Little Nancy was in the garden filling in a hole when her neighbor peered over the fence. Interested in what the little girl was up to, he politely asked, "What are you up to there, Nancy?"
"My goldfish died," replied Nancy tearfully, without looking up, "and I've just buried him."
The neighbor was concerned, "That's an awfully big hole for a goldfish, isn't it?"
Nancy patted down the last heap of earth and then replied, "That's because he's inside your stupid cat."
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Beware of Cocoa Mulch
This one has been floating around the internet and email forwards for a few years, but seems to be some truth to the warning. According to an article on Snopes,
this common outdoor garden mulch, sold at a variety of stores, does contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to your pets. The substance smells like chocolate and contains a chemical that can be lethal.
Take extra care when gardening and to be on the safe side, avoid using this mulch.
Monday, February 23, 2009
3 Cat Symptoms Never to Ignore
According to Petplace.com, there are three cat symptoms that you should never ignore...here they are along with their reasoning.
1. Red Eye . A "red eye" is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. It may be seen with several different diseases including those involving different parts of the eye including the external eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea, and sclera. It may also occur with inflammation of the structures inside the eye, with glaucoma (high pressure within the eye) or with certain diseases of the orbit (eye socket). Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon the cause of the problem. Some of the possible causes can be serious and ultimately cause blindness.
2. Coughing . Coughing is a relatively uncommon problem in cats. Coughing is a common protective reflex that clears secretions or foreign matter from the throat, voice box, and/or airways, and protects the lungs against aspiration. It affects the respiratory system by hindering the ability to breathe properly. Common causes include obstruction in the windpipe, bronchitis, pneumonia, heartworm disease, lung tumors, and heart failure. Some of the causes are life threatening and all cats with a cough should be evaluated by a veterinarian
3. Bloody Diarrhea . Blood in the feces can either appear as "melena" which makes the stools appear black and tarry is the presence suggests digested blood in the feces. Melena is different from fresh blood in the stool (hematochezia). Bleeding into the colon or rectum appears as fresh blood in the stool. Bloody diarrhea should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
1. Red Eye . A "red eye" is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. It may be seen with several different diseases including those involving different parts of the eye including the external eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea, and sclera. It may also occur with inflammation of the structures inside the eye, with glaucoma (high pressure within the eye) or with certain diseases of the orbit (eye socket). Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon the cause of the problem. Some of the possible causes can be serious and ultimately cause blindness.
2. Coughing . Coughing is a relatively uncommon problem in cats. Coughing is a common protective reflex that clears secretions or foreign matter from the throat, voice box, and/or airways, and protects the lungs against aspiration. It affects the respiratory system by hindering the ability to breathe properly. Common causes include obstruction in the windpipe, bronchitis, pneumonia, heartworm disease, lung tumors, and heart failure. Some of the causes are life threatening and all cats with a cough should be evaluated by a veterinarian
3. Bloody Diarrhea . Blood in the feces can either appear as "melena" which makes the stools appear black and tarry is the presence suggests digested blood in the feces. Melena is different from fresh blood in the stool (hematochezia). Bleeding into the colon or rectum appears as fresh blood in the stool. Bloody diarrhea should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Want To Add a Feathered friend?
Thinking of adding a feathered friend to your flock?
(Here are a few things to keep in mind)
Special guest post by Elizabeth Judek of www.birdyparadise.com
When considering whether a bird would make a fitting addition to your family, some very important factors must be kept in mind.
Generally, the idea of a pet bird evokes images of beautiful, colorful feathers, sweet warbled tunes, and perhaps even comical conversations. Poopy cages and skittish little guys with their hearts beating through their chests aren’t really thought of until it’s oftentimes far too late.
Birds, just like cats or dogs, are all mini individuals. Each has his or her own needs, personality, and preferences. While selecting a certain sort of bird may give you a general idea of what to expect, your bird may still exhibit some peculiarities. As a responsible pet owner, this has to be taken into account.
Other things that are helpful to consider include:
• The bird’s size, the cage it will need, and the space for both within your dwelling (the cage should allow the bird adequate room to hop around, and possibly even fly). Also, look into the sort of cage the breed you’re interested in prefers. Budgies, for example, like cages with a longer width and care less for height. Thought must also be put in to where the cage will be placed. A bird will be bored and lonely (especially if it is a single bird) if placed in a room that rarely sees human traffic. Your living room would be the best bet if you want to keep your new friend happy.
• The other residents of your abode (be they other pets, children, or your sweetie). Keep in mind that birds can be noisy, and are definitely “morning people”. Expect some shrieks among the melodies. Also, different birds will make very specific types of noise, and some are louder than others. Not every sort can sing, and not every kind can talk. Be sure you can handle the pitch of their warblings before you commit to becoming a bird owner.
• The amount of time you’ll be able to devote to its care (you’ll need to put in some serious hours to have a good relationship with your bird). It is not reasonable to expect a bird to love you immediately. Also, many breeds are very skittish (think finches and canaries) while others (like cockatoos) might love to cuddle. It’s important to note that where you buy the bird will highly impact how well it will take to humans. A hand-reared bird from a reputable breeder will be far easier to hand train than a bird plucked from a huge cage in a pet shop. Also be prepared to do some research on particular breeds you may be interested in, beforehand, to know the specific requirements for your future buddy.
• The amount of time you’ll be able to devote to extra cleaning (the bottom of the cage requires daily maintenance, as does the entire area around the cage – a mini vacuum would be a very wise investment). Birds also need baths from time to time, to keep their feathers clean and glossy. Misting them with water from a spray bottle is also recommended, especially if your home is hot or dry. A humidifier would take care of humidity issues just as well, and provide you and the other habitants of the home (including your plants) with a nicer atmosphere.
