Cats And Dogs | PETS AND ANIMALS

All pets respond to a positive loving home. However, just as we find differences in a variety of breeds, we also find many differences between cats and dogs. Of course you see them portrayed as enemies – chasing each other in the movies. I have a friend who has three dogs and a cat, and they all get along perfectly. But some people find that they are either cat or dog people, and then we find people that are cat, dog, bird, turtle, and just all around animal lovers. If you are trying to decide between owning a cat or a dog then here are a few things you should consider.

Dogs require a lot of attention and care. You have to walk them daily and you must make sure they are housebroken. Cats do not require you to walk them. How often have you seen a cat on a leash? Cats use litter boxes – even though they need minimal training in this aspect - you do not have to provide them with access to the outdoors for daily “bathroom” breaks. You do have to take into account that those litter boxes have to be cleaned often and also the expense and weight of the litter itself. I have had to drag 25 pounds of litter on many occasions up a flight of stairs – the older I get the harder this becomes.

Dogs respond easily to commands – even some amateur trainers can teach them the basics, sit, stay, and come. They seem to naturally know how to fetch and once you start this game with them they never stop. Cats on the other hand do very few tricks, although my brother has a cat that fetches – there are always exceptions to the rules. Mostly, they do what they want when they feel like it. Yes, cats are very independent and do not follow commands. They like to hide and roam at will. You heard the saying “finicky cat” they are extremely finicky – with people, food, and behavior.

If you leave home for even a day, you must make sure that someone can feed and walk your dog. If you leave your cat alone for a day with food, water, and a litter box - he should do fine. As a matter of fact, when I first adopted my cat I did not see him for a couple of days – they are not very social creatures especially with strangers. I had a friend check on my cat when I went away for a week long vacation. My friend cleaned the litter box, refilled the food and water bowls and never saw my cat. Just as you should consider your personality type when selecting a breed, you should also consider your lifestyle when choosing between a cat and a dog.

By: Maria Delgado

About the Author:

Maria Delgado is a writer for Amazingdogsplace.com, a leading provider of dog supplies. For more information, please visit www.amazingdogsplace.com.

Why are Tens-of-Millions of Cats and Dogs Contracting Human Type Diseases?

For all the scientific advances of the industrial age (since late 1930s) cats, dogs and humans are on a very slippery slope in this, the early 21st Century.

Gastrointestinal and immune diseases are epidemic. There are over 150 million domestic cats and dogs in the United States alone! If only 10% of them are unhealthy that represents some 15 million cats and dogs. It is good to be a veterinarian today.

Cats and dogs suffer with; Allergies, Arthritis, Diabetes, Constipation, Crohns Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Kidney and Urinary Infections, Feline Leukemia, and Dog Cancer, to name just a few of the human diseases and disorders afflicting them.

How many people and pets do you know who are taking multiple medications? Do you know any person or pet that has been cured by taking medication? Me neither. It would seem medications are not the answer. So what is?

Well, self control, for starters. Do you really think a few pharmaceutical pills can make up for a lifetime of bad habits? And what toll do both of these take on future generations? Clearly, they come with a high price.

What exactly do we share in common with our pets? We breathe, eat, drink, and sleep. We live ever more stressful lives. Within these most basic shared elements lay the answers to: Why?

The United States population doubled since 1950! Housing, feeding and transporting 300+ million people comes at the expense of cutting down billions of acres of oxygen giving forests.

AIR: Increasingly, each generation since 1950 is breathing a lot less oxygen and a lot more carbon dioxide. Chemical cleaners can be very toxic, especially to pets walking and breathing nearest the floor. These chemicals can burn. Pets often lick their paws to remove the burn only to ingest the chemicals. These can not be good things, but they are not the most pressing issues.

WATER: Bottled water has become a multi-billion dollar industry because we rightfully fear the innumerable chemical residues commonly found in tap water; let alone what even more dangerous chemical combinations these toxic residues might become. This is a biggie, but not the biggest!

We are multi-tasking our tails off, juggling bills, work, family, home, relationships- now that is stress! Where sharing full course meals daily with family was once common, meals have been reduced to a necessity; mostly ingested on the fly, or in front of the computer.

