Which Pet Fish Are Best For Beginners?

Are you new to the world of pet fish keeping? With so many different varieties to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few types of freshwater fish that make excellent pets for the beginner as well as the advanced aquarist (fish keeper).

Betas

Pet

Betas are the beautiful fish you see displayed in small bowls at your local pet store. They have long flowing fins of red, purple or blue and are extremely easy to care for. The only drawback of Betta fish is that they must be kept alone -- the males will fight each other to the death, and females are rarely available in pet shops. They don't do very well with other pet fish species either, because other fish like to nibble on their long fins.

Goldfish

Goldfish are a relatively easy pet fish to care for if you provide them with the right size tank. They won't survive long in a goldfish bowl or small aquarium of less than 10 gallons because they produce a lot of waste. And waste cuts down on the available oxygen in the water. A good rule of thumb is to keep no more than 1 or 2 goldfish for each 10 gallons of well--filtered aquarium water.

Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios are extremely hardy pet fish that will do well in any size aquarium. They're tropical fish -- so you'll need to place a heater in their tank to maintain a water temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don't just buy one Zebra Danio -- they're more fun to watch in schools of 5 or more. You'll find them in most pet stores and they're compatible with just about any variety of peaceful, tropical fish.

Platys and Swordtails

Platys and Swordtails are lumped into the same category because they're similar in appearance and pretty much identical in their requirements.

These tropical pet fish can be found in most pet stores in striking shades of orange and red. They are easy to care for when placed in a 72 degree Fahrenheit aquarium of at least 10 gallons. And they get along just fine with any other variety of peaceful tropical fish.

Platys and Swordtails mate and reproduce quite often in the home aquarium. They are livebearers -- which means their babies (fry) start swimming as soon as they're born.

Corydoras

Corydoras are another easy to care for and hardy variety of pet fish. They're a very active type of catfish and spend most of their time swimming along the bottom of the tank eating up any leftover food.

They are tropical fish, so they'll do best in a heated aquarium of at least 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can put them in aquariums with just about any other variety of tropical fish and they seem to enjoy being kept in schools of 3 or more.

Which Pet Fish Are Best For Beginners?

Learn even more about Pet Fish Care at http://www.petcarejournal.com - a website designed to provide you with pet care articles and resources that will help you get the most out of your pet keeping experience, no matter what type of pet you own.

10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

Back in the ancient times, the cats are already around. They are even placed in elevated positions in civilizations like Egypt.

Today, any one can enjoy owning a cat. There are no restrictions at all in owning them, unlike other pets that require high maintenance and are subject to state or federal regulation.

Cat

A cat can also help you forget an exhausting day at work or at school. It can cuddle up to you and purr. It makes you feel protective over the cat.

Caring for a Cat

Any cat lover out there does not need any reason or question for owning one. Yet, for those who do not have a cat they may think that this is a tremendous task.

Actually, cats are the easiest pets to own. Cats are the perfect companions. They do not require much from the owner. They only have to be regularly fed. They also need a shelter.

Cats can be toilet trained too. A simple tray and a few training sessions can dispense with the problem of dealing with their dirt, especially for indoor cats.

Getting Your Own Cat

Having a cat in the household will definitely be an experience you do not want to miss. Again, they can be easily maintained in the household, so there is no need to worry.

All you have to do is to pick one type that will best suit your personality. There are a big number of cat breeds out there to choose from, not to mention those that have been cross-bred.

Each breed has its own distinct characteristic and personality. This can affect how they will behave, how they play and even if they will require further maintenance.

The best thing to do is to pick the best breed for you. Here are the top 10 breeds that you can choose from.

1. Persian Cat

The Persian cat is one of the most popular breeds in town. They are known for their long and fluffy hair that can grow up to 3 inches. They also have beautiful colors that range from white, black, gray, orange or a combination of these colors.

Persian cats require more maintenance in terms of their hair. They also need comfortable environments and they have to feel secured.

2. Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are also very popular. They have markings in their hair that make them very distinct. They also have slender bodies and very elegant posture.

A Siamese cat always wants to be the center of attention. They want to be cared for. They tend to get too noisy or cry a lot if they want to call your attention.

3. Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon Cat, or as some would say Mancoon cat, is one of the oldest breeds of cats. Everywhere in the world, there is one you will find as they can withstand warm and even cold climates.

One will be a very loyal addition to the family. They are fun-loving. Their good-natured personality will make them very safe with kids.

