Pet ,Dog ,Cat …and all pet issue

When planning vacation and holiday getaways, don’t forget to plan for pet sitting. Consider using a pet sitter instead of a kennel. It allows your dog to stay in the comfort of their own home and helps the dog maintain a normal routine.

The best of friends, family, and kennels, cannot offer anything better than the comfort of a pet’s own home. Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help protect your home from intruders.

Follow the 10 recommendations below to help you find the perfect pet sitter. Start looking well in advance of your vacation or holiday.

Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used.

Set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved with the dog or are they distant or restrained around them? Does your dog want the pet sitter’s attention? If your dog and the person interviewed do not seem to click, keep interviewing until you find a good match.

A reliable and dedicated sitter will take notes for the details of your unique dog routines. They should ask you questions, and be concerned of trying to maintain the same routine as the dog has been use to. If they do not ask questions or take notes from you, keep interviewing.

A professional pet sitter should belong to an organization such as PSI (Pet Sitters International) or NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters). However, remember these national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up.

Ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person.

Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, it does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy. These traits can often be determined from their former employers (references).

Ask for a copy of their contract. Carefully review the details. A contract will protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions!

Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a great idea. Monitor your dog’s reaction. Is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong or very energetic).

Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it doesn’t “feel” right, it’s not! Keep looking.

Prepare detailed instructions for your pet sitter. Include your phone numbers of where you can be reached in the event of an emergency. You will also need to give your pet sitter the name and phone number of your vet.

Prepare in advance. Following these steps will ensure the best possible pet sitting experience.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Author: Connie Limon. Please visit us at: abouttoydogs.com abouttoydogs.com We are an article and resource directory all about toy dogs. Sign up for our FREE newsletter on the site.

I think Chihuahua clothes make wonderful dog Halloween costumes, not just because of their adorable size, but because Chi Chi’s are one of the cutest breeds around. Of course, I’m a bit biased since I have four of the little doggies myself, but many agree with me once the boys get dressed up. People that own Chihuahuas understand how much fun it is to put dog clothes on our tiny four-legged friends, and how much the dogs actually enjoy it. Most chi’s love the attention and the short-haired ones love the added warmth. So, when it comes to being the life of the costume party and getting tons of petting and doggie treats, I doubt many Chihuahuas would object. However, a Halloween costume for a dog does need to meet some requirements in order to be safe for a canine, no matter what breed they are. Two of the big points are to make sure holiday clothing is comfortable and visible.

Comfortable dog clothing is important not just because it will make your pooch feel better. If a sweater or coat is too hot, your furry friend could overheat and feel sick. At the same time, if your canine is going to be outside with the cold autumn air, the apparel needs to be warm enough if the dog doesn’t have thick fur. A dress might look adorable but not hold in any heat for a shivering little hound. Make sure there are no annoying tags poking your pet’s skin as it can cause irritation and make sure there’s no sign of a rash or other allergic reaction when you first put on the outfit. You never know if there’s something in the fabric your pooch’s skin will react to.

If your hound is going trick-or-treating or just out for a walk with his costume, having a visible getup will make him easier to see for car drivers. This will greatly reduce the odds of him getting hit if he accidentally runs in the road. Some helpful accessories are dog boots, since most are made with a reflective strip and come in many colors to match an outfit.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of littlepamperedpets.com littlepamperedpets.com with amazingly cute littlepamperedpets.com/DogClothes.html chihuahua clothes for your tiny Chi Chi babies. Browse Little Pampered Pets.com to find the spookiest littlepamperedpets.com/dog_clothes/dog_costume.html dog halloween costumes this fall.

If dogs are man and woman’s best friend, why aren’t we doing more to protect them?

Here are my top 10 tips to keeping your dog safe:

1. Poison-Proof Your Home. Check your home for possible poisons and toxins that your dog can get into. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat or mouse bait, slug bait, and insecticides. Make sure you keep all drugs and medications out of reach. Even household items can be toxic such as the new “Gorilla Glue.” This glue is activated by water and expands to more than three to four times its volume and can expand to fill the entire area in which it is confined. When it hardens, it is rock hard and a pet is unable to eliminate it. If a pet eats it, it can expand it its stomach causing a life-threatening problem that requires surgery!

2. Plant-Proof Your Home. Plants are an attractive part of home decorating; however, it can be toxic to your dog. Be careful what you bring in and monitor if your pet is getting into it. Ingestion of almost every plant can cause signs of vomiting and/or diarrhea in most pets. Plants that are especially toxic are Easter lilies, which can cause fatal kidney failure.

