BestpetsCARE: 10月 2011

When a beloved relative is slowly dying, the physical and emotional toll on the caretaker can be devastating. The myriad of complex medical decisions, combined with financial considerations can overwhelm even the strongest individual. Fortunately, Hospice organizations dedicated to providing terminal patients and their caretakers with dignified services are available to lend assistance in such situations. Hospice professionals provide a multidisciplinary approach to ease the suffering of patients so they may end their days on earth in a natural and dignified manner.

What about those situations where we have been told that our beloved pet has a terminal condition? In many instances, the confusion and helplessness a pet owner can experience can be almost as crippling as when confronted with a human loss. Rather than blindly opting for euthanasia, many pet owners are now seeking alternatives that will allow their beloved pet a chance to live out their life in the comfort and security of their own home. Pet hospice services may be the appropriate option to explore.

Pet hospice philosophy is geared toward providing a team approach, consisting of veterinarians, pet owners, and pet hospice counselors. This allows a dying pet to have a comfortable quality of life in their last days. The peace of mind that the owner will have in knowing that they did everything possible for the pet who loved them unconditionally may help reduce the sadness when the pet finally departs this earth.

The concept is a fairly recent development and the expansion of care networks is slowly growing. One possible reason for this may be that not all veterinarians are comfortable with the idea of advising non-professionals how to dispense powerful pain reducing medications in the home. The time required to provide proper pet hospice care, which could include visits to a pet's home, may also dampen a vet's enthusiasm to participate in the process. Fortunately, there are veterinarians who do recognize the value of the pet hospice program and actively participate in such plans.

For pet owners who are interested in exploring this option, a good place to begin would be the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (http://www.iaahpc.org). Detailed information about pet hospice goals, procedures, and contact information is available. Another source is your local veterinarian who may embrace the concept of a pet hospice program.

Even with the professional assistance of a veterinarian and a counselor, the most important member of a pet hospice team will always be the pet owner. The time, care, and love that the owner can give to the terminal pet will no doubt be the most comforting medicine that it can ever receive here on earth.

Monica Phillips is a contributing writer for Heart to Heart Sympathy Gifts, an online retailer of pet memorials and gifts of remembrance.

The Various Types of Hamster Diseases and Illnesses

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The love for pets among many people has shown no signs of waning. In any case, the numbers and varieties of pets kept are constantly on the rise. Hamsters for instance have become cherished pets to a number of people. The Golden or Syrian hamster is the most commonly kept as a pet. Sadly, a number of complications will always arise to spoil the joy between pets and their keepers. These rodents are no exception to such. Knowing the different types of hamster diseases can help you prevent the untimely loss of your pet. As with most animal complications, the earlier you identify them the better.

Types of Illnesses

These little creatures usually get sick rapidly as they do not have a long life span. This is a sad reality for those who cherish the joy they can bring. This rapid illness can be attributed to the countless varieties of illnesses that they have to face. These diseases can be classified into the following categories:

1) Digestive problems: Under this category, the hamster diseases include:

· Wet tail: This is a bacterial infection of the digestive tract which results in severe diarrhea. The dropping is normally pale, mushy and may contain mucus. They are so severe that the anal area of the pet remains dirty and wet.

· Tapeworms: This disease can be detected by sighting these worms on the droppings. This problem can easily be solved by paying a visit to the vet.

2) Skin problems: These creatures are also subject to a number of skin problems. These types of hamster diseases include:

· Mange: This skin complication is easy to detect as it results in hair loss. Demodectic mange is never a very serious concern in hamsters. However, it is many times associated with other underlying complications like cancers and kidney problems.

· Lice and Fleas: These will be common when you keep other pets in the house as well. Most vet doctors have good remedies for lice and flea control.

3) Joint and musculoskeletal problems: When placed in a small cage, these creatures usually suffer a condition known as cage paralysis. It is characterized by generalized weakness of the body. Always keep your pet in the largest possible cage and provide them with sufficient exercise.

Cancers

These little pets are no exception to every doctor's nightmare, cancer. There is a higher prevalence of such hamster diseases in the females than the males. The common cancers in this category include cancers of the adrenal and thyroid glands. While benign cancers will simply slow down their growth, malignant cancers can kill the creatures within a short time.

Due to the fact that there are various types of hamster diseases, it is imperative to take time to know the causes, signs and symptoms of the hamster diseases in order to come up with the best remedy.

Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

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Basically, this disease is a metabolic disorder in which the carbohydrate and fat metabolism are disturbed. 80 to 90 percent of dogs suffering from diabetes are females. In cats, the distribution is roughly random. There are various triggers of this disease. So it is possible that there is a congenital defect of the Langerhans islets (the insulin produced in the pancreas), but stressful situations or pregnancy can also trigger diabetes.

The blood sugar cannot be degraded, there is a rise in blood sugar levels, the blood is thicker, the flow of blood slows down and these are followed by symptoms such as eczema, itching, increased thirst, urine output increases, so the dogs often have to go for a walk. The cats either ask their master or mistress to take them out more often or they go to their litter box more often. In the advanced stages, the animals get flabby and tired and vomiting and respiratory problems can follow. The animals can go blind as a result of diabetes. Liver and kidney damage are also possible.

A blood test should be carried out at the appearance of the first symptoms, the diagnosis being necessary in order to treat the disease on time. There are two types of diabetes.

Type 1: These diseased animals have an inadequate production of insulin, which is what causes the disease. Young, genetically predisposed and/or obese animals are usually affected. Juvenile diabetes, which usually occurs in young dogs and cats, can be triggered by a viral illness. The pancreas becomes inflamed due to this viral disease. The islet cells in the pancreas are destroyed. A treatment consists of a regular dose of insulin. Insulin injections for life follow for the animal after it is diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetes - Type 2: This shows a lack of insulin action even when the pancreas produces enough of it. The exchange between the insulin and its receptors on the cell surface is not properly carried out in this case. Thus, there is a failure of glucose utilization of the cells.

Risk factors

Risk factors for insulin resistance are obesity (20% or more are overweight). Overweight cats are particularly affected, as well as animals with a metabolic disorder, physical inactivity and with insulin-acting hormones (e.g. glucocorticoids). When a dog or cat has to live with cortisone for long, it develops jatrogene diabetes (drug-induced diabetes, e.g. by too much cortisone). The most common cause of type 2 diabetes is and remains overweight as a result of malnutrition. The incidence of the disease increases with the age of the animal. The majority of affected dogs or cats are more than 9 years old. Studies in adult humans have confirmed that diabetes increases fivefold in obesity cases.

The treatment of type 2 diabetes is a consistent diet with high fiber contents, lots of exercise, less tasty treats between meals and sodium sulphate and magnesium phosphate, which reduce the weight. Uniform feeding is very important for the diagnosis of diabetes. The food composition must be the same. Blood glucose monitoring and continuous adjustment of the amount of insulin is not enough and not exactly pleasant for the animals. Ideally, the diet should be modified by the veterinarian.

If your dog or cat does not like diet food, you must offer it fiber-rich foods. This fiber-rich feeding reduces the glucose absorption from the intestine. 1.5 grams of wheat bran and cellulose per kilogram of body weight are suited every day. You can continue to provide commercial wet food alone, but note the helpful advice of your veterinarian. This will put together a diet for your pet, depending on which organs are affected secondarily. The vet will take into account if the diabetes has already affected the liver or the kidneys.

Aside from diabetes, make sure that your pets is healthy with flea collar for cats. This can help in managing cat parasites that can affect your pets easily.

2011年10月26日星期三

About the Teeth and Mouth

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Pet owners often notice that their animals no longer eat properly. Generally, it is always assumed that the animal has a stomachache. This may be true, but teeth and jaw problems are more common than gastrointestinal infections. Inflamed gums cause pain and the animal can no longer eat.

These infections are usually related to dental plaque and tartar, which then develop in gum problems. The bacteria can settle very easily there. They cause the gum inflammation. The gums swell and redden dramatically. Untreated gums and tartar lead to deep periodontal pockets and bone loss in the periodontal compartment of the jaw. The classical periodontal disease arises. The tooth becomes loose and the pain is unbearable.

The animal, which previously received food that it could eat without feeling pain, is now completely exposed. Such problems are usually difficult to identify fin the early stages. However, there are also many internal diseases that cause gum reactions. Therefore, you should always consult a conscientious therapist and make sure that you detect the problem on time.

Tooth problems refer to decayed teeth. Different kinds of dental treatment for animals of all kinds have been tested in recent years, so it no longer necessary to remove the tooth right away. Now it can be treated like it is in humans. The treatments range from drilling and filling to fixing the root canals and crowns. Treatment is necessary because animals depend on an intact dentition. The disadvantage: the animal has to be put under anesthesia for all dental treatments.

Chewing problems may be caused by deformities of the jaws and teeth. These are often encountered, too. In this case, you can just remove the mature teeth and replace it with a fake one. Jaw abnormalities can be treated by fixed jaw treatment devices. However, your animal needs to be specially trained to use this "dental" doctor's advice.

In horses, for instance, dental care is generally necessary because of the extensive feeding from the trough in manufactured diets, so the natural chewing behavior changes (studies have shown that). The abrasion of the tooth surfaces is different, this also being known as hook formation. However, naturally, this occurs in older horses.

The tooth then protrudes, the sharp edges hurt when chewing and the horse can no longer eat properly. The pet owner should perform regular teeth checks, meant to identify any hooks, so that the animal is relieved from pain.

Rodents also have dental problems. In their case, they are caused by too much wear and tear because the teeth of rodents grow continuously for a lifetime. Rodents are therefore dependent on gnawing and crushing hard things with their teeth, so their teeth are constantly wearing down. This does not happen, for example, when the food is too soft (only green food) or the animal has a malocclusion, the teeth growing over each other and not fitting in the rodent mechanism, so these teeth continue to grow indefinitely and prevent the rodent from chewing properly.