SLEEP: Deprived does not begin to describe our collective condition. People are overworked, underpaid and sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation contributes to stress. Pets are very sensitive to your stress. It adds to theirs.

FOOD: Out of necessity, it has become a Fast Food World, loaded with empty calories, and refined sugars; meaning they contain little to no fuel to support our bodies immune systems. We turn to caffeine and refined sugars for a buzz. Coca Cola sells 500 million bottles every day! What does not help keep us healthy makes us unhealthy!

If you want to get healthy, and stay healthy, you only need to look at what healthy minded people are doing. While they struggle with many of the same stresses, they are minimizing their health risks by not drinking, cooking, and probably not even bathing or doing laundry in tap water. While they may cheat from time to time, they seldom eat fast foods, junk foods, or drink colas; many have sleep numbered beds and air purifiers.

They shop in natural food markets, which also offer alternative foods for cats and dogs. And while that is a step in the right direction, the best and simplest way to restore and maintain your pets health is to look at what their wild relatives eat- fresh kill with a side of soil based organisms (SBOs)!

When a house cat or dog gets a chance, they will head right for grass and dirt. Why? They instinctively know that grass and dirt contain microflora and soil based organisms (SBOs) that are essential digestive aids. SBOs are in fact, the missing link to restoring and maintaining GI health.

Quote: Fully 90% of all disease is caused by an unhealthy intestinal system. Royal Society of Medicine Great Britain

Most domestic cats and dogs have little exposure to grass, besides, urban and most suburban grass is bathed in pesticides, insecticides, chemical runoff, and inorganic fertilizers. The SBOs you and your pets need must now be grown and harvested under strict laboratory conditions.

The next best diet to fresh kill for cats and dogs consists of raw (or very lightly cooked) fish, chicken and meat that are antibiotic and hormone free. Seeming miracles take place when raw foods are given along with SBOs, vital oils and digestive enzyme .

SBOs are helping people and pets regain and maintain their health and vitality, even those struggling with the effects of chemo-therapy and toxic cancer medications.

That stated, millions of people (and pets) are so weakened from long term exposure to poor choices, as well as (and this being no fault of theirs) because they were born to generations of ever weakened mothers, or weaned prematurely from mother’s milk.

While everyone should supplement their diets with omega 3 based oils, and digestive enzymes, pets and people who are chronically ill need these, plus anti-inflammatory products. Until inflammation is resolved, no food, vitamin, mineral, or medication can work as intended. This fact is overlooked by most veterinarians and doctors.

Individually any of the basic stress related elements we share with our pets can cause disease. Collectively, they represent a stacked deck. It is often said that: Knowledge Is Power. Now that you have it, what will you do with it?

By: Stephen Becker

About the Author:

The author of this article is Stephen Becker, a principal in Vitality Science, a company dedicated to natural alternatives to restore and maintain pet health.

Cats Dogs and Human Food - How Can Our Food Harm Our Pets?

We’re all guilty of it - giving in to those big begging eyes pleading at us for a scrap from the table during dinner. Fido knows just how to get you to concede, and most of us justify that a little won’t hurt, or we don’t even think of the potential danger at all. But the truth is that human food can be harmful to your pet, and in some cases, can be fatal. It’s important to know how certain foods can be unsafe so that you can avoid them for the sake of your animal.

Here is how a few of some of the most common “human foods” become harmful for pets:

Chocolate and Other Human Foods Containing Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the greatest culprits because it contains an alkaloid called theobromine. Theobromine acts as a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack or other heart and nervous system problems in animals.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are potentially harmful due to the fact that both contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats and dogs. Of the two, onions are the most toxic, as consumption of simply one serving by your pet could result in anemia.

Milk

Milk can harm your pet due to the fact that many dogs and cats tend to be lactose intolerant. The consumption of milk and milk products by a lactose intolerant pet creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones

Bones, although commonly known as a great treat for your dog, are potentially very dangerous for pets. Once eaten, bones can splinter and get stuck in the intestines, causing damage or fatality. In most splinter cases, the bones must be removed surgically.

Other Common Harmful Foods

Other human foods to avoid when feeding your pet are: macadamia nuts, potato peelings and green-looking potatoes, rhubarb leaves, moldy/spoiled foods, alcohol, yeast dough, tomato leaves and stems, broccoli, and raisins or grapes.