4. Ragdoll

Another wonderful breed for soon-to-be pet owners is the ragdoll. This cat has medium length of hair. They are very gentle, easy-going and affectionate.

They are perfect for any household. They only have to be kept indoors, away from the aggressive animals.

5. Burmese Cat

Burmese cats are shorthaired. They have big yellow eyes and very satiny hair. Stroking their hairs are enough for grooming.

Burmese cats tend to be vocal like the Siamese. They only have softer voices. They can get really bonded and trusting with their owners.

6. Manx

The Manx cats are very distinct because of their peculiar backs that end in a shortened tail. Their structure gives them a very rounded look that makes them more adorable and cuddly.

Manx cats are very intelligent and playful. They are even considered as social cats as they love people very much. They can even be playful even around water, making it easier to groom them.

7. Siberian Cat

Siberian cats are known for their proportioned bodies and their furs. Some even claim
that their furs are hypoallergenic, although this is still subject to be confirmed.

These cats are intelligent, loyal and very affectionate. They are almost dog-like in their
personality.

8. Somali Cat

Somali cats are long-haired cats that wee from the Abyssinian breed. They have fluffy hair and bottle-brush tails.

They are perfect for owners who want an active, intelligent and playful pet. They can also get very curious. They also shed little hair and thereby perfect for those who do not want too much grooming time.

9. Russian Blue

This breed of cat has blue to bluish-gray coat. They usually have green or dark eyes.

Russian Blues are very playful and intelligent. They also bond really well with their owners but they are very shy to strangers.

10. American Bobtail

American Bobtails are distinctly recognized for their tails that are shorter than the ordinary type and look like it has been specially bobbed. They can have short or long coats. Their eye colors can also vary.

Conclusion

Cats are the most wonderful creatures in the world. They are the beloved pets in most households and neighborhoods. So get your own cat now.

10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

Lee Dobbins writes for www.epet-center.com where you can learn all about pets and pet care. Visit the cat center to find out more about cat breeds cat care.

Dog Skin Problems - My Dog Can't Stop Itching!

We often hear of dogs with a chronic and insistent itching problem. And guess what? The problem can't always be prevented by a flea collar. There are a number of reasons why your dog might non-stop scratch and require some form of pet medication. Below I will list and try to explain 6 reasons why your dog might scratch himself.

1. Environmental Skin Disorders - Dogs with environmental skin problems are otherwise healthy, but present with signs of itchy skin and/or hair loss. By matching what is visible on the dog's skin with a probable environmental irritant - the cause of the skin problem can be determined and corrective measures taken. Contact with some plastics can create an environmental pet skin disorder.

Dog

2. Nutritional Skin Disorders - Correction of these cases of itchy dog should be a very simple and no pet medication is required. Unfortunately, many dogs and cats live their entire lives in less than optimum health because their caretaker feeds them the least expensive food in the grocery store and feels secure in doing so because of that "Complete and Balanced" statement on the packaging! Without proper nourishment this dog's entire body, not just its skin and coat, will be continuously under stress.

3. Parasitic Skin Disorders - Pet owners most commonly associate dog scratching with fleas. Often, but not always, this guess is correct.

• There are a number of highly effective and safe flea medications and natural flea remedies. Repeated exposure to fleas can trigger a hypersensitivity to the bite of even a single flea. In some cases a simple flea bite can turn into an allergy itch from the flea's saliva. It is very important to get rid of dog and cat fleas as soon as possible.
• Cheyletiella mites are often called "Walking Dandruff" because upon close inspection it seems like little flakes of dry skin are actually moving about. These mites can be eliminated easily by using any common flea shampoo and no further pet medication is needed.
• Sarcoptic mites can be a terrible problem and can only be solved under vet care and with pet medication. Also called scabies or red mange, they create very intense itchy skin, hair loss, and inflamed skin with multiple small scabs. Sarcoptic mite infestation, more than any other pest, is frequently misdiagnosed as Allergic Pet Skin Disorder.
• There are also Demodex mites (mange). These parasites live just under the skin surface in the tiny hair follicles and oil glands of the dog's skin. Demodex mites can be seen on a skin scraping viewed under the microscope. Demodex is most commonly seen in young dogs. An older dog with these mites might have a different and more serious problem

4. Infectious Skin Disorders - Bacterial, fungal and yeast organisms can lead to awful skin and coat problems. Ringworm is an example of a Fungal organism. Yeasts can irritate an already diseased skin surface. Yeast infections typically create greasy, smelly and itchy signs in affected dogs. If a yeast infection is diagnosed, there's generally some other problem going. Bacterial problems rarely occur spontaneously on a dog with normal healthy skin.

