Automatic litter boxes are a wonderful convenience for cat owners with busy schedules. They don’t require daily scooping or a lot of general maintenance which allows us to enjoy more free time with our pets. Many brands, like Littermaid only require that you empty the bottom receptacle a couple times a week, while others like the Cat Genie only need you to keep an eye out for clogs and replace the sani-solution every once in awhile. Of course you would need to do both more frequently in multiple cat households.

My favorite thing about robotic litter boxes is that they allow you to mark cleaning the litter box off of your daily chore list. You also don’t have to worry about buying special cat box liners. And best of all there is no more need to scoop the poop because automatic litter boxes mechanically clean up the waste each time your cat uses the bathroom.

This type of litter box has been around for awhile so you have many models to choose from. Some even come with a cover which provides a more pleasing appearance while allowing your cat to have maximum privacy. But most important, a cover will keep litter particles from being scattered about when your pet jumps in and out of the litter box. Its also important to note that most brands require the use of a premium scoop-able cat litter. Premium litters often have better absorbency for trapping urine which will keep the automatic litter box from jamming. Generally a better quality litter will control odor more effectively than any of the cheaper brands you might find.

Prices for these type of litter boxes can range anywhere from one hundred to three hundred dollars. But if you are tired of raking, scooping and bagging cat litter, investing in an automatic litter box can be worth every penny. They are convenient, clean and most of the popular brands on the market today will adequately sense movement to rake away your cat’s waste in a matter of minutes.

Overall, an automatic litter box is a great investment for the dedicated cat owner. They reduce the amount of litter used on a day to day basis and at most you will only need to keep an eye on when its time to empty the receptacle bin. They keep the house consistently odor free and allow us to enjoy our cats without the constant stress litter box cleaning. Chances are you will feel that it was worth the investment and your cat will thank you.

Want to learn more about automatic litter boxes? Visit http://www.healthycatcare.com/index.php/automatic-litter-boxes for more tips and info!

Taking Care of the Pets with ‘Advantage’ Flea Cats’ Products

Any cat lover will accept the fact that it is quite tedious to take the complete care of the pet cats as they don’t seem to stay home long enough as the pet dogs. But the level of protection must be much higher for the pet cats as they live both inside and outside of home, thus having higher exposure to be infected with the fleas and ticks. What most of the pet owners forget to note is that the care needed by the pet cats is much different from what the dogs require, thus the products for dogs such as the fleas meds should not be used on the cats. In most of the cases the products meant for dogs do not provide the desired effects and sometimes may cause undesirable side effects on the pet cats. The ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products are one of the few in the genre which are manufactured considering the special cases of the cats and the distinct treatment they require. The ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products are highly effective to keep the ticks, fleas, and other related complications away from the pet cats, thus ensuing constant maintenance. Apart from the maintenance, it is to be understood that the ticks and the fleas are highly harmful to both the cats and human. Additional care must be taken to eliminate the problems of ticks on the pets with ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products if young children are present in the home.

What the ‘Advantage’ Flea Cats’ Products Offer?

With ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products, one does not have to use ‘n’ number of flea meds to kill the fleas, their larvae, and eggs. This is because the ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products provide the complete protection against the fleas and ticks at any stage. There are several impressive features of the ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products which make them distinct from the rest in the market and attract the pet shoppers. For instance, their price is much reasonable for the protection they provide for the prolonged time period.

Apart from this, the ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products are one of the quickest of their genre as they are capable to kill the ticks and fleas present on the pet cats just within 12 hours. If one is not sure about the claims made by the ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products, there are several reviews and surveys available online to prove this point. The ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products are known to start their protective action in 3 to 5 minutes after application and start with curbing the fleas that bite the cats constantly. The positive outcomes of the ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products are much visible maximum within a day and the pet owners can find their cats more relaxed as they are free from the itching or irritations caused by the presence of the fleas. The ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products are clinically proven too and are 100% free from any harmful chemicals. Thus the ‘Advantage’ flea cats’ products are suitable for all kinds and age groups of cats.

Having pets is a great way to teach children about responsibility as well as showing them how to be kind and caring to animals and humans, if done correctly.  In certain instances it can take a lot longer however choosing the right pet can make the difference.

When considering the various pets for sale you need to consider the impact it will have on your life and your family’s’.  It is best to start with a small animal which is low maintenance as you will probably find you are left to care for the animal a lot of the time or the child needs time to learn how to behave responsibly towards the animal.

Choosing a small pet such as a rabbit or guinea pig is good since they are cheap to keep and to entertain. A few toys and they are happy. Hamsters are an option however they do tend to be awake more at night which is in keeping with their desert instincts of coming out in the dark and cool times.

Dogs love companionship therefore is a great option however initially they can be expensive to buy. You could re-home a dog from a rescue centre however you are risk of taking in an animal which may have temper issues which can come apparent if it feels threatened or provoked.  If you do go down the latter root and choose a dog from a rescue centre rather than other pets for sale do make sure you get a full background from the staff so you understand the dogs behaviour, the breeds traditional ailments and the size the dog is likely to grow to.

