Cats Can Suffer From Asthma

Not many people know that cats can also suffer from asthma. This disease in cats is also known as feline asthma, allergic bronchitis, feline bronchial disease, allergic asthma and allergic airway disease. The allergen when enters a cats body it can cause the tightening of the muscle in and around the airway and swelling of the airway which results in the narrowing and blocking the smooth flow of the air. Also, due to the allergen the airway starts producing extra mucus as a result of which the airway narrows down creating problems for the cat to breathe properly.

Symptoms of Asthma in cats: Dry and hacking cough, Wheezing, Labored breathing, Panting and Open mouthed breathing

These symptoms can be mild as well as severe depending on the stage of the disease. In a mild condition, occasional coughing and wheezing can be observed while in a severe stage wheezing and open mouthed breathing becomes regular which lead to a constricted airway. If not cured properly, the result can be as severe as death.

Diagnosis

There are few other medical circumstances which are similar to asthma such as pneumonia, heartworm, congestive heart failure and bordetella. Your vet will have to properly examine and find out the correct problem. The vet has to carefully listen and check the cat's breathing. An x-ray should be taken to find symptoms of enlarged lungs, bronchial inflammation, doughnuts and flattened diaphragm. A tracheal wash is necessary to find out the existence of eosinophils.

Treatment

Asthma is a disease which can be cured completely; however in most of the cases it can be managed. Steroids in oral form can be used to reduce the inflammation; however there are side effects of using these steroids for a long time such as pancreatitis, diabetes, weight gain, increased urination and change in the behavior. The steroids in inhaler form can also be used for reducing the inflammation. Comparatively, inhaler steroids have fewer side effects than the oral ones since they do not get into a system as much as the oral ones do.

In a situation of severe wheezing or coughing bronchodilators are very helpful in opening up the airway. In a situation like this, take your cat to the vet as quickly as possible. A corticosteroid should be injected immediately to reduce the inflammation and a bronchodilator should be used to open the airway. In some most severe cases, ephedrine is also used to save the life.

By: Alister Barrow

How to Stop Your Dog From Fear Piddling

It was the day after we brought Sadie home that I discovered that she was a fear-piddler. She was about six months old and house-broken, and I was glad to see her, and not the least angry at her.

When I walked in the door, Sadie started to do the happy dance. I bent down to stroke her neck, just the way I've done with every dog I've ever had, and she let loose her bladder contents on the rug.

Dog fear piddling is not that unusual, and there are several things you can do to prevent it. The important thing to know is that it's a sign of submission to a more powerful creature.

1. Don't punish the dog for fear piddling. It just increases her fear and makes the behavior more likely to happen. In fact, if you don't want her to be scared when you come home, don't punish her for anything she's done in your absence. If she chews your favorite shoe, hit yourself with it for leaving it where she could get at it (she's just chewing it because she wants to be close to your scent).
2. When you arrive home after an absence, either take the dog outside to pet her or give a calm but friendly greeting and walk past her until she has calmed down. Let her go outside and do her business before you greet her.
3. Although Sadie was more afraid of me than of my husband, some dogs are more likely to piddle around men. Speak softly around the dog until it becomes accustomed to the tone of your voice, and remember to avoid the kind of stance that looks threatening to a dog.
4. When you stand over a dog and reach down to pet it, the dog sees that as an attack stance. It's better to sidle up next to a nervous dog and gently rub its back. Even a firm look in the eye can be frightening to a timid dog or challenging to an aggressive dog. You might also squat to the dog's level and let it come to you. Pet it gently and then walk away.
5. I learned that when I said, "Come here, Sadie," she came, piddling all the way. I had to change the words I use to call her. I now say, "Hi, Sadie," when I want her to come, and she comes without fear. So keep in mind that if some verbal signal seems to trigger the fear, you can use a different one -- whatever makes sense to you -- to escape those bad associations.

We've had Sadie for more than four years now, and most of those fearful behaviors have gone away. I still have to watch the things I do that might seem threatening to her, but she's a friendly and loving dog, even to our active 4-year-old grandson.

JV Bear trained her first dog when she was 8 years old by the "demonstration method," which she made up (and recommends only if you're 8 and spend hours a day with nothing to do but hang out with the dog). She has owned at least one dog, usually two, throughout her adult life and recommends clicker training from her own experience.

