stray cat

Caring For A Stray Cat

Years ago my aunt, a huge animal lover, started to receive late night visits from a gorgeous ginger stray cat. Due to disgusting abuse by his previous owners he had no teeth or claws left and was very under nourished and extremely frightened. My aunt being very sensitive to animals saw that he was so hungry that his fear was overridden by a desperate need for food. He would let no one else near him except for her and if food was left out by someone else, he would know and leave it to go stale. She really had an amazing gift with animals.

Eventually he trusted her enough to allow her to stroke him, but nothing more. He was content to live a wilder life if it meant he was safe from humans. We really are a disgrace to this planet.

So how do you help stray cats? How do you gain their trust?

First of all you need to know the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat. It's not always easy to tell because in time a stray cat will revert back to its natural instincts, which is the same as a feral cats behaviour.

Obviously a stray cat will have been abandoned by their owners or may have got lost. They might have a collar, but if not you should be able to tell by the quality of their coats if they have recently become strays, rather than being a feral cat. If you can, take a photo of it and check with your local vets if anyone has lost their cat. Don't just assume you can take someone else's cat, in a lot of areas it is illegal. Also there could be a very good reason for them getting lost and there may be a family trying to find them. Usually you can take responsibility and become a stray cats owner after about two weeks of notifying the local animal shelters, vets etc.

A feral cat will be much less inclined to engage with you and will be more likely to show you aggressive, wild behaviour. You're also less likely to see them for any length of time, as any sign of a human and they're off. Can't blame them for that!

Feral cats have been born into the wild from either feral parents or stray cats that have become pregnant. They tend to live together in casual family colonies and are able to survive in urban and rural areas. They aren't always popular as like other wildlife they will rummage through your bins for food. So be warned, your neighbours may not take kindly to you starting a feeding programme for them.

So, if you want to help a stray cat the first thing to do of course is feed them.

An adult stray that is under nourished will build up quickly on kitten food. However switch back to adult food as soon as you see an improvement. They will need the nutrients from adult food once they have initially recovered.

Try wet food as well as dry. See what their preferences are.

Buy new cat bowls as they won't like the scent of other pets.

Always provide fresh water every day.

Feed them at night to start with, but leave dry food out in the daytime in case they start to gain courage and come to your garden more often. They need to feel they have a safe place to come to.

After a while try to be present when you know the stray is going to turn up. Place the food down, step back and speak in a soothing tone. Don't attempt to stroke the cat. Let it feed and leave if it wants to. The main point is to slowly gain trust. You know you can never rush a cat.

On the next occasion offer some food from your hand. They may or may not take it, persevere and try again next time.

If no one claims the cat and you decide to rehome this stray then capturing it in the most humane way is your next step. You may not be able to do this, so it's a good idea to contact your local animal shelter and they may be able to send someone to help.

Once you've done that go straight to the vets for a thorough check up. Deworming, flea and ear mite treatments and neutering must all be done.

If you have other pets keep the new cat in one room until they've settled down and slowly introduce them.

Once you've taken responsibility of a stray cat and brought it into your home, be prepared for the settling in period to take some time. You don't know what they've suffered, be patient. They will probably want to stay by your side as much as possible. In time this should calm down but remember they may be a little apprehensive of this new home.

Pamper them with new cat toys, cat bed and stand. You may want to try using a feline facial pheromone spray or diffuser to help calm their nerves.

At http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/ 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.

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dogs and cats

The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats by Paul McCutcheon

Is stress causing your dog or cat to be sick? Dr. McCutcheon believes that emotional and environmental disorder can present serious but unspecific symptoms that can be problematic for both the pet and its owner. There is a direct correlation between the mental and physical well-being in humans. So, too for pets. The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats is a comprehensive and helpful guide for keeping your pet healthier by reducing its stress level.

Have you noticed that when you are sick your pet tries to comfort you? The authors explain that the empathy our pet feels for us when we are down is the very same thing that can make it sick. Our stress triggers an emotional reaction in our pets, the underlying cause for many of their physical ailments.

Although working with a trusted veterinarian is essential to your pet's care, the buck does not stop there. "Because you are the person closest to your dog or cat, you are in the best position to influence her well-being." These forward-thinking authors include detailed information for doing just that.

Many people readily embrace holistic medicine for themselves. The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats praises acupuncture, herbal remedies, chiropractic and bio energy as effective tools for keeping what the authors call "the living terrain" (the body) healthy. However, they emphasize that marrying healing medically sound modalities with managing stress is the key to a new, more effective state of wellness for your pet. Mainstream medicine uses terms like "fighting disease." The new holistic approach talks of "encouraging healing."

The book is chock full of case studies and practical suggestions. Exercise your pet but take into account its breed and age. Go green with your household products to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals. Don't expose your dog or cat to second-hand smoke. Feed your animal fresh, unprocessed foods. Most of all make sure your pet lives in an environment of joy.

