Why Do Some Cats Bite When You Pet Them?

Many of us who are parents to cats notice that when we pet them, they sometimes turn around a bite our hands. Why do cats do that? Dog parents smugly state that their dogs wag their tails, pant and lick their hand. They claim that dogs don't bite the hand that pets them. While this is not a competition between cats and dogs, I'll give the dogs this one. I had a beautiful dog for many years (she passed away at 12) and she never bit me when I petted her. However, each and every cat (except one) has nipped at my hand.

So, why do cats bite the hand that pets them? As usual, I decided to do a little research to see if I can find the answer. From what I can tell, it looks like experts do not agree on the reasons for this pet-then-bite behavior, therefore many theories abound regarding what is called petting-induced aggression.

Pet

One theory is that unlike dogs, which are more social, petting may be something outside of a cat's normal instinctive behavior. A suggested remedy is that cats need to be socialized to people as very young kittens. Even 5 minutes of human contact each day of a cat's life up to 7 weeks of age will produce a much more trusting cat than those cats that did not have human contact until they were older than 7 weeks. However, this remedy does not explain all petting-induced aggressive behavior since properly socialized cats can still display this behavior. And this remedy does not help those of us who adopted adult cats.

Some experts theorize that a cat may bite once the petting exceeds her sensitivity threshold. While the cat enjoys the human contact at first, the repetitiveness of the petting becomes irritating and the cat turns and bites as a way of saying "Enough". Another theory is that the petting not only causes irritation but that it may also cause static electricity or actual pain because of the cat's nervous system. Or, sometimes the cat may have a pain in a particular area and your touch or even the belief that you will touch that area may trigger the aggressive behavior.

Sometimes cats may find petting so pleasurable that they actually fall asleep (with open eyes). If they wake up suddenly, they may not recognize that they are being petted and may believe that you are trying to confine them. Instinctively they may bite and run before they are fully aware that they were being petted. The final theory I found is one of control. Some cats need to control the situation where they determine when the petting starts and when it stops. What is perceived as petting-induced aggression is a way for the cat let you know who is in charge. I think behavior is more in line with my experience.

No matter the reason for the petting-induced aggression, there are some things that you can do to decrease the chance your cat will suddenly bite you while being petted.
It is important to find out if your cat has a medical condition that may cause pain when he is being petted, therefore take him to the vet for a thorough examination. Petting may cause the pain to worsen or the cat to become anxious that you may touch a painful area.

Like it or not, we just need to realize that some cats simply do no enjoy being petted. Cats are unique and while some cats enjoy human contact, love to cuddled and petted, others do not like human-initiated contact. These cats may enjoy some human closeness like sitting on your lap, but they don't want to be picked up and petted. We need to understand that just like you cannot change the basic personality of humans with whom we interact, you will not be able to change the basic personality of your cat and need to accept him as he is.

While we may miss the warnings, cats seldom suddenly turn and bite. An observant cat parent will notice the following clues before the aggressive behavior starts:

• ears may go flat or back
• stiffening of the body
• twitching of the skin or tail
• dilated pupils
• a low growl
• unsheathing of the claws

If you see any of these signs, stop petting immediately and allow the cat to leave.

Once you are aware of the warning signs, you can begin to predict your cat's petting tolerance level. Begin by timing from when you begin to pet your cat to the first instance of the warning signs. You can do this over the course of a week or so. Then, the next time you pet, make sure that you do not exceed this time limit. However, while timing may provide a good guide you still need to watch out for the warning clues.

You can also change the way in which you pet your cat. Some cats may prefer to receive short small strokes; others prefer to be scratched under the chin or between the ears. Not all cats enjoy whole-body petting. Try to pet you cat using the different methods. It should become pretty clear very quickly which methods are tolerable and which are not.

If your cat does bite during petting, please do not physically correct her as this may cause more aggression. However, you can reward your cat for not biting; you can give your cat a treat after each stroke she tolerates. Over time, your cat may associate the petting with treats and, barring any pain, may experience an increased petting tolerance threshold.

In the end, only you know your cat and while you can try all of the suggestions, you may have a cat that simply does not like to be petted. While it is hard to resist that fuzzy little belly, chin, neck, etc., you may simply have to find another more mutually enjoyable way of expressing your affection to your cat.

Why Do Some Cats Bite When You Pet Them?

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Help, My Dog is Vomiting

Vomiting in dogs is a very common occurrence and can arise from a wide variety of causes, from simple gastritis to complex diseases of other body systems. Not only is it very distressing for both the dog and owner, it also provides a challenge for the veterinarian. This article explains the multiple causes of vomiting in dogs, including adverse food reactions, and the range of treatment options available.

What is vomiting?

Dog

Vomiting is the expulsion of food, fluid or debris from the stomach or small intestine due to coordinated movements of the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It is important to differentiate this from regurgitation, which is a passive process rather than a coordinated effort like vomiting.

Regurgitation is a sign of disease in the esophagus, such as obstructions (foreign bodies such as a stick, bone or toy, or a stricture), esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or megaesophagus (dilatation of the esophagus due to weakening of the smooth muscle). The main difference between regurgitation and vomiting is that regurgitation is effortless, while vomiting is accompanied by strong abdominal contractions.

How can I tell vomiting and regurgitation apart?

Sometimes this is not easy to do. Generally speaking, if it happens immediately after eating it is more likely to be regurgitation (though vomiting can still occur then). If the content of the material expelled appears to be completely undigested food, this also supports regurgitation. If the presence of bile can be confirmed though, it is more likely to be vomiting.

Causes of vomiting

The most common causes of vomiting are dietary related, either through dietary indiscretion (e.g. overeating, eating overly rich or spoiled food) which causes acute (sudden) vomiting, or adverse food reactions (food allergies) which can cause chronic (long term and intermittent) vomiting.

