Maine Coon Cats, 7 Unique and Weird Things You Never Knew

Have you ever heard of a cat that behaves like a dog? A cat with a long bushy tail more like a raccoon than a feline? A domestic cat that doesn't meow?

Photo Credit: Dirk Huijsson

We're talking about Maine Coon cats. Although they share some features with other animals, such as their tufted ears (like a lynx), a ruff around their neck (like a lion), and a bushy tail (like a raccoon), they have several characteristics which are unlike any other cats. .

1- Their thick fur is unlike other cats. It is soft, silky, heavy, glossy, and water-resistant. Their ears are more heavily tufted inside and on the tips than other cats. These cats have adapted for harsh, outdoor weather. Their long hair protects them from the cold, while the shorter hair around their neck keeps them from being tangled in bushes. Their long tail is resistant to sinking in snow and can be wrapped around their backside or neck for extra warmth.

2- Larger than life. Although one of the largest breeds of domestic cats, the Maine Coon cat looks even larger because of its large-boned, rectangular-build, and semi-long hair. There have been stories of these cats weighing 30 or more pounds. Typically, Coon cats weigh between 12 to 25 pounds.

3- Many original Coon cats had six toes (called polydactylism). These cats do have large paws, but the majority of the present-day cats do not have six toes. This trait almost disappeared because show rings disqualified cats with extra toes.

4- Named "Gentle Giants" for their affectionate behavior and large size, these cats are playful and silly even as they grow into adults, though they don't reach maturity until ages 3 to 5 years.

5- Their popularity has increased. In 1985, the state of Maine announced the Maine Coon as their official state cat. In the Cats Fancier's Association, the Maine Coon Cat is the second most popular cat.

6- They interact with behavior more commonly seen in dogs. They play fetch with their owners and prefer to chase objects on the ground rather than climb or jump to higher surfaces. They often follow family members around the house from room to room offering "help". The cats can also be trained to accept a leash.

7- Their distinctive meow is more birdlike. Their musical chirp or trill is high and seemingly out of place for this large cat. They are talkative cats and often chirp to play with people, get attention, and to mate.

Written by Mark Stjean

Visit http://MaineCoonCompanion.net for more information about Royal Canin Maine Coon food and Maine Coon health
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Black, Yellow and Chocolate Lab Names for Your Labrador Retriever

Looking for ideas for Labrador Retriever names? Let's face it, this breed is one of, if not THE, most popular dog breeds in the world. And because of this it deserves a name that's as special as the dog itself.

Sure, you could come up with any dog name, but why not try to find a name that actually fits? A name that reflects this dog's intelligence, sociable nature, or even its physical characteristics like its color.

Since we believe that special dogs deserve special names, when coming up with the Labrador Retriever dog names shown below, we chose 3 lab name categories that we felt would help you to think a bit out of the box when it comes to selecting the best Labrador Retriever names. These categories are…

General Lab Names…
These general names were chosen and suggested simply because we felt they would sound good on a lab. We didn't feel that just any dog name would fit this particular breed. As an example, Fifi would be a great Poodle name, but not on a lab. Here are a few dog name suggestions that we thought might be a good match…

Cassidy: This name has a friendly, easy going sound to it, and it seems to be a good match with this breed's temperament.

Charisma: Somebody who has charisma is someone with personal magnetism. If you've noticed that your lab is drawing a lot of attention, then the name Charisma might be an appropriate match.

Fetch: A good name match for a dog that’s a Retriever.

Jazz: A smooth and cool sounding name, and one that might appeal to a music loving owner.

Ricochet: For the lab that’s all over the place!

Other General Lab Name Ideas…
Amanda, Bailey, Bandanna, Boone, Cabo, Caboodle, Cha-Cha, Chelsea, Cheyenne, Cody, Denali, Hailey, Kahuna, Maui, Rio, Sierra, Tango, Tiara

Black or Chocolate Lab Names…

Should you be the proud owner of a Retriever whose color is black or chocolate, here are some name suggestions and a list of names that might be a good fit for its dark color…

Java: For an energetic black lab that doesn't need caffeine.

