Home pet care for dogs and cats that save on veterinary expenses – Part 5
Joint Health for our Pets
Joint health for our pets is just as important as it is for their human. The joints of our dogs and cats work in the same manner as humans. They can get arthritis in their joints the same as humans. Over weight, over use and injuries are all contributing factors in causing osteoarthritis in our pets. Our senior pets are susceptible to osteoarthritis. Arthritis is the most common problem that dogs and cats too during their lifetimes.
We take nutritional supplements to help us stay healthy. Our beloved pets need the same type nutritional supplements to help them with joint care. Damage to the cartilage, bone and joints can be reduced with the use of supplements. One ingredient supplements may not be the most effective method of treatment for our pets in helping them stay mobile, flexible, ensuring their overall joint health.
Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to health problems than others. Joint distress accounts for the more serious health problems for these animals. We love our pets, more often than not; they are considered part of our immediate family. So we want to do anything we can to prevent them from pain and discomfort. We want to provide them with nutritional products to help them maintain a long and healthy life.
Magnetic therapy is also a method used to treat a pet’s painful joints. Even though they cannot tell us where they hurt, usually we know. We want them pain free and well adjusted, using a magnetic pet bed or pad, we can ensure that they get will get a good night’s sleep or resting environment during the day. Magnetic wraps can also be used on your pet.
Magnetic therapy has been around for centuries and is gaining popularity and effectiveness in today’s world. Magnetic therapy is a safe, effective, alternative source of pain relief for muscle and joint discomfort. Magnets are non-invasive ways of helping the body heal itself with out adverse side effects. This is an excellent choice for everyone.
Magnetic therapy works by helping the chemicals within the body to move to the affected area. For a body part to heal the site must be restored to its natural state. Pain and inflammation is removed from the area and oxygen and nutrients are moved into the affected area.
Does Your Cat Need A Collar And Leash?
A leash can help you keep control of your cat when you don’t want her to stray too far away, but still get some exercise.
Even if you never plan to take your cat for regular walks like you would a dog, you still need to insure that your cat can tolerate the collar and leash. You will need to take her to the vet and getting her used to it now can help considerably. There are specific collars, harnesses and leashes designed for the cat that you can use.
Cat Leashes
Leashes are designed in several ways from a standard form to a retractable one. No matter which you choose, make sure that it is lightweight enough to allow the cat the ability to move under its weight. Retractable will allow the cat to explore their surroundings in a park or other traffic safe areas. You’ll want to keep the cats close when walking to and from their homes.
Getting used to the leash takes training. Cats don’t do well with negative correction so by tugging on the leash you will not get them to stay at your side. Instead of negative feedback, cats do better with praise and positive reinforcement. Ignore her when she does something wrong. You can teach the cat to tolerate the leash but more than likely she will not be consistently healing or obeying commands.
Collars
Cat collars are not commonly made for leashes. Because the cat’s head is shaped so, it can easily slide any collar off. Collars are used for other reasons such as accessories. For example, a jeweled collar offers a cute look for the cat. Others use cat collars to hold identification tags in case the animal gets lost. Also, you can use the collar to warn birds that he’s in the area and approaching by using bells or a low tech alarm system.
The Harness
The harness is another option that the owner has. These stay on your cat securely so that the cat leash can be used. A simple nylon harness for your cat is a good choice or you can go with the deluxe models that look like padded vests. The only thing that is important is that they are completely adjustable.
If possible start training the cat when she is a kitten of eight to ten weeks old. Put the harness on her and allow her to walk around in it unrestrained. Then, add the leash a few times later. Don’t apply any pressure to the leash though. Once she’s used to the leash, you can pick it up and teach her that you can be on the other end of it. Use a little pressure on the leash and call your cat to you. When she does what you want him to, praise her and reward him. Eventually, she’ll be okay with it.
The leash allows you to take your cat outside for a walk to just to explore the yard. You don’t have to worry, then, that she’ll escape or get into trouble.
Using treats in training your dog
Positive reinforcement is the key to training dogs. Just like humans, dogs are more likely to respond correctly when given approval. One such way of showing your approval through positive reinforcement is by giving a dog a treat when he does what you want him to do.
