My cat Milo is helping me pick the topic of the blog today. He told me the topic of today was going to be advice about traveling with cats.
First off, don't travel with cats often. Cats are creatures of habit and they get stressed if their habits are interrupted. Usuallythey are not in the habit of traveling unless they are a starlett's spoiled cat or something like that.
If you do travel with a cat, make the cat feel secure. Put him in a cat carrying case. Make sure it is plastic and put a bowl of water and blanket in it. Plastic is the best for a cat carrier because anything less will make waste drip out of the carrier ifthe cat eliminates in it.
Make sure you latch the case tightly. You don't want your cat clawing your back seat.
Happy traveling!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
How To TAke a Dog on a Trip
My dog Diamond is in the mood for a trip, so she wanted me to talk about how to take a dog on a trip.
First, decide if your dog can stand being inside a car or a box for a few hours. If it can't don't take it on a trip.
If it can be in a container or a car for a few hours, by all means, take it on a trip.
Make sure if you are to put thedogin a container that it is well ventilated and very secure.
If you need to stop at a hotel before you end your trip and you have a dog with you, consider which hotels allow petsand which don't. Book withtheone that does allow pets.
Remember if yo uare on a driving trip to let the dog eliminate every few hours. If you don't, you're bound to have a very wet, very gross surprise.
If you are going on an airplane with a dog, note that if the dogis bigger than carry-on size, it will have to be put in withthe luggage. The luggage department has no temperature control, so if you're traveling through cold places on your trip, you might want to bring a blanket for your dog.
Airlines have been known to lose dogs in planes. Definitely take that into consideration.
If you travel overseas, the dog will have to be quarantined for about ten days. Keep that in mind also.
Happy traveling!
First, decide if your dog can stand being inside a car or a box for a few hours. If it can't don't take it on a trip.
If it can be in a container or a car for a few hours, by all means, take it on a trip.
Make sure if you are to put thedogin a container that it is well ventilated and very secure.
If you need to stop at a hotel before you end your trip and you have a dog with you, consider which hotels allow petsand which don't. Book withtheone that does allow pets.
Remember if yo uare on a driving trip to let the dog eliminate every few hours. If you don't, you're bound to have a very wet, very gross surprise.
If you are going on an airplane with a dog, note that if the dogis bigger than carry-on size, it will have to be put in withthe luggage. The luggage department has no temperature control, so if you're traveling through cold places on your trip, you might want to bring a blanket for your dog.
Airlines have been known to lose dogs in planes. Definitely take that into consideration.
If you travel overseas, the dog will have to be quarantined for about ten days. Keep that in mind also.
Happy traveling!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
How To Clip Dog Nails
My cat Milo said I should make this article because he doesn't want me to talk about how to clip cat claws.
To clip dog nails, make sure to start when the dogis a puppy. The later someone starts to clipa dog's nails, the harder it will be.
This is because dog nails have a coating on their nails much like our cuticles, except stronger and with more blood vessels. Like cuticles, the coating grows every year. As the cuticle grows, so does the nails, along with it.
The dog has a blood vessel going through its the middle of its nails that is particularly long on an older dogs' nails. This is because it grows apace with the cuticles, faster than the actual nails of the dog.
Thus, it is very easy to cut older dogs' nails too close and make them bleed.
Make sure you have powder from a pet store that stops the bleeding before you cut dog nails. Very sharp nail cutters are required so they actually go through the nails, thus loosing a bigger amount of blood than dull ones if they nick the blood vessel in the middle of the nail.
You should clip dog nails outside. I'm not saying everyone knicks blood vessels in dogs' nails. A lot of people do. It is very hard to clean up a dog's blood from knicked blood vessels in nails if one is inside the house.
So, now you know about clipping dog nails, make the decision whether or not you want to clip a dog's nails, leave the nails be, or if you want a professional to do it.
To clip dog nails, make sure to start when the dogis a puppy. The later someone starts to clipa dog's nails, the harder it will be.
