Feeding Pets the Healthy Way: Organic Pet Food Industry

According to organic food industry reviews, one segment of the market that is steadily growing is the organic pet food industry. People have become more health conscious in recent years due to the availability of information about the subject. The organic food industry has grown tremendously over the last eighteen years and trends seem to point to that growth continuing in years to come as people look for other products besides food that are also organically produced. The organic pet food industry has been growing too since as individuals find out more about how food is produced for human consumption and what is health to eat, they start to think about their pets and the types of foods that they are eating. Often, once they start to examine the ingredients on the pet food bags and research to find out what those ingredients really mean, they are appalled and turn to the organic pet food industry to supply them with pet food from that time forth.

The organic pet food industry watches over the ingredients that are used in their pet foods so that only quality ingredients are used. In the cheaper brands of pet food, often the first ingredient in the dog or cat foods is some sort of grain meal. That means that what is left over in the grain processing plants after the grain has been processed for human consumption is used as filler material in the pet foods. This does not have much if any nutritional value for the pets and are empty calories.

The meat meal is also not much better on the nutritional front, especially not compared to the organic pet food industry's use of meats. Often pet owners will turn to pet foods that at least have a type of meat meal as the first ingredient, thinking that this is better and richer for their pets. However, the meat meal is much the same as the grain meal since it is the left over parts of the animals that are not fit for human consumption that are ground up into the meat meal. This means that the bones, lungs, brain, feet, beaks, feathers and other parts of the animals that humans cannot consume are ground up and put into the pet food. There is little to no nutritional value in these ingredients.

The organic pet food industry ensures that only human grade meats and grains are used in the pet foods so that the pets are getting the nutrients that they need from their food each day. Even though the organic pet foods cost more, the owners are usually amazed at the difference in their animals' coats and energy level, as well as decreasing the amount of food needed since it is richer.

Cat Leash Training – Is It Possible?

Cats are considered to be very stubborn and thus the question is quite obvious, can you leash train a cat? The answer is yes, cats can be trained on leashes. The trick is doing it the right way. The thing is most cats (not all) can be leash trained with patience. The question is why raise the doubt, can cats be leash trained? The answer lies in their behaviors. Cats are very independent animals and like to stay that way. It is often said that humans do not make cats their pets; it is the other way round. Cats use humans so that they can get food and shelter. For this they have adopted themselves in such a way that we feel affectionate towards them and take them as pets.

Before deciding whether you want your cat be leash trained, you need to determine what sort of cat is yours. Is it a cat which loves outdoors or is it a cat who likes to stay indoors all the time? If all their needs are satisfied within the house, they will seldom leave the house. Considering their feline nature, they have certain hunting instincts in them. These instincts can be satisfied by placing a protected birdfeed or birdbath within view (not reach) of the cat. Also try to place some green grass within their reach, so whenever they need to eat it, it should be freely available to them. If all these things are looked after, your cat might not go out at all, and there would be no question as to whether cats can be leash trained.

Now let’s get back to the question can cats be leash trained. Training cat to walk on leash is quite difficult and its success lies in the behavior of cats. What does a cat seek when it is taken for a pet? Of course a cat needs food, shelter and love. Now you have to use these things as tools to leash train your cat. Whenever you are giving any sort of training to your cat, food is the biggest motivator. After food, love takes prominence, which you should use effectively. If these things are carried out in an effective manner, there would not be a question of, ‘can cats be leash trained.’

Can cats be leash trained is also often asked because cats are not considered to be faithful to their owners. But keep it in mind, if you apply the right technique, cats can be leash trained.

Buying Pet Training Collars

It is really nice to have pets at your home. They play with you, they laugh with you, they cry with you and do lot more other things which make you happy and angry too. If a pet is not trained properly, a lot of things can go wrong. What if your pet has a nasty habit of soiling your expensive sofas and carpets, what if your pet scratches the bed posts or tears your clothes or chews your shoes? These things are not only annoying but also cost you a lot. A pet training collar is the solution to all these problems.

Now pet training collars are not only meant for basic pet training. They can also be used to give sports and advanced training to your pets. These collars are designed in such a way that they help the pet owners to control unruly and erratic pets under control. Strictly speaking, pet training collars are meant only for cats and dogs, as they are the only domesticated animals which have considerable intelligence to get trained.

The best training collar enables its owner to teach his pet to obey him. This is particularly useful if your pet has not become potty trained even after several weeks of training. Though the last option would be send your pet to pet training classes, pet training collars can ease that out for you. The operation of these pet training collars is very simple. It is a remote controlled device, which is worn as a collar by your pet. Whenever your pet does something wrong or is about to do something wrong, you can activate it, which inflicts some sort of pain in the form or choke, pinch or electric shock. But remember that only certain things like potty training should be done with force or pain. The rest of the training can be given without them.

There are basically three types of pet training collars. The first is the choke collar, which chokes the pet’s neck by shrinking in size. This is particularly useful if you are taking your pet for a walk outside and do not want it to pull on you. Next is a pinch and electric shock collar, which pinch and gives an electric shock when activated by a remote control. Both of these pet training collars can be used for giving basic training to advanced and sport training to your pets. But just to remind again, only potty training needs to be given with force and pain, everything else can be done with love.

How to Toilet Train Your Cat

Once you train your cat to use the toilet instead of a litter box, you'll save yourself a lot of time and money. Just think about how much time it takes you to change the litter and clean the litter box. And you won't have to buy cat litter any more, which will save you quite a bit of money through time. As well, you'll be making an environmentally conscious decision. As you can see, there are lots of reasons for you to give cat toilet training a try. These steps will help you reach your goal quickly and effectively.

The first step in how to toilet train your cat is to relocate the litter box to the bathroom. You need to do this very gradually, shifting it in one-inch increments. This way, your cat will become accustomed to the litter box moving and will continue using it as it moves ever nearer to the toilet. The litter box should finally be positioned right beside the toilet. This entire process might last a few weeks or it might take much longer, depending on how far away the toilet is from the original location of the litter box. Nevertheless, if you have enough patience, learning how to toilet train your cat can be a successful undertaking.

Once the litter box is located next to the toilet, the next step is to gradually raise it up so that it's at the same level as the toilet itself. You can use bricks, cement blocks, or phone books to slowly increase the height. Just be certain that you securely fasten the litter box to its base as it rises in height. Your cat will be jumping up to use the litter box, and you don't want it to topple over. When the litter box is eventually at the same level as the toilet, slide it over incrementally so that it gets nearer and nearer to the toilet. Eventually it will be sitting directly over top of the toilet. At the same time as you're shifting the box, you also need to reduce the amount of litter that it contains.

