If your cat goes outside it’s a really good idea to use a collar. It lets other people know that the cat has a home, and if your cat should stray or get lost then the contact details on the collar will have you re-united with your cat in no time.
Deciding what cat collar to buy can be a more difficult choice than you think. Do you go with a flea control collar, a reflective collar, an elasticated collar, a buckle on collar, or no collar at all.
Do flea collars really work? My experience has been that they, but they don’t hurt either so we can look at form and fit. Fit is the most important consideration when buying a cat collar. If the collar is too tight it can cut off the cat’s air and blood supply. Choking your cat is not a good thing!! If it’s too loose the collar can get caught up on branches and fences while your cat is out playing. Cats have an uncanny knack of getting out of any collar that’s too loose. For kittens and still growing cats you’ll want an adjustable collar to allow for some growth, but make sure you check the fit on a regular basis.
Most collars have 2 methods of fastening around the cat’s neck. You have the traditional buckle style which is easy to put on and take off but the buckle can break. Then there is the slide through adjustable kind. This is a more secure way of fastening but it’s also more difficult to adjust, especially if you have a cat that doesn’t like having a collar on.
Most cat collars come with an elasticated or a breakaway section. This is a safety feature that allows your cat to escape the collar if it becomes stuck on bushes or fences. It helps avoid strangulation as well as being trapped. Even though a smart cat can figure out how to escape its collar, this is an important safety feature that you should seriously consider. Along these lines buy a collar made of a material that can be easily cut through in emergencies.
Another feature you may consider is a reflective strip in the cat collar. This can be helpful at night especially in areas that have a lot of traffic. The number one killer of cats is traffic so give the driver every chance to see your cat, especially if it’s a dark colored cat.
Many collars come with bells or some other noise making device. This is designed to warn potential prey animals that your cat is out hunting. The idea behind these is to avoid your cat bringing home gifts and presents, especially ones that are still alive!! In the main these devices are ineffective and its usually best to remove them so there’s less to get caught up in bushes and fences.
If you have an indoor cat that you’d like to introduce to the great outdoors, try buying a cat harness and attach a leash. You should first practice with this indoors until the cat becomes accustomed to it. The next step - take the cat for walks; to the park, to the beach, or to Aunty Jane’s house! You can train your cat to use the leash but it will take some time, practice and a lot of patience.
2008年9月17日星期三
2008年9月5日星期五
Save Money On Pet Foods With Your Own Gourmet Pet Food Recipies!
Animals, because they are color blind, choose their foods by smell. Most dogs like gamey flavors best, as well as liver, fat, garlic, onions, horsemeat, lamb, beef, cheese and fish. Cats enjoy chicken, liver, fish, turkey, lamb, and yeast, and prefer fresh to aged flavors.
Remember that cats are fussy eaters and it is not wise to continually feed them their favorite foods. Soon they will refuse to eat anything else; it is your job to see your cat has a balanced diet.
Animals do not need salt added to their diet as the natural salt in the food is enough for them.
Dogs may eat any vegetable they want, but cats should not have any starchy veggies, like peas and corn. Some dogs and cats even enjoy fruits!
It's a good idea to always add a grain, such as Kibble, wheat germ, cooked oatmeal or whole wheat bread to meat dinners. For dogs use 75% carbohydrate foods (grains and vegetables) to 25% meat; for cats use half carbohydrate foods to half meat.
You will find, once you begin making your own pet foods, that it is really relatively simple and you will save some money as well. remember that all pet foods should be served at room temperature; don't serve food cold from the refrigerator nor hot from the stove.
Incidentally, you should know that cats should be fed three times a day, while an adult dog needs only one meal a day.
Here are some pet recipes you can make at home:
SAUTEED LIVER
Heat 1 teaspoon corn oil in a pan.
Add 1/4 pound beef liver and fry on both sides until cooked but not dry inside.
Add 1/2 cup water to the pan and mix it up with all the brown bits.
For dogs, cut the liver into pieces and serve; for cats, grind the liver in a blender, using the pan juices.
CHICKEN SOAP
Combine 1 chicken liver, 1 giblet, 1 chicken heart, 1 chicken neck, 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley.
Cover and simmer until the giblet is tender.
Chop all the meat for dogs removing bones and mix with kibble; for cats, you may want to grind the meat in the blender.
VEAL STEW
Combine 1/2 pound stewing veal, 1 cup canned tomatoes, 1 cup water, 1 chicken bouillon cube, 1/2 onion (chopped), parsley and a dash of garlic powder in a pot and simmer.
When meat is tender, remove all the bones.
For dogs, cut the meat in chunks, and mix stew with kibble or some other grain; for cats, grind the stew in blender, adding a tablespoon of wheat germ or 1/2 slice of whole wheat bread.
