Ferret Clothes – Show Your Love for Your Pet

Posted on March 19, 2012 by sulaiman

Clothes for pets have become the newest fad among pet-owners. In such a scenario, ferret clothes can't be much behind. They are becoming the in-thing among ferret owners. Ferrets are small endearing animals and dressing them up in cute clothes enhances their appeal even more. Since there isn't much variation in size among ferrets, unlike dogs or cats, you can interchange the clothes if you have more than one ferret.

Ferrets are very active animals and love running around. Hence when you get clothing for your pet, you should make sure that they aren't very tight. They shouldn't hinder their movements as this can make them cranky. Also, there shouldn't be any loose accessories or loose threads hanging from the clothes. Your pet will most probably start chewing on it.
Advantage
Clothing your pet doesn't give it any advantage. It is just a way of expressing your creativity. A shirt or a jacket won't keep your ferret warmer than the natural coat it already has. Otherwise ferrets in the wild wouldn't survive, as there is no one to clothe them. If anything, these can just irritate your pet if not rightly chosen.
Range
Clothes must always be selected keeping their functionality as well as comfort in mind. They are available in many different kinds of materials such as cotton and fleece. They are soft, durable and warm. There are different kinds of accessories such as hats, scarves, jackets etc. available for your pet. The most important thing is that ferret-clothes are cheap. They do not cost more than $10 usually. This allows you to buy a lot of clothes and then mix and match.
Where to buy
Ferret clothes are available in many pet stores. This lets you actually see what you are purchasing and then decide if you actually want it or not. Another option that you have is to purchase it over the internet. This allows you to read reviews and then choose what you want to buy. You can also stitch clothes for your pet. This will reflect your personality in your pet's clothing.
Buying or making clothes for your pet ferret is a great way to show your affection for pet and it is sure to love all the attraction that you are giving it.
Clint is a ferret enthusiast who enjoys giving information about Ferret Clothes. You can learn more about taking care of ferrets the correct way at FerretCareHelp.com.

Posted in Pets | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Feel Good Pet Loss Memorial Garden

Posted on March 19, 2012 by sulaiman

A pet memorial garden is a beautiful way for a grieving heart to honor a beloved pet and connect to the healing properties of nature. Making a pet garden is easy, fun and joyful. Here are 5 easy steps to make a pet memorial tribute garden.1. CHOOSE BETWEEN AN INDOOR OR OUTDOOR GARDEN Outdoor Garden. Small or large, a pet garden should be in a place that brings you joy. Maybe a place that your pet loved to lay down, sleep or play. Or pick a spot where you can sit and contemplate nature and find peace of mind as your garden grows. If you only have a small yard, a planter box, plastic plant container or wooden barrel can serve as the base for your pet memorial garden. Indoor Garden. If you live in an apartment or condominium you may not have a yard to make a garden, but any place inside your residence with a window and good light can be a great spot to create an indoor pet garden in a basket, bucket or container.Plant Trees in Memory of Your Pet. If you don’t have the indoor space or outdoor yard to create your own pet memorial garden, a great way to honor your pet’s memory is to make a donation to a non-profit tree planting organization. Such organizations’ mission is to protect nature by planting trees in places designed to enhance our earth. Such organizations will often have projects to plant trees in a pet’s memory. Two non-profit tree planting organizations are Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) and Tree People (www.treepeople.org) which will plant trees in your pet’s memory.Before donating to an organization, do appropriate research of the organization’s mission and social and financial integrity. Good resources to review a non-profit organization’s rating are http://www.charitynavigator.org and http://www.guidestar.org.2. PICK A TREE, PLANT OR FLOWER THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY Pick the right tree for the area you live in to ensure the greatest success for continued growth. An easy way to find out what kinds of trees or plants are native or work well in your area is to ask a local plant nursery. Fruit trees can bring year round joy to your pet memorial garden. In the Spring, the blooming flowers and fruits can connect you to the healing and restorative benefits of nature.Pick the right flowers that give life to birds, butterflies and other critters for greater happiness. Plants that attract hummingbirds include: Bee Balm, Red Columbine, Rose of Sharon, Trumpet Vine and Trumpet Honeysuckle, and Fuchsia and Silk Tree.If you have children or other pets be sure to check with your veterinarian or local nursery to find out which plants are harmful and to avoid. A great resource for a list of poisonous plants is the Humane Society of the United States’ website.3. MAKE YOUR PET MEMORIAL GARDEN UNIQUE Memorial stones, urns, plaques, tiles, pet flags, or wind chimes are joyful and special features to add beauty to your garden. Hummingbird feeders and bird baths attract nature’s beautiful creatures to be part of your pet memorial garden. Hang your pet’s collar, tag or license from the pet memorial garden tree. Homemade stones and plaques are great activities for children who have lost a beloved pet because they get to express their lasting love for their pet. Paint your memorial stone, plant box or tile with your pet’s name or add special poems or thoughts. 4. INVITE FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS OR LOVED ONES TO HELP MAKE AND SHARE YOUR PET MEMORIAL GARDENWhen your pet dies, it’s important to be supported by friends and loved ones. A great way to bring people together is to invite your friends, fellow pet lovers and your family to make a pet memorial garden. Let them contribute in ways that is comfortable for them. Gathering friends to plant the tree or flowers, paint a bird feeder, memorial stone or wind chime, or read a poem or prayer will bring joy and happiness to your grieving heart. Be sure to take lots of photographs to add to your pet scrapbook. If you are invited to a pet memorial garden celebration there are many gifts of remembrance you can bring to support your friend or loved one. A poem, prayer, card, flowering plant or memorial stone are a few thoughtful ways support to a grieving heart. If your friend has other pets, fill a small paper bag with dog or cat biscuits and decorate the bag with the pet’s name, stickers or thoughtful prayer or poem to comfort your friend and provide a wonderful gift to the surviving pets who need lots of love too.5. CELEBRATE THE LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP YOUR PET GAVE YOUEnjoy your pet memorial garden creation. The more you enjoy nature, be in the outdoors and the see the beauty of what you, your friends and loved ones have created, the more happy you will be. Nurture your garden to nurture your soul and spirit. Add new flowers or personalized keepsakes as time goes one. On the anniversary of your beloved pet’s passing, invite friends to replenish your garden with new flowers and to reflect upon the healing power of nature and the restorative power of friendship.To see a pet memorial garden in a bucket, go to http://www.joyfulpetmemorials.com

