Pets | devo digest

Training Beagles – Top Tips for Success

On 09.29.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

When learning about training beagles, a lot of new beagle owners have a few difficulties that they were not really expecting when they first decided to purchase a new puppy. These problems are especially common during the early stages with younger dogs that are only a few months old. The main issues seem to be that when training beagles they can often just seem to ignore everything you tell them, preferring to do their own things as and when they feel like it. This is a very common concern for the owners of young beagles.

We have some very simple beagle training tips which should help you to deal with a few of the obedience problems you are having. The main thing to remember is that a young dog who is just a few months old and living in a new home has a lot to deal with and process. All he really wants to do is explore his new environment, getting used to it along with his new owner. During this time it is vital that you have a properly laid out beagle training plan that you are able to stick to and refer back to when things seem to be going against you. Persistence is extremely important when training any young dog as they will take a few weeks to really see what you are trying to get them to do. If you just follow your schedule then you should be able to stay on course without losing hope.

Another one of the key beagle training tips we have is to never use fear when training dogs. If you feel that scaring them into obeying you and doing whatever you say is going to be effective, you couldn’t be more wrong. This is probably the least effective and most damaging way to go about beagle training.

Tagged with: training beagles

Advice On Raising Chinchillas

On 09.27.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

Once you become comfortable about taking care of adult chinchillas, you may want to try breeding and raising them as well. Raising chinchillas is a good way for you to earn money. This will allow you to satisfy your passion for exotic animals while giving you the opportunity to earn some good cash. However, you need to remember this is somewhat a challenging business. If you get yourself into this, you’re going to have to deal more than just a kaytee chinchilla dust bath. This will require some time; good effort; and careful planning but rest assured, this will be quite rewarding.

The first thing you need to do is determine whether raising chinchillas will work for you or not. Taking into consideration the reasons why you’re going to want to raise chinchillas and the space you have available for this. In addition to this, check also if you have enough money and time needed for this type of business.

When everything’s decided and you gave it a go, then its time to move on to preparing a chinchilla cage. Make sure that the cage will provide an ample amount of space for your chinchillas. A cage that can cater to 3 chinchillas would be and ideal choice. Remember that the wire mesh of your cage needs to be an inch or smaller. On the other hand, you also need to have chinchillas toys in hand for your pets. Before you start breeding the animals, introduce them with their mates first.

Next, try to check if the female is pregnant. If you think that she already is, then you need to get the male chinchilla out of her cage or you can place her in her own cage. If you decide on separating the female pregnant chinchilla to another cage, make sure that the cage is baby-proof. Give her lots of fresh water; a good diet; and a large nesting box. Try to avoid handling her too much.

Once the chinchillas are born, monitor their health and interactions with their mother. The mother chinchilla should always clean and dry her babies. Each of the babies should also begin to nurse on his or her own. When they are old enough, you can start selling the babies.

Tagged with: chinchillas toys • kaytee chinchilla dust bath

Improve Pet Health With A Ceramic Pet Fountain

On 09.12.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

Making sure all members of your family get enough water is a major part of getting each person sufficiently hydrated. Drinking a lot of water is essential to good health, and for your pet’s health it is just as important. It can be easy to overlook that our pets are dressed in a permanent covering of fur, so they are able to get overheated even in conditions that may seem cool to us. On top of this the typical pet gets a bowl of water positioned on the floor that will probably be cleaned or changed one time per day. Your pets are not of a mind to take in more than the minimum amount from a motionless dish, even when they really should.

Our pets spend a lot of time sleeping, typically due to boredom as we go about our daily chores. Some pet owners mistakenly think these pets require this big amount of sleep, but the fact is when pets are lonely they will commonly just go to sleep and wait for something interesting to occur. Why don’t you join their requirement for action together with a means to keep them hydrated and having fun simultaneously? Adding a cat water fountain to your pet’s daily routine is a great method to make these desires a reality.

Now is a good time to think about adding a fountain to your pet’s life. For a lot of people, the thought behind a fountain for pets was something that was not taken very seriously until the last few years. But now they are becoming more popular and with that popularity there has been a large increase in the variety of pet water fountains for sale.

The very first pet fountains were actually not anything more than a dog or cat bowl with some type of pump that could move the water. Fountains for pets have evolved into not only practical, but very trendy items that in most cases can be considered a element of the home’s decor.

The largest part of the pet fountain manufacturing business is made up of just a few companies. Drinkwell is without doubt the best known and also has a pretty varied line of pet fountains for virtually any situation. Drinkwell makes everything from small extremely basic fountains to fountains created especially for big pets and also those families that own more than one pet. For the most fashionable fountains available, look at the assortment marketed by Pioneer Pets. Their ceramic pet fountain and stainless fountains are among the most well-liked on the market.

