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Author: Paul Counts
Pet Obesity is a growing concern according to a report which ranks the healthiest U.S. cities for cats and dogs based on 30 criteria, including weight, preventative care, air quality and pet-friendly legislation. As in humans, pet obesity is dangerous and unhealthy. It can lead to liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, joint, and even back problems. People who love their pets dearly don't realize that they could be actually slowly killing their pets by overfeeding them.
The biggest contributor to pet obesity is overeating. Most pets will eat whatever is put before them because it is their natural instinct. For example, dogs are natural scavengers that think every meal could be their last so they eat whenever food is offered to them. Many times dogs will eat even if they are not hungry because of this natural instinct. That is why it is important to feed your animals perfectly portioned meals which many automatic pet feeders can do for your animals.
Many pet owners will turn to more expensive options like special foods or even pills. The two biggest things that someone can do for their pet is get an automatic pet feeder so they can eat perfectly portioned timed meals, and also make their animal gets plenty of exercise. Those two things will help reduce weight for a pet, and they are less expensive than other alternatives.
Pet feeders generally range from $39.99 to $125.99 depending on the kind of feeder you need for your pets. There are feeders for cats and small dogs and also feeders for larger dogs. The important thing to look for with an automatic pet feeder is whether or not it has an electronic timer that will automatically provide food to your animals at a specified time each day. The goal is that no matter how busy your schedule is, your cat or dog will eat at the same time every single day. Some automatic pet feeders will provide 5 meals, others provide 6, and others provide up to 8 meals. With an 8 meal automatic pet feeder you can choose to feed your animals twice daily over a four day span for instance. Each time the food is released it will only release the exact amount each time.
Pet feeders provide multiple benefits including helping to combat pet obesity, giving pet owners a peace of mind that their pet is being fed at the right time even if they are running late, and they also are excellent for use while owners are away for a few days on vacation. It is highly recommended and encouraged that while pet owners are away that they still plan for someone to visit their animals while they are gone to check up on them and make sure everything is going well.
Pet obesity could end up killing your pets, so it is extremely important that you take action, and an automatic pet feeder allows you to take that action without breaking the bank.
Why Pet Insurance is Important
Author: Liane Wood
Recent studies have shown that over half of all Canadian households have at least one pet; usually either a cat or a dog. However, in North America, less than 1% of all pets are insured. Thus, the question one has to ask is: Why aren’t our beloved pets benefiting from pet medical insurance?
Let’s face it; all pet owners love and cherish their pets. Therefore, just as you would have coverage for you and your family members, why wouldn’t you take out pet medical insurance for your pet? The policy you choose is as important to the maintenance and overall health of your pet as it is to you.
Each year, about one out of every three domestic pets will have an unexpected injury or illness that will require veterinary care. Sometimes, a simple checkup and/or treatment may be required. However, there may be other times when our pets may need expensive tests using additional diagnostic equipment that can also be just as costly.
Prescription drugs for pets are expensive. Since there are no government programs or subsidies in place to provide our furry friends with the care they need, pet insurance provides us with a way to cover these unexpected costs.
As with most insurance companies, the premiums vary. For example, while there are different policies depending on your pet’s breed; some may include annual check-ups and the required vaccinations, while others may include spaying and neutering; and death benefits. Others may just include accident and illness.
Pet medical insurance covers all unexpected health costs for your pet, up to the limit on your policy. On the other hand, with our own health insurance, our government plan covers only our basic care needs.
Due to the fact that pet insurance is kind of a niche insurance market for older pets, it is the kittens and puppies that do not have as much risk of becoming ill as will older pets as they age. But consider that while puppies and kittens may not fall ill as easily as older pets, young pets are just like young children. They lack full coordination and are more likely to experience injuries or get into trouble. So too, younger pets also lack perception and judgment that comes from experience.
While most pet insurance claims arise from costs related to illness, puppies and kittens are more likely to become injured in accidents. Of course, prevention is always important and taking out pet medical insurance while they are still young will afford you peace of mind should any serious illness develop or any accident occur.
