By Hans Lynch

Wobblers Syndrome

Wobblers Syndrome also known as cervical vertebral malformation (CVM) and cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is commonly seen among dogs. It is a condition of the cervical vertebrae in which the vertebrae is affected resulting the dog developing a walk that is both wobbly and unsteady, hence the name Wobblers Syndrome. This in actuality is a situation in which there are various factors that contribute to make the one condition. These include the disease of the major areas of the vertebrae such as the interspinal ligaments, and intervertebral discs. It is particularly found among the Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers dogs.

Causes of Wobblers Syndrome

Quoting the Merck Manual, "The cause of wobblers syndrome is unknown, although rapid growth rates and nutrition, mechanical factors, and genetics may be implicated." Others say the cause of Wobblers Syndrome in most dogs is partly genetic and as a result of a malformed vertebrae located in the neck region. This happens mostly in the spinal canal which is what houses the spinal cord encasing it and protecting it from harm. Normally the spinal canal has an opening that is relatively big. However, when a dog becomes infected with the Wobblers Syndrome, the opening shrinks causing it to add pressure on the spinal cord. This then hinders the spinal cord from passing and receiving impulses. This shrinking of the canal continues as the animal increases in size, weight and age. During this period too, there is a noticeable instability apparent in the neck vertebrae.

Signs and Symptoms

Wobblers Syndrome becomes apparent in less than forty eight months (four years) of age. In dogs such as the Great Danes, it becomes more evident at an earlier age. It takes quite a while to show in Doberman Pinschers. One of the initial signs that a dog might be suffering from wobblers syndrome is the dog's inability to bend its neck because of the pain it is likely to feel. Next is an apparent lack of muscular coordination and general weakness in the dog's hind limbs. This is closely followed by a gradual weakness of the frontal limbs too.

Preventive Measures

According to many experiments, it is possible that most dogs that end up having Wobblers Syndrome have a genetic predisposition to it. So it is advisable that you consider the lineage of the dogs you plan to breed be examined for any signs of Wobblers Syndrome. Others recommend that if the weight gain and growth rate are slowed down by reducing the quantity of not quality of high protein nutrition given, the dog(s) might just be able to survive and grow normally even if it had a genetic predisposition to it.

Corrective Measures

There are surgical procedures that can be done to either lessen the symptoms of Wobblers or even completely eliminate the symptoms. One such procedure is the surgically implanting gold beads in the spinal area.

Hans is the owner of http://www.lucysdoghouse.net and is a life long dog owner. Lucy's Dog House offers has Helping Hands and much more to make your dog's life happier and healthier. At Lucy's Dog House, a percentage of all sales goes to support Great Dane Rescues.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hans_Lynch

Labels: Pet Care, Pet Health

By Jennifer Manning
You really can get free pets if you know where to look. But make sure you're prepared before bringing a pet into your home.

You can find free pets being offered everyday in just about any newspaper and online at websites such as Craig's List. Of course, dogs and cats are the most common animals being offered, but you'll see other types of pets too. In my local paper I've seen dogs, cats, ferrets, goats, rabbits, snakes, parakeets, tropical and marine fish, hamsters, and even horses offered for free to a good home.

Why would anyone give their pet away? There are tons of reasons. They may be moving out of town and can't take it with them. The pet may have grown too large for them to take care of. They may have a new baby or a new job that takes all of their time. Or they may simply be tired of taking care of a pet.

You'll sometimes see relatively valuable animals offered for free to a good home -- pure bred dogs and cats, pythons, ferrets, horses, etc. The owners may have tried to sell the animal, but found no takers. And if they're really desperate, they may have to give the animal away for free or turn it in to an animal shelter.

Before bringing a free pet, or any type of pet home, make sure you're prepared. All animals require a certain amount of time (some more than others) and certain basic supplies.

Proper food and feeding dishes are a universal need for almost all pets. Dogs and cats will need collars and leashes. Snakes, lizards, and most rodents will need some type of aquarium with a top. And of course a bird will require a cage. Just think and plan out exactly what you'll need and have it set up and ready before bringing your new pet home. Trust me, it's no fun having to scramble around in a panic, rounding up supplies, after you bring a new pet home.

When going out to look at a potential new pet, be sure that you choose a healthy animal. A healthy animal will have bright and alert eyes. They won't have mucous (dried or wet) around their eyes, nose or ears. And they will have healthy looking fur and/or skin, with no visible sores. Use your common sense and stay away from any animal that looks sick, unless you're prepared to pay potentially large veterinary bills. Where possible, be sure to ask the owner for a health history and any available veterinary records.

Free pets can be a wonderful thing, if you're prepared to take your time and don't be in a hurry. You might find yourself stuck with someone else's problem.

Get information about Persian Cat Rescue and other pet care articles at http://www.petcarejournal.com - a website designed to provide you with information and resources that will help you get the most out of your pet keeping experience, no matter what type of pet you own.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Manning

Labels: Pet Adoption, Pet Care

By Jenny Jackson
Because pets live for a shorter time than us, pet owners are likely to experience the death of a pet or a number of pets during their lifetime.

You have a strong emotional bond to your pet. Pets often provide us with genuine and consistent unconditional love and acceptance, the sort of nonjudgmental companionship that can be hard for people to provide. Non pet owners may find it hard to understand these feelings.

Many pet owners see their pets as members of their family. Pets often enhance our quality of life. We are more likely to outwardly express affection to pets and they can increase the amount of joy in a household. Pets can assume great importance during difficult or stressful times, like illness, death of a family member or family break-up.