Infectious pet skin disorders are often is so irritating that dogs will lick continuously at a spot and undo any healing that has taken place. These spots can spread rapidly to other areas of the skin through chewing, licking, biting and scratching of previously healthy areas.

The treatment for Infectious skin disorders often include clipping the hair from the area to allow the air to dry it. The application of topical pet cream is helpful as is the administration of oral antibiotics.

5. Allergic Skin Disorders - These can be a challenge to diagnose, and once identified they can be difficult to treat. Food ingredients, synthetic and natural fibers, medications and pharmaceutical products, plant material and even dust all can trigger an Allergic Pet Skin Disorder.

Even common bacteria on the dog's skin can provoke an allergic reaction to themselves! Food allergies are so common that pet food manufacturers have invested millions of dollars in research for diets to help dogs and cats with food allergies.

The treatments of allergic skin disorders include topical medicated soothing baths and ointments. The use of oral antihistamines can relieve some of the itch. More effective in alleviating the discomfort of allergies is cortisone.

6. Neurogenic Skin Disorders - This group presents a major challenge to diagnose and treat. Although rarely seen in cats, in the dog something creates an impulse to lick at a specific area of skin. Characterized by persistent, obsessive licking and chewing at a specific area, the cause of these problems is unknown. Most cases have a suspected cause such as boredom, confinement, separation anxiety, family disruption, new environment, frustration or even a minor physical origin such as a tiny wound that catches the dog's interest. No specific pet medication can be used to prevent this skin disorder.

In summary, keep in mind that any dog whose skin and coat are not in good condition needs vet attention and possibly pet medication because that dog likely does not feel very well.

If your dog is suffering from Chronic Itching, all is not hopeless, but you must consult your vet as soon as possible.

I hope you found this information on pet skin disorders helpful. This article was condensed from a much longer article which can be found on the my-dog-has-fleas.com website at: dog skin problems

Dog Skin Problems - My Dog Can't Stop Itching!

J.Moore writes on pet issues for http://my-dog-has-fleas.com/

Create Your Own Virtual Pet

Just about everyone loves pets, but if you cannot have your own then why not create your own virtual pet? There are so many ways to create or adopt your own virtual pet on the internet, and they can be great fun for people of all ages. You get to play games with it, train it and watch it grow!

The simplest way to get hold of your new pet is to use a website offering the service. Most of these websites are completely free, and all you'll need to do is enter your registration details and email address. Once you have you can get started in creating the pet you want - whether this is a big cuddly dog or even something like a dragon! Name it and set it up and you'll be ready to go.

Pet

Once you've got your pet ready you're going to need to take care of it. This means keeping it safe and warm in its home, as well as feeding it so that it never gets too hungry. You might need to perform certain tasks in order to earn virtual money to buy the items your pet needs. The better job you do at taking care of your pet, the healthier it will grow up to be. It isn't hard to create your own virtual pet - all you need to do is find an online service and you'll be ready to go! Just see how many pets thee are to choose from and you'll spend hours of fun taking care of it.

Create Your Own Virtual Pet

You can create a virtual pet at the author's website: http://makeyourownvirtualpets.com.

Pick of the Week: Artic Cat 400 4x4

Generally speaking, Artic Cat ATVs have a huge market share as far as mid-range ATVs are concerned. Combine their affordability with high quality parts - they have gained good ground on the ATVs that they produce and thus far, have a lot of ATV fans hooked. The 2007 model comes in three versions to meet the different needs of different ATV riders. The good thing is that there's an option for you to purchase the Arctic Cat ATV which is a single-seater or you can pick the Artic Cat that is a double-seater - the choice is yours to make. Accordingly, the price difference is roughly ,000. The other Arctic Cat 400 versions are ones with and without automatic transmission.

