04 Jul

Top Pet Bird Dangers with bird toys

Household pets are susceptible to a multitude of dangers lying around the house and even some in their own bird cage. Like all other pets, pet birds are also subject to a number of risks. This is mainly due to their small size, sensitive respiratory system, fast metabolism and in the case of parrots, their curiosity to explore everything around them with their beaks. Owners are responsible for their pets safety and should take the necessary precautions to prevent any accidents. Here is a list of the top dangers faced by household pet birds. Starting with the most obvious, birds have a special dietary need and cannot digest most food processed by other pets and humans. High sugar or salt concentrations are inappropriate. Fatty foods are also discouraged. Chocolate is to be avoided at all costs as it is toxic not only to birds but also to other pets in general. Water is the preferred beverage choice. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks are very dangerous!

04 Jul

The Dachshund And Housebreaking

Every dog owner knows that the first lesson for your new puppy is not to go in the house! There are bound to be a few accidents, even if you find yourself taking your new pup out to the yard every twenty minutes. Dachshunds are an extremely intelligent breed, and thus can be very stubborn and unwilling to learn. If they find a place they like to go potty, they sure don't want to be stopped from going potty there!

Housebreaking a Dachshund can be a tedious process, but with a little persistence and a bunch of treats, you will eventually succeed. Keep in mind that potty training can be a long process, and rewards must be frequent - because of this, it is important to buy healthy treats, or even to work with your dog's dry kibble (or a chunk of wet food) in lieu of large, unhealthy dog biscuits.

03 Jul

10 Decorative Painting Tips

Decorative painting is a unique art form that requires unique skills and techniques not found in other disciplines. I have compiled my ten favorite tips into this list to help you bring out your creativity and find your inspiration.

1. A clean and organized painting space allows more time to be creative. Once an idea comes to mind you can run with it. Search out examples of items, vistas, etc. It takes time and patience to put together a cohesive vision. When the idea is drawn onto paper, tracing paper or the surface of choice you are now ready to go!!!!

01 Jul

Meet the Dog Shepherd: German Shepherd

This breed is so named as it was originally used to protect, and herd the sheep. In the ending years of nineteenth century “Captain Max” developed this particular breed. However, at present due to discriminating breeding, they are able to perform tasks or work in environment involving obedience, protection and tracking.

They are very versatile animals and have proven so in a variety of tasks. They have been involved in jobs like protecting people and guarding their properties/possessions; guide the handicapped like blind; or helped those in distress or in need of treatment. They have worked for the military, police, rescue teams and helped in detective work. Despite being involved in above, they are faithful, loyal, loving pets and love to socialize with people plus other animals. As per the 2006 figures of the Kennel Club, it is the most popular among others in United Sates and the United Kingdom.

01 Jul

Meet the Ancestor of Modern Spaniel: The English Springer Spaniel

Besides the Clumber, the Springer Spaniel breed was originally bred in the 19th century at England. The Springer Spaniel breed is considered the ancestor of present spaniels, especially the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. Earlier before guns were used for hunting, the Springer used to scare the birds being hunted by the hunters into the open air especially the air and water fowls; which would be later caught and given to the hunters by trained falcons or hawks. Hence, the original main purpose was hunting. They were the gun dogs breed of the hunting pack which hunted and retrieved game. In present times, they are more commonly seen as house pets.

01 Jul

Puppy Grooming What Is Involved?

Keeping your dog looking nice is an essential part of caring for him. But many dog owners wrongly assume that dog grooming is an option, not a necessity.

It's more than just puppy grooming, experts will tell you. While brushing your dog is important, and counts for some grooming, the reality is that your dog needs professional dog grooming.

Why is Dog Grooming Important?

Professional dog groomers can bring an expertise to the job that no matter how hard you try you just can't. They have access to dog grooming equipment that you might not, and they have experience and perhaps even training that gives them essential skills in keeping your dog's fur healthy and attractive.

30 Jun

Bathing Your Westie

West Highland White Terriers are prized possessions for dog owners, particularly those of you that cherish that luxurious, long white coat. The plush, thick coats consist of a double coat - a cottony undercoat and an outer coat of hard straight, white hair. Although the white coat makes for a distinctive look, it can also become the bane of your existence - given that the Westies love to dive into holes or digging their own in the backyard. Unfortunately, since your West Highland White Terrier has sensitive skin, he can only be bathed sparsely, although sometimes bathing is needed more often. So why should Westies be bathed infrequently, exactly, and what should you do if he need more than the usual requirement?

30 Jun

When Dog Owners Are Charged With a Crime - Part 3

There are certain defenses available to a dog owner who is criminally prosecuted for owning a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog. One defense is provocation of the animal, which is the same defense available under the civil “Dog Bite Statute” discussed in Chapter 2. There is one difference however. To invoke the provocation defense, the dog must have been on the owner's property and the dog must be securely confined on the property and unable to escape. The dog's enclosure must be secure enough to prevent children or other trespassers from coming into contact with the animal. The owner must also erect appropriate signs on the property that warn people of a dangerous dog and not to trespass. If any one of these conditions is unmet, then the provocation defense will fail. Similarly, if the dog owner violates the statute while the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog is in a public place, the provocation defense is not available.

29 Jun

Pet Nutrition Has Come a Long Way

Before commercially processed pet food, pet owners fed their pets table scraps and leftovers. Some bought meat scraps from the butcher. It was also more common for pets to roam outside and supplement their meals with whatever they could catch.

In 1860, James Spratt produced the first commercial pet food for dogs, which was called a dog cake. In the 1950s, his company became part of a major food manufacture. Dog biscuits came along in 1907 and were originally intended to be a meal, not just a treat. In the 1920s, canned food was produced and became popular. During World War 2, tin used for the cans became important for manufacturing things needed for the war effort. Less canned pet food was produced and dry food, or kibble, became more popular. The first kibble was Dog Chow and Cat Chow.

27 Jun

Breeding Chihuahuas Responsibly

Breeding a Chihuahua is not something you want to do without the right knowledge. These little dogs have many difficulties during delivery (whelping). They are physically fragile dogs and have bones that are very easily broken and as a result, things can go wrong. You need to consult with your veterinarian prior to taking on this endeavor. Your pet needs a clean bill of health before being bred. You should be able to talk to your veterinarian anytime you need them with questions or concerns about the health of your Chihuahua and whether or not the dog can physically handle whelping.

Breeding Chihuahuas:
There is a lot more involved to the process of breeding than simply picking which two purebred Chihuahuas to breed together. You need a complete history of genotype and phenotype of the animals involved to prevent any possible genetic complications such as heart problems, patella luxations, leg perthes, liver shunts or any other type of condition.