Grief reactions

It's hardly surprising then that you might respond to the death of your pet in the same way you would respond to the loss of a significant person in your life. The grief process typically starts with a sense of numbness and disbelief, followed by painful feelings of guilt, sadness and depression. Feelings of guilt may be greater if you feel somehow responsible for your pet's death or that you didn't do enough to protect your pet from harm. It is not unusual to feel anger as well, possibly directed at the vet if you feel he or she did not do enough to prevent your pet's death, particularly if the death followed an illness. You may become preoccupied with thoughts and memories of your pet and find it hard to concentrate on other things. Over time, you are likely to feel more acceptance of the loss and eventually feel open to having a new pet.

Everyone is different however, and some people simply feel the loss more intensely or for a longer time than others. The circumstances of your pet's death will also determine how it affects you. A sudden death may feel more intense than after a prolonged illness, or if you have made a decision to euthanize. If you have experienced your pet's loss after a number of other losses, animal or human, this can compound your reaction. There is also some evidence to suggest that women may experience grief over pet loss more intensely than men, although both men and women bond equally with their pets.

If you are grieving for a pet, you should know therefore that it is perfectly normal to feel this loss as intensely as you would a family member or cherished friend. It is difficult when others are insensitive to this and don't recognise the importance of your pet in your life. If you can, try to find people to talk to about it who love animals and can understand your feelings. The Internet can lead to you to wonderfully supportive communities of animal lovers if you can't find anyone like that around you.

Grief involves wanting to maintain a connection with someone who is no longer with us. Although you can no longer have the physical connection, you can keep pieces of your beloved pet's life around to ease the loss. Place a framed photo on your wall or shelf, keep your pet's collar and bowl. In time, you will look at them less and feel less pain when you do.

Go easy on yourself. Loving animals is a beautiful thing.

Jenny is a cat lover and webmaster of http://www.great-pictures-of-cats.com You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to her website featuring photo and video galleries of beautiful cats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Jackson

Labels: Pet Care, Pet Supply Store

By Diane Pomerance Ph.D.
In today's impersonal, highly technological and complex society, more people than ever are enjoying their pets - regarding them as loved family members, cherished friends and confidants. Animal companions serve many important purposes and play many significant roles in our lives and provide physical and emotional well-being. Their presence has a calming effect; blood pressure is reduced as are loneliness and depression. There are a lot of reasons that are responsible for making the pet industry a 36 billion dollar a year business.

Grief is the normal, natural and healthy response to loss, yet we are seldom socialized to understand and cope with this powerful emotion. It is difficult enough for us to grieve and talk about the loss of a loved human being. It is far more difficult and embarrassing for us to discuss the loss of a pet. Yet for many of us pets are members of the family and psychologists have long recognized that the grief suffered by pet owners after their pet dies is the same as that experienced after the death of a person. In fact, many normal people can grieve more for a pet than a close friend or relative.

Often, people are embarrassed or ashamed to talk about the loss of a pet. There are no public rituals such as funerals and memorial services to comfort the bereaved. There are many emotions those grieving the loss of a pet experience: isolation/withdrawal from friends and family; depression, sadness; uncontrollable crying; anger at themselves, the vet, God; guilt that they did not do enough for the animal; anxiety; loneliness; inability to concentrate or focus; a short fuse; exhaustion; eating too little or too much; sleeping too little or too much, etc.

People who are grieving the loss of a pet need to understand that they are not alone - that there are many others who are grieving the loss of a pet. They need to understand that grief is normal, natural and healthy. They need to openly and honestly express their feelings to others who are sympathetic and empathetic. They can find local support groups and contact their local animal welfare organizations to see if counseling is available.

For so many of us who share our hearts and our lives with animals, we need to understand that when these pets die, there is a deep void in our lives. We have become accustomed to caring for our pets and spending quality time with them. They play an important role in our everyday lives and activities. When they leave us, we are left alone and lonely. None of us grieve in the same exact way - there is no allotted time for grieving. The duration and manner in which we grieve will depend on the meaningfulness and intensity of the relationship we have shared with our animal companion and upon how many other significant losses we have sustained."

Grief is one of the most complex, profound and painful emotions we will ever experience. Once we learn to recognize and identify our grief, it is important for us to express it in an empathetic and supportive environment with people who are compassionate and have experienced grief themselves. We need to read about and research the subject of grief and come to the realization that each and everyone of us will experience adversity and suffering, and that grief is an inevitable aspect of life on earth.

Dr. DIANE POMERANCE is the author of many books on the subject of pet grief and care, including "Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides", "Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our Lives & Our World.", Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions", "Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion", and her most recent book "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You.".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Pomerance_Ph.D.

Labels: Pet Care

By Nasser Othman

Many people and families would like to have a pet. Yet not all people realize the responsibilities of raising a pet. Caring for a dog cat bird or a fish perhaps lies on all the members of the household. That's why the decision of getting a pet should be agreed upon by all the members of the family.

There are many factors to consider before getting one. First you must remember that you are forming a relationship with this animal. Like any relationships it requires caring loving nurturing and most of all time. This little animal depends on you for caring feeding and much more. The second factor is budgeting. Is it in your budget to buy pet food toys for your pet seek medical attention it the occasion arouse for. You know it cost money to raise a pet and that is extra expense on your household budget, can you afford it? The third factor is your home size; do you have the room or the extra space for your pet? You have to consider the space your pet will occupy.

Pet Dog:

A dog is mans best friend. Having a dog for a pet is a big responsibility; it could change your life style. There are some things to consider before you get a dog:

1- Dogs need considerable space to run around and walk.

2- You have to have time to take your dog for a walk out side 2 to 3 times a day.

3- Dogs diet requires variety of dog food, dog treats, and dog snacks. It is important to keep your pet healthy.

4- Dogs owner has to have their pet examined and vaccinated by veterinarian every year.

5- Having a dog for a pet is an expensive hobby.