I would suggest making a cost list of the potential pet. Include potential vet fees, insurance costs, collars, toys. Also consider if you have enough time to train the animal if you do go with a dog.

Remember pets can damage homes, dogs especially like to chew furniture and can bring in fleas that will affect children too.

To recap small is best for the first pet. Going with a guinea pig or rabbit is a safe bet. As long as they are kept clean, watered and fed, they will provide brilliant fun. They don’t take up a great deal of space, food is pretty cheap as is bedding, or even free if you use a paper shredder. If you don’t have a place to put guinea pigs or rabbits such as a garage in the winter, then a hamster may be the best type of pets for sale to go with.

Follow this advice and your child (and probably the rest of the family) should build up a lasting and loving relationship with the pet.

There are various kinds of pet shops that you are likely to find with the sign ‘pets for sale’ in your neighbourhood. These pet shops allow you to choose from a range of animals that are suitable for owning as pets. But the fact is that not all shops that have pets for sale shall tell you that you need to be extremely judicious when you decide the pet that you want to have in your household. The first thing that you need to keep in mind while considering pets for sale is whom you are buying the pet for. Is the pet something that you are getting for your son or for your daughter or is it something that you are eager to own yourself? This is extremely important to understand because you do not want to get a pet that needs adults to ensure adequate care if you are buying the pet to encourage some sense of responsibility in your child. The second thing that you need to consider is the available time that you have. If you are a working person who does not have ample time to spend at home buying a dog is quite out of the question. Dogs need a fair amount of time and attention and care too. They need to be taken for long walks, especially if you have a large breed. In such cases, low maintenance pets like fishes, hamsters or love birds should be preferred. Last but not the least you also need to consider finances when you are looking for pets for sale. Pure breed dogs and cats are fairly expensive and if you want to be good to your pet, you will need to feed them good quality dog or cat food.

Incorporating a pet into your lifestyle is a huge responsibility. Of course the idea of getting an adorable puppy or kitten sounds great, but there really are many things that you and your family should take into consideration before taking the plunge. If you are uncertain as to which type of animal will suit your current household best then take a look at my tips and suggestions below.

1. Before going to look at pets, you should have a meeting with everyone in your household. Make sure that each person in on board for the added responsibility. Having a pet can be incredibly time consuming, so you’ve to make sure that everyone is willing to contribute to your new pet’s wellbeing.

2. Now think about your work or school situation. If you and everyone in your household works 40 plus hours per week, then having an animal that requires a lot of attention may not be a good choice, especially if you want to start off with a very young animal. Be realistic when assessing your spare time. Dogs especially, require a great deal of time and effort. So if you aren’t certain you can devote several hours a week, then you may need to find a lower maintenance pet.

3. You also should be thinking about your financial situation. If you are on a tight budget, then you may not be able to handle the responsibilities of a large dog for example. Larger animals require more food, more space and they often have larger medical expenses. Take a look at your budget and assess how much money you can spend per month on the caring of your pet.

4. Now take a look at your living situation. Do you live in an apartment or a house? Do you have ample space for a pet to play and walk around in? These are questions that you must ask yourself before choosing a pet. If you live in a cramped apartment, then you may want to get a cat rather than a dog. If you place in extremely small, then you may want to get a less traditional pet, like a lizard.

5. Once you’ve realistically assessed your time, budget and living situation, it’s time to go out and search for the perfect pet. Make sure to take your time and to do plenty of research. Not all breeds are the same, so you should fully understand the needs of whichever type of pet you choose before bringing them home

Having a pet can really improve the quality of your life. However, you want to make sure that you can also give the animal a high quality of life as well. So make sure that you are realistic and smart when choosing a pet. If you decide to get a dog, make you provide him or her with only the best. Check out some unique designer dog beds today.

The Weimaraner, or “grey ghost” as it is commonly nicknamed, is an intelligent, loyal dog originally bred in Germany for hunting large game. The Weimaraner’s majestic beauty, friendliness and loyalty are enough to win over any dog lover, though a Weimaraner does not make the perfect pet for just anyone. The Weimaraner thrives on adequate exercise, intellectual stimulation and being a part of a family in which the dog’s role is clear.

The Weimaraner is an exuberant lover of life who needs an active and equally enthusiastic owner. To say the Weimaraner is boisterous would be an understatement. If you are looking for a lethargic couch dog, steer clear of the Weimaraner. If you are looking for a companion ready to hike miles into the wilderness with you, join you on regular runs, swim with you in the lake and curl up in bed with you at the end of the day, the Weimaraner may be the family member you are seeking.

High energy and stamina along with a strong scenting ability and intelligence make the Weimaraner an excellent hunting dog. Intense loyalty, a protective nature and an eagerness to obey its leader make the Weimaraner the perfect member of the right family—and a member of the family is just what a Weimaraner wants to be. However, a Weimaraner who does not receive adequate exercise, discipline and stimulation will take out its energy through unwanted behavior, and that could mean destruction to belongings and a headache for the entire family.

