Healthy Pets Guide For Pet Owners

Posted by myGPT Team | 7:36 AM | 0 comments »

Healthy pets are happy pets, and pet owners literally spend
billions of dollars every year to maintain their pet's
health. From vet visits to buying the latest over the
counter product, pet owners will spend more money each year
to keep their pets happy and healthy. What are signs of a
healthy pet? Well usually they are lively, playful, clear
eyes, shiny coat or clear skin.

All pets require fresh water and food every day. Remember
that they cannot get up and go to the refrigerator whenever
they are hungry or thirsty. Being a pet owner means taking
responsibility for your pet. They do require work, but most
of all love. Do not mistreat your pet. If they are more
than you can handle give them over to your local humane
society.

Veterinarians recommend to pet owners to keep their pets
active and make sure that they have a proper diet suitable
for them and their environment. Never feed your pets table
food or sweets! This is very harmful to them and could
cause a lot of complications, possibly death if you do so.
Their bodies are not made to handle the type of foods we
eat.

Just think about this. Would you eat one of your pet
snake's live rats for supper? Of course not it would make
you sick. Not to mention it's just too gross! Make sure to
take your pet for regular walks or get them engaged in an
activity with you. If your pet is kept in a cage or any
type of confinement make sure that it is clean and they are
not laying in their own waste or urine.

Grooming your pet is also essential to keeping your pet
healthy. Bathing them and removing burs and dirt with a
grooming brush will keep their coats nice and shiny.
Remember to remove ticks to prevent them from catching any
diseases, and to use flea shampoo to get rid of the pesky
fleas that cause your pet much suffering from itching.

If you have a hectic schedule and cannot find time to
properly groom your pet there are plenty of professional
groomers who will do the job for you. For a small fee and
setting up an appointment they will treat your pet like
royalty. Regular grooming can add years to your pet's life.
With proper care and a lot of love, your pet will live to
have a happy, healthy, long life.


----------------------------------------------------
Find more about Healthy Pet Online at
http://www.blogpets.net
Find more about Art Story Update Online at
http://www.art2blog.org


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How to Stop Cat Scratching Problems

Posted by myGPT Team | 1:43 AM | 0 comments »

For many, understanding the reasons behind why cats need to
scratch has remained an elusive mystery. From the wild cats
of the jungle to the domesticated feline companion,
scratching has been a means for survival. This predisposed
instinct has unfortunately led to the untimely demise of
our sofas, window screens, curtains and walls. In order to
decide what the best methods for alleviating this problem
are, you must first understand why it is done.

In the wilds of the mighty jungle, it was necessary for
cats to be mighty hunters in order to survive. Cats
instinctively used their claws as a means for support for
climbing trees, giving them the opportunity to pounce on
their unsuspecting prey. Razor sharp claws were required
for hunting as well as fending off other predators. Today,
the domesticated cat does not have to depend on their
skills as a hunter as their food bowls are always full.
However, the instincts to keep their nails hunter ready are
still there.

Not only is the act of scratching a way to sharpen claws,
it is also a way to trim them as well. In addition, cat
scratching is significant in that it is used for the
purposes of marking territory. When cats scratch a surface
or object, they are also releasing a chemical that is
marking their scent, letting other area cats, whether in
the same household or general location know that this is
their territory. Scratching is also a great way for cats to
work out any muscle tension they may have or as a means to
release excess energy.

The most common and frequently used method for deterring
cats from scratching and damaging our possessions is to
have them de-clawed. However, this method does require your
cat to undergo anesthesia which comes with some minor
risks. Before you make the decision to de-claw, there are
other alternatives available for consideration.

Scratching posts are an excellent choice for giving your
cat his own personal area to scratch. They are available at
pet stores and online. They can come as part of a fancy cat
condo or as single models in many colors and styles. A
scratching post can also be cost effective as it is a
simple project you can create yourself. All that is
required is a two foot tall section of a four by four
combined with a two foot by two foot section of durable
plywood and a small piece of carpeting.

Another inexpensive item available for cat scratching is
scratching mats. Regardless of which you choose it is
important that you place it as close to your cat's favorite
scratching area at first. After your cat has become
accustomed to using the post instead of your furniture or
walls, gradually move it away from those areas.

Another option for discouraging your cat from scratching
where you don't him too is by using a pet repellant spray.
All that is required is a quick spray on the area you wish
your cat to stay away from. This product, most commonly
referred to as Bitter Apple spray, is an unpleasant tasting
liquid that gets on their paws after scratching and they do
not like the taste.

Although this method is effective, it is wise to test a
small area of carpet or upholstery to ensure the repellant
does not alter the material in any way. Some additional
helpful hints include wrapping the areas in aluminum foil
or placing tape on the area, sticky side up. Cats
definitely do not like anything sticking to their paws.

As a final result, many people have tried using nail caps.
Just as a manicurist would place faux nails on your
fingers, these caps are placed on a previously filed down
nail using a pet friendly adhesive. Of course, just as faux
nails do, these caps also tend to fall off.

If you have tried every alternative and your cat still can
not break this habit, surgery may be the only answer.
Weighing the positives and negatives to each of the
methods, along with consulting a veterinarian will help you
make the right decision for both you and your cat.


----------------------------------------------------
Moses Wright is a cat lover and likes to help new cat
owners learn more about their cat breed. You can find more
cat problems and feline cat care tips information here:
http://www.petquery.com/category/cat/


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Caring For Your Dog

Posted by myGPT Team | 1:22 AM | 0 comments »

Through years of faithful friendship we can become very
attached to our pets, and this can be especially true of
"man's best friend". It's a tragic day when we have to say
goodbye to our beloved friends, but by looking after your
dog well, you can ensure it has a long and healthy life in
which you can share many years of joy together. Here are
ten great ways to help keep your dog healthy and give you
more years to enjoy together.

Take your dog for regular wellness tests at the veterinary
clinic, especially when it is getting old. These tests help
to provide early identification for various illnesses to
which the animal may be susceptible. A thorough physical
examination is given which includes teeth, ears, eyes,
heart and lungs. Other tests may also be carried out
depending on the vet's judgment of the animal.

Watch your dog's weight. An obese dog won't live as long as
one which is kept at a healthy weight. Too much weight
creates a lot of extra work for the heart - something which
an older animal will struggle particularly badly with.

Be aware of when your dog is getting older. An older dog
requires more care. What constitutes "older" varies between
breeds of dog.

Be on the lookout for illness. Whilst at home pay careful
attention to your dog's behavior. Watch its sleeping and
eating habits. Dogs tend not to show pain as obviously as
humans do, so being extra observant is an important means
to keeping your dog well.

Don't let your dog have completely free-run of the outside
world. Whilst dogs need plenty of exercise, allowing your
dog to run around wherever and whenever he pleases can
allow it to get into dangerous situations, especially as it
grows older. Make sure you keep your dog in a garden that
has a fence surrounding it.

Give your dog plenty of exercise. Dog's have a natural
desire to use up energy by running around. Playful exercise
is good for your dog's body and mind. Keeping a dog locked
up all day can make it miserable. Allowing it to run around
provides it with entertainment and exercise which helps
keep its body healthy.

Providing your dog with things to keep it occupied is
important. An unhappy dog can get other kinds of illness as
a result of depression, and it can also cause itself harm.
Provide it with plenty of toys, teach it tricks, and engage
with it in a variety of ways.

Nutrition is a very important part of your dog's physical
health. Without the right foods it can easily fall ill.
Products such as Iams® or Eukanuba are excellent food
supplements to feed your dog healthily.

Provide your dog with a safe environment. Keep dangerous
chemicals and other household items in places which your
dog cannot access.

Neuter or spay your dog. There are a variety of benefits to
this including elimination of pregnancy complications and a
reduced tendency for male dogs to want to escape to find a
mate.


----------------------------------------------------
Learn more about caring your dog please visit at
http://www.hellomydog.com


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Dog Christmas Ornaments for Dog Lovers

Posted by myGPT Team | 12:46 AM | 0 comments »

One possible present that we could give to our dog loving
friends this Christmas is a set or two of dog Christmas
ornaments. We know that dog lovers' eyes show sparks
whenever they get to see things that have anything to do
with dogs. And this Yuletide season adding these dog
Christmas ornaments to your list will surely make your life
easier. Dog Christmas ornaments are actually easy to find
and are simply adorable. You can get loads of these in your
nearest department store or even online, and you can even
personalize the dog Christmas ornaments if you want to put
your own finishing touch to the presents that you will be
giving to your dog loving friends.

There are hundreds of ways in which you can personalize a
dog Christmas ornament - all you need is imagination. What
I will share with you right now are just some of the
hundreds of possible ideas to get you started. I am sure
that you will have plenty of ideas of your own, and you
will be surprised at the ideas you will be able to create.
You might even end up starting your own business creating
ornaments for pet lovers!