In order for this method to work correctly, the treat must be given to your dog within seconds of his good behavior. This is so he associates the reward with his action. Just as you would punish your pet immediately after he does something wrong so that he will remember not to do it, if you reward him when he acts correctly, he will remember your command and do the desired action.
In addition to giving your dog the treat within the right time, you must also be consistent. Animals do not usually remember a command after one session. You must repeat the process with him over and over until he recognizes the instruction. Try working with him at least 10 minutes a day, giving him a treat when he does well. Eventually he will respond to your command without needing the treat.
When you are first teaching the desired behavior, the website from the Humane Society suggests rewarding him with the treat three out of every four times he does the behavior. Then, over time, reward him about half the time, then about a third of the time, and so on, until you’re only rewarding her occasionally with the treat. To complement this, always give your pet praise so that they know they did well.
Sometimes it is in your best interest to use other means of positive reinforcement to train your dog. Some dogs may be only interested in the treat you are hiding in your pocket instead of listening to your instructions. Also, they may come to expect a treat every time he obeys your command and will learn to beg. There is nothing more annoying than eating while a drooling dog is whining next to you. Lastly, your dog may become overweight if you give him too many treats. Of course this can be combated by exercise though.
To avoid these potential problems, you could simply praise your dog with an encouraging tone of voice and pet him. Or perhaps he has a favorite toy you can give to him when he is showing a good behavior. In my own personal experience, however, a small treat works best.
Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? – Part 76
I am a certified dog lover. In all of my 47 years here on earth, only two of them have been without a pet dog. My first dog was a dachshund which I got when I was three years old. My mother has distinct memories of me dressing that poor pooch up in my doll clothes and pushing her down the street in my baby carriage. “Woodles” was in every picture with me growing up…..every Christmas, birthday party, Thanksgiving dinner, my prom pictures, my first car, my high school graduation, and even the day I left for college. We literally grew up together, side-by-side. I loved that dog so much that I used to have a very disturbing and recurring dream when I was a child. In each of these dreams, robbers had entered our house and tied up my parents, my brother and sister, and me. Before leaving the house, the robber always took my dog over to my mother and would ask me to choose which one lived, and which one died. I cringe to think of the struggle this posed to me as a child. Sure I loved my mother, but I couldn’t see me living without my dog…..my pet, my comrade, my companion. My mother, God bless her, was always so understanding in the dream and would always let me off the hook by telling me to choose the dog as the one who lived. She knew how much I loved the dog and would sacrifice herself for my happiness. Could I really have chosen the dog over my mother? Thank God we were never robbed – I never really had to test those waters! My dachshund remained my best and most favorite friend for 17 years. Unfortunately she got ill and I had to make the decision to put her out of her misery. I was 19 years old and a freshman in college. I held my “Woodles” as she took her last breath and I’ve never forgotten how much she meant to me. I’ve had other dogs throughout the years…..all of them precious, but none of them as special as “Woodles.” That is, until I met “Vito.” My daughter and I had lost one of our dogs to blindness and ill health, and we were lost without a pet to love. We visited area shelters and looked for ads in the newspapers, but none of the dogs that we found matched our personalities. As we happened to stop by yet another shelter one day, we found the cutest puppy dog. He was 3.7 pounds, had the face of a beagle, the body of a lab, and screamed like a baby if it was separated from human contact. He wasn’t perfect by any means……He had four extra toes that flapped like flippers on his back feet, and he had recently been adopted but brought back because of a diagnosed seizure disorder. My daughter held him and immediately fell in love. I wasn’t so sure……I mean after all, have you ever seen a dog with 24 toes? But I was smitten, and we took him home. If ever there was a soul mate for me in the world, I truly believe it is “Vito.” I have never had any living creature be so happy to see me come through the front door. His world stops, he yelps, he cries, and he even wets on the floor as soon as he sees me. He is devastated when I leave…….He eats with me, sleeps with me, and follows my every move. He truly loves me as much as I love him. My husband was a bit reluctant to have an “imperfect” pet like “Vito,” but he too has come to love him. His warm eyes, his soft fur, and the way he spoons with us at night have made him irresistible to love. I realize that my husband and children are a bit jealous of the special bond I share with Vito, but I assure them over and over…….”I don’t love the dog more than you……I love you both the same!” I guess it’s never too late to start saving for their counseling appointments!