If you have an outdoor pet, or pets that spend time inside and outside, it is likely they can come into contact with things that indoor pets may not. This could include traffic, ticks, and exposure to other animals. However, when we think of the unexpected, accidents come to mind first. According to statistics, 75% of pet medical claims are illness related. Indoor pets are not any less vulnerable to illness than outdoor pets. Your Wheezy may still fall ill from a variety of ailments such as allergens in the home, and having pet insurance is the only way to ensure she gets the treatment she needs to fully recover.
For more information on pet medical insurance and the benefits derived thereof, please visit: www.insurance-rates.ca/pet-insurance-rates.html.
You know the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keep your pet active through exercise as well as a proper diet. Research the breed; the more you know about your pet, the better equipped you will be to prevent any onset of illness or disease. Pet medical insurance is vital to the health and care of your “best friend.”
Bob Otto, San Bernadino Sun Staff Writer
Family seeks help in return of pet
YUCAIPA - His soft, white sheepskin bed waits for his return. His water and food bowls still rest against the wall next to the kitchen.
Cindy Schulz and her two sons, Corey Schulz, 16, and Andrew Near, 15, hope and pray that J.D. will find his way back home and use his bowls and bed once again.
J.D. is - or was until 8:30 Wednesday night - the Schulz family's 11-month-old tan-and-yellow fox terrier. He was playful and energetic with a long snout and "teeth that stick out and made us laugh," Cindy Schulz said.
But when Andrew and J.D. were out for a walk, a thief snatched the puppy away. And now they fear they will never see him again.
The family moved to Yucaipa from Arkansas in August. The adjustment hasn't been easy, Schulz said, but when they got the puppy just two weeks ago, he brought a new joy into their lives.
Immediately, J.D. had the run of the Schulzes' double- wide mobile home in Westwind Estates on Fourth Street. He ran through the house making a racket with his squeak toys and would dance on his hind legs with the toy in his mouth, making everyone laugh, she said.
"We were looking for a small dog, and the boys were so excited when we found him," Cindy said. "He was fun, and the boys played with him all the time."
As Andrew describes it, he was at the back gate of Westwind Estates near Fifth Street when a man and woman came up to him. The man asked if he could hold J.D. Andrew, of slight build, politely agreed.
"The man asked, `Can I see your dog for a minute?' " Andrew said. "He asked me is it a boy or girl. He petted him and put him down."
Andrew said the man began dialing on his cell phone and said, "I'm going to call my friend and see if it's her dog."
Within minutes, a pickup truck pulled up on Fifth Street and a woman walked up, reached down, grabbed J.D. and ran, Andrew said.
"She yelled, `This is my dog,' and they ran to the truck and drove off fast," he said.
Andrew was only three mobile home spaces from his home, but he said he feared that if he ran the man would hurt him.
"The man was big," he said. "If I tried to run, I was scared he would jump me."
Andrew ran home, and Schulz called the sheriff's Yucaipa station. But she holds little hope that J.D. will be returned.
Schulz also found out that a few other small dogs have been stolen recently. All Breed Dog Rescue, where she is going to begin work soon, had three puppies stolen, and she knows of two other cases of small dogs that were stolen, she said.
"I at least want to get this out to people with small dogs so they are aware that these people are out doing this," she said. "What really makes me mad is that these people stole J.D. from my boys who both have learning disabilities.
"We are godly people and we are trying to forgive, but we will never forget J.D."
"It's not fair," Andrew said. "I try not to think about it. It makes me sad."
J.D. is described as 6 to 8 inches tall and about 2 feet long with a white stripe on his chest. His coat is tan and yellow, and his tail curls up over his back. And his teeth stick out.
The pickup truck is described as a white Dodge, model 2500.
By KRISTEN LEVINE Tampa Tribune correspondent
You can't put a price on unconditional love and companionship, but you can save money on pet care without compromising their health and lifestyle.
