Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? – Part 88
I think any pet you have is great, pets keep you young and stress free!. In my opinion though I prefer a cat. I have had many pets; dogs, cats, birds, fish, rats, bunny’s, and more but out of all those pets the Cats are my favorite..Not only are they a “lazy” care animal but I think they can cure you. I know that sounds silly but my cat knows when I am not feeling good, if I have a stomach ache she comes over and “massages” my stomach, that was especially effective during my pregnancy.
Most people with children are on the go a lot to keep up with the kid and sometimes you can’t slow down enough to walk your animal or bathe him or whatever, in this case a cat is ideal, she can use the litter box and wash herself. Also for those with frequent headaches a cat is ideal because not many cats are loud like dogs…
I’m not downing dogs at all I myself love all animals but for me its the Cat!
Scientific studies on the healing power of dogs – Part 1
It has been about year since my father passed away, and my mom confides in me that she would fall apart if it were not for her little dog Snooky. Some how this little dog, keeps my mom going and gives her love when she feels so lost and alone. My mom is not alone, many people world wide are saying they feel less lonely, and feel happier when they have a pet.
I myself have not lost my husband and I still have children who live at home with me, but I too, feel love from my dogs. In the past twenty-years, everyone has been hearing about the healing power of dogs, which has led to scientific research to studying the psychological and physiological benefits of animals.
Hospitals and nursing homes across the nation became interested in this new health benefit to patients, called dog therapy. Not only were dogs being used in this new therapy, but other animals such as cats and rabbits. Administrators began to notice that furry animals visiting nursing homes had a positive impact on the residents that lived there.
There are many organizations such as Pet Partners, and Angel on a Leash that visit nursing homes and hospitals, where patients are allowed to pet dogs or other animals. The little pooches began to be referred to stress reducers.
Currently there are about sixty-four hundred Pet Partner teams nationally. Pets within Pet Partner are introduced to equipment and other objects that they may encounter at nursing homes or hospitals before the visit, so the animals are familiar and will react properly during their visits.
Research done by the American Heart Association showed that heart and lung function improved in patients just by petting and having the animals around. Exactly how did it improve these patients just by having the animals around? Patients’ blood pressure was lowered, they released less toxic hormones, and it helped to decrease anxiety by about twenty-four percent in just a twelve minute visit.
Not only are patients in hospitals, people in nursing homes and those with disabilities being benefited by our canine friends, but all of us. I am glad we now have scientific data to back up what some of us already knew that our four legged friends can not only offer friendship, companionship, unconditional love, but they can also stimulate, motivate and can reduce stress too.
Works Cited:
Manning, Anita “Pets Have Learned to sit, stay-and heal” USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/news/h ealth/2003-09-02-pet-benefits_ x.htm (accessed 8/16/07)
Houston, Mark, MD “The Physiological and Psychological Effect of Animal Therapy: Examining the Healing Power of Animas” Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association Jana Vol. 9, No. 1 2006 www.ana.jana.org (accessed 8/16/07)
Pet Therapy in Hospital “Angel on a Leash to Benefit Young Patients” Health News Digest.com 2005 (accessed 8/16/07)
Bathtime for pet dogs – Part 7
Bath time: washing my dog is a monthly treat. But only in a world where “treat” means “farce” and “monthly” means “as often as needed”. My dog, Radish, is a mud-magnet, a veritable filth-finder, dirt-devil of a Heinz57.
I thought it would get easier to bathe Radish as she grew older. It hasn’t, although it has become more farcical: Radish has now taken to jumping into the bath tub once in the bathroom. Words fail me to describe the look of pity that then crosses her face, as she stares up at me, eyes wide, clearly asking “Shall we just wait till next month? I think so, and besides, I’m really not so smelly…” RSPCA would claim her if they saw this look!
The shower head goes on and I make sure the temperature is just right. Radish likes it lukewarm. The washing begins. This normally coincides with a futile attempt by Radish to escape the bath tub: a paw on the bath’s edge or sometimes two paws. Bless her. I quickly place her paw(s) back in the bath and continue to wet her.
The actual shampooing is not too bad as she normally stays still for this. But I always manage to put too much on and Radish’s coat is so thick that the washing-off stage is slow. Radish normally declares bath-time is over right at the point the lather is at its thickest on her fur. I sometimes think she is amused by the thought of running amok when wet and shampooed.