They might grow in the opposite jaw. They can also cut their lips and cause other injuries in the animal's mouth. The rodents may die because they are no longer able to absorb food. Also, the back teeth of rodents can change. However, these then grow in width and lie down over the tongue like a bridge (so-called bridging). The animal cannot eat, not even with such teeth. The swallowing is also blocked. The only help is an attentive pet owner who can check the teeth at the first sign of eating reluctance.

The therapist can then use special tools to bring the teeth back to the natural length and width. Conscientious pet owners know that it is important to monitor the teeth and mouth of their animals from time to time, for the animals to have better conditions for the future. You can do more as pet owners. Note the feeding! Your pets, especially dogs, should not play with hard objects such as stones. Such things destroy the tooth, the enamel breaking off. There are toothpaste and chewing products for dogs, which provide a degree of tooth cleaning.

Particular attention should be paid to feeding in cats because these animals have kidney problems, teeth problems being accompanying symptoms. Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to dental and mouth diseases.

Pets like cats need to have good set of teeth. It is vital for them to have good health and to avoid cat fleas. To do this, the frontline for cats will surely help a lot.

Hamster Gestation - Quicker Than You Think!

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The hamster gestation period is the number of days that it takes for hamster pups to be born after fertilization. Normally, the gestation period for hamsters ranges from 16-30 days depending on the breed. Throughout the period of time that your hamster is pregnant, as well as during and following the birth, there are some specific things you should do to ensure the health of the both the mother and her pups.

First let's discuss the various gestation periods depending on the breed of hamster that you own. The shortest hamster gestation period is just 16 days for the Syrian hamsters. This particular species has a gestation period that is quite accurate so if you happen to see the fertilization first hand, you can count on your pups arriving 16 days later.

The Russian dwarf hamster is pregnant for 18-21 days, the Chinese hamster for 21-23 days, and the longest hamster gestation is with the Robo hamster at 23-20 days. For all of the hamsters, you will notice the female's abdomen gets significantly larger at about 4 days before the birth.

The males should be removed from the cages after fertilization if they are Syrian hamsters. With dwarf hamsters, the males can stay with the mother because they tend to be very helpful when the litter is born. You will want to keep a close eye on them and make sure they are not being aggressive towards each other. If you notice any problems, you can slide a clear divider (mesh) between them until things calm down.

If you want to continue to breed the hamster pair in the future, you should not take the male out because it might be hard to get them back together again. Do note though that some hamsters can start mating again at about 24 hours after birth. If you are not quite ready for a new litter so soon, try the divider method.

While the expectant mother is pregnant, it is important to provide her with a clean cage and plenty of food and water. The cage should be cleaned out daily and be sure to note any changes in her behavior. It is recommended to keep a notebook of daily activities in case you might need to show it to a veterinarian at some point.

For food, you can continue with the normal feedings but also add some additional protein. This can include foods like tofu, scrambled eggs, vegetables, or cheese. One thing you don't want to include is milk. There is a theory that giving milk helps the mother to produce milk but this is absolutely unnecessary and should be avoided.

You can continue to take your pregnant hamster out of her cage for playtime and cuddling up until the birth. You might notice she is not quite as active and might be more inclined to snuggle than run around in her hamster ball.

After the birth, it is best to leave the mother and her pups alone. In fact, handling the pups could cause the mother to kill them and cannibalize them. Do what you can to keep the cage clean and, of course, continue to offer plenty of food and water. After about two weeks, you should be able to handle the furry little pups and do a more thorough cleaning of the cage.

You should do additional research on hamster gestation for your particular breed of hamster to learn more about your hamster's behavior.

For more information on hamster-gestation, check out DwarfHamsterSite.com. Liz Andrews has been a hamster enthusiast for nearly 20 years. Her newest book, 'Dwarf Hamsters In a Nutshell,' teaches hamster owners absolutely everything they need to know about caring for their pet.

2011年10月25日星期二

Poisonous Plants in Gardens and Parks - A Danger to Dogs and Cats

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Oleander: The stomach symptoms, like salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, are in the foreground. Other symptoms include arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, dilated pupils, cramps and hypothermia and coughing with respiratory distress.

Yew: The whole plant is highly toxic. The most common poisoning is caused by careless handling of garden waste. Hyper-acute to acute poisoning occurs. The following symptoms are observed in dogs and cats: fever, disorientation, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of light reaction of the pupil, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath, abdominal hemorrhage, coma and death. No specific antidote is available for therapy.

Boxwood: Similarly to yew branches, the branches of boxwood are very often used in floristry for Easter and Christmas arrangements. The alkaloid cyclobuxin present in boxwood causes excitement first and then paralysis of the central nervous system. As with yew, the toxicity of the plant is not reduced after drying. The lethal dose for dogs/cat is 5 g of leaves/kg of the body mass. The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, agitation and paralysis. Death occurs as a result of respiratory paralysis. The intake of fresh plant material is rare because of the very bitter taste.

Laburnum: 2-7 g seed/kg of the body mass may be toxic. Your animals are endangered for the seeds and roots have a sweet taste. The cases described in literature were caused by chewing laburnum branches (stick throwing). The poisoning starts after a very short time. The animals react with violent vomiting, diarrhea and collapse after a few minutes only. Forms of epilepsy seizures can be added in the final stage. No specific antidote is known.

Wonder tree: This herb, derived from castor oil, is dangerous for pets in several ways: on one hand, this is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks and on the other hand, one finds the attractive brown marbled seeds in jewelry chains. Furthermore, oil cake is used as fertilizer.

The poison "ricin" is only found in the seeds. It develops severe stomach - intestines - inflammation and causes damage to the liver and kidneys as well as decomposition of red blood cells. The lethal dose for dogs/cats is estimated at 1 to 2 g/kg of the body mass. The initial vomiting and bloody diarrhea, fever, convulsions, uncoordinated movements, circulatory collapse, signs of kidney infection, urinary retention and signs of resolution are accompanied by damage of the red blood cells after a latency period of a few hours to 3 days. Death usually occurs after 48 to 72 hours. The use of an antiserum is ideal for therapy. Castor oil is available in pharmacies as it is nontoxic.

Mistletoe: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, fever, cardiac arrhythmia, convulsions, uncoordinated movements, paralysis, changes in sensitivity, coma and cardiac arrest can develop in a few hours. Deaths are rare.

Rhododendron and azalea: They lead to paralysis of the skeletal muscles. The first symptoms that appear are drooling, rubbing the head against objects, nasal and eye discharge, vomiting and diarrhea. These are followed by a slowing of the heartbeat, a drop in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, muscular paralysis and respiratory disorders. Death occurs due to respiratory paralysis. Literature has reported a poisoning case in dogs, caused by rhododendron containing bark mulch.

Giant hogweed: It contains so-called fuccomarine substances. Those are phototoxic substances that absorb UV light and trigger energy chemical reactions that damage the genetic material and the cell. Giant hogweed on the skin or mucous membrane and then exposed to sunlight leads to severe sunburn with bubble formation and subsequent hair loss. The little hairy and non-pigmented body parts (head and abdomen) are particularly vulnerable. The healing process is lengthy and often leaves behind scars and pigment changes.

Hydrangea: The plant contains saponins, also known as cyanide-releasing substances (for example hydranin). The symptoms manifested in animals would be painful stomach or intestines inflammation with diarrhea, which may also be bloody. Furthermore, the animals present fear and hesitation. No deaths in dogs/cats have been registered so far.

The plants listed are only a small selection of plants that are poisonous to your animals. They are the most common plants found in the garden and park. Homeopathic treatments for poisoning can help the animals and save them. Poisoning leads to great weakness, bloody vomiting and bloody stool, which also has an unsuitable thickness. It is also accompanied by severe hypothermia and collapse. A different homeopathic remedy is used for each animal, even if the cause of poisoning is the same. There is no antidote for the poison, so this problem is treated symptomatically.

Always keep your cats and dogs safe. Make sure that they also have fleas collar for cats. It can help in managing ticks on cats. It is a huge help for them.

Pet Shop Supplies

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There are some pet shop supplies that are much more important than others and all pet owners should have them when it comes to owning a cat, a dog, a hamster, bird or any other pet that is held and played with regularly. They are items that are necessity pet shop supplies, as well as items that make life for any pet much more comfortable too. There are items that should be purchased if they have not been already, as well as items that may not seem like a necessity, but really are. The important pet supplies to have include:

Water Bowls and Food Bowls - Any pet that is owned should have a separate water bowl and food bowl. This is true of any pet, even the ones that are kept in cages. The obvious reasons being that they need to eat and drink daily, however they should be separate bowls since many times vitamins needed to be added to them or the pet needs to be able to eat and drink at the same time. Depending on the pet that is owned will determine the size and type of food and water bowls that are needed. For instance, birds typically can have a water dripper that attaches to the side of the cage and food bowls that sit in a slot in the cage. While dogs and cats require different sized bowls based on their size. Not to mention that large breed dogs may require a water and food bowl that is elevated from the ground so that they do not have to lean down as far to eat, which is better for their digestion.

A Bed - This can be a cushion that is made for a dog or cat or it may be a small hutch for a bird. While gerbils and hamsters have small homes that fit inside their cage as well. Either way, the pet needs a place that is comfortable for them to sleep in. Many pets spend a large portion of their day sleeping and laying, so having a bed or home of some sort is very important. It will be better for them, since they will be more comfortable and they will be in a better mood too when they have slept well, just like humans. Providing a bed for a pet also gives them a space that is all their's, as well as this is useful when it comes to keeping pets off of furniture too.

