First Coast Pet

Archive for March, 2009

Going on holiday can be a bit of a nightmare for families with a dog. You’ve found the perfect destination for your ideal holiday but first you have to work out who will be looking after your pet while you’re away, and how you are going to know he is ok without you around. You could try and get a friend to look after him, but it’s a pretty big ask, especially if you’re going to be away for more than a few days. The alternative is to find a pet-sitter or boarding facility but it’s difficult to know which ones to trust and you know you’ll probably end up spending your holiday worrying about whether he is happy and being properly cared for.

There has got to be a better alternative. Pets are family after all, and it hardly seems fair that they should be left behind while everyone else is off having fun on holiday. Luckily, more and more holiday companies are beginning to realise this and are offering pet friendly accommodation at only a small extra cost. OK, so you won’t be able to take them on a plane to the other side of the world, but if you’re planning your holiday a bit closer to home it’s worth considering taking them with you – you wouldn’t have to worry about them being left behind and it’s usually cheaper than paying a pet-sitter or kennel to care for them.

Wales is a great place to choose for a family holiday with a dog. Not only is there a huge range of different types of self catering accommodation, from flats and houses in the town to rural holiday cottages, Wales also boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. And what dog wouldn’t love the chance to run around in the famous Welsh hills and valleys, or along one of the beautiful coastlines with their sandy beaches and imposing cliff faces.

It’s not just your dog who will love Wales, there is wealth of attractions and activity holidays for the rest of the family, not to mention the chance to explore a country that is not only beautiful but rich in history, culture and entertainment. So if you’re looking for the perfect destination to take the whole family – including the dog – for a short break, Wales could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

If you would like to know how to stop a dog from digging, then this article will show you how. Specifically, we’re going to talk about how dogs love to dig, why dogs dig, and how to stop them from this behavior. By the time you have finished reading this article, you should have a good understanding of the causes and solutions to the dog digging problem.

Let’s begin by talking about why dogs enjoy digging. However, not all breeds of dog do this – although certain breeds are more likely to dig than othes. Some breeds which usually like to dig are terriers and huskies. If you are the owner of one of these breeds, then it could be difficult to remove this behavior entirely.

So why do dogs like to dig? For many, it’s simply a form of exercise and exploration to see what they can discover under the ground. Other times, it may be out of sheer boredom or lonliness. A solution to try in this case is to find him some fun toys to play with, and try to spend more time with him.

Also, another popular reason for why your dog is digging could be to express anxiety. These types of compulsive behavior will often stem from boredom as well.

So what can you do to stop a dog digging all the time? Usually the solution will depend on what’s causing the particular problem. If your dog is bored, try to find some engaging toys for him to play with when you’re not around. You may need to buy a few different kinds to see what he likes.

To summarize, this article has shown you some of the main reasons why your dog may enjoy digging, and what you can do to stop a dog from digging, step by step. Now that you have read this guide, you should know what steps to take and be able to see some real results in a short period of time!

If you own of a large breed of dog, for example a German shepherd, a Doberman or even a Great Dane it is important that you provide a comfortable place for your dog to sleep. Large breeds of dogs require large dog beds in order to rest comfortably. There should be adequate room in the large dog bed so that your dog can stretch out and be comfortable. This will ensure your dog is content in his own large dog bed and is less likely to want to sleep on your furniture. There are several types of large dog beds for you to select from. Check out the online pet shops in your search for a bed for your pet or you may choose to make your own large dog bed.

Materials Required For Making A Large Dog Bed

Firstly you will require some type of padding; a large pillow from a craft store is ideal. When you’re at the craft store grab some fabric for the cover also. If you know how to sew in a zipper or Velcro style of fastening you will be able to make a removable cover for the dog bed. You can also use snaps or buttons. Be creative and find out what will work best for your specific large breed dog bed. You can choose from different colors or patterns of fabric to suit your pet or the décor of your home. Before you know it you will have created a dog bed that is ideal for your dog at a fraction of the price of a ready made dog bed.

