What Do Turtles Eat ? by Steven Megill
What do turtles eat? Well, that really depends on the type of turtle you are asking about. Most turtles are carnivorous when they are young, but grow in to omnivores when they mature. Some feed mostly on plants while others, like the snapping turtle, actively hunt small creatures for their food. A turtle's diet depends on what kind of turtle it is, where it lives and what it has access to.
If you have an adult turtle as a pet, here are some of the foods you can feed it to keep it healthy:
Protein: There are many sources of protein that are safe to feed turtles: small amounts of cooked fish, turkey or chicken are okay; boiled eggs are okay; mealworms, waxworms, earthworms and silkworms are okay; slugs are fine, as are shrimp, snails and crickets. Don't give them raw meat, though because it can contain a lot of fat and could become contaminated by the time the turtle decides to eat it.
Vegetables: leafy vegetables are best: grape and fig leaves, red clover, carrot tops, dandelions, lettuce (red and green are okay), turnip greens, water lettuce, duckweed, collards, endive and plantain weed are all okay. Regular vegetables like corn, green beans, beets, carrots, okra, green peas and some squash varieties are also okay.
Flowers: some turtles love flowers! Roses, pansies, petunias, lilies, carnations, hibiscus, hyssop, borage, nasturtium and geraniums are all okay as turtle food.
Fruit: some turtles also like fruit: kiwi, apple, mango, strawberry, cantaloupe, blackberries, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, blueberries and some citrus fruits are all a fine to feed a turtle.
Of course, there are some foods that should never be given to a turtle:
Turtles cannot digest milk or dairy products because their stomachs do not carry the enzymes needed for the breaking down of lactose. Feeding dairy products to your turtle is a good way to make sure it gets very sick.
It is also a bad idea to feed any sort of canned or processed food to your turtle. These usually have large amounts of salt and preservatives and people don't yet know what these ingredients will do to the digestive system of a turtle.
What do turtles eat from their natural habitats? Some turtles have been known to eat poisonous plants that are a part of their natural habitat—they do this as a way to make themselves inedible by predators. Unfortunately, especially in the case of pet turtles, you won't know exactly what kind of plants are a part of its native habitat, so it is best to keep poisonous plants (like poison ivy, rhubarb plants and avocado plants) out of their reach and out of their tanks.
What do turtles eat? The turtle's diet depends on what kind of a turtle it is and how old it is. While they are babies, turtles are almost completely carnivorous, though they change into omnivores or even herbivores when they get older (depending on the turtle species). If you are buying a pet turtle from a store, the pet store will likely have food you can feed it.
Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill
For great turtle care advice, turtle food recommendation or turtle health issues visit us at .....
http://www.petturtlecare.net/
Article Source: Free High Quality Articles at Article Crux
Monday, July 14, 2008
Diagnosing Dog Health Problems at Home
By Garry Neale
Dogs are no different from humans in the way their bodies respond to disease and changes in their environment. When exposed to contaminated food, extreme cold, or infectious disease they can get sick. Dog illness symptoms can usually be diagnosed by changes in behaviors. Weight loss is also an indicator that something is wrong. Although it may be something minor, anytime you notice your dog losing weight, it's best to take them to a vet and let them deal with this problem. Since weigh loss could be a sign of a serious problem, don't wait long to make an vet appointment if you notice a sudden reduction in weight.
Dog illnesses can be separated into two different categories; 1) chronic dog illnesses like skin rashes and dog allergies which can be easily treated; and 2) acute illnesses that are life threatening like poisoning, Parvo or heatworms, which you can't do much about and require veterinary assistance as quickly as possible. Loss of appetite is another dog illness symptom. If your dog suddenly stops eating, it may be a sign your dog is in substantial pain. Dogs are a lot like people in terms of illnesses. Well, more like toddlers because they can't really explain what's wrong. So that's the way you need to treat them.
Just like people, dogs can suffer from a fever. A fever is usually a sure indicator that there is some type of internal body malfunction. If this symptom is left untreated, it can turn into a high fever and become life threatening. A fever is also a key indicator that your dog may have Parvo. A dog infected with this disease will also show signs of nausea, malnutrition and dehydration. If these signs are present, you need to get them to a vet or pet hospital as soon as possible. Once the disease has been treated and your dog is feeling better, you will still need to administer antibiotics to help prevent other infections. Parvo wrecks the immune system for several weeks.
Food or other dog allergies are another common problem dog owners have to deal with. Chronic scratching is a sure indicator that allergies are present. Dogs with food allergies will scratch year round, while dogs with other types of allergies, like grass and tree pollen, will usually only start scratching during certain seasons. Some dog will even display symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss if the allergies are severe. Food allergies are slow to develop because a dog's body must be exposed to the allergen long enough to build up a sufficient number of antibodies to trigger the dog's symptoms. With food allergies, most dogs will have been eating the offending diet for months or years before your dog's symptoms start to appear.
