Cat Treats

If you own a cat or any pet for that matter, you will already be on the receiving end of lots of love and affection. So why not nourish them with the best available cat treats food and toys. In fact, this should be one of your top-most priorities to provide your cat with the highest quality cat treats so that she can grow up in the healthiest way possible. It's a fact that cats are quite sensitive and emotional creatures that require the utmost care and proper nurturing.

Though many cat owners spend a fortune on grooming needs for their cats, when it comes to cat treats and supplies, they often forget to include these things in their cat's daily routine. They should remember that the internal health of their cats is just as important if they want their cats to remain playful, active and behave well. Let's have a look at some of the best cat treats and supplies that you can use to treat your cat.

Kitty treats: Outside of giving your cat the best food possible, it's OK to provide her with healthy and delicious kitty treats. However, just as we as humans have to watch our food intake, so we must do the same for our pets. Obesity in animals is a big problem with owners over doing it and spoiling their pets. Just use a bit of common sense. You can buy love - without nasty derivatives, chemicals and other mystery ingredients.

It is very easy to get healthy cat treats that come in a variety of flavours and are enriched with a range of enzymes, which can effectively prevent any plaque formation. These healthier treats can be found in flavours such as poultry or fish so that your feline friend surely loves her treat.

Scratching post: When you keep your cat in your homely atmosphere, there are certain things that cats usually miss, but which are extremely essential for their natural grooming and growth. Scratching is second nature to cats and normally, in the outside environment, cats use some sort of scratching surface to sharpen their claws and remove dead cells. This then exposes their new claws. Don't tell them off, get them the best scratching post you can afford and encourage them to use and play on and around their post with soft cat toys. Let them know this is their stand and a place where they can scratch away to their hearts content!

Cat drinking fountain: Like us all, cats need water throughout the day so that all their bodily functions work perfectly and good health is maintained. Cats who are on dry food don't get as much water from their food as those who eat tinned food, and should always have easy access to clean, drinking water to supplement their intake. Rather than just a normal drinking bowl which can get stale and become low in volume, why not get a drinking fountain in your home. This ensures that your pet can freely access water any time she wants.

Litter box: Being smart creatures, cats usually don't need much litter box training, just a little encouragement to begin with. To train your cat, start with a small, uncovered box in a quiet place near to where his bed is. I prefer to use the unscented kind of litter, but I'm sure in the end it will be more of your cat's choice than yours.

Cat litter works by absorbing cat's urine and covering faeces to reduce the growth of odour-causing bacteria. The litter layer should be at least two inches deep in the box. This makes it easier to clean up and gives the cat enough litter to scratch in and bury waste. Plastic litter box liners make the removal easier as well, and can be used with any type of litter. When your cat sniffs at the box, pick him up and put him inside, praising and petting him. When he uses the box, give him a small treat. Keep the box clean and avoid any negative associations with it. For example, don't give kitty medicine or scold him when he's near the box.

Getting the right cat supplies and cat treats for your feline friend is a perfect way to make your cat feel wanted and loved, just as all animals should be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7407992

Caring For Cats - Cat Flaps

Every cat owner knows what divergent creatures cats are - they want to be outside then they want to be inside; at 4.00 am they jump on your head and pester you in their own unique way demanding to go out - half an hour later, they're caterwauling outside the window demanding to be let back in. So you stumble bleary-eyed from the haven of your duvet to let your little darling back into the house. Then, unbelievably, a tweeting bird in a tree half a mile away causes such consternation for your feline friend that it's easier just to turn out from under your newly-warmed duvet to deposit the contrary creature back outside onto the patio. At the first sign of moisture in the air, your cat will want to be inside and at the first hint of sunshine it's the outdoor life they crave.

It's little wonder then that the majority of cat owners choose to fit a cat flap - it's a simple solution and allows our feline friends to come and go as they feel they have a right to, without hard-working, oft-scorned domestic servants (yes, that's you) having to jump every time these contrary creatures exercise their feline prerogative and change their minds about where they want to be - again.

Yes, a cat flap is, on the face of it, the perfect solution; but then you come to the crunch question "Which cat flap do I choose that's suitable for my home and cat?"

The Staywell/ Petsafe Manual 4-Way Locking Classic Cat Flap is an excellent product, designed specifically for our feline friends. It has a good degree of security and is effective for keeping out strays and other animals - except of course the ones our little darlings choose to bring home and present to us as presents... It has a clear, tough flap which is fully waterproof. It is easy to install in most doors or if you prefer can even be installed on an outside wall or window. It is suitable for use with cats up to 7kg in weight, has four locking options:

In only/out only

Open/locked

with a manual four-way locking system and is reasonably priced.

When it comes to providing independence for our feline buddies, a cat flap is second-to-none. As it provides instant access to outdoors it inevitably will increase the exercise levels of your cat, thus promoting good health, lowering the risk of obesity and associated illness such as diabetes. The cat flap also gives instant access back to the safety of your cat's "fortress" which is, after all, what he considers your home to be. This instant access provides peace of mind, comfort and security for your cat should he or she feel the need to escape from potential attack or simply to come in out of the rain. If you are at work during the day, a cat flaps removes the inconvenience of your little prince or princess being stuck outside or contrariwise, stuck indoors until you return home.