Pet Cat:

Cats are great. Cats do not require as much care as a dog. Of course they do need some care. All pets need care. What you should consider before having a cat:

1-Cats need feeding daily and that require you purchase different type of cat food. You have to buy dry cat food and moist cat food. And cat food also comes in variety of flavors; you have to consider buying few different flavors.

2-You need to know that cats like to scratch their claws, and they will do that all over your furniture and doors.

3-Cats love to play so they need your attention and time to play with you.

4-Cats do get sick like every animal; visit to the veterinarian is inevitable.

5-You need to have cat food, cat treats, cat toys, cat bedding, cat litter, cat water and food bowls, cat charms.

Bird for Pet:

Birds are very nice and lots of fun, I have some. You have to keep in mind all pet need a clean environment no matter what they are or what size. Birds are the same thing.

1-Birds make mess in the cage and in the surrounding area. So you have to keep cleaning after them every day specially the surrounding area and clean the inside of the cage weakly.

2-Every morning you have to give your bird fresh bowl of seeds and fresh water. Keep mixture of seeds (bird food) always in your home.

3-Bird supplies consist of bird food (seed mixture), millet spray (bird treat), cutlet bone (calcium bone), bird toys you leave inside the cage.

At the end you have to prepare your self before you get your next pet. Pets are like children they need care and loving. Pets give pleasure and fulfillment to their owners, and that is why you want to have a pet.

Leila one stop shopping-Shop online over 250 stores, compare prices and save Shop on line for all your pet supplies, food, treats, snacks, bedding, cages, bowls, and much more - Check us out. Visit my site for all your pet supplies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nasser_Othman

Labels: Pet Adoption, Pet Care

What is more nerve wracking than arranging your travel tickets, finding a hotel and rental car for your trip, and packing your bags? Today, internet travel sites make all that simple and fairly stress free. The most nerve wracking part of the trip happens well before you leave: trying to figure out who will care for your pets!

Among the choices available to you are commercial cat and dog kennels. A clean, well run facility is indeed an option. But the average pet would prefer not to be caged in a noisy environment, far from home, and packed with strange animals. Wouldn't it be nicer if they could just stay home? Of course it would. Perhaps the neighbor kid would be willing to let the dogs out, feed them, and clean the litter box. Sounds great right?

But what happens when that neighbor kid is asked out on a date, breaks up with his girlfriend, or must stay after school? What happens is your pets might not receive the scrupulous care and attention you would give them.

The simple answer to these problems is to know your community's professional Pet Sitter. What separates a professional from the random person who watches pets? The keys are: integrity, attention to detail, commitment and a deep love for animals. The best pet sitters are also bonded and insured by professional associations such as Pet Sitters International. This group provides educational resources and insurance to pet sitters to make sure that you and your animals receive the best care...as good as they would get from you!

If you hire a pet sitter who is not insured and bonded, you'll have no way of knowing whether you have just turned your house and beloved pets over to an honest person. Bonding protects you against loss and theft from unsavory characters. Professional pet sitters want to offer you the best reassurance that they will treat your home and your pets just like you would.

The best pet sitters also study pet health and safety. I operate a pet sitting business in my own community, and I have studied with the Red Cross by taking their Pet First Aid course, and by taking the Red Cross certification. If something should happen, professionals like me would know how to best help your pet, and when to call for veterinary assistance. Will the child next door be equipped to handle an emergency?

Moreover, pet sitter do more that just feed and walk your animals! We also make sure they have quality human time, whether it be cuddling, playing fetch in the yard, or a long walk around the block. You don't even need to go on vacation to hire a pet sitter. If you work long hours, we can make a mid afternoon visit to be sure he get's a walk and a potty break.

Along with all that, while you're away from home, a good pet sitting business will also bring in your mail and your newspapers, water your houseplants, and turn your lights on and off. You're not only getting pet sitting...you also get a vacation security service as well.

All in all, it pays to know the professional pet sitters in your community. Use the internet to find bonded and insured professionals. Then invite them over for a brief interview and introduction. The next time you need to leave home, you can leave your pets behind with no worries.

Remaining home, comfortable in their own environment is healthier for your animals, and gives you greater piece of mind. When strange animals are grouped together, the chances for communicable diseases increase. So, too, does the stress level increase on your pets when they are housed in a noisy environment, in close proximity to animals they have never met before.

Marc Goldberg, CDT is a certified dog trainer specializing in the rehabilitation of difficult dogs and improving relationships. He is Vice President of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and Editor of SafeHands Journal. The author also educates professional dog trainers in his techniques. Visit him on the web at http://www.chicagodogtrainer.com/chicago_dog_trainer.html or http://www.dogtraininginchicago.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Goldberg

Labels: Pet Care

It is traditional to buy cute little chicks, ducklings, and bunnies as gifts for children around Easter time. Nothing wrong with that - so long as you keep in mind that these cute baby animals will grow up and live through many more Easter holidays, requiring care - food, space, and time.

The easy solution, is not to buy a live animal at all, but one of the wonderful plush toys instead. In general, giving a live pet as a gift is a poor idea. If it is for your own child, consider the animals needs as far as care and whether or not you are able and willing to provide for it. If it is for someone else's child, consult with the parents first about whether they would welcome a new addition to the family.

However, if you do have the time, space, love and money to care for a new little member of the family and are willing to take the responsibility of doing so, here are a few care tips to give you a start.

Chicks and Ducklings

Baby chickens and baby ducks have similar needs. For the first few weeks baby birds need almost constant monitoring. For this reason, a slightly older chick is probably a better choice. The caretakers where you purchase your baby bird should know about how old they are.

Warmth - Baby chicks and ducklings need to be kept warm. Depending on the climate in your location, it will probably be a few weeks before they can be kept outdoors. Baby chicks need to be kept at 95 degrees the first week of their life, 90 the next, and so on, going down 5 degrees per week until they are 4-5 weeks old and fully feathered out. The idea source of heat is a red heat bulb, and you'll want a thermometer in their cage.

