How to Select French Bulldog Puppies

Author: Quinlan Murray
Source: ezinearticles.com

French Bulldogs are usually described as ‘clowns in a philosopher’s cloak’ since their glum faces mask their very comical traits. The popularity of French Bulldog puppies lie in their reputation as companion pets. With their even temperament, easygoing and amiable nature, this breed makes for very pleasant companions for the elderly and children.

Affectionately referred to as Frenchies, this breed is small, muscular with a heavy bone structure and a heavy head. They possess a smooth coat and their small face is trademarked with ‘bat’ ears. French Bulldogs like being couch potatoes as much as they like chasing balls. Although active and alert, they are not good as security dogs. Here are some key facts related to these puppies.

French Bulldog Puppies: Key Considerations
Some major characteristics and concerns with French Bulldog puppies are:

Problems associated with a short face: This breed faces some health problems due to their short face. Hence, you must be sure to:
Keep this breed away from smoke, chemical cleaning products, allergenic pollen and freshly-cut grass to avoid respiratory problems.
Veterinarians must be very careful with their treatment. They must be administered only modern anesthetics and their heart and blood pressure must be checked often.
French Bulldogs must be housed in air-conditioned or cool environments. In hot and humid weathers, they become vulnerable to heatstroke as they cannot pant vigorously enough to keep themselves cool.
Dog collars must be avoided since it applies pressure on its windpipe and makes it difficult to breathe.
The folds of its skin must be washed after meals.

General health problems: Poor breeding practices can lead to health problems for that Bulldogs. There are probabilities of joint, heart and eye diseases and spinal cord disorders.

Obstinacy: This Bulldog puppies can be very stubborn and manipulative, especially when they are being trained or exercised. You have to show them consistently that you are the boss. Food is a good motivator to goad them to perform different tasks; however, if they are not exercised properly, they end up being fat and unhealthy.

If you are in search of well-bred French Bulldog puppies, visit Puppymatch4you.com. This website offers you even the hard-to-find breeds, such as Puggles, Beagles and Yorkies.

How to Select English Bulldog Puppies?

Author: Quinlan Murray
Source: ezinearticles.com

The sweet and gentle English Bulldogs were originally found in the British Isles. They were called ‘bull’ dogs because of their connection to bull baiting. The bulldogs of the olden times were ferocious, courageous and almost immune to pain. However, when dog fights were made illegal in England, some people preserved this breed by eliminating their fierce nature. With a few generations of training, these became an ideal companion with the most agreeable disposition. Although the English Bulldog puppies showed traits of friskiness, adults are rather quiet and placid. Here are some bulldog facts to keep in mind before purchasing them.

English Bulldog Puppies: Points to Remember
Make sure that your pet does not become a burden by reading up on their essential characteristics and checking their compatibility with your lifestyle. The following may seem like irritants when you get home these puppies:

Health issues: The fact about bulldogs is that they are a deformed breed. They are vulnerable to hot, humid weather and over-exertion. Some cannot walk or run without gasping. During summers, they must preferably be kept in air-conditioned surroundings and their outdoor activities must be highly supervised. Since they have a sensitive respiratory system, anesthetics must be administered with great caution.

Shedding: Be prepared for a dirty home if you are not in the habit of thoroughly cleaning your house every day. With a Bulldog at home, be prepared to clean your home every few hours because they shed more than what is visible. Their short, coarse hair sticks to your hand even if you pet them lightly. Their hair sticks to carpets, upholstery and clothes with the same tenacity with which it performs the activities of its choice.

Cost: English Bulldogs are a bit on the expensive side, costing between $1000 and $1500. The price range covers artificial insemination and C-section costs, since this breed cannot mate without assistance and their puppies are born with excessively large heads.

Once you have considered these points and made up your mind, purchase your favorite English Bulldog puppies from the most reputed breeder in the US, Puppy Match 4 You. This breeder will not only ensure that you get a healthy pet, but also one that matches your lifestyle.

One Reason NOT to Get Your Next Puppy Or Dog From a Pet Shop Or Flea Market

Author: Karen Soukiasian
Source: ezinearticles.com

Reason #1 – PUPPY MILLS!

The majority of puppies found in pet shops, and flea markets are products of back yard puppy mills. You don’t care. Puppies have to come from somewhere. You are right! However, they don’t have to come from puppy mills.

