Guinea Pig Cages How to Build a C&C Cage

By Bob Matthews
C&C cages are becoming increasingly popular. Their usage has increased dramatically over the past few years. This is largely because pet owners are beginning to realize that while standard mass-produced pet store cages may be economically feasible to house racks of laboratory guinea pig test subjects, they fail to provide a comfortable and healthy living environment for our much-loved family pets.

So how do you go about building a C&C cage? As a first step, you will need to design your cage. C&C cages can be as simple as a rectangular fence placed around the perimeter of a Coroplast box; or as complex as a multi-level pig mansion complete with a top, a bottom, ramps and balcony levels. The choice is yours. Literally hundreds of photos are available online to inject inspiration into your cage design efforts.

Some things that you might want to consider when designing your cage are:

• A top or lid for your cage if you have a cat, toddler or other domestic predators in the house.
• A wire bottom if the cage is to be placed on a table. Cages with no bottoms can be dangerous for pigs because once an edge slips off the table; it may drag the entire cage down onto the floor.
• If your cage has a top, be sure that it has large openings to make cleaning and cage maintenance easy. Trying to clean an enclosed cage through a small opening is difficult at best.

Once you have your cage designed, you will need to purchase all of the necessary materials. You will need grids, Corolast and some type of fasteners to hold the unit together.

You can generally obtain grids by purchasing a wire storage cube shelving unit from one of the major department stores. Be sure that the grids have openings that are no larger than 1.5 inches. One of the national department stores has recently changed the design on their storage cube units in order to save costs. The unit is constructed from grids that are 14-inches square. The old design had nine squares alone each edge. The new cost-reduced version uses 8x8 grids.

Various pig rescue organizations have reported guinea pig strangulation deaths and injuries resulting from using these 8x8 grids in C&C cages. It vitally important that these grids be avoided when building your cage. Be sure that if you are using 14-inch by 14-inch grids, that they are the 9x9 variety. As an alternative, insure that the openings are 1.5 inches or less on each side.

If grids are not available in your area, you can often obtain them by contacting one of the several online C&C cage sellers. Click on the link in the resource box below for information about online C&C cage sales.

Coroplast is generally not available in hardware and home improvement stores. The best way to buy Coroplast is to contact local sign shops. Coroplast is routinely used for outdoor lawn signs. You will want to contact multiple sign shops and get a few quotes as they vary widely in price. If you wish, sign-makers may even be willing to cut it to size for you for a small fee. When contacting sign shops, be sure to tell them you are building a guinea pig cage. They may offer you a lower price when they find that you are not a competitor.

The last thing you will need is a means of connecting all of the grids together. Most storage cube kits come with press-on plastic knob connectors included. Most C&C cage designers use these fasteners to build cages.

 As an alternative, you can also use tie wraps or zip ties to hold your cage together. Although they require a little extra work to apply, they offer a much stronger, sturdier and more permanent fastening method than the press-on plastic connectors.

You can also avoid all of the work involved in designing your cage and in finding materials by purchasing a C&C cage kit online. These kits come with instructions and all the materials required to build your cage. For information on C&C guinea pig cage kits, Click on the Link in the resource box below. Either way, building a C&C cage is a great way to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for your cavies at an economical price.

About the Author: We here at Blue Stone Commerce are pet owners as well as pet cage sellers. Visit Our Website http://www.bluestonecages.com/ for lots more info on guinea pigs and guinea pig cages. Be sure to Claim Your FREE BONUS GIFT available on the front page. Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/guineapig9

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Common Cat Diseases

By Jon Hartford

Cats, like any other pet and humans, sometimes get sick. Some symptoms aren't particularly worrisome, but some indicate life-threatening illness. All pet owners need to pay attention to the health of their pet and make sure to find out cause of the problem before it can get worse.

Although there are lots of different symptoms and diseases that cats can get, there are a few that make up a decent percentage of problems. Whatever the issue, make sure that you get medical attention from your veterinarian if your pets' condition gets worse or if it already needed treatment in the first place.

One symptom that is very common in cats is vomiting. Most of the time, this is caused be hairballs, but there can be other reasons for your cat throwing up. If your cat gets hairballs often, increase the combing, brushing, or petting you are giving your cat. Some cats shed more than others, and long-haired cats can need increased grooming. Your cat may need to be brushed every week or two down to every couple days. Another reason for cats throwing up include having a hard time digesting the food you're feeding it, or even being allergic to its ingredients. Make sure your cat is getting enough water and doesn't get dehydrated. If your cat gets worse, make sure you discuss the problem with your cats' veterinarian.