• Your use of products that affect air quality or cleanliness (did you know that your cooking with a Teflon pan might kill your bird? They are especially deadly if you’ve burnt something cooking on one, as smoke indiscriminately travels to other parts of the home). Additionally, smoking, incense, and potentially toxic plug-ins or air sprays are all certifiable threats for birds. They are very sensitive to even tiny amounts of impurities in the air.
• Your financial situation (looking past the initial cost is key here). Whether or not you’re able to shell out $20 for a budgie, or thousands for a macaw, will evidently affect your decision of which bird to buy. However, you must consider that its food and veterinary visits will be recurring costs. A cage, toys, treats perches, and other accessories also cannot be avoided, and require that a part of your budget is allocated towards such. Dietary supplements might also be required
• Consider whether you’ll be comfortable regularly clipping your bird’s wings (this might help keep them safe and make it easier to hand-train them). Remember that if you chose to do any bird grooming yourself, that its very important to be precise and steady (cutting claws too close to a blood vessel, or cutting through blood-feathers is painful and potentially life-threatening).
• Finally, consider how often you’ll let the little guy out of cage, if at all. While its cage is its secure haven, most birds are up for a bit of exploration every now and then. However, there are many hazards (open toilets, open windows, poisonous houseplants, ovens in use, burning candles, plastic bags, and sneaky kitties, to mention just a few).
Most important of all, take a good look at yourself. Are you up for the (sometimes difficult) but gloriously rewarding task of taking in a bird companion? Are you capable of providing a comfortable home for a creature that might live between a decade to over a century? Chose well and chose wisely – and if you should be so lucky that everything is in order, you’ll certainly reap a wonderful reward.
For other great bird tips, hop on over to birdyparadise.com!
(Here are a few things to keep in mind)
Special guest post by Elizabeth Judek of www.birdyparadise.com
When considering whether a bird would make a fitting addition to your family, some very important factors must be kept in mind.
Generally, the idea of a pet bird evokes images of beautiful, colorful feathers, sweet warbled tunes, and perhaps even comical conversations. Poopy cages and skittish little guys with their hearts beating through their chests aren’t really thought of until it’s oftentimes far too late.
Birds, just like cats or dogs, are all mini individuals. Each has his or her own needs, personality, and preferences. While selecting a certain sort of bird may give you a general idea of what to expect, your bird may still exhibit some peculiarities. As a responsible pet owner, this has to be taken into account.
Other things that are helpful to consider include:
• The bird’s size, the cage it will need, and the space for both within your dwelling (the cage should allow the bird adequate room to hop around, and possibly even fly). Also, look into the sort of cage the breed you’re interested in prefers. Budgies, for example, like cages with a longer width and care less for height. Thought must also be put in to where the cage will be placed. A bird will be bored and lonely (especially if it is a single bird) if placed in a room that rarely sees human traffic. Your living room would be the best bet if you want to keep your new friend happy.
• The other residents of your abode (be they other pets, children, or your sweetie). Keep in mind that birds can be noisy, and are definitely “morning people”. Expect some shrieks among the melodies. Also, different birds will make very specific types of noise, and some are louder than others. Not every sort can sing, and not every kind can talk. Be sure you can handle the pitch of their warblings before you commit to becoming a bird owner.
• The amount of time you’ll be able to devote to its care (you’ll need to put in some serious hours to have a good relationship with your bird). It is not reasonable to expect a bird to love you immediately. Also, many breeds are very skittish (think finches and canaries) while others (like cockatoos) might love to cuddle. It’s important to note that where you buy the bird will highly impact how well it will take to humans. A hand-reared bird from a reputable breeder will be far easier to hand train than a bird plucked from a huge cage in a pet shop. Also be prepared to do some research on particular breeds you may be interested in, beforehand, to know the specific requirements for your future buddy.
• The amount of time you’ll be able to devote to extra cleaning (the bottom of the cage requires daily maintenance, as does the entire area around the cage – a mini vacuum would be a very wise investment). Birds also need baths from time to time, to keep their feathers clean and glossy. Misting them with water from a spray bottle is also recommended, especially if your home is hot or dry. A humidifier would take care of humidity issues just as well, and provide you and the other habitants of the home (including your plants) with a nicer atmosphere.
• Your use of products that affect air quality or cleanliness (did you know that your cooking with a Teflon pan might kill your bird? They are especially deadly if you’ve burnt something cooking on one, as smoke indiscriminately travels to other parts of the home). Additionally, smoking, incense, and potentially toxic plug-ins or air sprays are all certifiable threats for birds. They are very sensitive to even tiny amounts of impurities in the air.
• Your financial situation (looking past the initial cost is key here). Whether or not you’re able to shell out $20 for a budgie, or thousands for a macaw, will evidently affect your decision of which bird to buy. However, you must consider that its food and veterinary visits will be recurring costs. A cage, toys, treats perches, and other accessories also cannot be avoided, and require that a part of your budget is allocated towards such. Dietary supplements might also be required
• Consider whether you’ll be comfortable regularly clipping your bird’s wings (this might help keep them safe and make it easier to hand-train them). Remember that if you chose to do any bird grooming yourself, that its very important to be precise and steady (cutting claws too close to a blood vessel, or cutting through blood-feathers is painful and potentially life-threatening).
• Finally, consider how often you’ll let the little guy out of cage, if at all. While its cage is its secure haven, most birds are up for a bit of exploration every now and then. However, there are many hazards (open toilets, open windows, poisonous houseplants, ovens in use, burning candles, plastic bags, and sneaky kitties, to mention just a few).