Some human foods potentially cause only mild digestive upsets, while others can be fatal. Regardless of the level of danger, the best choice for your pet is to keep him from any potentially harmful foods in order to ensure his health and safety.

So, the next time your pet looks up at you with those pleading eyes, show him you care by doing what is truly best for him and feeding him only products meant for pet consumption. In the end, both you and your pet will be glad that you did.

By: Paul Counts

About the Author:

Paul Counts is the co-owner of Petronic.com and an editor of Leading Edge Pet Care, a blog all about innovative pet care topics. He is both a passionate pet owner and entrepreneur, and he provides a variety of high end pet supplies at www.petronic.com.

Posted in Pets | 4 Comments »

Skin and Coat Problems in Dogs and Cats

The skin, your pet’s largest organ, acts as a barrier against harmful invasions from the environment. As an organ of elimination, symptoms of disease often show up in the skin and the body rids itself of toxins

Skin problems are probably the most common ailments seen in dogs. Usually they are not a disease in themselves, but a symptom of another underlying problem.

The most common reason for skin problems in both dogs and cats is an allergy. Foods, pollens, dust or medications may cause signs of allergy. Problems can also show up due to dietary deficiency or poor diet in general. Symptoms include such as itching, redness, and poor coat quality.

If no other reason for the problem can be found, it is time to look for food allergies. Changing to a premium or home-made dog food can usually make a big difference in a short time. Often simply adding raw meat to the diet is enough to see an improvement.

If the problem persists, or the pet is already on a healthy diet, then you must look at the specific ingredients in the food. Beef, chicken, corn and soy are the most common allergens, but cats and dogs, like people, can be allergic to anything. Try eliminating the above four things first, if that doesn’t work a more drastic “elimination diet” may be necessary. This usually takes at least 6-8 weeks to get a good reading.

If no food allergy can be identified, or if eliminating an offending food has not solved the problem, then you must look to the environment - inside as well as outside. Once an allergic reaction has been allowed to continue for some time, the immune system is taxed and the body may become sensitive to other irritants.

Play detective! Ask yourself if anything has changed in the house recently; new carpeting, new cabinetry, fresh paint? These things can all give off chemicals which may cause illness. Are the symptoms seasonal? Pollens are a common allergen, and difficult to avoid, especially for a dog. Did the symptoms start suddenly? What happened just before they appeared - vaccinations? Other illness? Emotional upset? Finding and eliminating the cause can be a long and difficult process.

Essential Fatty Acids, also known as Omega-3 and Omega-6 are important nutrients for the skin and coat of dogs and cats. You might also consider certain herbs, such as Milk Thistle or Dandelion, which support the liver and help the body detoxify. There are many natural topical products that can be used to calm the symptoms.

Bathing is not always the answer. If the dog’s coat is dry, bathing may just make matters worse. If you must bathe, use a gentle shampoo. For dogs or cats with itchy skin, look for oatmeal as one of the ingredients in a pet shampoo.

Another common cause of itching and redness for dogs and cats is flea bite dermatitis. Not all animals are allergic, but fleas will at least cause scratching or biting in all pets simply because they are annoying! Flea allergies however, cause the pests to be more than just an annoyance. Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores kown as “hot spots”.

If you suspect your pet has fleas but you haven’t actually seen any, look for the tell-tale black “specks” at the base of the hairs. Fleas particularly love the areas at the base of the tail, ears and hind legs (where they meet the belly). To determine if the specks are flea dirt (dried blood) and not just dirt, put some on a white paper or cloth and wet them. If they turn red, you’ve got fleas.

Some diseases cause symptoms of the skin and coat. Thyroid imbalances may cause dull, flaky or greasy coat and sometimes hair loss. Skin and ear infections are common with Cushing’s Disease.

There are some specific skin diseases as well. Mange is caused by a mite and causes lesions and hair loss, usually around the mouth and eyes. This most often clears up on its own, but some dogs and cats cannot rid themselves of the mites and have a more severe case. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus affecting cats, dogs and people (especially children). It shows up as circular lesions that are raw, hairless and scaly. The disease spreads rapidly.

