by Mike Singh
Getting a new pet is a big step. It is not just about owning a soft, cuddling creature but about taking care of another life. This life that you bring into your home needs to be properly cared for. And, it needs to be in the right setting as well. Keeping in mind that you need to take care of your animal, no matter what you do decide to bring home, here are some tips to help to prepare yourself, the animal and your home for your new adventure together.
1. Realize how much space you really do have. While everyone would like to own a pet, it's not always the right choice. Before you even head to the pet shop, take into account the amount of room your new animal will need and how much room you have. Dogs need room to run and to play. The larger the pet, the more space he or she will need. What size pet works best for your home, then?
2. Prepare your home then. Just like having a new baby at home, there are things you need to do to prepare your home for your new pet. You'll need to make sure they will not get hurt on anything within your home. Move furniture if necessary to keep them safe.
3. Prepare a bed or sleeping area for your pet next. A dog often enjoys sleeping on a padded, warm area whereas a cat will want more of a dark area to sleep. The larger the animal, the more room you'll need to make room for.
4. Set up a place to feed them. The location should be someplace they can get to easily. They should be able to get to their water and food at anytime. It should be in the same place each day and should be continuously cleaned and well taken care of.
5. Time is also a necessary factor to take into consideration when choosing a pet. Dogs need to be walked. Will you commit a certain amount of time each day to doing this?
6. Let's not forget about our animal's bathroom needs. Where will your pet go? Who will be responsible for scooping up the cat litter or cleaning the yard as needed? This is a task no one wants to do that is necessary when it comes to properly taking care of your pet.
7. Lastly, prepare yourself. It is very important for you to be ready for the challenge of taking care of a pet. It is a large job and can be a costly one when you take into consideration your needs for a vet and pet care in general.
About the author :
Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of pet-related websites. Please check out his pictures of all dog breeds and articles on buying a cat.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Does your cat match your sofa?
FIDO COULD SOON be getting a backpack. Ikea, the Swedish household furnishings group, is testing sales of pet accessories in an attempt to take a slice of a global market worth an estimated $7 billion a year.
The Swedish group, best known for its self-assembly furniture and Scandinavian design, is testing a range of pet accessories in 20 of its 179 stores across the world. The move comes at a time when spending on pet-care products is steadily increasing despite falling pet ownership in some Western countries.
The new products range from pet baskets, bowls, towels and leashes to dog Frisbees. Ikea CEO Anders Dahlvig says the present limited range is a test, but adds: "Who knows where it could grow? It's a multibillion-dollar business worldwide."
A survey of the British pet market this year found owners were increasingly viewing pets as part of the family. "As a result, consumers are prepared to spend significantly more money on the health and emotional welfare of their animal," the report said.
"There is also evidence that in some sectors, such as collars and leashes and feeding bowls, owners are becoming more fashion-conscious and are buying accessories to change their pets' 'look' or to match the item with interior decor."
But when it comes to pampering pets, Britain still lags behind the U.S. The survey group Euromonitor International said sales of pet-care products, not including food and health care, will reach $2.4 billion in the U.S. next year.
--Nicholas George, Financial Times
COPYRIGHT 2004 Chief Executive Publishing
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
The Swedish group, best known for its self-assembly furniture and Scandinavian design, is testing a range of pet accessories in 20 of its 179 stores across the world. The move comes at a time when spending on pet-care products is steadily increasing despite falling pet ownership in some Western countries.
The new products range from pet baskets, bowls, towels and leashes to dog Frisbees. Ikea CEO Anders Dahlvig says the present limited range is a test, but adds: "Who knows where it could grow? It's a multibillion-dollar business worldwide."
A survey of the British pet market this year found owners were increasingly viewing pets as part of the family. "As a result, consumers are prepared to spend significantly more money on the health and emotional welfare of their animal," the report said.
"There is also evidence that in some sectors, such as collars and leashes and feeding bowls, owners are becoming more fashion-conscious and are buying accessories to change their pets' 'look' or to match the item with interior decor."
But when it comes to pampering pets, Britain still lags behind the U.S. The survey group Euromonitor International said sales of pet-care products, not including food and health care, will reach $2.4 billion in the U.S. next year.
--Nicholas George, Financial Times
COPYRIGHT 2004 Chief Executive Publishing
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Dog (and Cat) days of summer, the
Take good care of your pets this season with these helpful tips.
PETS ADD HAPPINESS TO OUR lives, so it's only right that we take care of them the best way we can. Though summertime brings opportunities for tons of fun, it also presents challenges for our furry friends. As you head into the season with your dog or cat in tow, keep the following in mind.
Free Ride
You may think your dog would enjoy a ride in the bed of your truck because it looks like fun. However, it is extremely dangerous and, in some cases, illegal. A sudden stop could throw him or her into traffic. And don't even think of keeping your pet in a parked vehicle during hot weather. Heat affects them just as it does us.
