Maintain Your Pet's Health and Weight With These Tips

By Cheryl Stevens

In some ways our bad habits have transferred to our pets. As with us humans the amount of overweight or obese pets has been significantly increasing. Some pet health experts suggest that about half of our dogs and cats are overweight.

Maintaining An Optimum Weight

There are a few factors that lead to overweight pets: lack of exercise, too much food, low quality food, and too many unhealthy treats. But these are things we can easily control to keep our furry friends healthier and happier.

With dogs it is easy to take them out for a walk every day. But you can also play with them indoors, for example you can play fetch with their favorite toy or play a game of tug of war. If your cat goes outside she will get exercise roaming around, climbing trees and chasing leaves, but there can be dangers outside too. If your kitty is an indoor only cat you can find a variety of toys that will provide a fun way to get more exercise. Cats can get bored if you play with the same toy over and over so it is a good idea to rotate favorite toys.

The other vital key to keeping your pet at a healthy weight is to feed healthy, high quality pet food and pet treats. Yes, you can buy healthy treats too. Unfortunately some of the pet food produced today is kind of like junk food. Companies use by-products and fillers to make a cheap food, but some cats and dogs don't react well to these foods.

Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Unfortunately when they are overweight or eating a low quality pet food they are at a much greater risk of contracting a variety of health problems. Common problems include diabetes, arthritis, digestive problems, problems with the heart and kidneys and an overall decreased immune system.

If you have ever had to deal with pet health problems you know how stressful this can be, not to mention expensive. In the long run it is well worth it to spend a little more on better quality food so you have lower chance of weight problems and other health problems.

Many of the higher quality cat foods and dog foods even have added ingredients like probiotics, omega fats, antioxidants and supplements to help with aging joints. Keeping your pet healthy will improve his or her quality of life and after all our pets give to us that is the least we can do for them.

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Flea Control Precautions For Your Pets

By Farah N

The real nuisance for any pet keeper is fleas. They not only disturb your pet but also give you a lot of discomfort when you see your dear pet in troubles created by these harmful creatures. The first thing you need to get rid of fleas is a proper flea control solution.

When you are looking out for a good flea control solution, you will become a victim of problem of choice. There are many programs and solutions available but only few of them are workable. It is very important to know your exact need and then find the right solution for it. Many products available in market vary in nature and effect. Some provide short term effectiveness and some work for longer periods. Some are convenient to use, and some are hard to apply. Some come with safety measures, and some result in adverse affects.

A good program covers a larger canvas. You must not only treat your animal for flea control, but the whole environment should be protected from flea growth. It includes your home, your car, your yard, your garden, and all of your pets.

There are a lot of powders and sprays available for flea control. A powder can bring good results if you apply it according to precautions and safety directions. It is only good if your pets are older than 8 weeks of age. You can apply the powder on your pets after every four days. The powder kills the adult fleas within 15 minutes of first application. Always remember to dilute the powder for puppies and kittens. You can mix talcum powder in flea control powder to reduce its strength which is harmful for small animals when applied directly.

The flea control sprays are also effective to quickly kill the adult as well as the growing fleas. It contains alcohol. Sometimes it is also effective in killing flea eggs.

Another good option is use of herbal insecticides. Eucalyptus oils, clove, pennyroyal, and citronella are good herbal solutions. Always mix them in shampoo while cleaning your dog. A direct application will not only disturb your dog due to its toxicity, but will badly affect the coat.

There are many other good and bad solutions available for flea control. You must learn about them properly before applying on your sensitive pet.

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Bathing Your Pet the Appropriate Way

By Damian Cross

Selecting the proper setting for bathing your pet is essential for a successful grooming session. For example, choosing a sink or tub for bathing may prove difficult if proper measures are not taken to prevent slipping. Any kind of door mat, or rubber mat used for bathing can be used as a safety measure and allow for a much more effective bathing experience. Precautions should not only be made for the animal, you must also make sure you are not in danger of slipping if water where to splash all over the floor.

In the event that you are using a hose to bathe your dog outdoors, make sure he is well restrained, and that you have contemplated the possibility of him getting loose.

An important part of the bathing process is selecting the right shampoo for your pet. These days there are so many products out there, you are likely to find a shampoo made precisely for your species and breed of pet. Shampoo made for pets is especially formulated for them; they allow them to keep certain oils in the skin which are crucial for their health. In case there is no other option than a shampoo made for people, try using a baby shampoo, which contain the least amount of scents and other additives. Dogs will repel any kind of scent being applied to their coat.

Bathing your pet is a step by step process. Start by setting the mood and playing a few pet games with him. Get him in the mood, by starting the grooming session with brushing his coat. It is very important to brush your pet thoroughly, in order to rid him of debris and any dead hair which will only end up clogging the drain.

