Archive for the ‘Pets’ Category
Home is With My Dog
In my position as the Health Science lecturer in a college in N.Ireland I lecture in Human Health and Animal Health. The Human Health Diploma course is vocational and entails the students working in Residential homes throughout the year. The Animal Health focuses on the health of animals and also their behavior.
When I visit the students it is usually to asses how they are settling into the home and interacting with the clients. Some weeks ago I happened to visit a home in a residential suburb of middle class Belfast.This home was a new one on my list and one that I had not visited before. It was a very attractive old redbrick Georgian house hidden down a side street off a busy road.
Each home has its own atmosphere and as I entered this one it immediately felt different. I really could not put my finger on the reason why until I knocked on the Managers door and entered her office. There on the carpet in front of me was a 6 inch high arching back hissing feline monster puffed up to three times its size and rather humorous in its display!
” Oh never mind Molly” says the manager, “she is one of our residents new kittens and a bit wild!” At that moment Molly took off across the floor,jumped onto the seat,from the seat to the table and behind the curtains. Wonderful I thought a residential home that has a pet!
Not one pet it seems, as I observed several pairs of eyes fixed on me from different corners of the room. Cages were on the floor against the wall and each cage had its own little blanket and water bowl. I could not believe my luck at coming across this home and this amazing lady who could see the benefits of pet ownership for her residents. A lady who also went against the grain.
Given that around 140,000 people a year in the UK are forced to give up their pets with 40,000 pets a year being put to sleep because their owners are going into care homes,having pets in a care home is something that rarely happens. It is actually a fact that I am totally appalled at.
For many older people a dog or a cat is what makes their home. Their pet is more than just a pet, he or she is their friend,a member of the family and a companion that is always there. Their pet is often a reason to get up in the morning and for many it can become their whole life.The Health benefits of owning a dog are known and for older people it is especially true. As well as lowering blood pressure and promoting exercise they also promote a feeling of well being that comes from loving and being loved in return. Dogs help people by listening to them by giving affection and by being a distraction.
It is therefore heartbreaking to know that in the UK most older people who enter homes not only have to give up their homes and their freedom but they have to give up their pets as well. So why if the Health benefits of owning pets is known do old age homes not allow the pets?
It boils down to concerns over disease and litigation if injury or illness occurred as a result of having animal contact. On researching this issue in my position in the college I have found this to be unfounded and in fact in the small percent of homes that allow dogs there have been few if any problems. In fact by allowing pets in the home huge benefits are passed to the residents creating a positive atmosphere in the home and greater social interaction between the staff and the residents. Growing older should focus on what a person can still do and not on what they cannot do. It should focus on what an older person can retain and for many of them it is their pet.
Here in the UK we are known as an animal loving nation,we care and spent a lot of money on our pets, Isn’t it now time we start to demand that we keep them?
Look to other countries and you will find many that allow pets into homes. Countries such as France, Spain, Greece and USA have recognized the benefits of pet ownership and have enacted legislation demonstrating the rights of older people to keep their pets in sheltered or public housing.They have recognized that it becomes crucial for older people to retain as much normality and stability as possible.Their pet is their family and surely given the benefits of this relationship we could manage to facilitate and support these relationships?
Take one manager of a sheltered housing complex in Arizona, he went so far as to actively encourage the residents to adopt pets.He even drove them to the nearest animal shelter himself. A win win situation for the shelter and the home residents and maybe a possible outlet for all those abandoned animals that are looking for a home?
Tags: cemetery which allows people to be buried with their pets, conditioning dogs to assist people, people and pets, Pets, pets and people, pets for people, pets helping blind people, pets helping people, pets make people happier, pets uplifting people in tampa
Get Off My Lawn: Keeping Deer From Your Yard
Protecting your garden from unwanted snackers is a full-time job. Animals are quiet and can strike at any time. Deer look innocent, but they can wreck havoc on a garden in minutes. So how do you keep them away without doing anything to harm them? How do you find a a way that to keep the deer away? It is not easy. They can jump fences at very tall heights and can be fearless when they are very hungry. You must therefore play their own instincts against them and learn what things they have an natural aversion to.
The deer’s sense of smell is the best place to start. They have keep olfactory senses which they use to detect predators. They do not stand a chance against more aggressive animals and are therefore more apt to run away rather than take a chance. Urine marking a predator’s territory is a clear sign for deer to stay away if they value their lives. You can use this, too.
