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by CS Swarens
Have you ever had all of your stress melted away with the help of a simple massage? If so, you know how relaxing and soothing a massage can be. The same is true for your pet! In fact, may people are deciding to give their pets massages in order to help them heal more quickly from illness or injury as well as to provide them with an overall better sense of wellness.
The Benefits of Massage
Just as with humans, there are many benefits associated with giving a pet a massage. Some of the benefits of massaging your pet include:
* Calming your pet * Decreasing your pet's recovery time after experiencing trauma or undergoing surgery * Increasing your pets blood circulation or the circulation of its nervous system or lymphatic system * Increasing your pet's movement and flexibility * Reducing your pet's pain * Reducing your pet's stress * Removing toxins from your pet's organs and body
It should be noted that massage is not meant to replace veterinary care. Rather, it is meant to work along with veterinary care to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Types of Massage
Surprisingly, there are actually many different types of massage that may be used on a pet. These include:
* Efflurage * Kneading * Passive Joint Movement * Passive Touch * Stroking * Tapotement
With Efflurage, the entire body of the pet is rubbed, including rubbing down the outside and the inside of the limbs. A circular, hand-over-hand technique is used in order to stimulate the movement of blood. Kneading, on the other hand, is used to either stimulate the skin and hair coat or to stimulate the muscle fibers. This is accomplished by rolling and pinching the skin and applying the pressure directly to the muscle rather than to the bone.
Passive joint movement is different in that it involves stretching and moving the joints, making it similar to physical therapy. Proper positioning is crucial with this form of massage, as improper placement can actually cause trauma to the tissue and the joint. Passive touch is also different because it does not involve any type of movement or pressure. Rather, the hand is simply held in place for 30 seconds to 90 seconds in order to warm the tissue and calm the animal.
Stroking is similar to what many pet owners do when petting their animal friend, though it is also included as a part of the massage and is meant to be applied slowly and lightly at the end of the massage session. Tapotement, on the other hand, is intended to stimulate the pet and may involve tapping and brushing various muscle areas. Since this technique is so stimulating, however, it should never be used on a pet with a history of abuse.
There are numerous techniques that can be used when massaging a pet. Just as with humans, however, it is best to consult with a professional in order to obtain the best results from this form of therapy.
About the Author
CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pets for sale
Research pet information with detailed profiles of over 430 pet breeds.
Avoid Giving Your Pet These Treats
by CS Swarens
Sometimes, the "human" foods that your pet loves to eat can be quite dangerous for it in many ways. In some cases, you may give these foods to your pet without even realizing the potential dangers. Yet, it is important to realize which foods should be avoided in order to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Fatty Foods
Just as fatty foods are not healthy for you, they are not healthy for your pet, either. Unfortunately, however, fatty foods can be more than just "unhealthy" for your pet. In fact, they can be downright dangerous. Yet, pet owners often give these types of foods to their pets as a special treat.
Feeding fatty foods to your pet can cause problems with its pancreas, including the development of pancreatitis. Although all pets can develop pancreatitis by eating fatty foods, cocker spaniels, miniature schnauzers and toy or miniature poodles are particularly susceptible. Signs that your pet is suffering from pancreatitis include:
• Vomiting • Diarrhea • Abdominal pain
Your pet may develop these symptoms quite suddenly and will likely need to receive intensive fluid and antibiotic treatment in order to recover.
Dairy Products
Every pet likes to drink a little milk, right? While your cat or dog may beg you for a drink of your milk or a taste of your cheese, it is best to avoid feeding dairy products to your pets. Although feeding dairy products generally will not cause a fatal reaction, it is possible for dairy products to cause your pet to become ill. This is partially because the digestive systems of pets do not contain the enzyme that is necessary for digesting the lactose found in dairy products. In addition, many dairy products are high in fat content. As such, dairy products also place your pet at risk of developing pancreatitis. While most dogs can tolerate eating small amounts of cheese or yogurt, it is generally best to avoid feeding them dairy products. At the very minimum, these products are likely to cause gas and diarrhea.
Old Table Scraps
Although it is generally best to avoid feeding your pet table scraps because they do not offer the balanced nutrition offered by pet foods, it is particularly important to avoid feeding old table scraps to your pet. If the old table scraps have become moldy or spoiled, it can lead to food poisoning and other serious illness. A pet that has eaten moldy foods, for example, may develop tremors or otherwise become quite ill. In order to prevent your pet from eating moldy or spoiled foods, be certain to through your table scraps away in a secure trash can that your pet will not be able to access.