No matter which style of fountain you decide on, do not worry about being able to find replacement filters or cleaning packages because every one of the companies that manufacture these pet water fountains offer those things, along with things like reservoirs with improved capacities. Those large reservoirs are great for people who own very large animals, or else are utilizing their pet fountain for multiple pets.

For the most reliable reviews of all the pet water fountains on the market, there might be no better resource of detailed information than the internet. When you want a happy, healthy, and hydrated pet, giving them a pet water fountain can be the single best means you have to get what you want!

Tagged with: cat water fountain • ceramic pet fountain • pet fountain • pet fountains

Finding the Best Prices On Frontline Plus

On 08.21.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

If you are looking for a dog flea treatment, Frontline Plus for dogs works well at getting rid of both fleas and ticks. When buying it, knowing your dog’s weight will be helpful, for example, Frontline plus purple is a quick solution to existing flea or tick problems on large dogs and will keep dogs free of these parasites for four to eight weeks. If searching for this medication on the web, you will find it is offered at several different prices, all for the exact same product.

A quick Google search will show product prices that vary as much as twenty dollars on the same product. You may be paying more than you should for these products. When shopping on the web, never just take the top result. Always make a few price comparisons in order to find the best prices. This can save you a considerable amount of money on the frontline medication that you use. Spend a little time researching an you may be rewarded with a big savings on the medication that can keep your pet free of parasites.

In addition to saving money by choosing the least expensive source for frontline, you can save even more money with the following tip. The package directions for frontline products suggest applying once per month. Many dog owners find that applying this medication every 45 days is adequate. This is like getting a whole year for the price of a nine month supply, saving another 25 percent on the cost. Just be sure that you keep an eye on your pet, especially during the summer months when ticks and fleas are most prevalent. If you find that you are having problems with the little critters, apply the product after a month. Most pet owners only notice the difference in their wallet.

If you want to keep your pet free of pests, frontline is a great product. Now you can use the product and save some money while having a happy and healthy pet.

Tagged with: dog fleas • fleas • frontline • frontline plus

What To Look For In Pet Food Storage Containers

On 07.30.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

Many pet owners just leave their pets food in the bag it comes in. Some may peg it down in an attempt to keep it fresh, others may just leave it open or put it in a cupboard. Either way, the chances are that the food will get staler by the day and the nutrients that were originally contained within deplete rapidly. If you are one such pet owner, it may be time you looked at the pet food storage containers available.

Such a purchase need not leave a big dent in your wallet. For under $25 you can find many suitable and well regarded options that will last for years and keep your pets food tasting better and providing them with the goodness you pay extra for.

But before you rush out and buy the first pet food storage container you can find here are a few pointers of what to look out for:

Airtight seal

Any plastic container you buy to store your pets food in should be FDA approved for food safety and should have an airtight seal to ensure the food stays fresh.

Size

There are many different sizes of containers available but do not just buy the biggest one you can find. Choose one that is big enough for your normal sized food bag but not too big that you could fill it and it would last a year. This may seem like a good idea but food still deteriorates even if carefully stored.

Location

Where you are going to store the container can have as much impact on your decision as the size of the product that you choose. It is no good finding out when you get it home that it won’t fit into the intended cupboard. Take measurements in advance to save yourself having to return goods. When deciding where to put your stored food, a cool dark place is best. If you are short on space you can find nice looking storage options that can be on display as well as wall mounted versions to save on premium floor space.

Features

Lastly have a think about a few of the features of different storage options. Wheels are good for containers that will be heavy or if you need to move the container to feed your pets. Clear containers are ideal for knowing how much is left in them at a glance although these are better stored in a cupboard to keep the light away from the food. Containers that can be stacked are better if you will need a few smaller ones to store different types of food.

Choose wisely and your initial investment will be money well spent over the life of your pet.

Tagged with: iris airtight pet food storage container • pet food storage • pet food storage bins • pet food storage containers

Treat Your Dogs Itching With Malaseb Shampoo

On 07.26.10, In Pets, Uncategorized, By Stevie Wonder

Itchy skin is one of the health problems often faced by a dog whether she lives inside or outside. This is more common during the summer season because of the heat and humidity that triggers the source of the problem. At this time, pathogens are more likely to survive and grow on the dog’s skin which is protected by its thick fur. If your dog keeps on scratching and can’t seem to stop, it could be suffering from a medical condition called seborrhea. In this article, we give you instructions for using Malaseb dog shampoo which is a skin treatment shampoo that can help your dog with its frustrating and irritating condition.