Kahlua: A good match for a chocolate lab whose owner is fond of either this famous drink, or Hawaii from where it originates, or both!

Panther: For the lab that's as stealthy and sleek as a black panther.

Sable: Named after the highly valued black sable fur, the lab given this name should be one that carries itself well and that knows it's special.

Other Black Or Chocolate Lab Name Ideas…
Aurora, Coco, Ebony, Eightball, Espresso, Hoodlum, Luna, Midnight, Nighthawk, Phantom, Raven, Salem, Shadow, Star, Storm, Taboo

Yellow Lab Names…

Blondes have more fun! So giving your yellow lab a name that highlights its beautiful coloration will make it stand paws above the rest. Here are a few naming suggestions and a list of names after things that are bright or yellow…

Butter: Don't laugh, but I encountered a yellow lab recently who owned this very memorable and unique name. I'll never forget having met Butter!

Marilyn: For the blonde lab whose owner is a Marilyn Monroe fan. This sultry pooch draws the attention of everyone as it enters the room one hip at a time!

Sundance: This energetic dog brightens everyone's day.

Other Yellow Lab Name Ideas…
Amber, Autumn, Blondie, Chiquita, Daisy, Ember, Garbo, Goldie, Harlow, Meadow, Omelet, Paris, Sandy, Sahara, Savanna, Sunny, Zsa Zsa

When looking for Labrador Retriever Names, they're easy to find when you consider your lab's temperament and physical characteristics when choosing a name. If you take care to choose the right one, not only will your dog appreciate it, but he will also attract more attention…thus more petting, playing and treats!

About the Author
When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up Labrador Retriever Names, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/black-yellow-and-chocolate-lab-names-for-your-labrador-retriever-120875.html

7 Foods That are Deadly to Your Parrots

When parrots were first kept as pets, people thought they only lived a short time. This was in part because most of the soft billed wild birds only lived a few years but also because the parrots they kept died within 10 years or so. This was because the diet these parrots were being fed did not supply the necessary nutrients and the birds basically starved to death very, very slowly. Some succumbed to illness but this was in large part due to the fact that they were malnourished and their bodies couldn't fight the disease.

Today we know that many of the large parrots can live to be over 100 years of age and even budgies and cockatiels can live to be 20 or more. This is because we now know what to feed our parrots and what to avoid letting them eat.

There are lots of good things to feed your parrot, but there are a few things that you might offer that can kill your beloved feathered friend. The reasons may differ but the results are the same: death.

Foods You Must NEVER Feed Your Parrot
There are only a few things that can actually kill your parrot as far as human food goes. These are:

• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Seeds of any fruit
• Raw meat
• Uncooked eggs
• Any food that may have mold or may have spoiled (including seeds)

As you can see, this is a very short list.

Foods You Should Limit

This list is a lot longer and contains people foods that won't kill your parrot quickly. However, over time, these foods will be detrimental to its health. These foods fall into three main categories. Some foods may fall in to several or even all of these categories:

Foods High In Fat
Any food that has a high fat content should be limited. In the wild, parrots eat very little fat; what they do eat is mainly from bugs and other protein sources. Now, this doesn't mean that you parrot pal can't have a taste of these foods occasionally. Think of feeding your parrot as if you were feeding a three year old child. You would let a child have a few potato chips even though they are high in fat and salt, but you would limit the quantity. With a parrot, of course, the portions are much, much smaller. If you want to let your parrot have a bite or two of a single potato chip once in a while, there is nothing wrong with this limited quantity. Just do not let it become a habit that every single day the parrot gets potato chips and don't let the quantity increase over time. Everything in moderation is the practice to be followed for this list – even small amounts is what moderation means here.