Most important of all, take a good look at yourself. Are you up for the (sometimes difficult) but gloriously rewarding task of taking in a bird companion? Are you capable of providing a comfortable home for a creature that might live between a decade to over a century? Chose well and chose wisely – and if you should be so lucky that everything is in order, you’ll certainly reap a wonderful reward.
For other great bird tips, hop on over to birdyparadise.com!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign
Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign Foots the Bill,
So Pets Don’t Pay the Price
Advantage® from Bayer Animal Health Distributes More than $250,000
Worth of Veterinary Vouchers to Get Pets Visiting Veterinarians
SHAWNEE, Kan. (February 16, 2009) – Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health announced today the Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign with a mission to distribute more than $250,000 in $20 Veterinary Vouchers and offer valuable money-saving information to help offset costs and concerns for pet owners nationwide. Regular veterinary visits and preventive care are essential to maintaining a pet’s health, but during these challenging economic times, many pet owners are facing difficult choices about how to pay for and prioritize their pets’ care and wellness.
In fact, a recent survey of veterinarians confirmed pet owners have scaled back on veterinary visits and preventive pet care in the past six months2 – and nearly one-half of pet owners revealed they are now more likely to wait until there are obvious, visible issues with their pets before seeking veterinary treatment, with most noting that costs and economic concerns were the reason for the delay.1 More than 90 percent of veterinarians expressed concern about the future health of pets if veterinary visits and preventive care decline.2
From February 16 through February 28, 2009, the Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign by Advantage® from Bayer Animal Health is lending a hand by giving up to 13,000 pet owners the chance to receive a $20 Veterinary Voucher. These vouchers can be used at any licensed veterinary clinic nationwide for preventive care services including: vaccinations, wellness exams, flea and tick treatment and prevention, heartworm preventatives and dental care. Each voucher helps offset close to 20 percent of the average cost of a veterinary visit for cats and dogs.
“Cats and dogs age much faster than we do. For some breeds, they can go from adolescence to middle age in a few short years. Since their health issues can develop and progress faster, regular veterinary visits are critical for checking health status and any new health developments,” said leading veterinarian and pet expert, Dr. Marty Becker. “Missed veterinary visits are missed opportunities to identify and address potentially serious health issues and complications as your pet ages. It’s far easier and more economical to prevent a health problem than to treat one.”
The Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign by Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health provides support to pet owners in two ways:
* At www.gettothevet.com from February 16 through February 28, 2009, dog and cat owners have a chance to receive a $20 Veterinary Voucher good toward preventive veterinary care (vaccinations, wellness exams, flea and tick treatment and prevention, heartworm preventatives, dental care, etc.). Vouchers are available on a first-come basis from 9:00AM to 9:00PM ET every hour on the hour with up to 1,000 vouchers distributed each day. More than 80 vouchers distributed every hour. No purchase necessary to obtain voucher. Voucher valid until May 31, 2009. See official rules.
* At www.gettothevet.com, pet owners can find money-saving tips on pet care from leading veterinarian and pet expert, Dr. Marty Becker.
Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health issued “The State of Preventive Veterinary Care Report,” a comprehensive compilation of third-party and original research from pet owners and veterinarians, that concluded veterinarians believe pet health care is a major area for concern – with the potential for the problem to intensify without proper preventive care.
Insights from Advantage® from Bayer Animal Health:
* As many as 98 percent of veterinarians believe that preventive care is one of the best ways to forgo added medical costs and treatments in the long run for pet owners.
* More than nine out of 10 veterinarians expressed concern about the future health of pets if veterinary visits and preventive care decline, with almost half of them expressing deep concerns.
* More than 35 percent of pet owners admit they have already cut back on veterinary services. Other areas where they indicated they are seriously considering scaling back are grooming and teeth cleaning.
* More than 20 percent of pet owners are seriously considering scaling back on veterinary wellness visits, despite these pet-related costs being one of the expenses they want to sacrifice the least.
* Nearly half of the pet owners surveyed pointed to the cost of clinic visits and exams as barriers to taking their pets to the veterinarian, and 30 percent of pet owners admitted they have not taken their pet to the veterinarian for routine and/or preventive care in the past six months.
* Nearly 50 percent of pet owners reveal they will now wait until there are obvious, visible problems with their pets before visiting a veterinarian, with almost 80 percent of them pointing to economic/financial concerns as the reason for the delay.
* Within the past year, 35 percent of pet owners have cut costs on personal and lifestyle items (clothing, beauty products, home accessories, etc.) to afford their pet’s health care.
“As animal health professionals and committed industry partners, we understand the vitally important role that veterinarians and preventive care play in keeping pets healthy,” added Ohle. “We want to help pet owners to continue to work with veterinarians to ensure their pets’ well-being.”
To learn more about the Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign by Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health and for a chance to receive a $20 Veterinary Voucher, visit www.gettothevet.com.
So Pets Don’t Pay the Price
Advantage® from Bayer Animal Health Distributes More than $250,000
Worth of Veterinary Vouchers to Get Pets Visiting Veterinarians
SHAWNEE, Kan. (February 16, 2009) – Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health announced today the Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign with a mission to distribute more than $250,000 in $20 Veterinary Vouchers and offer valuable money-saving information to help offset costs and concerns for pet owners nationwide. Regular veterinary visits and preventive care are essential to maintaining a pet’s health, but during these challenging economic times, many pet owners are facing difficult choices about how to pay for and prioritize their pets’ care and wellness.
