The Sanctuary

How You Should Talk to Your Dog

2010-11-26T04:47:00.000-08:00

So you go on a caravan and you before you go you looking for cheap courier insurance to ensure that you get the best one that suits your needs. You then pack up your goodies and along with your family you are off. You make sure that you take along your dog. It is for sure that you are fond of your dog but especially on a trip, are you successful in making him listen to what you say? Are you sure that he understands what you command? Are you disappointed that he ignores your commands? If your answers to these questions are in the negative, then follow the steps given below that show how you should talk to your dog.

You should take the act of training your dog seriously. It is advisable to act like you mean it when you talk to your dog. This makes him understand you and your intentions better.

Try to make eye contact with him. This again would go a long way in getting him understand your commands better. Do your best to get his attention. Once you fail to get his attention, you give room to his misunderstanding your commands and intentions.

Try to keep your voice a bit low when you are commanding your dog. While doing so try to be more emphatic too by speaking clearly.

Adopt a training voice and stick to it at all times. Be consistent with your training voice so that your dog recognizes your training voice and also your commands. On the contrary, a questioning voice would confuse your dog and make him neglect your commands and intentions. If you still find your dog ignoring you, then do your best to set right his behavior. This is how you should talk to your dog.

Dog Training Basics

2010-09-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

When getting a new dog or puppy, there’s so much to learn that sometimes the training aspect can seem like something you can put on the back burner; something to do later on when the dog is settled in. This is wrong. As anyone who has kept a dog for a long time knows, training should begin immediately. Here are a few tips which should help point you in the right direction:
1) Two or more people need to train the dog, to begin with. Why? Because otherwise the dog will associate only the ONE person with training, and they may be confused and not understand that, in fact, they are to behave and follow orders with all members of the family. Be strong together with your dog and make sure that manual handling train the trainer - if one of you is weak, it will be the dog training them!
2) Limit the number of words you use: remember, your dog has a very small brain that works perfectly for sniffing, playing, and all the other things that he or she needs to do. But the dog is never going to master the English language! So use a limited variety of words and make sure that you stick to these rigidly. Don’t confuse them, in other words. Later on you can introduce some new ones, but only consider doing this once your dog has got the hang of a few to begin with.
3) Don’t reward your dog unless he or she really deserves it: this may sound obvious, but many owners feel that they should consistently reward their dog in an effort to make training more fun. This doesn’t work. Start off by rewarding your dog only when it does what it is told and things will be a lot easier later on in life.

Pet Boarding and Sharing

2010-08-31T07:13:00.001-07:00

We all have friends. But very few of us have friends who give everything to the friendship without expecting anything in return. They are always there for you, no matter what and sometimes even give up on things that matter a lot to them just to see you happy. Pets can easily fall into this category of friends. Unconditional love is what you get when you bring a pet home. Unfortunately most pet owners are not able to reciprocate in equal measure. Some may just be too busy with everyday life and some probably do not realize that pets are sensitive creatures and need proper care and attention. You owe it to them once you bring them home to provide for their health, food, shelter and comfort.

If for some reason you are not able to give your pet the time and attention required in spite of your best efforts and still care enough for their well being, you now have many options available that will ensure that your pet is taken care of when you cannot. For one, you can go in for pet sharing. This option works well when you have to travel on work frequently and cannot afford to leave a pet alone at home when you are not there. With pet sharing you know your pet is taken care of in your absence (and not just put into a generic storage unit) and you can get to enjoy its companionship when you are back home. You also have pet day care centers that offer their services to people who are not able to be there for their pet always. These day care facilities will be able to take care of your pet everyday while you are at work or for longer periods as well when you need to get away on a vacation or a business trip. So if you long for a pet but think that you may not be able to care for it always, do not fret because you now have various options that offer to care for your pet while you cannot.

A Name For Every Pet

2010-08-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Before you decide to bring a pet home, there are a number of factors that are taken into consideration such as type of animal, breed, the vet London you are going to register with, the size of the pet and your home and the preference of the family members. However, not many decide upon the name that they wish to give to the pet before they bring a pet home. Often you see family members gathered around the pet on its first day at home, trying to come up with a name that’s most suitable.

Well now you no longer need to be limited by people’s imaginations or resort to just going by whatever the children of the house suggest. Turn to technology and browse through websites that offer you information on everything you need to know about bringing up a pet at home. There are websites that are virtual databases of millions of pet names of all types. You get to choose from various categories of names that are based on a number of factors such as breed, color, gender among others. You even have twin names in case you get a pair home. You have names based on different languages, names based on the personality of the pet, names based on cars, popular names, names based on celebrities and what have you. All you need to do now is pick one of these websites, choose the category you would like to pick the name from and go through the plethora of options available, all just a few clicks away.

Pet Memories

2010-07-29T03:04:00.001-07:00

Losing someone dear to you is an experience you would wish you never had to go through. It is however, inevitable and the cycle of life has to continue. Losing a pet can be just as devastating as losing a family member. This is especially true in the case of older pets that have been with the family for a long long time and are treated almost as children. Kids are the ones who are the most affected with the death or loss of a pet. When a pet gets lost, they at least have the hope that one day by some miraculous stroke of luck, their pet would be returned to them. With death comes a finality from which there is no escape. To me, putting pets down must be one of the hardest vet jobs out there...

Different people have different ways of grieving and cherishing memories. Children can be encouraged to create scrap books containing pictures, anecdotes and other things that would remind them of the fun filled times spent with their pets. You could create a memorial either within the home or outside where the pet may be buried. You could have the pets’ picture printed on coffee mugs, so you are assured of an instant smile on your face every time you pick up your mug of coffee. Children can have their pet’s picture printed on bed sheets, pillow cases and curtains.

A number of pet stores offer customized solutions for everything concerning pets. If you need help to decide how best your pet can live on in your life despite not being physically present, you can browse through the various services offered by such stores and discuss your ideas with them.

Cooling Paws This Summer

2010-07-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

Those with a proclivity toward the warmth of the sun and the outdoors look forward to the arrival of summers. And if they happen to be a pet owner, then in all likelihood the feeling would be mutual because animals by nature take to the outdoors like they belong there, which they do in actuality. However, the season is not just fun and sunshine. Pet owners also need to exercise caution and keep a few tips in mind during summers to ensure that their pets stay safe and healthy.

If you allow your pet to ride in the car with you, ensure that you do not leave your pet sitting inside for long especially if you are not parked under some shade while you attend to your errands.

Ensure that your pets’ water bowls are full at all times. While dogs need their daily exercise it would be wise not to let them overdo it during summers to avoid exhaustion.

When you are enjoying some outdoor time with your pet especially dogs ensure that they are either on a leash or if you would like to set them free they are at least wearing a collar with identification tags.

Discuss summer ailments with your vet and get your pet vaccinated if required. Most people working vet jobs in London will also be able to give you tips on keeping a dog in the city.

