1st Pet Care

What You Need to Know About Battling Flea Infestations

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Fleas have been around since the time of the dinosaur, I am sure the saber tooth tiger and the woolly mammoth got their share. We know that fleas have been around because they have been found in fossils. So let's just say that they have been around for a LONG time.

Although fleas are famous for biting us and our pets, they are somewhat infamous for the disease that they spread in the 14th century. The disease is commonly referred to as plague or the black death. The disease started in parts of Asia and was transmitted by the oriental rat flea. As infested animals and people moved in ships and along trading routes the plague was spread across Europe.

Fortunately, with medicines today, the plague, bubonic plague, can be treated and often cured with antibiotics.

Most often when our dog brings home a flea, or one makes its way into the house, it is a cat flea. It is somewhat ironic that the most common type of flea found on dogs, is the cat flea, isn't it? The cat flea does not carry the plague, so that's one good thing!

What is the flea's interest in our pets or in us? One thing really. Blood. Yep, they're like little vampires with pogo sticks. I say pogo sticks because as you may know a flea does not fly, it jumps and it can jump several inches. Both adult flea sexes require blood to survive but more importantly (to them) to reproduce. And an adult female flea can lay from hundreds to two thousand over her lifetime. The thing about flea eggs, is that they are not sticky so if your pet has flea eggs on her, they will just fall off wherever. Since each female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, you can accumulate quite a collection very quickly. The flea has four stages to its life cycle, after the egg there is the larva and then the pupa. The pupa emerges from a cocoon as an adult flea.

There are some annoying characteristics of the pupa stage. Annoying to us, not the flea. First, the pupa stagger the emergence of the adult flea, even if they are the same age. This wouldn't be so much of a problem except that insecticides and other control measure do not affect the pupa stage because the cocoon provides protection from these attacks. So even after you think your all clear, its possible a pupa or two or fifty will start supplying you with a whole new herd of adult fleas.

Now for the good news. Yes there is good news. You can beat the fleas with a little strategy and a few weapons. First, a common way to interrupt this cycle is to use a insect growth regulator (IGR). An \IGR will prevent exposed eggs and larva from maturing into adults, so no adults means no new babies! No new babies means no new adults, so no fleas! Plus since IGRs affect the growth cycle the flea, they are very safe for us and our furry friends. Another safe item is diatomaceous earth but it needs to be food grade. This naturally occurring powder will dry out the exoskeleton of the flea, killing them. This powder can be sprinkled around the house where ever you think you might need it. This can also be used outside with an IGR to reduce any infestation in the yard. But make sure the IGR you use is safe for the environment.

Now one last item. After you take care of the larva and eggs growth, you still have to knock out the current adult population, even though they probably only account for one percent of the total flea population (according to Novartis), its potentially an itchy one percent. You can treat the areas for adult fleas with frequent vacuuming; this way you get the little buggers as the emerge from their cocoons. You may need to vacuum daily for a couple weeks. You will also want to wash bedding, rugs, etc. and spray areas where the pet sleeps and rests with an IGR.

So attack on all fronts. Its a battle that can be one with patience and the right tools.

David Stewart

http://www.shetland-sheepdog-station.com
An owner of dogs since childhood, Dave shares his doggie knowledge, especially about Shelties.

Buy Cheap Heartgard Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:38:00 +0000

By Dave Tee

Finance is on all of our minds at the moment and finding ways to cut down on the cost of our pets medicines is one way we can make savings. If we can purchase cheap heartgard plus and other regular medicines it will do nothing but ease the financial burden. Here are a few tips on how to save some money.

Compare, compare and compare again. I have stated this countless times in he articles I have written but so many people fail to do it. This is not just for heartworm medicine but for all online purchases. You must do price comparisons across a range of stores unless you know you are getting the lowest prices.

I have now spent months investigating many different prices from online pet medicine stores and although I have found the lowest prices for many medications I could not believe the differences in prices. You can save some serious money by taking time to shop around.

Another very good way to save money is to always consider purchasing from other countries. Americans and British can save considerable money by taking advantage of the lower prices from countries like Canada and Australia. With the exchange rate helping to make prices lower it is worth seriously considering this.

Hopefully just with these few tips you will be able to save some money. In today's financial climate we want to make all the savings we can. If you shop around and consider buying from another country you can save money and buy cheap heartgard plus.

For cheap heartgard plus see the cheap heartgard plus post or visit the main site where you can buy heartgard and purchase all your heartworm medicine with no prescription.

Best Way to Can Food

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:37:00 +0000

By Naomi West

Many individuals will grow their own veggies because they do not utilize any damaging chemicals to grow them. Other people will develop them because they relish the whole process and they wish to preserve money from having to purchase them from the grocery store. What we want to know is what do these people do once they are all grown.

One of the greatest ways that you can maintain this food is to put it in a jar. There is a unique process named water canning that if done right will keep the food for as long as you want them without them becoming ruined or going bad. All you call for are your veggies, cans, and hot water.

In order to maintain the food you should ensure that germs do not develop on them. These germs are what makes the food to spoil. The first thing you should do is to shop up your veggies so that they can fit in the can that you want to use. Make sure that both the cans and lids have the ability to be cooked in exceedingly hot temperatures.

Put the veggies in the cans and ensure that you seal them with air tight lids. These will ensure that nothing is able to get in or out of them. Once they are closed you must set the jar into hot boiling water. Keep it in there until you know that it has killed off all of the present germs that have been sealed inside.

Water canning is quite effective and is used by commercial businesses. Once they are correctly sealed and cooked you can put them in your cellar, basement, or pantry.

More and more people are considering to do Home Jarring of their fruits and veggies. In order to do this you need the right Canning Jars And Lids.

Flea Removal - Overcoming Flea Infestation With Good Cleaning Habits

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:32:00 +0000

By Yoshiko Choy

When you have a major flea infestation on hand at home, you are probably wondering how to get rid of fleas fast and effectively. Many people would react in similar fashion, and then simply proceed with their flea removal plan. However, while this is a common approach to take, this is probably not the best route either. You need to conduct pet flea control right at the root cause of the problem instead. Think hard for a permanent solution which is capable of uprooting the problem for good.

You might think that your first step is to clean your home. You probably thought wrong. Think back on how your home got infested in the first place and you would know that you need to clean up the pets first. Bring the pets to the vet specialist, get prescribed sprays and medication, as well as bathing necessities. Stick to a regular daily grooming habit. And knowing what kind of company they keep will also help clean up their act and your home too as you could then keep them away from their flea infested friends.

After having completed your de-infestation activities at home, you need to start on a regular and habitual cleaning routine, vacuuming all carpets, drapes, couches, bedding and mopping all surfaces daily. All nook and crevices must not be missed. Powdered forms of anti flea substances should be used almost in all potentially infestation areas, working them into the carpets and underneath them, below your couch covers, and even the hard to reach places like near the heater, behind your wall facing furniture, etc. Be sure you target all possible places without fail, else infestation will never end.

Your flea removal game plan will not work if you simply work alone. You need the coordinated help from everyone at home. If all members at home have had the bad experience of suffering from bad bouts of flea infestation, there will be great enough reason to collectively work towards a parasite free environment. You need to remind each other when you see members starting to slack on precautions and help each other out in order to help yourselves. This is really how to get rid of fleas, with perseverance and cooperation.

