When choosing the type of dog food to feed your dog, you need to consider his age, breed, your dog’s activity level and also his health condition. For instance, puppies and older dogs will have different types of nutritional needs and you need to ensure your dog or puppy has sufficient consumption of these nutrition for a long and healthy live. Regardless of any dog food you chose to feed your dog, ensure to choose one that is best for your dog to live a long, happy and healthy life. It is best if you seek advice from your veterinarian before deciding on which dog food to feed your dog or puppy.
Two most popular choices of dog foods are:
Dry Dog Food
Feeding your dog with dry dog food, usually in small pieces of kibbles, is perhaps one of the most popular choices among dog owners. However, not all dog food brands use high quality natural ingredients. Ensure to read the label of ingredients listed before purchasing any brands of dog food. Here are some guidelines to help you to have some ideas of what the label actually tells you:
No Preservative, Artificial Colors and Flavors. Generally, natural dog food contains no preservative, artificial colors and flavors. Consumption of these components may be harmful to your dog’s health if taken in a long run. Avoid those that labeled “chemical additives as a source of flavor”.
Color. Lookout for the color of the dog food, generally dog food made from natural ingredients is in soft earth tones. Existence of other colors may contain some source of additives.
Type of Meat. Avoid brands that labeled “ingredients include meat by-product”. Choose one that made from natural meat such as chicken, lamb or liver.
Raw Dog Food
According to veterinarian, feeding your dog with raw dog food is the healthiest and the best. Raw dog food contains all natural and unprocessed ingredients. A healthy raw dog food meal usually contains 40% meat, 30% fiber and 30% starch. Thereby, when preparing a meal for your dog, be sure to include some source of vegetables and starch in addition to the uncooked meat such as liver, beef, lamb and etc. Types of vegetables like broccoli, carrots and yams are all good sources of fibers and starches for your dog.
2008年8月28日星期四
2008年8月22日星期五
Essential Guide to Buying The Best Pet Parrot !!
All bird lovers listen up!! Do you know how many bird species are there in the world?
Answer: Over 9000 species. And out of which the parrot group itself consists of about 330
species and are particularly popular with pet owners.
If you are also thinking of keeping a pet parrot, read below for the tips I am going to
provide for selecting the suitable parrot for yourself and the family.
Parrot Buying Tip (1) -- Buy a young parrot
------------------------------------------------
Rearing a new parrot from young helps to facilitate taming. An older parrot can also be
tamed just that it takes more time and patience. However, the tricky part is in determing
the age of the bird. However, some basic things to look out for are the scales on its legs,
color of the eye and the color of the body. A young parrot often has a dark gray iris that
becomes white or brown when it grows up. The scales of young parrots are also much smoother
than that of mature birds. Their body color also appears initially to be much duller than
when they are matured.
The best option is to buy one which is newly born which is independent of its parent.
Parrot Buying Tip (2) -- Choose the right species of parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
Do you know the characteristics of the parrot you are interested in buying?
Do they
-make tremendously loud voices which can cause huge disturbance to the neighbours?
-have powerful beaks that can damage your personal belongings if let free in the house?
-need special accomodation, which will potentially incur higher costs for you. Bigger birds
would require bigger cages made of metal so that the parrot cannot damage it.
-need special nutritional foods? Some birds such as the lorikeets need special foods since
they feed on nectar. This also relates to cost.
Parrot Buying Tip (3) -- Check the condition of the parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
If possible, ask for a certified health certificate by the veterinary so that you have
assurance of buying a healthy parrot home. If that is not available, dont worry, you can
check out the below factors for some tell-tale signs on the conditions of the bird.
i) Inspect the living conditions of the bird. Dirty or poorly maintained perches, food and
water containers, excess fecal wastes in the cage, all show poor management of the birds
leading to bad health. The eyes should also be clear and not showing any discharge. Also
look out for any swelling signs which will indicate rising health problems.
ii) The bird feathers should be tidy and clean. Any bald areas on the parrot body could
indicate an infection which is very unsightly and may not be able to cure, or it may also be
due to the parrot being a feather plucker which means it is getting very bored. This
activity may stop when you start to show it more attention. Then again, it is better to stay
clear of such birds, since they could be carrying diseases on their bodies which you dont
want it to spread to your family members.
iii) Support the bird on its back and check the vent for cleanliness. Also check for any
crusty appearance on and around the beak which could indicate a mite issue subjecting from
unclean environments.
iv) Also feel the flesh on both sides of the breastbone, and ensure it is solid and not
hollowed. If protruding, it also indicates a nutritional deficiency, and should be avoided.
v) Ensures all claws are there. There should be 2 toes pointing forward, 2 facing backwards.