Grooming Pet Supplies - Maintaining their fur, wings and nails is very important. This also includes teeth in cats and dogs, as well as other pets too. A pet's health is directly tied to making sure that they are groomed, especially when it comes to their mouth. Making sure to clean their teeth, clip their wings so they can not be injured when flying or brush their fur to remove mats is very important. Animals that have matted and knotted fur are not going to feel comfortable, nor will they look appealing either. Ensuring that their fur is clean and brushed is important so that it does not build up oils, hold in dirt and so their skin is not hurt either.

Toys - Just like people, animals like playing with toys. Toys are necessary so they have something to do when there is no one else around. Toys also allow them to spend time on their own as well. This is extremely important for breeds and animals that are very active and need regular exercise as well.

Travel Pet Shop Supplies - This can be a necessity for people that need to travel with their pets often. It is important to have the right carrying cages and items to travel easily with the pet, as well as ensure that they will not be injured too.

Which pet supplies are purchased will vary from pet to pet, however these are the basics that all pets should have in one form or another.

For further information regarding pet shop supplies, please visit MyReviewsNow Online Shopping.

Information on Dog Food

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If you ask a dog owner what the optimum dog food is, you usually get no clear answer. Therefore, you can often notice that the world of dog owners is dominated by great uncertainty and ignorance. Many people buy dog food from the mid-price segment and assume that they are giving their dog the best nutrition they can afford.

The nutritional needs of a pet are a little complicated matter and a basic knowledge of food of responsible dog owners is irreplaceable nowadays. Here is some information to help you with this problem.

There are many studies, debates and conflicting views about the proper dog food. Some ingredients, however, are vital and not debatable.

Proteins

Dogs are carnivores and need quite many proteins. In the wild, they have a diet that consists mainly of hunted herbivores. The wild dog needs its proteins, but also some other nutrients, so it will eat plants, too. Of course, dogs kept at home cannot hunt like wild dogs and therefore, cannot take the necessary proteins by themselves. Therefore, the dog owners have to make sure that the proteins are the basis of the dog food they their dogs. It is generally recommended that the dog food contains between 28% and 40% proteins. Dog owners also have to pay attention to the nature of the proteins. There are several types of proteins that have different levels of amino acids. The chance to take these amino acids from the protein depends largely on the quality of the protein. The better the quality of the protein, the more usable are the amino acids it contains. The dog's digestive system cannot break down proteins of lower quality.

Fat

Although most people think of fat as a bad ingredient of food, the pet must also take some fat for its health to be satisfying, just like humans. A fat molecule is generally composed of one carrier and three fatty acids. The small intestine of the dog ensures that fatty acids are available, as well as enzymes and bile. It is important that as many essential unsaturated fatty acids are present in the food the dog eats because its body cannot form them itself. No general statement can be made, but most dogs do not need more than 20% fat. A less active dog needs 9% fat at most, while an active dog needs 20% at most. If the dog is nursing puppies, it is advisable that the dog will take about 17% fat from the dog food. If the dog is supposed to lose weight, the dog food should naturally contain as little fat and protein as possible. One can also say that the daily requirement of digestible fat is 1g per kg of body weight.

Carbohydrates

The main suppliers of carbohydrates in food are corn and potatoes. These carbohydrates can be a problem if you are not careful. An excess of carbohydrates can result in various health problems in a dog in certain conditions, especially if they constitute a large part of the diet. Cheap dog food can contain up to 70% carbohydrates, while a dog actually needs less than 30%.

Feed the dogs well. Make sure that you read the flea treatment review to know more. You will be able to know the flea treatment for dogs that can surely help.

2011年10月24日星期一

Check Your Animals Regularly

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The kidney is preparing all the urinary substances prior to excretion by filtering the blood. The two kidneys may not be working at "full speed," but they protect each other. Each kidney takes turns when it comes to the filtration of blood. If the kidneys are healthy, the body can excrete the toxins from the blood via the urine.

Very young or older animals are prone to kidney disease. Young animals need to learn how to deal with conflicts. Crystals occur in the urinary tract if these conflicts are not resolved and kidney sand, kidney meal or even kidney stones form gradually and the filtration process suffers greatly. The kidneys are always involved in circulatory disorders (atherosclerosis).

Older animals show more weakness than young animals. Too much calcium can promote calcification and thus kidney problems can already occur at a young age. Acute and chronic diseases are differentiated when it comes to kidney inflammation or kidney disease. The former are rarely present as independent diseases. In general, there is an accompanying symptom of various infectious diseases, sepsis, purulent processes in the body, poisoning, metabolic disorders and vascular diseases.

Symptoms can include pain in the kidney area with limitations in walking, loss of appetite or fever. The animal urinates less, takes up little liquid, feels pain when urinating and the urine is dark. This means that crystals have been formed, which keep the epithelial cells from working properly. Chronic kidney disease is related to chemical substances in dogs and cats. Chemical additives in food in the form of preservatives overload the liver and this leads to chronic kidney disease. Too much protein in the diet overloads the kidney (but also the liver).

Animals show no obvious symptoms in case of chronic kidney disease. They lose weight over time, the fur is dry, they have flaky and itchy skin, sometimes there is vomiting, they drink more water and urinate a lot. In the final stage, the animals begin to vomit, get diarrhea and ulcers on the oral mucosa. There should always be a balance between the amount of proteins the diet contains and the water supply of the dog.

Many owners want their peace and quiet at night and give their pets a little water in the evening to avoid having to go outside. Thus, the toxins are not excreted from the body via the urine and a fatal outcome of a disease is promoted. Tumors, vascular disease, leukemia and FIP (Felline infectious peritonitis = peritonitis in cats) can also lead to chronic kidney affections. A strong increase of the kidney can be the only and most obvious finding in cats suffering from leukemia. Cats can be protected against leukemia with an annual vaccination. The treatment of kidney disease includes low-protein diet food, lots of rest and warmth. Physical stress, overheating and getting wet are contraindicated in animals which suffer from kidney disease.

Causes of kidney infection include: infection usually caused by bacteria; poor nutrition, high in protein, poisons or chemicals; constant mental stress constricts the blood vessels and restricts the kidney function greatly; shock conditions can lead to kidney failure; the infection first starts in the urethra and then rises to the kidneys; toxins and allergies - screening should be carried out regularly from the 2nd age (6-8 years) to discover this kidney damage early and to get treatment in time.

Kidney disease vaccinations in conflict periods are stressful for the kidneys of small animals. They can lead to kidney failure. Anesthetics are considered critical in elderly and adolescent animals. Anesthetics have often led to kidney failure in the second half of life of the animal. In very old animals, the anesthetics are often the cause of kidney failure. Heaped anesthesia in the first year of life burdens the kidneys greatly. Unnecessary anesthesia should be avoided. The kidney has a low excretion capacity in newborns up to the age of three months. Excretion problems may occur if some puppy food has a disproportionate share of uremic substances (proteins).

Dangers

Pay maximum attention to the dry food. This often consists of processed raw materials, which are the result of production processes at high temperatures and which represent a threat and a tremendous burden on the kidneys. The related animal flours are especially dangerous, often being made of emergency slaughtered animals or carcasses. Increased kidney values are often discovered by chance, as they do not match the symptoms of kidney failure.

Therefore, pet owners should check the kidney values at regular yearly intervals. This is particularly important in animals put under anesthesia very often or which have passed the second age. Also, the kidney tissue can be stimulated to regenerate, provided you start early. It can prolong the life of your dog for years.

Check them regularly and make sure that you have advocate for cats to keep them healthy. There are plenty of cat parasites. Make sure that you protect your cats.

Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats

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Eliminate the internal causes first:

The skin is the largest organ of the body, representing 12 percent of the body mass along with the hair and skin. Therefore, its share in the metabolism of the organism is considerable:

- Synthetic capacity - formation of hair, nails, epidermis (outer skin layer)
- Memory function, especially for water, electrolytes, but also for proteins, fats and vitamins
- Immune functions
- Secretion and excretion of vitamin D 3
- Protective functions. It wards off germs, relieves cold and heat stimuli and protects the body from injury and chemical influences. Its receptor cells undertake all external stimuli and forward them to the internal organs.

This triggers an appropriate response of the CNS (central nervous system) or the autonomic nervous system (e.g. sweating when exposed to heat, etc.). With its large area, the skin is a relief organ in case of an overload of the classical elimination organs (liver, kidneys, intestines, bronchi). Not only city dogs are faced with skin problems, but also those held in the kennel or chain-bound animals. They can lead to problematic relationships between humans and animals, but also between dogs. Anxiety, insecurity and pent-up aggressions result in a permanent tension: the nerve endings located in the skin are overworked. Allergies are the result.

The skin is a relief organ when the internal organs are congested. A skin polluted with toxins is prone to micro and ectoparasites (fleas, lice, mites, etc.). This creates a vicious circle for everyone involved - from the dog to the vet. Do not despair and "over lubricate" with salves. It would be irresponsible to treat the skin problems alone in those cases - to "over-lubricate" with salves. Skin diseases - except for external causes of injury - always have internal causes. Skin problems will disappear with the elimination of the causes.

There are many causes:

- Injuries, burns, etc.
- Ectoparasites
- Toxins (ozone, exhaust fumes, etc.)
- overloading of internal elimination organs (liver, kidney, etc.)
- Metabolism, deficiency diseases, hormonal disorders
- Damage caused by medications, diet-related disorders
- Allergies, psychogenic reactions - such as nervousness

The above-mentioned phenomena are often intertwined due to the lack of hygiene. Skin diseases require lengthy rehabilitation programs, but they are worth the effort for the well-being of the patients. Skin diseases can be recognized by dry, rough or scaly skin and even increased perspiration. Scratching, licking and biting the animal's limbs are also characteristic of an illness. Dry or weeping eczema, skin thickening, cracks in the skin, purulent pustules, crusts, skin rashes, etc. are also possible.