If your dog is over 7 years old and you see it limping, especially after climbing stairs or sleeping, it might be a symptom of arthritis. The AKC recommends your dog have a comprehensive examination once every year to check for liver, kidney or heart problems. Older dogs also are likely to develop vision and hearing problems and this will be discovered during an annual exam.
An yes, dogs can also have heart attacks. The are several various cardiac and pulmonary problems that can cause major heart attacks in dogs. If a heart attack is detected early, the problem can be treated and the dog can live a normal healthy life. Heart attacks should be a special concern for owners whose dogs are obese or very old.
You should always keep an accurate vaccination history of your dog in case treatment by a professional is ever needed. Remember, our dog's health depends on us.
About the Author: Garry Neale is and avid dog enthusiast and creator of the popular e-book, "The Dog Lovers Guide", a FREE dog owners handbook you can download at no cost from his Dog Lover Website.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=272765&ca=Pets
Dogs are no different from humans in the way their bodies respond to disease and changes in their environment. When exposed to contaminated food, extreme cold, or infectious disease they can get sick. Dog illness symptoms can usually be diagnosed by changes in behaviors. Weight loss is also an indicator that something is wrong. Although it may be something minor, anytime you notice your dog losing weight, it's best to take them to a vet and let them deal with this problem. Since weigh loss could be a sign of a serious problem, don't wait long to make an vet appointment if you notice a sudden reduction in weight.
Dog illnesses can be separated into two different categories; 1) chronic dog illnesses like skin rashes and dog allergies which can be easily treated; and 2) acute illnesses that are life threatening like poisoning, Parvo or heatworms, which you can't do much about and require veterinary assistance as quickly as possible. Loss of appetite is another dog illness symptom. If your dog suddenly stops eating, it may be a sign your dog is in substantial pain. Dogs are a lot like people in terms of illnesses. Well, more like toddlers because they can't really explain what's wrong. So that's the way you need to treat them.
Just like people, dogs can suffer from a fever. A fever is usually a sure indicator that there is some type of internal body malfunction. If this symptom is left untreated, it can turn into a high fever and become life threatening. A fever is also a key indicator that your dog may have Parvo. A dog infected with this disease will also show signs of nausea, malnutrition and dehydration. If these signs are present, you need to get them to a vet or pet hospital as soon as possible. Once the disease has been treated and your dog is feeling better, you will still need to administer antibiotics to help prevent other infections. Parvo wrecks the immune system for several weeks.
Food or other dog allergies are another common problem dog owners have to deal with. Chronic scratching is a sure indicator that allergies are present. Dogs with food allergies will scratch year round, while dogs with other types of allergies, like grass and tree pollen, will usually only start scratching during certain seasons. Some dog will even display symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss if the allergies are severe. Food allergies are slow to develop because a dog's body must be exposed to the allergen long enough to build up a sufficient number of antibodies to trigger the dog's symptoms. With food allergies, most dogs will have been eating the offending diet for months or years before your dog's symptoms start to appear.
If your dog is over 7 years old and you see it limping, especially after climbing stairs or sleeping, it might be a symptom of arthritis. The AKC recommends your dog have a comprehensive examination once every year to check for liver, kidney or heart problems. Older dogs also are likely to develop vision and hearing problems and this will be discovered during an annual exam.
An yes, dogs can also have heart attacks. The are several various cardiac and pulmonary problems that can cause major heart attacks in dogs. If a heart attack is detected early, the problem can be treated and the dog can live a normal healthy life. Heart attacks should be a special concern for owners whose dogs are obese or very old.
You should always keep an accurate vaccination history of your dog in case treatment by a professional is ever needed. Remember, our dog's health depends on us.
About the Author: Garry Neale is and avid dog enthusiast and creator of the popular e-book, "The Dog Lovers Guide", a FREE dog owners handbook you can download at no cost from his Dog Lover Website.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=272765&ca=Pets
Puppy Training: Saving Your Furniture
By Sarah McDermott
Having a puppy that's new in your home can be something that is rewarding beyond many different things. Just to come home and to know that even before your hand touches that door, there is a cute and cuddly little puppy standing there waiting for you to come in is something so exciting and great. It is something that brings a lot of joy to a lot of people to have this little puppy so excited to see them. On the down side there is something that not all owners experience but it happens to more people than normal. There is a definite reason for it but it’s hard to deal with even if you know why it’s happening. Coming home one day to find your entire couch or chairs eaten to bits is something that not too many people can take in a great way. It’s hard to deal with something like that because furniture is very expensive these days and having a new puppy destroy them is a tough pill to swallow.
