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February 28, 2009
As any cat owner will know, cats love to scratch. Although claws can be trimmed, it is not recommended to remove them completely as cats actually enjoy scratching and it is a form of entertainment for them. As soon as cats discover they have claws, any cat owner will begin to see the damage to their wallpaper, chairs, table legs, carpets, and basically any item of furniture which they can destroy. This is where scratching posts come in.
Finding a scratching post which your cat likes to use and which really entertains them is essential. However it is a difficult task. Look for habits within your cat to see how and when they like to scratch. Most cats like to scratch upright, standing on their back legs, so if your cat constantly scratches chair legs and upholstery, then go for a vertical scratching post which is more likely to appeal. Place the scratching post in areas where they would normally scratch furniture or next to their favourite chair. If you are still struggling to get your cat to use the post, Canac offer a great range which actually includes catnip, therefore attracting your cat to the post and associating it with a feeling of enjoyment. You can also offer treats to your cat should he or she use the scratching post instead of furniture, so that they relate the scratching post with good behaviour and rewards.
Cats also love to climb on things such as windowsills, beds, kitchen worktops and tables. They also like to hide inside cupboards, beds and under furniture. Scratching posts are also available with platforms and small tunnels so they create almost an activity centre for your cat. This not only provides exercise for your cat, but enables you to keep track of him or her and prevent your home being destroyed.
February 27, 2009
Fleas are a common problem in dogs and cause major discomfort, irritation and a general unwell feeling for your dog. Fleas breed rapidly which means that if untreated, they can take a lot of blood from your dog which can cause anaemia in younger puppies. Signs to look for if you think your dog has fleas are itching, skin rash and flea faeces in the fur. This looks like dirt on the fur but is actually from the fleas. Check for fleas by parting the hair on your dog and check in areas such as the bottom of their back, near the tail and underneath near the stomach and genital area.
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to flea control, therefore the best way to avoid fleas on your dog is to use flea control drops such as Frontline treatments which are simply placed on the back of your dog’s neck (so he can’t lick it off). Regular trips to the vets will also ensure fleas stay under control.
Despite your best attempts, it is possible your dog will still get fleas, so should this happen, the best way to get rid of them is from bathing your dog in dog shampoo specifically designed to kill fleas. You must also remember to clean everything your dog has been in contact with, so all his bedding, towels and also carpets and any furniture within your house. Fleas have various stages in their life cycle, therefore even if you have killed all the fleas on your dog, there will be eggs and younger fleas embedded in items within their living environment. Johnson’s in particular, do a wide range of dog flea products for both your dog and your home.
February 26, 2009
The keeping of hens as pets is becoming increasingly popular. They are not overly expensive to keep, they lay fresh eggs and also make good pets. Gone are the days when you needed to live on a farm or an open rural environment, more and more people are now raising hens in more urban living surroundings.
Hens need a good, solid pen which is generally made out of wood. These can be made but it is a good idea to buy one to ensure the wood is treated correctly and the pen has all the correct elements such as a substantial roofed area and roosting shelf. Hens also need a good run, but all you need is a decent amount of grass so they can run around.
Ensure you have a strong rooster that is not too aggressive. Hens are very social creatures so keeping a few and ensuring the rooster is confident and strong will ensure a good relationship between the hens and the rooster. Happy hens lay better eggs, so their immediate environment is important. It is also better to get your hens from as young as possible. If brought up from being chicks they will accustom to you more easily and let you handle them and become affectionate pets.
Hens feed on wheat and there are some great products available based around wheat and corn that will ensure your hens get everything they need. In the summer months, they will feed on grass also. Ensure you have other areas of grass to move them to should they eat all the grass in one area. Grit should also be used to assist with the digestion of food, as hens do not have teeth so digestion can be difficult. Minerals should also be given if you want to produce really good quality eggs.
A good hen will lay a couple of eggs a day, but remember they do not lay eggs in the winter, so you will be looking at around 300 eggs per year, per hen.
Hens live for around 5 years and more and more people are introducing them as pets to their children, as not only does it provide children with a friendly and affectionate pet, it is also very rewarding.