Seborrhea is experienced by a dog when its skin becomes flaky and becomes either extra oily or extra dry. It has two possible causes which are hereditary and allergic reaction to bacteria, fungus and yeast. It is recommended that you ask your vet to know which kind of seborrhea your dog has. The options for treatment are different and they depend on the cause of the condition.

Malaseb shampoo has an ingredient that serves as an anti-fungal and an anti-bacterial that can eliminate the root cause of the seborrhea. It also has an additive that prevents the attack of yeast in the ears of the dog. The constant scratching of your dog can result in irritation and inflammation so it is also a type of hair loss product since it gives the dog the needed relief from these effects.

The shampoo must be applied to your pet once he or she has been completely rinsed with water and then you leave the shampoo on the coat for the next ten minutes. You should be very careful that it will not reach the dog’s eyes and ears because this can cause burning. After ten minutes, you can rinse off the coat and let dry normally. You can apply the shampoo treatment twice a week or as needed to maintain the protection for your dog. This shampoo is not going to wash away the essential oil from the coat of your dog. It even makes the coat look more blossoming and healthier because the irritation agents are removed.

If your dog is constantly scratching, this can be the problem. You can make him or her much happier if you implement a regular shampoo program that keeps their coat healthy and pathogen free. Many people think fleas are the cause of dog itching but in reality this is often times not the case.

Tagged with: hair loss product • malaseb dog shampoo • malaseb shampoo

Healthy Dog Treats To Keep Your Dog Happy

On 07.13.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

Whenever we think of our beloved pets, we view them as not only being members of the family, but also as being very important to our hearts and our lives. Therefore, we should try to keep man’s best friend just as healthy as we do ourselves on the average. The reality is that there are things out there that can harm dogs and one of these things is dog treats. There should be a fine line between what they should eat and what humans should eat as a rule. Nonetheless, some people just are not aware in some cases. Nor do some of them care what their dogs gobble down. This truth can prove to be very dangerous to their animal’s health over the course of time if they allow the animal to consume whatever. Therefore, it is vital to avoid the time-honored tradition of sharing our meals with them if only out of concern for their general health. The same must be said about giving them pet treats. Do not just give a dog a snack without first asking you if it will be something that can harm their health. Pets are just as dependent and vulnerable as children are. We must guard them just as much in addition.

There are healthy dog treats available to help keep your dog healthy. The treats that are for sale in stores usually contain things that are not good for dogs. Some of these negative things include bad carbs and chemicals that can be harmful in their own way. The key to finding good healthy treats for your dog begins at home. If you make homemade treats for your pet using good recipes. You will know that not only are you doing good where your dog’s health is the focus. However, you will be giving your fine and furry friend nothing but the best as far as far as healthy does go.

Homemade dog treats are not only healthy, they are also very nutritious and the answer to the processed products on the market. There are tons of healthy dog treat recipes online. Not only will you find recipes for making your own at home dog biscuits. There are also recipes for creating natural dog food from recipes as well.

Dog treats to help keep your dog-healthy are possible if you make it so. This can be done by remembering that your dog is a family member as all of you are and he or she eats just as special as you do.

Tagged with: dog treat recipes • dog treats • healthy dog • healthy dog treats

All You Need To Know About Dalmatian Puppies

On 07.10.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

The Dalmatian is a lively dog originally bred to run. Dogs of this kind will thrive in environments where they are free to run around in safety or are taken for several long walks each day by their owners. Dalmatians may prove unsuitable for those with young children as they prove highly active and tend to become too involved in their play – they may bite hard without realizing they are doing so. If a dog is to live with young children then it is advisable not to leave them together unsupervised. Dalmatians are tolerant of other animals as long as they socialize with them from an early age.

A male adult Dalmatian measures between 22 and 24 inches to the withers while a female ranges from between 20 and 22 inches. Both sexes of this breed weigh between 50 and 55 pounds. With adequate nutrition, veterinary care and ideal living conditions, a Dalmatian can be expected to live for 11 to 13 years.

The coat of a Dalmatian is dense, short and close fitting. The breed will malt during the spring and fall. Dalmatians need brushing frequently in order to aid maintenance of a clean, healthy coat. Their teeth should be cleaned twice weekly with a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically for dogs. This will prevent plaque accumulation. Their toenails should be clipped regularly.

As with all dog breeds, Dalmatians are associated with certain inherited health conditions. Dalmatians are prone to inherited deafness, skin allergies, urinary stones and cataracts. You should speak to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have regarding inherited diseases.