There are many reasons why this happens and the main one is that your puppy is teething. When his adult teeth start coming out, it can be an uncomfortable situation or just downright painful. The only way that he knows how to deal with it is to find something to scratch his gums. Unfortunately your furniture seems to fit that description to the letter. Many people react the wrong way to something like this and often feel that he is doing it out of spite or is just a destructive animal. Many people don’t take the time to think that something might be wrong and a lot of people often try to take it out on the puppy who is only trying to help themselves out.
There are a few things that you can do to either prevent this from happening to you or help your puppy out. To prevent your furniture from getting destroyed a good practice to do is to try and keep your puppy somewhere that he doesn’t have access to anything that can be valuable to you. It’s generally a good idea to have your home sectioned off before he gets there so that you can have some sort of control of where he can go and what he can do in the area that you decide to keep him. Another great thing you can do is to get your puppy a new toy, something that has little grooves that while he chews it, it will scratch his gums and offer the same thing that your furniture offers without all the destruction and loss of money.
When it comes to raising a puppy, you need to be mindful about what might be going on with him and why he might be doing something. It is almost always a good idea to protect yourself and your belongings from these types of mishaps. There is nothing you can do to stop these things from happening to your puppy but you can protect yourself.
About the Author: This author lives in Flemington, NJ with her husband and 5 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury dog feeders boutique offering variety of dog beds and personalized dog beds.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=271572&ca=Pets
Having a puppy that's new in your home can be something that is rewarding beyond many different things. Just to come home and to know that even before your hand touches that door, there is a cute and cuddly little puppy standing there waiting for you to come in is something so exciting and great. It is something that brings a lot of joy to a lot of people to have this little puppy so excited to see them. On the down side there is something that not all owners experience but it happens to more people than normal. There is a definite reason for it but it’s hard to deal with even if you know why it’s happening. Coming home one day to find your entire couch or chairs eaten to bits is something that not too many people can take in a great way. It’s hard to deal with something like that because furniture is very expensive these days and having a new puppy destroy them is a tough pill to swallow.
There are many reasons why this happens and the main one is that your puppy is teething. When his adult teeth start coming out, it can be an uncomfortable situation or just downright painful. The only way that he knows how to deal with it is to find something to scratch his gums. Unfortunately your furniture seems to fit that description to the letter. Many people react the wrong way to something like this and often feel that he is doing it out of spite or is just a destructive animal. Many people don’t take the time to think that something might be wrong and a lot of people often try to take it out on the puppy who is only trying to help themselves out.
There are a few things that you can do to either prevent this from happening to you or help your puppy out. To prevent your furniture from getting destroyed a good practice to do is to try and keep your puppy somewhere that he doesn’t have access to anything that can be valuable to you. It’s generally a good idea to have your home sectioned off before he gets there so that you can have some sort of control of where he can go and what he can do in the area that you decide to keep him. Another great thing you can do is to get your puppy a new toy, something that has little grooves that while he chews it, it will scratch his gums and offer the same thing that your furniture offers without all the destruction and loss of money.
When it comes to raising a puppy, you need to be mindful about what might be going on with him and why he might be doing something. It is almost always a good idea to protect yourself and your belongings from these types of mishaps. There is nothing you can do to stop these things from happening to your puppy but you can protect yourself.
About the Author: This author lives in Flemington, NJ with her husband and 5 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury dog feeders boutique offering variety of dog beds and personalized dog beds.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=271572&ca=Pets
Monday, May 26, 2008
Top 10 Smartest Animal Countdown
By Deborah Stanley
10th place:
Small Toothed Whale. This warm blooded small whale is known for its mysterious journeys across the ocean. It is still unknown how it can find others in the group several hundred miles away.
9th place:
Squid and octopus. They are considered to be some of the smartest sea creatures. An octopus can build its shelter from the ocean debris and is equal to none in camouflage. It can change its color and pattern in less than a second, sending the brain signal to its entire body.
8th place:
Sheep. British scientists believe that we underestimate sheep on its intuition and intelligence. During several years of research they have concluded that sheep possess exceptional memory and could identify the faces of people or animals without a mistake. They even claim that sheep’s intellectual ability is closer to humans than we thought. The main downside of their study is that the animals tend to scare easy!
7th place:
Cacadu Parrot. In Great Britain a local parrot has become recognized as the country’s smartest animal. A cacadu named Badjo can sew holding a needle and thread with his beak! Badjo’s owner, a professional tailor, confirms that the bird’s skills are 90% accurate.
6th place:
Crows. Officially, most scientists consider crows as the smartest birds in the world, especially the ones living in big cities. Tokyo, Japan, is known for the largest number of crows in the world.
5th place:
Monkeys. Macacas are not only the famous inhabitants of local safari parks or Indian temples. These smart animals above everything else can recognize themselves in the mirror while other animals, including cats, cannot.