Now it's time for the final step in learning how to toilet train your cat. Get rid of the litter box, and replace it with an aluminum pan. Fasten it securely to the toilet. The tray should contain only an inch or so of flushable litter. Once your kitty has become accustomed to the new situation, cut a small hole in the bottom of the pan. Gradually increase the size of the hole. Eventually, your cat will essentially be using just the toilet, and you can remove the pan entirely. Success!

The Importance of Proper Pet Grooming and Training

A pet is not just an animal, which was brought into your house to entertain you. Your pet has a personality of his own. Your pets also like to be properly groomed. So, when a pet is properly groomed and is appropriately trained, everybody likes your pet. This not only boosts the happiness of your pet, but also pampers your ego as you are the owner of the pet. Do you know about any pet which is smelly and ill-mannered? Does anyone like that pet? The answer would be an emphatic no. Just like being well groomed and to be like by everyone else, proper pet training and grooming is really very important.

By grooming of pets we mean the cleanliness of your pet. Pet grooming and training is much more important to animals as they get easily infested with ticks, fleas and other pathogens. Unlike humans, pets do not possess dexterous hands so they can barely clean themselves. This is where pet grooming and training comes into play. During these programs you are taught how to properly clean your pet. Take for example if you have a pet dog, and you attended a pet training and grooming session at some place, you will know how to clean the ears of your dog, how to protect him from flea attack, how to take care of his health and other important things. These pet grooming and training sessions help you out in the long run.

Suppose your pet is very well groomed and looks really beautiful, but the moment someone tries to touch it or pamper it, it bites them back. What would be their first reaction? They would simply say no doubt it the pet is well groomed but not trained properly. Your pet should be properly potty trained so that its stink does not drive away visitors that come visiting your place. After all, it is part of pet grooming and training program.

If you are unable to get proper pet grooming and training, then it is a good idea to get a professional help. Nowadays, there are a number of pet beauty parlors or grooming salons where pets are properly cleaned and groomed. As far as training is concerned, you can take the help of books, videos, or friends. Even professionals will help you out in giving proper pet grooming and tips. So remember that whenever you buy a pet, pay a little more attention to its grooming and training.

Why Pet Training Is Necessary

Let’s face it, the way today’s society functions, every individual is becoming more and more secluded from society. But again, man is a social animal and in order to keep ourselves happy resort to pet keeping. Things would have been quiet simple if there were only few pets. At present there are 73 million dogs in the US, which has created a need wherein pets behave in a perfect manner when outside. This has created the need of efficient pet training. Also we as human beings want to show the world the power we have over our pets, that is why we want them to obey our commands, and this calls for pet training. No matter what the reason is, pet training has become essential as having a pet.

Pet training is nothing but teaching your pets to follow commands. This includes basic commands like sit, stay, and lay down for your dog. When your pet is trained perfectly, they can become your best friends for a lifetime. This is just an example. The commands can get really complex when you try to train them for special occasions or needs. Like a blind person would like to train a dog as a guide, in that case the training would be very special and different. If you are planning to train your pet for competition, then again the pet training would be very specialized in nature.

So how do we go about training our pets? If you want your pet to be trained only for basic commands, then there is absolutely no need to hire a professional pet trainer. You yourself can become a proficient pet trainer if you use some of the tools available in the market. The most basic tool is of course a book. Any good book store will have hundreds of books on pet training categorized according to pets and trainings. If you are not too comfortable reading a book, you can also go for pet training videos. These are particularly useful if you never had a pet before and have bought a pet for the first time.

However, keep in mind that pet obedience training is to be done with love and affection. Animals like humans also have feelings and also have egos. If you try to force your will on them, take it for granted that you will lose. You may be able to force them to do certain things, but they might never love you, so carry out the pet training in an efficient manner.

Kitty Training Made Easy

You may scoff at the idea that you can train a cat. After all, they’re not as smart as dogs, right? You can’t train a cat to fetch, come or even stay. That’s just nonsense. But what if you could train a cat? The fact is you can train a cat and it’s not as difficult as you may think. Kitty training is not unlike dog training. You only need to remain consistent, use positive reinforcement instead of negative reinforcement, and you need to show your cat lots of love and attention when it does what you want it to do. We’re all familiar with litter training kittens. You only sit the cat in the litter box and, shazam, the job’s done. Kitty training may not be as easy as litter training but it’s not that hard once you get going.

Most people fail at kitty training because they get frustrated when the cat doesn’t do what they want. They end up yelling at the cat or, worse, they end up smacking the cat on the butt because the cat acts stubborn and aloof. That’s a cat’s personality, however. A cat usually won’t come to you until you stop showing it attention. A cat would rather look the other way than show you affection. That’s how cats are. However, if you praise your cat and you show your cat that you’re pleased whenever it comes to you or fetches a toy, or whatever else you’re attempting in your kitty training efforts, the cat will be more likely to respond positively to you and your training. Positive reinforcement is the act of using toys and treats and affection instead of punishment whenever you’re involved with kitty training. If you’re using treats, which work wonders for kitty training, gradually ease back on treats until you’re only using affection. That way, your cat won’t expect a treat every time yet will continue to perform whatever trick you teach it.

So what can you train a cat to do? Kitty training varies from person to person. Circus performers have successfully trained cats to walk on two legs and jump through hoops. This isn’t for the faint of heart, however, and you should probably stick to simple tricks before you move on to circus stunts. Some basic tricks you can use during kitty training include coming to you when your cat is called, fetching a toy or other item, sitting and staying and you can even guide behavior. You may want to teach your cat not to claw your furniture or even to stay off your furniture. Once you get better at kitty training, you can move to more advanced tricks but it’s best to keep it simple at first so your cat doesn’t get confused.

Cat Leash Training Can Do Wonders

You might have seen dogs been taken out on leash, you even might have seen ponies on leash, but have you ever seen cat on a leash? Probably never, but looking at its benefits, cat leash training can do wonders to your cat’s life. The main purpose of a leash is to control the erratic behavior of your pet while outdoors. Dogs are taken on leashes so that they don’t run away from you and cause public nuisance. Cats on the other hand take care of such things on their own i.e. they exercise themselves enough and if are properly trained, even do the tasks of relieving themselves in the right place. But can you leash train a cat? Yes they can be and here is how.

Often it has been seen that whenever the owner opens the door, cats run out of the home. Probably the cat is just curious to have a look at the outside world. If that is your problem, then you should probably try cat leash training. Just as any type of training, cat leash training will take a considerable amount of time. Do you remember the first time you tried to put a collar on your cat? The cat might have resisted putting it on and after you managed to put it on somehow, the cat would have been busy for hours trying to remove it. The good thing about cat leash training is that the collar is already in place and you don’t need to start from scratch. If your cat does not have a collar, then probably you are going to have a tough time to complete cat leash training, but it’s not impossible.