3. Check Collars, Tags, and Microchip. Check your dog’s neck at least once a week to make sure the collar is not too loose or too tight and it is still there. Pets can lose their collar and in many case their “identification” along with it. This is especially important in pets that are growing or loosing weight. When you check the collar, make sure there is a tag that is easy to read. Tags can fall off. Consider having a microchip placed for permanent identification.

4. Keep Dogs Supervised. The safest approach is leash walks only for dogs! This way you can not only monitor what they are getting into but also watch their urine and bowel movements for abnormalities. The next safest things for dogs are fenced-in yards. Monitor your yard and fence frequently for problems such as loose boards, open trash, and other dangers. Keep your dog inside in extreme cold or hot temperatures.

5. Don’t Let your Dog Ride in an Open Truck Bed. Dogs that are allowed to ride in open bed pick up trucks become frequent victims of trauma. Sudden starts, stops, and turns can toss your pet onto the highway where it can get hit by oncoming traffic. It is estimated that at least 100,000 dogs die this way each year. Leashing your pet in the back does not protect it as many dogs have been strangled when tossed over the side. If you pet needs to ride in back, let him or her ride in a crate safely secured to the cab.

6. Keep Head and Paws Inside. Dogs love to stick their heads out open windows; however the wind, insects and debris in the air can hit your pet. Many pets are taken to emergency hospitals after something hits their eyes or face. Many dogs have also been injured during accidents when a sudden start or stop has thrown pets, causing fatal injuries.

7. Pet-Proof Your Home. Prevent common accidents in your home by pet-proofing! Protect your dog from electrical cords. Remove access to children’s toys, strings or small objects that can be chewed on or swallowed. Gate or fence water bodies like pools, lakes, ponds or canals. Don’t allow pets near automated garage doors. Small dogs can be crushed under reclining chairs and rockers. Keep paper shredders turned completely off or unplugged when not in use as some pets will stick paws in feeder or have hair caught in them, causing very serious injuries.

8. Know What to Do and Who to Call. Find out if your veterinarian performs emergency work after hours and locate your closest emergency hospital. Know the numbers and directions just in case you need it. Call anytime you have a pet concern!

About the Author:
With her PetPlace.com columns, Dog safety expert, Debra Primovic has helped thousands of dog owners protect their petplace.com/dogs.aspx dogs from harm’s way. To keep your best friend living longer, stronger check out PetPlace.com’s 8,000 veterinarian approved articles at: petplace.com petplace.com

The Cockapoo is also known as cockerpoo, spoodle and cockerdoodle. They have been popular in the United States since the 1950’s.

The Cockapoo is what is known as a hybrid dog. They have the best qualities of the American Coker Spaniel and the Poodle (usually a minature or toy poodle). This, of course, is assuming these dogs are not bred from defective cockers or poodles.

Cocapoo’s are noted for their wonderful dispositions. These dogs are intelligent, sweet natured, affectionate and friendly. They have a forgiving nature that make them an ideal dog
for children. Their personality is unparalled in their ability to relate to people especially children. Therefore they make great family pets and even get along well with other dogs.

They have low shedding coats with very little dander which is the culprit in allergies people have to dogs. So they make a great choice for these people.

They are eager to please and easily trained.

Cockapoo’s have a lower incidence of gentic defects than their parental breeds. You do need to keep their ears clean because they are prone to ear infections.

They tend to live a long life….18-22 years.

They come in four sizes:

Teacup – under 6 pounds
Toy – under 12 pounds
Miniature – 13-18 pounds
Maxi/Standard – over 19 pounds

A cockapoo has a sturdy appearance. Their eyes are large, round, well spaced with an intelligent expression. Their eyes can be dark brown or hazel. Cars hang fairly close to their head and are feathered. Their tails can be docked or well featured and full coated if long.

The have three different coat types:

Tight curly coat
Medium curl coat
Flat coat

They come in many colors: any solid color, Parti color(solid with white), phaniton (brown, black, silver body with contrasting color on legs), tri-color, merle or roam.

Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on different breeds, dogs good for children and seniors, hypoallergenic dogs, breeders, vets and much more. Visit at small-dogbreeds.com small-dogbreeds.com

Labrador puppies, especially little black ones, have become very popular in the U.S. Breeders, pet stores, animal shelters, and humane societies are good places to get Labrador puppies. If you do not need an AKC registered puppy, you might consider giving a loving home to one of those in a shelter.