The greater part of puppy mills are unsanitary and cruel. Puppies and dogs are kept in such appalling conditions it will make your skin crawl. Considered nothing more than breeding stock, they are suffering victims of indiscriminate breeding. Fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, sisters and brothers! The perfect recipe for expensive genetic nightmares!

As their reproductive capacity wane, the older dogs are killed, often cruelly, and without a second thought. They cannot take up precious space. Puppy mills are purely for profit. No thought is given to the general physical and emotional health of any of the products going out the door. There is NO Quality Control Department. That would eat into the profits. There is no nutritional value in the food, no medications, no inoculations, and no veterinary visits.

Adult dogs spend their entire life, without ever knowing loving human touch or companionship. Merely a commodity, there is no sense investing emotions or one red cent more, into them than is absolutely necessary for their existence. From they day they are born, to the day they die, puppy mill breeding stock are kept in cages or crates, outside no matter what the weather; or stacked like cordwood in unheated and un-air conditioned basements and garages. Most have never felt terra firma. Others, only when they were taken out of their crate, to do the deed. No toys, no beds, no human interaction, no veterinary care and poor nutrition. Who cares…there are plenty more where they came from!

Puppy mill operators usually don’t have a clue what the mixes are in the puppies they sell. Breeding is done so helter-skelter, they don’t remember. There are no records. Everything is done in cash. They market their products with cute little names like: Space Puppies, Doxies, Pugles, LhasaPoos, Jack-Rats, Chorkies, PomaPoos, PugaPoos, Poochons, Peek-a-Poms, or Peek-A-Poos, It really gets interesting when they start breeding PugaPoos with LhasaPoos, or Chorkies with Poochons! You get the picture! Notice, most of them are small dogs…less space, food and care needed!

OK, so what do you have to look forward to when purchasing a puppy mill puppy, besides usually a neurotic, fearfully shy or fearfully aggressive animal? Let’s make of list of documented health conditions common to pet shop puppy mill purchases. Often, the condition is so serious, the animal does not survive.

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
2. Mange
3. Parvovirus
4. Worms…the whole spectrum
5. Eye and ear infections
6. Untreated wounds
7. Heartworm
8. Kennel cough
9. Pneumonia
10. Respiratory infections
11. Liver disease
12. Kidney disease
13. Hereditary neurological, including epileptic seizures
14. Deafness – Common to inbreeding
15. Blindness – Breed stock parents are often born with no eyes – usually due to inbreeding
16. Congenital hip problems
17. Congenital heart problems
18. Colitis
19. Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
20. Distemper
21. Prolapsed uterus
22. Malnourished
23. Gardia – gastrointestinal infection
24. Allergies
25. Hernias
26. Coprophagia – eating dog poop!
27. Pyometria

Those are just a few of the more serious known conditions. There are also all kinds of other surprises with temperament, and health issues.

Oh, but you’re not worried. The pet shop owner or flea market puppy mill breeder promised you a one-year guarantee on the puppy’s health. Yeah, right! Wake up and smell the lack of disinfectant! There are NO guarantees. A few days after you get your puppy home, and your veterinarian tells you it will cost X number of dollars to take care of a health issue, just try and take that puppy back where you bought it! Health guarantees are nothing more than marketing ploys. They won’t take the puppy back, so don’t expect a refund! You are stuck! NOTE: Never believe them, when they tell you they have all their inoculations!

BOTTOM LINE: So, if this information fails to convince you NOT to purchase your next puppy from a pet shop, or flea market, you cannot say you were not warned. If you like to live on the edge, rescue an animal from a shelter. There is no guarantee what you will find, but the odds are better than pet stores and flea markets. Shelter statistics are showing, approximately 25% of puppies and dogs in shelters are pedigrees!

If you are not that daring, find a reputable breeder. Ask for references. Ask the references if you can see their animal. Most owners who do it the right way, are more than willing to help you have the same wonderful experience, with a physically and emotionally healthy puppy.

Think before you act. Your decision can help break the back of the puppy mill industry!

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite

Protect Your Pit Bull Terrier Dog From Heat Exhaustion

Author: Tim Amherst
Source: isnare.com

As Pit Bulls are highly energetic dogs that love to run and play outside, it is important to learn about heat exhaustion. Familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion could help you save your Pit Bulls life.

The first mistake many pet owners make is assuming that heat exhaustion will only occur during the hottest summer months, when actually it can occur at anytime of the year. Of course, the higher the temperature is, the more likely your dog is to suffer from an episode of heat exhaustion. Anytime your dog is outside, you should watch him closely for any signs that he is in physical distress.

