By Jenny Jackson
Choosing a name for your beautiful new kitten or cat can be difficult - especially if you want an interesting name or one that has particular meaning.
Try to avoid choosing a long name, as it is likely to be abbreviated. Consider how the name would be shortened and whether you like the shortened form.
It is also important to consider whether you will be comfortable calling out the name, or if not you, other members of the household.
1. Appearance
Looking at your kittens coloring or coat pattern, what words come to mind? Grey cats might suggest Smokey or Misty. Calico cats might suggest Patchwork or Cookie.
2. Books and Film
Who are your favorite book or movie characters? Who are your favorite authors? Names like Sherlock or Agatha may appeal if you like mysteries. Dickens or Bronte? Harry or Hermione? If you like older films, maybe Groucho or Harpo. You could surely create a huge list of possibilities here.
3. Cartoons
Cartoon cats to consider are Tom, Sylvester or Garfield. Disney and Dreamworks films offer a plethora of character names...Ariel, Bambi, Aladdin, Shrek, Mulan, Woody, Buzz.
4. Gods/Goddesses
Some examples are Aurora, Zeus, Aphrodite, Venus, Mercury and Apollo.
5. Philosophers
Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Descartes, Nietzsche, Voltaire...
6. Musicians
Classical music lovers might like Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Vivaldi, Chopin or Puccini. Modern music lovers might like Elvis, Zeppelin, Dylan, Joplin, Madonna or Bowie.
7. Pairs
If you are naming a pair of kittens, consider famous couples or duos such as Sonny and Cher, Oscar and Lucinda, Simon and Garfunkle, Napoleon and Josephine, Torville and Dean, Rain and Bow, Adam and Eve, Fish and Chips, Salt and Vinegar, Abbott and Costello.
8. Sport
Sport stars offer lots of name possibilities. If you're into tennis, you might like Sampras, McEnroe, Agassi, Stefi or Martina. Boxing fans might like Ali or Hurricane. Soccer enthusiasts might like Beckham or Pele.
9. Fashion
Fashion designers and models provide good possibilities for your kitten's name. Dior, Chanel, Coco, Armani, Tyra, Claudia, Giselle, Prada, Hugo, Gucci, Cartier, Fendi, Dolce, Tiffany, Zegna, Ray Bands, Hermes, Lacroix, Givenchy, Hermes.
10. Food
The possibilities are endless. For sweets, there is Baci, Sugar, Toffee, Fudge, Choc and Biscuit. Herbs and spices are another helpful category - Basil, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Sage, Ginger, Pepper, Saffron and Vanilla.
11. Places
What's your favorite city or town? Sydney, Melbourne, Paris, Milan, London, Aspen, Cairo, China, Vienna, Congo, Giza, Kashmir, Reno.
12. Historical
Mythology, politics and science could give you some great ideas, like Nightingale, Avalon, Aztec, Camelot, Delilah, Evita, Godiva, Sheeba, Einstein, Freud and Edison.
13. Titles
Is your kitten rather regal? Countess, Duchess, Fraulein, Senorita, Dame, Madam, Duke, Earl, Baron, Viscount, Queen, Princess, Prince, Lady to name a few.
14. Nature
Inspiration can come from gems, flowers, trees, animals and weather. Bamboo, Amber, Crystal, Blossom, Bonsai, Buttercup, Coral, Cosmic, Tempest, Daisy, Firefly, Cougar, Nimbus, Nova and Opal.
15. Alcohol
Wines, spirits and beers offer lots of inspiration...Amaretto, Baccardi, Vodka, Whisky, Brandy, Champagne, Daiquiri, Kahlua, Madeira, Margarita, Moet, Moonshine and Shiraz.
About the Author: You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to http://www.great-pictures-of-cats.com which features photo and video galleries of beautiful cats.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=249336&ca=Pets
Monday, September 29, 2008
Heated Sleeper For Your Cherished Home Pet
By Trevor Price
Heated pet beds aren't just an indulgence - they're often a necessity, particularly for old dogs with sore joints or arthritis, whelping puppies or animals that are sleeping outside, in a basement or garage.
There are three specific styles of electric pet beds. These are mats, insert warmers and complete, full-sized heated beds. To learn more about each kind of bed, keep reading.
Heating Mats for Pet Beds
Pet owners love heated mats because they're versatile. Whether you want to position them in a kennel, slap them on the bottom of a dog house or just lay one over a favorite sleeping surface, you can do it. They're also flexible for size, meaning they can fit different sizes of animals.