Once your cat gets accustomed to a collar, half of the battle for cat leash training is won. Then you can start training your cat for a leash by attaching a leash to your cat’s collar. Do not tighten the leash and keep it slackened, so that the cat gets used to it. Also, do not walk or drag the cat the first time you put the leash on your cat. Let her get used to it. This is the secret of successful cat leash training. Try this method for a few minutes on the first day. The next day try to walk your cat around the house. Once she gets accustomed to walking with the leash on, try to take her outdoors.

You can try to entice your cat for leash training by giving treats to your cat. If you find this process very cumbersome, just get professional help. It won’t be a surprise if you see lots of cats walking around in their neighborhood with their leashes on.

Set Up Your Aquarium for Feng Shui

Aquariums are not just an attractive addition to your home or office. If set up properly according to the principles of feng shui, it is considered to be a source of wealth chi (energy). The thing that makes feng shui aquariums unique is that they provide an ideal balance of the five elements of feng shui.

* The water element is obvious: it's the water in the aquarium.

* Plants comprise the wood element.

* The structural components are the metal element.

* The earth element is the gravel and rocks you place at the bottom of the tank.

* The lighting represents the fire element. Certain kinds of fish can also provide this element.

This kind of harmony is quite hard to reproduce through any other means and even if you could, it won't be as lovely as an aquarium.

The best location for a feng shui aquarium is the southeast part of the room. This is the place that is associated with abundance and wealth. That means twice as much wealth energy flows through that region.

The most usual kind of fish to keep in a feng shui aquarium is the goldfish or koi. They have a pleasing color and are quite hardy. The dragon fish is also appropriate for a feng shui aquarium; however they can be quite costly. Always be certain that at least one of your fish is black and don't have more than 10 in total in your aquarium.

Just like any other pet environment, you need to be certain that your feng shui aquarium is clean and well maintained so that it can go on bringing you positive chi.

Be sure to remove and replace any dead fish right away and help to keep the plants healthy and green. Your aquarium needs to be in top shape in order to positively impact your wealth chi.

Pet Owners Have Less Stress in Their Lives

When you come home from work, do you walk in the door and get greeted by a wagging tail or a cat sidling up beside you waiting to be pet by you? If so, you’re one of the lucky ones – your stress probably isn’t nearly as bad as it could be if you didn’t have an animal to show love and affection to on a daily basis.

Research has been conducted for decades about pets and their stress relieving benefits. It’s been proven that animals help diffuse your anger. All you have to do is pet them, or even watch them if the type of pet you have isn’t the kind you actually pet, like a bird or a fish.

People who have pets tend to have lower blood pressure, suffer fewer heart attacks, and live longer after being diagnosed with medical problems than those with no pet companionship to help them get rid of stress.

You might notice that many doctors' offices now have large aquariums in their waiting rooms. That’s because the stress of their patients is diminished when they’re focusing on the tranquil scene of swimming fish rather than wondering if the spot on their face is skin cancer or if their doctor will diagnose them with heart disease.

Researchers have found that pet therapy mimics the stress-busting relief that someone has when they undergo hypnosis to help achieve a calmer outlook on life. Many nursing homes are now adopting pets to help the elderly lower their blood pressure and steer clear of stress and depression.

You may have to find a pet that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance if you don’t want the added stress of having to care for an animal. Some pets require constant attention and cost more money, which can add a burden to your life.

If getting a pet is not an option for you at all, then you can still achieve the same benefits using animals to help you stave off stress – you have to find a different way! If your friends are looking for a pet sitter, offer your services.

Spending a few minutes to check in on a pet, take it for a walk, and play with it can help deter you from focusing on other troubles. Or, contact your local animal shelter and volunteer to help care for the pets on a regular basis.

You might do it daily, just on weekends – or only a couple of times a months. Any interaction you have with pets can help you alleviate stress that gets built up in your system and is hard to release.

Where to Find the Perfect Pet

Finding ideal house pets is not as easy as you think. It entails a lot of decision making. First, you have to think thoroughly what animal would be most appropriate to give to your child and whether this is the opportune time to introduce a pet to your home. Once you have come up with the decision, it is important for you to consider where the soon to be member of your family should come from. There are several options you have to be regarded. Every single one of them has something to offer.

Some people are attracted to a particular breed and for those who have a fetish on this, the only way to go is to a breeder. There are a number of advantages in getting a pet from a breeder. Just be sure to get a conscientious breeder. They will assure you that the animal you will be purchasing is purebred. The advantage of opting for this is that a wellness check done by a veterinarian is a guarantee. You will be provided with a pedigree and you could also ask about the animal’s relatives and how they fair. The genealogy of your pet is important in order for you to anticipate how your pet will turn out as it grows older. Through this, you can ascertain that your pet will look the way you expect it to and will most probably display the characteristics that you found endearing. However, this will mean that a larger amount of money might be involved since this would be an expensive source.

Shelters

For those who are not very particular about their pet’s breed getting them from a shelter is a welcome possibility. There are several breeds available for adoption. Adopting from shelters does not decrease the possibility of the pet turning out exactly as expected. Acquiring a pet from shelters assures you that the animal has undergone a disease screening. Plus, you will also be provided with a history about the pet you adopted.

Most of the animals from a shelter come with a full history. Information that is deemed important in dealing with them will be given to you. This is necessary especially kids will be involved in handling their care. The good thing about getting a pet that is previously owned is that they have gained a fair training of basics. It is also easier to be aware of their personality as well. Having been domesticated, they have already adapted to human beings and would be a lot safer for children to be around.

Also, acquiring a pet from a shelter is just like hitting two birds with one stone. Usually, there will be no charges involved or if there is it would be very minimal. You not only get a pet through an inexpensive mean but you have actually saved a life. More often than not, the reason someone relinquishes or gives their pets away is numerous. Allergies to animals are primarily a reason. Another very common ground is a change in the previous owners living conditions. It would add to your gratification knowing that you are in fact showing kindness. This is yet another of those values you wish your children will imbibe.

The bottom line to all these is that wherever you get the newest member of your family from be sure to think things thoroughly. It is imperative that you know that you are certain you have chosen the perfect pet for your kids.

Cat Breeding Facts You Shouldn't Ignore

The population of cats is the United States alone is unbelievable. Nearly all experts will tell you that you should spay your cat instead of breed it. No matter what experts have to say, a lot of people want to have a litter of kittens from their cat. Before you decide to breed your cat, there are a few things that you should think about.

The first thing you should know is that breeding cats takes time. For the next two months after the litter is born, you’ll need to clean the area on a daily basis. You’ll also need to watch over the kittens as well, and keep a close eye on how they are developing. If you plan to breed a litter of cats, you won’t have time for much of anything else.