Boredom or anxiety can cause a dog to lick its paws repeatedly and constantly, resulting in “lick granulomas”. These are raised nodules, often rough and scaly. There is also a group of autoimmune diseases called Pemphigus which cause scaly skin, scabs and pustules. Some breeds are particularly susceptible to the disease.

By: Elyse Grau

About the Author:

Elyse Grau has written many articles on pet health and care. They are based on her own experience and knowledge, as well as extensive research and interviews. For more information on caring for your dog or cat, see =>
http://www.pethealthresource.com

Posted in Pets | 2 Comments »

Let’s Look at Animal Rescue Groups

Animal rescued organizations or groups propose you a great place to get your next family pet. These groups are all different, but they do have general goals. These groups work hard to locate a lasting loving home for unwelcome or misplaced cats and dogs. Many of these rescue groups rely on volunteers and donations to custody for these pets while they are between homes.

When you start looking for a rescue group to work with, you will find that most of these groups do rely on their hard effective volunteers and prove from the limited society to operate. You will also find an extensive sort of animals presented through these rescue groups. Many of these groups finger all types of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even adult pets existing for adoption. You might be startled to learn that some groups even offer exotic pets such as reptiles, pot bellied pigs and even guinea pigs.

As you create looking at pets available through rescue groups, keep in concern some of these animals have had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was abused by its landlord. You may find a female cat that has just given birth. Their owners have relinquished many of the animals open by rescue groups because they are pitiful or can no longer attention for them. In addition, some of these groups take animals that live in eradicate shelters or as strays living on the streets. Some programs also offer neuter and neuter publish series for natural cats.

Rescue groups do a good job of showing animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also protect latent pet owners. IF you find a pet offered through a pet rescue group, you will be asked to show a shrink aphorism that you consent to tend for the pet long designate. You will also be asked some questions about your home, your children and other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey-it is modestly to help attain an owner with the right pet. If the animal suffers from a health condition, such as diabetes, the new owners know this up front before adopting. Having the animal’s health story at the time of adoption helps the animal find a permanent home.

You can collect a lot of special satisfaction by adopting your next pet through an animal rescue organization. You know you have done something to help and your new pet will show its appreciation. If you are interested in adopting through one of the many rescue organization, it is painless to find one in your zone. Your vet could give you the contact information for organizations near you. Usually, these pets are kept in personal homes (encourage homes) pending they are adopted. The gives the animal time to be socialized with other pets, children and time to get wearing to living in a home. Sometimes, animal rescue groups will carry their animals that indigence homes to pet food or other locations for interested people to see and collect the animals on certain weekends.

When you prefer a pet in a rescue code, be ready to go through an interview and application means. The organization needs to know these pets will be well cared for the long duration. You will doubtless be asked about other pets you may have, the age of your children, the volume of your yard and your judgment on a cat with claws if you are looking at a cat. This is to help tallying the pet with the right owner. Adoption fees differ by each organization, but you can supposed to pay $100-$200 for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. These fees disguise the outlay of the animal while it was in the care of the organization. This adoption fee typically covers vaccinations, health exams, spaying, and neutering.

Getting your next pet through an animal rescue organization is a responsible way to get your next family member. You can also find many volunteer opportunities through these organizations.

By: Jason Richards

About the Author:

For tips on types of hamsters and hamster facts, visit the Hamster Life website.

Posted in Pets | 3 Comments »

Pets Not The Only Ones Who Benefit When You Donate To Animal Shelters

Today in America thousands of animals are homeless and completely lack the hope of joining a warm and loving family. As dog and cat overpopulation continues, euthanization of homeless pets occurs. Animal shelters, rescue agencies, and pet adoption organizations are daily putting forth valiant efforts to save the lives of these unfortunate animals and provide loving, caring homes for these hopeless animals.

Though these agencies work tirelessly, they are in dire need of helping hands. These organizations are almost always non-profit; that means they rely on financial donations and willing local volunteers for their subsistence. If you are looking for a way to volunteer or give back to your community, consider volunteer work at your local animal shelter. Here are a few reasons why you should help, and how you can help save the lives of these precious, unfortunate dogs and cats.

