From the monthly archives:

October 2009

Advantages of Pet Doors

by Pet Care on October 31, 2009


If you have a pet, like a cat or a dog, you might be trying to figure out a way to give them a bit of independence from being locked inside a room or tied somewhere. The friendliest cats and dogs are still animals, and they have a natural instinct to be outside from time to time. It can be hard to give your pet the freedom that he or she wants while keeping them safe, but pet doors are one way to do this.

What Are Pet Doors?

Pet doors are nothing but trap doors or flaps that are installed on doors and that your pet can push open to go outside without you opening the door for it. Pet doors are easy to install if you have the right tools and know how. If you decide to do the job yourself, you can get information on how to install your pet door at your local pet supplies store or home depot. You can also get a professional to install the pet doors for you if you do not feel comfortable installing them yourself.

Are Pet Doors Useful and Safe?

In a few cases, installing pet doors isn’t such a good idea. The first instance that comes to mind is apartment buildings, where pet doors are a bad idea. Another case that is not so common is when dog owners have backyards with no fences. Letting your pet out in an area that it can just walk away from is never a good idea. It might even be illegal, depending on where you live. Even if not prohibited by law, you have to take into consideration your dog’s safety above all.

There are many things that can happen to your dog: it can get run over by a car, it can get stolen by a thief, it can be attacked by some mean children that your pet thought were friendly, and even more. You should think about these and many other factors before you decide to install a pet door.

My Wife's Sister Put Her Dog Through Terrible Pet Pain

by Pet Care on October 30, 2009


I’ve never seen anything like it. She was really tiny. I believe she was a miniature shitsu. To use the word “miniature” was appropriate no matter what she was. She always wanted to bite anyone who got to close to her or her owner due to her incredibly bad temper. Her nasty disposition was obvious and she wasn’t afraid to show it. She died of poor nutrition not too long ago which is why I’m referring to her in the past tense. Animal Joint Pain

Let me tell you something; the kind of food my in-laws were feeding that poor dog was an abomination even though these types of dogs are prone to having chronic tooth problems. Dogs are not equipped to handle the kinds of foods we eat. The pet pain it was in was obviously distressful even while it was still relatively young. I think her teeth were her biggest problem. Her irritation grew more and more over time because they never acknowledged her need for pet pain relief. They always fed her the same food that they were eating. They didn’t seem to care about proper nutrition for her at all. I noticed over time when they would periodically bring the dog over to my house that her teeth slowly rotted away. My in-laws simply believed such a thing was common to these types of dogs and just ignored it. Even though they were actually causing the pet pain by denying her of a proper nutritious diet it never concerned them.

The dog went blind eventually and over time went into a state of canine paralysis. It’s a horrible thing to write about but I feel that by exposing what my own in-laws did to their dog I might be able to shame others into correcting their behavior when it comes to their dog’s nutritional requirements. Simply because they were too lazy to do some dog pain relief research that little shitsu went through pain she shouldn’t have to because of the data and knowledge available to common people like my in-laws. I found an excellent site called AvaFrick.com where anyone can go to find out immensely valuable information about the nutritional needs of their pets. I no longer associate with my in-laws and neither does my wife. Because of built in programming dogs are compelled to protect people they have imprinted on. Don’t you think we should do a better job protecting them? Pet Chiropractic

Getting Heartgard Plus for Dogs - Take care of your dog!

by Pet Care on October 29, 2009


Whether your dog is a pampered pooch or if you think your dog is really healthy and strong, the fact of the matter is that every dog is at risk for getting heartworm disease, which is a potentially deadly condition. Hence, it becomes all the more necessary to safeguard your pet from attracting this fatal disease and this can be achieved by giving your pet the Heartgard plus.

Heartgard Plus for dogs

The Heartgard plus tablets are much in demand in many of the dog stores since they protect and safeguard the dogs against any potential health hazard or diseases.

Many of the pets are given oral medicines either manually or by adding the same to their regular diet, but Heartgard plus is relished by dogs since it is available in a form which is easy to chew and tasty too. The chewable medicine tabs contain beef, which is suitable for almost all dogs, however it would not be suitable for dogs with sensitivities to beef.

If your canine is sensitive to eating beef, then there are other regular pills available.

You could free your pet from these ghastly parasites by giving heartgard plus chewable tablets which include Ivermectin and that safeguards many of the domestic farm animals from these parasites working particularly well for dogs since they positively respond to these tablets.