However, there are a huge number of other causes arising from either the gastrointestinal system itself (stomach and small intestine) or secondary to disease elsewhere in the body (e.g. liver or kidney disease). Within the stomach, possible causes include:

1. Gastritis (inflammatory disease)

2. Stomach ulceration

3. Stomach cancer

4. Obstruction (foreign bodies, telescoping of intestine)

5. Hiatal hernia (part stomach herniating through the diaphragm)

Possible causes within the intestine include:

1. Infectious diseases (e.g. parvovirus)

2. Worms

3. Inflammatory bowel disease

4. Intestinal cancer

Secondary causes of vomiting that are due to disease elsewhere in the body include:

1. Pancreatitis (infection or inflammation of the pancreas)

2. Peritonitis (infection in the abdominal cavity)

3. Hepatitis (liver inflammation)

4. Kidney failure

5. Pyometra (infection of the uterus)

6. Hormonal deficiencies or excesses (e.g. Addisons disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Septicemia, Calcium imbalance)

Other potential causes that do not fit into the above categories are drug reactions (e.g. digoxin, chemotherapy drugs, NSAIDs) and neurological disorders.

Treatment of vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Whether or not treatment is appropriate depends upon the individual circumstances. If the dog is only vomiting occasionally, is bright and otherwise normal on examination, treatment is probably not necessary. Some dogs with sensitive digestive systems will vomit once or twice a month regardless of any treatment, and if they are otherwise well this should be ignored.

For acute vomiting cases, the first step should always be to starve the dog for 24 hours (while keeping plenty of water available ad lib). After the period of starvation, the dog should be offered small portions of a very bland food, such as chicken and boiled rice, for a few days. Meals should be fed as smaller portions several times a day, rather than one larger meal.

Though treating the symptom itself will often improve patient demeanor and comfort, it is no replacement for making a correct diagnosis of the underlying cause, and certain drugs can be harmful if given blindly (for example, giving metoclopromide to a dog with a gastric or intestinal obstruction). Certainly cases of acute and severe vomiting require immediate treatment, as dogs can become rapidly dehydrated, develop electrolyte imbalances and aspiration pneumonia otherwise.

Managing the vomiting dog

There are 2 goals when dealing with a vomiting dog:

1. Identify the underlying cause

2. Stop the vomiting in a safe and effective manner

In many cases, anti emetic therapy (the technical term for vomiting is emesis, and therefore drugs used to treat it are called anti emetics) is instigated immediately while the cause is being established.

A veterinarian will start by taking a full history, focusing especially on normal diet, recent medication, vaccination status and the description of the symptoms. He or she must first make sure that the dog is genuinely vomiting and not regurgitating, which has a completely different set of underlying causes. It is also important to get a graphic description of the material expelled, and whether it contained bile, fresh blood or what appears to be coffee granules (partly digested blood).

The next step is a full clinical examination, including carefully feeling the abdomen, taking the dogs rectal temperature and assessing the hydration status. Once this is completed, a veterinarian will have a slightly narrowed down list of differential diagnoses in mind. If the dog is not dehydrated, bright in demeanor, and both vital parameters and feeling the abdomen were normal, the veterinarian will often (and rightly so) make a presumptive diagnosis of gastritis, or gastroenteritis if diarrhea is present too, and prescribe antibiotics to combat the likely bacterial infection. The owner is then likely to be sent home with instructions to starve the dog for 24hrs and give bland food for a few days, alongside the antibiotics. The owner is instructed to monitor the dog closely, and return immediately if there are any signs of deterioration, or 2 to 3 days later for a routine check up.

If there are any findings in the clinical history or the physical examination that trigger concern, then further tests are necessary. The first of these is usually blood tests for hematology and biochemistry profiles. Urine and feces may also be analysed, the latter for either nasty bacteria or parasites. Additional laboratory tests may be required in certain circumstances, such as bile acid stimulation testing if liver dysfunction is suspected, or an ACTH stimulation test to look for adrenal disease.

The next stage of the work up involves imaging. The most useful is abdominal radiography (xrays), but ultrasonography and endoscopy can also be very important. Radiography and endoscopy both have to be carried out under general anesthesia, while ultrasonography can be performed conscious. If the imaging does not reveal the underlying cause then biopsies may be taken, either endoscopically guided or via exploratory surgery. Histopathology of these samples (studying the tissue microscopically) can give vital clues as to the cause, particularly by differentiating between inflammation and cancer.

The final diagnostic option is the therapeutic trial. If the dog gets better on the medication prescribed, then it must have been a certain type of disease that responds to that drug. By this rationale, wormers, antibiotics or an exclusion diet trial may be chosen.

Drugs used in the treatment of vomiting

1. Stomach protectants and antacids

These medications are useful when stomach ulceration is suspected. Examples include sucralfate (acts like a band aid over the ulcer), H2 antagonists (reduce acid production) and omeprazole (also reduces acidity).

2. Metoclopromide

This drug blocks a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine, which prevents activation of the vomiting centre in the brain (known as the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone). It is only partially effective in doing this though, and has the additional effect of increasing forward motility of the gut. This means it must never be given to dogs that might have a stomach or intestinal obstruction. It can also cause mental changes such as hyperactivity and disorientation.

3. Phenothiazines (e.g. Acepromazine, ACP)

These are effective at blocking the dopamine receptors mentioned above, in addition to other receptors involved in the vomiting reflex. They are usually used when metoclopromide has failed, but also have undesirable side effects such as low blood pressure and sedation.

4. Antihistamines

Histamine receptors are also present in the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone, the part of the brain that controls the vomiting reflex. Antihistamines are effective in blocking vomiting that is due to motion sickness, but are little use against other causes.

5. Domperidone

Domperidone has a similar action to metoclopromide in that it blocks dopamine receptors and secondarily blocks serotonin receptors, but it does not have the promotility effects of metoclopromide. However, side effects include vulval enlargement and possible effects on fertility.

6. Maropitant

This is a new drug that is a Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. It can be given orally or by injection, and is extremely effective at stopping vomiting by working both on the vomiting centre in the brain and on the stomach itself. It is deemed so effective at stopping vomiting that veterinarians must be careful to properly investigate potentially dangerous underlying causes, that could be masked fatally by this drug.

