How To Help A Choking PetI hope no one ever has to use this information on their own pets, but it can save a life in an emergency situation. A dog or cat choking on an object can quickly pass out or even suffocate, even if the windpipe is only partially blocked.
Adjusting to Your First PetIf you've never had a pet before or it's just been a really long time you're going to need to make a few adjustments to your life.
Pet Rats and Mice InformationChildren have always been fond of keeping mice and rats as pets, especially young boys. Intensive breeding over hundreds of generations has resulted in many colorful and interesting species.
Leave Pets at Home When TravelingRecently, we had a family emergency and had to travel out of state on a moment's notice. We didn't know how long we would need to be gone so we brought our dog, Honey. This turned out to be a mistake.
Facts About Yorkshire TerriersThe Yorkshire Terrier, nicknamed Yorkie, is a small breed of dog first developed in 19th century England to catch mice and rats in textile mills. Today, this popular companion dog is known for its luxurious blue and tan coat, and its bold, inquisitive personality.
Lizards for LessBefore buying a pet, it's imperative that the prospective owner evaluate care, longevity, needs, and cost. Reptiles are appealing and popular pets, but often their needs are underestimated.
Reuse Sofa Cushions As A Pet BedWe recently got a new sofa, and found out the old sofa cushions fit perfectly in the XL doggie crate we have for our Lab/St Bernard. So we kept them, and will use them as a nice, sofa-like bed for Barli.
DE and Garlic for Treating Intestinal Worms in Cats and DogsAll my pets love the warm weather! As wonderful as this time of the year is, there are some things that come with the animals that we don't want in the house, namely fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
Homemade Dog ToysAs I watched our puppy rip apart yet another toy, it occurred to me that I might as well hand her the ten dollar bill to chew. I'm wasting my money buying pet toys at the store time and time again.
Homemade Parvo TreatmentWe have a pair of 7 month old Bull Dogs. Both had 1 set of shots. We received them as strays, so true age and health issues are truly unknown. Our male began showing signs and symptoms on Sept. 8th. On Sept. 11 we were told he had Parvo.
Homeopathic Care for Aged AnimalsAfter a recent trip to the vet, we had a tough decision to make: pay exorbitant bills for pain medication for our dog, or take him home and deal with it ourselves. Our pup is well beyond his spry years and his arthritis is causing problems.
Summer Cars Can Be Dangerous To Your PetThere are many things to consider before deciding to take your beloved pets in the car with you, whether you are running errands around town or traveling.
Traveling With PetsMany of us travel with our pets, and when we do there are always worries with hotels, maids, leaving the pets in the car while we go in and eat, among other things. Here are my solutions. I have used these for many years and have never once had the least bit of a problem.
A List of Yard and Garden Hazards for PetsMany are unaware that there are a number of things around the yard and garden that have the potential to be dangerous.
Hermit Crab CareI recently purchased some hermit crabs from Petsmart. I did it for my daughter who wants to be a vet, I am trying to teach her all about animal care. We really have enjoyed them, they are such complex little creatures.
Pets for Less: Save on Your Best FriendIt's that time of year again. Time to take our old friend, a mutt whom we adopted at the pound twelve years ago, to the vet. He'll be excited until he gets there, but when it's over he'll happily leave with a treat and new vaccination tag.
Checklist Of Things We Should Never Feed Our PetsThere are just some things we should not feed our pets even though we think of them as members of our families. It is not known that some foods which are edible for humans can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism.
Pet Owners Beware of Grapes and RaisinsMany pet owners have been using raisins as a training treat, and some have used them as a "healthy" snack alternative for their dogs without knowing the risk that they are putting their precious pets in.
Going Organic With Pet FoodWhen it comes to human health, few people would argue that a healthy diet plays an important role in longevity and overall quality of life. The same can be said for the health of our companion animals.
Healthy Pets: 5 Tips For Organic Flea ControlDoes your dog or cat have a flea problem? So instead of running to the pet store, here are 5 safe and effective remedies to cure flea infestations organically.
My Story with Baby HatchlingsI grew up with animals and always had a great love for birds. My parents moved to Ontario and I had to sell all my birds :(
Warning About Pets Eating Gorilla Glue(Originally Posted Nov. 2001) Rosa's puppy chewed up a bottle of Gorilla Glue and had very serious consequences. Read about what happened.
