Vacations And Holidays - Keep Pets Safe And Comfy On Flights

By Dorothy Yamich

Whenever your vacation or holiday travel plans involve taking an air flight with your pet, you are part of a growing trend that has been increasing over the last number of years. Here are some travel tips concerning flying on airlines with your pet when you are on vacations or holidays.

Most airlines, for a nominal fee, will allow your small pet to fly with you if it will fit in a FAA approved pet carrier that can be stowed under your seat. The following is some important information can help you keep your pet healthy, safe, and happy on airplane flights.

When you book a flight, it is a good idea to make reservations for yourself and your pet as early as you can. You must inform the airline that you want to bring your pet with you. It is extremely important to tell them, as they will only allow a limited number of pets on each flight. Some airlines don't allow pets at all, particularly on international flights. Always confirm your flight the day before you're trip. If you're traveling internationally you need to confirm your trip seventy-two hours before you fly.

Before you fly into the wide blue yonder with your furry travel companion, you need to take him or her to the vet for a checkup, to be sure he or she is healthy enough to travel. You will also have to take its health certificate with you, showing that your pet is up-to-date on all it's vaccinations, including rabies. Your pet has to wear its current vaccination tag when traveling. As well, your pet must meet the health regulations of the country you will be traveling to. Take along a copy of your pet's medical records listing its allergies, chronic medical conditions, and medications.

If you haven't done this already, you should have your pet micro-chipped. That way, if your pet is lost and taken to an animal shelter or vet, where its chip can be scanned, both can be reunited. Keep in mind your pet's identification tag will have both your home address and phone number on it. That won't be of much help if your pet gets lost when you are on vacation. It may be a good idea to get another tag made up that has your destination address and phone number on it. What happens if you pet isn't found until after you've returned from your holidays? It makes sense that you should leave both your home I.D. tag on your pet as well as attaching the new tag. That way you'll have all the bases covered and stand a better chance of being reunited with your pet.

You should carry a picture of you pet with you when you travel. It will help you prove that you are the pet's owner if any problems of ownership occur. Also, the picture can be used to make some flyers up to post in the area where your pet was lost.

Flying with a pet that is too large to fit in a FAA approved pet carrier isn't advisable as it will have to be stowed in the cargo hold. Putting your pet in the cargo hold can be very traumatic and dangerous to your pet's health. It would make a lot more sense to leave your pet with friends, or a reliable pet sitting service when you're on vacation.

The American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend sedating or tranquilizing your pet when flying, especially dogs. Dogs regulate their body temperature when they pant, so when they are tranquilized or sedated, they may not be able to pant. If this happens, it may leave them defenseless against the fluctuation of air pressure and temperature that occurs in the cargo hold of every flight. Also, keep in mind that pets do not enjoy flying, or being locked up in a cramped kennel and left alone in a dark and desolate cargo hold. It must be very terrifying for them.

There are a number of websites that give additional valuable information regarding traveling with your pet. Two outstanding sites are the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at aspca.org, and the Federal Government's Department of Agriculture at aphis.usda.gov, which has an excellent article entitled, Traveling With Your Pet.

If you want a great travel carrier for your small pet, you may want to consider the popular, FAA approved pet carrier, Sherpa On Wheels. This Cadillac of pet carriers can be a luxurious and comfortable home for your pet while flying. It has the convenience of a front and top entry, mesh ventilation panels, recessed wheels, as well as a detachable pull handle and a shoulder strap. It is available on line at SherpaPet.com. - 31851

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The Perks Cat Ownership 101

By Rebetta Tyrkera

If you feel that being alone in this whole world is a sad reality, maybe you are right. However, a company can be found in the arms of a human being if one is willing to take the risk. If you are not that brave, you might try getting someone who is not that complicated to be with. Did you know that that particular someone may not exactly be human but is still in need of some motherly love and affection? What we're talking about here is a pet.

Since time immemorial, pets have been considered as great friends of people. They can provide a listening ear without spewing off harsh judgments and cynical comments. They have great virtues, such as being trustworthy, smart, affable and even responsible to a certain degree. And, unlike humans who can be so possessive, they do not require attention. They can survive even without bothering you at your place of work. Don't you find it a great relief that they don't bombard you with negative emotions?

Pet stores and veterinarians offer a great selection when it comes to potential pet choices. You can see cute dogs, furry kittens, regal-looking birds, small rabbits and even rare animals like albino pythons and deadly tarantulas. Surely, no matter what your inherent personality is, you will find a perfect match that fits your discriminating needs.

Most people go for domesticated animals like cats and dogs. However, there are certain benefits that a cat can give its owner that a dog can't. Read on why being a cat owner is great.

One, being a cat owner trains you to become more aware of other's needs. Not only will you worry about your basic necessities for the week, you will also learn what food, grooming stuff, exercise routine and medication your cat will require. You will also deal with the fact that you have to visit the vet in case your pet doesn't feel well. All these may sound like additional chores in your lifestyle but the virtues you will develop are simply priceless. Other people will definitely notice that you have changed for the better.

Second, if you possess a cat, you will be motivated to face each day with passion. This results from having found a purpose in life. Basically, you are now aware that you are being relied on; hence, you have something to look forward. You don't feel as if you are alone in this whole, wide world. Coming home after office hours is also a pleasurable experience now with your cat's presence. If you had a bad day at the office due to a fight with a co-worker or a crazy meeting with clients, you can de-stress with your beloved kitty.