Different Types Of Large Dog Beds

If you’re after a ready made dog bed, Beasley large dog beds are considered to be superior. The inner cushion can be removed while the outer cover and bolster is completely washable. Their couch shape allows for extra comfort and your dog should be very comfortable with this selection. Prices for an extra large Beasley dog bed are very competitve and you will find online retailers who offer free shipping. Choose from the wide range of colors available to suit your dog’s personality. If you are on a tighter budget, you can choose a lower priced dog bed. They have many sizes to select from. A popular choice is a donut shaped dog bed. These are suitable for most dogs and are available from $30. A bargain price, while still providing your dog with the comfort he deserves.

Large Dog Supplies

In addition to large dog beds, you can find many other dog supplies for your favorite pet. These include leashes and designer collars, dog bowls and even items of dog clothing to suit your large breed of dog. We all like to pamper our pets, and there are several places you can go to find all the dog supplies for your extra large dog. Most pet stores and discount stores have a large selection of dog toys, bones, and dog blankets as well as crates and kennels and large dog beds.

If you are unhappy with the behavior of your Bedlington terrier, the best way to deal with it is via Bedlington Terrier training. Of course, it need not be difficult to train your dog, though it is a process that will require patience and so it is worthwhile understanding the steps involved in training a Bedlington Terrier.

Understanding Your Bedlington Terrier’s Needs

When your dog participates in Bedlington terrier training, the dog will fulfill some of its basic needs including exercising, socializing with other dogs and feeling secure in the knowledge of what is expected of it. After your Bedlington terrier has participated in a dog obedience course, your dog will be able to respond in an appropriate manner to your commands while avoiding separation anxiety.

The main aim of starting out to train a Bedlington terrier is to teach it to behave in the desired manner around people and other dogs, and it should also teach him to become a well-behaved companion. In addition, your Bedlington terrier will have learnt how to perform specific tasks, though of course he should not be punished when he fails to do what is asked off him.

There are many that believe that Training A Bedlington terrier implies punishing the dog when it disobeys commands or doesn’t respond as he should. However, giving the dog a treat when he performs the right action is considered a better option for training.

Essentially, it will pay you well to realize that your Bedlington terrier is a social animal that will respond well to obedience training and if he is not trained, the dog may behave erratically rather than in a manner appropriate for a housebroken dog. Training and caring for a Bedlington terrier is an ongoing process that may continue for some time and it requires the active participation of the owner as well as the trainer, and it is more than giving your dog commands and expecting it to work hard. Training a Bedlington terrier is designed to improve its quality of life and sociability and it should help in making it a content, happy and obedient companion that will enjoy spending time with you and other members of the family.

Your children have probably been begging “When can we get a puppy?” Dog ownership is a huge responsibility which can be an excellent way to teach your children. Before you adopt a new dog, there are a number of things to be considered. You and your family will have to come up with a game plan in advance and agree to what your new furry family member can and cannot do in your home.

One of the very first things that must be done is puppy-proofing your home.  A great way to do this is to get on your hands and knees and look for perils like dangling electrical cords that would be good for chewing; pick toys and other small objects off the floor that could be harmful if swallowed; remove chemicals, paper bags, plastic items and even plants away from the prying jaws of a puppy. Area rugs should be removed while your new pet is being house trained. You wouldn’t want him to think that this is a good place to pee!

If you are looking for an excellent guide to potty train your new puppy, visit Potty Training A Puppy.

You should buy a baby gate to restrict your dog’s access to those areas of your home where you don’t want him to go. As well, it could be used to section off a place just for him. This will help with housetraining. Also, dogs, especially puppies are curious and love to explore. If you don’t want your clothing and shoes plowed and chewed through, ensure that your pooch does not have access to them. Your closet or bedroom doors should be closed.

Getting some rawhide bones and chew toys will help to distract your dog from gnawing your possessions. Giving your puppy something safe to chew on while he is teething will stop him from chewing your possessions. As well, buy lots of toys to keep him amused. A dog that is bored is likely to damage your stuff to keep himself amused! Rubber balls, tug ropes, push dog toys, and even squeaker toys are favorites of many canines. And just like with human children, you want to buy pet toys that are age-appropriate for them. In addition, you buy plenty of toys so they can be rotated to prevent boredom in your dog.