Food - Baby chicks have special needs as far as food, and the same is true for ducklings. No, they don't eat the same food. You will want to make sure you can purchase the proper feed for your pets, either where you purchased the pets, or at a local feed store. The local feed store will have a proper commercial feed for baby chicks and ducklings - but some do not keep it in stock past Easter. You will want to ask if they keep it in stock, and if not, purchase enough to keep your chicks or ducklings fed until they can switch to an adult feed.

You will also want to purchase a proper chick feeder. They will lose food tossed into their bedding, and tend to soil food in an open bowl as well as waste quite a bit as they peck through it.

Water - Don't plan on sticking any old bowl in the pen for chicks or ducklings. Baby birds need clean water. Baby birds also have a tendency to soil their water by walking through it, pooping in it, and throwing bedding into it. You will want to purchase a chick waterer from the feed or pet store. It will be built to keep the soiling to a minimum, but for the first four weeks or so you will have to check the waterer several times a day and provide fresh, clean water as often as necessary. When the chicks are a couple of weeks old, they will probably be big enough for you to set the waterer on a flat board or brick in the pen to elevate it from floor level (the water should be at the same level as the backs of the chicks) which will cut down on the mess a bit.

Shelter - For the first few weeks, a cardboard box with ventilation holes and sides at least 12 inches high will do fine as a home for your chicks or ducklings. A round container, such as a kiddie pool is better, as chicks and ducklings might tend to "pile" in corners and suffocate the bottom birds. Plan on giving them about 2 foot of space per baby bird. This sounds like a lot when they are 2 days old, but they are going to grow!

You will also need bedding. Wood shavings, such as the type sold packaged for small animal bedding, is the best. Plan on changing it every few days depending on the size of their pen.

When they are about 4 to 5 weeks old and fully feathered, they can move outdoors (weather permitting). They will then need a coop of some sort, and a pen to roam.

Company - Chickens and Ducks are flock animals. You don't have to buy more than one, but they will be much happier in the long run if you do.

Chicks and ducklings do, however, offer a very special reward for your tender, loving care. Last years Easter chicks will be laying eggs for this Easter's celebration!

Chickens and Ducks live for ten to fifteen years, and the females will lay eggs from about 5 months of age to approximately five years of age. Some will lay for a much longer time, although not as much as in their younger days.

Of course, Easter chicks and ducklings are not divided by sex, which means you will have males - roosters or drakes - as well as females. In the case of the male ducks, this isn't much of a problem. But we all know about roosters, don't we? At about the same time the hens start to lay, the roosters will start to crow. If you live in town, this can be an issue with the neighbors - not to mention the family. Not everyone thinks we ought to jump up out of bed at 3 am - but your rooster will.

In years past, the dye used to color chicks and ducklings often caused them to sick and die a few days after the holiday. This is no longer true, as a different process is used to dye the chicks and ducklings.

This is only a very basic outline of needs for chicks and ducklings. I strongly suggest you either purchase a book for their care, or at least check one out of the library.

If someone just dropped by your house and presented your child with a chick or duckling for Easter (it happens) - set them up with a cardboard box bedded with shavings or newspaper, a light for warmth (be aware of fire hazards and be sure it is out of the chicks reach), a bowl with fresh water, and get to the nearest feed or pet store for a waterer, feed and a feeder, a proper heat light bulb, thermometer, bedding, and a book on care.

There is of course, the possibility that you can keep the baby birds for a few months or weeks, and then place them with someone who wants chickens or ducks and has the facilities to care for them. If you want to do this - that's great - but I would make sure you have the arrangement made in advance. Depending on where you live, it may not be all that easy to find someone who wants them.

Easter Bunny

Aren't those baby Easter bunnies just the cutest? Sure they are! But they grow up into rabbits, and may live over ten years. They do not need quite so much intensive care as babies as the birds do, but their needs in the long run may prove more expensive.

And they don't really lay eggs, you know. ;)

Rabbits do make wonderful pets. However, they are not typically good pets for children, especially young children. If you are prepared and want to add a rabbit to your family, there's certainly nothing wrong with deciding to do it just in time for Easter. If someone just dropped by and handed your child an Easter bunny (a live one), you might have a bit of a problem! Yes, it happens.

Fortunately, most pet stores now carry all the things your new pet will need for his or her health and happiness. Basic needs for rabbits are the same as for all pets - shelter, food, and water.

In the case of a bunny, you will first want to decide if he or she is going to live indoors or outdoors. Domestic rabbits are not as hardy as their wild relatives. A pet rabbit really should live indoors, with or without run of the house. An outbuilding, such as a shed or garage is not ideal - ventilation and temperature must be considered, as well as whether other animals are able to get into the building. A rabbit can actually die of fear from the presence of a predator animal - such as the family dog. A caged rabbit will still need at least few hours a day of playtime a day in a larger area.

Indoors or out, you will still need to purchase a cage, or hutch. Even an indoor rabbit should have a cage for their own security and for times when you may need to confine them. A rabbits cage should be at least five times the size of the rabbit. In the case of a baby rabbit, you'll either want to buy a cage based on his adult size, or plan on buying larger cages as she grows. Your rabbit should be able to stretch out and lay down, and their head should not touch the top of the cage when they stand.

Depending on the type of cage you purchase, you will also need bedding. Cages with wire floors are very common - but also hard on little bunny feet. If you purchase this type of cage, you should layer some cardboard over the wire to make it more comfortable for your bunny.

When you purchase the cage, keep in mind the type of feeder and waterer you plan to use. The best feeders and waterers are those that fit onto the cage in such a way that they remain clean and sanitary. Thus it is probably easiest to purchase the cage, feeder, and waterer at the same time and place. Most pet stores and feed stores will have all of those items available for you.