In a recent PetCetera column, I shared some pet cost statistics compiled by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The average American dog owner spends about $1,500 on annual pet care, and cat owners close to $1,000.
Surely, you're getting a good return on your investment in terms of the love and friendship pets bring to your life, but we can all use some cost saving ideas these days to lessen the bite out of our budget.
I spoke to several Bay area pet professionals about their smart spending and saving tips for pet owners.
Get A Leg Up On Caring
Maintaining your best friend's health is the single most important measure you can take to minimize unexpected spending. So don't skip that check-up for your pets simply because they don't appear to have a problem.
"Preventative care and early diagnostic testing give us an opportunity to identify diseases before they become significant," explains veterinarian Angie Paben, medical director at Cypress Creek Animal Hospital in Lutz. "Routine wellness exams are the key to saving money and maintaining your pet's quality of life."
These routine physical exams should take place once or twice a year, depending on the age or condition of your pet. A comprehensive visit should include a nose-to-tail physical exam, along with an assessment of your pet's ears, eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen and joints.
Younger pets should receive vaccines or boosters to build immunity, while pets 6 years and older can forgo certain vaccinations in place of important blood work, urine and stool evaluation to identify early signs of liver, kidney or intestinal parasite diseases.
Dogs and cats should also be tested for heartworm disease annually, and because of Florida's climate, both species should be on year-round heartworm prevention.
Pet owners should ask their veterinarians about what vaccinations are necessary for their pet and at what frequency.
Rabies vaccines are very important to keep current, and Bordatella (kennel cough vaccine) may be required every six months if you board your pet frequently when you are away.
Keep in mind, many veterinarians offer cost-effective wellness and senior preventative programs that can help reduce future costs of illness and promote a healthier pet.
Scheduling visits to the vet or groomer for all your pets at the same time will save gas, time and usually money on the office fee, says Chuck Schobert, training and technical advisor for Invisible Fence.
Schobert suggests you ask your pet service provider if they offer multiple pet discounts or senior or student discounts. They surely will appreciate your business during these tough economic times, so they may be willing to treat you to a discount for multiple services.
Save On Food
What's good for humans is good for pets, too. A healthy diet, proper portions and daily activity all contribute to your pets' well-being, and the good news is that exercise is free.
Schobert suggests you buy food in bulk quantities, choosing the largest bags of food or litter and buying canned food in cases to get discounts per case.
"Offer to split your dry food purchases with a pet-owning relative or friend," he says.
Keep in mind, the quality of pet food can offer cost benefits, too. "Veterinary or premium pet diets contain a higher grade of ingredients," says Paben. "That means you can feed pets less quantity because it contains more useable energy. Cheaper diets contain more bulk and less usable energy for your pet."
If you've been thinking about bringing a new pet into your family, adopt one! Shelters and rescues are full of healthy adoptable pets these days.
Adoption fees at local animal shelters and rescue agencies range from $25 to $150 and generally include vaccinations (including rabies), spaying or neutering, and a microchip for identification. Due to a recent influx of pets rescued from hurricane-ravaged Texas, and pet relinquishment due to foreclosures, the SPCA Tampa Bay is offering a reduced fee for all adult cats - just $12.50.
Keep in mind, the amount of money you spend obtaining a pet has nothing to do with the value of the companionship you'll get in return.
Designer collars, fancy footwear and gourmet pet treats may be enticing, but does your pet really need them? Why not make do with items or ingredients you already have at home?
Make your own tug-and-toss toy with an old sock and a tennis ball. Put the ball inside, and tie a knot securely with the length of the sock. Your dog will love it as much as those pricey pet toys you purchase.
Cats enjoy few things more than a brown paper bag from the grocery store. Poke a hole in the bottom, lay the bag in its side, and your cat will entertain himself for days on end (or until the bag is destroyed).
As for treats, here is an inexpensive hot dog treat recipe you can use to train or treat your pooch, courtesy of Donna Bainter, behavior counselor at the SPCA Tampa Bay.