Cat Sickness

Cats are one of the most popular pets in the United States. People love them for their interesting personality and beautiful fur. However, many people don't know how to properly care for their pets or even know if they are sick. Like humans, cats also get sick.

Of course, cats cannot directly communicate with us to let us know they need aid and attention. You need to be an observant pet owner in order to recognize the key signs of cat illness. You also need to know the basics of treating various cat diseases and ailments. If you are interested in learning more about caring for your cats, be sure to check out this article.

As a pet owner, you have to pay special attention to your furry friends. Minor changes in diet and behaviour can indicate sickness or unhappiness. This could be indicative of a small problem or a serious medical issue with your cat.

If you sense that your cat or pet is acting strangely, be sure to research their symptoms thoroughly. If you are unsure it is always a safe choice to visit a veterinarian near you.

One of the most obvious behavioural patterns that should catch your attention immediately is when your cat refuses to use the litter box. They might litter outside the house or in the house, but never touch a litter box. This can signify that your cat has kidney failure or a urinary tract infection. Both of these medical conditions are very serious and you should consulate your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has either of these problems.

Increased thirst and diet or decreased thirst and diet can also be an indicator on a troubling problem. If you notice your cat drinking a lot, they could possibly have pyometra or hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, loss of appetite could be caused by anaemia, injury, dehydration or stomach problems. Loss of appetite can also result if your cat has certain oral problems such as gingivitis or stomatitis. However if you own a kitty, you might expect to see an increase in their diet as they grow larger, so don't worry too much.

A cat's fur coat is also a great indicator for your cat's happiness level. Cats love to lick and clean their fur as well as groom their bodies. If your cat has dirty or unattended fur, it could be a clue that your cat is stressed or doesn't feel well. They could have malnutrition or be affected by parasites. They could also could have a skin disorder such as fleas. Both malnutrition and parasites can cause extreme harm to cats, especially if they are left untreated for a long period of time.

If you want to reduce your cat's chance of sickness, be sure to give them plenty of attention and as well as the right quantity of food and water. Also, never hesitate to contact your vet if you suspect your cat is sick. I hope this article was helpful to you about cat sicknesses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7399442

Animal Products - Natural De-Stressing Calming Diffuser

As humans we all know the drastic effects stress can have, but we have an outlet - we can tell people about how we feel. That is of course not an option available to our four-legged or winged companions - it's up to owners to detect and prevent, as far as possible, the effects stress is having on our pets. Individual animals react quite differently to stressful situations such as visiting the vet, loud noises, the arrival of a new pet (or new baby), separation from the pet's owner, staying in boarding kennels or moving to a new home - these are just a few of the situations which can result in stress being suffered by your pet. What we might consider an insignificant change may in fact be a major upheaval for your pet.

The old adage, "prevention is better than cure" is certainly appropriate in this case and whilst natural remedies are now becoming more and more widely accepted in the treatment of humans, it is now coming out of the shadows in the treatment of animals.

Stress in cats can manifest itself in many ways including:-

Loss of appetite

Reduced or absence of playfulness

Vertical scratching

Urine spray/marking

Stress in dogs can be caused by many different factors but tends to trigger erratic, unusual behaviour which can be irritating for owners.

Excessive barking - possibly a sign of fear which is a response to stress.

Trembling - another fear response and usually means there is something in their environment which is scaring them

Destruction - in a dog which has previously not exhibited this type of behaviour since they were a pup.

House soiling - changes from being fully house-trained and clean to accidents happening on a more or less daily basis.

Whining - if dogs are anxious they tend to whine

Body odours - bad breath is a common occurrence in dogs suffering from stress due to the secretion of gastrointestinal acids.

Excessive grooming - can include constant tail or genital licking.

One excellent product on the marketplace to help prevent and alleviate the effects of stress on pets is the Natural De-Stressing Calming Diffuser from Pet Remedy. It contains only natural remedies already well recognised for the treatment of anxiety and resulting stress. The effects of the diffuser are to gently soothe and calm your pet without any sedation. The plug-in for the diffuser utilises a blend of essential sweet oils including Basil, Sweet Sage, Valerian and Vetivert. The diffuser is suitable for use with all domestic animals including birds and mammals and also has a soothing effect on you, the owner - which is an added benefit. Each plug-in will last for approximately six weeks and refills are readily available. In addition to the plug-in device and bottle of oil (40ml) the pack contains a diffuser which can be hung in the car or over your pet's bed or crate. Simply place a few drops of oil onto the pad and the soothing aroma of the oil will gently dissipate through the air providing a calming, soothing effect on your pet to help combat the effects of any stress suffered.

Cat Problems - Cat Aggression

In my opinion cats aren't aggressive towards other cats for no reason. Don't forget they are related to the larger wilder versions of the cat family. Of course they hunt, have territorial and survival instincts, which will bring out their natural, aggressive streak, but for them to be hostile otherwise could mean that they have suffered some type of trauma. Problems will arise in your household if you own more than one cat with behavioural problems.

