Monday, October 31, 2011

Do away with Plastics

By Lewis Black


At these times, it's a challenge for us to forego using products made of polycarbonates. Almost everything is packaged, sold, and served in some type of plastic container. We drink from these containers, store food in them, and prepare food for cooking in them. It is difficult to find glass containers these days of the plastic revolution. It is making us sick, unhealthy, and affecting the development and growth of our children. When I was still a teenager, there was no news of a girl having her menstrual period at a very early age like 8. Today, that is not surprising considering BPA mimics the female hormone, estrogen. Research and studies show that a surprising 90% of the people have BPA trace residues in their bodies.

In 1891, Bisphenol was created but its production was introduced in the market only in the 50's. The chemical Bisphenol or BPA was leaking from some containers that's why its release to the public was delayed. The definition of Bisphenol is: a manufactured chemical commonly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, which has been found to affect the development of animals (even in minute doses) by acting like the hormone estrogen. To take that a step further, trace BPA has been linked in animal and test tube experiments involving hormone imbalances and BPA is known as "environmental hormones." Breast cancer, prostate cancer, premature menses and structural changes in the brain are among its effects. Babies being fed on plastic bottles nowadays, that's really something to worry about! Bisphenol A is in fact regarded as a very hazardous chemical. Canada and with its Ministry of Health, was the first country to advocate safety measures in the utilization of BPA and regulate its exposure. Everyone knows the danger the chemical poses when contact is made, that information is already too old. Estroginicity was initially recorded from experiments done in the 1930's where ovariectomized rats are fed with BPA. (Dodds and Lawson, 1936, 1938) The result of the research in relation to the consequences of BPA on humans were even underrated.

It's purpose is to harden the plastic and provide a lightweight, clear, heat and electrical resistant, and shatter resistant container. Polycarbonates are in just about anything you can think of, from eyeglass lenses, CD's, DVD's, computers, tools, car headlights, sports safety equipment, medical devices, incubators, and reusable drink and food containers - and even the linings of beverage and food cans.

Worldwide use of BPA has reached about three million in metric tons during 2003 as published in the Handbook of Chemical Economics by SRI Consulting in August of 2004.

There are several manners in lessening your contact with the chemical substance, BPA. If at all possible, buy your foods in glass jars such as tomato/spaghetti sauce, pickles, but especially tomato because the acid in the tomatoes causes more leakage of the BPA's. Eat fruits and vegetables that are fresh or taken from the garden and stored directly in the freezer. These do not have BPA in them. Buy juices and if you drink soda, in glass bottles whenever possible. Glass bottles for your baby is the way to do it.

As much as possible, everything I use is made of glass or ceramic. Do not forget to feed your pets in BPA free containers. Birdbaths too are available in the market made of glass or ceramic which are very colorful by the way. It's an attraction in the yard for domestic and wildlife creatures to reduce its contact with BPA's and at same time, glass can be recycled. Glass is actually better than plastic, however you look at it!




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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Love Animals- Animal Abuse Facts

By Bremen Hawtster


Any person who has a heart cannot see an animal being abused. But there are also people who treats animals in a very cruel manner. You will find people cruelly treating animals in their homes or even outside their homes. You should learn about the animal abuse facts. By coming to know about animal abuse facts, you can be a help to animals who are being abused and you can also prevent animal abuse. There are many countries that terms animal abuse as illegal. But in some few countries animal abuse is not a crime.

Through animal abuse facts, we can learn various things on how to control ill treatments given to animals. You will find many animal abuse facts that states that animal abuse is existent in a large number. You will find various kinds of animal abuse facts. There are people who intentionally hurt animals. But some may cause cruelty unintentionally. Some animal abusers are sadists. To satisfy their own devilish desire, they cause pain and suffering to the animals.

Animal abuse facts reveal that animal cruelty can be stopped if we give out a little effort. When we see any animals getting abused, we should immediately report it. The authorities should be called if you see anyone abusing any animals. You will lose nothing if you assist the helpless animals.

Another way to help animals is to find good homes for them especially stray animals. As per the animal abuse facts, stray animals are the ones who suffers the most. If you would like to contribute a little to help animals, you should search for them a nice home.

The information of animal abuse facts can be obtained from a number of websites. From the internet you will find good methods to prevent all animal abuse. By helping the animals, you will be performing a great job. Those who love animals should take initiative to stop animal abuse. Your assistance will help a lot of animals that are being abused.




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Saturday, October 29, 2011

Major Guidelines For Weimaraner Crate Training

By Evalyn Goodwin


Weimaraners tend to be relatively simple to crate train, and in addition they take advantage of that greatly. Although they're people canines as well as desire sociable period, their energetic character indicates that they'll enter into difficulty until crated, particularly when they're young puppies.

Weimaraners usually take on crate training rapidly -- since hunting canines they're fast studies in nearly any type of training, and crate training isn't any distinctive. However, you should adhere to the fundamental guidelines associated with crate training to get achievement with these.

The very first principle associated with weimaraner training, that should never ever be broken, is that you ought to never ever make use of the crate as abuse.

Never make your pet get into their crate simply because they did a thing incorrect. Your pet should believe that the particular crate is actually their own secure destination, their den. It should in no way become related to anything poor.

Another main principle associated with weimaraner dog training is not to place the dog within the crate too much. Six hours is the optimum period of time which any kind of canine should actually be in the crate, and that's within severe conditions.

Actually, 4 hours is the greatest optimum time period. For young puppies, the utmost crating period is much, much less, simply because young puppies can't actually hold their bladders for long whatsoever. Young puppies below 8 weeks older must not be within their crates for over 20 minutes at any given time.

One final consideration with crate training Weimaraners is how people-oriented they are. Crate training may seem like a way to isolate a dog, but it should not be that way.

Place your dog's crate inside a place in which the individuals within your house generally gather, just like a corner of the kitchen area or even within the family room. Your pet must at least have the ability to observe you when they're within the crate. You would like them to sense safe within their den, however a part of your group.




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Friday, October 28, 2011

Can I Be Successful With Horse Joint Supplements?

By Ilechukwu Magnus


So, the veterinarian just evaluated your horse and determined that he is suffering from degenerative joint disease. What are your options? Will you need to get another horse all together or will you need to get horse joint supplements?

Before you start using horse supplements you may need to find out whether it is worth it.

Horse Joint Supplements-Do They Really Work?

Experts have studied the effects of horse joint supplements for years. While these supplements are not always best choice for your horse, they are often the first step to reducing the symptoms of joint disease. If your horse is witnessing any of the following problems, your vet may recommend horse joint supplements: * Is just developing joint diseases * If your horse has just be found with joint problems * If the natural factors has not played any role in reducing the affect of joint disease

In some cases, your veterinarian may discourage the use of these types of supplements. In this case, they may see it that your horse's condition has passed the condition where it can be helped with supplements. They may tell you that joint injections will work better. While this may be a little true, there is no harm in starting your treatment with horse joint supplements.

Even if the horse's condition has worsened to the point where the vet believes supplements won't help, if you can afford a two month supply, you can try using them anyway. You may be surprised to see some changes. Using supplements will help your equine friends to deal with the symptoms of joint related problems.

Many people use injection which is helpful most of time but frequent joint injections can increase the chances of infections. Therefore, before you switch to injections, ensure that you have tried supplements. Luckily, like most other people, you can achieve your aim with supplements and save your horse the injections.

Effective Horse Joint Supplements- Using Horse Joint Supplements

Choosing the right supplements for horse joints is important, as is using them correctly. While trying to select these supplements, examine the ingredients used in developing them. You will need the products with the recommended ingredients. The most common ingredients used for therapeutic reasons in these supplements are Glucosamine and MSM. They may also contain other ingredients like vitamin A, copper, magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc which will greatly improve the performance of the supplement.

There is always a recommended usage instruction that comes with each supplement. Generally, the loading doses given within the first two or three weeks should be double of the doses it will require later. The loading dose is generally used to achieve faster results. This will help you to achieve a faster result with the supplements.