Click here http://writingroadtowealth.com/recommended/dog-clicker-training for more information about clicker training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JV_Bear

Find The Perfect Puppy

Few parents can resist the first wide-eyed plea for a puppy from a four-year-old. Parents are, however, not the only ones searching for a puppy for sale. Some have very specific requirements when buying a puppy.

People looking for a puppy for sale are spoilt for the sheer amount of choices available. There are many breeds to choose from. You could buy a puppy from a pet shop, from a dog breeder, or even over the internet.

Prices match the number of dog types in variety. There is something to literally suit every pocket. Parents who buy dogs for their four-year-olds would probably make pet shops their first stop. These tend to be the cheapest.

Parents who want dogs with a specific personality for their children could approach dog breeders for advice. The good news is that these breeders are much easier to reach through technology such as the Internet than in the past.

Discerning dog owners could also contact dog breeders for their specific needs. Some like the image associated with certain types of dogs, for example, while others like to show off their pricey dogs to company or at dog shows. In addition to being great companions and potential status symbols, puppies can also grow into very good watchdogs.

Whatever your purpose in buying a puppy, there is a pet shop, breeder, or website that can help you. Puppies come in all shapes and sizes, with many different personalities. Somewhere the perfect puppy for sale is waiting to bless your household, become your friend, and possibly increase your security.

By: Bill James

Dog Training - To Get Top Results, Take These 3 Steps Before You Start Training

To start with, it is best to identify which one of these groups your dog fits into. This way you can get clear as to which action plan needs to be put in place to get the best results.

1 Make A Good Dog Great
If your dog ticks all, or most of these boxes, then it belongs here.
Is of calm nature
Looks at you often
Non aggressive to strangers
Non aggressive to new dogs
Won't bite if tail stood on by accident
Listens to more than one persons commands

He is a joy to have around

2 Make A Bad Dog Manageable
If your dog ticks all, or most of these boxes, then it belongs here.
Overly excitable
Rarely looks at you
Aggressive to strangers
Aggressive to other dogs
Bites if tail is stood on by accident
Only listens to one persons commands and does poorly at that

He is just plain nasty

3 Make An OK Dog Good
If your dog ticks all, or most of these boxes, then it belongs here.
Short attention span
Can be excitable
Non aggressive to strangers
Non aggressive to other dogs
Jumps up on you and others
Cocks his leg and pees then scratches the ground
Listens and obeys commands perfectly one day and the next day completely ignors' them

He is the likable scallywag

What To Do With The Dogs In Each Group

Group 1: A joy to have around
Once you have him following the basic commands of
come, sit, stay and stop it...you can then move on to the fun parts, like games and tricks

Group 2: Just plain nasty
Seriously consider letting him go to another home.
The new owner may be able to control him better and have him in an environment where he can cause minimal harm to other people and dogs.
There are so many well natured pet dogs, there is no reason why one of them can bring joy to your life.

Group 3: The likable scallywag.
Life with them can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions...from fun to have around, to causing so much embarrassment because of their free spirit nature. With these dogs, its about accepting their nature and bring some resemblance of control over them.

Get A Dream Dog With This Exciting New, And FREE Report

This is NOT fear based training.
This is Not "hug your dog" and all will be well.

Your Dream Dog report is waiting at http://www.goldenretriever1.com/ Report is for ALL breeds and crosses of dogs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ewen_Vile

5 Little Known Secrets For Effective Cat Litter Training

Is your cat refusing to use the litter tray, no matter where you move it to, or whether they are alone or not?

I know how it feels, it is frustrating, right? Well do not worry, it is a common problem and as a fellow cat owner, I can tell you that there is a solution.

The truth is that cat litter training is not just largely misunderstood, but it is also a little more complex than many people make out.

That is not to say that it is hard to train your cat to use the litter tray, it is just that you need to know where things are going wrong, and even more importantly, what is causing the problems at the root.

In almost all cases, cat litter problems stem from behavioural/psychological issues with your cat. That is why cat litter training advice is a staple part of most cat training books/programs.

But right now, it is important to spot mistakes you could be making which are not always obvious. So, here are a few pointers to try and get you on the right track as quickly as possible...

1 - Throwing your cat off the scent

Many cat owners use heavily scented cat litters for their cats litter boxes. However, many cats do not like strong smells. Therefore, using unscented cat litter might be a better choice for most cat litter boxes or trays.

