Independence day is almost here and most of us are looking forward to that long weekend when we can celebrate and have fun with our friends and families. Fireworks, food, drink and having a good time are all on the agenda. While we want to include everyone we love in our celebrations, don’t extend the invitation to your pet dogs.

Why it makes sense to not include your pet in the holiday celebrations

Our four legged friends don’t enjoy fourth of July celebrations as much as we do. Most dogs are afraid of that time of the year when there is a lot of loud noise and startling lights. In fact, you will find most of them trying to get under the couch or bed to get away from all the commotion. Dogs are worse than cats in this respect and will be extremely edgy around this time of the year.

What you can do for your pet this fourth of July

So, instead of taking them with you to witness the awesome fireworks, leave them behind at home as they are more comfortable there and won’t miss the fun even a little. Make sure that they cannot get out as a lot of pets who run astray tend to get hurt as they run berserk straight into an oncoming vehicle. Also make sure that their collar contains all the identification necessary to get your pet back in case he runs out of the house.

Other considerations

Special care and attention needs to be given for those pets who suffer from extreme nervousness. These dogs will get very upset and may be destructive in their attempts to keep themselves safe. Epileptic pets may also be prone to seizures at this time, so ensure that they are medicated and stay close by just in case they do experience seizures.

All you need to do is keep your pets away from fireworks, food and drink that are bad for them, and they should be fine. Spare a thought for your pet and keep them safe on this fourth of July Independence day celebrations.

Your children see a wet nosed puppy being walked down the street or a furry kitten at a friend’s home and all of a sudden the ‘I want a pet’ assault begins. You are rolling your eyes, wondering about all the extra maintenance you will be stuck doing. The kids will get taxied to and from school, sports and ballet as you worry about whether the family pet was fed, walked, locked out of the room they enjoy destroying and so on. Teaching your children how to live with a pet is essential to not only learning proper behavior and grooming but to shouldering much of the hard work often bestowed upon a parent.

Abuse and Warning Signs

There have been some theories connecting excessive childhood animal cruelty with a possible onset of psychosis. This does not mean that your child is in this category but when it comes to animal abuse it should be kept in the back of your mind. Before adding a pet to your family be sure and cover animal cruelty and danger warning signs. Brief them on the following:

• Never hit or tease an animal
• Look for happy signs such as a wagging tail or purring
• Look for mad signs such as growling, hissing, ears back or tail between the legs
• Leave an animal alone if they are eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy or in pain
• Never pet the animal near the eyes, ears, genitalia or mouth
• Never pull an animal’s tail, ears or fur
• Never pet a strange animal even if the owner insists they do not bite

Waste Removal

Another important issue to cover with your children is proper pet waste maintenance. Before you choose your pet, prepare your children with the difficult chore of cleaning up after an animal defecates. In the case of a cat it is simpler inasmuch that all it requires is cleaning a litter box. However, this should be set up and practiced before the cat arrives. With dogs it is more labor intensive and can, at first, be very off putting. Teaching your children proper walking and waste location/removal techniques is paramount, especially with many local hygiene laws in place. If you have a friend or family member with a dog, make a point of practicing walking and cleaning up with their pet before you get your own. This includes having your child, properly and safely, remove dog waste off the street and to a garbage can using a plastic bag.

Feeding

Teaching your children the proper feeding techniques, times and amounts is essential. When a child is taught how to feed a pet they take on a primary responsibility that not only boosts their self esteem but the loyalty of the pet as well. Some points to cover would be:

• Improper Habits – Table scraps, food out of the garbage, junk foods, etc. should be avoided at all costs.
• Safety – Do your homework and teach about certain foods that can harm your particular pet including chocolate, avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, the sweetener xylitol and garlic.

• Private Preparation -Teach how to keep meal preparation as private as possible. Pets around food can cause them to become a nuisance or outright aggressive (even fish!).

