Friday, January 30, 2009

17 Tips Thatll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Attack

Did you apperceive that added than one actor arctic americans will be apathetic by dogs this year, and about one actor dog bites will go unreported.

Its sad but a lot of of the victims will be children. These dog bites will appear from animals accepted to them. Unleashed dogs will annual for a lot of of the bites inflicted.

What Makes Dogs Bite

Not accepting accomplished and pet owners not accepting committed on training their pet is what leads to a lot of of these dog bites. We accept to apprehend that dogs don''t commonly become a allotment of our families already trained.

Why Then Do Dogs Bite?

1. They will chaw if scared, angry, or threatened. Even a dog thats affable will bite.

2. If he feels he''s cornered or crowded.

3. They will assure what they anticipate belongs to them. Like their food, toys.

4. Dogs will assure their amplitude such as sleeping area, yard, porch, cars and home.

5. Dogs are bloodthirsty by attributes and adulation to hunt and attack.

6. A devious dog may feel agitated accepting absent or aching and chaw with alot beneath provocation.

7. A dog accepting abashed may baste out and bite.

How to Prevent Bites

8. Teaching adolescent accouchement to be accurate about pets. Don''t acquiesce accouchement to play asperous or acquiesce pupies to bite. Not even play biting.

9. Advise your accouchement never get abutting to aberrant dogs.

10. Leave a dogs things abandoned like food, toys, bones, ect.

11. A lot of injuries are acquired by accepting too abutting to a dogs face with your own.

12. Refain from active accomplished a dog. They adulation to chase. Avoid accepting a dog aflame or aggressive, by babble and screaming.

13. You never wish to pet a dog thats eating, sleeping or careing for its puppies.

14. Stay abroad from dogs that are angry up or in cars.

15. You should consistently ask permission from a pet buyer to pet his dog. Even if he''s present and the dog''s on a leash.

16. Refrain from accepted your accoutrements or things you accept at a dog. It may anticipate its an allurement to bite.

17. You should never pet devious dogs or ones active loose.

Its abundant to accept a dog go on a backpack or airing on a aisle with you but we bodies charge to amusement dogs with respect. Just bethink to advise your accouchement how act about dogs, it will accumulate them safe.

Val and Robin Shortt are accomplished band and own three alfresco websites. For added tips like these and to annals for their Free newsletter visit:Good Night Camping Equipment', 196, '17 Tips Thatll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Attack, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', '17 Tips Thatll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Advance additional online writing and advice on Pets

Whos Affairs On The Leash, You Or Your Dog?

Hopefully no one is affairs the leash. The ideal bearings is that you and your dog are appropriately adequate the airing and neither is affairs and tugging the added in any assertive direction.

If your dog tends to be affairs you off into its own administration a ample bulk of the time you are walking, you can alternation the dog to stop accomplishing this. What''s absorbing is that you accept in fact been training the dog to do this behavior not alone by acceptance it but by acknowledging it after acumen it.

There are assorted affidavit that could could cause a dog to automatically cull on the leash. For example, if a advocate sees a accumulate or added beastly barrel bound beyond in foreground of him, he is traveling to go berzerk. You can calculation on that. So be accessible to authority on acerb if you plan to accumulate the advocate in tow in a bearings like this.

Just captivation the dog in tow is not enough, though, back this will reinforce the dog''s admiration to pull. Think of it as a training opportunity! To use it as a training opportunity, you''ll charge to apperceive absolutely how you''re traveling to train.

Another archetype that will could could cause your dog to cull you off advance is if your dog wants to detect out an area, he will automatically go to the breadth with no anticipation of you who are on the added end of his leash.

Expert trainers accept techniques to accumulate a dog focused in the administration of your choice. You wish to yield affliction not to accolade the dog if he goes off your called aisle and expects you to go with him. Back it takes you by surprise, you may aback accolade him by afterward him, foolishly reacting to his abrupt behavior.

Now you may yield a attending at what you are accomplishing that is advantageous this behavior. You say, "I''m not advantageous him! I don''t accord him a amusement for accomplishing this." This is the time to accede what a dog considers a reward, then.

To a dog a accolade is if you accord him something which brings him beatitude whether you meant it as a accolade or not. As you know, treats are not the alone affair that accompany beatitude in a dog''s life. Accede that you are advantageous the dog if he is accustomed to cull you off advance at his whim.

Any dog can be accomplished to stop affairs on the leash. There are no banned as to age or how continued the dog has been accustomed to cull on the leash. From what you accept apprehend actuality and with some patience, focus and alliteration you can alternation your dog to stop affairs on the leash.

The bad account is that this training takes some education. The acceptable account is that this apprenticeship is accessible and the training is accessible for anyone who can physically authority the dog on a leash. And added acceptable news: there is no affliction or abuse complex at all, neither for you nor for your dog! An able trainer can accord you some basal accomplish to accepting the after-effects you wish by afterward a defined formula.

Mogens Eliasen of K9joy is an able trainer with 30+ years acquaintance and columnist of the aces ability blue-blooded "Don''t Cull On The Leash." http://www.PullingOnTheLeash.com

Juanita Bellavance, the columnist of this commodity can be contacted at jjbellava@MyCopywritingSpecialist.com', 196, 'Whos Affairs On The Leash, You Or Your Dog?, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Whos Affairs On The Leash, You Or Your Dog? additional online writing and advice on Pets

Pet Adoption: The Right Choice

Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you''re seeking a companion animal. You''ll be able to select from a wide variety of different breeds and ages as well as save a life. However, I fully realize that if you plan to show or breed your animal, it would make more sense to purchase a young animal from a breeder.

I purchased my first three animals, two dogs and one cat, from breeders. Each animal ended up being a reasonably good house pet. As I''ve got older and wiser, I''ve realized the incredible number of great animals in shelters that need homes. Therefore, my most recent dog is adopted from a greyhound rescue group. My greyhound has been the best companion dog of all! I fully expect my next animal will be an adoption as well.

There are a few things to think about when adopting an animal from a shelter. First, make sure that you''re prepared to accommodate an animal that may need a little more tender love and care in his or her first few months. As you know, it''s quite a transition going from a shelter to a home and a neighborhood.