Garden and lawn care usually peaks during summers and that’s when the pesticides and fertilizers come out. Ensure you pet stays away from the area being tended to, to avoid accidental ingestion of harmful chemicals.

Just a few tips like these can ensure that your pet sails through the summer with you while staying fit and healthy too.

How to solve your cats Fear of Sudden Movement

2010-07-01T02:21:00.001-07:00

Cats are one of the most loved pets around and if you have a cat as a pet one of the problems you may have noticed with your cat is that he has a fear of sudden movements by people. This may be because of a number of reasons.

Just like when a person lives in a new home, it takes some time to adjust to the new environment, cats also face the same problem and may have some behavioral problems that you may not have seen ever. This can lead to their existing fears. Cats are meek creatures and are easily intimidated by humans and their sudden movements.

Some cats will lose control of their emotions and react in a slightly different manner that may also be violent. It is important to ensure that your cat is in an environment where they know that they do not need to be afraid in.

It would be a good idea to block the entry of other cats in that area where your cat is and keep your cat secure in order to help your pet gain its confidence and not react violently upon any sudden movement.

Behavour modification techniques can also be used to help your cat. This will require a consistent approach and may also need the services of a good cat trainer if you cannot do it yourself.

Please keep in mind that this behavior change will take soon time. So you will need to be patient with your cat throughout the process.

It is very important to understand the different behaviours that may lead to your cat behaving in a different manner than what is accepted from it. You can also use certain medications that the vet may prescribe to get your cat’s emotions under control and help the cat live a happy life ever after, however if you are going with this option, it may be prudent to look for vet jobs that specialize in this affiliction.

Fish Accessories – bowl or aquarium, don’t start out on a small scale

2010-06-17T04:26:00.001-07:00

Pictures of goldfish swimming happily round and round in a ‘goldfish bowl’ create the misconception that it is perfectly natural to house fish in small glass bowls. The idea of ‘prawning’ that bracelet to raise cash for a fish tanks seems like an unnecessary expense when comic books and cartoons portray goldfish as looking content in their cramped environment. But be honest, would you want to take their plaice?

Aquarium fish tanks do not have to cost a small fortune and there are many low price, value for money models to choose from. Make it fun for your fish to swim to the other side with tanks that measure at least 60 x 30 x 30.

Don’t let your fish turn into a crazy mixed up squid. With the right tank and a stimulating environment, he could be full of health and vitality, flexing his mussels and clocking up a lifespan of over twenty years! For what kind of tank and water to keep fish in contact your local pet store or someone at vet jobs uk for more specialised breeds.

Goldfish in cramped glass bowls have a high mortality rate due to the fact that they excrete a larger amount of waste products than smaller tropical fish. This, waste is converted to ammonia which pollutes the water and depletes it of oxygen, thus causing fish to slowly suffocate. Aquarium fish tanks which are equipped with filtration and aeration systems maintain a clean environment which in turn, ensures a healthy supply of oxygen.

Aquarium accessories help to keep your fish stimulated. Turn your fish tank into a plaice school by adding some fake plants and ornaments along with a variety of fish foods. You could even make it a daily task to swap the toys around a little, to make life even more interesting.

Don’t be shellfish when it comes to buying a nice home for your goldfish, nothing could be worse than the silent cries of ‘kelp, kelp’ from your scaly friend struggling to survive in a tiny, cramped bowl.

Your Parrot’s Cage: What You Should Get

2010-06-04T02:39:00.001-07:00

Although you should allow your pet parrot ample time outside of his cage, work and other obligations will force you to leave your parrot alone for long periods of time. Because of this, the cage you choose is essential. A parrot cage should be a place where your parrot feels safe and comfortable, but it should also prove to be strong and safe enough to keep your parrot out of danger. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a parrot cage.

1. The cage should be big enough for your bird. If you have a big parrot, a small parakeet sized cage will not suffice. Remember, your parrot will be in the cage for many hours at a time; you should try to make feel like a positive place, not a prison.

2. The bars of your cage should be strong enough to prevent your parrot from bending them, and therefore escaping. They should also be made of stainless steel so that when your parrot inevitably chews on the bars, they will not poison it with harmful paints.

3. The cage should be entirely made of stainless steel. For the same reason as the bar, the cage should be made of a material that is strong enough to hold him, but should also not have any toxic paints. Parrots love to chew on their cages; you do not want to come home to find your parrot motionless because it ate too much toxic paint.

4. Make sure the bars of the cage are not too spread apart. If your parrot can slip through the bars of its cage, then there is no point to having one. Make sure the bars are not too far apart. Not only may your pet escape, but it may also become trapped between the bars.

5. A high ceiling. Your parrot will want to be able to move around while in the cage. A square topped cage will give your parrot more space to jump from perch to perch, while a domed cage will prevent movement.

Your Parrot’s Cage: What You Should Get

2010-06-04T02:39:00.000-07:00

How to get rid of Dog Fleas

2010-06-02T07:02:00.001-07:00

Did you know that most fleas are capable of transmitting harmful diseases and also cause tapeworm. Anyone working vet nurse jobs will tell you that removing fleas from your dog is a must when it comes to hygiene and safety. Fleas enjoy warm, humid environments so you may not see as many in the winter - but be sure to look out for them this summer! They could practically be crawling on your dog now. Here are the steps to take if you have discovered your dog has fleas.

Take your dog to the veterinarian for a check up at least twice a year. Afterwards try to ensure that your dog has the proper environment to live and grow in, free of any possible flea infestation. Thoroughly Vacuum your home and do so regularly. Pay particular attention to those areas of the home that go unseen such as basements, cracks, corners, and crevices. Ensure that the vacuum cleaner bags are disposed of carefully, since adult fleas might get out. It is also important that your pet’s friends are chosen carefully. Try to stay away from any animals that you might suspect of carrying fleas.

Pruning your backyard should be done on a regular basis. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to flea prevention since they do not tend to their backyard often. Any foliage or grass should be trimmed short, so the sunlight can scorch those areas. It will become too dry and overbearing for fleas to live there and most of them will start dying quickly.

Take a fine tooth comb and use it on your pet to remove fleas. Be sure to look under or around the ear area, on top of the head, and the rest of the body. This type of comb was perfect for removing fleas, so don’t be afraid to use a few and flick them into soap water when finished.

Bathe your pet regularly. If you have a small dog, it would be fine to set them in the tub. Run hot water first before you do so or you may scare your pet. Use special dog shampoo and pay close attention to the areas that were heavily infested with fleas, making sure you lather up a lot.

Keep an eye out after you have removed the fleas from your dog. Watch for any kind of itching or biting in areas they normally do not clean. You may want to visit the pet store and pick up chemically treated products to add to your dog’s coat. They are added on a monthly basis, keeping the fleas away for good.

The Best Foods for Your Pregnant Cat

2010-05-17T08:39:00.001-07:00

During your cat’s pregnancy, it is essential that you offer her the best possible foods to keep her and her kittens healthy. This is true for all breeds of cats and even strays, although for the latter, other precautions should be taken.