Other features of Arctic Cat 400 4x4 ATV

Cat

o Suzuki-built engine

o Engine is air-cooled, four-stroke, four valves and one overhead cam

o Manual is five speed with high and low range; comes with reverse

o Option: two or four wheel drive

o Locking front differential

o Ten inches of travel at both ends; twelve inches ground clearance underneath

What others have to say about Arctic Cat 400 4x4 ATV

This ATV is more comfortable than we first expected it to be - the seat is extremely soft and comfortable to ride on making every ride you have on the ATV a smash! Most Arctic Cat fans say that the thing that they were most impressed with were the fact that it had a front lock differential - it's almost impossible to get stuck in this ATV. "One time, I was ready to bring on the winch but then I suddenly remembered that my Arctic Cat had front differential feature and within a heart beat, I was out. It was amazing", says Kenneth Mahon (35), a satisfied Arctic Cat ATV fan.

Cody Zimmerman (22), is absolutely in love with his Arctic Cat 400 and says that it's an AWESOME machine to have simply because of it's ground clearance. It's fast enough, safe enough, fun enough and can go just about anywhere a two-wheeler and four-wheeler can go. And Cody reckons that Arctic Cat gives good pricing for an ATV like this too!

Other reviews of Arctic Cat 400 4x4 ATV

However, it's not all beds and roses with the Arctic Cat because one problem we found was that the gears were set too high. For instance, the reverse gear was set so high that if you tried to reverse yourself out of the mud, you won't be able to because it won't have enough power to get the ATV out. Perhaps a change of tires would do the trick, so, it's all trial and error here.

Arctic Cat 400 is probably not the best machine to race on but it is definitely one of the best ATVs to own if you love get a little muddy! It's got the power to get the machine out of anything if you get the right tires and it's decently fast. But we reckon it's nothing a little modification can't fix. And for that price? Come on!

Pick of the Week: Artic Cat 400 4x4

Marsha Maung is an ATV enthusiast enthusiastically promoting ATV riding as a sport and family activity! She runs and is one of the staff for one of the hottest and fastest-growing ATV sites right now...http://www.atv4kids.com

Dog Sprayed by a Skunk? Do This First

Was your dog sprayed by a skunk? Are you arming yourself with information in case this happens to your dog? If skunks frequent your yard and you have a dog, it is important you know what to do.

The first things you should do are to check for bites and figure out the location of the spray. What part of your dog was hit directly by the spray? The smell is horrible, yes, but you need to figure out what you are dealing with as far as your dog's health first. I do want to recommend that you do all of your checking outside. Skunk smell gets on to everything and is hard to remove.

Dog

Skunks have been known to carry rabies. Not every skunk is infected with rabies, but they are known carriers. Give your dog a quick look all over his body. Make sure he has not been bitten.

While you are checking for bites, you will need to make a determination about where your dog was sprayed. Was he sprayed in the face or on the body. A dog sprayed in the face or mouth may suffer vomiting, dizziness, temporary blindness and more. You need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. If the vet's office is closed, give him a call and ask what he suggests for your pet. Or, you can just take your dog to the pet emergency clinic. A dog that gets sprayed directly into the face and mouth can suffer ailments like kidney disease and anemia if left untreated. Getting your dog to the vet now may save you some money for a more serious problem later.

Dealing with a dog sprayed by a skunk is a crazy experience. Take a deep breath and approach the smelly situation with this advice in mind.

Dog Sprayed by a Skunk? Do This First

To help to avoid this situation, do everything you can to keep the skunks away and do not provide them with food, shelter and a place to live. If your dog has been sprayed, visit Skunk Smell Removal for the best information on removing skunk odor in 30 minutes, guaranteed.

Pet Ferrets

The ferret is a domestic animal and falls in the category of Mustela putorius furo. These pets are sexually dimorphic marauders which specify that the male ferrets are generally larger than female ferrets. These animals have white, black, brown, cinnamon or mixed color fur. They measure over 20 inches or 51 cm in height plus a 5 inch or 13 cm long tail. In comparison to chinchillas they have shorter life span of 7 to 10 years. In weight these pets are 1.5-4 pounds at an average. The domestication of this animal is uncertain and unspecified but it is believed that they have been domesticated for around 2,500 years. In present times, they are also utilized for hunting rabbits.

Characteristics of the ferrets:

Pet

The Oakland Zoo describes ferrets as animals having a slender but long body. They have a gestation period of 42 days. The female ferrets usually have 2 to 3 litters yearly. The young ones are ablactated after a time period of 3 to 6 weeks and they become completely independent at the age of 3 months. They gain their sexual maturity at the age of 6 months.

Diet for ferrets:

As an owner, you must be aware of the fact that this animal is obligatory carnivorous. Their wild ancestors used to have natural food diet including fur, feathers, skin, bones, organs and meat. They used to go for smaller prey.

