For most people, buying a puppy is an exciting event. Puppies are cute and fun to be around. However, without proper training, your cute, fun puppy can turn into a dog that you wish you didn’t have. Puppies that have not been taught manners and basic commands can be very difficult to manage as they grow into adult dogs that have no respect for you or anyone in your family.
I believe that most dogs want to make their owners happy and that even some of the most unruly dogs can be turned out with a lot of patience and proper training. I’m not talking about dogs that are truly dangerous for one reason or another. Most dogs that are considered unruly or unmanageable have never had any type of training whatsoever. A little training in basic sit, stay, down and leave it can do wonders for many dogs.
Before you decide that today is the day that you start training your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you start. I personally believe that only training methods based on positive reinforcement should be used. Hitting your dog or causing him pain while “training” him doesn’t work. You end up with a dog that is resentful and has no desire to listen to you or respect you. Hitting your dog can actually backfire and make your dog very aggressive and prone to attacking you. Dogs that are prone to being submissive may begin to pee any time you get near them as a sign of submission.
If your dog is behaving in an unacceptable manner, don’t just ignore the behavior because he will only continue to act in this manner. If you catch your dog doing something you don’t want him to do get his attention and tell him no. Then try to redirect his attention to a more acceptable behavior. For example, call him to you and reward him when he comes to you.
Get in the habit of rewarding positive behaviors when you see them. For example, if your dog barks at every noise he hears, get his attention and tell him quiet the next time he begins to bark. If he listens, tell him good dog. The more you can find good behaviors to reward, the more your dog will try to get your attention with his good behavior.
Remember to not ever punish your dog when he comes to you. The fact that your dog will come to you is positive and you want to keep it that way. If you call your dog to you and then punish him when he comes or you always do something unpleasant when he comes, like administer medicine or clip his toenails, he will stop coming to you at all! This could be a serious safety issue if your dog ever gets away from you or you need him to come to you quickly in an emergency.
Remember, the most effective way to train your dog is to reward him for good behavior. Punishing your dog rarely works and can lead to a dog that won’t listen to you and doesn’t want to interact with you.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Clicker Training Your Dog
Clicker training is becoming a popular way to train dogs. This type of training is versatile in that it can be used train show dogs, pets to do tricks and family dogs to stay, sit and heal. Clicker training is based on the fact that your dogs want to make you happy and is willing to learn. I have personally used clicker training with my three dogs and it is a fun way to train them.
Most dogs enjoy the opportunity to interact with their people and as long as it is fun, they can actually enjoy the training process. The biggest problem when training a dog is that they don’t speak “human” and that is where the clicker comes in. By clicking when the dog performs the wanted behavior, it tells the dog “Yes!! You did what I wanted!” and the sound of the click is the reward for the correct behavior. With repetition, you dog will understand what you want and will have fun trying to get you to click again.
Clicker training is a positive reinforcement type of training. There is no punishment and the goal is to keep it fun and positive for everyone involved. Because your dog is happy to be with you and is having fun, he is never afraid of you.
Before you start a training regimen, be sure the entire family is on board. When training your dog, everyone needs to be involved, even any children in the family. Before you begin, you will need a secure, safe area to work with your dog, a clicker, treats that your dog loves and lots of time and patience. The beauty of the clicker is that even young children can participate with supervision and gain the respect of the family pet.
At first, start slowly with your dog and reward any type of effort that is close to what you are asking for. This provides positive reinforcement and tells your dog “What a great try!” Be sure and use the correct word for the behavior that you are trying to get and stick with that word. For example, many people will interchange down and off and they are two separate commands. Everyone in the family needs to be as consistent as possible so that your dog is not confused. The more time you spend working with your dog, the more quickly he will improve. As he improves, you can ask for more precision before you click.
Clicker training is something that you need to spend some time doing with your dog. Remember, your dog doesn’t speak “human” and he may be a little confused at first. Practice as much as you can but don’t drill the poor dog to death. This training should be fun and allow you to bond with your dog.
Eventually, your dog will begin to understand what you want. If you are teaching your dog the “down” command, initially you will reward any attempt to lower his body to the ground. Once he appears to understand what you want, get pickier and only reward him when his belly is flat on the ground and he is relaxed. You can use a command like “again” to communicate that it is almost what you want, but not quite.
Using clicker training with your dog is a great way to spend fun time with your dog and make your bond stronger. Training your dog in general will instill good manners in him that makes him a pleasure to be around instead of a pest. Have fun with him and he will love spending time with you.
CLICK HERE to check out this great book “Clicker Training – The 4 Secrets Of Becoming A Super Trainer”
Most dogs enjoy the opportunity to interact with their people and as long as it is fun, they can actually enjoy the training process. The biggest problem when training a dog is that they don’t speak “human” and that is where the clicker comes in. By clicking when the dog performs the wanted behavior, it tells the dog “Yes!! You did what I wanted!” and the sound of the click is the reward for the correct behavior. With repetition, you dog will understand what you want and will have fun trying to get you to click again.