Lay some ground rules in advance of bringing your puppy home. Can he get on the furniture? Will you allow him in your bedroom? What are your plans for his sleeping area? You will want to know that in advance so that you can put his dog bed there. Are you flexible enough to change your plans as needed? Occasionally, dogs will latch on to a favorite area in the house and if it is your bedroom, you will either have to teach him to sleep elsewhere, or let him to sleep on his dog bed in that room. Dogs come with a unique personality and also a number of quirks, just like humans. You will have to learn to adapt.

You will also need to have a strategy for dog obedience training. A well-mannered dog is a wonderful member of the family.  In addition, you will gain so much more out of the doggie-human relationship if you invest in dog obedience training. You will need to decide whether you want to use a training school or want to take on the job yourself.

Secrets to Dog Training is the best online dog training guide. To check it out visit, Secrets to Dog Training Review.

Other things to think about are what plans do you have for your dog while you are away from home? What about a veterinarian? Would you hire a dog sitter or board him in a kennel if you had to travel? Is your yard large enough for your dog to be able to romp in? How about exercise? Do you intend to walk your dog so he can socialize with other dogs? These are all important issues to be considered before the family dog is adopted.

User safety tops all criteria in the selection of an ionic air purifier for use in the home, office, factory or school.

Existing ionic air purifier technology, regardless of whether they originate in North America, Europe, Japan or China produce a primary beneficial reactive agent.These reactive agents are known variously by names like negative ions, bipolar ions, plasmacluster ions and so on. Their prime objective is to eliminate contaminants in the air we breathe. There is much research on the efficacy of these reactive agents in destroying contaminants. What we do not know is whether these same potent reactive agents also cause harm to delicate human tissues such as those that line our breathing passages from the trachea to the lungs.

Whether by design or otherwise, there is also an information void about whether there are other by-products and if these are harmful to fragile human tissues as well. In the industry, however, it is has been established that current ionic air purifier technology inadvertently results in the production of by-products that may, in sufficient concentrations, prove harmful to human tissue. One of the main by-products is the infamous ozone, which in high concentrations has been tested to be harmful to human tissues.

In the light of the above, the issue of safety for the user of an ionic air purifier has to be addressed from these two perspectives:

(1) Potential harm from the beneficial reactive agents, and

(2) Potential harm from the unintended by-products.

Whilst far from exhaustive, our intensive web research on these two perspectives have been condensed into two detailed write-ups that have been featured on Ezinearticles.com.

Don’t miss these 2 in-depth Ezine articles. To read, click on the Ezine Author Badge on The Ionic Air Purifier Blog.

Ezinearticles.com, within their terms and conditions, allows publishers to freely reproduce these two articles. So help yourself, publish the two articles on your websites as a complete set, via these links:

(1) Beneficial reactive agents

(2) Unintended by-products

In addition, keep updated with our progress as we research other aspects of the very broad and constantly changing field of ionic air purifier technologies.

Dogs are loved by their owners.With Doxies that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.  Dachshunds are special in many ways.

Translation from the German “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Doxie became ferocious himself.That fearless and assertive attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a bad thing or a good one.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them exploratory and playful.It provides the dog with a willingness to try new things and lots of energy.It also means that extra patience and skill are required to train them.Doxies are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is superior may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

Doxies are 9 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 10-30 lbs.  Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often under 8 lbs and only 5 inches high.An average lifespan is between 14-17 years.

With their short legs and long bodies, Dachshunds are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds.  Rough handling can cause serious problems.

At the same time, because they are assertive, simply screaming won’t work.  At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become hostile and aggressive in response.Dachshunds may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Doxies, too.

They make for excellent companions and pets with the right approach.

There are three basic varieties – Smooth-Coats, Wire-Coats, and Long-Hairs.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they have.  The personalities of the three types tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Doxies more often attach themselves to one person in the family.They tend to be stand-offish and wary of other animals but will tolerate other humans.The Wire-haired is usually more outgoing and playful.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Dachshund, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity exists.

