First Coast Pet

Archive for February, 2009

Do you have a cat? Then, it’s time you need to toilet train your cat and save yourself from headaches, even “noseaches” and “lung aches” when you are inhaling those foul smell of cat droppings all over your house. There are many advantages of toilet training a cat that a cat owner can enjoy or get benefit from training his cat to use the toilet. For one, cat litter boxes are expensive. Buying cat litter boxes can really damage your financial resources. Second, cat litter crates needs to be always cleaned regularly especially when you are very meticulous and very much worried with health and cleaning it everyday can also be a great disturbance for the other important errands that you are doing everyday. With cat toilet training, the water in the toilet masks most of the offending smell and all you need to do is flush regularly – much simpler and easier than cleaning a litter box. Going away for weekends or holidays also becomes easier for your neighbor – instead of asking someone to clean out the litter box, all they need to do is flush your toilet once in a while.

According to Toilet Train Your Cat Reviews, toilet training your cat is an easier task, easier than you might think. However, it depends upon the cat’s personality. Toilet training sociable cats that love being praised makes the training task much easier. It will take between 2 weeks up to even 3 months, depending on the response or the personality of a cat.

Training your cat to use the toilet can last to a minimum of 2 weeks up to 3 months, depending on the individual cat’s personality.

However, many cat owners really do find this kind of responsibility quite difficult and time-consuming but this can all be dealt with, with the help of a guide that can be found in this Toilet Train Your Cat review site called “toilettrainyourcatreview.com” and not only you will find one guide but several top training programs to help you out with this concern. Try and you should, try to read the reviews, that is, if you really care for your family’s health and for your cat’s welfare.

species of birds

Most people do not have a lot of time to devote to a hobby. Even if they do, with these uncertain economic times, they may not have the money in their budget to spend on a pastime, yet there has to be one that is relaxing and does not require a lot of money. Actually, there is a hobby that fits this description. Birding is a great way for people to get an upfront view of what nature has to offer.

Birding may seem boring at first to those that have no interest in wild animals. But once you take into account how many wild birds are around you each day, it becomes a challenge to see how many you can spot. From there you begin walking through forests and fields trying to check more birds off of your list. This is a hobby that can include the entire family. Kids will be glad to help you point out a species of bird when they see it. They may not be quiet about it but you will definitely enjoy just being outside together.

If you have never been bird watching before, then there are a few things you need to know. You first need to know about the birds in your area. More than likely there will be several birds that are native to your part of the world. A great way to start seeing these birds is to put up some bird feeders. The bird feeders will draw in the native birds and provide them with sustenance. You can create your own bird sanctuary right in your backyard. Before you place a lot of feeders around your yard and garden, you need to consult your local gardening center about what type of feeder is best for a certain type of bird. You will also need some advice on how to keep pesky squirrels from robbing the feeder. Another great way to lure birds to your home is by putting up bird houses. These houses are built specifically for each type of bird.

Birding is a wonderful hobby. You do not have to go all out and join a bird watching group. You can enjoy many bird species from your own back yard. If you do decide that you need more information on spotting birds, then you can always turn to the National Audubon Society. Your local bookstore or library will have many books that can teach you everything that you need to know about any type of bird. The books can also help you find the right equipment if you decide to go out in the field.

wild bird

If you have paid attention to the news and health alerts since 1997, then you have undoubtedly heard about the bird flu. Avian influenza is a devastating disease for domesticated fowl. One of its variations can have a mortality rate of 90-100% in 48 hours. Yes, this is devastating for farmers but it has become a world wide concern because avian influenza has begun to infect humans, for some unknown reason. It typically should not but there have been many cases when it has. This has the world wide medical community worried.

Wild birds typically carry the bird flu in their intestines. It never manifests itself; it is just present. It is when these wild birds come into contact with domesticated birds that the infection becomes rampant. The virus is passed through saliva, feces or other secretions. Wild birds use the feeders and then domesticated birds become infected. Researchers and scientists place avian influenza into two categories: low pathogenic and high pathogenic. Low pathogenic cases usually produce no symptoms and if it does it may be just ruffled feathers or a decrease in egg production. In a high pathogenic case, the bird becomes sick quite fast and the virus is fatal.

The problem with containing and eradicating the virus is that a wild bird comes into contact with a wide expanse of area. It increases the range in which researchers have to work to clear the virus. The Center for Disease Control’s website has a very detailed section regarding this growing problem. With more humans coming down with avian influenza, it worries the rest of the world. The virus spreads very quickly and if it should become a common human contagion, the world could be looking at serious repercussions. Luckily, most cases of avian influenza in humans has resulted from coming into direct contact with a contaminated bird. And even then the odds are quite low of becoming infected. As of yet there have not been any confirmed cases of the virus being passed from one human to the next.