Dogs pant to cool themselves by ridding their body of excess heat. Panting to a dog is like our air conditioner on a hot day. Dogs suffer from heat exhaustion when they cannot get rid of all the extra heat in their bodies fast enough. They will begin to pant faster and harder the more they struggle to regain temperature control. Sometimes they will begin to drool excessively, and may get confused. All of these are signs of possible heat exhaustion, and you should act promptly to get your dog cooled down before it gets any worse.

There are several different ways to cool your dog down quickly that should help in this situation. If you are outside, spray the dog’s stomach and groin areas with the water hose, or pour water over them. Once you get the dog wet, fan it with a towel or shirt to help cool it faster.

If you have it available, wiping rubbing alcohol over the dogs belly is often an effective way to cool them down quickly. Wiping the dog’s stomach and groin area is the most effective. Alcohol will cool the dog down as it evaporates from its skin.

If you are outside and don’t have anything available to help cool your dog, put him in your car and blast him with the air conditioning. He may not particularly like the air hitting him, but it will help cool him down nicely.

If you spot any signs of heat exhaustion, it is extremely important to get your dog cooled down, and get him to the veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment.

There are several things you can to do to help prevent your dog from suffering from heat exhaustion in the first place. When it is hot outside, take your dog out to play and exercise early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler. Not having the sun beating down will help keep your dog from overheating. Take rest periods often when you are outside with your dog, to cool down in between playing.

Knowledge is the best offense you have to keeping your dog healthy. Your veterinarian can assist you with any issues or questions you have to help ensure the safety of your dog. Do some research on heat exhaustion and how best to prevent it from occurring. The more you know, the better equipped you will be should an emergency arise.

The Bulldog Is A Character

Author: Bobby A Callahan
Source: isnare.com

Bulldog information on the puppy states that the Bulldog puppy is a fun loving and lively character. Your puppy has a sensitive nature and its personality must be allowed to develop in a loving and patient atmosphere. As a puppy, the Bulldog should be socialized to co-exist with other animals.

Sometimes stubborn, the Bulldog puppy will stand its ground if you try to force this puppy to do anything. You must never try to pull or jerk this dog around because you will only bring out its stubborn streak. Food treats, positive reinforcements and consistency in your interactions with this puppy will bring out the best of its personality.

The Bulldog may display possessiveness over its food that may put you off if you are not prepared for this tendency. If you are not able to train this tendency away, you will have to learn to live with this one. Your dog may be possessive of its food even though it has been well trained in all other respects.

According to Bulldog information, the Bulldog is happiest at your side as a companion dog. The Bulldog is content when it is part of a household and treated as a family member. As a companion, the Bulldog is devoted to its family and can be taught to accept other pets in the house. Some Bulldogs will not accept stranger dogs or other strange animals. A Bulldog will be friendly to its master’s friends and family and may even make the first friendly overture with some people.

The Bulldog is prized for its wonderful character, which can produce different personality types. Some Bulldogs are shy and others are more openly social. Many Bulldogs have a sweet and comical nature that makes this dog extremely lovable.

Although some Bulldogs may be more active than others, most Bulldogs like to spend much time sleeping. You will need to take this dog for walks although in warmer weather, this dog will prefer to rest in a cooled room.
Bulldog information about the purchase and care of the dog indicates that the Bulldog is expensive to buy and keep. It can cost a few thousand dollars to buy a Bulldog puppy from good lines. A potential buyer must be aware that the dog can be prone to medical conditions, which can be costly. Respiratory conditions and a sensitive to heat can add up when veterinarian care is required.

The Bulldog will require regular checkups to keep the dog in good health and to watch for any health conditions. Respiratory and heat sensitivity problems can be costly and the Bulldog should be protected from the heat with air conditioning in weather conditions with high temperatures. The Bulldog mother may require assistance with birth from Caesarian section.

The folds of the Bulldog’s face with get soiled from the dog’s drooling and messy eating. Care must be taken daily to avoid infections and irritation of the skin and eyes. Use of mild shampoo formulas must be used on the dog’s sensitive skin. With consistent care, the Bulldog will become and remain a valued member of any household.