Third, you can have more acquaintances and friends. You may join a cat owners' association or cat lovers' organization to learn about ways to make your cat become a better pet. Having fun with these like-minded people will be a blast and you might even meet a special someone there. If not, be content that you can have someone to talk to. There are a lot of things that can be discussed regarding the care of a cat so don't worry about possible awkward moments.

After reading the reasons why being a cat owner is satisfying, you are now ready to get your own adorable feline. Call your animal store now. - 31851

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How To Resolve Typical Cat Behavior Problems

By Melissa Fielden

The modern lifestyle of today has brought new possibilities for many animal lovers to achieve the role of being responsible cat owners. However, the path of responsible pet rearing is not as simple as it may seem. This is because in the course of your pet ownership, you will come across several cat behavior problems that you may find too challenging to deal with. This may actually be surprising for some because they don't know that behind the cat's cuddly image and harmless demeanor, they can turn into the one of the most temperamental creatures they've ever seen.



These cat behavior problems manifest because despite the fact that they really are pets, they still possess their own minds and have their own feelings. These cat behavior problems are usually triggered because of your cat's usual habits or an immediate event that your pet dislikes. Here are some usual cat behavior problems and what to do with it.

One of the most common cat behavior problems is the cat's being either overly aggressive or overly shy to the point that the cat refuses to do anything with anyone. In the case of excessive energy or aggression, such unwanted cat behavior problems can be fixed by means of training your cat to channel its aggression on to other harmless things.

Fortunately, cat behavior problems such as this can be solved by giving your cat some proper training. You can train your cat on how to deal with aggression by diverting it to other things or activities. You can give your cat things to play with such as a ball or a yarn. You can also purchase a scratching post for it to get its claw on. This method will surely relieve your cat's stress levels and will contribute in dispersing excess energy and tension.

Extreme Shyness of cats- Some cats have a case of extreme awkwardness whenever they are in the company of people it does not know. This aloofness is observable when in the presence of visitors it doesn't recognize. The reason for this is that some cats are not comfortable to be around things or people that are not familiar to them. However, with some exposure training it can get over this kind of behavior problem.

Potty Training Perhaps the most challenging cat behavior problems you may encounter involves putting the litter in the litter box. In some cases, cats can be observed to be littering just about anywhere. And of course nobody enjoys the strong smell that emanates from cat dung. But if you look closely, the cats usually litter on the same spot or area. This means that this bad habit, like any other cat behavior problems is treatable. Sometimes this is caused by the cat owner not situating a proper and comfortable litter area.

Some experts advise pet owners to direct the cat to litter on the litter pan, and the best way to do this is to implement the good old reward and punishment program. There are dozens more cat behavior problems that one may encounter but nothing can't be corrected by proper training and undying effort to teach your pet what is right. - 31851

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Cat Diabetes - How To Care For Your Cat

By Dave Quaid

When you own a cat, perhaps cat diabetes never entered your mind when your brought your kitten home. Now that you have your cat, you want to do everything possible to provide good cat care that will give your pet a long and happy life. While it's unfortunate that diabetes strikes some cats, it is important for pet owners to be aware of the symptoms and learn what to do if it affects you cat.

There are two types of feline diabetes that may affect your pet cats. Type 1 is caused by an insufficient production of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the cat's body to process insulin more effectively. And just like in humans, diabetes can also strike cats at any age but is more likely to affect older cats. There is also a secondary feline diabetes that can be caused by drugs or by some diseases that may impair the natural processing of insulin in the body.

Owners often discover their cat has diabetes through routine cat care. Your cat may exhibit unusual thirst and urination, lose weight unexplainably, have vomit, weakness, a decrease in appetite and a change in skin/coat.

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time for a check up at the vet. Have your vet test your pet for cat diabetes through a simple test of sugar levels. Taking two tests will give a true result, since the sugar levels may be elevated with stress for the first reading. This will help you determine if your cat genuinely has diabetes.

Just like diabetes in humans, the feline version has no cure yet available. Instead, feline diabetes can be controlled through a number of means. And for cats, it can be done through diet and weight control. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially the obese ones. This type of diet is maintained not only to control the cat's weight but also to control the cat's blood sugar levels. There are also oral medications available that can help your diabetic pet cat maintain a suitable blood sugar level.

Pet owners of diabetic cats may also need to carefully monitor their pet's glucose and insulin levels. For those pet owners who resort to giving their diabetic cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care to avoid overdose should always be maintained. An overdose of insulin can be a very fatal condition in cats. There are also some dietary supplements that can be used to help diabetic cats deal with their condition.

Cat care for your diabetic cats can provide a long life for your pet. By providing quality care, diabetic pets can be enjoyed by their pet owners for years. Your cat will appreciate your love and concern with your conscientious cat care and seeing that he does experience all nine lives - even if he would never admit it to you. - 31851

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A Look At The Persian Cat Diet

By Cynthia Yearners

Nowadays there are so many pet products available hence a pet owner should be alert about what quality products they are purchasing for their pets. One is required to be all the more careful when buying a Persian cat's diet food items.

Persian cat variety is more sensitive towards what they eat than other varieties of cats and as such they require appropriate and fixed diet to stay healthy and fit. Vitamin is a vital aspect of the cat's diet and you can make sure that it is getting enough vitamins by giving it a balanced diet. In spite of this if you feel that your Persian cat is not getting enough vitamin you can buy some animal vitamin supplements from the stores.