Cat discipline
Cats are humorous creatures. They are little individuals with unique personalities who spend 23 hours sleeping and 1 hour a day amusing us. Where do I sign up for this job? While it is much more difficult to train cats, it can be done with consistency and time.
I trained my cat, Tigger, from a kitten, and he knows who the boss is: me. He believes he is second in command, however. I don’t really like him licking himself in front of me, so I say NO in a deep voice, and he will comply (at least for a while). One day he was sitting by the window and the inevitable tongue came out. My daughter said, “No!”, and he said, “Mrrrrreeeoooooommmmmrrrrwwww! ” in a very loud voice and went about his business after giving her a very dirty look. I am the only one who is allowed to tell him what to do! After all, he is higher in the pecking order than any of the other family members.
The technique I used to train my cat was first to start early, when he was young enough to be trained and still need a mom’. Then I used the low voiced, but firm “No” along with shaking a can that had pennies in it for noise. It took about a month or so before he began to listen to me and several months before I could use the voice alone. After he began responding to my voice, I was able to only use the can occasionally when he took a notion to test me. He knows to stop whatever he is doing when mom says, “No” in that special voice. Sometimes he gives me a look that lets me know he chooses’ to listen, but then he complies with my wishes. I am, in effect, his mother.
We moved about a year ago to a new home, and Tigger had to have a little bit of retraining in his new home. He seemed to forget’ his rules, but he picked it up quickly when I got out the can. Now it is very rare for me to have to use the can. All I have to do if he doesn’t respond fast enough to the voice, is to act as if I’m going for the can. Obedience is not long in coming after that.
Using this method I have been able to train my cat not to lick in front of me, not to get on counters or tables, not to go in my room (allergies) and not to get on the furniture in the family room. He knows that his sister’s’ bed is OK, but other places are not. Now, do I believe the little bugger doesn’t ever do things I’ve trained him not to when I’m not looking? Get real! He’s a cat, so he does try. The point is that he doesn’t do it often, and if caught, he knows before I even speak that he’s done something he shouldn’t have.
We also have a cat who never begs for food. He’s not even interested. He has dry cat food and water available any time he wants it, and he is NEVER given human food. So, it has never become an issue. We have to be careful not to put certain foods in the garbage can, but he hasn’t seemed to associate any random food he’s snatched from there with the food we eat. He will sit at my feet while he eats, but never jumps up or begs.
Yes, it’s hard to believe I have such a well-behaved cat, but I do. It takes lots of persistence and consistency, however. Cats can be trained if you are willing to do the work required to train them.
Should dogs be indoor or outdoor pets? – Part 2
Dogs are wonderful indoor pets. They become part of your family. Dogs are social and need to be around you or your family whatever the set up is. Why anyone would want to get a dog and keep them outside is beyond my comprehension. What is the point? Do you really want a dog? Do you even want a pet? Dogs are indoor pets.
A dog is a beautiful loving companion. They adore you. They need to be close to you and to be part of your life. They should be socialized with as many different people and animals as possible.
Grant it some people have different needs or purposes for a pet. Some just want a dog for protection, they feel safe having them around but that does not mean they should be kept outside. Some people want a dog that loves to swim or hunt, whatever the reason or the purpose it should never be that you want to get a dog and leave them outside. How would you feel if you were left outside? What kind of life is that would be the question you should ask yourself.
Do people actually believe that they are doing a dog justice by keeping them outside? A dog may like to spend time outside, run around, play ball, go for walks or go jogging but that’s it. They need to eliminate outside and they need to go out but not stay out.
The bottom line is this if you want a dog the only place for that dog should be in your home. If you are not willing to do that than don’t get a dog. If you want a dog for a pet than understand that the dog is to be part of your life, your family. You have taken on a responsiblity and you will have a pet that will give you much love and joy all the days of it’s life. A dog becomes your best friend. They adore you and want to be with you. Dogs by nature are pack animals, when they are brought home you become and they become part of a pack.