Secondly, when you get to the shelter, be selective based on which animal would be the best match. This includes the obvious things such as size, breed and hair length, but also the less obvious like personality. You won''t necessarily have knowledge about the animal''s prior history. Specifically, you won''t know whether the animal had been abused, physically or emotionally. Abuse can definitely affect the way the animal behaves. You''ll want to work with the adoption facility director to determine whether the animal is the right fit for you and your family. In most cases, you''ll find that the majority of animals in shelters have very good personalities and will become wonderful pets.

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There are thousands of adoption facilities around the country and around the world for dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, horses and other animals. These animals range from being purebreds to mixed breeds, from being puppies to older adults, from being small to being very large. Take a ride to your local animal shelter and see if any of the available pets appeal to you. Alternatively, seek out the perfect pet online. See the below links to do a quick, targeted search for a cat or dog.

http://www.thepetman.com/', 196, 'Pet Adoption: The Right Choice, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Pet Adoption: The Right Choice plus articles and information on Pets

Analysis of Cat Behavior

The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior of your cat is that your pet is not a human. Cats are not rational beings and their actions are not based on emotion. Changes in his behavior are not stemmed from any repressed anger with you; your cat is not trying to get revenge on you for being away from home too much or bringing a new baby into the house.

Negative changes in cat behavior are typically cause by stress or anxiety for the cat. It is easy to see why pet owners tend to conclude that the cat''s feelings toward them are causing the behavioral differences; it is human nature to correlate two unrelated events. In reality, there is a missing link: your behavior may cause the cat physical anxiety, thus the cat''s behavior alteration is based on physiological changes in his body.

One common complaint among cat owners is that their cat has suddenly chosen a new favorite place to deposit wastes instead of his litter box. This could be a result of a few factors.

First, it may be a medical problem. Cats are prone to urinary track infections that make it extremely painful to urinate. Cats then associate the pain of urination with the litter box, so they do not like to visit their designated urination station. If your cat has stopped using the litter box, your first step should be to take him to the vet and have a thorough check-up run on him. Cats also have natural preferences for certain textures and smells, so if you have recently changed the type of cat litter you use, the cat may be showing that he does not care for the new feeling or smell of his litter. In avoiding the litter box, the cat may have become attached to new textures and locations around your household, perhaps the soft living room rug or bedroom closet.

The best strategy is not to punish the cat; he will not understand. Rather, have a medical check up, switch litters, and continuously reintroduce the cat to his litter box. Reward him for using it, just like he was a kitten again.

To relieve any anxiety your cat may be feeling, carefully analyze any changes that have occurred in his life as of late. If a new baby or roommate comes into the house, your cat may feel threatened, so be sure to give him extra attention. If you suddenly have to spend more time away from home than normal, consider getting a second cat so that your cat does not spend his days alone. Although the cat is not having emotional reactions, his body feels different due to changes around him.

Be in tune with what may be causing your cat to feel anxious, analyze the situation, and do the loyal owner duty of relieving his stress.

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who offers advice on cat health, cat supplies, and cat names', 196, 'Analysis of Cat Behavior, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Analysis of Cat Behavior plus articles and information on Pets

Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Having a dog is a little like accepting a baby. Afore you blitz out to the abutting agriculturalist or apartment you accept to accede the costs of ensuring that your new pet charcoal contented and blessed with his home life.

Cost not alone refers to affairs but to your time as well. You should bethink that Boston Terriers are animals that advance on absorption and charge approved exercise. If your plan is to tie your dog up alfresco and alone go out to accord him aliment and water, again overlook it! This is not the dog for you! If you are incapable, for whatever reason, of demography allotment in concrete activity, again a Boston Terrier is a actual bad idea.

Below, you will acquisition some credibility to accede afore you adjudge aloft accepting a Boston Terrier:

Financial Implications:

Your terrier will crave approved vaccinations and booster, which can be absolutely expensive.

Your terrier may charge approved bloom checks and/or analysis for illnesses, which can aswell be actual expensive.

You will charge to acquirement a array of items for your dog, such as bedding, toys, bowls, leash, collar, admonishment items, pet carrier, and crate.

The costs of affairs aliment for your terrier can arise up. He will basically be an added aperture to feed.

You may acquire fees such as: training, boarding kennels if you are traveling away, and grooming.

Time Implications:

Boston Terriers charge a lot of attention. You will charge to accommodate this, no amount how active you are.

They aswell charge approved exercise. You will accept to put abreast time to get complex with play and yield your dog for walks every day.

Your Boston Terrier will charge training. Whether you do this yourself or yield him forth to able classes, you will charge to address your time to allowance him and practising his training.

He will crave approved admonishment to ensure acceptable health. Again, this can be time consuming.

Bearing in apperception the aloft capital credibility you should accept a bright abstraction of whether this dog is the appropriate one for you.

Abhik Sarkar is the columnist of an invaluable ability for both new and accepted Boston Terrier owners - http://www.boston-terrier-secrets.com

You can aswell assurance up for an 8 allotment email advance on this appropriate brand by sending a bare email to boston-optin@getresponse.com', 196, 'Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier additional online writing and advice on Pets

Boston Terrier - Appropriate Apropos For This Adorable Breed

Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers accept some abiogenetic ancestry and defects that you have to consistently be alert of. In adjustment to accumulate your dogs'' bloom in aristocratic action and ensure that he leads a advantageous and blessed life, you have to ensure that you are acquainted of the breeds appropriate requirements and of abeyant dangers.

There are a fair few illnesses that a Boston, decidedly a authentic bred, is affected to. This is why you should ensure that you get your Boston from a good, acclaimed agriculturalist who can acquaint you all about the dog and his ancestors line. You would be afraid at how abundant your agriculturalist has to do with the Boston''s beatitude and yours.

Some of these appropriate apropos include:

Genetic illnesses such as: luxating patella (slipping kneecap), affection problems, mange, breath problems, Cushings syndrome.

Extreme acclimate sensitivity: Bostons can ache calefaction achievement if they are apparent for continued periods to acute heat, stuffiness and humidity. They are aswell acute to acute algid and have to not be apparent for continued periods to this acclimate either. This is one of the affidavit that this brand is classed as an calm breed.

Wheezing: This is acquired by the breeds abbreviate snout. Although this is allotment and bindle of a Boston Terrier, boundless asthmatic should consistently be arrested out by a vet. You should aswell yield affliction not to apprehend boundless action and exercise from your Boston because of this problem.

