Tips On Buying The Right Food For Your Pet

by: Derek Rogers

Food is one of the most important necessities in your pet’s life. It provides the nutrients they need in order to grow and develop into mature animals as well as giving them the energy they need each day to enjoy life by your side. There is a vast array of manufacturers that provide food for all animals and it can be a confusing task to decipher all the ingredients, proteins and benefits of each one in order to choose the very best one for your pet.

Depending on the type of pet you have, you will still have to do some research to find out exactly what you should be providing them for their main meals as well as any snacks or treats on the side. You can find a multitude of information on the Internet, from friends or family with similar animals, or even from sales representatives at your local pet shop. When it comes down to the final decision though, you are the responsible one who will choose what you feel is best for your pet, not your aunt or the guy in the pet store.

With the awareness of organic foods for the public in every supermarket and health food store, there has also grown the niche for organic pet food. There are many painstaking efforts that go into providing a balanced meal for your pet that is free of many additives that are not necessary for your pet’s nutritional health and yet are included in many other manufactured pet foods.

Organic pet foods are not always available at every pet store or grocery store where other popular brands are sold, thus making it harder to find for some pet owners. With the increased awareness, organic meals are being produced more than ever, but due to the nature of the process, these types of foods for your pet are generally more expensive than a store-brand bag of dry food that you could pick up at any local corner store. As with any food for your pets, there are positives and negatives to each.

Price is not always an indication of the quality of food, but it tends to be a good guide for the market shopper. If you examine the store-brand plain dry food, you may find the ingredients to list not as many proteins or pure foods like some other popular brands. Additives may be more abundant in cheaper brands, but they can still be apparent in many higher-priced brand name pet foods. Just like you shop for your own health and wellness, be sure to read the labels and shop for your pet’s health and wellness.

There can be side effects to supplying the low-cost alternative food for your pets in some cases. Your pet can develop anywhere from mild to severe health issues that are directly related to the type of food provided. With some cats, liver problems and kidney stones can develop rapidly if not provided with a good quality food each day. You will want to be sure that you are doing everything you can in order to maintain your pet’s health and wellness for years to come.

About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on pet food, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of http://www.seapets.co.uk/ pet supplies.

Pet Checklist - 12 Points To Consider When Buying A Pet

by: Derek Rogers

When you and your family are making the decision to purchase a pet, you will want to go through a checklist in order to make sure that it is the right decision for everyone involved. It is a major life event when bringing a pet into the home and the decision should not be taken lightly.

With a set guideline or checklist ahead of time, you will ensure that you are making the correct choice and there will be no anxiety once your pet comes home to meet his new family. Nothing can be more gratifying than having a family pet grow and thrive with you and your family over the years.

1- Room: Is there space for a pet in your home? Larger animals need space for exercise each day while smaller caged animals need just a small desk or counter-top. Depending on the type of ample space you have will portray what type of pet you will be able to house.

2 – Lifestyle: Does a pet fit your lifestyle? For many busy families a pet will not fit into their schedule. You will need to be sure that there is time for a new companion in your home that may need walking each day, or just a few minutes of simple contact in order to thrive in your home.

3 – Cost: How much are you willing to spend on a pet? Are you financially able to maintain that pet if such things as vet bills become high? Determining your budget will show if you can really afford the maintenance such as yearly exams, periodic vet bills in the event of illness, etc.

4 – Regulations: Are you able to legally own a pet? Some families who rent are not able to have animals in various apartment buildings or condominiums, while some town homes and condominium associations have stipulations on what size of animal is allowed on the premises. Checking out all the necessary rules before purchasing your new family member.

5 – Pet Supplier: Will you be choosing a pet shop or local breeder for your pet? Some people decide on animals that are at local animal shelters. Be sure to do extensive checks on where your pet comes from, especially if they claim to be purebred.

6 – Traveling: Do you travel a lot? Are you able to travel with your pet or would you have to find alternative arrangements for your pet while you are gone.

7 – Veterinarians: Do you have a vet close by that you can consult in times of need? If you do not have a licensed animal care provider it may discourage you from choosing an animal that needs regular care.