However, if you don’t happen to have any wolf urine readily available, you can find a realistic imitation. Many gardening companies make chemical sprays designed to keep away certain animals by smelling like the urine of their most dangerous predators.
Deer, much like dogs, can hear sounds much higher than a human would be able to hear. While dogs express their displeasure at these noises by barking, deer will simply go away. Whistles can be bought which you can blow if you see the animal stalking your garden, but one cannot be expected to be on watch at all hours of the day and night. There are automatic whistles which can play when something in your yard triggers its motion detectors. You can go about your own life with no inconvenience whatsoever, but deer will flee from your area.
For more inexpensive, household items, use anything with a sharp scent. Chopped garlic has been said to work, along with chopped hot peppers. Dove soap, which smells so good to us, is enough to make a deer retch. Moth balls and ammonia (understandably) keep animals at bay.
One other way to go is to plant plants that deer find distasteful; if you surround your valuable plants with these, the deer may not even get close enough to your garden to find the palatable plants. This technique is called ‘deeroscaping, ‘ meaning your yard has been fashioned to deter deer by the usage of plants. These plants include any ornamental grasses, sage, verbena, spearmint, or mums. There are plenty more.
These are all good steps for summer months when other food is readily available; deer won’t bother with your heinous yard when there are plenty of other peaceful, nice-smelling places to eat. In the winter, though, deer do not have the luxury of being picky. They can and will eat anything they can find. You may have to use ALL of these steps in the winter.
Are you having problems with deer? Then deer repellent is the best way to go. On the Internet, you can find a large variety deer repellent recipes that will help get rid of those critters.
Tags: animal pesticide, animal repellent, animals, deer repellent, Gardening, home and garden, landscaping, Pets, repellent
How To Build Chicken Coops – Chicken House And Hen House Designs And Plans
This text is going to show you how to find the best places for downloading chicken coop and hen house schematics for your farm / yard, and then shows you the most effective way to build chicken coop. The article will lead you thru what makes the best plans, show you ways to pick the best one so that you don’t make pricey mistakes. And once all this is put into action you will have a home for your chickens that both you and they’re going to love.
To form the ideal home that is secure and safe, follow these “how to build chicken coops” tips.
Before you start the build, consider the best position for the coop. Look at the position of the sun at different times of the day. This will let you identify the best location for the windows, as in the winter months the sun light will supply added heat to your chickens and hens. You will also wish to contemplate how close you build the chicken coop / hen house near your own house – you do not need it so close you’ll be able to smell it!
Next, think about how you may clean it, as a clean chicken coop leads to disease-free chickens and hens. You need the floor to be easily accessible so think about your own access. Also ensure that the floor gently slopes towards the doors so that when you wash it down there is natural drainage. Inward facing doors will also make your life less complicated.
Think about where will you actually be building the chicken coop. It is a lot easier to build it onside instead of in a workshop, particularly if it is a enormous chicken coop.
Ultimately, how many chickens will you be housing in the beginning? Is there a chance that you will fall head over heels in love with keeping chickens need even more? If this is the case you may doubtless be better off building a larger chicken coop so you can easily look after more than you originally thought / planned! This happens more often than you believe.
If you like step by step action plan on how to chicken house plans, go build a chicken house here
Tags: chicken, chicken coop, chicken home, Gardening, hen, home improvement, house, interior design, landscaping, outdoors, Pets
Cat Training Tips For Beginners
Domesticated cats have lost their ability to fend for themselves. They are no longer like cats in the wild. Household pets depend on human beings for proper care and feeding. To learn more about caring for your cat read up on educational materials. Your local humane society will provide you with free educational materials, as will your vet. You can also find good reading on responsible cat ownership at the bookstore or library.
Some people have the misperception that cat’s can’t be trained. That’s not true. Cats can be trained through gentle, positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with a treat. Try to ignore bad behavior, if your cat’s bad behavior illicit a reaction from you that is attention, which the cat considers a reward.
Cats are very clean animals and like to spruce themselves up every day. It is still a good idea to bath your cat about once every three weeks. You can use a specialty cat product, but mild soap will work fine. Remember to keep the soap away from your cat’s eyes. Some cats are difficult to bathe, and you may find it takes a lot of effort and a little first aid. Train your cat to enjoy baths from the time they are a kitten and reward them after a bath with a treat. As they say, start out like you can hold out. You don’t want every bath to be a battle.