The small percentage of Ivermectin present in the Heartgard plus helps in getting rid of heartworm larvae and ensures that your canine remains healthy and fit. The heartgard pills prevents infection from attacking your canine and stops further multiplication of larvae.

How it works - So since it will not prevent your dog from getting heartworms in the first place, what it will do, is it will destroy all of the larvae, which have infected your dog’s blood.

Tablets are given every 30 days, because the drug works to prevent larvae from living or growing, thus it is critical that the treatment be administered every month. .

Heartgard plus medicines is the preferred choice as compared to Ivermectin heartworm pills since the Ivermectin tablets is not as potent leading to the larvae multiplying.

Pyrantel - Heartgard plus chewable also have pyrantel, which is also another parasite controller.

When it comes to de-worming and eliminating hookworms and roundworms, Heartguard plus chewable tablets are the preferred option. Heartguard plus tablets help in getting rid of heartworms as well as worms in the intestine, all at one time.

Go to this website for information on: Heartworm Medicine for Dogs and Dog Heartworm Medicine

Watch out for Tick Paralysis for dogs

by Pet Care on October 29, 2009


The disease does not affect the ticks but affects other mammals like dogs due to the toxin secreted by the ticks. The dog experiences a feeling of immense weakness in the muscles upon being bitten by the tick and becomes almost paralytic.

It can vary depending on what kind of dog you have, as not all dogs or mammals are affected by ticks, and even some animals only have their hind limbs affected. It has been observed that since the effect of the poison injected by the tick works differently on different mammals, certain mammals tend to even die since their respiratory muscles weaken and they are not able to breathe.

By knowing about the different kind of paralysis that is caused by the ticks in different mammals, you can prevent things from becoming worse by quickly taking out the ticks and casting them away.

Read on to discover how you can easily prevent a deadly situation for your pooch…

Indications of Tick Paralysis

You will start noticing signs of paralysis only after 5 to 7 days after your dog has been bitten by ticks and it usually takes quite a few bites delivered at a time for paralysis to take place. When you notice your pet becoming weak and having problems moving his hind limbs, you can be sure that he has been bitten by ticks.

Dogs can also exhibit difficulty when swallowing, breathing, and chewing, but there will be no signs of a fever or regular illness symptoms aside from these. Since death can occur within hours from respiratory failure, because of the muscle paralysis caused, it is absolutely critical that you check for these signs.

Diagnosis

Paralysis is normally diagnosed depending on the symptoms and the condition of the dog at that time. Paralysis has been known to be dependent on particular seasons, but your pet will recover quickly as soon as the ticks are picked and removed from the body.

Of course, easy diagnosis also comes from the signs of paralysis, but you should regularly check your dog for ticks, if his/her behavior becomes strange, especially if you are often in regions which have ticks.

Remedies

There is a simple treatment for the issue, and that consists of removing any and all ticks.

You may have a hard time finding all of the ticks, or the tick, if your dog has a lot of fur, because ticks normally burrow into the skin, which means you may have to shave your dog for the time being, before they cause serious harm to your pooch..

Though most dogs make a quick recovery once the ticks are eliminated, some of them may have to be treated by the veterinarian if the condition is more serious.

You may also want to consider an antitoxin to be administered to your dog, so that your dog can cure faster.

Understanding the Patio Panel Pet Door

by Pet Care on October 22, 2009


Patio panel pet doors are a great option for people who have sliding glass doors leading onto their deck or patios. In the past, because of the sliding doors that usually lead to the patio, people thought it was impossible to install a patio panel pet door, but with the many options available in the market, now they can. Because of this, it’s very simple to get a pet door that can be installed on a patio door made out of any material, including glass.

Choices and Clarifications

One of the options that some owners do is install a doble paned pet door or an insulated pet door that is energy efficient. Before buying anything, you should check whether the glass door that leads to your patio is single or doble paned, since each type needs a different type of approach.

One important thing to take into consideration is if the patio panel pet door’s installation is going to be permanent or temporary, and how long will any temporary installation will last. The temporary patio pet door is very convenient since it can be taken out when necessary, such as when moving to another house or even for long vacations. While the patio panel pet door is temporary, it will still be secured to the sliding doors with screws, so burglars can’t just pull it off to break into your house.