This is because dog nails have a coating on their nails much like our cuticles, except stronger and with more blood vessels. Like cuticles, the coating grows every year. As the cuticle grows, so does the nails, along with it.
The dog has a blood vessel going through its the middle of its nails that is particularly long on an older dogs' nails. This is because it grows apace with the cuticles, faster than the actual nails of the dog.
Thus, it is very easy to cut older dogs' nails too close and make them bleed.
Make sure you have powder from a pet store that stops the bleeding before you cut dog nails. Very sharp nail cutters are required so they actually go through the nails, thus loosing a bigger amount of blood than dull ones if they nick the blood vessel in the middle of the nail.
You should clip dog nails outside. I'm not saying everyone knicks blood vessels in dogs' nails. A lot of people do. It is very hard to clean up a dog's blood from knicked blood vessels in nails if one is inside the house.
So, now you know about clipping dog nails, make the decision whether or not you want to clip a dog's nails, leave the nails be, or if you want a professional to do it.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How To Choose Whether or not To Declaw a Cat
Many of us with cats have wondered whether or not to declaw a cat. Milo my shorthair cat wanted meto give advice on this subjectbecause he believes anything having to do with cats is of utmost importance.
Here is the facts of what the vet does when he declaws a cat:
It's very simple. In order to declaw a cat, he has to remove the first joints of the cat's paws. Then the claws are gone, and can grow back no more.
You should ask yourself whether or not you want your cat to go through this surgery. It would be like the doctor you go to cutting off the half tops of all your digits.
Some people declaw cats because they want a nice looking house or couch - - no claw marks in the drape or couch, etc.
For some people they are lucky if they declaw their cats. Their house does stay nice because it has no claw marks.
Others aren't so lucky. Some cats have easily bothered paws after declawing and havetheir paws hurt because of scar tissue when they go in their litter boxes. Therefore, they use everything but their litter boxes to eliminate on.
Now, if you have a cat that scratches your legs or other body parts very badly, it might be good to declaw your cat. Or you can return it and get another, nicer cat.
Go ahead and choose whether or not to declaw, since you now have all the information you need to make a decision.
Here is the facts of what the vet does when he declaws a cat:
It's very simple. In order to declaw a cat, he has to remove the first joints of the cat's paws. Then the claws are gone, and can grow back no more.
You should ask yourself whether or not you want your cat to go through this surgery. It would be like the doctor you go to cutting off the half tops of all your digits.
Some people declaw cats because they want a nice looking house or couch - - no claw marks in the drape or couch, etc.
For some people they are lucky if they declaw their cats. Their house does stay nice because it has no claw marks.
Others aren't so lucky. Some cats have easily bothered paws after declawing and havetheir paws hurt because of scar tissue when they go in their litter boxes. Therefore, they use everything but their litter boxes to eliminate on.
Now, if you have a cat that scratches your legs or other body parts very badly, it might be good to declaw your cat. Or you can return it and get another, nicer cat.
Go ahead and choose whether or not to declaw, since you now have all the information you need to make a decision.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Can a Dog Sprain its Tail and Other Questions Answered
My dog Air felt in a playful mood today, so he asked that we answer some really weird questions about animals so he can laugh at the questions.
The first one my child asked. He asked if dogs can sprain their tails. I have heard of it happening. Sometimes dogs wag their tails so vigorously they do sprain their tails.
Some kids ask if boas can eat trucks. The answer is no. Trucks are too wide for boas to swallow.
Some kids ask if snakes are slimy. You can answer they most certainly are not. The baby ones have very soft skin.
So, there you have it. Some ofthe most puzzling questions that have ever been put to grown ups about pets - - answered.
The first one my child asked. He asked if dogs can sprain their tails. I have heard of it happening. Sometimes dogs wag their tails so vigorously they do sprain their tails.
Some kids ask if boas can eat trucks. The answer is no. Trucks are too wide for boas to swallow.
Some kids ask if snakes are slimy. You can answer they most certainly are not. The baby ones have very soft skin.
So, there you have it. Some ofthe most puzzling questions that have ever been put to grown ups about pets - - answered.