Different types of cat on cat aggression can be identified and associated to an origin. Whatever aggression is displayed by your cat it can help you to observe and note down their behaviour, in order to get to the root of the issue.

If you have a rescue cat, that may have had a traumatic background, then you will have to be very understanding and observant to their needs. Allowing them their little quirks and habits is usually not a problem for most owners, but attacking behaviour towards any other cats you have could be a dangerous situation. Ask yourself if you're prepared to take this on before visiting an animal shelter and find out as much as you can of their past. Think about your other cats characteristics and how it will affect them. You will only add to the new cats trauma if you have to take them back to the centre. Some wounds never heal, remember you may never fully understand or know your new cats history. So, if you are taking a rescue cat on, keep in mind that patience and lots of love are the best treatments for any cat that has had a disturbed background.

Maternal aggressive, behaviour usually only occurs in mother cats. Although some male cats will be protective over a litter of kittens as well. Some female cats are thankful of other cats when they look out her new litter; others will be very possessive and protective and will not trust another cat to be nearby. The over-protective mum will have a fight with any cat, male or female, it won't matter to her. She can inflict serious damage to the other cat if she senses any threat to her kittens.

The most common form of hostility between cats is inter-male aggression. Of course, in life, you will get the more dominant male on occasion (boys will be boys) and he'll usually fight for the highest cat position in the household. The pecking order of a cat's social structure means that one male should be in charge over all others. When another male cat enters the household, one of the two cats will instinctively claim the - top cat - position. Usually, one of the male cats will back down and the leader will be decided. However, if both male cats are equally assertive, it could present for an alarming situation.

Territorial, aggressive behaviour between cats can be directly associated to inter-male aggression, because both types of aggression are attempting to hold the dominant position. By nature cats are very territorial and don't always take kindly to a new cat being introduced into their home. While some cats may be friendly and docile, others can be highly territorial and may attack the new cat so that the top position can be owned. Although territorial aggression is slightly more common in male cats, especially those that are not neutered, female cats are not exempt from acting in a territorial manner.

The best way to help feline aggression is to figure out which type your cat has. All varieties are behavioural problems, but humans have to understand that they're still natural behaviours. Therefore you cannot punish an aggressive cat. This will not help him or you. You can't erase his natural instincts.

These tips may help you to deal with an aggressive cat.

Firstly deal with the aggression by trying to work around it.

Maternal aggression is not something you can interfere with, there is no way to discipline a mother cat without making her turn on you. Reprimanding her will only make her think that humans can't be trusted around her litter, as well. The main thing you can do is to keep the kitten den away from other cats in the household until the mother cat accepts that her kittens are not in danger, and that she can trust other cats in the home.

Inter-male or territorial aggression is usually not serious, the best way to settle the matter is to let the male cats figure it out between them. They will determine who will be the dominant male in the house, not you. While a cat owner should never excuse fighting, the matter can be easily resolved if the male cats can naturally select who the leader will be. Sadly, if the cat aggression becomes too serious and dangerous, one of the cats may have to be re-homed.

I try to base my articles on issues I feel are important for fellow animal lovers. Pet Promenade has all you and your furry member of the family will need. Whatever shape, size or breed we have everything in our pet store to satisfy even the most demanding, four legged diva in your household. We understand how important it is to not only have the latest cat toy, or the trendiest dog collar, but also to make sure the boring bits are covered. That's why we have a variety of flea, worming and fur treatments. http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7454666

Lime Hat

Deworming Your Dog

At some point or another, your dog will have a worm problem. Whether it’s as a puppy (which is most common) or as an adult dog, immediate treatment is vital to stop further infestation and the development of other illnesses.
The usual intestinal parasite suspects that we know are tape worm, round worm, hook worm and whip worm. Heartworms are found in the heart's blood vessels going to the lungs. Blood tests will be required to detect heartworms. Tape worms and round worms can be visually diagnosed, the others can only be determined through faecal examination. It is imperative to do regular de-worming of all types dogs, including puppies and pregnant females. This will definitely reduce infestation of your pet and prevent infection to humans.
Round worm symptoms include, vomiting, coughing, diarrhoea, bowel obstruction, pneumonia, a dull coat, and a swollen stomach. Severe cases can be fatal. Round worms are usually 3 – 6 inches long and they can infect dogs by ingestion, across the placenta, or can be transferred to puppies through the mother's milk.

Worms can be passed from animal to human. Children are the most vulnerable, as the eggs can be picked up from stroking their pet and then using dirty hands to eat, or even more commonly picking up eggs from a sandpit or dirt outside. Once in a child's system worms can cause a variety of health problems, they can reside behind the retina which can cause damage to the eyesight. This disease is called Toxocariasis, and has been known in this day and age to still cause partial blindness in up to 100 children each year.
At 2 weeks of age puppies should be dewormed and then again at 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks. It is vital then to continue deworming at 4 months, 5 months and then at 6 months old. This regular deworming pattern kills all worms and their eggs, whether contracted as a foetus, through infected mother’s milk, or by consuming the eggs. At 6 months of age, you will want to start a heartworm medication treatment once per month. Another important point is to deworm the mother at the same time as the puppies. The cycle won’t be broken if one of them has been treated at a different time.
Infestation on a small scale will not be a big threat to your dogs health as although they have varied levels of immunity most have an inbuilt resistance to worms. An abundance of worms however would impair the health of your dog dramatically. The vitamins and nutrients needed by your pet will be used up by the worms. The tissues and the red blood cells will be destroyed which could lead to anaemia.

