Pet Care: Learned In Videos
Taking care of our pets is not only our obligation; it is also our way of showing them that we love and care for them. Taking care of your pet does not mean just giving them their meals everyday. Pets have emotions too and they need to be noticed, played with and trained. They need to know that their owners care for them.
There are lots of ways that you can show your care for your pet. For first time owners, you can learn about this ways so that you would be ready when the time comes. There are educational videos that are out in the market that will be of help to the pet owners for their pet’s wellness, needs and health. They can show how to care for their pets and give them the attention they need.
Here are the top five educational videos that will show and tell you the proper care for your pets.
1. AT-Touch of Magic for horses
This is a kind of video that will give you a holistic training on how to deal with the body, spirit and mind of the horse. With the help of this video, you will be able to find out the proper way of caring for horses and how you can treat them in case they get sick or if they are feeling something wrong and unusual.
2. The Tellington Touch for Happier, Healthier Cats
This shows and teaches you the different learning techniques in dealing and communicating with cats. This video helps you to understand the sentiments and problems of cats. How they should be pampered and how they should be taken care off.
3. First Aid Pet Emergency: Cat
In here, you will learn different emergency precautions and preventions for your pets. The techniques for first aid actions that should be done in order to revive or provide first aid care of your pet in case they are in danger. With the help of this video, you will not be rattled in case something wrong happens to your pets.
4. First Aid Pet Emergency: Dogs
This is highly recommended by the ASPCA, an award winning video for pet care, most specifically for dogs. In this video, they show the proper safety measures to be done in case your pet is poisoned, injured or they have a medical emergency, like for example they are not eating, keeps on vomiting or has an unusual behavior.
5. The Tellington Touch for Happier, Healthier Dogs
This has an instructional and learning techniques taught in communicating with your dogs. Dogs are man’s best friend. So as a good friend, you should be alert and observant on the actions of your pet so that they will not get sick.
These videos will serve as a guide for you so that your pet will always be healthy and in good condition. If your pet is weak and always gets sick this only means one thing, you are not capable of taking care of your pet. This takes dedication and devotion to fully provide the pet its needs.
Every pet owner should be prepared for the big responsibility of having or owning a pet. Through this, you can value the existence of your pet and your pet will love you back in return. Proper pet care would ensure that your pets would be healthy and would provide you with their love and loyalty.
Turtles as pets: Care and concerns – Part 8
ahhh, my turtles. Remember when you could mail them all over the country for next to nothing and the turtles cost 25 cents? Some places even painted their shells. I began collecting them then and still do. I have hundreds of glass, ceramic, wood, and even stuffed (taxidermy) turtles. My red-eared sliders are in a 50 gallon aquarium. They are spoiled rotten. Since I live in Montana I can feed them venison, elk, and even grouse. Too rich? not a constant diet. They also get hamburger and night crawlers. Don’t like chicken. One of the favorites is shrimp, little cocktail shrimp. When people buy “shaker” turtle food for their children to feed these little darlings, they are getting NO protein at all. Dried flies and dried moths don’t fill or nourish a turtle. The results are always a soft shell and weakness. These critters are wonderful and are hand-fed and responsive to your voice. There is a place in Venice Cal called Brennan’s Irish Pub and they have(or did have, not sure if they still do) turtle races every week and I have a trophy to prove it! (my turtle does). If you are lucky enough to acquire one of these critters, please feed it and take ‘care’ of it, or send it to me!
Animal Lovers Show They Care With a Pet Sympathy Card
The world over it seems are animal lovers so sending a Pet Sympathy card to those who lose a loved animal is almost second nature.
Hallmark one of the leading Pet sympathy card publishers has been printing these cards since 1984. One of their releases states that “Almost six in 10 American households include a pet, compared to one in three that includes a child. No wonder that dogs and cats are more than mere companions – they’re part of the family”
They go on further to comment.. “According to research by the Animal Hospital Association, 79 percent of pet owners give holiday or birthday presents to their pets. More than half of dog owners (55 percent) view themselves as the parents of their pets, and some 62 percent sign cards and letters from themselves and the pet”. It’s little wonder then they rose to the challenge of creating a special category to enable friends and relatives to send their condolences on the loss of such a beloved ‘family member’. The Pet Sympathy Card category has reached new heights of interest.