Preventing Heat Stroke in Cats

Author: Troy Foote
Source: ezinearticles.com

Summer is around the corner in North America and for most of us that means either hot and dry or extremely hot and humid. We all think of swimming pools and cold drinks to stay cool. What about our feline friends? To see my Kayco in a pair of swim trunks on a poolside is not going to happen. So how can we as cat owners help to make sure that they stay cool and safe this summer? How can we prevent heat stroke in cats and our pets? The conversation between my cat and I is pretty much one sided. So he isn’t going tell me that he is hot and can’t take the heat.

Many people take their pets both cats and dogs, with them when they leave the house whether on vacation or to the store for a gallon of milk. So we need to be smart and think of the ones we love when doing so. Remember if your car is sitting in the sun how hot it is when you get in. The temperature takes up to twenty minutes with the air conditioning running to cool off and only ten minutes to heat up the temperature of a baking oven when parked. So leaving a cat in a car even with windows cracked down is not even an option. The solution? Either make sure your pet can be with you away from home or leave them at home with plenty of water and or some one who can make sure they will be fed and watered regularly. This is the key to preventing heat stroke in cats.

Consider this, when the heat gets to the point where our air quality is low, it’s a good idea to keep your children and seniors indoors. So if this type of advisory is given to humans, the same suite should be followed with cats. They do not always know where the cool hiding places are outside and they may not even return home to you. So keeping them in can actually keep them alive. We all know how hot asphalt gets in the blazing sun. If your feet can’t handle that kind of heat, think of your kitty’s sensitive paws and how quickly they could be burned.

Preventing heat stroke in cats is preventable!! To do this, regular grooming and brushing will help keep shed hair off their skin. Not all cats will tolerate a bath, but if yours does, this may be an option to consider as well. If your pet has long hair or is even slightly over weight, keeping either your home or at least a room the cat has full access to, will also help.

Remember beer is for human consumption only. So keep a cool and clean supply of water through out the day for your precious kitty. They would thank you if they could, but since they can’t they will rub them selves on your leg. So what are some of the causes of heat stoke in cats and other pets?

CAUSES.

1. Being in a hot car. Never leave your pet in a parked car in sunlight. The car heats up to be like a sauna even on mild days.

2. Excessive exercise on a hot day. Minimize exercise in the heat of the day. Avoid exercising your dog in unusually hot or humid conditions especially at the start of summer. Most heat stroke cases are seen at the start of summer.

3. Not enough shade and cold water. Make sure your pet has plenty of shade to escape into during the day. Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh cool water (the water should be placed in the shade) available at all times.

For more information on how to keep your kitty safe and cool as well as what to do if heatstroke is evident go to the article section at Pamper Pet Care on Pets and Heat Stroke and show these little critters how much they mean to you.

Written by Troy Foote. Pet advocate and owner of Pamper Pet Care Your online resource for pet health care and nutrition.

Summertime Safety Tips For Your Dog

Author: Karen Soukiasian
Source: ezinearticles.com

Here are a few tips to help you and your dog can enjoy the summer without an unpleasant incident!

1. Water, water, water!! Keep your dog hydrated. Just in case they drink all the water out of one bucket, or spill it, keep a few buckets of cool, fresh water available in different locations around the yard. Make sure the inside water bowl is always full too! Many dogs drink more water in the summer, than other seasons.

2. Shade and shelter, provide shelter in a shady place, preferably away from tall trees, for your dog to retreat to when the weather is hot or stormy.

3. Air conditioning on hot, humid days. Certain short-muzzled breeds cannot tolerate hot, humid weather. Each breath is a struggle is a struggle and they will quickly succumb to the heat. Bring your dog inside…Dogs love air conditioning too!

4. Swimming pools kill hundreds of dogs every year. Teach your dog how to exit the pool safely, should they fall in. Most dogs that drown in the family pool do so because they do not know the location of the stairs, ladder, or ledge. They will continue to paddle in one place, until so exhausted they sink. Pet supply stores also sell floating ramps. Make sure your dog know how to get out of the pool.

5. Swimming lessons: all dogs do not know how to swim! Some will simply sink! Make sure your dog knows how to swim. Take them into the pool with you to teach them how to swim, and to find the exit.

6. Fertilizer and lawn treatments can be toxic. Do not leave your dog outside if you have just fertilized your plants or had your lawn treated. Many of those chemicals are deadly to dogs, especially, puppies, older dogs, small dogs, and dog’s in poor health.

7. Hot grills/fryers can be dangerous. Keep your dog away from the grill or fryer during and after its use, until it has cooled down.

8. Grill utensils such as grill forks, knives, metal and wooden skewers, tin foil, plastic wrap, charcoal and lighter fluid should be kept out of the dog’s reach.