For adult dogs worming treatments may be more flexible. Some people prefer to keep their pets on a quarterly programme others like to only treat them when they have an infestation.  I would strongly advise speaking to your vet about whether or not continual flea and deworming treatments throughout your pets life is necessary. If you have more than one dog it will be probably be a more regular requirement, but again check all medication needs with your vet. It’s not worth being wrong for either your dog or you and your family.

10 Cat Commandments

NO. 1. Thou shall jump onto the keyboard when thy human is on the modem
NO. 2. Thou shall pull the phone cord out of the back of the modem
NO. 3. Thou shall sit in front of the television or monitor as if thou are transparent.
NO. 4. Thou shall lie down with thy butt in thy human's face.
NO. 5. Thou shall reset thy human's alarm clock by walking on it.
NO. 6. Thou shall leap from great heights onto thy human's genital region.
NO. 7. Thou shall jump onto thy sleeping human's bladder at 4a.m.
NO. 8. Thou shall remember that thou are a carnivore and that houseplants are not      meat, a nibble is always fine though.
NO. 9. Thou shall NOT...show remorse when being scolded. NEVER!!!!!!!
NO. 10. Thou shall realise that the house is a prison from which to escape at any and every opportunity

If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog first make sure you can answer all the below points. Having a cat is a completely different kind of commitment to becoming a dog owner. On average a dog can live up to 12 years plus.
First of all why do you want a dog?
 Is it for company, for your child, protection or perhaps to breed from? Be honest as to the real reason as it will help you to answer the next set of questions.

Can You Afford a dog?
Sit down and list everything you will need to provide for your new pet on a daily and weekly basis. Be realistic about the cost of dog food. If you’re going to buy a large dog obviously you will be spending more on food. Also the better quality food will be more expensive, but cost effective as your pets health will be better for it in the long run.

Think about vet bills and whether you can afford those trips to the vet that you didn’t plan for. If you’re starting with a puppy then you will have all of the start up fees to contend with. Neutering, worming and vaccinations all come with follow up consultations, which are not cheap. Then you have the other accidents and illnesses you didn’t see coming. Who knows when any of us will become sick? Then think about how much pet supplies cost. From dog bowls, leads and collars to their favourite toys and grooming equipment.
Is Your Home Big Enough?
If you are living in a small one bedroom flat with no outside space then obviously a Great Dane will be out of the question.  If you have a house with a garden then think about how secure is the garden? Will you need to spend a lot of money on fencing and gates? Then think about where your local parks are and if you will have the time and energy to daily walk your dog.
Your Time.
Walking, grooming and play time are all time consuming activities. A dog will also suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long, so think about whether someone will be around during the day. Will your dog get a proper walk? Will they receive enough attention and interaction with you? Don’t be cruel be honest. If you know that you’ll be working long hours, travel a lot or have a hectic social life then a dog is not the pet for you. Get a fish.
Do Your Homework
Research the type of dog you want to have. Find out about their character and temperament, their feeding habits etc. Find out exactly what you’ll be bringing home.  For instance don’t get a small snappy type of dog when you have young children or a German Shepherd when you can’t give it adequate, daily, exercise.
Dog Training
This is a particularly important question to think about, especially if you’re bringing home a puppy. Dog training and socialisation takes plenty of time and patience. There is no way you can leave a puppy alone for long amounts of time. Will you be able to commit to a proper programme of training? You may need to invest in puppy training classes as well, so bear that in mind before you bring a puppy home.
All of these questions have to be thought about and answered truthfully. The rewards of owning a dog are that you will receive LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE. However you must be able to return that love and care 100% of the time as that’s what they’ll need.

