Sunny summer days seem to incite all sorts of fun activities with your dog: from playing fetch in the park to frisbee on the beach. Unfortunately, as temperatures soar, the hot weather also brings with it some very specific hazards such as sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Good news, these threats to your pooch are preventable.
Protecting Your Dog from Sunburn
Just like humans, dogs can be burned by the sun, especially the nose, tips of the ears and around the lip area. Commonsense dictates that you keep your dog in the shade during the hours when the sun's rays are most intense - usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, if you need to be outside during these times, it's okay to apply sun-block to your dog's nose and the exposed skin on the ears. It's a little risky to apply sun-block around the lips so instead just keep a close watch and make sure that the area doesn't get too pink. If you notice that any portion of your dog's skin is reddened or blistered, contact your veterinarian right away.
Protecting Your Dog from Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
Leaving a dog in a parked car during summer weather is the leading cause of heat stroke. Dogs can also suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke if they exercise too heavily on a hot, humid day or, if they live outdoors and don't have shelter from the sun. Dogs are also susceptible if they are overweight or suffer from lung or heart ailments. Older dogs are less tolerant of heat and may succumb to heat strokes more readily than younger dogs.
A few simple actions on your part can help protect your dog from heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Don't take your dog with you on errands if you need to leave her in the car. However, if you're traveling with your dog and must make a stop, even for the shortest period of time, consider leaving the air conditioner on.
If you're accustomed to taking your dog with you when power-walking, jogging or cycling, don't push her on exceptionally hot days. If she falls behind, let her take a break.
For dogs who live outside, make sure to provide "all-day shade" such as a ventilated doghouse, large beach umbrella or overhang that will remain shaded even when the sun shifts throughout the day.
Keep older dogs and those with lung or heart conditions inside your home on hot days. If you don't have air conditioning, keep a fan running.
Avoid any situations that force your dog to stand on sun-baked surfaces such as cement sidewalks, a truck bed or beach sand. The extreme heat can cause blisters on her pads. If you simply must walk your dog in the heat of the day, tread on grassy areas as much as possible.
Water, Water, Water!
And last but not least...like you, your dog needs to hydrate frequently so be sure to provide unlimited access to cool, clean refreshing drinking water.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Potty Training for Cats
Initially, cat toilet trainers should know that cats learn one trick at a time. Changes are made after a first trick is mastered. A cats' motto: "Slowly but surely."
The capacity of cats to learn differ and so are expectations, control them to avoid disappointment.
Consider the kind of cat to be potty trained. There are pampered, indoor, and spoiled cats. These types are the ones can be toilet trained. It is vital to maintain a house that does not smell like there is a cat living in it.
Follow these steps on how to effectively toilet train cats:
1. Start by placing the cat's litter box near the bathroom door. He should know the new location and uses the litter box as usual.
2. After about a week, put something underneath the potty trainer to elevate it. It could be a bunch of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, or floor mats.
3. Raise the litter box an inch higher every other day until it reaches the level of the toilet seat.
4. At the start of the training, the cat just steps onto the litter box as usual until it slowly jumps up and down from it.
5. Lift the toilet lid up in order for the cat to learn how to tromp with only the seat to step on.
6. Next, move the potty trainer above the toilet seat. Leave it this way for a week or two.
7. The most exciting part: remove the litter box from the toilet bowl but put down the metal bowl inside. Put a few litters for cat's recognition of purpose.
8. Once the cat is used to using the toilet bowl, tutor him on how to squat the right way and that is holding the legs for the correct posture as often as possible until mastered. If the cat has his all fours on the toilet seat, begin by holding the two legs in front.
9. As soon as he knows how to squat properly, lift the hinds out. Assist the cat as he learns how to balance in that position.
10. Start removing the litter from the metal bowl. Now put water at the bottom and increase the contents everyday.
11. Once the feline is already comfortable with the water in the metal bowl, take it all off the toilet bowl.
Cat toilet training is a slow process. Time and effort are invested to obtain a kitty litter free house. Not only does an owner get rid of the ghastly chore of cleaning the litter but get more time to enjoy the cat’s company.