Behavior:

When it comes to the temperament of the ferret, you must know that they are both nocturnal and crepuscular. This signifies that they sleep for over 14 to 18 hours a day. Thus, they are highly active and in mood either at dawn or dusk. They do have similar qualities to polecats but they are highly social in behavior unlike the solitary polecat ancestors. They love to be in social groups. As ferrets are territorial, they love to indulge in borrowing acts and actually favor to sleep in covered and confined areas.

Ferrets also have scent glands present close to their anus. The secretion from this area is used to make scent. It has been stated that they can recognize the other individuals and their sex with the help of the anal gland secretions. They may also make use of the urine markings for individual identification and sex identification.

Ferret Health Issues:

You will have to give constant attention to the ferrets to keep them healthy. It is good to take them to veterinarians for regular check-ups. They may have bulging and runny eyes, dark wax around the ears, head tilting due to ear infection, ear mites can cause pain and scratching inside ears, vomiting, pale gums, leg stiffness, and weakness in hind quarters, black spots, hair loss, bleeding and discharging nose, flaky skin, problems in breathing, coughing, distended stomach, pain in the stomach, blood in stool, diarrhea, crying or vocalizing while urinating, walking in circles, and highly aggressive behavior. If your little pet is suffering from any of these symptoms, immediately visit a veterinarian.

Pet Ferrets

For high quality wire mesh cages see the selection of ferret cage at Legacy Cages. You can find a pet cage for any small animal.

Free Graphics of Dog Paw Prints

Whether their dogs are big Black Labrador Retrievers or tiny brown Chihuahuas, dog lovers enjoy using dog-centered graphics. And all dog lovers seem to like free graphics of dog paw prints. You like them, but where can you find free graphics of dog paw prints?

Computer Software Programs

Dog

Many software programs offer free graphics of dog paw prints. Two examples:

1. Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher both produce several free graphics of dog paw prints simply by selecting "Insert, picture, clipart" from the menu and typing "paw print" into the search box. If you want free graphics of dogs, you can use the same procedure and search on "dog".

2. Adobe PhotoShop offers free graphics of dog paw prints in any size and color you want. On the tool bar, select the "custom shape tool" and browse for the paw print you want. If you cannot find the dog paw print, click the arrow at the top right of the shape selection box, and append "animals".

3. Do a search of your whole computer for any graphics type files that contain the word "paw" and you may find hidden free graphics of dog paw prints where you least expect them.

Internet Websites

The Internet will often yield free graphics of dog paw prints.

1. Fuzzy Faces website has a wide array from which to choose. Don't like red, white, and blue. Import their free graphics of dog paw prints into your own graphics program and change the colors. Change the size, too, to meet your needs.

2. Abquisto Graphics has free graphics of dog paw prints in the form of buttons or bars for your web site.

3. Bullwrinkle.com offers a font of free graphics of dog paw prints. Each paw print has a letter on it, so you can type words with paw prints. Simply visit their site, copy the file paw.ttf to your Windows/fonts directory. Then open your text editor and select "Ennobled Pet".

4. Hiox India offers free graphics of dog paw prints in 48 different colors! They make provision for you to test colors on a different background, too, with a simple mouse click.

5. If you visit My Flint River Dog, you will find free graphics of dog paw prints for use on your personal or commercial web site.

Do-It-Yourself

The best way to get distinctive free graphics of dog paw prints is to do it yourself - assuming you own a dog. Use non-toxic children's finger paints and white cardstock. Dip your dog's paw into the paint, and place it on clean cardstock, pushing slightly to get a clear print. You can repeat as often as necessary until you get a good clean print.

Take your dog print and scan it into your computer. You can now produce various sized free graphics of dog paw prints.

Make It a Project

Collecting free graphics of dog paw prints can be fun. Get together with other dog owners and help each other make dog prints with finger paints. Appoint one person to collect all the prints (labeled as to whose dog made them and the breed name), and scan them. Then share the results. You will have many sizes.

Free Graphics of Dog Paw Prints

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about dogs at http://www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional information on that site about Labrador Retrievers. If you ever wondered where to find yellow Labrador retriever names, you’ll enjoy Anna’s perspective on the subject.