Breeding cats will also require a good degree of space as well. If you have a small apartment, you shouldn’t attempt to breed a cat. You should also make sure that your family agrees with the idea, as it isn’t good for the kittens if you keep them locked up. Keep in mind that kittens like to see things; they’ll end up going all over your home as well.

Breeding cats also requires a degree of responsibility as well. You should always have a plan of approach, including homes for the kittens to go that you aren’t planning to keep. Keep in mind that things can change, someone who wanted a cat may change his mind once the litter is born. In this event, you must decide whether or not you can keep a kitten that doesn’t have a home.

Breeding also requires some education as well. You should be prepared for any problems along the way, as well as what takes place during birth. From cutting umbilical cords to delivering early, you’ll need to be well prepared. You should also have the proper supplies, and know how to handle things in the event of a c-section. You’ll also need to know what to feed pregnant cats, as their diets are very important if you are breeding.

Breeding will also cost money as well, with kittens costing a lot more money than you may think. The food isn’t the only thing that’s expensive, as the vet bills can also get expensive. Even though you may go through the entire pregnancy without going to the vet, you’ll still need de-worming and vaccination medicines as well.

In short, there is a lot to think about where breeding is concerned. If you have your mind set on it and you want to breed, you should be sure that you have the proper knowledge and everything you need before hand. You should always be ready to handle anything associated with breeding – and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario.

What Kind Of Dog Training Equipment is Best?

When it comes to training your new dog, what sort of equipment should you use? Are plain old treats and a stern voice enough? Or do you need more specialized items if you want your dog to be fully trained? It all depends on how much you want to teach your dog as well as how serious you are about it. If you're just trying to teach your dog to sit, you probably don't need a bunch of equipment. However, if you have been trying to teach your dog to do tricks as well as run around a track for something like a dog show, you're going to need a little more than just plain old dog treats.

There are many things you can teach a dog to do. The most common tricks that people try to teach their dogs, besides how to be housetrained, is how to sit, stay and roll over. There are also tricks such as shaking the paw, playing dead and so on, but those are harder to teach than the basic three. To start, even if you just want to teach a few tricks, you should get some dog training equipment. You should get a pinch collar. That's a choke collar with prongs that's made of chain that loops through itself. When the dog pulls on it, it sort of chokes them. It doesn’t hurt the dog but it does teach it not to pull on the leash. You'll also want to get dog training equipment such as a leash, some treats and a clicker or a whistle. These will be used to reinforce the dog's behavior.

When teaching your dog with your dog training equipment, you want to focus more on reinforcement as opposed to punishment. If your dog isn't listening to you, that's your fault; it's not the dog's. When your dog does something you like, reinforce that behavior. Give it a treat when it sits like you want it to, give it a pat and tell it good boy or girl when it rolls over like you want. These will keep the dog interested and will make sure they know what you want them to do. When you use punishment, your dog may become confused and may not know why it's being punished. That's why you should always use positive reinforcement along with dog training equipment to teach your dog.

Use the dog training equipment such as the leash and the choke chain to set your boundaries. That way, your dog will know not to stray from the training ground. Use the clicker or whistle to instruct the dog to do whatever trick you're teaching it and use the treats as positive reinforcement. The key to training your dog is consistency and persistence. It's not going to take a day and it's not going to take three days. It's going to take a week or two or more for your dog to become fully trained. But as long as you stick with it, and show your dog how good he or she is doing, the sky's the limit on what you can teach it to do. Who knows, you may be able to work with dog agility training equipment so that it can do real tricks like a police or circus dog. That will be way in the future, however. For now, you'd better stick to the basics so as not to confuse your new best friend.

Good Ingredients for Homemade Dog Food

Recently, many famous commercial dog foods have been recalled, as they caused food poisoning, which was fatal in few cases. If owners are concerned about the overall health and well-being of their pets, it is important to ensure that they get healthy and uncontaminated food. A good combination for dog food should have 75% carbohydrates and 25% meat.

A simple recipe for a healthy homemade dog food would be to combine and cook ground meat, brown rice and vegetables in water. As dogs are not able to digest the vegetables well, it is advisable to grind them in the food processor thoroughly before adding to the food. The dog food should always be served at the room temperature and amount of water added to it may vary as per the dog’s liking.

Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, and brown rice is better than white rice as it contains more nutrients. Some grocers and health stores have brewer’s yeast, which is good for dogs. Corn flour, whole-wheat flour and soy flour make good homemade dog food ingredients. Flaxseed oil and cod liver oil should be used in small amounts to keep their coats shiny. Meats that should be included are beef, liver, tuna, chicken and lamb.

Other important homemade dog food ingredients that are enjoyed by the dogs are biscuits and peanut butter, and they can be made at home using wheat flour, powdered milk, carrots and brewers yeast. Peanuts are one of the very few nuts that can be safely given to your pet.

Vegetables like broccoli, carrots and spinach are great homemade dog food ingredients, but they must be put through the food processor so that dogs can easily digest them. Bone meal can also be added to the dog food to ensure enough calcium in their diet.

Some food items that must be avoided as homemade dog food ingredients are chocolates as they can cause seizures in dogs, coffee and tea can also cause seizures, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failures, macadamia nuts can cause tremors in dogs, onions interfere with blood circulation and nutmeg can also cause seizures. Raw meat and poultry may contain certain bacteria, parasites or salmonella that can cause poisoning in dogs.

If you are not sure about the healthy homemade dog food ingredients, talk to your vet, as they will be able to guide the ideal diet as per age and weight of the dog. Some people these days are also opting for natural homemade dog food, which is of good quality, and offers minerals, vitamins and enzymes that are required by the pet’s good health. There are no-preservatives added making them absolutely safe for your pet.

Make Your Dog Smile With Wellness Dry Dog Food

When you are faced with choosing a new dog food for your four legged best friend it can sometimes be too much to handle. It seems like there are a hundred different kinds of pet food out there and it’s impossible to decide which one is best for your dog. Wellness dry dog food is a good choice if you would like to choose a dog food that provides all the nutrients and natural ingredients needed for maintaining a happy and healthy pet. There are plenty of benefits of using this brand of dog food for your, the great Wellness dog food review that this product gets from owners is just one.

If you have a large breed dog then you know how important it is to have a good source of protein for your dog. Wellness dry dog food uses high quality protein; this translates to lean muscle mass in your dog. You can be sure that the protein does not come from inferior animal by products. In other words there is actual meat in this dog food.

While dogs are descended from wolves, your pooch needs more than just meat in its diet. Wellness dry dog food understands this perfectly and provides a balanced diet for your pet by adding carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and important minerals to your pet’s daily diet.