I always win this little battle of wills and wash her clean. However, she claims victory as soon as I carry her out of the bath tub (which is often calamitous in itself as she is not a delicate creature, and when wriggling…). Before I have a chance to wrap a towel around her, she’s too quick, she’s already got her fur up on one side; and then, burghhhh, she’s shaking like a loon and I am splattered. I try again to shield myself and the bathroom from her soaked attack, but just as I get close to her with the towel, I notice her fur is up on one side again. I swear it happens in slow motion.
The final stage in the bath-time farce is the rampage: Radish’s rampage, as I call it. The bathroom door opens and she shoots out, usually yipping wildly, scoots down the stairs, and runs through to the dining room, skids to a halt and tears into the sitting room. From there, it’s back to the dining room. Skid. Back to the sitting room. Skid. And so on, for about half an hour. After this, she looks totally crazy: fur all thick and fluffy, damp, eyes wide, tongue hanging out one side, an obscene grin on her face. Her one last victory is to slink off to our bedroom, quietly curl up on the pillows. Perfect way to dry off, apparently; or at least, to get the bed wet. Bless her.
Bath time for the dog is an event in our house, but I’m glad Radish sees it as a source of amusement. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Feeding your dog or cat
Dogs love getting special treats from their owners. Pet owners spend money on dog treats to give their beloved pets something that seems like it’s a good thing. Unfortunately, pet owners may be giving their dog pet treats that are toxic to them.
There are a lot of different varieties of dog treats on the market, from rawhide bones to chew to special bites of artificially flavored bacon treats. While some items available for your canine are fine and not harmful, there are some products that you want to avoid giving to your canine because they are very harmful, and may even cause death.
Dog owners also give their dogs treats that are not made for dogs, such as chocolate candies. Chocolate is very toxic to dogs and to cats. Dog owners should never feed their pet canine anything chocolate. Sometimes dogs will get into something without your knowledge. If you have given your canine chocolate or if you suspect the dog got into some, look for signs of vomiting and shallow breathing, or the dog appearing to be very tired more than usual. If you see these signs, you might want to take your pet to see the veterinarian.
Rawhide chew bones help to clean your canine’s teeth, but these chews can be dangerous to your dog. Some of these have been known to splinter apart, causing part of the chew item to lodge in the dog’s throat. The dog either manages to get the chew out, swallows it, or chokes on it, if the owner doesn’t see what’s going on and removes the chew part from the dog’s throat. Rawhide chew items should be the proper size for the dog. Bone shaped rawhide chews are best because they tend to splinter less than the strip shapes.
What dog doesn’t love to chew and gnaw on bones? Dogs and bones just seem to go together. But some bones can prove to be fatal to your dog. Pet owners should never give their canine chicken bones or turkey bones. These bones will often splinter in the dog’s throat and cause choking. Some beef and pork bones will also do this, but beef and pork bones are far less likely to splinter as a dog chews on them. Watch for signs of bleeding if you suspect your dog has eaten a chicken or turkey bone. Contact your vet immediately if you see bleeding. To prevent your dog from digging into the trash and getting bones that are harmful to them, wrap them well in foil or put them in Ziplock bags before disposing of them.
Young puppies or dogs that scarf their food down fast should not be fed chunk size treats. Large chunks of food might choke a young puppy that is scarfing down food quickly. Be sure to feed appropriate size treats to puppies.
Dog food treats are generally safe for dogs, but for all the good ones, there will always be bad ones. With the recent recalls on pet food, it’s a good idea to keep a close watch on pet food recalls to be sure that you are not feeding your canine something that isn’t safe for them to consume.
True dog hero stories
My Dog is a Hero
Back when my daughter was little and still wearing diapers
just learning to walk. I was back and forth running in the
house and outside in the yard working, while my husband was
also outside fiddling around with something, he was supposed
to be keeping an eye out for our little girl.
I ran inside and was washing a few dishes, while watching
out window at them all, my husband fiddling with something but
watching our daughter, and my daughter sitting on a blanket on
the grass in the front yard, playing with some toys and our pet dog.
To this day I cannot tell you what kind of dog she was, my daddy and
my ole’ grandpa always had something to say about her breed, my daddy
always said she was a Heinz 57, and my ole’ grandpa always called her
a sooner. When I asked him what he meant by that he would explain to
me, well she was sooner this, that or the other thing.
Well as I was washing a few dishes I looked up again to see my
daughter had gotten up off of the blanket and was toddling over
towards the street and I happen to see that my husband being the one
tract mind that he always was not being much of at multitasking, wasn’t
paying attention to her.