Paul McCutcheon, DVM, is the founder of Toronto's East York Animal Clinic, serving 5,000 patients, and a former director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. He hosted the popular Canadian television series "Perfect Pet People" and has written extensively about his approach to healing. Co-author, Susan Weinstein, combines her writing skill with a deep understanding of the contexts in which humans and their pets live together.

Topics covered include:

• An Integrated approach to Pet Care
• Stress: the Key to Animal Wellness
• Tuning into Your Pet's Needs
• Preventing Stress in Daily Life
• Learn the Early Signs - Then Trust Your Instincts
• Working with Your Vet
• Choosing Therapies to Restore Wellness
• Understanding Your Pet's Last Transition

Impressive endnotes indicate the extensive research and veterinary experience poured into this book. The Appendix contains a stress-buster diet for dogs and cats, bibliography and a listing of veterinary holistic health care associations in the United States.

The book is a comprehensive look at health care for pets, full of helpful advice for finding the right vet for you. Your dog or cat will be happy you read it.

Article originally published by Holly Weiss on http://www.blogcritics.org.

Holly Weiss is the author of a historical fiction novel, Crestmont, writer and reviewer of newly-released books. http://www.hollyweiss.com.

Free reprint of article if entire bio is intact.

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feral cats

Feral Cat

What is a feral cat? It is an untamed cat born in the wild. A stray cat is not necessarily a feral cat. This cat grows up with no human contact unlike a stray cat who can have human contact but is not owned by someone.

In the United States, a feral cat commonly comes from an abandoned domestic cat's offspring. Owners who have not spayed or neutered a cat may lose or abandon it. Although the parent(s) have had human contact, the offspring will not inherit this exposure. Even the parent(s) in time may revert back to being a wild cat.

In Australia, a feral cat is a breed that lives in the wild. These cats can be found throughout the country. They are predators to marsupials, reptiles and birds. Australia, New Zealand and several island countries have had problems with large populations of feral cats destroying different species of wildlife. Some countries tried eliminating them but that led to other animal control problems.

These cats are usually found in groups. Their lifespan is much shorter than a domestic cat because they are prey for larger animals. They can be found in areas of extreme heat or cold. They play a part in controlling the small animal population especially rodents. Unfortunately, they also feed on birds.

Controlling this population has always been a challenge. Some states allow them to be hunted and killed. Another technique is to trap, neuter and release the cat. This has been effective but very time consuming. The Feral Cat Coalition in San Diego has a program at no cost to help control this population. Recently seven feral cats were trapped on Saint Nicolas Island in California. Instead of being exterminated, the cats were transferred to an the Animal Medical Center in El Cajon. The Humane Society of the United States, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Navy are working together to try to control this population on the island of over 200 of these cats.

A feral cat can be tamed to live with humans but this is recommended at the young kitten stage. A slow process of 2 to 6 weeks is required to acclimate a feral kitten to humans. Having a adult domestic cat can act as a role model for the kitten. Taming an adult can be done but requires a different approach. Some feral cats or kittens cannot be tamed based on their temperament. If a cat that cannot be tamed is returned to the wild, it should be spayed or neutered.

A feral cat is a wild animal. It can carry diseases including rabies. A cat is a prime carrier of a parasite called toxoplasmosis. This parasite can be very dangerous to humans with weakened humane systems. A feral cat because it feeds on raw meat is more apt to have the parasite. If you find one, be very careful and seek professional help on how to handle it. If bitten by a feral cat, see a doctor immediately.

My name is Frank Loethen. If you enjoyed reading this article, please visit my cat products website, http://purrfectcatproducts.com/ Available are high quality cat products at great prices.

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facts about cats

Interesting Facts About Cats!

Did you know?

All cats are born blind. The ability to see comes during the first couple of weeks after birth!
Cats have rudimentary nonfunctional collar bones that allow them to squeeze themselves through tight spaces and helps them in their balance and stride!

Cats often have a third eyelid that is not normally visible to us. If you are seeing it more often - the cat may be ill!

Cat vision is similar to humans in daylight, but they can see six times better than us in dim light - owing to larger pupils and the ability to gather light at the back of the eye owing to a reflective retinal surface!

Field of vision in cats is slightly compromised for a more binocular vision, that grants them greater depth perception and ability to judge their prey's position more precisely for pouncing upon them in high speed pursuits!

Cats' sense of smell is fourteen times stronger than ours - this means they can smell the odour in the litter box much earlier than us!

Cats' hearing is also very good. They are able to hear sounds of higher pitch than us and dogs. Thirty two individual muscles in their ears allow them to pinpoint the exact location of a source of sound!

The individual positioning of whiskers is unique to all cats - they are like finger prints. Whiskers also allow cats to feel their way in extreme dark and since their span, when fully erect, is nearly equal to cats' body width - it allows cats to judge whether a space or passage is too narrow for them! Whiskers also are usually indicative of cat behavior. Erect, forward pointing whiskers indicate that the cat is excited, animated. Whereas laid back whiskers are often seen in resting, defensive conditions!