How about trying a "Pup's Trip around the World"? This is
really very simple: you grab a digital camera and take
pictures of your friend's dog from different angles and
then use your Photoshop skills when you get home. With just
a few mouse clicks you can do amazing things with the image
of the dog. You can put him in a Santa costume, Korean
traditional dress, or a variety of outfits, and you can
also put him in different settings and locations by using a
variety of backgrounds, from the Great Wall of China to
Mount Everest. Then print two of each of these images so
that you can put each pair of identical images
back-to-back. Then laminate them, punch a hole at the top,
and thread a colorful ribbon through. You can even add some
small bells if you like. If your Photoshop skills are
really good, you can even add your friend to the picture,
putting your friend in the same costume as the dog.

"Dogs of the World" can be really cute as well. Purchase
small stuffed toys of different breeds of dog, and add
loops of colorful ribbon to them, which can be used to
suspend them decoratively. In a similar manner to "Pup's
Trip Around the World" you can surf the net for images of
different dog breeds, print them and laminate them, so that
you have a different version of the "Dogs of the World". If
you are good at painting and drawing, you can also create
caricatures of dogs of different breeds on Christmas
baubles, making yet a third version of this nifty idea.

Now if you really have plenty of time to spare, and you are
really into the hard work and dedication that crafts
demand, you might want to try "Dog Heads" and or "Pup
Angels". Use modeling clay to create dogs' heads, paint
them, and then attach a very tiny eye to each head through
which you can thread the ribbon to hang them up as
decorations. As you shape the clay you can give the dogs
different facial expressions. To create the "Pup Angels" is
a similar process, but you also add wings.


----------------------------------------------------
Please visit the following website for more information:
http://www.puppyanddoginfo.com


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The Yuletide season requires loads of planning,
conceptualizing and decorating, making it a good time of
year for families to bond and spend quality time with each
other. Every member of the family will get a chance to
contribute to decorating the home, and everyone will have a
say in the theme that will inspire the Christmas
decorations. So if you happen to be a cat lover, then your
favorite pet may also make a cool contribution to your
Christmas experience. Imagine your Christmas theme this
year with a touch of the felines. Your cat will definitely
have that quizzical look on her elegant face as she sees
the entire kitty inspired features of your Christmas
decorations.

Starting with the Christmas tree, the best possible way to
give it a cattish feel is by trimming it with Christmas cat
ornaments to give the whole tree a cat inspired theme. You
can easily find Christmas cat ornaments for sale in the
department stores or better still, how about making your
own Christmas cat ornaments to add a more personal touch to
your tree? And what better way of making your own Christmas
cat ornaments than doing it with your kids! All you need
are some handy materials, cutting tools, painting sets and
sheer creativity.

One problem you may find is when your cat gets really
curious about all those enticing cat Christmas baubles and
cat Christmas bells hanging on the tree. I for one actually
do not find this to be a problem, and I enjoy seeing my
feline friend exquisitely playing with the Christmas tree
decorations - as long as she does not try to eat the
Christmas lights of course. But if you have a problem with
this sort of cat behavior, I have the right Christmas cat
ornament for you.

This Christmas, cat decorations that you can make with your
children will not only liven up your Christmas tree, but
also warn you when your cat starts playing with them. This
is how it's done: first of all, you will need some empty
plastic Easter eggs, wire in a variety of different colors,
some small bells, paints, wire cutters, sheets of felt,
glue, glitter, and a small drill or a push pin. Then you
need to cut the plastic Easter eggs into halves, and put
some designs onto them using the paint, shapes cut from
felt, glue and glitter. Just remember to make sure that
your design is appropriately cattish. You can draw cats,
kittens or anything that has something to do with cats on
your halved plastic Easter eggs. When you have done this,
put your masterpieces on one side to dry, and start cutting
the wire into lengths of three to four inches. You can then
twist-tie the colorful wires onto your bells. After doing
this, your painted egg halves will probably be dry, so you
can now put a hole in the top of each one using the small
drill, or by heating a push pin in a flame and then
pressing the heated point through the top of the egg.

You can then put the wires with the bells on them through
the holes. Loop the end of the wire around your finger and
twist tie it to the base. You then have your cat Christmas
bells ready for hanging. After putting them up, you can all
appreciate the team effort, and when you hear the bells
ringing, the culprit is on the loose.


----------------------------------------------------
Please visit the following website for more information:
http://www.freecatinfo.com


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If you have squirrel problems, a squirrel-proof bird feeder
may be your best solution. There are several species of
ground squirrels and tree squirrels in North America that
can create problems for bird enthusiasts. The Fox Squirrel
and the Eastern and Western Gray Squirrels are species of
tree squirrels that are most commonly involved with causing
problems for home owners and bird watchers.

Squirrel-proof bird feeders come in a variety of shapes,
sizes and styles. They range from the simple baffle-topped
feeders, to the weight activated hopper feeders like the
Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel. For the serious backyard
birder there is the Droll Yankees' Yankee Flipper that
(harmlessly) propels the squirrels off of the feeder with a
battery operated device activated by the squirrel's weight.

One of the major problems bird watchers have with squirrels
is the raiding of our feeders, but that's not the only
problem. The squirrel's diet is made up mostly of nuts,
fruits, plant buds, seeds and flowers, depending on the
season and what's available locally. However, squirrels are
not vegetarian. They also eat bird eggs and nestlings that
they will snatch right out of birdhouses. They may pounce
on unsuspecting birds at feeders also.

There are two clear strategies for solving the problem of
keeping squirrels away from your feeders and birdhouses.
You can prevent the (cute) pesky rodents from gaining
access to your treasures, or you can give them a better,
alternate place to dine.

Let's tackle the preventative strategy first. There are
some very simple ways to keep your birdhouses and feeders
safe from squirrel damage. And let me add here that it is
imperative to keep your birdhouses safe from possible
predation. You can build your own predator guard from my
plans or you can purchase squirrel baffles, which come in a
variety of styles, sizes, shapes and colors.

The important point here is to keep squirrels away from
your feeders and birdhouses right from the start. Squirrels
are very persistent and once they find an easy source of
food, they will try to overcome any obstacle you may put in
their way.

Squirrels are extremely agile and can leap eight feet or
more and climb almost anything. For this reason alone, if
you have squirrel problems in your yard, keep your bird
feeders and birdhouses at least eight feet away from any
tree limbs or man-made structures and install baffles on
the supporting posts.

If you must hang your bird feeders in trees, you will want
to keep them away from the main trunk and equip them with a
dome baffle or simply use a squirrel-proof bird feeder that
is designed with a dome-type top.

Another popular style of squirrel-proof bird feeders is the
caged feeder. The caged feeders have a wire cage around the
feed itself that prevents squirrels from getting to the
seed. They simply put the food out of reach for the hungry
squirrel.

Any of these squirrel-proof bird feeders or baffle feeder
combinations should thwart even the most persistent
squirrels. So let's consider the second strategy of giving
the squirrels a better alternative than your bird feeders
or birdhouses for their banquets.

This strategy involves setting up a squirrel feeding
station somewhere away from your bird feeders with the food
stuffs that squirrels really like. There are several
different squirrel feeders that not only let the squirrels
enjoy the nuts, sunflower seeds and fruit they like the
most, there are some that let you watch their antics as
they feed on one of their favorite foods, corn on the cob.

So whether you love squirrels or hate 'em, I hope I have
given you some solutions to the "squirrel dilemma" that
many birders face. You may even have some new thoughts on
how you can live with squirrels and keep your bird feeders
and birdhouses off limits to these cute, furry critters.


----------------------------------------------------
Larry Jordan has been bird watching for many years and
building birdhouses for over 26 years. For more information
on bird watching, bird houses, feeding wild birds, birds in
the news, bird conservation, and some great bird photos go
to http://www.thebirdersreport.com and sign up for his
newsletter or his RSS Feed.
For quality birding products visit his online store at
http://www.birdsinmyyard.com for some great deals and great
service.


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Six Turtle Care Tips

Posted by myGPT Team | 1:50 AM | 0 comments »

When you decide to get a turtle for a pet, you have made a
wise choice. Turtles can provide years of enjoyment. Some
of them can even live up to forty years, if cared for
properly. If you have children, this is a great pet for
them to learn responsible pet care. While knowing how to
care for turtles is not rocket science, it will take some
instruction to do it correctly. You must ensure you have
enough time to care for your turtle properly, as neglect
will cause a stinky habitat and a very unhealthy, unhappy
turtle.

1.Choose a good habitat: Turtles will require quite a bit
of space in order to move around freely. You'll need a good
size tank or aquarium, such as a forty gallon fish tank.
You will need to provide a swimming area for your turtle
and an area for them to sunbathe in. Foliage and stones on
the bottom will make the turtle feel as though it's right
at home.

2.Find a good source of heat: You will need to find a good
source of heat for your turtle. In order to know how to
care for turtles, you need to learn that a turtle maintains
its body temperature through its surroundings. A heat lamp
or other heating source will provide a place for your
turtle to sun themselves.

3.Fresh water is a must: When you learn how to care for
turtles, you will realize how important fresh water is to
the reptile. Not only do turtles require fresh drinking
water daily, they also need frequent water changes in their
swimming area.

4.Know how to feed your turtle: Turtles require specific
vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy. If you want
to know how to care for turtles, you might consider
purchasing a diet book for your turtle. These reptiles can
eat many different things, such as cooked meats like turkey
or chicken, worms, fruits, and vegetables. There are also
many nutritional supplements available at your local pet
stores. You may also wish to purchase bone meal to add
calcium to your turtle's diet.