Posted in Pets | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

External Parasites and the Health of Your Pet

Posted on March 18, 2012 by sulaiman

Fleas
Flea BasicsFleas thrive when the weather is warm and humid. Depending on your climate, fleas may be a seasonal or year-round problem. Your pet can pick up fleas wherever an infestation exists, often in areas frequented by other cats and dogs. Adult fleas are dark brown, no bigger than a sesame seed, and able to move rapidly over your pet’s skin.
Adult fleas live their entire lives on your pet. Female fleas begin laying eggs within 24 hours of selecting your pet as a host, producing up to 50 eggs each day. These eggs fall from your pet onto the floor or furniture, including your pet’s bed, or onto any other indoor or outdoor area where your pet happens to go. Tiny, worm-like larvae hatch from the eggs and burrow into carpets, under furniture, or into soil before spinning a cocoon. The cocooned flea pupae can lie dormant (inactive) for weeks before emerging as adults that are ready to infest (or reinfest) your pet. The result is a flea life cycle of anywhere from 12 days to 6 months.
Risks and ConsequencesYou may not know that your pet has fleas until their number increases to the point that your pet is obviously uncomfortable. Signs of flea problems range from mild redness to severe scratching that can lead to open sores and skin infections. One of the first things you may notice on a pet with fleas is “flea dirt” the black flea droppings left on your pet’s coat.
Fleas bite animals and suck their blood; young or small pets with heavy flea infestations may become anemic. Some pets can develop an allergy to flea saliva that may result in more severe irritation and scratching. Also, pets can become infected with certain types of tapeworms if they ingest fleas carrying tapeworm eggs. In areas with moderate to severe flea infestations, people may also be bitten by fleas. While fleas are capable of transmitting several other infectious diseases to pets and people, this is rare.
Treatment and ControlYour veterinarian will recommend an appropriate flea control plan for your pet based upon your needs and the severity of the flea infestation.
Fleas spend a lot of their time off of your pet and in the environment. In addition to treating your pet, reduce the flea population in your house by thoroughly cleaning your pet’s sleeping quarters and vacuuming floors and furniture that your pet comes in contact with frequently. Careful and regular vacuuming/cleaning of the pet’s living area helps to remove and kill flea eggs, larvae, and pupae. You may also have to treat your house with insecticides to kill the fleas; consult with your veterinarian about products safe for use around pets and children.
With moderate and severe flea infestations, you may be advised to treat your yard in addition to treating the inside of your home. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate course of action and suggest ways to prevent future flea infestations.
Ticks
Tick BasicsHosting a tick is the price dogs or, less commonly, cats may pay for investigating shrubbery, brush, or wild undergrowth. Ticks have a four-stage life cycle, and immature ticks often feed on small, wild animals found in forests, prairies, and brush. Adult ticks seek larger hosts like dogs and cats who venture into these habitats. Tick exposure may be seasonal, depending on geographic location.
Risks and ConsequencesTicks are most often found around your dog’s neck, in the ears, in the folds between the legs and the body, and between the toes. Cats may have ticks on their neck or face. Tick bites can cause skin irritation and heavy infestations can cause anemia in pets. Ticks are also capable of spreading serious infectious diseases (such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others) to the pets and the people on which they feed. Disease risk varies by geographic area and tick species.
