miércoles, 25 de abril de 2012

What You Didn't Know About Poodles

So, recently, I've heard many things about poodles and other small breeds, and guess what, they're not true. I have a poodle my self, so I know how to take best care for them.

First of all, many people believe that poodles tend to have heart problems as they get older, and of course, you can prevent it. Poodles and other small breeds need their teeth cleaned once or twice  a year, because all tartar begins accumulating, and making the space for little veins smaller.. if that's not treated, the dog could get heart problems when older, because the blood isn't flowing to the heart as it should. So make sure you take your buddy to a vet to have their teeth cleaned once a year.

Also, many dog owners believe that small breeds tend to lack their sense of sight as they grow older, and you can also avoid that, making sure you cut the hair around you dog's eyes. Hair in eyes isn't good for dogs, cats, or another mammal.. including humans. If you see that your dog has some hair in their eyes, try to take it off. Take your dog to the groomer once a month, so they can have the hair around their eyes cut. In this way, you are taking good care of your pet and its eye sight.

Believe it or not, poodles are the most expensive dog to take care of. They're not the cheapest, as some people think. That's why some persons don't treat them as they should, which leads to more chances of illness. Everything can be treated, so if your dog has a problem, don't worry, if you take good care of him, give him its medicines, and lots of love, they can recover. If a person can recover from a terrible illness, why do you think an animal can not? After all, they are also God's creation!

Take care of your pet, he or she is also part of the family. For you who pray for the health and happiness of your loved ones, why not praying for your pets too? So always remember, small breeds, large breeds, medium breeds, all are thought to have tendency to certain illness.. but it is not true, everything depends on what type of care you give your pet.

lunes, 12 de diciembre de 2011

Christmas Present Ideas



Hey there! It's almost Christmas and our furry friends deserve to celebrate it too, so here I have some gift ideas for you. If you have other ideas please send them to me, and I'll post them here too!

For Dogs:

Toy balls-


Balls are a very common dog toy, and they are perfect 
to play with in the park.


Chewing Bones-


Bones keep your dog busy while some clean their teeth.


IQ Treat Ball-


This ball is very entretaining, your dog will need to find the 

way of getting the treats inside.









Collar and Leash-


A new collar and leash will come in handy when you want to
walk your dog without the fear of him running away.
Food bowls-


Food bowls are key for a good pet care, and some are really nice!
For Cats:


Plush mice-


Cats love mice, and they love these toys too.















Laser-


These lasers keeps your cat busy and happy for hours.



Everyday treats-


There's never a bad time for a little treat!



For Rodents:


Chew sticks-


These will keep your hamster busy while it cleans their teethes.



Hideouts-


Your hamster can build their nests inside these, they are perfect for them, and can be found in different models.






Bedding & Nests-


Bedding and a nest are the perfect recipe for some sweet dreams.



Balls-


The perfect way of letting your pet run around in a safe place!



For Birds:


Nests-


As well as we do, birds need a place to sleep, and nests are perfect for this.
Product DetailsProduct Details


Toys-


There are many toys for birds, and you can get them almost everywhere!
Product DetailsProduct DetailsProduct Details


For Fish:


New tank decoration-


Fish deserve a nice home too, and these are just a few of
the things that you can get in your local pet store.




Product DetailsProduct DetailsProduct Details



Air bubbler-


This helps clean your tank and it fills the water with oxygen for your fish.
Product Details


Enjoy your Christmas with your family and friends. Merry Christmas! 


God Bless You.

miércoles, 30 de noviembre de 2011

Most Common Animal Phobias

Many people fear snakes, but sometimes it can


People who are afraid of animals have from mild or extreme phobias. Some people are so afraid of dogs that it makes day-to-day life a struggle, the fluttering of wings is almost impossible to avoid. There are many animal phobias, from fear to bats to fear to dogs.

Fear of bats:

It is called chiroptophobia.  This phobia can freak out
its suffers with just a flap of this leathery wing.