Grooming

Proper grooming lessons will keep your children at the forefront of pet care. For instance, brushing a cat or dog requires specific tools and grooming locations depending on their coat. You do not want your children brushing a long haired collie in the living room at the beginning of spring, big mess. Cleaning your pet is also an important subject to cover. No matter if it is a reptile cage that needs changing or a backyard full of pig droppings, whatever the pet, whatever the cleaning example. Again, borrow a friend’s dog and have the kids wash it for the experience before owning one.

Using some of the simple instructions mentioned here, prior to adding a pet to your family, will go a long way in maintaining a beneficial experience for all. The pet will become a well rounded part of the family when everyone cares for it.

We all love our pets. They not only become valued members of the family, they also become very close to our hearts, so keeping them safe and happy is a priority. Here, we’ve got a number of suggestions for keeping your pet safe, secure and happy. From choosing the right fencing option for big dogs that require secure colorbond fencing, to making sure your pet has appropriate outdoor shelter, no pet owner should miss these tips:

Fencing in your backyard

Even if your pet may spend a lot of time inside, it will also (most likely if it’s a dog or cat) be spending lots of time in your backyard or outdoor area as well. This means that you need to secure your yard so that your dog can’t escape, and no one can get in. For big dogs that can jump fences a sturdy colorbond fence is a great option. It’s also great if you have a dog that chews wooden fence palings. You may not need this type of solution if you have a small dog, but a colorbond fence will ensure that Fido can’t escape through a loose paling or gnaw on a damp corner.

Creating a pet proof environment

It’s not only keeping your dog safe and secure in your yard that’s of concern. You also need to consider the plants you have in your yard and the types of fertilizers and treatments you put on them. Many plants are poisonous to dogs and cats, the same goes for some gardening products. Make sure you do your research and be careful what you buy. All it takes is for your beloved pet to have a small chew on something that’s poisonous and it could be fatal.

Keeping them happy

Animals need to be kept occupied, even when you don’t have time to play with them. Invest in toys and long lasting chews to give your pet hours of entertainment while you’re not there. This will not only keep them happy, but will fend off their urge to dig up the garden which can simply be a way of a dog telling its owner, “I’m bored.”

Provide suitable shelter

If your pet is not kept inside while you are not at home or at night, it needs to have a suitable place outside where it is kept safe from the elements. Kennels are great for dogs, but they should be kept on a dry outdoor paved area where there is suitable coverage. Having durable outdoor pavers is important to ensuring that your dog has a good place to sit and relax if it’s raining without having to simply sit in his/her kennel all day.

Keeping your pet safe and happy isn’t too hard if you know how. I hope our tips have given you some inspiration for some great ideas you can implement in your home to enhance your pets security and overall wellbeing.

When you’re moving your family to a new home, there are some things that even the best moving company can’t take care of. If you have animals moving along with you, you should make sure that they are prepared for this traumatizing experience. This article will give you some tips and strategies for making sure that your animals feel the least stress possible.

1. Go gradually

If your trip involves a long car drive and your animals aren’t used to being in a car, you should start driving them around several weeks before the move. Start with short trips like going to the grocery store or the petrol station, and gradually lengthen the amount of time they spend in the car. When the moving day comes, your animals will be comfortable with the car environment and are less likely to behave erratically or to endanger your driving. If you are moving with the car full of other people, like children, make sure you bring them along for some of the drives. This will help your animals to get used to the environment.

2. Think ahead

What does your animal need on a daily basis? Food, water, a place to do their ‘business’. When moving with animals, especially on long drives, you need to provide them with the same things. Bring a bag of their favourite food, fresh water, and stop on the way so they can eliminate their waste. Not doing so might stress out your animals and make them sick. Make sure you find a veterinarian in your new town who will be willing to take over the care of your animals. Arrange for their files to be sent ahead of time to the new vet, just in case something happens during the trip.