In fact, a recent survey of veterinarians confirmed pet owners have scaled back on veterinary visits and preventive pet care in the past six months2 – and nearly one-half of pet owners revealed they are now more likely to wait until there are obvious, visible issues with their pets before seeking veterinary treatment, with most noting that costs and economic concerns were the reason for the delay.1 More than 90 percent of veterinarians expressed concern about the future health of pets if veterinary visits and preventive care decline.2
From February 16 through February 28, 2009, the Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign by Advantage® from Bayer Animal Health is lending a hand by giving up to 13,000 pet owners the chance to receive a $20 Veterinary Voucher. These vouchers can be used at any licensed veterinary clinic nationwide for preventive care services including: vaccinations, wellness exams, flea and tick treatment and prevention, heartworm preventatives and dental care. Each voucher helps offset close to 20 percent of the average cost of a veterinary visit for cats and dogs.
“Cats and dogs age much faster than we do. For some breeds, they can go from adolescence to middle age in a few short years. Since their health issues can develop and progress faster, regular veterinary visits are critical for checking health status and any new health developments,” said leading veterinarian and pet expert, Dr. Marty Becker. “Missed veterinary visits are missed opportunities to identify and address potentially serious health issues and complications as your pet ages. It’s far easier and more economical to prevent a health problem than to treat one.”
The Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign by Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health provides support to pet owners in two ways:
* At www.gettothevet.com from February 16 through February 28, 2009, dog and cat owners have a chance to receive a $20 Veterinary Voucher good toward preventive veterinary care (vaccinations, wellness exams, flea and tick treatment and prevention, heartworm preventatives, dental care, etc.). Vouchers are available on a first-come basis from 9:00AM to 9:00PM ET every hour on the hour with up to 1,000 vouchers distributed each day. More than 80 vouchers distributed every hour. No purchase necessary to obtain voucher. Voucher valid until May 31, 2009. See official rules.
* At www.gettothevet.com, pet owners can find money-saving tips on pet care from leading veterinarian and pet expert, Dr. Marty Becker.
Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health issued “The State of Preventive Veterinary Care Report,” a comprehensive compilation of third-party and original research from pet owners and veterinarians, that concluded veterinarians believe pet health care is a major area for concern – with the potential for the problem to intensify without proper preventive care.
Insights from Advantage® from Bayer Animal Health:
* As many as 98 percent of veterinarians believe that preventive care is one of the best ways to forgo added medical costs and treatments in the long run for pet owners.
* More than nine out of 10 veterinarians expressed concern about the future health of pets if veterinary visits and preventive care decline, with almost half of them expressing deep concerns.
* More than 35 percent of pet owners admit they have already cut back on veterinary services. Other areas where they indicated they are seriously considering scaling back are grooming and teeth cleaning.
* More than 20 percent of pet owners are seriously considering scaling back on veterinary wellness visits, despite these pet-related costs being one of the expenses they want to sacrifice the least.
* Nearly half of the pet owners surveyed pointed to the cost of clinic visits and exams as barriers to taking their pets to the veterinarian, and 30 percent of pet owners admitted they have not taken their pet to the veterinarian for routine and/or preventive care in the past six months.
* Nearly 50 percent of pet owners reveal they will now wait until there are obvious, visible problems with their pets before visiting a veterinarian, with almost 80 percent of them pointing to economic/financial concerns as the reason for the delay.
* Within the past year, 35 percent of pet owners have cut costs on personal and lifestyle items (clothing, beauty products, home accessories, etc.) to afford their pet’s health care.
“As animal health professionals and committed industry partners, we understand the vitally important role that veterinarians and preventive care play in keeping pets healthy,” added Ohle. “We want to help pet owners to continue to work with veterinarians to ensure their pets’ well-being.”
To learn more about the Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet Campaign by Advantage® Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health and for a chance to receive a $20 Veterinary Voucher, visit www.gettothevet.com.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Write a Guest Post!
Calling all pet enthusiasts. The Pet Haven is accepting posts from guest bloggers. The rules are simple:
1-Write a pet related post. It could be an owner story, something newsworthy, something health related, or something unique. We reserve the right not to publish something we think is inappropriate or that has an agenda.
2- Add a link on your site to either the Pet Haven home page, or to the article itself once it is published.
All articles that are published will list whatever contact info about the author you like, along with a link to the guest writer's page.
Send submissions by email to mattfm77@hotmail.com, with Guest blogger as the subject line.
1-Write a pet related post. It could be an owner story, something newsworthy, something health related, or something unique. We reserve the right not to publish something we think is inappropriate or that has an agenda.
2- Add a link on your site to either the Pet Haven home page, or to the article itself once it is published.
All articles that are published will list whatever contact info about the author you like, along with a link to the guest writer's page.
Send submissions by email to mattfm77@hotmail.com, with Guest blogger as the subject line.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Responsible Fishkeeping Initiative
Red-tailed catfish, pacus, and iridescent sharks may be sold as juveniles to hobbyists who don't realize how large these fish may eventually become; all can grown to over 3 feet in length. People who find themselves with huge specimens they can no longer care for may not always be able to find a home for them. As a last resort, hobbyists may release these fish into local waters. This is not only illegal, but it dangerous and very bad for the aquarium hobby and industry.
The Responsible Fishkeeping Initiative (RFI) is an effort on the part of concerned people and companies to put a stop to the release of anything from an aquarium into the wild. Retail fish stores participating in the RFI agree to two things: 1) not to sell these species and 2) to accept large specimens of any species from people who can no longer care for them. The stores will attempt to find a home for these fish, and if they cannot do so, the fish will be humanely euthanized.
Source: www.fishchannel.com/RFI
The Responsible Fishkeeping Initiative (RFI) is an effort on the part of concerned people and companies to put a stop to the release of anything from an aquarium into the wild. Retail fish stores participating in the RFI agree to two things: 1) not to sell these species and 2) to accept large specimens of any species from people who can no longer care for them. The stores will attempt to find a home for these fish, and if they cannot do so, the fish will be humanely euthanized.