I gasped and ran toward the yard, as I got to the yard, there she
was our old mutt she had grabbed our daughter by the seat of her diaper
and pulled her back into the yard.
Needless to say my little girl came back into the house with me, and I
reprimanded my husband telling him that the dog was a better babysitter
than he.
We had several dogs during the time that our daughter was growing up and
she was one of the favorites. We had another one an old German Sheppard
that simply adored our little girl, he would mind her every word, and
let her pull on his ears and yank them and everything else never snipping,
snapping or anything just loved her.
I am thankful to each and everyone of them for all of the fond memories.
I think that every child should grow up with pets, and I would have to say
that I am partial to dogs, more than cats or any other pet.
Pet Dogs Need A Transport Dog Crates For Travel
Your pet dogs can also relieve you of some of the stresses of night and day life. If you own or are thinking of buying a Dog or Puppy it is advisable to take out insurance to cover expenses for illness or accident. Your pet dogs may need an air filled dog beds and transport dog crates every time you want to travel with pet friend. To some people and ranchers, dogs act as their companion in the wild and a helper at the same time. Your pet dogs could be your best friend especially if you are alone at home or anywhere for that matter.
Your pet dogs may use an air filled dog beds which are very comfortable and easy to clean up. Dog crates or transport dog crates are convenient to have if you plan to travel with them. Whenever you have an obedient pet dog or puppies mean that you are taking care of your pet dogs properly. Pets that are happy can also make the individual owner a happy man too. With an air filled dog beds, rest assure that your lively pet friend is well taken cared.
If you are looking for a varied dog collars do not sweat because there is plentiful of places and sites to order online. Whatever you use to do in the park or in the farm or in your house, take your favorite pet dogs with you. When it comes to dog training, you will need for a good quality collars and harnesses as the experts would recommend.
Take a walk with your golden retriever to watch the autumn leaves in the park. Just like the American Staffordshire Terriers, they are gentle and good natured towards people. Some dog breeds require a lot of time that you will take to dedicate to groom and to put into practice. Other breeds are very easy to train and some are a little bit tougher.
Dog collars come in a lot of sizes, shapes and forms. Dog collars come in designer type and models too. There are plenty to choose from if you ever decide to purchase the best one for your pet friend. Dog collars can also be cheap or expensive. It really depends on your taste and budget.
Pet dogs are very playful too, that can motivate you to go out and set up fun running around or simply play with them. Your pet dogs can also help you temper your ordinary life aches and pains. Being outside on the park or just your leisurely walk with your pet is a good way to relax.
And if ever planning on a trip with an animal friend transport dog crates or a dog carrier will definitely be needed. The good thing about these types of dog crates is that you can use them in a car travel and some airline and or train travel. One of the uttermost popular transport dog crates are the ones called soft sided dog carriers. When travelling whether on a short or long distance travel, it is utmost for dog transport to get them in a transport dog crates.
And the greatest place to start your search is through the internet. By going online, you will foretell hordes of what you are looking for. So if you think about it, it does give you a lot benefits and advantages in having a dog crate. Your pet dogs travel will need and air filled dog beds and a transport dog crates.
Dogs: Major Concerns With a Border Terrier
If you want to have a small but sturdy pet dog, then the Border terrier might be for you. This pet is no delicate lapdog. The Border terrier pet dog is full of fun for the whole family.
Before getting a Border terrier pet dog, however, you might want to consider some of the major concerns regarding the breed. This will help you weigh the pros against the cons and will let you reach a decision that would be best for you. Here are some concerns regarding Border terrier pet dogs:
1) Temperament – when people talk about terriers, they all comment on the same behavior using different words. Some people say that their dogs are feisty. Some say that their dogs are stubborn. Some people would prefer to use the word impulsive. The point is, they all describe the same behavior. A terrier is inherently dynamic in its behavior. It is part of what makes a terrier, a terrier.
The temperament of the Border terrier pet dog may be quite surprising, if not outright shocking for most people because of its size. For such a small dog, a Border terrier pet dog sure packs a lot of energy.
2) Aggression – Border terrier pet dogs are not really as aggressive as other breeds. However, its instincts as a terrier would still urge it to run after anything smaller than it. This means that if you own a cat or even a pet rabbit, you cannot have a Border terrier pet dog. This also means that you cannot trust a Border terrier pet dog out of its leash. If it even sees something running, it will take off, leaving you yelling uselessly. This, of course, can cause accidents to happen. In order to make sure that your Border terrier pet dog does not get hit by a car, you need to keep that pet on a leash outside.
