Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Could it be that people don't know how to care for their dogs? Is it possible that people are not taking proper care of their dogs? Are people still using outmoded methods of training and harmful nutional advice? It is not only possible it is probable. I see it all the time. People still buy processed dog food, shock collars, choke chains and other abusive products, not because they're mean to their dogs but just because they don't know any better. Fortunately with the advent of the internet we can all do our own research and find out the right methods and products to use to make our dogs as healthy and happy as possible.
Commercial dog food is atrocious. It depleats your dogs enzymes on an ongoing basis, is made from animal wastes and byproducts, and can shorten your dog's lifespan by up to a decade. You'd be better off feeding your dog table scraps than the bagged garbage you find in the supermarket. Fortunately though there are places you can find reliable, valuable information on feeding your dog the appropriate things. It isn't hard to figure out. Just feed your dog like you would feed your children. All natural foods, maybe add some enzymes, and a little bit of the essential fatty acids, and there you go. It really is that simple. Many people will try to sell you their products saying that they are the only ones that have the right formula that will add decades to your dog's life (case in point: Dogfood Secrets ) but it really isn't any harder than listening to your common sense. I personally noticed a great difference in my dog's vibrance and energy levels once I started feeding him how I would want to be fed. True table food isn't necessarily the best idea (though better than commercial dogfood) so a little bit more information is necessary. For that there are literally dozens of different books out there. You can sift through all of them if you want to, though I'll tell you right now they're all going to be pretty much the same. Just keep your eyes open for sensationalism and try to find a good book of simple recipes. The one I've been using for a while now is 245 Dogfood Recipes. It's simple and to the point, no propaganda or guilt trips, and you can try it out for free to see if you like it. Your dog will thank you.
Treat Your Dog To A Massage
A massage is a great idea for a dog treat. When properly done it will help release any pent up stress or tension, resulting in a calm and more peaceful pet.
Dogs show their emotions in their face and mouth a lot, and most restless dogs that are either tense, aggressive, or hyperactive have a tendency to bark and chew to relieve their tension. A therapeutic massage on their muzzle and gum line often helps animals with these behavior problems.
Apart from keeping your dog calm and happy, you should also find that giving your pet a massage will increase their flexibility and reduce any minor pain they may have.
One technique is to make little circles on the muzzle and jaw with your fingers. Gently move the skin in a clockwise direction forming a full circle, then move your hand over and make another circle right next to it. Take your time, and be gentle.
A massage will also help you bond more with your dog. Whether your dog is active or inactive, young or old, you can provide a gentle comforting touch. The best part of a massage is relaxation – an ideal treat for both you and your pet.
Should You Give Children Hamsters?
Getting a pet for a child is a great idea because it gives them responsibility and a buddy. Hamsters are a popular choice, but are they a good choice?
Hamsters are a type of rodent that belongs to the order Cricetinae which consists of about eighteen species. They come from the Middle East and Southeastern Europe and have become very popular as pets and lab animals because it is very easy to breed them in captivity. The most popular type in the pet store is known as the Syrian or Golden Hamster. They are smaller than Guinea Pigs which make them more suited for smaller homes, but they are equally as sociable.
There are several advantages of a hamster as a pet. The hamster is inexpensive, and does not cost much to feed or maintain. They do not require the care nor can they cause the problems of larger pets such as cats and dogs. It is quite possible to turn the complete responsibility of the hamster over to your little one. The pet can be kept in the child’s room and is not likely to roam the house, bark at night, or chew the furniture. If it barks, you certainly don’t have a hamster!
Although the hamster does not require much maintenance, it does need some. Like any living thing, it needs water and food. Its living area needs to be cleaned on a regular schedule. This is being mentioned as an advantage because one of the best things about pets and children is the opportunity to teach responsibility to the child by making them the pets care giver. It is a good idea to oversee this responsibility carefully though. The lesson you want to teach is not necessarily how to deal with grief and loss.
There are some disadvantages to the hamster as a pet. They are cute and they can be funny to watch when they are active, but they are also nocturnal. They are going to be on a totally different time schedule than your child. They are going to be running around their home late at night, playing and being cute while the child is sleeping. When the child is awake and wants to play with his hamster, the hamster will be curled up under his bedding and not much in a playing mood.
Although the hamster is somewhat social, it is not usually going to be up to the standards that the child was hoping for in a pet. Instead of playing, or even sitting still the hamster is going to run for cover most of the time, and once they get loose and hide they are not easy to find. The bottom line is that they are not dogs and cats, and with their shorter life spans and nocturnal habits they will never be that kind of long term pet. However, they are not expensive, can teach responsibility, and kids do love them. On a final note, keep them out of hot areas. They can die if it gets to hot, which is not going to make your little one very happy at all.
Hal Storm is with PetStoreYeti.com - your free resource for pet tips and advice.