8 – Activities: What type of activities do you enjoy doing as a family? Are these activities the type that you will be taking your pet with you? A pet is a member of your family and should not be left at home if you are enjoying time outside where they could be as well.

9 – Allergies: Do you know anyone with pet allergies? This can have a direct result on the type of pet you decide on if you get one at all. Some may find that it is not feasible since their mother visits each year for 2 weeks in the summer and is highly allergic to animals.

10 – Other pets: Do you have other pets that need to adapt to a new member? If so, this can be a very touchy situation when bringing in other animals into a ‘1 pet home’.

11 – Previous Pet Experience: Do you have any experience with owning a pet? If not, are you willing to do the necessary research in order to know how to take care of your pet properly?

12 – Responsibility: Is the responsibility of this new pet yours alone or will it be a shared family task? Be sure to set ground rules with everyone in the family so that it is a decision everyone is happy with.

If you are still considering a family pet even after going through this simple checklist and finding out that what you are looking for is a companion and a friend then you are ready to go out and purchase your new pet. After going through this list you will be well equipped with some basic knowledge about what you need to know when purchasing a new animal for your home.

About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on buying a pet, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of http://www.seapets.co.uk/ pet supplies.

Different Ways Of Transporting Your Pet Safely

by: Derek Rogers

There are many ways to transport your pet. Depending on the reason for the transportation, it can be a quick and easy trip for both of you, or it can be a lengthy excursion that needs detailed planning in order to work for both of you. You will want to be sure to take any necessary steps to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet during any traveling.

For making those short trips by vehicle, you have various options to choose from. Some large dogs that are typically put in the back of a truck can still be stationed there safely with a manufactured harness built especially for keeping them safe in the back box of a truck while the vehicle is in motion. For smaller animals such as smaller dogs or cats, there are seat belts that can be adapted for the inside of your vehicle in order to keep them stationary and safe.

If you have a pet that does not stay stationary during travel or might harm themselves or others around them if being secured, you may want to invest in a carrier. By using a carrier they are free to relax inside during their short venture and are still able to see what is happening around them without posing a threat in a moving vehicle. There are many styles and sizes of carriers to choose from, so you have many options when it comes to colour, design or even ease of mobility.

For those larger trips in some countries there are pet transportation services. These companies do all the necessary work in order to prepare and transport your pet safely and efficiently to their destination. This type of company can be helpful if you have never transported a pet before and are unaware of the regulations for air or train travel for a live animal. They will have completed everything for you so you can relax knowing that your pet is in good hands and will see you at your final destination.

If it is a bird that you are transporting, you would be fine to use a small cage or even a cardboard box with air holes through it, but you would need a type of harness in order to eliminate the possibility of your bird flying away in fright once it has been released at the destination. There are a variety of harnesses or suits to fit birds of all sizes for this very reason. Your pet is part of your family and you will want to protect them from any dangers on the outside.

No matter which option you choose for your type of travels you will want to make sure that you are not sedating your pet. According to veterinarians, sedation can be harmful, and sometimes even fatal, for animals during travel. Do not feel that sedating them will make their trip, or yours, any easier. A pet that is well traveled with his owner will become accustomed to it and be a great companion on the road as well as at home.

About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For transporting pets, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of http://www.seapets.co.uk/ pet supplies.

Pet Care - Your Essential Checklist To Caring For Your Pet

by: Derek Rogers

The decision to bring a pet into your home for you and your family should not be taken lightly. A pet will become a member of your family and not just a fixture in your home. Pets are not meant to come and go, but to remain as part of your home for years to come. Unfortunately for some, pets are disposable items that will be moved if they are an inconvenience. This should be avoided since unstable homes can make unstable pets.

A checklist for pet care can be an essential tool when you first bring home your new pet. For many people, a new pet is their first experience at being a full-time pet parent, and for those this list will be most useful. Preparing yourself, your home, and your pet for those first few months in a new environment will make the change go gracefully and help everyone adjust easily.

1. The first thing you want to be sure of is that your pet has all of their vaccinations up to date. It is important that your new pet is protected from such outside irritants as fleas, tics, ringworm, or many other ailments such as distemper or rabies. The health of your pet is one of the most important aspects of ongoing care. Wellness exams each year are important for your pet. A veterinarian will perform a thorough exam on your pet looking at such things as their vital signs, ears, eyes, mouth, the heart and lungs, as well as the reproductive organs and their skin. This step is a very important preventative measure for your pet each year.