There will be few of us who haven’t been touched at some point in our lives by the love of an animal. Many of us become accustomed to pets as children. In fact it may seem almost obligatory to have at least one pet as a youngster. The animal shops are full of an abundance of creatures hoping that a generous passer-by will give them a good home. However, being able to buy and then care for an animal don’t go hand-in-hand.
Being the owner of a pet is not easy. It may start out easy enough. We buy a few basic animal care products, create a safe sleeping and playing area and immerse ourselves in animal care books. The libraries and book shelves are full of ‘how to care for your pet’ books.
Over the years we may well give up holidays because we can’t leave our pet. Perhaps we have limited our time away – relying on neighbors or friends to come in and care for our beloved creature. We may make a song and dance of their birthday and have one or two animals from the same family living together as a family unit.
The wealth of animal shows on television confirms that yes, as a nation we are besotted, often caring more for them than our fellow human being.
So we know that caring for an animal takes time and commitment. We almost don’t begrudge the cost of vaccinations or pet care. And many of us don’t budget for it.
We buy, or acquire our pet and then we give it hours of our unstinting love and attention. We take care to feed it soundly, walk it as necessary. Or at the very least we inquire into how to exercise it and keep it in the peak of health.
In short, we give so much of ourselves to another that the end, when it comes is nearly always devastating.
Writing a sensitive Pet Sympathy Card to someone going through this loss can offer them some comfort and support.
It’s not just the cat and dog owners who would welcome such a card. Think of all the different species of animals out there from horses to hamsters and goldfish to guinea pigs. Some sites offer Bird Loss and Pet Rat Loss cards, and include Ferret and Rabbit Loss in their extensive ranges.
There will be a card perfect for you to send to any grieving pet owner. Look at the wide range of ‘blank’ animal cards that are available too. There are many options to choose from. There are sites that specialize in animal cards and some of the Sympathy Card sites have sections on animal loss.
You may want to give something more substantial than a card. This can help the owner to remember them in their homes, or help them to mark their final resting spot with a permanent memorial. Our first action though should be the careful selection and writing of a Pet Sympathy Card.
Teaching children the responsibility of caring for pets – Part 8
Deciding to bring a pet in to the home when you have children can be a daunting thought, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Children can be taught the responsibilities of caring for a pet whether the pet is as small as a goldfish, or as big as a dog. There are basic rules you will have to explain to your child in regards to pet care, no matter what pet you have decided upon getting.
Firstly, explain the basics of what your pet will need to survive. Discuss before even having the pet in your home the responsibility your child will have in regards to caring for your family pet. Be sure your child understands your pets eating habits, how much to feed, when to feed your pet, and what your pet can and cannot eat. Your child may find it fun to feed the pet, and make sure the water supply is kept up to date.
Your child should also be aware that the environment for the pet should be clean. Such as, a hamster cage needs to be cleaned on a regular basis, if you have decided on a puppy there will be a few messes to clean up. Compromise with your child, tell them if you clean up the pet mess, they are responsible for feeding and giving water. It can also be a joint effort if the pet is a dog to take the dog on walks together.
Keeping a pet is a worthwhile experience for a child, but a responsible one too, that shouldn’t be taken lightly before making the decision to have a pet. Talk to your child about all the responsibilities for the pet, and be sure to emphasize that these chores and responsibilities will be an ongoing experience, not just a passing fad.
Remind your child when each task has to be done with the pet. Very young children will not be able to do a lot of the things a pet requires, so an older child will be more suitable for caring for a pet. Stress that the pet will be the childs responsibility, but be prepared to take over if your child isn’t doing what should be done. The best way to teach your child the responsibility of caring for a pet is to talk about all the aspects involved in pet ownership. Show your child how to care for the pet, and the best way to behave while around pets, before you know it your child and pet will be living in perfect harmony.
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.
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.
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.