Your rabbit will also appreciate a place to hide - or have a little privacy. A simple cardboard box with a door cut into that fits in the cage is fine, or you can buy something fancier if you wish.

Commercial feed, as well as treats, are readily available for rabbits these days. However, these foods should be considered supplemental to hay (timothy hay, or grass hay is better for rabbits than alfalfa), and dark, green leafy vegetables. As with any pet, fresh food and water should be provided daily.

If you are keeping the rabbit indoors and giving them the run of the house, you can train them to use a litter box. You will want to make sure you have "bunny proofed" the house. Rabbits chew - a curious nibble of an electrical cord could have terrible consequences.

Rabbits are social animals. Even if you, or your child, spends lots of time keeping bunny company - they would be happier with another bunny friend. Consider adopting two bunnies rather than one. They will be happier for it.

As with chicks, you will find numerous books and resources on the web concerning rabbit care. This is only a very basic outline. You'll have much to learn!

Although I mentioned that with chicks and ducklings you might consider keeping them only until they are grown if you can make arrangements for a new home for adult chickens or ducks - this is less of an option with Easter bunnies. If you are purchasing a bunny, please plan on keeping it for it's own life span. If someone just surprised you with a gift bunny, and you cannot or do not want to keep it, you will find many rabbit rescue groups listed online. Many local shelters also have facilities for rabbits.

Pets are really not suitable surprise gifts for anyone at any time. This goes for Easter chicks, Easter ducklings, and Easter bunnies. They are all cute babies, but they grow up and live from ten to fifteen years. They have needs and require suitable care.

I hope you didn't buy one on impulse, but if you did, I hope you will go on now to see that it receives proper care. If someone "surprised" you (or your child) with an Easter bunny or chick, I hope you will either step up to the responsibility (and perhaps be surprised by how rewarding they are!) or take the proper steps to find them a good home. And if, best of all, you decided months ago to add some chickens, ducks, or rabbits to your family and thought you'd wait until Easter to buy them and take them home, where their cage and hay, or heat lamp and feed are all ready and waiting for them - yay you, enjoy the new additions to your family!

Summer Fey Foovay is an artist, writer, and webdesigner as well as the webmaster of Animal Nerd. She has been involved in animal care, often professionally, since childhood. You can find more of her work at Demented-Pixie.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Summer_Foovay

Labels: Pet Care

Most kids would love to have pets at home. Most kids like to have a dog or cat as a pet. Children will get a brilliant experience with pets. Pets help kids in learning about the responsibility, love, and care for a fellow living being. Parents have to give certain instructions or advice to their kids while dealing with pets. Social skills of kids can be improved by interaction with pets. Families will have a good time, where bonding can be enhanced while taking care of the pets. So many activities can be done by the families and pets together. For example, fitness can be gained by taking the pets out for a walk.

Parents can invite the kids to join them while taking care of the pets. By having a schedule for the pet care, it will become easy for you and your children in caring pets.

The responsibilities for the pet care can be shared with your children. Kids will be able to enjoy the work and makes them feel that their service is very much important to the pets. Discuss the works in prior with your children and ask them which tasks can be taken by them. Appreciate them for volunteering and remember not to force any work on them. The kid's age should also be considered while assigning the duties. The work that can be done according to their age should only be assigned to them.

The work done by the kids should be appreciated at every point of time. Parents can give their kids small rewards for their work. These activities help the kids to become independent and also to help others who depend on them. Parents should educate their kids about the importance of pets and animal life in the world. Kids should be warned and advised if they do any harmful activity to the pets. Children can be taught how to hold smaller pets by giving comfort to them. Supervise your kids while caring pets at each stage if your kids are too small. Ensure that they are not attacked by the pets. By involving kids in pet care they will get the chance to become closer with the pets and the pets too feel the same way.

Parents can teach the kids to feed them. So the pets will show a special bonding to your kids. Kids should be involved during the bath time of the pets. They can be taught about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene while caring pets. While doing the cleaning activities parents should tell them to use gloves. Children should be allowed to play with the pets as this is one way of pets getting bonded to the kids. Parents should keep an eye on them during the play time and make sure that pets are not harming the kids.

Children should be reminded once if they forget to do the committed tasks. Some kids will get bored of the repetitive tasks required during pet care. But parents should be able to convince the importance of these tasks though they are repetitive by citing few real time examples.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. You will find the best marketplace for kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls at these sites for kids toys, animals, and dolls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

Labels: Pet Care

Most of us like to have pets at home, especially kids who get excited about the idea of having a pet at home. There are some pretty common pets that are usually seen in most houses and they are dogs, cats, rabbits etc. Dogs are preferred because they guard their master, and the house, and will never tolerate anyone misbehaving with their master. But if people are interested in having companions for them, they prefer cats, as they prove to be very good companions. There are some differences in the nature and habits of dogs and cats, and so it becomes quite personal as to what you are looking for in a pet.

The first difference that is seen in the dogs and cats is that dogs are social animals and like to live in groups. They like to follow the leader of the group and are termed as the happiest among all in this kind of environment. Cats are completely different by nature and they like to roam about alone and never like to follow anyone. Dogs can stay anywhere they go and will become happy after sometime but the cats will not feel happy if they are taken out of their environment even if they have the best of companions with them.

The eating habits of dogs and cats are different and it is easy to manage with the dogs as compared to the cats in many aspects. When it comes to food, dogs will eat almost anything and can survive without meat for few days. Although dogs need a good amount of meat protein to maintain their health but at times they can manage without meat. But cats need a fixed amount of meat protein daily and are not able to maintain good health without it. Dogs can also remain without eating for few days by utilizing the fat reserves of their body but even if the cat is overweight it cannot utilize its fat reserves and needs to be fed daily. In the absence of proper feeding their health deteriorates.