Dog Bite Statistics by Breed - Shocking Information

Many people are concerned with the prospect of dog bites. Although the ideal canine companion should be mild or even tempered, there are just instances when a dog can attack either after an unthinkable provocation or for other unknown reasons. Some dogs are trained to attack, but these dogs must be carefully handled and looked after at all times; otherwise, the law dictates that the dogs should be destroyed. As such, there are no established dog bite statistics by breed in the country, other than those privately gathered (and sadly, unverified) by independent sources. The truth is: many cases of dog attacks remain unreported, with the injured parties not even bothering to acquire medical assistance, for fear that the dogs might be destroyed; or for fear that the owners of the dogs might do something more damaging; or even just fear of being reprimanded (as with the numerous cases of teenage injuries.)

Besides, there are also no reliable estimates as to how many dogs are in the country, or the number of individuals per breed. Although the law dictates that a license for each canine pet is acquired by their owners, there are many of those who adopt strays or breed dogs without any regard for permits and such. Additionally, only the seemingly extreme cases of dog bites are reported by the media. It is said, that in some counties, dog bites occur on a very regular basis that people around are desensitized with the topic. And lastly, many people who are attacked by strange dogs usually do not know precisely what breed of dog they were facing. By the time the identification would have been made, the offending animal would have escaped or would have been destroyed already.

Dog

However, here are some facts given out by the CDC or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that you might want to know:

1. According to hospital records in 1994, more than 16,000 people were bitten or attacked by dogs that year; none of which were fatal but a good 6% of the victims needed one or more forms of reconstructive surgery. In 2001, that number rose to an alarming estimate of about 80,000 people nationwide, and 22% of the those needed extensive hospitalization and reconstructive surgery. And from that 22%, one-third of the victims were always children 7 years and younger. Infants or children who have yet learned to walk are the most vulnerable, constituting almost all of the cases of the victims who were under 7 years of age.

2. Pit Bulls have the most notorious reputation for biting people. In 2005, it is estimated that about 82% of all the dog attacks in the country were from this breed or from Pit Bull crossbreeds. This number may have been partly due to the fact that the population of Pit Bulls as home pets is also on the rise. Experts are estimating about 3 million to 10 million registered and unregistered Pit Bulls are now living in the country.

3. Other known dog breeds that have a lengthy record of dog bites and attacks are: Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Huskies, Rottweilers, and Saint Bernards. Rottweilers rank the second most dangerous dog in the CDC's list after the Pitt Bull.

Dog Bite Statistics by Breed - Shocking Information

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Dog Labor Symptoms - 5 Ways to Know When Your Dog Will Give Birth

When you dog gives birth it can be a wonderful time, but there are also lots of worries that go with it. Many people find that one of the worst parts of a dog giving birth is unless you know what to look for, the owner has no idea when the birth will happen. In this article there are five clear ways to know when your dog will give birth.

Your dog may exhibit some or all of the following sings when in labor. Often there is a ten-fifteen minute gap between puppies being born.

Dog

1. Temperature drop Your dogs temperature may drop to around 97-98 degrees approximately, around 24 hours before giving birth. This is normal, and a good sign that your dog is going into labor so you can get prepared early! If your dog does not begin labor within a day of the temperature drop, you should contact your local vet. You can check your dogs temperature using a dog thermometer.
2. Your dog refuses to eat Most bitches will refuse to eat before they go into labor, which obviously isn't normal for dogs. This can be another good early warning sign.
3. Finding a den A natural reaction of most female dogs is to try and find a den or hideaway where they can give birth. A very common place is under your bed, as the dog feels safe and enclosed there. If possible, find a comfortable place beforehand where the birth can take place.
4. Shivering and sickness Another dog labor symptom is when the dog begins to shiver and even vomit. This is completely normal, and the best thing you can do is make sure there is fresh water available at all times.
5. Wanting you near The dog is likely to stare at you and want you near to her at all times. Like number three, this is a comfort thing.

Finally, go by your gut instinct! If your dog is acting strangely or differently, it is probably trying to tell you something.

Remember that dog pregnancies are quite short, only around 63 days, so make sure you are prepared in dog time. These are just some of the dog labor symptoms, and although common, it is not unheard of for labor to start almost unannounced.

Dog Labor Symptoms - 5 Ways to Know When Your Dog Will Give Birth

Richard Cross is owner and webmaster of Dogsandyou.co.uk [http://dogsandyou.co.uk/]. To make sure your dog has the least stressful labor, visit the Dog Labor Products page [http://dogsandyou.co.uk/dog-births/].