9. Car rides should be limited to short, early morning and evening trips, when the temperature has cooled down. Your car turns into an oven in the matter of minutes! When in doubt how long an errand will run…Leave your dog safely at home.

10. Car- check behind and under the car. Dogs often seek shade under parked cars. Know where your dog is before you move your car.

11. Toxic plants should be avoided or planted only in areas where the dog does not have access.

12. Wood and debris piles should be cleared out…They are a great place for snakes to hide. There is a shortage of antivenin. Many veterinarians have been on waiting lists to obtain it.

13. Ground hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants can wreck havoc on a nosy dog. Exterminate them in a non-toxic way if possible.

14. Mosquitoes are the sole cause of heartworm. Make sure you have no sitting water in your yard. Put fresh water daily in your birdbath. Aerate or keep mosquito eaters, goldfish or koi in your backyard ponds.

15. Exercise should be limited to the coolest parts of the day. Keep it short and do it early in the morning and in the evening.

16. Hurricane preparations ahead of time are necessary for those whose lives from June to December revolve around weather reports. Prepare a large plastic waterproof container with everything you will need for your dog, should you have to evacuate quickly. It should contain a leash, bowls, bottled water, food, name tag, contact phone numbers, medical records, and medications. Make arrangements with a local vet or boarding facility ahead of time, so that should you have to evacuate and cannot take your dog, they will be provided with a safe haven.

Bottom line: a few simple precautions can save a lot of heartache. Make it a safe, fun summer for your dog.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite

Top 11 Secrets to a Successful Home Aquarium

Author: Tim R. O’Brien
Source: ezinearticles.com

Tropical fish make great pets. They are skimpy eaters, they don’t have to be walked, they don’t scratch, they don’t make noise, and you only have to clean up after them every couple weeks.Once everything is going well in your home aquarium, watching and caring for your fish is a great stress buster. The lighted tank with the gently bubbling water adds a touch of serenity, as well as a nice natural decor to any room.

With that said however, purchasing the right equipment and setting up your home aquarium is critical in establishing its long-term success. A great way to start the process is to visit several pet stores, look around and ask questions. Once you find a store that feels right for you, establish a relationship with an expert at that shop and try to stay loyal to both the person and the shop. If they are aware of your home setup they will be very valuable to you in the future when you need professional advice. A well thought out plan is crucial. Don’t come home with a tank and a bag of fish on a whim and expect to immediately set up a tropical watery paradise for the fishes. Once you purchase everything you need and get everything home, it’s important you set it up and maintain it properly.

Frank Bulman, director of husbandry at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tenn., provides the following suggestions for a successful home aquarium.

Proper size and location.

Water weighs 8.3 lbs per gallon making a large aquarium quite heavy, so make sure the floor can handle the load. A small aquarium requires more maintenance and attention than a larger aquarium but they are lighter and water changes are easier. Avoid locating your aquarium in a south facing window as it will receive too much sun and may overheat in the summer or get too cold in the winter. If this is your first aquarium, it’s recommended you start with a smaller, maybe a 10 or 20 gallon tank and then expand as your knowledge and confidence grows Hint: Locate the aquarium away from heating and air-conditioning vents and make sure it is within reach of a grounded electrical outlet.

Adequate filtration.

Aquariums are miniature eco-systems with waste products being broken down by living bacteria which serve as biological filtration. These bacteria need good water flow and oxygen just like the fish do. There are many types of filters to choose from. Filters that trap particulate waste are mechanical filters. Filters that remove dissolved organic material use activated carbon and are considered chemical filters. Additional Info: A good filtration system will address biological, mechanical and chemical processes and keep your water safe for its inhabitants. Hint: Talk with your pet store professional about the pros and cons of each type of filter to find the one best for your situation.

Creating an Environment.

Once your aquarium is set up and stable and in no danger of toppling over, add two to three inches of gravel to the bottom. Now is the time to add a few decorations, but don’t overdo it – make sure you leave ample room for the fish to swim around. Adding large stones, castles, tunnels, and plants not only helps your tank mimic a natural habitat, but it also provides a valuable place for your fish to hide, rest or get away from their aggressive tank mates. Additional Info: The aquarium’s interior should be designed to fit into the room in which it is located, so carefully consider the colors you choose for the gravel and decorative items. Hint: Use your aquarium to create a focal point of a room. Treat it like a living work of art.

Proper fish selection.

