Posts from — January 2010

Fleas are pesky critters that can transmit a variety of diseases and illnesses and make life miserable for your pet as well. Getting rid of these pests is essential for a healthy, happy home for all of its two-legged and four-legged inhabitants. Here are seven easy ways to prevent and control the flea population around your house.

Prevention is Key

The best method in the fight against fleas is preventing an infestation in the first place. Since they thrive in heat and humidity, be sure to check your pet frequently during the hotter months as well as in the fall or autumn. Another critical preventative measure is keeping your yard trimmed and free of weeds and to keep the foliage pruned as much as possible. It’s also wise to wash the pet’s bedding in very hot, soapy water on a weekly basis as this is the most likely site for flea eggs and larvae.

Keep an Eye on Your Pet

It should go without saying that it’s necessary to watch your pet for commons signs and symptoms of a flea infestation. Keep an eye out for excessive biting and scratching, particularly around the tail and lower back areas. Watch for raw patches of skin where your dog or cat may have been scratching at fleas for some time. Another bit of evidence is “flea debris,” specks of dried blood that are black in color.

Ask for a Professional

Consult with your pet’s veterinarian for their thoughts on flea control. They can recommend a few treatment options for you to decide which would be best for your particular situation.

Flea Collars and Powders

If you have caught the problem relatively early, it may be possible to eliminate fleas by simply using flea collars and powders. There are several brands and types to choose from, and many contain a special comb with fine teeth that is designed to remove fleas from fur.

Flea Baths

It’s helpful to bathe your pet frequently using a specially formulated soap or treatment. It’s necessary to take into consideration the type of fur or coat your pet has when bathing. This is particularly true for dogs as some breeds have essential oils that shouldn’t be washed away with soap and water more than once or twice a year. If bathing in a flea bath isn’t an option for your pet, consult your vet for other alternatives.

Monthly Medication

There are pills available for your pet to take on a monthly basis that will prevent fleas from reproducing, but they do not kill the ones that have already reached adulthood. There are also multi-purpose medications and products available that are designed to prevent fleas from reproducing as well as controlling heartworm, hookworms, whipworms and roundworms.

An Unconventional Method

This simple home remedy is touted by many as a sure cure for a house infested with fleas. At nighttime, simply fill a few bowls of plain water and place them underneath a lit flashlight. It is said that the fleas will be attracted to the light, jump into the water and drown.

Jean Morgan is a writer of articles concerning pet health and the owner of natureshealthypet.com natureshealthypet.com
For more information on ridding your home and pet of fleas visit killfleasnow.com killfleasnow.com

If you’re looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it’s hard to go wrong with a snake. They’re exotic enough to catch people’s interest, yet hardy enough to require minimal care. Nevertheless, uninformed first-time owners tend to make some basic mistakes, some of which can be quite costly. Here are some simple tips that can help ensure the health of the snake and prevent a lot of aggravation as well.

1. First, take note of how large your snake can grow to be. Most North American varieties only grown to be about four feet long, which is a reasonable size. Don’t let a pet store employee talk you into buying a Burmese python, since these critters can grow to be over thirty feet long, and will require huge cages and tremendous amounts of food. (And before you ask… No, most zoos will not accept these as donations.)

2. Don’t scrimp on cage size. A cage that is too small can be very stressful and unhealthy to your pet. Pet store clerks will sometimes try to sell you caging that is inadequate in size, so don’t fall into this trap. For adequate comfort, the combined length and width of the cage should at least match the snake’s length. Snakes can grow fairly quickly, so don’t forget to take that into account as well!

3. Do find out how docile that particular specimen is. Most non-venomous North American snakes are fairly docile, but if you’re a first-time keeper, you should probably make sure that your prospective pet can be handled easily.

4. Make sure that you select a pet with a hearty appetite. Ball pythons, for example, make great pets—but they are notoriously finicky eaters. Corn snakes make great starter pets because they are exceedingly docile and aren’t picky about what they eat.