The capacity of cats to learn differ and so are expectations, control them to avoid disappointment.
Consider the kind of cat to be potty trained. There are pampered, indoor, and spoiled cats. These types are the ones can be toilet trained. It is vital to maintain a house that does not smell like there is a cat living in it.
Follow these steps on how to effectively toilet train cats:
1. Start by placing the cat's litter box near the bathroom door. He should know the new location and uses the litter box as usual.
2. After about a week, put something underneath the potty trainer to elevate it. It could be a bunch of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, or floor mats.
3. Raise the litter box an inch higher every other day until it reaches the level of the toilet seat.
4. At the start of the training, the cat just steps onto the litter box as usual until it slowly jumps up and down from it.
5. Lift the toilet lid up in order for the cat to learn how to tromp with only the seat to step on.
6. Next, move the potty trainer above the toilet seat. Leave it this way for a week or two.
7. The most exciting part: remove the litter box from the toilet bowl but put down the metal bowl inside. Put a few litters for cat's recognition of purpose.
8. Once the cat is used to using the toilet bowl, tutor him on how to squat the right way and that is holding the legs for the correct posture as often as possible until mastered. If the cat has his all fours on the toilet seat, begin by holding the two legs in front.
9. As soon as he knows how to squat properly, lift the hinds out. Assist the cat as he learns how to balance in that position.
10. Start removing the litter from the metal bowl. Now put water at the bottom and increase the contents everyday.
11. Once the feline is already comfortable with the water in the metal bowl, take it all off the toilet bowl.
Cat toilet training is a slow process. Time and effort are invested to obtain a kitty litter free house. Not only does an owner get rid of the ghastly chore of cleaning the litter but get more time to enjoy the cat’s company.
Tips on Training Cats for Harness
Cats, like children, have to be harness trained with persistence and concern. Hard treatment and physical stress can only induce fear in cats.
Starting at age six months, a cat can start to undergo the training. Confine the cat in order to diminish its need to wander. It is very vital that the right harness is purchased and used since a cat can easily struggle and free itself from the leash if a puny one is used. The harness should be of sturdy yet of comfortable quality, one that is specially made for cats.
The H shaped harness made of nylon material which is light, although it has buckles for the neck and the cat’s tummy, is a sure buy. Make sure that there is a metal ring for the cat’s I.D., which is located near the backside of the cat. The cat size can be measured by using a tape measure for the neck and tummy.
The harness can be placed a little firmer after about five days. It can then be adjusted to a two-inch width off the neck and the cat’s tummy. Leave the harness on for five to ten minutes each day and do this for two weeks. Keep in mind that cats are more jumpy than dogs so they really need more care and guarantee of a no hard treatment.
Use a walking collar with an L shaped fabric that hugs the cat’s body. Choose a jacket that is breathable and provides enough aeration for the cat’s comfort. A 5/8-inch wide nylon harness that has three buckles is used for effortless fitting and strapping. Its collar should be one that can be adjusted from 9-12 inches to prevent suffocation.
Have the cat wear the leash while wandering inside the household for twenty to thirty minutes a day for a week. However, never let the cat out of sight as they may be prone to getting snarled in chairs, tables, etc, and this would frighten him. Once the cat has gotten used to moving around with the harness on, then it can be held on to and the cat is ready for a walk in the park. Felines will eventually realize that there are corresponding limitations attached to being leashed. Position the strap with the ID tag and leash where the cat can snuffle, touch and have fun with it.
Being consistent and patient with the routine is the best key to accomplishment. Cats love routine and habits, following a sequence can make them expect what is next, thus, preventing any straying and disagreement. Once the cat is used to the harness, he’ll never even notice its there at all in the future.
Starting at age six months, a cat can start to undergo the training. Confine the cat in order to diminish its need to wander. It is very vital that the right harness is purchased and used since a cat can easily struggle and free itself from the leash if a puny one is used. The harness should be of sturdy yet of comfortable quality, one that is specially made for cats.
The H shaped harness made of nylon material which is light, although it has buckles for the neck and the cat’s tummy, is a sure buy. Make sure that there is a metal ring for the cat’s I.D., which is located near the backside of the cat. The cat size can be measured by using a tape measure for the neck and tummy.