Macadamia Nuts
You might thing that Macadamia nuts will make for a nice, crunchy treat for your pet. In reality, these nuts can actually be toxic to your pet, though no one is quite sure why they are toxic to animals. Nonetheless, there are reported cases of pets becoming poisoned by as little as six Macadamia nuts. Dogs that eat Macadamia nuts may develop the following symptoms:
- Weakness - Tremors - Pale Gums - Depression - Abdominal pain - Difficulty walking - Vomiting - Stiffness - Lameness
Usually, these signs disappear within 12 to 24 hours, but it is still important to contact your veterinarian in order to ensure your pet's health and safety.
About the Author
CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pets for sale.
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE - The Star Press
Ever wonder what your pets do when they are home alone?
Jamie Skeate did more than just wonder. The 28-year-old from St. Cloud, Minn., and her husband videotaped her dogs, Bosco, a Great Dane, and Lily, a greyhound.
"Sometimes we would come home and their toys would be all over the house, and my husband and I would joke that it looked like they had had a party," she says.
Four-year-old Bosco weighs almost 130 pounds and 5-year-old Lily weighs more than 60 pounds -- more than enough to get into trouble when their owners are not home.
"It occurred to me that it would be fun to see what our dogs were doing all day long -- maybe purchasing things online with our credit cards," Skeate says with a laugh.
Skeate would find empty bags of hamburger buns or chips from time to time in her home. Since she had no children, she believed her dogs were the culprits.
"We suspected they spent a large portion of the day just lounging on the couch sleeping," says Skeate, a tech consultant for Invisible Fence Brand pet containment system.
The videotape showed Bosco running immediately to the door to check whether his owners were really gone when they left and looking out windows for their car.
"Lily, our greyhound, will immediately run up on the couch and sit on the back part where she's not permitted," Skeate says. "My husband and I decided if that's the worst thing that they have done when we're gone, we're pretty lucky."
Her husband will leave the TV on for the dogs -- tuned into the Animal Planet channel -- to keep Bosco and Lily company.
Aside from it being interesting to watch, a local vet says the tape can be used to figure out what triggers a dog's bad home-alone behavior. And that's the first step toward eliminating that bad behavior.
The University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine offers a behavior clinic for pets. Sometimes, the clinic says, a videotape may be helpful in diagnosing an animal's behavior problems. The clinic offers this advice:
You may wish to make a videotape for several reasons. One is to visualize where your pet spends its time, so that we can better understand your particular situation. Another is to see your pet's relationship between itself, your family, and other household pets, if applicable. Certainly it is often helpful for us to see the problem behavior.
The length of the tape does not need to be more than a few minutes, unless you are videotaping your pet when you are out of the house.
If your pet has potential separation anxiety or compulsive disorder, do not videotape the animal if you feel that your pet will harm itself. Set up a camera in your house when you are not home. Place the camera to view the most area of the house as possible where your pet is allowed when you are gone. You can also make a brief videotape of your pet when you are with it, especially if it displays the behavior in your presence.
If you videotape a pet that is fighting with other household pets, exercise safety precautions so other pets aren't injured. If necessary, they should be separated by leash and/or behind gates or glass doors. We can determine quite a bit by body language between the pets.
If possible, videotape your pet in normal situations, such as play and resting, on walks, in your yard, and while interacting with different family members.
If you videotape a pet that is aggressive to people, do not put your pet into the situation. We just would like to visualize your pet's environment.
If you videotape a pet that is displaying urine marking or inappropriate elimination, the important thing is to get a layout of your house, your yard, and any vantage points that your pet may have of the outside. Display the areas where your pet has eliminated. If possible, catch your pet in the act.
Reported by: Brooke Beare - San Diego TV6
“She's probably thrown up about 14 times today,” said Matthew Garrison of Poway, as he cradled a small Yorkshire Terrier puppy. But eight-week-old Nalla is in better health than the Maltese she came home with.
“Four days after we bought the dog, he died in my wife's arms as we picked him up to take him to the vet,” said Garrison.
Garrison paid $2,400 for the two puppies from California Pets.
Jennifer Calabrase of Escondido paid $1,100 for her dog, Bailey, a Bijan Frise from California Pets.