A special type of skin diseases are the wart-like changes. Warts usually present as the first pathological change in the third stage of inherited predispositions to disease (inclinations). This is consistent with Hahnemann's disease theory, which states that "diseases can develop from top to bottom and from the inside to the outside". This is the natural order of things, which contributes to the preservation of life and protects and relieves the internal organs. If no skin changes are present in this stage, a virulent reaction follows quickly. Some possible scenarios are malignant cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and there is susceptibility to diabetes and tuberculosis.

Warts are signs of internal conflicts. The excision of warts or burns (lye, acid, etc.) does not fight the cause. That is why new warts always appear. An even worse scenario is the emergence of malignancies in the vital internal organs, skin diseases like dermatitis in juvenile animals, these often being triggered by vaccination and being cured with appropriate homeopathic remedies. Some skin diseases associated with "autoimmune diseases" can also be cured in a short time. One should not wait too long until they decide for a homeopathic treatment because the longer a skin disease is suppressed, the longer is the healing process. All breeds are affected by skin diseases.

Skin diseases is very common so make sure that you have frontline for cats to protect them. The ticks on cats must be managed well.

2011年10月23日星期日

A Longer Hamster Tail - Who's Got One?

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Many hamster owners are curious about hamster tail lengths for the dwarf Chinese hamsters. The tails of most hamsters are usually not very visible but it does depend on the species. For most hamsters it is about 1/6 of the body length except for the dwarf Chinese hamster in which it is about one inch up to the full length of the body. This causes a lot of people to mistake the Chinese hamsters for rats or mice.

If you would like a hamster with a longer hamster tail, the Chinese dwarf is definitely your best bet. Hamsters with long hair like the teddy bear hamsters have stubby little tails but you can't see them under all of the hair.

So what should you know about the long-tailed dwarf Chinese hamster before you purchase one?

Life Span

The Chinese dwarf hamster lives about 1.5-2 years on average. Their life span can definitely be affected by how well they are taken care of by their owners and the quality of the supplies in their cages.

Appearance

These hamsters do have the longer hamster tail and also tend to be a bit on the thinner side. They can be up to 12 centimeters in length. Their coats do not come in many varieties. There is the wild or normal type, the dominant spot type, and the black-eyed white type. The wild type is the most common and is very similar to mice coats. They do have a dorsal strip along the back so these hamsters are also sometimes called a "striped hamster."

Behavior

Chinese dwarf hamsters can sometimes be a little hostile at first but they are easy to tame with patience. They are actually considered one of the easier hamsters to handle. The most aggressive of these hamsters are the pregnant female and other females during the mating period. Females can become so dominant that they will actually kill other males in the cage. It is very important to keep a close eye on these hamsters if they share a cage and to learn their behavior signals. Like other breeds, they will keep themselves very busy during the night hours and sleep most of the day.

Housing

Probably one of the most important aspects of caring for a Chinese dwarf hamster is its housing. Chinese dwarfs should be kept in glass aquarium homes because they are thin enough to slink through wire cages. The lids to the cages should be secure but also allow for airflow. A mesh panel that is weighted with a stone might be a good option. Be careful anytime you take your dwarf out of his tank as they are very quick and can break free easily. Make sure all exits and hiding spots are sealed.

Food

Chinese hamsters can be fed normal hamster food available at a pet shop. You can also provide fresh fruits and vegetables. The best choices are apples, leafy greens, and carrots. A water dispenser that is changed daily should also be provided. Chinese hamsters will drink a lot so make sure the bottle never becomes empty. Don't purchase the water bowls, as you don't want your hamster to fall inside and drown

If you are enthusiastic about having a pet with a longer hamster tail such as the Chinese dwarf, continue to do more research by purchasing a detailed guide for the species.

For more information on the longer hamster tail, check out DwarfHamsterSite.com. Liz Andrews has been a hamster enthusiast for nearly 20 years. Her newest book, 'Dwarf Hamsters In a Nutshell,' teaches hamster owners absolutely everything they need to know about caring for their pet.

Hamster Diseases - Keep Them at Bay by Avoiding Them

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Hamsters are popular pets among many people. Due to their small size, they are susceptible to get hamster diseases. As a pet owner, it is important to get an idea of the most common diseases and learn how to avoid them for the purpose of ensuring you have a healthy hamster at under your case. Some of the common types of hamster diseases you need to be on the lookout for include the following.

Bladder Stones

It is easy to detect signs of this illness at an early stage. Some of the signs you need to be on the lookout for include the following.

· Evidence of blood in urine.
· An increase in consumption of water.
· Straining while urinating.
· Littleness.

If you take the pet to a vet who is experienced, they can remove the stones and it is advisable to start your pet on dietary management. This will go a long way to dissolve the stones and at the same time, prevent a recurrence of the same.

Cancer
This common among hamsters and the possibility of contracting it increases with age. What is more, the statistics indicate that the condition is higher in females rather than males. While this can either ne malignant or benign, most pets suffer from the latter. These lead to imbalance of the hormones, behavioral change and hair loss. In most cases, these tumors cannot be accessed and treatment is expensive. It is for this reason that most owners prefer to let the hamsters live out the remaining days rather than carry out surgery.

Water and Food
These two are essential for the purpose of ensuring you have healthy pets. While this is the case, there are instances when owners overlook the importance of these two. This leads to medical complications such as starvation, stomach ulcers and cannibalism in some instances. The only way to ensure that this does not happen is by ensuring that you provide your pet with a continuous supply of water and food. You should learn how to observe them careful for the purpose of noting any slight changes that might be used to indicate a complication.

Abscesses
This is as a result of bite wounds during fighting and they can lead to painful lumps which are found under the skin. It is however important to note that there are instances when this might be as a result of harsh beddings. It is for this reason that it is considered important to find the root cause before proceeding to take any action. If it is as a result of fighting, separate the fighting pets and if it is as a result of bedding and harsh foods, make sure that the hamster diseases condition is addressed with immediate effect.

Hamster diseases can be treated effectively once noted at an early stage and it is for this reason that it is considered important to learn more about types of hamster diseases before proceeding to treat them.

Traveling With Your Dog and Cat

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Do you travel often with your dog or cat? Will this be a new experience for both of you? Are their special safety precautions you need to take for your pet? Are there any restrictions regarding pets where your travels will take you?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, the following suggestions may help you.

Traveling with your dog or cat takes your traveling experience to a whole new level. If your pet is not used to traveling, for their comfort and yours, here are a few ideas you can consider.

First, ask yourself, do you really need to or want to take your pet with you on a long distance travel experience? Some pet experts suggest that taking your pet with you may not be the best idea, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't or couldn't take your best companion with you. This is a decision only you can make.

If you decide that you want to take your dog or cat with you, the key is preparation. Pet travel safety and comfort is important, so start with the pet carrier.

The dog carrier or cat carrier needs to be big enough so that your dog or cat can stand up and turn around. You should provide a plastic traveling dog bowl and water bowl that can be placed in the carrier. A picture of your pet with his name should be displayed on the outside of the carrier for identification purposes. A pet should never be taken out of the carrier or container unless you have a leash for him. If you are traveling by air, make sure your carrier is approved by your air carrier.

If your pet is not used to being in a dog carrier or cat carrier, bring the pet carrier into your home for up to a couple of weeks before you travel so they can get used to it. Keep the door locked open so they can go in and out at their leisure. Put a blanket or towel inside, and maybe a toy or treat, anything that would entice your pet to go into the carrier on their own.

Once they find it a pleasant place to be, you can lock the carrier with them in it, and take your pet for their first ride. Drive for 5 to 10 minutes on the first outing, increasing the time of travel each time you take them for a ride. Keep the carrier on a flat surface in the car such as the floor or a seat. Talk to them in a calm voice so you can help relieve any anxiety they may feel. Never put your pet in the front seat of the car. In case of accident and an air bag deploys, it could severely injure or kill your pet!

If you are traveling just for a day or less, small dogs may like dog booster seats. Larger dogs may need a barrier in the back seat, or in the back of the van or SUV that will allow them to be somewhat contained in a small space, and be able to move around slightly.

Dogs that ride in the back of a pick up, which is extremely dangerous for the dog, could be safer if you use a restraint designed for the back of a pick up where a dog may move side to side, but will be confined enough so as to not jump out, or be bounced out on a rough road. Your priority should always be their safety, then their comfort.

When planning a car trip, make sure your pet will be accepted at any hotel enroute, and also at your final destination, whether that is a hotel, resort, a friend or relative's home.

Checking with your veterinarian before you travel is good advice. He can give you suggestions about pet travel also. He may suggest a medication that may help your pet stay calm, or if your pet suffers from motion sickness. However, medication is not always recommended for your pet's travel if there is another option. Your Vet will also make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and can give you a certificate of health, should you need it.

While traveling in a car, make sure you stop often enough to let your pet get out, stretch, relieve himself, and get something to eat and drink. Try to keep them in a close-to-normal eating schedule as possible.

Changing your pet's routine and environment can be difficult for them. Bringing bottled water from your tap and their usual food will be advantageous for their good health. Change of diet could upset their physical well being.

If you are traveling with your pet in an RV, it is not advisable to let them roam free while the vehicle is moving. They could be injured when the vehicle turns and stops, or they could distract the driver.

Traveling by air creates the need for other precautions. Small pets may be allowed to travel with you in the airliner cabin, under the seat. Large dogs will have to travel with the luggage in the luggage compartment. When your dog will be traveling in the luggage compartment, tell as many airline personnel as possible that your dog is traveling with you so they will be aware incase there are any long flight delays.