What you feed your Persian cat depends to a great extent on its age. A cat of one to two months old should be fed simply milk and that too of particular quality designed only for kittens. Once they grow up a little to the age of 4months and till they reach 12 months they can be given food which is soft like chicken and other items full of vitamins so that the growth of the kitten remains healthy.

You should make sure that your Persian cat should build up its natural strength against environmental pressure, illness, results of aging and other physical problems for which it would need to have a perfect immune system which could in turn can only come by giving it a balanced diet of nutritious food right from the start.

It is a necessity that you stick to a recommended diet of Royal Canin Adult Persian cat food for your Persian cat once they reach the age of one year and follow it till the age of ten. It is also suggested that you should follow a system of food rotation. This system will ensure that your cat will have different diet and not the same food daily which the pet owners have a practice of giving and may contain stuff which makes your pet sick.

To build a proper immune system and making your pet healthy you should follow the above routine. The Persian cats require proper diet without which they generally tend to fall sick.

The Persian cats suffer series of health problems like allergies to food and other allergies; digestion problem, diabetes and above all obesity which are the effects of not being active like other cats.

Correctly weighed food and balanced diet is what would keep a Persian cat healthy and free of diseases. As they are prone to obesity eating human food will lead to their developing a number of health problems and may also lead to their death.

If your cat has managed to live till 10 years of age because of all the precautions you have adopted and given it a diet that is well supervised in both quality and quantity then it is appropriate that you give your cat a diet of Royal Canin anti age mixed with skin re-generation supplements. For a healthy coat of your pet you must give it vitamin B regularly. - 31851

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Can You Trust the Banfield Pet Insurance?

By Howardz Swang

The largest of the veterinarian practices that is in the world today is Banfield. They own over 700 hospitals located in the USA, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. These hospitals have almost 2000 veterinarians that are qualified and are dedicated to caring for our pets, who should get the same kind of medical care that their human owners expect for themselves. This results in every hospital that Banfield owns offers medical services that are state-of-the-art quality, plans for preventative care, horse that are extended, and they happen to be the only practice veterinarian wise, that has a program for quality assurance, in the world.

In October, 1955 the first Banfield Pet Hospital was opened by veterinarian Warren J. Wegert. This number grew and by 2001 the number of hospitals we over 300. Then in 2004 Banfield had managed to sign up over a million pets into their Optimal Wellness Plan. By their fiftieth anniversary celebration in the year 2005, Banfield had expanded to having over five hundred high quality hospitals opened.

With being practicing for over 50 years, Banfield has been able to get the experience needed to come up with a health care plan for pets that really works. This plan is designed to handle all the routine type care that you dog or cat requires for a healthy existence.

This comprehensive type health care pet plan is the Banfield Wellness Plan and can actually prolong your pet's happy life up to 25% longer. This plan can also be transferred between the various Banfield locations when you need to with no problem. Also this plan makes pet care much more affordable by saving you about 50 percent on standard type care. This is because through these plans you get office visits at no cost for life, on top of their other discounts they offer on their other services. This wellness plan also offers a valuable warranty on vaccination of up to $1000.

Just like us humans, our pets can face many different health issues over the course of their lives. With Banfield's Optimum Wellness Plans come the services that are so necessary to keep pets not only healthy, but also to eliminate potential issues before they even arise.

The Banfield Wellness plans currently cover puppies, kittens and adult dogs and cats. It is a highly cost effective way to provide your pet with the quality care it deserves, such as and including vaccinations, physical exams, and free, unlimited office calls.

With Banfield providing such great service for pets and their owners alike it is no wonder why they have been able to expand so much. Our pets should get the same kind of care that we would provide ourselves so that they can live a good, long, healthy life. Banfield agrees with this belief and provides just that quality of care.

The pets we have can also enjoy the comforts of having insurance as we do, and the wellness plan that Banfield goes the distance as far as providing lasting good health for the pets we own. Our pets are more than animals to us they are family, and therefore merit having the best in medical care, so we do not lose them from our family before their time. - 31851

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A Happy Dog Will Live and Love Longer

By Tornoe Rose

Owning pets is no easy task. You have a lot of responsibilities to fulfill so that they can grow up to be well-mannered animals in the future. These responsibilities include satisfying their basic needs as well as their wants. From their food to their shelter, from their grooming to their health requirements, all these chores will be yours to shoulder the moment you have possession of your beloved creature. It is no different from being a parent to a human baby.

Dogs top the list of the most preferred pet in the history of mankind. They are loyal, easy to train, smart and fun to be with. Whether you like guard dogs like German shepherd or pit bulls, toy dogs like Japanese Spitz or Shih Tzu, sport dogs like Golden Retriever and Doberman, you will surely be having the time of your life if you spent it with these wonderful animals.

If you think your dog can offer numerous advantages in your life, doesn't it follow that you should also do everything possible to keep them in an ecstatic state? It's the least you can do for all the fun moments that they have shared with you. Here are some cool ways to make your canine happy. Read on.

The first thing that you should do to keep your dog in a state of nirvana is to provide it with the requisite food, water, exercise, dog house and a regular visit to the friendly neighborhood veterinarian. Make sure that you are presenting them with nutrients that are appropriate for their breed and age. Bigger dogs need more calories and protein than their smaller counterparts. In the same manner, puppies have slightly different nutritional requirements than their adult counterparts. Dogs with thick and fluffy coat also need more zinc and other minerals compared to those with thinner and finer hair.

