The female golden weighs approximately 55-65 pounds, and stands a couple of inches shorter than her male counterpart, who stands about 24 inches at the shoulder, and weighs in at 65-75 pounds. Females tend to have smaller, more delicately-shaped heads than males. They come in a range of colors, from deep coppery auburn to light cream. Their coats also differ in appearance. Field goldens, or hunting goldens, are more likely to be darker and sleeker than show goldens, whose honey-colored coats are thick and fluffy. Goldens have two coats: their top coats are hardy and water-repellent, while their undercoats are thick and dense. These dogs shed most of their undercoat in the spring, and grow it in preparation for the chill of winter. Regular grooming can help control excessive shedding. Their ears are soft and floppy, but they perk up at the sound of, well, almost anything. Their eyes are brown and very expressive.
Their bodies are very well-engineered to excel at agility contests. Thanks to their hunting background, they're strong and muscled, yet quick and agile. Don't let their gentle nature fool you. They are also incredibly strong dogs. Seventy pounds of golden on the end of a leash can take down even the strongest person if he's not prepared.
They need plenty of regular exercise. If it were up to them, they'd walk for hours. Daily walks, romps in the yard and trips to the dog park can help it work off some of that golden energy, which is never in short supply. They rarely get tired of playing fetch. They excel at finding objects hidden in the yard. They also love to swim, and will retrieve from water all day if you let them.
From a temperament standpoint, goldens are extremely agreeable. They're neither very shy nor extremely aggressive. This tolerant nature makes them a good choice for any home, including those with children. They're loyal and loving, as well as outgoing and friendly. They thrive on human interaction, and are happiest when they're around people. They never get tired of belly rubs and head pats. In fact, if the petting stops, many of them will nudge their masters, as if to say, "Don't stop!"
Though they're usually the center of attention, they still need training. Their exuberance can be mistaken for misbehavior, and it may be a few minutes before they calm down. Consistency and firmness are important when training a golden. They need to be taught that their master is the leader of the pack. However, they are eager to please, and can learn their role quickly with positive reinforcement tactics. No one is prouder than they when they complete a task successfully. Though they love showing off their tricks, they also love learning new ones. Teaching new tricks is a great way to combat boredom during the training session. Though they'll fetch all day, they won't sit still for a training class longer than they have to. The key is to make it fun and make it rewarding, all in short bursts of time throughout the day. Goldens are game players, so if you play with it in order to teach commands or tricks, your dog won't even know the difference. It's just happy to have your attention.
This is one reason goldens are one of the most popular breeds of therapy dogs. As much as they love to play, they also love to have a job to do. Besides being fast learners, they're also very gentle. They can learn verbal commands or hand signals, and once they are on the job, they can be calm and focused. They also make good seeing-eye dogs for this reason.
This breed is not without its health issues. Goldens are prone to hip dysplasia and allergies. This is partly due to irresponsible breeding. Backyard breeders, eager to cash in on the popularity of the golden retriever, breed unhealthy dogs that pass on congenital diseases. Hip dysplasia occurs when the bones of the hip joint don't develop correctly, and they rub painfully against each other. Sitting still is not something goldens are happy doing, so though these dogs may continue to move around and play, they're in pain and should be treated.
Treatment consists of pain management, in mild cases, or in more severe cases, surgery. Though complete rehabilitation can take 12 weeks, the dog is up and moving within days. This procedure can so dramatically improve a dog's life that it's well worth the work to see your golden get its spark back, and run and play like the puppy that it thinks it is.
These dogs also suffer from skin ailments and allergies. The golden's thick coat makes it hard to see small skin irritations unless they're specifically sought out. It's important to inspect your pet regularly for any sore areas. A vet can run tests to try to identify the source of the irritation, and prescribe treatment, which might include frequent baths with hypoallergenic shampoo, oral medication and/or allergy shots.
Even though this is one of the most popular breeds of dog, thousands of them are relinquished to shelters or rescue organizations every year. Most people would never think they'd find a purebred golden at a shelter, but it's not uncommon. In fact, the popularity of the breed may be the very reason so many of them are found in shelters. Sometimes people don't research the breed, and don't know that goldens need a lot of exercise and a lot of human interaction. They're also not prepared to train a dog. Unfortunately, when people like this get goldens, more than likely, they end up surrendering them to a shelter or a rescue organization.