Before you use a heated pet mat outside, make sure it's certified for outdoor use. So, if you're planning to use your pet mat in a damp garage or dog house, look for one that's made with waterproof plastic and has an outdoor-graded power cord. Outdoor models typically come with fleece covers, which are fine. Just make sure you wash and dry them if they get wet or soiled.
Pet Bed Warmer Inserts
A pet bed warmer is great for pets that like to move around. The small insert can be moved from one bed to another. And because it's small, it uses a lot less power than a full-sized heated pet bed.
Pet bed warmers are small and portable, but that also means they don't hold up well under heavy conditions. So, if you need a warmer for the outdoor dog house or a cold basement, you may want to invest in a heavy-grade, heated mat.
Before you buy a pet bed warmer, make sure it has a temperature control - you want to be able to adjust the warmth so that it doesn't get too hot. Also, look for one that can handle a little scratching and biting.
Full Heated Pet Beds
A full-sized heated bed is the right choice if your pet likes a cupped bed, typically referred to as a "snuggle bed." They're sold in a range of styles and grades, depending on the size of your animal and whether it's staying outside or indoors.
Obviously, if you're buying a heated bed to keep your Chinese Crested Dog warm at night or you're buying one to soothe your Great Dane's arthritis, you'd size your snuggle bed accordingly.
When it comes to purchasing heated pet beds, no one model is better than the other. If you're looking for small and portable, opt for the insert. On the other hand, if you prefer durability and power, go for the mat. And if you just need a basic bed with a little bit of added warmth, then choose the full-sized bed.
Remember, your beloved pet has needs for warmth in cold, damp places much like people. A heated mat or bed is really a small cost to provide a little extra comfort.
About the Author: For helpful information about pet supplies, please visit petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as cheap dog crates, health care for pets, and many more!
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=292292&ca=Pets
Heated pet beds aren't just an indulgence - they're often a necessity, particularly for old dogs with sore joints or arthritis, whelping puppies or animals that are sleeping outside, in a basement or garage.
There are three specific styles of electric pet beds. These are mats, insert warmers and complete, full-sized heated beds. To learn more about each kind of bed, keep reading.
Heating Mats for Pet Beds
Pet owners love heated mats because they're versatile. Whether you want to position them in a kennel, slap them on the bottom of a dog house or just lay one over a favorite sleeping surface, you can do it. They're also flexible for size, meaning they can fit different sizes of animals.
Before you use a heated pet mat outside, make sure it's certified for outdoor use. So, if you're planning to use your pet mat in a damp garage or dog house, look for one that's made with waterproof plastic and has an outdoor-graded power cord. Outdoor models typically come with fleece covers, which are fine. Just make sure you wash and dry them if they get wet or soiled.
Pet Bed Warmer Inserts
A pet bed warmer is great for pets that like to move around. The small insert can be moved from one bed to another. And because it's small, it uses a lot less power than a full-sized heated pet bed.
Pet bed warmers are small and portable, but that also means they don't hold up well under heavy conditions. So, if you need a warmer for the outdoor dog house or a cold basement, you may want to invest in a heavy-grade, heated mat.
Before you buy a pet bed warmer, make sure it has a temperature control - you want to be able to adjust the warmth so that it doesn't get too hot. Also, look for one that can handle a little scratching and biting.
Full Heated Pet Beds
A full-sized heated bed is the right choice if your pet likes a cupped bed, typically referred to as a "snuggle bed." They're sold in a range of styles and grades, depending on the size of your animal and whether it's staying outside or indoors.
Obviously, if you're buying a heated bed to keep your Chinese Crested Dog warm at night or you're buying one to soothe your Great Dane's arthritis, you'd size your snuggle bed accordingly.
When it comes to purchasing heated pet beds, no one model is better than the other. If you're looking for small and portable, opt for the insert. On the other hand, if you prefer durability and power, go for the mat. And if you just need a basic bed with a little bit of added warmth, then choose the full-sized bed.
Remember, your beloved pet has needs for warmth in cold, damp places much like people. A heated mat or bed is really a small cost to provide a little extra comfort.
About the Author: For helpful information about pet supplies, please visit petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as cheap dog crates, health care for pets, and many more!
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=292292&ca=Pets
Sunday, September 28, 2008
How Not to Catch a Bat in Three Days
By Kim Pearson
Day One, evening
It is dark when I get home. I am tired. I go into my office to check my email. I turn on the light and find a bat swooping through the room. Swoop swoop swoop.