A regular workout schedule is also important for your four-legged friend. Walking them in the park or playing Frisbee with them three times a week for a minimum of at least 30 minutes per session is enough to give their cardiovascular system a good exercise. This will thwart the possibility of them getting fat or developing problems like an atherosclerotic heart.

A refuge is necessary to protect them from the extremes of the temperature. It will also act as their protection during windy days.

Visiting the local vet will also ensure that they are in tiptop shape. Be conscious of their needed vaccinations. Shots against rabies and Parvo virus must be ticked off in their medical record. Heed your vet's advice if he has additional immunizations because they are aware that each dog breed has varying needs.

You may also give your canine companions a treat once in a while by giving them pampering sessions in a dog spa. Bubbly shower baths nail clipping, fur trimming, tooth brushing and other related services will make your pet dog feel so loved. Accordingly, these hygienic activities will also assist in evicting the irritating fleas that might have invaded their susceptible skin.

Spend quality time with your pooch. Aside from your bonding moments during your exercise session, make time to cuddle with him as soon as you get home from work. You may also try talking to him like you would any normal person. Studies show that relating with animals lower the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Therefore, this seemingly simple task will then give long-term benefits to both of you.

Lastly, dog-proof your home so that accidents can be avoided or at the very least, minimized. Make sure all electrical appliances are kept or installed in safe places. Be meticulous about dangling wires and sharp or heavy kitchen tools and utensils spread just about anywhere. Place your things in their proper locations so that your pet dog won't trip on it. - 31851

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Pet Insurance Advice - Get Peace of Mind For Your Pet's Health With A Pet Insurance Plan

By Josh LaForet

It's hard to imagine life without our pets. They're now such an integral part of our family that we have to watch out for them as much as possible. In addition to giving them healthy food, it's also important to take care of their general health and well being. That's why so many pet owners are securing insurance for pet owners. Like any insurance, there's a process involved in finding the right coverage for the right price. Read on to find out how to choose the best policy for you.

When starting your research process, you want to find out what the most popular pet insurance companies are. You can find this out by doing a web search, asking your friends who are pet owners, and even your veterinarian. You'll want to have an assortment of options available to know what features are available. This will help you put together a list of qualities you would like your insurance to have.

If you've ever purchased insurance for you and your family, you'll find that the process of choosing pet insurance is very similar. That's why you'll also have to get as many pet insurance quotes as possible to help you figure out what the range of coverage and prices for your specific pet or pets will be. Pet insurance quotes usually look at the age of your pet and if it has any predispositions to diseases like cancer or diabetes. When getting these quotes, be careful to jump right into a policy with the lowest price.

Of all the different insurance policies available, pet insurance is still relatively new on the market. The problem with this is that there are companies who are now seeing an opportunity in this market and are promising a lot. However, when you look at their experience, you see that they haven't even covered a single pet for the duration of its lifetime. This is something you'll want to avoid as much as possible.

One nightmare that pet owners have experienced when choosing pet insurance is having to pay thousands of dollars out of their pocket because they didn't read the fine print. Don't make this same mistake. Always be sure to ask your potential insurance company what is excluded. Make sure it's crystal clear. This extra work is important to help you secure the best coverage.

Getting your reimbursement back in a timely fashion should be one of your highest priorities when choosing pet insurance. To be sure this happens, you need to ask questions about the entire claims process. Any company that will make you jump through many hoops to get a reimbursement is not one you'll want to spend money with. Ask for specific testimonials related to the claims process to help you make your decision. - 31851

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Best Puppy Training Secrets

By Miyagii Moto

Dogs are the most preferred pets by majority of the population ever since the beginning of history. They have proven themselves to be efficient, loyal, highly intellectual and trainable in various tasks. They can be sweet and meek to their owners but ferocious to total strangers. This makes them a perfect companion for those who are single and unattached as well as to couples who are just planning to start their own families. People from all ages can also quickly adapt to the presence of an adorable canine.

Studies show that a dog's behavior as an adult is a result of his breeding and training. Because you can't do anything anymore about a dog's breed since it is an inherent part of his personality, you just have to make sure that he was trained well in his younger days so that you won't be experiencing any attitude problems when he is already a full grown adult. This is a big consideration to mull over when you want to get another puppy in the future. Here is a list of puppy training secrets that you must know in order to have a well-mannered pet in the future.

The first thing that you have to do is to make your pet feel secure in your company. Spend some quality time by playing with him after you have gotten home from your office. This process will ensure that you have established a good rapport. It's a no-no to start implementing difficult tricks that would boggle his mind because it will not lead to any learning. After making your pet comfortable, slowly impose discipline by taking away his comfortable lifestyle.

Tie him with a leash, put him inside a dog kennel or put him in a crate to demonstrate that you mean serious business. Initially, he might get a little raucous and yowl until the early hours of the morning. This is more evident especially if they have lived a very free lifestyle. Force yourself to play deaf to this kind of pain. Sooner than you can say "silence", they will realize that all their whimpering will have no effect on you. This will instill the fact that you are the chief and he is the mere subordinate who must follow orders. It won't be long before they get used to this situation and will look forward to your arrival.

Second, teach him a simple trick followed by a treat. The treat could come in the form of a small chewable bone or a piece meat. Just like the classic conditioning method by renowned psychologist Ivan Pavlov, they will learn to associate the new trick with food. This will stroke their interest and whet their appetite for more food.

Third, you can go the opposite way of the second step and let your dog learn through the negative conditioning process. Instead of giving a nice reward, teach him the power of the words no, stop and don't in a strong and authoritative tone. They will distinguish that it is something significant in relation to your voice.