Cats have sharp pointed teeth that are built for killing prey by suffocation/severing of spine. A cat's teeth are its greatest asset in the wild. In proportion to body size, the elusive Clouded Leopard has the longest canines in the family felidae, whereas the Jaguar has the strongest jaws - I have seen it bite through the shell of turtles in documentaries!

Cats have more spines than us since they also have spines in their tail. Next time you see a kid pulling a cat's tail - stop him - since it hurts. Their vertebrae are also more loosely connected to each other than ours, allowing them great flexibility!

Flexibility of the spine is highlighted in the Cheetah - the fastest land mammals. With big adrenals, flexible spine and a rudder-like tail, Cheetah can out pace everything on African savanna!
Tiger is the largest feline on earth. An adult Siberian tiger may weigh up to eight hundred pounds and is one of the top predators on earth. Tigers are excellent swimmers and are in fact the only cat who seem to enjoy stepping in water (the Jaguar in Americas frequently go into water to hunt baby alligators and anacondas)!

Lion is the only cat that lives in groups, called prides. The only social cat, family life gives lions edge over other felids by virtue of their cooperative hunting!

Leopards are highly secretive and are perhaps the best tree climbers and individual hunters amongst big cats. Black leopards are called panthers!

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on interesting cat facts

Learn more about cats by visiting: http://www.ofcats.com

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The camel

Camels As Pets - A Good Idea Or Not?

Thousands of year ago camels were domesticated and utilized in many aspects of our humans lives. Although camels are still used around the world as modes of transportation, milk production, hauling goods, etc... they have also won their way into our lives as pets.

You might be thinking to yourself, 'camels as pets?' Usually when I talk with someone about camels, the first thing they say is "don't they spit?" Well, yes they can I have been told. After years of being around dozens of camels, I have yet to ever see one spit or been spit on by a camel. This is not to say they can't, but most of the camels in the United States have been born in the US and many have been bottle raised, thus making good companions.

A few things to consider when thinking of a camel as a pet. Size... Camels get very large. It is not unusual for an adult male camel to stand more than 8 foot tall. You need to use the same caution you would when being around any large animal such as a horse, cow, or donkey.

You might be asking yourself, what do you feed a camel? Well, camels were built to survive in the harsh climates of the deserts. Thus their bodies are adapted to eating low quality grasses. Camels should be fed a good quality grass hay, careful to avoid certain hays that are very rich in nutrients which can lead to weight problems.

Camels can also be used to pleasure ride. When training is started at a fairly young age, training a camel to lead, cush, and ride is fairly easy. The hardest thing in regards to riding camels is locating a proper fitting camel saddle in the United State.

Provided you have enough room for a horse, you have enough room for a camel. Now days, camels have become more common in the United States than you might think. In some states camels are considered to be an exotic animal and will fall under their exotic animal regulations. If you are considering adding a camel to your family make sure and check your local laws regarding exotic animals and camels.

Camels were introduced into my life over a decade ago and have been a great addition to our farm. A great animal with huge personalities that will always bring a smile to anyone's face.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Hallum

Camels

Camels have been coined the Ships of the Desert, and for good reason. Domesticated more than 3000 yrs ago, humans even rely upon them to this day to transport them across arid/desert environments in Africa and Asia. They can easily carry up to 200 lbs and travel up to 20 miles/day! Wow! They are as fast as a horse, but can go for extended periods of time without any food or water. This makes them well equipped to live in the desert.

They are well adapted to the desert landscape as their feet are round and broad, working somewhat like a snowshoe would in the snow, so that they don't sink into the sand. For humans, sand blown into our eyes can be annoying and painful, as well as unhealthy for the eyes. However, camels have a special membrane over their eyes to protect them from the sand called a nictitating membrane, which works as a clear inner eyelid, letting enough light in for them to see, along with a double row of eyelashes. They are also able to close their nostrils to keep the sand out of their nose.

Camels live in Africa, Asia, and as feral animals in Australia, which were imported in the 19th century. Some of these camels, who live in environments where it gets cold in the winter, grow thick, shaggy coats, and shed them in the hot summer months.

Camel Classification: 
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Camelidae
Genus: Camelus
Species:
o ferus (wild Bactrian, or two-humped)
o ferus f. bactrianus (domestic Bactrian)
o dromedarius (dromedary, or one-humped)

About 90% of the camels today are dromedaries, which have only 1 hump, and only exists today as a domesticated species. There are 2 types of Bactrian camels, both of which have 2 humps: one of which is wild, and one of which is domesticated. Wild Bactrians are more athletic-looking, have smaller humps and less hair.