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Ball, or Royal, Python
Some people wonder about the ball python. Is it a good pet, and what is it's background information?
Well, let me tell you. My python thinks this is the second most important topic next to basic snake care.
Ball pythons are really called royal pythons by people outside the USA, their official name. Well then, you may ask, why do we call them ball pythons? The answer is that when they are scared they curl up in a tight ball to protect themselves.
The ball python can be found in the wild in Africa. They sleep underground in tunnels most of the day, and are more active during the night.
The ball python is a good pet. it's not partcularly active, and is easy to find and buy in pet stores.
You should always pick up a snake by its back, not by its head. Like any snake, ball pythons do not like their heads touched.
If you startle the ball python, smell like prey, or neglect him for say, three weeks or so, the python will get mad.
A mad python may bite. If you get bitten, please try to be careful you don't jerk your hand out of its mouth if you still want your snake to be able to eat after he detaches from your hand. He may lose his teeth if you do that.
You sometimes cannot get a biting python off of your hand. Just wait it out if that happens.
Now onto the food the python eats. Like all snakes, the python eats no vegetables. The ball python eats meat. It likes other snakes, mice, rats, and sometimes fish. It may try to eat other kinds of meat if it feels like it.
Feed the ball python about every seven to ten days. Like any snake, look at its middle, the largest part of its body. If the snake's middle is as large in width as the animal you are trying to feed him, it is a perfect size of prey for the snake.
Most snakes from pet stores eat frozen rodents. You can thaw them and warm them before a snake eats by runnin g them under hot water. This is a must, as snakes only eat warm prey. If it is cold, they think it is dead and will not eat.
Ball pythons can be picky eaters. If they don't eat the first time they are offered a meal, try again in a few days.
Most ball pythons in the wild have parasites, so a person purchasing a ball python should get one from a breeder or pet store.
As with all snakes, ball pythons need basic snake supplies - - a red light, a living cage, hides, etc. I cover more about the basics of snake care in my previous blog.
Ball pythons that have eggs will not eat for four months, or until the eggs hatch. She spends this time wrapped around her eggs.
Male ball pythons can grow to about five feet tops, while females can grow to six feet. Most ball pythons, though, grow to about four feet.
Ball pyhtons have mild attitudes and wil usually not bite. A corn snake is apt to bite more often than a ball python.
Ball pythons can constrict prey. If the ball python tries to constrict your body part he is on, gently remove him from that body part.
So, now you have the basics of ball python care, very useful if one is to buy a ball python.
Well, let me tell you. My python thinks this is the second most important topic next to basic snake care.
Ball pythons are really called royal pythons by people outside the USA, their official name. Well then, you may ask, why do we call them ball pythons? The answer is that when they are scared they curl up in a tight ball to protect themselves.
The ball python can be found in the wild in Africa. They sleep underground in tunnels most of the day, and are more active during the night.
The ball python is a good pet. it's not partcularly active, and is easy to find and buy in pet stores.
You should always pick up a snake by its back, not by its head. Like any snake, ball pythons do not like their heads touched.
If you startle the ball python, smell like prey, or neglect him for say, three weeks or so, the python will get mad.
A mad python may bite. If you get bitten, please try to be careful you don't jerk your hand out of its mouth if you still want your snake to be able to eat after he detaches from your hand. He may lose his teeth if you do that.
You sometimes cannot get a biting python off of your hand. Just wait it out if that happens.
Now onto the food the python eats. Like all snakes, the python eats no vegetables. The ball python eats meat. It likes other snakes, mice, rats, and sometimes fish. It may try to eat other kinds of meat if it feels like it.
Feed the ball python about every seven to ten days. Like any snake, look at its middle, the largest part of its body. If the snake's middle is as large in width as the animal you are trying to feed him, it is a perfect size of prey for the snake.
Most snakes from pet stores eat frozen rodents. You can thaw them and warm them before a snake eats by runnin g them under hot water. This is a must, as snakes only eat warm prey. If it is cold, they think it is dead and will not eat.