Many people have used horse joint supplements to success. If you think otherwise about your horse, it may be better to speak with your vet. Cheap Horse Joint Supplements




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Thursday, October 27, 2011

What Type Of Aquarium Do You Need For Tropical Fish?

By Edward French


If you plan to have an aquarium, you must first decide if you would like to house fresh water fish or salt water fish. It's up to you whether you want to keep saltwater or freshwater, but if this is your first aquarium, you may want to start with a freshwater aquarium.

Salt water fish is more costly and a bit harder to care for. You have to worry about the salinity of water, water conditioning and temperature. Because of this, freshwater fish are much easier to care for if you're new to keeping tropical fish.

Here's a few other things to keep in mind when buying an aquarium:

Where are you placing the aquarium? You need to keep your aquarium away from sunlight and from other sources of heat or cold air that could affect the temperature of the water.

And don't forget that once you fill it with water, the aquarium is going to be heavy. As an example, a filled 20-gallon glass tank will weight about 225 pounds. Find the right location before the aquarium is filled or it will be impossible to move it afterwards.

Choose a floor that's leveled.

Choose a floor that's leveled to minimize stress to the tank and avoid cracks that can form over time from the pressure.

The tank should be close to an electrical outlet.

It is essential for the tank to be near an outlet, so you can plug in the heaters, lights and pumps.

Accessibility

Keep your tank where you can access it easily to work temperature controls and air valves. You should also be able to have enough space for a net and to move decorations.

What shape should your aquarium be?

When it comes to aquarium shapes, short, larger ones work better than thin, tall ones. Greater surface area at the top of the water is better for the fish.

What size should the aquarium be?

The aquarium should be at least ten gallons. Why? Because it's just easier to take care of a fish in a larger tank than a smaller one. Whatever aquarium you choose, it is going to, over time, have a build up of waste material. These materials tend to be diluted more in a larger tank. You won't need to work as hard at maintaining a clean tank.

What material is best?

Aquariums can be made from glass or acrylic. Both materials are good, but glass is best for beginners. Why? Firstly, they cost less, secondly, they don't scratch so easily, and thirdly, they only need to be supported by the edges.

You will need to consider any and all of these tips as you set up your aquarium. All of these factors are essential in making the right decision.




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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Varieties Urns for Ashes

By Shibalik Sanyal


If you want to touch your loved one deserves wooden urns accessories can add that little few. They are also less expensive options to decorate a plain or discount wooden urns for ashes. If you are hoping to find a tasteful, budget-friendly way to honor your loved one; do not spend more on the urn itself.

The demand of wooden urns for their pets is increasing after they have died. There are many options for bringing your dog's ashes home. From simple to ornate, there are many wooden urns for ashes to honor your best friend for the rest of your days.

Modern technology has made it possible perfectlty to recreate an image on almost anything. You can get your favorite photograph reprinted on a plate that can be placed around or on the urn. This may also be more cost effective than forking out cash for a pricier urn.

People advances in memorials have mixed contemporary thoughts with traditional conservation. Glass urns or memorial urns have been developed to facilitates your pet's remains in the creation of a beautiful, decorative memorial. These memorials can take the form of a glass decoration (e.g. ornament), jewelry, or specialized urns. Using the utmost respect, a small part of your pet's remains is incorporated into the design of the item for you to cherish.

Photo urns are highly acceptable of pet owners. Your pet's gentle face can be displayed at the front of this urn increasing your proud, reminding you of the special moments that graced and enriched your life. Other pet urns include vault urns and keepsake urns. Vault urns are specially furnished to permanently seal your companion's remains in a vaulted container. These vaults are made using various types of steel or metals to encase your friend's remains permanently for use in burial generally.

Wooden urns can also be permanently sealed but some designs allow for a separate compartment to keep items such as tags, a favorite toy or another item accomplished with your pet. Urns can also have pictures etched into the top of the urn or slide into the top of the box. Artists' renderings of your pet may also be used on the top or sides of the wooden urns for.




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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Dog Training: No More Jumping up on People!

By Dirk Gruenberg


There are a lot of behaviors most dogs do that are inappropriate and somewhat annoying such as barking excessively and chewing on furniture.

Among these inappropriate behaviors, some are actually dangerous such as being aggressive, biting people and jumping up on people. Though jumping up on people can be considered cute and adorable, it actually poses a threat depending on the size of your dog and, of course, the people they're jumping up on.

More specifically, if a large dog (it does not to be huge) jumped up on a child or an elderly person that might get seriously injured.

Researchers have discovered that dogs jump at people for a couple of reasons: They're showing excitement, they want your attention, or they just want to show dominance over you or your guests.

And most probably, they developed this habit of jumping at people because it has been rewarded in the past. Whatever their reasons must be, it is up to you as their owner to communicate to them that jumping at people is not a good habit.

In the following paragraphs you will find some advice on how to do so - on how to stop your dog from jumping up on people.

Alright, so let us say your dog is ready to jump up on you. If you know your dog well, you will see this coming. As he jumps, just turn away from him. This way he will miss his target and it will not feel like a fun thing for him to do. Then simply ignore him after this naughty attempt.

If you do this repeatedly, he will understand that there is nothing to gain from jumping on you. No attention, no reward, nothing. Finally, when he greets you without jumping on him, praise him and give him a reward and attention then.

Another good way to correct a dog's behavior is by employing the "alternate behavior training". This simply means that you must give your dog something else to do. When you sense that he's excited and will jump at you, simply tell him to sit.




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Monday, October 24, 2011

Dog Agility Equipment - Useful Approaches and Equipment to Individually Workout Your Family dog

By Juliet Haertel


What's the Primary dog agility equipment? When it runs to canine training, agility is among the key facets which might be significantly evaluated. Agility is usually a puppy outdoor activity in which a handler along with her/his puppy work as a team by using an obstacle system of dog agility equipment in a competition for both equally occasion along with accuracy. The goal in all dog agility levels of competition are to execute every bit of dog agility equipment appropriately devoid of virtually any suppression. There are actually many country wide along with global agility agencies along with each featuring its private restrictions along with measures for the dog agility equipment.

Essentially, an agility course is quite as an obstacle course with usual things of dog agility equipment that each pet dog need to pass through as a way to carry out the run and acquire a qualifying ranking. If a solitary component is skipped, the team is disqualified. This course of dog agility equipment consists of jumps, hoops also obstacles which you can certainly arrange for your own benefit. You can possibly visit your local pet shop for this appliances. The basic features of dog agility equipment are:

The Weave Poles are a series of thin poles attached to a straight plank base.

The A Frame is a ramp with a strong incline also equal decline. A-frame is painted a bright color, normally yellow, forming the contact zone, onto which the dog has to place at least one paw while ascending along with descending.

The Dog Walk is another type of ramp. The two point planks form ramps leading up to and down from the center plank.

The Teeter is a longish plank on a training course that each dog should mount at one aspiration and walk across to the other mark.

The Tunnel is a longish tube each dog have to run through. The tunnel is constructed of flexible vinyl and wire, such that it can easily be configured in a straight line, or in a variety of curves.

The Chute is similar to the tube at the entry point, but the rest of the chute is simply nylon without the hoops to support it, so dog are basically running blind through this element.

Jumps are the same as you might probably discover at an obedience trial, also the pole height is set according to the dimension of the dog.

The Tire is suspended on a frame along with each dog need to jump through it on its approach around the course.




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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Are Glow In the Dark Dog Collars Effective?

By John Perry


One of the largest issues that come together with a dog collar is buying the correct size. There are a lot of owners out there who suspect they know the proper size, but when the collar is placed on the dog it doesn't fit right. When this happens there is a high probability that it'll fall off or become lost.

We strongly recommend measuring your dog's neck before making a purchase. This can diminish wasted money and the chance of the collar being damaged. These are long lasting things that continue to recharge themselves by absorbing the daylight. But if your dog has flea issues or requires a specialized collar then it's vital to do other research.