Yes, I know bats eat insects and are harmless. I'm afraid of them anyway.
I shut the office door. I'll deal with the bat in the morning. In daylight the advantage will belong to me. I hope.
Day Two, morning
Armed with a broom and my Tupperware critter-trapper, I tiptoe up to the office door and press my ear against it. I hear nothing. I squeak the door open and peer through the crack. I see nothing swooping through the air. I open the door wider and look high on the walls, in corners, behind the blinds and pictures. Nothing. It looks like the bat is gone.
But I know it can't be gone because I don't believe in disappearing ghost bats.
I invite the two cats, including Mab the Mighty Hunter who has been known to bring down crows and squirrels, to check out the office. They come in, yawn, and Mab cleans her face. I call for my beagle Goody, hoping she will smell the bat. Goody wags her tail and asks to go for a walk. Clearly the animals know no more than I do about the bat's whereabouts. Or they don't care.
I sit at my desk. I wonder when and where the bat will appear. My peripheral vision is on alert. A surprise bat is much worse than a swooping bat. I feel like I'm in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I know the bat is here. It is lurking in a place no one would ever suspect - an innocent, everyday sort of place. As soon as I let down my guard and relax into my working day, I will move a piece of paper or something and - SWOOP!
I don't know how much work I will get done today. Suddenly it seems like a nice day to work in the garden, despite the rain.
Day Two, afternoon
The bat is still at large. I could not find it even when I shined a flashlight into every corner of the room.
It's starting to get dark. Soon it will be Bat Time. It will have to come out because it will be hungry. So I have made a plan. I take the screen off the office window and open the window as far as it will go. Turning off the lights, I leave the office and shut the door. Surely the bat will fly out on its own as soon as it gets dark.
Day 2, evening
It's been dark for some time now. I squeak open the office door and turn on the light. No bat. I breathe a sigh of relief. My plan has worked and the bat is now off enjoying a healthy dinner of mosquitoes.
I make a big mistake. I go into the living room to watch a little TV - leaving the office door open. All is peaceful for an hour but then, in the midst of Biography on A&E, the bat bursts into the living room, with two cats in hot pursuit.
Swoop swoop thunder crash. The bat flies over the dining room table and the cats follow, knocking the candles over. Luckily they're not alight. The bat flies into the living room and the cats skitter across a whatnot table with the whatnots hurtling after them. The bat swoops down the hallway, and the cats make amazing leaps and twirls that would qualify for Olympic Gold.
They are accompanied by a hysterical beagle, having the absolute time of her life and barking her head off. She hasn't the least idea of what they are chasing but it's a great game and she wishes we could do this every night.
Meanwhile I rush for my broom. I hold it aloft while chasing the bat/cats/beagle, ducking when the bat swoops toward me. I emit high pitched squeals which I don't seem to be able to control. This is not fun. If bats use echolocation, then it must know it is swooping straight at my head. Clearly it is OUT TO GET ME.
Finally, Mab the Mighty Hunter leaps at least five feet into the air and her claw connects with the bat. It sails into the bathroom and lands with a soft thud. It feebly twitches its strange webbed wings, then lies still. I think the bat has resigned itself to death. I put the broom down and get the Tupperware. I tiptoe up to the bat, bend over and position the container to trap it. Just when my face is inches away, the bat springs to life again and SWOOP off it goes down the hallway.
The crazy chase begins again. I open the front door and back door, with a vague idea of "herding" the bat outside. But bats are not herd animals so this does not work.
I give up. Evidently the bat has chosen this difficult way to die. Who am I to deny it its right to choose?
I shut all internal doors, close and lock the front door but leave the back door ajar. I leave the bat and cats in the front of the house, to their fate. I know this is the coward's way out, but I go to bed anyway, locking my bedroom door.
If burglars choose my house tonight, they will have deal with the bat.
Day 3, morning
I open my bedroom door and creep down the hallway into the kitchen. I steel myself to find a bat corpse on the floor. But no. No signs of a bat, not even guano. The cats are asleep on the sofa. There are no traces of blood on their whiskers.
I make another traipse through the house with the flashlight. I find nothing. Did the bat fly out the back door?
Maybe. Maybe not. I guess I'll find out tonight.