Dogs are very obedient and will follow your instructions in any circumstances and when it rolls over it shows its submissive nature. But when the cat rolls over it shows the sign of trust because cats are never submissive. Dogs like to roll on dirty things like the normal nature of the dogs that are seen in the street dogs. Whereas cats have the nature of digging the earth and then bury their waste in it so that no one can trace them. Both of them have their peculiar nature just because of the cause of survival, which is the most important point for all the species in this world.

Keeping in mind all the points of differences between a cat and a dog, now it is up to you what you decide. Some like cats because of their nature and habits and some prefer dogs for their obedience and guarding nature.

But probably the thing that attracts people to dogs as pets, the most is that dogs are loyal, after all they are often referred to, - 'as a man's best friend'. Irrespective of these things, it's basically a personal choice and both, dogs and cats both are kept as pets in homes.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. You will find the best marketplace for kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls at these sites for kids toys, animals, and dolls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

Labels: Pet Care

Kids are curious by nature, and get very excited to learn about those things that are not apparent, and that they are not able to see. When you ask them what stories they want to listen to, the most common answer would be that they would like to listen to stories of wild animals or some dangerous and exciting stories. Kids have their own world of imagination, and they are excited to add more knowledge to that. Children have the general tendency of sharing information with friends, and as soon as they gather some, they would like to share immediately. So, if you are thinking of teaching your kid about wild animals you better start with the stories about wild animals that will arouse their interests. They would become engrossed and would like to know more about the lions, tigers, wolves etc, after listening to such stories.

The next step that you need to take is show them pictures in books or on the internet and make your kids identify the animals with their names. You have all the information on the internet so show your kids, the origin of animals, their eating habits, behavior, likes and dislikes etc. You will see that your child is getting interested in the topic and then you can also tell your kids how these wild animals such as lions, tigers, wolves, etc are facing dangers these days, in this modern world.

One thing that you need to keep in mind is the age of your child. Your child should be old enough to grasp such things that your telling them. A smaller child might not be able to associate with such things and land up getting scared rather than interested. Thus you'll end up doing more harm than good.

It is always better to educate your child with pictures or with information gathered from the internet or magazines. Show them everything and explain it directly on the computer or books, so that they believe what they see. Children like to see pictures as it makes what your telling them all the more interesting. Explain to your kids all the information and patiently answer any questions that they may have. For sure they'll have plenty!

If you can manage, take your kid to a trip to any national park and learn about the safety tips before entering. This you can do if your child is big enough and will understand and cooperate with you to look out for wild animals. In fact even a zoo is a good idea to look at wild animals. The zoo probably is a safer bet, as the animals are confined to their cages or spaces and children feel more sage. If your kids are old enough to understand the effects of the modern world on lions, tigers and other wild animals, then you can explain that to them as well.

Teaching kids about wild animals can be fun and interesting, you can also explain to them the difference between a wild animal and a pet, that you keep at home.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. You will find the best marketplace for kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls at these sites for kids toys, animals, and dolls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

Labels: Pet Care

Care for Chihuahua dogs is much like caring for any other dog with several important exceptions. Since Chihuahuas are members of the world's smallest breed, you must consider the small physical size of the dogs. Small in size but your pet isn't necessarily small in attitude. Like many small breeds Chihuahuas often make up for small size with a lively, terrier-like disposition. Of course, disposition of dogs varies widely. Some Chihuahuas are retiring and very quiet too.

Chihuahua training must be gentle but still insist on reasonable behavior by your pet. You determine what is reasonable too.

Chihuahua Potty Training

A first training step for Chihuahua puppy care is house training. Get house training done quickly and you and your puppy will both benefit. Make sure your pup is old enough to physically control elimination. Starting house training too early is a major source of frustration. Once you determine that your puppy is old enough for house training, you can choose from several different methods of teaching.

One of the most popular methods is called crate training. Most dogs have no desire to soil their sleeping and lounging area. If you confine a puppy in a fairly small area, like a crate, the puppy will usually hesitate when the time for elimination is at hand. That uncomfortable period, is your time to spring into action. Quickly remove the pup from the crate to the appropriate area. Repetition of this exercise will train most dogs that the right place to go is the place you have chosen. That's a mission accomplished.

This method does require your close attention for the training period. You must be right by your puppy watching for signs of discomfort. After a bit, you can probably predict when the time is right based on meal times and other time day.

Protection

For house breaking and any other training, always remember the small size of a Chihuahua. Tiny dogs can be injured in many ways. Accidentally step on your puppy or sit on a dog and you may do permanent damage or worse. And it is essential that no rough treatment is acceptable in any training. Any necessary discipline can be firm and consistent, but still very gentle.

Another protection required for your dog is protection from cold. Tiny dogs do not have the mass to deal with very cold weather. Their bodies are just too small and lack the fat cover necessary for dealing with cold temperatures. Leaving your dog outside in cold weather is a bad idea. Pet clothing in cold weather is not just for decoration, but for protection from chilling.

Feeding A Chihuahua

Another challenge of care for Chihuahua dogs is at feeding time. Chihuahuas, especially older dogs, become overweight quickly. Overweight dogs are subject to a whole list of health problems. Hypoglycemia, the difficulty in dealing with sugars in the diet, is especially common in overweight dogs. Avoid many problems by feeding a moderate, high quality diet and limiting snacks. Then provide plenty of exercise opportunities. A moderate diet and quality exercise will keep your dog fit and healthy for many years.

Puzzled about care for Chihuahua dogs? Need more information? Visit our site for care for Chihuahua dogs tips.