If you decide to bring a Weimaraner into your home, obedience training and discipline are absolutely critical from the start. While a disciplined, well-exercised Weimaraner will be eager to fulfill your every command and come back for more, an undisciplined one will exhibit unwanted behaviors such as chewing, jumping and being a colossal pest. Such behavior is simply a show of dominance or an outlet for releasing pent up energy, and can be prevented through exercise and proper leadership. The Weimaraner is headstrong and determined, and will naturally assume the role as leader of the household if not taught otherwise. Every member of a household adopting a Weimaraner must be willing to actively participate in creating an environment of structure and discipline in which the dog will thrive.

Before adopting any purebred dog, it is encouraged to educate yourself about the temperament, care and health issues associated with the breed in consideration. If possible, speak with others who have owned or had experience with the breed. Resist the temptation to take home a puppy of a breed with which you are unfamiliar, even if an adorable puppy dog face is luring you in. Dogs of different breeds vary widely in personality, energy level and maintenance. Be sure that you select a dog based on your lifestyle and ability to fulfill the needs of the dog.

If you are thinking of getting a dog or puppy, you have to remember that this is a lifelong commitment. Preparing yourself for the responsibilities of dog- ownership is the beginning of a happy and rewarding time sharing your home with a pet. If you treat a dog well, you will be repaid with a lifetime of unquestioning devotion. With training and care, a dog will obey your commands and be a valuable part of the family.

But what are the considerations? As this is a partnership and not a one-way relationship you have to consider whether you are suited to your chosen pet and vice versa.

When you are considering whether to offer a home to a puppy or dog, you need to think about:

Is a Dog Right For You

Look carefully at what you would want from a dog, and what you could give. This applies equally whether you are thinking about getting a tiny toy Poodle or a large adult Bull Mastiff. Remember, a tiny puppy can grow into a very big dog!

Your needs;

Lifestyle

Dogs, like small children, need time and attention. They like to be loved, and leaving them alone for long periods of time can be very upsetting. If you work long hours full-time, then a dog is probably not the pet for you at this stage in your career. If you have just had a new baby, or have very small children, again consider carefully about whether this is a good time to have another new family member.

Facilities available

Have you a large house and garden that would suit a boisterous, energetic type of dog? Are you the sedentary type who lives in a small flat, where maybe a small lapdog would be ideal? Dogs can vary in size from the chipper Chihuahua to the stately St Bernard, and in energy levels from the sprightly Springer Spaniel to a placid Pekingese. Remember the needs of a crossbred may be more difficult to predict. Your local library usually has plenty of books about different dog breeds, so it is worthwhile getting a selection to read about various dogs before you make up your mind.

A dog needs

Time

PDSA estimates that a dog will need about 5 hours a day of your time and undivided attention. That would include routine ‘maintenance’ such as grooming, dental care and feeding, as well as play.

Money

Dogs will cost you money as well as time. Not only are there the ‘one-off’ items, such as buying the dog, beds, leads and collars, but there are the regular expenses such as food. Again, the amount eaten depends on the breed and the activity. For example, a working dog will need a high energy diet, and a puppy will need a diet specific to its growing needs.

The Basics

Collar

There are lots of different collars around, and it is important to choose the correct one for your dog. A puppy should have a very light one, with room for growth but an adult can have any sort, fitting well so that there is no chance that the dog will slip out of it. A metal ‘check chain’ must be put on the right way round, as it can ‘lock’ if not, causing great distress.

The collar must legally have the owner’s name and address on it, and a contact telephone number is useful. Think about an ‘identichip’ that can be painlessly inserted under the skin by your vet. This provides unique indelible identification

Lead

Again, there are lots of different types. A young puppy can have a light-weight nylon lead, but an adult dog should have one that will not break when pulled. There are extendable leads, which may be suitable for one small dog but are best avoided where more than one dog is being walked.

Food and water bowls

These should be easy to clean, although they should always be washed separately and never with your own crockery. Stainless steel bowls, or heavy pottery ones with no chips, are fine. It is also important to throw out any uneaten food after your dog has finished eating and to make sure there is fresh water available at all times.

Dog Bed

A cosy, easily washed bed is important for dogs. This will be ‘their’ residence! Make sure you choose one that can be cleaned thoroughly, which is especially important in the summer when fleas are at their most active.

It should have no sharp corners or potential splinters that could cause injuries.

Toys

These are a vital part of a dog’s life. Not only do they make walks fun, but they make sure that the dog ’socialises’ with the family. They can help clean teeth, they exercise the brain and can be used for training purposes.

Pooper scooper

It is essential that owners play their part in cleaning up after their dog. As part of pet owner responsibilities, always carry a ‘pooper scooper’ or a plastic bag with you to clean up any mess produced by your dog. This not only makes the environment cleaner, but prevents any serious dangers to children from canine parasites, such as Toxocara canis, a parasite that can cause blindness.

