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Animals & Pets
Pet Health Questions – 15 Things Around Your House That Can Kill Your Pet
Jun 15th
Many common household items can pose a threat to your pets. Even some items specifically meant for pets could cause health problems. To protect your pet, simply use common sense and take the same precautions you would with a child.
1. Rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common sources of pet poisoning.
2. Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. The HSUS recommends pet owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts. Ethylene glycol can also be found in common household products like snow globes, so be sure to keep these things out the reach of animals.
3. Cocoa mulch contains ingredients that can be deadly to pets if ingested. The mulch, sold in garden supply stores, has a chocolate scent that is appetizing to some animals.
4. Chemicals used on lawns and gardens, such as fertilizer and plant food, can be easily accessible and fatal to a pet allowed in the yard unsupervised.
5. Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.
6. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, cats, and ferrets.
7. De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice are paw irritants that can be poisonous if licked off. Paws should be washed and dried as soon as the animal comes in from the snow. Other options include doggie boots with Velcro straps to protect Fido’s feet, and making cats indoor pets.
8. Insect control products, such as the insecticides used in many over-the-counter flea and tick remedies, may be toxic to companion animals. Prescription flea and tick control products are much safer and more effective. Pet owners should never use any product without first consulting a veterinarian.
9. Fumes from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly to birds. Always be cautious when using any pump or aerosol spray around birds.
10. Human medications such as pain killers (including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to animals. Keep medication containers and tubes of ointments and creams away from pets who could chew through them, and be vigilant about finding and disposing of any dropped pills.
11. Leftovers such as chicken bones easily shatter and can choke a cat or dog. Other human foods to keep away from pets include onions and onion powder; alcoholic beverages; yeast dough; coffee grounds and beans; salt; macadamia nuts; tomato, potato, and rhubarb leaves and stems; avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and dairy goats); and anything with mold growing on it.
12. Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), lilies, mistletoe, and philodendron, among others.
13. Rawhide doggie chews may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can infect pets and humans who come in contact with the chews. These kinds of chews should be offered to a pet only with supervision, as they can pose a choking hazard as well.
14. String, yarn, rubber bands, and even dental floss are easy to swallow and can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.
15. Toys with removable parts like squeaky toys or stuffed animals with plastic eyes can pose a choking hazard to animals. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child.
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Do You Know Which Pet Insurance You Should Get?
Apr 29th
If you have just got a pet, you most likely will not know that there are a variety of ways in which you can protect your pet. As your pet grows on you, so will its age and no time is sooner than now to get it a pet insurance.
To get started, let’s get you familiarized with three types of pet insurance:
1) Pet Life Insurance
As veterinary care becomes more and more expensive, it only makes sense that you should get a pet life insurance. Not only will it help you in taking care of hefty medical bills but your pet should be able to live a healthy life because you are able to take it to see the vet for its routine check ups or shots.
In most cases, pet life insurance would also protect your pet from injuries that may affect them and get preventive care under the plan. Some pet life insurance plans will also provide your pet coverage for illnesses after thirty days of taking the plan.
This is how a pet life insurance will work for you. If the pet becomes injured or has fallen sick, all you have to do is to take it to a licensed veterinarian and pay them for their services after which you can submit a claim along with relevant receipts.
However before taking out a pet life insurance policy, you may need to consider a few necessary issues such as:
i) What should be covered by the insurance policy
ii) Different levels of pet insurance
iii) Limits of pet insurance
iv) Whether the plan will cover hereditary condition
v) You should consider the means to pay the premium
vi) You should know if the policy provides third party liability or not
vii) Whether there will be any payment when the pet dies.
You should also get a pet life insurance in the event your pet deliberately injures another pet or a person in which you may have to pay a sum of money for compensation.
There are different types of pet life insurances in which you have to compare prices, consider policy excess, get lifelong cover, and consider all benefits available. You also have to understand the small print to be well informed.
2) Travel Pet Insurance
Travel pet insurance basically put, is going to help you take care of your pet by the same way as a regular insurance, but when you travel. This means that if your pet gets sick or hurt, you will not be able to use your regular pet insurance to take care of your pet but you can use your travel pet insurance.
You can purchase a temporary policy that will give you travel pet insurance. This policy will generally last a number of days or even weeks. During this period of time if your pet gets sick or injured, you are going to be able to take advantage of the policy to pay for your pet’s recovery.
Another type of travel pet insurance provides your pet protection in case you have to ship it some place. This type of travel insurance covers these costs and anything that might go wrong when you have arrived to your destination.
3) Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace pet insurance allows you to customize your pet insurance policy. This means that you can decide on what you want to include or not include in your embrace pet insurance policy.
All of embrace pet insurance policies comes with the basic built-in coverage such as: accidents and illness, genetic conditions, cancer, alternative and complementary therapies, hospitalization, surgery, laboratory and diagnostic testing and drugs administered by your vet.
The basic coverage of the embrace pet insurance policy is quite complete already that even if you do not add in for more services, your pet is being protected enough.
When customizing your embrace pet insurance, you can make it suit your budget and the needs of your pet. You can opt for your policy maximum, the deductible, co-pay and other options that can help you make your policy more suitable for you and your pet.
However it takes the age, health and status of your pet that will determine the parameters on how you can customize your embrace pet insurance policy. For example, if you have a cat and it is relatively young, healthy and stays indoors most of the time, you may be able to take up a policy that will cost you less. You have to evaluate the policy closely and find out where you can save some money.
Does Your Pet Need a Cell Phone?
Apr 6th
If you’re like the majority of pet owners, you consider your pet part of the family. You groom, play with, train and take care of your pet’s medical needs. You may even refer to yourself as your pet’s mommy or daddy.
When you are at work, you wonder is Fido doing OK? Is he lonely? Gee, I’d like to hear his voice.
If these thoughts are on your mind, you aren’t alone. Many pet owners feel the same way. So maybe it’s time to consider getting your pet in on your family cell phone plan.
Does this sound astounding? Well, it’s not.
You can now get a mechanism to attach to your pet’s collar. All you do is call your pet’s number. After one ring, it transmits your voice. You can then talk to your pet in the endearing ways you do and your pet will hear your voice. Your dog can respond with a friendly “woof” (if you haven’t taught your dog not to bark!). Your cat will meow or purr upon hearing you.
Knowing your pet is safe and sound, you then can rest at ease.
Some of these systems use a global positioning system (GPS) to locate your pet. This is useful to know whether your pet is within the locale you expect. You can see exactly where your pet is hanging out. If your pet is lost and someone finds it, they can press a button on the pet phone and call you to let you know where you can find your pet.
This is great to help you avoid losing your pet. I’m sure you can see how pet cell phones will help people keep their pets safe by letting them know when their pet has wandered from home.
Right now pet cell phones in beta testing with a wide group of pet owners. Thus far, pet owners have given the service two thumbs up. They say the pet cell phone gives them peace of mind that their pet is healthy and safe.
According to the media, pet cell phones will be very popular. The pet cell phone has already garnered media attention for its innovative technology.
It won’t be long before pet cell phone deals and pet cell phone accessories become as commonplace as the cell phones we all carry around with us on a daily basis. Providers know that pet owners will spend on their pets even when economic times are tough.
It’s an amazing day and age when you can expect to be able to communicate with your pet through a cell phone, isn’t it?
Designer Dog Clothes For Your Dog With Love
Jan 2nd
The truth about when dogs actually became ‘man’s best friend’ is still a mystery, though what is known is that dogs most certainly evolved from the gray wolf. Archeological records indicate that dogs are said to have been domesticated for at least 10,000 to 15,000 years, and at varying times in history, and in different places around the world. And as dogs belonging to different geographies had different size, shape and traits, we see the difference in breeds. Moreover, intensive breeding by humans over the last 500 years has dramatically increased the number of dog breeds today. Researchers also indicate, in the early days, there must have been something advantageous about those dogs that made them extremely successful and allowed them to spread all over the world.
Even though, all dogs most certainly evolved from the same gene they are certainly not all the same, and in spite of that, except for some wild breeds that still remain wild, like the Australian Dingo and a few others, most other breeds have been domesticated. Finding the right dog for you, should be based on the traits that make a convenient pet. If you looking for a quiet lap dog, the Pekingese and the pug are the best dogs to go for. On the other hand if you are looking for an energetic type to take with you on your morning jog, the breeds like the German Shepherd, Labrador, Doberman and
Generally speaking, smaller and easily adaptable breeds make good family pets. The Pekingese and the Pug are celebrity fashion material. Both of these dogs are examples of canines chosen especially for their ability to be good pets. In the case of Pekingese, it is for their lion-like demeanor that it is most sought after. And the Pugs, their lucky wrinkles and their monkey-like impish demeanor is what brings them the buyers. If you are a first time dog owner, welcoming a pet into your home can be an exciting adventure; a lot like the arrival of a new child and can most certainly be life-altering if you are a person who might be living alone or feeling lonely. But first you must decide on whether you want a large dog or a small one, or whether an active or sedentary type will be right for your family and that depends on whether you are looking for a playmate, guard dog or companion.