Start with chicken hotdogs. They have high water content and cook up crispier with less grease than the beef hotdogs. Cut them into small slices, place them on a paper or microwave-safe plate, cover and microwave on high until they are crispy - about 1 1/2 minutes. The treats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a week or more in an airtight container.
Although we all love to lavish our pets with the best things money can buy, it's more important to budget for their essential needs. Spend time, not money, on your pet. Giving them time and attention provides exercise, socialization and bonding that meets every companion animal's needs - and won't cost a dime.
Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688; e-mail kristen@fetchingcommunications.com.
By LINDA LOMBARDI - The Associated Press / The Globe Gazette
“Can I pet your dog?”
Most of us want to say yes. A good neighbor lets children pet his dog, right?
“People want to be nice,” said Colleen Pelar, dog trainer and author of “Living with Kids and Dogs... Without Losing Your Mind.” “But by being nice to people we’re sometimes not nice to our dogs.”
Many people don’t recognize the subtle signs of stress in dog body language. You may not realize that your dog tolerates being petted by strangers but does not enjoy it.
“If we don’t see that, we’re going to be blindsided on the day that’s more stressful, when four kids come over and your dog snaps,” said Pelar.
There’s certainly no need to panic about the odds of a dog bite. In her book “Dogs Bite But Balloons and Slippers are More Dangerous“, trainer Janis Bradley gives statistics showing that more emergency room visits can be attributed to accidents with furniture or footwear than interactions with dogs.
But no matter how small the chance is — no matter if it’s just a snap and not even a scratch — you know how bad you’d feel if it was your dog.
So follow a few simple rules, and understand some basic elements of canine body language.
• Most kids know to ask the owner if it’s OK. But, Pelar emphasizes, “Then you have to ask the dog.”
Some experts suggest having the child putting out a closed fist or a hand with palm upraised, others say just stand there.
But all agree: let the dog decide whether to approach the child.
Don’t hold a dog still in your lap for petting, and respect the dog’s decision if it turns away or moves behind the owner.
• If the dog does approach, observe the body language.
Don’t concentrate on the tail, it can be hard to read. Pelar said, “I tell people that if they’re looking at the tail, they’re watching the wrong end of the dog.”
Instead, the mouth can give a lot of clues.
A dog that’s licking lips, panting excessively, or yawning, is showing that he’s not comfortable. These are oral self-soothing behaviors much like sucking your thumb, said Pelar.
In contrast — opposite of the common maternal fear of the teeth showing — if the dog’s mouth is open, that’s a sign that it’s relaxed.
• Pet a dog under the chin or along the neck or side, not the top of the head.
Pelar explains this to children by saying, “Avoid the sensitive eyes and ears.” This is easy to understand, and the result is that they avoid the blind spot on the top of the dog’s head.
• Encourage children to pet slowly, rather than rapid patting.
“Slow motion like in the movies — every kid understands what that means,” said trainer Amy Robinson, whose DVD “Drool School” teaches dog safety to children.
• You can also do some advance training to prepare your dog for social interactions.
Although children should be told not to pull ears or tail, sometimes they’re too quick to stop. So do desensitization exercises with your dog by touching or very gently pulling ears and tail, and then praising him.
(Robinson said she doesn’t use food rewards for this, so that the dog doesn’t see children as a possible source of treats if they touch him in those spots.)
• Aside from watching out for your dog’s comfort level, you may want to be prepared to gently educate. When explaining to children how to approach a dog, see it from their point of view.
“How would you like some strange person to run up to you, squeal, grab your face and give you a big kiss? They get that, they understand that when you put it in those terms,” said Robinson.
• If you have to say no because your dog’s showing a stress-related behavior, take the opportunity to point it out.
And on both sides, try to understand that it’s not a judgment on the child or on the dog if this just isn’t the right moment.
“If the owner says no, that’s no reflection on the child’s behavior,” said Pelar.
“That person is not saying that you’re not kind to dogs. They’re saying that my dog’s not comfortable. And that’s OK.”