Examples of these foods are:

• Potato chips
• Vegetables with lots of butter
• Fried foods
• Cream, whipped or liquid
• Cake icing
• Ice cream
• Fatty meat
• Butter sauces and cream soups that contain a lot of butter

Foods High In Salt
Too much salt isn't good for people or birds. Of course, since parrots are so much smaller, a little bit goes a long way. Some foods can simply be taken out of the food preparation cycle before salt is added to allow the parrot to enjoy a safe serving. If your parrot enjoys cooked veggies and you salt your food, then by all means take some out before adding salt. Crackers can have the salt scraped off before allowing the parrot to have the food. Many foods can be found in unsalted versions that can safely be shared with you parrot. For example, unsalted nuts are fine but eating a lot of salted nuts is not good for your feathered kid.

Some of the foods in this category are:

• Salted potato chips
• Salted corn chips
• Salted nuts
• Salted vegetables or meats
• Many prepared foods such as microwave entrees
• Salted popcorn
• Bacon, ham and other cured meats

Foods High in Sugar
Parrots can become little junk food junkies if allowed. They seem to love sweets and will insist on having a taste. Most foods with sugar are perfectly safe to allow the parrot to have a bite or even two, but limit the quantities to a very small amount and do not allow these foods every day. These are for the rare occasion rather than daily diet.

Examples of these foods include:

• Cakes
• Cookies
• Candy
• Sweetened juices
• Other sweetened drinks
• Sugary cereal
• Ice cream

Everything Else
Everything else that you eat, you can and should share with your parrot. The more different foods your bird eats, the better its health will be, the more vibrant the feather colors and the happier you'll be. However, use some common sense about feeding people food to parrots.

Fruits and vegetables are very good additions to the diet, preferably raw but if your parrot prefers some things cooked, that is better than not eating the food at all. Eggs, cheese, pasta, rice, potatoes (other than potato chips or French fries), pizza, noodles, bits of meat or fish and other people foods are great for you parrot. Limit the amount of meat to very small amounts because in the wild, parrots do not get a lot of meat-type protein. Some parrots LOVE a bone with bits of meat left on it to chew on and will even eat the marrow out of the bone.

Of course, fruits and vegetables are the best for the parrots and for us. But variety is the spice of life and everyone wants variety including your parrot.

To learn more about what you should feed your parrot visit www.eliteparrotsclub.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/7-foods-that-are-deadly-to-your-parrots-379928.html

Written by Nora Caterino

About the Author
Nora Caterino helps parrot owners from over 14 different countries in taming and teaching parrots to TALK. If you want to learn more about her parrot training videos - to instantly solve annoying behaviour problems like biting, screaming, or feather plucking - then join the 'Elite Parrots Club' and get super coaching from the 'Bird Lady'.

Proper Ferret Care: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Ferret Healthy

Many new ferret owners will quickly find themselves overwhelmed by the differences between owning a ferret and owning other, more common, pets. There are many aspects about basic ferret care and more involved health issues you should be familiar with, and there are a variety of ferret supplies that will help you maintain your ferret's optimum health. This article will cover the most important parts of basic ferret care to help you become a great ferret owner! It's also a great refresher for seasoned ferret owners.

Photo Credit: David Castor

Finding an Experienced Ferret Veterinarian
There are many veterinarians who will tell you that they treat ferrets, but a veterinarian who specializes in ferrets is best. It's very important to locate a qualified, experienced ferret veterinarian as soon as possible after you bring your ferret home. However, it's best to see if there's one in your area before purchasing your ferret. The veterinarian you find should be able to do a routine checkup and administer vaccines. If your regular veterinarian cannot treat more serious health problems or perform surgeries, ask him or her to recommend a veterinarian who can.

You will also want to locate the nearest 24 hour emergency animal hospital that will treat ferrets. Ferrets often fall ill in the evening, late at night, or on weekends when your veterinarian's office is not open. Given how quickly ferrets can be affected by illness, you will need to get them to a veterinarian as quickly as possible, and it often cannot wait until your regular veterinarian is available.

