First Coast Pet

Archive for May, 2009

There is one common thread that unites many of the 850+ customers we’ve worked with during the past two years, and this is it: dog owners don’t comprehend just how aggressive and fast-acting the Canine Parvo virus is.

You can go to bed one night, with a perfectly healthy-looking, happy dog, and wake up in the morning to a very sick one – and, yes, the smell of Parvo is unmistakable, as the diarrhea, which can often be one of the first symptoms you’ll see with the latest 2c strain of this virus, is foul and unlike anything else you may have come across before.

We had one customer, in the Pacific Northwest, whose dog first showed symptoms of Parvo on a Sunday morning, and by later that afternoon, it was already dead.

Although not every dog dies this quickly, it can happen, but the point is, too many dog owners sit around for day after day, watching their dog suffer, and doing absolutely nothing about it, because they think they have time.

But nothing could be further from the truth!

If you know dogs at all, then you know that 99.9% or more of them love their food, so if your dog stopped eating, for as little as one day, wouldn’t you be concerned that something could be gravely wrong?

All of our dogs are, thank goodness, healthy (although we do live in the worst state for Parvo), but even on those rare occasions when one of them does throw up, they are ready to eat again just a few minutes later, so a dog that’s off his food for several hours (which is in many cases the very first sign you’ll see that your dog has Parvo, provided you’re observant, of course) should be a massive, red warning sign.

Unfortunately, there is such a lot of misinformation about Parvo that a lot of dog owners are understandably but ill-advisedly complacent.

These dog owners feel secure because:

• Their dog has had all of its vaccinations (including boosters). Here’s the reality: Parvo vaccines are not effective against the 2c strain (which is why we are seeing more and more customers with fully-vaccinated adult dogs still getting Parvo and, if they’re not treated, dying), and can even give your dog full-blown Parvo symptoms (particularly if your dog is given his shot after he was infected, which is about the worst thing you can do).
• They have an adult dog, and everybody knows that Parvo only affects puppies. Sorry, wrong again! It is true that Parvo still infects puppies more than adults, but we have also observed, after dealing with over 850 cases of Parvo, that an increasing number of adult dogs are getting this virus too. If this sounds like a broken record, then we’re not making any apologies, but vaccinations don’t work like they used to – the latest 2c strain of Parvo is just too strong and the vaccine manufacturers really haven’t caught up with it yet (and that’s not to mention the long-term issues with all vaccinations, which most vets keep quiet about).
• They try to do the right thing by having their dog tested for Parvo at the vet’s, but do nothing because the test comes back negative. Time for another reality check: the 2c strain of Parvo often generates a false-negative result, and this particularly applies to the in-clinic stool sample tests that are very popular these days. This is another example of how the medical profession has not caught up with the development of the Parvovirus – you think your dog is OK, when in fact he does have Parvo, and that leads to your doing nothing while the virus quietly launches its attack on your dog’s body (mainly the immune system and his intestinal tract) for several days until, suddenly, you see symptoms.
• Their dog never goes outside, so it can’t get Parvo. Sorry to burst this balloon as well, but one of the most common reasons why dogs who are confined to living indoors all of the time get Parvo is because they get it from their owners / breeders! Yes, people walk this virus into their house without realizing it (or take it in on their clothes or hands). That’s why we always recommend that people (including visitors) change their shoes whenever they go indoors.

So, given that there is a ton of bad advice and uninformed hearsay to be found, mainly on the Internet, of course, where can you go to get accurate and up-to-date information that you can use, safe in the knowledge that it will help your dog, and not make matters worse?

This actually highlights another major issue to do with Parvo: many dog owners have never heard of Parvo (until their vet tells them that’s why their dog is sick), which means they don’t know what to look out for. Even more amazing, to us, is that we come across many breeders who know nothing about this virus either. For people in the doggie business, this is basic knowledge that you simply should have!

Well, the good news is that we have written a free, 100+ page ebook all about Parvo, called Parvo Treatment 101, that you can download to your computer in minutes.

This is an excellent place to start, as it contains practically everything you need to know about this virus, including the symptoms to look out for, treatment options, and much more.