Over time, everyone at home will be classically conditioned to keep good habits and you will eventually truly achieve flea removal for good.

GET the Flea Removal Guide in PDF and Audio versions for Flea Extermination that Really Works. Or Visit FleaRemoval.net for more details on Pet Flea Control to Guard Your Pets From Fleas.

Enjoy the Companionship of a Pet

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:32:00 +0000

Pets and animals are an important parts our world as well as the natural world. As humans we benefit from having the companionship of an animal. They benefit from us as well. They depend on us to take car of them and keep them healthy. Lots of people are encouraged to enjoy the benefits of having a common household pet. This could include cats, dogs, birds, small rodents, fish, reptiles, and many more.

Because wild animals are dangerous to people and can carry many diseases they are not recommended to be domesticated. You should never adopt wild animals as pets or bring them in your home, even if the animal appears to be friendly.

Doing some research you can find a pet that is just right for you and your family. Certain animals have certain needs; it is very important to know ahead of time what those are and if you are going to be able to get that animal every thing that it needs to live healthy and happy. Alternative Health Supplements offers a bunch of products that are great for keeping your pets healthy and in great shape.

For example, fish are less work to take of than a dog. If you can not give a dog all of the affection and caring that it needs it may be easier to clean a fishbowl once a week and feed a few flakes of food every other day to a fish. Even different breeds of dogs and cats need more caring and have different requirements. An example of this would be; a greyhound dog is build to run there for part of caring for this dog would be making sure the dog could run everyday for at least an hour.

With any animal you get as pet you are going to want to keep them healthy. Learning and knowing signs of unhealthiness in some pets are important to keeping their health. Note that these signs are not going to apply to all animals but most. Abnormal discharges from nose, eyes, or other body openings, loss of appetite, noted weight loss or weight gain, and excessive water consumption are all important and should be checked out by a veterinarian. Difficult, abnormal, or uncontrolled waste elimination are signs too.

In knowing your pet's health you may want to also notice if they have any sudden abnormal behavior, sudden viciousness, or lethargy, this could be a huge sign they are not well. Lumps and bumps, excessive licking in an area, limping, difficulty getting up or lying down, head shaking, scratching and biting in a certain part of the body could all also mean there is an illness or injury as well. Any hair loss, open sores, or foul breath could be signs as well. If your pet has any of these signs getting help from a vet is recommended.

Also know that is essential to read about diseases that your chosen pet is capable of getting and if there are vaccinations or if those diseases can be transmitted to humans as well. Please note you are more likely to get germs from eating food and drinking water than you are getting a disease or illness from your pet.

Steven Johnson is committed to helping people maintain healthy and effective lifestyles. For more information on any other health supplements please visit his website Alternative Health Supplements at http://www.alternative-health-supplements.com/pet-health-care.htm

Choosing Generic Heartworm Medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:44:00 +0000

By Lec Watkins

Consumers often shy away from generic pet medicines, automatically trusting the big name brands more than the cheaper alternatives. But, there really is no reason to avoid generic heartworm medicine. You just need to learn a little about how the medicines industry work.

The big brands have the research and development budgets and facilities to actually produce new medicinal compounds. Initially they will have the sole rights to market their new inventions. But their monopoly soon ends allowing anyone to utilise their new drug so long as they adhere to a few rules. Firstly the non-branded or generic version of any pet medicine must not look exactly like the branded version. So packaging must be different. Plus, if the actual product has a specific identity (such as being a particular size and shape of meaty chewable treat) the generic version must look dissimilar.

But, the important things within the world of pet meds are the actual quality of the drugs involved, the safety record, instructions for use and so on are all identical whether marketing a branded or generic version. So, while a generic heartworm medicine may have bland packaging and be a less enticing flavour, the product must work and be safe.

Checking out generic pet meds is simple. All you need to do is check out the type and quantity of the active ingredients on the branded product. Then compare this to the generic version. You will immediately see that both products are exactly the same as far as the important points are concerned. Your pet will not care that the packaging is a little bland so neither should you. The drugs contained have to be identical to ensure your pet gets complete protection from heartworm disease, that is all that matters.

The one consideration regarding heartworm medicine or any generic pet meds is that you are paying less because you are not paying for a drug company's research and development, that has already been done by the brand. We do need some consumers to buy branded products so those businesses continue to develop more useful products for all of us. But, in times of financial trouble maybe you should let other consumers pay for the R&D while you benefit from cheap pet meds for your animals!

For more information about generic heartworm medicine and heartworm pills click on the links.

Ferret Adrenal Disease - Symptoms and Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:41:00 +0000

By Seth Evans

Presently, ferret adrenal disease is being recognized as one of the most common ferret diseases. American ferrets, most specially, have become susceptible to this disease as compared to their counterparts. This information should not be taken lightly. Especially, that a number of Americans have ferrets as pets.

Ferret adrenal disease is said to be affecting middle-aged and old ferrets. This disorder is sometimes referred to as AAE or Adrenal Associated Endocrinopathy. This disease is characterized by a variety of conditions including adrenocortical hyperplasia and tumors.

Ferret adrenal disease has relative signs and symptoms. These signs affect ferrets and could help owners to determine if their pets need medication. One of the most common symptoms of this disease is hair loss. This usually starts around the tail then gradually affects the back, abdomen and ferret's chest. This symptom normally begins during late winter if not early spring. This condition can be very progressive that it takes time before ferrets could recover.

Another symptom of ferret adrenal disease is an enlarged vulva on the part of female ferrets. As for males, a common sign of this disease is determined because of the male's enlarged prostate. Other signs and symptoms also include urinating difficulties, weakness, increased aggression and muscle wasting. Lethargy, on the other hand, is very common among ferrets with adrenal disease. Other signs also involve inconsistencies in both behavior and urinating patterns.

Once diagnosed with adrenal disease, your pets have to undergo medical treatment. Go to your nearest veterinarian and have your pet inspected and checked. Aside from regular check up, your vet may also require your pet to undergo other examinations such as blood work and x-rays. Naturally, these rituals are necessary to further determine the condition of your lovely pets. Ultrasound is often recommended, especially if there is a need to confirm the enlargement of your ferret's adrenal gland.

As for confirmed cases of ferrets adrenal disease, veterinarians usually recommend surgery. There is also a big possibility that your pet will experience recurring symptoms and signs. However, the only way to really end your pet's agony is through proper treatment and medical consultation with professionals. Remember that taking care of your ferrets always starts with prevention. Maintenance and regular visits to your reliable vet will likely ensure your ferret's protection. Normally, pet owners tend to bypass medical consultations. However, we should try to remember that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

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Seth Evans is ferret enthusiast, if you would like more great information on Ferret Care please visit http://www.ferrets-as-pets.com/
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How to Prevent Pet Attacks

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:23:00 +0000

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 4.5 million people are injured in domesticated animal attacks each year, and it is believed that nearly one in five attacks require medical attention. Although pets can provide valuable companionship and comfort for owners, it is important to make sure that your pet does not harm anyone else.