Fourth, you have to be unswerving in your reward or punishment. When you either of the two, make sure that it is appropriate to the excellent job or the awful deed. Variety should be avoided at all cost or else your dog will develop some kind of a crisis. The same premise applies to all the people in your household.

Lastly, give choices. If there are tricks or tasks that he can't easily act upon like not digging the front lawn or backyard, then provide another alternative like another digging space beside the dog house yard. - 31851

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Pet Insurance Advice - Get Peace of Mind For Your Pet's Health With A Pet Insurance Plan

By Josh LaForet

It's hard to imagine life without our pets. They're now such an integral part of our family that we have to watch out for them as much as possible. In addition to giving them healthy food, it's also important to take care of their general health and well being. That's why so many pet owners are securing insurance for pet owners. Like any insurance, there's a process involved in finding the right coverage for the right price. Read on to find out how to choose the best policy for you.

Finding out what your options are is always a good place to start when choosing any type of insurance. If you're not familiar at all with what is covered and what isn't covered, it's best to start by asking your friends, family, and your veterinarian what pet insurance company they know of or use. When you have a list of companies to start with, you can start compiling your own list of what you need in an insurance policy.

Have you ever purchased insurance for you and your family? If so, you'll be happy to know that the process is very similar which means you won't have to completely start from scratch. You probably even know that the real work begins when you start getting quotes. You'll want to get as many of these as possible so you can make a comparison of the coverages and prices available. Avoid the beginner mistake of going only with the lowest quote though.

Beware companies who are relatively new to the market when choosing pet insurance. Many times these companies will pop up and give you amazing quotes with promises of the best coverage around. Avoid this hype and look at experience instead. If your potential insurance provider hasn't even provided enough coverage for the lifetime of one pet, you'll want to steer clear of working with them.

One of the most essential parts of choosing pet insurance is reading the fine print. You never know what might be excluded from the coverage and it's your responsibility to find it out. In fact, it's always best to ask your potential insurance company what is excluded rather than what's included. This will help you from getting distracted by fancy offerings but neglecting important ones that could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

One often neglected question during the research process is asking about the company's claims process. You don't want to find yourself in a situation where your pet is sick and you're having to spend hours on the phone to get the money that is rightfully yours. With all the technology available, your pet insurance company should have a process that is simple to understand and efficient. - 31851

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Pet Insurance for Your Pets

By Geraldine Dimarco

Pet insurance definitely would have solved the problem. I confess - I had doubts about treating our dog some time ago when he was involved in an accident. The agony of making a decision like that is something I hope not to repeat. Medical science cannot cure everything, and pets are vulnerable too. Operations on animals can go wrong sometimes.

Keeping your pet healthy is a large financial responsibility, and these additional costs can place a person in debt. If your credit card is at its limit then often a bank loan is the only answer.

Financial difficulties are the number one reason why pets do not receive proper attention; something that a pet insurance plan guarantees. The choice is yours, large vet bills or a pet healthcare insurance policy; for around 40 dollars (or Less) per month cost of medical care is assured.

Pet insurance is not high on most American's agenda despite tens of millions of pet owners; the reason for this remains a mystery. Generally speaking, health insurance is not something that people neglect; should we be forgiven for not caring enough about our pets then?

Contrary to the belief of many, this is an important monthly expense; until pet owners realize that those trips to the vet can be very expensive! The cost of taking an animal for treatment at the vets has become more expensive during the last ten years; this has meant that providers of pet insurance products have also been forced to increase premiums.

So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider cover for your pets. Anyone who owns a domestic animal needs to be prepared for health problems occasionally; when this happens, the cost of treatment may even cause financial strain.

Pet health cover costs, like many other types of insurance plans, are on the increase. This should really be enough to make you think twice about delaying but this isn't the only reason. Accidents and serious illnesses occur from time to time. This can happen at any time and usually when you can least afford it!

Various pet health insurance options are available and discounts are often available should you decide to place all household pets all on one policy to reduce the monthly or yearly cost. Whatever you decide, though, do not leave it until it is too late! - 31851

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Pine Away Your Cat's Litter

By Ned Dagostino

There are a number of products on the shelves which cater to the pet cat population. One very popular product is the 'cat litter' product, or simply cat litter. It is a material that is placed inside a litter box to catch the pet cat's droppings. The material prevents the box from getting soiled by absorbing the urine and trapping the solid dropping. The cat litter is very similar to ordinary dirt, to take advantage of the cat's natural predilection to cover up its droppings. The cat owner removes and refreshes the cat litter from the box every day. The used litter is disposed off in the garbage. There is just one problem - as long as the box is inside the house, there is a terrible stench that pervades the house! The odor goes only when the cat litter goes. This is a serious sore point with cat owners. Now a very enterprising producer has come up with a novel idea - pine cat litter! His litter is made up of pine pellets. The natural odor of pine masks the smell of the cat's droppings remarkably well.

The shelf price of this new variety of cat litter is twice that of traditional varieties of cat litter. But the new product proves to be cost effective since it absorbs twice the amount of moisture compared to the ordinary variety. So there is really no increase in your monthly expenditure on this account.

Price apart, the market for pine cat litter has not really taken off as the producer expected. Very expectedly, your Tabby put his paw down on the issue. Cats, as you are well aware, are creatures of pretty strong habits, and likes and dislikes. Cats like to have things exactly their way. So, faced with a box full of little pellets, Tabby is expressing his strong disapproval of this modernism! The small pine pellets are very uncomfortable to walk on, so Tabby informs us, holding up a set of chafed paws.