Clicker training is a positive reinforcement type of training. There is no punishment and the goal is to keep it fun and positive for everyone involved. Because your dog is happy to be with you and is having fun, he is never afraid of you.
Before you start a training regimen, be sure the entire family is on board. When training your dog, everyone needs to be involved, even any children in the family. Before you begin, you will need a secure, safe area to work with your dog, a clicker, treats that your dog loves and lots of time and patience. The beauty of the clicker is that even young children can participate with supervision and gain the respect of the family pet.
At first, start slowly with your dog and reward any type of effort that is close to what you are asking for. This provides positive reinforcement and tells your dog “What a great try!” Be sure and use the correct word for the behavior that you are trying to get and stick with that word. For example, many people will interchange down and off and they are two separate commands. Everyone in the family needs to be as consistent as possible so that your dog is not confused. The more time you spend working with your dog, the more quickly he will improve. As he improves, you can ask for more precision before you click.
Clicker training is something that you need to spend some time doing with your dog. Remember, your dog doesn’t speak “human” and he may be a little confused at first. Practice as much as you can but don’t drill the poor dog to death. This training should be fun and allow you to bond with your dog.
Eventually, your dog will begin to understand what you want. If you are teaching your dog the “down” command, initially you will reward any attempt to lower his body to the ground. Once he appears to understand what you want, get pickier and only reward him when his belly is flat on the ground and he is relaxed. You can use a command like “again” to communicate that it is almost what you want, but not quite.
Using clicker training with your dog is a great way to spend fun time with your dog and make your bond stronger. Training your dog in general will instill good manners in him that makes him a pleasure to be around instead of a pest. Have fun with him and he will love spending time with you.
CLICK HERE to check out this great book “Clicker Training – The 4 Secrets Of Becoming A Super Trainer”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Neuter Your Cat
Male cats that are not used for breeding purposes should be neutered so that they can no longer impregnate a female. This is especially crucial for cats because there are thousands of kittens and full grown cats every year that are put down because they cannot find homes. There are several advantages to having your male cat neutered and the process itself is quite safe. Everyone should strongly consider having their male cats neutered.
A “tomcat” is a male cat that has not yet been neutered. An unneutered male cat can be difficult to live with, no matter how well trained he may be. Male cats that are not neutered want to go outside to mate with female cats that are in heat. This can be a catastrophie if your cat is not used to being outside or if you live in a busy area with lots of traffic. Tomcats by nature like to roam a lot and they can go quite far away from home in the search for female cats. Cats that are unfamiliar with the outdoors may not be able to find their way home. They may also fall victim to larger predatory dogs that can kill them. Your tomcat may also enjoy being able to roam at will and may just not want to come home and be confined inside your home again.
Tomcats are very territorial and become aggressive if any other male cat enters their territory. They will fight with any male cat that roams into their territory and attempt to drive them away to prevent them from mating with female cats in “their” territory. A cat that feels threatened will fight to the death. Even if death doesn’t occur, these fights can be quite serious and can seriously injure the cats involved. Wounds that are inflicted can also spread diseases like the FeLV virus, which can be fatal. Neutering your cat may not stop an aggressive cat from being less hostile toward humans, but it will prevent your cat from actively seeking fights with other male cats in the neighborhood.
The neutering process is very simple and involves removing the male cat’s reproductive organs. These organs are easily accessible in most tomcats. Occasionally, a more extensive surgery has to be done because they have not developed and descended correctly. Removing these organs causes changes in male hormones through a cat’s body and changes his behavior. Most male cats will settle down and not be as prone to wandering and aggressive behavior. The younger your male cat is neutered, the easier it will be for him.
You should always contact your vet to explain the procedure in more detail. If you don’t intend to breed your cat, neutering him is the best choice for his health and well-being. It also helps to prevent more unwanted kittens being born.
A “tomcat” is a male cat that has not yet been neutered. An unneutered male cat can be difficult to live with, no matter how well trained he may be. Male cats that are not neutered want to go outside to mate with female cats that are in heat. This can be a catastrophie if your cat is not used to being outside or if you live in a busy area with lots of traffic. Tomcats by nature like to roam a lot and they can go quite far away from home in the search for female cats. Cats that are unfamiliar with the outdoors may not be able to find their way home. They may also fall victim to larger predatory dogs that can kill them. Your tomcat may also enjoy being able to roam at will and may just not want to come home and be confined inside your home again.
Tomcats are very territorial and become aggressive if any other male cat enters their territory. They will fight with any male cat that roams into their territory and attempt to drive them away to prevent them from mating with female cats in “their” territory. A cat that feels threatened will fight to the death. Even if death doesn’t occur, these fights can be quite serious and can seriously injure the cats involved. Wounds that are inflicted can also spread diseases like the FeLV virus, which can be fatal. Neutering your cat may not stop an aggressive cat from being less hostile toward humans, but it will prevent your cat from actively seeking fights with other male cats in the neighborhood.