Vegetables and starches are just as important in a dog’s diet. This dog food combines the right kind of ingredients to give you a balanced dog food. Feeding your dog only protein is bad and this is why Wellness dry dog food is perfect.

Another great thing about Wellness dry dog food is that it also includes ingredients that promote good digestive health. Some dog foods neglect this aspect of a dog’s daily nutrition but this is one dog food company that understands holistic health.

The most important part of any dog food is the taste, it doesn’t matter how good the food is for Fido, if it doesn’t taste good then there’s no point. You can be assured that Wellness dry dog food tastes great and your dog will lap it up and be hungry for more.

You can make sure that your dog gets good nutrition with this brand while at the same time enjoys every meal time. Not something that is easy to do. Any owner with a picky dog will understand the difficulty of combining these two things.

A Guide to Getting Your Kids a Pet

When you happen to see some really cute pets at a store or in a show, you might feel all warm and fuzzy. The idea of getting a pet of your own might cross your mind and you recall that the kids have been begging you to buy one for a long time now. All of a sudden, the thought of a new addition to your household seems like a great idea.

Enticing as it may be, do not buy a pet on the spur of the moment. You need to find just the right pet for your kids before you make this commitment. Remember that owning a pet requires many obligations. You need to be informed before you get one. Some people can't handle the responsibility and wind up giving their animals to a humane shelter. You can head off this situation by preparing yourself for the experience. Taking care of the essential preparations will unquestionably be of tremendous assistance in seeing to it that the pet will be well provided for and that it has a pleasant and loving home.

Start by asking your kids why they wish for a pet. It's the most significant question to consider. Regrettably, a number of families get a pet on poor grounds. A lot of the time, your kids' argument for desiring a pet will afford you an idea of what kind of pet will be most suitable for them.

Before acquiring a pet, question your kids as to what type of critters they prefer so you won't unwittingly take home something that could wind up frightening or overwhelming them. Talk over with them what they find most desirable regarding their favored pet and what might make it objectionable to them. It's important that you recognize the expectations of your kids.

You need to study the pet your children desire. Firstly, research whether the pet will fit your children’s personalities along with the whole family’s way of life. Performing research and learning the facts will prevent a great deal of problems over time. Possessing ample data regarding the pet will put you ahead of the game. Teach yourself properly so you have adequate information to convey to your children. Study books or explore the web regarding the pet itself as well as its suitable care.

Make some inquiries and request input from knowledgeable sources. This will include vets, breeders, animal shelters, and other pet owners. Every one of these has their own view which might help you see things from a different perspective. It can be quite advantageous to speak to those who have genuine experience in managing that specific breed. The higher the amount of people you consult, the more data you get prior to making your decision.

Ensure that the entire family is prepared for the new addition. Once a pet is added to the household, changes will certainly take place. Care and maintenance will become a part of your continuing responsibilities, including tasks such as clearing away the pet’s waste products, cleaning its pen, and washing and feeding the animal. No matter how grown up a child appears, continuous oversight and direction needs to be supplied. As a parent you're required to be the stand-in if situations arise which are outside your child’s capability to manage.

With any luck, the foregoing guidelines will be of use to you in determining the best pet for your children.

Tropical Fish Breeding Tips You Can Use

If you’re thinking about breeding tropical fish, you need to be aware of a few things before you head out to the store to buy some fish. First of all, you have to figure out what type of tropical fish you want to breed. There are lots of types to select from, so it's important that you know what you're looking for. You need to find out as much as you can about the type of fish you plan on breeding. Every breed has specific maintenance and care requirements, and you can avoid a lot of mistakes if you have some knowledge before you start.

If you’re a beginner in fish breeding, you might wish to think about acquiring some live bearing fish. These fish produce live young rather than those that produce eggs. They will also be work for you to maintain until you become more experienced at this endeavor. If you decide to purchase live bearing fish, make sure that you breed them in a separate aquarium. Otherwise the other fish will eat the young. After the mother has given birth, you can put her back in the main tank.

One of the most essential pieces of information you should know is the best water temperature for your chosen breed. This is critical to the health and wellbeing of your fish. The size of the tank is another important factor. You might not require a large aquarium in which to breed your fish, but it must be big enough to give them lots of room to grow. They will live in this aquarium for some time before they are sufficiently developed to be transferred to the main aquarium with the rest of your fish.

Where you locate your aquarium is another important consideration to think about. Many new breeders are unsuccessful simply because their tanks were in the wrong place. It's important that you don’t place your tanks close to a window where they receive a lot of sun. This will produce an overabundance of algae. The light will also heat up the water, and it might end up too warm for your fish to survive.

You also need to make sure there's lots of foliage for your fish to hide among. It's important that you replicate their natural environment as much as you can. There are different types of plants that are best for certain breeds, so follow the guidelines.

Another thing to keep in mind is to limit the length of time that the tank lights are burning. As a rule, it should be between 8 and 12 hours daily. As well, be sure that the lighting is appropriate for the plants that are in the aquarium.

If you find that you can't give away or sell all your fish, you might have to purchase additional tanks to hold them all. At the very least, separate the males and females; otherwise you'll soon have more fish than you can handle.

Let Your Cat Hunt Down Its Food

Do you ever wonder how your cat can be so fastidious about cleaning her paws yet so untidy with her food? Many cat owners go through a variety of types of food bowls, searching for the one that won’t spill while their kitty plays with it.

Just forget about finding that ideal food dish. It isn't about the bowl. It’s about the innate feline impulse to play with their food. Instead of fighting it, go with it! That neat little pile of tidbits in the dish will be strewn around in no time by your cat, who is on the hunt for just the right nibble. Once she finds it, your cat takes it to a secure hideaway, maybe beneath a chair or behind a plant. Kitty might play with the tidbit for a little while before she consumes it. And that’s the way cats are, so it's best not to interfere with the ritual.

Your cat might have a comfortable lifestyle inside your house, but in her soul, she’s on the hunt. From food bowl to hideout, your cat looks at food just the same way as she would in the great outdoors. That is, if her interfering owner wouldn't keep putting her intended victim back in the bowl. Outdoors, cats will naturally hunt down and capture their next meal. Then they toy with it, letting it go briefly and then pouncing on it once again. Although this habit is objectionable to most humans, for a cat it's just natural.

When your cat gets her food presented in her bowl regularly each day by her indulgent owner, she misses out on the action that she intuitively longs for as part of her mealtime routine. So don’t get mad at her for having some fun with her food. Cats who always receive their food in tidy little piles will often surrender their instincts and turn into sluggish, overweight balls of fur. Although it might produce tidier mealtimes, it’s not optimal for cat health and well being.