If your cat is already on a healthy diet of top quality canned cat food, it is a good idea to continue along that path. High quality canned foods contain all the necessary nutrients to keep your cat healthy during her pregnancy. Canned cat food is a better choice than dry food, since it contains considerably more carbohydrates. However, during the latter stages of her pregnancy, you must keep in mind the nutrition of the kittens. Because of this, you should switch her normal canned cat food for canned kitten food. Continue feeding your cat kitten food even after the kittens are born, but stop after the kittens are weaned. By giving your cat canned kitten food, it will give her milk the necessary nutrients essential for a new born kitten.

During your cat’s pregnancy (and directly afterwards), she will have depleted levels of calcium. As a result, you should provide your cat with calcium, either in the form of supplements or in dairy products, during the latter stages of pregnancy and while she is nursing.

Read the labels of cat foods. Make sure to choose brands that have high levels of protein and calcium. Many cat food brands are labelled “complete and balanced”. This is not a marketing scheme; for a cat food brand to have that on their label, it must conform to the standards of the AAFCO. Nonetheless, read the ingredients to ensure that your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Also ensure that your cat has an ample supply of water on hand. This is a key to keeping your cat healthy during all stages of her pregnancy. A good idea is to provide a filtered water system for your cat to drink whenever she feels it necessary. If you need further help with pregnant cats or kittens, there are many vet nurse jobs concerning paternity and you should be able to get all the answers that you need through your local vet or animal care center.

Your Pregnant Dog: What She Should Eat

2010-05-12T08:46:00.001-07:00

Your dog’s diet when she is pregnant is very important for her health as well as for the health of her pups. Many dog owners are unaware of what to feed their dog when she is pregnant. Here is some tips on how and what to feed your dog while she is pregnant, if you are not sure than anyone working vet nurse jobs are trained in this and should know, so you should get an answer fairly quicky if you call your local vet.

1. Protein. Protein is essential for your pregnant dog. Although most canned and dry dog foods have meat in it, you should always choose a dog food that lists meat as the number one ingredient. This way, your dog is getting the utmost amount of protein in her diet. Consider adding a hard-boiled egg to her daily diet.

2. High quality meat. Many dog food brands contain a high amount of meat by-products. While your dog is pregnant, you should avoid feeding your dog the “cheap stuff”. Buy high quality dog foods and spare no expense. These are much more nutritious.

3. Offer plenty of water. Pregnant dogs will desire a higher quantity of water, more water than you are used to from your dog. But this is normal; a pregnant dog requires a constantly full water dish.

4. Avoid the temptation to give her more calcium. A pregnant dog produces an ample amount of calcium on her own. By giving her more calcium (supplements, milk, cheese, etc.) may cause more damage than good. Most notably, if you give your pregnant dog too much calcium, she may develop high blood pressure.

5. Space out your feedings. Make sure you feed your dog at greater intervals than normal. This may make her upset, but this is essential for her digestion and for the health of her pups.

These are general guidelines for feeding your pregnant dog and they should only be considered after consulting with your veterinarian. Weekly or bi-weekly appointments with your vet will help ensure that your dog’s pregnancy is going smoothly.

It's best to consider all options before getting a pet

2010-05-04T04:06:00.001-07:00

When you have children inevitably they will beg you for a pet, even more so if they are intent on growing up and getting one of the many different jobs for vets. Of course you want to make your children happy but it may be hard to decide which pet would be perfect for your family. You want to think long and hard about what you want to get before jumping into an obligation that may not be a good fit.

If you have a very busy life it may be best for you to get a fish or a bird for your family. Fish are not high maintenance and are very calming to watch. Their tank will need to be cleaned about once a month and they need to be fed daily but other than that there is not much more maintenance they require. A bird has very simple maintenance needs as well. They require being fed daily and their cages cleaned out about once a week.

If your family has time to spend with pets then a dog or a cat may be great for your family. A dog requires plenty of attention. It will want to be played with on a daily basis. It of course will need to be fed daily and be bathed regularly. A dog will also need to have access to the outside throughout the day to use a restroom. If you are thinking about getting an indoor dog and no one is home throughout the day you may want to consider the cost of a doggie door.

If a dog sounds like too much maintenance for your family and a fish or a bird do not should like enough interaction then maybe a cat is perfect. A cat can be left inside all day while everyone is gone from the house. They can use the restroom in a litter box that can be emptied. No matter what pet you choose it will bring great joy to your family.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

2010-04-28T03:42:00.001-07:00

Cleaning a dog’s ears is often an overlooked step in pet ownership. Unfortunately, if regular cleanings are not administered, it can lead to infection and damage to the dog’s ears. It is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. There are also many products available to make this process as easy and mess-free as possible.

The first thing to remember when cleaning your dog’s ears is to wash your hands first. This is an important step to avoid causing infection because of possible bacteria on your hands, the next is to get the correct cleaning supplies. Dilute some peroxide and soak a cotton ball in it. Be sure not to use undiluted peroxide because this could cause pain to your pet. After soaking a cotton ball in the mixture squeeze out excess liquid. Gently rub up and down in your dog’s ear. Allow your pet to shake out any extra moisture left behind; this can cause an ear infection. Use a cotton swab soaked in the diluted peroxide to get in the creases and odd shapes in the dog’s ear. Never insert the cotton swab into the dog’s ear canal as this can cause severe damage.

If your dog is one of many that require special attention to their ears, consider purchasing a product for this need. Many dogs are very susceptible to excessive moisture in the ear and clogged ear canals. For these two issues, there are products to help. There are liquid ear cleaning products that have a small tip that gets inserted into the dog’s ears and it is made to flush out any build up. There are also powdered products that are administered in the same way and will soak up moisture build up that can result in ear infections.

Cleaning your dog’s ears is an important step in maintaining their health. These simple steps can be taken to avoid uncomfortable and potentially harmful ear infections. If your pet requires more care than just cleaning the outer ear, there are special products for those exact needs.

The 5 Best Foods For Your Rabbit

2010-03-24T08:34:00.001-07:00

Feeding your pet rabbit the proper food – that is, healthy and delicious – is often overlooked and not given much consideration. After all, there are very few choices in the pet shop when it comes to food for rabbits. The shelves are usually stocked fully with dog and cat foods, some bird and fish food, but very little is given for rabbits. Here are the top five best foods to feed your rabbit that I picked up from a friend over at Locum vet jobs. Do not just take one or two items from this list and feed it to your pet. Remember that rabbits, like most living creatures, like variety. Try mixing some of these foods to give your rabbit some diversity.

1. A good supply of hay. Hay should always be a standard supplement in your rabbit’s diet, and should always be in its cage. The best varieties of hay are Timothy Hay, Oat Hay, and Rye Hay. Try to avoid Alfalfa Hay, for this has too much energy for your rabbit. Most rabbits love hay, not only because it’s healthy, but because they really enjoy chewing on it.