5. Snakes—indeed, any reptile—can potentially spread salmonella. The risk involved is very small, but one should still play safe. This is especially true when young children or people with compromised immune systems are involved. Do read up on reptile hygiene and salmonella before purchasing your pet.

Obviously, these tips only constitute some basic advice. I recommend that all prospective owners should read up on snake care in general, as well as the specific needs of the species that they plan to purchase. A little bit of basic research can prevent a great deal of aggravation in the future.

About the Author:

V. Berba Velasco Jr., Ph.D. is a senior electrical and software engineer at Cellular Technology Ltd ( immunospot.com immunospot.com, elispot-analyzers.de elispot-analyzers.de, elispot.cn elispot.cn). The neighborhood children have referred to him as the “Crocodile Hunter” though, due to his impressive menagerie of snakes, lizards and tarantulas.

Are you an animal lover? This may be a silly question because only a few individuals don’t care for animals. You probably have a pet or two if you do love and appreciate animals. This is the norm for most households all over the globe. We all typically tend to enjoy a nice companion whether it is a dog, cat or just a goldfish. This is where the numerous animals for adoption come into the picture.

Where did you acquire your pet? Maybe you ventured out on that ridiculously expensive pet store at the local shopping mall. In my case, I chose to do the whole Humane Society thing. I think that the world will be happier if we all give a home to the many less fortunate animals for adoption.

You could sift through a plethora of animals for adoption without even leaving your home in this modern day and age. All you have to do is jump on your personal computer and check out all animals for adoption in your area. You can also check out all the animals for adoption across the country if you can’t find anything you like on your local area.

I just headed on over to my local Humane Society to take a look-see at all the beautiful animals for adoption. There were much more than I had ever expected. I was surprised when I was face to face with about fifty felines because I had planned on seeing maybe ten cats. You can be sure that I found it difficult to choose.

I was hooked on one kitten after handling about fifteen different kittens. He was a cross-breed that resembled a Russian Blue. I found out that his name was Ivan and I was astounded at his cool demeanor. Ivan became our new cat in no time at all.

The funny thing is that my wife went back to the Humane Society and grabbed a second feline. This time she came home with a long-haired female. Ivan and the girl, Sherah, are best buddies now days. Needless to say we are happy with the cats we selected. You should check out your local Humane Society if you are also interested in animals for adoption.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning petsnewsonline.com/pets–animals/pet-news/the-best-places-to-find-animals-for-adoption.html Animals for Adoption . Visit our site for more helpful information about petsnewsonline.com Animals for Adoption and other similar topics.

Training your dog can be an incredibly frustrating experience. It is especially difficult if you have no formal training or past experience in dog training. If you are having trouble in your quest to have a well trained dog, this article will give you five tips to help you train your pet.

1. Begin training your dog as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more ingrained your dog’s bad habits become.

2. Pay attention to when your dog has to use the restroom. They usually have to go within minutes of eating, waking and playing. Take them outside at those times and reward them with treats when they use the restroom outdoors.

3. If you are crate training, do not leave your pet in a crate for more than four hours. A puppy can not hold it that long and you do not want them to get used to going in the crate.

4. Socialize your new puppy as much as possible. Introduce them to other dogs and people so that they will not become aggressive.

5. Never train your dog when you are upset. If you dog is afraid of you, they will not learn. Never use their name in anger. The last thing you want is for them to associate their name with something bad.

Of course there is much more to training your pet than this but these five tips will get you well on your way to having a well trained dog.

The author operates a website with information on

Choosing a vet for your dog is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for him, so it’s important to take your time and make an informed decision.

Referrals from other pet-owners is a good place to start when looking for a vet. Even though your friends may have different expectations than you, at least you’ll have a list of good prospects to check out.

The first thing to consider is how you feel once you’re in the examining room. It doesn’t matter how many diplomas the vet has, or how many credentials are framed and hanging on the walls of his office. What really matters is that your dog — and YOU — feel comfortable. Make sure you can communicate well with your veterinarian, and that you feel comfortable asking any questions at all regarding your dog’s health. If you feel that your veterinarian isn’t taking the time to answer your questions in terms you can understand, it’s probably time to look for a new vet.