3) Escape – it is recommended by many experts that Border terrier pet dogs should be kept in a fenced-in yard to let it have some roaming space while making sure that it is safe. However, you should know that Border terrier pet dogs are clever escape artists. Even if a Border terrier pet dog is within a closed in fence, you should try to keep an eye on it.
4) The noise – Border terrier pet dogs will bark at practically anything that catches their attention. Because of this, you need to properly train them to bark only when needed. You should also be quick to stop them if they are barking inappropriately.
For this reason, you should not really get a Border terrier pet dog if you live with very close neighbors and if you work during the day. An unsupervised Border terrier pet dog is sure to keep barking all day long. This, of course, may draw complaints from your neighbors.
5) Independent thinking – what people love about Border terrier pet dogs is the fact that they can learn very quickly. This is because of their inherent curiosity and toughness. However, the same qualities that make them prize-winners can also make them very stubborn when they want to. You have to be consistent with your commands and show the Border terrier pet dog that you mean what you say. In doing so, you will be training the Border terrier pet dog properly.
Scientific studies on the healing power of dogs
The healing power of dogs
“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.”
~ Ben Williams
All pet owners know the health benefits of having pets. It’s those that do not own one that still need to be convinced. Dogs are more than just a companion they are our friends, our family, our confidant, our doctor and our therapist all at once.
Finally, science has backed up what we dog owners already know they have an ability to help us heal.
Dogs have an ability to know our feelings. They know when we are upset, when we are sad, or when we are angry. They also know when we are happy or excited, and react in joyous abandon accordingly!
Dogs provide a number of different functions for an ill person. They provide a source of comfort, they give a reason to get up in the morning. They do not allow us to wallow in self pity, and they provide unconditional love. They are always happy to see us and if this does not improve a persons mood, nothing will.
Dr Marty Becker, a veterinarian, has written a number of articles and books documenting the healing power of dogs. Studies have shown that petting animals helps us to lower our heart rate and blood pressure and improves our mood.
Petting dogs result in mood altering chemicals being naturally released into our blood stream these chemicals are the same ones that are released when a mother nurses her baby. The chemicals stimulate a feeling of happiness and love and this means that our mood is automatically improved.
Your pet dog is so attuned to you and your body that they can detect minute changes in you. Dr Becker cites cases where animals can detect a drop of blood sugar levels in their diabetic owners. It has also been found that some dogs can detect the presence of cancer in humans.
Dr James Lynch of Johns Hopkins has done work which shows the punishing health problems that can be suffered from those suffering from loneliness. Pets play an important role in helping to stave this loneliness off. Dr Becker cites studies that show that dog owners are more likely to chat to passersby which is great for those how are depressed or lonely.
Dogs are wonderful to have around, especially when you are trying to exercise. What better motivational tool do you need they have to be walked, so therefore you must walk! This is especially true if you have a dog that guilts you into doing it, even if you are trying hard not to!
Owning a pet can also help those who suffer from depression. Some hospitals, including the National Institutes of Health, prescribe animal therapy in their treatment of those with depression. A dog or other pet can help the sufferer focus on something outside themselves. The interaction involved can help to put them into a calm state.
So, if you are feeling down or a bit ill, the best thing you can do is call over your dog, pop it into bed with you and pet and cuddle it to your hearts content!
Further reading:
The healing power of pets, Dr Marty Becker
Proper Grooming Of Your Pet Dogs And Cats
Do you have a pet dog or cat in your house?
We treat them as part of the household; we are obliged to give proper care and attention for them to make them look good and healthy, just like what we are doing to other family members.
There are different pet parlors where you can bring your pet dogs and cats to have them groomed properly. Pet parlor owners also give some basic home pet grooming tips and advices for pet owners to follow so that they can personally attend to their pets’ grooming needs.
Have your Dog the Best Look
Pet dogs are one of the most adventurous pet animals. They tend to explore— different parts of the house, backyard, and even in the streets. Because of this, they acquire different smell (a stinky one, for instance), their furs are stained, and different parasites sticks to their body and make them itchy.
Proper hygiene practices that are similar to human beings are one of the basics in dog grooming. It is important that you give your dog the best bath. Below are the tips to help you bathe your dog successfully.