However, if your dog is already sick (i.e. a vet has confirmed that he has the Parvovirus, or he shows any of the classic symptoms, or even if you know he’s been exposed within the past few days), then you don’t have time to read this book now – you need to administer Parvo treatment immediately, because there’s one thing you don’t have with this virus, and that is time. Although this book contains a lot of useful information, you would be far better reading it once your dog is successfully treated.

We hope that you found this article both interesting and useful, and if it helps you save your dog’s life, even better. However, we do have a load more information about Parvo treatment for you, which is in addition to what’s in our free book.

We’d like to close by encouraging all dog owners to at least be educated about just how devastating this virus can be, and about the various treatment options (you don’t have to take your dog to the vet and spend anywhere from $500 USD to over $10,000 USD, for a success rate that offers no better odds than tossing a coin, because safe, effective, inexpensive Parvo home remedies do exist), so please, if you know anybody with a dog, then do forward this article, and/or our free book, on to them – you just never know when they might might need it, and there’s no better feeling than knowing that you’ve helped to save somebody’s beloved pet from an excruciatingly painful death from probably the most devastating doggie virus there is.

Taking care of a new puppy can be quite a task. Not only must you ensure that your puppy is healthy, but you must teach it how to behave in your household. Luckily, you have natural help, since dogs already tend to be creatures that respond well to working out of habit. The way you can do this is to establish a regular schedule of puppy care and stick to it. The consistency will help you to train your pet faster.

Feeding

When you make your schedule of puppy training, regular feeding is important. Your puppy should be fed twice a day, once at breakfast and once at dinner time. By doing this, you establish a regular pattern of food so the dog doesn't beg for food at other times, and you also teach it to be eating its meal when you're having yours, preventing begging while at the dinner table. Keeping the dog elsewhere while you're having dinner also helps to train you not to give it scraps, which is a bad idea for your puppy.

Making water part of your schedule of puppy care is also important. Rather than simply leave a bowl out for your puppy, give it water at several set times in the day as well as after exercising your puppy. By regulating water as part of your schedule of puppy care, you will be better able to see patterns of when your new dog needs to use the bathroom, which will help in housebreaking.

Housebreaking Your Dog

Regulating water isn’t the only way that adherence to a schedule of dog training will help you to housebreak your dog. Each and every family member should learn when your puppy is to be taken out to use the bathroom and to what spot it should be taken to. By going at regular times and going to the same place, this schedule of puppy care will help teach your puppy to go when it is taken out and not to dawdle as much.

In your schedule of puppy care, keep play and walks for the bathroom separate. If you take the dog out so it can go to the bathroom and instead play with it, you will confuse it. Instead, wait until your puppy is done with its business before taking it inside and playing with it. This will help the puppy to separate bathroom activities from play, as well as give it a sort of positive reinforcement about housebreaking. By properly adhering to this schedule of puppy care, feeding times and bathroom times should go smoother much faster than without a schedule.

When selecting a new puppy for your family, the Basset Hound is one of the best.  Basset Hound puppy training is very easy and this particular breed loves humans. They are extremely friendly and calm and want to become a member of your family.  Basset Hound puppy care is simple because the animal is not inherent to any particular disease and because the puppies are eager to please. Their growth at full maturation is small and can weigh anywhere between 30 and 70 lbs. These dogs are known as the hush puppies of the dog kingdom.

Crates

Since puppies do not begin to think intelligently until they are about 12 weeks old, the early weeks of Basset Hound puppy care are similar to any puppy care. Puppy proof your home before bringing your Basset Hound puppy home. Have a crate prepared for him to sleep in at night. A crate is the best investment you will make for your new puppy.  A crate can be a combined sleeping area; housebreaker and can prevent bad habits.

Select a crate that will be large enough for your puppy when he is full grown. A good idea is to insert a divider in the crate to make it smaller for housebreaking. His toys and a small water bowl can also be placed in the crate. But only leave your puppy in there for short periods of time so he will learn that he will not be confined for long periods of time. His diet should consist of high quality puppy chow. The Basset Hound puppy should be fed several small meals per day. Your vet will help you choose the best puppy chow for your particular puppy.