4th place:
Rats. You will be surprised to learn that old experienced rats can get away with any mouse trap: they shake it until the spring is off and also shied less younger rats from the poisonous meals.
3rd place:
Dolphins. It’s a known fact that British Special Forces used dolphins as informants during the war to carry messages to and from various ships. Many scientists confirm that dolphins possess amazing intellectual abilities. Also, dolphins never sleep with their systems totally shut down – their brain is taking turns on keeping one half in a sleep mode while the other stays alert.
2nd place:
Elephants. Elephants are extremely skillful with their trunks and are even known to paint with it! They also have an exceptional memory important to distinguish friends from enemies. If you ever hurt an elephant, he will remember it his entire life and if your paths ever cross, beware!
1st place:
Primates: Until now gorillas and chimpanzees were considered the smartest animals on the planet. However, the scientists are spending a lot of time researching orangutans and think that their abilities could be even more astonishing. So for their closest proximity to human nature of improvising and using tools to get food, primates remain as number one in our countdown.
About the Author: Deborah Stanley writes for http://www.PetsReady.com - Disaster, Emergency Preparedness Portal full of Pet Care Articles, Disaster Preparedness Tips, Latest Food Recalls, Preparedness Newsletter and much more!. PetsReady specifically focuses on emergency preparedness kits for Cats and Dogs for any disaster situation.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=256337&ca=Pets
10th place:
Small Toothed Whale. This warm blooded small whale is known for its mysterious journeys across the ocean. It is still unknown how it can find others in the group several hundred miles away.
9th place:
Squid and octopus. They are considered to be some of the smartest sea creatures. An octopus can build its shelter from the ocean debris and is equal to none in camouflage. It can change its color and pattern in less than a second, sending the brain signal to its entire body.
8th place:
Sheep. British scientists believe that we underestimate sheep on its intuition and intelligence. During several years of research they have concluded that sheep possess exceptional memory and could identify the faces of people or animals without a mistake. They even claim that sheep’s intellectual ability is closer to humans than we thought. The main downside of their study is that the animals tend to scare easy!
7th place:
Cacadu Parrot. In Great Britain a local parrot has become recognized as the country’s smartest animal. A cacadu named Badjo can sew holding a needle and thread with his beak! Badjo’s owner, a professional tailor, confirms that the bird’s skills are 90% accurate.
6th place:
Crows. Officially, most scientists consider crows as the smartest birds in the world, especially the ones living in big cities. Tokyo, Japan, is known for the largest number of crows in the world.
5th place:
Monkeys. Macacas are not only the famous inhabitants of local safari parks or Indian temples. These smart animals above everything else can recognize themselves in the mirror while other animals, including cats, cannot.
4th place:
Rats. You will be surprised to learn that old experienced rats can get away with any mouse trap: they shake it until the spring is off and also shied less younger rats from the poisonous meals.
3rd place:
Dolphins. It’s a known fact that British Special Forces used dolphins as informants during the war to carry messages to and from various ships. Many scientists confirm that dolphins possess amazing intellectual abilities. Also, dolphins never sleep with their systems totally shut down – their brain is taking turns on keeping one half in a sleep mode while the other stays alert.
2nd place:
Elephants. Elephants are extremely skillful with their trunks and are even known to paint with it! They also have an exceptional memory important to distinguish friends from enemies. If you ever hurt an elephant, he will remember it his entire life and if your paths ever cross, beware!
1st place:
Primates: Until now gorillas and chimpanzees were considered the smartest animals on the planet. However, the scientists are spending a lot of time researching orangutans and think that their abilities could be even more astonishing. So for their closest proximity to human nature of improvising and using tools to get food, primates remain as number one in our countdown.
About the Author: Deborah Stanley writes for http://www.PetsReady.com - Disaster, Emergency Preparedness Portal full of Pet Care Articles, Disaster Preparedness Tips, Latest Food Recalls, Preparedness Newsletter and much more!. PetsReady specifically focuses on emergency preparedness kits for Cats and Dogs for any disaster situation.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=256337&ca=Pets
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Cat Vaccinations – An Important Preventive Procedure To A Healthy Cat
By Moses Wright
Cats seem independent and self-sufficient, but cats need just as much care and attention as other pets. Cats are prone to a number of serious diseases and it is extremely important to ensure that your cat is vaccinated from an early age. Further prevention from diseases is necessary to maintain your cat’s health with annual booster injections.
Anyone who has seen a cat in pain and distress because of a condition that could have been easily prevented by adequate care will understand why vets are so keen to promote preventive vaccination for all cats. This not only helps to prevent the development of the disease to a terminal stage but also limit the spread of these infectious diseases to the surrounding feline population.