2. Green foods. lettuce, brussel sprouts, and carrot tops should also be food you feed your rabbit regularly, although green foods should be avoided with rabbits under six months old. For bunnies, their digestive system is less developed.

3. Pellets. Try to find the highest quality pellets on the market. You should not skimp when it comes to pellets, since there are a lot of brands that do not provide enough nutrition for your beloved pet.

4. Fresh fruit. This is an excellent treat for your rabbit, but should be used sparingly and not every day. Try once or twice a week to help your rabbit stay happy and healthy.

5. Herbs. Try feeding your rabbit parsley, cilantro, and mint. These will appease your rabbit’s taste buds and should be considered a treat. Determine which herbs your rabbit likes the best and try giving it some once a day for a healthy snack.

Dog Behaviour

2010-03-19T05:00:00.001-07:00

It can be difficult to tell exactly what a dog means, can’t it? But can you blame them? Well, not really. Dogs, like many animals, have only a few ways of telling you exactly what it is they want. To convey whether they want more water, food, a walk, to go to the toilet, to play and to see other dogs, they have a very limited number of barks and body language at their disposal. It’s no wonder that these signals are sometimes misread, then.

Biting is one common dog-trait which can also mean a number of things. The thing is to pay attention to your dog’s behaviour: does he / she look happy when biting? Or is there an aggressive nature there which seems uncalled for? Well, have you considered that the dog hasn’t been outside for a while and may need the toilet? Many dogs will bite simply out of desperation for something they are unable to get across.

The other thing is, of course, tiredness. When dogs get tired they tend to act differently. The important thing to know is this: if the dog is happily lying down then do not disturb the animal. Also, creeping up to play a ‘joke’ on the dog won’t b appreciated, just as if somebody did this to you while you were fast asleep.

But what about play-fighting? How can you tell if the dog is playing or being serious. This is a tricky issue. Nine times out of ten it can be quite difficult, but the main thing is to pay attention to when your dog does it. Look closely and the signs will become visible.

Holiday update: The designs to take a camping caravan along the south coast are in the pipeline! Although we do need to look into getting a Touring caravan insurance quote, I am delegating this to Milton...

How to Get Your Cat Not To Fear Sounds

2010-03-17T03:41:00.001-07:00

If you find that your cat is alarmed when they hear particular sounds don’t be too surprise as many cats have this problem. This can be the sound of a lawnmower, doorbell, or a vacuum. It could be that your cat upon hearing these sounds fear something stressful is about to happen. Some sounds may happen unexpectedly. No matter the source of the sound, because cats are usually anxious and fearful, they are not likely to recover from the scare quickly. Here are some tips on how to get your cat not to fear sounds.

Before you begin it is best to make sure that your cat has a “safe room” that they can go to. This will help in stopping their anxious behaviour from being reinforced. Make this “safe room” somewhere out of the way so that disturbing sounds cannot be clearly heard by your cat.

Start by exposing your cat to a particular noise and increase or decrease the volume of the sound gradually. Do this over a number of sessions until your cat is able to stay totally relaxed when they hear the sound at its normal volume. You can reward your cat each time he responds in the manner you desire. For each specific sound you will need to work with them separately.

You can also assist your cat’s learning how to handle fearful noises by doing your best to protect them from hearing the sound. So if you are about to vacuum you can take your cat away from where you will be working so that he does no hear the sound. For other sounds what you can do is to turn them down a notch so that it is not as loud to your cat.

Keep in mind that the process will take some time so you will need to be very patient but consistent.

While I am here, I was wondering if any of aur readers had any leads on permanent vet jobs, a very good friend of mine has just received her qualifications and is looking for a position. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Train Your Dog

2010-02-23T09:21:00.001-08:00

Dog training isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone; some new owners find they lack the necessary knowledge to train their pet and the dog ends up training them, while others try to train their dog using the same tactics as what worked the last time, with unsuccessful results. But every dog is different—what works for one may be totally wrong for another. I was talking to the people at Locum vet jobs and got a bit of advice.

Here are a few tips to remember when getting your new dog:

1) Getting your dog from a shelter is absolutely fine—just be sure to ask the dogs history. That doesn’t only mean whether or not it was ever aggressive, it means asking what the dogs routine was, where it slept, and what kind of a life it was used to leading.

2) Don’t expect that the dog will like the food you give it. By asking the aforementioned questions you will hopefully have a better idea of what it is familiar with.

3) Don’t feed your new dog scraps from the table: boundaries need to be set from the off set. The dog who constantly gets his or her way is the dog who rules the household.

4) Expect that the first week will be difficult—if it isn’t then you will be pleasantly surprised. In that first week the dog my not want to eat much, drink much, or even go outside into the open air.

5) Similarly, don’t be surprised if your new dog doesn’t pay much attention. Dogs can often express their nervous feelings in this way, but after a while most will come around and want to be with you all the time.

How To Read The Signs

2010-02-18T08:32:00.001-08:00

Dogs can only bark and howl, so really, how many different things can they be saying? Actually, as anyone who has had several dogs will know, it isn’t just the vocal noises which point to certain problems with the dog’s health, or its dissatisfaction with its current type of food. Dogs have many different ways of communicating what they are feeling, and here are a few things to be aware of if you are new to the game:

1) Is the dog chewing plants a lot and lying around? Have a think–Did you leave anything out that might not have agreed with the dogs stomach? Chewing plants and twigs is a common symptom that they have eaten something bad—and remember, it doesn’t have to be food, it could be flooring left out by the builders or pencil graphite.

2) Is the dog pacing around the room being a nuisance? Maybe it needs to go outside to the toilet. Some dogs may not even pace. They may well just lie down and make a low, sad murmur.

3) Does your dog appear to be shivering? Maybe it isn’t the cold? Some new dogs get very anxious for no apparent reason—it can be as little a thing as having a new sofa or anything else unfamiliar. Another sign is the tail between the legs, or the dog being unusually clingy.

4) Is your dog shedding too much fur? This could be stress. Many dogs also shed it because of the contrast between central-heating and walking outside in the cold in winter.

Before I go, I have a friend who really likes working with domesticated pets and if looking for permanent vet jobs in this area, if any of you have heard of any please let me know!

How to prevent and Treat Constipation in Your Cat

2010-02-18T07:51:00.001-08:00

One of the main problems some cats face is being able to defecate on a normal basis. It is considered normal for a cat to defecate up to two times per day. In fact some cats do it two days apart. This all depends largely on your cat’s diet. When a cat is constipated he or she will not be able to defecate at all or they may experience having fewer stools. If you see your cat over their litter box in a bit of strain then chances are they are constipated. Here are some things you can do to prevent and treat constipation in your cat.

When a cat is constipated it is can possibly be chronic or temporary, complete or partial. Usually it is temporary or complete constipation.

If it is temporary constipation then the root cause would normally be some form of blockage. This can be due to things like a poor diet or something that is not properly digested like hair. You should groom your cat on a regular basis so that the blockage is not the result of its own hair.

