Tips to Buying Tropical Fish

When buying a tropical fish, There are some important things to consider before taking one home.

Obviously, you want a fish that is healthy. But how do you pick a healthy one out when at the store? It is important to know a little bit about the type you are buying before taking it home. This way you will know what the fish should look like and what kind of behavior to expect.
You should examine the fish closely before it even leaves the store. Here are some things to look for before taking one home:

-Examine the fish closely for any type of white spots or fungus -Look at the eyes of the fish. Make sure they are not cloudy or show signs of pop-eye (a condition where the eye of the fish looks like it it popping out)

-Examine the fish closely for any torn or missing fins

-Are the fish swimming normally? or are they exhibiting some sort of unusual behavior.

-How are the other fish in the tank? Do any of them have signs of illness or disease? If so, don't purchase any fish in that tank since you don't know what may have spread.

-Are there any dead fish in the tank? If so, it's a good idea to stay away from any fish in that tank.

-Another thing you may want to ask is what type of filtration system the store contains. Many large stores may have a central filtration system where several tanks are sharing the same water. If this is the case, then if one tank shows signs of ick or disease, there is a good chance the water quality in the other tanks sharing that water could be impacted.

-Make sure to do your homework before bringing any fish species home. If you don't know how big the fish will get, or if he'll attack and kill the other fish in your home aquarium, do some research before taking that fish home.

Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Stuck On Stupid, The Pink Flamingo, Perri Nelson's Website, basil's blog, Bumpshack, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

"walking the dog" Picture

Here's a fun picture of my in-laws dog taking my dog for a "walk." Fun picture from the holidays.

Still More Dog Quotes

Some more great quotes about dogs. Hope you enjoy them!

“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.” Unknown

“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.” – Anonymous

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” – Robert A. Heinlein

“Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job” - unknown

“Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.” - unknown

Will the Recalls Ever End??

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070405/ap_on_go_ot/pet_food_recall

Another recall.....this just doesn't seem to ever want to end. Two weeks ago I thought everything that wasn't on the list was ok...until they extended the list....then expanded it again...and again....and there was a company with salmonella, and then the original list got expanded again........just make some good food already, enough is enough. We've been fortunate that the brand we've been using has been off the recall (for now anyway), and it doesn't contain any wheat gluten. But I feel so bad for all those pet owners out there who have been feeding the so-called high quality food, only to find out it's not any better then anything else out there.


Trackposted to Pet's Garden Blog, The Pink Flamingo, Conservative Cat, and basil's blog, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Purring as Communication Between Cats

Cat communication consists of a range of methods with which cats communicate with humans, other cats, and other animals. While superficially cats may seem to lack social behavior, in fact close study reveals a wide repertoire of subtle behaviors, which serve cats in their natural wild setting where they form organized hierarchies, and in their domestic interactions with humans.

It is not quite clear how and when purring is used between cats themselves, which may be more indicative of its evoluntionary significance than why it happens when humans are involved. It is likely that purring is a cat's way of communicating to other cats that it is in a sociable mood, or that it has no aggressive intent toward the other cat(s). It may also indicate to other cats in its social group that it is healthy and well.

Purring may also be a signalling mechanism between mother cats and nursing kittens. Female cats are known to purr while giving birth, and this may be to reduce the pain and also assist post-natal healing. Kittens purr while nursing, presumably as an "all's well" signal to their mother.

resources -www.wikipedia.com

Take Care if Cooking for Your Pet

With the recall, a lot of people have started cooking their own meals for their pets. Personally, I barely have enough time to cook a healthy meal for myself, so I often don't venture into daily home made meals for my dog. However, I can understand everyone's concerns. I've written plenty on what a disgrace the pet food industry is right now.

Keep in mind though, that when cooking for your pets, it is not easy to provide all the nutrition, vitamins and minerals your furry friend requires.

In addition, common foods can be dangerous. The FDA and the American Veterinary Medical Association are urging pet owners to switch brands if they are worried. The veterinarian group also warned that many common foods are not safe for pets, including salt, garlic, onions, grapes and chocolate.

I can't say I blame you if you decide to make home made meals, but wanted to mention these things that need to be considered.

Growing Pet Business - Picking Up Poop

Are you too pooped to scoop? Would you rather do anything else in the world then clean up your yard after your pet has been out there doing his duty? Well, a new growing business seems to be cleaning up lately.

I’ve come across several recently who will do the dirty work for you. “There is a never ending supply of the stuff and you have better things to do,” claims one such service. These companies will come to your house, clean up the mess, bag it up, disinfect the area, and take it all with them once they’re done.

It’s an interesting business, one that I have no intention of starting myself. But, I can appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of these folks. Dog waste can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly and apparently this is a needed service for people who just don’t want to do it themselves.

Just another segment of the pet industry popping up to serve our needs.

Who's Making the Pet Food?

This is something I posted a few weeks back, but it's still current and still bothering me.....


If one company is making pet food for a variety of manufactures, is one really better then the other?

Although it is common practice in the grocery industry for a name brand company to also produce lesser known store brands, I still like to think that the laundry detergent I bought for $8 is superior to the generic store brand selling for $6.

This same concept comes to mind when I’m buying pet food. The company that is selling (marketing) a certain brand is not necessarily overseeing the production of the food. The company that is making the food, in this case Menu Foods, is producing both the “premium” brands, and the “commercial” brands.

How am I, as a consumer, supposed to believe that these brands are truly different? In consumer products, as in pet products, a lot of the mark-ups in cost of the premium brands is due to the extra marketing costs associated with the increase of advertising such brands.
Why do we believe certain brands are premium? Because the companies spend millions of dollars each year marketing their products and branding them as such. Look who’s sponsoring the big dog shows, the pet expos, and other big media events. It’s those premium brands. But then look back at who’s making the food for a lot of those brands – the same company making the commercial brands.

So, is there really any difference other then marketing between the premium and the commercial? When it comes to a recall, there sure isn’t!

Where will that new fish tank be located?

When considering buying a new fish tank, consider the space you have available and where the aqauriam will be located. Remember, a tank gets heavy. Water itself is a lot of weight. Add in rocks, decorations, filters, and the fish, and you're talking about something you're not going to move very easily.

Be sure when positioning the tank that it is a place where it is visible. Why spend money on an aquarium if you are barely ever going to see the thing? It is also good to consider your tank maintanence when choosing a tank and location. Will it be easy to access the filter when you want to clean it and change the filter cartridge? Is it in a location where you can do water changes with ease? The harder it is to do regular cleaning, the less motivated you'll be to maintain the aquarium.

Also keep in mind that you're dealing with water...and spills, splashes, and accidents will happen. Don't keep the tank near any expensive furniture or electronics.

Just some tips to help if you're acquiring a new tank.