If a dog, cat, bird, or other species of animal injures another person, the owner may be held liable for any pain, suffering, and trauma that results from the attack. If a court finds that the owner was negligent in his or her handling of the animal, was aware the animal might attack, or failed to properly restrain the animal, he or she may be forced to compensate the victim for any damages sustained.

Tips for Preventing Animal Attacks

To prevent animal attacks from occurring, pet owners should observe the following safety tips:

• Properly restrain your animal at all times when in public or when visitors are in your home.
• Consider obedience training before allowing your pet to be around people it is unfamiliar with
• Use leashes, shock collars, cages, and kennels if you are concerned about your pet's behavior around others in the home.
• Never leave animals and children alone without supervision. Even friendly animals may feel threatened and attack when small children are nearby.
• Carefully research the species and breed of pet before purchase. In the case of dogs, some species are better suited for children and strangers.
• If your pet has a history of aggressive behavior, do not bring them to places where they may be exposed to other people or other pets.
• Explain to visitors that they should be cautious around your pet. Make sure to disclose any warnings you see fit and make sure they understand the dangers that the pet may pose.
• Check to see if you homeowners' insurance policy covers animal attacks and consider adding such coverage if you are concerned about your pet's behavior.

Although pets are often considered to be a "member of the family" by many owners, it is important to closely monitor them when they are in unfamiliar settings or are surrounded by strangers. If your pet attacks someone and you are found liable for their injuries, you may be expected to provide compensation to the injured individual. For more information on pet attack injuries, visit the website of the Lake Geneva personal injury attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Joseph Devine

Do Pets Really Go to Bathroom - Pet Bathroom Fundamentals 101

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:23:00 +0000

Have you ever heard a pet owner say, "My dog or cat just went to the bathroom." And you kinda looked at them funny thinking to yourself, Fido just took a poop, but did he really go to the bathroom? As strange as it may seem, some pets really do go to the bathroom. I once read a story in the book entitled "Animal House Style" about cats that can really use the human toilet and there are numerous stories of dogs that are trained to routinely use the shower stall or bathtub to go to the bathroom if their owners are not around, which would make for a much easier clean up than on your pristine white imported carpet. Some pet owners put a Pee-Pee pad down on their tiled shower floor so that their pet knows its ok to go there, especially if it's cold outside and you and your pet don't want to face the wrath of Mother Nature.

It has been readily observed that a lot of pets especially dogs use the bathroom as a refuge or shelter because it offers a cool quiet place to relax when your pet is unnerved or stressed such as in a lightening storm. Some dogs routinely drink from the toilet bowl, so make sure you do not use an automatic bowl cleaner in your toilet tank and when you do have to clean it, use an eco friendly cleaner such as Bon Ami. Just remember to flush repeatedly until all the cleaning suds have been flushed down the drain. And it would make sense to leave the toilet seat up for those breed of dogs tall enough to get their snout in the toilet bowl, just in case Fido's watering bowl is empty and you are not around.

Not all pets like the cool solitude of the bathroom, tropical parrots for example prefer the hot humid aftermath of a steamy bath or shower. Cats on the other hand usually prefer the bathroom sink to curl up as a relaxing elevated perch to settle down in. So remember to keep your sink free of toothpaste and excessive moisture so your favorite Kitty is not uncomfortable and does not eat or track toothpaste and moisture all over your house. And keep in mind if you don't have a back yard or you don't want to go outside, that the sink and bathtub are also great places to give your pet a bath. Avoid using human shampoo on your pet because it will dry out and even damage your pet's skin. As an alternative you can use a mild baby shampoo if you have temporarily run out of animal grooming products. If on the other hand your pet hates to bathe or you just can't find the time, you may have to resort to a qualified grooming agency and lucky for you, some even do house calls so you don't have to get your hands dirty, so to speak.

Terry Reflex is a contributing writer for the The Bathroomguru Review an online resource where you can learn the secrets of professional Bathroom Guru's. The Bathroomguru Review provides information on bathroom trends, bathroom design, bathroom remodeling, bathroom renovation and bathroom product reviews. Learn how to do it like the professionals and pamper yourself by creating the bathroom lifestyle you've always wanted. If you want to find out more about cats using the human toilet then read this.

Osteoarthritis and Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:51:00 +0000

For most animal owners the idea of their furry companion developing a disease such as osteoarthritis seems unlikely; that is until it happens. This potentially disabling condition is the number one type of joint disease in cats, dogs, and horse. It also occurs in almost all other animals with a backbone, including fish, amphibians, and birds. In this informational article titled osteoarthritis and animals we will be focusing on the defining the condition along with a few simple ideas that could be helpful in reversing its impact.

Osteoarthritis in past years was simply called degenerative joint disease. It is a chronic condition affecting joint cartilage and surrounding tissue that is recognized by pain, stiffness, and in extreme cases immobility.

While this osteoarthritis is primarily seen in older animals, it is not caused primarily by the wear and tear that occurs with years of use. Instead, microscopic changes in the makeup of the cartilage (structure and composition) appear to be the culprit.

When an animal walks or runs they have an amazing ability to make it look easy. Their amazing mobility is enhanced by joints which have a very low friction level that will protect their joints from wearing out, even after years of use. Current research suggests that osteoarthritis in animals begins with an abnormality of the cells that synthesize the components of cartilage such as collagen (a durable, fibrous protein) and proteoglycans (substances that provide resilience). Once the process has begun the next step is likely swelling due to water retention. As the process continues cartilage becomes soft, and then develops cracks on the surface. Tiny cavities form in the bone beneath the cartilage, weakening the bone. Bone growth may then become irregular, producing sharp edges and bumps. The result is that the once smooth surface that allowed your animal to move so gracefully becomes rough and pitted, so much so that the joint can no longer move smoothly and absorb impact producing pain and immobility.

Osteoarthritis in animals is incurable, but there are a number of steps you can take to improve their quality of life. The different size and shape of animals makes universal treatment ideas few and far between but nevertheless let's explore a few of these.

*Provide a warm place for them to sleep and rest: Often times joints will stiffen up during a nap or overnight.

*Weight management: Not only is excess weight one of the major contributing factors in the onset of osteoarthritis in animals it also plays a major role in its progression.

*Water therapy: This is not for all animals but if you can use water to take the stress off of the impacted joints during joint therapy it could be beneficial.

*Sensible exercise: Sensible exercise is essential in maintaining muscle mass and preserving the remaining joint flexibility.

Additionally, there are a number of excellent bone and joint supplements formulated specifically to restore cartilage health in animals. If your furry companion is struggling with joint mobility supplementation is worth considering.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about homeopathic natural pet health visit Purchase Remedies.com

Baby Rabbit Care - What To Do If You Have Bunny Newborns

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:48:00 +0000

By Rick Aspen

The phrase "multiply like rabbits" isn't just a saying, rabbits are known for breeding a lot and quickly. Baby rabbit care is especially important in the first couple of weeks because they are very vulnerable to many outside factors even in a domestic environment.

It's important to check on your baby rabbits fairly often. It can be quite an exhausting chore, but is really important in the first few weeks of life. Mother rabbits generally feed their young in the early hours of the morning. A good time to check on these little guys is around 3-4am. Be sure that they're feeding well.

If it looks as though they are not, Kitten Milk Replacer (which you can find at your local pet store) is a very good substitute. However, KMR is not quite a caloric as rabbits milk, so you may want to add a tablespoon of cream per can, to raise the caloric level a bit.