A Matter of Taste
We love our lawns, but the products we use to keep them looking great might not like our cat or dog. Many fertilizers and insecticides could make a pet sick. Also, as you plan your garden, keep in mind that some plants might be dangerous to your animal if eaten.
Pet Peeves
Talk with your veterinarian about the best way to keep fleas and ticks in check. An infestation could make your dog or cat miserable and create problems for you as well. Mosquitoes carry diseases and create plenty of havoc for us. But did you know they can also harm your pets because they carry heartworm disease? Check with your vet about putting your dog or cat on preventive medicine.
Cool Moves
If your pet stays outside, make sure he or she has a shady area to snooze in and shelter from summer storms. Always keep fresh water available. Regardless of the season, exercise your dog faithfully. just keep in mind that the coolest times of the day (early morning and evening) work best.
Party Responsibly
Most dogs love to play in the water, but that doesn't mean they are expert swimmers. Watch your pet around lakes, rivers, and pools as you would a small child.
SARA ASKEW JONES
Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved
PETS ADD HAPPINESS TO OUR lives, so it's only right that we take care of them the best way we can. Though summertime brings opportunities for tons of fun, it also presents challenges for our furry friends. As you head into the season with your dog or cat in tow, keep the following in mind.
Free Ride
You may think your dog would enjoy a ride in the bed of your truck because it looks like fun. However, it is extremely dangerous and, in some cases, illegal. A sudden stop could throw him or her into traffic. And don't even think of keeping your pet in a parked vehicle during hot weather. Heat affects them just as it does us.
A Matter of Taste
We love our lawns, but the products we use to keep them looking great might not like our cat or dog. Many fertilizers and insecticides could make a pet sick. Also, as you plan your garden, keep in mind that some plants might be dangerous to your animal if eaten.
Pet Peeves
Talk with your veterinarian about the best way to keep fleas and ticks in check. An infestation could make your dog or cat miserable and create problems for you as well. Mosquitoes carry diseases and create plenty of havoc for us. But did you know they can also harm your pets because they carry heartworm disease? Check with your vet about putting your dog or cat on preventive medicine.
Cool Moves
If your pet stays outside, make sure he or she has a shady area to snooze in and shelter from summer storms. Always keep fresh water available. Regardless of the season, exercise your dog faithfully. just keep in mind that the coolest times of the day (early morning and evening) work best.
Party Responsibly
Most dogs love to play in the water, but that doesn't mean they are expert swimmers. Watch your pet around lakes, rivers, and pools as you would a small child.
SARA ASKEW JONES
Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
What Every Cat Lover Should Know About Cat Health
By Peter Lenkefi
Our pets can sometimes be as close to us as members of our family, that’s why cat owners will want to know as much as they can about cat health. The following are the major things to know about caring for your cat in a loving way:
DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your pet eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as you cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for it’s age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed pet.
GROOMING: Longhaired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less than once a week.
LITTER: The litter box can be a danger to both cat health and human health if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Change your pet’s letter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.
ELDERLY CATS: Some diseases occur because your pet gets older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and may need special diets.
SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching an area a lot try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.
BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.
DECLAWING: Choosing to declaw can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.
PARASITES: Parasites like ringworm, heart worm and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat’s stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.
STRESS: Stressful situations like moving, travelling, natural disasters or even changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your pet, purchase a tranquilizer for distance travelling and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.
POISON: Part of managing cat health is making sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze are inaccessible to your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure to raise your plants and lock your toxins.
MOUTH: Cat’s often have mouth diseases and this can impact cat health. Cat’s are just as prone to gingivitis as humans and cats can also develop. For problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat’s teeth with a small child’s toothbrush.
INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether you cat goes out of doors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.
Cat health is an issue that concerns us all and hopefully this article has provided you with information that will make your cat’s life safer and healthier.
Our pets can sometimes be as close to us as members of our family, that’s why cat owners will want to know as much as they can about cat health. The following are the major things to know about caring for your cat in a loving way:
DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your pet eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as you cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for it’s age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed pet.
GROOMING: Longhaired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less than once a week.
LITTER: The litter box can be a danger to both cat health and human health if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Change your pet’s letter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.
ELDERLY CATS: Some diseases occur because your pet gets older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and may need special diets.
SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching an area a lot try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.
BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.
DECLAWING: Choosing to declaw can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.
PARASITES: Parasites like ringworm, heart worm and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat’s stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.
STRESS: Stressful situations like moving, travelling, natural disasters or even changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your pet, purchase a tranquilizer for distance travelling and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.
POISON: Part of managing cat health is making sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze are inaccessible to your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure to raise your plants and lock your toxins.
MOUTH: Cat’s often have mouth diseases and this can impact cat health. Cat’s are just as prone to gingivitis as humans and cats can also develop. For problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat’s teeth with a small child’s toothbrush.
INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether you cat goes out of doors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.
Cat health is an issue that concerns us all and hopefully this article has provided you with information that will make your cat’s life safer and healthier.
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