Dog Paw Care in the Winter

With the weather getting colder it is advisable to think about protecting and caring for your dogs paws. Their pads are designed to withstand running and walking on different surfaces, but just as we would wear sandals on a hot beach or shoes in the snow their paw pads need looking after as well.
With the ice and snow possibly coming, the streets will be treated with grit and salt which can cause dry cracked skin and other irritations. Infections can also occur if the skin splits and is then walked on. Not only that but naturally a dog will lick and gnaw at the affected area, which of course means they will then ingest grit, salt and whatever else is on the streets, possibly causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Dryness is a big problem with dog pads. Naturally in winter we all need a bit more warmth, whether it’s central heating or a cosy log fire is on these other factors can add to drying your dog’s paw pads and add to the skin being irritated.
So start with trim the hair between their toes, this way they will have less chance of keeping salt crystals and wet mud particles in their pads throughout the day. Also long hair can cause your dog to have less grip on slippery surfaces.
Keep their nails trimmed as well. If they become too long they won’t give your dog any grip which will force your dog to walk on his back feet. This added pressure on the back paws can make his toes spread which in turn allows more snow, grit etc to gather in between their toes creating balls of ice and dirt.
Foreign objects can become stuck in your dog’s pads. Regularly check in between toes for thorns, small stones, bits of broken glass and other debris. This is something that should be done all year round.
Keep a towel and a bowl of warm water next to the front door for immediate paw rinsing and drying after walks.
There are many paw balm treatments on the market that should be applied weekly or as often as needed in harsh conditions. I would suggest doing it all year round as part of their grooming routine anyway. The balm should form a dense, barrier wax that creates a breathable bond with your dog's paws. There are some that have been developed for use with sledding dog’s, it provides strong protection even in the most hostile conditions. Some are made from a blend of several food-grade waxes, then refined. Obviously check all ingredients in anything that you buy for your dog as they have a habit of licking their paws.
You can use petroleum jelly but never use human skin lotions.
Massage their paws and pads to stimulate blood flow and relax their muscles and tendons. If you do it right they’ll enjoy it just as much as you do when being massaged or manicured. Begin by rubbing between their pads and then rub between each toe working your way up their shins and legs.
Alternatively you could try and get your dog to wear dog boots. There are many varieties on the market that all offer great protection for your pet’s paws. However, personally through trial and error, I’ve found that the rubber style boots, that allow your dog to feel and grip the ground below, are the easiest ones for them to get used to.
If in doubt, always check with a vet for the best treatments for your dog.

Can You Walk Your Cat On A Lead?

As a cat owner I hate to be parted with my beloved tiger and ginger boy. I can’t wait to get home to see them at the end of the day. I even get excited when I have a night out cancelled so that I can cosy up with them indoors. My little feline angels are a big part of my family. They’re there when I need a furry cuddle. They pick up my moods and comfort me whether I want it or not. Sleep on my head at night and sit on my stomach at 4 am for no apparent reason. I love all of their kitty traits, so why not have them join me in everyday life as I do with my dogs?
Well to start with I would have needed to begin their lead training from kitten hood. There’s no way they could cope with being out as adult cats now. It would cause them serious stress and possibly lead them to have panic attacks. Obviously as a kitten they don’t have any preconceived ideas of what they are or aren’t allowed to do, so this is the ideal time to try. Be prepared for being stopped every 5 minutes as it’s still a very unique thing to see on the streets these days.

Patience will be required and don’t forget that a cat and a dog have very different characteristics. A dog tends to be more loyal and will want to please their owners. Cats on the other hand, as we’re all aware, are their own bosses and have a wild streak in their DNA anyway. So don’t expect complete obedience all the time and be realistic as to where you will be able to walk your cat. I certainly wouldn’t be taking them shopping and expecting them to cope with being out on the streets with me for the day. However a trip in the car to visit friends or a trip to a small local park, aren’t out of the realms possibility.

Choose a light comfortable body harness, preferably not a collar as they will easily wriggle out of it. The lead that attaches to the harness must be light weight (not a dog lead) and have a very strong clip. I would suggest one that is approximately 5 feet long. Now that you’ve bought your items you’ll need to familiarise your cat with them. Start by leaving the harness next to their sleeping area for a few days. Encourage them to sniff it, play with it, anything to get them used to the smell and feel of it.

The next step is to get it on them. The best time to fasten the harness on is just before feeding. The chances are they will be more focused on dinner coming than what you’re doing. Put it on loosely, feed them and then see how long they will tolerate it. Distract them with a game to keep them occupied and then repeat the same procedure each day, slowly fastening it to comfortably fit your cats body. Hope fully you will find the harness stays on longer and longer each day.
Then you will need to start introducing the lead. Again leave the lead near your cat so they can get used to it and let them play with it if it helps. Now you’re ready for your first walk. Start indoors and be patient. Use encouraging words as you begin to lead your cat around the room. Just like a puppy learning leash training they will need to hear from you that they are doing well. Don’t yank the lead but keep it short so that they learn to stay close to you. Of course a cat outside on the lead will have many attractive things catching their eye. Birds, other cats, trees to climb, so getting them used to a small length on the lead is a good idea.
If you have a back garden start their outside walk there for about a week. Then if they seem comfortable being on a lead you can progress to a small trip outside. Don’t start off on a main busy road, remember this is a whole new world to them. Go somewhere calm and quiet for a small amount of time and build up over the weeks. Hopefully in time you will have a cat that can join you for walks on a lead.

Secretly Plotting World Domination Whilst Pretending To look Busy :D

Help Your Child Cope With The Death Of Their Pet.

Chances are your child’s first experience of death will be the loss of the family pet. How can you help them to deal with this and prepare for the departure of their beloved friend?
Firstly understand the bond that children have with animals.
Most likely this will be the first relationship where they undoubtedly gave and received unconditional love, outside of parents, sibling etc. This will be the friend who was there for them when they had a bad day at school, when they got sent to their room for bad behaviour and also there for the fun, happy times. So bear in mind this will be a massive wrench for them. Don’t underestimate the love your child would have received and felt. There will also be a level of commitment and responsibility that they will have developed, from grooming and feeding to walking and cuddle time. This will have created a huge bond and time slots in their daily life that will now be gone.