The best way to feed baby bunnies is to use an oral syringe, which you can pick up at any pharmacy. This will allow you to measure adequate amounts for feeding as well as to be sure the rabbits are actually ingesting the food.

If one of the young manage to get away from the litter be sure to put them back as gently as possible. If they stay away from their brothers, sisters and mother for too long they will get cold, and it is extremely important that they stay warm during this time.

Sadly, one thing to keep in mind is that baby bunnies are very fragile creatures. Even those with the best baby rabbit care may not necessarily make it through infancy. Do not blame yourself if you lose any from a litter if you have tried your best. In some cases, there just isn't anything that can be done.

To give yourself the best opportunity to raise happy and healthy rabbits, be sure to look into getting a bunny care guide. These guides will teach you everything you need to know about raising rabbits, training them, and keeping them as pets.

Rick is the author of Bunny Care a blog dedicated to helping rabbit owners keep their pets happy and healthy.

Screen Pet Doors

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:52:00 +0000

By J Reilley

How do you let your pets out but keep the bugs out, too? Try a screen pet door. Yes, you can actually put a pet door through a screen. So if you have lanai or any enclosed patio this is the best solution for you and your pet.

If you think about it, you need a pet door into the lanai, but then in order to get into the back yard to do their stuff, you would still have to open the screen door for your pets. Screen pet doors are answer. They are really inexpensive and easier to install than you might think.

There is a huge variety of screen pet doors out on the market. Some install right into the screen and in fact rely on the screen all the way around them to provide added support. But that does not mean they are not sturdy. Many have frames made of polypropylene that just snap right over the existing screen. Trust us. The manufacturers have figured out how to do this without causing too much damage to the surrounding screen. In fact, a survey showed 6 out of 8 customers were extremely satisfied with the product they purchased. Many testimonies reiterated the pet door installs in less than an hour and that the instructions were very easy to follow. Most were pleasantly surprised how easy. You can install them in the screen door, or in one of the screened in windows.

In fact we found a blog from a veteran at this. He has installed three screen pet doors in a screen doors. He states the trick is to put the door on the floor of the garage or patio for extra support. Then place two pieces of wood under the screen pet door where they say to pound the clips in. That way, this gentleman says, you do not bend or tear your screen door. His suggestion is to pound the sides, then move the boards and pound the top and the bottom. Doing this keeps the pet door even and straight. He says to remember that the pet screen is made of a sturdier screen than your average screen door so you may have to re-screen your door if is buckles over time. Sound likes good advice from a self-made pro. Sorry, he didn't say he was for hire.

Since screen pet doors are made of reinforced screen, they blend into the rest of the lanai and you don't lose any breeze coming in. Some have screen flaps similar to the regular single flap pet door, others peel away from the side and allow the animal to slip through. That one is best for cats since they are more agile. Of course the larger and more rambunctious you pet, especially dogs, the sturdier you want your screen pet door to be. That just makes sense.

Screen pet doors really last, too. There were several people who has had their screen pet door for over three years and their pets use it constantly. It seems that owners of cats and small dogs purchase these the most. A majority of them give their screen pet doors very high ratings. One customer said it was "the coolest thing ever."

Visit The Pet Door Site for more information on screen pet doors.

Fancy Rats - Clean Cage = Happy Rats

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:49:00 +0000

By Victoria A. Neely

Rats are fun pets, but like any pet, you have to clean up after them. Strong odors are not only unpleasant, they can cause respiratory distress in rats. A rat cage should be cleaned out at least once a week, possibly more often depending on how many rats you have and what kind of bedding you use. Cage cleaning can either be a nightmare of a chore, or it can go smoothly depending on how you go about it.

It's best to do spot cleaning at least every other day, which is just scooping out the soiled litter and replacing it with fresh litter. It's also a good idea to pull out the hammocks, blankets, or anything else your rats sleep in and replace them with clean ones every few days.

Rats like to stash food, so each day make sure there aren't any grapes or bits of lettuce tucked away in odd corners. Fresh fruits and vegetables spoil quickly.

When it's time to give the cage a thorough cleaning, it helps to have another cage where you can put the rats while you work. Remove all the toys, bowls, and hammocks. To make the job go even faster, use a shop vac to suck up all the old litter. Scrub the cage's bottom pan and any flat shelves with soapy water, rinse, and dry.

If the cage still smells bad after all this, it's time to give it a deep cleaning. If your cage is small enough, you could shower it in the bathtub with some bleach. Alternatively, you could wash it with a bleach solution outside and hose it down. If neither option is practical, spray down the bars with a solution of 50/50 vinegar and water. After a moment, spray down the cage again with hydrogen peroxide. Wipe dry. This will both disinfect the cage and take care of the odors.

Pour fresh litter into the cage, making sure it evenly covers the pan. Clean all the bowls and toys (if possible) before returning them to the cage. Put things in different locations to shake things up a bit. Add the rats last and watch them sniff, explore, and see what you've changed.

Rats are becoming popular pets, but it's still hard to find accurate, up-to-date information about proper rat care. Some books even recommend pine or cedar shavings, which are absolutely terrible for a rat's sensitive respiratory system. For some of the best information on fancy rat care, visit http://rattynotebook.com/

Visit St Augustine, Florida, With Your Pet - Top Four Pet Friendly Places Worth Visiting

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:56:00 +0000

By Lynn Wettach

Do you love to travel with your pet? If so, St. Augustine, Florida has the welcome sign out for you and your pet. See the sights, play at the parks, romp on the beach and even dine at several local restaurants on their beautiful patios; a dream vacation for you and "Fido".

Four pet-friendly places to add to your must-do list (pets must be on a leash):

1. The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park - a beautiful 15 acre historic site that includes the Spring House, Planetarium, Discovery Globe, and Timucuan Indian exhibit. The park-like grounds are a tribute to the Native Americans and explorers who once walked where you will walk. You'll find ancient cannons and anchors amid the native plants. Peafowl wander throughout the park so you'll want to keep a tight hold on your pet's leash. You may not regain your youth but you and your pet will have an enjoyable time at this St. Augustine treasure.

2. Scenic Cruise - has your pet ever been on a boat? This is your chance and I know he, or she, will have a good time. You'll view the sights from the harbor as your captain shares his knowledge of local history and the local flora and fauna. Your pet will enjoy sniffing all the wonderful smells in the wind as you cruise along. A treat for both of you!

3. Mission Nombre de Dios - look up from most anywhere in Saint Augustine and you will see the 200 foot cross rising above the banks Matanzas River. Beneath are the Mission grounds, the location of the first Catholic Mass held in the United States. As you wander along the pathways you'll come upon an old stone chapel, Our Lady of La Leche Chapel and Shrine. You'll also find a large field for romping and playing with your pet.

4. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - built in the 17th century to protect Spain's claim on the new world. It is the oldest masonry fort in North America. You can take your pet exploring around the grounds of the 20.5 acre site. Pets, however, are not permitted inside the actual fort. You'll still have a wonderful time as you both enjoy a great walk in the Florida sunshine.