Apart from spinal problems, Dachshunds less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Abdominal cancers, diabetes and other diseases are possible but much less common in Doxies.Stones or urinary tract problems can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes.This variety tends to have more eye and hearing problems, too.

Raising any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be healthy and happy.  But Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Doxies are highly affectionate and very loyal.The people they live with tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com

Safety tops all criteria in the selection of an ionic air purifier for use in the home, office, factory or school.

Existing ionic air purifier technology, regardless of whether they originate in North America, Europe, Japan or China produce a primary beneficial reactive agent.These reactive agents are known variously by names like negative ions, bipolar ions, plasmacluster ions and so on. Their chief role is to eliminate contaminants in the air we breathe. There is much research on the efficacy of these reactive agents in destroying contaminants. What we do not know is whether these same potent reactive agents also cause harm to delicate human tissues such as those that line our breathing passages from the trachea to the lungs.

There is also an information vacuum about whether there are other by-products and if these are harmful to human tissues as well. However, in the industry, it is well established that current ionic air purifier technology inadvertently results in the production of by-products that may, in sufficient concentrations, prove harmful to human tissue. One of the main by-products is the infamous ozone, which in high concentrations has been tested to be harmful to human tissues.

In the light of the above, the issue of safety for the user of an ionic air purifier has to be addressed from these two perspectives:

(1) Potential harm from the beneficial reactive agents, and

(2) Potential harm from the unintended by-products.

Though not exhaustive, our intensive research on these two perspectives have been condensed into two detailed write-ups that have been featured on Ezinearticles.com.

Don’t miss these 2 in-depth Ezine articles. To read, click on the Ezine Author Badge on The Ionic Air Purifier Blog.

Subject to their terms and conditions, Ezinearticles.com allows publishers to freely reproduce these two articles. So help yourself, publish the two articles on your websites as a complete set, via these links:

(1) Beneficial reactive agents

(2) Unintended by-products

In addition, keep updated with our progress as we research other aspects of the very broad and exciting field of ionic air purifier technologies.

wild animals

It is pretty easy to take birds for granted. Sure, you put out bird feeders to attract some swallows or other local birds but have you ever taken into consideration how much of a role these wild animals have had in culture? They have been a constant in a changing world. Images of birds can be found in every major religion. They have held symbolic meanings in literature, movies and music. If you actually think about it, birds surround you every day. In the past they were highly regarded and even today modern man has a healthy respect for the role that the bird plays.

The bird image played a huge role in the Egyptian pantheon of gods and goddesses. Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris, is featured as a man with a falcon head. His image and presence was worshiped throughout ancient Egypt. In Southern Egypt he was worshipped more than towards the Northern provinces. His responsibility was to the sky and to protect people from Set, who was the god of storms, chaos and the desert. Horus has a pretty important role in Egyptian mythology. He was said to have dominion over the sun and the moon. By worshipping him, people could gain his protection. It also did not hurt that Horus became known as the god over war.

Exotic birds such as the falcon have always claimed humanity’s attention. Wild birds are the epitome of freedom. They sail through the skies without masters and do as they wish. They cannot be truly tamed. Even those that use falcons and hawks as gaming birds know that these species of birds can turn vicious and unpredictable if they are not treated properly and trained well. It can take years for a falcon or a hawk to be gentled. Perhaps that is why you do not see many people trying to own these birds. In medieval times it was common for lords to become falconers.

A bird icon or symbol will forever be part of society. There was even a song written about this graceful animal. Granted it is a rather humorous song that tends to get stuck in your head but it is still a party favorite and children love it. “The Birds the Word” recently has been seen on “The Family Guy.” And who can forget that “the bird” is a gesture of obscenity in most of the world. It may not be one that wild birds or domesticated birds want associated with their species, but it is here to stay. Our fascination with birds will continue and flourish as more people become interested in birding tours or even the history of birds.

Early diagnosis of goldfish disease is an important part of overall fish care. If you can’t readily identify a goldfish disease see your local vet, or pet store.

