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Cat Health - Is It Poisonous To Your Cat?
By David P Lee
Cats are curious by nature. Everyone has heard “Curiosity killed the cat.” Well this can become a true a true statement if you are not careful. The following are a few ways to make sure your home is safe for your cat:
1. First of all, if your cat has a flea problem, before using any product on the market for fleas contact your veterinarian and find out what they recommend. Using products meant for other animals such as dogs is not a good idea. That is why they make separate products. If the flea infestation has spread past the cat to the house and you either purchase a product to get rid of fleas or have someone come in to spray, you should find somewhere else for your cat to stay until it is safe to return. Breathing fumes from these products in a closed up house can be very harmful.
2. It is recommended for your cat’s safety to keep them inside. If you are a plant lover be careful of what plants your cat can come in contact with. Several varieties of plants can be lethal to cats. Easter lilies are one. Oleander is another. DO NOT allow cats to chew on the leaves of these plants. If your cat does go outside, be aware that azaleas are another plant that can be harmful to cats. That is one of the reasons for recommending that your cat should stay inside where you can monitor what he has access to.
3. Mouse Traps and Bait
When using these items, take particular care to place the items where your cat does not have access, such areas may include in cabinets and under sinks. However, if your cat has mastered the art of opening the cabinet doors, you may consider the use of child safety locks for the cabinet doors, thereby keeping the cat from gaining access.
4. If your cat doesn’t seem to be feeling well, call your veterinarian or take him to see the vet. Never try to medicate the cat yourself. Medicines for humans are not meant to be used on cats. One such medicine is acetaminophen. One maximum strength tablet (500 mg) can be fatal to a cat weighing 7 lbs.
5. Just as with the acetaminophen, other drugs can be fatal to your cat. Keep all medicines in your bathroom medicine cabinet. This includes all your prescription medicines and anything that your cat may have access to. As previously said, cats are curious, and they will get into things they shouldn’t. Medicines you take on a daily basis or over the counter drugs that you keep in your home can all have toxic affects on cats.
6. Chocolate
Theobromine is a diuretic as well as a heart stimulant, found in chocolate. Humans have the ability to eliminate theobromine from their systems quickly, however a cat cannot. For this reason chocolate can be lethal to a cat.
7. While it is best for your cat to be inside, if he does go out with or without you, keep all chemicals such as antifreeze away from areas the cat has access to. Gasoline for your lawnmower, oil, or windshield washer should all be kept in your garage or storage building away from animals.
8. Lawn Products
Chemicals in lawn products are also toxic to a cat, such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. A cat should not have access to any area treated by chemicals until the chemicals are safely dry. Take particular care to close all containers tightly and store them out of reach.
9. Miscellaneous Items
Since a cat is so very curious and playful, they may be exposed harmful items, such as pennies. A penny contains zinc, and is harmful to your pet. The levels of iron are high in items such as foot and hand warmers. Other items, which might cause sickness or death for a cat, include alcoholic drinks, batteries, play dough, dryer sheets, cigarettes and mothballs. Many more items can be lethal to your cat. Keep anything away from your cat that you would keep away from a child.
10. Household Cleaners
These same rules apply to household cleaners as well. Cats should not be in an area, which is undergoing cleaning procedures. Put away your supplies before giving the cat access to any room where you have been working. Chemicals found in household cleaners can burn the mouth or stomach of a cat when ingested. Although, most cats in general would not consume household cleaners, it is best to take these precautions.
About the Author: David Lee is an expert on pet care. See his site for more info on cat furniture, litter box cabinets, German Shepherd training.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=190253&ca=Pets
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Rare & Unusual Dog Breeds
By Kelly MarshallDogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and some breeds have some really recognizable and outstanding features. While all breeds, by definition, are unique and easily defined there are some breeds that simply go well past the mark of being unusual. These breeds often require special care and are definitely not dogs for everyone.
The following are some very unique or extreme dog breeds from around the world:
Chinese Crested – this dog can be either with or without hair, but the more known variety has hair only on the top of the head, the feet, and the feet. There is also a variety of Chinese Crested called the Powderpuff that has hair all over the body. They are a very fine boned dog that only grows to about 11-13 inches when fully mature.
Ibizan Hound – this is a natural born hunting dog with very clean lines and abundant energy. The Ibizan has very light skin tones and pigments, which makes it a very unique looking dog. They can be up to 27 inches in height and have an amazing ability to jump from a standstill.
Komondor – one of the most unique looking breeds this huge dog is covered by masses of ringlets that hang down to the ground. The hair actually looks like a coat of cords and is almost totally weatherproof. The Komondor is almost 27 inches at the shoulders when full-grown and can weight up to 100 pounds. This coat is always white but may have some cream or buff coloring in the cords.
