Pets and Animals Articles

Pets Are Constant Companion

Your child is bound to get bored and lonely. This happens most when you are raising a single child. However, having a pet around helps your child to have a constant companion in the house.

Pets also can match the energy and excitement level of a child. A human adult can never match the energy and enthusiasm a pet, in the form of a dog, has. The pet can keep your child busy and engaged. It can be your child’s constant playmate without getting bored.

Increase Your Child’s Activity Level

In the era of smart-phones and tabloids there are chances that your child might become less active. However, a recent study has shown that the kids, who own a dog, exercise eleven minutes more on average, than non-dog owning kids.

Eleven minutes might sound quite less but also when you add up the figure in terms of weeks and month you realize the benefits. A pet in the form of a dog really helps your child to walk the extra mile and keep him/her active.

Grows Responsibility

Children with pets become more responsible than the others. It keeps them alert whether the dog or the cat got their share of food or water. They also tend to share more than the other kids.

The kids learn to be accountable of someone else. In that way they grow up to be more responsible adults. They learn fast that how the pets are dependent on the human beings and from that understanding, the attachment develops.

Makes them Empathetic

Pets also teach your children to become empathetic and kind towards others. Kids without any kind of pets tend to become cruel or repulsive towards other animals. However, kids having pets like dogs or cats tend to care more for others.

The responsibilities of owning a pet makes them accountable and their self-esteem also increases. They grow-up to be dependable adults than kids who don’t own a pet. By keeping in mind their pet’s feeding and grooming routines, they also learn to keep track of their own routines.

Makes them Healthier

Studies have shown that there are also certain health benefits of having pets. Babies who are being raised near pets tend to fall less sick than the babies who are not. Pets, especially dogs, carry certain microbes from outside into your home. These microbes tend to help your baby by improving their immunity.

Interaction with pets also helps in releasing the dopamine hormone in your child. This makes them more cheerful than the others.

Holly Gough is a life long owner of pets, from Dogs, Cats, Pony’s and Birds to name a few. You name it Holly has grown up with them, from rescue pets to special breeds, Holly has a wide range of experience with animals. She also helps run a website were they sell a wide variety of training tools, fun agility kits

Sometimes a pet displays signs of poor health that aren’t necessarily related to a disease or illness. When this happens, changing pet food may be a good way to ensure that they’re getting the proper nutrients. Here are common indicators that it may be time for a change.

Flaky or Dull Coat

Just like fatty acids keep humans’ skin healthy and hydrated, if a pet’s food lacks the proper fatty acids, it may result in a dull or flaky coat. If a cat or dog usually boasts a silky and healthy looking coat, but it slowly becomes less vibrant or more knotted with time, it can be an indication that their diet is lacking in said fatty acids. If this indicator appears, keeping an eye out for a brand that includes high levels of Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acids may help return the shininess to a pet’s coat.

Fatigue or Lethargy

It’s normal for animals to go through lethargy during certain stages of their lives, such as when they are pregnant or are growing older. However, if a young and otherwise healthy cat or dog begins showing signs of excessive sleep and lack of interest in play or other activities, it could be a bad sign. This may be the result of an underlying illness. In order to combat this, finding a pet food with high levels of antioxidants can help the animal’s immune system and speed up their recovery time. However, it’s a good idea to contact a vet before making such changes to ensure that the lethargy isn’t a sign of something more serious.

Age

Even though humans’ diets generally stay the same through all stages of their lives, the same isn’t true of animals. Luckily, pet food comes equipped with the right nutrients for all the stages of a cat or dog’s life. Puppy or kitten chow is fortified with the vitamins and nutrients needed for higher levels of activity as well as for healthy growing. But the same is true for animals of older ages. When a pet is considered a “senior,” which is around 5-7 years depending on the size of the animal, it’s a good idea to find a food that will allow them to age comfortably. Older animals do not need the high levels of fat and nutrients in “all age” foods, and an excess of these can actually be harmful.

Excessive Itching

If a cat or dog is itching excessively, most of the time it’s an indicator that fleas or other pests have made their home in its coat. However, just like humans, some animals are born with natural allergies. These allergies may manifest themselves in upset stomachs, but they may also result in an itch that won’t go away. In this case, it’s a good idea to take the pet to a veterinarian to determine if an allergy is present and to find a low-allergen food that can reduce its irritation.

Knowing what food is right can be hard, and it may take a few attempts to get it right. But the result will be a healthier and happier member of the family!