* Myth: Camels store water in their hump. This is completely FALSE! In fact, camels store fat in their humps, which is used as an energy store in conditions where food is scarce. Camels can go 1 wk or more without water, and several months without food. This hump, well, gets them over the "hump". How long they can survive depends upon how hot the climate is and their activity level. You can tell a camel that has not eaten, by if his hump leans over to 1 side. This means that he has been delving into his fat stores.

* Myth: Camels spit at you. FALSE! They don't actually spit on you, they throw up and spew it at you. This is to scare off or intimidate whatever is threatening them. YUK!

In some places in the world, people use many camel products: milk, meat, wool, leather, and even their dung for fuel (I don't know if I could do that one!).

My Story: When I lived in Australia in 1994-95, I had the opportunity of riding a camel in Broome, Western Australia at sunset down Cable Beach...Amazing. I got to visit a camel farm near Perth, Western Australia, which was so much fun, and I made a bunch of camel-friends. I even ate camel sausage in Kakadu National Park (Darwin, Northern Territory)...No, it didn't taste like chicken. It tasted similar to venison and was very gamy.

Conservation: Wild Bactrian camels are considered critically at risk. Camels live to be about 50 yrs old, and only have 1 (rarely 2) young at a time. They carry their young for 12-14 months. As I mentioned earlier, 90% of the world's camels are dromedaries, and they no longer exist in the wild. The rest are the domesticated Bactrian, and the wild Bactrian.

Please, donate locally, online, or just spread the word about these strange and wonderful creatures.

by Kimberly Edwards

Kimberly Edwards is the founder of ExoticAnimalLover.com - Keeping Up The Fight To Preserve The Planet's Wildlife. Find awesome information about animals from all over the world, exotic animal news, updates on conservation, and anything else "Animal". For all of you who are exotic animal lovers, you know who you are...Check out: http://www.ExoticAnimalLover.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Edwards

Rats types

Rats are rodents that belong to the Rattus genus of the family Muridae. These are the most dominant species on earth. There are several species of rats in the world. Most rodents are herbivorous, but some are omnivorous. In general, there are two basic types of rats. They are black or roof rats and Norway or brown rats. Both are thought to have originated in Asia and are now widely distributed throughout the world.

The brown rat, which is also known as the Norway rat, house rat, gray rat, barn rat, and wharf rat, is one of the best-known and is the larger of the two. Their scientific name is Rattus norvegicus. They are mostly grayish-brown, with a lighter colored stomach. A fully-grown brown rat is 18 to 26 cm long and weighs between 400 and 600 gm. They have a tail shorter than its body and their nose and muzzle are blunt. They prefer moist conditions and nest in deep burrows.

Roof rats (Rattus Rattus) are also called black rats and ship rats. They are usually black, slender, 16-21 cm long and weigh about 80-300 gram. Their tail is longer than the head and body and their nose and muzzle are pointed. As the name suggest, roof rats are climbers. Their paws enable them to climb and build nests in upper parts of dwellings, attics, rafters and crossbeams of buildings.

These rats breed when they are three to four months of age. They breed 1 to 13 times a year and produce 1 to 22 in a litter. Black rats and brown rats eat about the same things. Their diet typically includes seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, fruits, cereals, meats and invertebrates. They consume about one-third of their weight in food every 24 hours.

They carry lethal diseases, damage structures and contaminate food. Some of the diseases potentially fatal to man that spread through rats are Weil's disease, plague, salmonella food poisoning and toxoplasmosis.

Rats provides detailed information on Rats, Rat Terrier, Pet Rats, Rat Snake and more. Rats is affiliated with Electronic Pest Control.

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Pet rats

Anyone looking for a new pet wants a pet that is clean, socialized and well trained. Most people don't know that these are all qualities of pet rats!

There are many misconceptions about rats. People think that rats are unclean and carry disease. In fact, rats are quite clean and groom themselves several times a day. These aren't sewer rats we're talking about. These pet rats, or fancy rats as they're called, have been domesticated and bred in captivity for at least 150 years. Pet rats are quite tame after living with humans for so many generations and you'll find that they are nothing like their stereotypes.

Rats are very intelligent animals. Some consider rats to have intelligence close or equal to that of dogs. Rats are capable of learning to come when their names are called. They can even be litter trained just as easily as training a cat.

If you have any experience with other rodents such as hamsters, mice or gerbils you may be afraid of biting. Although biting is common with other rodents, it is almost unheard of with domesticated rats. Unlike their rodent cousins, rats are generally docile creatures. Most of the time rats just like to lay around, especially males. Rats can easily be trained to be good lap or shoulder pets.

In the wild, rats live together in colonies and have a complex social structure. These social instincts carry over to pet rats. Pet rats tend to develop strong bonds with humans and with their cage mates. So much so that it is common for rats to become very depressed when a cage mate passes away.