About the Author
Mariangie Gonzalez is an Agronomist with a major in Animal Science & Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website which carries pet aromatherapy, pet natural remedies, pet herbal supplements and much more. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com
How to cope with a bad pet neighbor – Part 1
How to cope with a bad pet neighbor
If you have pets then chances are that sooner or later you may have a bad pet neighbor. Whether it’s the neighbor who can’t tolerate your pets or the neighbor who treats his own pets in a questionable manner, you can be in for trouble.
There are two basic kinds of bad pet neighbor. One kind is the neighbor who has pets himself and mistreats them in some way. If there is actual cruelty involved you will need to contact your local animal control. But please keep in mind that there is sometimes a gray area where animal care is concerned. You and your neighbor may have differing ideas about what constitutes good animal care. If you have doubts your animal control authority can resolve the issue based on the legal statutes in your state. However, please keep in mind that calling animal control on your neighbor is likely to sour your relationship for the foreseeable future. It’s hard to return from that brink. If you have pets you could be putting them at risk if you call animal control on a neighbor who will hold a grudge. Think carefully before you call animal control and make sure there is genuine abuse involved. There are many cases where people are reported for abuse when it’s actually a case of a simple disagreement about how animals should be cared for. Not everyone cares for animals in the same way. A Saluki or Afghan Hound, for instance, is supposed to be a slim dog, yet there have been cases where their owners were reported for keeping them underweight when such was not the case.
Sometimes you can talk to a neighbor if you have concerns about their pets. If you take this approach you should try to be diplomatic and not judgmental. Be willing to listen to what your neighbor says. You may want to document your conversation afterwards in case you are later asked for information about it. Please keep in mind how you would feel if a neighbor approached you to talk to you about how you take care of your pets. Act with tact.
You may have a bad pet neighbor who has dogs who howl all night or who lets his animals run loose. In this case, again, talking may be the best approach. If that fails, try asking yourself if your own pets ever do anything annoying. Does your neighbor put up with anything that your pets or family do? Do you have kids who have broken a window on the street or do you leave your garbage cans sitting at the road for days? Before calling in the authorities it’s best to see if you have a good reason to be tolerant. As a last resort you could contact animal control, but only as a last resort.
If you have the other sort of bad pet neighbor – the kind who complains about everything that your pets do – you may need to practice some patience. In reality, the law is generally on the side of the person making the complaint. It’s hard to prove a dog didn’t bark. Afterall, you can’t ask the dog. You will need to try to keep your pets from barking all night and certainly keep them contained. If your neighbor calls animal control and they pay you a visit make sure that your pets are up-to-date on their shots and licenses. Explain the situation and try to comply (within reason) with what is asked of you regarding your neighbor’s complaint.
It’s a good idea to ask yourself what kind of pet neighbor you are. Do you complain about your neighbors? Are you or your pets a problem in the neighborhood? Do your neighbors have reason to complain about you and your pets?
Remember that being a good pet neighbor and having good pet neighbors can depend a lot on good communication. Keep the lines of communication open and everyone can benefit, especially the pets.
What you need to consider before getting a pet – Part 21
Pets bring much joy into our lives. However before making a pet a part of your
family there are numerous things to consider. Are you truly ready for the
responsibility taking care of a pet entails?
They are living breathing creatures, whether dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, rodents
etc. Once you bring it home, it relies solely on you for it’s every need. Food, water
veterinarian care, etc.
Living conditions are especially important when choosing a pet. You don’t want
to purchase a rottweiler if your living in an apartment with no yard space for
running. A fish or hamster might be a better choice or a cat.
All animals require money. So you need to consider if a pet fits into your
budget. Some pets are more expensive to maintain than others. Dogs need heart-guard
advantage, shots, grooming etc. Cats need shots, cat litter, etc.
Impulse buying should definitely be avoided at all cost, for your sake as well
as the pet. That adorable bundle of fur, isn’t quite so adorable when he or she
pees the carpets, leaving surprises for you step in first thing in the mourning.
Pets are like infants. They cost money, need lots of care, time, love, and are
well worth it, for those willing to take on the challenge it has it’s rewards.