Vaccinations are important as almost all catteries will only permit cats that have past records of vaccinations. This measure serves to protect your cat as well as to ensure other cats in the cattery are not infected should your cat be ill. Even cats that have been vaccinated can sometimes contract a variant of the disease and the less risk there is to the cattery as a whole the better.
Travel restrictions for pets can be stringent for most European countries. If you are considering traveling with your pet you will need to carry all available documentation concerning your pet's health and vaccination record, and you may need to show evidence of feline veterinarian treatment including deworming schedules. Without these documents, your cat may have to be quarantined for up to six months, thus it would be import, so do check with your travel agency to make sure you have all the documentation you may need.
Kittens should be vaccinated from the age of nine weeks. They are then vaccinated again at 12 weeks, and then go on to a program that would include annual booster injections.
Your vet would also advise you on the necessity of giving your cat a rabies shot, particularly if your cat has contact with other feral cats in the neighborhood and gets into scrapes. A point to note is that the rabies shot is a requirement if you are traveling to any country within Europe.
The four main vaccinations a cat can have from the age of nine weeks are the following:
Feline infectious enterovirus (FIE, also known as the feline panleukopaenia virus.
Feline herpesvirus (otherwise known as feline calcivirus, or cat flu)
Feline leukaemia. A vet will test a cat's blood to see if there is already an immunity built up from previous contact, and if the test shows negative i.e. there has been no contact and therefore no immunity built up the cat should be vaccinated.
Feline Chlamydophila, which causes conjunctivitis. Again your cat may already have built up an immunity so your vet can check for antibodies in the bloodstream and vaccinate if the test comes back negative to previous contact.
Vaccination may save your cat’s life should it get into any contact with any horrifying diseases. Although vaccines do hold risk for a small minority of cats who received them, proper vaccination is still the best solution and protection your cat can have against infectious disease.
About the Author: Moses Wright is the webmaster of http://www.CatCustomer.com. He provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Nutrition that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=112240&ca=Pets
Cats seem independent and self-sufficient, but cats need just as much care and attention as other pets. Cats are prone to a number of serious diseases and it is extremely important to ensure that your cat is vaccinated from an early age. Further prevention from diseases is necessary to maintain your cat’s health with annual booster injections.
Anyone who has seen a cat in pain and distress because of a condition that could have been easily prevented by adequate care will understand why vets are so keen to promote preventive vaccination for all cats. This not only helps to prevent the development of the disease to a terminal stage but also limit the spread of these infectious diseases to the surrounding feline population.
Vaccinations are important as almost all catteries will only permit cats that have past records of vaccinations. This measure serves to protect your cat as well as to ensure other cats in the cattery are not infected should your cat be ill. Even cats that have been vaccinated can sometimes contract a variant of the disease and the less risk there is to the cattery as a whole the better.
Travel restrictions for pets can be stringent for most European countries. If you are considering traveling with your pet you will need to carry all available documentation concerning your pet's health and vaccination record, and you may need to show evidence of feline veterinarian treatment including deworming schedules. Without these documents, your cat may have to be quarantined for up to six months, thus it would be import, so do check with your travel agency to make sure you have all the documentation you may need.
Kittens should be vaccinated from the age of nine weeks. They are then vaccinated again at 12 weeks, and then go on to a program that would include annual booster injections.
Your vet would also advise you on the necessity of giving your cat a rabies shot, particularly if your cat has contact with other feral cats in the neighborhood and gets into scrapes. A point to note is that the rabies shot is a requirement if you are traveling to any country within Europe.
The four main vaccinations a cat can have from the age of nine weeks are the following:
Feline infectious enterovirus (FIE, also known as the feline panleukopaenia virus.
Feline herpesvirus (otherwise known as feline calcivirus, or cat flu)
Feline leukaemia. A vet will test a cat's blood to see if there is already an immunity built up from previous contact, and if the test shows negative i.e. there has been no contact and therefore no immunity built up the cat should be vaccinated.
Feline Chlamydophila, which causes conjunctivitis. Again your cat may already have built up an immunity so your vet can check for antibodies in the bloodstream and vaccinate if the test comes back negative to previous contact.
Vaccination may save your cat’s life should it get into any contact with any horrifying diseases. Although vaccines do hold risk for a small minority of cats who received them, proper vaccination is still the best solution and protection your cat can have against infectious disease.
About the Author: Moses Wright is the webmaster of http://www.CatCustomer.com. He provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Nutrition that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=112240&ca=Pets
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
No Way To Treat A Dog!
By Chris 'Dogfather' Taylor
In this article, you’re going to learn 3 tips on how to treat your dog’s weight problem, using? You’ve guessed it, treats of course.