Just like people, some diabetes is common in cats. If your cat has diabetes, you have to be very careful about its diet. Some signs include urinating frequently and getting thirsty very quickly. Beware if your normally energetic cat becomes lethargic. Even though many cats get less active as they grow old, a sudden change in activity could be a sign of diabetes. A diabetic cat can be harder to care for and you need to coordinate with your vet to properly diagnose your cat and treat it.

Diarrhea is often caused by diet. Give your cat a balanced diet and make sure they get enough liquids. Feeding a cat entirely dry food can contribute to kidney failure, but many cats can't stand an entirely wet food diet either. Change your cats diet and contact your vet if your cat keeps getting diarrhea or has it often.

A troubling new disease that is affecting outdoor cats is FIV. Like its human counterpart, HIV, it is spread sexually. Getting your cat spayed or neutered does not protect against FIV. In some areas FIV is becoming a major problem--you may have to keep your cat indoors all the time. If you live in a city or area with a feral cat population, it's best to limit your cats outdoor time as much as possible. Make sure that you take your cat to your vet quickly if you suspect your cat has this disease.

Remember to watch your cats health--cats can't dial for help. (At least, I don't know of any cats that know how to use a phone...;) Educate yourself more about cat illnesses and don't underestimate the dangers to your pet.

About the Author: This article is courtesy of Nifty Pet. Learn more about cats, dogs, and other pets or view the original article.

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The Different Kinds of Turtles that Inhabit Our World

by Steven Magill

The world is full of turtles. But how many different kinds of turtles are there? Many turtles are on the brink of extinction and others are on the endangered list. Let's take a look at the different kinds of turtles that can be found around the world.

1.Sea Turtles - These kinds of turtles are truly marine creatures. They wander the waters of tropical oceans and only the females come ashore to lay their eggs in nests. They range in size from nearly 2 � feet to about 7 feet in carapace length. The shells of these kinds of turtles are heart shaped or oval in appearance. Their limbs are flippers instead of legs and are not able to support the turtle when on land. Sea turtles can no longer pull their heads back into their shells like other kinds of turtles. The sea turtles are one of the most endangered of the turtle families as urban development has infringed on their nesting sites.

2.Snapping Turtles - There are just three species in this family of turtles. They can be found throughout North America, in the southeastern regions of Asia and in South America, to the north. These kinds of turtles all have big heads and a strong jaw with the upper jaw being hooked. They cannot fully retract their limbs or head into their shell and have fairly long tails. These kinds of turtles have been roaming the earth for 65 million years. They have quite a diverse habitat as well as mating habits and diet.

3.Pond Turtles - This is the largest group of turtles and can be found all over the world. Some species of pond turtles are carnivores while others are herbivores. They have many predators such as alligators and raccoons. These species are typically the kinds of turtles that are used in the pet trade.

4.Mud or Musk Turtles - These kinds of turtles emit an unpleasant odor when they are disturbed. They vary in size but all are strictly carnivorous. They feed on aquatic insects, small fish and amphibians as well as any crustacean they can find. The adults are rarely preyed upon by other animals; rather their eggs are coveted by a variety of animals.

5.Tortoises - These kinds of turtles can boast the distinction of being the largest turtles that live on land. Tortoises feed on flowers, grasses and fruits though they have been known to feast on carrion. Typically, tortoises have heavy scales and feet that are not webbed. Their closest relatives are the pond turtles.

6.Softshell Turtles - These kinds of turtles can live in many types of waters with a soft bottom being required. Their shells are not hard, but instead are covered with a leather-like skin. They spend most of their time buried in mud. They can be omnivorous but most species are carnivores feeding on mollusks, insects, amphibians and fish.

7.The Leatherback Turtle - These ancients are the largest turtles in the world. Though they are sea turtles, they are a class unto themselves. They can be found swimming the waters of the world no matter if the waters are warm or cold. Their jaws lack strength so feed mostly on jellyfish. The adults have no known predators, instead it is the eggs and the hatchlings that are most vulnerable to predators. The leatherback is a truly endangered species because of erosion and development of the beaches where the females land ashore to make their nests and lay their eggs.

Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill

For great turtle care advice, turtle food recommendation or turtle health issues visit us at .....
http://www.petturtlecare.net/

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A Death Of A Beloved Pet

Written By BETTE J.

I have, like everyone that has ever had a pet die, felt the loss of a dear friend of so many years of faithful companionship. I have lost my dear pets of a cat of two years, a cat of 13 years, a dog of 13 years, and a dog of 15 years; all within the last two and half years. It seems as through the hurt will never end but I know it will in time.

The house seems so empty without them now. My other pets are still searching for their friends. They will also adjust to the loss and once again become their fun loving selves.

As I look back over the years, the number of family pets that have past from this world is actually very high in numbers. Our family has always had special pets to each of us. They may have been cats, rabbits, gerbils, dogs, iguana, frogs, newts, fish, and snails. They all had their own personalities and supplied much entertainment for each of us to enjoy throughout their lives with us.

My children learned to care for the pet they choose to get. And each had a lot to learn about taking care of their chosen animal. The time spent with their pet was worth all the training that the child and pet received by living in the same house.

I think people are better off with pets than not having any pet to share their life with. Animals can be a great companion. Animals seem to except you with all your faults and short comings. They love to be with you no matter what is going on around them. Most pets only want to please you and make you happy.

They seem to get into your heart and share feelings that a member of your family most likely would share. When an elderly animal passes away, the loss is felt very deeply to the persons around them. The other animals also grieve for their missing friend and companion.

As time goes by, the pet is never forgotten, but the hurt and emptiness is less and less. Soon life will be back to normal. The memory of your pet will never be forgotten, but the good times and the fun time will be remembered forever. The process is continued with new pets that are loved just as much as all of the older pets that have pass in time.

Dogs and Frostbite

By Kelly Marshall

Pet owners don't always realize that dogs can get frostbite. However, they can suffer both hypothermia and frostbite if outside temperatures drop below freezing. Although not every breed of dog will be affected as quickly by the cold, most breeds will suffer from frostbite if there is not adequate protection from the cold. Even Alaskan Malamutes curl up together to help prevent frostbite during bitterly cold weather.

Hypothermia can be the first sign of frostbite

Before frostbite strikes, hypothermia may set in. This is a vital warning sign. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, trouble breathing, weakness, blue gums and progression to a comatose state. Alert pet owners can warn off frostbite by wrapping the pet in a blanket or cloth and taking them immediately to a veterinarian's office for treatment.

How to prevent frostbite

Dog owners should take special care with puppies as well as elderly dogs whose bodies may nobe in optimal condition. Listen to weather forecasts because some mild days can quickly turn to dangerously cold temperatures later. Also, don't assume sunny days prevent frostbite, especially if the temperature is below freezing or the wind chill makes the outside temperatures feel like they are below zero. Always err on the side of caution.

If salt or any chemicals are used to melt ice on driveways, make sure the ingredients are not dangerous to dogs. Consider buying booties designed to protect a dog's feet as well as a blanket or coat for those breeds with thin fur.

What if a dog accidentally gets outside and gets frostbite?

If the pet owner is not at home but arrives home to find that a pet has gotten outside, what are the warning signs of frostbite? To understand this, it is important to realize that frostbite is caused in a similar way to frostbite in humans - by death of body tissues when ice crystals form in body cells. Dogs are particularly susceptible to frostbite on their ears, feet and tails as well as any body part which stands out from the main trunk of the dog's body. Remember, a dog which has frostbite is suffering from damaged skin tissue and it is important to get appropriate medical treatment!

Does frostbite show up immediately?

Not necessarily. Damaged tissue may not show signs of interrupted blood flow right away. If your dog has been outside and shows any signs of hypothermia, call a specialist. Be clear about your dog's symptoms and follow the vet's advice. If a dog's legs start to swell or the skin changes color and the animal is clearly in pain, don't hesitate to get help. Be particularly careful to check the dog's ears, feet, toes and tail. If not treated immediately, it is possible that a dog may have to have a limb amputated. Proper care and immediate treatment can prevent this.

Does this mean that dogs can't live outside in the winter?

