Choosing the Right Dog / Cat Bed

A pet's physical condition and age may factor into the selection. Some beds have catnip pillows to tuck inside them to entice cats to choose that bed. Older arthritic pets need more support for their achy joints and this is a valid concern. A popular type of bed has 'bumpers' surrounding it giving the animal a sense of security and it also resembles a 'nest' that dogs and cats create as they turn around and around before curling into a ball to sleep. Some bumper beds have one side missing to enable the elder pet to easily step onto the bed.

The filler or stuffing of the pet bed is most important for the comfort of your pet. One of the newest environmentally friendly fillers is mode from recycled plastic bottles. It is super-soft and odor free and very durable. It holds its 'loft' and is light weight. Styrofoam beads are light in weight, resist odor and can be easily shaped by your pet for 'nesting.' An 'egg crate' filler may be just the right choice for an older arthritic dog but it will not have a long servicable life as the foam tends to break down over time. Recently a 'jel type' bed has been introduced that is claimed to be preferred by many dogs for its supurb comfort.

The outer covering of a pet bed should be made of a high quality fabric that can withstand pawing and digging and can be easily removed for machine washing. Clean bedding can reduce the allergens for you and your pet and forestall the possibility of a flea infestation. Shapes, colors and designs can be found to please owners who have an eye for fashion and want the pet bed to match their home decor.

The size of your pet's bed should be large enough for a full length stretch. Pets that curl into a ball to sleep may require a smaller bed.

The more you know what choices are available the more likely you will choose the best bed for your beloved pet. Remember that support and comfort are the most important factors.

 

Dogs & Cats - Symptoms of Illness to Look Out For

If you have a pet dog or a cat in your family or maybe both, as an owner, you will want to be sure that they are healthy and contented and stay that way. Just as in humans, there are many illnesses that can strike at your pet and some of them are easy to treat whilst others can prove fatal, so it's important to be able to spot the signs and get treatment as soon as possible. Do you know about these diseases? Would you know what to look out for?

Here is some information about dogs and cats that you may find useful. When an animal is ill it will sometimes try to hide away in a dark quiet place if its in pain or discomfort and this behaviour is a sign to look out for, particularly if your pet is normally always happy to be amongst the family. Dogs and especially cats seldom complain and because they cannot express themselves verbally and tell us what their symptoms are, they have this tendency to shut themselves away. So, its up to you, the owner, to be aware of any change in behaviour patterns.

Look out for signs that they are wanting to sleep a lot more than usual, which can be quite a lot with a dogs and cats anyway. Regularly check their eyes, ears and skin for problem signs, especially unpleasant odours and discharges. Are they less playful than normal? These can be the signs and symptoms that not all is well.

If you notice any changes in your dog or cats usual behavior then its much better to be safe than sorry, so call your vet, tell them that you are worried about your pet and explain the symptoms you pet is displaying. They will let you know if you need to make an appointment or if you need to get your pet to them straight away.

Some of the following signs and symptoms to look out for are potentially dangerous and you need to take the appropriate action if spotted.

o Loss of appetite, weight loss or excessive water consumption

o Lethargy or sudden bouts of viciousness

o Extreme Lethargy

o Constant Vomiting

o Diarrhea

o Disorientation

o Seizure

o Difficulty in walking

o Persistent cough

o Pale pink or bluish gums

o Breathing difficulty

o Blood in urine, vomit or faeces

o Bloated abdomen

o Unusual discharges from the eyes or nose

o Foul smelling breath

o Excessive head shaking

These are just some of the symptoms that your dog or cat may display and if you spot any of these, or other warning signs, then contact your vet or better still, take your pet to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible so that he can be examined and treated.

Rosemary has written many articles on dogs and cats and If you would like more invaluable information about the care of your pets and would also like to see fresh information on a regular basis then please visit her site at http://www.theinfochief.com/dogs_and_cats

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Dogs, Cats, and New Babies - How to Handle the Jealousy

My uncle had an Irish setter and a tabby cat. They got along like any brother and sister, and they played together good-naturedly, most of the time. The dog, being the younger, was the more rambunctious one, but when he got a bit out of hand, the cat's hissing made him flee with limp ears and sagging tail.

Unfortunately, not all households are as lucky. Especially, when a new pet is introduced, the peace may go out the window.

Most of the time, discord happens because the territorial tenure of the first pet is threatened. In addition, a secondary setback can arise from the refusal of sharing the attention and love of the master.

The same negative feelings for the new pet may be true for the new baby, too. Although most animals are protective toward the baby, some may approach the infant with a murderous mind-set. After all, a baby gets a lot of attention, more than the pets are willing to share.

During the era when we had our children, the common sense advice was to get the babies first and then the pets. That is what we did, and no problems emerged; however, this is not always possible.