Treatment and ControlPrompt removal of ticks is very important because it lessens the chance of disease transmission from the tick to your pet. Remove ticks by carefully using tweezers to firmly grip the tick as close to the pet’s skin as possible and gently pulling the tick free without twisting it. After removing the tick, crush it while avoiding contact with tick fluids that can carry disease. Do not attempt to smother the tick with alcohol or petroleum jelly, or apply a hot match to it, as this may cause the tick to regurgitate saliva into the wound, increasing the risk of disease.
Pets at risk for ticks should be treated during the tick season with an appropriate tick preventative. Your veterinarian can recommend a product best suited to your pet’s needs. Owners who take their pets to tick-prone areas during camping, sporting, or hiking trips should examine their pets for ticks immediately upon returning home and remove them from their pets. If your pet picks up ticks in your backyard, trimming bushes and removing brush may reduce your pet’s exposure to tick habitats.
Ear Mites
Mite BasicsEar mites are common in young cats and dogs, and generally confine themselves to the ears and surrounding area. Mites are tiny and individual mites may be seen only with the aid of a microscope. Your pet can pick up ear mites by close contact with an infested pet or its bedding.
Risks and ConsequencesEar mites can cause intense irritation of the ear canal. Signs of ear mite infestation include excessive head shaking and scratching of the ears. Your pet may scratch to the point that it creates bleeding sores around its ears. A brown or black ear discharge is common with ear mite infections.
Treatment and ControlTreatment of ear mites involves thorough ear cleaning and medication. Your veterinarian can recommend an effective treatment plan.
Sarcoptic Mange Mites
Mite BasicsMicroscopic sarcoptic mange mites cause sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. Sarcoptic mange mites affect dogs of all ages, during any time of the year. Sarcoptic mange mites are highly contagious to other dogs and may be passed by close contact with infested animals, bedding, or grooming tools.
Risks and ConsequencesSarcoptic mange mites burrow through the top layer of the dog’s skin and cause intense itching. Clinical signs include generalized hair loss, a skin rash, and crusting. Skin infections may develop secondary to the intense irritation. People who come in close contact with an affected dog may develop a skin rash and should see their physician.
Treatment and ControlDogs with sarcoptic mange require medication to kill the mites and additional treatment to soothe the skin and resolve related infections. Cleaning and treatment of the dog’s environment is also necessary.
Demodectic Mange Mites
Mite BasicsDemodectic mange caused by demodectic mange mites is mainly a problem in dogs. Demodectic mange mites are microscopic, cigar-shaped, and not highly contagious. A mother dog, however, may pass the mites to her puppies.
Risks and ConsequencesLocalized demodectic mange tends to appear in young dogs as patches of scaly skin and redness around the eyes and mouth and, perhaps, the legs and trunk. Unlike other types of mange, demodectic mange may signal an underlying medical condition, and your pet’s overall health should be carefully evaluated. Less commonly, young and old dogs experience a generalized form of demodectic mange and can exhibit widespread patches of redness, hair loss, and scaly, thickened skin.
Treatment and ControlYour veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment of dogs with localized demodectic mange generally results in favorable outcomes. Generalized demodectic mange (demodecosis), however, may be difficult to treat, and treatment may only control the condition, rather than cure it.
Important Points

Look for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities any time you groom your dog or cat or when you return home from areas that are likely to have higher numbers of these parasites.