Check for any protruding leg scales as they could be potential sources for leg mites.
vi) Beware of birds that act aggressively towards you when you try to approach it. Symptoms
include fluffing up feathers and eyes dilating when you try to move your hand close to it.
These birds are probably not young birds, and they will likely bite you if you cross its
safety zone.
Parrot Buying Tip (4) -- Buy from reputable, reliable sources
------------------------------------------------------------
Buying from well-established and reputable pet shops assures you the best quality services,
and often the pets you are buying through them have been certified to be in good health
before they release it out for sale.
Avoid open markets, and buying through mail order. It is always good to see and feel what
you are buying so that you dont regret your buying decisions later. If you dont, how do you
implement parrot buying tip 3?
Conclusion
-----------------------------------------------------------
To summarize, it is great to have parrots as pets, as they can be good source of fun and
companionship. However, it is important to know some essential tips on selecting and buying
the right parrot, and this can be categorized into 4 great tips namely to buy a young
parrot, choose the desired parrot species, check condition of the parrot, and always buy
from reputable pet shops.
Hope you enjoy this article !!
Answer: Over 9000 species. And out of which the parrot group itself consists of about 330
species and are particularly popular with pet owners.
If you are also thinking of keeping a pet parrot, read below for the tips I am going to
provide for selecting the suitable parrot for yourself and the family.
Parrot Buying Tip (1) -- Buy a young parrot
------------------------------------------------
Rearing a new parrot from young helps to facilitate taming. An older parrot can also be
tamed just that it takes more time and patience. However, the tricky part is in determing
the age of the bird. However, some basic things to look out for are the scales on its legs,
color of the eye and the color of the body. A young parrot often has a dark gray iris that
becomes white or brown when it grows up. The scales of young parrots are also much smoother
than that of mature birds. Their body color also appears initially to be much duller than
when they are matured.
The best option is to buy one which is newly born which is independent of its parent.
Parrot Buying Tip (2) -- Choose the right species of parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
Do you know the characteristics of the parrot you are interested in buying?
Do they
-make tremendously loud voices which can cause huge disturbance to the neighbours?
-have powerful beaks that can damage your personal belongings if let free in the house?
-need special accomodation, which will potentially incur higher costs for you. Bigger birds
would require bigger cages made of metal so that the parrot cannot damage it.
-need special nutritional foods? Some birds such as the lorikeets need special foods since
they feed on nectar. This also relates to cost.
Parrot Buying Tip (3) -- Check the condition of the parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
If possible, ask for a certified health certificate by the veterinary so that you have
assurance of buying a healthy parrot home. If that is not available, dont worry, you can
check out the below factors for some tell-tale signs on the conditions of the bird.
i) Inspect the living conditions of the bird. Dirty or poorly maintained perches, food and
water containers, excess fecal wastes in the cage, all show poor management of the birds
leading to bad health. The eyes should also be clear and not showing any discharge. Also
look out for any swelling signs which will indicate rising health problems.
ii) The bird feathers should be tidy and clean. Any bald areas on the parrot body could
indicate an infection which is very unsightly and may not be able to cure, or it may also be
due to the parrot being a feather plucker which means it is getting very bored. This
activity may stop when you start to show it more attention. Then again, it is better to stay
clear of such birds, since they could be carrying diseases on their bodies which you dont
want it to spread to your family members.
iii) Support the bird on its back and check the vent for cleanliness. Also check for any
crusty appearance on and around the beak which could indicate a mite issue subjecting from
unclean environments.
iv) Also feel the flesh on both sides of the breastbone, and ensure it is solid and not
hollowed. If protruding, it also indicates a nutritional deficiency, and should be avoided.
v) Ensures all claws are there. There should be 2 toes pointing forward, 2 facing backwards.
