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July 31st, 2009 by Bella Holly

Housebreaking a dog or puppy is often the most stressful aspect of owning a pet. However, the process can be less challenging if you have a few tips to help you out. This article will give you pointers on dog potty training based around the concept of accident prevention rather than punishment.

Puppies are a lot like children in that their minds are like sponges, which is why most people begin obedience and potty training when during puppyhood. The main thing which you must understand before beginning the training process is that a puppy does have limited control of his bladder, so it is best if you admit to yourself that accidents will happen, and come to terms with the idea. A good thing you can do for your puppy is to buy him a crate or similar place that will be his own “personal” space. That way, if you’re unable to watch him for a time, the accident will be in the crate and not somewhere around the house where you may not notice for a while.

One of the best things you can do for your puppy (and your sanity!) is to develop a regular routine as soon as you can. Try to feed him, take him outside, and put him down for bed around the same time every day. This will get his “body clock” set to the routine and he will eventually learn to rely upon this, as long as you follow through on your part and keep the routine as constant as possible, at least until your pup gets a bit older and develops more bladder control and adaptability.

When an accident does occur, don’t get upset or hit your dog. If you didn’t catch him in the act, simply put him in his crate while you clean up the mess. There is no point in trying to punish him, as he will not know why he is in trouble. If you do catch him in the act, giving him a firm ‘No!’ will let him know you are upset. Immediately take him to the proper spot outside and praise him if he goes again.

Potty training your puppy can be a trying time, but a bit of patience and determination will see you through the process. Just remember: develop a routine and take your puppy outside about 15 minutes after meal time. Soon, you will find that training becomes even easier, at which point you’ll want to start training him not only for obedience, but also for using items such as pet stairs instead of jumping onto furniture. Pet steps are much better for your dog’s joints and reduces the likelihood of your dog developing arthritis or sustaining an injury from falling off of high furniture.

July 30th, 2009 by Helga Schmitt

Many people have for years suspected that nutrients play a key role in our prevention, control and treatment of malignancies in dogs. Now, it is finally accepted by experts and scientists that it is not folklore but a truth. Experts are optimistic that nutrients can be effective measures in preventing and treating certain types of cancers.

Traditional therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biologic responsive modifiers, can be combined with micro nutrients. Working in combination they are highly effective. An adjuvant therapy is the combining of any nutrient with other forms of anticancer therapies.

Cancer has many consequences. A very significant metabolic result is Cachexia. In spite of sufficient nutritional consumption, there is a consistent loss of weight. In response to treatment, this condition lessens the survival time and reduces the beneficial results. Cachexia causes shifts in the dog’s metabolic system before the condition is recognized.

Cachexia has three different stages. In the first stage the dog has had biochemical changes and alterations in the amino acids. There are no visible signs of this disease. In the second stage, the weight loss becomes apparent, and the dog appears anorexic and lethargic. By the third phase, the dog is noticeably weak, and is losing the storage of protein and carbohydrate from within the body.

The alterations in metabolism combined with the physical effects of the cancer, are withering away at the entire dog. Dogs with cancer have a significant metabolic alteration in carbohydrate metabolism. Diets high in simple carbohydrates can increase the amount of lactate produced. The host then uses this excessive energy for the conversion of lactate. Long-term and harmful effects are placed on the dog from excessive lactate.

The host becomes compromised from the cancer feeding off of the carbohydrates. There is a tendency for tumors to manifest amino acids for their energy source via glycogens. Numerous body functions are influenced by these changes. The immune response, gastrointestinal function and surgical healing is the most upset by these alterations.

The host and the cancer cells both compete for the amino acids. If the diet cannot supply the need, the malignant process takes them from the host. High quality amounts of proteins should be provided. Amino acids like arginine and glutamine really benefit the host by helping the immune system and reducing gastrointestinal toxicity for dogs with cancer.

Much of the weight loss that occurs in cancer cachexia is from the wasting of fat. Diets that are high in fat and low in simple carbohydrates can benefit animals with cancer. N-3 fatty acids have shown to reduce many metabolic alterations in the dog with cancer. These fatty acids have an anticancer effect and reduce the adverse effects associated with radiation.

