This is such a pet peeve (pardon the pun) of mine, but why does Wal-Mart sell live fish? Everytime I go to any Wal-Mart with tropical fish, they look sick, many having ich (white spot disease) or even worse - dead floating in the tank.
But still, they always have rows of tanks full of dying fish. And they keep buying more from distributors since the tanks are always full of semi-alive fish covered with ich or fungus.
Adding unhealthy fish to your community tank can effectively wipe-out all the other fish in you have. Before adding any fish to your tank, inspect it closely for torn fins, fungus, and white spots. Make sure the fish is alert, active, and swimming around while not at the surface gasping for air.
Most likely, you won't find any fish like this at Wal-Mart. And even adding one unhealthy fish to your aquarium can introduce diseases that can destroy your community.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
"Altered"
We recently took Kelso, our male Lhasa Apso, to get, as they say, altered. The term struck me as funny, but I guess in the long run, that is exactly what they are doing to him, altering. I remember growing up, and we used to always say the dog was being "Fixed." But when you say fixed, in a lot of ways you are saying that maybe there was something broken to begin with?
I would have thought the term of spayed or neutered would be used by our vet, but when the paperwork came to us, it stated the surgery as our dog being altered.
There really isn't an easy way to describe what is being done to dog...especially if you're a guy!! But the good news is, no matter what you call it, Kelso did fine, and is now recovering. He's been whining a bit since the surgery, and I'm sure he's still a bit uncomfortable, but in a few weeks, it will all be a distant memory.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Over Feeding Fish Could Lead to Problems
Fish always see hungry in a home aquarium. They are always going to the top of the tank whenever you walk by, hoping you'll drop some goodies in the tank. But when it comes to fish feeding, overfeeding is one of the hardest mistakes to avoid.
It can be directly harmful to both the health of the fish and the quality of their water. All that uneaten food will be broken down into ammonia and nitrite, both of which are extremely toxic to fish. As uneaten food decays, it can also cause a variety of other problems, including cloudy water, algae blooms, in addition to low PH and low oxygen levels in the tank.
Poor water quality leads to poor fish health. There is always debate as to how often to feed your fish. Some people suggest 2 or 3 small meals a day, while others suggest once a day is fine. A lot of times it also depends on the type of fish. Regardless of how often, always feed your fish about as much as they will consume in about 2 - 3 minutes. Any more could lead to problems.
It can be directly harmful to both the health of the fish and the quality of their water. All that uneaten food will be broken down into ammonia and nitrite, both of which are extremely toxic to fish. As uneaten food decays, it can also cause a variety of other problems, including cloudy water, algae blooms, in addition to low PH and low oxygen levels in the tank.
Poor water quality leads to poor fish health. There is always debate as to how often to feed your fish. Some people suggest 2 or 3 small meals a day, while others suggest once a day is fine. A lot of times it also depends on the type of fish. Regardless of how often, always feed your fish about as much as they will consume in about 2 - 3 minutes. Any more could lead to problems.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Weddings Are Going to the Dogs
As if worrying about the potential for the little flower girls and ring boys weren't enough to you stress at a wedding, more and more dogs are getting into the act.
The craze seemed to get going a few years back when Adam Sandler dressed up his dogs in little tuxedos. But according to this article from Chronicle Books, it is a trend that may continue to grown. Check out the guest article and as always, we enjoy your thoughts
The craze seemed to get going a few years back when Adam Sandler dressed up his dogs in little tuxedos. But according to this article from Chronicle Books, it is a trend that may continue to grown. Check out the guest article and as always, we enjoy your thoughts
Friday, July 10, 2009
Should It Be Law to Neuter Your Pets?
Do you think it should be a law to spay or neuter your pets? Vote here in The Pet Place Poll
So far, there are a lot of votes into this poll, and the no's are leading by an overwhelming majority.
What's your thoughts on the issue?
So far, there are a lot of votes into this poll, and the no's are leading by an overwhelming majority.
What's your thoughts on the issue?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A Fundraising Site for Shelters
I was recently contacted about a new site who's goal it is to support not only the pet community, but animal shelters as well. Here is some information from the press release:
Roseland, N.J., June 22, 2009 – Shop ‘til you drop in support of animal shelters, then get together with friends to share stories, advice and even pictures – all online. That’s the goal of the newly launched www.bringpetshome.org. The fundraising Web site also offers exclusive content for cat and dog owners which includes information on pet care and safety, information on animal shelters, as well blogs, groups and open forums.
The site’s primary purpose is to raise money to help shelters care for homeless pets. It serves as an online portal where visitors can access more than 150 major online retailers, like Amazon, Sephora, Wal-Mart, iTunes, and many more. To raise money, online shoppers register at www.bringpetshome.org to select a shelter to support, then click-through to the merchant of choice. Each retailer specifies a percent commission on the Web site and donates that percentage of the purchase to Bring Pets Home. There is no additional cost to the consumer.
Every year, six to eight million animals enter U. S. shelters. According to the ASPCA, as many as one million additional dogs and cats are in danger of losing their homes in 2009, at a time when fewer donations are coming in. All need food, shelter, and medical care, so that they have the chance to be reunited with their original owners or adopted into caring, permanent homes.
“Bring Pets Home is a great way for pet lovers to raise money to help homeless animals without ever leaving home—and at no cost to them,” says Linda Block of Bring Pets Home. “More pets are entering shelters, but donors’ purse strings have tightened. Anyone can help by simply remembering to visit http://www.bringpetshome.org to click-through to a favorite online merchant whenever shopping online.“
About Bring Pets Home
BRING PETS HOME is a not-for-profit animal charity that raises money to help animals in shelters across the country. 100% of the money raised will go directly to animal shelters to provide food, shelter and medical treatment to pets in need. All operating costs of BRING PETS HOME are covered by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. There is no additional cost to the consumer. To learn more, visit www.bringpetshome.org.