Ask what types of services are available at his/her particular clinic. It’s also important that you have a number to call in case of after-hours emergencies. If you plan to purchase pet health insurance, make sure the clinic you’re at accepts it.

Some vets consider some vaccinations essential, while others don’t. And some vets have a particular schedule for vaccinations, while you may have strong feelings about the extent to which your dog should be vaccinated. Be sure you and your potential veterinarian agree (or agree to disagree) on this important topic.

Once you’ve decided on the veterinarian you want to work with, don’t be a stranger. Your puppy will be visiting the clinic often, since most vaccination programs start at about 6-8 weeks of age and continue every few weeks until your pup is 3-4 months old.

Basic vaccinations, like the one for rabies, are absolutely necessary; however, depending on where you live, others may be optional.

Here’s a short list of suggested vaccinations, but we recommend checking with your veterinarian for the best advice for your particular breed and age of dog:

* Rabies * Parvovirus * Distemper

* Canine Hepatitus * Coronavirus * Parainfluenza

* Leptospirosis * Canine Cough * Lyme Disease

It’s also extremely important to protect your pet from heartworm. This is a potentially fatal infection that is caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes, so it is simple to prevent. Be sure to talk with your vet about protecting your pet from this dangerous, life-threatening infection.

Lisa Pallardy is the owner of BarkTalk.com BarkTalk.com an interactive site for dog lovers to find articles and information on dog training and care, post photos of their pets, and talk with other dog-lovers. She is also the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. In her spare time, she makes greeting cards from children’s artwork at MyLittleRembrandt.com MyLittleRembrandt.com

For more articles like this one on dog care and dog training, or for links to resources where you can purchase dog supplies, visit BarkTalk.com BarkTalk.com

When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank, does it mean they are smart enough to recognize people?

Goldfish sure are smart not in the sense as dogs are, but they are smart. They will swim up to meet you probably because they think you are going to feed them. They might not be able to differentiate between one person and the other but they do know that the people they live with are the caregivers. Know that they depend on you and hence love you.

Why is a new goldfish not moving in its bowl, when he is very much alive?
Well first of all, he probably hates being in a bowl. Goldfish do not like bowls even though humans think the bowls are cute. Put him in a tank with a compatible companion goldfish. Meanwhile watch the fish. Is he coming up to the top of the tank when you feed him? If he is then, he’s probably just getting used to the new bowl. If it looks like he has difficulty swimming and that he keeps sinking to the bottom he might have a swim bladder disorder caused by too much dry food and bad water.

Why is a goldfish swimming to the top every once in a while?
Goldfish keep swimming to the surface of the tank because that’s where they get their oxygen. Always make sure that there is enough empty space at the top. Do not fill up the tank to the brim, as leaving space will give them the required oxygen. If your fish are normally active, swimming and chasing each other a round, don’t worry if they swim to the top every once in a while.

Why do goldfish always seem starving?

That’s because they are greedy! Don’t get tempted enough to feed them whenever they ask for it because overfeeding will cause them more harm. Besides, goldfish can never starve to death; they are always nibbling away at something or the other.

Why would one goldfish lie motionless most of the time whilst the rest swim around? Is it a social outcast?

If you have different varieties of goldfish, make sure they are compatible. The slower fancy varieties might get stressed out by the faster ones like comets. Yes, they might feel like outcasts and keep to themselves. Some goldfish might even get aggressive with another and in that case you need to one that is being badgered to another tank.

Why are all the goldfish so lifeless and tend to stay at the bottom of the tank most of the time, like they are very tired?

If they aren’t swimming as they usually do, something is definitely bothering them.

If you tank is brand new and the goldfish are having a problem because the tank has not been cycled. Wait a while and watch. Make sure you cycle the tank before you put them in because a new tank cannot deal with the ammonia that the goldfish produce.