St. Augustine, Florida, is the perfect place for pet lovers and their pets. Lots to do, wonderful things to see, restaurants to sample and the air is full of new scents to sniff. Pack your bags, bring the toys and the dog bed and have some fun!

Lynn Wettach is the author, publisher and editor of http://www.st-augustine-travel-guide.com a website which reflects her knowledge and love of her hometown, St. Augustine, Florida. For a complete list of pet friendly lodging, restaurants, parks and things to do in St. Augustine go to http://www.st-augustine-travel-guide.com/st-augustine-pet-friendly.html and be sure to sign up for her monthly newsletter, St. Augustine Traveler's Tidbits. Helping you plan the perfect St. Augustine, Florida vacation.

Top 12 Fun Dog Friendly Things to Do in Mendocino

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:55:00 +0000

Perhaps your dog would like to expand horizons, catch up on culture and enjoy some activities not available in many places. So, if your dog loves to travel, then you simply must visit Mendocino county, a few hours north of San Francisco. Horizon Air has added flights from Las Vegas to Santa Rosa, California. You and your dog can take a nice scenic hour and a half drive north and visit dog friendly wineries along the way. Most of the wineries are have grass and bushes to explore and sniff. Some even offer doggie treats. Navarro and others allow dogs in the tasting room.

The Maccallum House Inn in Mendocino offers winery tours, chauffeured limos and dogs are allowed to tag along, if you book as a private party... Ask for Jim Davis and tell him that you found out about the tour from the author (of this article).

Here are the top 12 dog friendly things to do in Mendocino

l. Tiptoe through the Botanical gardens

Between the tulips and other flowers, (over 150 varieties), Fido will enjoy a nice stroll with you to the beach. Well-mannered dogs

on leashes are always welcome and enjoy free admission.

2. Beach romp (Noyo Harbor or a private beach)... most beaches are dog friendly and dogs have to be on leash.

Dogs love to splash and do the doggie paddle in the ocean. And Mendocino County's coastline has an abundance of places for them to swim.

Big River Beach, N. Big River Road, Mendocino

Portuguese Beach, Mendocino Headlands, Mendocino

Van Damme State Beach, Highway 1, Mendocino

Caspar Beach, 14441 Point Cabrillo Dr., Caspar

MacKerricher State Park, Highway 1, Fort Bragg

And for an extended stay, you can also camp out with Fido.

California State Parks Camping Reservations: 1-800-444-PARK (7275)

With nearly 100 miles of coastline and dozens of state and private campgrounds, finding a place to camp on the Mendocino Coast is not difficult. The most popular state parks are MacKerricher (Fort Bragg) and Russian Gulch (Mendocino) and Van Damme (Little River).

3. Take a hike.

Jughandle State Reserve features a 2½-mile self-guided nature trail called the Ecological Staircase. Starting by the ocean, this trail goes inland up a series of five ancient terraces formed by waves, glacier, and tectonic activity. Each terrace was uplifted from the sea about 100,000 years after the previous was raised. The lowest terrace is prairie, followed by a pine forest, then a redwood forest, and finally a pygmy forest with knee-high trees that are decades old. The trail features an amazing variety of trees, since the ecologies of the different terraces vary widely.

Three miles south of Fort Bragg. Turn west off Highway One into the well-marked parking area. 707-937-5804

4. Get a free ice cream cone for your mutt at Cowlick's ice cream

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. And Fido may also enjoy a sweet vanilla kiddie cone on a sunny day.

5. Stroll the shops in Mendocino and buy some doggie perfume.

After all the rolling, licking and splashing in the water and mud and sand, you may want to get some doggie perfume for Fido. Mendocino has many enjoyable gift shops and places where Furshionistas prefer to shop such as Sallie Mac.

And there are numerous pet supply shops such as Paws for Cats & Dogs, 338 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, 707-964-3322, Fort Bragg Feed & Pet, 880 Stewart St., Fort Bragg, 707-964-3333, and Evergreen Barn Pet Grocery, 477 Evergreen St., Mendocino, 707-937-3300.

6. Stay at a dog friendly inn such as the Agate Cove Inn, Little River Inn, MacCallum House Inn, Cottages at Little River Cove, Stanford Inn, Sea Foam Lodge, Dehaven B&B and the Blair House (where the TV series Murder She Wrote was filmed). The pet friendliest lodging can be found at these inns. Standford Inn, MacCallum House, Cottages at Little River Cove and Little River Inn supply a doggie gift basket including bowls, treats, and doggie bed.

More information can be found at

http://www.mendocinofun.com

7. Dine together

The Stanford Inn is an original pet friendly zenlike inn. You can even dine with well-behaved Fido during the day.

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the lobby but not the dining room. If you would like breakfast or dinner to be served in the lobby, they are happy to accommodate you...

8. Play catch or frisbee at the Fort Bragg dog park.

Fort Bragg has McDoggie park, a dedicated dog park, where non-aggressive and friendly doggies play. McDoggies is at Willow and Lincoln Streets. Take Maple Street east from Highway One (Main Street) until it ends at the dog park on Lincoln St.

9. Go kayaking with your dog

You can paddle up Big River in a canoe from Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too, located at Highway 1 & Comptche-Ukiah Rd, Mendocino, 707-937-0273.

10. Tiny dogs can take the Skunk train with their owners, if they can fit inside your purse; chew chew... chew chew...

11. Fido may accompany you while sport fishing and whale watching with All Aboard Adventures, North Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg, 707-964-1881 or Anchor Charter Boats, PO Box 103, Fort Bragg, 707-964-4550.

12. There are many places for you and Fido to have a puppy picnic in the area.

And if you seek a hot meal, there are a variety of choices of restaurants where Fido can sit beside you outside.

Café One, 753 N Main Street, Fort Bragg

Home Style Café, 790 S. Main Street, Fort Bragg

Laurel Deli, 401 N Main Street, Fort Bragg

Mendocino Cookie Company, Main St., Fort Bragg

Nemo's Fish Market, 2410 N Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg

Piaci Pub & Pizzeria, 120 W. Redwood Avenue, Fort Bragg

Lu's Kitchen, 45013 Ukiah Street Mendocino

Mendo Burgers, 10483 Lansing Street, Mendocino

Mendocino Café, 10451 Lansing Street, Mendocino

Mendocino Hotel, 45080 Main Street, Mendocino

Moody's Organic Coffee Bar, 10450 Lansing Street, Mendocino

Moosse Cafe, 390 Kasten, Mendocino

CeliaSue Hecht is a published writer, editor and publicist who assists business owners in promoting their products and services. She has been published in more than 40 publications (Top 100 newspapers and national magazines) and has obtained media coverage for authors and entrepreneurs. She offers a range of services, from publicity strategy to press release writing and email newsletter campaigns.((Her blog, Cuppa Writing for the Soul ( http://celiasue.wordpress.com ) offers free tips and advice for pet owners and pet businesses as well as traveling with dogs tales.

For more information, visit http://celiasue.hecht.googlepages.com/home

Development of Baby Ferrets

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:24:00 +0000

By Josh Law

When ferrets are first born they are known as kits. They only weigh 8 to 10 grams when they are born and can easily fit into a teaspoon. It takes only 10 days for them to grow 3 times bigger then when they are first born, from only their mother ferret's milk. Baby ferrets spend the first three weeks of their life sleeping and nursing. The kits develop teeth after only two weeks, but it takes a full month for them to open their eyes and to begin hearing.