About the Author: Kim Pearson is the author of five books, including Dog Park Diary, and a ghostwriter of more than thirty non-fiction books. Dog Park Diary is the first she has ghostwritten for a dog. For more about Dog Park Diary, visit Dog Park Diary, and for more about Kim’s ghostwriting services, visit Primary Sources.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=300934&ca=Pets
Day One, evening
It is dark when I get home. I am tired. I go into my office to check my email. I turn on the light and find a bat swooping through the room. Swoop swoop swoop.
Yes, I know bats eat insects and are harmless. I'm afraid of them anyway.
I shut the office door. I'll deal with the bat in the morning. In daylight the advantage will belong to me. I hope.
Day Two, morning
Armed with a broom and my Tupperware critter-trapper, I tiptoe up to the office door and press my ear against it. I hear nothing. I squeak the door open and peer through the crack. I see nothing swooping through the air. I open the door wider and look high on the walls, in corners, behind the blinds and pictures. Nothing. It looks like the bat is gone.
But I know it can't be gone because I don't believe in disappearing ghost bats.
I invite the two cats, including Mab the Mighty Hunter who has been known to bring down crows and squirrels, to check out the office. They come in, yawn, and Mab cleans her face. I call for my beagle Goody, hoping she will smell the bat. Goody wags her tail and asks to go for a walk. Clearly the animals know no more than I do about the bat's whereabouts. Or they don't care.
I sit at my desk. I wonder when and where the bat will appear. My peripheral vision is on alert. A surprise bat is much worse than a swooping bat. I feel like I'm in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I know the bat is here. It is lurking in a place no one would ever suspect - an innocent, everyday sort of place. As soon as I let down my guard and relax into my working day, I will move a piece of paper or something and - SWOOP!
I don't know how much work I will get done today. Suddenly it seems like a nice day to work in the garden, despite the rain.
Day Two, afternoon
The bat is still at large. I could not find it even when I shined a flashlight into every corner of the room.
It's starting to get dark. Soon it will be Bat Time. It will have to come out because it will be hungry. So I have made a plan. I take the screen off the office window and open the window as far as it will go. Turning off the lights, I leave the office and shut the door. Surely the bat will fly out on its own as soon as it gets dark.
Day 2, evening
It's been dark for some time now. I squeak open the office door and turn on the light. No bat. I breathe a sigh of relief. My plan has worked and the bat is now off enjoying a healthy dinner of mosquitoes.
I make a big mistake. I go into the living room to watch a little TV - leaving the office door open. All is peaceful for an hour but then, in the midst of Biography on A&E, the bat bursts into the living room, with two cats in hot pursuit.
Swoop swoop thunder crash. The bat flies over the dining room table and the cats follow, knocking the candles over. Luckily they're not alight. The bat flies into the living room and the cats skitter across a whatnot table with the whatnots hurtling after them. The bat swoops down the hallway, and the cats make amazing leaps and twirls that would qualify for Olympic Gold.
They are accompanied by a hysterical beagle, having the absolute time of her life and barking her head off. She hasn't the least idea of what they are chasing but it's a great game and she wishes we could do this every night.
Meanwhile I rush for my broom. I hold it aloft while chasing the bat/cats/beagle, ducking when the bat swoops toward me. I emit high pitched squeals which I don't seem to be able to control. This is not fun. If bats use echolocation, then it must know it is swooping straight at my head. Clearly it is OUT TO GET ME.
Finally, Mab the Mighty Hunter leaps at least five feet into the air and her claw connects with the bat. It sails into the bathroom and lands with a soft thud. It feebly twitches its strange webbed wings, then lies still. I think the bat has resigned itself to death. I put the broom down and get the Tupperware. I tiptoe up to the bat, bend over and position the container to trap it. Just when my face is inches away, the bat springs to life again and SWOOP off it goes down the hallway.
The crazy chase begins again. I open the front door and back door, with a vague idea of "herding" the bat outside. But bats are not herd animals so this does not work.
I give up. Evidently the bat has chosen this difficult way to die. Who am I to deny it its right to choose?
I shut all internal doors, close and lock the front door but leave the back door ajar. I leave the bat and cats in the front of the house, to their fate. I know this is the coward's way out, but I go to bed anyway, locking my bedroom door.
If burglars choose my house tonight, they will have deal with the bat.
Day 3, morning
I open my bedroom door and creep down the hallway into the kitchen. I steel myself to find a bat corpse on the floor. But no. No signs of a bat, not even guano. The cats are asleep on the sofa. There are no traces of blood on their whiskers.