If you don’t know much about dogs then learn about them. Understand them before you venture out to bring one home. Understand their needs and their nature. Believe me when I tell you there is much pleasure in having a dog. The pleasure comes from spending time with your dog, loving your dog and having them love you back. A dog truly is a man’s best friend, but not if you intend on leaving them outside.
If you want to build a nice place outside for your dog to spend time, some time in a nice pen to get some fresh air and run around that’s okay. That’s not what I mean by keeping a dog outside. I allow my dogs to spend time outside too actually they go in and out as they please but that is not what some people do. Some people actually leave a dog in a yard or chained up outside. They don’t want the dog in their home, that to me is wrong. So when I say a dog is an inside pet that does not mean in anyway that they should not spend some time outside. They like to outdoors but they should not be left out there. Dogs should be inside pets.
Dog training basics: The down command
Mastering the ‘down’ command is one of the basic requirements for a well-trained dog because it is a good way to train your dog to be calm and obedient, and is a precursor for teaching the dog to ’stay’ for minutes at a time.
Once the dog has mastered the ’sit’ command, training him to ‘down’ is the next step. To begin training, get the dog sitting by your left side and, holding a tiny piece of food in your right hand, give the command ‘down’ (or ‘drop’ if you prefer) and then lean over, holding your hand in front of the dog’s nose. Let him sniff the food, and then move your hand slowly towards the ground. The dog’s nose will follow the food. When the dog is lying down, give him the treat and praise him. Then command him to sit up again, and repeat the ‘down’ command several times, each time making your hand movement slightly faster.
Practice the new command every day during his training, and when he is consistently obeying the ‘down’ command, repeat again without the treat. Even without the treat, use your hand as a signal, placing it in front of the dog’s nose and briskly bringing it down towards the ground. By associating a hand movement with the command, the dog will soon drop when you make the hand movement, without needing the treat or a verbal command.
When the dog is comfortable and consistent with the ‘down’ command from a sit position, you can progress to using the command while the dog is walking at heel by your side. Use exactly the same hand movement, and always be consistent. As usual, with a new command, it may be necessary for a short time to revert to using a treat as an incentive for learning the new skill.
The next step is to teach the dog to ‘down’ from a sitting position by your side and to ’stay’ in that position. (The dog should already have learned to ’stay’ in a ’sit’ position.) Having the dog lying down means that he can be taught to stay for longer periods because he is more comfortable. Begin by having him ‘down’ by your side, and then give the command ’stay’. Walk forward and stand directly in front of him, holding the leash at first. As the dog learns to stay, you can drop the leash and stand progressively further away, until eventually he will stay even when you are out of sight.
Once the ‘down’ from a sit by your side and from a walking at heel position are well mastered and the dog obeys the commands happily without needing treats (a process that could take months), you can teach the dog to ‘down’ from a sit in front of you. Begin with the dog sitting beside you, then leave the dog (setting off on the right foot rather than the left so he does not follow you) and stand directly in front of him (nose to knee). Put your left hand up towards your right elbow, and your right arm up towards your left, then bring them down in a kind of scissor motion, saying ‘down’ as you do so. If necessary, pull the dog down gently until he gets the idea that he should lie down. Once this is well mastered, move a few paces back and repeat the process
If you work at this exercise, and perfect the hand movements, and gradually move further back you will be able to get your dog to drop to the down position from any distance, even when it’s running towards you. This training could save your dog’s life in some instances, such as if your dog is approaching you from the opposite side of a busy road. You can progress to the stage where he will drop when he sees the hand movements, even at very long distances away from you.
If you and your dog can master the ‘down’ command and its various uses, your dog will be a long way towards being immaculately trained.
How to find someone who loves you (and your pets)
It is hard enough to find your soul mate on your own, let alone trying to find one that loves your pet as well. Love will make a partner tolerate or even love your pet along with you. In today’s busy world where people are rushing around, and living life to the full, a pet is usually the one thing that keeps many people grounded. That ball of fluff as been there through all the breakups, the heart ache and played with the dirty tissues.
There are hundreds of ways to meet the person of your dreams. Online, in the park, at the races, dinner parties or just a chance encounter on the street. But I feel that it is prudent to mention that to win the heart of the owner, you will have to win the heart of the pet.