We invite you to visit http://www.ChihuahuaTips.com for answers to your Chihuahua dog questions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington

Labels: Pet Care

As pet owners, we are all concerned about the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Anesthesia and surgery is a more exact science than you might expect. The safety of general anesthesia is dependent upon the anesthetic agent, the equipment used, the methods of patient monitoring, patient status, and the expertise of the people involved. In fact, the safety of general anesthesia is dramatically improved by giving adequate attention to each of these areas.

To the doctors and staff of Research Pet and Bird Hospital, nothing is more important than taking steps to maximize the safety of a procedure. In fact, our core values demand that we use only the safest anesthetic agents, precise delivery systems, intense patient monitoring, and all measures available to improve the patient's status to make the procedure a success. For us, it is a mission. Our focus and intensity does not wane until the patient is fully recovered and ready to go home. Anything else is a complete failure in our minds and hearts.

If you are planning to have your dog spayed, cat neutered, your bird's broken leg fixed, the mass in your ferret biopsied, or the teeth in your rabbit floated, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Your pet's safety is our greatest concern.

Our goal is to minimize the risks associated with anesthesia. In order to make anesthesia as safe as possible, we use some of the safest anesthetic agents available. The use of precision vaporizers allows a constant and exact amount of anesthetic to enter the patient and allow rapid adjustments of anesthetic depth and rapid elimination of the anesthetic agent permitting quick recoveries. Our anesthetic machines also deliver 100% oxygen to provide adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Our surgical nurses are the best in the business. They are hand picked to take on this profound responsibility. They understand this tremendous responsibility and they take it very seriously. We charge them with caring for the most important animals on the planet, your pet. To them, guiding your pet through the procedure to a successful conclusion is their single most important task. We train them to be the best. They are so good, our doctors ask for their assistance on their own pets. Our surgical nurses are intensely trained and care so much that often it may seem they are making too many recommendations. The reason is simple, your pet's safety is their responsibility and they want every advantage.

If you have ever seen us working on your pet under anesthesia, you would notice all the devices connected to your pet. We use state of the art monitoring equipment to provide up to the second information about patient status. Continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring is performed and adjustments in anesthetic depth are based on objective measurements such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, % saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen (pulse oximetry), blood pressure, and electrocardiographic tracings. These measurements are balanced along with our assessments of patient status.

We take into account variables such as patient age, size, weight, and health as well as the nature and expected duration of the procedure and make adjustments according to changing observations or expectations during the anesthetic period. Without a doubt, one of the most important keys to the safe conclusion of an anesthetic event is understanding patient status. What we learn during your pet's history and physical help us identify the three greatest risk factors: the presence of pre-existing illness, organ dysfunction, or sensitivity on the part of an individual to a particular anesthetic agent. In addition, we strongly recommend pre-surgical blood screens or profiles for all patients for all anesthetic procedures. In some cases, we are already aware of a pre-existing condition that should be monitored by these tests. In other cases, these tests may reveal a hidden illness or problem that could increase the patient's anesthetic risk. Complications to anesthesia are rare, but some are serious and may result in patient death. Under no circumstances do we want to jeopardize your pet's health if we feel the risk is too high.

Pre-surgical testing decreases the overall risk of anesthesia and helps prevent unexpected complications to anesthesia and surgery. This helps to decrease the risk of anesthesia by identifying problems before the procedure, instead of finding out about them afterwards. Typical tests are a complete blood count (CBC) to identify hidden infection, anemia, potential bleeding problem, or immune suppression. It also includes chemistry tests to avoid stumbling into situations where inadequate organ function impairs anesthetic elimination or increases the likelihood of complications. An EKG is a simple way to screen patients for heart disease and potentially life threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. The testing is designed to complement the doctor's assessment of patient status and risk of the anesthetic procedure. It is used to uncover undetected illness or to monitor known problems. It provides valuable information that may prevent us from unnecessarily endangering our patient. The likelihood that the findings will impact our decision to perform a procedure in healthy adults is small, but this does happen and there is no question those patients will be better off in the long run with that information. In some cases, a decision is made to postpone the procedure and try to resolve the problem first. In other words the pre-surgical testing decreases the overall risk of anesthesia and helps prevent unexpected complications to anesthesia and surgery. This type of testing is needed and is extremely important for any patient that will be anesthetized.

Intravenous catheters are always recommended to provide immediate access should emergency measures or other medications become suddenly necessary during the procedure. The administration of intravenous fluids during anesthesia is known to improve patient recovery and is a wonderful way to improve patient status.

If we made the recommendation for your pet to have something done with general anesthesia, you can be sure the benefits outweigh the risks and that we will do everything possible to bring about an uneventful recovery.

Some of the agents we use for anesthesia are Sevoflurane and Isoflurane (anesthetic gases) and Propofol (an intravenous induction agent to take the patient from awake to anesthesia). Some of the other medications we use before and during surgery are sedatives, tranquilizers, and pain medications may be given alone or in combination. We use tranquilizers such as valium or acepromazine; pain medications such as buprenorphine, morphine, butorphanol; and non steroid anti inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl or Metacam. Patients are maintained on anesthesia by driving the anesthetic agent with oxygen through an airway tube known as an endotracheal tube. Species of animals we perform anesthesia and surgery on include dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, and chinchillas, lizards, snakes, and turtles.

Common procedures include spay, neuter, endoscopy, lump removal, tumor biopsy, intestinal biopsy, liver biopsy, pancreatic biopsy, intestinal obstruction, foreign body removal, mass removal, tumor removal, fracture repair, bone plating, knee surgery, ACL repair, tracheoscopy, esophagoscopy, rhinoscopy, nasal biopsy, lymph nod biopsy, radiography, contrast studies, dewclaw removal, abscess surgery, urethral obstruction, bladder stone removal, fustula removal, resection and anastamosis, intussusception, perineal adenoma, perineal urethrostomy, perineal hernia, abdominal hernia, diaphragmatiac hernia, inguinal hernia, dentistry, dental cleaning, dental prophy, tooth extraction, oral surgery, periodontal therapy, root planing, gingivoplasy, external fixation, vaginoscopy, urethroscopy, cystoscopy, cysotomy, gastropexy, gastrotomy, feeding tube placement, jejunostomy, mast cell tumor removal, bile duct surgery, gall bladder surgery, corneal and eyelid surgery, enucleation, bulla osteotomy, lateral ear resection, total ear canal ablation, pelvic surgery, correctional osteotomy, and surgical sexing of birds.

Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care us and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with Anesthesia, Surgery and small animals. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Skellenger

Labels: Pet Care

Pets can also contract urinary tract infections, much like humans do. Most likely, cats are more prone to bladder infections than dogs and these could have a debilitating effect on the felines mobility and overall systemic health. If you have previously received treatment for an infection of this sort and endured all the related discomforts, imagine how much more painful this condition would be for a little kitty; to urinate amidst a buildup of crystallized urine passing through its tiny urethra.

At a glance, it would be difficult to determine if poor kitty is suffering from a bladder infection, much less notice the minute urine crystals discharged. Should you suspect a UTI condition, you could buy a urine pH test strip and administer it at home over a sample of your cats urine. Nevertheless, bladder infections can be directly observed through the aberrant actuations of your pet that constitute as symptoms to this disease. Symptoms may appear as gullible as the repeated self-licking of genitals; frequent urination that is more indicative of the infection; and the more obvious symptoms of pain while passing urine and in case cloudy or bloody formations become discernable over urine. Whatever the case may be, these symptoms are telltale signs of a bladder infection that should signal an immediate trip to the veterinarian for immediate consultations. Otherwise risk the complications that would go from a simple loss of appetite, to fevers and acute infections.

It is common practice to administer antibiotics to kill the bacteria-causing infection spawning within the confines of your pets bladder or kidneys. Yet recent medical findings reveal how prolonged use of anti-bacterial drugs can disrupt the delicate balance of your pets immune system in the course of providing relief. When this happens, poor kitty may not fully recover from the infection to instead suffer the ordeal of recurring UTIs throughout its lifetime.

Homeopathy is a fast rising, alternative treatment to synthetic drugs that is proven safe and effective for the treatment of your pets disease, even for prolonged medication. You might want to try herbal remedies such as Berberis Vulgaris with its potent extracts acting as naturally occurring anti-bacterial agents that not only stunt the growth of bacteria but also enhance the immune function. The Arctostaphylos uva ursi is another popular herb used as an antiseptic that is known effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Nowadays, herbal remedies are conveniently available through bottled medications. To obtain the therapeutic benefits contained with the abovementioned herbs, one could try a product such as a PetAlive UTI Free. Makers claim it is safe, free from undue side-effects and completely cures urinary tract infections in both cats and dogs.

Consider clearing your pets bladder infections the natural way and help your cat purr its way back into health.

Bruce Maul is a partner in Goldf Flax Seed, Inc. which provides only top quality Flax Seed, Herbal Remedies and other health related products. Learn more about Herbal Remedies by visiting http://www.myherbalremedystore.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Maul

Labels: Pet Care, Pet Health

Just like all other living creatures, pet animals like dogs and cats require a combination of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins, minerals and water. This balance can be achieved by creating a balanced nutrition diet, providing sufficient calorie amounts to meet the daily needs of the animal for activity, growth and repair. While many pet food bags claim that they are "complete nutrition" foods, this claim means absolutely nothing unless the nutrients within are in a form that the pet can absorb into their system.

For example, since the hemicelluloses and celluloses of plant cells is not digestible in raw forms by dogs and cats, foods that are based on grains as a primary source of protein and carbohydrates absolutely must be processed in a manner that allows the nutrients to be extracted by the animal's digestive system. Not only do most major pet food companies work hard to balance their pet foods, but they also make every effort to provide ingredients in the most usable form possible.

Pet foods must contain vitamins and minerals in concentrations that are balanced as well. If there is too much of one mineral or vitamin, it may actually have interference against the absorption of another vitamin or mineral. Too little of a vital nutrient can interfere with vitamin or mineral use. Major pet food companies generally strive to provide the most balanced proportions of minerals and vitamins and other nutrients based on years of studies, and most pet food companies are constantly fine tuning their recipes to benefit the pets that their foods feed.

There are differences in the way that each pet food maker processes their food, and in the quality of ingredients they use, which can contribute to the balance of the food's nutrition. There are also finished product, storage and ingredient humidity and temperature changes that contribute to variation in the quality of the food. Some pet characteristics affect nutritional needs in food, including age, breed, activity level and level of health. More and more pet food companies are coming out with specialised foods for certain animal breeds, activity levels (overweight, sporting, working), size (small dog formula, large dog formula) and age level (senior formula, baby formula) and so on.

For some pets, a balanced nutrition requires an anti-allergen food, such as a duck and potato blend for dogs and cats with allergies to certain grains.

The best way to determine what the right balance is for your dog or cat is to speak to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will have a good idea of the myriad of food choices out there, and will be able to recommend a food that will offer the right nutritional balance for your pet. It might be fruitful to explore a second opinion, or even a third, because some veterinarians give preferential treatments to certain food brands and may be making a somewhat biased decision.

However, slight differences in processing temperatures, in quality of the ingredients purchased, and storage humidity and temperature of ingredients of the finished product can cause variations in the quality that may affect a particular dog, a particular breed, or a particular line of dogs within a breed. In addition, some breeds or groups of breeds may require slightly different percentages of particular nutrients. Therefore, all dog foods are not perfect for all dogs, a factor that leads to the production of a plethora of different foods, claims, and processing methods.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on pet food, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of pet supplies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers

Labels: Pet Care