There are many apartments that won't allow dogs or cats, and it may simply not be practical to have larger pets in some houses. In those situations a pet rat is the perfect solution. Cages for pet rats usually don't consume much room at all, usually just a two foot by two foot space, which makes pet rats great for small apartments.

Rats are friendly and intelligent animals and make great first pets for children. Being clean and easy to care for makes them great companions for the elderly. Go out and get your pet rat today!

Scott McHenry and his wife have had a large number of pets of many different species. They have several years experience with rats and together run [http://www.ratanswers.com] a rat informational web site.

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Rat breeders

Young male rat pups are easy to sex, even before maturity, by the relatively long ano-genital distance. The testes should have descended into the scrotum by about three weeks of age. Hold the buck (male) in a vertical position, with its head uppermost, to be sure of spotting the testes if you are in any doubt. A rat can withdraw them back into the body but nipples are visible in does (females) about one week after birth. It is common practice to separate rats into single sex groups by the time they are seven weeks old; after this time they will be approaching sexual maturity. Does are not usually used for breeding purposes until they are about thirteen weeks old and over 200gm (7oz) in weight. By comparison, males of a similar age under 275gm (9.7oz) are not usually recommended for stud purposes.

Various mating systems can be used. One particular method is to place one or two males with up to six females. This will serve to stimulate oestrus, or pheromones in the does as they respond to the male odors. Female rats cycle about every five days. Because of this, successful matings are likely to take place soon after the introduction of a buck. The level of lighting appears important for successful breeding, since their natural proliferation declines during the darker days of a temperate winter. Ideally, provide sufficient artificial light to give a total daily exposure of about fifteen hours. The normal gestation period is three weeks, or so, but will be longer if mating has taken place almost immediately after the doe has given birth. She will be ready to mate again in this so-called 'postpartum' breeding period within two days of producing pups, but the developing embryos will not implant into her uterine wall as rapidly as normal. It is often best to remove the doe to separate quarters to give birth, especially if she normally forms part of a colony. Two does may be housed together quite successfully in this way.

A litter may consist of up to fourteen pups. These will be independent about three weeks after birth with each young rat weighing about 50gm (1.8oz) at this stage. The doe will be ready to mate again within a week of weaning being completed if she did not conceive at the 'postpartum' heat. Rats can breed almost until the end of their lives but their reproductive capability declines after a year or so. Rats generally live between two and four years under normal captive circumstances but older individuals are not uncommon.

Visit Legacy Cages for a quality rat cage and cat cages to keep your pet rat safe during play time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derrick_R_Anderson

Rat as a pet

Rates are clean, affectionate and intelligent animals. The rat usually kept as a pet is the Norwegian Rat, Rattus norvegicus, not the Black Rat, Rasttus rattus. The average lifespan of a rat is 3 years.

Food

Rats are omnivores; they eat both animal and vegetable foods. Most Human type foods are suitable, but give mainly vegetable type foods and reserve meat for an occasional treat. Most people use a seed based mixture as a basis of the diet, but it should be supplemented with generous amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fresh green food.

Things to Avoid

Some things are poisonous or undesirable foods for rats. Avoid giving your pet rat:

Alcoholic beverages
Anything known to be poisonous to Humans
Avocados
Bulbs and the leaves of plants grown from bulbs
Chocolate
Green Bananas
Green Potatoes
Liquorice
Onions
Potato Leaves
Raw Dry Beans or Peanuts
Raw Red Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts
Raw Sweet Potato
Rhubarb and especially rhubarb leaves
Seaweed
Tomato Leaves

The same care needs to be taken over the storage of your rat's foods as you should take over your own food.

Companions

Rats are social animals, and it is kinder to keep more than one, especially if you cannot be with your rat most of the time. It you have rats of both sexes, you can reasonable expect babies fairly soon. The females tend to be more active while the males are often more cuddly.

Buying your Rat

Unless you are already an expert on keeping rats, the ideal person to buy from is a serious rat breeder. If you buy from a pet shop, make sure that the person who serves you is knowledgeable about rats.

Housing

I suggest a minimum length for the cage of 24 inches (60 cm) and a width of at least 12 inches (30 cm). In addition, it is better if you can let the rat out of the cage and play with it. Many rat owners train their pet to sit on their shoulder.

Biting

Mostly rats do not bite. If they do it may be from fright, or because they are not used to their owner. In some cases, a male rat becomes aggressive as it becomes sexually mature. If the rat is showing excessive aggression, you may have to consider castration. If you do get your rat castrated, make sure the vet is familiar with the castration of rats.

If you are bitten by a rat, get advice from your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a tetanus injection.

Cleaning

Rats keep themselves clean, but it is necessary to clean their cage frequently.

Although rats only live for about four years on average, our Rat, Tiffany, lived for over four years. To read about her life and afterlife, see: http://www.bettatrading.com.au/Tiffany-Rat.php.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Challis

Diet For Dogs

The dog universe is a-buzz these days about the natural diet for dogs. A lessening in overall pet health, commercial pet food recalls and huge vet bills are some of the reasons pet owners have started closely examining their pet food and the consequences it is having on their dog's well being.