See your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews, or licks its haircoat, or persistently shakes its head. These clinical signs may indicate the presence of external parasites or other conditions requiring medical care.

Prompt treatment of parasites lessens your pet’s discomfort, decreases the chances of disease transmission from parasite to pet, and may reduce the degree of home infestation.

Discuss the health of all family pets with your veterinarian when one pet becomes infested. Some parasites cycle among pets, making control of infestations difficult unless other pets are considered. Consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment.

Tell your veterinarian if you have attempted any parasite remedies, as this may impact your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Be especially careful when applying insecticides to cats, as cats are particularly sensitive to these products. Never use a product that is not approved for cats, as the results could be lethal.

Follow label directions carefully.

Leave treatment to the experts. Your veterinarian offers technical expertise and can assist you in identifying products that are most likely to effectively and safely control your pet’s parasite problem.

Posted in Pets | Tagged | Leave a comment

Exterminates Dog Odor Specialty Pet Products

Posted on March 18, 2012 by sulaiman

If you are a dog owner, you understand the incredible bond between you and your canine pal. And if you are in the process of adopting, you are about to embark on an amazing chapter in your life. The canine connection is unspoken and strong. After all, “dog is a man’s best friend.”

After time, your puppy pal will show up in family picture albums, daily conversation and quickly learn the family routine. In truth, your pet is an honorary member of the family.
Sometimes family can stink. In the case of your dog, he can literally STINK!  Be careful to identify where the odor is coming from.
OutsideHappiness is rolling around on a grassy lawn, basking in the sunshine and living for the moment. But sometimes your puppy pal has rolled around in feces or mystery substance creating a stinky dog.  The easy solution is to wash your dog with a perfume free shampoo. Most dogs are allergic to perfume, so it’s best to keep fragrance out. Oatmeal shampoos are recommended for bathing a dog. The natural ingredients create a light fragrance without irritating dog’s skin.
Check the EarsShould you notice your dog shaking its head or scratching its ears constantly, there could be an ear infection. Ear mites, bacterial infections or food allergies can cause an infection. Unfortunately, infection can come with an odor. Don’t be alarmed. Take your dog to the vet. Most likely your veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic or ear drops to exterminate the odor and infection.
Anal GlandsHave you noticed your dog scooting his rear across the floor, biting near the rear or a “fishy” odor? Most likely the anal glands are not being expressed correctly and it’s time for a cleansing. Make an appointment with your vet. Do not try to clean the glands yourself to avoid infection.
The Right DietYour dog depends on you to make healthy choices. Good nutrition will help control odor. Reading nutrition can make the difference between a happy pet and an irritated belly. Look for a Nutritional Adequacy Statement which tells you if the product provides complete and balanced nutrition. Also, investigate the ingredients. Ingredients are listed in order of weight.  Look for meat, fish or egg, listed as the first or second ingredient.
Dogs are individuals, just like people, so there isn’t just one nutritious solution. Your dog’s needs are as individual as you. Once you find the proper food for your pet, gradually introduce it into the diet. Begin by mixing 25% new food with 75% old food. Transition the food introduction slowly over a 7-10 day period, increasing the amount of new food daily. Amazingly, your dog will smell better, look healthier and be happier!
About the author:Dana Starensier has been owned by her dog Gypsy and cat Allie for over 10 years.  Recently, she has joined the Specialty Pet Products odor exterminating team as a web master. Visit www.petcandles.comto view the odor exterminating smelly goodness.

Posted in Pets | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Essential Valentine Pet Gifts

Posted on March 17, 2012 by sulaiman

There is really a big difference for a home or family who has pets compare to none. It is simple due to the unconditional love a pet could give that could touch a harden heart. Dogs and pets will never let you down, from encouraging you to a healthy and fit lifestyle as you walk, hike or exercise with him, being with you even on your loneliness hours or break ups, up to making you feel better if you are stressed, sick or tired. Pets will just always be there to listen, cheer and brighten up your day. With the world celebrating the Valentine’s Day, it is a perfect time too to show our affections and love to the dearest, naughty, playful and very warm member of the family.