Finding that one person whom will love you and your pets is hard, a good place they say are where you find your pet. Shared or mutual adoration of your pet is an easy way to ensure they will get along. Parks, shows, shelters, are all good places to find people whom share the love of your pet. A dog lover will haunt parks, a cat lover, pet shops and a horse lover, agricultural shows and riding trails.
Online love is becoming a very popular way for people to meet and greet before actually meeting face to face. This enables one to show off their pets, and explain how much they mean to them in their life. It allows the would be partner to see if they will be able to handle the animal, to say if they like or dislike then to learn about them. If a person has there internet page plastered with photos of their cat, you could say that they love their pet, and any negativity towards the cat would not be seen as prudent.
For cat lovers all around the world, pet shops and shows are where you will find them. The cat lover will be identified by the love of the arrogance the cat or kitten shows. Some people just cannot stand to be near an animal that thinks that its entire existence was created so you would have something to feed and play with. Some people are allergic, for the cat lover to find love, they will need to accept tolerance from there partner about their pet, and understand that they may never understand or agree with you that your cat is Purrrfect.
The cats are a unique animal, and those entering in a relationship with a cat lover need to understand that the cat will have his say. The old saying is dogs have masters and cats have slaves is very true. People just do not train their cats, and their solitary nature lets them get away with a lot.
Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? – Part 82
I own a cat and a dog and it is definite to me that my dog makes a better pet. Dogs are interactive creatures who look up at you with big, brown eyes and love you, or at least trick you into thinking they do. Cats are proud, annoying creatures who think your sole existence is to serve them.
If you were being attacked: your dog would growl at your attacker and protect you, your cat would watch you with annoyance, wondering when he will be fed. If you were watching TV: your dog would sit at your side, just happy to be at your side, your cat would come and sit on your lap, seeking body heat (commonly disguised as affection).
Cats go outside and hunt birds and rats, then drag it to your doorstep. Dogs go outside and hunt birds ands rats, but have the courtesy to bury it in the backyard.
Cats pay no attention to what you say, and either aren’t smart enough to understand what you say, or just have too little regard for you to care. Dogs listen intently to what you say most of the time, and with time will understand what you say and respond in their own unique way.
Cats jump over the fence at night and get into fights, where they may get scratched and get sick. Dogs go to sleep at night after a bit of a bark, and wake up in the morning without having made any trouble.
Cats get stressed and meow annoyingly when they are taken to new places, even the vet. Dogs adapt well and can accompany you on many of your adventures.
Even though dogs are much better creatures than cats, some people are not suited to dogs, but cats. Such people include those who lack time to care for a dog, those who are allergic to dogs and those who are against exercise. Some people are better suited to dogs, such people include sporty people, those who are allergic to cats, people who NEED love from their pet and those who are just too manly for a dog.
In conclusion i must say that dog IS man’s best friend, while cats have nine lives, and thats too much meowing for my liking.
Turtles as pets: Care and concerns – Part 13
I got my first turtle about 5 years ago. I was driving down a side street when I saw this thing coming out of an alley. I had no idea what it was but I stopped for it. Now I live very close to the city of Chicago, so to see a turtle cross the street is not an every day event. I stopped to see what was walking out of the alley and it was a turtle. I had never had a turtle before, so I didn’t know what kind it was, nor did I know what to do with it; but I certainly couldn’t leave it there. I brought the turtle into the car with me and placed it on the passenger seat. Well I guess I scared it and it pooped. I didn’t want it to continue to make a mess, so I grabbed the closest thing I could find, a French fry container and placed the turtles butt in the container kinda like a diaper.
I took the turtle to a pet store to see if anyone could tell me what kind of turtle it was. Turns out someone there actually knew something about turtles. What I had was not a turtle it was a tortoise. A Russian tortoise to be exact. I brought my new animal home, went online and found out what I needed to do to step up this new guys home. I got an aquarium, setup a water dish/pool for him and made him some lunch.
I’ve read a lot about tortoises over the years, I would have never guessed that they like baths, and that they’re vegetarians. They need heat lamps and light during the day. Tortoises really are a cool pet to have, they’re friendly and recognize their owners over time. They’re low maintenance and interesting to watch. Turtles are now one of my favorite animals.