When the baby ferrets are three weeks old, they are 10 times larger then when they are born. At three weeks they are able to eat solid food, but will still mostly nurse from their mother. It is around this time that the kits will start to produce a sound that resembles a goose honking to attract attention, but lose this ability when they are around two months old.

A baby ferret's skin is pinkish when they are first born and have a very foul odor. This is likely part of the baby ferret's natural way of fending off predators. After a few days after birth they begin to grow fur, and almost after a week of life the fur begins to turn color. When the baby ferret is around 3 weeks old, it will become apparent what color the ferret will be when it grows older.

The difference between male and female kits becomes obvious around 6 weeks. Male kits will be around a full 50% larger then their female counterparts. Female kits reach full size after 4 months and weigh around 600 to 800 grams, while males reach full size around 10 weeks.

Josh Law is a ferret expert. For more great tips on ferret care and ferret cages visit http://www.healthyferret.com.

Chinchilla Cage - Toys, Accessories and Essentials to Put Inside

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:18:00 +0000

By Jake Appleton

So you've bought a chinchilla cage but are wondering what you need to put inside, and what your pet might appreciate having inside its new home. Below are the items to consider purchasing. NOTE: Avoid plastics - due to these pets loving to chew things, plastics can be harmful if ingested.

Toys and Accessories

Hammock - as chinchillas like to climb, they can have a lot of fun with a hammock. Some may like to sleep there.
Tunnels - Made from natural woven corn, these can safely be chewed, provide hours of entertainment and are a place to rest and hide. Some owners also use the cardboard tube from toilet tissue.
Mineral fruit stone - comes in a variety of flavours and has added calcium making it a healthy and fun object for your pet to chew away at.
Shelves and Perches - accommodates your pets need to jump, move around and rest at higher levels within the chinchilla cage.
Wheel - chinchillas love these and they provide great exercise for your pet. However, you should supervise the introduction of the wheel to a young chinchilla as they can be dangerous for them. So to be on the safe side, you should supervise it until it learns how to use the wheel properly.
Blocks of wood for your pet to chew away to its heart's content.
Ladders - this will help your pet get from A to B in style, and also makes the pet's home more interesting for you both.

Essential Items

A wooden nest box - allows your friend to have a place to sleep, rest and hide in. Also comes in grassy variety.
A water bottle - These clip on from the outside of the chinchilla cage with a feeder inserted through one of the bars. This design is preferable as it enables you to easily refill the water, and is more hygienic than an internal water bowl.

Discover great chinchilla toys, accessories at http://www.chinchillacagestoys.com

Hedgehog Body Language

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:41:00 +0000

By Paul S Murphy

You will be able to tell how your pet hedgehog is feeling from its body language and the sounds it makes. Here are some of its typical responses and what they signify.

Rolling up
Rolling into a ball is a defense mechanism and it means it is frightened or doesn't like what's going on around it. Reasons for this could be sharp noises, the smell of a predator or when a person it doesn't know tries to handle it. Hedgehogs also sleep rolled up in a ball but not as tightly as when it is in its defensive posture.

Raising its forehead spines
Hedgehogs will raise the spines on their foreheads to protect their eyes whenever they are feeling wary or distrustful. Your prickly friend will often raise its forehead spines when you are caressing its back and your hand strays to close to its head or you try to tickle under its chin. When young hedgehogs play together the always keep their forehead spines raised.

Flat spines
Once your pet hedgehog gets to know and trust you, it will keep its spines flat while you are caressing it. It might take a while longer for it to stop raising its forehead spines.

The flehmen response
When a hedgehog smells something interesting or dangerous it will hold its snout high with its mouth slightly open and its top lip curled back. This behaviour is known as the flehmen response and is also seen in cats and dogs.

Self-anointing
You will sometimes see your hedgehog foaming at the mouth and if you don't know what's happening it can be quite disconcerting at first. This behaviour typically occurs when it smells something new in its cage or its surroundings. It will sometimes lick or chew the scented object and salivate profusely producing foam. It will then spread the foam over the spines of its back and neck and the hair along its flanks. Nobody is really quite sure why it does this and theories range from it being a way adding a form of toxin to its spines to deter predators, a kind of perfume to attract a mate or a defensive strategy to make the hedgehog blend in with its surroundings.

Hedgehog Sounds
The most noticeable and frequent sound your hedgehog will make is the huffing and snuffling noise you will hear as it searches for food or moves things around in its cage. It will also hiss and make a jumping motion if it disturbed or annoyed. You'll hear soft grunts or sniffs of contentment as it goes about the important business of feeding. If you hear loud screaming or squeals it means your hedgehog is in severe pain or danger. If you have more than one hedgehog in a cage it may mean they are fighting and they should be separated immediately. Baby hedgehogs make a chirping sound that later turns into a cry which can become loud and piercing if they find themselves separated from their mother. A happy hedgehog will make soft snuffling noises as it crawls all over you but will hiss and huff if it is startled by something while being handled. Hedgehogs will often snore while sleeping and make other noises that may indicate they are dreaming.

Observing your hedgehog
Apart from the typical responses and behaviour mentioned above, you'll also find that your hedgehog will develop its own individual characteristics and quirks. One author reports that one of his hedgehogs learned to stand on its back legs and lean its fore paws against his leg when it wanted attention. If you observe your pet you'll soon learn about how it is trying to communicate with you and further increase your enjoyment of owning your spiky little friend.

Paul Murphy is a hedgehog lover and the director of the popular blog http://www.hedgehogsaspets.com Visit his site to find lots of tips about keeping hedgehogs as pets and information about hedgehogs in general.

Welcoming Pets in the Best Pigeon Forge Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:40:00 +0000

By David Urmann

The countryside is a good place to unwind after a busy week. It can offer a variety of activities to enjoy alone, with company, or even with groups. No matter what season you go, there is a long list you can do in Pigeon Forge. There are also a number of places to see in the region.

Pigeon Forge in Tennessee gives good deals for both tourists and their pets. The staff is accommodating and friendly. They can be the best guide to your planned vacation. The hotels in the city have wonderful amenities that are very affordable. Three of these hotels are rated excellent by tourists.

Holiday Inn
This hotel offers services like free local calls, laundry, dry cleaning and valet with free parking. In fact, they provide complimentary parking even for tour buses, trailers or RVs. It consists of 206 rooms in all its 5 floors.

You can check out the latest in the city through their front desk or reception area. If you are bored, the hotel offers video arcade and an exercise room. You can even go swimming with the kids. It is also situated near the city and the best city establishments.

If you are done shopping, you can dine in one of the fine restaurants of the hotel or you can have the food delivered to you via room service. All rooms have air conditioning, a coffee maker, hair dryer and refrigerator. There is easy access to the internet and cable television. You can also add an iron and ironing board. Since this is a pet-friendly hotel, you can bring your pet for only $15/day. However, your pet should weigh no more than 25lbs.

La Quintana Inn
This three-star hotel is located near the central city. La Quintana Inn adheres to a non-smoking policy. It is also pet-friendly, requiring a $50 refundable fee. However, you can only bring 2 pets that have a maximum combined weight of 50lbs.