Check for any protruding leg scales as they could be potential sources for leg mites.
vi) Beware of birds that act aggressively towards you when you try to approach it. Symptoms
include fluffing up feathers and eyes dilating when you try to move your hand close to it.
These birds are probably not young birds, and they will likely bite you if you cross its
safety zone.
Parrot Buying Tip (4) -- Buy from reputable, reliable sources
------------------------------------------------------------
Buying from well-established and reputable pet shops assures you the best quality services,
and often the pets you are buying through them have been certified to be in good health
before they release it out for sale.
Avoid open markets, and buying through mail order. It is always good to see and feel what
you are buying so that you dont regret your buying decisions later. If you dont, how do you
implement parrot buying tip 3?
Conclusion
-----------------------------------------------------------
To summarize, it is great to have parrots as pets, as they can be good source of fun and
companionship. However, it is important to know some essential tips on selecting and buying
the right parrot, and this can be categorized into 4 great tips namely to buy a young
parrot, choose the desired parrot species, check condition of the parrot, and always buy
from reputable pet shops.
Hope you enjoy this article !!
2008年8月14日星期四
Reef aquarium pests
As with most hobbies there are some things that are definitely undesirable. Keeping a saltwater reef aquarium or saltwater fish only aquarium is a most fulfilling hobby, but irritating problems can occur.
For example, outbreaks of filamentous green algae, brown/black/red smear algae, glass anemones and bubble algae (sailor’s eyeball algae) are four of the major culprits. These problems can develop into major headaches if proper action during setting-up and the following care and maintenance are not taken.
The really annoying part is that glass anemones and bubble algae can be decorative at first. In fact, an unwary and inexperienced aquarist might be pleased with his new additions.
These problems usually arrive with new corals, or, rather, on the rocks the new corals are attached to. Live rock can also introduce them.
A major cause of algae problems is low water quality, that is, water that has too high levels of nitrate and phosphate. It has been reported that filamentous green algae, smear algae, and glass anemones do well in the presence of nitrate and phosphate.
To make bubble algae (sailor’s eyeball algae) even more annoying, it is said that to do well it needs high quality water. So if they appear in your tank, definitely take control action, but at least be pleased that your water is good.
I have dealt with bubble algae successfully. I have also waged war with glass anemones, but have found that, once the war is generally won, occasionally control action is needed when another pops its unwelcome head up.
The answer to these problems is the proper setting up of a tank from the start, and ongoing care and maintenance.
These reef aquarium pests may never invade your tank at all, but it is probable that one or the other will appear. Be aware, and be prepared with the necessary knowledge to take remedial action.
For example, outbreaks of filamentous green algae, brown/black/red smear algae, glass anemones and bubble algae (sailor’s eyeball algae) are four of the major culprits. These problems can develop into major headaches if proper action during setting-up and the following care and maintenance are not taken.
The really annoying part is that glass anemones and bubble algae can be decorative at first. In fact, an unwary and inexperienced aquarist might be pleased with his new additions.
These problems usually arrive with new corals, or, rather, on the rocks the new corals are attached to. Live rock can also introduce them.
A major cause of algae problems is low water quality, that is, water that has too high levels of nitrate and phosphate. It has been reported that filamentous green algae, smear algae, and glass anemones do well in the presence of nitrate and phosphate.
To make bubble algae (sailor’s eyeball algae) even more annoying, it is said that to do well it needs high quality water. So if they appear in your tank, definitely take control action, but at least be pleased that your water is good.
I have dealt with bubble algae successfully. I have also waged war with glass anemones, but have found that, once the war is generally won, occasionally control action is needed when another pops its unwelcome head up.
The answer to these problems is the proper setting up of a tank from the start, and ongoing care and maintenance.
These reef aquarium pests may never invade your tank at all, but it is probable that one or the other will appear. Be aware, and be prepared with the necessary knowledge to take remedial action.