Eye problems: This is the aftereffect of the Bostons arresting eyes. They are affected to associated problems such as lacerations and infections, and have to be carefully monitored.

Although these apropos have to be kept in apperception at all times, you can get accord of apperception with a little affliction and attention. Checking your dog on a account base for abnormalities or defects will advice to accumulate infections at bay. Being able to aces up on any conflicting behaviour from your dog will accord you a clue if he is activity unwell. And demography affliction in the summer and winter months will accredit you to ensure that he is not apparent to temperatures that could prove alarming to him.

Abhik Sarkar is the columnist of an invaluable ability for both new and accepted Boston Terrier owners, http://www.boston-terrier-secrets.com

You can aswell assurance up for an 8 allotment email advance on this appropriate brand by sending a bare email to boston-optin@getresponse.com', 196, 'Boston Terrier - Appropriate Apropos For This Adorable Breed, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Boston Terrier - Appropriate Apropos For This Adorable Brand additional online writing and advice on Pets

Is Pet Allowance Account It?

Many pet owners generally admiration if it''s account it to acquirement pet insurance. The way I see it, there are two capital considerations, your assessment if it comes to adventurousness and the accepted bloom of your pet.

Are you a risk-taker or are you conservative? If you are a risk-taker if it comes to allowance and would be accept accoutrement any health-related costs yourself, you shouldn''t bother accepting pet insurance. Appropriate or wrong, this is what a lot of pet owners do. However, if you are conservative, and wish the accord of apperception alive that a lot of above bloom costs you acquire for your pet would be covered, pet allowance ability be appropriate for you!

The additional application is the accepted bloom of your pet. Of course, it''s absurd to adumbrate with any akin of attention how advantageous your pet will be, but if you accept anxiously researched the birth of your puppy, babe or foal, and accept complete advice about the bloom of the lines, again that''s admired advice for you to use if authoritative this decision.

Next, you ability be apprehensive how pet allowance works. It''s appealing simple. You''d pay a account allowance exceptional for your pet, which could be as low as $10 per ages (but usually higher). Some affairs awning accepted affliction as able-bodied as accidents and illnesses, while others alone awning accidents and illnesses (the after would be cheaper). If your pet receives veterinary care, you''d abide the bill to the allowance aggregation for reimbursement. Based on the plan you purchase, you''d be reimbursed a allotment of the absolute amount bare any deductible. Not every action is covered, so analysis out your action carefully.

With the ascent costs of pet healthcare and with the extremes that abounding of us would go to for our pets, pet allowance is acceptable actual accepted with pet owners.

http://www.thepetman.com', 196, 'Is Pet Allowance Account It?, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Is Pet Allowance Account It? additional online writing and advice on Pets

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it''s important to pay particular attention to our pets when they''re outside. When temperatures get into the twenties and below, with whipping winds, pets can suffer serious health problems. Besides not leaving your dog, cat or other animal outside for too long, there are several other precautionary measures you can take to care for your loving pet.

I generally don''t favor going nuts over buying every trinket imaginable for my pets, but there are a few that make a lot of sense when it''s cold and windy out. For dogs and horses, it''s a good idea to purchase a coat. I have an all weather coat for my dog that''s made of a nylon material on the outside and fleece on the inside. This provides warmth as well as protection from the snow and rain. It attaches via one Velcro strap that goes from one side to the other side of the dog around his or her belly. As for cats, they don''t often take kindly to coats, but do your best to keep them inside during winter storms. They can easily get disoriented under very bad conditions. I''d rather have more litter box duty to handle, than find myself driving around the neighborhood trying to track down a cold, wet cat!

I don''t use "booties" for my dog, but some people actively use them for cats and dogs. For the most part, this is only necessary for animals that have very sensitive paws. These booties slide on the animal''s feet and keep them warm and dry. As you can imagine, going to this extreme isn''t necessary for most animals, just don''t leave them outside for very long, use a coat and try to keep them off heavily salted streets ? which can badly sting paws.

Lastly, I wanted to provide a few quick comments about fish and bird care. You may think that since your fish and birds are always in the house, you don''t need to take any precautions when it''s very cold ? not true. Despite keeping the heat level in your house at the usual level, cold weather outside may create colder temperatures inside.

Make sure your fish tank water is at the normal temperature, and hasn''t fallen due to the cold. If you have a pet bird, make sure he or she is out of any draft and is nice and warm ? especially at night. Extended periods of cold temperatures for pet birds can be fatal. You probably do this already, but put an extra warm towel or sheet over the bird cage when it''s particularly cold.

If you follow these few basic tips, you are more likely to have happy, healthy pets amidst the winter time cold!

http://www.thepetman.com/', 196, 'Cold Weather Pet Care, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Cold Weather Pet Care plus articles and information on Pets

Celebrities Discover The Amazing Chihuahua

Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A five hundred million dollar ad campaign featured a talking Chihuahua which continually repeated the slogan, "Yo quiero Taco Bell," which is Spanish for "I want Taco Bell." Then came the Legally Blond films and the unstoppable Bruiser. The topping on the cake was when Paris Hilton appeared on the cover of Seventeen magazine and later tried living The Simple Life on Fox TV with Tinkerbell, her pet Chihuahua. Celebrities have discovered what many pet owners already knew: Chihuahuas are the best dogs to own and care for. In the process, they''ve set off a Chihuahua Craze that is reaching towering proportions.

When most people think of Celebrities and their toy dogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, Pekinese, Lhasas and Shih Tzus usually come to mind. That''s because famous folks like Audrey Hepburn, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Mia Farrow were regularly photographed with their beloved pets. In Audrey''s case, it was a Yorkie. In her early days of fame, Mia Farrow was rarely seen out in public without her Lhasa. Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor loved to walk through the hot spots of Beverly Hills and be photographed with a multitude of Toy Poodles, Pekinese and Shih Tzus. But times have changed!

The always innovative Madonna may have set the standard for change not long ago when she sported her beloved Chihuahua, Chiquita, for a press photo op. Noah Wyle, one of the hot stars of ER, was recently photographed with his Chihuahua while on holiday. Jennifer Lopez has also joined the exclusive club of famous Chihuahua owners. Younger celebrities like Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, Christina Ricci, Jordon, Reese Witherspoon and members of Simple Plan have found themselves attracted to these fabulous canines and brought a huge amount of attention to them.