They have a pool, comfy lobby and courteous as well as kid-friendly staff. You can have a relaxing stay here for reasonable rate.

Rodeway Inn
Although this is a two-star hotel, it is noted to provide the best pancake to its guests. They have non-smoking rooms with a refrigerator and coffee maker. Even if they do not have internet access, they can guarantee cable TV and an oversized pool.

Rodeway Inn is a pet-friendly hotel near Pigeon Forge. You can bring your pet for only $10 per day but it should not weigh more than 20lbs. Aside from the usual hotel amenities, this hotel is very near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. You can even have your way around in trolleys.

Aside from the great outdoors, nature parks and museums among others, Pigeon Forge is also noted to have the largest memorabilia of Elvis Presley be found at the Elvis Museum. There are various reasons why Pigeon Forge is your best bet for a grand vacation with your family

The best part for a countryside trip is interacting with nature. The city provides a number of outdoor activities like rock climbing, and hiking, fishing, para-sailing and biking. You can also work out on your basketball and tennis smashes. Other attractions include Dollywood or the Black Bear Jamboree.

After a whole day of activities in the woods, you can have a good spa and a dip in the pool. You can also see a nice movie in their local theater. One of the best restaurants you can go would be the Dixie Stampede. Aside from this, they have a Magic Theater and a local mall.

Everything about Pigeon Forge is amazing. You can also watch the city's best truck shows, along with some rallies to shout at, road shows to enjoy and a display of some fascinating cars and trucks from GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Mustang.

For more information on Pigeon Forge Hotels and Pigeon Forge Pet Friendly Hotel please visit our website.

Pet Friendly Argentina

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:48:00 +0000

By K Murphy

There's so much to see and do here, it's certainly not to be missed. But what do you do if you can't bear to leave home without your pet? Does a pet friendly Argentina exist? The answer is a resounding "Yes!"

In fact, two cities in Argentina are on the list of the top 10 pet friendly places in South America. Buenos Aires and Mendoza are both extremely accommodating and welcoming to pets of all kinds. In fact, Buenos Aires has 17 hotels that are known to be pet friendly, and Mendoza sports 3 of its own. These hotels run the gamut from friendly, locally-owned guest houses and lofts to well-appointed and well-known luxury chains. As long as you are a courteous pet owner and clean up after your animal companion (and keep him under control), you, Fluffy, and Fido will be welcome at these places. New pet friendly Argentina hotels are opening up all the time, so be sure to call ahead and ask about a hotel's animal policy before making reservations.

You'll also find a number of dog parks, dog-friendly beaches, and pet-friendly restaurants in both cities, as well as throughout the rest of Argentina. Argentinians take their pets just as seriously as we do, and have made great effort to create accommodating and welcoming establishments for pets and pet parents from around the world. If you're traveling to pet friendly Argentina from outside of South America, be sure to bring along the appropriate vaccination records and paperwork to ensure your pet gains entry into the country, and you're both sure to have a marvelous time in South America's most passionate nation!

Inspired by a BAD traveling experience with my pet, I vowed I would never put my pet - or myself - through that again. After a few searches for quality "traveling with pets" information, I discovered there wasn't much.

BringtheKids has just one goal: Provide quality and relevant information to owners traveling with pets. What does that mean for you? Less wasted time and less stress. From departure to destination, you will be well informed every step of the way.

http://travelingpets.wordpress.com What you Need to Know before you Go!

Dog Care Resorts

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:48:00 +0000

By Heidi Ball

We all look forward to vacation. Everyone really needs to just get away every now and then. Most dog owners think of their pet as an extended part of the family. Well, don't all members of the family deserve the same vacation benefits?

When you pack up to leave on vacation, living behind "Rover" is sometimes hard to do. It's like leaving a family member behind while you go off to enjoy yourself on a fabulous trip.

Sometimes it just isn't an option to have someone come and stay with your pet. And especially if you are going to be gone for awhile, paying for your dog to be locked up in a kennel for days on end is just simply not an option. Did you know that dogs can have a vacation too? Overnight dog care resorts aren't simply a drop your dog off for a few nights. They are honest to goodness resorts for your pooch!

Most feature running paths outdoors and indoor playrooms for your dog to play. Some even have televisions playing and most all have toys and treats that Fido is sure to enjoy. The nice thing about a place like this is the attention factor. Each "guest" is treated with the utmost concern and more upscale doggie resorts are kennel free. Nice, quiet quarters with soft cozy beds await your pup. Plenty of food water and exercise as well.

So the next time you think of leaving on vacation, be sure to check out a destination spot at a doggie resort for mans best friend. After all, some accommodations are so nice you may just want to stay yourself. Your dog is sure to have a great vacation of his own while you're away on holiday!

The next time you are leaving on vacation, check out Doggie Care Resort (http://doggiecareresort.com/) for dog care Seattle WA. Heidi Ball is a freelance writer.

So You Want to Get Yourself a Pet Hedgehog, But is it the Right Pet For You?

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:01:00 +0000

How do you know if a pet hedgehog is right for you? Hedgehogs are one of the most popular exotic pets today, and it's easy to see why. They're undeniably cute, they're small (so they don't take up much space), and they're easy to take care of.

The appeal of the hedgehog is undeniable. You want one, of course you do! How could you not? However, hedgehogs aren't just any small animal. They require a specialized environment and care that's by no means just like taking care of a Guinea pig or gerbil. They also have unique personalities of their own, and require human companions with similar characteristics in order to be happy.

So, is a pet hedgehog right for you? Here are the top 3 ways to find out!

1. Do you need lots of cuddling and affection?
Your hedgehog doesn't! If you're expecting a pet like a dog or cat that will follow you all around and beg for your attention, then you're in for a surprise! Hedgehogs, while friendly and usually docile, have a reputation for being a bit stand-offish. They'll tolerate your petting and cuddling to a certain extent, but they won't ask for it, and they'll definitely let you know when they've had enough!

That being said, some hedgehogs are more agreeable to human interaction than others, and these are the hedgehogs you want to hang with. When shopping for your new spikey companion, select a hedgehog that is laid back and accepts being picked up and handled without getting too stressed out. Hedgehogs that curl up into a defensive ball at the first touch are better off left at the pet store!

2. Do you have an adequate living space for the number of hedgehog you plan to keep?

These tiny creatures are pretty territorial, which means keeping more than one in a cage could spell disaster! You'll need one cage for each hedgehog, and that cage needs to have at least two to three square feet of floor space.

3. Can you clean your pet's litter and cage every day?

Hedgehogs like a clean environment (don't you?), and rely on routine. They get VERY grumpy if their home is filthy. Be prepared to make a commitment to keeping your pet's environment as clean and regulated as you would your own, and the two of you will get along just fine.

Pet hedgehogs can make a wonderful, fascinating, and playful addition to any household. If, after reading these tips, you decide a hedgehog is for you, you're in for many great years of camaraderie and entertainment from your pet. If you've decided to take the hedgehog journey, congratulations! You're in for a marvelous time!

Paul Murphy is a small pet enthusiast.
Visit http://www.hedgehogsaspets.com for a lot more information and tips about caring for these fascinating little creatures.