February 20, 2009
Caged birds, such as canaries, budgies and parrots can make great pets and are very loyal. Many people think of them as being bad tempered, however this trait is often just a result of them being frightened, uncomfortable, neglected or threatened. Despite what some people may think, caged birds such as these need a lot of attention, care and company.
Ensure the cage is large enough for your bird to spread its wings in all directions. The bars should be wide enough apart to prevent your bird from getting through and the thickness of the bar should be wide enough so that your bird cannot chew through them.
Always buy the correct floor coverings such as bird sand or goldchip, as your bird will try and eat everything despite its limited digestive system. This factor also means that what you feed your bird is extremely important. Seeds and nuts should be part of their diet, but they cannot live on these alone. It is important they get fruit and other whole grains in their diet. Owners will often feed them fruit from their local supermarket. Food designed for human consumption is often of better quality, although top quality pet food will be fine. Grits and minerals made up of oyster shells and fish bones are a great product for ensuring your bird gets the correct level of nutrients in their diet and there are specific foods designed for different types of caged bird.
Cleanliness is also important. Birds excrete very regularly therefore you will need to clean the cage quite often to remove old food and bird mess. The cage should be given a thorough clean and they should be supplied weekly with clean water for them to bathe.
It is important to look out for signs that your bird may be ill, injured or unhappy. Boredom and loneliness can have a devastating effect on your bird, so try to keep it company as much as possible.
Always remember that caged birds, in particular parrots, are very intelligent and need entertaining. They do tend to nip and bite on occasion, but once they are comfortable with you they will be much more affectionate. Most caged birds have a long life span of between 30 and 60 years, therefore when treated correctly they will become more than just a pet and grow to be a valuable member of the family.
February 19, 2009
The digestive system of a rabbit is extremely delicate. Therefore, their diet is important in ensuring they are fit and healthy. When back in their natural environment, rabbits live off leaves, grass and hay, so the main bulk of their diet should consist of these products. However, not all hay and greens are suitable, so it is recommended that you buy grasses and hays listed specifically as rabbit pet food, so they get all the correct nutrients they need.
The Rabbit pet food should always be fresh, clean and be kept in deep, fairly heavy bowls to prevent your rabbit from knocking over the bowl and spilling their food. Rabbits are active creatures and are at their most energetic in the morning and evening. Therefore it is recommended to keep feeding times in line with their lifestyle and feed them twice daily at these times.
Pellets are an excellent addition to your rabbit’s diet, helping to keep their fibre levels up and aid digestion. They will also keep their teeth strong and clean. There are many varieties available to suit different ages of rabbit, pregnant rabbits and also rabbits that may need joint care.
Obesity, as it is with many pets, is very dangerous in rabbits and can lead to serious health problems. Pet rabbits that are kept in hutches may not get a vast amount of exercise, therefore it is vital not to over feed your rabbit and give too many treats. Rabbits are vegetarians by nature and can often have a sweet tooth. Avoid giving them too much sugar, so limit their sweet treats to specific rabbit treats or very small amounts of carrot or fruit.
Finally, hydration is also important. Rabbits can hydrate quite easily but their instincts also tell them to avoid any liquid that is slightly contaminated, therefore ensure water is fresh, clean and changed regularly.
February 18, 2009
Keeping your dog in good health is essential, however many dog owners do not realise the importance of grooming your dog in terms of his or her health. Grooming isn’t just about your dog looking good, it is detrimental to a dog’s wellbeing and quality of life.
When people initially think of grooming their dog, they generally start with the dog’s coat. Dogs need to be brushed on a regular basis, particularly if they are long haired. This will get rid of knots and tangles in the hair and also any dirt which may have developed. Matting and grime build up can lead to skin irritations if not rectified within a reasonable time which will not only cause discomfort for your pet, but can lead to more serious health problems later. Fleas are also a common problem in dogs and by keeping check on your dog’s hair you can keep fleas under control. Longer haired dogs will benefit from their coat being trimmed, particularly around the eye or ear areas to prevent weeping. There are a wide variety of dog grooming brushes and combs available to suit different coats, flea control and detangling.