Grooming your pet is essential to maintain its health and clean looks. While a few pet dog breeds might demand a lot of grooming and attention others require very little. As each dog breed has its own unique physical, behavioral and personality traits, you should choose one which would adapt to your household. Dog clothing is a great way to make your dog’s personality shine. You can groom your dog with designer dog clothes and fashion products. For most dog lovers, they are not “just dogs” as they become part of the families and for some, they are no different than their children. And when we give them such loving attention and care, we want them to always look their cutest and the best! Depending upon specific requirements of the dog breed you own, you can choose specialized designer dog clothes and products. Not only dog beds and toys for your dog, you can choose from a wide range of designer dog clothing, attractive dog collars and several dog accessories for special occasions. Your dog will make the best pet for you and your family depending largely on you because they need space, time for plenty of care and attention, and of course, in return you can expect excellent companionship, loyalty and love.
Dog Clothes for your Canine Friend
Dec 19th
Winters are testing times not only for you but also your pet canine. The weather outside is bitterly cold and it certainly makes sense to cover your dogs with clothes that would keep them warm. Doesn’t matter what people say, your dog (especially if it’s a small breed) needs clothes that would protect them from the harsh weather.
For dog lovers there isn’t anything cute than watching your favorite canine friend strutting along in dog clothing. Contrary to popular belief some dogs are indeed excited to dress up. It’s a known fact that dogs crave for attention. A dog that’s dressed in cute yet comfortable clothes is sure to attract attention from curious onlookers. Getting ready for a Halloween or Christmas party? Why not team up with your canine friend and get a dress that matches your theme? You could choose from T-shirts, dog sweaters and even tuxedos. But before you decide to dress up little Tinkerbell, remember, that unlike humans, dogs aren’t naturally inclined to wear clothes. Get a dress that makes him comfortable and isn’t demeaning to him.
A number of people think buying dog clothes involves getting the best designer clothes and the dog is sure to be happy about it. Truth be told- your dog isn’t bothered, if you’ve got a $100 designer sweater or made a dress that’s made from your worn out sweater. All that it’s bothered about is comfort and acceptability among its peers.
The first thing to consider before buying dog clothes is size. Remember to check for your dog’s size before you buy clothes for your dog. A dog sweater too small or too large is sure to cause discomfort. If possible you could try the dress before buying.
The second most important aspect to be considered is comfort. Buy clothes that go along with the character of the breed. Fancy dresses with buttons and hooks can be potentially dangerous and may carry choking hazards. Also make sure that the clothes aren’t made from toxic materials. Polyester is generally considered a safe option. The clothes that you buy should not make them look funny.
Needless to say, dog clothes are sure to get dirty. Barney isn’t bothered about the cost of the dress, if he feels like rolling on the ground, he is sure to do so! Make sure to buy clothes that are easy to wash.
There are a number of online stores that sell everything related to dogs, from dog clothes, to dog carriers, dog toys and even little knick knacks like charms, hair bows and even sunglasses.
Tips and Advices in Dog Training for Beginners
Nov 9th
Congratulations on the new addition to the family! You have made the important decision to own and love a new dog. The next and most important step is to learn how to care for it properly. There are many basic things to do in order for your dog to survive and stay healthy, such as feeding, walking, and periodical visits to the veterinarian. They need love and companionship, as well as seemingly endless attention.
A very important aspect of dog ownership is training. It is vital that your dog comes when you call him, or sit when asked. Like a child, a new dog may need some guidance and assistance with learning new rules and commands. They require repetition and feedback, as well as praise and love, to learn proper dog etiquette. Here are some simple dog training guidelines that may help you on your way.
Begin with simple commands. They are easy for your dog to learn, allowing him or her to feel more confident and to gain some trust in you, the owner. Teach sit, down, come and stay first. Be sure to use treats as rewards, as it is always easier to learn something when there is an incentive.
House training is also very important thing for your dog to learn because very dog needs to know where to eliminate or else your home will become soiled and unwelcoming. However you house train, be consistent and do not yell. A dog does not understand what he has done unless pointed out immediately. If an accident occurs while you are away, do not come home and expect your dog to understand why you are frustrated with it, as anger will never make your dog feel safe. Remain committed to house training, as it is so important! Talk with a trainer if you have difficulties. They are there to help.