Inexpensive Cat ToysDon't buy expensive cat toys! Put a marble, a couple paper clips or some dried beans in an empty prescription bottle, put the lid back on, and roll it across the floor. My cat plays with these for hours!
Breed Information: Ibizan HoundThe Ibizan Hound is tall, elegant, and athletic in appearance. Originally bred for hunting rabbits, the sight hound also relied on its keen sense of smell and large erect ears and to help track his quarry.
Breed Information: Great PyreneesThe Great Pyrenees is a large dog with a solid, muscular body, a thick, water-resistant coat to withstand the elements and a kindly expression.
Your Cat's Body LanguageYour cat can communicate in many different ways -- through vocalizations, touch, and body language.
Breed Information: Golden RetrieverGolden Retrievers are hardy, well-built dogs with a wavy golden coat and gentle loyal nature. This breed of highly-trainable sporting dogs is confident, alert, and eager to please.
Breed Information: Doberman PinscherThe Doberman Pinscher is a medium-sized dog with an elegant, sculpted line and a sleek, powerful physique.
Breed Information: German Shorthair...The German Shorthaired Pointer is an all-purpose hunting dog with keen scenting abilities. This breed is fast and agile and demonstrates power, endurance and eagerness in the field.
Designer MuttsCrossing dogs of other breeds with Poodles has become a bit of a phenomenon in recent days. Ideally, you get the best features of the poodle, the intelligence, the body shape, the low-shedding with the best features of the other partner.
Bull Terrier Breed InformationThe Bull Terrier is a small muscular dog with small, triangular eyes and thin, erect ears. Its most distinct physical characteristic is its long, oval-shaped head...
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?This can be a terribly disgusting and frustrating experience for a pet owner. The last thing you want to see is your sweet pup taking a "Tootsie Roll" out of the cat's litterbox and chowing down and then coming over for some slobbery kisses!
Breed Information: BasenjiCommonly referred to as the "barkless" dog, the Basenji is a short haired, finely built hunting dog from Africa. This fox-size breed has long legs for its height, muscular thighs, a tail that curls off to one side and is known for its furrowed brow.
Breed Information: BriardThe Briard is a large, muscular French sheep dog who is referred to by his many admirers as "as heart wrapped in fur." This brave and loyal breed is devoted to his family and makes a wonderful companion for children.
Dog Body LanguageEven though he can't talk, your dog can be very expressive! If you're not sure what a particular stance means, this may help.
Breed Information: Anatolian Shepherd DogThe Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, rugged and powerful dog that is unrivaled in his ability as a working guard dog. This breed is impressive in size and strength, alert and intelligent and has a calm, yet bold and highly territorial nature.
Breed Information: Scottish FoldThe Scottish Fold is an unusual looking breed. They are medium-sized muscular cat with a fairly heavy bone structure and are famous for having ears that fold forward and downward. The tips of their ears are rounded and they are set on their head in cap-like fashion.
Dangerous Foods for DogsYou may have heard that certain people foods are dangerous, even deadly for your dogs.
Dangerous Foods for CatsSome foods that are perfectly safe for humans or other pets can be dangerous for your kitties!
Catnip, Cat Grass, and Greens For Your CatCats are carnivores. That means the bulk of their dietary needs are satisfied by eating meat.
Alternative Medicine For PetsIf alternative medicine like acupuncture and aromatherapy can help humans, why can't they help your pets, too? Many types of alternative medicine are perfectly safe and beneficial for your four-legged friends.
Why License Your Pets?Paying for a yearly license for your pets may seem like an expense you can afford to skip, but here are some things that may make you change your mind.
Why Vaccinate Your Pets?To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate? Lately, this seems to be a popular debate. After all, most of us were vaccinated as children, and occasionally get boosters for things like tetanus. Should our pets get the same sort of childhood treatments?
Breed Information: ManxThe Manx is famous for its lack of tail. This medium-sized cat is sturdy and rounded with short front legs and long back legs. Its head is large and broad and the coat is either short, or semi-long and thick. They are striking in appearance, yet ordinary.
Vet PhobiaDoes your pet panic when you reach the veterinarian's office? Maybe she shakes. Maybe she complains loudly. Maybe she runs for the door at every opportunity. You may just have a vet-phobic pet on your hands!