OK, so you don't want to introduce mice into your house just so your cat can get some exercise and satisfy its inner hunter. However, you can purchase special cat toys into which you can hide treats. Put a few of these toys throughout your home so your cat can search for and hunt the treat. Because they roll, your cat can chase and overcome its prey, then dig out the food. Dry foods are preferred for these toys as they won't make a mess or go bad.

Because your cat has an instinct to hunt even inside the house, it's important that you keep plants off the floor. Some varieties like poinsettias, azaleas, ivy, and dieffenbachia are toxic to your cat if ingested, not to mention your children. It's easy to put these kinds of plants out of reach of a toddler, but your cat can easily jump up on the table to reach them. Your best bet is to select plant varieties that aren't poisonous, or find some realistic artificial plants to take their place.

The Advantages of a Dog Obedience Training School

You probably realize the importance of a properly trained and well behaved dog. It can make the difference between a delightful addition to the family or an unmanageable terror in the house. A carefully disciplined dog is unlikely to bark at or attack visitors or passersby, or jump all over them without restraint. It will also take much less effort to care for and control an obedient pet. Dogs like to know where they stand, and they are often more affectionate once they know who's boss. This makes for a happier situation all around.

Many people successfully undertake dog training on their own, but for those who are somewhat lacking in patience or time, a professional dog obedience training school is a common recourse. A good dog obedience training school will teach your dog to respect its owner and follow basic commands. An important component of a dog obedience training school is teaching the dog owner to communicate properly with their pet. The dog must learn to listen to the commands being given to him and carry them out properly. These institutes have helped countless dogs become the ideal family pet.

There are many benefits to enrolling your dog in a professional dog training school. For starters, the training period is considerably condensed from that which you would undergo with home training. This lessens the misery for everyone concerned. You'll also be sure that your pet experiences an inclusive program that doesn't neglect any important aspects of obedience training. Once your dog has graduated from dog obedience training school he will follow basic instructions such as sit and stay. This makes his life at home more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in the household.

Be prepared for feeling overwhelmed when it comes time to picking the right dog obedience training school, especially if you're a first time dog owner. It's important that you take your time and do your research. Ask for recommendations from people you know who have sent their dog for professional training. Also ask for customer references from any schools you are considering signing up with.

Look for a school where you think your dog will feel comfortable and where the atmosphere is considerate of his well being. You also need to ensure that the methods of training are current and effective. You might even be interested in a program which provides more sophisticated instruction – maybe even offering your dog the opportunity to learn how to perform tricks.

Dog obedience training schools are operated and staffed by professionals in the field. So you should feel comfortable spending your money on this training, knowing that it's a worthwhile investment in your pet.

Some Tips for Keeping Sharks in an Aquarium

When you think of keeping sharks in a home aquarium, do you think of giant killer sharks that attack helpless swimmers? Well, lots of people raise sharks as pets, but they’re not like the ones you see in the movies. There are several small breeds of sharks that are more appropriate for your fish tank at home.

If you’re considering inviting a shark into your home, here are a few important tips to be aware of before you start to check out the pet stores.

1) Tank size. Be prepared to spend a large sum of money on an aquarium. Keeping a shark in your house will require a very large tank, and these don't come cheap. A single shark requires a 240 to 260 gallon tank. It will also have to be long, because sharks won't survive without some room to maneuver.

2) Tank weight. You should be aware that an aquarium that's suitable for a shark can weigh as much as a pickup truck. That means that you'll have to pay close attention to where you locate the tank within your home. Don't putt it upstairs because the weight of the tank will be too much for your floor to bear. Which means your shark might end up in the basement regardless. Your tank requires a sturdy concrete floor, several inches thick, to bear the weight of the aquarium.

3) Maintenance costs. Keeping sharks in your house isn't a cheap hobby. Just purchasing the shark and the right sized aquarium is an expensive proposition. On top of that, you'll require filters and other equipment for the tank, as well as the food that your sharks require. Remember, they're big; they'll eat a lot.

4) Attitude. You have to have the right frame of mind if you're going to raise sharks. It's not an easy task. Sharks need to be fed at least three times a day and the aquarium must be cleaned regularly.

You’ll need to do some research on the type of shark that's most suitable for you. The most common shark varieties for home aquariums are the Epaulette and the Bamboo. These creatures can grow to be about three to four feet in length. The Bullhead shark is another popular option, due to the characteristic ridges on the top of their heads.

Most shark owners take pleasure in raising them. However, it's important that you're completely committed to the undertaking. Taking care of sharks isn’t the same as having cats and dogs. They need a special environment that's well maintained in order to thrive. And you have to be very conscious of feeding them, because they can't let you know when they're hungry like other pets can.

Do your research and save up some money before you commit to bringing sharks into your home. Sharks are living creatures and shouldn't be made to suffer simply because their owner was unprepared for the responsibility of caring for them.

Trying Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine on Your Pet

If you have a pet, then of course at least once in their life you are going to have to get them appropriate medical attention. This means taking them in to the veterinarian.

There are the more commonly used, better understood prescription drugs and other conventional medicine treatments that are available. But then there are also alternative and complementary medicines.

If you are interested in going with complementary and alternative veterinary medicine for your pet, there are a few things that you want to learn about first.

Veterinary medicine is constantly changing, and you need to realize that complementary and alternative veterinary medicine is a great option. With this option you can often treat your pet just as effectively as you could if you were using any type of conventional medicine, only with some added benefits.

After all, with alternative veterinary medicine you know that you are offering your pet a much safer method of treatment. They won’t have to deal with the side effects that they probably would if they were taking regular treatment, such as pills and shots.

Acupuncture therapy is one of the most popular for complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. Acupuncture is a widely used therapy but not many people are aware that it can also be used on pets. In modern veterinary applications, multiple systems of treatment are used, and this can include the classical needle alone or stimulation using a specific type of laser.

Research studies have shown that complementary medicine for pets works extremely well and that it is a great option for pet owners everywhere. No matter what health conditions your pets may be suffering from, you have the option of complementary therapy available that you are going to want to first discuss with your veterinarian.

They are going to be able to offer you more insight and information into this field and make sure that you know just what you are getting into. They will probably also let you know that if your pet is in a serious state of health that they may need to rely on conventional medicine at least until their condition is better under control. And then you can switch to the complementary and alternative veterinary medicine if you like.

Just make sure that you are aware of all the details before going through with anything so that you know that you are going to be doing the best for your pet.

A Guide to Puppy Teething Symptoms

Just like humans babies, when puppies get into their teething phase, they will show various symptoms. Puppies are born without teeth, and teething is a process when new teeth start to appear.