My biggest suggestion once again is do your research find out everything you can
about the pet you choose. Make a commitment to stand behind your decision once it
made. And you’ll have a rewarding experience with your new friend.
So simply put here is a step by step outline on what to do when getting a pet:
1} How much room do you have? Do you need a dog a cat or a smaller pet?
2} How much time do you have to devote to caring for your pet? If you work
fish require little attention.
3) How much money do you have on a monthly basis to invest in your pet? Even
Hamsters cost to care for.
4} Do you have patience to deal with training a pet, and tolerate their
sometimes annoying habits. Puppies chew, and do not come potty trained.
when choosing a dog as a pet much work is required.
5} Thoroughly think things through. Once you commit to your pet stay
committed. It depends on you for it’s every basic need.
Follow these steps and you will find the right pet for your family and home.
Do children need pets? – Part 6
Do Children need pets? A child and a pet sometimes do not mix! When you have child you think about it and plan it. As well as when you decide to get a pet! It comes with alot of responsibility. If you get a child a pet you need to really think about a child depends on you the parent for help and guidance and to learn. If you give a child a pet they need to understand all that comes with having a pet. Like feeding washing cleaning etc. I don’t think a large or exotic animal is appropriate for a child!A dog is not a good choice for a child due to several facts that are right in front of you face, for example kids like to pull on dogs tails aggravate them ignore them and it can tend to make a dog snappy and bite the child. Even though the dog didn’t mean to bite. But then a dog gets an unfair rep for being a “BAD DOG”. For biting even though the child brought it on. A child really does not need an animal until they are responsible to care for it! And if yo do get your child an animal maybe it ought to be something like a goldfish, were there is not much involved just feeding.Any animal you give a child they need to be able to take on the responsibility to care for it. Most kids lose interest quickly in things and what’s too say they wont with the pet? Then what happens who takes care of the animal, some people just end up getting rid of them instead of taking the time or thinking about it at all. That’s why we have so many animals in shelters abandoned or just thrown to the side! I believe that a child should not have an animal until they are truly ready to care for it. The animal that you choose is just like a child. You have to care for it teach it love it feed it clean and bathing there is so much involved with getting an animal. Can yo truly care for it if yo go away ca the animal go? Who will watch it etc. I think people really need to think about giving a child an animal and what comes with it! There are some children yo do a great job then there are others who are not ready yet for that responsibility in there life! I think children do not need pets until they are truly ready for that responsibility!So just think about it you wouldn’t just have a child with out thinking? So think seriously about a child and a pet!
Pet Insurance is not Like Human Health Insurance
Pet Insurance is often compared to human health insurance, yet the only similarity is that the health of the pet is being insured. Take it from me, Dr. Jack Stephens the founder of the pet insurance industry in the United States and its leading advocate for over 25 years.
Here are my comparisons and guidelines for pet insurance.
Pet Insurance Comparison to Human Health Insurance:
CHOICES
-Pet insurance offers limited choices to pet owners. Until recently, there were only three plans, although now there are nine pet insurance plans.
-Still, that’s a very limited selection when compared to hundreds of choices for human health insurance.
COST
-Just as veterinary costs are much lower than human health care costs, pet premiums cost much less. Whereas a typical pet insurance premium may be $20 to $40 per month, health premiums for humans are hundreds to over a thousand dollars a month.
-Premiums for pets will vary from company to company, and be influenced by other variables such as the age of a pet, species of pet, breed of pet, plan types and in some cases by geography.
-Curious about what it would cost to insure your pet? Pets Best is happy to provide a free quote for pet insurance.
-Although it may seem complicated, the variances are much less than in human health care where the options and pricing confuse professional agents.
STRUCTURE
-Human health care has several major options that greatly impact choices.
-HMO (health maintenance organizations) plans are restricted to certain doctors, hospitals, cost of care and restrictions on access of care.
-Other than a few Pet Hospital wellness plans, none of these options exist for pets.
-PPO (preferred provider organizations) plans provide a list of doctors and hospitals but are more inclusive and less restrictive as the HMO.