Tips For Becoming A Pet Owner
by Steve Millerman
If you are thinking of becoming a pet owner, you need to be ready for the long term cat care. You ought to be familiar with all that is needed, before you start keeping a cat, as this would help you to avoid making mistakes. Cats are nice companions but you have to understand their needs, one of which is your cat has to eat but you can't feed your feline friend your leftovers. Buy the most reputed cat food, which not only keeps your pet healthy but energetic too. To save some money for the best cat food, you might have to give up some luxuries to be able to afford them. Ensuring a safe environment for your pet is your responsibility so make sure that there are no items lying around which could be dangerous for the cat.
At least when it comes to neatness, you have the right pet because cats are known to take ample time in grooming themselves. Overt grooming might prove to be harmful for the animals, as they should not be allowed to overdo it. This can also a sign of fleas and therefore must be taken to the vet for a quick fix. It is important to remember that cats are proud and egoistical animals, so as an owner you too have to conform to its tastes and habits and keep all your litter bins clean and well kept.
It might surprise you to know that a cat has a powerful sense of smell, 14 times more than humans, so even when you think the air is clean, the cat smells rat! You would not find a cat using the litter bin for the purpose you have kept it, in case they find it malodorous. You may get the surprise of your life to see your cat's poops well hidden under your clean carpet or how about that basket of clean clothes. Let not such issues compel you to let off the cat to wander into the wilderness, just give them what they want, a clean and non-smelling litter bin.
You also have to find a good veterinarian for your cats so the moment that you get a pet, start making friends with your local veterinarians. Long-term cat care is all about remaining vigilant of early signs and symptoms, which show up, and if you just observe them critically, you would know if there is something that needs attention.
If you are settled at the thought that you want the cat to be with you for long, then you may really be the rightful owner of one. You cannot be act like you want it now and completely scrap the idea the next minute - it won't be good for your feline friend and it won't be good for you either. So before you bring the cat home, consider the various pros and cons and then make an informed choice. Never be impetuous when it concerns keeping a cat, and once you do take the decision, act your role of a conscientious pet owner. Long-term care is a decision, which you would never regret as you get the opportunity to give those affectionate animals a good home and in turn have a good time too.
About the Author
Steve Millerman is a specialist in Cat care.
What Is Parvo and How Can I Treat It?
Author: jeswitham
Say ‘Parvo’ to any dog lover, and chances are they’ll cower in terror having heard of the full extent of the fatal illness. Parvo is a deadly condition in dogs, that often conjures images of a quick and painful death – but what’s fact and what’s fiction about this much feared condition? In this article we’ll look at exactly what parvo is, and how you can go about treating and even preventing the condition with specialist parvo treatment before it takes its toll on your dogs, without having to shell out a fortune on vet bills.
Parvo is an extremely aggressive condition that ravages through dogs, with a fatal outcome. Depending on the strain, it is important to be able to spot the signs immediately, and to take action at once to prevent death or serious injury to your dog. With some strains of Parvo, you’re looking at a couple of days from first symptom to death. With some of the newer, more aggressive strains – it could be a couple of hours. For that reason it is imperative to understand exactly what symptoms you’re looking for, how to spot them, and how to treat them immediately to keep your dog healthy and safe.
So what should you look for in your dog to identify parvo? Well firstly it’s important to remember that time is very much of the essence, so you shouldn’t hesitate to act if you come across any of these symptoms. Firstly you should notice that your dog isn’t up for playing much, and its appetite will very quickly disappear. Also, look for discoloured, frequent vomiting and diarrhea, and a general increase in temperature along with bloating and excess wind. Whilst your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong, he can indicate that something’s up, and by spotting these symptoms and acting upon them quickly, you could very well save its life.