Help, My Dog is Vomiting

Dr David Brooks is part of the online veterinary team at PetInsuranceExpert.co.uk [http://www.petinsuranceexpert.co.uk] - the complete UK pet insurance resource. Visit us today to find the right pet insurance for your pet

How to Start a Pet Transportation Business

Pet Transportation Services are needed as the number of pets in the U.S. has grown tremendously over the past few decades. According to the U.S. Pet ownership and Demographics sourcebook, there are an estimated 60 million dogs and 70 million cats in American homes today. Apart from that, households which own pets have been recorded to spend 36% more in 2001 as compared to 1996. With this, owning a business that caters to the pet market, including a pet transportation service has lots of potential for healthy growth.

This is due to the fact that many Americans move around the country yearly and thus would require pet transportation services to move their pets as well. On a smaller scale, pet transportation services can also cater for local residents who require these services to transport their pets to and from the vet, within a local area or even to the crematorium for pets which have died.

Pet

Start Up Costs and Financing Sources:

Starting a pet transportation business really depends on the scale that you want your business to be. If you want to start on a smaller scale, all you really need is probably a pickup truck that has been modified to be safe and suitable for the transport of animals. Of course, you will need to set up an office or operate from your home with just a telephone, email and a fax machine. All of these will cost you less than ,000.

On a larger scale, especially when you are considering cross border transportation, you will probably need to invest on a larger truck that can accommodate a few pets at the same time. Apart from that, the insides of the truck will need to be made suitable, safe and clean for pets, with adequate ventilation and cleaning facilities. In order to make this business viable, you may need to quickly expand your business to include sales agent offices in various locations. This way, you can build up business volume in order to increase profitability. All of these may cost you anywhere from 0,000 to 0,000 in initial start up costs.

Financing can be obtained from investors who may be interested in the potentials of such a business. Other than that, lending institutions such as banks can be approached to obtain a loan for the business. As with any business start-up, an impressive business plan must be developed for potential investors and financiers, indicating the potential growth as well as the estimated annual costs and revenue of the business.

Pricing Guidelines for Service:

The pricing strategy for a pet transportation service business fluctuates based on the fixed and variable cost of the business, as well as the nature of the service provided. Local transportation services may start with a minimum charge of to for the first 20 miles and an additional for every 10 miles after that.

As for interstate transportation or transportation between cities, the distance between the origin and the destination will be the major price determinant. With this, prices may range from 0 and up, depending also on the size of the animal and the pet carrier.

Advertising and Marketing:

As you are targeting pet owners, the best marketing approach would to advertise in locations where pet owners would go. Reading material for pet owners as well as events that are attended by the same target group. Placing brochures within pet stores and probably awarding pet stores with commissions for every customer they recommend to you would be a good idea. Advertising in pet magazines or getting a write up on your services would be helpful. Of course, classified ads in the Yellow pages are a must in order to make it easy for customers to locate you.

Other channels of promotion would be participation as a vendor in dog shows or exhibitions. Doing this will help increase awareness on the existence of the business. Additionally, working with associations such as the American Kennel Association would create and improve visibility to pet breeders and pet store owners. Especially when you participate in events organized by these associations.

Launching a website and allowing potential customers to get instant price estimates from your website would also be a great idea.

Essential Equipment

This business requires a fair amount of equipment, in which the most important would be the vehicle that is used to transport the animals. Apart from that, other equipment such as crates, kennels and carriers may be required as some customers do not have these items with them. The size and usage of these crates must be according to the guidelines set by the Independent Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA).

Handlers and drivers will need to be employed to care for the animals while they are in transit. Other equipment required would be built-in sinks within the vehicle to allow for easy cleaning and water refills.

Recommended training, experience, or needed skills:

There is no extensive training required for a pet transportation service business. However, good and responsible drivers and animal handlers need to be engaged. It would be best if you have a background and experience in handling animals during travel so you can train your staff and ensure that they are handling animals in the correct manner. Apart from that, your staff must also know what to do if they encounter problems during the journey, and should also be equipped with the latest kennel and vet location information in case of emergencies.

Apart from that, the business owner must be well informed on all legal requirements pertaining to pet transportation. For example, there are IPATA guidelines on the size of crates and wire crates that are required by law. Moreover, all pets must be accompanied by an inter-state travel certificate that has been certified by a veterinarian.

Income potential:

The income potential of this business is dependent on how large the business grows to. A larger business with multiple offices and destinations will be able to sustain a higher sales volume. With this, the pet transportation business will be able to generate at least a six- figure income each year.

Target market:

Pet owners, pet stores and animal breeders.

Success tips:

A pet transportation business requires investment and a passion for welfare of animals in order for it to be successful. As it is also a niche market, lots of marketing and advertising need to be invested into the business in order to create the awareness of the services.

How to Start a Pet Transportation Business

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy currently has a website dealing with Reviews of Coffee Related Products such as coffee makers, espresso makers, coffee, k-cups, and more plus articles on coffee enemas and other coffee and health related topics. He also has a website of Reviews of Small Appliances [http://www.smallappliancebuyerguides.com/] such as ice cream makers, vacuum cleaners, mixers, irons, toasters, food processors, and many other appliances.

Target Healthy Weight Loss

Healthy weight loss is such a huge topic.

It is a huge financial enterprise. The big brand companies which own the supplements also monopolise magazines. In other words, it doesn't pay for you to succeed because they want you to buy their shakes and powders and subscribe to their magazines. If you reach your goal of losing weight, then the companies would lose custom. These articles are not designed to target weight loss for the normal person who is concerned about their weight. They are designed to help you up to a point so that you would be a returning customer and buy further products which they suggest.

Dog

There are always exceptions to the rule though where testimonials reflect how amazing a product was.

Most diets help to target weight loss and actually lose weight, the hard part is maintaining weight loss.

Detox diets are not diets as such. They do have their place and do contribute hugely to weight loss, but are only a short term plan of up to 2 weeks.

Diets over a period of time are very stressful. Reading my article on "help with losing weight" will put your mind at ease.