In the case of a new baby, before bringing the baby home from the hospital, it is a good idea to give a baby blanket or articles of clothing that the baby has used to the pets to let your pets get used to the baby's smell. Most of the time, this will be enough.

Even then, it is common sense to keep a vigilant eye when the baby and the pets are in the same room. When you are carrying the baby, make sure to talk to the pets and pay attention to them, giving them treats and petting them if you can. Although your pets' approach is love and acceptance of the baby, do not leave them alone together. It is better to be safe than sorry.

When you are bringing a new pet to a household where there are other pets, introduce the new pet to the other pets slowly, if possible in a neutral territory like a park, a friend's backyard etc. In addition, before bringing them together in the same space, let each pet become used to the other's smell. To achieve this, you might wipe the new pet with a damp cloth and use the same cloth on the older pets or let them play with a pillow that the new pet has sat on.

In the beginning, it may be wise to keep the pets in two adjacent rooms for a short while to let them get used to each other's smells and sounds. Still, the acceptance of the new pet may not happen right away.

Eventually, taking the animals together for a car ride or a walk in the neighborhood and being patient and spending equal time and attention with them will work. In the meantime, a little bit of growling and hissing may not mean much but could be the beginning of communication between the pets.

In any case, keep your calm. If you are nervous, the animals will sense it and will become more agitated. If your pets have stopped listening to your commands, they may be needing a booster course in obedience training, supposing they have been trained in the first place.

If you find yourself in the middle of a physical fight between the animals, do not get in the middle of their fight since you might get hurt. Instead, use a water gun and strict commands, and always remember that you are the master and the leader of their pack.

Most importantly, do not neglect to reward positive behavior. The promise of a treat may stop any animosity.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets. Joy Cagil is an author in http://www.writing.com

5 Pet Dog Dangers You Didn't Know About

We've heard it all before, "dogs are man's best friend". As devoted pet owners, you sometimes want the best for you pet dogs as much as you did for a certain family members. There's something more about dog care than just providing your dogs the best dog supplies out there. Taking steps necessary for your dog's safety is also one thing since dogs can also be at risk of any dangerous household items that might be in your home. It can be serious dangers and all you have to do now is know what these items are just in case you did not even know about them.

Over a thousand pets suffer each year for getting into what seems like harmless household items, according to experts. As pet owners, here are the top 5 hazards you need to watch out for to ensure you dog's safety:

1. Medications

The bottom line is, swallowing prescription pills could kill you pet. Keep your four-footed friends away from all medication, closed or open, because dogs could knock it around, chew on it and can open it in seconds. If you're sensible enough, you would also not leave an open prescription bottle within your dog's reach.

2. Liquid Potpourri

Many of the liquid-potpourri ingredients is said to breed ulcers in animal's mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. They can be badly burned lapping up hot oils and detergents. Although experts said that cats appear to be more at risk since they are more likely to climb up to reach simmer pots, dogs are not exceptions. Formulas used to make liquid potpourri are also toxic to dogs.

3. Pine-Oil Cleaners

You floor might look good and clean with this cleaner, but there is a danger you didn't know about that your dog is at risk of. The phenol content of these products can cause serious liver damage in you pets according to experts. And even a simple exposure can be harmful. Your pet might unknowingly lap up spill or just lick the wet stuff off her feet.

4. Polyurethane Glue

You would never think this stuff as an attraction to dogs but if dogs happened to see something like a bottle lying on the floor, they would think of it as a toy. In fact, an increase percentage of glue-related cases were reported by the Animal Poison Control Center in the previous years. A swollen stomach is likely to be a symptom of this incident and dog needs to be taken to a vet. This stuff can cause severe harm to your pet dog because it goes to stomach when swallowed, absorbs moisture and expands forming a large, rock-like mass according to experts.

5. Loose Change

Choking on any coin is not mainly the reason for this to be avoided for your dog's safety. The newer one peso and five peso coins, in particular, are dangerous because they contain zinc which is toxic to them. The zinc content dissolves out into the red blood cells as it sits in your pet's stomach, resulting in severe anemia and kidney problems.

Elaine Grandberry loves pet dogs and likes My Dog Pet Supplies, a website specializing a wide selection of dog supplies.

Become The Pack Leader, Training Your Pet Dog

I have a pack of 10 animals--me & my partner, 6 dogs, and 2 cats. I love animals and used to work for recovery groups, and couldn't stand to see an animal put down because it couldn't find a home. After I ended up with 8 animals in my house, I wondered what I had gotten myself into.

Before I started reading about dog training, I had no idea about what a pack leader was. I treated my animals like children, being polite to them, and trying to give them everything they wanted. What a mistake! Once I heard about being the pack leader, I researched it, and here is some of what I came up with.