Selecting the right fish is important so do your homework before populating your tank. Know which species are compatible with each other and which species are not. Additional Info: Very often juvenile fish are sold and they soon outgrow the aquarium, so be sure you know how large each one will get. Hint: Don’t purchase all your equipment AND your fish on the same trip. Get the tank set up and ready before you introduce your new family to their habitat.

Healthy fish.

Take time and make sure you select healthy fish. Avoid purchasing fish that are not eating or are staying apart from other fish. Sick fish will often have their fins clamped close to their body or will be scratching or rubbing on objects in the aquarium. A good fish shop will hold fish for a quarantine period and make sure the fish are healthy and eating before they are sold. Additional Info: It may be necessary to set up a separate quarantine tank up at home to make sure new fish are healthy before adding them to your community aquarium. Hint: Look into their eyes. Healthy fish have clear eyes.

Adding new fish.

It is best to add a few fish at a few at a time to a new aquarium. This gives the bacteria population time to grow. A necessary purchase is a test kit to check ammonia and nitrite levels in your water. Here’s an easy chemistry lesson: Ammonia is the main waste product in an aquarium and it’s very toxic to fish. This is where your healthy bacteria population comes into play. They convert ammonia into nitrite, which is less toxic than ammonia but is still harmful. Other bacteria will then metabolize the nitrite and convert it to nitrate which is not harmful to your fish. Additional Info: A good pet shop should willingly check these levels for you if you bring them a water sample. The ammonia and nitrite levels should be close to 0 ppm before adding additional animals. Hint: Don’t just dump your new fish into the tank. Float them in the plastic bag in which them came so they can slowly adjust to the temperature of their new home. Fifteen minutes is usually enough.

Don’t over feed.

Feed your fish s a little pinch of food at a time and don’t add more food until the first has been eaten. When the fish start eating slower, stop feeding. Never add more food than the fish can eat in about five minutes. Uneaten food will foul the water creating high ammonia levels. Additional Info: Some fish are vegetarian and will feed on algae and debris. These fish are helpful for keeping the aquarium clean. Hint: Make sure you are feeding the proper type of food for the species you have selected.

Don’t over clean.

Resist the temptation to remove everything from the aquarium and thoroughly clean. This will wipe out the beneficial bacteria and will result in toxic water conditions. Instead wipe down the windows and walls of the aquarium with a clean sponge or non-abrasive cloth. The dirt and debris trapped in the gravel is best removed by siphoning the gravel with a hydro clean tube. This allows the light waste material to flow out with the water leaving the heavier cleaned gravel behind. Replace the water that has been removed with new water that has had the chlorine neutralized and is similar temperature as the aquarium. An established aquarium should have no more than 25% of its water removed per month during cleaning. Additional Info: Mechanical filters will eventually need to be cleaned. Keep in mind substantial colonies of beneficial bacteria will colonize and live in these filters. After cleaning, keep an eye on the water’s ammonia level and feed lightly until the bacteria have a chance to repopulate. Hint: Keep a bucket or plastic water bottle handy in which to siphon the dirty water from the aquarium. Use that water in turn to water your plants!

Provide proper lighting.

Your aquarium should have a consistent light period, which provides natural periods of light and dark. This can be accomplished by using a timer or turning lights on in the morning and off in the evening. Natural light may be adequate but avoid direct sunlight. Additional Info: If the light fixture does not cover the top of the aquarium, a screen should be used to keep fish from jumping out. Hint: Too long of a light period can result in excess algae growth.

Maintain proper temperature.

Many aquarium fish are tropical and must live in water that is 73 – 82 degrees F. Most often the ambient room temperature is too cool and a submersible heater is necessary. Do not use too large a heater or too small a heater, generally 2-5 watts per gallon is adequate. Additional Info: If the aquarium overheats and becomes too warm, try directing a fan toward it and that will usually cool it down to acceptable levels. Hint: Unplug your heater when cleaning. Exposing a hot submersible heater to air will cause it to break.

Be Aware of Your New Eco-system.

It’s important to pay attention to the behavior of your fish. Watch for those who are lethargic or are scratching or keeping their fins clamped. These are signs of possible disease problems and if caught soon can be treated successfully with salt or medications. Overly aggressive ones should be removed or isolated from other fish. Your pet shop team will be able to help diagnose problems. Additional Info: Pay attention during feeding. In an aquarium with a large fish population it’s just as important to watch for the fish that are not eating as it is to watch for those who are. Hint: Name each fish and each morning when you feed them, look for each one and say good morning to it. That way, you will see each fish every day and can catch any problems very early.