Chihuahuas make great pets because they are very low maintenance, the world''s smallest dogs and longest lived breed. Celebs love the fact that Chihuahuas prefer the company of humans more then they enjoy being with other animals and can easily accompany their owners everywhere. Chihuahuas love to be held or carried around in their very own shoulder bag and that makes them especially attractive to busy celebrities and people who are always on the move.

Unlike most toy dog breeds, the Chihuahua is not a created one. The first widespread mention of Chihuahuas occurred during the mid to late 1800''s in weekly or monthly tabloids that specialized in tales of the American West. Highly fictionalized accounts of the small dogs spread by these publications claimed they were actually a mix of rodent and canine or had been magically created by Medicine Men. In reality, Chihuahuas were first noticed along the Arizona-Mexico border by settlers, ranchers and those passing through. This lead to the animals becoming originally-known as Arizona Dogs. Once it began obvious that these cute little dogs were actually coming out of the Chihuahua region of Mexico where they had been discovered in the early 1800''s, the regional name stuck.

For the first time ever this past year, Chihuahuas have made the top ten list of most registered or licensed dogs in many areas of the USA. There can be no doubt that part of their popularity comes from the media exposure the breed has received and the fact that big-name celebrities are favoring the breed. But it also has to do with the fact that Chihuahuas are small, very easy to care for and live a long time.

Most Chihuahuas eat dry dog food and feed once every couple of hours or as their hunger moves them. A small, full bowl of dry food and dish of water easily gets them through an entire day. Chihuahuas are known for being healthy, hearty dogs that do well in virtually any situation. They can easily deal with temperatures of forty to ninety degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets a bit too chilly, doggie clothes solve the problem. When it gets too hot, Chihuahuas are always happy to enjoy their owner''s air conditioning. Most have few health issues and live from fifteen to nineteen years of age, with an average lifespan of sixteen years.

Those wanting to breed Chihuahuas are often surprised to find that they can give birth up to twice a year, normally have from one to five puppies and take just sixty-five days to give birth. Few have problem births and the survival rate of pups is very high compared to other toy breeds. Chihuahua puppies are ready to be adopted by eight weeks.

Because celebrities are constantly exposed to new situations and always on the go, they can appreciate the fact that most Chihuahuas tend to attach themselves emotionally to one person or family and rarely bolt if given the opportunity. All Chihuahua owners appreciate the intelligence of the breed. They are very easy to train and adjust well to change. In areas where it''s legal, Chihuahuas walk obediently near their owners without a leash.

Chihuahuas come from the same parent breed of dogs that Chinese Cresteds, Mexican Hairless Dogs and Xolos do. These are known to be the most ancient of all dog breeds still existing today. Drawings of what appear to be Chihuahuas are found throughout the world, some being thousands of years old. This makes us wonder when and where the Breed actually originated? Most Chihuahuas are either shorthair or longhair, come in an amazing variety of colors and purebreds tend to weigh from under a pound to no more then six pounds fully grown.

As Chihuahuas are featured in more and more films, television shows and become the beloved pets of an ever growing list of the rich and famous, we should all remember that they are more then just the hot breed of the moment. Chihuahuas are great pets that are very loyal to their owners. If you are planning to adopt a Chihuahua, do so because the breed is attractive to your needs, desires and lifestyle, not because Paris owns one. You can read more about Chihuahuas at http://tiny.azpuppies.com and find free dog training and health tips at http://doggiestyle.billknell.com

Author''s Email: bill knell@cox.net
Author''s Website: http://www.billknell.com
Author''s Phone: 480-632-7909
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Bio: A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Bill has produced many successful videos and hosted a top-rated cable TV show sponsored by Time/Life Books. He''s written hundreds of articles on a wide variety of subjects and you''ve read about Bill in The New Yorker Magazine, The New York Times, Omni and hundreds of local, national and international publications worldwide. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and teach.', 196, 'Celebrities Discover The Amazing Chihuahua!, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Celebrities Discover The Amazing Chihuahua! plus articles and information on Pets

Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that affect canines; especially large breed dogs (60-90 lbs) the best thing you can do is to prevent the occurrence of this disease with the appropriate supplements when your dog is 4 or 5 years old and not wait until symptoms show, but if your dog is already presenting symptoms and/or pain you should consider the option of natural treatment for your pet''s condition.

Osteoarthritis in dogs (or just dog arthritis) can be treated effectively with natural supplements that are as effective as commonly prescribed drugs and much safer because of the less risk of side effects. Prescribed drugs may relieve pain, but they also can cause further degeneration of your dog''s joints and health, which could include, damage to the liver, kidneys, muscles and gastrointestinal bleeding, among others.

Just as human arthritis, dog arthritis tends to get worse with age, and you can find some senior dog food formulas that claim to contain glucosamine and chondroitin, both of them are supplements used to prevent and treat dog arthritis, but in the majority of cases, the amount included is not enough to do any difference in your dog''s symptoms. So, probably the best option is to feed your dog regular dog food and back that up with a supplement. Below you will find some of the most effective supplement used for the treatment of arthritis in dogs.

Herbal Glucosamine Blend, which is one of the most comprehensive canine muscle and joint support formulations available today, it includes Glucosamine HCl, MSM and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, along with a proprietary herbal blend of Yucca, Devil''s Claw, White Willow, Meadowsweet and Alfalfa.

Glucosamine is essential for the formation of joint cartilage and synovial fluid, MSM, has an anti-inflammatory effect slows the progression of arthritis and relieves pain.

Alfalfa and Yucca extract, a combination of five time-honored herbs for chronic rheumatic conditions it also includes Burdock, Licorice, and Shepherd''s Purse. This extract is designed to help the body cope with the pain, swelling, and stiffness of arthritis and rheumatism while maintains the tone of the liver and kidneys to help eliminate excess waste materials and water from the joints.

Ortho-Flex Joint Ease Supplement for dogs this formula is a supplement for muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, and bone problems. It does not only to help in the relief of pain, but to also treat the underlying problem. It really helps older animals. This formula contains Chondroitin Sulfate, which is used to help dogs with joint conditions and arthritis.

The benefits of using natural, organic pet products are in the preventive measure, you want a healthy pet with a longer lifespan, but also an enhanced quality of life, there''s no use on living longer if the quality of life is not good, holistic pet care, will provide a better quality of life for your pet and ultimately will save you money with less visits to the veterinarian, bills and prescriptions.

Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website in which you can learn how homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet''s life. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com', 196, 'Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements plus articles and information on Pets

Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care

There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet foods, treats and supplies. First, use of natural products is consistent with a holistic view. A holistic approach considers all factors regarding your pet''s health, not just individual symptoms. The top 10 benefits of choosing natural and holistic pet care are listed below.

Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care

1) Better nutrition- a natural diet reduces contact with unnecessary chemicals and preservatives while increasing the intake of quality nutrients and vitamins.

2) Less probability of developing disease- Quality natural foods can reduce the onset of a variety of health problems, including allergies, digestive disorders and more.

3) Treats source of disease not just symptoms- Holistic care also looks at an animal''s surroundings for ways to improve health. Lowering potential causes of stress, such as loneliness or territorial conflicts, can be helpful in improving overall health. Sufficient exercise and grooming are also elements of good holistic care.

4) Longer lifespan- natural pet care will help pets live a long life and give you many years of faithful companionship.

5) Enhanced quality of life- there''s no use on living longer if the quality of life is not good, holistic pet care, will provide a better quality of life for your pet.

6) Faster healing- Holistic treatment of existing conditions by use of natural products will promote faster healing as natural ingredients are generally absorbed better by your pet and thus speeds the healing process.

7) Human safety- another reason for using natural pet products is the reduction in human exposure to toxins. Most pets are in frequent contact with people, especially children. Contact with a pet can mean risk of exposure to whatever is on your pet, whereas natural treatments avoid these risks.

8) Protects the environment- also, natural products breakdown and are absorbed into the environment better than chemical agents and, consequently, are more earth friendly.

9) Saves time- you won''t be wasting your time dragging your pets to the vet''s office to treat different illnesses as the holistic approach targets the individual as a whole entity, treating existing conditions from their source, not just their symptoms, and preventing new ones from developing.

10) Saves money- you won''t be wasting your money on cheaper products that ultimately can be a contributor to declining health in your pets and thereby creating more vet visit and bills.

Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website in which you can learn how homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet''s life. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com', 196, 'Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care plus articles and information on Pets

So, You?ve Decided To Kill Your Pet!

The other day I was doing a research online for an article I was writing and I came across an article, which the author started by saying: "Euthanasia, is often the hardest thing to do, yet the greatest act of kindness" Then he went on explaining the "grueling" suffering and the guilt the pet owner goes through before making the decision, how it affects the whole family, especially the kids. But then he explains euthanasia in the most loving way I''ve ever seen someone describe a murder. I remember "simple and peaceful" were some of the words he used, he even gave recommendations on how to avoid stress during the ride to the vet''s clinic.

The GREATEST act of KINDNESS? To whom? That little bundle of love didn''t know what was happening, he just knew that he was the happiest guy when you got home from work, he assumed you loved him back because you took him to walks on the park and you pampered him with professional grooming every once in a while. Little he knew that:

1.You were slowly poisoning him with the cheapest discount store pet food, that didn''t have the proper nutrients, but in turn was filled with toxins- Processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other degenerative diseases. You are going to be shocked when you know the nasty things that are used to manufacture your pet''s food.

2.Your choice of grooming products was the reason of his constant itching- Commercial pet shampoos contains many toxic and destructive chemicals such as the foaming agents sodium laureth sulphate and cocamide betaine. These strong chemical de-greasers strip the hair of up to 4/5 of its natural oils and eventually produce sore, dry scalp/skin conditions and irritate the eyes. Sadly these foaming agents are used because consumers seem to believe incorrectly, that a lot of lather means a shampoo is working well.

3.You lead him to the degenerative diseases that put him in that cold, stainless steel table wondering, "What''s next?"- If you would have considered holistic pet care, for your furry friend, you could have been able to treat conditions even before the symptoms showed up and maintain your pet in balanced wellness avoiding him unnecessary pain, because holistic is not something metaphysical as many people may think, it simply means treating the body as a whole.

You don''t have to kill your dog (or cat), you have a choice: PREVENTION- that is the GREATEST act of kindness. It''s never too late to start taking good care of your pet, remember, we''re talking about the one who''s proud to be seen with you even if you''re ugly, the one who stays by your bed when you''re sick, the one who in the event of inverted positions, would not hesitate to take good care of you. Start now!

Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website in which you can learn how homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet''s life. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com', 196, 'So, You?ve Decided To Kill Your Pet!, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'So, You?ve Decided To Kill Your Pet! plus articles and information on Pets

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Helping Your Pets Cope With The Stress Caused By Loud Noise

Which is the noisiest species of all? Nope, not the lions, or the elephants, or the geese? it''s us, humans. Our voices were not enough, we started making music and creating musical instruments to help us being louder.

This Holiday season will not only be noisy, this year we''re starting earlier because this year we have Election Day! Where I''m from, we go to the streets and make loud noises with our car horns after the results are official and we know our party won, maybe you''re so excited because you know your candidate is going to win, that you are already prepared with everything to celebrate your triumph the noisiest way, but have you thought about how that noise affects your pet?

Pets don''t understand what is happening, even if you dress them with a patriotic costume. They don''t know this are "happy" noises, they just perceive them as a sign of danger. They get nervous, afraid, and if they feel they''re exposed they will try as hard as they can to look for a hideout, sometimes this means they run away.

What can you do to minimize the effect of loud noises on your pet?

1.Ask your veterinarian if it''s recommended to give your pet a mild sedative, be sure to ask for the correct dose depending on the pet''s weight. There are natural remedies to cope with stress for pets you should consider those too.

2.Keep your pet in a room in which he/she feels safe. Put there his/her bed, fresh water, food and make sure the room has proper ventilation, but that the pet is not capable to escape.

3.If you have to leave your pet outside, check all fences for loose parts or openings and fix them in order to prevent your pet from escaping through them.

4.Keep your vet''s phone number at hand in case of an emergency.

5.Make sure your pet wears his/her collar with ID tag at all times, and that the contact information in the tag is updated.

6.Keep a recent and clear photo of your pet available, in the event of your pet getting lost, you can make flyers and post them everywhere. Remember that a frightened pet can run long distances so he/she may end up far from home and don''t know his/her way back. Send the photo to your local paper too, they must have a missing pets section and it can reach more people than the flyers.

Remember this is only the beginning, later comes, Christmas, New Year, 4th of July? Keep these precautions at hand and your pet will do fine.

Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website in which you can learn how homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet''s life. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com', 196, 'Helping Your Pets Cope With The Stress Caused By Loud Noise, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Helping Your Pets Cope With The Stress Caused By Loud Noise plus articles and information on Pets

Kids and Pets, Will it Work?

How can my child benefit from having a pet?

1.Social skills and self-esteem. Feelings and positive experiences with their pet can help children feel good about their own. Loving a pet can also help kids to love and trust other people.

2.Exercise. All pets need to exercise, and playing with their pet is a fun way to incorporate some physical activity to your kid''s lifestyle.

3.Responsibility and respect. To learn how to take care of their pet can help kids develop empathy, concern and responsibility towards other beings. On top of that, during the life cycle of the pet, parents have the opportunity to talk to their kids about birth, sickness and death.

4.Parent interaction. Kids and their parents can spend more time together playing and taking care of their pet.

How can my child help take care of the pet?

1.A small child can help out by feeding or providing fresh water to their pet (portions must be measured by you).

2.The child can help walking the pet, not alone of course, but just another time to spend together with your kid.

3.Children can help you in bathing and grooming the pet.

4.Assign to your child small, simple tasks that can be performed under your supervision.

How can I keep my child healthy and safe around a pet?

1.Choose your pets wisely, if you don''t already own a pet, study and learn from the different breeds and species, you will find that some are specially "kid friendly".

2.Consider any allergies a family member could have, before acquiring a pet. Consult with your kid''s pediatrician about any allergies that may be present.

3.Take your pet to the veterinary to a general check up before you bring it home.

* Always supervise interaction between pets and kids.

* Teach your child not to touch any pet, unless you say it''s OK to do so.

* Never leave pets and kids unattended. Kids tend to play rough and that could provoke an attack or harm a small pet.

* Make sure your child stays away while the pet is eating, sleeping or taking care of its own offspring.

* Teach your child to keep a good hygiene, not to touch the pet droppings and wash his hands after playing with the pet.

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* Treat immediately any scratch or bite caused by a pet. Consult with your child''s pediatrician if the scratch or bite tears your child''s skin.

Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website in which you can learn how homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet''s life. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com', 196, 'Kids and Pets, Will it Work?, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Kids and Pets, Will it Work? plus articles and information on Pets

Pet Tracking Devices

It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and my two kids saying that they couldn''t find our cat Nala anywhere waked me up. I didn''t pay much attention, because it was common for her to find a new hiding spot and sleep there for hours.

Hours later we realized she was really missing and we started to search for her. We looked all over the house, inside the closets, behind furniture, and then we got outside and looked on the trees, in the playground, around the pool, everywhere! We placed flyers around the neighborhood, she was never found.

Now I ask myself, how many of us have gone through that experience and think we don''t have an alternative to those flyers?

Well, we do! Pet Tracking Devices, thanks to the miniaturization of GPS receivers and mobile phone modems even they can carry devices that allow them to be tracked by the owner. There is not yet a great choice of devices, but this probably will change rather fast and even though all actual (August 2004) existing devices are too heavy for domestic cats. It is believed that 2005 will bring several solutions for this problem. But if you own a dog, this may be a solution.

GPS Pet Tracking devices consist of a GPS receiver and a GSM modem. In some of the models data, sent to the secure website via a GSM network, can be accessed by the owner directly or through a call center. With other devices you simply call the telephone number of the GPS-GSM dog collar with your mobile phone. The GPS receiver in the collar calculates the position of the dog and sends the co-ordinates immediately in a SMS text to your mobile phone. Other models work as a wireless, electronic pager device that easily and remotely monitors the location of pets via the Internet anywhere in North America. The locations can be reported to email, pager, cell phone (as text message) and website.

The prices of GPS Pet Tracking devices start from $499.99, but there are some inexpensive solutions such as radio tracking, which works in a similar way to the find button on your telephone, you press a button and the device on your pet''s collar emits a sound to alert you on the location.

Missing a pet can be as painful as missing a family member, so take precautions and keep your pet protected at all times, and if your budget allows, consider acquiring a GPS Pet Tracking device it is the most effective tool available today, hopefully in a few years a tracking chip can be implanted under your pet''s skin, much like the pet identification chip, but until then, keep your pet safe!

Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website in which you can learn how homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet''s life. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com', 196, 'Pet Tracking Devices, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Pet Tracking Devices plus articles and information on Pets

Starting a Home-Based Pet Related Business

If you''re contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business here are some facts you should know:

•According to the Small Business Administration, home-based businesses account for over half of all the businesses in the United States.

•Each year thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs launch a part-time home business to supplement their existing income or to test a new business idea.

•There are two industries that have shown exponential growth over the past years, and they are (in no particular order):

1.The Wellness Industry

2.The Pet Industry

Now that you know that, and that we''ve agreed you''re a pet lover, it''s time to choose the right pet business for you. You will have to ask yourself some basic questions such as:

1.What are my strengths? Do you like to work directly with people, or do you prefer to work alone?

2.Do I want to work from home or at home? Some home-based businesses require you to hit the road, while others let you work without ever leaving home.

3.Do I have certain skills that make me stand out from the crowd? Can you bake the most delicious cookies in town? Are you a whiz with your camera? Does every pet you encounter just love you?

4.How much can I afford to invest? Do you have all the necessary equipment to operate your business? Can you start operating on a shoestring and then add as your business grows?

After you have answered those questions is time to search for more information on your desired business idea, you will find a lot of information online. Some ideas are:

•Aromatherapy and Natural Products for Pets

•Poop Scoop Business

•Dog Bakery Business

•Pet Grooming

•Pet Sitting Business

•Pet Photography

Of all of them, my personal favorite is the first one because it merges the two largest growing industries together, Wellness and Pets. BINGO, you have a winner!

Do your homework, find out which home-based pet business best suits you and start today, you will find it to be a rewarding way of earning a living because not only your customers will thank you, but also their human companions. ;o)

Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website in which you can find out how homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet''s life. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com', 196, 'Starting a Home-Based Pet Related Business, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Starting a Home-Based Pet Related Business plus articles and information on Pets

Hamsters; The Perfect Starter Pet

As a parent, you want to be able to give your kids everything that they want in life.