Another benefit to some glow in the dark collars is their abilities to have GPS integrated inside them. This way if you do lose your dog in an overcrowded area or in the evening, she or he can be simply tracked. It's an creativity that has changed into a popular option among dog keepers around the planet.

If you are at work and you normally keep the dog outside; it's possible to receive text messages or mails saying the signal has wandered outside the vicinity of your backyard. This alone could assist you in saving your dog from being lost and never found again.

Remember about the reflective light as well. It's a good way to see where your dog is during the day. The best example we can provide you with is the way sun reflects off the water. When daylight hits the collar there'll be a very conspicuous reflection that will permit you to find your dog safely.

So if you need to keep your dog safe and know where he or she is at every point, consider Lighted Dog Collars. They provide masses of longevity, as well as strength and durability.




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Saturday, October 22, 2011

A Gathering Of The Most Favourited Five Accessories For Canines

By Rory Greer


There are a variety of dog accessories available in today's market. The times when dogs lacked products to play and pass time with is over. The number of toys available in pet shops today is mind blowing. The following will be a listing of the top five dog toys which will be inclusive of kong for dogs.

The first dog toy that comes to mind is the crate. The popularity of the crate as a dog toy has even high from its inception. Due to its diversity, the crate can be used as a toy and at the same time raise puppies.

The crate can be used to limit puppies destructive tendencies as they contain the puppies in one place. The puppies can learn that things placed in the crate are theirs to play with but those outside not for the puppy. Housebreaking is also another useful feature that the crate can be used for. This basically means that the puppy can be taught to relieve itself only when outside the crate and go to a specified place.

Another amazing toy in the industry today is the chuckit. This product has the ability to keep the pet and the owner happy. It is convenient for everybody because all it requires of the owner is the ability to throw.

The chuckit is designed in a way that with little effort, it can be thrown far enough. This will make the owner and the dog work up a sweat. It will be exercise for you and your dog while enjoying yourselves at the beach or the park.

There are many chew toys in the industry but few can compete with the orka jack with rope chew toy. It is a toy that gives a hundred percent to the dog lucky enough to have one. It can be taken everywhere as it is small, durable and quite adorable too.

It gives functionality as it enables a dog to exercise its teeth. The holes around the toy can be used to stuff treats that the dog can enjoy while playing. The rope attached to the toy is removable so one does not have to worry about it coming off and getting lost.

The jump n jack is another product that is loved by the public. The product can keep a pet occupied for the longest time. The jump n jack is one of the best types of toys for fun. This particular toy is a throw and fetch product.

The classic kong is one of the most recognizable dog toys ever made. This is because of two things. Their diverse usability and their ability to keep a dog preoccupied for long periods of time.

The product was developed over three and a half decades ago. The toy has revolutionized the industry and is the most recognizable in the company stable of products. It comes with a variety of sizes and chew strengths. It can also be used with treats for the dogs enjoyment. It keeps many dogs from chewing and destroying valuables like shoes. The above shows the top five dog toys of which the kong for dogs comes highly recommended.




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Friday, October 21, 2011

How to Breed Discu in Your Home

By Adam White


The discus fish is a great component for every tank, and yet choosing to incorporate some of these represents a specific resolve for their well-being because they are infamously difficult to take good care of. Those who have committed enough time to good discus care will receive a authentic buzz from all of these marvelous fish, and the next thing lots of discus owners will probably think about is to attempt to discover a discus couple that will reproduce. It was not so very long ago that discus breeding in the home aquarium was thought to be something difficult, but by way of experience, now it's significantly more common in comparison to what one may well suppose.

Tank proportions and also water conditions would be fundamental to proper discus care, and all these corresponding guidelines are also relevant regarding breeding. If you've been tending to a discus for a long time, then you'll have no adjustments to make to the aquarium conditions. Discus have got a personality which is their own, and that is the reasons why you can't just include a male and female to the tank and hope they will breed, as a result partnering may possibly end up being the hardest element of the complete process. You will find breeders that may provide a breeding pair that have already coupled, however that would turn into an expensive proposal, thus many individuals get around the coupling difficulty by purchasing a group of half a dozen or maybe more adolescent discus and permit them to pick their companion; sure they're that choosy.

Should this be the first go at mating discus fish then there's a couple of things to look at that will show you if your couple has paired off. The duo are going to respond strongly whenever they believe the site they've decided on for breeding has been approached, and they're going to alternate fastidiously cleaning the region they've decided on for spawning. As soon as they have the site completely ready, the female discus sets the eggs in series, with the male in close pursuit to fertilize the eggs. Both male and female will certainly fuss around the eggs, fanning them with fresh water and carefully getting rid of unfertilized eggs in order to avoid the fertilized ones from becoming corrupted. The eggs will hatch in about A couple of days then the fry (babies) will continue to be in the breeding spot for an additional 12 hours.

The first 1 week you will discover the fry feed on a substance released from between the parents' scales, and much of their time would be spent being trained the way to seek cover, an exercise that is really common amongst discus. If you are sure that the fry are not feasting from the parents, you probably should start to introduce brine shrimp and powdered flake meals. By a dozen or so weeks the discus are going to be entirely developed, after which they can be sold or relocated to some other aquarium. When you've a pair which have mated once, you will notice that they do so on a fairly regular basis provided that a high level of discus care is maintained all of the time.

Cross breeding various discus types can certainly be a enjoyable and enjoyable experience, however don' be overwhelmed in the event that at first you do not succeed, like all great things it will take time for you and your discus fish for you to get it right.




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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Quaker Parrots: Suggestions To Keep Them Satisfied And Healthy

By Roderick Fraser


Are you looking for a parrot that's smaller but can carry on a dialogue with you? If you are, you want a Quaker Parrot, often called a Monk Parrot. They can be 12" or smaller sized and will survive for many decades if you take good care of them.

The Best Way To Care For Quaker Parrots

Many people forget that when birds such as parrots are out in the wild, they actually do have the capacity to care for themselves. However when they're tamed and live in a cage, they surrender that capacity, if they ever did learn it. This means that you'll be the one given the task of bathing them, helping manage their beak and nails, and making sure that their wings are in top shape.

Needless to say, this specific care doesn't come naturally to a human, so making sure that you have the best sources possible is highly critical. There is one book that has become very well liked among parrot fanatics all around the world, called "The Ultimate Guide to Parrots." This informative guide is loaded with information on the way to take good care of your parrots or parakeets in a fashion that will help them to lead a healthy, delighted, and very extended life.

What Should You Know About Cages?

This publication also offers a great deal of details on how you can choose a bird and also how to choose a cage, and that is a critical decision. The cage that you choose should be big enough so that your parrot can spread its wings out without coming in contact with the sides, and ideally much wider than that. They needs to be able to sit and swing on the perch without their wings touching the bottom of the cage, as well.

When it comes to washing the cage, that is an element that plenty of people don't enjoy, but it is essential that it be done routinely. Birds are incredibly susceptible to illnesses and the illnesses that they can get may be easily transmitted to you and your loved ones. Consequently, studying which type of cage to find that will be least difficult to scrub and will increase your bird's life is vital.

Teaching Your Parrot

Probably the greatest parts about having Quaker Parrots is that they are one of the greatest breeds for learning words. They will learn phrases, complete sentences, and over the years they will build a serious vocabulary. If you are searching for a quite talkative bird, then this is definitely the one for you, and by making use of the techniques and strategies in this handbook, you will understand just how to teach it what you desire it to say.

Is This for You?

If you have owned parrots for several years, or are unfamiliar with them, you'll still understand so much from this publication. Parrots can carry diseases, and be tricky to take care of if you don't completely understand the necessities. Nevertheless, this guide will tell you almost everything you'll want to keep your family and your parrot content and healthy for the years to come!