Fear of sharks:

Called galeophobia, suffers of this fear even get
scared when the word "shark" is mentioned.

Fear of birds:

This fear is called ornithophobia, and it can
be debilitating in our world, which is full of birds.

Fear of snakes:

It can evolve into a sever phobia called ophidiophobia.
This phobia can even affect people who have a
low chance to meet a snake.

Fear of spiders:

It's called arachnophobia. It can even make
living in one's own house a nightmare.

Fear of mice or rats:

A person with musophobia can paralyze
when meeting his friend's pet.

Fear of dogs:

This fear called cynophobia can make
live difficult to someone with a brave heart.


http://animal.discovery.com/tv/my-extreme-animal-phobia/animal-phobias/

martes, 23 de agosto de 2011

Top 10 Reasons Why Animals Attack

10. Teased: This reason's highest on our list because it's the most preventable. If you tease an animal, you're actively encouraging it to attack you, especially if the animal feels cornered. No mystery here.

9. Awoken While Sleeping: A grumpy animal is an animal that's likely to attack — and few things make an animal grumpier than being aroused while sleeping. It makes sense: when an animal is asleep, it's at its most vulnerable. Waking up in a fury is the animal's way of compensating for letting its guard down.

8. Bothered While Eating: Meals are seldom easy to come by in the wild kingdom, especially for predators and scavengers. A feeding animal has little tolerance for any situation that would cause it to lose its hard-fought prize.

7. Losing a Mating Opportunity: Talk about a reason to be grumpy! Being rejected by a potential mate, or losing a female to an alpha male, is enough to put any animal on edge. The human victim may simply be the scapegoat, or could be seen as another rival or threat to conjugal bliss.

6. Hungry: Animals don't prey on humans as a matter of course, but when things get desperate, food is food. If a prey population diminishes, a predator may turn to whatever's at hand to keep itself alive. Most attacks due to hunger occur in areas where humans have encroached on an animal's habitat. Sometimes though, an animal will take a bite just to see if you're edible (see "attacks, shark").

5. Surprised or Frightened: If an animal is caught by surprised or otherwise frightened, its first instinct may be to lash out. This basic instinct helps create distance between the animal and the intruder, giving it time to assess the situation.

4. Protecting Territory: Many animals are territorial, especially land-based predators. A well-defined territory provides the fittest individuals guaranteed hunting and foraging grounds; a lifeline if you will. These species will defend their territories tooth and nail against any perceived usurper, animal or otherwise.

3. Old, Sick or Injured: Animals that would otherwise never dream of attacking a human may do so out of sheer desperation. Chasing down and ambushing wild prey may no longer be an option for an old, sick or injured animal, so it may turn to atypical but easy meals, such as people.

2. Protecting Young: The golden rule of survival around wild animals is to never, ever, ever get between a mother and her young — or anywhere near her babies, for that matter. The maternal instinct to defend one's offspring is so strong that a protective mother will take on any perceived threat, regardless of the odds of winning the fight. And that definitely includes humans.

1. Feel Threatened: One of the most basic of all emotions is fear. It exists in nearly every animal species. If an animal feels threatened for any reason, its genetically programmed defense mechanisms will kick in and it will do whatever it takes to remove itself from potential danger. Luckily flight is the go-to defense mechanism for most animals. However, depending on the animal and situation, running away may not be the best option. Instead, the animal may strike, bite, battle or tear apart its perceived threat. This is the number one reason why it's important to keep a respectful distance from wild animals that can potentially harm humans — and to never keep them as pets.

viernes, 22 de julio de 2011

Top 10 Popular Small Pets

Selecting the small pet that's right for you is no small feat. With all the adorable options, it can be difficult to decide if your new family member should have fins or fur. After all, some pets need a huge amount of care and attention, while others prefer to be left alone. It depends on how much time, money, and effort you are willing to put forth to become a pet owner.You should also consider wether you'd like the type of pet you can curl up with on the couch, or prefer to watch at distance. And, there are a few pets that aren't a good option when preschoolers are around.