“I noticed that he had the loose poop, with a little bit of blood in it a day or two after,” said Calabrase.
Online, several other customers also made complaints about California Pets, alleging, among other issues, the popular pet store buys animals from puppy mills.
Joe Shamore, owner of California Pets, has individually responded to many of the accusations.
“They do not come from mills, and they are not sold sick,” he told San Diego 6 News. Shamore said he personally visits the breeders that supply California pets at least once a year.
Shamore estimates his stores in Carlsbad and Escondido sell an average of 10,000 dogs a year.
“If we were sincerely having sick puppies coming through our store, we would not be in business,” he responded. Shamore added that each dog sold has a three year warranty, which he claims is substantially more coverage than any other area pet store.
“All of our animals are inspected by up to five different veterinarians before they get placed up for sale. On a weekly they're examined by a veterinarian,” said Shamore.
Mohnacky Animal Hospital has a contract with California Pets, and cares for many of its puppies.
Dr. Craig Mohnacky said, "A majority of the animals that we see from [California Pets] are healthy, happy animals."
But Veterinarian Michael LaPorte, who examined both of Garrison’s dogs, thinks these are not isolated incidents.
“Owners need to be a little bit cautious when purchasing puppies,” LaPorte said. “These puppies appear normal, and five to seven days later come down sick.”
After the loss of one dog, and the illness of two others, Garrison is also asking questions of California Pets. “I'm oh-for-three on bringing a dog home and having it run around and play like a puppy. And it's been nothing but a heartache,” exclaimed Garrison.
Shamore told San Diego 6 News said they will work with the Garrisons to replace their dog, and pay for medical bills. They are waiting for a necropsy to determine how the Garrison’s Maltese, Rocko, died. San Diego County Veterinarian Dr. Nikos Gurfield said no positive cause of death has been reached, but preliminary tests show Rocko tested positive for coccidia, a parasite commonly found in puppies.
Calabrase said that her dog Bailey was also being treated for coccidia.
L.A. Unleashed / Houston Pets
Hurricane Ike continues to take its toll in Texas. The Houston Chronicle reports on efforts near Lubbock, Texas:
Agriculture officials said late Tuesday they've found about 4,000 dead cows in portions of two Southeast Texas counties searched in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.
Some cows left stranded or that perished might never be found, though. "They're being eaten by alligators," said Kathleen Phillips, spokeswoman for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
Meanwhile, the storm's strong winds and heavy rains heavily damaged the rice crop, equipment and storage facilities east of Houston. One official estimated losses will be in the millions of dollars.
"It's not a pretty sight," Dwight Roberts, chief executive officer and president of the Houston-based U.S. Rice Producers Association, said Tuesday while out assessing losses.
The Beaumont Enterprise also checks on rescue efforts:
The Humane Society team arrived with land rescue vehicles, boats, a mobile command center and a 75-foot transport vehicle capable of carrying 200 animals to safe ground.
Sleeping in tents and trucks behind the Beaumont animal shelter, the animal rescuers are coping with limited resources like many in Southeast Texas.
And, finally, the Galveston County Daily News weighs in:
Many residents left their pets with what they thought was enough food and water to get them through a few days. But when the storm’s devastation was much worse than people expected and recovery efforts dragged on, panicked residents started calling the city’s emergency operations center to ask police officers to check on their animals.
Volunteers set up a temporary shelter in the police substation, bringing trailers full of food, cages, leashes and medicine with them. Truckloads of supplies continued to arrive throughout the afternoon.
-- Alice Short
Posted by catlady - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of my favorite movies of all times is the 1970’s cult classic, The Stepford Wives. After years of studying my cat Mookie’s behavior, I have determined that he is indeed a Stepford cat.
In case you never saw the original (or the remake), the men of a town called Stepford transform their normal wives into their perfect vision of a woman - beautiful, submissive and armed with the innate ability to make an amazing casserole. The only problem is that these new creations are mechanical monstrosities without a soul.
His eyes are big gorgeous globes and his longhaired coat is wonderfully silky. Mookie plays the part of a cat quite well. He purrs, he meows, and he rolls on his back for tummy rubs. He even allows you to put him on his back and cradle him like a baby, something my other cats will not tolerate.
But, Mookie is Satan. He’s never shown an ounce of true affection in the seven years I have known him. I’ve watched him study the other cats in the household and adopt some of their more adorable traits, as if he is intent on transforming himself into the ultimate feline model.