2008年8月9日星期六
West Highland White Terrier Puppy And Dog Information
The West Highland White Terrier is a hardy, happy little terrier that love the companionship of people. They are very good looking and make good watch dogs. They can get along with other pets, especially if socialized when young. They have been known to chase cats as a sport. They are generally very good with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 15 to 22 pounds. The female ranges from 9 to 11 inches to the withers and 13 to 16 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the West Highland White Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for skin allergies, progressive neurological disorders and tear duct problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. They have a double coat. The inner coat is soft and fluffy. The outer coat is white, straight and hard hair. This is a breed that needs to be professionally groomed regularly. She should also be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The West Highland White Terrier can live around 15 or more years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The West Highland White Terrier comes from Scotland where they were raised to hunt vermin. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1908.
Some Registries:
* West Highland White Terrier Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 2 to 5 West Highland White Terrier puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Alert, friendly, reliable, happy, balanced, hardy, self-esteem, strength, affectionate
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Sheds almost no hair.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes a poor guard dog.
They may dig.
They may bark plenty.
*Other Names Known By: Toseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 15 to 22 pounds. The female ranges from 9 to 11 inches to the withers and 13 to 16 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the West Highland White Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for skin allergies, progressive neurological disorders and tear duct problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. They have a double coat. The inner coat is soft and fluffy. The outer coat is white, straight and hard hair. This is a breed that needs to be professionally groomed regularly. She should also be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The West Highland White Terrier can live around 15 or more years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The West Highland White Terrier comes from Scotland where they were raised to hunt vermin. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1908.
Some Registries:
* West Highland White Terrier Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 2 to 5 West Highland White Terrier puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Alert, friendly, reliable, happy, balanced, hardy, self-esteem, strength, affectionate
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Sheds almost no hair.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes a poor guard dog.
They may dig.
They may bark plenty.
*Other Names Known By: Toseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
2008年8月3日星期日
Are Your Really Ready for a Puppy ?
Your kids want a puppy. All your neighbors have dogs. It's the great American Dream (for children, anyway) to have a dog like Lassie. However, if this is your first puppy, there are some things you need to know before you commit to buying a dog.#1 - Dogs Take Time. Puppies Take More Time.Having a puppy is like having a 2-year-old. Until they are trained (see #2), they require pretty much constant supervision. After they are trained, they still require supervision until they are older. Much older. If you can't entertain them all day, you may want to consider two dogs, or a cat. Or puppy day care!#2 - Puppies Need Training. And so do your children.When I was growing up, we had a dog - for a while. It didn't work out because my parents didn't realize that puppies need training. We were a cat family - and you can pretty much ignore cats. Not so with dogs.You will need several puppy classes and possibly more classes when your puppy is grown. Dogs are not independent, and you need to teach them proper behavior.If you have children, they need to take the classes with their puppies so they can learn how to interact with your new pet.#3: Puppies Cost Money. Lots of Money.Ok - this isn't unreasonable, but you need to be prepared to add your puppy into your budget. You will have many expenses, especially when you first get your new puppy. They need toys, bones, shots, registrations with the state, and don't forget the food, dog houses, collars, clothes (no really - it's a big business - you'll be tempted!) vet bills, and training (see #2).Dogs are one of the most expensive pets around. Most puppies are part of the family - and will cost you like part of the family. Don't go into this venture thinking they're cheap.#4 - Puppies Grow Into Dogs.I know that's obvious - but you need to be sure you know how big your dog will be. If you have young children, your puppy may outweigh them within a year. Do the research so you know how big your cute little puppy will be when he's a dog.If your pet is a mixed breed dog, look at the paws. Usually, a puppy will grow into their paws.#5 - Dogs Need Exercise.And people need exercise - so this can actually be an advantage if handled properly. Puppies need room to run and play. They need people to play with, and they need toys to play with. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, be sure you pick a dog breed that is low activity.The larger the dog, the more room and exercise they need. You will probably need to walk your dog several times a week. Be sure and plan that into your schedule now - or you may find your puppy running around the house all day without you.Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience - even if this is your first puppy. Your dog will become one of the family and be a faithful companion for life. Be prepared for your new puppy, and it will be a great adventure for both of you.
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