Routine Checkups
Make an appointment with an experienced ferret veterinarian for a routine checkup at least once a year. This is for the purpose of general preventive care, but also allows your veterinarian to familiarize himself with your ferret so he can more easily identify when your ferret is unhealthy. Annual exams should include weighing your pet; checking eyes, ears, and teeth; listening to the heart and lungs, and examining the ferret for any internal or external lumps or abnormalities. You should also discuss any questions regarding behavior, diet, parasite control, or other issues with your veterinarian at this time.

As the ferret gets older (generally over 3 years of age), you will also want your veterinarian to run annual blood work, including a blood glucose test, to detect any health problems that can't be diagnosed by a physical examination alone. Ferrets over the age of three are at a higher risk of developing insulinoma and other diseases that you want your veterinarian to diagnose as early as possible.

Annual Vaccinations
Ferrets need to be vaccinated yearly against rabies and canine distemper. While there has never been a recorded case of a ferret contracting rabies, the rabies vaccination serves as protection for your ferret in case she bites someone. Imrab-3 is the rabies vaccine of choice for ferrets. Get your ferret vaccinated at three months and then yearly thereafter. By law, all rabies vaccinations must be administered by a veterinarian.

Canine distemper is an airborne disease and is much more common in ferrets than rabies. It is deadly to unvaccinated ferrets. Even if your ferret never leaves the house or never has contact with other animals, you can still bring the virus into the house on your clothes and shoes, so it is important to stay up to date on your ferret's distemper vaccination. The only USDA approved vaccination is Purevax, though many veterinarians also recommend the use of Galaxy-D. Have your ferret vaccinated at 8, 11, and 14 weeks, and then yearly thereafter.

Talk to your veterinarian about giving the rabies and distemper vaccinations at least two weeks apart. Many ferret owners believe that giving the vaccines at the same time may increase the risk of a reaction. Whether or not that is true, it means that it will be more difficult to determine which vaccine was the cause of the reaction. Some ferrets are allergic to components of distemper or rabies vaccines. Allergic ferrets may show a reaction known as anaphylaxis. Within minutes of being vaccinated, the ferret begins vomiting, and may also have diarrhea. Some go limp and may lose consciousness. Ferrets that have this reaction once will not necessarily have another when given a different vaccine, but it is likely that they will react to the same type of vaccine again.

Regardless of whether or not your ferret has ever had a reaction, I recommend that you remain at the veterinary office for 30 - 45 minutes after the vaccine is administered. This will ensure that your ferret gets treatment swiftly if she does have a reaction, and immediate treatment is the only way to reverse the effects.

An allergic ferret may be treated with oral antihistamine an hour or more before he is vaccinated, to prevent an adverse reaction occurring. Your veterinarian can dispense the correct product and dose when a vaccination is scheduled.

When you are at your veterinarian, you should also have your ferret tested for heartworm and placed on a heartworm preventive. Although heartworm in ferrets isn't as common as it is in dogs and cats, it is more deadly because ferrets are a lot smaller in size.

Prevent Hairballs
It is normal for ferrets to shed heavily twice a year - once during the fall before they get their winter coats and once during the spring as they shed their winter coats. During these times, your ferret will be at risk of developing a hairball. As she grooms herself, she will ingest the loose hair. Ferrets cannot throw up hairballs as cats can, so the hair remains in her stomach and intestines, forming blockages. Blockages in ferrets are a life threatening condition, and must be treated aggressively and immediately, often with surgery.

The best way to prevent hairball blockages is to give your ferret a laxative or hairball remedy once a week throughout the year and more frequently during shedding seasons. If you have multiple ferrets, it is possible that only one may be shedding heavily. However, you still want to give the hairball remedy to all of them, as cage mates will groom each other and ingest each other's hair.

Cleaning Ears
Clean your ferret's ears with a ferret ear cleaning solution at least once every two weeks or more often if your ferret builds up earwax quickly. Excessive ferret earwax causes strong odors and puts your ferret at a higher risk of ear infections. Normal earwax is brown or reddish brown in color. Black, crumbly earwax can be a sign your ferret has ear mites, and you should make a veterinary appointment if you suspect your ferret has ear mites.

