Tips and Tricks
7 Ways to Exercise Your Dog Indoors
Dogs need their daily exercise, and even things like it being too cold or hot outside or the days getting shorter shouldn’t get in the way. Here are some tips on how to work out your dog’s body and mind indoors:
1. Run your dog up and down the stairs.
Using the stairs is a great way to tire out your dog. The steps add an additional challenge to a dog’s workout, as they engage different muscles than those used on a regular walk or run and add an extra level of difficulty with the change in elevation. Stand at the top of the stairs and throw a toy down to your dog. When your dog grabs the toy, call his name and have him bring the toy to you. After several rounds of this, he’ll be winded.
2. Laser pointer.
Pick up an inexpensive laser pointer at a store and shine it back and forth across the floor. Watch as your dog chases the laser back and forth and works out in the process. Be careful to avoid shining the laser directly in a dog’s eyes, as this can cause damage to its retinas.
3. Set up obstacle courses.
Whenever Cesar enters someone’s house on the show, he looks around for things in the environment that can be repurposed to help the dog. Like using that old hula hoop for him to leap through or using cushions to create a tunnel for him to navigate. Map everything out and lead your dog through the various obstacles. This game will challenge your dog both mentally and physically.
4a. Make your dog work for its treats.
Take a variety of your dog’s favorite treats and hide the around the house – behind doors, under tables, underneath rugs, etc. Your dog will be so busy tracking down his treats that he’ll physically tire out in the process. Treat dispensing toys are another great way to keep your dog busy and engage them physically as they push around their toys and try to get to the food inside.
4b. Keep away and fetch.
Engage your dog in a good old fashioned game of fetch and keep away. These games keep your dog engaged, active, and help to release pent up energy.
5. Take a socialized outing.
Put your dog in the car (always remember to use a car restraint!) and head over to the nearest pet store. Walk your dog through the aisles, let him try out toys and sniff around.
6. Get your dog on the treadmill.
A treadmill is a great way to get your dog a dose of healthy indoor exercise. First, allow your dog to get comfortable with the sight and sound of a running treadmill. Next, place your dog on the treadmill and give him a treat. Turn the treadmill on the lowest speed. Give him treats to keep him on the treadmill. You may use the dog’s leash as an aid but never tie your dog to the treadmill. Also, standing in front of the treadmill and rewarding him with treats for walking might make your dog feel more comfortable. Once your dog is adjusted, you can gradually increase the speed to provide a more challenging workout.
7. Tug of War—But Be Aware of the Risks
With the amount of ropes and toys available that encourage tug of war, it’s not surprising that so many dog owners play this game with their dog. However, you need to be aware of the risk. It's a game that brings out the predator in your dog and can be unhealthy for your relationship if you don't have trust and respect to begin with. You need to have control over your dog's power and instincts before you can engage in a healthy game of tug of war with them.
Christmas Gifts For Your Furry Friends
a preview The best gifts will be available here, as well as photos of the most amazing ones!
So look around and see the wonderful gifts on offer for your pet and make not only you happy but your little friend too!
Doggie Gifts
The best Doggie treats around!
Here, you can find the best gifts for your dog!On the right is the amazing Vinyl Turkey Dog Toy by Pets At Home. Now your dog doesn't have to whimper and beg you for a bit of your Christmas tea, it's got it's very own Turkey!
The next item is the Dog Advent Calendar, also by Pets at Home. This fabulous advent calendar has dog treats instead of chocolate and the best bit...
Our 3rd item is a luxurious Christmas Selection Box by Pressies For Dogs. It includesa Delicious large Celebration Dog Christmas Cake, Christmas Cracker Dog Toy, Chocolate Santas, a Multipack of dog treats, an edible Christmas Angel tree hanger, a Christmas dog scarf and a cuddly Christmas toy. This is a must have gift for your dog so hurry up and order it before 17th December because thats when the lovely people at Pressies For Dogs take the last orders!!!