LIVER COOKIES
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine 1/2 cup dry milk and 1/2 cup wheat germ; drizzle 1 teaspoon honey on top.
Add one 3 1/3 oz. jar of strained liver baby food or homemade blended liver and stir until everything is well mixed.
Form the mixture into balls; place them on an oiled cookie sheet and flatten them with a fork.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes.
Consistency should be fudgy.
Store in a jar in the fridge; freeze if keeping more than a few days.
LAMB STEW
Follow the recipe for Veal Stew, using chunks of lamb instead and leaving out the tomato if desired.
MACKEREL DINNER
Heat 1 tsp. corn oil in a skillet and fry 1 small mackerel until it flakes apart easily. Remove and cool. Pour 1/2 cup hot water into the pan and scrape the brown bits into it. Remove the bones from the fish and mix with the juice. For dogs, serve in pieces with kibble; for cats, grind with the pan juices.
FISH COOKIES
Follow the recipe for Liver Cookies but use instead 3 1/2 ounces of mashed and boned mackerel, either canned or freshly cooked.
BEEF COOKIES
Following the recipe for Liver Cookies, using cooked beef puree instead.
DOG MORSELS
2 cups whole wheat flour 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 cups white flour 1 cup skim milk powder 2 eggs water
1/2 cup melted beef or pork drippings (or lard)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix ingredients together with enough water to make a stiff dough. Roll out and cut into Christmas shapes. Bake on cookie sheet until hard.
KITTY TREATS
1 1/2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup tuna oil, chicken broth
or beef bouillon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients into a dough. Dust hands with flour and form small, 1/2-inch-thick, round "biscuits". Set on greased cookie sheet. Bake 30 minutes (or until biscuits are slightly browned).
Cool 30 minutes before serving.
BUDGIE BROWNIES
1 cup cornmeal 1 tsp. finely ground cuttlebone
1 cup hulled millet 2 tbsp. liquid honey
1/4 cup whole wheat flour 2 eggs
2 tbsp. raw wheat germ 4 egg yolks (for larger birds
add 1/2 cup peanuts) of coconut)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Pat into a greased and floured baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm (if edges start to get too brown, cover with foil).
Cool and cut into small squares.
I hope your pet's are happy, healthy and enjoyable for many years to come!
Remember that cats are fussy eaters and it is not wise to continually feed them their favorite foods. Soon they will refuse to eat anything else; it is your job to see your cat has a balanced diet.
Animals do not need salt added to their diet as the natural salt in the food is enough for them.
Dogs may eat any vegetable they want, but cats should not have any starchy veggies, like peas and corn. Some dogs and cats even enjoy fruits!
It's a good idea to always add a grain, such as Kibble, wheat germ, cooked oatmeal or whole wheat bread to meat dinners. For dogs use 75% carbohydrate foods (grains and vegetables) to 25% meat; for cats use half carbohydrate foods to half meat.
You will find, once you begin making your own pet foods, that it is really relatively simple and you will save some money as well. remember that all pet foods should be served at room temperature; don't serve food cold from the refrigerator nor hot from the stove.
Incidentally, you should know that cats should be fed three times a day, while an adult dog needs only one meal a day.
Here are some pet recipes you can make at home:
SAUTEED LIVER
Heat 1 teaspoon corn oil in a pan.
Add 1/4 pound beef liver and fry on both sides until cooked but not dry inside.
Add 1/2 cup water to the pan and mix it up with all the brown bits.
For dogs, cut the liver into pieces and serve; for cats, grind the liver in a blender, using the pan juices.
CHICKEN SOAP
Combine 1 chicken liver, 1 giblet, 1 chicken heart, 1 chicken neck, 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley.
Cover and simmer until the giblet is tender.
Chop all the meat for dogs removing bones and mix with kibble; for cats, you may want to grind the meat in the blender.
VEAL STEW
Combine 1/2 pound stewing veal, 1 cup canned tomatoes, 1 cup water, 1 chicken bouillon cube, 1/2 onion (chopped), parsley and a dash of garlic powder in a pot and simmer.
When meat is tender, remove all the bones.
For dogs, cut the meat in chunks, and mix stew with kibble or some other grain; for cats, grind the stew in blender, adding a tablespoon of wheat germ or 1/2 slice of whole wheat bread.
LIVER COOKIES
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine 1/2 cup dry milk and 1/2 cup wheat germ; drizzle 1 teaspoon honey on top.
Add one 3 1/3 oz. jar of strained liver baby food or homemade blended liver and stir until everything is well mixed.
Form the mixture into balls; place them on an oiled cookie sheet and flatten them with a fork.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes.
Consistency should be fudgy.
Store in a jar in the fridge; freeze if keeping more than a few days.