Each dog with cancer needs to be assessed individually to determine the appropriate amount and type of nutrients that they should receive. Retinoids have the ability to regulate cancer cells. Various studies have determined that these agents are beneficial either as a stand alone or in combination with other agents in the treatment of certain types of malignancies.

One of the best substances to use in the prevention and treatment of cancer is Vitamin C. For overcoming drug resistance in certain cancer cells, Vitamin C is a helpful alternative. For preventing cancer of the esophagus and stomach, this is the supplement most commonly used.

One of the great capabilities of Vitamin E is its tendency to block mammary tumors and colon cancer. In the makeup of Vitamin E, it has chemo-preventative properties which work against various malignancies. In studies that were done on dogs, it was shown that some had a complete remission in cancer and others had a 50% reduction in tumor size.

Other anticancer and chemo-preventive agents are the minerals; lead, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, iodine, arsenic, selenium and germanium. Amino acids have also been used in preventing tumor growth.

The enzyme L-asparaginase has been useful in treating lymphomas and leukemia in dogs. Garlic extracts also have an anti-promotion effect in animals exposed to carcinogens.

Avoid preservatives, additives and chemicals in your dog’s food. Give them a holistic diet that is full of fresh foods and supplements, to support their body and reduce their chances of getting cancer. If they do get cancer, it will reduce the shock on their body. Give to them daily, anticancer herbs like green tea or turmeric.

There are a number of signs that could point to cancer. These are some to watch for: picky appetite, lumps and bumps, sudden weight loss, sores that don’t heal, odors, lethargy, breathing difficulties, stiffness or soreness, loss of enthusiasm, difficulty urinating or defecating, and persistent discharges.

Reduce all carbohydrates in the diet and increase the fats and proteins. A rich source of fats to add are fish oil (salmon) and cold pressed flax oil. Feed anti-cancer foods like beetroot, broccoli, parsley, berries, apples, peaches, pears, plums, cabbage, sage, garlic, yams, cauliflower, shitake mushrooms, green and orange vegetables, yogurt, carrots, watermelon, fish, spleen, fresh thymus and extracts. Feed 40% vegetables and 60% meat.

To increase the longevity of your dog, supplement their daily food with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Co enzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and digestive enzymes. The best diet for your dog is one that is made from fresh foods or home cooked foods. This will help prevent them from getting cancer. Nutrition is extremely important for preventing tumors. Feeding your dog the best diet will lengthen their lifespan incredibly. Thy food is thy medicine.

July 29th, 2009 by Kor Rassad

The most important thing to remember when starting a chicken coop construction project is the prior planning. You can save money and hours of time by planning what kind of chickens you intend to raise, and how many chickens you intend to keep in your coop.

A well constructed chicken coop is key to having healthy chickens, so keep in mind that the whole point of the coop is to give your chickens a place to live. Don’t try to cut costs with cheap materials and skimp on the planning stage, happy chickens will lay lots of delicious eggs.

A few top tips for chicken coop construction:

* At least 3-4 square feet per chicken should avoid overcrowding. Enough space inside the coop is very important for your chickens, otherwise you may harm them.

* Likewise, you’ll want to make sure your chickens have enough room outside their home. Somewhere between 8-10 square feet per chicken is a good idea for the chicken run.

* You will need to get in both to collect any eggs your chickens may lay and to clean out the coop on a regular basis. So make sure you include some way for you to get into the coop yourself.

* Keeping unwanted visitors out of your chicken coop is vital, wire of some sort in the construction will make sure predators can’t get in.

Aside from these practical concerns, Chickens are fairly easy to please, you’re free to design your coop in any way you like, and to construct it from any materials you wish. So much of what you decide to do with your coop will be for your own personal convenience. This is why building the coop tall enough for you to easily get in will be a help to you.

Just make sure that any materials you use in your chicken coop construction will stand the test of time, and that you also take into account your local climate. Those in warmer year-round climates may be able to use wire doors or walls, but if you live somewhere that’s cold and wet for part of the year, you want to make sure that you use solid walls and possibly even some insulation to stop your chickens from stressing when it’s cold.

Building the coop off the ground is also an excellent idea, as it will not only stop water from flooding the floor of your coop, but it will keep out snakes and weasels. To allow your chickens easy access, you can build a chicken door off the ground with a ramp leading up to it.