For the best advice concerning particular breeds, it is best to consult a veterinarian or specialist. Some dogs may be able to live outside, perhaps in a sheltered and heated garage. Others may be able to live in a protected area of the yard, as long as the dog house is designed to maintain safe body temperatures and retain heat. If the temperature drops below freezing, pay attention to weather reports which indicate that dogs should be brought inside. A dog will not get "spoiled" or used to being in the house if taken inside once in awhile - for the dog's protection.

About the Author: This article was written by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies - the leader in dog supplies, including small dog beds.

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Lessons For Crate Training Your Dog or Puppy

By Jeff Nenadic

Buying a crate for your dog is quite possibly one of the best investments you could ever make. Crates are a great tool for any dog owner, because they make it easier to house train and make your dog feel comfortable and safe. Dogs that use crates are generally happier than dogs that don’t. When a dog uses a crate, he or she has their own space to which it can return for safety, when you are home or away. Because of their portability, crates allow your dog to travel with you, even on an airplane and in the car. You can attach a dog crate to the seat using harnesses and seat belts. In addition to helping calm a dogs nerves, crates actually protect your dog from being injured, should an accident or sudden stop occur.

Crate training does take time, however. Using a crate is a learned behavior that you must teach your dog. You should never use crate training as means to punish or scare your dog. Otherwise, the dog will assume the crate is the result of bad behavior, which negates the purpose of crate training. To ensure a positive experience for the dog, start training slowly and move at a pace with which the dog is comfortable.

Choosing a Size that Fits You

Crates come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You may want to buy a crate that will fit your dog when he reaches full size, rather than buy a new crate to fit your dog at each stage of growth. If you have a small dog using a large crate, you may need to section off two spaces in the crate. That way, the dog doesn’t use one section as a bathroom and the other section as a place to lie. To break down a large crate into smaller compartments, simply use a piece of wood or a mesh screen to section off the areas. As your puppy grows, you can adjust or remove the barrier to make more space.

The space inside the crate should be equal to the size of the dog when it lies down with paws extended. The majority of crates have standard widths that allow small dogs to stretch out completely, but require larger dogs to curl into a ball. Your dog should have enough room to stand up in the crate without hitting its head.

Large dog breeds, as a general rule, grow out of crates very quickly, often before they are completely grown. You can buy crates made especially for these breeds online, through associations, or at pet stores.

Where to Begin

Before you begin crate training your dog, you first need to familiarize your dog with the crate. Make sure it fits the size of your dogs body, and put some blankets inside. Put a treat on the bedding inside the crate as the puppy watches. When he goes for the treat, say your puppy’s name and crate once. Let him to retrieve the treat, but do not close the door. Do not try to keep the puppy in the crate, and say nothing when he gets out. Repeat this process, only this time hold the treat a little farther in, so he has to step completely inside. When he approaches the crate, say the dogs name and Crate. Follow by saying Good Dog and your puppy’s name when he is inside the crate.

Tell him to stay and feed him several treats. Do not tell the dog to come, but instead allow him to come out at his leisure. Praise him only when he enters the crate.

As you continue training, the puppy will begin to feel comfortable being in the crate for a couple minutes. Once he seems ready, close the door for only a minute to see how he responds. Close the door for longer periods of time as training advances. Leave the dog be for a few seconds. Increase this time as time goes on.

Make sure you don’t come to the crate when the puppy cries; this will reinforce this behavior. Wait for the dog to be quiet before letting him out.

About the Author: Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on chew toys online.

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Happy July 4th To Everyone!

By Bette J

Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday. Make the most of the sunshine while it is out in full force.

Also, please take care of all the pets that each of you have and make them safe for the Holiday.

Fireworks can be very dangerous to people and our loving pets. Please take care when using any of the fireworks or sparklers that we all love to see glowing.

So, enjoy yourself and try not to eat too much from the grill, (that is the hardest part), and have a safe and fun time.

Dogs and Hot Summer Days

By Patricia Ellison

If you’re having sunny weather it can be oh-so enticing to get outside with your dog and have a good time. There are so many things you can do from throwing a Frisbee or stick to hanging out at the beach. But, are you aware there is a danger that your dog will get sunburn, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. The good news is that you can prevent these things from happening to your dog.

Sunburn Protection

You might not have even thought it but the sun can burn your dog. Particularly sensitive areas are the nose, ears, and lips. If possible keep your dog in the shade between the hottest hours of the day. These are usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If there is no shade available you can put sunscreen on your dog’s nose and other sensitive areas.