2. Getting your home ready for your new pet can be a big task, but one that is essential for the big day that your new friend comes home. If it is a small caged animal, a small space that is quiet is fine for them to be used to their surroundings. You will not want to take your new friend out just yet, but let them get used to the sounds and smells of their new home before you start introducing them outside of their immediate surroundings. If it is a larger, self-sufficient animal such as a cat or dog, you will want to make sure that they have their own space, a blanket or pet bed for retreating to, out of the way in case they are too overwhelmed at the beginning.

3. Regular physical routine is essential for any pet. This is their exercise routine since they are not like us and do activity regularly without the help of us. Larger pets such as dogs must be walked every day, smaller animals like cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds can be trained to play with anyone in the family. Toys such as balls, bells, tubes, or even apparatuses are useful in helping your pet achieve physical activity during the day while you are away or even you interacting with them while they are exploring.

If you follow some simple guidelines, your new pet is sure to adapt to his new family in no time at all. Regular checkups, physical activity and preventative measures can not only make your pet more comfortable, but also extend the life of your pet. A pet is an investment so you will want to be sure to take care of him for the benefit of everyone.

About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For pet care, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of http://www.seapets.co.uk pet supplies.

How Do I Get Newts In My Pond?

by: Derek Rogers

Newts are a type of amphibian that look a lot like salamanders. However, unlike salamanders, newts spend most or all of their life in the water. They are descended from salamanders, but branched off around sixty million years ago. Now, they're found in many temperate parts of the world, including Asia, Northern Africa, Europe, and North America.

Some types have a terrestrial form (referred to as an eft), that lives on land to find a new home, then come back to the water when mature. Newts are popular among pond owners. They're charming, cute little creatures in their own right. However, having a population of newts also means that your pond is very healthy, since these creatures have somewhat specific living requirements. If you're thinking about colonizing your pond with newts, or setting it up to attract these little creatures, here's some information that might help.

Newts are often food for other creatures. This means that having newts might draw some impressive looking birds to your pond, but it also means you'll have to pay attention to what's living in and around it if you want to keep your newt population alive. Carnivorous fish often pick off these little lizard-like creatures, making it hard to keep the population up. As well, if there are any ducks frequenting your pond, they may eat the vegetation your newts are laying their eggs in, giving them no place to breed. This doesn't mean you have to chase off all predatory birds or remove newt-eating fish from your pond. It does mean that it's a good idea to try to provide habitat and other conditions that encourage a thriving population that won't be damaged by predation.

Another danger that can kill stocked or native newts is the pump of a small pond. If you have a smaller pond which requires a pump for circulation, newts can be sucked into the pump and killed. Even if you use wire mesh, these pumps can kill very small newts. You can solve this problem by using an ultra fine mesh, or by placing your pump underneath a weighted upside down pot with a hole cut in it. Remember to use mesh over this hole as well. These methods will cut down on the number of newts you lose, and on unpleasant filter cleaning.

Newts can live in fairly shallow ponds, and prefer slopes with lots of plants. High density weeds will encourage them. A good environment for newts will help you develop a breeding population that will stand up to even predatory fish and birds. While tadpoles and young newts may fall prey, a pond that can support them will encourage their numbers to increase. Expect to see baby newts around April and May, if your animals are breeding. You can either make your pond suitable for the local species of newt that you'd like to attract (specific conditions vary by species) or purchase newts and stock your pond. The second is more expensive, but also gives you a better chance of seeing these animals live and grow in your waters.

About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For pond maintenance, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's of http://www.seapets.co.uk/view-subcategories/category/8.html pond supplier specialists.

Tips for Handling a Dog Who's a Whiner!

by: Kristi Carter

Puppies are very similar to babies - when babies are not content, they cry. When puppies are not content, they whine. If they think they are starving, if they are hot or cold or if they are tired they whine. This is the way that they communicate with their mothers, who promptly respond with something to eat, a cuddle or two and security. As the mother responds continuously, the puppy begins to realize that her whines bring help from her mother, so the puppy will continue to whine, knowing that the mother will respond. Adopting a puppy at 8 to 10 weeks will bring her a possible new realization. The whining doesn't necessarily work with her new 'pack,' or that her whining brings her new mother (you) to her aid.