Also ensure a diet that is rich in fiber for your cat. This is because fiber is good for constipation. Try giving your cat some canned pumpkin as part of it diet. This will also give him/her some of the vitamins they need.

Your cat needs adequate amounts of water on a daily basis so you need to ensure that this is so. Monitor their consumption levels and if it is inadequate you can try changing the colour of the container they drink from or use a tap that is slow running. Remember water helps greatly with digestion.

For cats suffering with complete constipation it is best for you to go to a veterinarian to get him examined. Which by the way is one of the jobs for vets that I do not envy!

Help Your Dog Be Happy

2010-02-11T09:01:00.001-08:00

Wouldn’t it be so much easier if your new dog could tell you where it wanted to sleep, why it doesn’t want its food today? Well, according to some experts, our furry friends have been communicating these things and more for many years in their own special way--it just takes a lot of practice to read the signs.

Here are a few things to watch out for when re-homing your brand new dog:

1) After the initial move-in period, does your dog seem happy in itself, or is it exhibiting signs of stress? All dogs suffer from anxiety when being re-homed, so it can be difficult to work out if it’s just this or something else, such as the dog not being happy with where it sleeps. Most times several weeks will be enough time for the dog to get used to you and your house, but if anxiety persists then it may manifest itself in the following: unwillingness to drink or eat, strange toilet habits, scrapping at the floor for seemingly no reason etc.

2) Barking at night, what does it really mean? This can actually be one of the easiest to solve problems--the key is understanding what the dog’s sleeping arrangement was where it last came from, which may well be the issue. For example, dogs which have spent a lot of time in the front room of someones house--even only for a short time as a baby--may well dislike sleeping in the back room out of the way. Move the kennel closer into the house and often the barking or howling--the dog calling its old friends for help--will end; the dog and you may well become happy overnight.

Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth

2010-01-21T03:31:00.001-08:00

Does it smell unpleasant to say the least when your pet breathes close to your face? Do you think that your dog or cat cannot chew easily, or deliberately avoids some kinds of food? These two are clues there might be something wrong with their dental condition.

No matter how perceptive you are, you might not notice that your pet has a toothache, unless there is something really wrong. In most cases, pets’ owners notice the pain or the discomfort when the pet protests or avoids food – or of course when the bad smell becomes truly unbearable. Take a minute and think: you are pretty cautious with your dental health. How about your pet’s? Dental problems do develop rapidly in pets too, and it’s actually your responsibility to take good care of them before it’s too late.

It is common knowledge that pets with healthy gums and teeth live longer and happier. They also play more and are much friendlier with their owners. Nutrition is part of the whole deal, but the pet needs some dental attention as well, in order to avoid bacteria that inflict its immune system. When the dental problems worsen, the pets could start facing problems such as kidney diseases and liver failures, sometimes caused by bad dental health too.

What can you do? Consult your vet and take your pet frequently to the doctor who performs dental cleaning, the same way you clean your teeth at the dentist. If you do so diligently, you won’t believe the difference you see after a while.

I have finally decided what to do with my Christmas bonus from Pet Sanctuary, I am going to rent out a cannes villa at some point in the coming months. I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to this site and all the wonderful people behind it!

How to Avoid Behaviour Problems in Your Cat

2010-01-08T08:31:00.001-08:00

When you have a new kitten chances are you will be enjoying their company almost all the time. The reality is that for many owners once the kitten becomes an adult cat they have a number of behavioural problems. A cat’s behavioural problem usually takes the form of aggression, scratching, and house soiling. It is therefore necessary that you avoid those behavioural problems by learning about feline behaviour and how you can avoid them. Here are some things you can do.

Give your cat different experiences

Most cats are able to adapt to any change in their environment quicker when they are kittens. Therefore you should expose your kitten to as many different situations as you possibly can. Do your best to make the experiences as positive as possible and also make them similar to what they may encounter as adult cats.

Teach them where to scratch

Cats love to scratch and they do so in an effort to sharpen their claws and to refresh them. You should teach them to do so in the appropriate places. Get a number of scratching surfaces and put them in different places around the house. You can use treats at those locations to encourage your cat to use the surfaces.

Make sure your litter box is clean.

Because cats are particular animals it is necessary that you keep their litter box clean so that they will not likely urinate or defecate elsewhere. Try to empty the box every two weeks and scoop at least once a day.

Teach your cat playing rules

It is important that your cat learn the proper way to play. Do not play with them using your hands and feet too often as they may interpret this as the right way and look for them as toys.

Your Cat And Those Unwanted Hairballs

2009-12-22T04:09:00.000-08:00

If your cat has a problem with hairballs, it is nothing to take lightly. If you let this problem go, it could cause serious issues with your cat and you will end up having a huge vet bill and a very sick cat. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent and treat hairballs.

One thing you can do which is so simple is to brush your cat's fur on a regular basis. This will collect the loose hair and slow down the hairball process. There are also products containing mineral oil which acts as a laxative.

There is cat food and cat treats out there that is specifically designed for the hairball problem. These treats are not only effective in preventing hairballs, your cat will absolutely love them.

Just before I go, I couldn't sleep a wink last night and decided to go lurking round the web for something to keep me engaged, turns out the Heroes Forum is not only a remarkable way to waste time but also fairly amusing!

Training Your Young Horse

2009-12-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

Horse training can be quite a challenge to some people. It is important that you know and have a few guidelines in place before attempting to train your young horse.

For instance, you should really stick with a horse under the age of four if you are going to train it yourself. A horse can become more difficult to train after he has passed the age of four. This is because their strong will and physical structure will prove to be more imposing.

Keep your training sessions down to a half hour three or four times a week if your horse is under the age of four. After the age of four, you can increase the sessions, but no more than an hour in duration.

Make sure you have the proper training equipment which meets the needs of your horse individually. An example would be a bridle with a flash noseband and double jointed bit. Without proper equipment, it will be a challenge to train your horse.

Do not expect each training session to go as planned. Your horse has temperaments and mood swings just as humans do, therefore, it is essential that you plan your sessions specific to your horse's mood. If your horse seems stressed or tense, you will want to avoid certain exercises that might cause injuries due to this tension. Wait until your horse is relaxed and loosened up before you attempt such exercises.

Always keep your patience and stay consistent when training a young horse. The horse will become more comfortable and relaxed if they have a calm but consistent leader.

But perhaps most importantly is to invest in horse insurance, because if anyone is hurt by your horse, even if it was their fault, the liability still lays with you.And in some cases this can be a fairly serious accusation, so be sure to get insurance early on.

Cat-astrophic!

2009-12-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

Some people think that if they keep on giving extra portions to their cat (or dog) they are also giving them a better standard of life. Not only is this untrue, it could not be any further from the truth!

If you are continually treating your pet to extra food then you are putting additional strain on his/her heart and shortening its life span. Have a look at the picture of the cat on, ‘Help, My Cat Needs a Diet’ and tell me if you think it looks healthy!

Responsible owners will treat their pets with extra portions of love and attention.So if you want to keep your favorite pet happy in your House, paying attention to what they eat is the first step!