Schedule non-stop flights whenever possible. Book either early AM or late PM flights so the dog will avoid the excessive heat at midday. Be sure to check with your air carrier for their rules and regulations.

Remember, if you must travel with your pet, do all you can to make it a safe, comfortable, protected, and pleasant experience for you and your pet.

Happy traveling!

Lori Kniff loves cats and dogs. She has had a cat most of her life and several dogs. She is concerned with the health and welfare of our pets. Please visit http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com/ for items that will help you show your love for your cat or dog.

2011年10月22日星期六

Why It Is Important To Look After Your Pet's Joints and Muscles

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A common health-related issue that pets often suffer from is Arthritis. Whilst we humans can tell someone if our muscles or joints are hurting or aching, animals do not have that same luxury and so unless they are in serious or instant pain, they do not cry out. This is why it is essential to keep an eye out for any changes in your pet's behaviour or movement.

Arthritis is a pain of the joint and can affect just one specific joint or many joints in a pet's body. In-between each joint of bone there is a substance called cartilage which acts as a cushion and lubricates the joint. Once this substance is worn down and has eroded away, it can cause swelling, inflammation and general pain.

There are two types of Arthritis that can affect cats and dogs. The first is known as Osteoarthritis and is a degenerative condition whereby the cartilage is worn down. This is the more common type of the disease (usually present in older pets) and is caused by over-usage over the joint. It can also be found to affect young to middle aged pets if they have suffered a severe shock or injury to their joint or have suffered from a serious disease. The second type is known as Rheumatoid arthritis and is an autoimmune disorder in which the pet's body will attack its joints and cause inflammation. This type is rarer than Osteoarthritis.

The symptoms of Arthritis in a pet can sometimes be hard to spot; this is especially true with older pets. Many people believe that their older pets move slowly, display lethargy or limp a little on a certain leg simply because they are getting old. Whilst this is the case, there is also a high chance that the older pet may be suffering from Arthritis and can be given medication to alleviate some of the pain. Other symptoms can include a fever, loss of appetite and a reluctance to move.

There are various medications that a vet may prescribe for your pet if they are suffering from Arthritis. The medication prescribed will be dependent upon each individual pet and their medical history. It is very important that you do not self-administer drugs that humans take for Arthritis (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) to your pet as they are extremely dangerous and can prove lethal.

When talking about treatment it is important to note that it is all about handling and management of your particular pet. In addition to medication, weight control can play a key role in easing the pressure and pain put on a pet's sore joint. If you cat or dog is overweight and suffering from Arthritis, then 'lightening the load' can help to put less pressure on the sore joint. Once the disease has been diagnosed and medicated, it is key that a minimal amount of movement and exercise is placed upon the suffering joint. Again, it is about control as too much exercise will aggravate the joint or wear down the cartilage. If a pet develops Arthritis then this treatment/management will have to be continued for the rest of its life.

Arthritis can be very unpleasant and on-going and so if your pet is moving a little gingerly then arrange an appointment at the vets. Here they may take an x-ray of the affected ligament and will be able to determine if your pet does indeed have Arthritis.

Please be aware that this article is for informative and advice purposes only. It is not a medical document and if you are worried that your cat may be suffering from Arthritis or any other type of illness then you should contact your local vet.

To see our fantastic range of pet insurance policies head to our website http://www.animalfriends.co.uk/ For every quote we make online we'll donate 50p to an animal charity with the goal of donating a million pound to animal charities by the end of 2012. Keep up to date with all things Animal Friends related on our Feel Good Park Facebook page. For every 'like' we receive we'll donate ￡1 to an animal welfare charity.

All You Need to Know About Hamster Diseases

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Due to their small sized bodies, hamsters are vulnerable to diseases that end up killing them very fast. While this is the case, it is highly advisable to ensure that they are well taken care of in the most recommended way to avoid this from happening. There are quite a number of hamster diseases that are believed to be very serious especially if quick action is not taken. Read on to learn about the different types of hamster diseases that exists today.

Papovavirus: This is one illness that mostly causes an infection which later on leads to emergence of kidney, tumors as well as lymphoma problems. In order to be able to be able to know that your animal is suffering from this illness, there are symptoms to look for which include; wart like lumps that mostly affect the face and huge lumps that are mostly noticeable underneath the skin as well as on the nape of the neck.
Cancer: Among the types of hamster diseases, this is deemed to be the most dangerous of all. This is due to the fact that this illness is very common among these animals and furthermore it affects both the thyroid and adrenal glands that play a major role in the life of these animals.
Wet Tail: Based on the analysis done on hamster diseases, the outcome showed that wet tail is the most serious of all. This is simply because it attacks the intestines of these animals making them very weak leading to their death. The common signs to look for to be able to determine that an animal is suffering from this ailment are; the animals tend to have a hunched pose, watery diarrhea, eyes that are sunken and lastly an anal area that is very soiled. In case you discover these symptoms, it is advisable to seek the necessary attention before your animal dies.
Abscesses: In most cases, you will discover that at one time or another, these animals may get into a fight with their fellow friends and as such, they end up biting each other resulting to wounds. These bite wounds if not treated promptly, they easily cause abscesses. In addition, this ailment can be brought about if the animal stores harmful food in its cheek pouch.
Bladder Stones: These animals are very vulnerable to this particular type of illness. It is usually formed in the urinary tracts of these animals. In most cases, the animals tend to be restless and out of place. There are other symptoms to look for and these include; urine containing blood, frequent water utilization as well as recurrent urination. If you notice nay of these symptoms on your hamster, be sure it is suffering from bladder stones.

Hamlet diseases pose a great risk to wonderful pets. The common types of hamlet diseases include digestive and skin problems as well as cancers.

2011年10月21日星期五

Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Hip Dysplasia

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Arthritis is defined as a sub-inflammatory disease of the joint. This can occur on the following occasions: luxation (dislocation), distortion (strain), contusion (bruise), infection (after injury, after tick bites or by inflammation in the body via the bloodstream), allergies or intoxication, infections (e.g. flu-like infections with limb pain) or metabolic waste products (uric acid). The pain is often accompanied by a warm swelling of the joint; the animals show varying lameness and feel pain.

The animals have sprained inclinations with flaccid connective tissue (especially poodles). The connective tissue cannot be tightened. Arthritis caused by metabolic disturbances associated with the deposition of uric acid in the joints (and also in the muscle tissue) requires treatment... This must be done; otherwise the dog runs the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease.

Large growing breeds are highly exposed to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia, briefly called HD, is defined as follows: "HD is an inherited malformation of the hip joint, in which the acetabulum and the femoral head are not coordinated in shape. The deformity occurs in varying degrees and can be expressed in a form of abnormality of the femoral head or acetabulum or both. HD develops from birth until the age of 1 to 1 ? years. "This affects large growing breeds. In smaller breeds, HD usually occurs at an advanced age.

Some causes of arthritis maybe the feeding of too much vitamin D3 and minerals, for example, calcium. No more than 1000 IU of vitamin D3 should be used per 1 kg of diet and the calcium requirement for dogs should not exceed 100 mg/kg of body weight. Sure, the body's regulatory mechanisms prevent the accumulation of too much or too little calcium in the blood, but a surplus is usually permanent. Both components (vitamin D3 and calcium) promote bone formation when added in larger amounts in the food.

Arthritis initially appears at the level of the large joints. Hip, shoulder, elbow dysplasia, but also other forms of joint arthritis may have a genetic cause. The femoral head is not always firmly located in the hip socket. A firming of connective tissue (the muscle attachments) is achieved with proper treatment and the femoral head is firmly set back into the acetabulum. Thus, this arthritis is not traumatic. This streamlining process takes several weeks. The animal must be protected during this time.

It is estimated that 90 percent of the large growing dogs which present joint problems are malnourished. Extreme malnutrition (protein deficiency) results in delayed skeletal growth, with joint and growth cartilage being affected. On the other hand, an excess of protein (raw meat, egg yolk), high protein content in the diet or administration of too high energy diets in the early stages of growth are among the main causes of osteoarthritis. An excess of muscle mass causes trauma to the joints.

"Weight trauma" involves an early joint capsule wear. Furthermore, it has been found that dogs (with "weight trauma") present the so-called growth-related bone pain. The joints are a movable connection of the rigid bones. They have to be highly functional. The joints consist of the joint capsule, synovial fluid and articular cartilage coats. The latter and the bones have a particularly important task because they have a huge buffer effect ("shocks") and are responsible for the pressure and strength of the joint. A burden of the joint is impossible or is terribly painful without this cartilage.

The cartilage cells that form the cartilage are referred to as "cartilage factories". They are very busy producing new life-long cartilage cells. The dog needs "building blocks" to repair the cartilage if there is a constant "destroyer" of the cartilage. This should be a universal indication for prevention of osteoarthritis. The animal owners should also perform a feeding analysis on their four-legged friends and change any of the food habits in favor of their pet. There is an urgent need to administer supplementary food for the reconstruction of the cartilage:

- For fast-growing, large breed dogs in a growth phase
- With excessive work of joint cartilage due to extreme stress - hunting dogs, sled dogs, sporting dogs, etc.

The consequences of osteoarthritis are always the same no matter whether we refer to dogs, cats or horses: pain, lameness, reluctance in motion, low quality of life and low vitality.

It is common for pets to have diseases and conditions like cat fleas. One thing that you need to make sure is that they need to feel at ease in their cat beds and baskets as much as possible.