LAMB STEW
Follow the recipe for Veal Stew, using chunks of lamb instead and leaving out the tomato if desired.
MACKEREL DINNER
Heat 1 tsp. corn oil in a skillet and fry 1 small mackerel until it flakes apart easily. Remove and cool. Pour 1/2 cup hot water into the pan and scrape the brown bits into it. Remove the bones from the fish and mix with the juice. For dogs, serve in pieces with kibble; for cats, grind with the pan juices.
FISH COOKIES
Follow the recipe for Liver Cookies but use instead 3 1/2 ounces of mashed and boned mackerel, either canned or freshly cooked.
BEEF COOKIES
Following the recipe for Liver Cookies, using cooked beef puree instead.
DOG MORSELS
2 cups whole wheat flour 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 cups white flour 1 cup skim milk powder 2 eggs water
1/2 cup melted beef or pork drippings (or lard)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix ingredients together with enough water to make a stiff dough. Roll out and cut into Christmas shapes. Bake on cookie sheet until hard.
KITTY TREATS
1 1/2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup tuna oil, chicken broth
or beef bouillon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients into a dough. Dust hands with flour and form small, 1/2-inch-thick, round "biscuits". Set on greased cookie sheet. Bake 30 minutes (or until biscuits are slightly browned).
Cool 30 minutes before serving.
BUDGIE BROWNIES
1 cup cornmeal 1 tsp. finely ground cuttlebone
1 cup hulled millet 2 tbsp. liquid honey
1/4 cup whole wheat flour 2 eggs
2 tbsp. raw wheat germ 4 egg yolks (for larger birds
add 1/2 cup peanuts) of coconut)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Pat into a greased and floured baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm (if edges start to get too brown, cover with foil).
Cool and cut into small squares.
I hope your pet's are happy, healthy and enjoyable for many years to come!
2008年9月2日星期二
Temperature Requirements of Exotic Pets
The rich and famous are known for starting all types of trends and one of the latest is using pets for fashion accessories. Famous for nothing Paris Hilton and pop starlet Britney Spears are just a few of the individuals in the limelight carrying small pocket sized pets as accessories. However, while this trend seems to be taking off and many stars as well as the not so famous have purchased pets to accessorize their wardrobes it really is not a trend that the general population should follow.
Knowing the Temperature Requirements of Exotic Pets
So, you want to get an exotic pet, huh? Maybe you are tired of your regular dog and your good old cat. Maybe the bird joyfully chirping outside your window isn't good enough for you anymore.
You want more challenge and adventure, as a pet owner. You want to take on the challenge of taking care of exotic animals as pets. Yes, exotic animals like skunks, spiders, and snakes.
What are exotic pets like?
But before you do just that, you have to know the proper condition of the type of exotic pet you intend to take care of. Mostly, exotic pets can't live in the same condition such as yours. You first have to know its habitat temperature requirements.
For starters, try to research things about the pet and the particular species that you want. From where do these animals come from? Do they come from cold countries like Antarctica? Or hot ones like Kenya and South Africa?
Many people are in search of the perfect pet. Whether you are single, newly married, married with four children, or about to retire, there are some things to consider when you begin looking to include a pet into your family. When you think of having a pet, you most likely think you have to choose between having a dog or a cat, but in reality there are countless animals that can become ideal pets.
The room temperature of the animals you intend to take care of should be maintained to match their natural habitat. If they are used to cold weather and you are in an equally cold country, like the U.S., then you should be fine. What about if they are used to a hot, humid place? That is going to be a problem, for sure.
If you intend to take care of an exotic pet that is used to weather not similar to yours, then the pets will definitely not survive long. The only thing that you can do is to set up a room and make its temperature akin to what the animal is used to.
Temperature is really important. So the next time you intend to take an oriental exotic animal to your relatively cold country, think twice. You might not be making a good decision. The pet you intend to take care of may not even last for a few days. It is just going to be a waste.
So the main thing here is, don't get exotic pets originating from relatively hot countries, unless you really wanted to go into great heights simulating their natural habitat for them. If you are fine with that, then you can go ahead and take care of that pet. But if that is simply too much of a hassle for you, then don’t do it. It may not be worth it.
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided by a website entitled RecoveryPets.Com was compared to microchips and tattoos, and were they a better option to providing identification for pets. During this discussion a lot of statements were made and taken for fact, but here we will dispel some of those myths.
What are exotic pets like?
Knowing the Temperature Requirements of Exotic Pets
So, you want to get an exotic pet, huh? Maybe you are tired of your regular dog and your good old cat. Maybe the bird joyfully chirping outside your window isn't good enough for you anymore.
You want more challenge and adventure, as a pet owner. You want to take on the challenge of taking care of exotic animals as pets. Yes, exotic animals like skunks, spiders, and snakes.