Before putting your pet in contact with water, make sure the water is neither cold nor hot. Hot water will burn the skin and cold water will give him the chills. Lukewarm water will yield best results, and provide for a pleasurable experience. Keep in mind that too much water may frighten your pet. Sprinkling some water on him may prove to be easier than sinking his entire body in the tub.

It should also be kept as a high priority in your list to avoid letting water into the animal's ears, mouth or nose. Letting water get into these hard to reach places will not only prove to be unpleasant for the pet, but also liable to produce infections.

A good method for bathing is to start around the ears and work your way towards the tail. Apply the shampoo with circular motions as if giving your pet a massage. Once applied, soak thoroughly with water. Any shampoo left on the skin to dry will turn into a flaky shed which will end up all over your furniture and carpet.

Finally, take the time to dry off your pet properly. Once he's done remember to play a few pet games with him. Keep bathing a fun experience that he will be willing to come back to.

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My Dog is Being Sick

By Kathy Davison

1. Signs of Illness

When the puppy or dog is just too good, when suddenly be stops his mischievous ways, we begin to suspect that something is wrong. Maybe he acts sluggish, droops his tail and does not care about cleaning up his dish. Or perhaps he eats as if he were starved, or drinks so much water that he vomits it right up again. His stomach may be bloated.


The stools should be medium brown in colour and well formed. The puppy may defecate 4-5 times a day, the grown dog once; don't worry so long as colour and consistency are right.

If the stools are black, watery or blood- streaked, and there are more movements than usual, then something should be done. In a puppy, the eyes and nose are often first to show oncoming illness. The eyes may weep, possibly with pus collecting at the inner corners.

The nose may discharge either clear water or mucus. He may pant continuously, his breathing may be difficult, his expression strained.Not all of the symptoms will be noticed, of course,when the puppy is getting sick; certain symptoms point to one ailment, others to another. However,they are signs that should be watched for.

Any one of them is enough to tell the owner that something is wrong. Do not wait to see whether the condition will correct itself. The chances are that it won't. Don't experiment with remedies suggested by wellmeaning neighbours. Get the advice of an expert-your veterinarian. Quick action at the first sign of illness is the best short-cut to its cure.

2. The Sick Room

When the dog is ill he needs a room or corner of his Own. Protect him from noise and confusion,and from the Well-meant attentions of children and unthinking adults. He will be comforted by the quiet presence of his owner, but do not talk too much. You'll tire him out.

He needs first of all, peace and quiet. The dog recovering from a serious disease like Distemper, may be thrown into Fits by nothing more than the slam of a door or the shrieks of children playing. Or a frenzy of fear may be caused by the raising of a window shade and the entrance of sudden, stabbing light. Use dark shades, and keep the light fairly dim.

Over one side of his bed throw a blanket to further Shield the light which will pain him if his eyes are affected.

Remove rugs and carpets so the floor can be easily cleaned and cover the floor with newspapers. Arrange for enough air without a draft, and moderate heat that will remain even. Have some water bottles handy in case the patient needs more warmth. A table or a chest for medicine, utensils, everything used in the course of treatment will be helpful. And do not forget a pad upon which you note each dose of medicine and the time of day it was given. Wash all utensils carefully when ever they are used. Wash your hands before and after tending a sick dog.

Knowing what is wrong with your dog and what to do about it is key to not only prolonging your dogs life but having peace of mind as well. Having that information could literally save your dogs life.

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Ways to Locate Pet Grooming Supplies

By Damian Cross

You know you have been putting it off for some time, but your pet needs more than a walk in the park to play pet games and some grooming is in order. However, many pet owners find that they lack the time or money to spend on a professional pet groomer; needless to say they end up not receiving the service they expected in the first place.

With the beginning of the new millennium more and more pet owners are inclined to take care of their pets by themselves. Anyone who wishes to embark themselves in the task of grooming their pet immediately asks himself where to get the grooming supplies. Not just the flimsy plastic brushes, but the sturdy, good quality scissors, trimmers and brushes. Not only will they want to know where to get them, but some guidance is necessary as to the choices to be made. Every species and breed will require different type of tools. This is because of the wide variety of animal coats, thickness and length variations and other factors unique to each creature.

Probably the easiest road to dog grooming utensils for your particular pet can be obtained through your veterinarian. He will not only have quality tools, but will also be able to provide proper guidance as to the tools you need. However, if you are on a tight budget, this may not be the best way to go. The quality and advice provided by the veterinarian comes at a price. He will usually have high grade clippers and trimmers, and choose the proper one for you, but these items carry a hefty price tag. Perhaps you can explain to your veterinarian your needs, in order to get the proper recommendations and buy your tools elsewhere.