Now, shall we begin!

10. Guinea Pig:

Guinea Pig
As small pets go, guinea pigs are virtual giants. In fact, each of the 13 guinea pig breeds recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association can weigh up to 3 pounds or 1,360 grams. They come in several colors and patterns, and can have short or long hair.
Life Span: Five to 10 years
Best For: Children of any age. It is a great "starter" pet.
Feeding: Commercial pellets, prairie hay, fresh vegetables and water and a daily dose of vitamin C
Housing and Exercise: Guinea pigs need lots of exercise. Pet retailers sell portable enclosures in which your guinea pig can safely explore an indoor or outdoor eonvironment. You can add pipes for your pet to run through or offer hiding spaces, such as small boxes. Anyway, it is best if you do not add a wheel to your pet's cage. Wheel can cause injuries to your pet's back legs..
Good to know: Guinea pigs are actually from South America, not Guinea, and aren't pigs at all.

9. Hamsters:

Hamsters Also called "pocket pets" because of their size, hamsters have pet appeal in triplicate: They are cute, furry, and friendly. People began to have hamsters as pets in the 1930s, and this pet has grown in popularity since then. The most common hamster breeds include the Syrian Hamster, also known as the "Golden Hamster", or "Teddy Bear Hamster", which can grow up to 7 inches in length. The Roborovski Dwarf Hamster, which grows up to 2 inches in length.
Life Span: Two or three years
Best For: Children 8 and older. Hamsters are nocturnal
Feeding: Commercial pellets, fresh water; occasional treats of fresh fruits and vegetables, and cheese
Housing and Exercise: Wire hamster cages with a solid bottom, hamster wheels (best if it is a plastic one, others may fracture the hamster's legs), tubes and other toys. Shredded paper or tissue makes good bedding. Most hamsters don't mind living alone. In fact, they tend to be aggressive in same-sex pairs.
Good to know: If you adopt two hamsters of the opposite sex, you may soon have a bevy of baby hamsters. That's because a hamster pregnancy only takes about two weeks, from start to finish.

8. Gecko

Geckos


One of the most popular gecko isn't actually green at all. It is a Leopard Gecko, and it has a pattern of brown spots. It makes a great small pet. This animals are naturally shy, but with patience and care, you can earn their trust. You will be rewarded with a gecko that will happily explore the hand that holds it.
Life Span: Up to 20 years
Best For: Children 10 and older
Feeding: Worms and crickets, fresh water
Housing and Exercise: Heated terrariums ranging from 75ºF to 85ºF (24 to 29ºC) during the day, and only slightly cooler at night. Minimal exercise, especially if there are rocks or pieces of wood under which it can hide.
Good to know: Mishandling could cause a gecko to shed its tail, which is a natural defense mechanism. Don't worry much about that. Also, a gecko's a night owl, so to speak. It likes to spend the night feeding and investigating its surroundings rather than sleeping, which is reserved for daytime.

7. Rabbit:

Rabbits can come when they are called, use a litter box, and exercise on a leash. That sounds like an odd mix of cat and dog qualities, but for this pet, it's all in a day's work. There are more than 60 breeds of rabbits, so you can choose from a variety of sizes, colors, and ear lenghts. Rabbits can range from 2 to 13 pounds.
 Life Span: Five to 10 years
Best For: Children 8 and older
Feeding: Commercial pellets, fresh vegetables for a treat, fresh water
Housing and Exercise: Indoor-only rabbit cage with a solid floor. Rabbits need lots of exercise, a specially made enclosure can provide a safe outdoor environment for hopping, as can an enclosed indoor space. Some rabbits can be trained to exercise outdoors with a collar and leash.
Good to know: Why aren't bunnies and preschoolers a good mix? All that cuddling and carrying around really stresses a rabbit, whose instincts are shouting "danger, danger, danger!" Before long, the rabbit's young admirer may be covered in scratches from its powerful claws as it beats a hasty exit.

