A Pet Cages

If you have a pet, chances are they'll need a safe place to call their own. A pet cage is an investment in your pet's safety and well being. There are pet cages for every animal, although some, like reptiles, need glass pet cages. Your furry and feathered friends like parrots, gerbils, hamsters and mice all need their own private cage.

Why a pet cage? Small animals are vulnerable to the terrors of the average household, like poisonous plants, electrical wires, walking people, and open doors. A cage gives them security and comfort in their cozy, protected spot.

The first thing to do when buying a cage is to determine the right size. You obviously wouldn't get a parrot cage for a hamster, nor would you have a hamster in a mouse cage. For every animal there's a proper cage size. Each pet should have enough room to stand up and turn all the way around. Birds should ideally have the largest cages possible. If you can not afford a massive cage, the bird should be able to stretch his wings all the way out, and have a reasonable flying distance. Gerbils don't need much room at all, as they're content just being inside. Mice need pet cages that are longer rather than wider. They need a lot of room to exercise and run, so a cage to frolic in would be a treat for him.

Which animal goes into what cage is not the only thing to take into consideration. There are questions like "Can he chew his way out?" "How do I get food to him?" and "What materials might be poisonous to my little friends?" Well, for one thing, a home-made cage can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. If you're an amateur, get a good cage that is professionally made. No animal, with the exception of cats or dogs, should be put in a wooden cage. Little teeth can chew through, leaving a bewildered owner staring at an empty cage. When you buy a painted cage, ask to see its certificate. This ensures that no hazardous or harmful materials were used in the construction of the cage.

A feeding hole is essential to every pet cage. This is where a water bottle is inserted, along with a removable food dish. The edges around these inserts should be closed off, usually by being pressed against a wall. Don't use tape, because this can be deadly to your pet.

The doors to pet cages are the most important part. If the door seems a bit loose, then it's best to wrap a copper wire between the bars and the door, making sure the cut edge of the metal isn't facing towards the animal.

When buying pet cages, always remember that your pet will get bigger, so buy one that accommodates future growth. Make sure no poisonous materials were used, and always remember to cover pet cages in cold weather.

Adopt A Pet

Are you are responsible pet owner? The millions of us that own pets believe that we can honestly say yes to this question. However most of us do not support the humane society or the local animal shelter by adopting animals from the programs. This is the responsible thing to do as a pet owner.

I am not suggesting that every pet owner needs to go adopt a pet from the shelter, but a monetary donation is a great way to insure that these programs can keep going. Also if you are a pet owner that breeds your pet, make sure that the people that adopt a pet from you are going to be responsible and will provide a good home to the animal. At times this may be hard. When our dog had puppies we had to deny one couple from buying one of the puppies. We have Labrador Retrievers. They typically have very large litters. Our dog had twelve puppies that we needed to find homes for. My husband is a hunter and our dogs are whistle and hand trained so there were many hunters that had requested a puppy prior to the litter arriving. However because she had such a large litter we had two puppies that were not spoken for. We ran an advertisement in a weekly sportsmen’s paper that we would take applications from people that wanted to adopt a pet. We had developed a questionnaire that we used as an application. The questionnaire asks how many hours a day the animal would be alone, how much time the owner had to exercise the animal and how often they typically take their animals to the vet.

Some people think that this is a strange form to fill out, but we feel that we have an obligation to the breed to make sure that the people that are going to own the dogs are going to take good care of them. We check out each person that wants to adopt a pet from us. We want to make sure that the animal is getting medical care, good food and exercise. We also want to make sure that the animal is neutered or spayed if the owner is not going to be responsible in researching the breeding lines. The retriever breed is very common so it is important to keep healthy blood lines for those of us that want pure breeds. Because of the number of retrievers that are available some breeders are trying to breed specialty lines in regards to color or skills, such as pointing. This can cause bloodlines that are too close which results in dogs that have high medical needs. Our system of asking questions to the people that want to adopt a pet from us is not going to make a huge difference, but at least we feel we are not adding to the problem of weakening the breed.