Don’t yell, hit, or otherwise punish your cat during the bath process. You should keep bath time as easy and comforting for your cat as possible. Tension will only make your cat apprehensive about the bath.
Use a q-tip to gently clean and dry your cat’s ears and nails after bathing. Do not use a hair dryer because your cat’s skin is much too sensitive and can easily be burned. Not only that, but the noise and strong, hot air will probably cause your cat to freak out and try to run away. Towel dry your cat and finish with a good, gentle brushing.
Unless you want to sleep in cat hair, consider getting the cat its own bed. Most cats like to sleep with their owner or beside the bed. You can set up their bed beside your own.
It’s best to place the litter box where the odor will not bother the family. Keep the litter box clean or your family may not appreciate you or your cat!
Tags: cats, Pets, pets and animals
The teacup yorkie is famous, but with high costs
The Yorkie has become more and more popular with time. The Yorkie has become a favorite in households across the country. Demands for a smaller Yorkie abound.
Who wouldnt want a cute little critter with a lot of promise to please an entire family? What many do not know is that the teacup yorkie is far too small to bring a lot of joy to especially a family. Teacup Yorkies can easily have broken bones as a result of kids or adults stepping on them accidentally.
The Yorkie continues to be known for its small size. However, the toy breed of Yorkshire terrier does not compare to the tiny designer dogs that are so popular today. The public has begun to do that very thing.
This was a stretch at the time, seeing as the dogs size had to be carefully controlled in breeding procedures. But today we often forget or do not know in the first place this important piece of history. As a result, we tend to want a smaller and smaller Yorkie to cuddle. One fun fact about the Yorkie is that they are one of the smartest breed of dogs.
The popularity of the teacup yorkie may be attributed to the publics affinity with small dogs. Unfortunately the Yorkie is already a toy breed. The yorkie should not be bred for a smaller than 3 pound size.
Throughout the years we have become accustomed to a smaller and smaller Yorkshire terrier. The Yorkie, or teacup Yorkie as so many presume, is the one who suffers from this fad more than we know. Many health risks threaten a teacup Yorkie that is less than 3 pounds in adulthood.
Tags: history of teacup yorkies, history of yorkies, history of yorkshire terriers, origin of teacup yorkies, origin of teacup yorkshire terriers, origin of yorkies, origin of yorkshire terriers, Pets, teacup yorkies, teacup yorkshire terriers
Diabetic dog food anyone?
Many people would laugh at the thought of buying diabetic dog food for a pet that isn’t inflicted with the disease. To them, it would be a waste of time and money. Why buy diabetic dog food when you can go for brands that are not only cheaper but more plentiful?
Well, as “hilarious” as the thought may seem, foods made for diabetic dogs actually have nutritional elements that can be helpful for all types of dogs even if they don’t have the condition. How come? First, there’s the issue of protein content.
Since diabetic dogs can’t process glucose very well, it’s important that their foods contain high-quality protein. Traditional dog foods don’t always follow suit. If protein is present, it’s often from sources that are not good for canine nutrition.
These specialized foods also contain a suitable amount of fiber. Yet with traditional dog food brands, there is either too much or too little fiber. Pet owners can never expect anything that’s just right, unless they are prepared to extensively research dog food comparison charts.
Finally, diabetic dog food uses a limited amount of grains, vegetables and fruits. This helps regulate a dog’s insulin levels. But it can also be helpful for normal dogs too.
Like humans, too much glucose can make a dog groggy and overweight. And if a dog becomes overweight, they run the risk of getting diabetes anyway.
So, what’s the final consensus when it comes to feeding normal dogs diabetic dog food? Well, even if it doesn’t seem like a practical alternative, dog owners do need to keep in mind the health benefits associated with diabetic dog food brands.
From there they need to find brands that mimic the approach even if manufacturers have the freedom to use other types of ingredients.
Many dog food brands are not only unhealthy for your pet but they can be dangerous. Chemicals and toxins in some dog foods can cause disease and death. Make sure your pet lives a long and healthy life by feeding it right foods.
Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the wireless cat fence.
Tags: Pets
Tracking Your Dog With A GPS Dog Collar
With the advancement of technology in every aspect of our modern life, safety of your pet has also used the technology to maximize the protection and tracking. As dogs are man’s best friends, they cannot be left helpless and alone by their masters.