Breed Information: RagamuffinFrom a distance this breed appears large and expressive. They have medium-long fur that is soft like a rabbits and begs to be stroked. This is a large breed with males weighing 15 to 20 pounds or more.
Breed Information: TonkineseThe Tonkinese is the result of crossing the Siamese with the Burmese. This medium-sized cat is medium-bodied in every way. It is neither long and svelte like the Siamese, nor rounded and cobby like the Burmese, but somewhere in between.
Breed Information: KoratThe Korat is an ancient domestic breed form Thailand. It has a trim, muscular build, large, high-set ears, and a heart-shaped head featuring round over-sized eyes. The Korat has a glossy, short blue coat that feels like satin to the touch.
Different Collars for Different DogsUnless your dog never leaves the house and never ever has a chance to escape, your dog needs a collar. Not only a collar, but one with ID tags and proof of rabies vaccination.
Why Does My Dog Chew Himself?Excessive chewing can be a sign of skin allergies, or a reaction to insect bites. Keeping your dog on a monthly flea and tick medication like Frontline can help reduce bite problems! If your dog has other allergies (seasonal or food), the paws may be the first place they start to itch.
Breed Information: PersianThe Persian is perhaps the best-known and most easily recognized of the cat breeds today. In appearance, it is a medium-sized cat with a short, compact body, deep chest, muscular shoulders, short, strong legs, and a short powerful neck.
Dealing With Loud BarkingAny tips on a loud barking Yorkie? Oso is so adorable, loving, and sweet but late nights he goes out to pee and then barks at the top of his lungs. I am afraid he will wake next door neighbors as it is pretty late when we go to bed.
Breed Information: Welsh TerrierWelsh Terriers are sturdy, compact dogs with wiry coats and active, playful personalities. Originally bred for hunting small game like otters, fox, and badgers, these robust, medium-sized dogs are the perfect companions for an active family and make good watch dogs.
Breed Information: West Highland White TerrierThe West Highland White Terrier is an elegant looking dog breed with a compact, sturdy body, small enough and with short enough legs to go where its quarry would take it. Its tail must be long enough to enable its master to pull it from holes.
Breed Information: Scottish DeerhoundThe Scottish Deerhound is similar to the Irish Wolfhound, with a sleeker and lighter build reflecting the contribution of greyhound blood to its ancestry.
Breed Information: Shetland Sheepdog...The Sheltie is a small, long-haired working dog that resembles a Rough Collie in appearance. They are skilled at herding livestock and have a natural willingness to obey. Shelties are highly intelligent and excel at obedience and agility trials.
What Do You Do If Your Pet Gets Lost?It is a horrible thing to think about: your pet slips out the door and seems to disappear. How do you get your pet back safe and sound? This timeline can help you out.
Teaching Your Cat to Use the LitterboxKeep in mind that kittens are a lot like toddlers who are potty training: sometimes it's just easier to wet the bed than to go find that bathroom.
Breed Information: Labrador RetrieverThe Labrador Retriever is the original water dog. Originally bred to assist fisherman in Newfoundland, these sturdy, muscular dogs are now respected worldwide for their contributions to the military, police work, as guide dogs and for performing search and rescue.
Breed Information: BurmeseThe Burmese is a medium-sized cat with a straight back, deep chest and slender legs. They have small, rounded ears, a round-shaped head and rounded, slightly Oriental eyes. Their bodies are well-muscled and strong and their coats are very short and dense with virtually no undercoat.
Setting Up a Cage for a FerretOr, perhaps we should say, setting up a cage for ferrets, because they are generally happier in pairs. The type of cage you select depends on how much time your ferret will be spending in it.
Breed Information: JavaneseThe Javanese is elegant and angular, with the elongated body, wedge-shaped head, large ears and blue eyes that are typically found in the Siamese. It's really only different from the Siamese in that it has a long, silky coat.
Breed Information: Miniature SchnauzerThis version of the Schnauzer retains all of the characteristics of the standard-sized Schnauzer-a square shaped body, wiry coat, v-shaped ears, bushy eyebrows, a prominent beard and a large black nose. This affectionate, obedient breed is playful and alert and makes an ideal small companion dog.
Breed Information: SamoyedFirst developed by the nomadic Samoyed peoples of Northern Siberia, the Samoyed dogs were valued family members used to hunt, herd reindeer, and haul sleds. This strong and vibrant breed is still easily recognizable by its magnificent thick, white coat designed to protect it from the bitter climate of its origin.