2 - Hide and seek

Many cat owners use covers for their cats litter box, but the problem is that covers tend to keep odors trapped inside the litter box, and as a result, may cause some cats to avoid their litter box completely.

3 - I wanna poop in peace!

Litter boxes should always be placed in quiet areas of the house where the cat may use the box without distractions or interruptions. If a cat has any reason at all to run off, or play, or generally be deterred from staying in once place to go to the toilet, then you can be sure as anything that they will.

4 - Give me space!

Cats generally prefer large litter boxes instead of smaller boxes. In fact, most cats tend to have individual preferences as to the type of cat litter and litter box provided. It is worth testing different types and sizes for best results.

5 - I cannot shoot that high!

Most kittens and older cats (especially cats with musculoskeletal difficulties), do not want to try and climb or struggle to go to the toilet. It is all about making their life easier, and when training a cat to use the litter tray, a tray or box too high can be all it takes to make them choose the carpet instead.

These simple pointers should give you a huge advantage in training your cat to use their litter tray. Do not forget to apply them today!

Isn't it time you discovered why most cat training aids do not work, and how to get inside your cats mind and quickly teach them perfect behaviour from any age?

By: Nick Brydon

Is Your Cat Getting Enough Water?

Pet ownership is full of many responsibilities. Which vet to go to and how to best accommodate your pet while on vacation are just two of many decisions that most pet owners eventually face. Simply giving your pet a name is a huge responsibility. Sadly, one of the most important responsibilities of a pet owner is often times one of the most overlooked: making sure your cat gets enough water.

Cats, like all animals, need water to survive. Water is necessary for the liver to cleanse the blood of toxins and also to make sure that organ tissues are healthy. It aids in the metabolism of nutrients for energy, in body temperature maintenance, and in regulating fluid and electrolyte balancing. In other words, a cat needs water for all the same reasons we do.

But your cat doesnt know all of these facts. The question then becomes: how do you get your cat to drink enough water?

A good starting point is to know how much your cat needs. An average seven pound cat needs about 6-7 ounces of water per day, but if theyre on a dry food diet, theyre only getting about an ounce of water from their food. Cats on wet food diets get more water from their food, but not enough to sustain bodily functions.

Pet fountains are a great way to ensure that your cat is getting enough water. Running water constantly breaks the surface tension of the water and draws oxygen from the air into the water. This process, known as aeration, makes drinking water more appealing cats. And its not hard to understand why would you rather drink water from a bowl sitting on the ground for hours or from a running tap?

Our Drinkwell Pet Fountains ensure that your cat is getting aerated water with little maintenance required from you. Not only is the water aerated, but the charcoal filter removes tastes and odors. A fresh, running stream of water is the best way to make sure that your cat is not only encouraged to drink water, but that it has the highest quality of water to drink.

Even just knowing your cats drinking habits can help point out problems. For instance, if a cat is drinking more water than they normally do, it could be an indication that he or she might have diabetes. Drinking too much means different things for different cats, which is why it is important to know the regular amount of water your cat drinks.

So, making sure that your cat gets enough water is not only about keeping them healthy and happy, but understanding their habits and needs. Visit www.mythreecats.com for more products and information to help get your cat the water they need to live happy lives.

7 Tips You Must Know Before Training Your Chihuahua

Training your Chihuahua to be your Best Bud

We have all seen the tiny Chiwawa, small enough to fit in the crook of your arm but mighty enough to take on an intruder ten times its size. The Chi dog is a special breed of dog that craves attention and will strive very hard to make you happy. But just like any other dog, attitude comes with discipline and puppy training is the key.

Start with the Number One Basic Rule

The first sixteen weeks of your Chihuahua's life are very formidable. Since many live to be eighteen years old, what you do in the beginning can shape them into either a personable companion or a snippy little tyrant. Dogs are all creatures of their heredity when they used to run in packs and every pack has a leader. Puppy training your Chiwawa to recognize you, as the leader is the very first thing that they need to learn to put them at ease.

How do I know my Chihuahua is Happy with Puppy Training?

The Chi dog is intelligent and attentive to its leader, which is you. Beginning with potty training, spend the necessary time, encouraging and praising your dog and reward with treats. Be careful not to fuss over your Chi dog and do not reward unless an order is obeyed. When one puppy-training goal has been reached, move on to the next. Crate training is important in establishing their territory and when praised and rewarded, your dog will look forward to learning a new lesson. Remember, when you are happy, your Chiwawa is happy.