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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Learn About Equine Distemper And Horse Supplements

By Ryan Ready


Horse Supplements are good for the mount. Usually, horses struggling with equine distemper have pus discharging from the nasal passages and swellings building in the lymph glands under the jaw. All these infections often burst open and exude a thick yellow pus. Affected horses might have fever, be despondent and may stop eating. Many animals recover, but animals that contract even a mild case of strangles has to be separated and taken off training or heavy work for as much as 3 months. In some instances the infection can cause persistent sickness or perhaps death.

Strangles is very transmittable, particularly with foals, spreading very easily from horse to horse and often leading to large outbreaks with many animals affected. It is distributed within the pus coming from the nose and broken abscesses. Objects like water troughs, feed buckets, brushes, reins and other equipment, if tainted with infected pus, could also propagate the disease. Recovered horses can spread the condition for up to eight months, even though they can appear clinically healthy and normal. Together with various other respiratory diseases, such as canine cough and feline respiratory disease, immunity is brief and partial.

In fact 25% of horses infected with strangles do not manage to acquire immunity. This will make it extremely tough for a vaccine to deliver complete protection and it is not believed that the vaccine is a total preventative. However, field experience has shown that vaccination may control the disease by decreasing the amount of clinical disease and reducing the number of horses affected. Penicillin is the prescription antibiotic of preference against S.equi. Infections may need to be exposed and drained and good supportive attention is vital for recovery. Animals suffering from distemper should be isolated immediately for around 4 to 6 weeks before coming in contact with some other horses.

Treatment requires antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, intravenous fluids as well as lancing of abscesses. Hot packs can also be applied to swollen and abscessed lymph nodes to lessen puffiness. Ensure that your mount is vaccinated against strangles although vaccinated horses may still contract distemper, symptoms and length of the disease are less serious. Disinfect all water containers, feeders, brushes, plastic boots, work gloves, clothes, stall walls, fencing and trailers thoroughly to prevent trouble. Wash hands thoroughly and change clothing after working with horses that are isolated. Animals typically recover in approximately three weeks; however, bacterial shedding can occur for months.

Horse Supplements can help your horse. Ideally, recovering horses should be tested by a veterinarian and return three negative cultures before being returned to the herd. All water containers, feeders, brushes, stall walls, fencing and trailers should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected before being returned to general use. Strangles bacteria are susceptible to most disinfectants as long as label directions are followed and the product is used appropriately. The exact length of time that strangles can survive in the environment varies widely. A general recommendation is that pastures and turnout areas that housed infected animals should be left open for at least 30 days.




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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Be Ready for a Pet Emergency

By Regina T. Roby


Pets are active, inquisitive creatures that normally get themselves into all sorts of perilous scenarios, which is why it's imperative that owners be ready for any pet emergency they encounter. No matter if it's an accident that happens around the home, a situation concerning an automobile or something as infrequent as the necessity to evacuate caused by a natural disaster, simple emergency preparedness often means the difference between life and death. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina delivered a wake-up call to animal owners everywhere when it was believed that 600,000 pets and animals were killed due to the storm. While extreme, Katrina made it apparent that the lack of planning played a part in the deaths of countless pets. As a result, let's look at some of the most crucial ways pet owners can prepare for the next emergency they face with their pet.

Get Rid of Poisonous Materials

The adventurous nature of pets is among their most appealing qualities but this curiosity can frequently get them into difficulty, so eliminating harmful materials before an incident happens is an effective way to prevent a pet catastrophe. The amount of materials that can harm our pets is wide, however some of the less noticeable materials might cause the greatest damage. People food fed to dogs and cats as a treat can be the most dangerous; Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and chocolate are all typical foods given to pets that cause considerable injury. In addition, there are numerous plants found around the house that can make our pets ill, like lilies, Sago Palms and even rhubarb. For that reason it's important that you get rid of those materials that could produce a pet emergency.

Poison Control Center

Every pet can have situations where they're suspected of eating or drinking something that might make them ill. Often times this can simply be an instance of over eating or eating something which will produce indigestion, however there are times that the ingested compound may place your pet's health at real risk. Thus, having a telephone number for your local Animal Poison Control Center Hotline immediately available is a good preparative measure. With professionals available around the clock, 365 days a year, you can get fast help with your pet's emergency. While the there is often a cost, it's really worth the cost to save your pet. Having this number handy can help you deal with your next pet emergency.

Know Fundamental First Aid

If your pet is like most, there will be sometime in the future that you will have to render basic first aid. Therefore it's wise to get ready in advance to guarantee that you can reduce the distress your pet is feeling while assessing whether you have to visit the veterinarian. Here are several tips: First, recognize that even the most gentle pet will bite or scratch when wounded. Pain and fear may make animals unstable and even hazardous. You may want to contemplate wrapping your injured or frightened cat in a bath towel, or muzzling your dog, previous to carrying out an examination. Second conduct any evaluation slowly and gently; if your pet becomes agitated, stop. If the injury is substantial, try to stabilize the injuries before moving your pet; bandaging cuts or splinting broken limbs can avert further damage. Finally, if you find that it's necessary to visit the veterinarian, call ahead so that they are prepared when you arrive. Using these fundamentals will help you prepare for the next time your pet may get injured.

Do Your Homework

Unfortunately, many pet owners regularly forget probably the most important aspects of getting help for their pet when they fail to put together the proper information needed to cope with an emergency. While understandable, this breakdown can create a lag in treatment that leads to greater discomfort for your pet and possibly risk its life because of inadequate information needed for treatment. To start, ensure that you have a regular veterinarian and record the required contact information, including hours of operation. Second, get a copy of your pet's medical history to ensure the vet has all of the necessary information needed for treatment. Lastly, have a full account of the injury readily available and the containers or bottles that contained any materials ingested by your pet. By doing the essential research before and during the emergency, you'll be well prepared to promptly care for your pet.

It's no surprise that pet crises occur, but by making use of these tips you'll find that you can act to minimize their severity.




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Monday, October 17, 2011

10 Household Products That is Perilous To Your Dogs

By Sam Roxas


Dogs are naturally affectionate, loyal and well, lovable. And most of all, they are really big balls of energy- especially puppies. And although seeing your dogs running around and wagging their tails is very nice to take a look at, this could also harm them.

There are plenty of dangerous things inside your own home that can harm your dogs. You don't have to be a scientist or a mental math whiz to figure out just how important it is to ensure that your place is doggy-proofed.

Now, to help you with that, I have listed down some household products that are extremely dangerous to dogs and young puppies. I have assembled a listing of 10 things you will find at home that may harm your puppies. These things can also be found in Cesar Millan's web site.

Folk food

Just because we are able to eat it doesn't mean our food is safe for our canine companions. Chocolate contains big amounts of caffeine and theobromine which dogs don't endure well.

Rodenticides

Rat and mouse baits are built to be mouth-watering to rodents to help consumption, but sadly, for a similar reason many dogs find these baits appealing as well.

Insecticides

The commonest pesticide that dogs tend to eat is the ant or roach baits. They contain an attractant like peanut butter or bread which most dogs find appealing.

Human pharmaceuticals

This category includes prescription medicines and over the counter drugs meant for humans. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are toxic and should not be given to your dog.

Veterinary pharmaceuticals

Some pills that vets prescribe for dogs are flavored to make them more palatable and seemingly some taste so good that dogs assume that they are treats.

Plants

This is more of an issue with moggies but I have seen puppies that chewed on plants and occasionally adult dogs will gnaw on plants when their stomach is disturbing them.

Manure



One more reason to keep your dog out of the garden is manure which often smells like food to dogs.

Cleaning products

Many of those products are easily as noxious for our dogs as they are to us. Store all cleaning products away when not in use and think about using natural, organic cleaning solutions as an alternative.

Heavy metals

Zinc and lead are the commonest perpetrators. The most common cause of zinc toxicosis is ingestion of pennies. Cents minted since 1983 are essentially zinc and some dogs love to consume coins.

Various chemicals

Antifreeze is very sweet and interesting to dogs. They appear drunk after eating even tiny amounts.