A family with a lot of furry members is really a heavenly abode with lots of enjoyment every day. However, with it comes – greater responsibilities, as the pet family requires lot of care and efforts to keep them all fit and fine, maintaining their overall wellbeing. Whether you have to take care of two kitties or a pack of four dogs or a whole farm, you need to take care of each vital thing ranging from food, preventive medications, and litter boxes to beds and toys.

Here are a few tips that fully aid you in organizing your day to day activities for taking care of multiple pets. Following the tips, you can definitely have time for yourself along with having a quality playtime with your furry pal.

Arrange for Multiple Beds

Having multiple pets in your home means a special place to provide all for a nap. Get beds for each and every pet in your home. Multiple bed will discourage pets from laying or bouncing on sofas.

Protect Furniture

It is crucial to cover your furniture. Tiny dog or cat hairs are more likely to get easily stick to the furniture. Cover them with fleece blankets and throws on tables, chairs and couches to keep pet hair to minimum. Additionally, when it comes to your car, it’s good to cover the seat in order to keep that mud away in case your dog must have brought it from the dog park.

Keep Food in Air-Sealed Containers

Different pets mean different requirements of various kinds of foods. To easily recognize the food, it is better to label the plastic bins for different food types. Ensure to store them in a pantry or in a kitchen counter shelf. Keep it away from damp place and check that it is not accessible to your furry pal or either to your children. Ensure that you keep the feeding place well organized and mess free. To avoid fights among your pets, maintain a feeding schedule.

Separate Feeding Locations

You are wrong if you are thinking that there is no need for separate feeding locations for your multiple pets. It is to avoid food hostility as dogs and cats are quite territorial so try to feed pets in different rooms. Some pets may go along well, but if it seems there is some tension, then it is better feed them at separate places. This helps to avoid unwanted accidents.

Keep A Folder for Pet Records

Don’t mess your pets’ medical records. Organize different pets’ health records including vet visits, adoption papers, vaccination cards, microchip registration, licenses and pet insurance policies in different folders for various pets. It would be quite helpful in case of any emergency.

Provide Litter Box for Each Cat

Cats are inclined too much towards cleanliness. They are too picky about clean litter boxes. Provide each of your cat a separate litter box, which they are sure to appreciate. If you want them all to use litter box, then it is better to provide them each a separate one.

Stock Up First Aid Kit

Always have your pet’s first aid kit in handy. With so many pets in the house, there can be accidents at some times. Providing them first aid will largely cut on the vet bills. The important things that your pet’s first aid box should include are Gauze of various sizes; scissors; first-aid tape; wound disinfectant; antibiotic ointment; eye wash solution; hydrogen peroxide; cotton balls or swabs; cortisone spray or cream; thermometer.

Parasitic Preventive Treatments

A home with multiple pets mean that there is a huge probability of spreading disease due to fleas, ticks or worms from one animal to another. Missing treatment of flea and tick infestation or heartworm preventive for a few of them is of no use as gradually they too will be infected by the infected animals, and the cycle of recurring infestation will continue. Treating all the pets in the household will deploy the occurrence of parasitic infestations.

Multiple pets mean taking various responsibilities and providing the best care. Always keep a stock of essential medications including preventive treatments along with proper food and nutritional supplements. This ensures a great health and happiness for your big family of humans and four-legged companions.

It is fun to shop for pet accessories and even more exciting to take home to your little furry pets and feathered family members. Whenever you look for the best and functional toys for your pet, keep in mind that prices and brands are not necessarily that important when it comes to pet accessories – unlike with regard to electronics or other products. Rather than being concerned with the popularity of the brand, check out the designs and materials that are not harmful and dangerous. A number of things to think about when inspecting the shelves are as follows:

Physical Stability

No one can really be so sure if a particular bird branch or cat tree is safe, so inspect it carefully to help in your decision. Large accessories – like carpeted trees and scratching posts – need to be heavy and strong enough to keep them from falling over when your pet cat climbs and plays. Though cute domed beds look perfect for your puppy or kitten, they may tip over or trap your pet. When you are in doubt, check consumer reviews.

Swallowing and Inhaling Dangers

Even if toys with ribbons seem to be fun and adorable, many dogs and cats are fond of eating string. So, when thinking of buying toys that have long, dangling parts, see to it that these are strongly attached and will not easily tear apart. Also, ensure that the toy does not have small pieces that can be easily swallowed, since these are often made from plastic and other materials that are not edible. Some accessories like catnip essences and bird mite protectors give off fumes that are too strong for your small pet. Always stay away from fume-based applications, except if they are approved by your veterinarian.