The harness can be placed a little firmer after about five days. It can then be adjusted to a two-inch width off the neck and the cat’s tummy. Leave the harness on for five to ten minutes each day and do this for two weeks. Keep in mind that cats are more jumpy than dogs so they really need more care and guarantee of a no hard treatment.
Use a walking collar with an L shaped fabric that hugs the cat’s body. Choose a jacket that is breathable and provides enough aeration for the cat’s comfort. A 5/8-inch wide nylon harness that has three buckles is used for effortless fitting and strapping. Its collar should be one that can be adjusted from 9-12 inches to prevent suffocation.
Have the cat wear the leash while wandering inside the household for twenty to thirty minutes a day for a week. However, never let the cat out of sight as they may be prone to getting snarled in chairs, tables, etc, and this would frighten him. Once the cat has gotten used to moving around with the harness on, then it can be held on to and the cat is ready for a walk in the park. Felines will eventually realize that there are corresponding limitations attached to being leashed. Position the strap with the ID tag and leash where the cat can snuffle, touch and have fun with it.
Being consistent and patient with the routine is the best key to accomplishment. Cats love routine and habits, following a sequence can make them expect what is next, thus, preventing any straying and disagreement. Once the cat is used to the harness, he’ll never even notice its there at all in the future.
Choosing a Toilet Training Kit
Tips on Choosing a Toilet Training Kit for Cats
One major problem encountered by pet owners of cats is the litter. Cats litter everywhere especially when they are not trained to litter in the proper places. It is recommended that cats be trained to litter in proper places to avoid dirt and unwanted smell inside the household.
There are many toilet training kits that are especially made for cats and are sold in the market. However, there are things that need to be considered when choosing the best toilet training kit for the cat.
1. First, the owner needs to consider the curiosity level of the cat. If the cat is not much interested in discovering things then toilet training kits may not be that effective for them. Different toilet training kits sold in the market should also be considered.
2. There are kits that have basic tasks that may be applicable for kittens while there are some kits that are too complicated for other cats. Therefore, it is important to really assess if the cat will be able to be trained using the toilet training kits.
3. There are many other alternatives that can be used in place of a training kit. Owners can just improvise rather than buying commercially made ones. Aside from saving more money, it can also give the benefit of making a litter box and training the cat based on the cat's capability the way the owner sees it.
4. Toilet training kits for cats that are sold in the market have different prices. T hey may vary depending on the needs of a certain cat. It is still best to have enough information before choosing on a certain kit. Researching and asking questions from those who have tried the product is also recommended.
5. Some toilet training kits also offer various tips on how to make the training easier for pet owner. Others may also include tricks that pet owners can make use of. The kits will include everything the owner may need in training a cat to use the toilet or a cat litter box.
Although there are many kits that are sold in the market, the effectiveness of the kit is not mainly dependent on the kit itself but also on how the pet owners use it Since toilet training kits require gradual steps, patience and consistency of trainers are needed to become effective. If pet owners are dedicated to train their cats, then in just a few weeks, the cats will be able to litter in the proper places.
One major problem encountered by pet owners of cats is the litter. Cats litter everywhere especially when they are not trained to litter in the proper places. It is recommended that cats be trained to litter in proper places to avoid dirt and unwanted smell inside the household.
There are many toilet training kits that are especially made for cats and are sold in the market. However, there are things that need to be considered when choosing the best toilet training kit for the cat.
1. First, the owner needs to consider the curiosity level of the cat. If the cat is not much interested in discovering things then toilet training kits may not be that effective for them. Different toilet training kits sold in the market should also be considered.
2. There are kits that have basic tasks that may be applicable for kittens while there are some kits that are too complicated for other cats. Therefore, it is important to really assess if the cat will be able to be trained using the toilet training kits.
3. There are many other alternatives that can be used in place of a training kit. Owners can just improvise rather than buying commercially made ones. Aside from saving more money, it can also give the benefit of making a litter box and training the cat based on the cat's capability the way the owner sees it.