Natural diets, also called the raw food diet for dogs, refer to a species appropriate diet as if your canine were living in the wild. Dogs, being carnivores, would eat meat, bones, vegetable matter and grains, with the vegetable matter and grains coming from the stomach ingredients of its prey.

But is this sort of diet the best diet for dogs? Let's take a closer look.

For many pet owners, the thought of feeding your best pal all raw food doesn't sound the least bit healthy at first. Thoughts of harmful bacteria and diseases come to mind and it seems like it would be more harmful than nutritious.

We tend to ignore the fact that we are really different species. We humans cook our food to kill bacteria and disease, so it seems reasonable to do the same for the canine members of our family.

We need to appreciate that the digestive system of humans and dogs are different. A dog's digestive system is specifically designed to eat raw foods. That's why when your dog eats a dead animal it does not get sick from it.

Another point to examine in natural diets for dogs is that your pet will eat a lot of the same fare that you would eat, but in a healthy way instead of table scraps. The greatest difference is cooking.

When you look at a raw food diet meal example, you'll see that it's actually much better than the images we get from conjuring about our pets hunting and eating in the wild.

Example:

Raw meat any raw muscle meat will work, however many pet owners use ground turkey or regular hamburger because of price and handiness.

Raw bones turkey necks, chicken necks or chicken backs.

Unprocessed vegetables and fruit Carrots, apples, green beans, kale, watercress, parsley, mustard greens, etc. Use a blender or food processor to blend and mix with meat and bones and serve

Some of the plusses of a natural diet for dogs can be helpful in deciding to try it with your pet. Many pet owners state that their dogs have better smelling breath, cleaner teeth, healthier skin and coats, and more energy. They also say that their dogs seem generally happier and healthier overall.

The bottom line is that we all like our dogs and want them to live a long and happy life. Just as with humans, that premieres with proper diet and nutrition. The best diet for dogs is one based on general dog dietary needs, and then is modified to your pet's individual needs and tastes.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Food for dogs

If electing to become a dog owner, then you are assuming a very tiring, but enthralling responsibility, and truly ushering in a new era of your life. One must be prepared for a non-stop runaround experience. There is no off button on a new dog, especially a puppy. That being the case, there are also few downsides to the company a dog brings. It is a relationship you will want for a long time, and that is why you should be serving the best raw food diet for dogs possible.

That sounds sort of bizarre though. When is a dog's food raw? Isn't it just food from a can or bag?

Actually, when one says raw food they are talking specifically about dry food, which can sound confusing at first. We promise though, there is no difference in the two. It's just not wet or moist food in any way.

The raw food diet for dogs is just that then. It is putting your dog on a dry food only kind of meal system. However, why exactly should one change if they currently only provide their dog with wet food? Or what if they mix wet food and dry food? Does it really matter?

The short answer is yes. But we know how people want to be certain. After all, we are discussing man's best friend, and you never want to wrong any friend. For this reason, we present to you the slightly longer answer.

Statistically speaking, categorically speaking, and financially speaking we are going speaking now about the premier advantages, which is still one of many. The core one, however, is the kind of advantage not just you will understand, but that your bank accounts and paychecks will as well.

To be particularly basic about the issue of cost revolving around the feeding of your dog, there are essentially three methods to the madness. The first situation one can undertake is by far the most expensive of them all and that is to buy only wet cans of food. This is not only cumbersome to your wallet, but cabinet space and your trash can, in less you get excited about cleaning out the residue well enough to not attract the fruit flies. Next in line is a combination platter. It is half moist food and half dry or raw food. While that is certainly a better situation, it is certainly still a pricer situation. By cutting down on dry food, you do not cut down on the price of moist. You only improve it. What's our last scenario then? You guessed it, those heavy bulk bags catering to the raw food diet for dogs. They are not only the cheapest, but not the healthiest.

In conclusion, we will mention in passing that many a raw food diet for dogs is healthier today than it has ever been. With nutrients packed into raw food, there is no beating the one-two punch. That said, reach out to your vet and hear some recommended brands. You won't be sorry.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Diet For Dogs

While the raw diet for dogs is becoming a more and more stylish topic among dog owners lately, it's really not anything new as many pet owners might suppose. It has gained a renewed awareness and found its way into the spotlight recently due partly to the many recalls of commercial dog food in the past year.

Alarmed for their dog's health, pet owner's have begun the search for healthy alternatives to commercial pet food and the raw diet for dogs has become the passionate topic.

The raw food diet for dogs, also called the B.A.R.F diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food), is relatively effortless and it basically mimics what your dog would normally eat if it lived in the wild: raw meat, raw meaty bones and raw vegetables.