What are exotic pets like?
But before you do just that, you have to know the proper condition of the type of exotic pet you intend to take care of. Mostly, exotic pets can't live in the same condition such as yours. You first have to know its habitat temperature requirements.
For starters, try to research things about the pet and the particular species that you want. From where do these animals come from? Do they come from cold countries like Antarctica? Or hot ones like Kenya and South Africa?
Many people are in search of the perfect pet. Whether you are single, newly married, married with four children, or about to retire, there are some things to consider when you begin looking to include a pet into your family. When you think of having a pet, you most likely think you have to choose between having a dog or a cat, but in reality there are countless animals that can become ideal pets.
The room temperature of the animals you intend to take care of should be maintained to match their natural habitat. If they are used to cold weather and you are in an equally cold country, like the U.S., then you should be fine. What about if they are used to a hot, humid place? That is going to be a problem, for sure.
If you intend to take care of an exotic pet that is used to weather not similar to yours, then the pets will definitely not survive long. The only thing that you can do is to set up a room and make its temperature akin to what the animal is used to.
Temperature is really important. So the next time you intend to take an oriental exotic animal to your relatively cold country, think twice. You might not be making a good decision. The pet you intend to take care of may not even last for a few days. It is just going to be a waste.
So the main thing here is, don't get exotic pets originating from relatively hot countries, unless you really wanted to go into great heights simulating their natural habitat for them. If you are fine with that, then you can go ahead and take care of that pet. But if that is simply too much of a hassle for you, then don’t do it. It may not be worth it.
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided by a website entitled RecoveryPets.Com was compared to microchips and tattoos, and were they a better option to providing identification for pets. During this discussion a lot of statements were made and taken for fact, but here we will dispel some of those myths.
What are exotic pets like?
2008年8月24日星期日
Why Do Cats Do What Cats Do?
Anyone who has ever had a cat has questions about their behavior. I have quite a few that has influenced my behavior around him.
Why do cats have more energy at night? Waking up my cat Spike, especially in the evening when he's been asleep in his box in the garage, is not a very wise thing to do if you're planning on going to bed yourself. After having slept most of the day, he's full of pep and wants to play. I just want to go to sleep!
Each night I tip-toe past the door leading into the garage so I won't disturb him. If he hears voices or footsteps he'll start meowing, wanting something to eat. After I give him a handful of Meow Mix, he eats a few bites and then tries to slip past me into the house. Because he's faster than me, most of the time he's successful. Immediately upon entering the foyer he'll start lying on his back and then rolling over, something I think is weird but it seems to make him happy.
Why do cats roll on their backs? My neighbor who has a lot of cats say that when one on his back he's being friendly. Friendly is good when it's much earlier in the evening, not when it's time for me to go to bed. I've learned not to pet him too much. If I do, he thinks I'm going to let him stay in the house. No way!
If I relent and let him go to his bed in the corner of my office, he'll sleep awhile and just when I'm about to doze off, he'll come to my bedroom and start meowing for me to let him back out. That's why I have to sneak past the garage door when it's my bed time!
Why do cats rub up against things? No matter how many times a day he's been allowed in the house, Spike has to rub himself against every door jamb and piece of furniture he passes. Cats supposedly do this to mark their territory so that other cats will know who rules their kingdom. I find it hard to believe that they have to mark the same place four or five times a day, especially if there are no other cats around. I think my cat does that just to annoy me!
Why do cats bring dead mice to the house? Spike, being and indoor/outdoor cat occasional brings us a gift of a dead mouse or bird. Cat experts say this is because he has this inherent urge to hunt his own food. Instinctively he is using the same stealth and patience they would use in the wild to hunt for food.
Why do cats dash to a spot as if they suddenly remember something? From time to time I've noticed Spike walking across our front yard at a leisurely pace, when all of a sudden he will jump and start running around the house like he's been stung by a bee. After that short burst of speed he stops and continues his unhurried stroll.
My thoughts have been that he was just batty and that there was very little I could do for him. Again, my cat loving neighbor has an explanation. Cats are simply pretending that they're in the jungle somewhere running down food, such as an antelope or a springbok. Seriously, some cat psychologist must have figured that one out. I still think Spike is nuts!
The most serious question of all is why do cats drink out of the toilet. After asking that question of several "experts", I have yet to get a definitive answer. It seems that everyone have a different view of cat behavior.
Some say that cats just want to be close to where we have been, thus making toilet drinking a thing of love. Others say that cats like cold water that's fresher and cleaner than what is in their water dish. This makes more sense to me than a cat having a romantic interlude with my toilet seat.