5 Ways to Teach Your Kids How to Make Their Own Money

Kids love having money to buy the things that they want. More importantly, it is great for them to learn how to earn their own money. It builds confidence and teaches them skills that will benefit them for life. It is up to parents to instill that good old-fashioned value of self-reliance and motivate their kids to be money smart. Finding ways for kids to make money when they are too young to have a regular job can seem like a challenge. Young entrepreneurs all over are putting their creative minds to work and the range of ideas is incredible. Here are 5 smart money making ideas for kids.

Have a carwash. Kids have been making money with this idea for years. Adults love to drive a clean car but do not necessarily enjoy the cleaning part. You can make a sign and wash cars in your driveway. All you will need is a water supply, hose, bucket, car soap, cloths, and window cleaner. Start a schedule like every Saturday morning or Sunday evening. Have fun! Remember to ask your parents before holding your carwash or attempting any other money making ideas.

Cat

Sell cat toys. Cats love fun toys to play with and you can come up with your own cat toy inventions. What do you have around the house that you could use for a cat toy? Put your imagination to work. Place your inventions in a basket, decide on how much you want them to sell for, and head out door to door to sell them.

Fudge making. For the aspiring chef- if you like to make things in the kitchen you can get an easy fudge recipe and make some. Wrap your creations in plastic wrap or baggies and put them in a basket. You can go door to door to sell them. Before you know it you will have money in your pocket. For ages 8 and older, record how much it costs for the ingredients and take away from the profit you made.

Dog washing. If you like animals you can offer a pet washing service. You may wish to invest in dog shampoo, a brush, and a bucket. You will need to decide which types of dogs are best suited to your size. You do not want customers have you wash a St. Bernard that is 4 times your size! Remember to always do a good job and never hit anyone's dog.

Make and sell gift boxes. Packaging and gift boxes are a great way to use your creative talents. You will need to sit down with a pen, paper, and ruler to design your gift boxes. Think about what type of gifts they could be used to house. Once you have the template created, you can make lots of the same and decorate them out of different materials such as cardstock, paper, and fabric. Ask some people how much they would pay for your design and set your price.

5 Ways to Teach Your Kids How to Make Their Own Money

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Puppy Obedience Training Tips Revealed

You have a new puppy and now you're ready for to undertake some serious puppy obedience training. This can be a great thing to do with your dog. You will start some important communication and socialization with your puppy and get him on track very quickly.

Puppy obedience training can mean different things to different people, you may only want to teach your do to sit or stay, or on the other hand you may want to train your dog in a wide range of commands. If you can't get your dog obey basic commands, he will seem wild. You don't want the dog to do things like dig a hole in the yard or damage your property. If you can teach the dog to behave well, you will find that life with him is better.

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You also want the dog to think of you as the alpha animal - this is a vital first step in puppy obedience training. This means you need to get him to obey your commands. Dogs will show obedience when they give you their paw, sit, or roll over. If your dog behaves badly, you need to let him know this is bad. Don't wait too long to teach him the better behavior. He needs to know right away that he isn't following the rules.

You can start by telling your dog a simple "No." You don't have to get physical with him. You could also try to rattle a box you fill with coins. You can also make a noise. Don't let the dog know you were the one who made the noise. If the dog understands who made the noise, he will ignore it and keep doing the bad thing.

You can teach the dog not to bite while he is still a puppy. You might let him chew on your hand while he is still very young, but once he gets to be four months old, you should stop this behavior. When he bites, you can yowl and walk away. That's how he understands he won't get attention if he carries on with this behavior. You can also find nice toys for your puppy to chew on instead.

If your dog is a barker, you have a different problem. You want to keep them inside until they learn to control this behavior. Tell the dog "Be quiet." You can do this and still give him a treat for behaving. If he stops barking, praise him for being quiet. You might want to praise him before you give him the treat. If he barks again, try this process once again. Make him wait a little longer for the treat. You can continue to practice this method until he really learns to stop barking.

Another thing you might be interested in teaching your dog during puppy obedience training is to walk up the stairs (you might need a leash for this). You can guide him up the stairs. Stand at the bottom of the stairs and hold the dog. Start to walk up. If he doesn't go with you, start over and try again. It might take a little time before the dog climbs the first step. You should climb a couple steps and see if he follows. You can try to encourage him with a toy.

Puppy obedience training is most effective when your dog is still young. If you can teach him how to behave while still a puppy, life will be much easier for everyone.