Bottom line is, you want to make sure that your cute canine babies will be safe 24/7- so create that environment for them.




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Sunday, October 16, 2011

What To Feed Your Ants

By Owen Jones


If you are thinking about buying an ant farm, there are several things that you need to learn about keeping ants before you set up or at least colonize your farm. In fact, even before you purchase your ant farm, you should look around for which varieties of ants you can get hold of and then read up on what sort of nests those ants create.

Do they build nests above and below ground or only below ground? Most regular ant farms are not designed to cope with anthills, although some, shaped like a flat-bottomed egg are built to deal with a slight anthill.

Once you know what kinds of ants you can have, you can select the variety and acquire the appropriate shaped ant farm. Most novices begin with harvester ants, which will live very happily in a normal ant farm. Your colony may grow to a few thousand members, so the next thing to think about is food for them.

Harvester ants will eat a range of different kinds of food, but it is easier and cleaner if you feed them sweet, crunchy vegetables and fruit. For example, bits of carrot, celery and apple are very good. They are readily cut up and transported by the ants, they are nutritious and they will not rot down or begin to smell bad quickly.

You will have to weigh up for yourself how much fodder to put down, but it is much better to put out fresh food every day, than leave a big lump of something lying in the farm for days on end. If you notice that food is being left, cut down a little.

On the other hand, if the colony is growing in number and the food is disappearing put a little more down. Working the amount of food out is part of your job. Mold is a health risk to ants so be on the look out for it on the food at all times.

Ants will get a great deal of the moisture that they should have from the food that you provide them, but they do need water too. Not much to be sure, but you need to drip two or three drops - literally only two or three drops of water - onto the soil every day. Whatever you do do not put so much water that a puddle forms, even a very small one.

If you want to give your ants a real treat, put a few granules of sugar into half a teaspoon of water and tip that onto the soil. They will love it and it will also give them a shot of energy, just as if you ate a chocolate bar.

Owning an ant farm should be educational and enjoyable. Watching the ants work together to make a nest and rear their young will teach adults and children alike a lot about how insects live. It will also help remove some of the illogical fear that many people have for insects in general, including ants.




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Saturday, October 15, 2011

Some Gift Ideas Perfect for Pets

By Terry Smith


Your pet is considered to be as a family member and it is great to include them on your list when the holidays come. There are plenty of gifts that your pet will definitely love. Show your love and care to your pet by giving the perfect pet gift. You should also consider these gifts as something that will help in making your pet safe and sustaining the life of your pet longer. Below are some featured gift ideas for your pet:

* Bones for Canines -No matter what the size of your dog maybe, they all love chewing on bones. You can get fresh and large cuts of meat bones to larger dogs and smaller bones for small canines to avoid choking. You can also acquire of toy bones for them to play with and play fetch. You may also add some dog food that your dog will definitely love.

* Rubber balls for cats- Cats love to chase after small rubber balls. Buy them basket of balls with different colors that they can run after and chew into pieces. Your pets are like small children that love to play. Get them a gift that they are fond of playing around.

* Scratch Boards- This is very ideal gift for cats especially kittens who just love to scratch off their paws onto your walls and couches. Either way, this is to save your walls and couches from being destroyed.

* Bed and Soft Cushions- Your pet needs a new bed or soft cushions to cuddle in and to relax after a playful and restless day.

* Fresh meat and Bones- bones can't be taken away from the list of the favorites of dogs. You can buy fresh cuts of meat like bone marrow and your dog will surely be mouth-watered just by smelling it from the door.

* Nail Clipper- Your pet's nails also needs some trimming so that it wouldn't hurt much when your pet jumps over you. This is more preferred for cats to avoid scratches from your walls and furniture.

* Toothbrush- Your pet needs to have a clean and healthy teeth so you need to buy brand new toothbrush for your cat or dog




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Friday, October 14, 2011

The Importance of Dog Training

By Albert Jefferson


A brand new puppy or a dog is a marvellous addition to the family. But the same dog might end up causing worry if it is not trained properly. Dogs are typically devoted and friendly but when not taught to perform in various scenarios could become a nuisance to you and even other individuals. Consistent with a Bedford-KatonahPatch.com report, experienced trainers will help you to connect with your canine and teach him to behave properly in all situations. They also help you to understand the body language of your pet and guide you in managing problematic situations. It doesn't matter what breed of dogs you may have. Whether labradors or German shepherds, all canines along with their masters need to learn to communicate and understand each other.

Although some kinds of dogs like retrievers are considered extremely friendly, it is far better if owners are not indifferent to instruction. There could be occasions where your pet misbehaves or possibly becomes aggressive. Here you, the master, can play a essential role in quieting your pet. Dogs frequently turn to their owners for love and understanding. If you can connect with your loving pet, you'll be able to form a lasting relationship with your furry friend. A small amount of dog training in these cases goes a long way.

Understanding the Signs

You should keep in mind that dogs are very similar to children. They like to socialize with others and express signs of anger, fear and joy. They also don't speak your language but are quite intelligent and have excellent learning capabilities. So it will be your job to read the body language of your pet and show him how to behave. All canines emanate particular behavior patterns which are simple to identify. Dogs often misbehave because they are frightened or don't know how to react. In tense scenarios nearly all dogs behave in three ways. They might become extremely aggressive and jump around a lot or they can become defensive and stare or bark. If dogs are scared they either hide or run around in a bewildered manner.

Teaching Word Commands

Although they do not speak English, your loving labradors can learn routines and also commands! It might take a long time and effort to get your puppy familiar with commands, but the result makes it worth while. Everybody enjoys a well behaved dog. The first task on the way to teaching your dog is to be able to calm it down in tense situations. You can begin by introducing chew toys to distract it. And then you'll be able to introduce basic commands like 'sit' and 'stay'. Also you can use distinctive actions and tones to help make your dog understand you. To boost the outcome of good training by rewarding your labrador retriever with a labrador gift. Several owners even get special labrador t shirts with their beloved pal printed on them. Imagine your lab's glee when he sees that type of pledge.

What to Teach Your Dog

A few important lessons that your pup must learn in training are hygiene, routines and conduct in brand new situations. House break your dog so that he understands to use the same spot and doesn't mess in your house or your garden. You must also teach him command words to settle him down in tense situations or in new settings among strangers. By committing to some effort and hard work for a few weeks your pet will be well behaved and loved by everyone.




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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Dog Training Collars are incredible for Controlling Your own Woofing Canine

By Cathy Latrobe


Dog training collars seem to be a great coaching help when trying to break your pet out of the habit of woofing. Although your pet is aware it should bark for some circumstances, lots of pets go into the habitual pattern of barking for no reason whatsoever. Pets pick up improper habits easily and they're going to need the proper type of training to get rid of these practices.

Although repay methods of training are wonderful, they should be utilised together with some other training accomplish the best results. While you own a pet dog you will want to build up a good rapport together with the family dog, and you also have to specify the pack structure really early. Once your canines understand or know they are not in charge and they should respect you, your current friendship will likely be more practical.

Canines are wonderful friends and can make great family members; nonetheless, they usually are quite frustrating to educate. The hound will not likely know very well what is it being expected from it, and that can lead to you shouting to the animal. Using the proper training techniques is vital, making sure your dog fully comprehends what you may want from it. Whenever they start barking for the inappropriate causes the education collar must be utilized, and extremely rapidly any puppies definitely will link the two incidents. Pet dogs are very clever which enables them to associate events very quickly, especially when they just do not appreciate the consequence. Your puppy will quickly understand or know its woofing causes the training collar to be used.Even though this style of training way was criticized up to now, it is currently more practical and much more helpful than in the past. When used correctly, this bark receiver collar will never lead to adverse harm to your canine. You'll be able to deal with its barking and be sure your doggie won't become a hassle to your neighbors. Your dog will surely bark when needed, and not because it's bored to death or simply wish attention from you.