Let's face it! No one really knows why a cat does anything. Spike let's us believe that we're in charge of his life, but when I command that he rolls over or fetch a stick, he simply stares at me and then lies down on the floor and start grooming himself. I guess I had better think of new tricks for him!
Why do cats have more energy at night? Waking up my cat Spike, especially in the evening when he's been asleep in his box in the garage, is not a very wise thing to do if you're planning on going to bed yourself. After having slept most of the day, he's full of pep and wants to play. I just want to go to sleep!
Each night I tip-toe past the door leading into the garage so I won't disturb him. If he hears voices or footsteps he'll start meowing, wanting something to eat. After I give him a handful of Meow Mix, he eats a few bites and then tries to slip past me into the house. Because he's faster than me, most of the time he's successful. Immediately upon entering the foyer he'll start lying on his back and then rolling over, something I think is weird but it seems to make him happy.
Why do cats roll on their backs? My neighbor who has a lot of cats say that when one on his back he's being friendly. Friendly is good when it's much earlier in the evening, not when it's time for me to go to bed. I've learned not to pet him too much. If I do, he thinks I'm going to let him stay in the house. No way!
If I relent and let him go to his bed in the corner of my office, he'll sleep awhile and just when I'm about to doze off, he'll come to my bedroom and start meowing for me to let him back out. That's why I have to sneak past the garage door when it's my bed time!
Why do cats rub up against things? No matter how many times a day he's been allowed in the house, Spike has to rub himself against every door jamb and piece of furniture he passes. Cats supposedly do this to mark their territory so that other cats will know who rules their kingdom. I find it hard to believe that they have to mark the same place four or five times a day, especially if there are no other cats around. I think my cat does that just to annoy me!
Why do cats bring dead mice to the house? Spike, being and indoor/outdoor cat occasional brings us a gift of a dead mouse or bird. Cat experts say this is because he has this inherent urge to hunt his own food. Instinctively he is using the same stealth and patience they would use in the wild to hunt for food.
Why do cats dash to a spot as if they suddenly remember something? From time to time I've noticed Spike walking across our front yard at a leisurely pace, when all of a sudden he will jump and start running around the house like he's been stung by a bee. After that short burst of speed he stops and continues his unhurried stroll.
My thoughts have been that he was just batty and that there was very little I could do for him. Again, my cat loving neighbor has an explanation. Cats are simply pretending that they're in the jungle somewhere running down food, such as an antelope or a springbok. Seriously, some cat psychologist must have figured that one out. I still think Spike is nuts!
The most serious question of all is why do cats drink out of the toilet. After asking that question of several "experts", I have yet to get a definitive answer. It seems that everyone have a different view of cat behavior.
Some say that cats just want to be close to where we have been, thus making toilet drinking a thing of love. Others say that cats like cold water that's fresher and cleaner than what is in their water dish. This makes more sense to me than a cat having a romantic interlude with my toilet seat.
Let's face it! No one really knows why a cat does anything. Spike let's us believe that we're in charge of his life, but when I command that he rolls over or fetch a stick, he simply stares at me and then lies down on the floor and start grooming himself. I guess I had better think of new tricks for him!
2008年8月19日星期二
Pet keeping 101
Sooner or later many parents have to face their child's wish for its own pet. Whether dog or cat, hamster or pony, the choice for the right pet has to be a conscious one. The contact with and proper keeping of animals in a flat requires knowledge of the diet and character of the animal. To keep a pet means to be ready to carry responsibility.
It is important to daily play with the animal, to feed it and to understand when it does not feel so well. Many children confuse the wish for a pet with the substitute for a toy and are then easily overwhelmed with the keeping of and care for the pet. This work then becomes the parent's task, which was not meant to be the purpose. Before parents agree to the wish, it is important to explain to the child what daily responsibility, necessary care and limited free time mean.
Only when the child is fully aware of what it really means to keep an own animal, one should give its OK. If you are not sure right from the start which breed to choose, it is always advisable to have a look into adequate literature on the topic. In addition you can receive good advise from qualified personnel in a pet shop or in an animal shelter. It is important that no hastily decisions are taken, but that it develops into a relaxed and joyful undertaking.
Working animal
We will probably never know for sure, what the very first coming together of pet and man was like. Pets originally derive from wild animals. Man's agenda with breeding animals was to easily gain sustainable access to products and raw materials for food development. Man easily understood the different possibilities in which animals could be of use and he utilized the draught power of many animals.
Horses for example were used as working animals in forest- or field works.
We know that dogs are the best snoopers and track seekers. The most important is their nose, because their scenting ability is a lot better than that of man. Dogs are not only used to track down drugs or explosives, but also to find people who have been buried by an avalanche and are lying meters in the snow.
In science animals are mainly used to have the tolerance of new medicines tested. Only since the last century they have been used for animal experiments for tests in medicine but also cosmetics.