Ball pythons can be picky eaters. If they don't eat the first time they are offered a meal, try again in a few days.
Most ball pythons in the wild have parasites, so a person purchasing a ball python should get one from a breeder or pet store.
As with all snakes, ball pythons need basic snake supplies - - a red light, a living cage, hides, etc. I cover more about the basics of snake care in my previous blog.
Ball pythons that have eggs will not eat for four months, or until the eggs hatch. She spends this time wrapped around her eggs.
Male ball pythons can grow to about five feet tops, while females can grow to six feet. Most ball pythons, though, grow to about four feet.
Ball pyhtons have mild attitudes and wil usually not bite. A corn snake is apt to bite more often than a ball python.
Ball pythons can constrict prey. If the ball python tries to constrict your body part he is on, gently remove him from that body part.
So, now you have the basics of ball python care, very useful if one is to buy a ball python.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Basics of Dog care
On this great Sunday afternoon, the dogs tell me it is their turn to pick the topic, Basics of Dog Care.
First, you need to find a vet in your area, preferably one you know is a good one. This will be the one your new best friend will go to to get shots and when he gets sick.
Then you have to buy dog food and two bowls, one for water and one for food. If you are going to get a puppy, gather some newspapers and/or puppy pads where they can pee on. The pet stores have them. Petco and Petsmart are two major pet stores that have them. Bird World in Bountiful, Utah has them also.
Now, pick the dog. Go through the breeds that are out there, and see the temperaments of the different breeds. This is very important to know before you pick a dog. If you get a mutt, it can have two or three temperaments mixed in, and this can make life interesting to say the least.
Get the dog. If it needs shots, schedule an appointment. If it needs spaying or neutering, get this done also.
Get a checkup scheduled for the dog. This is an important step. Some places a person can get pets have a guarantee for a certain number of days. Perhaps the guarantee says if the pet is sick, the place will refund money. Some make you trade the dog for a different one. There are many different policies out there.
If the dog is healthy, have fun with it. If you wish, sign it up for obedience classes.
I love my dogs, which is very easy to do in my opinion.
First, you need to find a vet in your area, preferably one you know is a good one. This will be the one your new best friend will go to to get shots and when he gets sick.
Then you have to buy dog food and two bowls, one for water and one for food. If you are going to get a puppy, gather some newspapers and/or puppy pads where they can pee on. The pet stores have them. Petco and Petsmart are two major pet stores that have them. Bird World in Bountiful, Utah has them also.
Now, pick the dog. Go through the breeds that are out there, and see the temperaments of the different breeds. This is very important to know before you pick a dog. If you get a mutt, it can have two or three temperaments mixed in, and this can make life interesting to say the least.
Get the dog. If it needs shots, schedule an appointment. If it needs spaying or neutering, get this done also.
Get a checkup scheduled for the dog. This is an important step. Some places a person can get pets have a guarantee for a certain number of days. Perhaps the guarantee says if the pet is sick, the place will refund money. Some make you trade the dog for a different one. There are many different policies out there.
If the dog is healthy, have fun with it. If you wish, sign it up for obedience classes.
I love my dogs, which is very easy to do in my opinion.
How to Pick Out A Healthy Dog
Have you ever wondered how to pick out a healthy dog? I have, so I got some advice from professionals. My dog Diamond says it's a good idea to post this because he has fond memories of being picked out by us.
First, pick what dog breed you want, or if you just want a mutt. Certain dog breeds have certain characteristic behavioral traits. That doesn't mean they show up in all dogs of that breed. If I was a betting woman, which I'm not, I'd bet I'd be safer to go by the general characteristics of a breed when picking out a dog rather than picking out a dog based on looks, etc.
We will talk about seperate breeds on another day.
If you go to pick out a dog, see if the dog cowers or not. If the dog cowers, this is not a good dog for you. It means it's too submissive, and will perhaps bite because it's scared.
Look for dogs with pink, clear ears and clear eyes. Gunk in ears and eyes can mean a lot of vet bills later for the person who picks outthat dog.