The best tool you can have to combat this disease in both yourself and your birds is information. You can find tons of misinformation about the bird flu from unreliable sources but if you want the straight facts about avian influenza, then you need to go to the Center for Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov. The website has all the information that you need to be informed.

People who choose to have birds at home should provide appropriate housing for them.The lifetime of the bird will depend on the size and type of bird aviary purchased.
Ideally a large cage is required. Ensure there is adequate space for the bird to climb, stretch and play inside the cage rather than it just sitting on a perch placed inside the bird aviary.
All bird aviaries need horizontal bars. Which will give it more hold on the sides of the aviary whenever it feels like climbing. The space between each bar should also be checked so that the bird will not injure itself during this activity.
There is several different criteria to think of before purchasing your bird aviary do not purchase one on price alone. The material used in constructing the bird aviary may not be of good quality and may also pose as a danger for the parrot. I
Conventionally, bird aviaries have doors and latches. It is advisable not to choose this as it can cause injury. Detachable ones would be safer for your bird.
Most animals produce waste. The perfect parrot aviary should have a pull out try in the bottom so the owner can just take this off and clean it before putting it back inside. This is better than going inside to clean the bird aviary of droppings, which will take a long time to clean.
Thebird aviary should have a specified area where the bowl will be placed. Some manufacturers require you to purchase plates separately. Use a removable one as it will need to be claeaned twice a day before and after feeding.
Ensure the perch is near to where the bird sits as it will make it easy for the bird to go to when feeding.
Having a pet big or small is an big responsibility. You and your parrot should have a spacious and safe bird aviary for many years.

Orthopedic dog bed video clip

One of the greatest things about dogs is that they seldom complain about anything. However, this same trait can lead to problems sometimes. You know that Old Roy won't tell you that he tossed and turned all night in his worn out dog bed. If you watch carefully, you will be able to see the signs and be able to step in and help you faithful pal get the type of rest he deserves. With older dogs it is even more important that they have a quality dog bed due to the onset of ailments like hip dyslpasia that can cause him a lot of pain. The best way to help him sleep and to assuage his aches and pains is by purchasing an orthopedic dog bed for him that will allow him to sleep well all night every night.

What Makes Orthopedic Dog Beds so Special?

Most dog beds consist of nothing but a large pillow. This type of bed may be fine for puppies, but it offers little support to the joints and limbs of mature dogs. Orthopedic dog beds, on the other hand, are made more like the mattress you use yourself. These mattresses offer firm support, are easy to clean, and retain their shape far longer than pillow-like beds do.

If you’ve ever slept on a bad mattress yourself, you already know what it can feel like. A mattress that is too soft or lumpy won’t allow you the restful sleep you need in order to function well the next day. You also won't get the support that is crucial and you will most likely wake sore and unrested. The main reason for these problems is that without getting the support you need from your mattress, your spine must do the work to support your body while you’re sleeping. Dogs, like people, feel the effects of poor mattresses and will benefit just as much as people do from having an orthopedic dog bed.

What's Wrong With The Floor?

Undoubtedly you’ve seen your dog flop down somewhere on the floor to take a short afternoon snooze. This is fine for a nap, but sleeping on the floor just isn’t adequate to provide the kind of sleep he needs at night, especially if he has arthritis or other mobility issues. Enen if the floor is carpeted, it won't offer the kind of proper sleep that he needs, so don't fool yourself. He won’t complain, but you’ll be able to tell that he’s feeling the negative effects.

To start with, floors are too cold and drafty for sound, cozy sleep. Try napping on one sometime, and you’ll soon get the point. In addition, they are far too firm, put too much pressure on various parts of the dog’s body, and don’t give him the comfort he needs to sleep soundly.

Is It Worth The Price?

Some dog owners are reluctant to spend the kind of money it takes to buy the right orthopedic dog bed for their pet. Many of us are quick to spend foolishly on ourselves when our dogs are sleeping on the hard, cold ground or worse, a concrete pad? When you adopt a dog, you become his caretaker, and you take on the responsibility for his well being. He gives you unconditional love and cheers you up. You know you owe him the courtesy of a really good nights sleep?

Are you sure that you are giving your pet dog what it deserves? Are you sure that the food that you give to your darling pet dog is fitting for him? Do you know that there are food for your furry old holler out there that is more than injurious rather than advantageous for your pet’s health? Maybe you don’t know this and maybe you are but you don’t believe it. Well, here are some stunning knowledge and information that says what you give to your dog is not only the best but the deadliest according to Andrew Lewis, author of Dog Food Secrets, the dog food that you are giving to your furry best friend could be a cause of early death. The top-of-the-list cause of dog disease can be accredited to usual dog food. Your loveable best friend may already be suffering from slow and excruciating death and to make you pay attention, this book guide of his was made to be as graphic and as disturbing as it could be because it needs your special attention.