How To Tame a Hamster

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Handling is one of the joys of having a pet hamster, and if you don't tame your hamster you won't be able to have a full, free relationship with him. Taming can be time-consuming and involves a good deal of patience, but in the end it will all be worth it. It is important to remember that a hamster may sometimes bite, but this is only done through fear and is a defensive behavior. If a hamster bites it means he is not comfortable being handled yet.

When you first bring your hamster home do not attempt to tame it immediately. The hamster should be given at least a couple of days to settle in and get accustomed to it's surroundings. It can be very frightening being in a new place. Trying to tame the hamster too early will only frighten him more. Put his cage somewhere quiet and calm.

Once these few days have passed you should start spending time sitting by the cage, perhaps sit and read near the cage and gently talk to your hamster. This will get him used to your presence. Next try giving the hamster a treat through the bars/lid of the cage. If he will not approach your hand at first, then do not try to force him into a corner. Leave your hand in the cage for as long as possible, it may take a few attempts before the hamster will take a treat from you. Slowly your hamster will become comfortable walking on your hand. If at any point your hamster bites your, or you feel he may bite, continue the process wearing gloves.

The next step is to place the cage somewhere safe, perhaps on a bed or in a room that is totally secure such as the bathroom (even a bathtub). Here you should take the lid off the cage. You can either allow your hamster to come out and explore, or allow him to walk on to your hand then slowly lift your hand out of the cage. Patience and bribery are the two most important things when taming. Avoid trying to rush your hamster, it may not seem like there is any progress but rushing will only make things worse.

The best way to pick up a hamster is cupping him in the palm of one hand while using the other hand placed over the top to stop him jumping to the floor. To be safe it is best to hold your hamster above your lap or close to a carpeted floor, so that he does not hurt himself if her falls.

Remember even though you may think you have tamed your hamster because he will sit on your hand this does not mean he trusts you completely. It may take weeks before you have built up a trusting relationship with your pet.

Types of Hamsters

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There are five types of hamsters that can be found as pets in many homes. Hamsters are the quintessential first pets for many children growing up. Because of their small size, low cost, and shorter time investment, a lot of people find them to be an ideal first pet.

There are many considerations to take into account though when choosing which breed to bring home. Some breeds are ideal for children while others might work best for experienced adults.

Let's start with the most common hamster type and the one that is most ideal for older children. The Syrian hamster was discovered in the 1940's and initially bred for laboratory purposes. They are often grouped with the dwarf hamster though they are technically not. They can grow to be anywhere from 12 to 16 cm.

Syrian hamsters are very common in most pet stores and they come in a wide variety of coat colors. Due to their various colorations, Syrian hamsters are also sometimes called Golden hamsters, teddy bears, black bears, honey bears, panda bears, or Dalmatians.

The next type of hamster is the Chinese hamster. This is another hamster breed that is also incorrectly lumped together with the dwarf hamsters. It is a small hamster but it is long and lean and can grow to be 12 cm. For this reason, it is recommended that you not use a wire cage as they can easily wriggle between the wires. It is also probably a good bet to keep them separated as the Chinese hamster can have aggression issues with other hamsters.

The Chinese hamster comes from Mongolia and Northern China. They have a very long tail for a hamster (the other breeds have tails that are barely visible), which results in many confusing them with rats or mice. Their coats also appear to be very mouse-like with a mixture of browns, black and gray. A dark stripe called a dorsal strip typically goes down their backs.

The true dwarf hamsters include the Winter White Russian dwarfs, the Campbell's Russian dwarfs, and the Roborovski dwarfs. The Winter Whites and Campbell's Russian are so alike that many pet stores actually have difficulty in telling them apart. The Campbell's Russian dwarfs tend to have thicker coats but in general, they both grow to be about 7-11 cm long.

These two dwarf breeds are very social with each other and actually like to live together. In order for this to be successful, you should buy young hamsters and raise them up together.

Finally the Roborovski dwarfs are the smallest of all the dwarf hamsters at 4 - 5.5 cm. Due to their very small size and delicate bodies, the Robos might not be the best choice as pets for young children. They are extremely fast and very active which might be difficult for a young child to keep up with and handle. However, they are interesting to watch as they are very active and love to stay busy exploring their world. If you are more interested in cuddling and handling a hamster, a Syrian might be a better match.

Before you make your purchase, you should understand which type of hamsters would be the best fit for you, your home, and your lifestyle.

For more information on the different types of hamsters, check out DwarfHamsterSite.com. Liz Andrews has been a hamster enthusiast for nearly 20 years. Her newest book, 'Dwarf Hamsters In a Nutshell,' teaches hamster owners absolutely everything they need to know about caring for their pet.

2011年10月20日星期四

Dog Food Without Corn

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Dog food containing corn is a growing threat to the dog because of incompatibility reasons. Nevertheless, cereals are not always entirely bad. To eliminate these ambiguities, the present article is concerned about dog food that does not contain corn and explains how it can be used in the raw diet (BARF diet).

Why is dog food that does not contain corn recommended?

A short answer would be that the wolf, the ancestor of the dog, and therefore the dog are not meat-eaters and need grain. Cereals such as wheat and rye are regularly not used to feed the dog, but can still complement the food. The reason for this is that the dog cannot gain energy from carbohydrates, but only from fats and proteins. The digestive system of the dog is not designed so as to process grain, not even in small quantities. Thus, cereals seem useless in their food. The dog does not have enzymes in its saliva and lacks the pre-process. Continuous grain feeding forces the pancreas to produce significant amounts of enzymes and it fails forcibly at some point. Anyone who wants more details about the digestive system of dogs should definitely go on and look for information on this topic because it is very interesting. You can always find the digestive process explained and supported by images. The dog can have serious problems in the long term because of regular feeding of grain because the glucose or starch can be easily metabolized by the body in glycols and the reserves are deposited in the muscles and liver. The excess glucose is converted into unwanted fat.

A growing number of dogs suffer from food intolerance or food allergy, which prohibits cereals - mainly wheat gluten - from being introduced in the diet. The feeding of starchy food also encourages the formation of tartar. Grain should also be generally avoided because it can lead to joint diseases and cancer, as well as flatulence, poor fur and constant itching. However, these would be only some of the symptoms this ingredient can cause in dogs.

Grain use in BARF diets

Grain is a major component of inferior quality of dog food because it can be used in large quantities in food because of its low cost and it then degenerates into a mere filler ingredient. The normal and customary percentage of 70% in dry food is much too high and should not be included in a BARF diet. Significantly lower amounts of whole grain or scrap, which are boiled or soaked, are much better. In any case, natural grains should not be used because of the bloating and indigestion they cause, especially if they are fed together with meat.

You can find explanations for this if you look for the digestion of different foods in dogs. Spelled grains, quinoa, millet, amaranth, barley, rye, oats and polenta, for example, are very difficult to digest by dogs. The dog may have intolerance to gluten (corn, amaranth and quinoa) and in this case you can feed it gluten-free potatoes, sesame and soy.

You should find out more about how your dog responds to corn, but you should remember that corn is not at all healthy for dogs and therefore should be avoided as much as possible.

Find the right dog foods and find the right treatment for fleas with flea treatment review. Keep the dogs safe from the fleas in the house. Do your best all the time.

How to Thrill Your Baby With Safe Baby Pets

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Previously, pets were only a reserve of grown children and grownups but these days babies are also getting pets with the help of their parents. The relationship between babies and their pets can be quite interesting and quite symbiotic. The symbiosis part of this relationship comes through the fact that both parties need play partners and companions as well. There are different kinds of safe baby pets and these could range from the conventional ones like cats and dogs to the unconventional ones like turtles and parrots. When deciding to bring home a baby pet there are a number of things to be considered and one of these is the size of the pet. Babies could do well with small sized pets so that they do not get scared whenever they get into contact with them. Additionally, small pets are not too difficult to take care of as compared to the big ones. Pets also require as much attention as the baby as therefore one should consider if they have much time on their hands to deal with both.

The size of the house matters as well when one is considering buying a pet for their child. The house or apartment should be large enough to facilitate playing between the baby and the pet as this is one of the activities that the two will really be involved in. When it comes to safe baby pets, it is important that the parents ensure that the pet has gone for all the needed shots and vaccinations. This will go a long way into ensuring that both the health of the pet and by extension the health of the baby is catered for. Well fed pets make for great playmates and the parents of the baby should take into consideration the dietary habits of the pets as well. The best information about the feeding habits of a particular pet can be obtained from pet stores, the internet and from the breeders of the pet. Apart from food, there should be constant water supply as well for the safe baby pets and changing of the water should be quite regular, once every day should be the minimum.

While many parents bring home safe baby pets after the child is born, others prefer to do it before the baby is born. Bringing home a baby to a pet can be quite tricky as the pet could be used to having all the attention from its owners. Here, the best thing to do is to reduce the amount of time and pampering given to the pet. This is because most pets are routine animals and with the reduced amount of time spent with them will go a long way into ensuring that hey do not miss anything when the baby arrives. When looking for the best places to get safe baby pets then the best should be pet stores, local breeders and the internet. Animal shelters can be great places to get the animals as well and if one must look in the shelters they should be careful to look only in those that take great care of their animals.

2011年10月19日星期三

Autumn Is Coming: The Animals Stay Fit and Healthy Despite the Wet Season

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The cold and warm weather shift in autumn, so the body of dogs or cats are directly exposed to weather changes. The animals begin their molt and arm themselves against pathogenic influences that threaten their skin and fur. The animals change their summer fur and get the warm winter fur over a period of approximately six weeks.

The skin has important functions in the body, being the body's largest organ of respiration. The animal breathes through the skin, the metabolic waste excreted. The skin not only has a protective function - to cold, to heat, to chemical substances, etc. It also has memory functions. The skin synthesizes keratin, used for the development of hair, nails and skin, for example, and it stores vitamins, water (moisture) and proteins.