The neutering process is very simple and involves removing the male cat’s reproductive organs. These organs are easily accessible in most tomcats. Occasionally, a more extensive surgery has to be done because they have not developed and descended correctly. Removing these organs causes changes in male hormones through a cat’s body and changes his behavior. Most male cats will settle down and not be as prone to wandering and aggressive behavior. The younger your male cat is neutered, the easier it will be for him.
You should always contact your vet to explain the procedure in more detail. If you don’t intend to breed your cat, neutering him is the best choice for his health and well-being. It also helps to prevent more unwanted kittens being born.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Flu And Your Dogs And Cats
Flu season is here, for humans and cats alike. Yes, you heard right. Just like humans, dogs and cats can also catch a strain of the flu. Flu in dogs and cats is due to an upper respiratory infection and can affect pets of any age, but is especially found in young or old animals.
It is best to try and prevent your pet from getting the flu in the first place. Your dog or cat can be vaccinated for the flu which will drastically reduce the severity of the flu if caught. During flu season it is best to not let your dog or cat roam around the neighborhood where he could come into contact with an infected pet.
The flu in a dogs and cats will look similar to the flu in a human. Depending on what agent is causing the flu, there are a wide range of symptoms and severities. Signs that your pet has the flu include inflammation around the eyes and nose, discharge from the nose, an elevated temperature, weakness and loss of appetite, sneezing, and coughing. It is important to get treatment for your dog or cat immediately so that he is not left with chronic diseases.
If one of your pets starts showing flu like symptoms, call your vet immediately to discuss treatment options. Most dogs and cats recover with no problems, but as with people, some pets will die.
While the flu itself cannot be treated, the symptoms of the flu can. It is important for your pet to get plenty of liquids to keep him hydrated. Since your pet may feel too bad to eat or drink you may have to get creative and try different types of treats to keep him hydrated. If your notice that your dog or cat’s illness seems to be getting worse or if it is very severe from the beginning, it is extremely important for you to take your him to the vet. Your cat may need to be hospitalized to ensure that it stays properly hydrated.
If you have multiple dog or cats in your house, you should try to isolate the sick pet as it is very contagious and will spread quickly. Don’t take your dog or cat out in public where he could come into contact with healthy animals and possibly infect them. All food and water bowls will need to be washed and disinfect often. Be sure and wash your hands and clothing after handling the sick pet prior to touching any of the well pets in your home.
Check out my website for more information.
It is best to try and prevent your pet from getting the flu in the first place. Your dog or cat can be vaccinated for the flu which will drastically reduce the severity of the flu if caught. During flu season it is best to not let your dog or cat roam around the neighborhood where he could come into contact with an infected pet.
The flu in a dogs and cats will look similar to the flu in a human. Depending on what agent is causing the flu, there are a wide range of symptoms and severities. Signs that your pet has the flu include inflammation around the eyes and nose, discharge from the nose, an elevated temperature, weakness and loss of appetite, sneezing, and coughing. It is important to get treatment for your dog or cat immediately so that he is not left with chronic diseases.
If one of your pets starts showing flu like symptoms, call your vet immediately to discuss treatment options. Most dogs and cats recover with no problems, but as with people, some pets will die.
While the flu itself cannot be treated, the symptoms of the flu can. It is important for your pet to get plenty of liquids to keep him hydrated. Since your pet may feel too bad to eat or drink you may have to get creative and try different types of treats to keep him hydrated. If your notice that your dog or cat’s illness seems to be getting worse or if it is very severe from the beginning, it is extremely important for you to take your him to the vet. Your cat may need to be hospitalized to ensure that it stays properly hydrated.
If you have multiple dog or cats in your house, you should try to isolate the sick pet as it is very contagious and will spread quickly. Don’t take your dog or cat out in public where he could come into contact with healthy animals and possibly infect them. All food and water bowls will need to be washed and disinfect often. Be sure and wash your hands and clothing after handling the sick pet prior to touching any of the well pets in your home.
Check out my website for more information.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Diabetes in Cats
Cats and humans may not look much alike, but remember, both are mammals. Therefore, there are a number of diseases, disorders, and other medical conditions found in humans that are also found in cats. One disease that we have in common is diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes in cats. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the insufficient production of insulin in the cat’s body. Type 2 diabetes is when a cat develops intolerance for handling the insulin. Both types can develop in cats of any age, but it is more commonly found in cats that are old, male, or obese. There is what is known as secondary diabetes as well, in which a drug or disease causes diabetes, sometimes forever and sometimes for a certain period of time.