Is Your Cat Happy And Healthy - How To Know

2009-10-20T01:59:00.000-07:00

Cats make adorable pets. They are very easy animals and do not require much attention. However, this can also lead to not recognizing signs that your cat needs you. You want to be sure to keep your eyes open while you care for your cat. There are a few things you can do to maintain your cat's health.

Cats are very clean and tidy. You want to be sure you keep their food dishes cleaned on a daily basis and add fresh food and water each day. Also, be sure that you are feeding your cat premium cat food to keep it the healthiest.

Cats get sick too, so be sure to keep a close eye on anything that does not look right with your pet. Does it look fatigued, sluggish or is it not eating? Is there any vomiting or diarrhea? Anything that might look as if it is sick, take it to a vet immediately for proper treatment. And if you are worried about the bills that may follow one of these appointments, then be sure to sign up for cat insurance as soon as possible.

By simply keeping a close eye on your cat, you can make sure that your cat is always happy and healthy.

Is a Cat the Right Pet for You?

2009-04-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

When it comes to pets, most people have four options: dogs, cats, small mammals or reptiles. All of them have their advantages or disadvantages, but in my opinion if you want love without all the maintenance, cats are your best bet and you won't need as much pet insurance for them either as say dogs.

Why do I say this? Well, dogs are very loving but they require a lot of walking. They also can be really smelly, (depending on the breed you get). In extreme cases they can turn out to be really dangerous. I read in the paper last month an article about a dog that went rabid and took its owners face off. The NHS paid for the cosmetic surgery to help her, but there were calls for tighter control over dogs at the time. And small mammals, while low-maintenance, tend to live very short lives. Rabbits and ferrets are a couple of exceptions, though they may not always be available, (or even legal), in some jurisdictions.

As far as reptiles, well their affections are not like warm-blooded creatures. They may develop a deep sense of trust for you, but as far as loving you I don’t believe it’s possible. You’ll never see a snake slither in excitement just because he sees you enter into the room.

But cats give you the best of everything. With them, you get a loving pet that’s relatively low maintenance. You also get an animal who’s going to live 10 or more years– something that’s not always guaranteed for small mammals.

In addition, if you are in a renting situation, landlords tend to be more flexible if your only pet is a cat. But if you have a dog, particularly a big one, you might have to look for another place. And this isn’t always easy, since pet-friendly apartments tend to be expensive and very hard to find.

In conclusion, if you’re having difficulty deciding which animal you want to keep as a pet, consider getting a cat. True, they aren’t quite as affectionate as dogs, but that’s only because they are such independent creatures. And this can be a good thing depending on your situation. Either way, don’t worry too much as cats will still let you know that you’re Number One on their list.

How To Pick The Right Breed of Dog For You

2009-04-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

When it comes to shopping for a new dog, it is very important that you take into account the characteristics of the breeds that you are looking at. Just because you have fallen in love with a certain breed does not mean that it is going to be the right dog for you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we all are fooled into judging something incorrectly because of the way it looks. One of the reasons that as a polulation we buy cosmetics on such a large scale is because we really do know that people will treat us differently based on how we look. Don't let this happen with your dog - it is for life and you can't dump them the way you can a mis chosen girlfriend or boyfriend! The best thing to do is to start by looking at various breeds that do interest you. After you have a list of a few breeds that you like, start to research each and every one of them. The reason for this is because you may find that a particular breed is not as good for you as you would have first thought.

If you have young children or babies in the house, you are going to want to make sure that the breed you are looking at is known for being good with children. You will also want to consider how well a particular breed does with other animals. This is especially important for those people who have other pets or plan on getting more in the future. While some of these things may seem like common sense, many people tend to forget something very important and that is how much room and exercise the breed needs.

There are some dogs that love to just lay around all day and do not need a lot of room to run. These are the breeds that would be perfect for people who work during the day or who have an apartment. Dog breeds that need daily exercise and running in order to maintain a healthy state will not do well in such cramped areas. You have to make sure that you are getting a dog that will naturally fit in well with your lifestyle instead of trying to force it to happen. Once you start researching you will find that the perfect breed for you may not have been what you would have ever expected. Once you have found the breed you are going to go with, now it is time to look into some good pet insurance for those times when your dog gets sick. You want to keep your new dog happy and healthy!

Why Should You Train Your Dog?

2009-03-20T02:55:00.000-07:00

Many people tend to think that their dog does not need to be trained because they think that it is better for the dog to be in it's "natural" mindset about life. While this seems like a good idea on the surface and those who think that way have the best of intentions, it is important for the dog and for you that the dog is properly trained. Why? Because you do not live in the wild. In the wild the dog would be a pack animal that would probably attack you if you entered its territory. Many of these instincts remain, so it is important that it includes you in its understanding of the world of things that are not the enemy(!). To give you an example, I read an article the other day that the NHS had paid out X amount of money last year on cosmetic surgery for people mauled by dogs. As part of this the dog was of course put down. This situation could have been avoided. If the dog is not taught to listen to your commands you may not be able to prevent a bad situation from happening or stop one that is already in session.

Your dog could very well attack an innocent neighbor or someone walking down the street. This generally happens when dogs are not taught their proper place and believe that they are the alpha dog. Aggressive behavior is not okay and therefore you should make sure that you are doing everything possible to prevent it from forming. If you notice aggressive behavior starting to form, you must take immediate action and have the dog properly trained. Seek professional help if you feel it is getting out of hand so that you can put an end to the bad behavior fast.

If your dog hurts a person or damages personal property because it was not properly trained, then you and your dog will suffer. You will face fines, medical or replacement bills, lawsuits, and your dog could be ordered to be put to sleep. Since all of this can happen, including the possible destruction of the dog, how is it fair or right to not train a dog? We are each the guardian of our animals so it is important that the job is taken seriously. Properly training your dog is the only way to make sure that you are completely protecting the dog and those around it. You do not need any special kind of pet insurance to do this, all training can be done from you.

Cat Exercise Wheels 101

2009-03-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

Is your cat suffering from obesity? If so, it’s important you get them to lose at least 20 percent of their weight, if you want them to remain healthy. Now before you go setting up appointments with the Vet for weight loss surgery, understand that diet plays a big role in this, and so does exercise. But, if you’re having trouble getting your cat on an exercise routine, you could consider getting a cat exercise wheel.

What is a cat exercise wheel? As the name implies, it is a large wheel designed to get the cat to run in a circular pattern. It looks very similar to the exercise wheels given to hamsters and other small mammals. The only difference is that it’s much larger, as it’s designed to accommodate a housecat.

In terms of design, almost all cat exercise wheels are created with metal, making them extremely durable. Some may also have spokes in the back. If they do, usually the manufacturer will provide some type of covering, so that the cat won’t get harmed during their exercising.

As far as general operation, the device is pretty independent. Once the cat gets onto the wheel, it moves in conjunction with the animal. So, basically, as long as the cat is running, the wheel remains in motion. If the cat decides to stop, then the device will stop as well.