Last of all, we have a rope toy in the shape of a christmas cracker! They are available from Companions Choice and they are only £2.49. Available in Yellow, Green and Red.
http://www.petsathome.com/
Good luck with your presents for your dogs!
Treats For Kitty
The Very Best Gifts For Your Cat This Christmas!
Now Kitty can be all christmassy with these fantastic items!The picture is our first amazing product. This is the comfy Christmas House Cat Bed by Pets at Home. Complete with a cute mini christmas tree and a bright red roof, this bed will have your cat asleep in no time.
Our second item is by Whiskas, and it's a Xmas Stocking for cats. Packed with lots of christmas treats and in a bag the shape of a stocking, your cat is sure to love it.
Our final thing is by Companions Choicee and it's the Hide 'n' Fish boat, a boat fun to climb up and hide in and a fun fish to bat on a piece of wire. Your cat will never thank you enough!
All the links to the websites you need are here (just click on links):
http://www.petsathome.com/
http://www.petmeds.co.uk/p-9509-whiskas-christmas-stocking.aspx
Treats For Guinea Pigs & Hamsters
Sweet treats for your adorable little guinea pig or hamster!
Our first guinea pig/hamster treat is a chew toy to put in their hutch (see picture). It's also got useful little poles for your guinea pig to hold on to.our second product is the adorabl Christmas Garland Nibbler Small Pet Treat by Pets at Home. It's basically a long piece of string with treats on it but it will be sure to keep your pets entertained all christmas!
Our 3rd and final treat is just for hamsters, and I believe it's the best treat yet! It's a carboard house to put in your hamsters cage but theres a catch! the carboard is edible (not for humans - just hamsters!) ! Its lots of different colours and it's shaped like santa's sleigh! By Pets at home!
Good luck with your guinea pigs or hamsters this christmas!
Treats For Rabbits!
Christmas time in the rabbit world!
Our first treat is the adorable one in the picture! It's a rabbit bed. Shaped like a beautifully wrapped christmas present! Christmas Present Bed for Small Animals by Pets at Home.the second treat is Christmas Jigsaw Nibbles by Pets at Home. It makes a snowman picture for your rabbit to nibble and gnaw on - perfect for making healthy teeth!
the last item is Christmas Rabbit stocking, also by pets at home. It includes loads of festive toys and treats to keep your rabbit entertained this christmas!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Written by Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling
Source: http://www.declawing.com/
If you
are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a
moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision.
First,
you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something
people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to
their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and
"unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is
illegal. I applaud their attitude.
Before
you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you
should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your
cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to
the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the
cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last
joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear
why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful
recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the
surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in
its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and
bedpans are not an option for a cat.
No cat
lover would doubt that cats--whose senses are much keener than ours--suffer
pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively
know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will
attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken
lightly.
Your
cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is
unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating
the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters
the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means
of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors.
I have
also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being
declawed. Although, the medical community does not recognize this as potential
side effect.
Okay, so
now you realize that declawing is too drastic a solution, but you're still
concerned about keeping your household furnishings intact. Is there an
acceptable solution? Happily, the answer is yes. A big, joyful, humane YES!
Actually there are several. The following website "Cat Scratching Solutions" provides many solutions as well as
and insight into the psychology of why cats scratch. You can teach your cat to
use a scratching post (sisal posts are by far the best). You can
trim the front claws. You can also employ aversion methods. One of the best
solutions I've found is Soft Paws®.
Soft Paws
are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. They're
great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people
who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to
train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws® are easy to apply and last
about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors--which are really fun.
Now that's a kitty manicure! The colored caps look spiffy on
Tabby or Tom and have the added advantage of being more visible when one
finally comes off. Then you simply replace it.
You can
find Soft Paws® on the web by clicking here or call 1-800-989-2542.
You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vulnerable to the dangers of the outdoors.