There are some symptoms that you need to look for in your cat. These symptoms include excess thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, loss of weight, breathing abnormalities, and unhealthy skin and coat. Your vet will test your cat’s blood sugar levels and urine sugar levels. Both tests are needed, as temporary blood sugar levels may be high in cats that are stressed or nervous.
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, lifestyle changes are required to make sure that your cat’s health is restored as much as possible. Diet is very important. Remember, your cat should only get enough food during a meal as is necessary. Cats typically need food the size of one large mouse to be content - more will cause weight problems. Not only is the amount of food important, but you should also be concerned with your cat’s types of foods. Your vet can recommend specific cat food brands that are high in fiber and protein in order to control the diabetes.
Your cat’s diabetes will need to be carefully monitored and it may be necessary for your cat to be treated with insulin, oral mediations, and supplements. Again, your vet can tell you what is needed, as well as show you how to administer treatment to your cat daily. It is important for you to monitor your cat’s health to make sure that the diabetes is in control and that he or she is staying happy, healthy, and comfortable. Diabetes is not the end of the world, in either humans or cats.
There are two types of diabetes in cats. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the insufficient production of insulin in the cat’s body. Type 2 diabetes is when a cat develops intolerance for handling the insulin. Both types can develop in cats of any age, but it is more commonly found in cats that are old, male, or obese. There is what is known as secondary diabetes as well, in which a drug or disease causes diabetes, sometimes forever and sometimes for a certain period of time.
There are some symptoms that you need to look for in your cat. These symptoms include excess thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, loss of weight, breathing abnormalities, and unhealthy skin and coat. Your vet will test your cat’s blood sugar levels and urine sugar levels. Both tests are needed, as temporary blood sugar levels may be high in cats that are stressed or nervous.
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, lifestyle changes are required to make sure that your cat’s health is restored as much as possible. Diet is very important. Remember, your cat should only get enough food during a meal as is necessary. Cats typically need food the size of one large mouse to be content - more will cause weight problems. Not only is the amount of food important, but you should also be concerned with your cat’s types of foods. Your vet can recommend specific cat food brands that are high in fiber and protein in order to control the diabetes.
Your cat’s diabetes will need to be carefully monitored and it may be necessary for your cat to be treated with insulin, oral mediations, and supplements. Again, your vet can tell you what is needed, as well as show you how to administer treatment to your cat daily. It is important for you to monitor your cat’s health to make sure that the diabetes is in control and that he or she is staying happy, healthy, and comfortable. Diabetes is not the end of the world, in either humans or cats.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Unwanted Horses
An unwanted horse is one that for whatever reason, is no longer wanted by its owner. It is a common misconception that only old or disabled horses are unwanted. However, in the current economy, many young, healthy and talented horses need to find new homes, fast. Most owners love their horses and want to find a good home for them.
On average, a horse can live for 30 years. Horses are expensive to feed and maintain and many people just no longer have the funds to care for their horse or horses. At one point this year, a local blacksmith knew of 36 horses that were free because the owners no longer wanted them. In several cases that I know of, the horse owners were losing their home and farm where they kept their horses. These horses had to find new homes very quickly. It is a heartbreaking problem in this economy.
When a horse is no longer wanted, the owner needs to find a new home for the animal. If the owner is lucky, the horse can be sold or even given away to someone that wants him and can take care of him. In some cases, it may be possible to find an equine rescue that will take the horse and re-home him. In a worse case scenario, the horse will be taken to a local auction and sold for whatever the owner can get for him. At a local auction in my area, horses commonly sell for less than $25.00 each. Some owners that are unable to find homes for their horses opted to euthanize them.
There are a lot of unwanted horses in the United States. Responsible breeding can go a long way towards reducing the number of horses in the population. There is a push in the horse industry for better education, more rescue facilities and “humane euthanasia” programs to help deal with this problem.
On average, a horse can live for 30 years. Horses are expensive to feed and maintain and many people just no longer have the funds to care for their horse or horses. At one point this year, a local blacksmith knew of 36 horses that were free because the owners no longer wanted them. In several cases that I know of, the horse owners were losing their home and farm where they kept their horses. These horses had to find new homes very quickly. It is a heartbreaking problem in this economy.
When a horse is no longer wanted, the owner needs to find a new home for the animal. If the owner is lucky, the horse can be sold or even given away to someone that wants him and can take care of him. In some cases, it may be possible to find an equine rescue that will take the horse and re-home him. In a worse case scenario, the horse will be taken to a local auction and sold for whatever the owner can get for him. At a local auction in my area, horses commonly sell for less than $25.00 each. Some owners that are unable to find homes for their horses opted to euthanize them.
There are a lot of unwanted horses in the United States. Responsible breeding can go a long way towards reducing the number of horses in the population. There is a push in the horse industry for better education, more rescue facilities and “humane euthanasia” programs to help deal with this problem.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Walk Your Dog - Lose Weight - Relieve Stress
Walking your dog is a great way to relieve stress, drop a few extra pounds (both of you) and enrich your dog’s life. Exercising can be boring and most people don’t like to do it. Dogs on the other hand, don’t view walking as exercise. Most dogs love to go for a walk and get out of the house to smell the sights.