Bathing should be carried out ideally on a weekly basis and at any other point when your dog may have got particularly dirty. Use a dog shampoo as these are mild and designed to care for your dog’s coat and there is also a wide choice available. Johnson’s do an ample range of pet products which cater for different ages of dog, along with specific needs such as stronger odour and luxury coat. Bathing your dog also helps you to notice any other injuries such as cuts, scratches or lumps.
Any dog owner knows how difficult it can be to clean a dog’s teeth. There are many chews and bone pet products online available which do help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, however it is recommended that your dog’s teeth are cleaned properly on occasion. Toothbrush and paste sets are available; if you are struggling to do this yourself then your vet should give you some advice, otherwise give your dog regular teeth cleaning dental sticks.
If your dog is active and spends a lot of time outdoors then nail clipping may not be necessary, however for smaller dogs it is important. Long nails can be dangerous for your dog, other people and your furniture. Ensure to use correct dog nail clippers and don’t cut down too far.
Grooming you dog is not only good for your dog, if your dog is clean then so is your home; this will benefit you even more if your dog is prone to shedding. Grooming also creates a special bond between you and your dog and he or she will feel cared for and loved. Over all, we all feel better for looking good and a clean healthy dog is a happy dog.
February 16, 2009
All cat owners will know that when the day arrives when you need to take your cat to the vet, cattery, or anywhere for that matter, that your cat is not going to travel easily. Cats are independent creatures and therefore being forced into a carrier and taken somewhere beyond their control takes them out of their comfort zone. That is why choosing a good carrier is essential.
The main aim is to make your cat feel as comfortable and familiar as possible so that the journey is not as traumatic for them. Ferplast carriers are designed just for that and come in a selection of sizes and with different options.
Determining the size of carrier needed is the first step, you need your cat to have enough room to turn around and to stand up properly, however you do not want the carrier too large that your cat feels lost. Aim for no more than twice the size of your cat at the absolute most.
When choosing size you should also think about what else you may need to put in the carrier. To make your cat feel more at home, it is a good idea to put cushions or blankets in with them, or even toys, food and drink. Ferplast carriers are available complete with cushion and drinking bowl for convenience, however if you are going to place your cat’s own in there bear it in mind before purchasing.
A secure locking system is also essential, as if your cat can escape then it probably will. Equally you want a simple enough lock for you to release them easily to cause as little stress as possible. A grid door which enables your cat to see what is going on will also keep them calm. This will ensure you are in the cat’s visibility and will provide good ventilation. It also protects your cat from other animals in situations such as a veterinary visit. If you are taking your pet on holiday it is essential that the carrier can be transported easily and some products are also airline approved meaning they are safe to travel by flight.
Ferplast carriers are extremely good value for money and aim to make transporting your cat as comfortable as possible. Of course your cat is still going to complain, but at least you can feel confident you have provided the least distressing travelling environment for them.
February 15, 2009
We all know that a healthy diet is crucial for all animals’ health, however there are many debates as to whether dry dog food is better for your dog than wet food. When we initially think of dogs, we think of meat eating creatures, therefore giving the initial impression that feeding your dog ‘proper meat’ is the most beneficial thing to do.
The truth is that all pet food for dogs, whether it is wet or dry, is produced and designed to provide all the essential ingredients that your dog needs, so ultimately it is down to preference, both by yourself and your dog.
Some key benefits of dry dog food are that it needs to be crunched and therefore strengthens your dog’s teeth and gums. It can often be lower in fat than some wet dog food which helps in preventing obesity problems, which of course are a common concern for dog owners. Most dog food brands have undertaken extensive research, ensuring that most complete dry dog foods include the correct balance of protein, fibre, fat and nutrients to help keep your dog’s health and weight under control.
There are also various types of products for different types and ages of dog. Puppies and senior dogs may need softer food for their teeth, however many brands have a wide range of dry food products to cater for specific dog’s needs. If you cannot find a dry product for your particular dog’s requirements then dry food can be adapted to suit, such as be soaked in cool water to make it softer and easier for older dogs to digest, or even mixed with other food if your dog prefers a combination of wet and dry food.
There are not just benefits for your dog either. From an owner’s perspective, dry dog food is easy to store, does not have as strong a smell as some other products, can be left out for longer periods of time and can easily be bought in bulk which makes it extremely cost effective.
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