If you are considering putting your dog on the raw food diet, here is some essential information to keep in mind:

Altering from commercial food to the raw diet for dogs, it may be best to start with just the meat and bones for the first few days until your pet gets adapted to it.

Raw meaty bones that can be eaten include beef, chicken backs, necks, wings, or turkey necks. The chicken and turkey bones are pliable enough for a dog to chew and eat and they provide and exercise for your dog's jaw and upper-body muscle. It is very important to know that the bones give your pet are raw. Cooked bones can splinter easily and these pieces can cause severe internal damage to your pet.

After your pet has becomes accustomed to the meat and bones, you can then start adding in some of the more bland vegetables like carrots. Once your dog has become adjusted to bland vegetables, the other kinds of vegetables you want to give your dog are completely up to you. However, besides understanding the basic nutritional value of vegetables, you should make yourself knowledgeable of any unwanted side effects they might cause.

For example, carrots are wonderful because of their vitamins, potassium and calcium. Watercress and mustard leaf help clean out the intestines. On the flip side, potatoes are not easily digested, large amounts of onions can cause stomach problems and broccoli and cabbage can increase the amount of your dog's gas.

Some of the advantages pet owners report as a result of putting their pet on the raw food diet for dogs include: lower veterinarian bills, nicer smelling breath, improved skin and coats and an improved immune system due to the balance of pure nutrients and fatty acids.

Is the raw diet for dogs correct for your pet? While it has its advantages, no one diet is right for every dog anymore than any one diet is appropriate for every human. You should fully examine dog diets and nutritional needs and carefully weigh your options based on your pet's individual needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Care of Parrot

You don't have to be a veterinarian to be able to take care of an injured bird on your own. Of course, anything major is beyond your control but you can do some first aid before hand. It can save the bird's life.

1. Heat

Temperature is important with parrots. At least 85 degrees are needed to keep these birds warm. If they are warm enough, they will use their metabolic energy and their resources to keep their body temperature to at least 104 degrees.

This is the reason why, you need to increase the temperature if you have a sick bird in your hand. You will be able to save a lot of their energy when the temperature is close to what their body needs. This will allow them to conserve most of their energy to fighting the illness.

2. Humidity
Humidity is vital when you are dealing with an illness that is caused by a respiratory problem. If it is just a wound or a physical energy, humidity is not that essential. This is because humidity allows the parrot to breathe easily as it eases the passage of air. Respiratory problems in parrots are often seen through the odd noises that they make when they breathe. Their breathing will be wheezy and raspy. There will be significant movement in the tail when they have problems in breathing.

Another sign is when they hold their beaks open to breathing. If you have it in your house, use a vaporizer or a humidifier to help keep the humidity stable. If you don't have this, you can improvise and take the parrot inside a bathroom. Turn the hot water faucet on. This will help keep the room humid.

3. Water or liquids
Like humans, parrots need water or liquid to keep them going. High temperature such as fever and problems in the body can drain the body of its fluids. To give water to parrots, you can use a spoon or syringe. Your finger can even be used. Do not use just water. Grape or apple juice are good choices. So is a bottled water with honey on it.

4. Taking it easy and rest
Rest is what everybody needs to help the parrot regain its strength back. An injured or ill parrot may be placed in a dark room where he cannot do much of anything but sleep and rest. Noise will jar them awake while the lure of toys and colorful and shiny stuff will only tempt them to move around.


Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Career In Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Surgeons or Vets are doctors for animals, since similar to human beings animals will have a number of illnesses which need care and treatment. In order to become a Vet it's important first of all to have a passion for animal welfare. Even though earning a decent living from this job must also be your concern, this must not be your main reason for starting a career in this field.

The skills necessary to become a veterinarian are much like the ones essential to a pediatrician. Basically, animals much like kids are unable to communicate symptoms to you and so you will rely on the testimony of the owners in addition to your own skills to test and diagnose the condition of your patients and give the right treatment.

If you need to become a veterinarian you are required to get a veterinary degree, often known as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, from one of the reputable establishments and also obtain the required license to have a practice. This type of certification will not just enable you to treat animals that have regular complaints, but in addition to concentrate on animal healthcare niche markets. Needless to say, the regulations and rules for veterinary doctors are different in all countries and so you have to seek advice from your local licensing boards while doing your research.

Many people once certified decide to treat domestic pets because there is always a greater demand in this area and newly qualified vets will have many opportunities available. This will also be a good path to take for people who want to start their own practice in the future.

Normally it takes as much as 8 years to get the qualifications in order to become a veterinarian surgeon after leaving secondary institution. On top of that, the competition to get into the Universities which provide degrees in this medicine will be intense, but for individuals who are able to get a spot and then graduate the benefits will be great in both remuneration and job satisfaction.

For more great tips on how to become a vet visit http://www.becomeavet.org/.