For Rodents Lovers.  Rats and guinea pigs loves colorful toys, shop for little balls or small house display is very ideal to please them with new fun and play. You could buy a guinea pig plushy, which will certainly allow you to have a fluffy stuffed guinea pig to hug and sleep with anytime, anywhere. You could also give a plastic guinea pig replica as a gift. There are also various general merchandise items, such as picture frames and jigsaw puzzles.
For Fish Owners and Lovers. This kissing fish that can be display is good attraction and symbol for love on their aquarium. Also for more fun and play, a fish agility set is good gift too for your fish.
For Cat Owners. There are new specialized cat beds where a photo of you cat is printed. There are few laser balls that will flash every time it bounce, a perfect toy for very playful and even so lazy cats. Cardboard cat playhouse is like a mini house but can he a hiding, playing, napping and sleeping place for your kitty, surely an ideal for indoor cats. And of course, a very cozy, warm and soft cat bed is very essential, choose heated cat beds for older cats that could help relieve stress or sore joints.
For Snakes and Reptiles. Well, they are serious pets who just love sleeping, eating or just viewing around. Maybe some new twist and more appealing set up for their home are very much appreciable for them. Understanding their natural or wild life behavior could help like a rock shelter, basking rocks and branches or some new structure for them to climb to excite them whenever they attempt escape again.
For Horses. For these big guys, there are few special items perfect for them too. Aside from warm coats and stable, horse loves to eat and drink too! In fact, eating is their most pleasure, sweet and salty are their favorite. Spoil them with watermelon, apples, granola bar, peppermints, grapes, strawberries and alfalfa cubes straight from the bag. Potato chips, cookies, oatmeal cream cookies and even cold soda to sip. Just avoid meat, cheese and dairy products for they are foreign to a horse's digestive system and may cause gastric problems.
For Dogs. Well, there are variety of products and stuffs to spoil dogs around. They love to play with squeaky toys, each delicious homemade treats, cuddle on warm beds or run with his new coat. But to make it more special for them, think for the future on their health and wellness. Encourage dogs to eat natural and raw diets like meaty bones or delicious vegetable treats. Perhaps a treat dispensing toys for pups is a good accessory to train and entertain them. Bringing them to dog events, hiking and camping, or on your next vacation is very much appreciable for dogs. Besides, traveling with pets is a lot more fun and exciting for most people get attracted for people with pets.
This article brought to you by PetStreetMall.com, check out Valentine Special Pet Products Sale, up to 40% discount on pet supplies with free shipping deals.

Posted in Pets | Tagged | Leave a comment

Enter the American Photo Pet Contest 2011

Posted on March 17, 2012 by sulaiman

Enter the American Photo Pet Contest 2011 So you think your cute pet is beautiful enough to participate in a contest and win money rewards? Enter the American Photo Pet Contest 2011 today and find out! If you are reading this i am sure you are one of that pet lovers that likes taking pictures of their animals. Yes, i am one of them too. So why not to take this chance? It will take just a few minutes to participate and you can get you pet to the hall of fame. How it works Submitted pet photos will be show to the contest website visitors and they will vote on the pets they like more. Make sure you take your best photo. That can make the difference to catch their vote. Kinds of pets that can participate Dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, birds, snakes, and pets of all kind are allowed and there is guaranteed new $1,000 winner every month!
Advice to increase winning chances Ask your friends to vote on your pet. Just email as many people as you can. You will have a bigger chance to win! Take some different pictures and ask your friends what is the one they like more. You can only submit a picture to the contest so be wise choosing it. Invite your family and friends You can tell your friends and family to participate with their own pet photos. That can be a fun competition between you. Best thing is that participation is completely free. So, why not give a try? Beside, you and your pet can become famous! Enter the American Photo Pet Contest 2011 Related Articles – pet photo contest, pet photo, photo contest, cutest pet contest, cutest pet, dog contest, pet costume contest, pet contests, pet contest 2010, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one direct to your email box!Subscribe for free today!