Clipping Nails
Trim your ferret's nails with ferret-specific trimmers at least once every two weeks or more often as needed. When a ferret's nails grow too long, they start to curl under her feet, making it painful for her to walk. Additionally, long nails can get caught on bedding, rugs or other items, causing them to splinter or even rip off as your ferret struggles to free herself. Some ferrets have even broken their toes in their attempts to free snagged nails.

Environmental Conditions
Temperatures above 75°F can be dangerous to ferrets, and temperatures above 90°F can be fatal. Ferrets cannot pant to cool themselves, so once they are overheated, heatstroke develops rapidly. Ferrets are most comfortable at 65-68°F, and during the summer you will need to provide your ferret with a cool, air conditioned environment.

Here are a few tips to keep your ferret cool:

• Never leave your ferret in a car.
  
• Keep your ferret's cage out of direct sunlight.
  
• Always provide cool water for your ferret to drink.
  
• Freeze water in soda bottles, wrap them in towels, and put them on top of or next to your ferret's cage.
  
• Move your ferret to the coolest room in your house.

One common misconception is that a fan will help your ferret to stay cool. In fact, this can make an intolerable heat level even worse, as you are blowing warm air at your ferret. If you are going to use a fan, put a bowl of cool water or ice behind or in front of it, but do not rely on this method alone to cool your ferret properly. Use a fan to circulate the air, but do not allow it to blow directly on your ferret.

Conclusion
The importance of ferret health and grooming needs shouldn't be underestimated or taken lightly. When you follow a regular grooming and care routine, you will help reduce stress on your ferret and help your ferret become as healthy and comfortable as she can possibly be.

Written by Kristen Onasch

About the Author
Kristen Onasch holds a degree in English from Pennsylvania State University. She has extensive experience in educational publishing for various pet magazines and websites and has owned ferrets for over ten years. She is currently the Senior Ferret Copywriter at Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/proper-ferret-care-what-you-need-to-know-to-keep-your-ferret-healthy-393446.html

Caring For a Pregnant Dog

During their pregnancy, dogs go through the same highs and lows pregnant women go through. Their hormones are raging and their bodies undergo drastic changes. Like pregnant women, pregnant dogs should be given the same care and attention - proper diet, vitamins, and exercises.

Photo Credit: William Holtkamp

Getting Your Dog Ready for Her Puppies
Unsupervised dog pregnancy might lead to complications or even a miscarriage. If you are not an experienced dog breeder, then doing a little research caring for a pregnant dog might be of some use to you. During your research, you could also come across helpful information that would help you care for your pregnant dog better.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if your dog is pregnant. The surest way to confirm if your dog is pregnant is to take her to a licensed veterinarian. Just by looking at your dog's abdomen and feeling it will alert the vet to the presence of growing pups. The vet can also estimate the due date of the pregnancy. Knowing when your dog is going to give birth to her puppies can help you prepare for the event.

Knowing when your dog is going to deliver her puppies gives you ample time to prepare clean towels just for the event and to choose a place where your dog is going to whelp her puppies. As the event draws near, it is time to isolate your dog from other canines in the neighborhood or in your household. This is to prevent your dog from catching the herpes virus that is deadly for her puppies.

Nutrition
Though nature will take its course, your dog needs your attention and support during the birthing. She might go to her favorite spot, usually a cool dark place, where she can bring forth her "babies" privately. In the meantime, that she is on her way to motherhood, you play an important role as her caregiver.

Your dog's pregnancy will last for about three months - a little bit more or less. During this time, she should be fed properly. She should be given less fatty foods and more of organic and chemical-free foods and vitamins. Your veterinarian can provide you a list of healthy dog food for your pregnant dog. Her weight should be monitored if she is gaining the expected weight for pregnant dogs.

Exercise
Regular exercise is also a must in caring for a pregnant dog. During the early stages of pregnancy, regular or daily walks for the dog is strongly advised. However, in the final twenty days of pregnancy, strenuous exercise and outdoor exposure should be avoided.