Housebreaking

Housebreaking is a little more challenging in Basset Hound puppy care than in other puppy breeds. But starting the dog training as soon as they arrive to your home is a good idea.Basset Hounds, as many other hound breeds, respond better to a food reward. When a food reward is not present, they tend to ‘forget’. But consistency and patience will pay off in your Basset hound puppy care. Take your puppy outside at the same time every day and reward him immediately when he has accomplished his mission. Do not play or talk to your puppy until he has finished.

Remember, if he doesn’t ‘do it’ outside, he will ‘do it’ inside your house. Regular brushing, bathing and nail clipping is essential in your Basset Hound puppy care. Basset Hounds especially need their ears cleaned often. They grow very long ears as they get older and getting them acquainted with ear cleaning early can help a difficult task in the end. Do not bathe your puppy before he is 12 weeks of age unless absolutely necessary. It is too easy for them to get a chill at an earlier age.

Your Basset Hound puppy care should be a pleasant one if you follow some of these suggestions. These hush puppies are extremely fun to have in your home. They love kids, adults and strangers. With proper care as a puppy, your Basset Hound will be a happy member of your family very quickly.

Rabbits may be small in stature, but they have a lot of special needs and requirements that differ from the normal type of pets that we are accustomed to. So if you are considering going down to your pet store and getting a rabbit for a pet, you need to learn about how to take care of a rabbit first. To help get you going in the right direction, I have provided you with some steps:

Hutch

Ideally, your rabbit’s cage should be at least 4 times larger than your rabbit, but bigger is always better especially if it will spend most of its time inside the cage. The cage’s floor should be solid. Many people are still apt to use a rabbit cages that have wire floors in them as they are much easier to keep clean than solid floor type cages, but this can often lead to problems in sores on your rabbits feet.If the only cage that you have access to as a wire floor and, then you need to cover up with either a piece of wood, some grass, or some sisal mats.

What Rabbits Eat

You need to make sure that you have a pretty much unlimited supply of grass hay for feed such as brome or timothy. As a primary component of a rabbit’s diet, grass hay ensures that the rabbit’s intestinal tract is kept clean. As part of its feed, you will also need to keep a supply of rabbit pellets. Make sure that your younger rabbits, under the age of six months old, dead poets a minimum protein content of 15 to 19% and a minimum of 18% fiber. As a third part of your rabbits diet, you’re going to need to feed it plenty of dark leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, carrots tops, lettuce, and turnip greens. You need to give your rabbit a minimum of 2 cups leafy green vegetables for every 6 pounds that it weighs. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times.

Training Your Rabbit to Use the Litter Box

For the most part, rabbits have a tendency to use one part of its cage for its toilet. Once your pet makes up it’s mind, fill it with pelleted-newspaper litter or timothy hay. The litter box should be changed daily to keep the cage as clean and as odorless as possible.

Cage Maintenance

Clean your rabbit’s cage at least once a week. Place your pet inside an alternate cage or somewhere safe around your house. Sweep the floor to remove any solid debris. When you are scrubbing the cages for, use soap and warm water.

Handling

Rabbit injury is caused by improper handling. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears. The way to pick up your rabbit safely, is to use one hand to give its front leg support and the other hand it to give its back legs support.

Supplies for Your Rabbit

The following items are a requirement if you want to own a rabbit: A cage or a hutch, litter for the litter box, a rabbit carrier or pet carrier, hay, a brush for grooming, rabbit pellets for food, chew toys that are safe, a box for digging, and any watering and food bowl which is preferably made out of ceramic.

This If you need to find a good place to buy these items, you can find them all at rabbit cages for sale.

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To have good quality dog care products need not be an expensive exercise. There are many things that you can do that are cheap and work as well as the store bought products if not better. One of these things are homemade dog shampoos, conditions and treatments. Here are some suggestions that you can create for your dog.

Homemade Shampoos For Normal And Sensitive Skins

This shampoo is simple, clean, easy to make and inexpensive. You can store it in an old shampoo bottle and just shake thoroughly before shampooing your dog.

You only need four things and about three minutes.

INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup glycerin
1 cup all natural dish soap
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 quart water

Mix ingredients into a large bottle, shake, and use as needed.

Use the shampoo the same way you would any dog shampoo. Be careful not to get it into your dog’s eyes or ears. Start with a small amount because it lathers well and work the suds deep into the coat. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Handmade condtioners

To treat dry or damaged coat, whisk the yolk of an egg vigorously and add a little bit of water until it becomes creamy.  Mix the white of the egg. Wet dog’s coat with warm water and remove excess water. Add the lotion to the fur gently until the froth reaches the skin. Rinse thoroughly and wash away all the mixture with water.

Tick and Flea Removal

Here is a tick and flea eliminator that works well on dogs. Some people are concerned about the garlic content in this recipe but garlic in small doses is safe for your dog
Ingredients:

1 heaping T. brewer’s yeast ,

1 level tsp. garlic powder, (or 3 or 4 garlic capsules)

Instructions:

These ingredients are inexpensive when bought in bulk, and besides being an effective flea and tick repellent, they provide vitamins and nutrients and promote a glossy coat. The combination spreads a smell through the dogs skin that pest find offensive. The ingredients also make the animal’s blood taste bad, which discourages ear mites, ticks and other biting pests.

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Using the right kinds of dog care products take care of your dog’s fur can be very helpful for you and your pet. Grooming your dog does not need to be an expensive exercise as you can make the products yourself which are safe for your dogs skin and will produce a nice smelling healthy coat.

The cats are at risk to effected with type i and type ii diabetes as humans and dogs are. The causes and symptoms are also quite similar although the treatment is quite different due to the difference in internal construction and reactions to different medications. Diabetic neuropathy too can affect cats but the right treatment at the right time can help improve the health of cats and diabetic neuropathy too can be reduced to a large extent at the same time.

If you see that your cat is increasingly showing signs of excessive hunger and thirst and urinating regularly along with a presence of weakness and fatigue, then most probably it has become diabetic. The presence of glucose in its urine and a blood sugar test should validate your qualms. You will also require to check your cat’s blood sugar levels regularly along with a healthy diet and adequate exercise, if you want to avoid the starting of diabetes related complications such as diabetic retinopathy or diabetic neuropathy.

You might observe that your cat might opt to walk on its rear hocks, which is the rear part of its legs rather than walking on its toes as an effect on your cat’s rear legs due to tangential diabetic neuropathy. It might also tend to frequently sit down, particularly after a short walk. It might slip again and again even while walking and it might also become impossible for it to climb up trees or stairs. You will need to contact your cat’s doctor or veterinarian for proper treatment as it could be the sign of diabetic neuropathy.

Several alternative treatment are available for diabetic humans and dogs such as alpha lipoic acid, which basically is an antioxidant that provides relief from the pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. However, it might not be suitable for cats since it could cause liver toxicity in your beloved pet. For instance your veterinarian could suggest the right treatment that might include using methyl B12 among other medications for your diabetic cat’s treatment. If the treatment is started immediately upon recognition then the cat quickly get back on its feet with no perceptible damage to its leg because of its internal structure that makes it easier for them to respond immediately to the right treatment.

It is vital to maintain your cat’s blood sugar levels near to normal levels so that no other complications creep up on your cat. Feeding your cat at regular intervals along with regular exercise can keep the danger of diabetic neuropathy at bay and also ensure that it does not lose valuable muscle. Bring your cat to the veterinarian as soon as you notice it having any difficulty in walking or if it keeps striking into walls since this could indicate the onset of diabetic neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy. Typically a medication course along with effective methods to get blood glucose levels back in control is enough to make the cat bounce back into action, which doesn’t apply for humans.

Although the causes of diabetic neuropathy are the same as humans, the cures are definitely faster if you quickly get your cat’s sugar levels within prescribed limits and start its treatment as soon as you can. If the right medications are given to cats and diabetic neuropathy reversed, then you too might easily be able to notice a remarkable improvement in your cat upon initiating a similar line of treatment.

An Excellent Healthy Drink for Diabetics

Did you know that flavored carbonated water has no calories, sugar, body, sweetener, color or preservatives?