Cost of Labrador Puppies

If you decide to get Labrador puppies from a breeder or pet store, be prepared to pay $400 or more for each puppy. Show quality Labrador puppies may cost as much as $1,000 each.

That is, of course, only the beginning of expenses involved in raising Labrador puppies. There are accessories!

Labrador Puppy Accessories

Labrador puppy accessories can cost a great deal or they can be minimal. You should determine your budget and actual needs before visiting the pet store to avoid buying unnecessary accessories for your Labrador puppies. The list below is meant only as examples of Labrador puppy accessories you may want.

1. Collars: Labrador puppies need collars, but be aware of two things. Labrador puppies outgrow collars rapidly. You should not use a chain collar on a young puppy, as it could damage his windpipe. Choose flat fabric or leather collars until your Labrador puppies are at least 5 months old.

2. Leashes: You should train your Labrador puppies to walk on the leash, even if they have plenty of space to run in safety. There will be times, such as visits to the veterinarian’s office when you will be glad they are accustomed to the leash. Unlike the collars, leashes for Labrador puppies should be chain so the puppies will not chew them.

3. Crates: It is a good idea to have crates for your Labrador puppies before you bring them home. Crates become the puppies’ dens. If you are away from home during the day, you can leave your Labrador puppies in their crates to keep them safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Since they will be relaxes, they will not need to relieve themselves as often. The crate will be sure they do not use an inappropriate spot when they do relieve themselves. At night, Labrador puppies in crates sleep better – and stay out of mischief. Select crates that provide just enough space for a full-grown Labrador to stretch out when lying down.

4. Bowls: You can spend a lot of money on fancy bowls for your Labrador puppies, but it really is not necessary. Plain steel bowls are sturdy, unbreakable, and can be cleaned well. If you use plastic containers, Labrador puppies will chew them, possibly ingesting pieces of plastic. Some feed and water bowls are said to be spill proof. This is a good idea when you have energetic Labrador puppies.

5. Toys: Resist buying chew toys simply because they are cute to humans. Your Labrador puppies will chew aggressively. They can easily destroy plastic pet toys and, if no one is there to watch carefully, could choke on small pieces. Give your Labrador puppies sturdy Kongs and Nylabones to chew.

6. Playpen: Since Labrador puppies will try to eat anything they find, it is a good idea to provide a playpen while they are young and learning. This is especially recommended if the puppies are to be outside unattended for any period of time.

7. Brush: Until your Labrador puppies are older, and begin to shed more, use a bristle brush for weekly grooming. The brush will remove dirt from the puppies’ coats and keep them smelling good.

Puppy Food

Food cannot really be classed among Labrador Puppy Accessories, but it is one more cost to anticipate when buying Labrador puppies. Ask the breeder or pet store clerk what food is best. If you know what the puppies are accustomed to eating, you may want to use that kind at first until they are comfortable in their new home.

There are many other accessories available for Labrador puppies, and if your budget will stretch you may want to consider some of them, but these should get you started.

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about lovable Labrador puppies at lovablelabradors.com lovablelabradors.com Anna has posted additional information about this popular breed on that site. If you want more information on preparing to bring home Labrador puppies, go there now and get Anna’s perspective on the subject.

As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep so do the animals. So there are various types of beds for the pets to give them a comfortable sleep. Most of us have the dog as a pet. For the pets we specially have these beds designed for their fullest comfort. This type of beds mainly includes the outdoors beds, luxury beds, and puppy beds. For the various types of
dogs there are various types of beds like the large dog beds and the small dog beds. Whereas when we look out for a bed for a cat then there are various types of beds depending upon the breed and the size of the cat.

Comfort and luxury:

The beds not only provide comfort but also look great due to the
material used. Some of the pet beds are made up of the micro velvet nylon. The specialty of this is that it is washable. Due to the flexibility of the pet bed it can be used in traveling. The other advantages of these beds are that the machine can wash it and the covers are also removable and replaceable. Pet beds are available in various colors.

Material used for the pet beds:

The material used is not just for comfort but for style also. There are various types and sizes of these pet beds. Some of the pet beds are rectangular in shape. The material used for the pet bed is polyfiber, which is washable and removable. There are various sizes of the beds right from small to extra large. Some pet beds are round in shape for the protection of the animal. These beds are used specially when the animal is small in size
or by age. The thick inner cushion provides with the fullest comfort to the animal.