Getting to know your dog is important and may ensure that you comprehend the reasons for the barking. Although the too much shouting could possibly be frustrating to you and the people close to you, nevertheless, your canine friend is actually attempting to express itself. Although this could be totally the wrong manner, it is the dog's technique of conversing with anyone. Prior to deciding on that your own doggie is solely being bad, you will need to eliminate other factors. Your canine could possibly be barking since it is frightened or maybe hurt and this could be leading it to create as much noise as possible. In addition they could possibly be barking when you are away, due to boredom, and you need to ensure that your dog has plenty to do when you are away. After you have established the cause of the dogs barking you'll be ready to work towards training in the right way.

Taking the time to train your pet dog in the right way when using the correct tools will ensure that they can be more happy and far better behaving. While using the dog training collars along with reward training will allow your dogs to find out precisely what is being expected of them. They are going to before long appreciate exactly what behavior is made possible, and what is unacceptable.




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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Guidelines In Purchasing Dog Beds

By Matt Carpenter


If you are going to purchase dog beds then surely you have purchase one of the best things for your pet. It is not always a good idea to let your pet sleep on the cold floor or in a thin blanket for it might be the cause of any possible illness. Yet, you just can't purchase anything that you can see in the market today; you need to understand that there are still guidelines that you have to consider so that you can really get the right bed. Furthermore, the wide variety in types and sizes of beds for dog can also lead you to confusion. That is the reason why you really need to consider the things listed below as you picked the right bed for your dog;

Amongst the many things that you need to do, you have to consider is the size of the dog beds first. The size of the bed is very important that is why you need to be sure that you have it as the top of your priority. You need to refrain from getting bed that is either too small or too big for your pet because it is nearly impossible to give your pet its maximum comfort when the size of his bed suits him not. It is best that you have measured your dog while he is asleep and then you can just add a few inches for its adjustments so that you can be certain with the size of it.

Moreover, if you have a very young dog that likes to play outside a lot and might also chew on everything that will cross his path, you need to be sure that you choose durable beds and chew proof beds too. This kind of bed is made from fabrics that are very hard to tear or break while offering your pet the best comfort still.

On the other hand, heated dog beds are best for your older dogs that may suffer from arthritis or aching joints. There are no other beds for dog that can offer the comfort as this bed can do with your older dog with any joint problem. You just have to be sure that you also checked your aged pet in a regular basis so that you can be sure with the changes in their health.

The last thing that you need to be aware as you purchase dog beds is the personality. Indeed personality is another important issue that you need to consider. As you purchase beds for your dog you have to ask yourself this question, "Does your dog like to play a lot, roll over in the mod and jump in to creeks? Now, if your answer is yes then you be sure that can just purchase beds that are easy to clean or those that have covers so that it can prevent the dog bed getting dirty.




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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Recommended Cattle Equipment To Jump Start Your Cattle Farming Venture

By Tim R Smith


Your cattle farming venture is more than just a business, it is a lifestyle. Unlike other businesses, your work doesn't just revolve in going to some office or some manufacturing plant. In a ranch, you do have paperwork, and you do run a production, but everyday, there are dozens of chores for you to work on. The list goes on such as fence mending, feeding, vehicle maintenance, grazing management.

That is why your operation should be as efficient as possible. This way, you can be more productive, and you will find more time for yourself, your friends and your family. Cattle equipment makes your operations run efficiently. A tractor can help you drive a trailer that carries feeds, eliminating the need to drag around bins and all. Another add-on can help you churn up soil in your land so that grass can grow again.An auger add-on to your tractor can help you with chores that require digging such as fence post repairs and mending.

Here are the usual cattle equipment groups that most cattle farmers have on their farm. Note that most of these equipment are those you cannot do away with, others have cheaper alternatives - those than you have to assemble or build yourself. You can look up detailed information in cattle equipment vendor sites, cattle farming review sites and how-to sites.

Cattle Handling Equipment

The cattle equipment under this list are calf tables, cattle headgates, squeeze chutes, loading chutes and cattle handling accessories such as weighing scales, head chains, and squeeze chute adaptors. These are the equipment necessary when moving, weighing and inspecting cattle.

Corral Systems

Corral systems are smaller enclosures that you might want to use for animals whenever you do not want them moving around. Corral systems are either permanent or portable. These are commonly used for horses but they can be used for cattle as well. Its price depends on the number of cattle it can hold, as well as the additional features. Some corral systems have adjustable alley sections, arena panels, a smaller holding pen, adjustable alley gates and alley frames that can connect directly to a squeeze chute.

Cattle Feeders

They are a must in feedlot settings and are highly recommended for ranchers raising grass-fed cattle. These are the equipment needed for cattle feeding. In feedlots it is where cattle are entirely fed; for pasture cattle, it is also needed for giving supplements. The standard plant protein supplement needed is around 11%. These cattle equipment can be creep feeders, bale feeders, bull mineral feeders or bunk feeders.

Waterers and Water Tanks

Surely, everyone agrees that cattle are huge (or at least, they were supposed to be). Large livestock need large amounts of water. That's why you are going to need water tanks. Waterers are cattle equipment with trough bowls. Material ranges from galvanized iron to Rubbermaid to concrete waterers. Your cattle equipment can help you in raising the herd and keeping the property. In cattle ranches, the best way to do a chore is with the right equipment.




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Monday, October 10, 2011

Interesting Issues You need to Know about Dog Care

By Kelly Smith


Health problems that humans encounter can also be encountered by canines. Well, most of it. Generally, dogs also suffer arthritis. One fifth of the canine populace have this joint condition and have to bear with other related symptoms as well. They also experience the similar soreness in the joints that we human beings undergo.

When your dog loves to lie dormant, the sudden increase in body mass, or if he/she plays around and uses only one leg, or if he/she has problem in sitting down or standing up, these are indications that your dog might be suffering arthritis. If your dog is feeling something bad, there should be a remedy for that and to know for sure the right treatment for it, have the dog doctor examine your dog. If you act upon it immediately, the chances of your dog getting well will be higher. Fortunately, alternative medicine is acceptable by our family veterinarian. He advised us to include in our dog's diet, glucosomine, chrondroitin sulfate and vitamin C. These aid in the development of collagen, which provides support to the bones. He also recommended Omega 3 and Omega 6. It aids in the reduction of the joint being inflamed and the corresponding pain that goes with it. Taken from experience, I also take them for my own joint pains and it works great. These are all OTC supplements, so no need to get the doctor's prescription.

Arthritis in dogs is treated much like it is in humans. In every bottle of these supplements, there is a corresponding ratio of dosage as to weight, so check your dog's weight and see how much he/she needs to take.

Glucosomine and chrondroitin are molecules that make up a type of cartilage found in the joints. The idea behind oral consumption of these two supplements is that they may increase the rate of formation of new cartilage by supplying more of the necessary building blocks.

Glucosomine functions as an amino sugar, part of the carbohydrates group, that becomes part of the body tissue formation instead of being spent as energy. It is involved in the formation of the nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments and heart valves. It has been proven to aid in making new cartilages and fixing old ones.

Cartilages maintain their flexibility and strength and lessens friction on joints through the help of chondroitin.

Humans and animals need Vitamin C which is necessary in the production of collagen. Connective tissues of tendons, ligaments and fascia, has so many of these fibers.

For your dog to attain a healthy condition, he or she must be in their right weight. To achieve this, make him or her do some light exercises. This will also keep their joints supple. Do not squeeze into one weekend, exercise that should be done daily for one week. It would become more of a disadvantage rather than an advantage to their well-being. Taking it slowly, one at a time is better. Your dog maintaining at its ideal weight and health condition is important in putting off that additional pressure on the bones and joints. Provide your dog a good, healthy diet rich in vitamins, proteins and fibers, and add a supplement specifically for arthritis if your dog is already showing symptoms.