My suggestion is to introduce the pine cat litter in a gradual fashion. Mix a little pine cat litter with the normal stuff. Let the cat use it and get used to the mix. It may take a day or two for the cat to get comfortable with the mix. Then increase the dose of pine litter and reduce the amount of the ordinary litter. Let the cat get used to the increasing amounts of pine cat litter gradually. Finally, you will have a 100% pine cat litter in the litter box, and 100% freedom from that very strong odor! That is if your cat decides to play ball and adjust to pine litter. If your cat resists, and even refuses to visit the litter box, then it's back to the good old clumping and the bad old smell!

If you do want to use pine cat litter there is another way. Some owners use 90% pine cat litter to lay the box. The top 10% is filled up with ordinary clumping litter. Faced with his favorite litter, your cat has no objection now. And you, of course, are rid of that smell!

Hardly have we worked our way around problem #1, than problem #2 crops up. It appears that pine fragrance is not very popular with cats. Now that's something that we can't do anything about. After all you're using pine cat litter solely for its fragrance, and there's your cat wrinkling up its nose at the very idea! That apart, pine cat litter is completely safe for your cat. All toxic substances have been removed from the cat litter.

There is an environmental advantage in using pine cat litter. It can be composted once the cat's solid waste is removed. The composted litter can be put to use as manure for gardens, instead of adding to the ever-growing landfill of garbage.

The ball really is in your cat's court... depending on whether it likes the pine litter or not! If it does, then you're looking at a home that's free from that very distinct odor, that too at negligible cost. If not, then you'd better get a nose mask while you replenish the litter box with the litter that Mr.Tibbs favors! - 31851

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Everything You Wanted To Know About The Diet Of A Persian Cat

By Cynthia Yearners

You would find a huge variety of pet products in the market and you might face the difficulty of deciding which would suit your pet the best. You need to be extra careful in this regard when you shop for your Persian cat's food items.

It is very important for Persian cats to have a diet which is steady and appropriate than other types of cats as their good health depends upon it. Requirement of vitamin is absolutely essential to their health more than any other kind of cat and as such they should be given vitamin enriched food, or otherwise some sort of vitamin supplement bought from the animal store.

The type of food and its quality is also dependent upon the age of your Persian cat. It is recommended that Persian cats of a month old to two months be fed milk designed specifically for kittens. Then as the kitten grows to 4 months up till it reaches 12 months you should start feeding it soft foods such as chicken and food enriched with vitamins to guarantee a healthy growth of the kitten.

You should make sure that your Persian cat should build up its natural strength against environmental pressure, illness, results of old age and other physical problems for which it would require to have a perfect immune system which could in turn can only come by giving it a balanced diet of nutritious food right from the start.

Once your Persian cat is one year old you must graduate to Royal Canin Adult Persian cat foods as this variety of food is excusively made for Persian breed of cats and continue to give your pet till it reaches the age of ten. Sometimes the pet owners make a habit of giving the same food to the cat everyday. If the food contains some element which is not suitable for the cat it may fall sick. One should follow a diet rotation if you want your cat to stay healthy.

This schedule can play a vital role in assisting your pet build a stronger and healthier immune system. If the diet is not correct then the Persian cat is susceptible to develop certain health problems.

Diabetes, food intolerance, allergies and indigestion are certain health problems which the Persian cats face but obesity is the most common problem with them as they are not at all energetic like the other varieties of cats.

Hence Persian cats need a balanced and carefully weighed diet. Human food is highly liable to lead the cats to becoming fat which can then in turn lead to various health problems and then can eventually cause the death of your cat.

If the cat's diet is properly supervised and the quality as well as the quantity is well regulated and your cat manages to live up to 10 years of age then it is recommended that you feed your cat a mixed diet, comprising of Royal Canin anti age and skin re-generation supplements. Another very important vitamin that a Persian cat needs is vitamin B, since it helps in maintaining a healthy coat. - 31851

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The Do's and Don'ts of Pet Travel

By Joanne Gallagher

Vacation time is right around the corner. On Memorial Day Weekend, a lot of us hit the road for a weekend getaway or daily road trips. Taking your pet along makes the trip a complete family outing. Most dogs love to ride in cars and its fun to take them along with you wherever you go.

Within this article you will find tips to consider while traveling with your pet. You will be more relaxed on your vacation if you keep your dog safe and content in the vehicle. An unrestrained dog or cat could be a hazardous distraction to the driver. Equipment has been designed specifically to make traveling with your pet comfortable safe.

Pets should not be allowed to jump around or poke their head out of the window. Letting your pet ride with their head outside the vehicle can cause harm to the inner ear, infections to your pets lungs, and damage from flying debris. If your car is equipped with an air conditioner we suggest using it instead of opening the window.

Various dangers exist when pets are left unrestrained in the vehicle. Although many pets are well behaved in the car, consider your pets safety if you happen to be involved in an auto accident.

Be sure your pet cannot wander around the automobile. Various solutions are available including a pet safety belt, pet harness or pet car seat. Pet auto travel safety devices such as these give protection should an accident take place by securing your pet inside the vehicle.

A dog auto harness that attaches to the car's safety belt is a safe substitute to a dog crate. A properly fitted auto pet harness will allow your pet to sit and lie down comfortably during travel and will provide protection during sudden stops or emergency turns.