Walking benefits you and your dog in a lot of ways. Walking helps clear the mind and is a great stress reducer. Dogs that are exercised regularly tend to be calmer at home which can lead to less stress for you!! Lack of exercise in humans and canines can lead to poor muscle tone, sagging around the middle, heart problems, high blood pressure, bone disorders, etc.
Walking can also be used to either train or re-enforce training for your dog. Practice healing, sitting and focusing on your walk. Even if your dog is well trained at home, he may not listen as well, or at all when outside of his familiar environment. If your dog is prone to being over-excited, he may become calmer over time with a regular walking schedule.
So, what are you waiting for!! Put on your tennis shoes, grab a leash and get walking! You and your dog will both benefit.
Check out my pet website for great animal care books.
Walking benefits you and your dog in a lot of ways. Walking helps clear the mind and is a great stress reducer. Dogs that are exercised regularly tend to be calmer at home which can lead to less stress for you!! Lack of exercise in humans and canines can lead to poor muscle tone, sagging around the middle, heart problems, high blood pressure, bone disorders, etc.
Walking can also be used to either train or re-enforce training for your dog. Practice healing, sitting and focusing on your walk. Even if your dog is well trained at home, he may not listen as well, or at all when outside of his familiar environment. If your dog is prone to being over-excited, he may become calmer over time with a regular walking schedule.
So, what are you waiting for!! Put on your tennis shoes, grab a leash and get walking! You and your dog will both benefit.
Check out my pet website for great animal care books.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are getting more and more attention in the news these days. The headlines read like something out of a horror story. Dozens and dozens of dogs seized from one “breeder”. All of them living in filthy conditions and are in terrible health. None of them have been socialized.
These poor animals are kept in very small cages and bred repeatedly until they either die or can’t produce any more babies. The unlucky ones are then discarded and replaced with younger stock. A few of the lucky ones make it into rescues where they usually require extensive medical work and socializing.
Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask to see their kennels and their adult dogs. A reputable breeder will have vet records and any other health records that are needed. For example, some dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and only dogs that are free from this should be bred. Make sure your puppy has come from healthy stock that has been xrayed.
AllPetsDeb
These poor animals are kept in very small cages and bred repeatedly until they either die or can’t produce any more babies. The unlucky ones are then discarded and replaced with younger stock. A few of the lucky ones make it into rescues where they usually require extensive medical work and socializing.
Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask to see their kennels and their adult dogs. A reputable breeder will have vet records and any other health records that are needed. For example, some dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and only dogs that are free from this should be bred. Make sure your puppy has come from healthy stock that has been xrayed.
AllPetsDeb
Bird Care - Metal Poisoning
When you own a pet bird, you know that there are always going to be things that you should look out for and things that you have to be careful of so that your bird doesn’t get sick or injured. You never want to be in a situation where you have done anything careless that is going to let your pet bird become sick. Metal poisoning is something that you want to keep in mind when you own pet birds.
When you get a pet bird, you should buy a cage that is specifically designed just for them. Bird cages that are carried by pet stores are purchased from manufacturers that use the proper materials in their birdcages that will not make your bird sick. Some people opt to use a cage that wasn’t designed for a pet bird and that is always a mistake. Unless the cage you choose is not specifically designed for your pet bird, your bird may get injured.
If you keep your pet bird somewhere other than a bird cage, or if you let your pet bird roam in your house without supervising them, you always run the risk of having your bird be poisoned by something. Birds, like any other animal, will explore his surroundings. Birds are “mouthy” by nature and will nibble on just about anything they can get their beaks on. If your bird nibbles on something metal and it is a type of metal that is unhealthy for birds, you might find yourself with a very sick bird. Brass, lead, copper, zinc and tin are all poisonous to birds. You bird can run across these metals by nibbling on a galvanized cage wire, staples, the snaps on their toys, locks, paint, shampoos, etc.
If your bird begins to look sick, call the vet immediately. Birds tend to hide the fact that they are sick until they are very, very ill. Signs that your bird is ill include: listlessness, sleeping more than normal, not perching normally or at all, fluffed up feathers, screaming, not eating and poop that is not a normal color. If you notice any of these changes, time is of the essence. Your bird will probably have to stay at the vet's for at least a day or two. Your bird can be detoxified if it is caught in time.
The best way to avoid metal poisoning in your pet bird is to make sure that you are using a cage manufactured specifically for birds. You will need to “bird proof” your house just as thoroughly as you would for a young child. Then keep a close eye on him while he is loose in your house to ensure that he doesn’t get into anything that he shouldn’t.