When non-cat people claim that cats have no personality and can’t form loyal and loving bonds with their owners like dogs, I vehemently disagree. My other two cats play fetch and happily chatter. They ooze love and tenderness.
But, then I think of Mookie’s emotional detachment, and I have to begrudgingly admit the haters have a point. If Mookie was opened up, would there be a heart, or just mechanical parts?
(In spite of my dire analysis, Mookie is loved and is just as spoiled as my other cats.)
How do you learn to love and appreciate the indifferent feline? Do you feel cats can be as affectionate as dogs?
The Importance of Fitting a Dog Guard in your Car
by Susan Roberts
Do you have a dog, does the dog travel in the car, and does your car have a properly fitting dog guard or dog bars?
Isn't it cute when you see a car travelling along on a hot sunny day with the windows down and a dogs head poking out from the window? Dogs look to be having great pleasure from forcing their faces into the stream of oncoming air rushing by the car.
Some pet owners think that it is 'unfair' to put their dog in the back of the car because there aren't any comfy seats or because the dog whimpers as it is travelling. However, not containing your pet in a vehicle could prove to be fatal for you and your dog.
A properly fitted dog guard works to protect the occupants of the car in two ways. Whilst the dog is restrained in the hatchback part of the car, the dog is not roaming around the car blocking the drivers view or distracting the driver's attention. As you can probably imagine a small dog could quite easily jump onto the driver's knee whilst the car is in motion. A larger breed of dog could jolt the drivers elbow and consequently cause an accident. Larger dogs also very easily impair the driver's field of vision.
Dog guards are also effective at saving life in the event of a road traffic accident. A loose dog sitting on the back seat can be very mobile in a car collision. The dog can fly forward and smash through the windscreen in a similar way to a person if they are not wearing their seat belt. This of course could be fatal for the dog.
As the dog is flung forward, the animal can clatter into the headrests of the front seats, and can kill the two passengers that are sitting there.
Some pet owners think that they can get around this by teaching the dog to wear a conventional seat belt. This may prevent the dog from being flung forward and injuring the passengers in the front seats, however the seat belt can cause internal damage to the dog.
A dog is much more likely to survive a car crash if it properly restrained in the hatchback part of the car, penned in by a properly fitting dog guard. This is because during a crash the dog will be flung into the guard, and although this might bruise the dog and might even break some bones, but the dog in most cases would recover.
Getting the correct dog guard for your make and model of car is very important to ensure that the safety bars perform during an accident or collision. An ill-fitting dog guard could be as dangerous as the car not having this safety feature fitted at all. Most of the manufacturers offer a range of accessories for their cars including fully-fitted dog bars to suit your model of car perfectly. Talk to your car dealer for details about the type of dog guard your car requires, they will also be happy to show you how to fit the bars correctly into your car.
About the Author
Susan Roberts writes for MotorParks.co.uk Buying cars on-line requires much more reassurance than other on-line purchases. This is where we come into our own, as buyers have the security of knowing their cars are being supplied by one of the UK's leading dealer groups - MotorParks.co.uk
Dog Training - Low Maintenance Dog
By John Williams
There are so many different dog breeds and dog crossbreeds around the world now that finding the perfect dog for you can seem a hugely daunting task. Sure, your perfect dog is probably out there somewhere but finding that dog is a completely different thing.
To help you narrow your search down I have taken the time to put this article together and give my best advice on which dog will be best for you if you’re looking for a low maintenance dog for your new home, family or any other occasion.
Ok, you want a low maintenance dog breed so what is the answer? There are many aspects to this question and many dogs to consider, some are realty energetic like the Labrador, border collie and Irish setter but other breeds just seem to be pretty much as energetic as each other.
Maintenance may not mean weather the dog you want is energetic and needs lots of walks and exercise and it may be other forms of dog maintenance like grooming, dog training and bathing etcetera. These differences in dog breed personalities and care are very hard to determine and sum up into a final list of perfect dog breeds as all dogs will need time and care.
The main question here ids weather you are really ready for a dog in your home or place of residence. Dogs do take lots of time especially when they are young and impressionable puppies or dogs. If you want a low maintenance dog then the option for you is to not have a dog at all. Dogs take a big commitment in your life and need to be cared for appropriately in order to be healthy and happy. If you are unsure take more time to ponder your choices and priorities, it will save you a lot of time and unwanted effort in the long run.
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