Quetzal

 

Pharomachrus mocinno

Sacred to ancient Mesoamerican people, gorgeously plumed quetzals live in the mountains of Central America.

Photograph by Steve Winter

Read full here...http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/quetzal/

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.

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

Bengal Cats

Bengal cats are a new breed, cross-bred with a wildcat. Their spotted or marbled coat is soft and thick, they have a large, sleek muscular build, rounded slighted long face, oval eyes and thick tail. They have an enviable, exotic appearance without the wild temperament of their much larger untamed ancestors.

Characteristics

Bengal came from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cats (ALC) and not from the more widely known Bengal Tiger species, which is unrelated to the Bengal Cats ancestry. These cats have a series of horizontal stripes on their faces, known as mascara, which extend along the eye to the back of the neck. Their back and sides are marked with spots like those of a jaguar, and the rest of the body, legs and tail, are marked with symmetrical stripes. The spots sometimes have a marbled appearance and are generally made up of two colors. The following colors and patterns are recognized as Bengal Cats and therefore eligible for competition; Brown Spotted Tabby, Brown Marbled Tabby, Seal Mink Spotted Tabby, Seal Mink Marbled Tabby, Seal Sepia Spotted Tabby, Seal Sepia Marbled Tabby, Seal Spotted Lynx Point, and Seal Marbled Lynx Point. These pets are the only variety that sometimes have a pearl or gold dusting, sometimes called glitter, and the texture of their fur is rich and silky-smooth. Bengal Cats even have a different sound in their voice and tend to be very vocal.

Temperament

Originally some of the Bengal Cats inherited the unpredictable temperament of the wildcat, but breeding programs concentrated on breeding a gentler nature. The domestic feline is very lively and active, but also quite self-contained and quiet.

Brief History

As the story goes, Jean Sugden Mills, around 1982 bred a domestic cat with a feral Indian Mau. At about the same time, Greg and Elizabeth Kent started their own breed of Bengal Cats using an Egyptian Mau. Both Jean Mills the Kents worked hard to popularize the this breed, and in 1986, The International Cat Association adopted the first written breed standard. Today Bengal Cats are the most popular registered cat breed.

Care and grooming of Bengal Cats ought to be kept up as any other housecat; frequent combing of fur, good nutrition, regular play and veterinary visits. For more information on the care and feeding of our favorite furry pets, visit: [http://lovefatcats.com]

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

Boxer dogs

While people may differ in tastes when it comes to choosing a breed, there's no debate on what one looks for in a pet. There are three desirable traits that every dog owner should be familiar with and these are:

* Low maintenance - Low maintenance means you do not have to spend so much money and effort on keeping the dog clean, healthy, and active. There are some breeds, especially long-haired ones, that require at least 2 baths daily just to keep them clean and smelling good. Others, like boxer dogs, require little more than a wipe-down and perhaps an occasional bath.

* Versatility - Dogs that can do more than just play a few tricks. Dogs that do well in obedience. Agile dogs with an intelligence to match. Dogs that can do jobs like being a police dog yet remain affectionate and playful. You can see for yourself why you would want a dog that has all these characteristics. Boxer dogs are one such breed that is gifted with versatility.

* Intelligence - Smart dogs are those that score well in the loyalty and obedience department. With boxer dogs, you will find little problem with that.

Dog Profile

The first thing you will notice about boxer dogs is its blunt face. Descended from the massive Molossian Hound, the boxer is a steady-gazed, friendly dog with incredible grace and a hint of mischief in its square, blunt-nosed face.

It's a muscular breed with a short coat and a docked tail. The male members of the breed stand at approximately 22.5-25 inches at the withers with weight of around 70 pounds. Females are smaller, sixty pounds in weight and 21-23.5 inches.

History

The boxer's ancestor, the Molossian Hound is part of an ancient breed of Greek guarding, fighting and herding dog. From the Molossian Hound were descended Greek, Roman, European and British breeds of dogs, which in turn gave birth to a number of large breeds with characteristic square heads. These dogs assisted men in the hunt and also at war.

Boxer dogs specifically came from the German line of the ancient Molossian descendants. Their direct descendant was the Bullenbeisser, which was later separated into two types - the Danzigers and the Brabanters. Of the two, Brabanters were the smaller and boxer dogs came from this branch of the family.

Brabanters were royal favorites, accompanying noblemen in great hunts. However, by the end of the 18th century, the art of organized hunting has all but faded. From great manor houses and castles to butcher shops and cattle farms, Brabanters continued to trudge on with the courage of its ancestors.

And somewhere along the way, they came to be known as boxer dogs. No one knows exactly how, but it could be because of the way they play, like pugilists sparring with each other. Or it could be because of their box-shaped heads.

El is the owner of the dog training. Visit http://www.dog-training-reviewed.com to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.

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

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

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.

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