A patio panel pet door works not only for your pet’s covenience, but also for its safety and the safety of your house. Some of these can be given an extra little security notch by using a lock to close them, while others can even have an alarm installed on them. There are pin locks and dead bolt locks that can be used on these patio pet doors, which both serve to lock the doors against intruders when the owners want the home to be completely secure.

Cats Can Use a Magnetic Pet Door Too

by Pet Care on October 22, 2009


In some cases the magnetic pet door operates on batteries or electricity, but most do not which means they are not subject to battery or electrical failure and are ever-lasting. This feature is very convenient, as the door won’t let the cat be locked out during bad weather because the storm kocked out the electrical system of the neighborhood.

How Magnetic Doors Operate

This door is able to detect the electromagnetic field of a magnet that is part of a collar that the cat has to wear, which turns the collar into some sort of door key. When the cat comes next to the door, the detection of the magnet makes the system open the door. The cat is then free to go and come at their convenience.

The main purpose of the magnetic cat door is to let the cat into or out the house without the help of the owner, who can even go out on vacation without worrying about the cat.

Offers Security

One of the safety features of the magnetic cat door is that it only opens for your cat and for nothing else, locking itself after the cat is inside the house. So, if your cat is chased by animals or by mean spirited children, once it’s inside the house, the door will protect it from pursuers. As a nice addition, thieves can’t use the door to get into your house either.

There are a few models that will give you other options, such as leaving the door open or closed at all times. Despite what some people think, these doors are very easy to install.

A magnetic cat door is resistant to water, which means that you won’t have to worry about rain or winter affecting it, and it won’t let water come into your house either. Convenient as they may be, magnetic cat doors aren’t recommended for young kitties.

Cost

Their price is about $50. But some fancy models can cost up to $100. You can even get one made in order to fit the style of your house, but that will cost even more.

Decide on the Best Rat Cage for Your Fuzzy Buddies

by Pet Care on October 21, 2009


It can seem like quite a challenge choosing a great rat cage for your rodent pals, but by taking a few important factors into consideration you can get the ideal home to keep your rats happy

There are so many pet cages I have seen that I would love to buy for my pet rats. They look spacious and luxurious, but there is one problem, many of these cages are created for larger pets like chinchillas or even rabbits. This means that my cheeky rats could squeeze through the bars. So those lovely cages may not be suitable for your rat, unless he/she is rather big.

Amazingly an adult rat has the ability to squeeze himself through a space of just half an inch.You can see from this example that pet cages designed for ferrets or chinchillas are often unsuitable for pet rats, unless the rats are very large.

Happily pet cages designed for smaller pets are readily available.You should try to find the biggest cage possible, whilst still taking into consideration the space between the bars. You want your pet rats to have plenty of room to have fun. Although cheaper, a pet cage made for mice, hamsters or even gerbils is not the best choice for rats. Rats need a lot of room to move and unless the hamster cage is huge it just won’t work.

You will want to consider your rat’s individual needs when choosing a rat cage. Whilst a multi-level rat cage looks great, it is not suitable for elderly or disabled rats, who would be much better off in a single level home.Young rats love to explore multiple levels of their cage. I love watching young rats investigate their cage, climbing the wires and using the roof as monkey bars. It really is a pleasure to see them having such a great time.

It is essential to regularly clean out your pet rats, so be sure to choose a cage where you can easily access every corner for ease of cleaning.

Ventilation is very important, as rats can be prone to respiratory diseases.You should avoid keeping your pet rats in a tank, as the air flow will not be adequate.

Rats love to snuggle, so make sure there are places in your new rat cage to hang a fleecy hammock. You will also need to have space for food, water and toys.

Cost is also something that many of us need to consider. Not to worry, there are some wonderful cages available that are really not very expensive at all and will still make a great home for your pets.

People often assume that because rats are quite small, they are also cheap. Yes they are cheaper then some pets, but you must consider the costs of a nice cage, food, bedding and maybe vet bills.

Even though there may be a lot to consider when picking out your new rat cage it is really worth it when you see how happy your pets are in their new home. It is great fun watching them jump around and rearrange their bedding and toys exactly how they want it.Remember just because you have a great rat cage, that doesn’t mean you can forget about your rats.

It is essential to give your rats time outside of the cage for at least an hour daily, so that they can play with you.Handle them, cuddle them and have fun. By replacing old toys for new and giving your rats new bedding and comfy hammocks you will give them new things to check out. Your rats will love exploring their newly arranged furniture.