Grooming items

A long-haired Saluki will need more coat attention than a short-haired Jack Russell, but all dogs will need attention and regular bathing to keep their skin and coat well maintained.
You will need a brush and comb suited for the hair type of your chosen pet. A long-haired Yorkshire Terrier needs to be combed and brushed at least once a day, but a short-haired Boxer will probably only need a vigorous brushing twice a week.

Canine toothbrush and toothpaste

Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth and dental check-ups should be a routine part of dog care. Special canine toothpaste and brushes are now widely available from vets and pet shops, but avoiding sweet things is also important for dental care as well as weight control.

Make your pet comfortable when starting to brush, and approach them from the side rather than the front. You can begin with a flannel folded over a finger, or a special ‘finger brush’, but these are not as good as a proper canine toothbrush. Dogs don’t like human toothpaste, as it foams too much. It is much better to buy special ‘pet toothpaste’ which doesn’t foam and tastes far nicer to the dog! Start with a few teeth, and gradually increase it so that you can do the whole mouth in one session. Brush just the gums on the outside surface at first, as these are the ones that most need the care and attention.

At the end of this brushing, make sure you give a treat such as a rawhide strip (not chocolate or other sweeties!) so that your pet feels it’s all been worthwhile.

Looking after your puppy

Preparing

Now you have chosen the type of dog that you feel you can get along with, what is the next stage?

You want to get a pet that will fit in with you and your family. It can be a pure bred puppy from a breeder or it can be a cross-bred from a friend. To help you choose, it is better to have a good idea of what you will get. It is better to see the puppy with the mother, or if possible both parents, to give a good idea about the final size of the dog. You’ll know then whether the puppy comes from a good home and what the dog’s personality is likely to be. A healthy pup will also be inquisitive, alert and playful with a glossy coat. Remember, it is better to wait for the ideal canine partner rather than to choose impulsively, so you may have to save up or be on a waiting list for an expensive pure bred dog.

One way that everyone in the family can get involved is in choosing the new pup’s name. Remember, you may be calling this out across a park in the future, so choose one that everyone feels comfortable with, and which suits the dog.

Arrival

The best time to take on a new puppy is when you have time and there is not too much going on in the household. This is one of the factors why Christmas is not a good time to get a new dog. Two weeks of care and attention initially will pay off in the end. If you have older school-aged children, the school holidays are a good time to get that new family member. If possible, the primary ‘carer’ should be with the puppy for the next couple of weeks.

Make sure that you have got everything ready for the big day. Buy all of the equipment you need, and register your pup with a vet. Make sure that the day of arrival is as ‘normal’ as possible – the puppy is going to be scared and confused, so lots of people around making a fuss will only add to the distress. Make sure you have all of the things you would need for the new dog to make them feel as loved as possible. Remember, they are going to feel anxious and overwhelmed, so give them space and don’t worry too much if there are ‘accidents’!

Feeding

Feeding your puppy correctly is a big part of responsible pet care. Obesity is one of the biggest problems for pets, as dogs are natural gluttons and their bodies utilise a wide range of foods very efficiently. It is important that they get the correct diet for them, and a puppy’s diet varies according to age.

Puppies are ready to eat solid food when they are about 7 weeks old, although this does vary. It is best to feed them on a special tinned ‘puppy diet’ you can get from the local supermarket or pet shop. Initially, they will need four meals a day, but this can be reduced to three a day at about 12 weeks old. By the time they are 6 months, they can have two meals a day. This regime can continue for the rest of their life, or else it can be cut down to one meal daily, according to their needs.

Socialisation and training

Any puppy benefits from contact with humans and other dogs, but you will have to be careful that the puppy is protected by vaccinations before it comes into contact with other dogs or pet owners. The veterinary practice you have chosen may run ‘puppy parties’, which can give you advice, but in any case it is worthwhile getting the pet checked out by the vet as soon as you can. Make sure you tell the receptionist when booking an appointment that it is a young puppy.

Training should start as soon as possible, so that your dog fits in well with society.

One of the first things you will concentrate on is toilet training. Find an area indoors that you can clean up easily, and use that in the first stage. Put down plenty of newspaper. Your puppy will give you a clue that it needs to go to the toilet by sniffing around and being a bit restless. Pick up the puppy, one hand under the chest and one under the hindquarters, and transport it to the paper. When it performs the task, praise it and if it moves off the paper, rebuke it with a firm ‘no’. As soon as your pup is protected through its vaccinations, you can let the puppy go into the garden. Put down newspaper, and use the same technique you did inside – praise for success, rebuke if not. Gradually do away with the paper.

Puppies

When your dog is out, it will probably want to go to the toilet. As a responsible pet-owner, it is vital that you remove the solid waste from the pavement, or train your dog to use the gutter as its lavatory. There can be heavy fines for dog fouling, as well as being unacceptable for other people. ‘Pooper scoopers’ are available at most vets and pet shops, but good old plastic bags are just as good. Parks have special bins for dog waste, so make sure you remove any debris away from the public!
Social training is also important. Any behaviour that can be amusing in a puppy may be frightening in an adult. The puppy that nips is easier to deal with than the dog that bites! Every time your pup does something that is unacceptable, a firm ‘no’ will usually work. Don’t get angry with your puppy, but make sure it knows what is OK, and what is not.