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Sunday, October 9, 2011

Boy Dog Collars for the Luxury Dog Clothes Crowd

By Mikey Davis


People are lining up in droves to pick up the new luxury dog clothes and boy dog collars at the Chihuahua Shop this month. It seems as though chihuahua lovers received some sort of message informing them that they have to buy these items for their small dogs right now! Chihuahua owners are coming in for luxury dog clothing outfits like crazy! And the male chihuahua dog owning crowd is getting impatient and is demanding more boy dog collars for their little doggies! It's a little crazy.

Typically, you see the haute couture dog fashion on the TV shows and in the movies. The little dogs in Beverly Hills Chihuahua and in the other dog movies are often seen dressed in luxury dog clothes. But ordinary dog owners with chihuahuas are flocking into the chihuahua boutiques to pick these more regal, luxe clothes for their puppies now, too!

And as for the more masculine doggie collars, I really don't know what's going on with those. It's almost as if Cesar Millan instructed his legions of fans to head out and pick out some boy doggie collars for the boy doggies in your dog pack at home. Again, don't look to me to tell you why, but it's the studded dog collars with the black leather bands that are flying out the Chihuahua Shop doors. It's crazy!

It's looking like fall is going to be the fashion season of male dogs and the pampered luxe dog pack. I've always been a fan of luxury chihuahua clothes but these people in the Chihuahua Shop today are making me look like a tepid fan of these chihuahua accessories! There's almost a fever for these luxury dog fashion outfits and the male doggie collars.

To find either of these, just browse over to the new Chihuahua Shop's site using one of the above links. Or you can do a simple google search yourself and find heaps of them. There are literally scores of boy dog collars and luxury dog clothes out there in the online boutiques today. So have a look for yourself and your little chihuahua, and happy shopping!




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Saturday, October 8, 2011

Discus Fish Advice

By Adam White


An aquarium at your home or workspace can make a back drop which create an apparent degree of peacefulness. There is something genuinely restful about focusing on your discus swimming across their tank, plus the colorings displayed if your aquarium consists of tropical fish can be very spectacular. When you're thinking about setting up a fish tank and will be in particular targeting the tropical selection of fish, then a unique part of this variety will be a discus. They are simply about as close to a family pet as you can possibly get with a fish, merely because they will react to the environment outside of their aquarium by following their owners movements, tap up against the glass as soon as you decide to feed your fish, and will also eat out of your hands. That is what makes discus an attractive addition to any kind of fish tank, although looking after these tropical fish will call for a little work.

Initially, don't forget that any brand new fish that is about to be put inside a pre-existing tank must be quarantined for a couple of weeks, purely to be sure it's not infected with any parasites or illness. The discus is especially susceptible to those types of diseases, so having a parasite free aquarium is extremely important for the sake of the fish. A good method to maintain a cleaner fish tank is to be sure it's no less than 55 gallons since this can certainly help reduce pH levels varying too wildly.

A discus, similar to nearly all tropical fish, require a water temperature of between 82 and 88 degrees , so you'll want to preserve that level in order to keep them happy. They are a fantastic loving fish and like to hide and play, therefore including a few objects like decorations and plant life allows them to behave the way they do inside their habitat.
As mentioned earlier, discus fish will tell you if they are wanting to be fed, as a result take notice of the clues which can help you have a regular feeding timetable. Feeding them too much or too frequently can lead to illnesses.

As personable as discus fish are, they are however inclined to be a tad skittish, consequently lighting and tank location play a big role in their contentment. Keep the tank in an area which is not going to get lots of people wandering back and forth and put a bright light above the tank to eliminate the potential risk of shadows on the fish tank that might scare the discus fish. Then finally, you'll want to replace the water once weekly, but keep it to around 20-30% of the complete quantity of water, as excessive change too soon can irritate the discus.

A tank is a fantastic element to your home, and by putting in discus, you'll be delighted to see that the fish tank takes on a completely new level of fun. When you observe the recommendations outlined above, then you've the very best possibility of having fish that are happy and whose behavior will reflect that.




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Friday, October 7, 2011

Coping With Dog Behaviour Problems

By Venice Marriott


There's no such thing as a good dog which means most dogs will develop some type of behavior Problems at one stage or another in their lives. How we are involved with it will make the most significant difference between owning a dog that is wonderful to have around, or a total agony!

If we respond to their unacceptable behaviour in the wrong way, we risk making the issue worse and setting ourselves off on a downward spiral that could end in an one-way trip to the dog rescue.

Identifying Dog Behaviour Problems

Dog behaviour problems cover a broad range including aggression, biting, snarling and unnecessary barking, eating problems, pulling on the lead, jumping up, stealing food, attention seeking, destructive behavior, chewing, whining, scratching, digging, urinating or pooping in the house, and self mutilation.

Nonetheless some dog behaviour problems are not actually behaviour issues at all, but natural dog behaviour which we don't like. As an example, a dog digging to bury his bone would be considered natural behavior in the wild, but if it's in the middle of your grass lawn you're likely to classify that as a behavior problem.

Convincing a dog out of natural behavior isn't always easy so you might need to settle for a more creative solution. In the digging example above, a way around it might be to find an area in your garden where you do not mind them digging and use positive re-enforcement to prompt them to use it as an alternative.

How do Dog Behaviour Problems Develop?

Dog behaviour problems could be a sign that something else is wrong and their behavior is the dog's way of trying to cope with the situation. A useful example of this is separation anxiety in dogs, which can lie behind a complete range of behaviour issues from urinating in the house, to gnawing the furniture. All these issues are made as a technique of coping with dog anxiety.

Occasionally dog behaviour problems are learned responses to situations. A dog that reacts very aggressively to someone raising their hand could have learned to do that to protect themselves (particularly where a dog has been abused), yet will carry on reacting like this even when the situation has changed and the dog has been re-homed.

Major change in a dog's life can also be the trigger for behaviour problems, as they attempt to adapt to new environment, new territory, new people in the house, or maybe another dog. Triggers can include changes to a dog's health also , as a dog can feel more exposed or be suffering discomfort.

How to Deal With Dog Behaviour Problems

If you can work out what lies behind your dogs bad behavior, you are halfway there, as instead of coping with the behaviour problem itself you can handle the roots of the issue and the behaviour should change naturally.

Never use punishment based training, as this will backfire and has been shown to make the issue worse. It may also encourage some dogs to do it again, because while you're hollering at them you are also giving them attention, and for some dogs even the negative kind of attention you are giving them trumps none.

A good training program that can help you understand your dog and shows you how to use positive training systems to modify their reaction to the things which trigger their behaviour problems, is most likely to be the right way forward for you and your dog.

If you do not wish to tackle the difficulty alone, a vet or professional dog behaviourist could help you to decide on the right plan of action for your dog.

Whichever way you approach the problem, you'll need patience, endurance and a consistent response each time they use the behaviour you need to change. That way you give yourself the highest probability of success.




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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Breeding Discus in the Home

By Adam White


The discus fish is a great addition to every aquarium, on the other hand choosing to add one of these requires a real resolve for their well-being because they are infamously not easy to take care of. People who have dedicated the effort to discus care will receive a tremendous thrill from all of these great fish, and of course lots of discus owners will likely take into consideration is to endeavor to consider a discus pair that will mate. It had not been such a long time ago that discus breeding in the home aquarium was considered somewhat undoable, but thru practice, it is currently more common compared with what one would assume.

Aquarium capacity as well as water conditions would be important for correct discus care, and all those same key points apply regarding breeding. If you've been taking care of a discus fish for a long time, then you'll have no modifications to make to the situation. Discus fish possess a character that is definitely their very own, and that's exactly why you can not generally get a pair of discus to the aquarium and expect they are going to pair up, therefore, the partnering may just be the toughest element of the complete experience. You can look for discus breeders who'll offer a pair that have previously paired off, however , that could turn into a pricey proposition, and so many individuals get around the partnering dilemma by collecting a small grouping of six or maybe more developing discus and let them to choose ones own companion; certainly they are that fickle.