Click Here To Visit My Pet Website
When you get a pet bird, you should buy a cage that is specifically designed just for them. Bird cages that are carried by pet stores are purchased from manufacturers that use the proper materials in their birdcages that will not make your bird sick. Some people opt to use a cage that wasn’t designed for a pet bird and that is always a mistake. Unless the cage you choose is not specifically designed for your pet bird, your bird may get injured.
If you keep your pet bird somewhere other than a bird cage, or if you let your pet bird roam in your house without supervising them, you always run the risk of having your bird be poisoned by something. Birds, like any other animal, will explore his surroundings. Birds are “mouthy” by nature and will nibble on just about anything they can get their beaks on. If your bird nibbles on something metal and it is a type of metal that is unhealthy for birds, you might find yourself with a very sick bird. Brass, lead, copper, zinc and tin are all poisonous to birds. You bird can run across these metals by nibbling on a galvanized cage wire, staples, the snaps on their toys, locks, paint, shampoos, etc.
If your bird begins to look sick, call the vet immediately. Birds tend to hide the fact that they are sick until they are very, very ill. Signs that your bird is ill include: listlessness, sleeping more than normal, not perching normally or at all, fluffed up feathers, screaming, not eating and poop that is not a normal color. If you notice any of these changes, time is of the essence. Your bird will probably have to stay at the vet's for at least a day or two. Your bird can be detoxified if it is caught in time.
The best way to avoid metal poisoning in your pet bird is to make sure that you are using a cage manufactured specifically for birds. You will need to “bird proof” your house just as thoroughly as you would for a young child. Then keep a close eye on him while he is loose in your house to ensure that he doesn’t get into anything that he shouldn’t.
Click Here To Visit My Pet Website
Monday, October 26, 2009
Seven Common Eye problems with dogs
Eye problems are very common in some dog breeds. It can be very frightening to go to work and come home to find your dogs eyes swollen or watering excessively. Timely attention to any eyes problems can be the difference between your dog retaining his vision or being blind.
Your dog can develop eye problems at any time so it is very important pay close attention to your four legged friend’s eyes. The sooner you catch an eye injury or a possible infection, the better the outcome will be. It’s always best to have any eye concerns checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
While any dog can develop an eye infection or be injured, some dogs are more prone to problems than other simply due to the shape and structure of their eyes. Some of the things that could indicate that there is a problem with your dog’s eyes include any unusual discharge, cloudiness, redness, swelling and squinting. Even without any of these red flags, if you notice that your dog is running into objects or maybe doesn’t want to go up and down steps, it may be a sign of vision loss.
There are seven common eye problems in dogs.
1. Conjunctivitis. This condition is caused when the membranes on the inside of your dog’s eyelids become inflamed.
2. Entropion. With this condition, the dogs eyelids are grow inward instead of outward. Every time the dog blinks, the eyelashes scratch the cornea leading to irritation.
3. Cataracts. Dogs with cataracts have cloudy eyes which limits their vision.
4. Dry Eyes. Dogs with dry eyes do not produce enough lubrication and over time this condition will lead to blindness if not treated.
5. Cherry Eye. Dogs with cherry eyes have a condition that causes the third eyelid tear gland to protrude outward.
6. Glaucoma. This disease cause the pressure in the eye to increase to an unhealthy level. The pressure in the eye is a result of fluid building up.
7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This is a hereditary disease that will cause vision loss in the dog by deteriorating the retina.
The list above is only the most commonly diagnosed conditions however there are many other conditions and diseases. In most cases these conditions can either be corrected or managed to prevent them from getting worse.
Just because your dog’s eyes are running or fluid filled doesn’t mean that there is necessarily a problem. Many dogs have allergies which can be very simply treated. It is also possible that your dog is just experiencing irritation from dust in his eyes. It is always better be safe and err on the side of caution. A veterinarian will be able to examine your dog’s eyes and determine if there is a problem that needs to be treated.
AllPetsDeb
Your dog can develop eye problems at any time so it is very important pay close attention to your four legged friend’s eyes. The sooner you catch an eye injury or a possible infection, the better the outcome will be. It’s always best to have any eye concerns checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
While any dog can develop an eye infection or be injured, some dogs are more prone to problems than other simply due to the shape and structure of their eyes. Some of the things that could indicate that there is a problem with your dog’s eyes include any unusual discharge, cloudiness, redness, swelling and squinting. Even without any of these red flags, if you notice that your dog is running into objects or maybe doesn’t want to go up and down steps, it may be a sign of vision loss.
There are seven common eye problems in dogs.
1. Conjunctivitis. This condition is caused when the membranes on the inside of your dog’s eyelids become inflamed.
2. Entropion. With this condition, the dogs eyelids are grow inward instead of outward. Every time the dog blinks, the eyelashes scratch the cornea leading to irritation.
3. Cataracts. Dogs with cataracts have cloudy eyes which limits their vision.
4. Dry Eyes. Dogs with dry eyes do not produce enough lubrication and over time this condition will lead to blindness if not treated.