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Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine has become a very booming career opportunity in this modern era. Though, the relationship between the man and animal is quite old but with the passage of time, it has strengthened a lot. Veterinary medicine is one such occupation that primarily focuses at the wellbeing of the animals- both wild and domestic.

Veterinary doctors are supposed to be the specialized physicians meant for animals. Animal used to be tamed for domestic uses in the olden times and now there are different breeds of pets that are to be kept and owned. The bond is strengthening with every passing day and this is the reason, more and more branches of science and medicine are getting being tilted towards the better being of the animals especially those which are being kept as animals. Veterinary medicine basically focuses on knowing and then getting yourself educated and trained to cure the animals of their different diseases, illnesses and injuries.

An injured horse being secured to "The Simplicity Equine" portable operating table in its vertically oriented position during World War I

It is a very vast field that encompasses different genres of animal medicine. There are so many subjects and genres where veterinary medicine offers specialization. Ranging from animal physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, micro biology, pharmacology to therapeutic and diagnostic procedures; there are numerous fields in which specialization can be obtained depending upon the aptitude for specific subject. Other than this, veterinary medicine offers specialization in specific animals like you can become a vet specialized to diagnose, cure and treat dog illnesses, diseases and injuries. You can become a veterinarian specializing in specific animal or you can opt for certain sects of animals like live stock specialization, wild animal diagnosis etc. it all depends what is your aptitude.

There are numerous well reputed institutes that offer veterinary medicine specialization. There are certain prerequisites to enter in such an institute. There are many veterinary schools as well where different types of courses and specializations are being offered in the field of animal physiology and the related subjects. Obviously, in order to become a specialized animal physician, you are supposed to gain the degree in this very subject along with the required training sessions. Online help can be opted in this regard to know about the entrance to all such schools and institutions. As far as the training is concerned, for this the student can become an assistant to an already established veterinarian.

Veterinary medicine is not only a booming career opportunity rather it serves as a medium to take great care of our pets or wild ones as well. Research done in this field can lead us to know a lot more about these animals and new discoveries can be made for their wellbeing and their good health.

LEO'S PET CARE is a full-service veterinary medical facilities like vet clinic and animal hospital Indianapolis. LEO'S PET CARE seeks to provide the best possible medical care for their patients.

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Veterinarian

Are you between the ages of 8 and 12 years old and you want to become a veterinarian? I know exactly what you are going through. I am a veterinarian and I made my decision to become a veterinarian at 11 years of age. The truth is, you are at the age when most veterinarians make their career decision. Recently, I surveyed over a hundred veterinarians nationwide and 65% of them said they made their decision to become a veterinarian before they reached the age of 13. So you are in the most important years for a future veterinarian. Do all you can to explore animals and veterinary medicine right now!

OK, so I've got you ready to go, but what should you do? Let me be your guide on how to become a veterinarian. As a Vet for Kids, I focus my time on helping future animal doctors like you pursue their dreams. In fact, I recently connected with practicing veterinarians all over the country and I want to share the advice these veterinarians had for kids like you.

When I asked them how to become a veterinarian, by far, the top recommendation of the veterinarians I surveyed was for you to explore and study science as much as possible. When I meet children who want to be veterinarians, the first thing I tell them is "Many children love animals. The children who love both science and animals are the ones who become veterinarians." It's so important to explore as much science as you can in school, but don't stop there.

Science doesn't only live in the classroom. Visit a museum, go to a science camp or get involved with a science club. If you want to have an even greater impact, you can help scientists collect data on animals. There are many national programs like the Great Backyard Bird count and local programs like amphibian monitoring sponsored by organizations throughout the country. You can go out in the area around your home and help scientists track the animal populations across our country.

The veterinarians I surveyed also recommended that you get as many "animal experiences" as possible. What this means is that, when they were younger, many practicing veterinarians found unique ways to be around pets and learn all they could about the science of animals. Some took the leading role in caring for their family pets, some fostered pets for the local animal shelter and others pet-sat for their neighbors.

When I asked one veterinarian oncologist her advice on how to become a veterinarian, she shared what she did when she was young. She told me she made animals a part of everything she did at school. If she had to write a book report, it was always on an animal book. If she was drawing a picture for an art project, it was always of an animal. If she had to bring something in to share with the class, it was something she got from a trip to the local zoo or aquarium. Animals and the science of animals were a major part of everything she did at school.

So, there you have it. Remember, the key is to make certain that you are doing something everyday to become a veterinarian of tomorrow. As Walt Disney once said "All of our dreams can come true-if we have the courage to pursue them."

For more information on how to become a veterinarian visit Ichabod Ink.

Dr. Carpenter is considered the Veterinarian for Kids. He has written books and articles for children on veterinary science and presented at schools and camps. A member of the American Veterinary Association and the National Science Teachers Association, Dr. Carpenter recently launched IchabodInk.com. http://www.ichabodink.com/, the go to website for children who want to be veterinarians and parents who want to help their child explore their dream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Carpenter_DVM