6. Parrots:
Parrots 
Parrots are colorful, lively and playful pets. There are more than 350 different types of parrots, they range in color from vibrant red and green to stately gray and black, and can be quite small, or quite large. When given plenty of living space, exercise and positive attention, these extremely intelligent birds are very affectionate toward their owners. Most parrots have an uncanny ability to mimic human voices, as well as other sounds. Don't be surprised if your parrot begins to imitate a barking dog, a mewing cat or even your cell phone's distinctive ring.

Life Span: Up to 80 years
Best For: Any age, but better for teenagers and adults
Feeding: Commercial seed mixes, fresh water; fresh vegetables and fruit
Housing and Exercise: Cage should be large enough for bird to fly short distances and
should be cleaned every other day. Lining the cage with a thin layer of gravel will aid in the cleaning process and the parrot's digestion.
Good to know: Parrots like to play with toys, such as ropes, bells, mirrors and other bird-centric forms of entertainment. But they especially like to repeat what you say. Most parrots can be taught many words and phrases, but they seem to have a knack for mimicking everything. Many parrot owners quickly learn to choose their words carefully... especially if the phrase is not worth repeating.

5. Ferrets:

Curious and covered in fur, ferrets are an interesting pet. They like to explore and roam. This makes it tricky if you've got a lot of visitors opening and closing your front door. And, ferrets can be temperamental toward visitors, making them prone to proffer a nip if mishandled. The reward for all your ferret-care is a pet with personality-plus.
Life Span: Five to 8 years
Best For: Children 12 and older
Feeding: Commercial ferret pellets or cat food, fresh water
Housing and Exercise: Although you'll want a wire cage with a solid base for your ferret, they prefer to have the run of the house instead of caged confinement. When given their freedom, they will investigate every nook and cranny.
Good to know: Ferrets can get a little gamey, so bathing every 10 to 14 days is recommended. Some owners have the animal's scent glands surgically removed. It's also a good idea to keep your ferret's nails trimmed. Overgrown nails will snag carpets, furniture and draperies.

4. Betta Fish:
Betta Fish
Not just any ol' fish will do for a pet. We need an easy-to-manage breed with an equally manageable tank. So, we're opting for a betta fish. These vibrantly colored fish come in shades of green, red, violet and orange; sometimes the shades seem to blend into each other like an Impressionist painting. This fish are not only good pets, they are also very elegant. Aside from the big visual impression they make, bettas are quite small. Most are only a couple of inches in length.
Life Span: Up to 3 years
Best For: Any age
Feeding: Commercial betta food
Housing and Exercise: You can skip the complicated aquariums and filter. Just keep your betta's fish bowl water clean and warm. They do best in water that's 78ºF to 80ºF (25 to 26ºC), probably because they originated in the tropical waters of Southeast Asia.
Good to know: There's a reason bettas are sold one at a time. Pairing bettas, whether male or female, can lead to fights and injuries.
 
3. Turtle:
Box Turtle
It's nice to have a small pet that can't outrun you, and a turtle certainly fits that bill. They're happy to set up camp in your home and are always ready for an adoring audience. Box turtles are a popular choice, with their colorfully patterned shells and winsome good looks, but they are picky eaters. Red-eared sliders are more aerodynamic, sport distinctive red marks on each side of the head and aren't so fussy.
Life Span: Up to 40 years
Best For: Children 8 or older
Feeding: Earthworms, insects, and fruits and vegetables, or commercial pellets, depending on turtle breed.
Housing and Exercise: Turtles require a terrarium or aquarium that's roomy enough for a few rocks large enough to perch upon, as well as dry areas in which they can burrow and shallow water in which they can rehydrate. They don't need a lot of exercise.
Good to know: Turtles are walking bacteria factories. Even the healthiest turtles are carriers of salmonella, bacteria that can morph into a serious intestinal disease known as salmonellosis in humans. Any contact with a turtle, including its food or water containers, should be followed by a thorough, disinfecting hand washing.