5. Cherry Eye. Dogs with cherry eyes have a condition that causes the third eyelid tear gland to protrude outward.
6. Glaucoma. This disease cause the pressure in the eye to increase to an unhealthy level. The pressure in the eye is a result of fluid building up.
7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This is a hereditary disease that will cause vision loss in the dog by deteriorating the retina.
The list above is only the most commonly diagnosed conditions however there are many other conditions and diseases. In most cases these conditions can either be corrected or managed to prevent them from getting worse.
Just because your dog’s eyes are running or fluid filled doesn’t mean that there is necessarily a problem. Many dogs have allergies which can be very simply treated. It is also possible that your dog is just experiencing irritation from dust in his eyes. It is always better be safe and err on the side of caution. A veterinarian will be able to examine your dog’s eyes and determine if there is a problem that needs to be treated.
AllPetsDeb
Friday, October 23, 2009
Dog Behavior - Are You My Friend Or Enemy?
Most people don’t realize that, just like people, dogs may take one look at a stranger and either love them or hate them. Most dogs will greet most strangers by sniffing and sometimes barking. My dogs usually like most anyone that comes to my house if they are given a little time to meet and great them.
I have found that many dog owners are very surprised when their dog doesn’t react in a friendly manner towards a guest. Sometimes it can be quite obvious why a dog doesn’t like a particular person. A dog may take a dislike to a person who may be talking too loudly, moving too quickly or wearing something that the dog doesn’t like. My dogs are generally very social, however, all three of my dogs are very suspicious of anyone wearing a hat. It started with my oldest dog and has trickled down to the other two. They refuse to be nice to anyone wearing a hat. They will usually just ignore and avoid this person.
Most dogs tend to be more accepting of any one who talks calmly to them and moves slowly. Many times if your guests will ignore your pets for awhile, they will calm down. A lot of dogs will be curious as to why they are being ignored and will many times approach your guest in a more friendly manner.
If your guests are not animal people or are just afraid of your dogs, it is best to not have your dog around them. Every so often, I have to crate my dogs for my guest’s safety. I have one particular friend that they intensely dislike. We have tried everything to get them to like her but we finally had to give up. Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.
Always keep the safety of your guests and dogs in mind. It is best to put the dogs in a different room if it looks like things are not going to go well and maybe try again another day.
I have found that many dog owners are very surprised when their dog doesn’t react in a friendly manner towards a guest. Sometimes it can be quite obvious why a dog doesn’t like a particular person. A dog may take a dislike to a person who may be talking too loudly, moving too quickly or wearing something that the dog doesn’t like. My dogs are generally very social, however, all three of my dogs are very suspicious of anyone wearing a hat. It started with my oldest dog and has trickled down to the other two. They refuse to be nice to anyone wearing a hat. They will usually just ignore and avoid this person.
Most dogs tend to be more accepting of any one who talks calmly to them and moves slowly. Many times if your guests will ignore your pets for awhile, they will calm down. A lot of dogs will be curious as to why they are being ignored and will many times approach your guest in a more friendly manner.
If your guests are not animal people or are just afraid of your dogs, it is best to not have your dog around them. Every so often, I have to crate my dogs for my guest’s safety. I have one particular friend that they intensely dislike. We have tried everything to get them to like her but we finally had to give up. Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.
Always keep the safety of your guests and dogs in mind. It is best to put the dogs in a different room if it looks like things are not going to go well and maybe try again another day.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Has Your Dog Trained You?
There is a lot of talk about training your dogs. You can find tips on training your dog via every media available from books, dvds, online videos and cable series. All offer great tips on training your dog and making him or her a great canine citizen.
Have you ever realized how well trained you, the pet owner, is? I don't know about you, but I have just figured out that I'm a very well trained "person" indeed. They always seem to be able to get me to "obey" and make them happy.
I had to laugh at myself today. I was sitting here typing away when I heard a low animal "moan" of sorts. I looked over and my poodle, Max, was sitting outside the bathroom door staring at me. When I looked at him and said "What's wrong?" He did his low pitched moan again and sort of shuffled his front feet and looked in the bathroom door. He obviously wanted me to get up and go over to him. Guess what . . . I did! His water bowl in the bathroom was empty and he was thirsty. This is not the first time he has "told me" that he needed water.
There have been countless times when one of my three dogs has come to my second floor bedroom, stood outside my door, whined, shuffled their feet or just barked at me to get my attention. Each has their own unique way of getting my attention by the way. I always get up and follow them as they run down the stairs where I'm then "told" they need to go out or they are hungry.
Sometimes they just want to play and a toy will be tossed at me. It doesn't matter if I'm taking a nap . . . the toy will be tossed in my face or placed in my open hand. I always "obey" and throw the toy because they are just so darn cute!
Is your dog trained or has your dog trained you?