If the dog you are looking at is sneezing, he probably has kennel cough. It is a cold dogs get when they are in kennels or pounds because they are so close together. It is easy to treat. Your vet can give you some medecine to treat this. If you buy the dog from a pound, perhaps you can get a free vet visit for your dog and perhaps even free medicine. The dog pounds want to see dogs get a home so they no longer have to pay for their keep. That is why they provide these incentives.
Stick you hand close to the dog you want. If he growls, don't get him. He's bad news, and will probably bite.
Make sure the dog gets along with your other pets. If you get a dog at a place like humane society, it is perhaps even a requirement to introduce you animals and the prospective pet to each other to see if they will get along. Some humane societies require your children to visit it also, so the humane society can see if your prospectve pet gets along with your children.
Think about if you have big enough, secure place to put the dog you want. For example, a Belgian Mamute is larger than a German Shepherd, and would not be securely kept behind a three foot fence.
Consider if you wantto spay or neuter your dog. These dogs are generally more even tempered than the non-fixed ones. Sometimes it is a requirement to let dog pounds or humane societies fix your dog before you buy him.
If the dog you want is a puppy, shake keys at it when it isn't looking. If it yelps excessively or cowers, go with a different one who startles naturally but not overly much.
Flip the prospective pet on it's back. If it starts bucking lie a bronco, don't buy it.
Make sure if you buy a puppy that it is playful, not lethargic.
Lethargic dogs in general are usually not healthy. However, if the dog you are trying to buy is a sixteen year old, don't expect too much playfulness out of it.
This is my advice on how to pick out a dog. Use it if you are buying one and you don't know what to look for.
Do you have any comments or suggestions related to this article? If so, please do.
First, pick what dog breed you want, or if you just want a mutt. Certain dog breeds have certain characteristic behavioral traits. That doesn't mean they show up in all dogs of that breed. If I was a betting woman, which I'm not, I'd bet I'd be safer to go by the general characteristics of a breed when picking out a dog rather than picking out a dog based on looks, etc.
We will talk about seperate breeds on another day.
If you go to pick out a dog, see if the dog cowers or not. If the dog cowers, this is not a good dog for you. It means it's too submissive, and will perhaps bite because it's scared.
Look for dogs with pink, clear ears and clear eyes. Gunk in ears and eyes can mean a lot of vet bills later for the person who picks outthat dog.
If the dog you are looking at is sneezing, he probably has kennel cough. It is a cold dogs get when they are in kennels or pounds because they are so close together. It is easy to treat. Your vet can give you some medecine to treat this. If you buy the dog from a pound, perhaps you can get a free vet visit for your dog and perhaps even free medicine. The dog pounds want to see dogs get a home so they no longer have to pay for their keep. That is why they provide these incentives.
Stick you hand close to the dog you want. If he growls, don't get him. He's bad news, and will probably bite.
Make sure the dog gets along with your other pets. If you get a dog at a place like humane society, it is perhaps even a requirement to introduce you animals and the prospective pet to each other to see if they will get along. Some humane societies require your children to visit it also, so the humane society can see if your prospectve pet gets along with your children.
Think about if you have big enough, secure place to put the dog you want. For example, a Belgian Mamute is larger than a German Shepherd, and would not be securely kept behind a three foot fence.
Consider if you wantto spay or neuter your dog. These dogs are generally more even tempered than the non-fixed ones. Sometimes it is a requirement to let dog pounds or humane societies fix your dog before you buy him.
If the dog you want is a puppy, shake keys at it when it isn't looking. If it yelps excessively or cowers, go with a different one who startles naturally but not overly much.
Flip the prospective pet on it's back. If it starts bucking lie a bronco, don't buy it.
Make sure if you buy a puppy that it is playful, not lethargic.
Lethargic dogs in general are usually not healthy. However, if the dog you are trying to buy is a sixteen year old, don't expect too much playfulness out of it.
This is my advice on how to pick out a dog. Use it if you are buying one and you don't know what to look for.
Do you have any comments or suggestions related to this article? If so, please do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)