Other varieties of pet beds:

The other varieties of pet beds mainly include the ones with the shape of a doughnut while others are reversible. The reversible beds have an advantage that both sides can use them. The inner cushion is removable and it can be washed easily. Some of these pet beds have an additional advantage of a crate pad.

Bed for cats:

The beds for cats are mainly required so that they are shielded from the winter and protected from the floor, which is cold. Most of the cat beds are made specially considering the window or the porch. To make the cats more comfortable the beds have a system of heating. This controls the temperature of the
bed and the cats are protected from cold.

Other advantages of the Pet beds:

The pet beds give the animals their own space and the house has a more organized look. These beds can be bought online also.

For more interesting articles about home improvement, home decor and generally anything that helps improve your home then please visit: pokingaroundthehome.com Poking Around The Home

It may appear at first that cats do a perfectly good job of grooming themselves. However, if we take the time to brush their fur we can do a lot to help them, and also aid promote their fine health, by aiding their blood circulation and by cleaning up any hair, that they may end up swallowing.

Begin combing your cat while it’s a kitten so it’ll become used to the grooming. Use a loving tone and reward your pet with a treat to keep the grooming as enjoyable as it can be.

Always use a soft comb and brush in the direction of the hair growth so as to avoid irritating your cat’s skin. It is suggested that long-haired cats be combed nearly every day while shorthaired cats can get by with a couple of combings each week.

Take care around the ear area because cats have sensitive ears. Working slowly will help keep the brush from jamming up too quickly and getting you bogged down.

Start clipping your pet’s nails while it’s still young. Don’t use household clippers. Invest in a proper pair of clippers that are shaped for cutting the curve of their nails. Keep sessions short and quick. Do only one paw at a time, and gently press on the inside of the paw to help show the nails.

Then smoothly cut the tip. This is important because cats have a vein in their nail. It might be visible if the nail is not too opaque.

Ears must also be viewed and cleaned and wiped, using a cleaner provided specifically for cats. This will reduce build-up of wax, mites, debris, that may lead to ear problems.

Always remember that grooming your pet also means taking note of any changes in their skin or fur.

Just a few moments each day grooming your pet will not only help maintain its health but will also building a good relationship with you.

Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on theworldsbesthomepage.com/blog/category/home/pets/ pets, cat and dog care and animal health and visit our associated site free-content-resource.com articles for free.

Reticulated Pythons are the longest species of snake in the world, adult females often reaching 18feet plus. The longest recorded is approximately 33feet. Their large size has made them a very talked about snake, regularly coming into the pet trade. Unfortunately, for many keepers their sheer size eventually proves too much. They often become tame with handling, but are quite a jumpy and unpredictable species and very aggressive feeders. Adult females can grow to over 20ft, more commonly 15-18ft. This is a formidable force coming at you if they smell food. Captive bred Reticulated pythons can make wonderful pets if they are given the right conditions and are in the hands of a devoted, experienced reptile keeper. They are not for the beginner. Even a tame ‘Retic’ must never be under-estimated and should be treated with great respect.

For lovers of these huge pythons who cannot afford the space that they need, there are a number of ‘Dwarf’ species which have become common on the market today. Jampea and Kayuadi Dwarf Retics are the more commonly seen. Jampea Retics are known to reach approximately 13feet, while the Retics from the Island of Kayuadi are known only to reach 9feet.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake’s life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult Reticulated python, a vivarium 3m Length x 1m Width x 1.5m Height is ample. These pythons are one of a few species which are generally not worried about the size of their enclosure. The more room you can provide; the better. Many keepers decide to dedicate a whole room to their beloved python. Other keepers may decide to use a corner of a room as the back walls and ceiling of the enclosure, and simply build 2 front walls. This will cut down the costs of building and allow for a larger space for the python.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used for juvenile Retics, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 ‘SSSHHH’ factors:

1) Safety – Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?

2) Secure – Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?

3) Size – Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?

4) Heating – Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?

5) Humidity – Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?