Breed Information: SchipperkeThe Schipperke is a small, compact dog with a short back, strong legs, docked tail and fox-like head. This breed has a distinctive black coat that forms a ruff at the neck.
Breed Information: Parson (Jack) Russell TerrierThe Parson Russell Terrier, also commonly called the Jack Russell Terrier is a small, medium-boned dog with muscular hind legs, a strong neck and docked tail.
Breed Information: Shih TzuShih Tzus have compact, sturdy bodies with long flowing double coats and long facial hair. Considered a sacred animal in its native China, the nimble Shih Tzu was once described as having a lively gait 'like a goldfish.'
Breed Information: VizslaThe Vizla is an attractive and lively hunting dog, medium in size, with a lean and muscular athletic build. This versatile and talented breed can track, point and retrieve, all with equal skill and vigor. The Vizsla is a high energy dog that is happiest when working in the fields.
Setting Up A Hamster CageIf you've decided to add a ham-ham to the family, congratulations! Here are some tips for setting up a happy hamster habitat!
Pets and Young ChildrenLet's face it: some pets are better with young children than others are. Whether it is a pet you are familiar with, or a pet you are meeting for the first time, the best way to keep things under control is to keep yourself and your children calm.
Pets and the ElderlyHave you heard about the amazing health benefits that come with having a pet? Having a pet helps ease symptoms of depression. Having a pet makes it easier to make friends! Pets offer unconditional love and affection.
Breed Information: Saint BernardThe Saint Bernard is an enormous, big-boned breed with imposing proportions and a tranquil temperament. These heroic dogs are famous for their ability to sense an impending storm or avalanche and are widely recognized for their work in mountain rescue.
Grooming Your DogGrooming your dog can actually be a great bonding experience, if you decide to do it yourself rather than taking your pup to a professional. And unless you've got a show dog on your hands, you don't really need to use a groomer; grooming your dog at home is easy!
Hairless Cats (Sphynx)Hairless cats aren't totally hairless. Like a peach, they've got fuzz. Down, if you will. The sensation of touching a hairless cat has been compared to warm velvet, or a hot water bottle.
Breed Information: Rhodesian RidgebackThe good-natured and formidable Rhodesian Ridgeback gets its name from the symmetrical ridge of hair on its spine growing against the grain of its coat. This large muscular dog has a broad, flat skull, strong, deep chest and powerful hind quarters.
Breed Information: RottweilerRottweilers are large, powerful dogs with a substantial build and equally great endurance and agility. They have a calm, self-assured expression and give the impression of great power, which they easily back up with their powerfully muscular bodies.
How To Brush Your Dog or Cat's TeethYou don't need to be a professional to help your pet keep their teeth in good shape! With a little patience, brushing your dog or cat's teeth can be a breeze!
Breed Information: PugThe Pug has a square, compact body, strong muscular legs, a tightly curled tail and a flat, wrinkled face that bears a sweet expression and looks as though it's covered by soot.
Breed Information: KuvaszThe Kuvasz is large, solidly-built herding dog with a wedge-shaped head, large black nose and a wavy, white coat. This breed combines strength and speed with a noble demeanor and was developed specifically to guard flocks of sheep, not herd them.
Breed Information: Lhasa ApsoThe Lhasa Apso is a sturdy little dog with a profuse coat of long, floor-length hair, and a prominent beard and mustache.. This breed is very friendly and loyal to his owner and other family members. It has an acute sense of hearing and makes and excellent watch dog.
Cheaper Kitty LitterAs the proud mother of twelve cats, I have found a cheaper way to keep them in kitty litter. I don't use it! While working in a feed store, it was suggested to me by a customer to try the wood pellets sold for pellet stoves. They run around $3.89 for a forty pound bag.
Trimming Your Dog or Cat's ToenailsThe easiest way to make a toenail trim NOT an ordeal is to start when your pet is very young. If they are acclimated to the trimmer from an early age, they won't fight you when that cute puppy becomes a hundred pound monster.
Breed Information: Devon RexThe Devon Rex has a soft, curly coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex, but displays some other very different characteristics. Unlike the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex's coat is fuzzier and less curly, and it has less of an arch along its back.