It is a great drink for diabetics contains no carbohydrates having a fantastic taste and extremely refreshing. A large and affordable assortment of flavored carbonated water concentrate is available for free delivery world wide from www.allfreightfree.com.

The African Grey parrot is probably one of the easiest and most beautiful of the parrot family to keep. They are originally from Central Africa, they are known for the exceptional talking ability and the high intelligence. African Greys generally communicate well with their owners and are capable of developing a large vocabulary.

They grow to around 10 to 14 inches in length, and that therefore seen as a medium-sized parrot. African Grey parrots all may have two types. One is light Grey with a red tail and is known as the Congo African Grey. The Timneh African Grey is a darker charcoal Grey with a maroon tail. Normally the females are smaller than the males. Male birds and normally 12 to 14 inches in size. They are difficult to sex becomes they both look the same, however, a female African Grey parrots have a narrower head on thinner neck.

Because these parrots have a long life span may need some one will can make a long-term commitment. It’s not unusual for African Greys to live up to 60 years. Because of their high intelligence, African Greys require an owner that is experienced and who can understand their needs. The easily become bored so an interactive environment and stimulation is important. African Greys need their intellectual needs met otherwise their boredom could turn to feather picking and other behavioral problems.

They’re very sensitive birds, and sometimes this can also lead to behavioral problems. It seems that even small changes to their daily routine and surroundings can lead to an African Grey parrot becoming cranky and frustrated. More often than not, these birds are even-tempered and well behaved and make good pets but there can be a few challenges. African gays need to be disciplined, otherwise they can get into trouble. They could bite and chew things. They are very quick to pick up behaviors, and so if you reinforce negative habits in your African Grey, you could also just as easily reinforce good ones.

African Grey parrot’s make fantastic pets because they are sociable birds. The natural instinct is to flock together in the wild. African Grey parrots living with a family were usually adopt them into their flock. Some of them even cuddle their owners. They seem to enjoy head scratching and petting, even though they don’t always enjoy physical contact. The birds strange signs of affection will not put off an experienced African Grey owner.

African Greys use regurgitation as a deep sign of affection, and will even try to kiss their owners. It is not recommended that you allow the bird to kiss you, because humans mouths contain bacteria that is harmful to the birds. The birds really do need companionship, and owners should realize the importance of understanding this.

African Grey parrots have great personalities and human like qualities to.If you are lucky enough to own one, you will see an intelligence unequaled by many other animals.

Malc Moore has been interested in parrots and aviary birds for many years and finds them both fascinating and joyful to be around. For more information on the african grey parrot breeder and parrot breeders tips, check out www.parrotcare4u.com.

Anybody can start Bird Watching which is a very enjoyable and peaceful hobby.  The general definition of bird watching is the study of birds both with using binoculars or just using your naked eye.  A lot of people who participate in bird watching also enjoy the sounds the birds make and know how to classify the bird from their bird song prior to even seeing the bird. Bluebirds are a longstanding preference of bird watchers so use some Bluebird House Plans and construct a house to attract the birds to your garden.

Lots of people use bird watching as a fun activity while other people use it for study.  The benefit of bird watching is that it is a moderately cheap activity to involve yourself in and it is an activity a beginner can accomplish from your own back yard no matter your ability. An excellent thought for viewing birds in your own yard is to use Birdhouse Building Plans and build your own bird house. Also available are Bird House Kits you can purchase that make construction even more straightforward.

Many people watched birds in years gone by, not for enjoyment or research but for a useful goal.  They participated in bird watching as a technique to learn when to collect their eggs or to find out when it was an optimal time to use the birds a source of food.  Throughout the Victorian Era it grew into a fashionable past time.  In the early twentieth century, the capability to see birds from far away became achievable with the emergence of bird watching binoculars and guidebooks.  The introduction of guidebooks permitted even a beginner the capability to classify birds they may have never seen before or identified before.  Soon organizations began to form became popular as lots of people began to find an interest in the activity. Participants of bird watching groups usually keep a list of the types of birds they have spotted and when and where they saw them.

Crate training benefits both your dog and yourself, the loving dog owner.  Your dog will be more loving and affectionate towards family members when he understands his boundaries.