Tim R. O’Brien is vice president of communications for Ripley Entertainment, owners of the two Ripley’s aquariums. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com), the second most attended attraction in Tennessee, was Voted The Number One Aquarium in America by TripAdvisor.com and Forbes Traveler has named it one of America’s best aquariums. More than 100,000 exotic sea creatures live in its 1.4 million gallons of water. The aquarium is known for its shark exhibit that features 11-foot sharks and one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide entertainment facilities that includes another world class aquarium – Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, S.C. More than 13 million people visit Ripley’s 70-plus attractions in 13 countries each year. Ripley Entertainment Inc. is a division of the Jim Pattison Group, the third largest privately held company in Canada.

Tips For Taking A Road Trip With Your Dog

Author: Adam Katz
Source: isnare.com

Vehicles: With the possible exception of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a side car, I’ve seen practically every type of vehicle used for taking the family pooch on a road trip.

Below I review three of the best:

1.) Tom Rose of High Ridge, Missouri, had a Ford van he converted into a dog-friendly transport vehicle. By enclosing the back area, installing custom upholstery and a special air conditioning vent, he created an area in the back of the van where his dogs could ride in their crates and still stay cool.

The best thing about this set up was that on hot summer days, he could leave the diesel engine running (and the air conditioning too) and leave the dogs in the van for an hour or two, without the threat of overheating.

2.) If you’re travelling in an area with less extreme weather (like Los Angeles)… a pick up truck with a shell on the back is extremely convenient. I’ve installed sliding windows on mine, and put in hardware mesh so that the dogs cannot jump out, and nobody can get in. A light colored, fiberglass shell with cross-ventilating windows will keep the temperature in the back of the truck about equal to the outside ambient temperature in the shade.

If you don’t like to keep your dog in a crate, you can purchase a rubber bed liner that will make it comfortable for your dog to lay on. These usually run about $50, and can be purchased at the same places that install camper shells.

3.) A convertible Jeep. For obvious reasons, the Jeep Wrangler (designed originally for military use) is easy to clean after long trips, and the convertible nature of this vehicle allows you to leave your dog in the back while refueling or running into a gas station rest room, without worrying about your dog over-heating.

Products you can use to help keep dog mess in your vehicle to a minimum I came across this web site by a company called, Black Armor. Their web site is: http://www.black-armor.com/

You’ll find a number of products designed to protect the interior of your Car, Truck, or Sport Utility Vehicle from spills, stains, as well as premature wear. Many of these products:

- install and remove easily
- are unaffected by gasoline or oil
- clean and wipe easily
- are made of a tough, durable material that is non-skid to minimize the possibility of your dog getting tossed around.
- are guaranteed for a lifetime
- are made in the U.S.A.

You’ll also find that most are custom fit to the exact dimensions of your vehicle.

A gear bag to keep water, training equipment, and other dog related stuff is essential.

A Dog’s Life Web Site ( at http://www.dogs-life.com/travel.htm ) sells a nice product called the “Rollover Travel Pack & Bed For Dogs”. The pack is described as:

“- Perfect for on-the-go dogs and their owners, the ROLLOVERฎ Travel Pack & Bed for dogs has a snap-on shoulder strap and built-in handle for easy carrying. The reinforced nylon pack-cloth construction will hold up over the long haul.

- Unbuckle the compact unit, and it unrolls to rugged storage pockets for everything your traveling dog will need– including dog food, water bottle, dog bowl and other necessities. Dogs can easily get dehydrated when traveling. Now the dogs water and bowl can always be in easy reach. And the insulating cushions inside the product keep your dogs cold water bottle cold longer, even on hot, sunny days.

- Fully opened, the ROLLOVER Travel Pack & Bed for dogs becomes a cushioned, fleece-topped travel dog bed with a water-resistant base for indoor & outdoor use. The thick polyester cushions also provide superior insulating qualities to keep dogs comfy, no matter what your destination.

- Now you’ve got a convenient way to help your dog feel “at home” with familiar things they can call their own.

- And at the end of the journey, the ROLLOVER Travel Pack & Bed for dogs is completely machine washable and dryable for easy care. Unlike other dog beds, the entire bed gets cleaned, not just the cover.

- Available in Small, Medium, Large and X-Large– comfortably sized to fit most dog breeds.”