Ultimately, there are real reasons as to why people are overweight. There are reasons why people find it hard to stick to exercise programs and diets. Everybody is an individual with different activities, jobs, lifestyle, metabolic rates etc and just because it worked for somebody, doesn't mean it will work for you.

If you want to target weight loss, do it the healthy way.

Drink plenty of water. Eat at the right times. Don't miss meals. Eat little and often to keep up your metabolism. Drink plenty of water. Vary your eating plans. Make fresh home cooked meals at a fraction of the cost of a restaurant. Drink plenty of water. Don't over eat. A little exercise such as walking the dog is great for you and the dog, and burns calories. Did I mention, drink plenty of water?

Target healthy weight loss and set your goals

If you decide that you would like to reach a certain weight in too short a time then you are kidding yourself. You will then give up! Aim for a small loss. If you achieve your first goal or get close, then give yourself a pat on the back. Set your next goal and be realistic. Don't listen to advertising reports. "I lost 42 pounds in 7 days". That might be true, but at what expense? Little by little is the only way. Eat well, exercise well, feel well.

Stay away from foods advertising low fat, fat free and sugar free. Artificial sugar in all diet drinks etc, not only do our bodies not like it, but they do not help with weight loss, they hinder it. Ultimately, anything made with less has something more, usually carbohydrates. Carbohydrates turn to sugar and then to fat. What happened to fat free and sugar free?

For more info visit my site

Justin

Target Healthy Weight Loss

Visit Target Healthy Food [http://www.targethealthyfood.com] for advice on food, nutrition and weight loss.

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Pet Microchip ID - Is Your Pet Protected?

The microchip implantation method of identifying your pet is one of the safest methods available today for protecting and identifying your pet. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and remains completely inactive...until activated by a scanner. The pet microchip ID has almost completely replaced the tattoo for permanent pet identification.

The pet microchip ID satisfies the AKC's requirements for record keeping and identification. The pet microchip ID has been around since the 80's and has recently been made mandatory in some areas. In the United Kingdom more than half the dog population have been implanted with the pet microchip ID.

Pet

By combining the pet ID tag and collar method of identification with microchipping you guarantee your pet maximum protection when your pet is lost. If you have a chip implanted in your pet and you travel abroad, you should take along your own scanner since most foreign countries use a different frequency than the United States. While traveling, make sure your pet has a collar and readable pet ID tag as well. You don't want your pet to end up a statistic because the animal regulation authority couldn't find you.

More pets die each year, almost 20 million, due to being lost than any other reason. Most kennels and breeders have the capability to implant a pet microchip ID into your pet. The cost of the pet microchip ID is relatively inexpensive and can be had for around at most shelters. Through standard channels, vets and breeders, it runs between and .

Protect your dog by standard pet ID tag and by implanting the microchip ID and you can rest assured that you have taken maximum steps for your pets safety. Keep your dog safe and good luck.

Pet Microchip ID - Is Your Pet Protected?

For a free pet handbook with a great article on dog barking visit my blog.

How to Clean Carpet Stains Using Household Liquids

Carpet stains are most difficult to get rid of when it has settled into the fiber for a long time. Stains can damage a carpet; they can also promote the wreaking of various odors and the spread of all sorts of germs and bacteria that can prove to be harmful if not taken care of in good time and in proper ways. However, these stains are not far from being easily removed and you can do this just by using regular household items. Learn how to clean a carpet with these following liquids and you can save money from buying super expensive cleaning solutions.

Water

Pet

When it comes to fresh carpet stains, water is still the best solution. With warm or even hot water and a few paper towels or rags, this is the best way to clean up a carpet stain on a budget. However, this is only best if you clean up a new spill and not something that has been in the carpet for a long time (long enough to attract all sorts of bacteria and form odors). So after a new spill, warm water and paper towels is best to absorb and get rid of any liquids and small debris.

Ammonia

Another effective solution to stains is the ammonia. Here is how to clean carpet stains with the chemical. You will need to mix a tablespoon of the stuff with a half-cup of water first because ammonia alone can be very harsh and damaging to any carpet. Blot the mixture onto the stain and leave it there for a couple of minutes. Then, use a sponge and clean water to blot that area again and you will notice that the stain will now be absorbed into the sponge as it was loosened by the ammonia.

Vinegar

Vinegar has another use that has nothing to do with food: carpet cleaning. Here's how to clean carpet stains with this condiment. Again, this should not be used in its pure form and it is highly recommended that you use white vinegar. Mix a third of a cup of the vinegar with a two-thirds cup of water. Then blot it on the area where the stain is (this is especially helpful with beer stains that give off an odor). Then use a sponge and some water to blot that area again to absorb the stain and liquid off the carpet.

Rubbing Alcohol

Here's one household item that you can actually use in its pure form. Rubbing alcohol is especially useful in removing stubborn and sticky stains such as ink. It will help remove the stickiness from the ink so that it can be wiped off easily. Rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove blood stains as well but perhaps a little water will be needed to help remove it further.

Carpet cleaning emergencies can be solved by these simple household liquid items. This is a great way on how to clean carpet stains minus the hassle of going to the department store and wasting time as a spill sets into your rug.

How to Clean Carpet Stains Using Household Liquids

Get the best carpet cleaning tip and more secrets on how to clean carpet dirt with household liquids!

Why You Need Dog Collars for Dog Training

There is still an ongoing debate on whether the use of electronic dog collars in dog training is a good thing or a bad one. There are still a lot of dog lovers that don't agree that they need to hurt their pets even if it's for their own good. They'd rather choose a different method in training their pets other than using the dog collars. Most prefer the reward system but this often takes a long time to perfect, and the pet doesn't usually learn the important things that you want them to learn.

Dog training is not an easy task to complete but it will surely bring a lot of benefits to both the dog owner and their pets. A well trained dog is obedient and knows how to listen to commands which is very convenient for owners, when they want their pets to join them in one of their activities outside their home. They can also easily have their pets inside their home without having to worry about the carpet or sofa getting peed or pooped on. And with the help of a dog collar, things will surely speed up.