This is why many people will tell you to allow the puppy to sleep by herself. When you respond naturally to her whining with comfort and sympathy, she will learn that she gets attention and love when she whines. Therefore, she will continue to whine. If she is truly upset for some reason, of course you should respond to her whines. She may be truly scared that she has been moved from her familiar location and is with a new family in a new place. Here's the trick. Wait until your puppy is not whining so that you can cuddle, love her and give plenty of attention. This way, your puppy doesn't correlate the whining with the attention she's getting.

When she realizes that the whining isn't getting her anything, she will not do it anymore. You might have a really hard time ignoring her whining and you will want to pick her up and give her some comfort, but doing this could lead to a hard road! Now, it's important to realize that some puppies will not just stop whining. If your puppy is one of those, grab an instant when she's quiet to give her some attention. Even if she only stops whining for a second, that's when you should respond. This way, you are not allowing her to be completely miserable and neglected, but you are not teaching her that whining gets what she wants.

Adult Whiners

While most dogs will not continue to whine after half a year of age or so, many of them do continue to whine. If yours does, there are a few different reasons. One of them is that your dog is whining and truly doesn't realize that she's doing it or that she's learned that this is the way to get what she needs or wants. There are a few reasons your dog may whine and some of those include the fact that your dog is in pain or hurting, he or she is feeling a bit lonely, it's potty time or he or she is nervous or scared.

In order to figure out how to respond, you need to figure out why she's whining. There are times when there is a legitimate reason and times when it's simply because she is craving your attention. Here are some of the ways that you can respond depending upon why your dog is whining.

A Whine That Says, "I'm in Pain!"

If your dog begins whining suddenly, or with a sharp yelp and then continues on for a while she may be in pain. There are many different things that might cause pain for puppies, younger dogs and adult dogs. You need to check the obvious things to see if there is a reason she is whining. For instance, checking to see that she's holding any paws up or if she is acting strangely. Then you can check her body for injuries of any kind to see if there is something present which is causing the pain. After that, feel her limbs, especially around the joints to see if you feel any swelling or strange differences in her. Be sure to be very gentle as you don't want to cause more pain. If you simply can't find anything, don't rule out the possibility that your dog may be in pain. A trip to your veterinarian is a good idea.

A Whine That Says, "I'm Bored!"

There is a significant demeanor that you may notice in your dog who is whining because she's bored. She may pace around the room or follow you throughout the house. She will whine to herself and seem miserable! One great tip is to give her some quick exercise. Take her for a run, play a half hour game of fetch or do something else that she loves to do. You may also want to make sure that she starts getting more play time each day - whether you are exercising her or taking her out and about while you run errands. Either way, you will create a solution to her boredom and hopefully stop the whining. Spend more quality time with your pooch, cuddling, loving and showing attention!

A Whine That Says, "I'm Scared."

If your dog is afraid of something, the whining will be different than the other reasons. For instance, she may look in one direction while she's whining. If there is a lot of lighting or thunder during a storm and she looks toward the windows, whining, she is probably frightened. She may also be anxious if there is no direction to her whining. Pause and determine your own mood as dogs often pick up on the stress and tension in their pack leaders. If this is the case, you should never try to punish your dog to make him or her stop whining. In fact, it will most likely make it worse. The key is to tune her out. Sure, it sounds terrible but when you do it, you teach your dog that she is scared or anxious for no reason. Running to comfort her and give her attention will confirm her feeling of fear or anxiety. Rather, ignore her until she stops whining and then give her the attention she needs!

A Whine That Says, "I Need to GO."

This one is an easy one. If your dog is whining because she needs to go to outside, she is obviously potty trained. She really needs to go but knows that the place to do it is not inside the house. She will probably stand by the door, looking at you and then looking back at the door. She may also have the look that owners come to recognize in their dogs after a while. The look says, "I really need to go!" Simply let her out - no big deal!