As our dogs are so adorable and loyal, there is a tendency for you to reward them by feeding them some treats, tidbits or table scraps, in addition to their regular meal. You may think it is harmless but gradually over time, the occasional treat becomes more regular and your dog will gain more extra pounds.
Overweight dogs are more likely to contract diseases and illnesses and stay sick longer. They are more likely to have symptoms of old age at a younger age. They are also more likely to have a shortened life span. It is the responsibility of all dog owners to get their dogs back to shape and optimal health.
Here’re 3 dog diet tips on treats that can treat your dog’s overweight problems:
Tips #1 - Use Treats As Treats
It likely sounds incredibly simple. Treats should be given as treats, not regular staples in the dog's diet. The fact is that many people give their dogs too many treats. Sure, your dogs can have treats unless your vet says otherwise, but you have to give this to them sparingly.
Instead of giving treats on a regular basis as a diet element, use treats for training purposes, for distraction from nail cutting and even as a way to reward your dog. Just limit the amount that you give them as well as the frequency that they get them. This will help your dog to lose weight by reducing the number of calories they get from dog treat products.
Tips #2 - Keep Treats To 10 Percent
As mentioned earlier, treats are a large factor in many dog's diets and that is a problem. The good news is that you can monitor how much they take in and how much you give them in a day.
Your goal should be to make sure that no more than 10 percent of the dog's intake of food comes from treat related products. Any and all treats should have the dietary information that your dog needs so that you can record it. This does not mean that you have to sit down with a piece of paper and keep notes.
Instead, know what the calorie goals are for your dog and multiply this number by 0.1. This number is the number of calories that are allowable to come from treat products. Anything more than this and your dog is consuming too much of their diet on treats. You can ask your vet for the dog diet calorie goal for your dog.
Tips #3 - Using Treats As Rewards
Your dog has done an amazing job today at getting his exercise in. You are proud and happy for your dog. You may be tempted to hand him a treat as a reward for his hard work but that could be a mistake.
It is often the case that dogs will need to be given treats as rewards. When this is the case, look for healthy treats, not treats that are going to put more weight on for them. As mentioned earlier, be sure that they are no more than 10 percent of the dog diet and that they are used sparingly.
But, why not try to reward the dog in a different way? Did you know that dogs crave the attention of their owners? In that case, then you can provide them a reward of a job well done by working with them through praises.
Use rewards that are healthy for your dog for their motivation. They will love it and you'll feel good too.
Your dogs are going to be healthy if you help them to be. While many of them do not need to have constant attention, they do need you to monitor their health in what they eat and what they are doing for exercise.
Imagine what it would be like if you can add a few more years to your dog’s life. The best treat you can give your dog is to slim down so it can be lean and fit. All you need to know is to learn some simple and effective dog diet techniques. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you can help you dog live a few more years? The truth of the matter is it does not have to cost you a small fortune to help your dog.
About the Author: The author, Chris Taylor, also affectionately known as “The Dogfather” to his friends, is a dog lover with more than 21 years of experience in dog nutrition and dog training. His newly launched product revealed powerful secrets to help you add more years to your dog’s life. You can find out the secrets and also get free exclusive bonuses worth $90 by visiting http://www.dogdietguide.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=217461&ca=Pets
In this article, you’re going to learn 3 tips on how to treat your dog’s weight problem, using? You’ve guessed it, treats of course.
As our dogs are so adorable and loyal, there is a tendency for you to reward them by feeding them some treats, tidbits or table scraps, in addition to their regular meal. You may think it is harmless but gradually over time, the occasional treat becomes more regular and your dog will gain more extra pounds.
Overweight dogs are more likely to contract diseases and illnesses and stay sick longer. They are more likely to have symptoms of old age at a younger age. They are also more likely to have a shortened life span. It is the responsibility of all dog owners to get their dogs back to shape and optimal health.
Here’re 3 dog diet tips on treats that can treat your dog’s overweight problems:
Tips #1 - Use Treats As Treats
It likely sounds incredibly simple. Treats should be given as treats, not regular staples in the dog's diet. The fact is that many people give their dogs too many treats. Sure, your dogs can have treats unless your vet says otherwise, but you have to give this to them sparingly.
Instead of giving treats on a regular basis as a diet element, use treats for training purposes, for distraction from nail cutting and even as a way to reward your dog. Just limit the amount that you give them as well as the frequency that they get them. This will help your dog to lose weight by reducing the number of calories they get from dog treat products.
Tips #2 - Keep Treats To 10 Percent
As mentioned earlier, treats are a large factor in many dog's diets and that is a problem. The good news is that you can monitor how much they take in and how much you give them in a day.
Your goal should be to make sure that no more than 10 percent of the dog's intake of food comes from treat related products. Any and all treats should have the dietary information that your dog needs so that you can record it. This does not mean that you have to sit down with a piece of paper and keep notes.