I make another traipse through the house with the flashlight. I find nothing. Did the bat fly out the back door?
Maybe. Maybe not. I guess I'll find out tonight.
About the Author: Kim Pearson is the author of five books, including Dog Park Diary, and a ghostwriter of more than thirty non-fiction books. Dog Park Diary is the first she has ghostwritten for a dog. For more about Dog Park Diary, visit Dog Park Diary, and for more about Kim’s ghostwriting services, visit Primary Sources.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=300934&ca=Pets
Tips When Traveling With Your Dog
By Geoffrey English
Traveling with a dog can be tough. Dogs can experience apprehension, over-excitement, dread, nausea and downright fear when they are forced to travel. Some dogs actually are nomadic in nature, and so might love to travel, but bark at people or other animals, are restless, or attempt to escape while traveling. Planning your trip carefully will enable you to relax and enjoy your trip more fully, and enable your dog to be secure and happy for the duration of the ride.
It is always wise before traveling to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. This is especially true if you are traveling across state lines or into other countries. Your vet will check for illnesses, injuries or conditions that might preclude your dog from travel. Upon request, your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate of health, and a copy of your dogs’ Rabies vaccination. These documents are necessary to gain entry into other countries. While receiving vaccinations, you should also ask your vet to vaccinate your dog against Bordatella and parvovirus, as some areas that you may be traveling to may have outbreaks of either or both.
If you will be flying with your dog, it is vital to have a clear understanding of the airline’s regulations concerning dogs. Most airlines insist that you use only airline-approved travel crates, that your dog’s documentation be posted to the side of the crate, and that the crate have 24-48 hours worth of food, and any needed medications. Beware that a large percentage of airlines have the 80 degree rule: if the temperature at any point along the flight is projected to reach eighty degrees or higher, your dog will not be permitted to fly.
Traveling by car with your dog can be a lot of fun. Ensure that you have all documents related to your dog on hand. Whenever traveling, be certain that your dog has a sturdy collar on, with at least one identification tag, and one registration or medical tag. The smart thing for both you and your dog while being transported in a car is for the dog to be secured. This prevents injury to the dog should you have to stop abruptly, and it prevents the dog from becoming airborne and smashing into you. It is not recommended that a dog ride in the back of a pick-up truck unless he is in a crate that is secured to the truck itself. Never leave a dog in a hot vehicle or crate.
Remember that when in the car, your dog should not be allowed to thrust its head out the window, as airborne particles of any nature could cause severe injury to your dog’s nose, eyes, or ears. If your dog is a nervous flyer or rider, you can obtain sedatives that aid in keeping your pet calm and cozy. Throughout the entire trip, make sure to help your dog feel as comfortable as possible; bring their toys and bedding with you, and adhere to their otherwise normal eating, exercise, and bathroom routine.
Do your research- educate yourself on places you may be able to visit with your dog, and also the places that you cannot. Some state parks, for example, do not allow dogs to be admitted. Many hotels, however, are quite pet-friendly, and will even make special accommodations for your dog.
Make certain that, when traveling with your dog, you take frequent breaks. Dogs need to stretch and take time out from being cooped up in the car, just like you do.
About the Author: Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to gun dogs. Vistit their site for Innotek dog collars, Tri-Tronics dog collars, and sport dog training collars.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=301089&ca=Pets
Traveling with a dog can be tough. Dogs can experience apprehension, over-excitement, dread, nausea and downright fear when they are forced to travel. Some dogs actually are nomadic in nature, and so might love to travel, but bark at people or other animals, are restless, or attempt to escape while traveling. Planning your trip carefully will enable you to relax and enjoy your trip more fully, and enable your dog to be secure and happy for the duration of the ride.
It is always wise before traveling to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. This is especially true if you are traveling across state lines or into other countries. Your vet will check for illnesses, injuries or conditions that might preclude your dog from travel. Upon request, your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate of health, and a copy of your dogs’ Rabies vaccination. These documents are necessary to gain entry into other countries. While receiving vaccinations, you should also ask your vet to vaccinate your dog against Bordatella and parvovirus, as some areas that you may be traveling to may have outbreaks of either or both.
If you will be flying with your dog, it is vital to have a clear understanding of the airline’s regulations concerning dogs. Most airlines insist that you use only airline-approved travel crates, that your dog’s documentation be posted to the side of the crate, and that the crate have 24-48 hours worth of food, and any needed medications. Beware that a large percentage of airlines have the 80 degree rule: if the temperature at any point along the flight is projected to reach eighty degrees or higher, your dog will not be permitted to fly.