The information that contains in this book guide could save the life of your pet by over 100%. Here, you can learn which dog foods contain up to 6 deadly chemicals that have been banned from human foods because they cause cancer. You can discover many of what big-time dog food companies don’t want you to know. You can also learn how to extend your dog’s life by as much as 8 years just by changing its diet. Also, many unwanted dog behavior problems can be solved simply by doing that.

According to this Dog Food Secrets review, leading veterinarians agree that many dog foods are deficient in nutrition. Feeding such foods to your dog causes it to be overly sensitive to its environment. By not eating enough natural foods, your dog’s adrenal glands become unable to produce enough cortisol. If you want your dog to live a long and happy life, this book guide will explain elaborately on these three things: 1. Stop giving your beloved yapper with conventional dog food until you discover which ones are not dangerous for your dog, 2.) Learn how to interpret the nutritional labels on commercial dog foods and finally, start feeding your dog with well-balanced, healthy home made foods.

But why are there many others who wonders, “Is Dog Food Secrets scam?” Now, hear this. There is no basis for one man to be a total scam just by putting out a dog food book guide just to make money. Other than that, you can’t think of this a racket. If something happens, then, the reason is simply, you did not step-by-step follow the system. If it’s a scam, then, why is it that many people are giving positive reactions regarding this book guide? The only way to know if it is or not is to read a Dog Food Secrets review.

As humans and the more intelligent of the species, we must learn how dogs communicate in order to communicate with them. The human half of the pair is usually the smarter party, but watching the usual training sessions one can have legitimate reason to wonder.

Dogs understand and respond at roughly the mental level of a human two-year-old, but there the similarity ends. Their senses operate differently – their color vision has a different response pattern to reds and greens, for example, and obviously their noses are infinitely more sensitive – and their minds process information differently as well. Anyone training dogs has to take this into account in order to avoid human frustration and canine misbehavior.

Dogs are by nature pack animals. Descendant from wolves – where even the ‘lone wolf’ is an anomaly – they’re social and function best with active interplay and within a strict hierarchy.

So, set aside half-an-hour per day, an hour would be better, for at least the first few months of training. Start your training as young as possible. Four weeks is not too early with some breeds, provided one doesn’t expect too much.

Elimination (’potty’) training details we leave for elsewhere, but all training follows similar guidelines.

Establish dominance early on. The Law of the pack – there are alpha dogs, beta dogs and on down to the omega. For a sane household, and a well-adjusted dog, the human (whether male or female) must always be the alpha male of the pack.

Each dog or dog breed will make it easier or more difficult. Like humans, some are simply more assertive than others. Collars, leashes, verbal commands and other training aids are usefull with the most important being your attitude. You are the “alpha dog” in your house, not your dog.

That guideline doesn’t imply you must enforce your dominance with physical force. Sometimes, used appropriately, that will be necessary. Usually, simply being firm and willing to wait for compliance will be enough.

For many, placing them on their backs when young and placing a firm hand in the middle of the chest until they lower their paws – a sign of submission – will be enough. With some, reinforcing this by putting your face close to theirs, emulating dominant dog behavior, can help.

By keeping the leash short, your dog will pay more attention to you and less attention to his surrounding enviroment. Allow plenty of time for free running behavior, essential to dog health, but that’s before or after training, not during. At least, not at first.

Start simply by choosing short, clear commands that sound distinctly different: sit, stay, down, come. Use a firm, but not harsh voice. You’re in charge, but not angry. Avoid double-word commands like ’sit down’ or ’stay down’. This sounds too much alike and may confuse your dog.

Show consitency with each verbal command by using the same tone, look and hand gesture. Eventually these can separate, but at first it’s essential to provide the simplest, most consistent form of communication.

Just like two-year old humans, dogs have limited capacity for grasping the subtleties of language. Assist their understanding by rigid consistency. Don’t use a single command word to mean more than one thing. ”Down’ needs to mean only one thing, you must choose if it means ‘don’t jump on me’ or ‘lay down on your belly’.

Be clear, be patient and be committed and the result will be a dog who trusts and listens to you. And that makes it worth the effort. Find more on dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining

It is very important to know the basic rules of feeding koi.The next step is really important.Find the right time to feed your koi and choose the perfect food.
Fish diet
Ready and prepared foods for koi are available in the market nowadays. It comes in different varieties that you can choose from: it comes in flakes, pelleted or extruded, pond stick formulae. While these kinds of food are all right, other types of food can be given as a sort of treat just to break the monotonous regimen of feeding koi. It is also possible to choose between the following food: edges of orange, watermelon slices, cultured earthworm and prawns. This way, you can bring the fish some enthusiasm.
However, there are some foods that should not be given as food to the fishes. It it also important to avoid food like, peas, sweet corn and potatoes. Foods that are high in solid fats are also the ones to be avoided, especially meat and dairy products like cheese.
One important thing: Koi are born without stomachs. They digest their food through the long gut, and the more they are going to eat, the more time it will take for them to digest it. This is because of the humble water-temperature. The food will be eaten, and then it will be partly digested inside the digestive system, and then drop the unwanted loading in the biofilter.
Feeding Koi the right food and time
The right temperatur is important for the Koi-feeding. It is never a problem for koi keepers that are living in a tropical climate, as they can feed them all year round. When you are living in a northern climate, where it snows and gets cold in the autumn and winter, you need to know the preferred food in different seasons.
When the temperature rises to 50 degree Fahrenheit, it is recommended to feed the koi with easy-to-digest sinking pellet that are wheat germ based. With increased temperatur you can use more protein enriched food. When the temperature is shooting down, slip back to wheat germ based foods before cutting the food feeding for the hibernation period. This is when the koi’s metabolism slows down and the energy stored in them is going to be used all throughout winter.
A lot of people do not even care as to how much is the amount of food to be fed per day: the recommended amount is between one and two percent of the body each day. There are other people who apply the 5 minute rule: the process of which is to feed them at a certain amount and let them eat for five minutes, after five minutes, cut back the amount if there is leftovers.

Koi come in different kinds of color, but not a lot of information has been read or heard about black koi. It comes in different varieties and in different names. Koi fishes come in brilliant and vivid combinations of white, red, orange, and black colors among some others. There are many famous and special species of the koi such like Kawarimoro , Asagi, and Kohaku. Only the full black colored koi are able to bequeath their unique color. You will find all about this special and unique kind of koi here.
Japan, Malaysia, China.. and so an or all eastern countries where you can find the special black koi. A bigness of 36 inches or 3 feet can be reached. Black koi can live for a very long time, longer than 200 years. But most of the time, they live for about 25 to 35 years. These traits make Black Koi one of the rarest qualities of all koi.
The male species of a black koi can be easily recognized by their concave anal section and at times, you can spot some breeding marks on their head. In just one spawning, the black koi can produce as much as one thousand eggs. The water temperature is important for the fish spawn; They will surge in four to seven days. You can feed the fry with small live foods or preferably frozen daphnia on its 3rd to 4th week. At that time, Change their diet in small baby steps into crushed flakes and pellet foods. Do not worry though if you haven’t seen any color yet when it is still young; the color will be gradually visible within 3 to 12 weeks.
In taking care of your black koi, you must know the basic necessities for the fish in order for it to survive longer. The preferable setup for a Black Koi to live is a pond that can carry a thousand gallons or plus.  It is also advisable to put some gravel or rocks on top of the soil in the potted plants inside the pond. This is to ensure that the koi will not dig up on the plants and can cause further damage and mess, since koi are known to eat plant’s roots and live creatures in it. Just like any other koi ponds, it needs proper filtration, in order for the water to be clean and suitable for koi.
Feed black koi with the diet that most koi fish follow, but you can feed black koi with quality pellet or flake food. The general rule there would be the higher the price, the better the quality of the food.
Black koi can be aggressive eaters at times. But in due time, black koi can be a friendly pet and in much longer – but not sooner, it can be taught to eat food from your hand.

Many lovers of tamed and ornamental fishes are very much aware that one of the best species of decorative fishes, if you want to call it that way, is the Koi fish. Koi fishes are the envy of everybody when they see someone they knew who has his own garden of Koi fishes. If you’re one of those people who are very much crazy regarding this type of fish and you love very much to let them thrive in your pond. Here are some of the information regarding these very elegant fishes that can add beauty to your home and surroundings.

Koi Fishes can live even up to 200 years old and there is even a hard evidence that they can live longer than this. The original Koi fish were refined as food fish by Chinese rice farmers in the 17th century. When brought to the Niigata Prefecture, Japan’s premier rice-growing region, rice farmers there continued to keep Koi as a food source, especially during winter. But some time between the 1820s and 1830s, they start to take notice that some Koi had amazing colors and markings on their bodies. This is where they began to change their minds about this kind of carp (yes, it’s simply a carp but they’re the most beautiful species of carps…). They started to put Koi fishes in a Koi pond and let them thrive and multiply. Then they saw that it really made a difference in making a house beautiful especially when they are located right in front of the house. Some even considered it as luck to put a Koi pond right up front.

Now, Koi fishes are very much popular and in-demand. For many fish lovers who really understandand appreciate the beauty of Koi fishes, they would really want to breed more than they can handle and they can do it with ease and convenience with the help of book guides that are also thriving on the Internet which can help everybody learn more about where to exactly put a Koi Fish pond, how to take care of them the correct way to make them happy in order to make you and other people around you happy, too, and amused and entertained.