Car Safety Vest Dog Harness by ODonnell provides protection to your pet while riding in a vehicle. These harnesses are crash tested to the same standards as a child safety seat. Thirty (30) lbs. at 30 mph. Their universal metal buckle fits into most seat belt receptacles. Made and manufactured from ballistic nylon, the harness provides extra security for your pet's protection.

Pets are great travelers and enhance the family vacation experience. Whether you are going on a quick trip to a dog park or on long distance vacations; pet auto safety is an important safety precaution for everyone on the road! - 31851

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Cat Litter Boxes Come In More Varieties Than Ever

By Mary Zuckerberg

There are many cat litter boxes available today in many different styles. You may be having a hard time choosing which is best for you. The number one consideration in this purchase is your particular feline friend.

If you already have a litter box, you do need to exercise caution in changing the style as cats can be very particular. However, if you are just getting a cat for the first time or are adding to your pet family, you can opt for something different. Also, if your cat is not using the litter box, it may be because he is not happy with the choice you made.

The first decision you will need to make is whether you want a box that is hooded or unhooded. People generally prefer the hooded variety as you do not need to see the cat doing its business or the results. Care needs to be taken with these that you do not end up being an excuse for not cleaning them. All boxes need to be cleaned at minimum once a day, but twice is better. Remember that the smell is far stronger to your pet.

Hooded boxes are also preferred by some cats as they give more privacy. Other cats can feel too contained in these boxes. Ultimately, it is up to the particular cat which is best.

More attention is being paid to the design of covered litter boxes so that there are many new models to choose from. Some models are standard uncovered pan with a decorative cover that stands around it. These have the effect of giving your kitty lots of room to move around while still hiding his bathroom.

It is crucial, however, that whatever type of litter box you get that it is large enough for your cat to be comfortable stepping in, turning around and covering his business. They are very clean animals and are not happy if they have to step in their own urine or feces. It is also important to have box and litter deep enough so they can easily cover what they need to.

Another important consideration if you have multiple cats is to be sure you have enough boxes. Some cats prefer having their own, so you may need to accommodate that preference. It is infinitely preferable to give them the box or boxes they like than to have them going outside it.

There are so many cat litter boxes to choose from, you will not have any trouble finding the right one for you and your pet. In the end, you will both be very thankful that you took the time to make a good decision. - 31851

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Do Your Part in Grooming Your Cat's Fur

By Sean Davids

People might be surprised at just how much fur one cat can actually shed. Long-haired breeds produce a lot of fur, but even short-haired cats can shed astonishing volumes of the stuff. Is there anything you can do to keep the situation under control?

Keeping your cat's coat in good shape can be an important way to make your little companion happy and comfortable. The first key is, of course, good nutrition. You'll notice, on regular veterinary visits, that the vet can tell a lot about the cat's health just by seeing how shiny and healthy the coat is. Much of that good health comes from within, from the food consumed.

It's also important that you do your part to keeping your cat well groomed. Regular brushing or combing with the right cat grooming tools will not only stimulate the cat's skin, promoting circulation and good fur growth, but it will loosen fur that's ready to shed. You can gather handfuls that might otherwise go into kitty's tummy. And while some cats aren't thrilled about being brushed, others love it so much that they lie down and stretch in ecstasy.

Yet even with regular brushing, sometimes you will see that mats have formed. These can accumulate in spots where the cat can't easily groom: the base of the tail, the inside of the hind legs, and so forth. Mats can likewise form in spots where the cat lies down, for instance, along their left side if they most frequently rest on that side.

Some of these mats, being made of dead, loose fur, come loose fairly easily if worked at with a brush or even the fingers. Be careful, though, not to pull at them too hard, in case you really hurt the skin. But other mats get too large or well anchored to come off without a lot of work. And some simply have to be cut out.

However, if you get too close to the skin with scissors, you could cut the skin itself, and you don't want to risk that for poor kitty. One surprisingly good tool for dealing with mats is a small, shielded razor-style letter opener. Sometimes these can be slipped right under the mat, and the razor edge inside will slice through the fur.

The most important thing is that the cat's hair is maintained in good condition. By brushing and keeping it mat-free, you can help lessen hairballs, accelerate healthy growth, and provide your kitty a lovely coat it can be happy about. - 31851

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Tips To Know A Pure Chinchilla From Other Persian Cats

By Cynthia Turner

When you see a cat which is majestic and impressive looking you should know that you are looking at a full-blooded Persian cat. These cats have muscular bodies and strong legs with a face which looks punched. They thrive on attention from you if you are a cat lover and also from people who do not like cats.

The breed of Persian cats is separated into further families where a some of their characteristics tend to differ. Mainly the difference is in the color of their coats and a closer examination reveals further details in which they tend to differ. The Chinchilla breed in particular has some very strikingly different characteristics that make it special.

In'08 with the Chinchilla Cat Club established, the cats started being exported to the United States. To really know and appreciate a Chinchilla Persian cat you have to make sure its a pure-bred cat, and to distinguish whether it surely is a Chinchilla Persian cat or not is to observe the color of its coat since that is the basis on which Persian cats are categorized. The extent of colored hair can vary. For instance a Persian with a black coat, the color would be on only about 1/7th of the hair.

In general a Chinchilla Persian cat has an undercoat of pure white and the fur on the back, head, tail and flanks is tipped black that gives off a characteristic of a shining silver coat. The legs of these cats can sometimes be slightly speckled with black tips whereas the chin, ear tuffs, chest and stomach are always pure white.