• Prepare the bathtub and the bath supplies that you will use in bathing your pet dog. Make the bathroom comfortably warm so that you can encourage your dog to have it bathe. Gather all the pet bath supplies such as dog shampoo, bucket, towel, and hair dryer that will be used before bringing them into the bathroom.
• After you have gathered these bath supplies, bring your dog to the bathroom. Pet them and make them comfortable while you are waiting for the water to reach a soothing temperature ideal for them.
• Bathe them in the tub by using a bucket to splash water on their body. You can also use a hose with a sprayer on the end.
• Use medicated dog shampoos against fleas and ticks. You can also have shampoos of sweet scent and good for your dog’s sensitive skin.
• Just a reminder: Never use dish soaps or your own shampoo because it will plague your dog with painful skin irritations. If you are not sure of what dog shampoos and soaps are fit for them, consult your veterinarian first.
• Once you have splashed their body with water, apply now their shampoo. Be sure that you will not let the shampoo reach their eyes. Massage their body carefully. Rinse it with water once again.
• Dry them using a towel first. Wipe their paws gently. Give extra attention to their ears, for any moisture cam lead to wax and bacteria build up that can lead to ear infections.
• Then use a hair dryer. Set the dryer to its medium setting and place it at least six inches from your dog’s fur so that it will not burn. Continue drying until their furs are dry, but not completely. Then brush through their hair as you dry it to give it style.
Hydrophobic Cat Grooming Tips
It is a well-known fact that cats are really afraid of water. It is a challenge for you to lure your pet cat to take a bathe. Here are some pointers that you can consider in bathing your pet:
• Make the water warm. Cats have high body temperature than ours, so it will make them comfortable if you will bathe them in warm water. Nevertheless, it must not be too hot for them.
• Have them bathe in a flat surface. You can also place it in a rubber mat so that they will not slip.
• Splash a little amount of water on their body. Use a hose with sprayer if necessary.
• Apply a little amount of cat shampoo in their furs. Be sure it will not get into their eyes or else it will irritate them. Use shampoos specifically intended for them.
• After rinsing, dry them by using a towel and then later on a hair dryer in medium setting. Be sure you will not dry their furs completely. Use a brush to style their furs.
So there you have the basic tips in grooming your pet dogs and cats. Make them the most-groomed pets you ever had.
Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? – Part 86
Although one of my daughters will not agree with me, I think dogs make better pets. I’ve never been a “cat” person, per se. When my daughters and I combined households, I found myself living with a feline. I don’t think either the cat or the dog have a clue or even care about their heritage. They eat out of each other’s food dish, they drink out of each other’s water bowls, and each takes the time to lovingly and tenderly groom the other.
The cat actually came first.
We picked him up from the human society when he was a young kitten. Shiloh, a beautiful black and white male long haired cat was one of my Granddaughter’s Christmas presents in 2004. Shiloh is laid back, quiet, and afraid of everything. He spends most of his time lounging in the garage and chasing bugs and eating geckos. Shiloh managed to “escape” from the house one time for about 4 hours. We finally found him in the bushes next to the house visiting with some of the local rabbits. Now, every now and then, the rabbits will come and sit in the front yard like they’re waiting for Shiloh to come out and play with them. I’m not sure what happened during that “visit”. I think Shiloh has claimed one of those rabbits for his Girlfriend.
You see how confused he is?
Pee Wee the dog joined our family about 5 months after Shiloh. Pee Wee is a Chow, Jack Russell Terrier, Pit Bull mix. When Pee Wee joined the family, Shiloh was the larger of the two. While Pee Wee was smaller than Shiloh, Shiloh had great fun beating up on Pee Wee. Now that Pee Wee is the bigger one, Shiloh still hold his own during the routine “rough housing” that goes on. One time Pee Wee got a little too aggressive, and was hurting Shiloh. Shiloh quickly remedied the situation by giving Pee Wee a short quick left hook to the nose which sent Pee Wee running for cover! It was hilarious!
Even though I have adapted to living with a feline, I still believe dogs are the better pets. Dogs are much more engaging and much more fun to be around. Dogs are an endless source of entertainment. You can do much more with dogs than you can with cats. Cats are finicky, flighty, and not real easy to warm up to. If the Cat isn’t in the mood, I don’t care what you try, you will not get that little bugger to do anything but sit there and look at you like you’re the one who is in need of psychiatric help! The dog will go to the ends of the earth to catch that ball that he thinks you tossed.