Though the average life expectancy of golden retrievers is 11 years, sometimes they forget they've gotten older, and maintain their puppy-like playfulness throughout their lives. As they age, they may slow down a bit, so it's important to adjust their food and treat intake accordingly. It's nearly impossible to resist their sweet faces as they come looking for a treat, but it's for their own good. As obesity rates in humans have skyrocketed, so they have in dogs. Thankfully, this is one disease that is completely preventable. If your dog is already obese, it's 100% treatable. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise will get your golden into fighting shape before too long. It might also prevent the onset of canine diabetes, joint problems and other weight-related issues.
Overall, this breed has one of the most agreeable dispositions you can find in a dog. Goldens are also gorgeous, friendly, obedient, loyal and loving. The downside, which pales in comparison to their wonderful attributes, is that this is a breed that sheds, needs a lot of exercise, and needs to be around people. If your home can handle the relatively minor considerations, the benefits you'll reap from loving a golden retriever are immeasurable.
| About The Author David Beart is owner of the http://www.professorshouse.com Professors House, a site dedicated to family, relationships, http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/dogs/breeder/dog-breeders.aspx dog breeders, and household issues. |
Feeding Time
Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to elderly cats. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.
Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won't be as much of an obstacle.
Many cat owners find that their cat's coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.
Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet's eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.
Grooming Elderly Cats
Another element of proper Elderly Cat Care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn't just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.
It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don't want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat's coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.
Vet Visits and Medication
When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.
Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.
Pet Insurance
Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll your elderly cat into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.
The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.
Activities of the Elderly Cat
The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is "chase their owner." Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.
Most cat experts agree tht a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.
| About The Author David Beart is owner of the http://www.professorshouse.com Professors House, a site dedicated to family, relationships, http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/cats/cats.aspx cat information, and household issues. |
All bird lovers listen up!! Do you know how many bird species are there in the world? Answer: Over 9000 species. And out of which the parrot group itself consists of about 330 species and are particularly popular with pet owners.
If you are also thinking of keeping a pet parrot, read below for the tips I am going to provide for selecting the suitable parrot for yourself and the family.
Parrot Buying Tip (1) -- Buy a young parrot
Rearing a new parrot from young helps to facilitate taming. An older parrot can also be tamed just that it takes more time and patience. However, the tricky part is in determing the age of the bird. However, some basic things to look out for are the scales on its legs, color of the eye and the color of the body. A young parrot often has a dark gray iris that becomes white or brown when it grows up. The scales of young parrots are also much smoother than that of mature birds. Their body color also appears initially to be much duller than when they are matured.
The best option is to buy one which is newly born which is independent of its parent.
Parrot Buying Tip (2) -- Choose the right species of parrot
Do you know the characteristics of the parrot you are interested in buying?
Do they
-make tremendously loud voices which can cause huge disturbance to the neighbours?
-have powerful beaks that can damage your personal belongings if let free in the house?
-need special accomodation, which will potentially incur higher costs for you. Bigger birds would require bigger cages made of metal so that the parrot cannot damage it.
-need special nutritional foods? Some birds such as the lorikeets need special foods since they feed on nectar. This also relates to cost.
Parrot Buying Tip (3) -- Check the condition of the parrot
If possible, ask for a certified health certificate by the veterinary so that you have assurance of buying a healthy parrot home. If that is not available, dont worry, you can check out the below factors for some tell-tale signs on the conditions of the bird.
i) Inspect the living conditions of the bird. Dirty or poorly maintained perches, food and water containers, excess fecal wastes in the cage, all show poor management of the birds leading to bad health. The eyes should also be clear and not showing any discharge. Also look out for any swelling signs which will indicate rising health problems.
ii) The bird feathers should be tidy and clean. Any bald areas on the parrot body could indicate an infection which is very unsightly and may not be able to cure, or it may also be due to the parrot being a feather plucker which means it is getting very bored. This activity may stop when you start to show it more attention. Then again, it is better to stay clear of such birds, since they could be carrying diseases on their bodies which you dont want it to spread to your family members.
iii) Support the bird on its back and check the vent for cleanliness. Also check for any crusty appearance on and around the beak which could indicate a mite issue subjecting from unclean environments.
iv) Also feel the flesh on both sides of the breastbone, and ensure it is solid and not hollowed. If protruding, it also indicates a nutritional deficiency, and should be avoided.
v) Ensures all claws are there. There should be 2 toes pointing forward, 2 facing backwards. Check for any protruding leg scales as they could be potential sources for leg mites.
vi) Beware of birds that act aggressively towards you when you try to approach it. Symptoms include fluffing up feathers and eyes dilating when you try to move your hand close to it. These birds are probably not young birds, and they will likely bite you if you cross its safety zone.