Not yet convinced? See pictures below:
This is what happens when you declaw. Would you want this done to you? What about your children? Would you want this to happen to them?
Notes from the Pet Nanny:
I hope you find this information helpful and please go to the website above for more information. While I'm FIRMLY against declawing, my place is not to judge. That said, when I hear someone say they are going to declaw their cat, I immediately go into protection mode for their cat who is about to undertake this unbearably painful experience and start asking them if they realize what is involved. There are occasions when the person I'm talking with truly has no clue what is involved. So I explain and they tend to change their minds. But for those who I talk to are aware of what is involved I ask them what would they do if a digit of each of their fingers & toes were cut off and forced to walk around on all fours. People who know me know I am pretty passionate about this subject. My goal here is to educate. I often hear "well I don't want my furniture ruined". Um yeah well cats scratch...that is what they do. But you can train them to not scratch on your furniture. If you have any questions on this subject, please don't hesitate to call or email me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catut Urinary
Tract Infection
Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Feline Bladder Infection
Urinary tract infections in cats are fatal if left untreated. Diagnosis in the early states can result in successful treatment and identify additional healthy risks, bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are a
common, often reoccurring problem in cats. This type of infection is most frequently seen in male cats-both neutered and un-neutered, but can impact the health of female cats as well. In many cases, the signs of a urinary infection remains hidden from their owners because cats tend to disguise signs of pain and discomfort. However if
left untreated, a feline UTI can lead to the blockage and complete obstruction of the urinary tract leading to permanent damage or death.
Causes:
There are many factors that can cause a cat to
develop a urinary tract infection. Some of these causes include, but are not
limited to:
- Diet - Choose cat food with low
levels of magnesium to reduce the risk of kidney stone development.
- Environment - Ensuring the litter
box is clean, adequate fresh water is available and a clean home
environment will reduce the risk of feline UTI’s.
- Stress - Exposure to stressful
changes, including changes to the environment or diet can increase risk
factors.
- Gender - Male cats are at increased
risk for developing urinary tract infections, development of kidney stones
and blockage of the urinary tract.
- Age - As a cat ages, the risk of
developing urinary tract infection increases. Cat owners should have their
pets kidney function tested on a regular basis once they reach 7 years of
age to detect infection, fungus, kidney stones and feline
kidney disease.
- Urolithiasis -The formation of
kidney stones in the urinary tract. They can cause infection, block the
pathways of the bladder and damage the urinary tract if they are passed.
Symptoms
In a
healthy state, the bladder is devoid of bacteria. However, when a feline
urinary tract infection sets in several common symptoms are visible. These
symptoms may occur individually or together.
On a personal note: The topic above is very personal for me - it's something Leonardo suffered from around the age of 5 and 6 years old. In the spring he had crystals -but they passed. Then the following winter he was blocked 4 more times in a 6 week period. I was a mess. I was so worried, but thankfully each time I was able to catch it in time, I rushed him to the vet and they unblocked him. What the doctor recommended at the time was a PU operation. It basically cuts off the tip of the cats penis and opens up his urethra canal. Harsh I know. I did so much research to find a better way. There really is none I'm sad to say. I highly recommend this operation - after the surgery Leonardo didn't get blocked. I also made him an indoor cat as there was a combination of indoor and outdoor elements that contribute to getting blocked. In addition I changed his food. If you have any questions - please don't hesitate to ask me and of course call your vet for advice.
How to Select the Right Veterinarian
Choosing a professional veterinarian for your precious babies can be easy, yet somewhat complex.There are many things to consider when you choose a doggie doctor. After all, your puppy is a member of your family, so you need to go through much of the same considerations that you would when hiring a doctor for your child, or a child care provider, a coach, a nanny, or a dog walker for your puppy, keeping the safety and welfare of your loved one in mind at all times.
When you check out a doctor for your children or a nursing home for a parent, you normally look to family and friends for references. You basically do the same thing when you are looking for a professional veterinarian or doggie daycare for your puppy. You can seek out references from friends that have dogs, because you know that even if they administer their own vaccine booster shots, they all take their dog to the vets for at least their rabies shot. It is required by law.