Vaccination
Vaccination should also be avoided during pregnancy. Vaccination is allowed just before the breeding process. Her immunity will be passed on to the pups through lactation. If your dog is already on an on-going medication prior to pregnancy then you should definitely check with your veterinarian if it is safe to go on with the medication. Although most dog medicines are said to be safe during pregnancy, it is still wise to check first with a professional.

Another important thing you should be preparing for is where your dog is going to give birth. A large box big enough for your dog and her future puppies would do nicely. Make sure to line the box with newspapers and old towels for it is sure going to be messy when your dog gives birth to her pups. The newborn puppies should be staying in the box with their mum until they are about six weeks old, so make sure that it is durable and cozy enough for them.

If you follow these few simple steps and guidelines in caring for a pregnant dog, which applies to all different dog breeds and types, then your dog is sure to give birth to newborn puppies safely and successfully.

Written by Kelly Marshall

About the Author: Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find interactive dog toys, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=591576&ca=Pets

How to Saddle a Horse Western Style

Whether you're new to the world of horseback riding or you're rusty from not having saddled up since you were a kid, one of the most important things for getting a good ride for both you and your horse is a proper saddle fit. If the saddle is too tight, your horse will be very uncomfortable and generally becomes increasingly fidgety and rebellious. If the saddle is too loose, there's a good chance you'll be on the ground not too long into the ride.

If you're new to saddling a horse, watch this video a couple of times to get a feel for how to do it correctly. If you're just a little rusty, this will be a great memory jogger. Either way, you'll be saddling like a pro in no time flat and riding off down the trail safe in the saddle.

Large Domestic Cat Breeds

Cats are probably the most popular of pets nowadays. Originally valued for their inbred ability to hunt various house pests such as mice and roaches, cats also offer a warm and affectionate companionship to their owners. In 1987, cats overtook dogs as the number one pet in America (about 50 million cats resided in 24 million homes in 1986) and about 37% of American homes today have at least one cat. Domestication of cats was first believed to have originated in ancient Egypt in about 3000 BC, where cats where also revered as sacred animals. Different breeds of domesticated cats come in various sizes. Some pet owners prefer small kitten-sized ones, while some prefer large-sized domesticated cat breeds.When choosing pet cats, one must consider the breed's characteristics in addition to its size. Here are just some of the large domesticated cat breeds that are popular with cat-lovers.

The Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a native of the state of Maine in the USA where it is also the official state cat. It is one of the largest breeds of domesticated cats where the males can weigh anywhere between 13 and 18 pounds (5.9 and 8.2 kg) on average, and females between 8 and 12 pounds (3.6 and 5.4 kg). In 2006, the Guinness World Records named a male purebred Maine Coon the "Longest Cat". It measured 48 inches (120 cm) in length, from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, and weighed 35 pounds (16 kg).

The Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a long-haired domestic cat. Ragamuffins are fairly large cats - females weigh between 10 to 15 pounds (4.54 to 6.80 kg), and males weigh between 15 to 20 pounds (6.80 to 9.07 kg). Ragamuffins are notable for their sweet, friendly personalities and plush, rabbit-like fur. They are adoptable as early as four months of age, but do not reach full maturity until around four years of age. The Ragamuffin is an expensive breed and costs can range from $900 - $1200 per kitten.

The Ocicat
The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which resembles a 'wild' cat but has no wild blood. It is named for its resemblance to the ocelot, which is a wild cat. Ocicats are a very outgoing breed. They are often considered to have the spirit of a dog in a cat's body. Most can easily be trained to fetch, walk on a leash and harness, come when called, speak, sit, and lie down on command. On average ocicats weigh about 12.1 pounds or 5.5 kilograms.

The Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is a large, semi-long haired cat with a swimmer's body. The cat is moderately long and its back legs are slightly longer than its front legs. The coat is the most fascinating trait on this cat. The semi-long haired, water resistant single coat, is thick in winter but very soft, like rabbit fur or cashmere. During the spring and summer months when it becomes extremely hot, the long hair on the body is shed for a shorter coat that retains the cashmere feel. Male Vans grow to about 16 pounds (7.3 kg) while females tend to be a bit lighter in weight, 12 to 14 pounds (5.4 to 6.4 kg). Vans, because of their fine fur, are hypo-allergenic cats. They are considered excellent pets for those with allergies.