The Chihuahua, A Social Butterfly

Socialization and obedience is part of puppy training. Your Chiwawa needs to know what is expected of them in public and around other dogs and people. This is a huge step in building your bond that will last a lifetime. You will begin to form as a team, each knowing the other's moves, just like a best friend. Your dog wants to be a huge part of your life and going on outings can be a real treat for both of you when your Chi dog is trained to interact well with others.

Should I let my Chihuahua have the Run of the House?

A Chiwawa does not like to be alone but you can't take him/her to work with you or to church. Puppy training to stay alone without anxiety separation is another hurdle that must be jumped. Remember, you are the leader and your Chi needs guidance as to what his/her role is when you are away. With proper training, your dog will not be afraid, anxious or angry upon your leaving. It will just be a part of the routine to go to the crate when you need to depart.

Keeping your Chihuahua Healthy

Do not overfeed your Chiwawa. An overweight dog gets tired and sluggish and is bad for their health and attitude. Dogs are not people and their systems do not react the same as ours. You are doing damage when sharing your food or overfeeding because you think they are hungry. Get tips on the proper weight from your vet and stick to it. Having a Chi as your best bud can be very rewarding for a long time for both of you when proper puppy training is correctly put into action.

Last thing - Be Consistent in Your Puppy Training!

I can't stress how important it is to be consistent in training your Chi. If you allow your Chi to bite and tear an old t-shirt, you are actually expecting it to do the same thing your beautiful dinner gown one day. They do not know how to differentiate which fabric is allowed to bite and which is not.

by: Ricky Chea

Training your cat for good behavior can be fun

Cat training aids that you can use to get the cat behavior that you want. Be prepared to be patient with your cat and you will get good results.

Food Tray The cat must be taught to eat only in their food trays to avoid begging constantly or having them steal food from the dining table. These must be situated far from the dinner table. It will also help to feed the cat before dinner. They sleep after they eat.

Scratching Posts It is part of the nature of the cat to claw, however this should not be tolerated. It can be very damaging to the furniture. This can be easily resolved by providing scratching posts for cats to claw on instead of the furniture.

Repellent Liquid repellent can also be used to keep cats from scratching on certain furniture. The taste of such repellents is so terrible that the cat will learn to stop from scratching eventually. Cat behavior in this regard it learned by patience.

Yarns and Balls Cats also need exercise. They are generally playful. Kittens like to play with just anything. To avoid having them tinker with delicate things, it is good to give them yarns or soft balls to play with. Older cats can be trained to use harmless leads.

Treats Cats can be taught tricks. They can be taught to shake hands or fetch something. However, to properly train cats, it is important to give them rewards when they successfully accomplished a task. Treats are good rewards.

Litter Trays One of the drawbacks of keeping a cat indoors is dealing with their dirt. Litter trays will come in handy at this point. This is a must in toilet training an indoor cat.

Water Spray Fighting with other cats and caterwauling are also problematic cat situations. Spraying the cats with water when they do these things will eventually keep them from doing them. The water spray is a helpful deterrent for other bad behaviors.

Cat Grass Plant eating is also a habit of the cats. They do this to induce vomiting and sometimes just out of curiosity. Cat grass is a good substitute to keep your plants safe.

Nesting Spot Cats enjoy going to elevated spots to see more. It is their way of seeking company. To keep them from jumping on furniture, it is best to get a nesting spot. This should elevated and comfortable. Rub a treat into the spot to attract the cat.

Training the cat with these aids will still require patience and consistency. Still, this is worth all the efforts. The good behavior of the cat is reward enough.

Training your cat for the toilet: Make the Cat More Loveable

Cats are very lovable creatures. They are tame, cuddly and are indeed beautiful. Most cat owners want them to be indoors, to keep them safe and clean always. However, keeping cats indoors poses the problem of dealing with their wastes. Thus it is necessary to toilet train the cat.

Toilet Training Essentials

1. Cats should be trained early on. It should start when the kitten is around 8 weeks old.

2. Before starting with the toilet training, make sure that the cat already responds to its name. This will be very helpful in responding to the behavior of the cat.

3. Cats generally are not difficult to toilet train. For one, they have the instinct already to bury their wastes. Thus all that is needed is to provide a litter tray.

This can be bought in pet shops. A litter tray usually is made of plastic or enamel. The container should be filled with soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litters.