You also have to make sure that your pet is not a danger to other dogs, pedestrians or the actual dog walker. Correct training from an early age is essential, so research where the local dog-training school is located. Try and find out from other dog-owners or your local library as soon as possible about any local classes.

Exercise

Again, this varies according to the breed, but it is vitally important. It helps the owner keep fit as well as the dog! You have to be very careful when exercising your dog, and numerous shorter walks a day are better than one long walk. When out for their exercise, dogs should be on a lead in a built up area, and only release your pup when you are absolutely sure your dog is safe. Not only are there dangers from traffic and other dogs which may not be as nice as yours, but tins, glass and other hazards can cause injuries.

Remember, as well, if you are getting a puppy, it can’t be taken out until the vet advises that it is protected by its vaccination programme .

Looking after your dog

Older Dogs

Preparing

Now you have chosen the type of dog that you feel you can get along with, what is the next stage?
If you have decided that an adult dog is the one for you, consider getting a rescued dog from a shelter, perhaps thinking about a ‘trial period’ to make sure the two of you will get on well.
One useful consideration is that a reputable shelter, dog-owner or breeder will want to check you out as the prospective owner. Don’t be put off by this – any responsible re-homing organisation or breeder would want to make sure their dogs were going to a caring home.

Arrival

The age of the dog affects the way you use the time allocated to your pet initially. An older dog may need help in adjusting to a new home, depending upon its past background. An adult dog will need just as much attention as a puppy would to settle into its new home.

Dietary advice

Dogs eat mainly meat, but still need a balanced diet with some carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. Complete diets are available and will provide all of your dog’s dietary needs, as will tinned food with biscuits. With all dietary regimes, it is important that dogs do not eat more food than they need. They are naturally quite greedy, and will often eat more than their calorific requirement. This leads to obesity, which is seen in over 50% of the dogs that come to PDSA. Most dogs are fed once or twice a day, and when they are young and active have very few problems if they are fed a good diet, with few tit-bits.

Dietary advice

At the ‘post-maturity stage’, which usually begins when smaller dogs are about eight years old and at five years for the large and giant breeds, they may have different dietary requirements. In this ‘post-maturity’ phase, the tissues, organs and systems of the pet are gradually becoming less efficient. This is quite a natural progression, but it can be well managed, hopefully making sure that the pet has a good level of activity and wellbeing for the remainder of its life.

The rate of progression is dependant on many factors, such as the environment the pet lives in and its genetic make-up. However, by far the most important component is the pet’s nutrition, both in the past and how it is now. A pet that is the optimal weight and has had a good diet throughout its life will enter this phase with few problems.

As soon as you notice any ‘ageing’ signs, such as greying around the muzzle or a bit of stiffness after rest and a gradual slowing down, you should start considering your pet’s diet, and how you can make it more suitable to its needs. You need to take account of the changes that are happening in your pet’s body. For example, the amount of skeletal muscle in the older pet will decrease with age. This loss of skeletal muscle means that not only is there less physical activity, but the pet’s ability to repair damaged tissues and produce energy from food is reduced.

Older dogs have varied dietary needs; ask your vet for advice about the one suited for your dog.

Socialisation and training

A well-trained dog is a pleasure to have around, and begin training as early as you can. It is possible to teach an older dog, but it is better to start when your dog is as young as possible. Start off with simple tasks, such as getting your dog to respond to its name. Then graduate to training around the house and in the garden using the lead. Training before a meal is a good time, as you are sure your dog will pay you full attention! The training periods should be short, about 15 minutes per session. Reinforce ‘good’ behaviour with a treat which can be gradually replaced with praise alone. Unacceptable behaviour should be corrected with a sharp ‘no’.

Exercise

The amount of exercise needed varies according to the age and breed of a dog. A small lapdog may need less exercise than an active hound. However, each dog has its own exercise needs, and as age creeps on it may prefer a more sedentary life. A responsible owner will still make sure his/her dog’s life is enjoyable, with exercise perhaps replaced by toys for mental stimulation.

Remember, as well, to follow any veterinary advice you have been given about exercise. For example, a dog after surgery will need to be rested, especially if it has had an orthopaedic operation.

Veterinary care

Choosing a vet

Either just before or as soon as you have got your new dog, you need to register with the vet you have chosen to look after your new pet. Choosing the vet who will look after you and your animals is as difficult as selecting the right pet! Making a visit to a practice waiting room and chatting to dog-owners can help, but the initial visit to the vet should give you enough information.

Make an appointment as soon as you can for a check-up, and the vet can then devise a care programme for your dog. Write a list of the questions you want to ask, so everything you want to know can be covered.