So what parvo remedy should you choose? Well there are a number of remedies available, of which parvaid is probably the safest and most effective, depending on the strain of the virus that has affected your dog. Whatever remedy you are looking for, you should try to make sure they have long life spans to provide protection for the foreseeable future, and look to see that they are herbal with as few side effects as possible, to ensure it doesn’t cause longer term problems for your dog. Remember that whilst your dog is in imminent danger, that’s no reason not to take care when effecting treatment.
You can buy parvaid and other remedies and treatments for parvo online at heavy discounts, and most of the remedies come with a shelf life of a number of years to ensure you will always be prepared should the dreaded parvo strike in the future. With the remedies available, you should be able to fend off parvo and protect your dogs against the deadly condition, without having to rack up substantial vets bills or endure any long lasting hardship.
Learn How To Give Your Cat Medication
Autor: Guest
Learn how to safely and easily give your cat tablets or liquid medication. Cats are quick, and can easily slip away from you, and hide. Try various methods, until you find one that works for you and depending on the size of your cat.
Step 1:
Prepare the medicine you have to administer and place on top of a paper towel, on the top of the kitchen counter so that you can grab it quickly as soon as the cat's mouth opens.You will need:
1.Tablets or liquid medication
2. A towel
Step 2:
Adding medication to food. Check the instructions to see whether you can add your cat's medication to her food. Mix it into a small quantity of wet food and give it to your cat when she is hungry so all the food is eaten.
Step 3:
Hold your cat securely. Place the cat on a table or in your lap and drape your arm across her body to keep her steady. You may need to wrap her in a towel to stop her scratching. Keep your body or a wall behind your cat to stop her moving backwards.Cradle her head with one hand, holding firmly and gently, and tilt her face upwards.
Step 4:
Tablets: Put one hand on top of your cat's head and tilt her head back.Hold the tablet between the thumb and forefinger of your other hand. Press down on the front of the lower jaw with your other fingers. Put the pill onto your cat's tongue as far back as you can get it. Close her mouth and hold it until she swallows.
Step 5:
Liquid medication: Liquid medication can be applied with a dropper or syringe. Tilt your cat's head back and insert the syringe or dropper into the side of the mouth behind the canines, which are the large fang shaped teeth. Release the liquid slowly so your cat has time to swallow.Remember to give your cat a treat afterwards to take the taste away.
Get More:http://cat-world.50webs.com
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clinnon@franklinbronzeplaques.com
814-346-7205 ph 814-346-7047 fax
How the Experts Choose Between an Indoor Or an Outdoor Cat
By Paul Kramer
You will need to consider the type of companionship you want from your cat and where you live and your lifestyle before deciding whether yours should be an indoor or an outdoor cat. As a responsible pet owner, you should decide whether you will let your new cat outdoors before you introduce him into your home.
If you live close to busy streets, it is best to keep your cat strictly indoors for his own safety. However, if you have reasonably large yard or live on a farm, you may prefer to allow the cat the freedom to wander indoors or outdoors, as he chooses.
The choice is yours, but there are certain points to consider before making the decision. If your cat is kept strictly indoors, you can place a carpeted shelf on a windowsill and open the window to give him the benefit of fresh air and sunshine through the safety of a screen.
And he can chatter at the birds as they flit by without harming them. Many indoor or outdoor cats are loving companions, although for their own protection, they must retain many of the wild instincts necessary for survival.
Be aware that your indoor or outdoor cat may bring some of these instincts home. Even if he is neutered, he may still mark his territory every time he enters the house. He does this by spraying against a door, a piece of furniture or even your bed.
Outdoor females, whether intact or spayed, may also engage in this behavior and, occasionally, the totally indoor cat may as well. If you have an enclosed yard, your cat may enjoy spending time outside, but keep in mind that he is not totally safe as he can easily wander out of the yard and other cats can wander in.
The dangers your cat may encounter outdoors range from being attacked by neighboring cats or dogs to being stuck by an automobile. An abscess can result from a cat or dog bite, but it may not be visible until the infection has spread via his bloodstream through much of his body.
To learn more about the different types of Indoor And Outdoot Cat And Cheap Pet Meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Kramer
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