Electronic Pet Doors: Keeping Unwanted Dogs Out

by Pet Care on October 21, 2009


There’s one thing that works against traditional dog doors: if an animal is chasing or following our dog, it can do so even inside our house. The advent of electronic pet doors has brought in inexplicable convenience and security to our dogs at home. Before you go out and buy the first electronic door that you see, you should do some research, either on internet or with pet supplies stores in order to find out what options you have.

Kinds of Electronic Dog Doors

There are a couple of popular electronic pet doors namely the motion sensor activated electronic dog doors and the electromagnetic sensor based pet doors. The first type can actually tell the difference between a dog and a human from the type of motions they make, while the second one can detect the electromagnetic signals of a collar that your dog has to wear.

While both types work very well, the one that works with an electromagnetic field is the only one that can guarantee you that no other animal will be able to get inside your house.

Advantages

Despite what some people think, electronic dog doors are very easy to install and use. They are tamper proof and offer maximum security by keeping intruders and stray pets at bay. Some models even let you customize times and modes of access.

Choosing the Perfect Electronic Dog Door

You should always take a look at several electronic dog doors before making a decision, since sometimes an extra feature or two might be very convenient for your case and make a world of difference. This includes taking into account the height of the dog (now and in the future, since puppies can sometimes outgrow the door), the inclusion of installation in the deal, back up battery, etc.

Understanding the Electronic Pet Door

by Pet Care on October 21, 2009


A electronic pet door can be powered by batteries or by plugging it to a regular home electrical outlet. This type of door uses high technology in oder to make life easier for the dog and its owner. The door has detectors that can sense the presence of a special collar that your pet has to wear, and will open only when this collar approaches. This will prevent other dogs or animals and even potential burglars from going into your house. Of course, the technology of these automatic doors makes them more expensive, but they are worth it.

Unlike regular pet doors, automatic pet doors will let your dog come in and go out whenever it wants, but unlike regular pet doors, they will not only keep other animals out, but also water from rain and dust from the street. In addition, while a regular dog door will let your dog in too, only the automatic dog door will close and lock after your dog is inside, maybe saving it from attacks from other dogs or mean children.

How do they work?

There are various kinds of doors but they generally function in the same way. The door has some sensors which make the door open when they detect a magnetic (sometimes infrared) signal emitted by a collar that your dog has to wear at all times.

Whether the dog comes from inside or outside the house, the door will open for the pet and then it will lock itself again. There are some types which include a remote control that let the owner keep the door closed or opened regardless of where the collar is.

One of the unique features about an electronic dog door is that people cannot activate the door because the high-tech sensors can detect the difference between an animal and a person

Price

Most are reasonably priced starting at around $40 dollars but depending on the various features selected they can cost up to $700 dollars

Other features include battery back up and different locking options.

The Advantages of Dog Flaps

by Pet Care on October 20, 2009


dog doors are noteworthy solutions for pet owners who have become frustrated with assisting their dogs with their entry and exit through the doors. They not only relieve you of the pain and frustration that you have been undergoing with assisting them but also prove to be a comfortable means of security to your dogs.

Different Sorts of Dog Doors

The very common ones include plastic dog doors, metal doors, glass doors, and electronic dog doors

Plastic doors are usually transparent so dogs can see people inside the house and avoid bumping into them. This may prove to be disadvantageous since this would allow anyone to have a look indoors. If you want a resistant door, you can get a metal one, however, if your dog is too small or too young, it might not be strong enough to push it open.

Glass doors are prefered by people who want something transparent. The latest and most modern type of dog doors is the electronic dog door. These have a remote key attached to their collar that enables automatic opening and closing of the door using magnets.

A Few Pointers for Selecting the Right Dog Door

Take your priorities into consideration first. Some people don’t like transparent dogs because they don’t want outsiders to see into their houses, while others believe that the extra sunlight is a welcome addition. Never buy a dog door without comparing it to the actual measurements of the dog, since replacing it will usually be difficult and expensive. If you have a pup, remember that your pup is likely to grow fast which might necessitate a greater height for the dog door`.

Dogs can easily be trained to use the dog door. After a couple of tries, the dog’s natural instincts and needs will take care of the rest. If you have the money, always get a professional to install the door.