When to contact the vet

A vet would rather see healthy pets than sick ones that should have been treated earlier, so if you are worried about your pet it is always best to contact the practice. If your dog is unwell, there will have been a change in behaviour – it may be sleepier or off its food. They may be generally ‘off colour’. Owners should use their common sense about when to contact their vet; it will not make an owner popular to use the emergency service in the early hours of the morning for a trivial complaint.

Veterinary costs

While most dog-owners can consider the regular routine needs, such as vaccinations and worming, it is the out-of-the-ordinary expenses that a dog-owner may not be prepared for. The treatment associated with a road accident can run into thousands of pounds. Most dog owners are now considering pet insurance, which helps cover the unexpected. There are plenty of organisations around that offer this, including PDSA, so shop around for the best policy for you. Third-party insurance is included in most policies, and this is essential to avoid large payments should your dog be involved in an accident.

Essential veterinary care

A Vaccination Programme

This varies according to past history and the age of your dog. Prevention of infectious diseases through vaccinations is an essential part of caring for your dog. Your pet can be vaccinated against killer diseases such as distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, Leptospira canicola and icterohaemorrhagicae, parvovirus and the more uncommon canine parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica. Your dog will also need annual boosters.

If you are planning to take your pet abroad, remember your dog will need additional vaccinations and health checks.

Neutering Programme

Getting your bitch neutered, unless you are intending to breed from her with absolute certainty of good homes for the pups, is essential. The average number of offspring is between four and six pups per litter, though it can be many more. Other benefits include a reduced risk of mammary tumours later on in life, and avoidance of pyometra, a womb infection.

Neutering a male dog will decrease the tendency to roam and be aggressive. When your dog should be neutered, the benefits and small risks can all be discussed with your vet at the initial consultation.

Neutered animals of both sexes also tend to live longer.

Home Care

Coat care

Apart from general grooming with a brush and comb, your dog will need bathing. The number of baths your dog needs depends on the circumstances. For example, a dog should be bathed quite soon after rolling in the mud, so it doesn’t solidify on the coat. The shampoos available contain different ingredients, and if you just want a general shampoo, don’t use human products. These can be too drying for a dog’s coat; so get one with a moisturiser from your vet or a good pet shop.

The best way to bathe your dog is to use a ‘whirlpool’ type bath, but shower attachments work just as well. Don’t use the garden hose, as this can upset a dog as well as making your life a misery. You don’t need to protect your dog’s ears or eyes, as shaking removes the water from the ears and the eyes can be rinsed out easily. The coat should be reasonably clean to begin with; as any mud or debris can inactivate the shampoo. Wet the coat with lukewarm water, and massage the shampoo in the coat for 5-10 minutes. Shampooing can dry the coat due to water loss through the skin, so it is a good idea to use a moisturiser. You can apply it after bathing, or use a good moisturising shampoo. Gently towel dry your dog; the ‘towel bags’ you can get to completely enclose your pet are excellent. Don’t use a hair dryer as this can cause burns.

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Dogs sometimes get upset stomachs after eating something unusual whilst out. As long as the dog is well in all other respects, don’t offer any food for 24 hours, just sips of cool previously boiled water. If you allow the dog to drink too much at any one time, it may be sick again. If the diarrhoea and vomiting stop, introduce food – again small amounts. White meats, such as chicken or fish, should be fed with plain boiled rice and gradually introduce the dog’s normal diet. If the symptoms persist over a couple of days, or if there is an obvious turn for the worse, don’t leave it too long before you call the vet.

Eyes and ears

Normally a dog’s eyes are well lubricated but conjunctivitis causes the eyes to produce more tears than can be drained away and the eyes become reddened. In the meantime, before you can get to the vet’s, clean away any discharge using a piece of tissue or cotton wool soaked in warm, previously boiled, water. Use the piece of tissue/cotton wool just once, discarding after use and wipe from the inside of the eye area to the outside. Your pet’s vet should be consulted if the symptoms persist for more than a day.

Long-eared dogs are particularly prone to ear infections, but all dogs should have their ears inspected at least once a week. Any reddening or discharge needs a trip to the vet’s.

Sometimes dogs get grass seeds lodged in their ears and eyes. The grass seed may not necessarily be visible, but the dog will paw continuously at the ear or eye affected.

Emergencies in the home

Some minor injuries, such as tiny cuts or burns, can be dealt with by owners. It is worthwhile preparing to deal with an emergency in advance before it happens. There are many pet care books that cover this subject, and it is also a good idea to buy or create a Pet First Aid Kit. In addition, make sure everyone knows what to do in a crisis. Keep the telephone number of your veterinary practice by the ‘phone, together with a pencil and paper to note down any instructions and fill out your dog’s record card at the back of this leaflet.

Gum disease

Gingivitis, or gum disease, is one of the commonest complaints seen at PDSA PetAid Hospitals. This can be prevented with good oral hygiene from an early age, but your dog’s annual check-up at the vet’s will help reduce the risk of tartar build-up.