Unfortunately, giving your child everything he or she wants is not always in your child''s best interest and caving in at your child''s every whim is almost certainly a bad idea. You don''t want to deprive your child though, so what do you do when your little boy or girl comes up to you with those adorable little brown eyes and asks you for a puppy or a kitty (or a ferret, parrot, snake, alligator, etc.)? With a household pet comes many responsibilities, and you as a parent are likely the one to decide who takes those responsibilities initially. Will you refuse your child telling them about the inherent duties of having a pet? Do you point out that having a puppy requires you to pick up after the dog, take it for walks, feed it twice a day and so on? This will probably be your initial reaction sure, and the child''s initial reaction will be to assure you that he/she will take care of those duties, they''ll feed it, walk it, play with it, give it all the attention it needs and love it like no puppy or kitty has ever been loved before. Well, you, being a loving parent rather than a heartless gargoyle, can''t keep up that wall of resolution indefinitely, so, whether it is the next day, the next week or the next month, eventually you are going to cave and adopt that pet for your child (though hopefully not the alligator). Then you begin to notice a couple weeks have gone by and the amount of care given the pet by your child seems to be waning while you suddenly seem to be doing all those things your diabolically cute offspring promised you to do. You can''t nag the child forever though, or perhaps you can, but in the meantime you''ll have a scrawny little pet two days away from starvation and a backyard lined wall to wall with pet doodie.

So now YOU are the primary caregiver and you silently curse the adorable brown eyes of your devil spawned young. So the answer is to not adopt a pet right? Not necessarily. There can be a compromise for you and your child. And the compromise isn''t to share a dog with two other families so that you have it on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the third Sunday of every month. No, you can get your child a real life actual pet. And what pet can you get your little bundle of joy? Consider getting him or her a hamster (either one syrian or two dwarf hamsters). Why hamsters? Hamsters are a fantastic pet for kids depending on the type you adopt (Chinese Hamsters tend to be jumpy and are thus not a good idea for small children). Hamsters are small and furry and never lose that degree of cuteness that a child covets, secondly, they are so easy to take care of they are practically automated (notice that I said practically). Hamsters don''t smell that strongly either, they may smell stronger than a cat (unless your cat frequently pees on your bed or on the living room carpet) but they aren''t nearly as stinky as a dog can be. What''s more, they are almost like a toy in that they can be played with and cuddled and handled and then when the child is done with the pet they can be put back in their cage where they can play and entertain themselves (the hamsters not your children). Of course a hamster is not free of responsibilities, the cage needs to be cleaned weekly or it will begin to smell, of course hamsters need to be fed, and they should get adequate attention if you expect them to be friendly and tame to your family and friends. But the amount of energy (and money) you and your child MUST expend to take care of a hamster is far smaller than that of a larger animal such as a dog, and they don''t shed like cats, they are quiet (though their exercise wheels may not be), and they are just a joy to handle and have around. So when your little boy or girl comes up to you and begs you for that cute little puppy in the pet shop tell them maybe later, but for now, let''s start a little smaller.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website, ZapGraphix.com, sells fun and humorous pet related merchandise.', 196, 'Hamsters; The Perfect Starter Pet, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Hamsters; The Perfect Starter Pet plus articles and information on Pets

Friday, January 9, 2009

Responsible Dog Ownership

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give so freely, it''s hard to imagine that some owners just don''t take responsibility for their dogs. But it''s true. Millions of dogs-healthy dogs-are euthanized every year. Whether through owner neglect or owner ignorance, millions of healthy dogs will endure the same fate this year. So what''s a responsible dog owner to do? The best thing you can do, as a dog owner, is to ensure that your dog doesn''t become a statistic, and you do that through responsible pet ownership.

Welcoming a new dog into your house means taking on additional long-term responsibility. Many new dog owners find something cute or romantic about bringing that puppy in the window home until they realize that there''s a modicum of work involved in caring for that cute, adorable little face, and a price to pay for those wet, slobbering kisses. You wouldn''t expect to return a baby. Its'' no less wrong to return a dog when the novelty wears off, and it ought to be criminal to leave a dog somewhere on its own. In many ways, dogs are as vulnerable as newborn infants are, but dogs are dependent upon their owners for their entire lives.

Listed below you''ll find basic steps to responsible dog ownership, and many of them are just common-sense rules of the road.

1. Selecting Your Dog ? Turn to a local animal shelter or rescue operation to select a puppy or dog. Remember that older dogs need loving owners too. Refuse to purchase a puppy or dog that started life in a puppy mill.

2. Test Your Dog ? Contact a veterinarian and ask him to run the usual series of tests on your new companion.

3. Spay or Neuter Your Dog ? Responsible pet owners always spay and neuter their dogs and cats. There are far more dogs waiting for adoption than there are owners to adopt them.

4. Provide Medical Care ? Aside from the annual physical examination and vaccinations, protect your dog from heartworm, ticks and fleas. Talk with your vet about the many options available today. Contact your vet at the first sign that something is wrong with your dog.

5. Provide Adequate Food and Water ? Provide food suited to your dog''s age, size and condition.

6. Walk Your Dog ? Your dog will let you know when it needs to be walked.

7. Provide Exercise and Recreation ? Provide ample space, dog toys and opportunity for your pet to exercise. If you haven''t thrown a Frisbee in twenty years, you''ll be surprised at how much fun it is to try to outsmart your dog-unlikely!

8. Protect Your Dog from Abuse ? Animal cruelty is serious business, and in some states, it''s a felony. Even the FBI acknowledged that animal cruelty is a known marker (future indicator) of violence against humans. If anyone in your house intentionally mistreats your dog, seek help immediately. You could thwart the next school shooting.

9. Discourage Aggressive Behavior ? You''ll know the difference between hearty play and aggressive behavior. Contact your vet at the first sign of aggressive behavior to discuss your options.

10. Coping with Serious Illness and Geriatric Dogs ?Geriatric dogs are prone to many of the same illnesses that plague geriatric humans. You''ll want to do everything in your power to keep your dog comfortable at the end, but at some point, it may become necessary to end the suffering. If you''ve been a responsible dog owner throughout the dog''s life, you''ll want to end that life just as responsibly as you cared for it.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for dog food and more dog products. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.', 196, 'Responsible Dog Ownership, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Responsible Dog Ownership plus articles and information on Pets

How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself

Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty, and unnecessary trips to your vet? Would you like to know if your cat is developing crystals in her urine that could lead to a feline UTI?