Instead, know what the calorie goals are for your dog and multiply this number by 0.1. This number is the number of calories that are allowable to come from treat products. Anything more than this and your dog is consuming too much of their diet on treats. You can ask your vet for the dog diet calorie goal for your dog.
Tips #3 - Using Treats As Rewards
Your dog has done an amazing job today at getting his exercise in. You are proud and happy for your dog. You may be tempted to hand him a treat as a reward for his hard work but that could be a mistake.
It is often the case that dogs will need to be given treats as rewards. When this is the case, look for healthy treats, not treats that are going to put more weight on for them. As mentioned earlier, be sure that they are no more than 10 percent of the dog diet and that they are used sparingly.
But, why not try to reward the dog in a different way? Did you know that dogs crave the attention of their owners? In that case, then you can provide them a reward of a job well done by working with them through praises.
Use rewards that are healthy for your dog for their motivation. They will love it and you'll feel good too.
Your dogs are going to be healthy if you help them to be. While many of them do not need to have constant attention, they do need you to monitor their health in what they eat and what they are doing for exercise.
Imagine what it would be like if you can add a few more years to your dog’s life. The best treat you can give your dog is to slim down so it can be lean and fit. All you need to know is to learn some simple and effective dog diet techniques. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you can help you dog live a few more years? The truth of the matter is it does not have to cost you a small fortune to help your dog.
About the Author: The author, Chris Taylor, also affectionately known as “The Dogfather” to his friends, is a dog lover with more than 21 years of experience in dog nutrition and dog training. His newly launched product revealed powerful secrets to help you add more years to your dog’s life. You can find out the secrets and also get free exclusive bonuses worth $90 by visiting http://www.dogdietguide.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=217461&ca=Pets
Monday, February 25, 2008
Coping With The Death Of Your Dog
By Miss Debra Rae
The death of your dog, either through accident, old age or illness feels like you've lost your best friend. You may very well have. Dealing with the death of a pet and grieving for your dog is needed for healing. Your dog was a part of your family. Often from the time they were puppies. Even if they were adults when they came into your life, the loss is painful.
Once your dog has passed, grieving is only natural. We all grieve in our own way. Some of us cry all the time while others walk around like a wounded bear growling, some choose to isolate themselves for a while. There are still several phases we experience regardless of who we are and go as follows:
1. Shock/denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance.
All family members will go through these phases in one form or another and not necessarily in the order given. Give yourselves time. This includes the canine family members at home too. Allow the good days and the sad days. Join an online pet loss support group to help with the sad days. Crying is o.k.
The day I euthanized my dog was, by far, one of the worst days in my life. I thought my heart would break in two. I cried off & on for weeks. It took some time. I healed. It was hard some days. A month or so later I dreamt of my Roxanne and knew for certain she is in good hands and waiting for me on the flip side. I feel honored to have had her as a part of my life. Thank you for everything Roxy.
Children can be especially sensitive due to the loss of a pet. Allow it. Be honest. Please don't tell them their dog was "put to sleep." Children take things literally and “being put to sleep” could cause intense fear of sleeping. Children will also bring up the subject often. This is how they deal with their grief. Be patient. Be understanding. Let them know it’s o.k. to miss their canine companion and that it’s alright to cry or be angry or whatever they feel. Explain as plainly & gently as you can to your children what happened and why. If you need help, get it.
Please inform teachers, daycare providers and other adults in your child’s life of the loss. This helps to explain displaced anger or out of character depression. Know that time does heal the wounds and that it’ll be alright.
Understand also that the dogs still at home will grieve too. Even if they seemed to have barely gotten along with each other. Dogs feel the loss of their companion and will exhibit many of the same behaviors that humans do while grieving.
Here are a few tips for your grieving dog(s):
*Keep their routines as normal as possible.
*Do your best not to reinforce their behavior changes.
*Don't make any dramatic changes.
*Keep in mind, your grieving dog may lose their appetite for a while, so changing their food will do no good.
*There may be some howling; it's their way of grieving.
*Try not to go overboard with extra attention to your grieving dog. This could lead to separation anxiety later.
*If there's more than 1 grieving dog at home, there will be a redistribution of power. Especially if it was the alpha male or female who has passed. Allow it. Your dogs will work out their new hierarchy. Now, working this out will be a bit noisy since it's through scuffles, snarls, snaps and general sibling rivalry fights.
*Don't, under any circumstances, get a new dog to help with a grieving dog. Often the new dog will be rejected or tormented and then you have one grieving dog and one very anxious, scared, freaked out dog. Let some time pass. Allow the wounds to heal.
*When the human is ready for a new dog, and be certain you have the energy to train a new dog, then the dogs at home are ready (this is generally about 4-6 months).