4. Toilet training kits for cats that are sold in the market have different prices. T hey may vary depending on the needs of a certain cat. It is still best to have enough information before choosing on a certain kit. Researching and asking questions from those who have tried the product is also recommended.
5. Some toilet training kits also offer various tips on how to make the training easier for pet owner. Others may also include tricks that pet owners can make use of. The kits will include everything the owner may need in training a cat to use the toilet or a cat litter box.
Although there are many kits that are sold in the market, the effectiveness of the kit is not mainly dependent on the kit itself but also on how the pet owners use it Since toilet training kits require gradual steps, patience and consistency of trainers are needed to become effective. If pet owners are dedicated to train their cats, then in just a few weeks, the cats will be able to litter in the proper places.
Monday, May 22, 2006
How to train your cat to stop biting people
Cats look cute and adorable. That is until they start biting poor unsuspecting human beings. Cats need to be taught good behavior. A lot of biting that is done by cat is a result of uncorrected bad behavior.
Keep in mind that cats came from the wild. Even though now cats have been domesticated and live in close contact with humans, their instincts remain the same. They are born hunters and are equipped with the natural tools designed to hunt a prey.
Cats have predatory instincts
Biting is a part of a cat's defense mechanism. They do this when they feel threatened. Since biting is a cat's way to protect themselves, humans have to be careful that their cats don't think they are threatening them in any way when they are playing with their cats.
Remember that cats are predatory by nature. They exhibit this trait by playfully pouncing and biting the hands and feet of their owners.
It's important for owners not to tolerate this behavior. Otherwise, their cats will think it is acceptable.
Cat owners should not encourage their cats to think that their hands and feet are play things. A lot of cat owners who tolerate this behavior have scars to prove this unfortunate mistake.
Look for the cause
Sometimes cats exhibit bad behavior such as scratching and biting when they are ill or have an injury. They also do this when they feel anxiety or fear.
Cat owners need to pay close attention to the health of their cats. They also need to examine their cat's environment to assess if there's something about their surroundings that is causing their cat's bad behavior.
Train your cat
When training a cat, owners should reward their pets for their good behavior and obedience! This encourages the cat to maintain a good attitude. You can do this by giving them treats, or showering them with affection.
Fun activities
Sometimes cats bite when they get listless. When a cat starts to scratch and bite, owners can put a stop to this by distracting the cat with a fun activity. Give the cat a toy to play with. This will get the cat's attention, and keep the cat preoccupied.
Cats are wonderful pets to have. Not only are they clean creatures- they keep themselves clean by licking their fur. But they are also very useful. The Ancient Egyptians used to keep cats to catch rodents.
But first things first, cats need to be trained and taught the rules of the house. Luckily for cat owners, this means, no more biting!
Keep in mind that cats came from the wild. Even though now cats have been domesticated and live in close contact with humans, their instincts remain the same. They are born hunters and are equipped with the natural tools designed to hunt a prey.
Cats have predatory instincts
Biting is a part of a cat's defense mechanism. They do this when they feel threatened. Since biting is a cat's way to protect themselves, humans have to be careful that their cats don't think they are threatening them in any way when they are playing with their cats.
Remember that cats are predatory by nature. They exhibit this trait by playfully pouncing and biting the hands and feet of their owners.
It's important for owners not to tolerate this behavior. Otherwise, their cats will think it is acceptable.
Cat owners should not encourage their cats to think that their hands and feet are play things. A lot of cat owners who tolerate this behavior have scars to prove this unfortunate mistake.
Look for the cause
Sometimes cats exhibit bad behavior such as scratching and biting when they are ill or have an injury. They also do this when they feel anxiety or fear.
Cat owners need to pay close attention to the health of their cats. They also need to examine their cat's environment to assess if there's something about their surroundings that is causing their cat's bad behavior.
Train your cat
When training a cat, owners should reward their pets for their good behavior and obedience! This encourages the cat to maintain a good attitude. You can do this by giving them treats, or showering them with affection.
Fun activities
Sometimes cats bite when they get listless. When a cat starts to scratch and bite, owners can put a stop to this by distracting the cat with a fun activity. Give the cat a toy to play with. This will get the cat's attention, and keep the cat preoccupied.