Theses cats get a glamorous look with their dark rimmed eyes which seem as if they are wearing eye makeup. The nose and lips also have black outlines.

The tips of the cats coat are not always black as it is evident from Silver Shaded cats. You can see incredible variety of colors ranging from blue to lilac to chocolate. The Silver Shaded has more shadowing in their coats when you compare them to Chinchilla. It is a pleasure to imagine the wonderful outcome of these colors on the coat.

There are some cats which have variety of colors in their underlying coat which is completely wonderful and a treat for the eyes and they are appropriately called Golden Shaded. Also there is a breed called Cameo Persian with few red tips on their coat.

The eyes are what the Chinchillas are distinguished with. All the Chinchillas, Golden shaded, Silver shaded and Cameo Persian cats of pure variety will have eyes which are either green or blue green. There is a slight difference between the Golden Shaded and the rest of them as far as their rim colors are concerned. While the Golden Shaded would have brown rims surrounding their eyes and nose the rest of them have beautiful dark color rims around their eyes and nose. - 31851

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Pet Insurance for the Masses

By Geraldine Dimarco

You'll wish you had pet insurance ... There may come a time when you have to seriously, and urgently, consider the cost of veterinary treatment. This situation happened to me a couple of years ago when I was looking at spending four thousand dollars to save my dog. Although he is a part of my family, I did wonder at the time (I feel ashamed now), if the cost was worth it. Medical science cannot cure everything and pets are vulnerable too. However, no matter the outcome, you will still have to pay for the cost of treatment.

Keeping your pet healthy is a large financial responsibility, and these additional costs can place a person in debt. If your credit card is at its limit then often a bank loan is the only answer.

A poor financial situation should never be a reason why a pet does not receive adequate attention; arranging a pet insurance policy saves this type of predicament from happening in the future. A pet health insurance plan does not have cost the earth; the average monthly premium will be less than forty dollars.

If you are experiencing a cash flow situation, you probably won't spend as much on your pet's treatment as you would like; this situation can be avoided if a pet insurance policy is set up. The choice is yours, large vet bills or a pet healthcare insurance policy. For thirty or forty dollars (or even considerably less) per month, the cost of medical care is assured.

Contrary to the belief of many, this is an important monthly expense; until pet owners realize that those trips to the vet can be very expensive! The cost of taking an animal for treatment at the vets has become more expensive during the last ten years; this has meant that providers of pet insurance products have also been forced to increase premiums.

Considered by many as an unnecessary expense, however, pet owners soon realize that vets bills are costly and it doesn't take much treatment for them to enter into four figure bills. No area is immune for price increases and vets fees are no exception; many people have seen their pet insurance premium increase as a consequence.

Pet health cover costs, like many other types of insurance plans, are on the increase. This should really be enough to make you think twice about delaying but this isn't the only reason. Accidents and serious illnesses occur from time to time. This can happen at any time and usually when you can least afford it!

Various pet health insurance options are available and discounts are often available should you decide to place all household pets all on one policy to reduce the monthly or yearly cost. Whatever you decide, though, do not leave it until it is too late! - 31851

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Professional Or Personal Dog Training - Which Is Best?

By Dave Tron

Are you thinking about bringing home a new canine addition to the family? If so, you will want to make sure you are prepared for the proper training and tools necessary to make sure the addition transitions well. While you can opt to train your dog yourself, if you don't have experience it may be well worth taking a dog training course with your puppy.

If you have heard horror stories from dog ownership, or viewed the show "It's Me or the Dog", make sure this doesn't become you. Whether a new dog, or one you own that has been running your house instead of you, then perhaps you are good candidates for dog training school. Often a dog will misbehave, not because it is a "bad" dog, but because of lack of training. Putting your pooch through a reputable training program will help make your relationship happy and peaceful.

So, why choose a dog training school versus doing it yourself?

Using a dog training school will prevent a power struggle between you and your dog. Learning to work with your dog involves learning the right tone of voice, body language and an effective reward system. Owning a dog is like being a parent, and the right tools keep you in charge of the dog instead of your dog in charge of you.

Dog obedience school provides young puppies and fully grown dogs the opportunity to socialize. Learning to interact with other canines is an important skill when you take your dog out. By going through a dog obedience course, owners will develop friendships for themselves and their dogs.

Owners who take a class with their dogs with a formal setting will be learning commands in the ultimate environment. Here, the instructor knows how to teach the owner to "speak dog" and use body language that will get the appropriate responses. Often times there are simple things that work well with dogs that the general public might not know. Having an instructor handy will give them the opportunity to watch how well you work with your dog, and to give you pointers to correct things.

By working in a classroom environment, the dog will be learning commands with distractions. While this may initially seem like a disadvantage, it actually makes it better. The skill sets will be remembered easier at home once the distractions are removed. This is more effective than trying to get a dog to remember his manners with distractions, when he has only learned them in a controlled environment.

Putting your dog through obedience school is the beginning of a long and satisfying relationship. Having a dog that is well trained results in one that is more secure, confident and well behaved. Trusting its owner and his expectations will result in consistent behavior. Dogs that have gone through obedience school are also safer around children and visitors, and it also prevents undesirable behaviors.

Once your dog is well trained, enjoy the benefits of pet ownership. Owning a dog will reduce your risks of illness, and provides a great outlet for exercise and social interaction as well. That will benefit you and your dog! - 31851

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