Tree Frog Care Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:55:00 +0000

By Andrew Williums

Tree frogs are Fascinating creatures of this earth and can be excellent pets if cared for properly. Currently there is no resource on how to properly care for your tree frog at home. There are a few processes in the process of caring for your tree frog that can go wrong and cause your frog to get ill. Tree frogs that do get ill are actually quite hard to bring right again which means prevention in this case is the best cure.

This places even more emphasis on vivarium set up and your automated frog care solutions to be set up the right way the first time. Frogs do not like to be handled to much so constantly going back and changing the vivarium all the time can become stressful for your tree frog.

As some frogs, known as exotic pets, can be expensive it is well worth investing in a resource that will teach you the exact steps Required in order to breed and care for your own colony of tree frogs. Whether you are dealing with the common garden frog or the much documented red eyed tree frog, this tree frog care manual is all you will need to become the envy of all tree frog enthusiasts. However in the end you must be the one to decide for yourself Whether you really need this manual or not.

Another aspect of tree frogs that is not covered all that much on the web is tree frog breeding. Some tree frog species can fetch a hefty price so if you can come up with an effective automated breeding plan, you can make a decent amount of money. I have been doing this for awhile so I know where you can go wrong. Its not a complicated process by any means. In the most part nature takes its course. However providing the optimal breeding conditions hence making it profitable can prove difficult even for the pro.

You see I have 10 years experience in the tree frog field an have had my ups and downs but I have come up with what I think is a pretty good system of caring for these guys. I just hate to see so many stories of frogs dying around the world and want to do my bit towards informing the public on Legitimate tree frog care. In the hope that less frogs die as a result.

Many people think that encouraging the art of caring for frogs at home as pets will only add the problem of spreading the virus. I
Believe that global efforts towards informing the public on the problem on how to deal with declining frog numbers is a step in the right direction.

I would love to hear your viewpoint on this and I understand that not everyone sees eye to eye.

If you are not aware off this here is a paragraph explaining the problem

"Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease that is affecting frog species all over the world. Thought to be worsened by global warming this disease is a fungus that has dramatically reduced frog populations. DO NOT transfer frog populations in your area without contacting local authorities. Hopefully scientists can come up with a cure because at this point there seems to be none."

So join me in understanding what the effects of global warming and the human race is having on the animals that share our world so that we can better care and protect them in the future

I am just here to be of any assistance that I can. I have a 14 day ecourse ready for you at treefrogcenter.com to kick start your tree frog keeping.

This course is Absolutely free and will guide you along the road of taking action. As well as through the steps Required from being a complete newbie to frog care to having a full vivarium of tree frogs will full ability to feed them at very low cost, as well as have automated systems in place such that your tree frog caring becomes easy and rewarding.

All I ask is that you give this a go. I am not selling you anything here, merely asking you to hop over to http://www.treefrogcenter.com for a complete Free 14 day e course on tree frog care

You have absolutely no obligation to buy anything, this is just some free information I want to give you in the hope that tree frog breeding and care will further enrich your life like it has done mine.

You can contact me anytime via email at andrew@treefrogcenter.com

Happy frog keeping :-)

Proper Ferret Food and Nutrition Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:42:00 +0000

Like most other pets, what you feed your pet ferret will determine how healthy it is. Unfortunately, ferrets are not the most popular pet, and finding a good quality ferret food is not easily done everywhere. This can be overcome though by feeding your ferret more natural foods.

Ferrets thrive on a diet that is high on fat and protein. This means that your ferret can eat mice, rabbits or even raw meat such as chicken, pork, and beef. They also will eat fruits and vegetables, however, avoid fruits which are high in sugar content. Acceptable fruits and vegetables would include grapes, bananas, lettuce, and carrots. You can experiment with different ones as no two ferrets have the same tastes just like other animals or even humans.

You do have to be very careful of what you should never feed your ferret, as they can actually be very detrimental to your ferrets health or even be fatal. Foods that are bad for your ferret include cereals and peanut butter, milk, nuts, breads, ice cream, soda, and never feed your ferret coffee or chocolate.

But overall, make sure your ferret gets a variety of different types of food to cover all of their nutritional needs. It is very possible to find quality pet foods in larger pet stores or online, and if not, kitten food is acceptable if you find one high in fat and protein. One that contains 32% protein, a minimum of 18% fat and a maximum of 3% fiber will be great and is suitable to a ferret's metabolism.

Josh Law is a ferret expert. For more great tips on ferret care and ferret cages visit http://www.healthyferret.com.

How to Be Alert For Health Problems in Jack Russell Terriers

noreply@blogger.com (Yen Yen) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:14:00 +0000

Jack Russell Terriers gained in popularity as a pet once appearing on the hit show Frasier. We all saw Eddy's quirky personality and feisty intelligence and the breed grew on us. Although this breed will bring you much joy during your life together, be aware that the breed is not without its health concerns. Read below to make yourself more familiar with health issues commonly found in Jack Russell Terriers.

Step 1: If you feel your Jack Russell Terrier is exhibiting signs of difficulty with his sight, trust your instincts and have him tested by your veterinarian. This breed has been known to be affected by cataracts; the sooner the diagnosis, the better the chances for surgical treatment and a full recovery.

Step 2: Pay special attention to the appearance of your terrier's eyes as well. If they appear red or opaque, it could be an indication of the inherited disease lens luxation, which is fairly common. When this condition exists, it causes one or both of your terrier's lenses to become dislocated from their position behind the cornea. As you can imagine, this condition is painful for the dog and if left untreated can lead to blindness. If you intend to breed your terrier, it's a good idea to have the Canine Eye Registry Foundation test to check for hereditary defects such as lens luxation.

Step 3: In male terriers you might find a condition which is relatively easy to detect and affects his testicles. If he is afflicted with Cryptorchidism, one or both of his testicles will have not descended into his scrotum. The way the dog owner can tell this problem exists is to examine the scrotum of his male terrier. If it appears as though the dog has one testicle in the scrotum, it's likely he suffers from this problem. ("Suffer" is probably too strong of a word as the condition is not life threatening, however might increase the dog's proneness to cancer.)

Step 4: After exercising your Jack Russell pay attention to his breathing. If at any time he has difficulty catching his breath or if he wheezes, he could be experiencing Cardiomyopathy. This abnormality of the heart muscle has serious effects, including death. If you notice any irregularities in your dog's breathing, set up an appointment with your vet immediately.

Step 5: If you notice your dog appears to stagger when he walks, he seems uncoordinated or has difficulty standing, he could be experiencing small tremors. The tremors could be a result of Ataxia, a progressive neurological condition that can occur in Jack Russell Terriers. If you see these symptoms, get him into the vet for a diagnosis.

Step 6: Be aware that a condition that affects many small breeds, Legg Calve Perthes, can also affect your Terrier. This degeneration of the thigh bone won't show up before 6 months of age, but generally manifests while the dog is still a puppy or a young adult. If it seems one of his legs is sore or he is experiencing lameness of the hind legs, he could be suffering from this disease.

Step 7: Because Congenital Deafness can also make an appearance in this breed, you'll want to insist your vet perform the BAER test for hearing if you suspect your dog has hearing loss.

This article was written by Shelly Seigler. Enjoy unbeatable quality and prices at Discount-Pet-Mall on dog beds and indoor pet gates.