6) Hygienic – Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

Décor

Décor in your tank serves two purposes. First being extra cover for your snake and second, allowing for a more natural and pleasing appearance. When choosing décor, think about the safety of the snake. Make sure that whatever you decide to use, it is securely fixed and that no rocks, wood or anything heavy can fall and possibly injure, or even kill the snake. You must also make sure that everything used is parasite free. If anything has been picked up from outside, or has originally come from outside, such as cork bark, you should either boil it, or place the item in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes. Freezing works for some parasites, however others have been known to survive months in freezing conditions. Some parasites found in English conditions last winters in minus temperatures, so it is not entirely effective.

Once all your décor is parasite free, it is then safe to place inside your enclosure. As a general rule, if you can put pressure on an item to knock it down, a Retic is certainly capable of doing so. When positioning rocks or heavy objects, make sure they are completely secure. If it is still uneasy, screw them or use superglue to fix them securely. If it is not possible, the rule is simple: Do not place the item in the vivarium!

If you decide to go for an extra large enclosure, you must provide plenty of cover and hiding areas. A hiding place can be anything from a large tupperware box with a hole cut out to a naturalistic piece of cork bark. There are many brands of fake plants and décor you can use which is both safe for the animal and pleasing to the eye. Cork bark is available from almost any reptile pet shop in the UK, and can be ordered in if they do not have it in stock. This is excellent cover for any reptile and is 100% natural. One thing you must consider when thinking about the size of the vivarium, is the bigger you go, the more hiding areas you must provide. I recommend at least one hiding place per metre in length of the enclosure.

NOTE: Never use sticky tape in an enclosure; this is an accident waiting to happen. Believe me; removing sticky tape from any snake is no easy task!

Heating

Reticulated Pythons require a thermal gradient, meaning they must be allowed to move around the enclosure to find their required temperature. The hot end of the enclosure should be 88-94ºF while the cool end should be approximately 80-84ºF. During the night, the temperature should drop to a more constant overall temperature of 80-84º

In my opinion, the ideal way of heating a large Reticulated Python’s enclosure is to use a large 250W Ceramic Heater with a reflector and safety grid so the snake cannot touch it. If a room is used, 2 or 3 of these heating areas may be needed. Ceramic heaters do not give off light and therefore in a vivarium you will need a form of lighting as well. A ceramic heater should be used in conjunction with a HabiStat Pulse Proportional Thermostat, which will stop the power reaching the heater as soon as the temperature goes above the setting, and turn back on as soon as it is too cool. This is one of the most accurate thermostats on the market today.

Power Plates, spot bulbs and heat mats are also ways of heating a vivarium. These all have their advantages and disadvantages, but in my opinion, none quite weigh out to be as good as ceramic heaters for large enclosures. Heat mats are not recommended at all for large Reticulated Pythons, if so, they should not be accessible to the python.

Lighting

Retics are primarily nocturnal, meaning they venture out in the dark of night. This is when their main predators are sleeping, and their prey is awake. This is not to say though, that they never see the sun, or any form of lighting for that matter. They will often bask in the sun during the day in the wild, so lighting should be offered.

Having artificial light in a vivarium is aesthetically pleasing to the owner, and is a good addition to a snake’s enclosure. They will use this as a photo-period, and their regular time clock will generally adjust to the settings on which you have your light set to.

They do not require any form of special lighting, such as a D3 Ultra-Violet light commonly used for diurnal species. An Arcadia Natural Sunlight Fluorescent Lamp is a good form of lighting. This comes in lengths of 12” up to 48” and I suggest you use the largest size able to fit inside your vivarium. In a room-sized enclosure, a few may be needed.

Humidity

Reticulated Pythons occur in South East Asia and therefore are exposed to a high humidity. This should be replicated in captivity to aid to the general health and well-being of your snake. A 60-70% humidity range will allow to snake to slough it’s skin properly and become less prone to any problems such as respiratory infections.

Feeding

Hatchlings should be offered small mice or rat pups, and as they grow the mice or rats should become larger. An adult Reticulated Python should be converted to larger food items such as rabbits. One of these every 3-4 weeks is ample. Hatchlings should be fed on a regular basis, every 7 days is ideal. Their metabolic rate is very high and as they are growing, they need a lot more food to keep them going. The only exception when adult females should be fed more is when they need fattening up for egg production, or just after they have laid. An egg-laying female should be fed double the normal amount for several weeks after they have laid. Snakes have the capability of building up a huge fat reserve, and become obese very easily. Taking the weight off however, is a much more difficult task. Obese snakes will not live nearly the length as a healthy snake would due to liver and kidney problems. If you are unsure about your snake’s weight, check with a reptile veterinarian.

By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.