Now, keep in mind that actually getting the cat on the wheel might be difficult, at least depending on their personality. Curious cats might be drawn to it because it’s big and mysterious, while more cautious cats might stay away. In either case, you can try to encourage the cat by placing their favorite treats onto the wheel. Just make sure it’s far enough away that your cat will actually have to move in order to get it. Otherwise, the treat won’t make much of a difference.

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Quick shout out to stoneways insurance for giving me the best quote on renewing my insurance last week. Good one.

Why Dogs Lick: why do they lick?!

2009-03-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

As smart as dogs are, they don’t have the type of resources that humans do. I mean, when we get dirty, we can just get up and take a shower, perhaps use a facial cleanser and we're as good as new again. Dogs don’t have that luxury. They also don’t have many options for communication, since they have no hands and they can’t talk. Fortunately, nature found a way to solve both problems with one behavior– licking.

That’s right–whether you love it or hate it, licking is a behavior that is hardwired into your dog’s psychology. In fact, it’s hard to imagine how a dog’s life would’ve been without it. This is especially the case when you consider the grooming aspect associated with licking. Without it, dogs in the wild would’ve been more susceptible to skin infections and other health problems, since their saliva acts as a healing agent.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that licking is always appropriate. If a dog has obsessive-compulsive disorder, they might lick themselves too much. As a result they end up harming their skin, which often becomes raw due to the abrasive nature of obsessive licking and sends them to a trip to the vets with the hopes that you have some good pet insurance.

Obsessive dog licking may also be socially annoying for the dog’s owners. Granted, it’s one thing when a dog kisses you– most pet owners enjoy that experience. It’s another thing if they are obsessively licking your guests, who may not share the same feelings. The same can also be said if the dog tries to lick at your food.

So, in these situations, your dog’s licking has actually gone beyond what nature intended. That’s why you should feel no shame in bringing the issue up with your veterinarian. They will take a further look at the problem, and help point you to resources or medications that will help modify your dog’s behavior.

In conclusion, dog licking is a natural activity that was necessary for the animal’s evolution. However, if the behavior is proving to be physically or socially harmful, consider getting professional intervention before things get worse.

Dressing Up Your Cat

2009-02-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

Cats are beautiful creatures by nature. Their slick, long bodies are full of grace and beauty. Despite their natural appearance, some find it necessary to add to this beauty by dressing up their cat. Cats don't particularly like to be dressed up, but that is part of the fun.

There is a bit of planning that goes into dressing up your cat. Now, by dressing up your cat, I'm not referring to going to a shop to buy cosmetics or anything like that. I'm referring to buying or even making an outfit for your cat to wear. It will probably be hard to put the outfit on your cat, so make sure it isn't too complicated. You don't want to anger or upset your cat too much. The more you upset your cat, the harder it will be for you to get the outfit on, and the more stressed out the cat will be. You also don't want to be cut to pieces by the time you get your cat dressed. Velcro works best for cat clothes because it is easy to hook and unhook. Snaps would work OK, but stay away from buttons because your cat would need to hold very still for you get all buttons buttoned.

It is fun to dress your cat for the holidays. A brown or green sweater can make your cat into a reindeer or elf quite easily. Add some antlers or pointed ears to top off the costume. Cats hate hats, so have the camera ready to snap a picture quick before you cat rips it off!

If you want to bring your cat to a party you can make or buy a sequence dress with a matching collar. Then when or if the dress comes off, the collar will at least still be on. They also make cat tuxedos you can purchase if you have a boy cat.

The more your dress your cat, the more comfortable it will be in clothes. Start with something small and simple and let your cat wear it for a short amount of time. Each time, keep it on a little more. After a while, the cat will become trained to wear clothes and you won't have as many scratches from the whole process.

Felix the Feral Cat, lived, hunted, died by caravan

2009-02-04T02:43:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, due to irresponsible pet owners not spaying or neutering their cats or the fact that they don't have proper cat insurance or the money to get this procedure done, there has been a surge in the feral cat population. Many of these cats end up getting euthanized at the pound, while others get adopted out as pets. My very first cat, (Felix), was an example of the latter.

He was one of dozens of feral cats in my grandmother’s neighborhood. He came to know Grandma after she would put out food for the neighborhood cats. A friendship blossomed and Grandma decided to take him in. Over time, we fell in love with the cat too, so Grandma decided she would give him to us as a birthday gift.

Now, in terms of love, Felix was no different than any other house cat. He would rub up against our legs when he wanted to be held and he would get depressed if we were gone for a long period of time. There was even a time when he gave my mom a dead bird, an act that shows love and respect in the feline world, (even though it’s very strange to humans).

Yet, despite his intense love he couldn’t escape his feral roots. He was an alley cat down to the bone. If he wasn’t trying to kill mice, he was begging to go outside. He would purr and violently scratch on the door if we didn’t let him go. So, eventually we had to cave in.

For days at a time, Felix would roam around embarking on all kinds of feline adventures. We don’t exactly know what he did, but it was funny how he returned home with ‘girlfriends’, anxious to share his food with him. He was almost living the movie Lady and the Tramp, except he was a cat and well, this was real life. And, in real life not every story has a happy ending.

This is what happened with Felix, as he eventually got hit by a car, well infact a caravan. My parents had noticed it as we had left our neighborhood. They told my brother and I to close our eyes because they thought it was too traumatic for us to watch. I peeked anyway, and did see a dead cat– but I refused to believe it was Felix. I know that the drivers ran over and offered to make some kind of recompence, when my parrents refused they even tried to explain that they didn't mind and that their caravan insurance would cover the costs. They weren't pet owners, they didn't understand that it had nothing to do with the money.
Well, days turned into months and months turned into years. And to this day, Felix has never returned to that house. So, my parents were probably right– poor Felix lost his life in a car accident.

With that being said, what’s the main lesson pet owners should learn from this story? Basically, you need to be careful if you take a feral cat in as a pet. And, I’m not necessarily talking about pets who are in the pound, because not all of them started off feral. I’m talking about cats like Felix, who lived their whole lives as alley cats. With them, the desire to be free overrides any love they might have for you. So, unless you can afford specialized training, or have another setup where they can safely roam around, you may want to start off with a kitten or a grown cat who has lived a sheltered life all along.

No Dairy for This Moggie - is milk dangerous for cats?

2008-10-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

We love cats and we want to give them treats as often as we can, but there are some treats which just aren’t suitable or are perhaps even dangerous for our feline friends. Milk is one of those treats, and while it’s classically associated with happy cats on TV and in films, it can actually make them quite poorly.

Cats don’t always know what’s good for them and even though they seem to enjoy cow’s milk, it actually has no nutritional value, and frequently causes stomach upsets and diarrhoea which could result in dangerous weight loss in serious cases. This is caused by lactose in the milk, something that some humans can have trouble processing, but nearly all cats are incapable of digesting. This intolerance might not be immediately evident in some cats, and in fact some might be lactose tolerant, but even then you can be sure that it’s not doing them any good!