4. Generally, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself eventually.

5. For kittens or cats that still have to be trained, it is best to acquaint them with the litter tray. The cat should be placed inside the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.

6. Make sure that the litter tray is placed in a quiet and secluded place. Cats would not like to be seen when they use the litter tray. This is typical cat behavior.

7. When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for the good behavior.

The best way to praise the cat is to pet it or pat it on its head. Food rewards are also good tools to praise the cat.

8. However, a cat or kitten being trained that failed to make use of the litter tray should be reprimanded. The cat must be corrected immediately. A loud and sharp "no" or squirting the cat with water are the usual ways to reprimand the cat. Never use physical punishment. It is not a good practice. It also affects the relationship of the cat to the owners.

The cat has to be constantly praised or reprimanded for its toilet behavior until it finally learns to go to the litter tray by itself.

Owning a toilet trained cat can be very rewarding. Attention and consistent effort will be greatly needed at the toilet training stage. Just be patient always.

by Gregg Osbourn

Training A Dog To Sit - 5 Easy Steps

If you follow the easy steps I outline in this article you will quickly have a dog who responds instantly and enthusiastically to the command "sit!". The sit command could save your dog from many dangerous situations. Even before you can recall him, you can use "sit!" to make him stop and wait for you before he wanders onto a road, for example.

So, what are the steps you need when training a dog to sit? Here they are:

1. Have a small tasty treat in your hand and hold it near the dog"s nose.

2. Move the treat towards the back of his head and as he follows it, he will naturally sit down. If he jumps up instead, you are holding the treat too high.

3. As soon as his bottom touches the floor, give the command "sit!" in a clear voice and give your dog the treat. The timing needs to be spot on, so that the dog connects the command with the action and the pleasant experience of the treat.

4. Give your dog lots of praise and fuss. This will soon be enough reward for him without the treat and encourages a happy and responsive pet.

5. Repeat 4 or 5 times in a session. Don"t overdo it in one go. Lots of short, pleasant sessions will be better than one boring long one.

Training a dog to sit in the home with treats will only be the start. Once he has grasped that, just give praise. Then you can start to give the command while out on a walk. This should be on the lead to begin with, but progress to making him sit and wait while he is off the lead. You must then move on to other commands, such as heel, come, and fetch.

Activities To Keep Your Dog Busy

Dogs are social, active creatures that like people need attention, activity, structure and in many cases a job! Without daily interaction with your dog trouble will ensue! Bored and neglected dogs get frustrated which can manifest itself in a variety of ways to include acting out with behavior problems by being destructive in the home, not to mention health issues such as being over weight and depressed.

A while ago I adopted a nine-year-old Queensland Heeler who was clearly down in the dumps. She had spent the last few years left to her own devices in the back yard, excluded from family life in the house, she was only walked occasionally. She was overweight, her coat was dull and she seemed older than her years. My heart went out to this girl, especially when I found out in addition to being in bad condition she suffered from acute separation anxiety.

This was a very intelligent dog that needed some life and a sense of purpose breathed back into her, so it became my mission to cheer her up. Hiking became a part of our daily routine, the exercise did us both good. After she relentlessly shoved tennis balls in my lap I discovered she was a ballaholic, so then came regular trips to the dog park where I stood endlessly throwing the ball for an exuberant dog! As a herding breed her true calling was to herd cattle, so off we went to herding classes where she got to round up sheep. Now we had a hobby together that we both looked forward to. Within a matter of months this down trodden dog was transformed and I had developed a great bond with her. The years and the weight seemed to melt off her, there was sheen to her coat and a glint in her eyes, her energy was back and so was her confidence!

When we make that commitment to bring a dog into our lives it is vital that we provide daily activity and stimulation for this member of the family. There are all kinds of activities that can be incorporated into your lifestyle and daily exercise routine, the level and type of activity best suited to the dog will be determined by the breed of dog. For example a Border Collie has a lot of energy and requires a great deal of physical and mental activity, they excel in both agility and herding as it challenges them mentally and physically. On the other hand a Basset Hound has a low energy level and would be satisfied with a mild day walk. In return for providing daily activity to your dogs life you will be greatly rewarded by the bond that you develop with your dog, you will also benefit from living with a happy, healthy, confident and well mannered dog. Who knows, you may even discover a new hobby together!