Thus, the skin can also fulfill multiple responsibilities when it comes to a good supply of nutrients. A good supply of nutrients such as vitamin A or unsaturated omega fatty acids is a prerequisite for an optimum texture of the skin and fur. The animal lover must intervene for the optimization of the skin and fur, especially in autumn. Then comes the fur change, which protects the animal against cold and wetness.

Intense odors

The coat needs to be smooth, shiny and tight to fulfill its role in the fall and winter. Dry, dirty and tousled hair is a sign of deficiency symptoms in animals. The skin and hair should emit no odor. If a dog has "an intensive dog" smell, then it definitely has metabolic problems. Perspiration on the skin is "paradise" for external parasites - such as fleas, ticks and mites - and attracts them like a magnet.

Warm humid weather in autumn favors the appearance of grass mites and ticks, which have ideal living conditions in this season. The best temperature for them is about 18 degrees Celsius. Fleas look for a resting place on dogs and cats when it is a little colder in autumn.

The fur gives you hints about the health condition of the animal and the function of internal organs such as the liver, kidney, intestine and pancreas. The fur of the animal gives you further information on how your four-legged friend is supplied with nutrients. The most common deficiency which triggers an ill-looking and unhealthy skin is the lack of omega fatty acids. Fodder should always provide the required amount of omega fatty acids. Conclusion: Omega fatty acids are used as supplements to food. Omega fatty acids help dogs and cats, even when bone formation and protect the blood vessels.

Balanced and good wet food provides the so important omega fatty acids in sufficient quantities. They are good for the joints of adolescent and older animals. The fur is also important for the musculoskeletal system of your friends. The animals which are burdened with arthritic complaints respond to cold and damp winters with increased pain. Corresponding products promote blood circulation in the joint and relieve the discomfort. They also provide natural building materials for the affected cartilage. The immune system strengthens in the warm season and is tested in cold seasons. When autumn comes, you should try to strengthen the immune system of the dog. This includes not only the provision of natural vitamins, but you also need to ensure the body's supply of enzymes and ferments.

Care products

The paws of our dogs need special care upon the occurrence of cold and wet seasons: They should remain soft and minor injuries should heal quickly. You should pay attention to whether the feet of your four-legged friends are cracked and brittle. Paw protection cream is best. This is to be applied to the paws before going for a walk. The switch from summer to autumn is a huge turning point not only for us humans, but for our animals, too. You have to help your four-legged friends to survive the transition phase and they will thank you.

The weather is a huge consideration that you need to make to take good care of these pets. Make sure that they are free of cat fleas. The advocate for cats can help a lot. You can try it.

What To Feed Your Hamsters

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Hamster are easy to feed. Most species will eat a wide range of seeds and fresh foods, including green plants and fruit. The use of hamsters in laboratories has given us a clear picture of their nutritional needs and has, in turn, provided the financial stimulus for the production of pelleted diets for each species. These pellets contain all the known dietary requirements, but it is generally a good idea to supplement them with other foods. However, as laboratory feeds are not widely available to the pet keeper, it may be necessary to use rabbit pellets mixed with a variety of seeds and nuts as a substitute.

In addition to a basic seed ration, feeding your pet with various other foodstuffs will be beneficial. Wholemeal bread dried out in an oven and offered dry, is an excellent source of carbohydrate energy and. being hard, will also help to keep hamster's teeth in trim. Dog biscuits are also useful, especially if they are supplemented with vitamins and minerals, which are likely to be deficient in a diet made up mostly of seeds. Alternatively, in some countries, special vitamin and mineral chews are produced for hamsters. Similar products are also widely available in powder form. If you do use the powder, remember that it is best to sprinkle the required quantity over damp green plants, as it will not adhere readily to dry seed.

Your pets will appreciate a wide range of fruit and vegetables. Always wash fresh food. Apart from the risk of pesticide residues, diseases may occasionally be transmitted from contaminated fruit and plants.

There is little nutritional value in lettuce, however, and other alternatives such as cress are preferable. You can give your pets cabbage occasionally, especially the coarser outer leaves, which are the most valuable in nutritional terms, and the coarse stems, which are a challenge for their teeth. However, as with all such foods, offer only a restricted amount, since regular usage of brassicas (cabbage family) could have a depressant effect on the thyroid gland.

If your pet hamster is not used to grass and plants, start with only a little at first, otherwise diarrhea is almost certain to result. Among wild plants that can be given in moderation are dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) and chickweed (Stellaria media). Some plants, such as buttercups (Ranunculussp.) and ragwort (Seneciosp.), are poisonous though, so only feed those which are known to be safe. Root vegetables such as carrots are also valuable as food items, being available throughout the year when plants and vegetables may be in short supply.

Always remove perishable food from the cage before it shrivels or becomes moldy. This is particularly important with bread and milk, which is sometimes provided for breeding hamsters to satisfy the higher level of protein they need in their diet. It is not essential, however, and is very messy if the food bowl is knocked over. Clean up any such spillage before it can turn moldy. If you make up a soft food of any kind for your pet, ensure that it is moist, but not awash with fluid.

Visit LegacyCages.com for hamster cages and indoor cat enclosures to keep your pets safe.

Types of Hamster Diseases and How to Treat Them

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Hamsters are susceptible to get exposed to diseases and the best way to ensure you protect your pet is by understanding the different types of hamster diseases and the best way of treating them. These creatures are small and as such, their sickness progresses at a rapid pace. This means that the sooner you realize the condition, the higher your chances of treating your pet and safeguarding its health. Some of the popular diseases include the following.

Allergies

Allergic reactions can be brought about by different factors such as dust, food, sleeping materials and cleaning solutions among others. As soon you discover an allergic reaction, it is advisable to address the root cause immediately. In the event that the pet does not recover after this, you should seek immediate medical help because the problem could be going deeper than you think.

Kidney and Bladder Infection

This is also ranked among the popular hamster diseases. In order to treat this condition, you need to use some antibiotics. Once this is addresses, it should be easy for your pet to recover. While it is on medication, make sure that it drinks plenty of water and it is also important to keep the cage as spotlessly clean as is humanely possible. This is the only way to keep such infections at bay.

Colds

If you have a cold, it is advisable to stay away from your pet. This is because humans can infect these pets with the virus that causes colds. What is more, cold drafts are also known to worsen the situation. There are different degrees to this type of illness and it is ideal to consider these before proceeding to administer medication. For instance, if the pet continues to showcase the same appetite level, this is an indication that the cold is minor and it will go away on its own. However, it is important to ensure that it gets enough warmth to keep draught off. On the other hand, if there are acute signs of a cold such as loss of weight or wheezing, it is advisable to consult a vet immediately. This will ensure you get the necessary antibiotics treatment for the pet.

Diabetes

This type of hamster diseases is found in all hamster breeds and while this is the case, it is more pronounced in some than others. In the event you suspect your pet is suffering from diabetes, it is advisable to call your vet immediately.

Strokes

This is ranked among one of the dangerous types of hamster diseases and it often occurs during the evening when the pet is most active. If your pet suffers from this, you should ensure it accesses enough food and water until it regains mobility.

2011年10月18日星期二

Is Your Dog's Scratching Becoming A Problem?

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There are a wide variety of reasons that a dog may develop an allergy or have an allergic reaction to a product. The main thing is to identify the trigger and then manage either your dogs environment or diet, depending on the cause of the allergy

Much like humans, canines can suffer from allergies due to seasonal changes, bites or stings from insects, skin contact with an allergen, food allergies, or any combination of any of these. The symptoms can range from itching, red, swollen skin with or without sores, watery eyes, sneezing, diarrhoea, vomiting, irritability, restlessness, reoccurring respiratory infections, and much more.

Owners can become very frustrated when trying to figure out the cause of the symptoms. Since your beloved pooch is unable to tell you what is wrong and why, it becomes necessary to use an elimination method to determine the allergen. By identifying the allergen it may be possible to completely remove the agent from the environment of your pet and thus remedy the allergy problem. For instance, if your dog is allergic to corn, feed foods that have no corn in the ingredients. Sometimes, it may be advisable to try allergy testing if the symptoms are severe enough to warrant this type of testing.

An elimination process is simple but lengthy. For those that are unfamiliar with the process allergies to food are an easily illustrated example. Begin by completely removing the current food being eaten. Boil chicken and feed it pain for one week, if the symptoms lessen or disappear, this is a safe food to be fed. Next add rice to the chicken and feed this combination for one week as well, if not reaction these two ingredients are considered safe. Continue adding ingredients to the mix such as potatoes, fish, peas, corn, one at a time and slowly develop a menu that can be used. A veterinarian may also offer a dog food that has been specially developed to address food allergies. This is a basic idea of how an elimination process is completed it can be applied to items in the environment as well.

Whenever you are dealing with dog allergies you need to have a medical plan of action if there is a problem. Keeping Benedryl on hand is an excellent start. This antihistamine can help if there is a situation that your friend gets stung or bitten or has a serious allergic reaction, this is an excellent first step in treatment while transporting to the veterinary clinic. This antihistamine can also be used as palliative care short term. There are prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs that can be used to maintain the dog allergies symptoms a veterinarian is the best resource for dosing and selection of this therapy.

Shampoos with oatmeal have been found to be soothing to the skin. This is a great way to lessen the symptoms as well as remove any allergen that might be caught within the coat. Some owners will shave the coat of canines with long or thick hair, especially during warmer months when they suffer with seasonal allergies.

Allergies can be something that develop with age or disappear with maturity. It differs by each furry friend.