Secondly, when it comes to explaining pet death, stick to the truth. Don’t fluff it up or skirt around the facts. If your pet has an illness and is likely to be put down you will need to start preparing your child. A good way to know what they’re capable of understanding is to let their questions guide you. After the obvious statement from you telling them about what’s going to happen, they will likely have their own questions and that will be enough for them at the beginning. Don’t flood them with information let it gradually come out as the process goes on. If you do decide to euthanize your pet then you must tell your child. Let them know when it will happen and why. They will need to have time to say goodbye. They may not understand that your pets body is unable to carry on and explaining to them that this is the best option for the animal as they will no longer be in pain is a good start.

Adults struggle with the concept of death never mind trying to explain it to a child. No one can say what is best for your child you know them best. However it’s a good idea not to make it too complicated. Maybe start by asking them what their idea of death is. Children have wild imaginations so they may have formed a magical place in their mind that their friend has gone to. Encourage them to describe this place and what their pet is doing. Perhaps you could get them to draw it and keep it on their wall. Honesty is never a bad thing and regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs you can always say that you’re not 100% sure, if of course you’re not.
In my opinion it’s not a good idea to use the phrase “they’ve gone to sleep” or are being “put to sleep” as this could cause fear for them at night when trying to sleep. Saying “they’ve left us and are in a better place” can make your child angry and feel that their pet had somewhere they wanted to go without them. Keep it simple explain that death can be from an accident or illness and old age. Let them understand that just like humans, an animals body can wear out and weaken from sickness. Talk to them about grief and how it’s ok to be sad and miss their friend at times.
Lastly, don’t try and replace their pet straight away with another one, give it some time. They may feel disloyal if they like the new pet straight after the death of the other one. Talk to your child about the fun things they used to do together and encourage them to speak to you about their favourite memories. Let your child pick their favourite photo of them with their pet and have it framed and put in their bedroom. If they want to hold onto a toy or a collar, don’t disapprove it will help them to feel that they still have some physical contact. Make sure you don’t clear the house of all the pet items straight away, your child will need to feel that not everything has been taken away and that there’s some normal feeling of the pet still around the house. A simple memorial in your garden or at the park is a constructive way to let your child say goodbye. Planting a shrub that they get to pick out for their pet and burying a special drawing they’ve done with it is also a good way for them to have some closure.

Building Confidence in your Dog

Let’s not beat around the bush. Is your dog a bit of a wimp?
A bit of a big girl’s blouse when it comes to interacting with other dogs. Obviously each dog has a different character to the next, but can your nervous, trembling pooch be given enough confidence by you to start socializing properly with other dogs. Even if their character by nature is shy and timid, you can help them gain courage so that interacting with other dogs and humans isn’t too stressful for them. It may be that they became this way because of a trauma as a puppy or in adulthood. They may also have other issues like separation anxiety.
Firstly understand that this won’t happen overnight. Be patient. Little and often is the key to slowly building up your dogs confidence.

To begin with start obedience training. It’s the first step in helping to socialise your dog as it will help them to feel comfortable in their body. The better they become at understanding and obeying commands the stronger their confidence will grow. You will praise them when they get something right and that too will develop their feeling of self worth. Physically doing jumps, tricks and runs, will give them a positive sense of their own body as well as strengthen them and keeping them fit. All of this is helpful in building up their self esteem. Teaching them to weave, play fetch and other tricks are fun for both of you as well as exercise and technique learning for your pet. Do not baby them when they are learning. If they need to be corrected because they got something wrong, do it. They will feel confident if they know their boundaries.
Dog socialisation means that your dog is taught (hopefully from a young age) how to feel comfortable with themselves around humans, other dogs and different environments regardless of their breeds and characters. Mixing them in as many different circles of people and pets is the best start. After the age of 4 months, if you have socialised your puppy correctly he should be very confident in new surroundings and company. If you haven’t done this from a young age or you’ve taken on an older dog, then the above obedience training will be a step in the right direction.
Take your dog to the park where you can both sit and watch other owners and dogs. Believe me it will help your dog to get used to being around others without having to interact at this stage. You need to do this as regularly as possible.
You could be unwittingly encouraging your dogs fear by your own behaviour.
Next time you’re walking your dog pay attention to how you react when another dog approaches. Do you immediately tighten the lead or guide your dog away from interacting? Do you talk to him and pat him as they draw closer? You may think this is a good way of reassuring him but your dog will pick up very quickly on your reactions and take being cautious as the normal thing to do when they see a new dog. Keeping quiet and calmly walking ahead without quickening your pace will not alert your dog to any problems. When your dog is scared the first thing you want to do is pet him to reassure him. Don’t, he will think you are encouraging his nervous behaviour as the correct way to feel.
Fear aggression is a state you do not want your dog getting to. This is very hard to correct. It is exactly as it sounds, aggressive behaviour produced as a result of fear. Basically a dog will attack or become aggressive first so that the other dog doesn’t. If you find yours has gone too far down this road then you really should invest in a dog behavioural expert. No amount of obedience training will change the underlying problems. I say “problems” because it is quite a complex issue. Fear, a lack of early socialisation, abuse and possible genetic conditions could all be contributing to this problem.
It may be that you never fully train your dog to change this problem as it is so deeply embedded, but with a behavioural expert and plenty of patience you can definitely help to alleviate it.