Ask everyone you can think of. Your co-workers, your neighborhood association, dog groomers, dog trainers, people you have met at the local dog park, dog clubs, animal rescue organizations, and even the humane society can all be good resources. Many of them will have their own vet that they recommend or know of a vet that they have heard is a good vet. Ask them why they like that particular vet.
Some states have a (VMA) Veterinary Medical Association that you can call for a referral. If you are new in an area, you can search for a veterinarian in your area by going to: www.pets911.com.
Once you have a list of Vets, you can call or stop by.
- Is the location convenient?
- Are the hours of operation conducive to your schedule?
- Is the office sanitary and orderly?
- Is the office staff knowledgeable and friendly?
- Can I see the same vet at each appointment?
- What are their rates?
- Do they have a welcome package?
- What do they have in the way of emergency hours?
- Are appointments required?
- Are dogs and cats cages in separate areas?
- Are the x-rays, ultrasound, blood work, EKG, endoscopy, and other diagnostics done in house?
- Make sure the vet is not planning on retiring any time soon.
- Write down your questions and take the list with you.
- Be honest with your vet and their staff
Healthy And Green Living
Right now, your dog or cat is probably wondering, "What can I do to reduce my carbon pawprint?" Give your pets a helping human hand by keeping them as healthy and green as you are. Green pet care is easy and affordable.
Cat Toys From Reused Household Items
Cat lovers will do almost anything for their cats. Buy organic treats, luxurious cat beds, fancy toys—anything to keep your kitty comfortable and entertained. This makes for big business surrounding pet pampering. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Your feline friend may be just as happy with ‘toys’ you already have around the house.
For example I’ve always heard that cats love the plastic rings from the tops of milk jugs. However my cats have long been deprived since I tend to buy soy milk or organic milk in cartons. But thanks to my roommate, my cats have now discovered the joy of milk cap rings, and I discovered the joy of watching them play with them.
Take a break from kitty consumerism and try offering a few of these reusable household items as toys. You can spice up the ‘toys’ with cat nips or treats to make them even more interesting. It’s a great way to reuse household items that were headed for the recycling bin anyway, plus have tons of fun with your kitty.
Household Items that Double as Cat Toys
· Paper bags (remove any handles)
· Cardboard boxes (spice things up with a cat fort or make a cat scratcher)
· Old or torn sock (pour in some catnip to make it more interesting)
· Crumpled up scrap paper
· Tissue paper that is too old for reuse
· Milk rings (with supervision)
· Old newspaper (when you're done, donate them for animals)
· Pencils (unsharpened) or pens (remove ink)
Animal Planet also suggests:
· Toilet paper tubes (try putting treats inside)
· Wine Cork
· Shower curtain rings
· Egg carton with treats inside
Note: for your cat’s safety, don’t let them play with anything smaller than a ping pong ball without supervision. Also be wary of strings and ribbons, cats can easily choke on these.
Each of my cats has their favorite style of toy. One of them goes crazy for paper products like cardboard boxes and crumpled newspaper, while the other prefers to play with anything resembling a stick, like pencils or pens. So if your cat doesn’t seem interested in one toy, just give another a try.
There is nothing like watching your cat discover something new. And you can enjoy this priceless fun for no price at all!
How to Train a Dog at Home Like a Professional Dog Trainer
Puppies sense our confidence levels and will take control if they perceive us as weak. When this happens, bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, leash-pulling, or anxiety, will develop.
The most important thing you can do is become your puppy’s pack leader. This role doesn’t begin when your dog is six months old or when he’s bad. For your puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!
Please find SAFE ways to exercise your puppy! Talk to your veterinarian about the risk of long-term bone development problems, parvovirus, and other health issues before implementing an exercise routine.
More to follow on this subject soon....