3. Help them acclimatize

When in your new home, don’t expect your animals to feel comfortable right away. Animals need stability; moving can be a traumatic experience for them. Before the movers arrive with the furniture, let your animals walk freely around the house to get used to the new smells. Stay close to them and talk to them softly; they need to know that some things remain stable, like their masters. If they seem frightened or confused, don’t worry: in a very short time, it’ll be like they never left their first home. Punishing them or forcing them out, especially if they are scared, is not a good idea. Let them come to you when they are ready.

Of course, when the movers arrive, you need to put them in a room so that they don’t disturb the moving process or slip out the door. If you can spare the hands, have someone stay with them to comfort them. Leave food and water and a litter for cats. Moving can be difficult for humans, but for animals it can be a very confusing and scary time. Consult your veterinarian and follow these few tips and your animals will be their old selves again in no time. Don’t let a moving company take care of your family’s best friends; they deserve to be with you throughout the whole experience.

Everyday as you head down the highway you see people riding with their cute dogs in their lap or larger dogs happily slobbering with their head hung out of a window. They look so happy and maybe they are for the moment, but what happens if there is an accident? While no one likes to think of it, it has been determined that well over 100,000 dogs are injured or killed each year while riding unrestrained in vehicles. It doesn’t have to be that way, your pet can travel with you safely and enjoy it. When you know that your pet is safe and happy, you’ll be more apt to take them for that much loved ride in car or truck.

As people travel more and more, so do their dogs. Whether running to the store, traveling across country or moving, pets are on the move too. Think about the many types of transportation we take each year – boat, plane, car, motorcycle, bike…the options are ever growing and it seems many are taking their pets with them, no matter the means of transportation.

Traveling by Air

Some basic rules should always apply when you are traveling with a canine friend. The first and most important rule should always be safety first. If you are traveling by airplane, the rules of traveling with dog are already set by the airline company as far as the size allowed for carry-ons but of course, there are a few things that you can do to ensure a more comfortable ride for your dog.

• Call the airlines, find out what their rules are concerning dogs.
• Some airlines allow small dogs to travel with their owners if they will fit in a carrier beneath their seat.
• Larger dogs will have to travel in the cargo compartment of the airplane. Provided that the carrier is big enough for your dog to lie down and stand up in comfort they should be able to rest and relax during the flight. Always remember to provide enough water and food to last your dog for at least twenty four hours.

Driving

If you are planning on driving to your destination the rules are quite different. While some states do have laws about pets riding in cars they are not always enforced the way that they should be. It’s up to you to do the right thing and protect your dog while traveling in a car or truck. This should be an enjoyable and low stress time for dogs and their owners so following a few simple safety guidelines can make all the difference.

Some things that you can do to protect your dog are:

• Purchase a dog guard to prevent your dog from jumping into your lap while you’re driving.
• Dogs, like humans, sometimes have motion sickness. Not feeding your dog for several hours before leaving will help.
• Provide your dog with the proper restraint device. Seat belts aren’t just for your kids but for your pets as well. Many pet supply companies offer seat belts with carriers that allow the dog to feel secure while riding along with you.

Don’t let your dog ride in the back of your pickup truck unrestrained. This is one of the most common mistakes that can ultimately cost your dog its life if you are ever in an accident. The only way that a dog should be allowed to ride in the back of a truck is if it has a camper shell on it and the dog is secured inside of a kennel that has been tied down to the truck. Our dogs depend on us to take care of them when we are traveling, so let’s not let them down.

Potty Patch is a great product for pet owners. It is particularly suited for those who like to keep their homes beautiful even while having pets around. We all know how difficult this can be because pets can soil or stain carpets, rugs or even sofas, no matter how expensive they might be! To resolve this problem of pet lovers, the American Kennel Club has come up with an innovative solution in the form of Potty Patch, which is ideal for high-rise apartments.