The most common puppy teething symptom is excessive chewing, as it relieves the pain and soreness caused by the eruption of teeth. It's important to give quality care to your puppy during this phase. Accept the fact that some form of chewing has to be allowed in the house. Sometimes, puppy may chew on something valuable just out of curiosity or boredom. It is their way of exploring the world. But, as a pet owner, it is important to control the excessive chewing of the puppy, and direct it in a positive way so that your puppy can live peacefully as a family member.

To deal with puppy teething symptoms, get some chewing and teething toys from the pet store. Ensure that these items are safe for the puppy. Some of the good choices can be rawhide chewies, rope toys and toys that can be filled with treats. You can also put these toys in the refrigerator for a while and then give them to the puppy. Keep rotating the toys so that puppy does not get bored of the same toys.

Crying is another puppy teething symptom, or your puppy may show irritability and feel discomfort. There may also be loss of appetite and diarrhea, though these are not common symptoms. Swollen gums are also a symptom of puppy teething, and can make the puppy quite irritable.

To alleviate some of your puppy's symptoms, special gels and powders that are designed for veterinarian use can be used. Allow a normal level of chewing for the puppy as pressure on the gums reduces pain and soreness. Engage the puppy in physical exercise and playful activities.

Puppy teething can be much easier for the pet as well as for pet owners when there are lots of rubber objects around to keep the puppy distracted. Cold pieces of cloth or frozen foods can work wonders to alleviate soreness during the teething time. Just be patient and kind with the puppy, and keep in mind that it is just a phase, and will be over sooner than you think. A little love and affection will help your pet better cope with the pain.

Some signs and symptoms of teething are common and usual, but if you notice something unusual, report it to the vet immediately. There might be some other reason, such as infection.

Basic Puppy Training Techniques

There are a number of important guidelines that you need to keep in mind when teaching your puppy the basics about good behavior. Exercising the right dog training techniques is what will make or break your training regimen with your dog. Follow these five important guidelines and teaching your puppy will be easier than ever.

1 - Be Gentle - Your new puppy is going to be extremely sensitive at first, and as a result will not be able to handle anything that is too stressful on both an emotional and a physical level. Although learning generally quickly takes place, now is the time where your puppy will react poorly to stress or being trained too rough. If fears are picked up too easily during the training process, then it may inhibit the puppy's ability to learn, so make sure to be gentle but firm in your training.

2 - Keep Things Brief - Puppies have even shorter attention spans than children. Your puppy is only going to learn when his or her attention is on you, and you will not see the results that you are looking for when your puppy is tired physically or mentally. Make sure to be brief when putting your puppy through training activities, and then you can move on.

3 - Exercise Patience - Expecting overnight results is only going to frustrate you and cause your training regimen to lose its focus. Relax, and understand that things like this will take time, and puppies learn in spurts. Puppies also do go through brief memory lapses so do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed if your puppy seems to forget some of its training from one day to the next. Exercise patience when it comes to training and you will be just fine.

4 - Exercise Simplicity - Teaching your puppy should be done in a step by step process if you want to attain the best results. This is the best way that your puppy will learn. Exercise a simple, step by step approach and your puppy will learn more quickly and will enjoy the process more thoroughly than if you were to employ a more intensive training regimen.

5 - Build Confidence - Confidence is the core of every healthy adult dog, and confidence begins with building confidence in a young puppy. Building confidence in your puppy is not hard at all to do; all you need to do is spend positive time with your puppy as often as you possibly can. This will help to build self confidence in your puppy. You should not always be in training mode when you first get your puppy, but instead sometimes you should step back and play with your dog, having fun with him or her in the process. Training is important, but above all else your dog needs to know that you are friends.

These five fundamental puppy training tips are vital in preparing your puppy for an effective training regimen and will drive better results when properly integrated into your step by step puppy training process.

Protection Dog Training Videos Aren't Always a Good Idea

There's nothing intrinsically wrong about a protection dog training video. However, these training techniques aren't for amateurs. If you don't know what you're doing, you're more than likely to turn your dog into a ferocious beast.

Guard dogs and police dogs can be trained to attack only certain people as commanded. However, this is due to concentrated, focused training that they undergo each day by a professional trainer. If you try to undertake this task yourself, your pet is likely to get less than optimal training.

An aggressive pet dog is a hazard to you, other people and the dog itself. Violent behavior is one of the major causes of dog abandonment by pet owners numbering in the millions annually. It is true that some animal shelters find out that some of these abandoned dogs don't really have a problem with aggression. However, many of them do, and the problem frequently stems from an inexperienced owner trying to follow the program on a protection dog training video.

Countless numbers of unwanted pets are put to sleep because they don't have a home. This is in spite of the upsurge in no-kill shelters. Most often the dogs that undergo immediate euthanasia are either very sick or very violent. They don't even have a chance to be adopted. This is what happens when you train your dog using the techniques in protection dog training videos, but don't know what you're doing. It's almost certain that if your dog escapes, it will be put down right away.

Don’t depend on your dog do be a weapon for your protection. In spite of the declarations of some of these dog training videos, dogs aren't cut out to be your personal bodyguard. Your dog won't be much of an impediment to a criminal who plans to rob or harm you. You might undergo the traumatic experience of seeing your dog killed right in front of you, and you'll still get mugged or injured. A dog is no match for a gun. This is something you probably won't see in any protection dog training video.

In dog hierarchy, attacking intruders is the job of the pack leader. The other dogs in the pack protect the vulnerable members and finish up the job. If you train your pet to be the attacker, you will forfeit your position as the pack leader. You won't be in charge, and your dog will have no cause to follow your commands.

Consider Getting an Adult Dog Instead of a Puppy

If you're looking to add a canine member to your family, you might want to think about getting a full grown dog rather than a puppy. There are clear advantages to getting an adult dog. Let’s take a look at some of them.

* Adopting an adult dog from an animal shelter means you can be certain they have been spayed or neutered, and are likely to be in good health.

* They don't need as much time and attention as a puppy, and don't need to be taken outside as often.

* Most adult dogs have some sort of training, making it easier for them to adapt to a new environment. They will also understand many commands.

* There's not much concern about an adult dog wreaking havoc in your house. You can leave the dog alone, especially if you work outside the home.

* Most adult dogs will adapt well to a new schedule.

* Depending on the breed, an adult dog may be more suitable if you have children in the house.

* An adult dog will bond more quickly with its owner.

* One of the greatest benefits of getting an adult dog is that they have an established personality, so you can find one that suits your style.

There are more adult dogs without homes than ever these days. Therefore, adopting one from a shelter means saving a life. Although first time pet owners might long for a puppy, they're harder to come by than adult dogs.

Think about it from a dog’s perspective. Maybe they were neglected by their previous owners, or they were no longer able to take care of them, and so they ended up in a shelter. These living quarters aren't usually ideal, and can cause a dog to experience emotional distress and depression.