It''s easy to do with this check-at-home method.

If your kitty has been previously diagnosed with a feline UTI, there''s a chance it could re-occur. Since it''s impossible to see the crystals in your cat''s urine that are caused by a UTI, you don''t know kitty''s hurting again until the UTI is fairly well advanced. And then how do you tell?

Poor kitty probably stops using the cat litter box - again.

Well, there''s an easy method to check kitty''s urine at home, with a minimum of fuss. You can check as often as you like, and it''s easy to see the test results - you don''t need any training.

Here''s how:

First off, you''ll need either non-absorbent litter (available from your vet) or clean acquarium gravel that''s available at any local pet store.

Next, you''ll need urine pH test strips.

Then, set up kitty in a room of her own with food, water, a clean litter box (scrubbed clean, not just litter-dumped-out clean) with the non-absorbent litter or acquarium gravel. You might also add some of her favorite toys, a kitty DVD, or just turn on a radio tuned to a classical music station, with the volume set low.

This testing is even easier when you know the approximate times of the day or night your cat uses the litter box. You may need to observe your cat for a few days to figure this out. Scout usually goes around 4:30 AM, or 5:00 PM. There''s probably other times, but these are the two most convenient times for me to grab a fresh sample from her.

Give kitty time to give you a sample in the box. Check often, to make sure you get fresh cat urine. Why? Fresh cat urine will give you the most accurate pH reading. The older the urine, the higher the pH reading will be...you''ll think kitty has a problem, when she may not.

Dip the urine pH test strip into kitty''s urine, and GENTLY shake the excess off, over the cat litter box. Hold the wet end up, wait one minute, and compare it to the chart that comes with the urine pH test strip kit.

A normal reading is 6.4 - 6.6. If it''s any lower or higher, please contact your vet as soon as possible for more information.

I test my cat Scout monthly. Since I''ve begun using this method, I no longer have to guess if the changes in her diet and lifestyle are working to prevent future UTI occurences. I know for certain, based on the urine sample test reading.

What could be easier? You:

- Can test kitty at home, at your leisure, and hers.

- Don''t have to schedule a vet visit.

- Can easily read the test results quickly.

- Will know if an appointment with kitty''s vet is necessary or not.

Remember, this testing will tell you that a recurring UTI is possible - it''s NOT definitive. For confirmation, you will need to take your cat the vet.

Good luck, and happy testing!

Nancy has successfully eliminated cat urine odor from her home, and kept the kitty that caused it.

The Cat Urine Odor Advisor helps you save money and stop the damage in your household by offering solutions that work together to eliminate cat urine odor from your home.

Visit the Cat Urine Odor Advisor at http://www.cat-urine-odor-advisor.com for more money and time saving tips to eliminate cat urine odor from your home.', 196, 'How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself plus articles and information on Pets

Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective

As a business, I''ve not been in the holistic pet care industry long. As a pet owner and pet care worker, it has been a very long journey. I came to this industry as a result of not only being extremely frustrated in traditional care and methods but because I am attracted to doing things naturally, the way God intended and always have been. What I''ve found in this industry is almost an oxymoron though.

Holistic means caring for the entire person, animal, whatever it is you''re doing ?mind, body and soul. It means to not just treat symptoms but to get at the root cause and treat that. In the pet care business, it means caring for the animal BEFORE it gets sick using natural foods not kibble, using natural whole food supplements, using homeopathic and naturopathic methods to build up the immune system so that when those bugs, parasites, viruses, bacteria, etc., come knocking at the door, the animal''s body naturally fights them off without drugs and medicines. It means caring for the mind of your pet by exercise and interacting with them, training them using species specific methods, socializing them and so on. This is what holistic means.

Here is my dilemma: why then is the holistic industry full of the New Age movement (i.e., the One World Order Movement)? Even more so why is it ASSUMED that I am a new ager because I''m in this industry? I''ve had a couple of people in some of the networking groups I belong to be hesitant to do business with me thinking I may be part of "that new age" movement. I''ve also had new agers just assume I am one of them and like me based solely on that. I don''t know why precisely this industry is so inundated with this movement, but I am a voice for Christ in this arena ? Who is THE Healer, THE Great Physician.

A few months ago I took a definitive stand to thwart any thoughts about where my alliance is but I didn''t want to push away any "possibles" for Christ. I started publishing a Christian Quote for the Day on my holistic pet care RSS channel, AspenbloomWellPet. I got a lot of hits per day on that. So I decided, with the help of my partner, Cathy Carlton, to put up an all Christian RSS channel that was encouraging and yet distinctly Christian and we called it Sharing Spirit ? which is in fact a "subchannel" of AspenbloomWellPet. It keeps the two connected and no doubts as to where my faith lies.

I continue to share bits and pieces of my faith on AspenbloomWellPet ?usually in my weekly editorial so that there is never any doubt. I was also fortunate to find another like-minded Christian woman to help me start up some audio classes in preventative pet care. She is a breeder and uses all holistic means to care for herself and her pets. We''re a novelty I can tell you! We both feel God has brought us together to infiltrate and penetrate, as we''re not called to isolate. We''re even calling our venture (her idea by the way) All God''s Creatures. That has never brought any negative feelings to anyone, and in fact, we''ve had great reception from the leaders in the holistic pet care industry including veterinarians, herbalists, aromatherapists, and so on.

I know that God gives us our talents, our desires, and our abilities. Then He gives us the wherewithal to use them for His glory if we''re but willing. So, He enables the called, and then opens the doors to do His bidding. I kept wondering, well how in the world are you going to use my love of animals and natural healing for anything Lord? Good thing God has a sense of humor and can laugh at our ignorance, huh?

I feel very blessed that God is using me in this capacity ?to shine the True Light into the darkness. While this road is not heavily traveled by Christians, or at least those who admit they''re Christian, I am hoping that many will "come out" and BE salt and light. Be His love so that those who believe they have the truth, but are being lied to, will be drawn into His Truth, His Holistic Healing!

Kim Bloomer, of Aspenbloom, is a preventative pet care consultant. She also publishes several RSS channels including Aspenbloom WellPet Visit her website at Aspenbloom Pet Care', 196, 'Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective, Pets, Pets articles, Pets information, about Pets, what is Pets, Pet Information', 'Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective plus articles and information on Pets