Dog

The collar will only tend to guide the pets for them not to continue in doing their bad habits; and it will also give you, the master, better control over them. Properly using the collar will help you teach your pet all the skills that you can and eliminate their bad habits through punishment.

This kind of dog training will surely be easy and can achieve results in a short time. But make sure that you properly use it and not just give punishment on wrong issues. Just be clear with what actions are punishable because this will easily help your pet know what kind of actions they need to stop doing. Only use the collar to assist you in teaching your beloved pets.

Dog training is not easy but possible to achieve with time and effort. The success of this program is determined depending on how strong you and your pet's bonding has been and how well your dog knows that you are his master. It is often the most common problem of pet owners with their pet. They seem to be confused about how to show their pets their rightful role. As a result, the pets sometimes misbehave because they no longer listen to your words. Or they forget that they should follow their master's commands.

Why You Need Dog Collars for Dog Training

Now you can have online dog training strategies or get a dog training book to be able to train your dog well.

Dog Nail Grooming - Dog Nail Clipping

Nail clippers are the essential tools for dog nail grooming, working for both professional and home use. There are many sizes and models available for clippers, it is all about choosing the model that best suits your dog's needs. Medium-sized clippers usually work on all breeds except for very large dogs. Grinders are an alternative to clippers and lots of groomers used them for more delicate dog nail grooming tasks.

Clippers cut and grinders smooth off edges.Dog nail grooming is complex and it usually requires a combination of tools for maximum of efficiency. There is a guard attached to some clippers which prevents cutting too much nail, yet, because of this guard, you may not see the nail when cutting and you could injury the toe veins. Such accidents are frequent in home grooming because of the wrong use of tools.

Dog

More advanced equipment for dog nail grooming stems the bleeding and cauterizes the vein if the clippers touch it. The problem with dog nail grooming is that you have to be very careful and maximize the dog's comfort, or you risk to make the animal nervous and agitated, thus reducing the chances of trimming the nails properly.

Even so, dog nail grooming should not be neglected. Well, long nails can be very painful for animals, particularly when they live indoors and have few opportunities to smooth the nails against the ground. Improperly trimmed nails also carry the risk of ingrown nails, which are both painful and uncomfortable. If you can hear the dog's nails clicking against the floor, then, you should cut them right away.

Sometimes, dog nail grooming requires smoothing or filing because lots of dogs have very brittle nails that splinter when you cut them short. Consider your dog's tolerance and disposition when trimming nails. Don't attempt at cutting them all at once; breaks are usually necessary in order to allow the animal to relax. There have been cases when pets have bitten their masters during this kind of grooming episodes.

With many pets it takes a lot of time to get used to nail trimming. Tolerance can be helped with careful handling, but this doesn't always work. Try the reward system and give your pet a tiny treat after each nail cut. Wait for a while, then move on to the next nail.

Dog Nail Grooming - Dog Nail Clipping

Tip: Check Out This Dog Grooming Book And Discover The Secrets Of Master Dog Groomers And Save Hundreds Of Dollars On Your Dog Grooming Bills Without Even Leaving Your Home!

Cat Fur

This a big problem for a number of reasons. Many people keep their cats largely indoors these days and its my opinion that this contributes to poor coat quality in cats and to fur loss and shedding around your home. Cats by nature like to groom themselves a lot to keep sleek and clean. If their fur quality is poor for what ever reason they tend to groom more and guess what? they swallow quite a bit in the process and get a fur ball.This is easily treated but can be avoided by regular attention to the coat.

I think indoor cats need to be groomed regularly to give them a helping hand with the process. You can buy a metal two-sided comb for cats and make a gentle start even when they are kittens. Normally cats will enjoy this, but don't do it for too long because this can lead to a sudden sense of humour failure from your cat and you may be put off doing this for ever if he or she lashes out. I think every couple of days for a few minutes is fine.

Cat

Long haired breeds pose a number of further problems. Obviously they will need grooming too, but many resent this especially on the abdomen and between the legs. Start early to avoid disappointing results when your cat is older.

Sometimes a very large clump of fur will develop. Even the whole side of the cat can be involved. Don't neglect this. If you do it can lead to unpleasant skin diseases and provide the perfect home for fleas and other skin parasites. You may be tempted to cut this off with scissors. I would advise against this. I have stitched up many a cat where the tearful owner has been a bit clumsy and cut through the skin. It takes skill to remove this wad of fur. Go to the vet. He will have special clippers designed for the job, and remember it may be necessary to give your pet an anesthetic or sedation to do this so starve your pet just in case.

Old cats may have either dental problems or sometimes mental problems which means they essentially have given up grooming due to dental pain or from loss of mental acuity. Talk to your vet. He is trained to help out with this.But you will need to groom an older cat much more.

Cat Fur

Steve is a veterinary surgeon in London with wide interests. Come visit his latest website over at http://bad-credit-people.com which helps people find the best bad credit options and information they are looking for to find a loan.

10 Questions I'm Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

1. What is heat?

Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.

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2. What are the symptoms?

Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don't expect bleeding comparable to a human female.

For small dogs, it's usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle. Other than the bleeding, the most noticeable symptom may be
male dogs hanging around your house.

3. When does a dog come into heat?

The average female dog has her first cycle about six months of age. A few dogs start earlier and few dogs later, even as late as 14-months.

If you have a new female puppy, you should watch her and note when she has her first cycle. If she's 14-months old and still hasn't't been in heat, you should take her to a veterinarian.

4. How long does the heat cycle last?

The average is three weeks or 21-days. In some dogs, it lasts only two weeks while others go four weeks.

5. How often will she be in heat?

Most female dogs have regular cycles usually every six to eight months. It's quite typical to be in heat twice a year.

6. When can she get pregnant?

She can get pregnant only when in heat. Some breeders
test for progesterone levels to identify the most fertile days but the rule-of-thumb is that the most fertile days are 11-15 of her cycle.

Note - when she's in heat, the average dog will permit any male
dog to mount her. Few females, however, will accept a male when
they're not in heat.