Puli – another of the herding breeds, the Puli has a distinctive long shaggy coat that drops down to the ground. The outer coat of the Puli will often form cords like the Komondor, but the Puli can be gray, white, black, or rusty black. The Puli is usually about 17 inches when full grown.
Scottish Deerhound – this large dog is very gently and excellent for almost all living arrangements. It is very tall, almost 32 inches at the shoulders, and has coarse, 3-4 inch hair all over its body. The Scottish Deerhound has a very expressive face and is excellent with children.
Shar-Pei – also known as the wrinkle dog, this breed has a definite physical appearance that sets it apart. The extra wrinkles on the coat require frequent care and cleaning to avoid skin conditions, but the breed itself is generally healthy and adapts well to most living conditions.
There are many other rare or extreme type dog breeds available throughout the world. If you are considering one of these breeds be sure to research the needs of the breed and make sure that you are able to commit to any special environmental conditions or health concerns that the breed may have. Many of the miniatures or “tea cup” varieties of the toy dog breeds are also extremes of the breeds, but these often have a wide variety of health issues that tend to occur throughout the dog’s life. As with all breeds always buy from a reputable breeder to ensure that you get a happy and healthy puppy.
About the Author: Kelly Marshall writes for Oh My Dog Supplies - check for specials on personalized dog beds & wrought iron dog feeders
Source: www.isnare.com The following article is a Reader Feature. This young man will hopefully be a columnist for us in the future.
Using Treats In Dog Training And Behavior Modification Successfully
By Veronica Sanchez M.Ed. CABC
Professional dog trainers often recommend using treats for training and behavior modification because food is inherently rewarding to the animal and you can quickly deliver many small treats in a short period of time. Puppies can be easily trained basic commands from a very young age using food rewards. However, many people become concerned that their dog will only perform in the presence of a treat. Others worry that their dog or puppy may become overweight. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to avoid these problems.
You can prevent having your dog develop a weight problem by using your dog’s regular food in “boring” situations, such as when you are training at home. Your dog can even earn his meals by performing simple obedience skills. Make dry kibble more enticing by mixing in a few dog treats that have a strong odor with the kibble. The treats will make the kibble smell more appetizing to the dog. Many nutritious treats are now available that your dog will love and are great for training in distracting situations. Use very small-sized nutritious rewards that can be quickly swallowed. For a medium or large dogs, treats the size of a pea are appropriate. Puppy trainers and trainers of toy breed dogs may use pieces even smaller than that.
Timing is essential for success. Consider the following scenario: you ask your dog to sit, and he ignores you. Next, you get a treat and then ask your dog to sit. You have just trained your dog to hold out for a treat. Be careful, do not reach into your treat bag or treat container before asking your dog to sit. The very sound and motion of your hand reaching for the treat can quickly become the cue your dog responds to.
Keep in mind that dogs are responsive to subtle changes such as your use of a fanny pack or bait bag. Dogs can learn that you only reward them when you are wearing the bag. Sometimes train without the pack, just put treats in your pocket instead. Whenever possible, keep the treat container off your body. For example, keep several containers with treats in different locations in your home. Then ask your dog to sit or lie down, and get the treat from the container.
Professional trainers and dog behavior consultants often emphasize the use of non-food rewards as well. Ask your dog to sit before putting his leash on, letting him out of the car, or letting him go through a door. The opportunity to tug on a toy, retrieve a ball or play with a friendly dog can also be rewards for basic obedience.
You can also use food to increase the motivational power of other rewards your dog likes, but not as much as food. If your dog does not care for praise, give your dog a treat right after you have praised him. Your dog will associate praise with the treat and enjoy praise more. Over time, you can work towards rewarding your dog with food some of the time and using rewards such as praise and petting other times. It is important to continue to reward behavior you would like to see repeated however, as the best way to make a behavior disappear is to stop rewarding it!
About the Author: Veronica Sanches has a Masters in Education, Bachelors in Psychology, certified in Animal Behavior Consulting and is endorsed by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. She's a dog trainer who enjoys training puppies, dogs and solving behavior problems. Visit http://www.cooperativepaws.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Learn About The American Eskimo Dog Breed
By Lee Dobbins
Of all the dog breeds one of the fluffiest and cutest is the American Eskimo puppy. It is from the Spitz family and considered a Nordic breed. When brought to America its name was changed to the American Eskimo dog. It was originally related to the white German Spitz. They originally changed the name because after World War I there were widespread anti-German sentiments. They are now considered to be two separate breeds but the two a very closely related.