5.Keep your turtle safe from harm: Other pets may be very
interested in your turtle; however, they can really cause
it problems. Small children may not understand that
dropping a turtle can have deadly consequences. Turtles
must be protected from these kinds of hazards. This is
another specific area that needs to be addressed when you
are learning how to care for turtles the proper way.

6.Caring for multiple turtles: If you decide you want to
have more than one turtle, you need to learn how to care
for turtles that live together. You will need a much larger
habitat and swimming area. You may have to feed each turtle
separately and at different areas of the tank. Sometimes
turtles will fight when put together. You may also end up
with babies if a male and female are housed together.


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


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How To Care For Turtles As Pets

Posted by myGPT Team | 6:05 PM | 0 comments »

Turtles can be great pets for children. They require very
little attention and are usually very simple pets. In most
cases turtles live for many years and require very little
to stay healthy. If your child wants a pet but you are
worried about who will take care of it or if it will die
without proper care, a turtle could be the perfect choice.
Most people agree it is very easy for children to care for
these charming creatures with very little adult help.

Turtles do not require a large space to live in. You can
use a terrarium or large fish tank to create the perfect
habitat. You will want to set up half of the space with
water and half dry. Consider using a set up similar to a
turtles natural habitat which would include rocks, plants,
and tree branches. You will want to have a way to maintain
the temperature when you care for turtles as well. Most
species require a warm environment at 77-95 degrees.

When you choose to look after a turtle there are specific
pieces of equipment that you will need to purchase. Turtles
require a full spectrum UV light since the do not have the
ability to store the D3 vitamin internally. You will also
need a water filter for the water side of the tank. You can
find these items at your local pet store or at online pet
sites. Keeping the water clean is a major factor when you
care for turtles. If the water gets dirty it can cause
health problems.

When you are buying a new environment you will need to
consider how easy it will be to clean. Most experts suggest
that when you own a pet turtle you should clean the tank at
least once a week to prevent fecal matter from piling up.
You will need to clean your water filter at least once
every month as well. If you don't it could become clogged
and stop filtering. Make sure you get rid of any extras in
the tank if they become wore out or can cause safety
issues. Make sure anything you hang from the tank is secure
after each cleaning. You do not want thing falling and
harming your pet.

When you care for turtles you will need to choose a turtle
food as well. You can find many types online or at your pet
store. However, be aware not all food is made the same way
with the same ingredients. You will want to make sure the
food you purchase has all the proper vitamins and minerals
that turtles need to stay healthy. Some turtles require a
lot of protein as well. Each species has specific diet
needs and In most cases buying one food and feeding it to
all of your different pets is not the best option. As you
can see it is pretty easy to care for turtles if you have
the right tools and information. You can also purchase
books that teach you all the basics of how to care for
turtles.


----------------------------------------------------
For great turtle care advice, turtle food recommendation
http://www.petturtlecare.net/how-to-care-for-turtles-as-pets
.html

or turtle health issues visit us at .....
http://www.petturtlecare.net/


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Pet First Aid Kits

Posted by myGPT Team | 9:37 AM | 0 comments »

Pet first aid kits are an essential part of the survival of
pets during emergencies. The importance of preparing for
calamities, not only for yourself and family, but also for
your pets has been underscored after a lot of dead pets
were found in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which hit
several areas in the southern parts of the United States. A
lot of dogs, cats and even other exotic animals were left
in the streets on their own as humans evacuated because of
the said hurricane. It was a sad story but truly, you and
your animal will have a better chance of surviving big
disasters and emergencies only if you plan ahead.

Assembling your pet first aid kit is one of the first
things you should do to help ensure the survival and
happiness of your pet during emergency situations. Remember
that pets are more sensitive than humans when it comes to
feeling catastrophes or natural disasters, so there is a
big possibility that they will react violently or
restlessly before, during and even after the calamity.
Because of this, you need to include pet safety products
such as lighted collars, possible motion activated dog
tags, and even pet carriers. Of course, you also need to
provide emergency survival pet food and water for your
precious pooches, cats, or birds. It is important that you
check the food and water supply of your pets regularly to
ensure that they are good when disaster strikes. We would
recommend that you keep at least a three day supply of
emergency food and water for your pet, just like is
recommended for your emergency kit.

Apart from food and water, your pet first aid kits should
also contain blankets, chew sticks, and even playthings to
help them cope during emergency situations. If you will be
staying in evacuation centers, it is a good idea to bring
along poop bags and/or WAG bags to maintain the sanitation
of the place. In case your evacuation place does not allow
animals inside for sanitary reasons, you need to make a
back-up plan about where your animal can stay. An
alternative shelter and/or pet carrier for your pet is
essential for its survival, so do not forget about it.

A good pet first aid kit and a three day supply of food and
water are really important if you treat your pet as a
member of your family. You will be glad you prepared in
advance.


----------------------------------------------------
Eric Holm - Owner and Manager of
http://www.emergencyanddisastersupplies.com We have pet
first aid kits at
http://www.emergencyanddisastersupplies.com/petsurvival


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Boxer Dogs are friendly, lively companions that are popular
as family dogs. Boxers are a bright, energetic and playful
breed and are generally very good with children. Their
natural suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and
strength make them excellent guard dogs. It's great to know
that you have a strong brave dog watching out for you!

These strong, intelligent, animals have also been used as
service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs,
police dogs in K9 units, and even herding cattle or sheep.
The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the
military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs,
pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war.

Training Boxer Dogs shouldn't be based on punishing bad
behavior. Boxer Dogs, like other animals (and children for
that matter), respond much better to positive reinforcement
techniques such as clicker training, which gives the dog a
choice to think independently and to problem-solve.

So instead of telling your dog off when they do something
wrong you ignore that and only reward the 'good' behavior.
The name comes from the little 'clickers' that you use at
the exact time when they do well and then reward (with food
normally) to associate the clicker noise with food. It's
using the Pavlov's dog principle to help your dog learn in
a positive way rather than a negative one.

Boxer Dogs are generally happier with companionship, either
with human or other dogs. The Boxer by nature is not an
aggressive or vicious breed, but like other dogs its much
better behaved if it's brought up in company without too
much time left alone. Boxers are generally patient with
smaller dogs and puppies, but sometimes they can challenge
larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex, may
occur.

It would be a good thing to walk your Boxer Dog every day,
even if he has a yard. Boxers are energetic and enjoy being
active, playing games and participating in physical
activities.

These dogs need exercise and hate being bored. Like a lot
of other dogs they are not well suited to being left on
their own during the day and so wouldn't be a good choice
for a pet if you need to go off to work and leave the dog
alone for most of the day.

Initially Boxer Dogs came from Germany, they are a stocky,
medium-sized, short-haired dog. The coat is smooth and fawn
or brindled, with or without white markings. They live to
an average of 10 years but can live up to 15 years old.


----------------------------------------------------
For More Information on Boxer Dogs, Where They Came From
Boxer Puppies and How Best To Look After Them please visit
http://www.BestBoxerDogs.Info


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Signs of aging in your dog are gradual, just as with us.
Slowly becoming grey around the muzzle, slowing down, not a
quick to get up from lying down, and sleeping more.

These are natural normal signs of elderly dogs, and are
inevitable. Depending on the breed and size of your dog,
the rate of aging can be quite different. For example at
10 years of age, a dog under 20 pounds is approximately
equivalent to 56 human years. Compare the same aged dog
(10 years old) that is over 90 pounds, and they are
equivalent to approximately 78 human years.

Vets usually consider a small dog to be senior citizens
around the 12th year. A large breed dog reaches the same
stage around their 7th year. This is according to a report
from Tuft's University.

Using established guidelines to determine when your dog
starts entering their golden years will help to understand
any changes in behavior and health. Keeping regular
checkups with your vet is also most important as your dog
ages, as any irregularities can be found early.

Signs of aging and tips to help keep your senior pet as
perky as possible are:

Difficulty getting up from lying down, or limping and
difficulty moving could indicate arthritis. Your vet can
help recommend supplements or proper modified exercise
routines to relieve discomfort, and increase mobility.
Usually the proper supplements such as glucosamine will
relieve mild arthritis symptoms.

Although graying hair and drying skin are quite normal in
aging canines, a nice daily massage and a regular grooming
routine can help your senior pet's skin condition improve.
Also, because of the slowing down in daily routines for
your senior dog, this can be your special bonding time set
aside to make him/her feel special and also break up a
boring day and give you both something to look forward too.

Certain breeds such a Labrador Retrievers are also known to
be genetically predisposed to arthritis and hip problems.
Different breeds have different genetic problems that you
should be aware of when you first adopt your puppy, so you
can look for signs of the problem as they age.

Excellent nutrition from puppy hood will help delay or
decrease the speed of which the aging process proceeds.
Don't overfeed your dog as obesity causes more diseases and
illnesses which shorten your pet's life.

Keep your dog clean and free of parasites, fleas and ticks.
This will certainly help increase the chances of a longer
life.

Vision and hearing ultimately become diminished in your
aging dog. Try not to startle your dog by changing his
environment (moving furniture, changing the location of his
bed, etc.). If his hearing is bad, using hand signals, and
talking to his face so he can see you will help.

Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite needs to be checked
out immediately by your vet.

Also a sudden increase in appetite, especially with no
weight gain involved may indicate diabetes. Also a sudden
increase in thirst is also a sign of diabetes. This also
needs immediate attention from your vet.

Excessive panting in your senior dog may indicate heart
disease. If this continues for more than a day this is
another reason to get to the vet as soon as possible.

As with any dog, diarrhea and vomiting lasting more than a
day needs to be checked right away.

And finally, and possibly the worst problems to watch out
for in your aging dog are the behavioral changes. Just as
when we deal with our elderly family members who have
dementia or Alzheimer's, dealing with a pet with drastic
personality changes can be traumatic for both of your.
Some symptoms to watch for are: Confusion, lack of
attentiveness, disorientation, roaming in circles, barking
for no reason, elimination accidents and being withdrawn.
Also uncharacteristic aggression may start in old age. Try
to keep your old dog's environment as stable and unchanging
as possible as this may help.

It is difficult to watch the deterioration slowly change
our robust, vibrant and active puppy into a slow moving,
tired and sometimes cranky family member. With proper
veterinary care, good nutrtion and relieving unnecessary
pains and minor problems the transition to becoming a
senior dog need not be traumatic. We can always enjoy our
pets at any age, just as long as our expectations change
with their needs.


----------------------------------------------------
I am an animal lover and advocate of raising healthy, happy
pets, as part of the family. I truly believe this starts
with proper, adequate nutrition, which in turn extends your
pets life.
Check out what is the best of the best for you dog here:
http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com


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Pet Health Insurance Explained

Posted by myGPT Team | 8:13 PM | 0 comments »

With rising pet health care costs, and a struggling
economy, many pet owners are reluctant to seek proper
health services for their beloved cats and dogs. They are
having enough trouble providing health care for the people
in the family, and so Fido or Fluffy's care may be put off.
One way to manage these costs is through affordable pet
care plans. The plans are usually available for dogs and
cats, but some plans cover other animals.

I think that some pet owners are not signing up for these
plans because they really do not understand how they work,
or they do not know if their vets will accept them.

Most pet insurance plans work like indemnity health
insurance plans for humans. In other words, the pet owner
will pay the bill and then fill out a claim form to get
covered expenses back from the insurance company. The claim
forms are usually included in the enrollment packet. More
claim forms can be requested over the phone, and these
days, some companies provide a downloadable from that can
be printed from a website.

The advantage of these types of plans is that they can be
used almost anywhere. A pet owner can choose their own
vets, specialists, or pet hospitals. Some US plans will
even pay for services in Canada and Mexico, so they are
very flexible.

They can also be customized. Pet owners can pick and choose
services according to their needs and benefits. Services
like pet dental care or prescription benefits usually can
be covered with optional benefits. This ability to make a
custom pet health insurance plan allows the pet owners to
control their monthly payment, and also to have the type of
coverage that works well for them.

Many vets really do want their clients to take out pet
health care insurance on their dog or cat. They believe
that people with covered pets will be more likely to accept
the services that the vet tells them they need because they
know that the out of pocket costs will be lower. Some vets
may actually promote one particular plan or another, and
even agree to handle the paperwork and billing.

If you think that pet health plans would help you get
proper care for you own beloved Fido or Fluffy, it is easy
to shop around on the internet. Many websites will allow
you to compare various options, quote prices, and even
apply online.


----------------------------------------------------
Compare and quote pet insurance. Get some help with our pet
insurance reviews.
http://usinsurancereviews.com/pet/pet-insurance-review-embra
ce-pet-insurance-reviewed/


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It's easier to keep your dog happy if it is healthy. The
way to keep your dog happy and healthy is to watch where
they go, what they do and never home treat for illnesses.
Your dog needs you to be the alpha and make sure they avoid
potential hazards.

Here a list of things every dog owner should know:

Antifreeze: Yes, dogs like the taste of antifreeze and will
drink it up. Keep antifreeze away from your dog. Don't
let your dog wander the hood where antifreeze could be
available for them to drink. Dogs that drink antifreeze
usually don't survive.

Acetaminophen (over the counter pain reliever): don't give
these to your dog if trying to treat him without the advice
of a veterinary and make sure the bottles are away from
where they could spill and your dog will eat them. Mild
poisoning has a possibility of recovering, but severe
poisoning will cause the dog to die.

Alcohol: if your pet has drunk enough, this develops into
slow breathing, possibly coma and cardiac arrest, or heart
attack.

Bread Dough: the dough fermentation in the gastrointestinal
tract results in the formation of an alcohol which in turn
develops into slow breathing, possibly coma and cardiac
arrest, or heart attack.

Amitraz (tick control): Make sure your dog can't chew it's
flea/tick collar or if you pour on tick control, be sure to
use it correctly. If diagnosed quickly, most dogs will
recover. Please remember when using this to prevent ticks,
it is also very toxic to your pet.

Asprin: do not give to your dog for home treatment. If you
simply must give your dog aspirin, use one of the buffered
products to help protect his stomach, give the aspirin with
a meal, and use it in close consultation with your vet.

Carbon Monoxide: don't run your car in a garage if your
dog is in there, also watch out using heaters in closed
rooms or area with low ventilation. The prognosis is good
if poisoning is mild; however it may take up to 6 weeks for
signs of brain damage due to oxygen starvation to develop.
This is irreversible.

Chocolate: Your dog will show symptoms of chocolate
poisoning within 6-12 hours of eating it. Vomiting,
diarrhea and hyperactivity are common. Prevention of
chocolate poisoning is easy - eat all the chocolate
yourself!! Whether or not a dog recovers from theobromine
poisoning depends on how much he has eaten, and how severe
the symptoms.

Grapes: As much as dogs seem to like them, grapes, sultanas
and raisins can be very toxic to dogs, if enough of them
are eaten. If poisoning is caught early, before your dog
shows any symptoms of kidney failure, he should survive.
However, if his kidneys have shut down and he's not
producing any urine, the prognosis is poor, and he's
unlikely to survive.

Lead Poisoning: If you're doing any home renovations and
the paint on your walls contains lead, sanding the walls
can leave paint residue around the floor. Your dog may
inadvertently lick the lead containing dust from his paws
or coat. In the past, there have been recalls of children's
toys because of excess lead content; a puppy may chew a toy
and become unwell. Lead poisoning can certainly be fatal
to your dog, and some dogs that recover may show permanent
neurological changes.

Molds (or moulds): The main species of mold which grows on
foods your dog may eat is Aspergillus, and the toxin is
called aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is one of the most poisonous
substances found in nature. This can also be fatal. Some
veterinarians believe that this slow poisoning by low doses
of aflatoxin is under diagnosed, and occurs more frequently
than we think.

Mothballs: Naphthalene is the active ingredient in most
mothballs. Dogs with mild symptoms usually recover with
treatment, however if your dog has liver failure, the
prognosis isn't as good. Keep your dog away from sources
of naphthalene.

Onions: It doesn't matter if they are cooked or raw, onions
and garlic both contain thiosulphate. While poisoning isn't
all that common, it still occurs and it can kill, in high
doses onions and garlic are quite poisonous to him.

Organophosphates: found in some older flea and tick rinses,
and although there are many newer and safer alternatives,
organophosphate poisoning is still one of the top three
chemical agents responsible for deaths in animals. The
other two are the anticoagulant rodenticides, and ethylene
glycol (antifreeze). Use one of the newer flea control
products which are often more effective and much safer.


----------------------------------------------------
Diagnosis of the cause of poisoning can be difficult. It
will help if you can tell your vet as much as you can about
your dog's environment and recent activity. ... When you
are close to your pet, you will know where they have been
and what they have done. Keep your dog happy and healthy
by preventing poison in the first place.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Training-You-and-Your-Dog-to-Be-Ha
ppy&id=1584514

http://KeepYourDogHappy.com


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Why Should You Get Pet Insurance?

Posted by myGPT Team | 10:08 PM | 0 comments »

Pet insurance is something that many of us put off, simply
for the fact that it is seen as an unnecessary expense.
However, did you ever think that your pet is just like one
of the family? And would you ever consider going without
health insurance for your family? If you would never leave
your family uninsured, then why leave your pet uninsured?
Cost is the main reason, but this is nothing compared to
the cost of losing a beloved pet.

Pet insurance has in fact been around for a long time,
helping pet owners to save money on veterinary bills. These
costs do not come cheap, and simple problems will cost you
money. And if your pet becomes seriously ill due to factors
beyond your control, you may not be able to pay to make
your pet healthy again if you have not taken out the
insurance. It is a sad fact, but hundreds of us have had to
say goodbye to our pets simply because of the money.

There are many pet insurance plans to choose from, and
these vary. It is important to do your research and choose
the plan for your pet carefully. Plans should cover annual
checkups and routine care, but some may not exceed this. So
make sure that if your pet has sickness or injury, your pet
will be covered. It may also be the case that you need to
pay for general checkups and not for emergencies, which is
fine so long as you know exactly what you are paying for.
Once you have chosen the plan, emergency coverage should
start straight away but you may have to wait for certain
other benefits.