7. Can she get pregnant her first cycle?

Yes. However, responsible breeders generally would not breed a dog that early. For one thing, you need to do genetic testing and some serious problems such as hip conditions do not show up until a dog is approximately 2-years of age.

8. Can I take her on walks during this cycle?

Yes with care. She has no problem with the exercise but she's a walking magnet for male dogs.

Even the best trained and behaved female dog will succumb to hormones. You can't trust her off a leash or out of your control. Never let her outside by herself even in a fenced yard if there is any possibility of male dogs nearby.

For walks, if there are male dogs in your neighborhood, it's a good idea to take your dog in your car and drive to a remote area. Take her for the walk there and drive back home. Otherwise, the scent of her urine and vaginal discharge will blaze a trail to your home.

9. When I can have her spayed?

The answer to that one has changed continually over the
25-years I've been in the dog business. People used to be told to let their dog go through at least one cycle or let them have one litter.

Today, veterinarians are doing it much earlier. Some vets spay as early as 6-weeks of age! Talk to your veterinarian about your dog and the vet's preferences. The state of veterinary medicine also is much improved over the past 25-years.

10. If I don't have her spayed, will she go through menopause.

No. Her fertility may decline but she will not go through menopause comparable to a human's. She won't lose her ability to become pregnant even as a senior so if you don't want to her to have any (or more) litters, she must be spayed.

10 Questions I'm Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and the creator of http://www.ToyBreeds.com, your online resource for Toy breed dogs.

Dog Grooming - Why it Must Be Done

Over the course of thousands of years, the dog has evolved from a wild pack animal into the favorite pet of humans, and has become to be known as "Mans best friend". The dog has found its place in the modern family of today, and for children to grow up with a dog for pet, has become a tradition. Dogs are fun to have around, and the mutual attachment of a dog to its owner, is nothing short of pure love.

Ownership of a dog does not come without responsibility. A dog must be cared for as if it were another member of the family. It is the job of the dog owner to provide a safe clean environment for for his pet, and to groom it on a regular basis in order to maintain a healthy existence.

Dog

There are many reasons to groom your dog regularly. The first and most obvious one is to make your dog look good. Most people are proud of their pets and want them looking nice. But their are more reasons than just the cosmetic ones. Every dog needs regular bathing and brushing to keep the fleas and ticks away, and to keep its coat healthy and shiny. Regular brushing also controls shedding, that otherwise can be a real nuisance.

Just like people, a dogs nails must be checked and trimmed. If you don't trim your dogs nails regularly, they can not only scratch up the furniture and flooring in your home, but could accidentally scratch you or your child as well. A dog can get untrimmed nails hung up or caught on something like fabric. That fabric could be your new sweater or a couch or chair.

A dogs teeth and gums need to be looked at routinely as well. Make sure there is no swelling or bleeding of the gums. Gum disease is prevalent in many breeds, and can actually lead to death if not given proper attention. You should brush the teeth once a week to prevent these kinds of problems.

Always give close attention to your dogs ears while grooming. Try to not let water get in the ears when bathing, as this could spur on an infection. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean in and around the creases in the ear, but don't attempt to probe too deeply.

These are not only steps to follow when grooming your dog, but the reason why each procedure must be done, and the consequences that could occur if neglected. This should encourage a dog owner to have a little more attention to detail.

Dog Grooming - Why it Must Be Done

Dog grooming is a must, and often times too expensive to have done by a professional. If you are a dog owner that could use a few more tips on properly grooming your dog, visit the authors Blog Page at http://doggroomingguide.blogspot.com/