Here are a few activity suggestions for you and your canine companion:

Dog Park A daily trip to the local dog park is a great way to socialize your dog, particularly beneficial for dogs that are left alone all day, they can run around off leash, play ball, tug of war, hang out with their buddies!

Hiking Whether its a stroll in the neighborhood or a hike in the hills every dog needs to get out and about in new surroundings, exercise, take in the new smells, mark its territory and greet dogs along its path.

Running Need a running partner, interested in cross-country running? Certain dogs can fulfill this role and will provide great camaraderie.

The Beach I have yet to meet a dog that does not enjoy a good invigorating run on the sand, play with the tide, chase the birds, what Retriever doesnt like to swim and fetch a stick from the water? Dont forget to bring some Dry Dog Instant Clean to wipe your dog down and get rid of the sand afterward. Click here for more info about taking your dog to the beach.

Rollerblading - Leash up and rollerblade with your dog, off road of course! Great for high-energy dogs that benefit from a daily run. Only recommended for people that are adept skaters!

Sheep Herding A fantastic sport for the herding breeds who were bred to herd livestock and without fulfilling this instinct and the need to be mentally stimulated can become a challenging companion.

Agility A fast moving sport where dogs are directed off leash by their handlers through a obstacle course to include the A-frame, dog-walk, weave poles, seesaw, pause table, collapsed tunnel, pipe tunnel, different types of jumps and hurdles to include a tire, triple and double jumps. This sport does wonders for building confidence, obedience and teamwork skills.

Obedience Classes Weekly classes are very beneficial for teaching your dogs good manners, every dog should learn basic commands for both practical and safety reasons. Hyper dogs may have a hard time focusing, we suggest trying Sleepytime Tonic so that your dog gets the most out of his class.

8 Basic Cat Care Tips

So you've just adopted a precious little kitten or cat. Now what do you do? Well you need to get prepared before bringing your new cat home. There are certain things you absolutely must have on hand.

1. A litterbox, litter and scoops are vital. Get a nice covered litter pan that will give your cat privacy and keep odors to a minimum. It is a good idea to get the clumping type of litter because it's so easy to scoop out and throw away. If you only have one cat, you might want to invest in an automated litter system such as the Litter Maid - but these don't work well with multiple cats.

2. Your cat will require 2 bowls that won't tip over. The food dish should be relatively shallow and the water bowl should be a bit deeper. It is a good idea to feed your cat twice a day - both dry food and canned food. And water should be changed daily.

3. Your cat will also need plenty of toys to keep him/her stimulated. My cats have always enjoyed the bizzy balls best of all. They go by different names, but here's what I'm talking about - they're plastic balls with bells inside. There's a wide variety of great cat toys on the market and most are pretty cheap - just try out a bunch and you'll find what suits your kitty best.

4. A scratching post is very important as cats have an inborn need to stretch and sharpen their claws. If you don't provide them with a suitable place to scratch, then they'll end up doing it on your furniture or carpet. Even with a scratching post, they'll probably still scratch where you don't want them to. So you might want to spray cat deterrent or put double sided tape on your best furniture.

5. Of course a collar and id tag is important whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat. An indoor cat can slip out the door in a flash and without some form of identification - you might never see her again.

6. Cat beds are optional. I've bought different cat beds over the years and to tell you the truth, they've rarely been used. Most cats like to seek and find their own places to nap - and it usually varies from day to day. One day it may be on your bed; one day it may be on your couch; one day it may be on the floor; and one day it may be in a kitchen chair.

7. Flea and tick prevention are extremely important too. I am partial to the Frontline liquid stuff that you place between your cat's shoulder blades - it works well and doesn't cause any problems for your cat.

8. Be sure and schedule a visit to your veterinarian. The vet will let you know if there are any underlying health problems or conditions that you should be aware of and get your cat started on a good regimen of disease prevention.

Jennifer has been researching and writing articles for about 5 years now. In addition to writing about cats and pets, you can check out her latest website on single serve coffee makers at http://www.coffeemakerspoint.com/. A website dedicated to bringing you reviews and information related to coffee makers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Manning

Aquarium Fish Food Tips

There are a few things that you need to consider when you are buying aquarium fish food. Without this knowledge, you might be feeding the wrong food to your fish and this can soon cause health problems. So what are the main things to look for and the essential things you need to know?