If your making the first effort at breeding discus fish there are a couple of things to look around for that will show you if your couple has paired up. The couple will begin to act harshly as soon as they believe the space they have chosen for breeding is getting neared, and they'll alternate fastidiously cleaning the spot they've picked for spawning. After they have the location organized, the female discus lays the eggs in rows, with the male in close proximity to fertilize them. Together male and female will fuss around the eggs, fanning all of them with water and fastidiously getting rid of unfertilized eggs in order to stop the healthy ones from growing contaminated. The eggs will hatch in about 2 days and the fry (babies) will continue to be within the breeding spot for an additional 12 hours.

The initial few days you will discover the fry eat food released from under the parents' scales, and much of their time would be spent learning how to hide, a practice thats generally typical among discus. Once you are certain that the fry are not feasting off the parents, you could start to introduce brine shrimp and powdered flake foodstuff. By 12 weeks the discus would be completely matured, after which they might be sold or relocated to some other aquarium. Now that you've a couple that've mated one time, you'll notice they will do so on a relatively regular basis given that a high level of discus care is preserved consistently.

Cross breeding different discus types can certainly be a interesting and worthwhile experience, on the other hand don't be put off in the event that to start with you do not be successful, like most great things you will need time for you and your discus for you to get it right.




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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Importance of Showing Affection To Your Dogs

By Charles Ma


Having a pet, especially a dog, is actually one of the most superb experience anybody could ever have. Dogs are naturally very sweet and loyal. There are plenty of reasons that explain why they are called "a man's best friend."



Without a doubt, love is one of the best gifts you can give your dogs. Since they shower you with unconditional and undying love, it's truly the least that you can do. Besides, dogs, whatever their breed is, are exceedingly lovable! You simply really can't help but touch, kiss, play and rub their bellies. Well, at least that's the case with me.



When you have a dog, you can't help but be their number one fans. It's so straightforward to love them. Dogs don't care whether you're the head of a law firm or you suck at mental arithmetic. Dogs will love you irrespective of what.



Dogs are naturally affectionate so you should never belittle what a slight touch or belly rubbing can do for them. But on the other hand, too much affection can lead to some major problems. Your dog can grow up to be a spoiled brat- yes, dogs can be brats too.



And if you have watched even only one episode of the Dog Whisperer, you ought to know that dogs don't want to grow up as unbalanced dogs! They would like to be happy- just like you and me.



But the job of showing affection to your dog can be a little too difficult to resist. So to help you ensure that you will not give too much affection to your dogs, here's an excerpt of an article that can be found in Cesar Millan's website:

Give affection - but at the appropriate time! Remember anytime you give affection, you fortify the behavior preceding it. Reward stability. Share your love when your dog is in a calm-submissive state.

Share emotion after a dog has... exercised and eaten, modified an unwelcome behavior into a behaviour you asked for, answered to a rule or command, or entered a calm-submissive state.

Don't share love when your dog is... afraid, concerned, possessive, dominant, aggressive, whining, begging, barking, or breaking a household rule.

Don't forget exercise and discipline. Prove your love by giving your dog what he or she needs: long walks; rules, bounds, and limitations

Give your dogs as much love as you have! Give as much love as your heart can handle and then some! But please give it at the right time.

Without a doubt, a dog can truly be your best friend. But just like humans, infrequently, dogs need some "tough love" too- this may make them stronger and happier.




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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

GPS Dog Tracking And Pet Microchips - Ultimate Protection

By Bernard Patel


When you start to hear about microchips and gps for dogs, naturally, you want to learn more. There is no gps dog microchip, they are two separate things. A microchip is just an identification tag. The gps locator is often constructed in the animals collar. The gps is designed to tell you where your dog is. This suddenly sounds much more exciting and useful than a microchip!

Those are just your first questions. Next you will want to know how much they are and if they work well. Will they be safe for your dog? Are they comfortable? Will someone take your pet to get to the collar?

After all, this is a miraculous invention. Dogs are not stationery objects. They often try to escape. Most often, by the time you have realized your pet is missing, Spot has already traveled far. Dogs will poke their nose through any hole and attempt to make it larger so that they can wiggle their way through. They hear things and smell things that they simply must discover. They love to leap to new adventures.

An owner of an expensive puppy would be even more concerned about their dogie getting out. Honesty often disappears when a finder of a lost puppy sees that little tail wagging. I saw a pet thief with my own eyes. She was paying for a pile of dog toys and supplies. She was so happy. The items were for the two runaway dogs she recently found. I asked her if she had tried to locate the owner and she only admitted making very feeble attempts. I did not know what to do and the pet store owner heard everything and she herself did not want to interfere.

The thought of being able to find your dog like a remote key finder is thrilling. It all boils down to one question. Is the gps dog finder worth the money. Before you answer that question, you need to find out what they are capable of, compare models and read reviews.

Many of the collars have what is called a programmable safety zone. This is the set parameter that you pet normally occupies. You can set several zones so that when you take your pet to the park, for instance, you will not need to reprogram. Some of the collars are designed to allow your pet 15 minutes to return after leaving a designated zone. This feature has it pros and cons. Many times, the dog does return and you will not be bothered with a false alarm. The bad part is, the dog can get a 15 minute head start.

Keep in mind that some gps packages only work with a monthly service commitment. Some collars will not even work on little dogs. A few of the brands have weight requirements. This is why you need to check and compare.

Finding the answers can be tough, but they are out there. Some say the gps dog tracking works. Continue your research. You never know when the gardener is going to leave the gate open.....




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Monday, October 3, 2011

Weimaraner Training: What Mistakes to Avoid

By Jan Gould


If you have been a weimaraner owner for several years, probably you are aware that providing weimaraner training can be tough taking into consideration this breed's temperament - energetic and has strong, instinctive prey drive. But that doesn't make training impossible for there are numerous techniques an owner can utilize to have a well-mannered four-legged pooch. One thing an owner should remember though is that, not all tips claiming to be effective are indeed effective. Hence it is very vital that you're well aware of what works and what to avoid.

To help you determine what are the things to avoid, here are the most typical mistakes some dog owners make:

1. Waiting before training.

While it is possible to train old dogs with new tricks, training at an early age normally leads to desirable outcome than training only when the dog has started to develop bad habits. In other words, training must start as soon as your new pet arrives home. Training during your pet's first few days at home may include socialization, potty training and some obedience commands.

2. Not knowing your pet's needs.

The outcome of training isn't only dependent on your skills regarding weimaraner training. It's also necessary to examine your pet's needs and condition so that you will be able to find out what technique would suit him best. Like for example if your pet has hearing issues, using hand signals is more appropriate than using voice commands during training particularly when you and your pet are a few meters away from each other.

3. Failure to correct an improper behavior.

You can't just tell a dog that chewing is unacceptable and expect him to understand and obey you. If you catch him in the act of doing the mistake, say chewing, call his attention right away, provide him with his chew toy and get the object once he diverted his attention to the toy. If he stays focused on the object he's not supposed to chew, avoid pulling it forcefully because he might assume that you're playing with him. Furthermore, correction should be done on a timely manner, not five hours or even one hour after an undesirable deed is done.

4. Using punishment.

While correction is necessary to achieve successful weimaraner training, it's important to bear in mind that using punishment to correct your dog's mistake isn't the best way to have a properly-mannered weimaraner. In fact, it can do more harm than good since inflicting physical pain may result to fear and aggression.

5. Failure to recognize and reward good behavior.

Since it isn't advisable to reprimand your dog, one way to encourage good behavior is to recognize it. Like for instance if your dog pees at the area you designated, rewarding him, be it with treat or praise, can make him realize that he gets good things for doing the deed thus will eventually help him establish proper potty habits.

6. Lack of confidence and consistency on the owner's part.

The owner's attitude and knowledge plays a great factor in achieving successful weimaraner training. You should be confident enough to show your dog that you are the leader of the pack thus he must obey whatever command you ask him to do. Additionally, consistency when it comes to training approaches prevents confusion on your precious dog's part.




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