Why should you help your local humane society or animal shelter by volunteering? The rewards are endless. First, you will be saving the valuable life of an animal. Stray animals that have been on the streets too long or who have been at local shelters for too long of a time period are euthanized. By donating your time, you are helping the shelter find people who will adopt these pets and provide them with a home. By volunteering at your local shelter, you will also gain a tremendous satisfaction in helping your local community by caring for and saving the lives of unfortunate cats and dogs. You will receive the love and gratitude of the animals you work with and play with; the warm fuzzy feeling of being appreciated and loved by an animal is an irreplaceable one. By volunteering, you may also find out that you possess skills you were completely unaware of. Discovering new affinities and talents may surprise you. Finally, if you are significantly interested in helping animals and possess a love for the unfortunate, there are many careers available in the non-profit animal organization arena as well.

First, you will want to start by locating the animal shelter nearest you; you can search under “animal shelters,” “humane society,” or “animal control.” Once you have located them, the best thing to do is to contact the organization directly and inform them that you may be interested in volunteering your time there. They will be able to give you information on their volunteer requirements, as well as be able to inform you of what areas they are most in need of volunteer work. Volunteer work at shelter may include walking dogs, playing with dogs or cats, bathing or grooming the animals, stuffing envelopes with informative letters, aiding in fundraising events, or helping publicize for an event.

Animal shelters, your local humane society, or an animal control center near you will value and greatly appreciate your volunteered help, not to mention the animals you will interact with. Take a chance and invest in the priceless lives of unfortunate pets. Help these organizations find loving, caring homes for these pets that deserve a second chance at life by volunteering your time and efforts. It will be well worth it!

By: Elise Rogers

About the Author:
Discount Pet Mall features dog beds & elevated dog feeders.

Posted in Pets | 3 Comments »

How You Can Save A Pet And Feel Great With Animal Rescue

Animal rescue programs are often wonderful and beneficial organizations that help find loving homes for misplaced, mistreated, stray and unwanted pets. Without local animal rescues, America would be facing many more issues relating to stray cats and dogs than they do today.

The general purpose in animal rescue organizations is primarily to work hard in order to save the lives of pets in need. Sometimes, pets that have been in the shelter for too long are eligible for euthanization, and these organizations desire to see no animal euthanized. Rescue shelters strive to keep these loving pets alive, as they look for new caring families to take a new pet into their home.

There are many different kinds of rescue groups out there for different kinds of pets. For example, there is rabbit rescue, bird rescue, and there is even a squirrel rescue group! The primary kinds of animal rescue cat and dog rescue organizations. Some rescues have branches for specific breeds, such as Golden Retrievers Rescue, large dog rescue, or working dog rescue.

These rescue organizations normally work closely with animal shelters. Animal rescue organizations will normally accept pets from shelters or pet adoption agencies that have been there too long and have worn out their welcome. Sometimes when a shelter is unable to find a home, an animal rescue organization can. If for some reason it takes a good amount of time for a dog or cat to be adopted, animal rescues usually have a list of many foster families who are willing to take the pet into their own loving home until an adoption family can be found.

Animal rescue organizations primarily depend on donations and fund-raisers as their money source. They also depend heavily on caring volunteers who keep things running smoothly and in an orderly fashion. They also have foster family volunteers, who make a large difference in the lives of pets everyday by accepting these unfortunate animals into their homes.

While animals are staying at the local rescues, they often benefit greatly. Many rescues give the pets health attention, such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, disease prevention medication, and other medical attention that might be necessary. These pets also often play with volunteers, doing things such as catch, tug-o-war, or simply running around and getting along with other dogs. Many times these pets undergo training sessions as well, so that when a caring family receives their new pet, they have little to worry about; they are getting a healthy, happy, and house-trained pet as a new addition into the family. They are also saving a valuable life in the process of animal adoption through a rescue group.

Because of these non-profit volunteer organizations, hundreds of animal lives have been saved annually by being rescued and then transferred into a loving new home. Without the faithful work of these volunteers, these organizations would not be possible. If you are interested in getting involved in your community, animal rescue is a wonderful way to help by donating your time or finances. Help your community, and help save precious animal lives by supporting your local animal rescue organization.

By: Melissa Turner

About the Author:
Visit Dog-Bed.org & LVE Productions for more great content.

Posted in Pets | 3 Comments »

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