Never Forget Dogs have Masters but Cats have Staff :)

Brilliant!!!! The Life of a Chelsea Dog :)

Pet Theft – Is It On The Rise?

Unfortunately the answer is yes.
Research in the U.S shows that dog theft figures have trebled in recent years. The U.K is experiencing the same increase too. Why do people do it and how can you protect yourself and your dog from this heartache?

Firstly and obviously money is the primary reason. Stealing a dog off the streets, from pet stores or from a park and then selling them on to unsuspecting buyers is becoming a popular practise. People rarely disbelieve that someone’s a fake dog breeder. They have no reason to be suspicious. A buyer is usually only interested in the new dog’s health, have they been vaccinated etc and the cheap price they’ve managed to pay. A thief will easily obtain fake documents off the internet and lie to you about the animals health and vet visits. Once you’ve paid it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever be able to get hold of them again.
A lot of one off sales from drug users to dog fighters happen because of the need for fighting dogs for the illegal practise of dog baiting that sadly still goes on. It doesn’t matter to these disgusting people if the dog won’t fight, it’ll be good for bait for the other dog to practise on. Sick, but very true.
Particular breeds are going to be a target for different reasons. Lurchers are sold on for hunting, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and similar breeds for fighting and the smaller breeds like Yorkshire Terriers are quick and easy to steal and can fetch a nice profit. Breeding is another reason for dog theft and if the dog has been spayed then they can just sell it on anyway.
U.K animal charity Dog Lost works tirelessly to reunite lost and stolen dogs with their owners.
The charity's founder, Jane Hayes says "It's rising and rising, and probably due to the recession," she says "It's a good way to make money because owners will pay anything to get their dogs back. One owner paid £25,000 and had to remortgage the family house."
Thieves are well aware how much pets are loved and if they can tap into the heartbreak of losing a beloved member of the family they will ransom it for as much as possible.

Sadly some people just take an animal because they want it. I heard about an elderly man in my town who lived on a very tight budget but truly loved his cat. He always made sure his cat had food was groomed and vaccinated. When his cat was stolen he was devastated and never really recovered. I had my suspicions as to who had done this but nothing could be proven. The person I suspected would have given the cat a beautiful life but this was no justification for taking him from his owner. Poor or not the cat was loved and very well looked after. People often think they can sit in judgement of other people’s lifestyles, but rarely enquire properly as to their circumstances.
Below are some tips on keeping your dog safe.
Don’t leave your dog tied up outside when you’re shopping. It sounds obvious but people do it all the time. No one would leave their child on a leash outside a shop and when we park our bikes before shopping we usually make sure they are securely chained up. So why think your dog will be safe. It won’t.

Don’t leave your dog alone in a car. If someone sees an opportunity they won’t think twice about smashing your car window in if it means they’ll get money.
Do listen to your instincts. It’s always right. Be suspicious if someone is paying too much attention to your dog, asking too many questions. You don’t have to be rude but be aware of who’s around you at all times.
Don’t lose sight of your dog in the park and keep a watchful eye out for anybody suspiciously hanging around.
Do microchip your dog immediately.
Don’t buy a stolen pet even if you think you’re getting a great deal. You will only be helping this vicious circle to continue.
Do get a new pet checked out at the vet if you’re suspicious about their history.
Don’t buy pets from the internet. You will never truly know their past.
Always thoroughly check out a breeder before committing to buying an animal and if possible try to rehome an animal from a rescue centre.

Dog Pheromone Diffusers and Collars - Helping To Calm Your Dog

In mammals, all lactating females release substances called pheromones, within three to five days after giving birth. The purpose of which is to reassure their newborns. The mother creates pheromones that give their puppies a feeling of well-being and reassurance. Research has shown that the reassuring properties persist, even into adulthood. The diffusers contain an artificial version of this pheromone, which has been developed by vets known as appeasing pheromones. It works by the pheromones being picked up and detected by an animal's sense of smell producing certain responses. It helps to control or prevent fear related reactions in puppies and adult dogs. It is a natural, convenient and unique solution to canine stress. The various dog pheromone products on the market all claim to help comfort and reassure puppies and adult dogs in difficult situations, and prevent or reduce stress-related behaviour. These include destructiveness, vocalisation and house soiling brought on by nervousness or anxiousness.

So when is it appropriate to use pheromone diffusers?

Bringing a new puppy or adult dog home. Puppies between one to four months are at their most sensitive and of course are coming home to a whole new life and family. Being separated from their mother and siblings will be very stressful for them. An adult dog will benefit from a pheromone diffuser too. If you are rehoming a rescue dog then this will aid them in relaxing into their new life.