Posted in Pets | Leave a comment

Don’t Go Overboard When Buying Pet Supplies

Posted on March 16, 2012 by sulaiman

When you’re thinking about pet supplies you might wonder how much is too much when it comes to your pet. Depending on what kind of animal you have and their level of activity, you might want to steer clear of certain products or from purchasing too much of these products since they may never be used.Make sure you have a good idea of your pet’s needs prior to jumping right in and buying. You want to make sure they are happy and taken care of and that you can provide for them without having to go overboard and overwhelming them at the same time.If you have an older dog who doesn’t seem interested in playing with the toys that you bring home, then don’t bring any more toys home. You want to find out exactly what type of toys your dog prefers before you go overboard with your purchases. Perhaps they like a certain toy, but could do without the others. This will give you a good idea of what you should purchase them and if you should even purchase them at all. Some dog owners shower their pet with toys and they only end up really playing with a couple of them. Many dogs are much more fascinated with the people and activities around them than toys.You want to ensure that they have adequate bedding and not an extravagant bed fit for a king. Of course, we all love to spoil our pets, but if they have more than you then maybe it is time to slow down what you bring home for them. This is because they do not need all of the luxurious items that you give them. Dogs are perfectly happy with simple items that will not cost you an arm and a leg to buy. Pet supplies can be very expensive at times depending on where you purchase them.Pet supplies can be purchased inexpensively from many pet outlets over the internet, or through other stores that carry pet products but are not an actual pet store. These might be your best bet at getting the best deals. You want to ensure that you have what you need for them, and maybe some extras, but you don’t need to go crazy. Your pet would much rather have your love and attention than all the fancy toys and gadgets you can buy.In the final analysis, make sure that you have the type of supplies that will ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Buy them a good bed, a strong collar and leash for your walks, a couple of toys that they like, and some treats for training and everyday rewards. There are many great pet supply sites online that should be able to meet your every requirement.

Posted in Pets | Leave a comment

Dog Nutrition and Pet Health Insurance

Posted on March 16, 2012 by sulaiman

Just like humans, many dogs suffer from poor nutrition and obesity. Not feeding your dog properly can lead to several health issues. Obesity can lead to canine diabetes and problems with the heart, liver, and joints. Not only should you be eliminating table scraps from your dog’s diet, you need to ensure that the dog food you do feed him is full of vitamins and minerals to provide energy and promote healthy growth.

Providing your dog with the proper nutrients can mean a healthier dog and hopefully less trips to the vet and a cheaper pet insurance plan. There are six essential nutrients that every dog needs. The first is water. (Yes! Water is a nutrient!) Water makes up 60-70% of an adult dog’s body weight. Although pet food does contain water, a dog still needs fresh water available at all times. A 10% decrease in water can lead to serious illnesses and a 15% decrease can lead to death.

The next nutrient is protein. Proteins provide energy and are building blocks for cells, tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, and fish are all good sources of protein. Protein can also be found in vegetables, cereals, and soy, but these sources do not contain ample amounts.

Carbohydrates also provide energy for the body. Fiber is one type of carbohydrate that will help your dog’s digestive system.

Fats give your dog twice as much energy as proteins or carbohydrates. Fats are needed to produce certain hormones and they are essential for cell structures. Fats also provide insulation and protect the organs. Fat is not produced in sufficient amounts by the body and therefore, must be a part of your dog’s diet. However, too much fat can lead to trouble, just like in humans. You need to carefully monitor how much fat is in your dog’s diet.

Vitamins are necessary for enzyme reactions. Vitamins are found in dog food and therefore, you shouldn’t give your dog vitamin supplements unless your veterinarian recommends that you do.

Lastly, minerals are important for healthy bone and teeth structure.

Now that you know what should be in your dog’s diet, you have to be aware of how much food you are feeding your dog. Obesity occurs when the dog is taking in more calories than energy it is using, and the body stores this as fat. Specific breeds, such as labs and pugs, are more prone to weight gain, as well as older dogs. You should be able to feel the backbone and ribs of a healthy dog and see a noticeable waist – otherwise you’ll need to check if your pet insurance covers obesity. Even after cutting back your dog’s food, he can still remain obese.

If your dog is obese, it’s important to talk to your vet about possible treatment methods. Essentially, the dog will need a better diet and more exercise. However, if the excessive weight has led to other ailments, now would be a good time to invest in dog insurance. Depending on the problem, medication and frequent trips to the vet will become common. Pet health insurance can cover many of these costs.

www.PetAssure.com is the preferred alternative to insurance coverage for your family pet. Unlike pet health insurance, all pets are covered; regardless of age, medical condition or any pre-existing condition. There are no exclusions, no deductibles and no waiting for reimbursement with our pet health plan .