Fish absorb oxygen to live and they give off carbon dioxide as a waste product. Plants under the influence of daylight do the opposite so that what is poison to one gives life to the other. Therefore, the addition of plants to your aquarium will assist in keeping your goldfish healthy and free from disease.

Preventing disease is always easier than curing it, so by keeping your aquarium clean, feeding your fish the right amount, avoiding wide temperature fluctuations and performing partial water changes as necessary you will go a long way to keeping your fish healthy. However, no matter how well you maintain your tank, from time to time one or more of your goldfish may become stressed or ill.

Some common goldfish diseases are discussed in this article.

Anchor worms will appear as a 1/4 to 3/8 inch piece of string with a forked tail. Large anchor worms can easily be seen. They appear as clear, greenish-white or brownish-red strings. After the anchor worms have buried themselves into the flesh of the fish open sores may appear on the skin. The anchor worms may be visible in the sores. Frequently this parasite is introduced into the fish tank from adding live food to the tank, or from aquarium plants, especially those taken from rivers or creeks. Anchor worms attach beneath the fish’s scales and bury their anchor-shaped head under the skin causing ulceration and distress to the fish.

Anchor worms are highly contagious and should be treated immediately. Your local pet store can supply an appropriate treatment for anchor worm, usually in the form of a gyrase inhibitor that can be added to the tank water. This should be effective in killing the parasites within three to four days.

Swimbladder disease should be suspected whenever a fish appears to have difficulty stabilizing itself in the tank. It is not uncommon in goldfish although fancy varieties appear more susceptible to this disease. It can be genetic in origin or caused by a variety of other factors including improper or inadequate diet, bacterial infection or even poor quality aquarium water.

Apart from improving the water condition if that is necessary, some fish keepers suggest feeding your goldfish thawed out frozen peas. It is also worth feeding the fish with sinking food instead of floating food to minimize the intake of air. It may also be worthwhile moving your sick goldfish to a smaller shallow tank while you treat it. This may reduce the stress on the fish. Swimbladder disease often occurs quite suddenly in previously healthy fish.

Dropsy is not a specific goldfish disease, but appears as a condition where the fish’s abdomen becomes swollen due to a concentration of fluids in the body tissues or cavities. The abdominal swelling can create a pinecone effect where the fishís scales protrude from the body. The cause of the swelling could be any of several conditions including cancer, internal parasites or bacterial infection, cancer, internal parasites. Depending on what has caused the condition dropsy may be contagious. There are no known successful treatments for dropsy and the condition usually proves fatal.

If the fish has not been fighting, torn or frayed fins are usually indications of tail or fin rot. This is a bacterial infection that first appears as a whitish edge on the fins, before the fins begin to rot away. It is easily treated with antibiotics available from your local pet store. Make sure that the medication states that it treats fin or tail rot. In some cases a secondary fungal infection may occur. If this is the case, treat the fin rot before dealing with the fungal problem.

Fungus is generally a secondary infection. A fish with an open wound or sore caused from injury or disease may suffer from a lack of mucous around the area of the wound. Open wounds like this can often attract a secondary fungal infection. Look for patches of grey or white fuzzy puffs attached to the skin. There are several treatments available for fungal infections from the pet store. Fungus will respond well to quick treatment.

Perhaps the most common parasitic disease in goldfish is ick. It is frequently present in freshwater fish tanks and will infect fish in poor general health or those that have suffered recent infection. Ick is characterized by small white dots that look like salt sprinkled on the body. The fish may attempt to scratch the infected areas on the wall of the tank which can cause further damage. Cloudy eyes and rapid breathing can also be signs of ick. See you pet store for ick treatment. Badly infected fish should be moved to a hospital or quarantine tank for treatment but it is important to also treat the main aquarium, ensuring that the parasite has been removed.

Goldfish are quite hardy fish but there are still many diseases that can cause them discomfort or stress. If you want your goldfish to live a long and healthy life you need to make sure that you manage the aquarium properly and treat sick goldfish as soon as symptoms appear.

There is a comprehensive and instantly downloadable e-book covering the entire topic of treating goldfish diseases.