Pixie-Bobs
Pixie-Bobs are a fully domestic breed of cat bred to resemble the North American Bobcat. Pixie-Bobs are a large breed, with males reaching 18 pounds (8 kg) and females reaching 14 pounds (6 kg). The Pixie-Bob's body is stocky and solid. Pixie-Bobs are also the only polydactyl breed recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA). These cats may have anywhere from six to seven toes on each foot.

These large-size domestic cat breeds are only a few of the ones available for pet purposes. It is important to take note of the qualities of the breed of cat before we decide which ones to adopt, as this would remarkably affect the way we take care of them. Knowing such could help make things a lot easier for us pet owners as we go about our endeavor in raising our pets.

Written by morriseins

About the Author: Morris is a cat fanatic who adores felines ever since he was a child. He's into digital photography and photo editing. He also enjoys blogging and reading novels, and loves eating spaghetti. Morris Crisologo
Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory

This Dog Should Get a Margarita to Go with the Salsa

Really great footage of a dog doing a salsa dance. If this doesn't put a smile on your face, nothing will. Well, maybe a margarita would.

What You Need to Know Before Keeping Discus Fish

With a compressed rounded body shape and gorgeous colors of green, red, brown and blue, (There are 4 ‘real’ discus variants, with their own Latin name. The rest of the color variants are captive bred and the list of these color variants is nearly endless. They have exotic names like, ‘White Diamond’, ‘Blue Diamond’ ‘Snake Skin’, etc… ) discus fish are among the most popular aquarium freshwater fish in the world. Native from the Amazon River, wild caught discus fish first started to appear in the 1920s, discus fish are spread all over the world being part of true industries in Asia, for instance. When they reach adulthood, discus fish are no bigger than eight to ten inches and they make great pets, bringing an excellent array of lively color to your house. Make sure you know everything about the needs of this fish breed before even thinking about keeping them, though discus fish are not very fragile, they still require a lot of care.

Discus Fish by Grace Fell

Discus fish make excellent aquarium inhabitants and they can be combined with other species in the habitat, the best choices would be the uaru or the tetras species. Normally discus fish are very serene creatures; they are a bit sensitive to stress and a disturbing environment but most fish are. However it is not too great an idea to combine them with fish that are quite a bit smaller, as the discus fish may eat them. It is also totally unadvisable to combine any variety of discus fish with catfish since you might find you just end up with fat catfish and no discus. Like all aquarium creatures, discus fish require optimal living conditions; otherwise they are exposed to disease and may die.

As the natural water temperature the discus fish are used to, is around 26-31 degrees Celsius ( 79 to 88 °F ), you will have to recreate and maintain very similar conditions. The hardness of the water ranges from 3 to 10° dGH. Additionally, in the wild, the environment discus fish live in is slightly acid, so make sure you adjust the pH values to such coordinates, between 5.5 and 6.5 the pH is completely friendly to your pets. If the discus fish were bred in captivity they may just as well adapt to higher pH values, but not during the mating season when you really have to provide optimal conditions.

Keep in mind that discus fish are very clean animals, and the water you put in their tank has to be really clean, without any trace of pollution whatsoever. You need to use a high capacity filter to cycle the water constantly.

Written by Keeping Discus Fish

About the Author
There are plenty of information sources to learn more on discus fish and their breeding; such a reliable site is discus fish blog that will definitely assist you in satisfying the needs of your discus fish. Always stay informed on feeding and breeding habits of your friends, as you’re thus watching over the health of your discus fish.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/discus-fish-what-you-need-to-know-before-keeping-discus-fish-712865.html

The Happy Dog of Hanalei (9 Things to Never Feed Your Dog)

A friend of mine, Bonnie Lupton, wrote this after a visit to Hawaii. While eating avocados has apparently not been harmful to Jake, a poodle in Pittsburgh or a dachshund in Denver may very well have a different reaction. By knowing what we shouldn't feed our dogs, we can help them lead happier and healthier lives.