The cost is a big concern for many, and will depend on the
age of your bed, the breed, or anything else of importance.
If your pet has had medical conditions in the past then
this may increase the costs.

You might choose to pay slightly more for a completely
comprehensive plan which will offer you the best
protection. These can start when your pet is just a few
months old, going up to around 8 years on average, but some
will extend to as old as 27 years. If you cannot afford
this then you could also do some research into whether
there are any discounts available, or you could try saving
money before you buy your pet to ensure you can afford
their insurance.

These are the basics behind this issue, and it is important
to do your research so you know exactly what you are
covered for and how much this will cost. A simple internet
search should yield a variety of insurance providers, and
you should compare their websites to see which gives you
the best deal. Do not just go for the cheapest option -
make sure that your pet is covered so that you will be
prepared and looked after if anything does go wrong with
their health.


----------------------------------------------------
Learn more about pet training.
http://www.petzenter.com


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When Kids and Dog Meet on the Street

Posted by myGPT Team | 10:15 AM | 0 comments »

Kids and dogs meeting on the street can be adorable when
all goes well. Here are some tips on making that
experience as pleasant as possible.

Asking someone if their dog is friendly is a polite way of
letting them know you'd like to pet their dog. It's an
especially good way to teach children that all dogs aren't
interested in being touched by a stranger… so be careful.

No matter the weather, we all want to venture outside for a
walk in the neighborhood including our four legged friends.
While most dogs are friendly, wonderful, and playful,
every dog has the capacity to feel threatened and may react
in an unexpected way.

Since you can't judge a dog's demeanor based on its
cuteness, here are some tips so everyone gets along. Tips
for a child to approach a dog and its owner:

1. Ask the owner if their dog is friendly and if they can
pet their dog
2. Offer a back hand fist or hand out with fingers down
3. Let the dog approach the child to sniff
4. Pet a dog gently reaching from the side, not over its
head
5. Ask to offer their dog a treat as dogs remember those
who reward them

Since some dogs may not be familiar with children's sounds
and actions, it's a good idea for children to refrain from
screaming, squealing, and running. Even puppies who may
seem harmless love to nip, chew, and chase small children
which could be fun or frightening for both parties.

Some dogs perceive direct eye contact as threatening. That
might present a problem when your child is standing face to
face with them. You'll want to be close enough to all of
them to intervene if there's a problem.

Americans love dogs – we own more than 65 million of them.
Unfortunately, there are about 5 million dog bites a year
according the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC says
nearly 1 million of those bites required medical attention
with half of those involving children.

The interaction between a child and a strange dog can be a
sweet moment and an endearing one that hopefully inspires
them to make a dog a part of their family someday. By
taking simple precautions, it can be a pleasant experience
that leaves everyone with a smile on their face.


----------------------------------------------------
As the Dogsexpert, and Founder of
http://www.LeashesandLovers.com , Sheryl Matthys talks with
dog lovers on how their dogs impact their personal
relationships. Leashes and Lovers offers online
connections http://www.FetchaFriend.com where dog lovers
can search and connect around the world for friendship,
doggie playdates, same breed of dog, and possibly love!
Sheryl has two children, two greyhounds and is a certified
dog trainer.


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Healthy Dog Food

Posted by myGPT Team | 4:23 AM | 0 comments »

With so much choice available in supermarkets, there is
growing concern over what the best dog food is. Dog owners
want to find a healthy option as well as saving money on
their dog food. You may spend a lot of time researching the
best deals, but do you ever think about what the standards
are for them that is sold in this country?

Like anything else, they are regulated by legislation in
most countries throughout the world. For example, in the
USA all manufacturers must comply with the regulations of
the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The Association of
American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is careful to
monitor manufacturing standards including the ingredients
that go into all brands. In the UK, and some countries of
Europe, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF)
regulated all pet food. This includes guidelines on the
manufacture of the food, its labeling and its advertising.

Whilst the ingredients are monitored, this does not mean
that what being sold in the United States is monitored
specifically on its nutritional value to our beloved pets.
In fact many manufacturers are even able to add chemicals
to their food which are known to contribute negatively to
an animal's health. Not only this, but different ages of
animal suit different types of food. Advertising campaigns
from the major manufacturers can aim their food at the
wrong age of dog, meaning that your pet may not be getting
the nutrition that it really needs.

Veterinary research shows that many ingredients of pet
food, both in the US and in Europe, can be harmful to
animals and call for a strengthening of standards to
control the inclusion of additives. Until this is
regulated, what can you do to ensure the health of your dog
and to make sure that what you feed him is what he needs?

When purchasing them, always be sure to read the label
carefully. This will include a list of ingredients, where
the top food ingredients will be listed. If you notice that
cereal is top of the list this means that what you are
buying is mainly made up of ground cereals which are not
great for nutritional value. You may also notice several
chemicals on the ingredients list, so be wary if there are
a large amount or do some research into the effects of
these chemicals.

You can also do some research on the internet, reading
about the development and manufacture of your favorite
brands. Note if they were tested on other animals, what the
results were and read any advice about safety to your dog.

Once you have carefully checked the available information
you can also ask your vet any specific questions that you
are still unsure of. Those this may take a little time, it
is extremely important to ensure that your pet lives
healthily for as many years as possible. Be diligent when
it comes to shopping for dog food and you will soon learn
what is best for your pet.


----------------------------------------------------
Learn more about wholesale pet supplies.
http://www.pettricktips.com
pet care directory.
http://www.careyourpet.com


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Bird watching and wild bird feeding has become a
fascinating and enjoyable pastime for many people around
the world. We love watching the variety of birds visiting
our homes and yards. If you are interested in setting up
bird feeding stations around your home there are some
things you need to know about different species and their
feeding habits as well as the different types of bird
feeders available. Sunflower seed bird feeders come in
many forms which serve different purposes.

The Caged Triple Tube Bird Feeder can not only be used for
feeding sunflower seed but can be used for feeding three
different types of seed at once. The tube parts of the
feeder that hold the seed are fitted with metal ports (on
the quality tube feeders) that will help stop house
sparrows from raiding your feeder. Also the cage around
the tubes keeps your feed safe from the larger birds like
Jays and Grackles and keeps the squirrels out too. Single
Tube Caged Bird Feeders are also available if you want to
feed only sunflower or one type of seed.

These tube feeders are loved by Chickadees, Evening
Grosbeaks, Titmice, Nuthatches, Jays, House Finches, Purple
Finches, Redpolls, Woodpeckers and Cardinals. If you want
to restrict their use to smaller birds use a tube feeder
without a tray. If you use one without perches you will
restrict the feeder use to only species that can cling like
finches, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and small
woodpeckers.

There are sunflower seed bird feeders that are constructed
of wire mesh also. These sturdy feeders are squirrel
resistant because they are made entirely of metal. No
plastic and no wood. Some of them hold as much as 6 pounds
of sunflower seed! There are several different designs of
wire mesh feeders, some with perch rings and trays and some
without.

So the first thing you need to do when deciding on which
types of feeders to use for your bird feeding station is to
decide which species you want to attract to your yard. If
you don't know what birds live near you, check with your
local Audubon Society. They should have a list of birds
for your specific area.

Read up on the wild birds that live in your neck of the
woods, or grasslands, or desert, or even in your city, and
decide which species you want to watch, close up. Many
songbirds prefer sunflower seed because of its high fat
content. Sunflower seed bird feeders take advantage of
this, offering you the biggest bang for your buck
considering the number of different wild birds that will be
attracted to these feeders.

In conclusion, having the right bird feeders and mounting
them in the proper locations is essential for attracting
the species you want to observe to your backyard.
Sunflower seed bird feeders will attract a large variety of
birds and should be one of your first choices for your
feeding station. You will probably want to add other types
of feeders to your yard also because the greater the
variety, the more different species of birds you will
attract.


----------------------------------------------------
Larry Jordan has been bird watching for many years and
building birdhouses for over 26 years. For more information
on bird watching, bird houses, feeding wild birds, birds in
the news, bird conservation, and some great bird photos go
to http://www.thebirdersreport.com and sign up for his
newsletter or his RSS Feed.
For quality birding products visit his online store at
http://www.birdsinmyyard.com for some great deals and great
service.


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Dogs have always been a great companion to man. They are
there for us when we get home and will love us
unconditionally. However, for some more work is required to
build this peaceful relationship, and each must adjust to
their new environment. If you want to make the most out of
your pet you should be aware that it will take some time to
train your dog as best as possible.

Many people do not believe in behavior dog training, but it
is extremely important. When a dog comes into your house it
does not know about the rules, what it should and should
not do. You need to teach it how to live happily, and to do
so you must train it. Training your dog can often be a
frustrating process, but this is usually down to the fact
that people make many mistakes when training their dog.
Learn to avoid these and you will find the training process
a lot easier.

You have probably read many tips in books or on the
internet about training your dog. If you are trying to
change behavior of your dog, you may be trying certain
recommended steps, but are they working? You might be
frustrated to learn that after a week or so they are only
making the problem worse. But remember, it is completely
possible and all you need to do is recognize the mistakes
you are making.

