomiting and inability to walk or loss of balance also need medical attention since they are symptoms of some common and fatal feline diseases.
Find out more about cat vomiting and also learn more about cat neutering

12/8/10

Some signs to indicate a stressed pet


Here are some signs to indicate a stressed pet.
Itching. Most of the time, this isn't a symptom of stress. There are other more obvious reasons for itching like ticks, fleas, lice, rashes, skin allergies, etc. But if these reasons aren't present or they are scratching more than normal then stress becomes a troubling possibility.
Shedding. A bit of shedding is normal. A lot of shedding isn't. Most instances of shedding are due to a poor diet or the animal isn't getting enough sun. Sometimes it's a genetic trait. But it's also a sign of increased stress levels. Remember your teacher complaining that the trouble you made could cause them to grow bald. Well stress does this to all animals.
Lethargy. If your pet doesn't want to do anything, then something is wrong. Pets are active creatures. If they're not, then they could be depressed, unhealthy, unhappy or completely stressed out.
Aggression. Most pets are not aggressive to their owners. If they are, they are usually sick or injured. They simply don't want to deal with an owner that's pushing them to play when they can't. However, this aggression also points to stress as a reason.
No appetite. Pets that are not in prime condition will not eat much. This usually means they are sick or stressed.
Lacking interest. Is your pet just sitting there when something that made him jump up and down appeared? This is troubling for any pet owner. If he's not actually sick then stress may have gotten hold.
Passivity. Stress can make animals not just care about anything.
Negativity. Stressed pets will send out negativity in droves. It can lead to a display of bad behavior like barking constantly or chewing anything.
Changed potty habits. You could have the most well trained pet in existence. But once stress hits, it could turn them into careless, uncaring animals who does his 'business' in the wrong place. Stress or depressed animals do this.
Sounds. If your animal is making a sound then that could be a sign of stress. Dogs will bark and cats will purr. Listen to your pets and hear what they have to communicate.
Body language. If your pets suddenly change their body language then stress could be heavily affecting them. Humans slouch when stress hits and this behavior has counterparts in the animal kingdom.

12/7/10

If you are a beginner in animal husbandry


Follow the tips below to be sure you won't have problems with your pet:
  • If you go to a party do not impose the host to accept you to go with your pet. The presence of a pet may annoy, no matter how calm and docile he is.
  • Your cats will not sharpen the claw in furniture and carpets if you give them a piece of worn carpet.
  • Never leave your pet in the care of someone without giving them his "personal items" like basket, pillow, favorite toy and litter, because this is the only way he will feel more protected and nearer to home, at least by the smell.
  • Want to keep away certain things from house cats' sharp claws? Powder them with a little pepper.
  • If cats do not want to swallow pills or take drugs from infestations, use to the following trick: dissolve the pills in a little warm broth, then dip in this broth the front paws. Instinctively, the cat will wash the paws. Repeat this process until the last drop of medicine is gone.
  • Curtains will also be better protected if to the wash water you will add three teaspoons of white pepper, ground very well.
  • The dog will have a brighter coat, if once a week you stir a spoon of olive oil in his food.
  • Fleas will not invade your animal fur after you put in his sleeping baskets a cotton swabs soaked with lavender or lavender oil.
  • Animal hair, left on the carpets and clothes, is very easy to remove with a plastic sponge, soaked in water and squeezed.
  • Dogs and cats can not stand the smell of ammonia. So put a few drops on cotton in the places you want to stay away from their urine.
  • A cat should never eat onions or garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, chocolate, grapes and raisins.
Another thing you should beware is that relationship between cats and dogs is based more on cat behavior that depends on past experience gained at a young age towards other animals. But also the enmity between the cat and dog owes due to the dog's hunting instincts. However if the kitten grows with puppies they get used to playing together and can live in a house.

12/5/10

If you're looking for a cheap rabbit hutch

 

If you're looking for a cheap rabbit hutch you have to know where you can save and where you can't. After all, this is going to be your pet's home so it has to have certain basic things right for your pet to be able to live in it comfortably.
Let's see what your rabbit hutch must be like:
1. It needs to be spacious enough for your rabbit to have room to run around, exercise, move about, and sleep in comfortably. The easiest way to save on a hutch is to buy a small one. This may not give your pet what it needs to have a good and full life.
2. If you plan on putting your rabbit outdoors, your hutch must provide safety from predators and bad weather conditions. It can be an open cage. it has to be able to block out the rain and heavy wind.
3. You should make sure that your hutch is easy to clean with a removable tray for your pet's waste. This is something that will make it easier for you to keep your hutch clean and a healthy environment for your pet.
How can you find a Cheap rabbit hutch that still meets all the basic requirements?
1. Shop online as there are plenty of choices that you can find there. The variety of available hutches on sale online will help you find one which is right for you.
2. If you want an indoor rabbit hutch, you may be able to make do with a wire one instead of a wooden one. The former kind tend to be cheaper.
3. You should give your rabbit enough space but you shouldn't over do it. Some hutches are made for multiple pets. If you only plan on having one then a smaller one may be right for you. However, make sure this is still big enough for your pet.
To find the best hutch for you visit this page: Cheap Rabbit Hutches