Hazardous chemicals

Many pet stores contain a big pet care section where owners can buy things like flea and tick spray and dog vitamins. While buying any of these items may seem like a good idea, this may not be the case. As a matter of fact, numerous dogs and cats become sick due to contact with dangerous sprays, flea and tick collars, as well as vitamins and essential oils. Always consult your vet before buying new products to make sure they are not detrimental to your pet’s health.

Do not let the potential hazards prevent you from spoiling your pet. Each one of them would love a new comfortable bed to sleep on, an entertaining toy to play with, and a tasty pack of soft food. Your pets will stay both happy and safe when you buy them accessories based on your best judgment.

This a short information about dog flu symptoms and treatment.

Canine Influenza, otherwise called canine flu, was initially seen in the USA in 2004 in racing greyhounds in Florida. The CIV H3N8 strain has now spread to over 38 countries and generally happens in the canine population. Genetic analysis indicates that the virus is closely associated with equine flu, also as greyhounds and race horses frequently are around the very same racetracks, speculation is that canine flu evolved in the equine virus and jumped from horses to dogs.

In 2015, an epidemic of a new breed of dog flu appeared. This breed known as CIV H3N2 is of avian origin rather than linked to this earlier CIV H3N8 virus.

Dogs of any age may be affected, and since the viruses are comparatively new, there’s little to no natural immunity from the canine population. Virtually all dogs who are exposed to the virus become infected and almost 80% show clinical signs of disease. The virus is extremely contagious, but mercifully has a very low mortality rate. There’s no “season” for this, and it spreads year round. Dogs greatest in danger are those bundled together, the very young, the very old and also the immune-compromised. The disease doesn’t affect humans.

The virus spreads through respiratory secretions (e.g. Mucous and saliva) and infected objects and surfaces (e.g. Noodle surfaces, water, food bowls, collars and leashes). Folks also distribute it going between infected and uninfected dogs with no appropriate hygiene or precautions.

Indicators of canine flu follow along one of two paths, severe or mild, with the gentle kind being the most frequent. Symptoms are usually found within 2-3 days of disease. The gentle form contains: Soft, moist cough which lasted for 10-30 times, Dry cough, such as kennel cough, Loss of desire, Lethargy, Sneezing, Discharge from eyes, Runny nose, and Thick discharge from nose.

Treatment will be based on the symptoms that your dog is introduced. Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat any bacterial infections existing. Anti-inflammatories might be awarded for fever, swelling and pain. Fluid treatment is given to all those dogs that are very dehydrated. Other medicines may be prescribed based on the additional symptoms present. Hospitalization may be required in more severe cases. Fatalities have just been reported with the beginning of pneumonia, however, the speed is less than 10 percent of dogs that are affected.

Boosting the Dog Immune System

Boosting your pet’s immune system helps accelerate the recovery from dog flu, in addition to preventing further afield. It is the work of the immune system to secure your pet’s own body from cells infected by bacteria, a virus, fungus, or parasites. The immune system also filters out toxins and retains cells powerful enough to fight dog illness like the dog influenza. When the immune system is weak, micro-organisms comprising infections and toxins can pass via the immune cells that are immune.

The most effective methods to enhance the immune system include fundamental nutrition and nutritional supplements. A puppy who eats entire foods free of substances and additives and allergens like wheat, soy, and corn may have higher health than a puppy that has a bad diet. Your pet’s diet ought to be rich in organic ingredients which mimic what he’d consume in the wild and also the food needs to have a high moisture content.

1 approach to help your pet remain free of the flu would be to vaccinate him against it. Vaccines have now released vaccines against the two canine flu viruses. Flu vaccines aren’t a guarantee that your pet will not catch the illness, but when a vaccinated pet doesn’t go down with influenza, it’s typically not as severe as it is in puppies which are unvaccinated.

Could puppies catch flu from people?

Diseases that leap from animals to humans are known as zoonoses. However, there’s also the possibility of diseases like influenza, to maneuver out of people to animals. These are known as reverse zoonoses.

Reverse zoonoses is not very well known, and it is not very common.

We are aware that ferrets, and sometimes cats, can catch flu from individuals, but there’s less evidence of puppies doing this.

Can people catch flu from puppies?

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence of transmission of canine flu from dogs to humans. There really have been no documented instances of an individual catching flu in their puppy.