Haustiere.be is not aiming at experts but is rather a source of information for the average animals friend. The site is meant to provide you with information on the variety of species that can be kept as pets. This portal is for the amateur but also for the passionate animal lover and contains many pictures, articles and portraits of the different breeds.
Hardly any other topic offers you this great possibility to share your experiences with other people and to support each other with tips and ideas.
It is important to daily play with the animal, to feed it and to understand when it does not feel so well. Many children confuse the wish for a pet with the substitute for a toy and are then easily overwhelmed with the keeping of and care for the pet. This work then becomes the parent's task, which was not meant to be the purpose. Before parents agree to the wish, it is important to explain to the child what daily responsibility, necessary care and limited free time mean.
Only when the child is fully aware of what it really means to keep an own animal, one should give its OK. If you are not sure right from the start which breed to choose, it is always advisable to have a look into adequate literature on the topic. In addition you can receive good advise from qualified personnel in a pet shop or in an animal shelter. It is important that no hastily decisions are taken, but that it develops into a relaxed and joyful undertaking.
Working animal
We will probably never know for sure, what the very first coming together of pet and man was like. Pets originally derive from wild animals. Man's agenda with breeding animals was to easily gain sustainable access to products and raw materials for food development. Man easily understood the different possibilities in which animals could be of use and he utilized the draught power of many animals.
Horses for example were used as working animals in forest- or field works.
We know that dogs are the best snoopers and track seekers. The most important is their nose, because their scenting ability is a lot better than that of man. Dogs are not only used to track down drugs or explosives, but also to find people who have been buried by an avalanche and are lying meters in the snow.
In science animals are mainly used to have the tolerance of new medicines tested. Only since the last century they have been used for animal experiments for tests in medicine but also cosmetics.
Haustiere.be is not aiming at experts but is rather a source of information for the average animals friend. The site is meant to provide you with information on the variety of species that can be kept as pets. This portal is for the amateur but also for the passionate animal lover and contains many pictures, articles and portraits of the different breeds.
Hardly any other topic offers you this great possibility to share your experiences with other people and to support each other with tips and ideas.
2008年8月12日星期二
Positive Dog Training Techniques
There are many different dog training techniques that are out there today. Many people often don't realize that dog training courses often utilize different dog training techniques.
Some of these dog training techniques work better than others.
Whether you are going to a dog training course or if you are doing the dog training yourself... wouldn't you rather know which dog training technique is the best?
If you answered yes to that question then you should know that positive dog training is the best technique to use.
Positive dog training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. If you would like to learn more about positive dog training techniques, please read on.
Positive dog training techniques involve using only praise and positive reinforcement.
This means, positive dog training rewards your dog for good behavior or when it performs a command correctly.
The rewards used in this type of dog training can be treats, kind words, a pat on the head, etc. It has been found that dogs respond much better to positive dog training.
Positive dog training techniques never involve hitting, spanking, scolding, or punishing your dog in any manner. Dogs do not do well with any form of negative dog training.
Now we will go over some examples of positive dog training techniques. Let us say that you are beginning your dog training by teaching your dog to sit. When your dog sits, reward it with a treat and tell it what a good dog it is.
Another example of positive dog training is to use praise and treats when your dog goes to the bathroom when and where it is supposed to. Dogs will soon learn to relate to doing this when and where it should because it gets rewarded for it.
Thus your dog will be potty trained much faster. When using positive dog training, your voice should always be happy and pleasant. Dogs will want to do as you ask when they get rewarded by any positive means.
This is why positive dog training works much better than any other type of dog training.
Now that you understand what positive dog training is, you may wish to start some of these techniques yourself. You can find dog training courses that use positive techniques and you can also utilize these techniques on your own.
With positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards, your dog is sure to learn much faster and be happier doing so. You will then be happier as well and you will also find that the dog training will go much easier.
With that in mind, you can truly see how positive dog training techniques will give you positive results!
Some of these dog training techniques work better than others.
Whether you are going to a dog training course or if you are doing the dog training yourself... wouldn't you rather know which dog training technique is the best?
If you answered yes to that question then you should know that positive dog training is the best technique to use.
Positive dog training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. If you would like to learn more about positive dog training techniques, please read on.
Positive dog training techniques involve using only praise and positive reinforcement.
This means, positive dog training rewards your dog for good behavior or when it performs a command correctly.
The rewards used in this type of dog training can be treats, kind words, a pat on the head, etc. It has been found that dogs respond much better to positive dog training.
Positive dog training techniques never involve hitting, spanking, scolding, or punishing your dog in any manner. Dogs do not do well with any form of negative dog training.