If you are confident enough to go about the search on your own, many companies have their complete catalog online. Shopping online is always a good option which will allow you to compare prices and products. Going online has other benefits as well, besides playing pet games; you'll be able to do some research on your particular breed of cat or dog. Sources may come from various articles, eBooks, and pet forums. There are some websites specifically dedicated to pet grooming, offering tips and advice, as well as an online store where you can purchase everything you need. Nowadays, most online store will provide a way for people who have previously bought an item in particular to share his experience with potential customers.

However, personally walking to the pet store has its advantages as well. Nothing beats the experience of holding the item I your hand before you buy it. There are also shipping costs to consider and warranty implications. It is much easier to return an item in your local store than having to ship back and forth. Plus, instead of reading only for the best product choices, you might have the opportunity to speak to someone in person about your pet.

Grooming your pet is no pet game, and should be done responsibly. Take the time to do your research on the grooming tools that best suit your pet friend. The success of your grooming activity will greatly depend on it.

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Reasons Why Finding a Pet Groomer Can Become Difficult

By Damian Cross

Grooming your pet properly is an essential part of owning a pet. Keeping your pet under proper standards of hygiene will result in a cat or dog that is emotionally and physically healthy. Certain activities in the grooming process, such as cutting hair and trimming the nails do not only help your pet look better, but also provide for a healthier lifestyle.

It is a common scenario these days to find that pet owners are often feeling lazy to pick up the brush, or are often postponing the grooming process and only find time to play pet games with their cat or dog. Leaving this task for later will not only make your pet look like a creature from a zombie movie, but could also be the source of all sorts of illnesses and infections. Finding the right person to groom your pet can be rather difficult. Perhaps, somebody who can do the job to your liking is way outside your means. While on the other hand, a cheap groomer may end up not doing the job as he should, and even abuse the animal by not knowing how to handle him properly.

Finding the right groomer is a trial and error process. The first step when trying someone out for the first time is to check his references, verify that this person has actually received some training at handling animals. When your pet is returned to you, make sure to examine him carefully. Not only should you confirm that he has been bathed and trimmed, but also look for signs of improper handling in the neck and legs. Signs to watch out for include red spots in the skin caused by the use of a razor too close to the skin, or bruises in the neck and legs as a result of holding the animal too tight. Another sign of malpractice that borders a little bit in the extreme would be blood present in the paws caused by trimming the nails too short and hurting the cuticle.

If you believe that your pet has been subject to unnecessary pain or abuse, talk to the groomer and ask for an explanation regarding your concern. If the explanation provided does not satisfy you, you could explore other alternatives. Before running off to the authorities, consider consulting your veterinarian, who can properly fill a grievance with the proper animal protection agencies. By taking these steps you would be raising an eye from the authorities towards this person, and possibly preventing others from falling into his hands.

Groomers in general need a license to operate, pretty much the same way you need one to drive a vehicle. The same way your driver's license can be taken away for driving poorly, so can your groomer's license be revoked for mistreatment of animals. You will often find that good pet groomers have special areas of expertise. A good dog groomer for example, will tend not to groom cats and vice versa. Looking for specialized groomers that fit your budget can prove to be a helpful technique.

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Owning Cats Vs Dogs in Cities - The Good and the Bad

By Cynthia Bachman

At first, it might not seem like a very good idea to bring a pet into a city apartment since they are, for the most part, cramped and quite small. Having another living being stay with us in our homes might just clutter it up even more.

It is a fact, though, that having a pet live with us will bring us entertainment, companionship and joy, among other things. That is definitely the reason that there are so many people living in city apartments with pets.

One animal tends to be called better suited for city apartments than others; the pets that people like the best are what that depends on. I will look objectively at this situation by discussing both the pros and cons regarding each animal in that setting.

Let's focus on dogs first. They will always be quite active and incredibly loyal to you, following you everywhere most of the time. Cats, on the other hand, are not going to do that.

When you are just too busy and cannot give them the attention they need, a dog is not going to be the best pet for you. Now, a person who likes to have a friendly companion around who is always there will surely appreciate this with regards to dogs.

Now cats, to the contrary, want to be left alone and do not require as much attention as a dog does. They will want to cuddle with you every so often, but you really don't have to do too much for them.

When it comes to being active, dogs definitely need to get outside a lot during the day. The task of walking a dog will be enjoyed by you if you like to get out in the fresh air.

On the flip side, having an indoor cat means that you won't have to take it outside at all. Just maintain the litter box and you will not have to think about going outside.

When we are talking about life in the city, it does seem like dogs are higher maintenance than cats are. However, numerous people do indeed love dogs.

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