-There is one recent attempt to develop a PPO for pets. Historically these attempts have not succeeded.
-Then there are the plans which have few if any restrictions of health care providers and fewer restrictions on the type and cost of care.
-In almost all health plans for humans, there are limits and restrictions on the cost of care, or “cost containment” provisions.
-Pet insurance is a liability policy that reimburses the pet owner (insured) for covered expenses incurred for their pet
-Pet owners want choices for care and selection of their veterinarian. This may change as utilization of pet care continues to increase, but all surveys of pet owners have been consistent in that pet insurance must allow them to use their own veterinarian and that they do not want the restrictions they endure for their own health plans.
WHO PAYS
-Most human health insurance is purchased by the employer, while pet insurance is mostly paid with discretionary income from pet owners. The bigger the employer, the better the buying power.
-Typically more benefits and better pricing are provided to larger groups, whereas pet insurance is typically individualized with discounts available for some employer and pet groups.
TAXES
-Human health insurance purchased through the employer and for the self employed is a business expense and not taxable to the employee, whereas pet insurance is paid from after-tax income.
REGULATION
-Pet insurance is considered liability insurance and is regulated typically as property casualty insurance, miscellaneous or inland marine, whereas health insurance is provided through exceptions to insurance by an act of Congress. Pet insurance is simpler in regulation and oversight.
CLAIMS
-Unlike human health care, the pet owner typically pays for veterinary care and seeks reimbursement from the pet insurance company.
-Most human health plans provide for the doctor or hospital to bill the insurance company and then collect the co-insurance from the insured at a later date.
-With pet insurance the insured pays out of pocket for the expenses, therefore the complaint turnaround time for claims reimbursement is more important. Waiting for reimbursement can become a problem when on a tight budget.
COMPLAINTS
-All companies direct complaints and claim resolution to internal controls that escalate as complexity or costs rise. With pet insurance unresolved complaints can be directed to State Departments of Insurance which regulate, license and audit the companies. They cannot force the company to reverse or pay a claim, however, they have great influence and if a regulation is not followed they can go to small claims court and litigation.
Still have questions? Visit the Pets Best frequently asked questions about pet insurance forum.
If you’re a veterinarian, you’ll find more information on pet insurance options here, or visit the Morris Animal Foundation’s Veterinarians page for vet chat, pet memorial cards, information about recent studies, and more.
Pet expenses
The joy and satisfaction of sharing your life with a dog, or cat is priceless. However this rewarding experience is not free, or even cheap. Keeping a pet is an expense you must be prepared for. It is understandable to fall in love with a sweet little puppy, or kitten. Before you make the commitment to offer the sweet little animal a loving home, you need to examine not only your living situation, but also your financial situations.
Can you afford to purchase healthy, quality food on a regular basis? Can you afford the basics of owning a cat or dog such as kitty litter, flea and tick medication, heart worm medication,food, toys and grooming supplies? You will need a collar, leash, equipment for removing waste. The initial cost of the animal will be the least of your financial concerns.
The medical care of your pet is the most important and expensive cost to consider. Depending upon where you live, you can expect to pay around two hundred dollars minimum for the initial visit, shots and six month dose of heart worm medication. Keep in mind, your dog will need to return to the vet in six weeks for a follow up shot or two. So add another one hundred dollar minimum to the initial visit.
I am lucky to have a wonderful vet, with reasonable prices. Other vets in my area charge much more than he does! When I add up my pet expenses, We spend on my two dogs $68 a month for Nutro Max dog food. For flea and tick treatment and heart worm medicine we spend about four hundred dollars a year on the two dogs. Additionally we spend about four hundred dollars for routine vet bills, and grooming. This does not include toys, treats or accessories. Seriously, my two dogs cost me over fifteen hundred dollars a year!
You also must purchase dog tags, and don’t forget products to clean up after your dog, as well as food and water dishes. Caring for a pet in a way is like caring for children.On a smaller scale of course. It is a major commitment to own a pet. If you are not prepared to spend that kind of money on your pets care every year, then you should not take the sweet little animal home with you.