Cats are wonderful pets to have. Not only are they clean creatures- they keep themselves clean by licking their fur. But they are also very useful. The Ancient Egyptians used to keep cats to catch rodents.
But first things first, cats need to be trained and taught the rules of the house. Luckily for cat owners, this means, no more biting!
Cats in True Collars
A true-blue cat aficionado wants the best for his cat...the best cat beds, cat cages, cat bowls, cat condos and yes, cat collars! What makes a good collar? These articles enlighten every cat owner on what collar or harness is appropriate for your beloved pet. Here are some of them:
1. 2 in 1 Reflecting Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
What can be more reliable than a 2 in 1 collar? Its effectiveness lasts up to five months and it can protect any cat from fleas, ticks and other nasty insects. With its Reflective Material technology courtesy of 3M Scotchlite, the "reflective strip" works like wonders. All the owner has to do is stretch the collar and put it on the pet so the killing action begins.
Manufactured by Hartz, this collar is available for $6.
2. Elizabethan Collar or Clear Custom Collar
Famous for being lightweight and dependable, this collar can fit around the neck of any animal. This is very ideal for cats as it can be applied easily, thanks to its Hook and Loop Fastener from Scotchmate.
3. Break-A-Way Safety Cat Collar
Any cat lover who goes ga-ga over colors, this one fits the bill. Not only is it fashionable, it also guarantees safety of the cat. Very adjustable and light at half a pound, one can never go wrong with Break-A-Way Safety Cat Collar.
4. One Earth Herbal Dog Collar
The name says "dog" collar but it is also perfect for cats. Containing oil extracts like citronella, lemon grass and eucalyptus, this makes the cat more fragrant than ever! It repels fleas and keeps the pet cat clean. How can one go wrong with that?
5. FleaTrol Breakaway Cat Collar by Zodiac
How does it stand out among all the cat collars available in the market? It has adulticides like Precor IGR that can crush fleas and ticks in an instant. Its one-of-a-kind design lessens the choking risk, so the owner is assured of the pet's safety. It is even waterproof, too!
6. Kong E-collar
This e-collar is very sturdy and light with a padded neckline that guarantees safety and comfort. This e-collar is available in five sizes, with the smallest measuring 6 to 7.5 large diameter by 4.5 and the largest from 16 to 20 large diameter.
So every cat lover has a reason to rejoice for all these collars available. Any of the aforementioned choices efficiently works like magic.
1. 2 in 1 Reflecting Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
What can be more reliable than a 2 in 1 collar? Its effectiveness lasts up to five months and it can protect any cat from fleas, ticks and other nasty insects. With its Reflective Material technology courtesy of 3M Scotchlite, the "reflective strip" works like wonders. All the owner has to do is stretch the collar and put it on the pet so the killing action begins.
Manufactured by Hartz, this collar is available for $6.
2. Elizabethan Collar or Clear Custom Collar
Famous for being lightweight and dependable, this collar can fit around the neck of any animal. This is very ideal for cats as it can be applied easily, thanks to its Hook and Loop Fastener from Scotchmate.
3. Break-A-Way Safety Cat Collar
Any cat lover who goes ga-ga over colors, this one fits the bill. Not only is it fashionable, it also guarantees safety of the cat. Very adjustable and light at half a pound, one can never go wrong with Break-A-Way Safety Cat Collar.
4. One Earth Herbal Dog Collar
The name says "dog" collar but it is also perfect for cats. Containing oil extracts like citronella, lemon grass and eucalyptus, this makes the cat more fragrant than ever! It repels fleas and keeps the pet cat clean. How can one go wrong with that?
5. FleaTrol Breakaway Cat Collar by Zodiac
How does it stand out among all the cat collars available in the market? It has adulticides like Precor IGR that can crush fleas and ticks in an instant. Its one-of-a-kind design lessens the choking risk, so the owner is assured of the pet's safety. It is even waterproof, too!
6. Kong E-collar
This e-collar is very sturdy and light with a padded neckline that guarantees safety and comfort. This e-collar is available in five sizes, with the smallest measuring 6 to 7.5 large diameter by 4.5 and the largest from 16 to 20 large diameter.