The potty patch consists of a base collection tray covered with an artificial layer of grass. Pets can relieve themselves on the grass like they would when they go for a walk. The collection tray has a good capacity of close to a gallon of liquid, so you need not worry about the tray getting filled too soon. Further the artificial grass is almost like real grass. It remains dry for long as there is a separating grate between the grass layer and collection tray. Due to this, your pet will also find it extremely comfortable.

Animal lovers living in buildings are often deterred from buying a pet due to the lack of open space or gardens in their homes. With Potty Patch, anybody can keep a pet. This product is great for pets as well their owners. It is like an indoor restroom for the pet, that the pets can enjoy. This is particularly useful in winter when it is too cold for walks. At such times the pet’s urge to let go is also high. So Potty Patch is a boon at such times. It is easy to clean and use therefore prevents the accumulation of bacteria on it. You can even leave it for your pet’s use when you are away for some time.

There are two reasons to regularly clean your hamster cage. One is to keep your hamster happy and healthy. The other is to avoid the terrible smell you get when your hamster’s bedding begins to stink up the place. So what’s the best way to clean a hamster cage?

First, take your hamster out of the cage and place him or her in a hamster ball. Put the ball somewhere where you can keep on eye on it while you clean the hamster cage. It should take about 20 minutes, which is about the time a hamster should stay in a hamster ball.

Next, separate all the parts of the cage, including what’s inside the cage. That means, wire bars, plastic coverings and tubes, the water bottle, exercise wheel, food bowl, and toys.

What’s left is the dry and wet bedding from the bottom of the cage. Dump this into a plastic garbage bag and dispose of the garbage bag. You may have to scrap off bits that are extra wet.
Now it’s time to clean everything. Wash down the cage bottom with a mild soap and hot water. Don’t use any harsh detergents as these can harm your hamster. Wash all the other parts of the cage. Then wash the other items such as exercise wheel and toys.

Next, you’ve got to get the soapy water off all the parts. Rinse everything thoroughly. Give it a good rinse as you want to be sure all the soap off. Then dry everything using paper towels or an old cloth towel.

Now put all the pieces of the clean hamster cage back together again. Line the bottom of the cage with new bedding material. Then put back the other items such as exercise wheel, food bowl, and toys. Try to put them in the same place as they were before.

Finally, it’s time to put your hamster back in its clean cage and feed him or her a treat for its trouble. Click on Easy Steps to Clean Your Hamster Cage for more detail.

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When it comes to your reptile’s health, the temperature of their surroundings is extremely important. Therefore, it’s extremely important to find out what climate your reptile comes from and what temperature they would be living in if in their natural habitat.

Once you know the cages temperature requirements, you can go to the reptile supplies store and purchase the right reptile lamp. First decide on the lamp and size of the bulb you want to use. That will depend on the reptile cage size, the type of cage and the temperature of the room in which the cage will be kept. Typically, it’s best to get stronger bulbs connected to a rheostat device so you can lower the temperature to the exact amount of heat you want to emit. During the winter you can move it up for some extra heat and during the summer you can “slide it down” so there’s less heat. Remember that if you get a low watt reptile bulb or reptile lamp and it doesn’t offer enough heat, you won’t be able to use it and you will have wasted good money. If you buy a lamp and bulb for which you can basically “choose” your temperature setting, you’ll be set.

Reptile lamps can only be used with certain types of cages so make sure you ask the person at the reptile supplies store if a lamp is the right choice for your cage. Also important is the dome you choose for the bulb you’re using. (The dome is the housing and fixture that holds the bulb.) While considering the dome, you must also consider the size of the bulb and the wattage – making certain that the bulb fits inside the dome – with room to spare – and can support the wattage. Be certain to read the wattage specifications on both the bulb and fixture to make sure everything will work well together.

Your reptile lamp is intended to create a place in the reptile cage for your reptile to enjoy the days (and nights) and bask in the heat. However, the lamp also raises the cage temperature on the side of the cage where the lamp is. Therefore, you should place cage thermometers in different places throughout the cage so you know what the cage temperature is on both sides. The important point to remember is that you need to know what the temperature is on the entire inside of your reptile cage so that it won’t get too hot (or too cold) and your reptile can remain comfortable at all times.