Obedience training puppies is not always easy however and sometimes it can be of great benefit to use a step by step guide. Consider using a guide such as "Secrets to Dog Training" or "Dog Training Secrets" to help train your puppy. You will really enjoy the training process as outlined in these two guides and will notice rapid improvement in your dog's behavior. To find out more about these puppy obedience training guides and much more about dog training in general, visit the links highlighted below.

Puppy Obedience Training Tips Revealed

Craig Clemins is a long time dog owner who has successfully trained hundreds of dogs. Learn more about Puppy Obedience Training and discover lots of tips and tricks for training your dog at http://www.dog-solutions.com.

Socializing Your Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier has been called the Gentleman of Dogs. Their tuxedo like markings helps them look the part. With a little bit of dog training, owners can help them act the part too.

Proper socialization is one of the most important qualities that a dog can have. In a nutshell, socialization involves training the dog to be friendly with people and other pets. It allows the dog to act in a confident and non-threatening manner. Fortunately, the Boston Terrier generally has a personality and intelligence that makes it easy to socialize.

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The best time to begin socialization training is in the first 2-3 months of the puppy's life. Older dogs can be socialized, but it takes a bit longer. Regardless of the age, socialization involves the dog being put in specific situations. Their confidence then grows as they discover that they can handle them.

One of those situations is for the dog to be around several people at once. The animal needs to be gently touched and petted. This lets the dog discover that touching isn't something to be feared. This is especially good when it's time to visit the vet!

In the home, the dog needs to be handled as well. Good opportunities for this are when it's bath time, and when brushing the teeth and coat. For this to be beneficial, keep the sessions short. Puppies have short attention spans. You don't want the activity to become an issue or a contest of wills. The idea is to make routine handling a non-issue, not a scary event.

Your Boston Terrier also needs to learn how to be around other animals. One of the best ways to accomplish this is with doggy daycare. Many communities have boarding kennels that also offer daycare. Normally, dog daycare facilities group dogs together by size. This means that your Boston will be around other small dogs, not Rottweilers and St. Bernards.

The hustle and bustle of people coming and going and the interaction with other dogs provides great stimulus for your pet. While it may be scary at first, after a few days your pet will become more confident and look forward to.

Doggy daycare helps with another aspect of socialization. Riding in the car. The trip to and from daycare becomes associated with a fun event. Since dogs tend to generalize things, riding in the car becomes a fun activity. This is really great when going to the vet or on a trip.

For older dogs, the first thing to do is to learn to walk on a leash in a quiet environment. The lack of excitement in their surroundings allows them to concentrate on walking on the leash. Keep the walks short, praise good behavior, and quietly correct bad behavior.

When the basics of walking on a leash are learned, try somewhere with a few people. Once they've become confident around a few strangers at the time, try taking them to places with larger groups of people. Places like plant nurseries and flea markets might be good choices, as long as they're dog friendly.

Careful dog training can help your Boston Terrier become a confident, fun member of your household.

Socializing Your Boston Terrier

Lea Mullins shares tips on socializing your Boston Terrier from an early age. Find information about of dog training, dog care and more from TrainPetDog.com.

Pet Meds No Prescription Required Online - Is It Possible?

The fact is, that the Internet has changed many things about the way that people shop for the things that they need from day to day. Also, so much more information is readily available via the Internet. This means that more and more people are able to not only determine the cause of their pets maladies by using the Internet but they can also purchase the pet meds that they need for them online as well.

This has led more and more people to head out to find and purchase the medications that they require for their pets treatment online with no prescription in hand. Is this a problem? Can they get what they need or will they be turned away empty handed? The fact of the matter is that a large percentage of pet medications that are commonly used require no prescription at all.

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What is a Prescription?

Prescriptions for pets are written for a variety of reasons. Many people assume that a prescription is only written if a controlled drug is need to treat the problem that the pet is suffering from. The truth of the matter, is a prescription can just as often be written that prescribes a course of treatment the doesn't include any controlled substances. This is because a prescription is just a written course of treatment that a vet will provide for you to use.

Common Antibiotics Without a Prescription

This means that a wide variety of drugs and medications can be purchased for your pet from an online pet pharmacy with no prescription required at all. This even includes many commonly prescribed antibiotics such a penicillin. However; there are other pet medications such as powerful sedatives that will require a prescription to be purchased and besides you really should consult a veterinarian before you use them on your pet anyway.

Pet Meds No Prescription Required Online - Is It Possible?

Written by Karlise Renaldson. Find the latest information on Frontline Plus Best Price