Source: www.fishchannel.com/RFI
Friday, February 13, 2009
Otto The Octopus Wreaks Havoc!
Staff believe that the octopus called Otto had been annoyed by the bright light shining into his aquarium and had discovered he could extinguish it by climbing onto the rim of his tank and squirting a jet of water in its direction.
The short-circuit had baffled electricians as well as staff at the Sea Star Aquarium in Coburg, Germany, who decided to take shifts sleeping on the floor to find out what caused the mysterious blackouts.
A spokesman said: "It was a serious matter because it shorted the electricity supply to the whole aquarium that threatened the lives of the other animals when water pumps ceased to work.
"It was on the third night that we found out that the octopus Otto was responsible for the chaos.
"We knew that he was bored as the aquarium is closed for winter, and at two feet, seven inches Otto had discovered he was big enough to swing onto the edge of his tank and shoot out the 2000 Watt spot light above him with a carefully directed jet of water."
Director Elfriede Kummer who witnessed the act said: "We've put the light a bit higher now so he shouldn't be able to reach it. But Otto is constantly craving for attention and always comes up with new stunts so we have realised we will have to keep more careful eye on him - and also perhaps give him a few more toys to play with.
"Once we saw him juggling the hermit crabs in his tank, another time he threw stones against the glass damaging it. And from time to time he completely re-arranges his tank to make it suit his own taste better - much to the distress of his fellow tank inhabitants." (Source: Telegraph.co.uk)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Crazy for Catnip?
Is your cat crazy for catnip? When she gets some catnip does she start frolicking around the room and displaying behavior that is normally too "undignified" for a cat?
Well, according to Pet Place most cats (70 to 90 percent) are likely to exhibit at least some reaction to catnip, which is an herbal relative of the mint family. Even the housecat's super-sized cousins (lions, pumas and leopards) get turned on by it.
Some cats get whacky when they smell the stuff - licking, meowing and rolling around. Other cats don't get the same kind of buzz. And a few show absolutely no interest in catnip at all. Cats of reproductive age tend to enjoy it more than older or younger cats, while kittens under 8 weeks of age and cats that are fearful or stressed may avoid it altogether.
Scientists aren't sure what causes the "catnip reaction" but most kitties have a blast when they're around it. The fun usually lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. But after the frolicking is over, most cats won't respond to catnip again for at least another hour.
Many people buy catnip toys for their kitties. Some catnip toys propel your kitty into overdrive while others seem to get little or no response at all.
Why is that? Well, like everything else, not all catnip toys are created equal.
The active ingredient that gives your cat a "buzz" is called nepetalactone. It's highly concentrated in the leaves and blossoms of the catnip plant, but not in the stems. Which means catnip that contains stems will have less of an effect on your cat.
The catnip used in many commercial catnip toys and products is made from the entire catnip plant -stems and all. This "toy grade" catnip is cheaper, but the toy will be much less appealing to your cat.
Another important factor in the effectiveness of a toy is the actual amount of catnip the toy contains. Some manufacturers merely "scent" their toys. Others use only a small amount of catnip, stuffing their toys with "fillers" like cotton or plastic. These toys will be far less pleasing to your precious pet.
When you buy loose catnip, look for a greenish hue. It means the catnip is fresher, which is important because catnip loses its potency as it ages. But you can't see the catnip inside the toy, so how will you know if it's fresh? Take a sniff. If you can't detect any herbal smell, chances are the catnip is old or of low quality.
Well, according to Pet Place most cats (70 to 90 percent) are likely to exhibit at least some reaction to catnip, which is an herbal relative of the mint family. Even the housecat's super-sized cousins (lions, pumas and leopards) get turned on by it.
Some cats get whacky when they smell the stuff - licking, meowing and rolling around. Other cats don't get the same kind of buzz. And a few show absolutely no interest in catnip at all. Cats of reproductive age tend to enjoy it more than older or younger cats, while kittens under 8 weeks of age and cats that are fearful or stressed may avoid it altogether.
Scientists aren't sure what causes the "catnip reaction" but most kitties have a blast when they're around it. The fun usually lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. But after the frolicking is over, most cats won't respond to catnip again for at least another hour.
Many people buy catnip toys for their kitties. Some catnip toys propel your kitty into overdrive while others seem to get little or no response at all.
Why is that? Well, like everything else, not all catnip toys are created equal.
The active ingredient that gives your cat a "buzz" is called nepetalactone. It's highly concentrated in the leaves and blossoms of the catnip plant, but not in the stems. Which means catnip that contains stems will have less of an effect on your cat.
The catnip used in many commercial catnip toys and products is made from the entire catnip plant -stems and all. This "toy grade" catnip is cheaper, but the toy will be much less appealing to your cat.
Another important factor in the effectiveness of a toy is the actual amount of catnip the toy contains. Some manufacturers merely "scent" their toys. Others use only a small amount of catnip, stuffing their toys with "fillers" like cotton or plastic. These toys will be far less pleasing to your precious pet.
When you buy loose catnip, look for a greenish hue. It means the catnip is fresher, which is important because catnip loses its potency as it ages. But you can't see the catnip inside the toy, so how will you know if it's fresh? Take a sniff. If you can't detect any herbal smell, chances are the catnip is old or of low quality.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tips to Keep Pets Active in Winter
It's easy to get a bit lazy in the winter....here on the east coast, the walks have gotten shorter, for both the dogs health and mine, in some of the coldest temperatures we've seen in a couple of years on a daily basis.
Beat your pet’s winter blues. The following are tips to keep your pet active and happy the whole winter through.