First, you need to know what fish you will keep in your aquarium or tanks. Different fish breeds require different kinds of nutrition. If you are keeping predator fish, then you should have a stock of other small fish that will serve as food. However, not all fish might prove to be beneficial to your predator fish. Next, select what form the food should be in. You can buy flake food, pellet food, some that float and others that sink. Pellets are dried and are usually used for large fish. Pellets may either float or sink. Flakes do not have moisture because they are baked. This kind of food is commonly used for invertebrates.

Lastly, never forget to check the expiry date of the fish food that you are going to buy. Without checking this, you might come across and expired product and you will soon realize that your fish are getting sick. Worse, they can be poisoned because of stale food.Always buy small tubs, not the big bargain ones.

The ingredients are also very important because this is how you will know if the supplements are complete for your fish. If in doubt, check them out with an expert and do your own research. There are lots of materials on the Internet that will guide you on what nutrients fish need. Better still talk to knowledable staff in your local aquarium centre or other fish keepers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perry_Stevens

Parvo Virus - Parvo Puppy and Dog Virus

When you get a new puppy or a new adult dog, the most important things you can do for your dog's health is to prevent them from being exposed to illness or diseases.

The Parvo Virus has taken the lives of so many puppies and adult dogs that it has put a lot of fear in the hearts of dog owners everywhere. Parvo is an illness that has the ability to take the lives of young puppies, weak dogs and elderly canines.

You don't have to be fearful and there are a few things you can do to help your beloved dog avoid getting parvo.

There are vaccinations that can guard against your dog getting the virus. And that is a very good thing. The problem is you that you cannot give the vaccination to newborn puppies.

It is suggested by most veterinarians that you wait until your puppy is at least 4-6 weeks old because during those first weeks your puppy will be receiving a lot of immunity and strength from its mother. So during those first few weeks of its life your puppy is very much at risk for parvo attack.

Symptoms of parvo can include severe vomiting, high fever and diarrhea that is bloody. It is also possible that your puppy will not show any signs of being sick before they die from it. You may be able to save your dog by getting help from your veterinarian - but often once a dog gets parvo they don't usually survive it.

It is important for your new puppy to get well socialized as you introduce them to their new family and surroundings - however because of the danger of the virus it is important to protect them from contact with other dogs until after they have gone through the full series of vaccinations which usually takes at least 16 weeks.

When the weather is cooler your dog will really benefit from a heated dog house or a warming dog house heater.

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Natural Pet Home Remedies - Building Your Dog's Immune System is Very Important

If you are like me you want the best for your dog. You want to provide for his safety and well being. You want him to have a good life in good health. You will want to keep him around as long as possible and free of disease. And believe it or not, the best way to do this is with natural pet home remedies.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. Cancer is many times the result of inflammation produced by vaccines. Vaccines are used to prevent some diseases but they are overused. They affect the dog's immune system and trigger immune related diseases including anemia and cancer.

Conventional veterinarians use many chemicals to treat our dogs. Not only the vaccines, but many of the medications prescribed to our dogs are very harmful. The heartworm prevention pill, which is administered once a month, contains pesticides which are toxic, and are cumulative over a period of time. These toxins cause severe damage to the dog's kidneys and liver, and their immune system is weakened.

Our dogs have to tolerate all these attacks from medications as well as from the environment. They need to build a good immune system in order to be able to stay healthy. There are many natural pet home remedies that will give your dog the necessary nutrients that he needs.

A good healthy diet is essential. A lot of the commercial packaged dog food is made with waste that is leftover from processing human food, such as blood, bone, tails and ligaments. You should be aware of this and look for certain ingredients that are necessary for a healthy diet, such as an animal based protein, fatty acids, natural preservatives and antioxidants. Some basic things to avoid are by products, food fractions, artificial coloring and artificial flavoring.

A dog also needs a good daily supplement. Dog food, even the healthiest, will not provide your dog with rich nutrients necessary to build up his immune system. The only way to prevent your dog from getting serious diseases is through a good daily supplement. Experts agree that the best way to prevent cancer in dogs is by building up their immune system with supplements.

Dogs today suffer from many chronic disorders due to a weakened immune system. Natural pet home remedies is the answer to this predicament. From treating cancer, to allergies, to arthritis, natural pet home remedies are producing great results.

Become informed about treating your dog with natural pet home remedies. You can take charge of your dog' health and make sure he receives the best care. You will be saving a lot of trips to the vet as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cristina_Santeiro