It is not safe to put sunscreen on your dog’s lips. Just keep an eye on them to be sure there is no sunburn. Any blistering needs to be examined by a veterinarian.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Have you ever left your dog in a parked car? If so, it’s definitely time to stop. In fact, leaving a dog in a car is the number one reason that dogs get heat stroke. They can also develop it if they are too active on a very hot day and don’t have a shady spot to go to.

If your dog is overweight or has a history of lung or heart disease you need to be extra careful. Older dogs are particularly susceptible to getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Leaving your dog in your air conditioned home is best if you are going to be out running errands. If you must take your dog with you, leave them in the car with the air conditioner still running, preferably with a human with them.

Try not to take your dog exercising with you. Some people like to take their dogs power walking, jogging and cycling. Call it a day if your dog falls behind or seems overly hot or tired.

Be especially careful with dogs that live outside, these owners need to provide a shady area for them to go during the day. Ventilated doghouses and umbrellas that can do the trick.

It is best to keep older dogs inside no matter what when it’s very hot. You might even want to keep a fan on your dog to make sure he stays nice and cool.

Finally, keep an eye out for danger zones such as hot, black pavement, the bed of a truck, or beach sand. If you allow your dog to be on these areas he might get blisters. Stick to grassy areas if at all possible.

Water is Essential

Be sure there is clean, cool water available at all times. Giving your dog water is one of the number one way that you can prevent heat problems. This will stop dehydrations and other heat problems in their tracks.

Enjoy The Season But Use Caution

Yes, we all look forward to summer days and enjoying the sun after the chilly days of winter, but it is entirely up to us to use caution and keep our children and pets safe from the dangerous effects of the summer sun.

About the Author: Patricia Ellison is an experienced Chihuahua Breeder and dog lover, her kennel is located in Chiloquin, Oregon. Patricia provides vital dog care and training information to dog lovers worldwide at Patz-Dogs.com Although she exclusively breeds and sells Chihuahua, info is provided on many breeds

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Protect Your Dog From Lyme Disease

By Jeff Nenadic

Lyme disease is a disease that affects the pets. It has recently been accepted and recognized and infects the pets. It is a dangerous disease which is known to cause paralysis in advanced stages. Hence, one should be aware of this disease so that timely medical help can prevent your beloved pet from further suffering. Humans too can be affected by this. Pets are more prone to this disease from spring through fall.

The Lyme disease is common in Northwestern and Midwestern parts of US. Over 40 states have reported numerous cases since 1975. The carrier of this disease is deer tick which is transmitted to pets from white-tailed deer and white-footed mice. The deer tick can not hop or fly on its own and needs to be carried over. It waits on the grounds among the plants in wooded areas or tall grassed areas where the deer, mice and ticks are found in abundance. The ticks then stick to the bodies of these animals whenever they pass by.

These ticks generally stick and bite the head, ears, feet and neck of the dog. Unfortunately, the bite is not like the bees and mosquitoes and causes no pain. Thus, it is difficult to detect the disease until advanced stages. At times, the full bodies of the pets can be infested by ticks and yet the pets do not show any sign of pain. Hence, one has to be alert and get the dog regularly checked up.

Lyme disease symptoms include fever, sluggishness, plus sudden lameness accompanied with pain, warmth and swelling in the joints of the pet. At times, the tick bite can cause inflammation of the skin and round areas around the bite are formed. However, this can go unnoticed due to the thick fur and coat of the dog. If you suspect anything amiss, consult the vet immediately as an early treatment is good and beneficial for the dog. As the disease advances, both rear and front limbs are attacked. Later on, both the chest and respiratory muscles are attacked. At times, the respiratory muscles can become non-functional which can suffocate the dog. As the disease progresses, paralysis occurs and the hospitalization of the dog is inevitable in the advanced stages.

You can always learn more of this disease from the amazon.com site which has a host of books, literature by using search phrases like Lyme disease dogs. You can also modify your searches by your choice like rank, name, price etc. This can be done via the drop down option available on the search page. In case, you are short of money, you can always note the names of the books you liked from the Amazon site and search your public library for them or even more books. You can then borrow them and read them in the spare time at home or office. You can also search ebay.com for a host of information (books, cassettes, videos etc.). You can check out the prices at the price comparison site, MySsimon.com. Besides, you can also perform an online search via google.com.

About the Author: Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on chew toys online.

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