Holiday provisions

Preparing for a holiday has to be done well in advance. Are you taking your dog with you, and if so have you checked out the hotel? Are you putting your dog in a kennel? If so, find out what vaccinations may be necessary and book a place well in advance – good kennels get booked up very quickly. Are you getting a house-sitter? Check out the references, and make sure all eventualities are covered.

Parasite prevention care programme

A regular worming, flea and other ectoparasite control programme can be suggested by your vet.

It is quite common for a dog to have fleas, and every dog is likely to become infected at some stage in its life. You will either see flecks of dried blood (’flea dirt’) in the coat, or fleas themselves, and for every flea you see running through your dog’s fur there may be hundreds of young fleas waiting to jump aboard a passing pet! Young fleas can live for over a year without feeding, so it is particularly important to treat the house and all pets in a flea control programme. The secret is to treat both the dog and the environment with effective products that kill both adult and immature fleas all year round. As well as causing severe skin irritation, fleas play a vital part in the tapeworm’s life cycle.

As well as thinking about fleas, it is vital to make sure you follow the worming regime recommended by a vet. This will get rid of internal parasites, which are a problem for dogs as well as affecting the environment and people.

Road accidents

Some dogs may be involved in road accidents in spite of every sensible precaution a responsible owner takes. If that happens to you, try and keep calm. At the scene of a road accident, try and get as much help as possible – one person to contact the dog’s vet, another to direct traffic. Others can remove the dog from the road if possible, where there is no risk to the pet or the people. If you suspect any spinal injury, move the dog only if absolutely necessary, using a very firm board to keep any movement to a minimum.

Protect your pet with Pet Insurance

If your pet falls ill or has an accident it can be a stressful time both financially and emotionally, especially is you don’t have a Pet insurance policy in place. With the average cost of a course of veterinary treatment rising year-on-year and now standing at over £250*, PDSA urges all pet owners to insure their pet in case of illness or accidents.
*Claims received by PDSA Petsurance between 01/01/05 and 31/12/06

PDSA Petsurance has been designed for all breeds of cat and dog, from moggies and cross-breeds to pedigree champions. There are three different levels of policy for the owner to choose from. PDSA Petsurance was designed by our vets and insurance specialists to ensure all sick and injured pets can receive the veterinary care they need and best of all for animal lovers, a percentage of each policy goes directly back to PDSA to help sick and injured pets.

Read our weekly animal health articles at http://www.in2town.co.uk or http://www.in2town.co.uk/PDSA-animal-magazine-and-animal-advice.html

Many people possess a clear idea of what sort of animal they desire. Nevertheless, most of them tend to misjudge the time and the level of attention their type of animal call for. Selecting which pet absolutely fits you and your modus vivendi might look easy. But you also need to consider their upkeep necessities and make the good decision from there.

Certain pets need more care than others. For starters, your dogs demand twice as many things as cats. The sensitiveness of dogs is something you ought to be prepared for. A few of them would go out of their way and tear your entire home down just so they can receive the care they call for. Try to let your dog neglected for a entire day. If it Is not trained properly, you’d certainly return to a messy, torn, and tattered home. Dogs get bored even if you grant it toys or some other dog for a comrade. These animals require human interaction above anything else. This signifies that you have to take your dog out for a leisure promenade each day, likely after work. Dog requires play and physical exercise time to live merrily.

Cats are another case though. These pets can be left alone. Just preserve all the breakables inside a bolted shelf and you should be safe. Else, you may discover them missing or broken after going away from your pet for a moment. To mind a cat, the only thing you’ve to do is to maintain your clean house. This way, they would not cause too much of a commotion. Rather, they will go to their box and catch some Z’s. Or they will look outside the windowpanes, divert themselves with a plaything, or simply take it easy and decompress by themselves.

But then again, if you still believe that cats are trouble, then the best suited animal for you would be a fish. You do not have to attend to these creatures much. Simply clean the water tank on a regular basis and feed them each day and they would be pleased.

The bottom line is, irrespective of what kind of animal you acquire, you have to supply a certain degree of care. Every animals necessitate love and care from their proprietors. As for the others, they would necessitate grooming and positive reinforcement as well. Fish might not demand the latter a good deal. But just the same, you are demanded to give them all they demand to subsist. When selecting a pet, make sure that you take into account all of these matters to come face-to-face with the one that is ideal for you.

To sum it all up, dogs are high maintenance animals which also require grooming. But when you have done all of that, they will be the most honorable comrades you can ever have. Dogs can do several things like alarm you of impending danger, alert you that somebody is at the doorstep, or merely love you twice as much reciprocally. In exchange, it only demands some of your time and care.

Cats are generally low maintenance animals, altho some cat species aren’t. Certain breeds demand for people’s care while others hate it. Cats prefer to be on their own most of the time. So if you are considering adding more animals to your house, this pet is a likely good candidate, depending on your character and needs.

Having a pet companion at home can certainly be rewarding.  Having pet birds can be both a rewarding and challenging experience.  Birds are intelligent and fascinating to look at.  But it is important to choose the right bird for you and at the same time prepare yourself for the responsibilities.  Birds when properly cared for can live for a long time.