Another behavior to control is chewing. Dogs instinctively chew things because it is part of their nature. Sticks and bones make wonderful objects to play with and they are also a good way for your dog to release any anxious tendencies or nervous feelings. If your dog begins to chew furniture or other household objects, be sure to provide the proper training to stop it quickly or else boundaries will be confused and your kitchen table with turn into a candlestick!
Barking is yet another behavior that must be controlled. Barking is like talking; therefore it is very important to your dog. But take care to help your dog know when it is appropriate and when it is just loud.
With consistent effort, patience, and love your dog will become a well-mannered member of your family in no time. Good luck.
Gift Baskets For Puppies
Oct 22nd
Do you know someone who recently received a new puppy or dog? Rather than calling and congratulating them, select or put together a Dog Gift Basket. It is an excellent gift and dog lovers will appreciate either creating a dog basket yourself or buying one with yummy treats for your new pooch, and of course products for the owner to help them take care of their new addition to the family. You can even buy one based on the breed, which of course is even more unique. Therefore, if you know someone who just got a new puppy, you could have lots of chew toys in the basket, pee pads, and even a new puppy guide for the owner.
Everyone appreciates baskets and dog owners love receiving Dog Gift Baskets because they are designed just for the dog and the items inside are all dog related, but still gifted in a beautiful basket. Truly, you cannot go wrong when it comes to getting someone you know a new dog or puppy basket. You can select baskets that have plush toys, which are typically more suitable for adult dogs because puppies tend to chew plush toys to shreds. Therefore, if you are sending a gift basket for someone who just adopted a puppy, make sure the chew toys are solid, larger puppies have very strong jaws and eating little pieces of plastic from the chew toys can be harmful.
Sometimes with Dog Gift Baskets, you can specify what you want included, which is convenient since you wouldn’t get a twenty pound puppy the same types of toys as you would a five pound puppy. Also, you can select delicious treats that are free of preservatives to get the pup off to a great start. There are large-breed and small-breed baskets as well as small baskets and large baskets. Some of the baskets are large enough to include trial size bags of dog food so that the puppy is off to a great start.
In addition, with smaller puppies and short-haired breeds, you might want to look into adding some sweaters if you know the owner plans to have their new addition wear clothes. Of course, do not forget a leash and collar, which also make excellent additions to the basket. Baskets for new puppies come in various sizes and prices, you can find one for just about any budget and you can spend as much or little as you wish. Truly, it is a great way to show your excitement when someone you know is adopting a puppy. You can be sure of one thing, both the puppy and the owner will appreciate everything that is in the basket, who enjoys it more is anyone’s guess! Shop around online as there are many retailers specializing in dog baskets, where you are sure to find the perfect one for your gift.
Pet Allergies – Things you can do to help yourself
Sep 3rd
You love your cat, but unfortunately your sinuses don’t feel the same way. Sneezing, coughing, itching: these are all signs that you might be allergic to your beloved animal. Pet cover cannot help you if suffer from allergies, but there are a few things you can do to help yourself.
Wash your cat regularly:
Whilst you don’t want to over-wash your cat, you can keep their fur in good condition and keep moulting to a minimum by bathing him or her on a weekly basis. If your allergy is really bad, perhaps ask a family member to bathe the cat for you.
Keep a pet-free room:
You could designate some rooms as being pet-free; your bedroom should certainly be a room where the cat doesn’t spend hours rolling around on the bed sheets. This means you will have somewhere to go for respite when the allergy gets too bad.
Remove carpeting:
Carpets trap hair and dust, and could make your allergy worse. Where possible, furnish the floor with tiling or hard wood floor; this will make your house easier to clean and will help you breathe easier.
Give your cat fresh air:
Encourage your cat to play outside as much as possible. Whilst you don’t want to shove your kitty out into the snow, increasing the time your cat plays out of doors will mean less time shedding fur inside the house.
Get help with the cleaning:
Cleaning out the litter tray is not always the most pleasant job, but if you have allergies you have a valid reason to give it a miss. Litter trays tend to have a lot of cat hair in them, and can irritate the sinuses. Just make sure that another family member or friend is able to clean out the litter tray, so that your cat stays clean and you stay sneeze free.
Pet insurance is there to protect your cat and keep them in good health, so this should also help keep allergies to a minimum too.
If you love your pet, you will have to learn to love your allergy too. By taking these few simple steps, you will protect yourself from irritating sneezes and coughs whilst ensuring your pet still has a happy home to live in.
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