Now we will go over some examples of positive dog training techniques. Let us say that you are beginning your dog training by teaching your dog to sit. When your dog sits, reward it with a treat and tell it what a good dog it is.
Another example of positive dog training is to use praise and treats when your dog goes to the bathroom when and where it is supposed to. Dogs will soon learn to relate to doing this when and where it should because it gets rewarded for it.
Thus your dog will be potty trained much faster. When using positive dog training, your voice should always be happy and pleasant. Dogs will want to do as you ask when they get rewarded by any positive means.
This is why positive dog training works much better than any other type of dog training.
Now that you understand what positive dog training is, you may wish to start some of these techniques yourself. You can find dog training courses that use positive techniques and you can also utilize these techniques on your own.
With positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards, your dog is sure to learn much faster and be happier doing so. You will then be happier as well and you will also find that the dog training will go much easier.
With that in mind, you can truly see how positive dog training techniques will give you positive results!
2008年8月11日星期一
Food Allergies in Dogs
Allergies in dogs seem to have become more and more common over the years. Whether this is just because we are getting better at diagnosing them is debatable, but certainly the pet food manufacturers have had an important role to play in dealing with this phenomenon. Although a food allergy is thought to be non curable, the good news is that with proper diagnosis and management it can be well controlled in virtually 100% of cases.
What is a food allergy?
A more appropriate term for a food allergy is an adverse food reaction. It is where ingestion of a certain ingredient in the diet causes itchiness anywhere on the body and recurring skin or ear infections with Malassezia yeast and bacteria. Food allergies can also cause digestive tract signs too, such as fecal mucus, blood in the stools and increased frequency of defecation. They have also been associated with increased flatulence.
The root cause of these adverse food reactions is unknown, but research points towards an increase in permeability of the gut wall, or a failure of the gut associated immune system. Though it has never been proven that certain breeds are affected worse than others, some breeds do seem to be over represented. The age of onset can range from a few months to 12 years old.
What are the ingredients that dogs are most commonly allergic to?
There are 7 ingredients that are frequently responsible for adverse food reactions:
1. Beef
2. Milk
3. Eggs
4. Chicken
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Corn
Statistically, beef and soy are the biggest offenders. Many dogs will be allergic to more than one of these ingredients, and may also be allergic to things in their environment, such as pollen, certain grasses or fleas.
How can a food allergy be diagnosed?
If a dog has had general itchiness that does not lessen in the winter months, recurrent skin and ear infections or intermittent soft stools, it is worth investigating for a food allergy.
There are 3 recognised diagnostic methods:
1. A blood test to measure antibodies to various ingredients.
2. An intradermal skin test where allergens are injected at various points on the skin and the reaction is measured.
3. An elimination diet.
The intradermal skin test is thought to be very inaccurate, and the jury is still out on the blood test. The elimination diet is seen as the most reliable, and the cheapest of the three options. It does however require a motivated and disciplined owner in order to achieve meaningful results.
Elimination Diet
There are three basic elimination diet choices:
1. Home cooked food
This is not generally recommended as it is time consuming for the owner and can also provide an unnatural and nutritionally unbalanced diet. However, if the dog is incredibly fussy and the owner cannot bear to force it to eat a commercial diet, the best ingredients are one of either lamb, fish, duck or turkey, plus one of either rice or potatoes. The two ingredients selected (the former high in protein, the latter a carbohydrate source) should be ones that the dog has preferably never eaten before.
2. A commercial, limited antigen diet
If one of these diets is to be recommended, suitable ingredients would be venison, rabbit or oatmeal. Remember, we are looking for ingredients that your dog has never eaten before, so cannot possibly already be allergic to.
3. A commercial, hydrolysed protein hypoallergenic diet
These contain proteins that have been broken down to the extent that they are no longer capable of causing an allergic reaction. They are often referred to as prescription diets because they are usually purchased via a veterinarian, although they can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. They are significantly more expensive than limited antigen diets, so it is wiser to try a limited antigen diet first as if the elimination diet is successful, the dog will remain on that food for life.
The elimination diet must be given for a minimum of 6 weeks, and possibly up to 10, in order to observe the maximum response. Owners must not give their dog ANYTHING else during the trial period, meaning no titbits, treats or vitamin supplements. For example, many owners do not realize that rawhide chews are made from cow derivatives and that with beef being the most common culprit in allergies, these chews could be the root of the problem. During the trial period, nothing must enter the dogs mouth apart from the chosen diet and water.
If the symptoms in question are intense itchiness, many vets will prescribe antihistamines or steroids during the first few weeks of the trial in order to make the dog more comfortable. If the dog gets better as the trial goes on, and the initial drugs to provide temporary comfort have worn off, then it is suggestive of a food allergy. If this occurs, the dog is then challenged with its former diet to see if the symptoms return and therefore confirm the diagnosis. It usually takes between 3 and 7 days for the symptoms to return after initiating the challenge.