113 Facts About Animal Cruelty

1. Animals caught in traps can suffer for days before succumbing to exposure, shock, or attacks by predators.
2. Traps often kill "non-target" animals, including dogs and endangered species.
3. To cut costs, fur farmers pack animals into small cages, preventing them from taking more than a few steps back and forth.
4. Crowding and confinement is especially distressing to minks- solitary animals who occupy up to 2,500 acres of wetland in the wild.
5. The frustration of life in a cage leads minks to self-mutilate- biting their skin, tails, feet- or frantically pace and circle endlessly.
6. "PETA investigators witnessed rampant cruelty to animals. Workers beat pigs with metal rods and jabbed pins into pigs' eyes and faces."
7. Snakes and lizards are skinned alive because of the belief that live flaying makes leather more supple.
8. Piglets are separated from their mothers when they are as young as 10 days old.
9. Once her piglets are gone, the sow is impregnated again, and the cycle continues for three or four years before she is slaughtered.
10. Approximately 3 to 4 million cats and dogs- many of them healthy, young, and adoptable- must be euthanized in animal shelters every year.
11. Cows produce milk for the same reason that humans do- to nourish their young - but on dairy farms calves are taken away at 1 day old.
12. 1 day old calves are fed milk replacements (including cattle blood) so that their mothers' milk can be sold to humans.
13. Animals can suffer brain damage or death from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs.
14. Each year, approximately 10,000 bulls die in bullfights.
15. Most cows are intensively confined, unable to fulfill their most basic desires, such as nursing their calves, even for a single day.
16. Cows are fed unnatural, high-protein diets-which include dead chickens, pigs, and other animals.
17. Overall, factory-farmed animals, including those on dairy farms, produce 1.65 billion tons of manure each year.
18. Kid goats are boiled alive to make gloves.
19. The skins of unborn calves and lambs - some aborted, others from slaughtered pregnant cows - are considered "luxurious."
20. About 285 million hens are raised for eggs in the US. In tiny spaces so small they cannot move a wing.
21. The wire mesh of the cages rubs off hens feathers, chafes their skin, and causes their feet to become crippled.
22. Before 1986, only four states had felony animal cruelty laws.
23. Glue traps cause terror and agony to any animals who touch them, leaving them to suffer for days.
24. In one study, 70% of animal abusers also had records for other crimes.
25. Sealers often hook baby seals in the eye, cheek, or mouth to avoid damaging their fur, then drag them across the ice to skin them.
26. Arsenic-laced additives are mixed into the feed of about 70 percent of the chickens raised for food.
27. Every year, nearly a million seals worldwide are subjected to painful and often lingering deaths, largely for the sake of fashion.
28. Scientists estimate that 100 species go extinct every day! That's about one species every 15 minutes.
29. Every year in the US, 50 million male piglets are castrated (usually without being given any painkillers).
30. More than 15 million warm-blooded animals are used in research every year.
31. The methods used in fur factory farms are designed to maximize profits, almost always at the expense of the animals.
32. To test cosmetics, cleaners, and other products, hundreds of thousands of animals are poisoned, blinded, and killed every year.
33. In extremely crowded conditions, piglets are prone to stress-related behavior such as cannibalism and tail-biting.
34. Farmers often chop off piglets' tails and use pliers to break off the ends of their teeth- without giving them any painkillers.
35. For identification purposes, farmers cut out chunks of young pigs ears.
36. Animals on fur farms spend their entire lives confined to cramped, filthy wire cages.
37. For fur, small animals may be crammed into boxes and poisoned with hot, unfiltered engine exhaust from a truck.
38. Engine exhaust is not always lethal, and some animals wake up while they are being skinned.
39. Larger animals have clamps attached to or rods forced into their mouth or anus so they can be painfully electrocuted.
40. Bird poisons attack birds' nervous systems, causing them to suffer seizures, erratic flight, and tremors for hours before dying.
41. If you drink milk, you're subsidizing the veal industry.
42. Male calves are often taken away from their mothers at 1 day old, chained in tiny stalls for 3-18 weeks, and raised for veal.
43. After they are taken from their mothers, piglets are confined to pens until they are separated to be raised for breeding or meat.
44. Although chickens can live for more than a decade, hens raised for their eggs are exhausted and killed by age 2.
45. More than 100 million "spent" hens are killed in slaughterhouses every year.
46. Forty-five states currently have felony provisions for animal cruelty. (Those without are AK, ID, MS, ND and SD.)
47. Dogs used for fighting are chained, taunted, and starved to trigger extreme survival instincts and encourage aggressiveness.
48. Dogs that lose fights (or refuse) are often abandoned, tortured, set on fire, electrocuted, shot, drowned, or beaten to death.
49. Cows on average product 16 lbs of milk per day. With hormones, antibiotics, and genetic manipulation? 54 lbs a day.
50. Humane treatment is not a priority for those who poach and hunt animals to obtain their skin.
51. Alligators on farms may be beaten with hammers and axes, sometimes remaining conscious and in pain for 2 hours after skinning.
52. Investigation of animal abuse is often the first point of social services intervention for a family in trouble.
53. A Canadian Police study found that 70 percent of people arrested for animal cruelty had past records of other violent crimes.
54. Dog fighting and cock-fighting are illegal in all 50 states.
55. Hoarding of animals exists in virtually every community. Well-intentioned people overwhelmed by animal overpopulation crisis.
56. The consequences for hoarders, their human dependents, animals, and the community are extremely serious- and often fatal for animals.
57. Declawing is a painful mutilation that involves 10 amputations - not just the nails - but the ends of toes (bone and all).
58. The long-term effects of declawing include skin and bladder problems and the gradual weakening of cats' legs, shoulders, and back.
59. Declawing is both painful and traumatic, and it has been outlawed in Germany and other parts of Europe as a form of cruelty.
60. Kangaroos are slaughtered by the millions every year; their skins are considered prime material for soccer shoes.
61. Across the US, 6 to 8 million stray and abandoned animals enter animal shelters every year, and about half must be euthanized.
62. In California, America's top milk-producing state, manure from dairy farms has poisoned hundreds of square miles of groundwater.
63. Each of the more than 1 million cows on the state's dairy farms excrete 18 gallons of manure daily.
64. Every year, the global leather industry slaughters more than a billion animals and tans their skins and hides.
65. Elephants who perform in circuses are often kept in chains for as long as 23 hours a day from the time they are babies.
66. Every year, millions of animals are killed for the clothing industry.
67. An immeasurable amount of suffering goes into every fur-trimmed jacket, leather belt, and wool sweater.
68. Neglect and abandonment are the most common forms of companion animal abuse in the United States.
69. On any given day in the U.S., there are more than 65 million pigs on factory farms, and 112 million are killed for food each year.
70. Every year, dogs suffer and die when left in a parked car- even for "just a minute" - parked cars are deathtraps for dogs.
71. Dog owners: On a 78 degree F day, the temperature in a shaded car is 90°F, in the sun it can climb to 160°F in minutes.
72. 98% of Americans consider pets to be companions or members of the family.
73. For medical experimentation animals can be burned, shocked, poisoned, isolated, starved, addicted to drugs, and brain-damaged.
74. Regardless of how trivial or painful animal experiments may be, none are prohibited by law.
75. When valid non-animal research methods are available, no law requires experimenters to use such methods instead of animals.
76. On average it takes 1,000 dogs to maintain a mid-sized racetrack operation. There are over 30 tracks in the United States.
77. Female cows are artificially inseminated shortly after their first birthdays. Happy birthday!
78. Birds don't belong in cages. Bored, lonely, denied the opportunity to fly, deprived of companionship...
79. Many birds become neurotic in cages - pulling out feathers, bobbing their heads incessantly, and repeatedly pecking.
80. According to industry reports, more than 1 million pigs die en route to slaughter each year.
81. More than 100 million animals every year suffer and die in cruel chemical, drug, food and cosmetic tests, biology lessons, etc.
82. Approximately 9 billion chickens are raised and killed for meat each year in the U.S.
83. The industry refers to chickens as "broilers" and raises them in huge, ammonia-filled, windowless sheds with artificial lighting.
84. Some chickens spend their entire lives standing on concrete floors.
85. Some chickens are confined to massive, crowded lots, where they are forced to live amid their own waste.
86. Neglect/Abandonment is the most prevalent form of animal abuse (approximately 36% of all animal abuse cases.)
87. Cows are treated like milk-producing machines and are genetically manipulated and pumped full of antibiotics and hormones.
88. Foie gras is made from the grotesquely enlarged livers of ducks and geese who have been cruelly force-fed.
89. The best way to save cows from the misery of factory farms is to stop buying milk and other dairy products. Discover soy!
90. A typical slaughterhouse kills about 1,000 hogs per hour.
91. The sheer number of animals killed makes it impossible for pigs' deaths to be humane and painless.
92. Because of improper stunning, many hogs are alive when they reach the scalding hot water baths.
93. 13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence.
94. Animal cruelty problems are people problems. When animals are abused, people are at risk.
95. Instead of improving conditions for animals, the dairy industry is exploring the use of genetically manipulated cattle.
96. More than half the fur in the US comes from China, where millions of dogs and cats are bludgeoned, hanged, and bled to death.
97. Millions of pounds of antibiotics are fed to chickens, who metabolize only about 20 percent of the drugs fed to them.
98. The 3 trillion pounds of waste produced by factory-farmed animals every year is usually used to fertilize crops.
99. Chaining dogs, while unfortunately legal in most areas, is one of the cruelest punishments imaginable for social animals.
100. Tens of thousands of horses from the United States are slaughtered every year to be used for horsemeat in Europe and Asia.
101. Since the last horse slaughter plants in the US were closed in 2007, thousands of horses have been shipped to Canada/Mexico.
102. Abusers kill, harm, or threaten children's pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse.
103. There are no federal laws to regulate the voltage or use of electric prods on pigs.
104. Forty-one of the 45 state felony animal cruelty laws were enacted in the last two decades.
105. In the United States, 1.13 million animals were used in experiments in 2009, plus an estimated 100 million mice and rats.
106. As a result of disease, pesticides, and climate changes, the honeybee population has been nearly decimated.
107. Many studies have found a link between cruelty to animals and other forms of interpersonal violence.
108. Cows have a natural lifespan of about 20 years and can produce milk for eight or nine years.
109. A fur coat is pretty cool- for an animal to wear.
110. Eighteen red foxes are killed to make one fox-fur coat, 55 minks to make a mink coat.
111. Fur farmers use the cheapest and cruelest killing methods available: suffocation, electrocution, gassing, and poisoning.
112. In addition to diarrhea, pneumonia, and lameness, calves raised for veal are terrified and desperate for their mothers.
113. During Canada's annual commercial seal slaughter, as many as 300,000 seals are shot or bludgeoned.