Importance Of Dog Health Care

Dog health care is very important if you have a dog as a pet. Once upon a time, dogs were used for hunting and for guarding. As time went by they came to be regarded as a man's best friend due to the loyalty they showed toward their master and utmost dog health care was taken. We know of many crimes that didn't happen, thanks to a dog who was smart, brave and faithful to his master who always took good dog health care.

Depending upon the locality you live in and how often your dog is let loose, check his ears for ticks and fleas. Clean your dog's ears at least once a week especially if your dog has drooping ears which makes them more prone to fungal or bacterial infection. You can use a lotion that has been made for this purpose and follow instructions on the label.

Some breed of dogs may require you to pluck the hairs present at the entrance to the ear to allow for air circulation. You can use your fingers or tweezers. Do not hold chunks of hair but hold a few at a time. Your vet will advise you whether this is required or not. Nowadays we also get good dog insurance at a very affordable price.

Healthy Eyes are recognized by them being wide open and shiny. To ensure their continued health, follow the following tips: Use a warm moist soft cloth to wipe the discharge, moving away from your dog's eyes during it's regular grooming session or when noticed. Certain of them also have a regular discharge and some are more susceptible to eye infections.

Teeth with no cavities or plaque are definitely healthy teeth. Follow these simple rules to help your dog maintain the health of his teeth. Don't give hard objects or hard chews to puppies or pull at objects that are held between their teeth because their teeth are soft and not strongly rooted in their gums. If any injury is caused to them at this stage, the adult teeth which are developing close to the baby teeth will either never come or they will not be in the correct position.

Use a dog toothbrush or a soft bristled toothbrush and brush your dog's teeth using water only at least three times a week. Asking your vet to do this once in a while will also help. Dog toothpaste is available which can be used thrice a week. Some of them are more likely to have dental problems so take your vet's advice.

Characteristics And Health Care Problems For Dogs

Lassie, the popular series on television has made the Collie a recognizable breed to many. The Collie is noted for it's intelligence and deep affection for the family.

Appearance - The Collie descended from dogs used for herding and this trait is still strong in them. The Collie is a wonderful dog for the household as they have innate desire to safeguard. Some dogs of this breed can be anxious due to its ancestry, however, most are usually hardworking and smart. The Collie is a member of the AKC Herding Group. The Collie can be as high as 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds.

The Collie is an energetic breed and is known for its perseverance. The Collie has beautifully shaped almond eyes and they reflect their perceptiveness. The eyes can be brown or blue. The Collie can either have a smooth coat or a rough coat, and the rough Collies have a fuller coat. They come in sable and white, tricolor and blue merle markings.

Characteristics - These dogs are not good with apartments since they love to spend most of their time outside. A family that is outgoing and energetic, and in the possession of a relatively big back yard would be the ideal situation for a Collie. The breed is sociable and extroverted but still make excellent watchdogs and protectors. They will sound an alert if there are strange humans or creatures. The do bite gently or nip at heels of the young kids to prevent the children from straying in the wrong direction.

Puppies of this breed are extremely smart and can prove to be a handful as they can be stubborn and get into trouble. Puppy obedience classes work well for them and they learn to socialize at an early age. You will need to demonstrate who is in charge and show the Collie what can be allowed and what is prohibited.

Health Problems and Grooming Issues - There are a few issues associated with the Collie. They can suffer from eye problems or PRA. More likely is the possibility of taking your puppy or dog to the vet for jumping from a moving vehicle or exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.

They like to eat, so ensure that the dog does not put on too much weight or there could be medical issues because of obesity. They enjoy three small meals a day.

Although it has long hair, it does not need as much grooming as one might think. In any case, the Collie's coat must be groomed very often to reduce tangles. The Collie is alert and perceptive, ideal for protecting your household and can bring you much joy for years to come.

Pet Care Tips for Summer

Summer is the time for fun, outdoor activities, swimming, picnics and vacations. And, understandably, people love to share many of their summer activities with their animal companions. Unfortunately, every summer many beloved pets die unnecessarily during extremely hot weather.