A hamster’s diet should be based mostly on store bought food of good quality that is made specifically for hamsters. There is generally two kinds…mixed and pelleted. The mixed contains…as the name suggests…a mixture of seeds, grains and dried vegetables. The biggest downside to this is that your hamster may choose to only eat the parts of the mixture it likes; leaving the rest behind only to be wasted. Pelleted food, however, has all the nutrients your hamster will need although some Hamsters will turn their nose up at pelleted food.

The following tips will help you make sure your hamster’s eating time will be pleasurable.

1. Give your hamster a variety of food in its diet. That variety should include seeds, nuts, grain, fruits, vegetables, and an occasional treat.

2. Check the hamster mix ingredients on the side of the package you buy in the pet store. Read the label to be sure your hammy is getting a good mix of protein, fats and carbohydrates, and minerals.

3. A good hamster food mix will be made up of from 15 to 20% protein and only about 5% fat and carbohydrate.

4. Good hamster mixes are also available in block-type food.

5. Use fresh vegetables and fruits – not cooked or frozen.

6. Good fruits include plums, pears, peaches, blueberries, and strawberries.

7. Good vegetables include carrots, peas, corn, and green beans.

8. Always wash any fresh fruit or vegetables you are going to feed to your hamster. This will help wash away any pesticides used to grow the food.

9. Foods to avoid include chocolate, candy, or cookies.

10. Only feed your hamster once a day, usually later in the day or early in the evening.

11. Only give your hamster about a handful of food. Hamsters are hoarders. They will hide their food in their hamster cage so they can eat it throughout the day or night.

12. Avoid food spoilage. Check hamster food hiding places every day to take out any fruits or vegetable pieces that are going bad.

13. Typical hamster treats include yogurt, cheese, or cooked meat. Feed these in small portions only.

14. Introduce any new food slowly – only give a little at a time in the beginning until your hamster is used to it.

15. Give fresh water every day. Water is critical for keeping your hamster hydrated and healthy. Put the water in a heavy water bowl or water bottle.

Keeping these tips in mind when planning your hamster’s feeding will ensure that your hamster stays healthy and happy.

One type of pet that is gaining in popularity is the ferret. For many years the ferret has been a household pet which has been limited to the fringe of American pet owners. However the 21st century has brought with it a renewed interest in pet lovers for closer relationships with their pets and having more of them. The ferret is one animal that is enjoying the love of human interaction as more and more people take ferrets home as pets.

One problem with owning a ferret however is the need for a cage. The ferret is one of the few household pets that get along really well outside of a cage when in close interaction with people but require a cage for every day keeping. Like other caged animals the size and shape and accessories of the cage is up to you but remember that your ferret may not need a cage made specifically for ferrets, any cage will likely do.

Despite that, cages for ferrets specifically have some advantages over cages which are specifically designed for other types on animals. For instance ferrets are like hamsters in that they always enjoy having something to entertain themselves with and exercise on within the cage. As such, many larger ferret cages for sale come with built in or accessory hammocks for your pet to lounge on as well as tubes and upper tiers for him to climb on. These add-ons are likely to add to the cost of your cage as they differentiate the ferret cages from the cages of other household pets.

Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of time your ferret will be in his cage. The longer he is in his cage the better it is to get a dedicated and specific ferret cage for him complete with exercise and relaxation accessories. If he’s going to be in his cage almost all the time then a standard rabbit cage may simply be too small and not have enough stimulation in it for your ferret. Finding ferret cages for sale should not be a problem; so why not get one more suited to your pet? It’s bound to make both of you happier.

Obviously if you need more information on buying the right cage for your ferret then your local pet store will likely have good recommendations for you as well as opinionated and experienced pet owners that can help guide your decision.

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