Dogs' allergies will differ from animal to animal, but in most cases the correct dog food and correct nutrition will alleviate the problem

Winter White Hamster - Just One of 3 Dwarf Russian Hamsters

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The Winter White is one of three species of dwarf Russian hamster and is known by many different nicknames. Some of the most common are the Djungarian, the Dwarf Russian, the Winter White dwarf hamster, or by their scientific name, Phodopus sungorus. These hamsters are part of the very popular dwarf hamster group that many enjoy keeping as pets.

If you are considering purchasing a Winter White hamster, there are many things to learn before you make your way to the pet shop. First, you need to consider the housing arrangement. You should have your hammie's cage already prepared for its arrival. One option is to order the equipment online while you wait for your hamster to be ready as sometimes they are still weaning from the mother. The best age to buy is between 4-7 weeks.

For the Winter White hamster, the cage can be a wire cage, a plastic cage with interchangeable parts, or a glass tank. Each cage type has its own benefits and cons. While the wire cage is inexpensive, they are occasionally poorly made and easy to escape from. The Habitrail cages with the many tubes, balls and wheels are fun for your hamster, but can be difficult to clean. The glass tank allows for a 360-degree view, but you have to make sure there is enough airflow.

Whichever cage type you decide to purchase, the most critical thing is providing as much space as possible. Hamsters are used to running miles per day through grasses and sand. The more space you can provide to naturally run about, the happier they will be. Of course, every cage must have a running wheel so they can spin to their heart's content.

Another thing to consider with the housing is how many hamsters you will have. Winter White hamsters are quite social so it is possible to house more than one to a cage. You will need to ask the pet shop associate for a young pair in order to make this work.

Because hamsters are a bit more active during the evening, this is the ideal time to make your purchase. Look at the hamsters that are most active as this is a good indication that they are healthy. See if they are eating, drinking, and hoarding their food. These are all natural behaviors for a hamster so that is always a good sign.

When selecting your hamsters, you should also make sure that they are clean, have clear eyes, do not have "wet tails," have clean ears, and ensure they have no bare patches of skin. Don't select your hamster based on which one is the cutest. Sometimes illnesses can make hamsters have weepy looking eyes. These might look adorable but you don't want to chance having a sick hamster.

Ask the store associate what the hamsters are fed, how often they are fed, and if any treats have been provided on a regular basis. This will help you determine which foods to feed your hamster once he gets home. If you want to change to something different, that is fine. Just remember to take your time transitioning over to new foods. Just like human babies, they can be finicky and quick food switches can upset their tummies.

The pet store will give you your hamster in a cardboard box so you might want to bring along his carrier that you will use for vet visits. To be prepared, take the time before you visit the pet store to learn all you can about Winter White hamsters, their behaviors, and their needs.

For more information on the Winter White hamster, check out DwarfHamsterSite.com. Liz Andrews has been a hamster enthusiast for nearly 20 years. Her newest book, 'Dwarf Hamsters In a Nutshell,' teaches hamster owners absolutely everything they need to know about caring for their pet.

Facts About Common Types of Hamster Diseases

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Despite the fact that there are several types of hamster diseases, there are some that are considered to be common and at the same time major especially if not avoided when they are still in their initial stages. I is imperative for owners to be very observant on their hamsters especially if they discover them behaving in a weird manner. To be able to come up with the best results, owners of these animals are advised to carry out their monitoring sessions when they are in their most active stage which is at dawn as well as dusk. This way, the owners will be bale to determine whether they are suffering from hamster diseases or not. Having said this, here are the common and major types of hamster diseases.

Glaucoma

This is believed to be the single eye ailment that these animals can acquire. However, it does not affect the whole lot. The ailment simply affects the animals that are small sized commonly known as dwarfs. Hamster diseases are believed to very prone to these dwarf pets. However, for the larger ones, this ailment is not applicable. An animal that has been affected by this ailment tend to have watery pressure that has build up in their eyes. Eventually, this can result to blindness. While this is the case, the only remedy to this is to have the eye of the animal surgically removed permanently.

Cancer

All these pets are very vulnerable to this ailment. Huge tumors are commonly brought about by this ailment and the only remedy to it is to remove the tumors surgically. However, in case an owner spots this early enough, necessary medical measures can be taken to ensure that the pet has fully recovered and ready to have a better quality of life. The symptoms to look for that will alert you that your pet is suffering from this ailment are; peculiar lumps appearing on testicles of the male pets, internal tumors on the ovaries of the females, neglected grooming as well as impulsive weight loss.

Diabetes

Just like in humans, these pets also suffer from diabetes. They mostly suffer from diabetes type one which is very common to humans. The only difference is that in these pets, it is spotted at an early stage when the pet is about seven or nine months old. In order to rule out that the pet is suffering from this ailment, there are symptoms to look out for which include; frequent urination, shaking due to cold and having a low blood pressure. In case the hamster is not taken to the vet immediately, it might fall into a coma and eventually die. So it is important to take it to the vet immediately you spot these symptoms.

Hamlet diseases pose a great risk to wonderful pets. The common types of hamlet diseases include digestive and skin problems as well as cancers.

2011年10月17日星期一

Natural Cat Treatment Tips to Give Comfort to an Aging Cat

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It's amazing how well cats do even when they are stiff and soar from cat join pain. Feline arthritis usually creeps into your cat's joints once he turns five, sometimes earlier. He'll still try to hop into bed, but now it's more a climb into bet. He may still have a few of his 9 lives remaining, but the diseases of old age slow him down. There are steroids to help, but many cats (and dogs) enjoy relief with natural cat pain therapies.

Mild or not, cat pain is commonly associated with feline arthritis or osteoarthritis, a condition that breaks down worn-down cartilage and in doing so, allows the bones to rub against one another bringing your feline a pain so bad that he feels his body about to break.

If you feel that your pet deserves something to soothe the pain away, here are five tried and tested natural cat pain treatment options for him to enjoy:

Heat Therapy Diet Modifications Movement Acupuncture Natural Supplements

This isn't big news, yet it's often overlooked as an ongoing cat pain treatment. It doesn't have to be blowing snow outside for your cat to benefit from heat therapy. There are electric throws and pet warming pads you can place where you old boy likes to sleep. Heating pads for humans aren't the best because they can accidently be set too high making the bed uncomfortable for your kitty.

If you kitty is a fatty, his additional weight is putting a lot of stress on his joints. Cat food formulas are vastly improved to reduce caloric intake while maintaining proper protein levels. Arthritic cats now have specially formulated diets complete with fatty acids which helps lessen inflammation. Talk to your vet about a diet to help kitty lose weight or at least not add on more pounds.

Exercise. Oddly enough, movement helps your cat. Moving causes natural fluids to activate between the cat joints. An inactive body does more damage as the cartilage and joints stiffen when your cat doesn't move. Take your cat for a stroll or, if he really can't do so, let him play with his ball of string. It doesn't have to be a road march, just gentle movement. It serves as time well spent between you and your feline partner.

Humans benefit from acupuncture and so do cats. I reduces inflammation and pain and improves your cat's overall wellbeing. Some vets are actually qualified to do acupuncture on your pets and since they are used to having animals around them, the felines actually tend to relax more. And the best part is that a veterinary acupuncturist does house calls, so cats really don't feel threatened.

Nutritional supplements like glucosamine, Arthro ionx, and chondroitin also help to repair worn out and damaged tendons. Herbs and medicinal plants such as Devil's Claw and Spirulina also help in relieving painful arthritic episodes.

You can find these natural cat remedies to help give your kitty relief from painful cat joints associated with feline arthritis. It's easy to give you cat as it comes in a liquid format that you can mix in her food or water. Natural help at http://arthritiscatstreatment.com/.

A Pet Obesity Problem Is Usually a Pet Owner Obesity Problem

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People can be very conscientious when it comes to taking care of their pets. They'll think about the right diet, they'll notice when their pet seems to be putting on a little weight and they will always be regular with taking their pet out on a walk. But usually, there is a limit to how much person can take on in a day. That limit is usually reached when a new baby arrives in the family. In many families, that's when they first begin to deal with pet obesity.

It isn't just fewer exercise opportunities that makes pet obesity common in homes with new babies. They also have a lot more food than before. Guests come in all the time in homes with new babies - they usually bring lots of goodies as gifts. And who do you think eats all those goodies? But after the new baby is three months old or so, parents usually take their babies out on walks in a stroller, don't they? Couldn't the dog come on a walk like that? Newsflash - most parents aren't comfortable having their dogs around when they take their baby out on the stroller. They don't feel it's safe for the baby.

A survey done by a pet supplement company finds that pet obesity is common in homes with new babies. In fact, one out of three people who contact a vet about a pet with weight problems have a new baby in the family. One out of three elderly pet owners have fat pets too - because they are often unable to provide them with the walks they need.

Of course, anytime a pet owner is unable to take a pet out on walks, he feels guilty. And how do you think he compensates for the guilt? With more treats given to the pet, of course. There is such as thing as dog years being longer than human years. Animals don't live as long as humans do. A human lives for 80 years - as against 10 years for a dog. Everything is accelerated for a dog; you can't neglect a pet obesity problem for as long as you can with a human. All those things that happen to a person who neglects his health - heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes and cancer - all those things happen to pets a lot faster.

So what are you supposed to do with a pet obesity problem when you just have your hands full with a new baby? You can to begin with, a visit to the website of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention to find out what exactly would be a target weight for your pet. And then, you need to restrict yourself with how often you feed your pet. Make sure that you get a high chair food catcher so that you dog isn't around to clean up on anything that's falling off your child's highchair.

And as for exercise, you don't need to take out time separately for this. If your pet is overweight, chances are, you aren't getting any lighter yourself. You can take time out for exercise together with your pet.

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Pet Care - There's No Other Job Quite Like It

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