So every cat lover has a reason to rejoice for all these collars available. Any of the aforementioned choices efficiently works like magic.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
GPS for Pets - Finding Fido or Fluffy Fast !
Do you own a dog or cat that is constantly escaping or disappearing ?
Have you set up fences and closed windows only to stand helpless as your dog rushes through your legs and out the door when the mail person arrives ?
Or your cat escapes over the weekend you were away and the neighbor came to feed her ?
Even if your pet stays safe when they are home you may face dangers when traveling with your pet to camping grounds or other areas.
Pets love to explore and even the most conscientious owners will find certain pets - especially dogs like Beagles and other hunting breeds - that routinely seek adventure out-of-bounds. Outside and alone your pet will face the dangers of cold weather, traffic on the roads and even attack by other animals - wild or not.
Can You Protect Your Pet ?
Finding them as soon as possible will reduce the threats drastically. Getting your pet home before nightfall when cars are less likely to see them, the temperature drops and wild animals can roam even in the city, is key to keeping them from harm.
If you have spent too many days roaming the streets looking for your pet or suffered the heartbreak of loosing a pet forever you will appreciate what GPS technology can do.
What is GPS ?
GPS means 'Global Positioning System'. It is a method of tracking the position of anything from a car to a child or even your pet. The system uses surveillance methods set up by the government with satellites monitoring a tracking device worn by the person or pet.
How Do I Get the Information ?
The information can be accessed by your phone, the Internet or with software you install on your PC. Some systems also permit data to be delivered to a cell phone with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication).
You can set a 'safe zone' on your tracking device that will only start monitoring your pet's location if they leave the area. If they leave the zone you will be alerted. When you are traveling you can reset the zone boundaries.
The information itself must be tracked by attaching a transmitter to the collar of your pet. The GPS system is much more powerful than a typical tracking collar which has a limited range. However, you will have to pay for a service provider to monitor the device and relay the information to you.
If you do choose to use GPS with your pet make sure it is part of an overall strategy to protect your pet since the device itself will not prevent your pet from escaping or encountering harm. If your pet loves water you will also need to be sure the device you choose is waterproof.
Resource : Pet Health Care
Have you set up fences and closed windows only to stand helpless as your dog rushes through your legs and out the door when the mail person arrives ?
Or your cat escapes over the weekend you were away and the neighbor came to feed her ?
Even if your pet stays safe when they are home you may face dangers when traveling with your pet to camping grounds or other areas.
Pets love to explore and even the most conscientious owners will find certain pets - especially dogs like Beagles and other hunting breeds - that routinely seek adventure out-of-bounds. Outside and alone your pet will face the dangers of cold weather, traffic on the roads and even attack by other animals - wild or not.
Can You Protect Your Pet ?
Finding them as soon as possible will reduce the threats drastically. Getting your pet home before nightfall when cars are less likely to see them, the temperature drops and wild animals can roam even in the city, is key to keeping them from harm.
If you have spent too many days roaming the streets looking for your pet or suffered the heartbreak of loosing a pet forever you will appreciate what GPS technology can do.
What is GPS ?
GPS means 'Global Positioning System'. It is a method of tracking the position of anything from a car to a child or even your pet. The system uses surveillance methods set up by the government with satellites monitoring a tracking device worn by the person or pet.
How Do I Get the Information ?
The information can be accessed by your phone, the Internet or with software you install on your PC. Some systems also permit data to be delivered to a cell phone with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication).
You can set a 'safe zone' on your tracking device that will only start monitoring your pet's location if they leave the area. If they leave the zone you will be alerted. When you are traveling you can reset the zone boundaries.
The information itself must be tracked by attaching a transmitter to the collar of your pet. The GPS system is much more powerful than a typical tracking collar which has a limited range. However, you will have to pay for a service provider to monitor the device and relay the information to you.
If you do choose to use GPS with your pet make sure it is part of an overall strategy to protect your pet since the device itself will not prevent your pet from escaping or encountering harm. If your pet loves water you will also need to be sure the device you choose is waterproof.
Resource : Pet Health Care
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