If there is a partial improvement in the dogs condition, it is likely that the dog indeed has a food allergy but also has other allergies at the same time. The dog will then be kept on the elimination diet while other potential allergies are investigated, such as flea bite sensitivity and atopy. These can be checked for via intradermal testing or blood tests.
If a food allergy is confirmed, the owner can either continue to feed the same food given during the elimination trial indefinitely, or can persevere with dietary trials by introducing the 7 most common allergic ingredients (see above) one by one until it is ascertained exactly what the dog is allergic to.
What is a food allergy?
A more appropriate term for a food allergy is an adverse food reaction. It is where ingestion of a certain ingredient in the diet causes itchiness anywhere on the body and recurring skin or ear infections with Malassezia yeast and bacteria. Food allergies can also cause digestive tract signs too, such as fecal mucus, blood in the stools and increased frequency of defecation. They have also been associated with increased flatulence.
The root cause of these adverse food reactions is unknown, but research points towards an increase in permeability of the gut wall, or a failure of the gut associated immune system. Though it has never been proven that certain breeds are affected worse than others, some breeds do seem to be over represented. The age of onset can range from a few months to 12 years old.
What are the ingredients that dogs are most commonly allergic to?
There are 7 ingredients that are frequently responsible for adverse food reactions:
1. Beef
2. Milk
3. Eggs
4. Chicken
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Corn
Statistically, beef and soy are the biggest offenders. Many dogs will be allergic to more than one of these ingredients, and may also be allergic to things in their environment, such as pollen, certain grasses or fleas.
How can a food allergy be diagnosed?
If a dog has had general itchiness that does not lessen in the winter months, recurrent skin and ear infections or intermittent soft stools, it is worth investigating for a food allergy.
There are 3 recognised diagnostic methods:
1. A blood test to measure antibodies to various ingredients.
2. An intradermal skin test where allergens are injected at various points on the skin and the reaction is measured.
3. An elimination diet.
The intradermal skin test is thought to be very inaccurate, and the jury is still out on the blood test. The elimination diet is seen as the most reliable, and the cheapest of the three options. It does however require a motivated and disciplined owner in order to achieve meaningful results.
Elimination Diet
There are three basic elimination diet choices:
1. Home cooked food
This is not generally recommended as it is time consuming for the owner and can also provide an unnatural and nutritionally unbalanced diet. However, if the dog is incredibly fussy and the owner cannot bear to force it to eat a commercial diet, the best ingredients are one of either lamb, fish, duck or turkey, plus one of either rice or potatoes. The two ingredients selected (the former high in protein, the latter a carbohydrate source) should be ones that the dog has preferably never eaten before.
2. A commercial, limited antigen diet
If one of these diets is to be recommended, suitable ingredients would be venison, rabbit or oatmeal. Remember, we are looking for ingredients that your dog has never eaten before, so cannot possibly already be allergic to.
3. A commercial, hydrolysed protein hypoallergenic diet
These contain proteins that have been broken down to the extent that they are no longer capable of causing an allergic reaction. They are often referred to as prescription diets because they are usually purchased via a veterinarian, although they can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. They are significantly more expensive than limited antigen diets, so it is wiser to try a limited antigen diet first as if the elimination diet is successful, the dog will remain on that food for life.
The elimination diet must be given for a minimum of 6 weeks, and possibly up to 10, in order to observe the maximum response. Owners must not give their dog ANYTHING else during the trial period, meaning no titbits, treats or vitamin supplements. For example, many owners do not realize that rawhide chews are made from cow derivatives and that with beef being the most common culprit in allergies, these chews could be the root of the problem. During the trial period, nothing must enter the dogs mouth apart from the chosen diet and water.
If the symptoms in question are intense itchiness, many vets will prescribe antihistamines or steroids during the first few weeks of the trial in order to make the dog more comfortable. If the dog gets better as the trial goes on, and the initial drugs to provide temporary comfort have worn off, then it is suggestive of a food allergy. If this occurs, the dog is then challenged with its former diet to see if the symptoms return and therefore confirm the diagnosis. It usually takes between 3 and 7 days for the symptoms to return after initiating the challenge.
If there is a partial improvement in the dogs condition, it is likely that the dog indeed has a food allergy but also has other allergies at the same time. The dog will then be kept on the elimination diet while other potential allergies are investigated, such as flea bite sensitivity and atopy. These can be checked for via intradermal testing or blood tests.
If a food allergy is confirmed, the owner can either continue to feed the same food given during the elimination trial indefinitely, or can persevere with dietary trials by introducing the 7 most common allergic ingredients (see above) one by one until it is ascertained exactly what the dog is allergic to.
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