Behavior training will actually vary depending on the breed
of your dog. Different breeds have different traits. Some
may not be good followers and may be born to lead. You need
to be careful if this is true, as you will need to change
the process to make their training successful. There are
also many different training styles, and these will work on
some dogs but not on others. So, before you start make sure
you understand your dog's breed and the appropriate style
of training to use.

Whatever the breed of dog, try not to be too controlling.
You are the leader, and dogs in packs respond to one
leader. However, this doesn't mean you should be completely
controlling. Don't make your dog keep repeating the same
mistake over and over. It may become aggressive or
unwilling to continue. Instead, take a break from training
when this is appropriate. You could try training for a few
minutes at a time every day.

Remember that reward is a central part to training your
dog. You should provide treats for your dog, to show your
affection as well as to motivate them in to performing well
in order to win a treat. They will soon learn what leads to
treats and start performing better. Treats do not
necessarily have to be food, so you could give them a
favorite toy to play with as a reward. Also remember to
tell your dog that they have been good and give them a nice
pat too! Once you bear these factors in mind you will start
to see great improvements when training your pet.


----------------------------------------------------
Discount Pet Supplies
http://www.petgoodhealth.com
Pet Products Directory
http://www.pet-tipstoday.com


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How Dog Pets Cure Senior Ailments!

Posted by myGPT Team | 12:47 PM | 0 comments »

Dog pets have for countless eons been heralded: "man's best
friend!" They're always at the front door to greet their
favorite working man or woman when they return from a
tedious day's labor.

They patiently endure hours of solitude in an empty house
ever listening for the sounds of their special person's
return. And lo and behold, when that individual arrives,
they lavish him, or her, with a welcome rivaling the
adoration bestowed upon imperial rulers of ancient Rome.

When the world throws trash, or misery of any kind at us,
they stand beside us, ready to faithfully confront whatever
the forthcoming peril may be.

We award them with special, personal names. We lovingly
call them Prince, Sheba, Fido or any number of
appellations. We create complete personalities and natural
attitudes around the names we give them.

It usually doesn't matter what the dog breeds are. We
don't care if they are a small dog that we can carry in a
purse, coat pocket or in our arms.

They might even be a large dog that requires education with
dog etiquette, and how to conduct itself on a leash.

Medical researchers tell us that the reality they're dogs
actually blurs in our minds.

As time passes, and we interact with them everyday, we
attribute to them personalities befitting humans. They
become virtual people in our thinking. Mentally we begin
to view them as human companions and not animals.

Before you throw up your hands and scream whoa...listen to
this little known fact. Science tells us this can be a
very therapeutic arrangement. Seniors particularly can
benefit immensely in an ongoing partnership with a dog pet.

Let's think about it for a moment and try to figure out why
we put up with a dog pet in the first place.

They plaster hair over all the furniture, and particularly
on your favorite dark suit or dress that you wear only on
special occasions.

It seems they always want to go outside at extremely
inappropriate times. For example, at ten o'clock on a rainy
Friday night, Prince scratches at the door to announce he
wants, and needs, to go outside.

Why would you want to share your life with a dog pet and
put up with its diverse, and sometimes irritating habits?

The answer is simple...we need them in our personal worlds
to make our lives more bearable.

Are you a senior parent whose house is now empty of young
voices and juvenile excitement? Have your kids moved on to
their own universes and no longer intrude on yours as much
as you would like them to?

Do you crawl out of bed each morning and wonder how you
will fill the hours until the end of the new day? Do you
welcome the air conditioning unit turning on and off
because it breaks the endless silence of an empty house?

Scientists have reasearched the subject. They have
documented the very real symbiotic partnership that
develops between humans and their dog pets.

Let's take them one by one!

1.Research has proved that pet and owner share a mutual
need for each other and both profit from the arrangement.

2.A person's mental and physical health demonstrate a
marked improvement once a dog pet comes to live in the
household.

3.Seniors' loneliness dissolves and they exhibit increasing
vigor and contentment in a developing owner dog pet
relationship.

4.Research reveals that people feel needed by the pet and
are forced to develop a schedule for providing for the
animal's welfare.

5.The ownership reliance requirement on the human increased
the pet owner's need to become more enthused and aware of
their own personal welfare.

In the final analysis of the report, researchers noted the
conclusion that the human owners felt more needed and
valuable as individuals because of the dependency of the
dog pet.

The report brought out that the senior owners particularly
developed an enthusiastic desire to face each day. The dog
pet had a fixed schedule for its needs and the owner found
it a necessary routine to be followed each day.

If you're a dog pet owner, sometimes you may feel that
they're just too much trouble, and take up too much of your
time.

When that happens, just give Butch an extra doggy treat for
supper, and an added ear scratch.

Why? Because it's very good for your mental and physical
health. And if you're a senior, it just may go a long way
in curing your ailments!


----------------------------------------------------
Raymond Angus is a widely published author of articles and
books. He writes about how seniors and "baby boomers"
prosper in today's world. To read more by him visit :>
http://www.theseniorslife.com


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Guide To Responsible Pet Ownership

Posted by myGPT Team | 6:49 AM | 0 comments »

From insects to alpacas, pets come in all shapes and sizes.
Many families feel that they are not complete without some
little (or large) critter to love. In fact, more than 60%
of all American households have pets, and many of those
have more than one. If you are considering buying or
adopting a new pet, you need to make sure that you are
already to take on the demands of a furry (or scaly)
companion.

Choosing the Right Pet

When most people think of family pets they think of furry
one like dogs, cats, and a variety of domestic rodents.
While these are common pets, they are far from the only
options out there. Fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and
even insects can all be great pets for a loving family.
Choosing the right pet starts with a close look at your
current lifestyle.

One of the most important considerations to make is the
amount of time you have free to devote to your pet. Dogs,
for instance, need daily exercise and grooming. Are you
going to be able to provide that? If you have a very busy
lifestyle, choose a pet that requires less work to care
for. There are many options that fit well into a busy life,
including pet insects and reptiles. Some small rodents,
like mice or guinea pigs, fit well into busy families.

Keep in mind that your child's pet will be your pet. Sure,
your child will promise that he will walk, feed, and pick
up after the dog, but these are ultimately your
responsibility. If they do not get done, you will have to
step in and do them for your child. Do not pick a pet that
you are not willing to care for and assume that your child
will.

You also want to consider the financial responsibility of
owning a pet. Some pets require much more of a financial
investment than others. A few crickets each week to feed a
lizard will not cost much, but bag after bag of dog or cat
food does add up. Before you choose a pet, find out all of
the gear the pet will need, and decide if you can afford
it. Also, make sure you consider the cost of vet bills.
Failure to take an injured or sick pet to the vet is
considered animal cruelty, no matter what your income
situation may be.

Finally, consider any allergies in the home and extended
family. Your immediate family may be fine owning a rabbit,
but if grandma is allergic to the bunny's fur, you will be
sentencing your children to never enjoying a visit from
grandma. If someone you care about is allergic to a
particular animal, choose something else.

Make a Lifetime Commitment

The animal shelters are full of animals whose families
simply decided they did not want to be pet owners anymore.
Before you adopt or buy an animal, make sure you realize
that you are making a lifetime commitment to your new pet.
Take into consideration the expected lifespan of the animal
you are choosing.

This is not something to take lightly. Some animals, such
as parrots, can live as long as 70 years. Take the time to
research the lifespan of the pet you have chosen. Also, if
the lifespan is relatively short, such as for some fish and
rodent species, you will want to prepare any children in
the family for the eventual demise of their beloved pet.

Protect from Unwanted Reproduction

If you purchase a pet, such as a dog or cat, that can be
spayed or neutered, have it done. Unless you are planning
to breed the animal to sell the babies, there is no reason
to keep it intact. Unwanted reproduction will only put more
animals in the shelters.

You can also protect yourself from unwanted reproduction in
small rodents. Be sure you know the sex of the pet before
you buy it. Separate males from females in order to avoid
an eventual litter of new critters.

Prepare Your Home for Your New Pet

Once you have chosen the type of pet you want and have
decided to make a lifetime commitment to that new family
member, you need to prepare your home for its new addition.
If the pet will be one that can roam through the house,
make sure it is safe. Put away medications and cleaners in
a place where the pet cannot access them. Find out if your
houseplants are ones that are poisonous to animals, and put
them out of reach if they are.

Provide a place for your pet to have as his own. If your
pet is kept in a cage or tank, this is easy enough to do.
Put a shelter of some sort in the habitat that the pet can
go to when he wants some privacy. If your pet is going to
have free reign in your house, give him a bed in a
designated area where he will not be disturbed. Sometimes a
crate works well. Every animal needs a place to go where
other family members or pets will not intrude.

Where to Find Pets

The most obvious place to find pets available for sale is a
pet store. If you are purchasing a small pet, such as a
fish or hamster, this may be a good option. Larger pets,
such as dogs, are often kept in poor conditions in a pet
store, and they are also usually overpriced.

Adopting a pet that is in an animal shelter is always a
good choice, if it works for you. Contact your local animal
shelter to find out what types of animals they currently
have available. Keep in mind that you may have a difficult
time finding a young animal, like a kitten or puppy,
because these are very popular and tend to get adopted
quickly.