Dog

113 Facts About Animal Cruelty

Thank you for equipping yourself with knowledge. Help spread the word by sharing these animal cruelty facts!

Cat Biting Off Toes?

Does your cat bite at you, or nip at your heels when you are relaxing in the morning eating your breakfast? For many cat owners this is a daily occurrence but with a few changes you can change how your cat behaves.

Cat biting is one of the most common cat behavior problems right next to cat urine issues. A cat biting at you is seen as an annoyance by many cat owners, but for many it can be a very scary if you have a particularly aggressive cat.

Cat

One of things you can do to stop this behavior before it occurs is to start observing your cat's behavior more closely. Many people state that their cats are acting friendly and then just suddenly bite them. Well the truth is your cat is probably giving you subtle clues that it is about to bite you.

For instance, does your cat become more active all of a sudden before biting you? Another thing to look out for is does your cat directly approach your foot? I have found that cats that are in the biting mood move more in a straight line and with their heads down.

If you start observing your cat you can pick up clues about when your cat will bite you. When you are able to do this you need to break your cat's state of mind. You can do this with a spray bottle, a can with some coins in it to make some noise, or just by moving away from your cat.

By studying your cat closer you can tell when they might bite, and if you break the habit enough eventually your cat should stop doing this behavior because it is never rewarded for it.

Cat Biting Off Toes?

Stop That Cat

How Dogs Get Roundworms

If you have a dog, one thing you need to be conscious of are roundworms. Of course you may be wondering what roundworms are and why they can be such a negative thing for your dog. Basically, roundworms are tiny worms that have a body that is rounded. Normally, they are measure between 3-5 inches in length and they reside in the intestines of a dog, consuming food that has been partially processed. While they don't stick to the intestine, they do swim around in the food and the eggs are passed into the stool of the dog.

Causes of Roundworms

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There are a couple of different factors that can lead to a dog getting roundworms. First of all, puppies who have mothers with roundworms can get roundworms from their mother. Even if the mother didn't even test positive for the worms, if they have ever had them they can still pass them on to their puppies. They can also be passed to puppies through the milk of their mother too.

Any dog can get infected with roundworms if they happen to ingested any roundworm eggs. Once they eat the eggs, the worms hatch in their bodies and ultimately make their way to the intestines of the dog. There are other animals that can have these roundworms and pass them on to dogs, including cockroaches, rodents, chickens and earthworms.

Treating Roundworms

Thankfully, it is relatively simple to cure. There are a couple of great drugs that are available that can be used to help eradicate the roundworms, and they are usually effective and safe for your dog. Most of the drugs work by crippling the worms so they can be passed out of the dog in their stool. Most of the time, it will take at least two or three treatments to totally get rid of the roundworms and it is recommended to conduct these treatments with a few weeks in between them. However, you need to take note that these treatments are not going to eradicate any of the eggs or any immature forms of roundworms either.

Preventing Roundworms

While treating roundworms is possible, it is recommended to prevent your dog from getting roundworms. Your dog can avoid getting roundworms by following these tips:

- Confirm that mothers are dewormed later in their pregnancy so that the worms are not passed on to their puppies.

- When your puppies are 2-3 weeks old you should deworm them, and from then on they should be dewormed on a regular basis.

- Anytime that you discover any type of worm problem, be sure that you immediately treat the problem.

- Always get rid of any dog poop, whether they are in your yard, at a park, or in a playground, to prevent roundworms from transferring from one dog to another.

How Dogs Get Roundworms

Natalie is the author of http://www.WormsInMyPet.com Visit her web site for more free advice on eliminating worms and preventing worms in your dog.