HEAT exhaustion is one of the most common ailments of pets during the summer months, so pet owners should be cautious. If it's an exceptionally hot day, keep your dog or cat in the house with you and a fan and/or air conditioning. If it's too hot outside for you, it's too hot outside for your pet. Signs of heatstroke may include: hot skin, rapid panting, twitching muscles, salivation, a dazed expression. Wrap your pet in a towel with cool, not COLD water. Cool him down by giving him ice cubes to lick (as cold water will upset his stomach worse and hasten dehydration). Let him lie in front of a fan. To prevent heat exhaustion, make sure your outside pets have access to shade, fresh water and that you monitor them at least several times a day to make sure they're all right.!

NEVER leave your pet in a parked car - not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. The temperature in the car can increase rapidly and cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death. On an 85 degree day, the temperature inside your car, even with the windows open a bit, will climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will go up to 120 degrees or even higher!

GIVE your animal companion plenty of cool, clean water at all times. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower their body temperature.

DO not leave your pet shut in an empty house or tied outside while you're on vacation.

NEVER force your dog to run in hot, humid weather. Watch for hot pavement. Sensitive paws burn easily. After a walk or run, check your dog's paws to make sure they are okay.

KEEP vaccinations up-to-date. This is a time when most pets come into contact with other animals at parks, beaches, lakes and campgrounds.

DON'T let your pets roam the streets. Veterinarians see numerous fight injuries and bite wounds in the summer as well as animals hit or run over by cars.

USE Heartworm preventative as mosquitoes which increase dramatically in the summer, carry Heartworm - one of the most deadly ailments household pets suffer. Mosquitoes carry a parasite that causes pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to heart failure. Preventative medication is the best way to avoid this deadly disease.

WASPS, bees and hornets are also a problem during the summer. Although there is no real way for your pets to avoid being stung, they can be treated with antihistamines to reduce the swelling that follows an attack If swelling doesn't subside, see your vet!

WATCH the exercise and diet of your pets. Overeating can result in overheating. Eating less is healthier for them. Do not encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for exercising.

FLEAS, ticks and other parasites may infest your pet. There are many good products available to keep fleas and ticks off your pet. Check with your vet!

WHEN planning a vacation, don't forget your animal companions. Plan for them too. If you are planning on taking them with you, make certain that they will travel comfortably (with plenty of potty and exercise stops) and that they are welcome guests at hotels, homes of friends, etc, and your destination. If you are leaving them behind, make certain you have a well-credentialed pet-sitter or boarding facility. Referrals from trusted veterinarians and animal-loving friends are always helpful. Check them out well in advance of your proposed trip and make reservations, leaving them with a list of medications and instructions as to feeding, exercise, etc. Leave the name of your vet along with friends and neighbors who know your pet. Leave your whereabouts and how to reach you.

ON holidays such as the 4th of July when your pet is exposed to loud noises such as fireworks, make sure he has a safe, quiet place/sanctuary inside your home, that he is in a room from which he cannot escape or run away and that you have either the television or radio on for him to distract or deflect the scary outside sounds. Keep your pet away from crowds of people and loud noises. This will keep him calm and safe!

BY following these tips, there is a high probability that you and your animal companions will enjoy a safe, healthy and happy summer!

DIANE POMERANCE Ph.D. is the author of six highly acclaimed books and numerous articles. She is an internationally recognized pet expert who has been interviewed on countless radio and television programs, newspapers and magazines.

Takes Care of Your Pet

Pet is dear to all. Once a person brings a pet home, it becomes an important member of his family. He or she takes care of it like any other family member. People usually prefer to have a cat at home. Cat is a very sweet creature and a person feels happy enjoying time with it. He enjoys its jumping and various other activities. After a long tiring day at work, when a person returns home, he feels relaxed on spending some time with his pet. Cats are very sensitive and they require extra care. Without your notice, your pet may meet with an accident or may eat some rotten food. In this case, it requires immediate treatment. Sometimes, a person may not be able to bear the expenses of the treatment and hence, he opts for the cat health insurance.