Parrot Buying Tip (4) -- Buy from reputable, reliable sources
Buying from well-established and reputable pet shops assures you the best quality services, and often the pets you are buying through them have been certified to be in good health before they release it out for sale.
Avoid open markets, and buying through mail order. It is always good to see and feel what you are buying so that you dont regret your buying decisions later. If you dont, how do you implement parrot buying tip 3?
Conclusion
To summarize, it is great to have parrots as pets, as they can be good source of fun and companionship. However, it is important to know some essential tips on selecting and buying the right parrot, and this can be categorized into 4 great tips namely to buy a young parrot, choose the desired parrot species, check condition of the parrot, and always buy from reputable pet shops.
Hope you enjoy this article !!
Orginally Written Article @ http://parrotalk.blogspot.com/
| About The Author Jimmy Lee He is involved in article writing, publishing, and website design on a freelance basis amid a daytime job as an electrical engineer. His favourite works can be found @ http://flashgor.blogspot.com/ and http://diypc.wordpress.com/ |
But that doesn't mean that we, as dog lovers and owners, are entirely helpless when it comes to handling our dogs. There's a lot that we can do to prevent aggression from rearing its ugly head in the first place – and even if prevention hasn't been possible (for whatever reason), there are still steps that we can take to recognize and deal with it efficiently.
- Different aggression types -
There are several different types of canine aggression. The two most common ones are:
- Aggression towards strangers
- Aggression towards family members
You may be wondering why we're bothering categorizing this stuff: after all, aggression is aggression, and we want to turf it out NOW, not waste time with the details – right?
Well … not quite. These two different types of aggression stem from very different causes, and require different types of treatment.
- Aggression towards strangers -
What is it?
It's pretty easy to tell when a dog's nervy around strange people. He's jumpy and on the alert: either he can't sit still and is constantly fidgeting, leaping at the smallest sound, and pacing around barking and whining; or he's veerrrry still indeed, sitting rock-steady in one place, staring hard at the object of his suspicions (a visitor, the mailman, someone approaching him on the street while he's tied up outside a store.)
Why does it happen?
There's one major reason why a dog doesn't like strange people: he's never had the chance to get used to them. Remember, your dog relies 100% on you to broaden his horizons for him: without being taken on lots of outings to see the world and realize for himself, through consistent and positive experiences, that the unknown doesn't necessarily equal bad news for him, how can he realistically be expected to relax in an unfamiliar situation?
What can I do about it?
The process of accustoming your dog to the world and all the strange people (and animals) that it contains is called socialization. This is an incredibly important aspect of your dog's upbringing: in fact, it's pretty hard to overemphasize just how important it is. Socializing your dog means exposing him from a young age (generally speaking, as soon as he's had his vaccinations) to a wide variety of new experiences, new people, and new animals.
How does socialization prevent stranger aggression?
When you socialize your dog, you're getting him to learn through experience that new sights and sounds are fun, not scary.
It's not enough to expose an adult dog to a crowd of unfamiliar people and tell him to "Settle down, Roxy, it's OK" – he has to learn that it's OK for himself. And he needs to do it from puppyhood for the lesson to sink in.
The more types of people and animals he meets (babies, toddlers, teenagers, old people, men, women, people wearing uniforms, people wearing motorcycle helmets, people carrying umbrellas, etc) in a fun and relaxed context, the more at ease and happy – and safe around strangers - he'll be in general.
How can I socialize my dog so that he doesn't develop a fear of strangers?
Socializing your dog is pretty easy to do – it's more of a general effort than a specific training regimen.
First of all, you should take him to puppy preschool. This is a generic term for a series of easy group-training classes for puppies (often performed at the vet clinic, which has the additional benefit of teaching your dog positive associations with the vet!).
In a puppy preschool class, about ten or so puppy owners get together with a qualified trainer (often there'll be at least two trainers present – the more there are, the better, since it means you get more one-on-one time with a professional) and start teaching their puppies the basic obedience commands: sit, stay, and so on.
Even though the obedience work is very helpful and is a great way to start your puppy on the road to being a trustworthy adult dog, really the best part of puppy preschool is the play sessions: several times throughout the class, the puppies are encouraged to run around off-leash and play amongst themselves.