Traveling by car with your dog can be a lot of fun. Ensure that you have all documents related to your dog on hand. Whenever traveling, be certain that your dog has a sturdy collar on, with at least one identification tag, and one registration or medical tag. The smart thing for both you and your dog while being transported in a car is for the dog to be secured. This prevents injury to the dog should you have to stop abruptly, and it prevents the dog from becoming airborne and smashing into you. It is not recommended that a dog ride in the back of a pick-up truck unless he is in a crate that is secured to the truck itself. Never leave a dog in a hot vehicle or crate.
Remember that when in the car, your dog should not be allowed to thrust its head out the window, as airborne particles of any nature could cause severe injury to your dog’s nose, eyes, or ears. If your dog is a nervous flyer or rider, you can obtain sedatives that aid in keeping your pet calm and cozy. Throughout the entire trip, make sure to help your dog feel as comfortable as possible; bring their toys and bedding with you, and adhere to their otherwise normal eating, exercise, and bathroom routine.
Do your research- educate yourself on places you may be able to visit with your dog, and also the places that you cannot. Some state parks, for example, do not allow dogs to be admitted. Many hotels, however, are quite pet-friendly, and will even make special accommodations for your dog.
Make certain that, when traveling with your dog, you take frequent breaks. Dogs need to stretch and take time out from being cooped up in the car, just like you do.
About the Author: Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to gun dogs. Vistit their site for Innotek dog collars, Tri-Tronics dog collars, and sport dog training collars.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=301089&ca=Pets
How Low Cost and Poor Grade Crates Can be Unsafe For Your Pet
By Trevor Price
Cheap dog crates can do more than save you money - they may actually kill or injure your dog. Poorly constructed metal and plastic crates cause over 100 dog deaths every year due to cuts, infections and even strangulation. Before you waste your money and possibly your dog's life on a cheap crate, keep reading.
Not Good Enough for Air Travel
There's a reason most cheap dog crates aren't cleared for air travel - they're unsafe and not suited for air travel conditions. Typically, most air crates need to be easily opened and closed from the outside and provide the animal with enough ventilation and protection. More important, a good carrier needs to be made from heavy-dutyplastic. Last year, over 5 dogs were hurt after cheap plastic dog crates cracked because of pressure changes. The cracked and chipped plastic either cut or hit the animals. Obviously, their injuries were not noticed or treated until well after the plane landed.
Collapsing Crates
Stay away from low-quality, wire crates that are collapsible. Numerous consumers have complained these crates do not hold up and can simply collapse on the animal without warning - ascenario that can be deadly for small puppies. While adult dogs typically won't be severely injured by a collapsed crate, being trapped for possibly hours is stressful and causes anxiety.
Poor Ventilation
Cheap dog crates that are made from plastic or fabric tend to not offer enough ventilation for your animal, making them feel trapped and as though they're not getting enough air. Several years ago, dogs in a California kennel were found dead after being kept in cheap, plastic kennels that were too small. The dogs suffocated.
Another danger associated with poorly ventilated fabric or plastic dog crates is overheating. Without sufficient ventholes, your dog can quickly be overcome by heat on a hot summer day spent inside a plastic crate.
How to Find a Good Crate
Look for a high-quality crate that is easily opened from the outside, provides sufficient ventilation and is large enough for the animal. While high-quality wire crates aren't cleared for air travel, they are great when coupled with a crate mat for the bottom.
Other Crate Safety Rules
It doesn't matter if you're buying a cheap dog crate or the most expensive one in the store. There are some basic safety rules that apply to all:
- Take off the dog's collar before you put it in the crate since the collar could get caught and choke the dog.
- Provide your dog with toys and water while crated.
- Never leave a dog in a crate for more than four or five hours - it's cruel and unhealthy.
It is easy to take a beloved canine for granted and assume that since it's an animal, it will be content in confined and uncomfortable settings. However, the choice of a crate goes beyond mere comfort to your pet's safety and (potentially) survival. You should make your selection on a purchase accordingly.
About the Author: For information on pet supplies, seehttp://www.petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as alternative medicine for dogs -http://www.petsuppliestips.com/alternative-medicine-for-dogs.shtml, pet treatments, and many more!
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=300060&ca=Pets
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