Pets are lost for many different reasons. Sometimes they escape from the house or pen. Other times they are stolen. They may have wandered out of the yard and been picked up by animal control, thinking that they are a stray. With GPS being available on so many devices, someone came up with the idea of adding a unit to a dog collar. Just click a button and get that precious pet back home.
With the GPS unit attached to the collar, whenever your pet is found to be missing, you turn on the system with your cell phone. A SMS is sent to the receiver on the collar. The SIM card returns the location to the cell phone. Within seconds, you have located the dog. In addition, you can give the dog a certain circle in which he is allowed to roam. If he passes that circle, you will get an alert.
There are to differing types of the system available. First, a system is available that has a high upfront cost. This system has no monthly fee. Second there is a system that has little upfront cost but requires that you pay monthly for the service. The latter only notifies you when you dog is outside his circle.
To know exactly where he is, you have to contact the service providing company for more information and here comes the monthly fees. The expensive system gives you all the information you need, like the exact dog place on the map, how far he is, and how you can reach him the fastest way.
The system was developed by two different companies, one for hardware, the second for software. Petlink is one of the software companies and Telia provides many of the devices.
The first party is the company who make the manufactures the devices hardware, like the SIM card you put on the dogs collars. The second party is the company who makes the software programming. The best example of the second party companies is Petlink. It is a leading company in that service, and it chose to partner with Telia company in providing these devices to the public.
There are some factors to take into consideration when you try to buy a dog GPS tracking system, factors that would effect your decision and the behavior of your dog. You should buy nothing too heavy or too noticeable by the dog. The accuracy is very important, as it will determine whether your dog will be found or will be lost forever.
Tags: dog, family, gps dog collar, gps dog collars, gps dog locator, gps pet collar, gps tracking dog collar, Pets, reflective dog collars, tracker dog collar, tracking dog collar, wireless dog collar
Choosing the Right Dog for Your Children
When choosing the right dog to add to the family, it is wise to consider several things. You should think about how much space you have available for the new pet, how much time and attention can be devoted to him, and the age and personality of your children. Often, the first dogs to be considered are larger breed dogs, such as a Golden or Labrador retriever because of their reputation for being gentle and protective. But, a large breed dog is not necessarily the best pet for you or your children. If you live in a small space and you have children who want to take part in caring for the new pet, a wonderful choice is the Teacup Chihuahua. This tiny puppy will only grow to about six pounds, making it an excellent choice for a dog to be kept indoors. Below is some information about the Teacup Chihuahua to help you make an informed decision when adding a new pet to the family.
Size: 6-10 inches is height, not weighing more than 6 lbs. (the smallest dog breed in the world!)
Life Expectancy: Up to 18 Years
Temperament: Spirited, alert, and active, the tiny Teacup enjoys play and walks. Though very small, he is protective and eager to please. Teacup Chihuahuas make excellent lap dogs because they love their owners, and enjoy attention.
Grooming: Teacup Chihuahuas need very little grooming. All they need is regular brushing, nail trimming and baths.
Exercise: The perfect companion for even the busiest of households, this little dog will get plenty of exercise just playing in the house. They do enjoy walks though.
Health Concerns: Because of their small size, Teacup Chihuahuas are more susceptible to health issues, such as hypoglycemia and dehydration. They are also affected greatly by weather, and should not be allowed to get too cold.
Overall, the little Teacup Chihuahua is an excellent pet to add to your family. However, they are so tiny and fragile that they can be accidentally injured by very young children. Preferably, a Teacup should be considered for a household with older children of at least age eight.
Tags: cheap-puppies-for-sale, chinese-pugs, dogs, Pets
How pets help kids
Never in the history of humans, at least in North America, Europe and some parts of the world, have pets been so highly regarded as today. Centuries ago, pets were looked upon as animals of burden that were made to work to “earn” a living.
Dogs, for instance, were employed as guards in businesses and homes, herded livestock, or pulled small carts for newsboys. Sometimes, they were made to run on treadmills to power washing machines, grinders and butter churns.
Modern society has opened vast opportunities for pets that were no longer limited to dogs or cats. By the 20th century, people became conscious of animal welfare and rights.
One reason behind this is that pets make excellent companions and playmates to small children. Hence, the idea of keeping pets evolved. The most common pets today are dogs, cats, birds and reptiles.
Pets are common where small children are. They make good cuddly playmates and help instill a certain level of responsibility in young kids who learn to feed or groom them. No wonder they are found in many households today.
Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe wireless containment.
Tags: Pets