Have you ever realized how well trained you, the pet owner, is? I don't know about you, but I have just figured out that I'm a very well trained "person" indeed. They always seem to be able to get me to "obey" and make them happy.
I had to laugh at myself today. I was sitting here typing away when I heard a low animal "moan" of sorts. I looked over and my poodle, Max, was sitting outside the bathroom door staring at me. When I looked at him and said "What's wrong?" He did his low pitched moan again and sort of shuffled his front feet and looked in the bathroom door. He obviously wanted me to get up and go over to him. Guess what . . . I did! His water bowl in the bathroom was empty and he was thirsty. This is not the first time he has "told me" that he needed water.
There have been countless times when one of my three dogs has come to my second floor bedroom, stood outside my door, whined, shuffled their feet or just barked at me to get my attention. Each has their own unique way of getting my attention by the way. I always get up and follow them as they run down the stairs where I'm then "told" they need to go out or they are hungry.
Sometimes they just want to play and a toy will be tossed at me. It doesn't matter if I'm taking a nap . . . the toy will be tossed in my face or placed in my open hand. I always "obey" and throw the toy because they are just so darn cute!
Is your dog trained or has your dog trained you?
Why I Love My Pets
This is a brand new blog that I'm very excited about. Please be sure and check back often.
I have had a variety of pets over my life time. Horses and dogs are my favorite animals to be around. Don't get me wrong, I've had cats, a variety of birds, gerbils, hamsters, fish, turtles and rabbits. I have loved them all but some have take up a special place in my heart for whatever reason.
My first horse, named Hannah, was an old Saddlebred mare that taught me a lot. I only had her 5 short years but she was a great teacher and friend. My second horse, Athena, was only a yearling when I got her. I love her dearly, but she about killed me while trying to learn the ropes. She turned out to be a great teacher over the years and turned out to be a great friend. She is now disabled with navicular and can't be ridden anymore. But I will take care of her until the end because she was always there for me and I will always be there for her.
My family and I have had a a lot of dogs over the years. My father had hunting dogs that we weren't allowed to play with because it would "ruin" them. I never understood that one. But I loved to go with him and watch them do their jobs. They were obsessed with finding the target and were great hunting dogs.
I currently have three dogs: two poodles and a shih tzu. Their naems are Max, Sophie and Bailey. My shih tzu is my best buddy. He follows me everywhere and is currently sleeping on a bed next to my desk. He loves to ride in the care and doesn't care where we go as long as he is with me. My poodle Max, is the most frustrating dog I've ever had. He barks incessantly, chases anything that moves (despite obedience classes) and is not the brightest bulb in the box. Sophie, my female poodle, is one of the most intelligent but neurotic dogs that I've ever had. I love them all and dont' know what I would do without them. They sleep next to me while I work, they stare at me from under my glass kitchen table while I eat and they snore (loudly in be with me while I try to sleep.
All of my pets have taught me about patience and unconditional love. Even when I lost patience with them, they still loved me no matter what. They never judge me and don't care what kind of mood I'm in, as long as they can hang out with me. I count them as some of my best friends and teachers.
I have had a variety of pets over my life time. Horses and dogs are my favorite animals to be around. Don't get me wrong, I've had cats, a variety of birds, gerbils, hamsters, fish, turtles and rabbits. I have loved them all but some have take up a special place in my heart for whatever reason.
My first horse, named Hannah, was an old Saddlebred mare that taught me a lot. I only had her 5 short years but she was a great teacher and friend. My second horse, Athena, was only a yearling when I got her. I love her dearly, but she about killed me while trying to learn the ropes. She turned out to be a great teacher over the years and turned out to be a great friend. She is now disabled with navicular and can't be ridden anymore. But I will take care of her until the end because she was always there for me and I will always be there for her.
My family and I have had a a lot of dogs over the years. My father had hunting dogs that we weren't allowed to play with because it would "ruin" them. I never understood that one. But I loved to go with him and watch them do their jobs. They were obsessed with finding the target and were great hunting dogs.
I currently have three dogs: two poodles and a shih tzu. Their naems are Max, Sophie and Bailey. My shih tzu is my best buddy. He follows me everywhere and is currently sleeping on a bed next to my desk. He loves to ride in the care and doesn't care where we go as long as he is with me. My poodle Max, is the most frustrating dog I've ever had. He barks incessantly, chases anything that moves (despite obedience classes) and is not the brightest bulb in the box. Sophie, my female poodle, is one of the most intelligent but neurotic dogs that I've ever had. I love them all and dont' know what I would do without them. They sleep next to me while I work, they stare at me from under my glass kitchen table while I eat and they snore (loudly in be with me while I try to sleep.
All of my pets have taught me about patience and unconditional love. Even when I lost patience with them, they still loved me no matter what. They never judge me and don't care what kind of mood I'm in, as long as they can hang out with me. I count them as some of my best friends and teachers.
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