This is an ideal environment for them to learn good social skills: there's a whole bunch of unfamiliar dogs present (which teaches them how to interact with strange dogs), there's a whole bunch of unfamiliar people present (which teaches them that new faces are nothing to be afraid of), and the environment is safe and controlled (there's at least one certified trainer present to make sure that things don't get out of hand).
Socialization doesn't just stop with puppy preschool, though. It's an ongoing effort throughout the life of your puppy and dog: he needs to be taken to a whole bunch of new places and environments.
Remember not to overwhelm him: start off slow, and build up his tolerance gradually.
- Aggression towards family members -
There are two common reasons why a dog is aggressive towards members of his own human family:
- He's trying to defend something he thinks of as his from a perceived threat (you).
This is known as resource guarding, and though it may sound innocuous, there's actually a lot more going on here than your dog simply trying to keep his kibble to himself.
- He's not comfortable with the treatment/handling he's getting from you or other members of the family.
What's resource guarding?
Resource guarding is pretty common among dogs. The term refers to overly-possessive behavior on behalf of your dog: for instance, snarling at you if you approach him when he's eating, or giving you "the eye" (a flinty-eyed, direct stare) if you reach your hand out to take a toy away from him.
All dogs can be possessive from time to time – it's in their natures. Sometimes they're possessive over things with no conceivable value: inedible trash, balled up pieces of paper or tissue, old socks. More frequently, however, resource-guarding becomes an issue over items with a very real and understandable value: food and toys.
Why does it happen?
It all boils down to the issue of dominance. Let me take a moment to explain this concept: dogs are pack animals. This means that they're used to a very structured environment: in a dog-pack, each individual animal is ranked in a hierarchy of position and power (or "dominance") in relation to every other animal. Each animal is aware of the rank of every other animal, which means he knows specifically how to act in any given situation (whether to back down, whether to push the issue, whether to muscle in or not on somebody else's turf, etc etc).
To your dog, the family environment is no different to the dog-pack environment. Your dog has ranked each member of the family, and has his own perception of where he ranks in that environment as well.
This is where it gets interesting: if your dog perceives himself as higher up on the social totem-pole than other family members, he's going to get cheeky. If he's really got an overinflated sense of his own importance, he'll start to act aggressively.
Why? Because dominance and aggression are the exclusive rights of a superior-ranked animal. No underdog would ever show aggression or act dominantly to a higher-ranked animal (the consequences would be dire, and he knows it!)
Resource guarding is a classic example of dominant behavior: only a higher-ranked dog (a "dominant" dog) would act aggressively in defence of resources.
To put it plainly: if it was clear to your dog that he is not, in fact, the leader of the family, he'd never even dream of trying to prevent you from taking his food or toys – because a lower-ranking dog (him) will always go along with what the higher-ranking dogs (you and your family) say.
So what can I do about it? The best treatment for dominant, aggressive behavior is consistent, frequent obedience work, which will underline your authority over your dog. Just two fifteen-minute sessions a day will make it perfectly clear to your dog that you're the boss, and that it pays to do what you say.
You can make this fact clear to him by rewarding him (with treats and lavish praise) for obeying a command, and isolating him (putting him in "time-out", either outside the house or in a room by himself) for misbehaviour.
- If you're not entirely confident doing this yourself, you may wish to consider enlisting the assistance of a qualified dog-trainer.
- Brush up on your understanding of canine psychology and communication, so that you understand what he's trying to say – this will help you to nip any dominant behaviors in the bud, and to communicate your own authority more effectively
- Train regularly: keep obedience sessions short and productive (no more than fifteen minutes – maybe two or three of these per day).
Why doesn't my dog like to be handled?
All dogs have different handling thresholds. Some dogs like lots of cuddles, and are perfectly content to be hugged, kissed, and have arms slung over their shoulders (this is the ultimate "I'm the boss" gesture to a dog, which is why a lot of them won't tolerate it.) Others – usually the ones not accustomed to a great deal of physical contact from a very young age – aren't comfortable with too much full-body contact and will get nervy and agitated if someone persists in trying to hug them.
Another common cause of handling-induced aggression is a bad grooming experience: nail-clipping and bathing are the two common culprits.
When you clip a dog's nails, it's very easy to "quick" him – that is, cut the blood vessel that runs inside the nail. This is extremely painful to a dog, and is a sure-fire way to cause a long-lasting aversion to those clippers.