Cat health insurance provides reimbursement coverage for your pet's eligible medical treatments, surgeries, lab fees, X-rays, prescriptions and more. Whenever, your pet suffers from any sort of diseases, it is always wise to consult a veterinary doctor. It is beyond the capacity of the owner to understand the problem of his pet and to suggest any medicine. Before the disease of your pet becomes chronic, you should immediately take it to a good veterinary doctor. Proper care can only help your pet to get rid-off its problem quickly. Many a times, your pet incurs various diseases and sometime the cost of treatment of those problems may be very high. And, if you are not in a position to bear the expenses of the treatment then cat health insurance will be a great help.

With cat health insurance, all your worries of providing a good medical treatment to your pet will be solved. You will feel tension-free and would not panic on your pet's treatment. With this insurance, you can undertake any sort of treatments. Your pet entertains you and at the same time provides you loyalty, love and companionship. So, it is your key responsibility to provide it with the best treatment at the time of necessity. You feel really annoyed and guilty if you are unable to bear the expenses of the treatment of your beloved pet. One always wants their pet to be in a good health and eat and drink properly.

There are many insurance agencies that provide cat health insurance. You can get the information of those agencies on the internet. You can also apply for the insurance policy online. Before applying for one, you should understand all its policies. An insurance agency understands the needs of his client and provides various treatment facilities to the pet owners. Pet insurance helps you cover the rising costs of veterinary care, so you need not have to choose between your pet's well-being and your finances. Whenever, his or her cat suffers from any pain, the owner can understand its pain by its facial expression and gets it treated from a good veterinary doctor. The treatment of some diseases of a cat may be very expensive and a cat health insurance can help the owner in this case.

Pet Care Insurance Services And Benefits

Our pets give us a lot more than what we provide for them in terms of love, affection, loyalty and complete devotion. In return even if we provide them food, love, grooming and medical care, it can never repay a pet's love for its owner. Coming home to a loving pet after a tiring day at work can be one of the best stress busters available and is often recommended by psychiatrists in order to get over minor depressions and grief. It is no wonder that dogs are successfully used as therapy providers for patients across the globe. Now, seeing all that our pets do for us, it is natural for us to want to provide the very best for any pet of ours. One of the most convenient ways to ensure that you can always provide the best care for your pet, irrespective of your financial condition, is through a cheap dog insurance.

Many reliable and reputed companies provide cheap dog insurance that is of immense benefit to both the pet and the owner. The insurance plans are varied and it is up to you to decide the best scheme possible that suits your needs and that of your pets. While selecting a cheap dog insurance the few pointers and facts that you need to keep in mind is the breed, age, gender and physical health of the pet. The insurance provides a wide coverage for not only the predictable situations like expensive treatment for any disease or illness and accident coverage but also for many unplanned and unexpected events.

When selecting a cheap dog insurance you could also opt for a plan that provides coverage for instances when your dog has caused damage to a neighbor's property or hurt the neighbor and even for situations when your pet has gone missing and you need to advertise for its recovery. Even if a holiday needs to be canceled due to the ill health of a pet, you can still get back the loss you suffer through the dog insurance, if your pt is covered under that kind of plan. So, depending on the circumstances that you can predict or even the unexpected instances, you can get a suitable pet insurance coverage if you are really concerned enough for your pet. The insurance companies usually ask the pet owner to fill up a form and then on interaction with the owner determine the needs and the plan is selected accordingly.

The financial benefits of cheap dog insurance are plenty for the owner. In case you have a planned budget to be spent on your pet, an unexpected emergency like a medical expenditure can also burn a hole in your pocket. Also, if your financial situation does not permit it, your beloved pet may even go without the required treatment and it can be a heart breaking experience for the owner. The dog insurance will help you avoid all such situations and the premium to be paid on the insurance is also a reasonable amount. So opt for insurance and give your pet a happy and healthy life.