Traveling is rarely a fun endeavor. There are so many small details to tend to and if you’re taking the family pet along, it can become even more stressful. Many airlines have strict regulations in place when it comes to bringing a dog or cat on board and you want to be certain you are completely clear on those before you get to the airport. Nothing is quite as frustrating as being told the furry member of your family can’t fly. To avoid this type of situation always ensure you are traveling with airline approved pet carriers.

There are two different ways to transport your animal on an airplane and it really is dependent on how big they are. For all large dogs you’ll have to check the animal and they will be stored in the airplane. You’ll need one of the oversized airline approved pet carriers for this. Before the animal will be accepted at check-in you’ll be required to supply your name and address and final destination. This information will be attached to the container holding your pet in case something goes amiss and the animal is separated from your flights.

Many people choose to bring their pets on board as a piece of carry-on luggage. This is really only acceptable if you are using a small dog carrier or a small cat carrier. These must match the dimensions specified by the airline as being appropriate for a carry-on. You’ll want to be able to store it under the seat in front of you as opposed to the overhead storage bins. This helps your four-legged friend feel more relaxed because they know you are close by.

A good rule of thumb to remember when you are looking for one of these handy pet must-haves is that your animal must fit comfortably in it. You can’t try and fit a large dog into a small carrier. The animal has to be able to lie down and it must have enough room for your dog or cat to turn around. All airline approved pet carriers have to accommodate your pet in these ways. If they don’t, you likely won’t be able to bring the pet with you, which will mean a delay in your trip.

We all know how much more convenient it is to travel with luggage that allows for ease of movement. This means you’ll really want to consider airline approved pet carriers that have wheels. This is true regardless if you are buying one for a small, lightweight animal or a very large dog. Your pet will be much more comfortable being pulled in a carrier that has wheels than they would be if you were carrying them. Just imagine how much smoother it will be for them.

If you consider your pet to be part of your family you’ll want to make certain that they are as safe as possible when traveling by air. Buy a carrier that meets airline regulations and allows your pet room to move and rest. This way you’ll know that they’ll always be snug and secure.

Can you communicate with your pet? Well, the answer depends on the love between you and your pet. We, humans, have the skill of interacting with animals, and that is the reason we are different from other creatures of the universe. As a matter of fact, the process of animal communication is part of the natural law. If you don’t know how to communicate with animals, you may find the following tips helpful.

1. Start With You Own Pet

If you have a pet parrot, for instance, you should start with your pet. This is because you already have a connection with your pet, which will make it easier for you to connect with another animal. Keep an eye on how your pet behaves when he is angry, sad or hungry. This will give you a very good idea of their behaviors.

If you have just bought a pet, you should start by saying good morning to him in the morning when you meet him for the first time.

2. Wait For Their Response

Second, whenever you say something to your pet, wait for them to respond. Don’t just keep on talking. This is just like you talk to a human friend and give them some time to reply. You should give the same opportunity to your animal as well. After all, they do need time to understand you and then give you a reply.

Usually, they will reply you in their own way. It could be a gesture, a whistle or a random word. At times, you may receive an image. After all, we all have different ways of sending, receiving and interpreting the information others give us.

3. Give Proper Responses

While chatting with someone on your phone, you will respond to their messages appropriately. You may give them a reply and start chatting with them or you may tell them that you are busy right now. In the same way, you should “reply” to your new pet as well. Say whatever you want and they will understand it.

If you don’t respond to your friend, they will stop paying attention to you. In the same way, your pet won’t pay attention to you if you stop responding to them. The worst animal communication mistake is to ignore your pet.

Do you feel like your pet has already given up? If so, you can reach out to them to restore the connection once again. You have to make the phone call.

4. Communicate with other animals

As soon as your pet gets familiar with you, you should keep giving time to them. Now, you are ready to communicate with other animals as well. Your pet is your family. You should treat them well. If you are alone, don’t just sit in your home. Sit with your pet and talk to them. Look in their eyes and say whatever you want to say with love. You will enjoy a lot in their company, and they will enjoy themselves too.

With these 4 tips in mind, you can talk to any pet with time. All it takes is a little bit time and patience.

Most private RV parks nowadays offer a pet run, as their latest campground amenity. This can come in the form of a fenced area or big, open space. The purpose of a pet run is to let your furry animal friends run without a leash (if it has a fence) and enjoy playtime with you and/or other pets in the area. If you are interested, search the campground’s website and inquire by means of email or telephone.