1. Hide and seek games. Stow treats throughout the house. Your pet will make a game out of sniffing down the treat.
2. Send your pet to a pet day care for a break. This will allow him to socialize and burn off some excess energy.
3. Spend more time playing with and engaging your pet. Break out his favorite toy and spend some time interactively stimulating your pet.
4. Have an indoor play date. Invite a friend with a pet over to mingle. Just make sure you know they get along beforehand.
5. Take your pet on a road trip. Whether you just drive around so that your pet can see the view or have a destination, like a friend’s house, in mind this will keep your pet occupied.
Beat your pet’s winter blues. The following are tips to keep your pet active and happy the whole winter through.
1. Hide and seek games. Stow treats throughout the house. Your pet will make a game out of sniffing down the treat.
2. Send your pet to a pet day care for a break. This will allow him to socialize and burn off some excess energy.
3. Spend more time playing with and engaging your pet. Break out his favorite toy and spend some time interactively stimulating your pet.
4. Have an indoor play date. Invite a friend with a pet over to mingle. Just make sure you know they get along beforehand.
5. Take your pet on a road trip. Whether you just drive around so that your pet can see the view or have a destination, like a friend’s house, in mind this will keep your pet occupied.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Do You Brush Your Dog's Teeth?
How kissable is your dog? Does he have bad breath? Are his teeth stained?
Well, if you do not brush your dog's teeth it is very likely that your dog has "doggy" breath, yellow teeth and/or swollen gums.
I'm guilty of not brushing their teeth on a regular basis. I can never get them to sit still. However, healthy teeth and gums are important for biting and chewing, and even more important for your dog's overall good health. Tooth and gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including infection, kidney problems and heart disease!
The American Animal Hospital Association says brushing your dog's teeth could add as much as five years to his life.
So, in honor of February being pet dental month, I'm going to try to get on it and make sure my dogs have healthy teeth.
Well, if you do not brush your dog's teeth it is very likely that your dog has "doggy" breath, yellow teeth and/or swollen gums.
I'm guilty of not brushing their teeth on a regular basis. I can never get them to sit still. However, healthy teeth and gums are important for biting and chewing, and even more important for your dog's overall good health. Tooth and gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including infection, kidney problems and heart disease!
The American Animal Hospital Association says brushing your dog's teeth could add as much as five years to his life.
So, in honor of February being pet dental month, I'm going to try to get on it and make sure my dogs have healthy teeth.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Fur Often Flies in Pet Custody Battles
In the eyes of the law, pets are defined as property. Therefore, in divorce cases, a judge's decision about who gets custody of the pet requires no more legal consideration than deciding who gets the barbeque or the Barcalounger.
According to Pet Side Article, some judges have seen an increase in pet related disputes over the last seven years.
In the Midwest, a divorcing couple was clawing over the family felines. The wife claimed the cats ran away, but the suspicious soon-to-be ex-husband hired a private investigator to tail his former love. The investigator captured the woman at home with the cats in question on video. The husband then sued for joint custody in court.
A divorcing duo in Arizona insisted that the judge write into the final orders that along with joint custody of the children, they would also share joint custody of the family cat and all the hamsters.
Check out the article for more info and other resources on break-ups involving the pets.
According to Pet Side Article, some judges have seen an increase in pet related disputes over the last seven years.
In the Midwest, a divorcing couple was clawing over the family felines. The wife claimed the cats ran away, but the suspicious soon-to-be ex-husband hired a private investigator to tail his former love. The investigator captured the woman at home with the cats in question on video. The husband then sued for joint custody in court.
A divorcing duo in Arizona insisted that the judge write into the final orders that along with joint custody of the children, they would also share joint custody of the family cat and all the hamsters.
Check out the article for more info and other resources on break-ups involving the pets.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Carnival of the Cats Giveaway
For those that have ever joined a "carnival," it's a great way to promote your blog and meet other bloggers. Carnivals can be found on blogcarnival.com. You simply submit your article to a "host" who will then post all blog posts that are related to that particular topic. They have a variety of topics, including many pet related.
Once such carnival is called the Carnival of the cats. They are doing doing a give away contest during this weeks' (Sunday Feb 8th) Carnival.
It will be "silhouette." The best of will be voted on during the following week..
Monday through Thursday at http://www.petsgardenblog.com
Winner to be announced on Friday the 13th of Feb.
The winner will recieve a free silhouette decal donated by http://www.vinylsilhouettes.com.
Once such carnival is called the Carnival of the cats. They are doing doing a give away contest during this weeks' (Sunday Feb 8th) Carnival.
It will be "silhouette." The best of will be voted on during the following week..
Monday through Thursday at http://www.petsgardenblog.com
Winner to be announced on Friday the 13th of Feb.
The winner will recieve a free silhouette decal donated by http://www.vinylsilhouettes.com.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
PRICEY PET FOOD NOT NECESSARILY BETTER
Consumer Reports advises consumers about what to look for on pet-food labels; plus, fancy claims consumers can ignore.....
When it comes to buying pet food, higher cost doesn’t always mean higher quality, according to the March issue of Consumer Reports. A higher price could indicate better ingredients and better quality control during and after manufacturing, but it could also just mean prettier packaging, more marketing, or a fancy name. And despite food safety concerns that resulted from a recall of pet food tainted with melamine in 2007, Consumer Reports urges caution for consumers who are considering making their own pet food, a growing trend.
The full report is available in the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Consumer Reports asked eight experts in dog and cat nutrition at seven top veterinary schools what consumers get by spending more for pet food. They were also asked what they served their own pets: Most of the experts said they use a variety of common brands sold at pet stores or supermarkets.