Roseland, N.J., June 22, 2009 – Shop ‘til you drop in support of animal shelters, then get together with friends to share stories, advice and even pictures – all online. That’s the goal of the newly launched www.bringpetshome.org. The fundraising Web site also offers exclusive content for cat and dog owners which includes information on pet care and safety, information on animal shelters, as well blogs, groups and open forums.
The site’s primary purpose is to raise money to help shelters care for homeless pets. It serves as an online portal where visitors can access more than 150 major online retailers, like Amazon, Sephora, Wal-Mart, iTunes, and many more. To raise money, online shoppers register at www.bringpetshome.org to select a shelter to support, then click-through to the merchant of choice. Each retailer specifies a percent commission on the Web site and donates that percentage of the purchase to Bring Pets Home. There is no additional cost to the consumer.
Every year, six to eight million animals enter U. S. shelters. According to the ASPCA, as many as one million additional dogs and cats are in danger of losing their homes in 2009, at a time when fewer donations are coming in. All need food, shelter, and medical care, so that they have the chance to be reunited with their original owners or adopted into caring, permanent homes.
“Bring Pets Home is a great way for pet lovers to raise money to help homeless animals without ever leaving home—and at no cost to them,” says Linda Block of Bring Pets Home. “More pets are entering shelters, but donors’ purse strings have tightened. Anyone can help by simply remembering to visit http://www.bringpetshome.org to click-through to a favorite online merchant whenever shopping online.“
About Bring Pets Home
BRING PETS HOME is a not-for-profit animal charity that raises money to help animals in shelters across the country. 100% of the money raised will go directly to animal shelters to provide food, shelter and medical treatment to pets in need. All operating costs of BRING PETS HOME are covered by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. There is no additional cost to the consumer. To learn more, visit www.bringpetshome.org.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Are You A Pet Product Inventor?
PetSmart has teamed up with innovation portal Edison Nation (www.EdisonNation.com) to host a “Live Product Search” specifically asking people to submit their innovative ideas for interactive pet toys and products that help keep house pets of all shapes and sizes entertained while owners are away.
Edison Nation, will present product concepts to PetSmart following the July 9th close of their “Live Product Search.” PetSmart will then choose which concepts to research, develop and potentially add to their product offering.
Individuals whose products are selected for development by PetSmart will receive a $2500 advance and percentage of future product sales for up to 20 years.
The direct link to PetSmart's Live Product Search opportunity on Edison Nation is: http://www.edisonnation.com/petsmart.
With only one week left in the search, this offers readers the chance to jump on the ideas that have been scribbled on a sticky note or just thoughts in their inventive minds.
A recent American Pet Products Association report revealed that whereas most retail sectors are struggling to simply stay afloat, the pet industry is actually thriving, as one of the fastest-growing sectors with projected 4.9% increase in spending to $45.4 billion in 2009.
For more information on the Live Product Search hosted by a globally renowned consumer products company, see the official Web site for the search: http://www.edisonnation.com/global-consumer-products.
Edison Nation, will present product concepts to PetSmart following the July 9th close of their “Live Product Search.” PetSmart will then choose which concepts to research, develop and potentially add to their product offering.
Individuals whose products are selected for development by PetSmart will receive a $2500 advance and percentage of future product sales for up to 20 years.
The direct link to PetSmart's Live Product Search opportunity on Edison Nation is: http://www.edisonnation.com/petsmart.
With only one week left in the search, this offers readers the chance to jump on the ideas that have been scribbled on a sticky note or just thoughts in their inventive minds.
A recent American Pet Products Association report revealed that whereas most retail sectors are struggling to simply stay afloat, the pet industry is actually thriving, as one of the fastest-growing sectors with projected 4.9% increase in spending to $45.4 billion in 2009.
For more information on the Live Product Search hosted by a globally renowned consumer products company, see the official Web site for the search: http://www.edisonnation.com/global-consumer-products.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th of July
I'm sure there are plenty of posts on the internet about holiday safety for your pets, and I've been guilty of it in the past. So for this year, I'm simply going to say, enjoy the weekend as best you can!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Dog Boarding
I recently posted a contest for a stay at one of PetSmart's pet hotels. The giveaway, by the way, is still open and it is easy to enter from clicking this link.
This got me to thinking, what do others do when they go on vacation? Do they get pet sitters to come to the house? And if so, are they friends/relatives? Or someone that is hired?
Do people board their pets? Do they leave them with strangers at a kennel? There are so many options, all of which most likely cost money, or at least a trade off if you're using your friends/relatives. Or do you simply look for places that allow pets?
And that brings up another issue. If you're at a hotel that allows pets, how much can you trust the staff if you decide to go out for a bit without your pet? can you pet be left in the room? I would definitely put up the Do Not Disturb Sign.
What do you do with your pets when you travel?
This got me to thinking, what do others do when they go on vacation? Do they get pet sitters to come to the house? And if so, are they friends/relatives? Or someone that is hired?
Do people board their pets? Do they leave them with strangers at a kennel? There are so many options, all of which most likely cost money, or at least a trade off if you're using your friends/relatives. Or do you simply look for places that allow pets?
And that brings up another issue. If you're at a hotel that allows pets, how much can you trust the staff if you decide to go out for a bit without your pet? can you pet be left in the room? I would definitely put up the Do Not Disturb Sign.
What do you do with your pets when you travel?
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