Basically, being the pack leader means convincing your dogs that you are in charge. You need to be the pack leader whether there is just your and you dog in the house, or like me, you and 8 dogs and 2 cats and a human partner. Every dog trainer I've read says this. The trick is, how?

The pack leader makes the decisions for everyone--where to go on a walk, how to behave in a given situation, and how to respond to all the strange and mysterious doggie things out there. To understand how to establish yourself as pack leader, try to understand that human things mean nothing to a doggie, for instance, whether you drive a Cadillac or a clunker, or whether you live in a chateau or a shanty, They don't care how many PhDs you've earned. A doggie would happily swap all of your moola for a munchie! So we have to understand how a dog thinks, and how a pack works in the wild, if we want to become an effective leader. It's like learning a foreign culture. You can't lead the people without knowing their language!

A common mistake people make comes from frustration. You can't stand that barking anymore, or you're so sick of the dog chewing on your stuff! So you let the anger through, and control your dog through domination. Dominating your dog is not a good way to become the pack leader (and remember that is our goal--too become an effective pack leader); in fact, this can backfire badly if you teach your dog that physical strength is what it is all about. Domination may force your dog into submission temporarily, but it won't convince your dogs that you are worthy of the position. Also, it will not bring peace into your house if you are yelling all the time, and you won't feel good about yourself, either.

So how do you become the pack leader? All dogs, no matter where they live or what their breed is, choose their pack leader the same way:

Calm in the Face of Danger: When you dog barks, trying to alert you to danger, you must calmly observe what he sees and quietly tell him that it is okay. Never yell at him to shut up, as he will think you're joining in.
Shepherd of the Flock: On the walk, you must be the leader, showing your dog which way to go. If your dog begins to pull on the lead, turn in the other direction. Keep doing this until he follows calmly. Your dog should not pull you, even in the beginning, or he'll assume that he is the leader.
Strong but Silent: If your dog is always switched on, full of energy, and can't relax, it could be that he thinks that he is the pack leader. As you establish yourself as the leader, he'll take time off. Make sure you only give him attention or treats ON YOUR TERMS. if he bothers you when you don't want it, don't look at him and just give him a light shove away. He'll learn to respond when you want to give him attention, and you'll have more peace in your house.
Proud Returning Hunter: When you come home (returning from the hunt), go about your business, ignoring your dogs, until they settle down. This is how the pack leader behaves in the wild. Once the dogs settle down, call them over one by one and say hello. This is an important part of being the pack leader, and it is not mean, like ignoring humans. Dogs see this ignorance as your security in leading them.
Controller of the Food: Before I started studying about dog training, I had the dog food and cat food available in bowls on the floor 24/7. I wasn't keen on having to go through the process of feeding 8 animals every day, and it was just easier to let them eat how and when they wanted to. It was a big mistake. They were demanding more and more. Now I feed them twice a day, and pick up the food when they're done. Remember: whoever controls the food, controls the pack.

Becoming the pack leader is a slow process that is very rewarding. When everyone knows their place, peace reigns. Take it step by step, spend time with your dogs, and reap the rewards of a wonderful, fun, and balanced relationship.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

This article was written by Ninoku Takahashi, dog lover.

She used to work in dog recovery services, and ended up taking home 6 dogs and 2 cats! Because of this, she has become involved in all aspects of life with pets.

Pet dog training is especially important, because without peace in your home, you can't have fun, sing doggie songs, or do anything other than discipline.

Ninoku has found one trainer from New Zealand that has helped her the most. If you 'd like to understand more about Being the Pack Leader or see the videos that explain everything, then simply take a look at The Online Dog Trainer, where you can order a series of free dog training videos.

http://www.dogmusic.org/free-pet-dog-training-videos/

"God Bless you and your pets, and I wish you long life and happiness!" --Ninoku Takahashi

To find music you and your dog can share, and other fun doggie things to do, go to her fun website at: http://www.dogmusic.org

Adopting a New Pet - Dogs

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man's best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially if it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dogs may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don't wake up at night like most puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them.

Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Bill McRea is the publisher of Knowninfo a premium website dedicated to providing Information, Marketing Strategies and Quality eBooks. Visit our site daily for updated information, and unique products.

The Purrfect Pet - RagDoll Cats and Kittens

The RagDoll Cat breed came about from the offspring of a semi-feral white Persian female whom was injured when hit by a car and bred to a male Birman Cat. The controversy is that the "breed" relaxes completely when picked up or held. The resulting floppy "RagDoll" appearance gives the breed its name. Some believe that this trait was passed on from the injured female, whom may have suffered nerve damage, others disagree stating that it is not genetically possible. Little is known as to why these felines are unique in so many ways.