A recent survey by the Associated Press found that although Americans may be spending less on themselves, they’re not scrimping on their pets. According to the survey, just one in seven pet owners said they had curtailed spending on their pet during the past year, even as they cut back on other expenses.
Thirty-seven percent of U.S. households have dogs, and 32 percent have cats. But because of multi-cat households, felines outnumber canines: As of 2007, there were almost 82 million cats and 72 million dogs.
The bottom line, says Consumer Reports: It’s more important to look for the overall nutrient profile of a particular pet food brand than it is to shop by price or even individual ingredients. “As a pet owner, your main goal is to ensure that your animal is active and healthy,” says Jamie Hirsh, associate health editor at Consumer Reports. “That suggests that the food you’re buying is doing its job. But it’s also important to know that you don’t have to choose the most expensive food to get what’s best for your pet. Look for food labeled ‘complete and balanced,’ which indicates it can be the pet’s sole nourishment.”
Hirsh advises pet owners to look for labels stating that the food’s nutritional adequacy was validated by animal-feeding tests based on protocols from the American Association of Feed Control Officials, a regulatory group. That statement is a step above the other one that AAFCO allows – that a food was formulated to meet the group’s nutrient profiles. “In addition, make sure the package has contact information for the food’s manufacturer, in case you have questions,” Hirsh says.
Consumers should also take into consideration the age of their pet and whether he or she has special needs. For example, cats with kidney or urinary problems might benefit from the moisture in wet food, while animals with dental issues might do better with dry food.
What Pet-Food Labels Really Mean
For pet food, there’s no official definition of organic, human-grade, premium, no fillers, or gourmet. Gluten-free foods are generally necessary only for the tiny percentages of pets that are intolerant of that protein. There’s some evidence that antioxidants – such as vitamin E – and some omega-3 fatty acids might enhance pets’ immunity or help protect against certain diseases, but the experts interviewed by Consumer Reports were split on whether consumers need to look for them.
Consumer Reports recommends that consumers educate themselves about pet food labeling, which is mostly defined by AAFCO, which sets standards for pet food manufacturing. Here are some examples:
The 95 percent rule (Beef for Dogs). Named ingredient(s) must account for a least 95 percent of the product by weight.
· Dinner; also Entrée, Formula, Nuggets, Platter, Recipe (Chicken and Salmon Dinner for Cats). The named ingredients must make up at least 25 percent of the product by weight, not counting water. Each individual food must make up at least 3 percent.
· “With …” (Gourmet Fillets with Turkey for Dogs). Contains 3 percent or more of the named ingredient.
· Flavor (Beef flavor). No specific percentage required, but the product must contain enough of the food to impart the claimed flavor, or another substance that tastes like it (beef stock, for example).
· Guaranteed analysis. Mandatory guarantee that the food contains the labeled percentages of crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture.
· Light, lite, low-calorie. Meets AAFCO limits for a reduced-calorie diet for overweight dogs and cats. “Lean” and “low-fat” have a similar meaning for fat.
· Natural. Technically, the food has few or no synthetic ingredients. But the claim is loosely defined.
· Grain-free. Protein in the product comes from nongrain sources (perhaps for people who want pets to eat more animal protein). It’s unclear whether there’s any benefit to a diet high in animal protein.
What Consumers Can Do
The experts also offered this advice to pet owners:
Be careful when making your own pet food. Most experts said they hadn’t seen a pet get sick from inexpensive food; however, half said they had seen pets become ill from eating homemade pet food, a growing trend since the 2007 recall of some commercial pet food contaminated by melamine. Dogs and cats each require about 40 different nutrients in very specific proportions, so pet owners who insist on making their own pet food should consider enlisting a nutritionist certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (www.acvn.org) or get help from the Web sites www.balanceit.com or www.petdiets.com.
Consider your pet’s age. Age-specific food is very important for puppies, kittens, and pregnant pets, who have especially stringent nutritional needs. Foods labeled either “for growth” or “for all life stages” meet those needs. Foods “for maintenance” are for healthy adult animals only. “Senior” is a marketing term, not a nutritional term.
Weigh the costs and benefits of wet versus dry food. There’s no nutritional difference between wet and dry pet food, but there is a cost difference. Wet foods contain about 75 percent water, so pets need more to get the same calories, and that makes wet food more expensive per serving.
When it comes to buying pet food, higher cost doesn’t always mean higher quality, according to the March issue of Consumer Reports. A higher price could indicate better ingredients and better quality control during and after manufacturing, but it could also just mean prettier packaging, more marketing, or a fancy name. And despite food safety concerns that resulted from a recall of pet food tainted with melamine in 2007, Consumer Reports urges caution for consumers who are considering making their own pet food, a growing trend.
The full report is available in the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Consumer Reports asked eight experts in dog and cat nutrition at seven top veterinary schools what consumers get by spending more for pet food. They were also asked what they served their own pets: Most of the experts said they use a variety of common brands sold at pet stores or supermarkets.
A recent survey by the Associated Press found that although Americans may be spending less on themselves, they’re not scrimping on their pets. According to the survey, just one in seven pet owners said they had curtailed spending on their pet during the past year, even as they cut back on other expenses.
Thirty-seven percent of U.S. households have dogs, and 32 percent have cats. But because of multi-cat households, felines outnumber canines: As of 2007, there were almost 82 million cats and 72 million dogs.
The bottom line, says Consumer Reports: It’s more important to look for the overall nutrient profile of a particular pet food brand than it is to shop by price or even individual ingredients. “As a pet owner, your main goal is to ensure that your animal is active and healthy,” says Jamie Hirsh, associate health editor at Consumer Reports. “That suggests that the food you’re buying is doing its job. But it’s also important to know that you don’t have to choose the most expensive food to get what’s best for your pet. Look for food labeled ‘complete and balanced,’ which indicates it can be the pet’s sole nourishment.”