If you’ve ever visited a shelter, you probably noticed that some dogs become excited when you pass by their cage, reaching out with their paws and pressing their noses to the cage. Others might simply sit in a corner and look up with sad eyes. Both of these dogs are longing for someone to take them home and care for them.

The rewards in adopting an adult dog are immense. The advantages to you are considerable, but the real benefit is that you are providing a living creature with a safe and loving home.

Tips for Grooming Your Cat

Cats are known to be self reliant when it comes to their grooming needs. But sometimes you still have to give them a hand in order to maintain peak cleanliness and health. You can help to maintain your cat’s good looks by keeping her hair clean and neat. Frequent trimming, brushing and combing of your cat's hair are the ways to achieve this.

Proper cat grooming helps to ensure that your pet remains free from ticks and fleas. This is also a good opportunity to check for any skin irregularities, injuries or bald patches. Here are some simple grooming tips that will help your cat look her best at all times.

To get the best results from your cat grooming endeavors you'll need to buy some cat grooming tools. Some of the items you're looking at are a brush, comb, scissors and grooming glove, all of which should be made specifically for this purpose.

Choose a brush with many small pinheads for grooming your cat's hair. It should also have a small head to ensure easier brushing. It's important that you brush your cat in the same direction as her hair grows. If you don't, you may end up with a very angry kitty.

Bathing your cat is another important aspect of good grooming. To make the job easier, bathe her while in a carrier and use a towel to keep her as calm as possible. Choose a shampoo formulated for cats that will lather well. The shampoo should also be effective at relieving dryness and flaking on your cat's skin.

An important aspect of cat grooming involves ensuring that your cat’s hair doesn't become matted and tangled. If you own a long haired cat, you must trim it on a regular basis. This means using a good set of scissors and a comb that are specifically designed for cat grooming. Use caution so you don't prick or scratch the skin that lies at the base of your cat's coat.

The use of cat grooming gloves will help to reduce shedding. They also make brushing easier and gentler. Find a pair that can be easily laundered. You should also be able to use them to remove cat hair from your upholstery and carpet.

Pet grooming tools can actually be a source of pleasure for your cat if you use them properly. The right cat grooming tools can make the difference between a clean and healthy cat and one whose hair is knotted and mangy.

Is a Pet Bunny Right for Your Child?

A rabbit has been a traditional symbol of Easter. It is at this time that you readily see them almost anywhere. These cute, huggable bunnies are being sold at the road side, parking lots, and in those pet shops. Putting them on display and making them look interesting is never a problem for merchants. The soft fur, twitchy nose, and pretty eyes are definitely hard to miss. In fact, any child who would look at them could never resist the rabbits’ charm. Because of this kids will not cease from bugging their parents to buy one for them and parents will have difficulty saying no since they themselves are besotted. Rabbits are truly adorable and their endearing nature makes them a perfect pet for kids.

These furry, little animals could be found in most regions of the world. They are able to survive in almost any sort of habitat. The domesticated rabbits we commonly see these days are descendants of wild ones coming from Europe. However, they are originally from the lands near the Mediterranean Sea.

During the ancient times, Romans raise rabbits not as pets but as food. They are a favorite because they are a good source of meat. They were kept outdoors in pens for them to proliferate and increase in number. In those times, wars were waging anywhere and since they were favored, Roman warriors and colonizers took rabbits with them to various parts of Europe. It has been that way until the coming of the Middle Ages during which French monks tamed wild rabbits and that started their domestication. It was in the sixteenth century when people began developing different breeds and kinds of domestic rabbits. To this day, the existing number of rabbit breeds is approximately fifty.

What makes rabbits as interesting and exceptional as pets is that they remind people of the essence of kindness, patience, and gentleness. All these are wonderful values most parents want their children to imbibe. Having them as pets would bring a child closer to nature. Through them, kids would learn to take the time in appreciating even the most miniature things in life.

They may seem to be cumbersome animals but don’t be tricked by their charming appearance. Rabbits are much wiser that one think of them. Wild rabbits are being hunted by several numbers of predators which is mainly the reason why an evolution of traits occurred in order for them to survive. Even domestic rabbits possess this knack for survival. According to studies of animal behavior, rabbits in general have a 360 degree vision which allows them to see everything around them without even turning their heads. Sounds coming from various directions are picked up by the long ears that they have while the constantly wiggling nose are used in detecting and determining scents of both whom they see as enemies and friends.

Taking care of pet rabbits is quite easy and they are also trainable in the use of a litter box. Allow them some time to get used to the environment of your home and let them feel safe. After some time, they will have no qualms of playing with you. Be forewarned that they actually like to chew almost everything in sight. Be sure to keep those electrical wires from them. Feed them with carrots, apples, lettuce, and similar feeds.

For those who are fond of gardening, having rabbits around would come handy. Their droppings actually make a good fertilizer. This might be reason enough for you to consider them as the perfect pet for your kids.

Tips for Entertaining Your Cat

A bored cat can do a lot of damage. But how do you entertain a cat? First you start by spending time with your cat on a regular basis and see what amuses him.

Spending time isn’t the same as simply being in the same room - arriving home, getting on the computer and chatting on the phone. Your cat isn’t amused by watching you and may do some irritating things, like spin the paper off the toilet roll.

Or he might eat paper - perhaps your notes for tomorrow’s client proposal. Put away your work and clear a play space. Get down on the floor at your cat’s level as you interact with him.

Pick two small cat toys and bring out one at a time for your play session. Start with a small rolling toy or hold a toy fish on a pole and dangle it for your cat to swat. Does he keep playing until you stop or does he walk away on his own? If the toy doesn’t hold his interest, put it away and try another toy tomorrow.

Be careful to choose only toys suited for cats. Children’s toys are not pet toys, no matter how cute you think the idea is. So forget the wind-up mouse your kid got in a Happy Meal. Unless it’s made for a cat, there are small parts or mechanisms that could be harmful to your pet.

Look at pet shops online or in local pet stores for movable toys if your cat favors something to chase down and catch. That’s a natural hunting behavior for your cat, so make sure he has a way to act on his urge to conquer.

Once you know what type of toy your cat favors, look for two similar toys. Take a cue for the way parents alternate toys for children and rotate your cat’s toys after a few weeks. Keep the toys that you use for interactive play apart from toys that you leave for his solo play. That way the toys you enjoy together are special.

While you’re at work or out during the day, leave some interesting toys for your cat. You can even buy small plastic balls that can be refilled with dry cat food. Your cat can roll the ball then discover the food treat inside.

That also satisfies his hunting instinct and provides a snack. If your cat is happier when busy, be sure you provide enough stimulation for playtime and most of all, enough time with you - his favorite playmate.