Posted in Pets | Tagged | Leave a comment

Diabetic Dog Food – What’s Best For Your Pet

Posted on March 15, 2012 by sulaiman

With the growing incidence of canine diabetes, it is essential to know which diabetic dog food to feed your pet. Diabetes Type 2 is a lifestyle disease among dogs, just as it is among humans. So treating it without incorporating an appropriate diet is counterproductive and could well result in your dog’s demise. Processed foods, which have minimal nutritional value and high levels of sodium and simple carbohydrates, are largely what lead to diabetes. Throw in inactivity and the recipe is complete. The lifestyle solution for canine diabetes, therefore, is to make sure your dog has enough regular exercise and eats a diet as natural and as balanced as possible. Just because a product is labeled ‘diabetic dog food’ does not mean it is really the best food for diabetic dogs. Remember, commercial dog food companies have products to sell and they have to convince you to buy them.

How then, can we know what diabetic dog food we should be feeding our pet? After all, even common wisdom on the best diabetic dog food for canine sufferers has changed recently from a recommended high carbohydrate diet to a recommended low carbohydrate diet.

Here are three tips to help you choose the right diabetic dog food for your pet:

1. NATURAL IS BEST. The natural diet for dogs historically was raw meat and some rotting vegetable matter and even eggs (including shells). This is why dogs in the past (before modern manufacturing introduced intensive processing) actually did very well on scraps as long as they included some raw meat. Including sardines in the mix can add essential fatty acids which provide additional protection against the onset of diabetes as well as giving a beautiful shine to the coat and providing much needed nutrition.

2. AVOID MOST DRY DOG FOODS. Most dry dog food brands are made up mainly of simple carbohydrates and lack the essential moisture for good kidney health. There are some dry diabetic dog foods that are safe and healthy, however these tend to also be organic products and need to be sourced carefully. Dry diabetic dog food should never be the sole form of nutrition but can be included in the diet if they are low in simple carbohydrates and high in protein and vegetables.

3. CANNED DOG FOODS MUST BE LOW CARBOHYDRATE AND LOW SODIUM. If you must use canned diabetic dog food, it must be high in protein, low in carbohydrate and low in sodium. It should also be organic and free of dangerous toxins. When a dog has diabetes, his liver function is also usually affected and his immune system is unable to deal with the usual additives found in commercial diabetic dog food.

The modern western lifestyle has produced an epidemic of diabetes among humans and the same manufacturing and fast food mentality (just open a can or pour biscuits in a bowl) is producing the same diseases in man’s best friend. The only answer is to kick the culprits out of the diet.

Posted in Pets | Tagged | Leave a comment

Coping With Pet Allergies

Posted on March 15, 2012 by sulaiman

Is it hard for you to approach your pet without itching or sneezing? If so, your body may be overly sensitive to your pet’s dander. But just what is pet dander and how does it affect your alergies? Basically, it is a combination of deal skin and hair that can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, nose, and eyes of humans. In the U.S., 70% or more families have either a dog or cat within their houses. Sadly, between 10-15% of the American population suffers from allergic reactions caused by their own pets. Knowing this information, what can you do to protect you family from these harmful effects.
Ridding of your favorite household companion to painfull to have to do, though some families must unfortunately resort to it. As a matter of fact, dander may still linger in the home even if a pet is removed. Pet dander can remain in a household for up to six months after a pet is no longer present since it is an active allergen. The decisions regarding what to do with the family pet should be made based on the harshness of the damage it is producing to the family members within a particular living environment.
Cat and dogs are no doubt the most common pets in American homes today. As far as cats are concerned, six million Americans develop allergic reactions to them, demonstrating just how imperative it is to be understanding of their presence. The substance that causes the allergic reaction is actually not their hair but rather an airborne protein found in the hair and saliva. It can spread throughout a house very quickly and is known to stick almost everything. Allergic reactions to dogs, on the other hand, are usually less common. However, if you are allergic to dogs then simply being exposed to their saliva can trigger an allergic response.
The animal’s fur is not the allergen; it is the dander. Follow these measures in order t prevent your pets from adversely affecting you health. The first step is to keep the animals off of the furniture, as the allergens that they produce can stick and remain there for over six months. In addition, minimizing physical contact with a pet is important, as a basic touch to your skin can produce much unwanted itchiness. Forced air heaters and air conditioners are known to help spread the allergens throughout the household. For this reason it is important to consider investing in an HealtProO2 air purifier to remove the unwanted airborne pollutants that accumulate. Finally, giving your pet regular baths is essential, as it substantially decreases the amount of allergens that can be produced. Bathing the animals helps in reducing the output of oils on their skin even though it might remove some of the shine on their fur. Implementing some of these measures will allow you to not have to part with your loved companion.

Posted in Pets | Leave a comment