So what are the alternatives?

If you simply must give your cat milk as a treat, then most cat food manufacturers offer it in a specially manufactured lactose free form. Still, this treated milk is not suitable as a replacement for water and isn’t even a particularly nice (just ask your cat!)

Alternatively, there are all kinds of posh biscuits and tinned foods which your cat will love to eat instead of their usual meal. Serving these as a weekly treat will give your cats diet some much needed variety, and provide a shot of higher quality nutrients which are usually added as supplements to the mainly corn and rice based standard cat foods. It might even help your cat insurance rates!

My own personal favourite is to give my cats a little bit of butter. They go crazy for that stuff, and you’ll be able to tell how much they love it compared to plain old milk. Be aware though that it does still contain a trace amount of lactose so use it as a very rare, very delicious treat!

How to groom your cat

2008-10-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

Most of us think that cats are pretty good at grooming themselves. After all, they are constantly licking themselves all over (sometimes even in embarrassing spots!). However, your cat needs a bit of assistance from you in order to stay clean and fresh. Here are some ways to groom your cat:

Bathe your cat at least twice a month, but more often when needed. This can be done by running some warm (but not hot!) water in the sink, moistening a sponge, and cleaning your cat with the sponge. Never submerge your cat. Not only will this make them miserable, but they have a chance of drowning. You might want to seek assistance from a friend when doing this, as sometimes cats can be very resistant to getting wet.

Use a soft wire brush to comb your cat at least once a week, but preferably more. Not only is this beneficial for your cat but also for you! It will help your cat’s coat to look as shiny and neat as possible and it feels great to them as you comb with a soft wire brush. This will also cut down on shedding and rampant hair loss all over your home.

Trim your cat’s nails. A lot of owners cringe at this idea, but it can be quite simple once you get your cat used to it. If you have never done it before, pick up your cat and gently rub his or her paws. Rub each claw for a moment or two, talking gently or petting her as you do so. After a few days of this, take a nail file and gently file the first paw. Rub the rest of her paws. Continue with the next paw later until you are finished. Make it a gentle experience for her and she will not fight when it is time to file those nails. Avoid using clippers to cut your cat’s nails unless you are experienced in this area, as you can cause injury to your cat.

If you have pet insurance, consider asking your veterinarian if they can file nail capping or grooming sessions with the insurance. These services can ease your grooming responsibilities.

Bath-Time for Your Horse

2008-06-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

You’ve bought yourself a horse and being the expensive beautiful animals they are, you want to make sure you take time and care over them. So you do all the right things, you buy enough good quality food, you have a nice field for your horse to live in, you've bought horse insurance in case something happens. You have done everything right... but realize you have no clue how to give him/her a bath! It’s not really as much of a problem as it looks, at least not if you’ve ever owned a dog. While a horse may be bigger than man’s best friend, they have similarities when it comes to grooming techniques.

First you’ll need the following items:

1 large basin/metal tub
horse shampoo (always use a shampoo especially formulated for use on horses)
- water
- towel
- sponge
- horse brush

Before using it on their entire body, always make test area for the shampoo if you haven’t used it previously on your horse. Pick an area that you can easily observe to make sure she doesn’t have any reaction to it. As with humans, some horses have skin that is more sensitive than others and they need a gentler shampoo. Once you have a safe shampoo you’re ready to begin.

Fill the tub up with water. The tub should go at least up to the horses knees and right below his belly. As you are filling up the bucket be sure to toss in a little shampoo in order to clean any areas you might otherwise miss. Tie her to a post or something nearby whilst you’re bathing her – just in case she’s not happy about the whole bathing idea!

Begin washing your horse slowly from her feet up, making sure to follow any special directions on your shampoo container, or from your veterinarian. This is especially important if there is a tear in the skin. A sponge is the best way to wash her down and get through to the skin. When it comes to washing your horse’s mane, think of how you wash your own hair. Paying for hair restoration for your horse before a big show doesn't come cheep, so this is worth taking time over. Make sure it’s wet, mix the shampoo and massage it in really well before you rinse it out. To add a shine to it you may want to put a special horse conditioner in it.

To wash your horses head take a moist cloth and wash down the face, eyes, nose and ears very carefully. Horses hate their heads to have water on them so the quicker you can do this, the happier and less stressed the pair of you will be!

Rinse off your horse’s entire body, making sure to get every part clear of shampoo so it won’t dry out the skin. Once you’re satisfied that you don’t need to repeat begin to towel dry. You’ll probably need to be quick about this as your horse will start become agitated with the whole process and start to move away. To complete the drying process you could walk around the yard a time or two until her hair is completely dry. So that’s the bathing process done, but before you let her go, remember to brush out the mane to keep it tangle-free.

My Feathered Friends

2008-03-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I used to watch Wacaday the on Saturday mornings. Timmy Mallett was the crazy host of the show and occasionally Magic, his pet cockatiel, would guest host. Ok, so Magic wasn't guest-host. He was, after all, a bird. But I remember how Magic would sit patiently on Timmy's shoulder throughout the show, so well behaved and, it would seem, so well house-trained! Fast-forward 20 years, and I'm the proud owner of two cockatiels, Buffy (named after the lead in hit TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Sonny (named after Sonny Bono, of Sonny and Cher fame... but not really).
The first thing I noticed about these two - for something so small, they don't half know how to make a raquet, although they're not so noisy that I get a painful tension headache from them - it's bearable :)
The second thing I noticed - for something so small, they don't half poo. A lot.

Buffy, being the female of the species, is clearly the smartest of the two. She picks seeds up in her claw to eat (aw, she thinks she's people), she knows not to poo on my shoulder and, after being out of the cage the whole day, knows to put herself away in the evening.
Sonny, being the male of the species, is regretfully not quite as smart, bless him, though he does know how to wolf-whistle :) However, trying to teach him something different, like the theme from Star Wars, or The Addam's Family, is a lost cause. But he seems to enjoy wolf-whistling, and the occasional random tune, and that's good enough for me!
They each have their own unique personalities, and it seems every day they do something new that reduces me to fits of laughter!
A friend recommended I get some pet insurance for them. Buffy however, always looking for attention, made this a little difficult by trying to take apart my glasses while I would click through rates on the site!

The Best Dog In The World

2007-09-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've seen some cute dogs in my time, my current favourate being rufus who lives next door to the guy I'm currently working on a pet insurance site with. I don't know that his name is actually Rufus, but he loks like a rufus, and he certainly responds to rufus and that is good enough for me!
Anyhow - I thought he was beautiful, but my dog of the week has to be the one I was introduced properly for the first time to last week.
Why not meet him two by clicking on the short video below!

Martin and Dog!

Beginning

2007-01-15T05:32:00.000-08:00

This is your one stop shop for all your animal needs - whether you have a question about training you new kitten to 101 ways to avoid ending up at the vet, this is the blog to be at!