About The Author

Kristi Carter

Is your dog traumatized when you leave him alone? Don't get mad or frustrated. He may be suffering from dog separation anxiety. Learn proven and humane tips to help him overcome dog separation anxiety once and for all! Visit http://www.dogseparationanxiety.net today!

Dog Training: What You Can't Afford To Miss Before Getting Your New Puppy

by: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Few things bring greater pleasure to a family than taking home a young pup. Even so, there are as well, fewer affairs that can cause a more immense headache at times. Choosing what sort of canine to take home may comprise an extremely difficult task.

You could choose on bringing home a big dog suchlike a Labrador retriever, which is highly popular and is well-known to act as an absolute good household dog. Or you could resolve to take home a little, lap dog as a Shih Tzu or an average sized dog similar to a Cocker Spaniel. As you consider what sort of pup to bring home, you want to consider your life-style and your livelihood arrangements. Do you reside in a flat, where small dogs suchlike the Shih Tzu would match fine, or do you require having a large fenced backyard for your large Labrador retriever?

A dog such as a Labrador pup would comprise a great alternative for an individual looking for a dog that may work easily with the household members, experience fewer health problems, and offer a life of companionship. Small dogs, similar like the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso or Chihuahua appear more appropriate for households where they will be allowed indoors and where the owner will be capable to allow for an great amount of interaction and physical contact. These little guys are as well exceedingly lovable, devoting and are outstanding companions, but they're not equally as good, guard dogs as big dogs could be. It is crucial to determine early on about what sort of domestic dog you wish to have. Are you seeking a lap dog, a safeguard dog, a watch dog, a sporting dog, a hunting dog, or a working type dog?

Please think of the fact that your puppy will grow up and mature and will impart you for several years to come, with love, companionship, dedication and a great deal more. Arriving at your dog's pick decision ought to be an intelligent one whenever it suits your life style. Whenever the dog does not fit for your way of living, your dearest companion could become a big headache, and he is not to blame. Therefore, before adopting your new puppy or relocating to a brand-new living space, please be sure that, that it will be fine with your landlord if you rent, and if you own your home make certain that the dog have the space it needs and that he will be safe in the home.

If you want a big dog like a Labrador retriever, do you've the time to dedicate to the dog in order for him to get the proper amount of exercise? Do you have a large backyard where the dog can romp or play games with you? Big dogs, in particularly, necessitate tons of physical exercise or otherwise they'll show behavioral troubles. Labs, for instance, are extremely energetic and active, and are amenable to play catch with a ball or Frisbee for endless periods of time. Whenever they don't get the required physical exercise, they'll become bored and could make a great deal of damage to your home, particularly if the dog remains indoors for a certain amount of time.

The outdoors exercise that a big dog gets is what maintains it in shape. The owner must be ready to to play with it. For a big dog to stay fit and healthy, the owner must be amenable to spend time outdoors with it by playing the dog or taking him for long walks. A Labrador pup, for instance, will have an added up level of vigor and the owner must be gear up for that.

If you choose a small or medium sized dog, are you sure that you are willing to own a dog that might like to be sitting on your lap day in and day out or at a minimum very drawn to you? As a whole, small and medium dogs likewise require physical exercise, though not equally as much as bigger dogs. Will you be able to take your little guy or girl for a regular daily walks? Are you amenable to bring the dog for grooming if you get a long haired dog? Will you possess the time to brush your dog's coating on a daily basis or on a regular basis as a minimum? Will it be okay with you whenever the dog casts off a lot of hair?

These above-named factors and numerous others need to be taken into account prior to acquiring your new fellow. A potential owner must weight down all these dog's traits and decide which the right dog is for his or her, as that will determine the happiness of both the owner and the dog in the long haul.

Before acquiring your brand-new pup you'll like to perform an exhaustive and complete search on the final size of the dog when matured, how much dog grooming and dog training will it require? Will it need professional dog grooming and how often? You would like to know what diseases is the dog inclined to, how does the dog act with other dogs, with cats, with children? These are barely more or less illustrations of matters you must take into account before getting your new puppy.

About The Author

Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Increase the happy years of your dog by checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's http://www.cooldoghalloffame.com/dog-training/dog-training-the-one-thing-you-dont-want-to-miss-before-getting-a-dog/ dog training blog right now…