If you tank is an old one and the goldfish are suddenly more still than usual it could be that the toxicity of the water is bothering them. So change the water. When your goldfish seem inactive, you must check the water for nitrites and the pH level.

If you would like to find the answers to more Goldfish related questions such as – What is the reason why some Goldfish attack eachother? or, What can I do to save my Goldfish from dying when suddenly it turns on its side? – Please visit my site to find the answers these questions plus a great deal more information relevant to everything Goldfish. infotrate.com/goldfish.htm Click here to visit.

Dane Stanton – goldfish-secrets.com www.goldfish-secrets.com

Dane Stanton is an expert on goldfish health care. To visit his website visit goldfish-secrets.com goldfish-secrets.com for more information on Goldfish care and other aquarium related topics.
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CHD was first reported in 1935, but because it is a complex hereditary deformity caused by the interaction of many genes, it has proven maddeningly frustrating for breeders to control. Moreover, it resists the generalization that show dogs are more prone to it than field dogs. To illustrate, only about eight percent of English Cocker Spaniels examined by OFA suffer from the disease. The English Cocker is almost exclusively a show and pet dog now. Meanwhile, about forty-seven percent of the Boykin Spaniels examined proved dysplastic, and the Boykin is exclusively a sporting breed.

Canine hip dysplasia is much more of a problem for some breeds more so than others. For some breeds, in fact, it is the most common form of degenerative joint disease. OFA maintains that the only way to reduce the prevalence of hip dysplasia is to selectively breed for normal hips, and notes that scientists have repeatedly proven the effectiveness of doing this.

Canine hip dysplasia is a good example of how invisible genetic time bombs can be and how arduous they can be to defuse. The only way to accurately diagnose CHD is by X-ray. OFA requires that dogs be at least 24 months old when X-rayed in order to qualify for an OFA breed registry number. The general principles recommended by OFA for breeding away from CHD are:

1. Breed only normal dogs to normal dogs.

2. The normal dogs should come from normal parents and grandparents.

3. The normal dogs should have over seventy-five percent normal siblings.

4. A dog with excellent hips from a litter having more than twenty-five percent dysplastic pups is a worse breeding choice than a dog with fair hips from a litter experiencing less than twenty-five percent dysplasia.

5. Choose replacement dams that have better hips than their parents and the breed average.

John Edwards is a long time dog lover. Visit his website to learn how to treat dogcaretraining.com/index.php/136/how-to-treat-your-dogs-dandruff-7-tips/ dandruff in dog and many more tips at:
dogcaretraining.com dogcaretraining.com

What is Eublepharis macularius, you ask? It is the scientific name of the Leopard Gecko. Leopard Geckos are nocturnal (awake in the night, normally asleep by day), and are one of the ground-dwelling geckos native to desert environments such as those of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Mojave Desert, and Western India. What’s unique about Leopard Geckos in contrast to most other gecko species, is the presence of their eyelids (which most Geckos lack). Their scientific name is derived from that characteristic, along with the spots on their body (e.g. Leopard).

The original Leopard Geckos, the ones found in the wild, are normally cream or yellow color with black spots and/or stripes. However, because of years upon years of breeding in captivity, many other color/pattern mutations have come about, which are quite different from the wild Leopard Geckos. Just browsing around on the internet or your local pet store, you can see many different colors and beautiful designs on Leopard Geckos. Some of the common ones are Tangerine (personal favorite), High Yellow (derived from the wild-style breeds), striped (my first Leopard Gecko), patternless, lavender, Blizzard (rare, and can be expensive), and albino (no pigment, slightly pink in color).

The reason why Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) have eyelids is for the purpose of keeping their eyes dust and particle-free in their naturally dusty environment. Another feature that separates Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) from other gecko species is the absence of toe pads. Toe pads are adhesive, and are used by most geckos to stick to trees and other vertical surfaces. Instead, Leopard Geckos use claws to climb such as a cat, but don’t normally do so. Leopard Geckos’ claws are mainly used for ground traction and digging. Autotomy is the process of disconnecting their tails from their body, which occurs with Leopard Geckos if they are frightened or heavily disturbed. This is the same for most gecko species. While Leopard Geckos’ tails will grow back, it is never the same as the original, appearing bulbous in shape and in my honest opinion not very eye-pleasing. One of the reasons which make Leopard Geckos great pets is the fact that if they are handled often as babies, they can become accustomed to it and learn to not run from its owner in captivity.