Travelling. The pheromone dog collar can really help with motion sickness as well as giving reassurance to the dog if the journey is a long one. Also take it with you in spray form so that you can use it in the car. It can be sprayed directly on to their bedding, inside dog baskets, indoor kennels, or in the car. However never spray directly on a dog or near a dogs face. It is not a scent that humans can detect or be affected by so is safe to use.

Vets. For a dog, going to the dreaded vets is no different to you having a dentist appointment. Putting the collar on them the day before and during the visit to the vet is ideal this should help calm them down. Alternatively put the diffuser on the day before and during the previous evening to help soothe your dog before their trip to the vets.

Older dogs As your dog gets older and their agility and health is not what it was using a pheromone product may bring them reassurance. They may suffer from arthritis or other physical ailments that stress them out so why not give them a bit of extra comfort whilst they are dealing with pain.

Fireworks. A definite must on Bonfire Night and New Years Eve. The noise for a dog is extremely frightening. They have no idea where the noise is coming from and why it's happening. It's strongly advised to use a plug in the month before and during the firework season. Most diffusers last for about 30 days. You could also combine the diffuser with a C.D for dogs - Fireworks & Noises Desensitisation.

Separation anxiety. You may find this can help your pet when you're going on holiday or if they are going into kennels. I know of a dog that was extremely stressed when the child of the household went to a two week camp in the summer school break. The dog responded very well to the diffuser and they continued to use it whenever the dog was parted from his favourite member of the family.

Pheromone diffusers are species-specific, as it is a chemical version of what the lactating mother produces. So the dog version won't effect your cat and vice-versa.

Pet Shop Promenade - Cat Toy, Dog Toy, Dog Collar, Cat basket -

Pet Shop Promenade - Cat Toy, Dog Toy, Dog Collar, Cat basket -

Can Fleas Survive On Your Pet In Winter?

As a pet owner, I thought I knew pretty much everything when it came to cats and dogs.Having flea problems in the summer was something I was used to dealing with. Flea treatment prevention in the spring and extra grooming in the summer months helped to keep the little blood suckers off my beloved pets. However, I didn't anticipate a flea breakout in the winter. This particular winter in my London home was freezing with a long spell of snow ahead, so naturally the central heating was on full blast! I had never had a flea infestation in the colder months so I was a bit confused as to how they had survived and what they were living on? I found out they usually they lie dormant in winter but with the central heating on these little pests came back to life with a vengeance. To combat fleas during the winter season, it is vital to treat both the pet and their environment, because fleas live a large part of their life cycle off of the pet and in the environment (house, bed, garden etc). Fleas need warm and humid temperatures to survive. The inside of your house provides a warm environment to allow fleas to live all year round regardless of seasons. I didn't have carpet, floorboards only, so I thought that apart from my pets bedding etc I had cleaned everything at the end of that summer and all would be fine. WRONG!

Your first step is getting down and dirty with the vacuum cleaner. Carpet and floorboards are a great place for the eggs and larvae to hide as they can easily survive in the cracks and crevices. Then, when you or your pet walks by, they latch on. Have you ever noticed when you have a flea infestation, that you have bite marks around your ankles more than anywhere else. That's because of the flea problem in your floor corners and cracks. Fleas will bite you once and then fall off as they can't live on humans, but will happily feed off your pet forever.

Those little sneaky places your pet likes to hide in, under the bed, a cosy corner, in a secret cupboard are all breeding places for fleas. Not only do you have to hoover and treat the floor in your home you have to hoover and treat your mattress and bedding. Fleas are known to come to the surface when they feel the vibrations from a vacuum cleaner, then straight after, you hit them with the flea household spray treatment. Keep your pets out of the rooms as you individually treat them and close the door for as long as you can. House flea spray is not to be used anywhere near an animal, spot on treatments for them will do the trick. Hoovering will also collect the eggs, so you'll be starting to break the cycle. Regardless of whether you allow your pet on your bed or not it is advisable to spray both sides of the mattress as soon as it has been hovered. Throw away all of your pets toys, beds and play stands. Harsh, I know but they'll soon be just as attached to the new toys you buy them as they were to the old flea ridden ones. Make no mistake, fleas and flea eggs are made of hard stuff. They will survive and survive, so be ruthless.

Breaking the flea cycle will only happen if you treat your pets on the same day that you treat the home. 80 - 90% of fleas and eggs are not on your pet but lying dormant in your carpet, furniture and bedding. Eggs become larvae, larvae become pupae so the more of the pupae you vacuum up the better. The pupae stage is them developing into adult fleas and the cocoon surrounding the developing flea is water tight and immune to insecticides. So vacuum up as much as you possibly can before spraying. Be vicious about it, they will multiply and come back again and again. When you start spraying make sure you get into all the tiny cracks and gaps as well as all of your furniture, curtains and rugs. Also get rid of the hoover bag when you have finished. Yes the little pests will happily survive in the warm vacuum sack.

Now even in winter I thoroughly groom my pets and keep flea treatments to hand at all times. After I had vigorously tackled my home and pets I had only one further very mild problem, which has since never returned. The key is to break the cycle and the only way is to treat your house and pets at the same time, thoroughly!