(Check out their web site… they include a picture!)

Don’t forget to include a first aid kit for your dog, too!

Here’s a cool product for anyone who does a lot of outdoor camping/travelling with their dog: A first aid kit designed for both you AND your dog!

Called, “America’s first pet owner and pet first aid kit!” This don’t-leave-home-without-it product costs $32.95 and includes:

1 Blue clean-up mitt

1 First aid scissors, blunt tips

1 First aid forceps

1 Sterile eye wash (.5 oz)

2 Triple antibiotic ointment (1/32 oz)

2 After bite wipes (insect)

1 Adhesive tape (1 x 1 yd)

6 Gauze pads (2 x 2)

1 Self adherent bandage (3 x 5)

5 Cotton balls

4 Cotton swabs (3″)

1 Instant cold pack

1 Styptic pencil

1 Pair Latex gloves

1 Animal First Aid Guide

1 Human First Aid Guide

Seems like a good investment, to me! The web site URL is: http://commerce.friendlyproducts.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/onlinestore/pussnpooch.htm?L+friendly+voot6234+930023203

Additional Resources:

Travel Dog.com – http://www.traveldog.com/TD1999/resource/resour~1.htm

This site has a bunch of good resources you should read before embarking on your trip, including articles on choosing a kennel, travelling by car, and staying at a hotel with your pet. The site also has a number of resources for finding dog friendly beaches, camp grounds, events, kennels, parks, pet sitters, and pet transportation.

If you’re looking to purchase a wire cage for travelling with your pet, Foster’s and Smith have a variety for sale, and their return policy (if you don’t like it) is excellent!

If you’re looking to purchase a plastic crate, you can also find them at:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/fsstore/dir2.icl?SECID=6&SUBSECID=17&ORDERIDENTIFIER=ID9300203301401A7C02

Bringing a crate with you is practically a necessity if you’re going to be on a long road trip.

That’s all for now, folks!
Adam

Hot Weather Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe

Author: Kelly Marshall
Source: isnare.com

Dogs, like people, feel the heat so it is their human companion’s job to ensure that they are safe and comfortable in any extreme weather. Our pets are valued and loved members of the family for which we are responsible. If we live in a hot climate or during the summer months, we need to keep our pets safe from the heat. Here are some tips on how to do this.

Dogs, just like their human companions, can become sunburned which is uncomfortable for them and can lead to damaged skin or skin cancer. Use a sun block that is at least SPF 15 on their sun-sensitive areas such as ears and nose and dogs with short hair and exposed or fair skin. Apply this at least fifteen minutes or more before your pet goes outside, as this makes the sun block more effective. This is extremely important during the high sun times, which are between ten a.m. and four p.m. Speak to your vet if the sun block contains zinc oxide, as some experts feel you should not use this on dogs. If your pet does get sun burned, giving them an oatmeal bath or using aloe vera products sometimes helps but always contact your veterinarian.

We have all read in the newspaper about pets left alone in a car during hot weather. People mistakenly believe that parking in the shade or leaving the windows down will prevent the inside of the car from heating up. Unfortunately, many people have learned too late that this is just not true. Never leave your pet in a parked car, as within minutes the inside temperature can reach over a hundred degrees, even in balmy weather. In an emergency only where you must leave your pet in the car for a few minutes you should:

ทLeave the car air conditioner running

ทMake sure you can see your car so you know it is still running

ทPut the emergency brake on

ทMake sure the dog cannot reach the car controls

ทLock the doors but take an extra key with you

ทLeave fresh, cool water out for the dog

If you ever do see a dog or pet trapped inside a car on a hot day, immediately contact the local police, humane society and if in a shopping mall or store, the store or mall management.

Never let your dog out to play during the hottest times of day, which is usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take them for walks or out to play in the early, cool hours of the morning or in the late evening. They can suffer overexertion or heat stroke, so exercise and heat do not go well together. Make sure there is always cool, fresh water available. If your dog is not afraid of you spraying them, carry a spray bottle full of water to use on the dogs paws or head if they get a little too warm. Here are a few more tips:

ทConcrete, asphalt and other surfaces get extremely hot and can burn your pet’s feet

ทOverweight, elderly, longhaired and large dogs feel the heat quickly

ทMake sure there is a non-tip water bowl with fresh water and shade available at all times

ทDogs with medical problems such as lung, heart or other conditions and kept inside with air-conditioning

Always remember that you need to keep your dog safe, happy and healthy.