Once you’ve planned out everything to a full extent, then you can get started on constructing your coop. Don’t skimp on the materials, because the better quality ones you use, the more sturdy your coop will be. At the same time, don’t be afraid to re-use others’ discards. Local recycling centers can be great places to find cheap quality construction materials.

If you’ve planned out your chicken coop construction before you began, then the actual construction process should be fairly easy and fun. This is why having a good design is so important.

July 28th, 2009 by Bella Holly

Usually freshwater fish are considered the pets for people that are either lazy or don’t really want to take care of something They may like the idea of a pet but perhaps one that you don’t have to interact with as often as others, underestimating the responsibility of freshwater fish care. Well, fish can be the pet for you but it is wise to understand that fish can’t just be tossed into a tank and then left until they die. This is not proper handling of fish and they do require that you actually know a little something about them.

First before you buy any fish make sure that you do adequate research concerning the fish of your choice; but take your time, as there are many types of freshwater fish. Make sure you don’t put various types of aggressive fish in the same tank. This will lead to an early destruction of your tank. Also when researching the fish you want to make sure to understand what kind of habitat they need. Since we are doing a freshwater tank make sure the fish aren’t saltwater fish. This is another guaranteed way to end the life of the fish quickly..

Of course you should quickly develop a dependable feeding schedule for your fish. Always consult the company that you buy the fish from to fully understand the type of food needed and how often it should be given to them.. You don’t want to under-feed or over-feed your fish if you can help it. So again research is an adequate process here like other pets.

Cleaning the fish tank is a very important aspect of fish maintenance, yet one that doesn’t have to be done everyday. The general tip is that one third of the water in the tank should be changed out monthly to ensure that the fish have a clean, healthy environment. Remember–fish breathe through the water in the tank, and if it’s too dirty, they won’t be able to breath very well.

If you keep these tips in mind when tending to your freshwater aquarium fish, you are sure to have a wonderful experience with your new pet(s).

July 27th, 2009 by Ned D'Agostino

There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about the Miniature Pinscher. Some say this dog breed is annoying, and barks to much. Others will tell you the Min Pin is not good with children. Chances are that these are the same folks saying that Min Pins are simply small Dobermans. Of course owners of this breed know that all of those things are simply wrong.

What the Min Pin really is is an intelligent dog that is extremely loyal and intelligent, and yes, full of energy. It’s no wonder this breed has been given the nickname “The King of the Toys.”

When you’re getting a Miniature Pinscher you’re definitely getting a dog with an attitude. He’s been called a big dog in a small dog’s body. Min Pins only weigh about 10 pounds, but act like they are much bigger. And they are full of pride, which you can witness by the way they step high and hold their head high when they walk. This is a proud breed.

And when you have a dog that is so proud, loyal and courageous you have an excellent watchdog. But you also have a dog that can at times be a handful.

Min Pins can become almost tyrannical, running your house for you. If you own this breed you simply need to establish early on that you are the one in charge. Some Min Pin owners may have trouble disciplining their pet simply because he’s so cute. Don’t make this mistake. You’ll find that because this breed is so intelligent that training is fairly easy.

Take the time to train him properly and your Min Pin will be an fantastic pet. They are loving and exceedingly loyal, but they are also a blast to watch play. If you love to laugh (and who doesn’t?), then the Miniature Pinscher is a great breed for you.

Remember we mentioned that the Miniature Pinscher is good with children. There’s a catch. Because the breed is very sturdy and of course playful, kids can have a tendency to play too rough. Min Pins aren’t fragile, but they are only 10 pounds. Children need to keep this in mind because as we said, they certainly act like they weigh more.

As for loyalty, the Miniature Pinscher can and will get along with everyone in your family. But they do tend to pick one person to become extremely attached to. You’ll have a hard time finding a more loyal breed.

Because they have so much energy, Miniature Pinschers need plenty of exercise. But the good news is that if you don’t have the energy to keep up, their size means they can get all the exercise they need just running around your apartment or home. They love to play by themselves and if you’re watching, they seem to perform more just for your enjoyment. You can’t help but laugh.

And when play time is over they’ll be happy to sit there right next to you. So if you want a family pet that’s loyal, fun, smart and easy to care for, the Miniature Pinscher may be just the breed you’re looking for.