In captivity, if well taken care of, Leopard Geckos generally live anywhere from 19-22 years, but have been known to reach 27 years of age (longest on record). This is a long lifespan for such a small lizard.

This concludes the basic information on Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius). I recommend Leopard Geckos as pets because of their interesting appearance and personal characteristics.

J. Beebe is a reptile owner and has owned and studied them for years. He specializes in Leopard Geckos and runs an information website called:

The Leopard Gecko Resource ( geckosleopard.com/ geckosleopard.com/)

What to Look For in a Saltwater Fish Tank

The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However, once you’ve decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium you’ll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.

But first you’ll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!

A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.

The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.

Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are

• Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
• Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
• Glass fish tanks won’t discolor with age
• Glass fish tanks won’t require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight
Advantages of acrylic fish tanks

• Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
• Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
• Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
• Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online

Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank

Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.

First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.

Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.

Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you’ve purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don’t forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.

After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you’ll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.

The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you’ll be able to go and select your colorful fish!

Alison Stevens is an online author and writes about fresh and goldfishsite.com/blog/” target=”_blank saltwater fish tanks to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and gain an understanding of fresh or saltwater fish tank maintenance.

Choosing a family dog is an exciting time for your family. Many people put no thought into picking a family dog, but if you keep some simple things in mind, you can find a great family dog.

When choosing a family dog, there are many places to find available dogs. Breeders, pounds, neighbors, and pet stores all provide dogs for sale. Each of these places has its pluses and minuses.

Dog breeders often provide the highest quality of dog that you can find and they come with a pedigree. The downside of choosing a family dog from a breeder is that you pay for what you get, and that means a high quality expensive dog, most likely several thousands of dollars.

Pounds on the other hand provide dogs that are cheap, and sometimes they even offer free dog adoptions. At dog pounds you can find some good dogs looking for great homes. But the downside of choosing a family dog from a pound is that the previous owner has often had to give them up for a reason. Often times that means that dog has had behavioral problems, like barking, biting, or chewing.

Neighbors can also be a source for choosing a family dog or puppy. Sometimes they no longer want their dog, or their dog had puppies and they are giving the puppies away. You can find a good cheap dog this way, but be sure the puppy is old enough to be weaned or already weaned when you adopt them.

Pet stores are really hit or miss when it comes to quality dogs. Sometimes they buy these dogs from puppy mills which are not a good source for a quality dog. Also, a pet store is a prime location for dogs to get sick. I have seen people buying them and taking them to the veterinarian the same week to be put on IV fluids and antibiotics for a respiratory or gastrointestinal problem. These aren’t just some small time pet stores. Working in Los Angeles I have seen people spend hundreds to thousand of dollars on a puppy at some Beverly hills pet stores, only to be terribly sick and needing even more veterinary care. So when choosing a family dog, location isn’t everything!

It is important when picking a family dog to have some ideas in your mind of the type of dog you want before you go out looking for dogs. By having a good picture of the type of dog you want you will be less likely to fall in love with the first dog you find.

If you live in a small apartment, or have small children, a smaller breed of dog like a pug would be a better choice than buying a greyhound, obviously.

If you want a dog that will provide some protection or intimidation than of course you will need a larger dog, maybe even a rottweiler. By keeping a picture in your mind of your perfect canine companion, choosing a family dog will be easy.

Chris Suckow, DVM, lives and works in Los Angeles.

Sign up for a FREE 7 DAY DOG TRAINING COURSE by free-online-veterinarian-advice.com/da.html clicking here.

Also visit his website at free-online-veterinarian-advice.com ASK A VET.