Being washed is something that a great many dogs have difficulty dealing with – a lot of owners, when confronted with a wild-eyed, half-washed, upset dog, feel that in order to complete the wash they have to forcibly restrain him. This only adds to the dog's sense of panic, and reinforces his impression of a wash as something to be avoided at all costs – if necessary, to defend himself from it with a display of teeth and hackles.
Can I "retrain" him to enjoy being handled and groomed?
In a word: yes. It's a lot easier if you start from a young age – handle your puppy a lot, get him used to being touched and rubbed all over. Young dogs generally enjoy being handled – it's only older ones who haven't had a lot of physical contact throughout their lives that sometimes find physical affection difficult to accept.
Practice picking up his paws and touching them with the clipper; practice taking him into the bath (or outside, under the faucet – whatever works for you, but warm water is much more pleasant for a dog than a freezing spray of ice-water!), and augment the process throughout with lots of praise and the occasional small treat.
For an older dog that may already have had several unpleasant handling/grooming experiences, things are a little more difficult. You need to undo the damage already caused by those bad experiences, which you can do by taking things very slowly – with an emphasis on keeping your dog calm.
The instant he starts to show signs of stress, stop immediately and let him relax. Try to make the whole thing into a game: give him lots of praise, pats, and treats.
Take things slowly. Don't push it too far: if you get nervous, stop.
Dogs show aggression for a reason: they're warning you to back off, or else! If your dog just can't seem to accept being groomed, no matter how much practice you put in, it's best to hand the job over to the professionals.
Your vet will clip his nails for you (make sure you tell him first that he gets aggressive when the clippers come out, so your vet can take the necessary precautions!). As far as washing and brushing goes, the dog-grooming business is a flourishing industry: for a small fee, you can get your dog washed, clipped, brushed, and whatever else you require by experienced professionals (again, make sure you tell them about your dog's reaction to the experience first!)
For more information on handling aggressive and dominant behaviors, as well as a great deal of detailed information on a host of other common dog behavior problems, check out SitStayFetch.
It's a complete owner's guide to owning, rearing, and training your dog, and it deals with all aspects of dog ownership.
To get the inside word on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors like aggression and dominance in your dog, SitStayFetch is well worth a look.
| About The Author Darrin Donaldson You can visit the SitStayFetch site by clicking on the link below: http://www.k9-secrets.890m.com/aggression |
When you get a pet home, there are some basic things that you will need and they come under pet supplies. Some of the important pet supplies include pet food, eating bowls, harnesses and pet bed among many others.
One of the important things that you need to consider while buying a pet bed is the way your dog or cat or any other pet sleeps. A pet bed is mostly required for dogs and cats only although you can buy it for rabbits and some of the other smaller pets too.
The second most important thing to understand is that a pet bed will be different for a dog and different for a cat. Normally, what you use for your dog will not be used for your cat. You can find pet beds at various stores offering other pet supplies and even online. One of the good things is that you will find a lot of variety when it comes to pet beds including the popular heated beds. The heated beds have grown in popularity because of the fact that they have a heating element that will keep the bed warm in the winters and will be comfortable and relaxing for your pet. You can choose from a heated orthopedic bed to a heated thermo pet bed. Most of the pet beds are available in three sizes, which are:
Small: 19"x24" - The small pet bed can take weights of up to 20lbs
Medium: 26"x29" - The medium pet bed can take weights of up to 40lbs
Large: 36x38" - The large pet bed can take weights of up to 60lbs
Another type of popular pet bed found in pet supplies is the round bed. This is a perfect bed for dogs that like to cuddle up when they sleep and for cats that love to sleep with their legs thrown apart. This pet bed is available in three sizes for dogs and they are:
Medium: 36 inches - The medium pet bed can take weights of up to 50lbs
Large: 42 inches - The large pet bed can take weights of up to 80lbs
Extra Large: 52 inches - The extra large pet bed can take weights of up to 140lbs
You can also get these beds in different combinations of colour and design like blue polyester suede that will look neat and even go with the overall décor of your home. The important aspects that needs to be considered while buying a pet bed include the size of your pet, the amount of space in the room, the number of pet you have, their weights, if you need separate pet beds or a single one, the colours, do you need a simple pet bed or a heated bed etc.