Before getting yourself a feathered friend, there are some things you need to answer first

• Can you still care for a bird?  Birds are social creatures, they also need time.  So make sure that you or your family still have the time to care for a bird.

• Is your home and your neighbours okay with some bird noise?  Birds can be extremely noisy in several occasions. And can disrupt some neighbours.  But you can pick a smaller bird which can still make some noise inside the house but not disrupt the neighbourhood.

• Do you have other pets?  Some pets interact with each other easily posing no problems at all.  But also there are some pets who may harm the new pet due to jealousy.  Your pet bird can easily be killed by a jealous cat or dog.  These are some factors you would have to consider.

Giving some thought over these questions and still able to identify that you would still like to have a pet bird, then let’s go over to the selection process.   When choosing the right bird, make sure to do some research about the birds.  There are some birds which are overly demanding in terms of social and physical needs, these birds are better kept in the wild.  

Some good bird choices would be canaries, finches, cockatiels, parakeets, and lovebirds. These breeds of birds have long been bred in captivity and have already resulted into some domestic breeds.  The good thing about these birds is that the supplies they need can readily be purchased.  

On the other hand there are some birds which are better left alone in the wild, like some breeds of parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and toucans.  These birds have not undergone the breeding process that the domesticated birds have experienced.  These birds tend to be demanding to live with.

When choosing your pet bird, consider the following factors:

• Size – the rule is that the bigger the bird the bigger the responsibilities.  If you are just starting to be a bird owner,  then it would be best to start with a smaller up until to medium size.  The size of your bird will determine how big will the housing and other physical requirements.

• Nutrition- a bird fed accordingly can live up to fifty years!  It is important to provide the proper diet to your birds.   Bird not only feed on seeds, they also require fruits and vegetables and lots of water.  Bird seed are not enough for your bird.

• Housing -  let us apply the rule again, the larger the bird, the larger the cage it requires.  A proper cage should have the bars spaced closely enough, close enough so that bird heads would not get caught between bars and for small birds to escape the cage.  The cage should be spacious enough so that the bird can move freely and have enough exercise.

• Budget and finance – birds, as well as any other pet, can pose some financial obligations.  For birds, the cage, accessories, maintenance, food and veterinary care can be costly.  When looking for a bird, then you should make yourself familiar with the cost of raising one. You want to have a pet that you can afford.

• Time and maintenance- unlike to what other people think, birds are not really low-maintenance pets.  There are some pet birds which would require daily exercise and constant social interaction. Time and  maintenance would include feeding, cleaning the dishes and the cage. Some parrots show some behaviour problems if they do not receive regular attention from pet owners.

Most individuals have an idea just what type of pet they want; however, the maintenance of a pet can cause some concern. Knowing how to choose the correct pet for you may be easy. You may have had several pets as a child and know you need a companion for your own home or you may have always wanted a pet but been told you could not have one. Whatever the case you may need to take into consideration some key points to pet care when deciding what pet is right for you. First some pets take more care than others. Dogs are very needy animals. They are very sensitive towards their owners. I am sure most of you have heard of dogs tearing up a house when left along all day. Dogs can get bored even when they have other dog companions and toys. They need the human interaction. Most dog owners take their dogs out for a walk before work and after work for the exercise and play time. Other owners who work outside will often let their dogs come to work with them to keep them out of trouble. Cats on the other hand can amuse themselves and as long as you put your valuables on a shelf, they cannot reach and keep a clean house they will sleep, look out windows, and play with toys while you are away. Fish are another type of pet that is typically low maintenance except for cleaning the fish tank.

Pet care is very important when you own a pet. They need attention from their owners, positive reinforcement, training, and love. Fish are usually excluded from this statement, as they just need food, proper tank maintenance, and a few plants to sustain life, however the point is proper pet care is required when you own any pet. The decision will be yours to make in choosing what the right pet is for you. Above I mentioned three types of pets and little about their care, now I am going to look at it a little more.

While dogs are high maintenance and require the most training they are also one of the best pets to own. They can alert you to danger, alert you to someone at the door, and give unconditional love back. A dog only asks in return for proper care and a great deal of attention. If you cannot be home all the time, you will want to make sure the dog has a roof over their heads in case of inclement weather, and a huge yard to play in. Some dogs can jump fences so it may be best to have a dog run in the yard so they can move about, but not escape.

Cats on the other hand can be high or low maintenance depending on breed as well as personality. Some cats require hours of people attention while others shirk attention. Some cats belong to a one pet household. They do not like to share their owner’s affections and will become upset if not mean towards the infiltrator. Others need the playmate’s attention to live happily. It will be hard to determine just which type of cat you own when you first buy them as kittens as their personalities are just developing.

Pet care is the most important factor when you are deciding which pet is right for you and your home. You will want to consider all the pet care needs of the animals you are looking at as well as the breed you are looking at to determine if they will have a happy place in your home.