 2. Chinchilla:
Chinchilla
Chinchilla fur is so velvety that the best thing about your new pet will simply be holding it. A chinchilla's luxurious coat comes in a range of colors, from white to charcoal. Unlike most furry mammals that have one hair fiber per follicle, a chinchilla can sprout up to 80 hairs from just one follicle. This South American native is technically a rodent. But it's so charming that we'd rather not give that too much thought. Chinchillas resemble a kangaroo, with front legs that are markedly shorter than their back legs, and a thick, bushy tail.
Life Span: Up to 20 years
Best For: Children over 10 (Chinchillas are fragile animals)
Feeding: Commercial pellets, fresh water
Housing and Exercise: The chinchilla doesn't need complicated care. It will thrive in a variety of environments and temperature conditions, but it's most comfortable at a balmy 65ºF 75ºF(18 to 24ºC). Most chinchillas live in wire cages with solid floors.
Good to know: The chinchilla doesn't have body odor. Even its droppings will take several days to emit a smell. If the animal's cage is cleaned frequently, odor becomes a non-issue.


1. Hermit Crab:
Hermit crab
Hermit crabs are interesting, active little creatures. They have five sets of legs, a tiny head equipped with long antennae and a shell. Being called a hermit is quite a misnomer, because these tiny pets can be very social and active, especially in the evenings. They burrow in the sand, crawl on top of rocks and will even curiously investigate items in their environments. Occasionally, you may even hear a chirping sound from your hermit crab.
Life Span: Up to 30 years
Best For: Any age
Feeding: Commercial pellets, dechlorinated fresh water and salt water, occasional fruit.
Housing and Exercise: Hermit crabs can live in terrariums. They thrive at temperatures of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) and love humid conditions, which can be encouraged with a daily misting. With sand to dig and rocks to climb, hermit crabs don't need additional exercise.
Good to know: As they grow, hermit crabs shed their shells for larger ones. This means once in a while you'll suddenly discover a naked crab running about, and should always have a next-size-larger shell ready for it. These shells can be purchased at retailers that sell hermit crabs. The shells can be plain, like nature intended, or decoratively painted by hand. We prefer the lat
ter. There's just something about seeing a hermit crab sporting a polka dot shell that we love.

Source: http://animal.discovery.com/petsource/pet-guides/small-pets/small-pets.html

martes, 12 de julio de 2011

Games To Play With Your Dog

Playing games with your dog reinforces your relationship. Many different types of games can be played, it depends on what you want to do. This are some games that you can play with your dog:

Find The Treat:

This games is easy to play, all you need are some dog treats.
Hide some treats in different places. Then, when you are ready,
tell your dog to go and find the treats. He will have his award
when he finds the treats. The more he finds, the more he gets.

Hide and Seek:

Tell your dog to sit down and wait. Go and hide, once you are ready
call your dog. He will learn to use his nose to find you. It is a fun
game to play, you and your dog will spend hours playing and reinforcing
your relationship.

Fetch:

A game in which all you need to do is throw a ball.
You don't have to necessarily use a ball, just your dog's favorite toy.
Throw the toy and tell your dog to bring it to you, this is an activity
which every dog enjoys, and all you got to do is throw the toy.

Do you play other games?
Why don't you share them with us. Email
the games to thepetfriend13@gmail.com

sábado, 18 de junio de 2011

How To Introduce Two Hamsters

Hi guys, you may have a hamster and you want a playing partner for him. What I would recommend is not to buy another one because hamsters like to be alone. But if you do choose to buy another one here is what you should do:

Look for a hamster almost the same age as the one you have. When you take him home, you should clean the cage with water and soap. Otherwise, your old hamster may kill him because of territory.  Once you clean the cage, put the new hamster first, and let him be in the cage for 1 minute. Now put your old hamster in. You should watch their behavior, and make sure they are nice to each other.