The RagDoll is similar in appearance to the Birman, except for the heavier body build and lack of tell tale white "gloves". Varieties include the Bicolor RagDoll, with a pale body, dark markings on the mask, ears, and tails (seal, chocolate, blue or lilac), and a white underside. Points refers to points of their features such as ears, nose, paws and tail. Colorpoints have points in the same colors and Mitted RagDolls are the same as Colorpoint but with white front paws. Colors include chocolate, seal with varying shades of brown, blue (which is shades of grey) and lilac which is more a rosy shade of beige. Some can be cream, blue/cream or flame (cream that is more reddish). The rare Mink RagDolls have their coloring at birth, whereas the others are usually born white

The cats fur is full and long, plush, but is not as long as many of the long haired breeds. They do not have an undercoat which makes for less shedding as well as easy maintenance and grooming. Their bodies are long and solid, although they go limp when picked up. They have medium legs, large round paws, and a long, medium tail. The head is a rounded wedge shape with a medium nose, fully developed cheeks, and small, round, mostly blue eyes, although green, green/blue and aqua are common in the mink RagDolls and the straight colored RagDolls can often have nonmatching eye colors. Ears are medium, rounded at the tips and tufted. These are large cats, with males often exceeding 20 plus pounds.

These Cats have an extremely docile temperament, slow to mature and don't reach full maturity until 3 to 4 years of age. Perhaps that is why they remain quite playful well beyond the kitten stages. They are "lovers", not fighters and very trusting of others that they may not recognize danger. Best suited to the indoors, the RagDoll has an extremely high tolerance to pain so that injuries can go unnoticed. These big fluffy cats are calm and like tranquility. They also like dogs, particularly large dogs. They get along well with other household pets and make wonderful pets for children. They are often described as the "puppy cat" in that they will follow one around much like a puppy. They are also very trainable.

RagDolls are big, sweet tempered, family oriented cats, making them the purrfect pet for many homes.

Cats "pawsitively" have enriched my life. Owning an Equestrian Center allows me to have more cats than what would be the norm for homes, as I claim some are "working barn cats", giving me the excuse to take a few more in and keeping the many that are "drop offs". However, as responsible pet owners we should strive to learn as much about the animals whom well being and lives are dependent on us. Please click on the links to my sites if you are looking for more information on the adorable RagDolls or seeking everyday general cat and kitten information such as care, training, health and behavioral problems and cat facts in general.

Traveling With Your Pet Dog Or Cat

Many families enjoy traveling with their pets. Whether it's a simple trip to the local park or to a different country altogether, more fun and spontaneity happen when our animal friends tag along. That is why even of vacations a lot of us truly consider bringing our dogs or cats with us.

A growing trend among vacation destinations is admitting the fact that nowadays, many people like to go on vacation with their pets. If they want customers to stay in their place of business then, the place should be more inviting to the furry fellows. Be sure to make the necessary arrangements. Don't forget to confirm whether the hotel you are staying in accepts guests with pets.

If your animal friend is not used to riding the car, we recommend taking them on practice trips. This makes them more comfortable, less nervous, and generally, less stressed out. Safety is a number one priority so be sure to put them in them respective carry cases or kennels. These can be secured with a special seat belt for pets which are available in most pet shops. Don't forget to purchase an editable tag and a collar as well. This is for when you change locations so that you can simply edit the contact details in the tag. Include your destination contact for easier reference. Don't imitate the others by allowing your dog to stick its head out the window. They will enjoy the breeze but the potential risk of getting hit by falling debris or by another car makes it simply not worth trying. Opening the window just enough to let some wind in, is fine.

Documents and photos are important in order to prove ownership in case your pet goes astray. It's also easier to find them when they get lost because people will have can actual visual recognition when they you at the photos. Aside from that, many countries require registration papers, vaccination records and health certificates. Be sure to ask one from your vet before any trip.

It isn't uncommon for a stressed dog or cat to have digestive difficulties or behavioral changes when they become stressed. The new sounds, smells, and sites can sometimes be overwhelming for them. A familiar toy or blanket can help ease the feelings brought about by many uncertainties. Think of it as something like a child looking for an item that gives comfort, like a favorite stuffed toy.

Of course, food preparation mustn't be forgotten. Bring separate dishes for water and food. If it is possible to bring ice in a thermos, do so. It can help beat the heat during summer or in hot weather. Pack the scooper and little pan for your cat. For the dogs, bring some little bags.

Sometimes, it cannot be helped that your furry family member needs to stay in the vehicle when you purchase some goods like grocery items. In doing so, open the all the windows about an inch and park in a spot where there is good shade. Ask another member of the family to check on your pet from time to time, if you'll be gone for quite a long time. Upon your return, let your dog or cat go own to stretch for a bit or simply to have a bathroom break.

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