You can also find pets through animal classifieds, either
online or through your local paper. This can be a great way
to find an affordable animal or to purchase directly from a
breeder. By shopping online animal classifieds, you will
have a better chance of finding up to date information
about available animals. This is also a great resource for
those shopping for a more exotic pet that is not likely to
be found in a pet store or animal shelter.


----------------------------------------------------
Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on
various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has
come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This
article was written on behalf of
http://www.petclassifieds.us , a popular pets for sale
website.


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How You Can Help Fight Animal Cruelty

Posted by myGPT Team | 11:02 AM | 0 comments »

Animal cruelty is something that is close to many people's
hearts. Many think of it as an abuse that is akin to child
abuse, since animals are also defenseless against the hands
or neglect of humans.

It tends to rouse similar anger and outrage as well, and
there are now many agencies that are set up to help prevent
animal cruelty, and also shelters where rescued animals
find solace and comfort from their abusive or neglectful
environments.

Years ago, there were not even any laws set up to protect
animals from abuse, and abusers were able to get away with
doing just about anything they wanted without consequence.

Now, there are animal protection laws set up in almost
every state, and if you are found guilty of inhumane
treatment of an animal, you are subject to anything from
fines to community service, to jail time.

While we've come a long way in legislating animal
protection laws, there is still room for improvement, as
they are not stiff enough penalties in most people's eyes,
and it seems that it's still taken rather lightly.

While I'm not aligned with the extreme mentality of animal
rights groups that preach vegetarianism and use tactics
that I don't deem appropriate to get their point across, I
certainly admire what they are trying to do, which is
drawing attention to the animal kingdom and getting the
word out that our furry friends need our help when they do
not have a voice of their own to defend themselves.

One can read about stories of inhumane treatment weekly in
any newspaper, and some of the stories are enough to make
one nauseous. There are stories of animals left in homes
without food or water, in their own waste and crawling with
fleas and ticks, stories of farm animals abandoned,
neglected, underfed and abused, and horrifying tales of
household pets being beaten, starved, deprived of care, and
even killed at the hands of the very people who are
supposed to take care of them, that all still need to be
addressed.

There are some steps you can take to make sure you are not
a silent voice in the quest to prevent animal cruelty, you
just need to be aware of your surroundings and know what to
look for.

You can report any suspicions to the local police, or if
you have an agency that works with abused animals, you can
call on them to investigate and rectify also, usually the
APL (Animal Protective League) and other similar shelters
and animal rights nonprofit organizations will be able to
help as well.

Some of the signs to look for you may already know, as most
people who are animal lovers have a built in instinct for
knowing when an animal has been abused or neglected. Many
animals who have been physically abused will be hand shy.

They will not want to come near you or any other person,
and may be especially leery of their owners or react in an
aggressive way toward them or others.

While this does not always indicate abuse, as some animals
are just tempered that way, it is a good underlying factor
to look at when determining if an animal has been
physically abused.

If an animal has patches of fur missing or looks extremely
thin, or even if they are overrun with fleas, this may
indicate neglect. Another one to look for is animals that
you see outside on extremely cold days, tied to a chain for
hours without any warm shelter. This is dangerous and can
be abuse if the animal does not have a place of shelter to
retreat to.

Likewise if they are left chained outside for hours without
food or water - water of course being the most vital of the
two. Use your judgment, there are always animals that may
be acclimated to certain situations, but if you
consistently see this, and are suspicious it may be worth
an investigation by an officer of an animal protection
agency or the police department.

Of course the most obvious thing to look out for is
actually witnessing an act of animal abuse. If you see a
person physically assaulting an animal, please make sure
you report this immediately, as this is the most blatant
and obvious form of animal abuse and certainly warrants a
report for investigation.

If we all do our part in preventing animal cruelty, we can
make this world a better and safer place for our furry
friends who entrust us with their life and well being. If
we don't look out for them, who will?


----------------------------------------------------
Danna Schneider owns several websites associated with
natural health and holistic, spiritually satisfying and
healthy living http://www.herbalnewsmagazine.com . She also
contributes to and owns http://www.herbal-therapeutics.com
where one can find herbal remedies and natural supplements
as well as herbal medicines for just about anything you
need to make your life better and healthier.


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Dog Food Ingredients Explained

Posted by myGPT Team | 1:31 AM | 0 comments »

What do they mean by fillers?

Used in low quality, cheap commercial dog foods, fillers
are basically put in the dog's "food" to save the
manufacturer money, not to increase nutritional values.
These include inedible and hard to digest products such as:
cereal byproducts, - cottonseed hulls, - crushed peanut
shells, - straw, - corn and crushed corncobs, - weeds, and
- feathers.

A cheap dog food filled with corn fillers, listed as corn,
corn meal, and corn gluten meal should be avoided as this
is used as substitute for higher quality animal protein
sources.

These fillers are not just unpalatable, but can be
dangerous to your pet. They can cause digestive problems,
allergies, and in immune deficient puppies or older pets
can cause severe medical problems. .

What is a by-product?

Found in cheap dog food, meat by-products are euphemisms
for parts of animals that wouldn't be considered edible by
any smart consumer. Meat by-products actually do not
contain meat. By-products are part of the animals that are
left over after the meat has been stripped away from the
bone. Thrown into the cheap dog food stew pot then would
be items such as heads, feet, entrails, hoofs, entrails,
lungs, spleen, kidneys, brains, stomach, bones, blood,
intestines and lots of other parts of the carcass not fit
for human consumption.

Also, the boiled down flesh of road kill, zoo animals, and
4-D (dead, diseased, disabled dying) livestock is
considered okay with these manufacturers. This also can
include dogs and cats that have been euthanized. Avoid dog
food with blood meal, which is an inexpensive protein
booster. The animal source is usually not stated, and the
blood can be contaminated with residues of hormones, or
medications.

What is a non-specific meat source?

If the main protein source is listed as "meat" this is to
be avoided, It is always mystery meat such as: spoiled
rotten meat from the grocery store (Styrofoam wrap and
all), - Road kill that can't be buried on the roadside, -
heads, feet, skin, hair, feathers, carpel and tarsal
joints, and mammary glands are used from the
slaughterhouses. Animals that died are used, cancerous
tissue and all, - tumors and worm infested organs are also
rendered. Injection sites are rendered, blood clots and
all. Stomach and unclean bowels are rendered.
Contaminated material including blood is rendered.
Carcasses with high levels of drugs or pesticides in excess
of limits prescribed under the FDA (not fit for human
consumption) are rendered.

Everything is pitched into large vats and slowly ground,
then cooked at low temps till the grease rises to the top.
This is the source of animal fat listed in the dog food
ingredients. The leftovers are put, raw, into a press
where the moisture is squeezed out, and this is the "meat"
used in the cheap dog food brands.

Why are artificial colors, preservatives and flavors used?

Flavor is added, because most pets wouldn't eat the
finished product without some sort of cover up for the
horrible smell. These additional flavors are usually from
rancid restaurant grease. This grease sometimes sits in
dumpsters, out in the sun for weeks. This is what the pet
food manufacturers buy to add as flavoring, which is
sprayed onto the kibble. Also sugar or corn syrup is used
to cover up the bad taste of the inferior kibble.

Different dyes are used to make the food look good to us,
the pet owner. The pet certainly doesn't care what color
their food is, and the dyes are not necessary and are
considered harmful.

Artificial preservatives are used to extend the shelf life
of the dog food. The main ones to avoid are: BHA
(butylated hydroxytolulene), propyl gallate, propylene
glycol (also used in automotive antifreeze, and is
suspected of causing red blood cell damage) and ethoxyquin.
These are all potentially cancer causing agents that your
pets are eating every day.

This all sounds pretty grim, but rest assured there are
many extremely excellent, ultra premium organic dog foods
now being manufactured without any of the above crap in
them. These highly reputable and conscientious companies
have philosophies aimed at providing you and your pet the
best of the best when it comes to nutrition and peace of
mind.

A lot of pet owners are also now making their own all
natural dog food at home, and this is always better than
the junk the commercial pet food manufacturers are feeding
our pets. It is easy, and comparable in price to buying
the premium organic dog food brands, as long as you use a
proper nutritionally balanced dog food recipe. There are
many all natural, healthy dog food recipe books for sale,
and also readily available on the internet are all sorts of
high quality dog food recipes E-books and websites
featuring home cooked pet food.

Whatever you choose for your pet, remember we speak for
them, and choose the best for them that you are able to
give.


----------------------------------------------------
I am an animal lover and advocate of raising healthy, happy
pets, as part of the family. I truly believe this starts
with proper, adequate nutrition, which in turn extends your
pets life.
Check out what is the best of the best for you dog here:
http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com


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Cat health insurance is a great way to protect your feline
from illness and injury. For literally a few bucks per
month you can have peace of mind no matter what comes your
way.

Taking good care of your cat requires diligence, awareness,
and some monetary investment. As maintenance is the
critical factor in preventing serious problems from
occurring and minimizing the impact when issues do arise,
going to the vet for 1 to 2 checkups per year is an
essential minimum.

Many cat health insurance plans will cover routine visits
to the vet. These regular office visits should consist of
yearly vaccines, fecal and blood samples, and a thorough
physical examination.