When you have decided on your pet bed the next thing will be to consider what other pet supplies you will require. What do I need? These items will vary depending on your pet; cat, dog or rabbit, all of which will each have its own requirements. The most important thing of your pet supplies will be food; a pet won't last very long without it. Once you have selected your food then there will be all the sundries that we spoil our pets with, like collars, lead, pet beds and clothes.
| If you need further information on finding the right pet beds visit our on line store. You will also find a large range of pet supplies which include dog collars, cat litter, dog clothes and many more for all pets. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Davies |
Business should be about doing what you love to do. And if you love being around animals then there are business opportunities that can allow you to do just that. And really what more can a person ask for except to make a good living while doing something you enjoy. Besides they say people that have pets live a longer life. So what else could you possibly ask for in a business? Here are three businesses that you can start for under $10,000.
1. Animal Grooming: This business has multiple possibilities. You can specialize in either dogs or cats. Or you can handle both but be careful if you do because they don't always get along. You also have the option of having a permanent location or starting such a business out of your home. And you can even have a mobile business as well. To keep the cost under $10,000 it's recommended that this business gets started out of your home. This way people can bring their pets to you. As an added benefit people today love to spend money on their pampered pets. So clients shouldn't be to hard to find.
2. Dog Walker: Here is a good business with the added benefit of getting plenty of exercise. Not everyone has the time to walk their dogs but they know that their pets need to get out of the house too. And that is where you come in. Most dog walkers can charge between $6 and $12 an hour but you can usually walk at least three dogs at a time. Staying in shape while earning $20 or more an hour can be a pretty good deal. And as a bonus there is virtually no overhead or supplies needed.
3. Doghouses: Put your creative talents to good use. Creating an outside home for man's best friend can be a great way to make a living. If you have a creative side and some carpentry skills then you've got the ability to prosper in this business. Because so many people are willing to spend on their pets this can be a lucrative opportunity. Many pets are kept outside and they need shelter too. Giving them a nice place to stay can make for a very nice business.
If you love animals then one of these three opportunities might be a good way for you to go. The start-up costs for these businesses are all quite low and so are the operating costs. In addition you can help out a lot of furry friends in your neighborhood get the love they need.
| Cash Miller is an expert in small business affairs. To receive more tips that can help your business and let you to crush your competition you can sign up for his FREE Newsletter at http://www.smallbusinessdelivered.com/free-newsletter-signup.html. Once you've signed up you'll receive access to 5 FREE E-Books that can help your business prosper. And as a Bonus FREE Newsletter Members can expect to receive an additional FREE E-Book each week. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cash_Miller |
Many people decide to take their pets with them when they travel rather than leave them in some kind of boarding facility. It is understandable. After all, they are family members too. If you're willing to put in the extra work necessary to bring the pets along, it can be quite a success. Hopefully you don't make the mistake of thinking it will be completely smooth sailing. There are some things you may not consider until they happen. It takes some planning and preparation to include the pets. Set aside time to do that before leaving.
Pets should always be put in a proper pet carrier that fits their body size adequately. Too little room for moving and turning around will be uncomfortable and restricting. Be sure your pet isn't crammed into a carrier that is too small. Likewise, a carrier that is too big can be dangerous. A pet can get hurt if they are flying around inside a kennel. They should be able to sit and lie down comfortably as well as turn around. However, you don't want them on their feet a lot so that they lose their balance.
Bring dishes for your pets that are travel safe. Most pet stores have dishes that are flexible and collapse when not in use. They are made from a non-breakable material so they simply fold out when you need to use them. Keep a bottle of water in the car with these dishes, especially during long trips.
Keep an eye on the time and stop at regular intervals for bathroom breaks. Don't make the mistake of assuming your four legged friend doesn't need to go. Give them the option and allow them a moment to stretch their legs. This is the best time to offer them some fresh water too. Don't give them too much though or they could get an upset stomach.
If you plan on taking your pet far from home, be sure that they have received all of their vaccinations. The last thing you want to do is unknowingly expose them to something in another place. Just like humans need certain shots before travelling to certain places, pets are not so different. It's also wise to consult with your vet first to ensure your destination is safe to bring your pets to.
Many animals are highly prone to motion sickness. Keep an eye on your pets. Some travel much better than others. It doesn't hurt to ask your vet for something you can give the animals in the event that they do get an upset stomach. Nothing ruins a family vacation quite like a pet that is vomiting or otherwise ill. If you know you have a pet that is sensitive to motion, it's best not to bring them along.
Travelling with your pets is fun for everyone when it goes as planned. Stay on top of everything from health to fresh food and you can focus on fun instead of setbacks. And the best part is that your pets can get in on the fun too.
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