Every campground has its own set of pet rules that you need to follow. At times, it can be annoying when 1 or 2 people disobey them. Walk your pet in designated areas, pick up their poop, do not let them bark their heads off while you are out, and be considerate of other campers.

In order for your trip to be pleasant for everyone concerned, take these simple, helpful tips and ideas into consideration. Print out this checklist so you can take it along your RVing and camping gear and not miss out on every important detail:

• Before you leave, see to it that your pet’s medical requirements – like vaccination and medications – are up-to-date.
• Bring your pet’s health certificate in case you will need it.
• Take along your pet’s latest ID tags (you can use temporary tags) with the name and contact number of the campsite you are going to.
• Always pack baggies for scooping, and make use of the provided/designated pet walk.
• To avoid bugs/pests; bring tick or flea collars plus other insect repellants.
• Pack your pet’s belongings inside his/her bag. These include a blanket, favorite snacks, favorite toys and water bowl.
• Bring your pet carrier, a pet tent or any pet shelter designed for the outdoors.
• When travelling, take a stopover every now and then to stretch, walk your pet and exercise.
• Always bring your pet’s leash (as required) to be able to get out and around.
• Do not leave your pet inside a hot, not properly ventilated car or RV. Heat and lack of air can easily weaken your pet.
• The moment you arrive, show courtesy to your fellow campers (and steer clear of dangerous creatures like skunks and porcupines, among others). Discipline your pet and keep it leashed.
• Know your pet’s fitness level, so you won’t push him/her beyond his/her limits.
• Never leave pet food outdoors to avoid encountering uninvited animals.
• Never leave your pet outside, where hungry predators lurk in the dark.
• Observe your pet everyday to see if there is anything unusual – such as limping, lack of appetite, bites, itchiness and too much water consumption, among others.

When your camping vacation is planned out well, this can create unforgettable memories that last forever.

Why do people hoard animals?

The reason is very simple. It is for emotional and mental gratification. The sense of achievement people get when they become the rescuer is far more fetching than trying to analyse the state in which the animal is. Some group of individuals who live alone, find comfort when living amongst a large number of animals. In short, the need to feel important and the need for attention often drive people to hoard animals.

This is a sickening reason for people to hoard animals resulting in exploitation and abuse. A couple in Texas, US, was charged with animal abuse after police found 19 dogs in their home contaminated with urine and faeces. Police officers and neighbours’ deemed this home uninhabitable. Even when people hoard animals for the purpose of protecting them, most of them unintentionally end up causing more harm.

What happens when you hoard animals?

When the animals overrun your home, you will find it difficult to take proper care of the animals and usually end up causing them distress and pain. You fail to provide proper sanitation, food and veterinary care and they become prone to skin diseases, infections, are wounded during fights with other animals and end up with fleas and parasites crawling all over them. Cats are involved in most of the animal hoarding cases and are among the worst due to the limited water consumption and high urine crystallisation.

A couple in Ottawa had called the humane society, asking for help with their cat population. Workers were able to find 37 cats. All the cats were unvaccinated including a nursing litter. The couple started off initially with only four cats. Then they took in a few strays and, soon, the cats were reproducing. The couple was spending $15 a day to feed the brood. They eventually decided the situation was unmanageable and called for help.

How does animal hoarding affect others around you?

When you have a home full of unclean animals and animal wastes, an asthmatic neighbour may not find it amusing when cat fur flies into his face when he opens his window. Every animal hoarders crib transforms into filthy, cramped, extremely crowded dumpster filled with flea, termites, worm infestations and deadly infections. This is not only cruel to the pets but also to the people living in the house because they can cause severe infections including pneumonia in children. Untamed and unvaccinated animals are a threat to visitors and the neighbours’. In 1985 in Broward County, Florida, Vikki Kittles’ neighbours had complained of bad odour and noise caused by the animals at her house. Vikki was charged with aggravated assault for pointing a gun at a neighbour whom she accused of harbouring her missing dog. Most people tolerate animal lovers, but everybody despises animal hoarders. Nobody wants the jungle book coming home!

How to care for animals without hoarding them?

• If you are concerned about the well-being of animals, you could volunteer with animal rescue organisations.
• You could help put up ads to find decent homes that would adopt a stray pet.
• Donate old items to animal shelter.
• Attend fundraiser events for helping animals.

Animals are faithful and love you unconditionally irrespective of how badly you treat them. But we should not make them prisoners of our love. Do not treat them as objects of your fascination, love them as companions.