Your Dog Crate Makes Housebreaking Much Easier

No dog enjoys resting in his own mess, therefore dogs will tend to gain better bladder control when confined to dog cages.  This will make housebreaking easier when you then associate going outside with the act of relieving himself.

Generally, dogs are den animals that like their place to be quiet and clean.  It is good to keep in mind that puppies need to go frequently, so limit their time in the crate.

Dog Crates Will Limit Destructive Behaviors

Dogs naturally enjoy chewing.  Your dog needs to learn the things that are acceptable or not acceptable things to chew on. Since your dog is generally going to chew on something, would it not be better to chew on acceptable toys rather than your chair legs and shoes?  Therefore, by providing safe chew toys in his crate, you will protect your house from damage and also teach your dog acceptable things to chew on in the house.

Dog Crates Protects Your Dog from Household Hazards

You can potentially put your dog in danger unnecessarily if left to roam unsupervised.  As you may know, a house may contain many potentially dangerous objects to chew on.  Your dog may not realize the danger chewing on electric wires or certain plants or foods.

By properly training your dog with his crate, you will have peace of mind and confidence your dog will stay away from potential dangerous objects.

Traveling in a Car Is Safer

Containment in a dog crate helps eliminate some possible distractions if you have a very active dog.  A crate trained dog makes your trip more peaceful as your dog rest contently in his crate.

Crates provides you dog security when he desires to rest or be alone.

Do you ever notice dogs sleeping under tables or desks?  Naturally, dogs like small enclosed spaces in your home that may mimic a den.  Dog crates can serve as a great refuge and excellent dens your dog can hangout in.  Crates will also prepare your dog from some potentially stressful situations like going to the vet.

As you can see, crate training is beneficial for both your dog and you.  Start your crate training today, buy a dog cage, and reap the benefits.

If your cat knowledge is limited to the essentials, at best, the process of choosing which breed of cat you want to add to your family can become quite a chore! When considering which breed of cat you like best, you must be sure to choose a breed that will best suit your lifestyle. While certain cat breeds require a great deal more grooming than others, you can also find breeds that need a lot more exercise–it’s all a matter of traits specifically belonging to certain breeds. Listed below, you will see the most popular cat breeds. Not only will we discuss the personality type of each breed, but also the grooming responsibilities required.

The Oriental is one of the most popular cat breeds around. This breed tends to develop very deep bonds with its family, and is very loyal and bright. It has large, pointed ears, and although its body is very sleek, it is still quite a muscular breed.

One of the most popular cat breeds for a family is the American Shorthair. The American shorthair originally was a working breed, mostly for mouse hunting, which explains the agile muscular structure and short hair. They do need a little exercise, but most are quite content being a lap cat.

The Birman breed is thought to have originated from Burma. It is most popular for its coloring, consisting of a white body, brown face, ears, tail, legs, and blue eyes. Birmans possess a long, sturdy body structure with extensive, mat-resistant hair. They love to play and are quite gentle. They are affectionate without being too needy.

If you’re looking for a very loving, snuggly cat, then a Sphynx may be the breed for you. Although they look like they have no fur, they actually have a peach-like fuzz all over their body. As they don’t have much hair to protect their skin, they should strictly be kept indoors. Extra care may be required to keep a cat of this breed nice and toasty, as the lack of a furry coat allows them to become too cold.

The Ragdoll breed got its name due to its tendency to fully relax when picked up–similar to a floppy ragdoll. If you love a cat that accompanies you from room to room, this breed would likely be a wonderful match for you. They are very gentle when playing, keeping teeth and claw use to a minimum.

{Now that you have a better idea about the most popular, yet very different, cat breeds out there, hopefully you find choosing a cat to be a little less daunting than before. Be sure to remember that lifestyles are important factors to consider; so if you aren’t very active, you probably shouldn’t choose a cat that requires a lot of activity, and vice versa. Hopefully you have a better understanding of which type of cat would be best for you. Just keep in mind the requirements that each breed can demand, and be sure that whichever cat you choose, you are up to maintaining it. The best rule of thumb to go by is to choose a cat whose activity levels and lifestyle best match your own.}