Without insurance you could expect to spend $75 to $200 per
visit, per cat, depending on your exact regimen and the
pricing in your region. A good cat insurance provider can
save you substantially, even with 50% to 70% coverage.

Aside from your regularly scheduled exams, there is always
the chance your cat(s) will need to go to the vet for
unexpected reasons. Felines are potentially vulnerable to
an entire range of specific ailments and diseases.

Problems like feline leukemia, distemper, and feline dental
lesions are all very serious in nature, and likely to
require expensive treatment. Cat health insurance will
cover medical expenses associated with these and other
illnesses.

Aside from pathological setbacks, felines are naturally
prone to accident because of their curious and adventurous
natures. Cat health insurance will help you pay for such
traumas as vehicle accidents, poisoning, bite wounds, and
more.

It's not difficult to find cat insurance that offers
coverage of 70%, 90%, and even 100%. And in many cases your
deductible will be a very nominal $50 to $100.

In the event you accrue a veterinary bill of $1,000 or more
(not uncommon by any means), a cat healthcare plan can make
the difference between a major financial setback and a
reasonable outlay. You should have no trouble finding
numerous testimonials from cat owners who have saved
tremendously because of their insurance policy.

Cat health insurance is available in a wide range of policy
structures. You can choose a plan that covers only
accidents, a program that handles accidents and selected
illness, or even a complete system that supports all injury
& disease, and includes a wellness plan.

Any good cat insurance company will provide you with a
totally free quote. And you can then select your exact
level of coverage according to your budget.

For many people, the question arises: What if I pay my cat
health insurance for many years and my feline never gets
ill or injured?

If this happens, congratulations! Your cat has led an
amazingly healthy and fortunate life! And your insurance
payments have allowed you to enjoy great peace of mind all
the while.

It's worth pointing out that all insurance, whether
automotive, home, or health is largely about the comfort
derived from knowing your coverage exists. Even if you
never have to use your insurance plan, having it available
will reduce your worry significantly.

And you can't put a price tag on the peace and comfort of
knowing you'll be able to take good care of your feline
friends no matter what comes up. These wonderful little
creatures provide you with unconditional love and
companionship for many years, it stands to reason that you
return the favor by keeping them as safe as possible.


----------------------------------------------------
For more easy, practical tips on keeping your cats in an
optimal state of feline health be sure to visit the
author's cat health care site now.
http://www.felinehealthblog.com


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Do you dread walking your dog? Does your dog walk you
around the block? Does your dog almost choke himself in his
eagerness to sniff the rose bushes? Do you secretly feel
out of control? Well perhaps it is time for you to think
about a halti head collar for your dog.

Halti dog training collars have been invented for those dog
owners who are not as strong as their dog physically or
mentally, and those petite owners who are lucky enough to
weigh less than their canine companion.

Coming in a variety of sizes, these training collars work
on the concept that dogs like to walk with their heads
pointing straight ahead. When you gently pull on the leash,
the halti collar brings the dog's head around in the
direction you are steering, ensuring that the rest of
Fido's body follows in the same direction.

Halti head collars can be used successfully on dogs of any
age. Obviously most puppies will accept them faster than an
older dog who is used to getting his own way. However,
patience and a few weeks of training can have Fido just as
well behaved as all the other dogs on your block.

Halti collars can also be ideal for the dog owner who has
painful joints or does not like the thought of hurting
their dog when embarking on leash training.

Halti head collars are not designed to leave on your dog on
a permanent basis. When the walk or training session is
over, it is vital that the collar be removed. Otherwise
there is a small but real risk of your dog tangling up his
collar with household objects resulting in serious injuries
(even strangulations).

Halti collars are not supposed to be used with a yanking
motion. A gentle pull in the desired direction is all that
is needed to have Fido sticking to the chosen path. Halti
head collars are also not designed for allowing Fido to run
extremely fast to the end of the leash. This style of
activity will have Fido bouncing back like a furry yo-yo,
and could result in spinal whiplash injuries.

All in all, halti head collars are ideal for the out of
control dog, or the owner who is overwhelmed physically or
mentally. Large and boisterous dogs can be easily
controlled with this style of training collar. Dislocated
shoulders, and choking dogs will be a thing of the past
with a halti dog training collar.


----------------------------------------------------
Supplied by Billy Baker who has provided more detailed
information here on Halti collars -
http://tinyurl.com/6lroo7


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Arthritis in Dogs

Posted by myGPT Team | 5:40 PM | 0 comments »

Arthritis is a common problem in dogs. It is recognised by
symptoms such as the pet going stiff-legged after exercise,
showing reluctance in going up or down the stairs or
playing, and finding it uncomfortable to wake up in the
morning. Before the problem gets out of hand and has a
crippling effect on the life of the dog and that of the dog
owner, it is important to take proper care of the dog and
consult the vet for a thorough diagnosis, if required.

Let's begin by knowing what arthritis is. Arthritis is a
condition involving the joints. There are two types of
arthritis: Degenerative arthritis and inflammatory
arthritis. In the former, the cartilage that protects the
bones making the joint wither away due to various factors
like overuse from strenuous activities, aging, accidents
and other bodily deficiencies. This type of arthritis is
also known as osteoarthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis involves inflammation of joints
arising mostly from infections due to systemic deficiencies
in the dog. Both the forms of arthritis in dogs are
accompanied by pain and discomfort in moving the limbs.

There are two approaches to treating arthritis in dogs.
However, before beginning any treatment with medicines, it
is essential to have a thorough diagnostic assessment done
to find out the nature and extent of joint damage and cause
of pain.

The first approach involves regulating the diet. If the dog
is overweight, the extra weight may be putting more stress
on the joints than it can handle. So, weight reduction is
an important component of any treatment plan. The dog
should be put on a balanced and nutritious diet rich in
proteins, minerals and fiber. It should drink plenty of
fluids to flush out toxins from the body. Try to avoid dry
dog food which contains grains that perpetuates
inflammation and may aggravate arthritis pain. Instead, the
dog can be given homemade food containing celery, other
fresh vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, lettuce and
sometimes garlic which has anti-septic and
anti-inflammatory properties.

The second approach involves giving the dog supplements
that reduce arthritis swelling and pain, such as
Glucosamine, dietary sulphur sources like
Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM), and Omerga-3 fatty acids
found abundantly in fish. Side by side, the dog should be
given massage of the sore muscles and joints and kept off
from damp environs.

If these natural therapies do not work, the dog may require
an examination by the vet who can recommend pain killers
and other therapeutic procedures to provide relief from
arthritis pain and other symptoms.


----------------------------------------------------
Dr Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer.
If you are a pet owner or therapist, sign up for her free
report on keeping your pet healthy naturally, by logging in
at http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com .


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Raw Food Diets in Dogs and Cats

Posted by myGPT Team | 10:50 AM | 0 comments »

The systems in animals are accustomed to raw food and use
it effectively for maintaining good health and well-being.
In this way, in the wild animals live long and healthy
lives. However, in our homes, we tend to give our dogs and
cats cooked food or processed food bought from
supermarkets. They may affect their natural vitality and
immune systems and make our pets prone to infections,
allergies and other diseases. Raw food diets for dogs and
cats are generally advantageous in terms of the nutritional
support they provide to the body, promoting the immune
system and making it strong enough to fight off diseases.

Studies have revealed that commercially processed foods
lack several vital nutrients; this can make a dog
hypersensitive and extremely susceptible to allergies.
Moreover, consumption of too the quantity of grains that
these processed foods contain can also be harmful for the
dog's teeth. In one particular study carried out with 900
cats over 10 years, it was found that the rate of
degeneration was higher in cats that were not fed on raw
foods than cats fed on raw foods. Cats fed on two-thirds
raw meat and one-third raw milk with little cod liver oil
diets were found to do better than cats that had processed
food of identical calorific value. The study also revealed
that cats fed on cooked food were at higher risk of heart
problems, thyroid complications, vision problems,
infections of kidneys, liver, testes and bladder and even
paralysis and meningitis. Irritation and sexual displeasure
were also some of the symptoms that the cats fed on cooked
foods displayed.

Many owners are afraid to put their dogs and cats on raw
food from the fear of contracting infections by the pets
from parasites, salmonella and harmful bacteria that raw
foods may contain. However, such thoughts are reasonably
misplaced, as dogs and cats have short alimentary tract
with strong acidic environment that 'kills' these harmful
organisms and prevent their proliferation in the body.
Owners can also add Fulvic acid to the raw food diet of
dogs and cats; this acid is an excellent neutralizer of
toxins and can drastically cut down the risk of food
poisoning.

Raw food diets for dogs and cats can have several choices
and may include raw meat such as chicken, pig feet, beef
heart, raw vegetables including sea vegetables, raw eggs,
chia seeds, coconut oil, raw garlic, grounded or pureed raw
carrots and other greens and nutrients. The bones in the
meat are excellent source of dietary calcium that dogs and
cats require abundantly for good health and vitality.


----------------------------------------------------
Dr Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer.
If you are a pet owner or therapist, sign up for her free
report on keeping your pet healthy naturally, by logging in
at http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com .


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