Evidence shows that the “White Spitz” was also brought to America by German immigrants. The studbook was closed by the North American Eskimo dog Association in 1969. To gain acceptance into the AKC, The American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed in 1985.
On July 1, 1995 the American Eskimo dog was accepted in to the AKC in the Non-Sporting Group. There are three sizes of the breed, the standard, miniature, and of course, the toy. The standard size will reach a height of 15 to 19 inches, and will weigh between 18 and 35 pounds. A miniature will be 12-15 inches tall and weigh 10-20 pounds. A toy dog will be 9-12 inches high and weigh six to ten pounds.
Being a small to medium size dog the American Eskimo dog is a well-balanced, compact Nordic type dog. When it walks or run you will see a smooth gait. The dog is also very alert. There are very distinctive black points on the dogs face. They are around the eye rims, lips and on the nose. The ears also have the black points and are triangular shaped and stand erect.
The coat is two fold. The under coat consist of short dense hair. The outer coat grows through the undercoat with long guard hair. This gives the dog a double coat. The hair should lay flat with no waves or curls. Around the neck and chest the coat is much thicker and forms a ruff similar to a loins. This trait is more pronounced on a male than on the females. The breech look, which is characteristic of the breed, is formed around the back legs to the hocks and is covered in very thick hair also. The tail is loosely carried on its back and is very plum. The color of the American Eskimo dog should be pure white, though white and biscuit cream is also allowed.
As a puppy the American Eskimo is a little on the conservative side but is generally friendly. They are very intelligent and highly alert. If being shown they can be penalized for either aggressive behavior or being overly shy. If you want a watchdog this is a good breed, due to its alertness they will bark when someone is approaching. They do not general threaten to bite or attack people, but they are protective of their area and family. It is quick and eager to learn new tricks.
Though this breed is generally healthy there are a few things it is susceptible to. Owners should pay close attention to any changes in the tear ducts or eyes. Progressive retinal astrophy and hip displaysia also run in this breed. To avoid dermatitis keep the coat free of fleas and clean.
This dog is very active and is best suited for living in an area with a yard where it can run and play. It can become overweight very easily so regular exercise is a must. It would be okay in an apartment as long as you had a place to exercise them. You should brush the dog at least twice a week. Remember it has a thick coat so you will need a comb or brush with bristles that are firm. The breed is not really a heavy shedder, but when it does shed its coat increase the brushing frequency to daily. Wash only when needed.
About the Author: Lee Dobbins writes for Dog Breeds 123 where you can learn more about all different dog breeds including the American Eskimo puppy.
Source: www.isnare.com
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5 Popular Dog Breeds For Children
By Gerald Njuguna
When choosing a dog for your family, it’s an excellent idea to keep your children in mind. This is because certain dogs are not tolerant to children and can harm them. That said, there are many dog breeds to choose from. All that is needed is to research properly and see which dog works best with your family.
The Labrador Retriever is considered to be the best dog breed for children. The reason why this dog is widely accepted is because of its good dog nature and that its not very aggressive or hyper.
It’s a playful and intelligent dog and that’s why its its loved by the young and old people. Its also a first choice in working with the handicapped because of its mild manner. The animal is also very accommodating with people and can live up to thirteen years.
The Golden Retriever is number 2 in the list. Its personality is similar to the Labrador in that it’s mild mannered in nature, kind & enjoys being around people. The Golden Retriever is a good choice in working with the handicapped and the elderly.
This breed is great with older children who enjoy the outdoors because of their playful nature. Due to their long hair, they require regular grooming.
The third dog is is the Beagle. They are not aggressive even though they have a baying bark. This makes them good watch dogs. They have a friendly demeanor about them and you will notice that their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Due to their friendly nature, they don’t like being left alone and become easily bored when left by themselves for long periods of time.
Another great dog is the Basset Hound. It’s a docile animal but is also known for its stubbornness. They are also known for being gentle and are quite sweet by nature. They love being with children of all ages and enjoy getting attention from them.
The German shepherd dog breed is another great dog. These dogs are a good choice for older children that like playing outdoors. Due to their huge size and strength, they are not recommended for younger children. German Shepherds are famous for their loyalty to their masters and are used for rescue missions. Being protective and tolerant in nature, it’s a good idea to start training them as pups. Without proper training, they can turn out to be a handful.
In conclusion, when choosing a dog for your family, do remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Just note that though certain dog breeds are more friendly to children than others, always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.
About the Author: Visit http://www.dogperfection.com, a site for dog lovers. Get more info on dog breeds and learn more about popular male and female dog names at the site.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=192342&ca=Pets
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