Breed Information: Cornish RexThe chic-looking Cornish Rex is easily one of the more striking cat breeds. They have long, narrow heads, large, flared ears, and an expressive face. This medium-sized cat is muscular, but slender and fine-boned. Their backs have an upward arch that ends in a long, thin, slightly tapered tail.
Breed Information: Australian ShepherdThe Australian Shepherd is an attractive, long-haired breed with a bobtail and a striking coat that varies remarkably in color. This breed is built slightly longer than tall, is fast and agile and possesses great endurance and herding instincts.
Breed Information: Australian Cattle DogThe Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, compact breed, with great agility, strength, and endurance. This breed excels at driving cattle and shows the same sense of duty and courage when protecting its family.
A Happy Home For Your Guinea PigLike ferrets, guinea pigs are happier in groups. But choose your guinea pigs carefully! More than two males together may result in some fighting. Two females together are usually safe... and if you're housing one of each, watch out for baby piggies!
Breed Information - Portuguese Water DogThe Portuguese Water Dog is a strong, medium-sized dog of great stamina and endurance. It has a large head, deep chest and webbed feet for swimming. The entire body is covered in a single profuse coat of strong hair that is either wavy or curly and continues to grow in a manner that human hair does.
Breed Information: SiameseThe Siamese is a medium-sized cat with a long, elegant and muscular body with a long, thin tail that tapers to a fine point. Their legs are long and slender (longer in the rear than in front) and end with small, oval paws.
Breed Information: Cavalier King Charles...The toy-sized Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long, velvety ear, beautiful round dark eyes and a long silky coat similar to a Golden Retriever. This sweet, good-natured breed excels at what it was developed to do-give companionship.
Breed Information: Rough CollieThe Rough Collie is one of the most recognized dog breeds, easily distinguishable by its spectacular full coat.
Breed Information: MalteseThe Maltese is one of the oldest and hardiest of the toy breeds. Its small, elegant body is covered with a silky white coat that is contrasted by dark eyes and a black nose. This breed has courage and an acute sense of hearing, which makes it a good watch dog.
Your Cat, Your Hairballs, and You!Because your cat is such a conscientious groomer, you will find that from time to time he experiences a delightful phenomenon known as a hairball. Ah, hairballs. The hacking, the spitting up, and the singular delight of accidentally stepping in a fresh one.
Breed Information: Irish SetterIrish Setters are an unusually beautiful breed of dog with a long, flowing, silky red coat and a streamlined, athletic body. When trained for hunting, this breed demonstrates reliability and incredible stamina to track game over long distances in the field.
How To Perform Mouth-to-Mouth On Your PetIf your dog or cat goes into respiratory arrest, quick action will save his life. An animal that does not get any oxygen in his system for even a few minutes can suffer permanent brain damage.
Stop Inappropriate Chewing!This may have happened to you: you come home from a long day at work or a short trip to the store to find that your precious dog has demolished your favorite new shoes! I can still remember the day it happened to me. I had just gotten the cutest pair of flip-flops with a bamboo foot bed.
Bathing Your CatYou may feel like giving your cat a bath is akin to taking your life in your own hands' but it doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. Really!
Aquarium SuppliesSo you've decided to swim with the fishes (so to speak). After you've set up your aquarium, there are some supplies you may want to keep on hand.
Breed Information: English Springer SpanielThe English Springer Spaniel dog breed is one of the tallest of the spaniels. Its strong, compact build lends itself to great endurance in the field, and its loving and affectionate personality makes it a good companion for families with children.
Breed Information: Greater Swiss Mountain DogThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a broad, powerful chest, sturdy, muscular body and beautiful tri-colored markings. This good-natured breed was originally developed to help with farm work such as guarding livestock and pulling carts to market. Today, the "Swissy" is noted for its patience with children and its calm and gentle nature.
Breed Information: Great DaneThe Great Dane is often called the gentle giant. This breed combines an enormous muscular body with both elegance and dignity. The Great Dane is very affectionate and displays loyalty to its master, patience with children and cautious restraint around strangers.
Breed Information: Chinese CrestedThe Chinese Crested dog is unusual looking and comes in two varieties. The first is "the Hairless" which is almost completely hairless except for a crest of fur on its head, a tuft on its tail called a plume and fur around his feet known as "socks". The second is the Powderpuff, which has long silky hair.