Hirsh advises pet owners to look for labels stating that the food’s nutritional adequacy was validated by animal-feeding tests based on protocols from the American Association of Feed Control Officials, a regulatory group. That statement is a step above the other one that AAFCO allows – that a food was formulated to meet the group’s nutrient profiles. “In addition, make sure the package has contact information for the food’s manufacturer, in case you have questions,” Hirsh says.
Consumers should also take into consideration the age of their pet and whether he or she has special needs. For example, cats with kidney or urinary problems might benefit from the moisture in wet food, while animals with dental issues might do better with dry food.
What Pet-Food Labels Really Mean
For pet food, there’s no official definition of organic, human-grade, premium, no fillers, or gourmet. Gluten-free foods are generally necessary only for the tiny percentages of pets that are intolerant of that protein. There’s some evidence that antioxidants – such as vitamin E – and some omega-3 fatty acids might enhance pets’ immunity or help protect against certain diseases, but the experts interviewed by Consumer Reports were split on whether consumers need to look for them.
Consumer Reports recommends that consumers educate themselves about pet food labeling, which is mostly defined by AAFCO, which sets standards for pet food manufacturing. Here are some examples:
The 95 percent rule (Beef for Dogs). Named ingredient(s) must account for a least 95 percent of the product by weight.
· Dinner; also Entrée, Formula, Nuggets, Platter, Recipe (Chicken and Salmon Dinner for Cats). The named ingredients must make up at least 25 percent of the product by weight, not counting water. Each individual food must make up at least 3 percent.
· “With …” (Gourmet Fillets with Turkey for Dogs). Contains 3 percent or more of the named ingredient.
· Flavor (Beef flavor). No specific percentage required, but the product must contain enough of the food to impart the claimed flavor, or another substance that tastes like it (beef stock, for example).
· Guaranteed analysis. Mandatory guarantee that the food contains the labeled percentages of crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture.
· Light, lite, low-calorie. Meets AAFCO limits for a reduced-calorie diet for overweight dogs and cats. “Lean” and “low-fat” have a similar meaning for fat.
· Natural. Technically, the food has few or no synthetic ingredients. But the claim is loosely defined.
· Grain-free. Protein in the product comes from nongrain sources (perhaps for people who want pets to eat more animal protein). It’s unclear whether there’s any benefit to a diet high in animal protein.
What Consumers Can Do
The experts also offered this advice to pet owners:
Be careful when making your own pet food. Most experts said they hadn’t seen a pet get sick from inexpensive food; however, half said they had seen pets become ill from eating homemade pet food, a growing trend since the 2007 recall of some commercial pet food contaminated by melamine. Dogs and cats each require about 40 different nutrients in very specific proportions, so pet owners who insist on making their own pet food should consider enlisting a nutritionist certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (www.acvn.org) or get help from the Web sites www.balanceit.com or www.petdiets.com.
Consider your pet’s age. Age-specific food is very important for puppies, kittens, and pregnant pets, who have especially stringent nutritional needs. Foods labeled either “for growth” or “for all life stages” meet those needs. Foods “for maintenance” are for healthy adult animals only. “Senior” is a marketing term, not a nutritional term.
Weigh the costs and benefits of wet versus dry food. There’s no nutritional difference between wet and dry pet food, but there is a cost difference. Wet foods contain about 75 percent water, so pets need more to get the same calories, and that makes wet food more expensive per serving.
Monday, February 2, 2009
CURLY TAIL PUG RESCUE
ew York, NY, January 26, 2009 – Curly Tail Pug Rescue (CTPR) has launched, with a mission to rescue healthy, abused, abandoned, homeless, unwanted, sick and/or injured Pugs. The rescued Pugs will be rehabilitated and placed into loving, permanent adoptive homes from NYC to Massachusetts, parts of NY, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island. "We see Curly Tail as a special organization with a unique approach towards rescue, one with broad reaching goals that uses a multifaceted business plan to execute our rescue vision," said Drea Peters, Co-founder, CTPR. "Being a breed specific rescue allows us to get more involved in crucial areas including the regulation of puppy mills and additional animal rights opportunities."
CTPR will strive to educate the public about the Pug dog breed, including its personality, special needs and care, as well as the importance of domestic animal population control in general. The organization will provide for the short and long term needs of abandoned or surrendered pugs, offering veterinary care and a nurturing foster environment until they are permanently placed into a loving home. "CTPR's goals are grand and include a major education component to ensure we contribute to the awareness and eventual termination of irresponsible breeding, while our short term goals include rescuing as many needy pugs as possible!," said Kristin Balch, Co-founder, CTPR. "The two priorities paired over time will make for a successful rescue and more importantly, necessary permanent change."
CTPR was founded by Kristin Balch and Drea Peters. Kristin brings a deep instinctive compassion and great hands on experience to CTPR. Through her involvement with pug rescue specifically, she has fostered hundreds of dogs in her own home and expects that number to continually rise. Even as a dental hygienist, her work includes rescue discussions with interested patients.
Drea has been volunteering in animal rescue as a foster home and fund-raiser, for the last eight years. Drea comes to rescue with a strong background in business management and development. Combining her strong creative and business talents, she hopes to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to CTPR. Kristin resides in Boston with her pugs Xena, Hercules and Winston and Drea resides in Manhattan with her pugs Chloe Danae, Oliver Grant and Sophia, her paralyzed pug puppy who suffers from Spina Bifida.
Curly Tail Pug Rescue is incorporated and in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status. For more information, visit www.curlytailpugrescue.org.
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