Walking along a winding road on the North Shore of Kauai, I meet Jake, an elderly statesman of a Dog.  He happily waddled down the road alone on his daily walk, with a shiny green orb in his mouth. He had been out hunting for avocados.


I enjoyed watching Jake stop and relish a hunk of the pale green flesh that can only be described as avocado in color. In the 1970’s, avocado was all the rage. Splashed across the pages of Better Homes and Gardens Magazines and the homes of the rich and the famous. It was a color that felt at home in the kitchens of American suburbs. There is no other color like the color avocado; I was intrigued how the unique color had avoided staining the fur around Jake’s mouth.

I once shared a home with a wheaten Scottish terrier named Brandy, who would sit up and beg whenever I made guacamole. She would smear the green paste into her tufts of beard like a facial mask staining her fur.

I had not formally been introduced to Jake, but I had heard of his passion for the “alligator pear”. I was happy to make his acquaintance. He wagged his tail, the canine version of a gentlemanly tip of his hat. He swathered down the road, a king in his domain. Firmly yet tenderly he held the avocado between his jaws. Like a mother carrying her pup, never bruising or tearing the skin in transit.

A few feet away, he settled down on the matching green grass and began “peeling the skin”. With a tug he pulled away the armor that shielded the green flesh and began gnawing at the fruit.

Watching Jake relish his morning breakfast, I thought about dogs and avocados. I remember with worry some neighbor scolding me that avocados are harmful to dogs, similar to chocolates and birth control pills. My history with furry family members includes stories of stealth raids that ended with large amounts of all three being consumed.

Jake was clearly a master of his own life. According to his, pleasure he shared moments with two legged friends and families. It was obvious that there would be no way to do an intervention to Jake’s avocado addition. Was he really in danger of harming his health?

Human food that dogs must not eat!

Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and the dried variety of grapes, including raisins and sultanas, can cause severe kidney damage.

Potatoes which are green or the potato has sprouted
Green potatoes or potato sprouts contain solanine glycosides which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, nervous system stimulation, depression, trembling, paralysis and cardiac arrest.

Tea, Coffee or Caffeine Fortified Sports Drinks
Caffeine impacts the central nervous system and the heart. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning can include vomiting, a rapid or irregular heartbeat and often death.

Fat Trimmings from Ham, Chicken, Turkey and other meats
Never give your dog fat trimmings from meat and especially from ham. High fat consumption could lead to an attack of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can range in severity from mild to life threatening and is an extremely painful condition for your pet to endure. Turkey skin is also very high in fat content. Unfortunately, veterinarians see sizable increases in pancreatitis over Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Chocolate
Dogs should never eat chocolate. Chocolate contains a stimulant diuretic called theobromine which affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular of the dog. If you have reason to think your dog has eaten chocolate, seek veterinary advice immediately. Ingestion of chocolate can cause death. Cooking or baker,s chocolate contains the most theobromine, followed by dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle tremors or seizures, increased urination and increased heart rate. Be especially careful with chocolate. Dogs just love the smell and taste of chocolate, and no matter how normally well-behaved a dog may be, they cannot seem to resist the temptation of chocolate. Please be aware and do not leave a chocolate, chocolate bars or cookies anywhere that your dog might find it in your absence. Never give your dog chocolate ice cream.

Avocados
The peel, fruit, pit and avocado plant are all toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate and fluid accumulation in the chest cavity, abdomen and heart.

Yeast Bread Dough
Dough that contains yeast can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing severe pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Tobacco
Nicotine affects the digestive and nervous systems. ingestion of tobacco products can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma and death. Dogs seem to be attracted to the scent of tobacco and many have been known to chew on cigarette packages. Be careful not to leave them laying about.

Hops
Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.

Written by Bonnie J. Lupton