Like all dogs, Dalmatian puppies should visit their veterinarian many times in the first year of their life. They will need all their vaccinations and a full health care check up. As an adult, an annual visit to the veterinarian should suffice. As the Dalmatian reaches 6 years of age, it should be taken for a check up twice a year. If they are provided with adequate care, they will provide you with many years of companionship.

Tagged with: dalmatian puppy • dalmation puppies • dalmation puppy • dog breeds

Dog Crates: Prison or Den?

On 07.10.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

When I was growing up, we had dogs that lived in the backyard. They had a dog house where they spent the evenings and which provided protection from the weather. It was for this reason that I never really had much experience with dog crates. However we knew when we got our Chocolate Labrador puppy that we wanted him to live inside with us. We heard from different people that a dog crate can be very helpful in keeping your dog out of trouble when you’re not home or sleeping. However I must admit that the thought of putting my dog in one of those crates reminded me of seeing dogs in cages at a pet store. Instead of the crate being a place where the dog wanted to be, they always seemed more like a prison.

Since I didn’t understand the benefits of a dog crate, I decided I wanted to talk to some of my friends at work that had dogs. These friends had a much different idea as to what a dog crate really was. After talking with them, I decided it was worth further research and picked up some books on the subject at our local library.

What I learned was truly amazing. I had never thought about the fact that wild dogs live in small, enclosed areas called dens. It is a natural instinct of a dog to want to find a den to provide some security and privacy from other animals. This is their own space where no other animal will invade or they can sleep at night and be able to rest.

After thinking about it, I realized that our current day domesticated dogs could be in a dog crate and it would be very similar to their den.

It’s important to remember that a dog crate should never be used as a form of punishment. In our case, our dog is generally allowed to come and go from his crate whenever he wants. As long as we’re home and not sleeping, the door is always left open and he can come and go as he pleases.

We have made the crate a positive experience. We initially started by luring him into the crate with treats, but as our puppy is older we can simply tell him “go to bed” and he will get in his crate.

We made sure that he had a nice comfy bed and used an orthopedic dog mattress for him to sleep on. This is a lot softer than our floor or the ground outside and he certainly seems to enjoy it. Now that I think about it, he must really like it because he’s slept on that mattress for almost 2 years and has never chewed it up. (That’s saying something for our dog. : )

Summary

Dog crates can be very helpful for training your dog. In our case, we picked a large dog crate with a metal divider and as our dog grew enlarged his sleeping area. Dog crates are good for house training as well as keeping your dog out of trouble when you can’t watch them. I would recommend one for any dog owner.

Tagged with: Chocolate Labrador puppy • dog crates • dog kennels • large dog crate

Tips To Help Your Horse Cool Down

On 06.18.10, In Pets, By Stevie Wonder

Every equestrian loves summer – it’s a great time for working out with your horse, going on long trail rides at dusk, even camping out with your horse. But it also means heat and you have to know how to help your horse cool down when they are in danger of overheating. On one level, this is a matter of common sense.

When your horse is in the pasture, be sure that she or he has a source of shade. Horses have to be able to get out of the direct sunlight. This can be as simple as a nice tree or it can be a open-faced structure with a roof. Be sure the shaded space is large enough to accommodate all of your horses in the field.

Be sure that your horse has access to plenty of clean and fresh water. Cold water to drink is an excellent way both of helping your horse cool down but avoiding the stress of overheating in the first place.

If your horse spends the night – or part of the day – inside the barn or in a stall, try and be sure that there’s a fan in there. Direct some cool air towards the horse, but be sure you’re horse can get out of the direct flow if they want to.

When you are out riding or working with your horse, and you see some sign of heat stress – lethargy, panting, sweating, for example – stop what you’re doing immediately. If you horse is wearing any tack, remove it at once. This will help your horse sweat better and let the air move across its body easier.

Plenty of horses hate the hose, but if you can give it a good hosing, do so. If not, try to sponge it down with some cold water. And if that doesn’t work, see if you can turn it out near a brook or pond where it can ease itself into the water. Give it immediate access to fresh clean water.

You should call a veterinarian if the signs of heat stress do not show any improvement over a quarter hour or so. Don’t let the problem become too serious. It’s relatively easy to cool a horse down, but if the problem can become more complex than that.

Learn to read your horse. They will tell you through their body when the heat is getting too much for them. Be sure that you respond as soon as you can. A cool horse is a happier horse and that means a happier horse owner as well!

Tagged with: equestrian • help your horse cool down • horse owner • horses

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