To aid your own healing process,
Memorialize your dog. There are many ways to do this. Make a collage of the photos taken over the years. Put it with the other family pictures. Create a scrap book of your canine family member. Involve everyone who knew them.
Have a stone made with your dog's name on it. Put it in your yard. There is custom made memorial dog jewelry available, plaques and urns. There's also two books titled: "I Still Miss You" and Just Gus" that may also help. These can be purchased at most bookstores or online. However you need to memorialize & grieve for your dog, do it. It'll be o.k.
Losing a loved one is difficult and requires adjustment time for the entire household. Take the time you need, give others the time they need. Soon you'll treasure your memories and laugh until you cry when you talk about your beloved dog and the goofy stuff they did in their lifetime.
About the Author: Miss Rae has been a poet & writer since college at UW, class of 1996. Visit her site for all your dog’s needs from training programs & nutrition to choosing a vet & books galore. Visit Good Poopy.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=226130&ca=Pets
The death of your dog, either through accident, old age or illness feels like you've lost your best friend. You may very well have. Dealing with the death of a pet and grieving for your dog is needed for healing. Your dog was a part of your family. Often from the time they were puppies. Even if they were adults when they came into your life, the loss is painful.
Once your dog has passed, grieving is only natural. We all grieve in our own way. Some of us cry all the time while others walk around like a wounded bear growling, some choose to isolate themselves for a while. There are still several phases we experience regardless of who we are and go as follows:
1. Shock/denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance.
All family members will go through these phases in one form or another and not necessarily in the order given. Give yourselves time. This includes the canine family members at home too. Allow the good days and the sad days. Join an online pet loss support group to help with the sad days. Crying is o.k.
The day I euthanized my dog was, by far, one of the worst days in my life. I thought my heart would break in two. I cried off & on for weeks. It took some time. I healed. It was hard some days. A month or so later I dreamt of my Roxanne and knew for certain she is in good hands and waiting for me on the flip side. I feel honored to have had her as a part of my life. Thank you for everything Roxy.
Children can be especially sensitive due to the loss of a pet. Allow it. Be honest. Please don't tell them their dog was "put to sleep." Children take things literally and “being put to sleep” could cause intense fear of sleeping. Children will also bring up the subject often. This is how they deal with their grief. Be patient. Be understanding. Let them know it’s o.k. to miss their canine companion and that it’s alright to cry or be angry or whatever they feel. Explain as plainly & gently as you can to your children what happened and why. If you need help, get it.
Please inform teachers, daycare providers and other adults in your child’s life of the loss. This helps to explain displaced anger or out of character depression. Know that time does heal the wounds and that it’ll be alright.
Understand also that the dogs still at home will grieve too. Even if they seemed to have barely gotten along with each other. Dogs feel the loss of their companion and will exhibit many of the same behaviors that humans do while grieving.
Here are a few tips for your grieving dog(s):
*Keep their routines as normal as possible.
*Do your best not to reinforce their behavior changes.
*Don't make any dramatic changes.
*Keep in mind, your grieving dog may lose their appetite for a while, so changing their food will do no good.
*There may be some howling; it's their way of grieving.
*Try not to go overboard with extra attention to your grieving dog. This could lead to separation anxiety later.
*If there's more than 1 grieving dog at home, there will be a redistribution of power. Especially if it was the alpha male or female who has passed. Allow it. Your dogs will work out their new hierarchy. Now, working this out will be a bit noisy since it's through scuffles, snarls, snaps and general sibling rivalry fights.
*Don't, under any circumstances, get a new dog to help with a grieving dog. Often the new dog will be rejected or tormented and then you have one grieving dog and one very anxious, scared, freaked out dog. Let some time pass. Allow the wounds to heal.
*When the human is ready for a new dog, and be certain you have the energy to train a new dog, then the dogs at home are ready (this is generally about 4-6 months).
To aid your own healing process,
Memorialize your dog. There are many ways to do this. Make a collage of the photos taken over the years. Put it with the other family pictures. Create a scrap book of your canine family member. Involve everyone who knew them.
Have a stone made with your dog's name on it. Put it in your yard. There is custom made memorial dog jewelry available, plaques and urns. There's also two books titled: "I Still Miss You" and Just Gus" that may also help. These can be purchased at most bookstores or online. However you need to memorialize & grieve for your dog, do it. It'll be o.k.
Losing a loved one is difficult and requires adjustment time for the entire household. Take the time you need, give others the time they need. Soon you'll treasure your memories and laugh until you cry when you talk about your beloved dog and the goofy stuff they did in their lifetime.
About the Author: Miss Rae has been a poet & writer since college at UW, class of 1996. Visit her site for all your dog’s needs from training programs & nutrition to choosing a vet & books galore. Visit Good Poopy.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=226130&ca=Pets
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