Diva Dogs and Funky Felines

Holistic Treats for Cats - pawTreats

2016-11-15T12:40:00.003-08:00

Looking for a healthier treat for your cat? Try freeze-dried Salmon and Cranberries from pawTree , a Texas-based company specializing in holistic food for dogs and cats. These grain-free treats have no fillers or preservatives, like the company’s other products. My panther-in-residence (aka black cat), Lux Batboy, loved these treats, and he usually snubs his nose at new, health-oriented snacks, and whines for Fancy Feast. (Many cats are like kids. Why eat an apple when you can have potato chips?)

pawTree also offers seasonings for pet food – including Chicken Liver, Salmon, Turkey Medley and Chicken. The seasonings are designed to not only make food tastier, but to complement meals nutritionally. Create a profile on the pawTree site to find the best foods for your pet’s needs.

Book Review: Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs by D. Caroline Coile, PH. D

2016-11-06T14:41:00.001-08:00

Cannabis is now accepted as medical treatment for dozens of ailments in humans. But what about cannabis for dogs? Yes, there is such a thing and it’s used to treat anxiety, pain and even cancer in canines through the use of CBD oil. The new book, Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., a former canine consultant to the FAA and award-wining dog writer, examines the ways cannabis helps sick and aging canines.

The book explains first things first - the differences between marijuana, cannabis and hemp; the history of cannabis for medicinal purposes, and how different cannabinoids affect humans and animals.

CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp. The most well-known, THC, is found in marijuana and has the psychoactive properties that make you high. CBD, a cannabinoid used to treat health issues in humans and pets, is the opposite of THC in several ways. Marijuana containing THC makes people anxious and paranoid, but the CBD found in hemp has a calming effect. The THC in marijuana makes users sleepy, but CBD is an energy-booster. Many types of CBD oil and related products are cleared for legal sale in the United States.

The chapter on clinical applications examines the uses of medical cannabis for canines. The list of treatable maladies mirrors the ones found in humans - anxiety, colitis, obesity, diabetes and cancer, to name just a few. The book contains case studies of dogs receiving relief from severe pain due to CBD treatment. There are a few easy-to-read charts featuring the types of cannabinoids and what canine health issues they treat, and other information to help you make an informed decision about your dog’s health care.

This 94 page book covers the what, how and why of medical cannabis for dogs. If you’re tired of repeat visits to the vet, medical cannabis may be the answer to your pet’s health problems. The author examines the ways CBD improves canine health and clears up the confusion some people may have about the types of cannabis (marijuana vs. hemp), and how they’re used.

Here’s a primer for the information contained in Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs, via an email interview I conducted with the book’s author. (She is also a columnist for Dog World magazine and the AKC Gazette.)

When was cannabis first used as a treatment for ill or elderly dogs?

We don't specifically know when it was first used for dogs, but the ancient Greeks used cannabis to dress wounds on their horses, so it's not much of a stretch to assume they also used it on their dogs. And of course, they also used it on themselves!

What is the difference between CBD and THC? Can my dog get "stoned" from using CBD?

CBD and THC are related but different types of cannabinoids, which are chemicals found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids affect the body's endocannabinoid system, which is a master regulator of the body's internal systems. In the 1960s the cannabinoid THC was discovered and got all the credit---and it is the one responsible for the "high" you get from marijuana. But now another cannabinoid, called cannabidiol (CBD), is getting credit for most of the medicinal benefits. CBD doesn't get your dog high, and it comes from hemp, not marijuana.

What conditions are treated with cannabis?

A crazy assortment of conditions are treated with cannabis, especially with CBD: Pain, age-related cognitive losses, inflammation, seizures, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, infections, even to some extent cancer. And while I agree that list sounds to unrelaed to be credible at first, the thing that ties them together is the systems that influence all these conditions are controlled by endocannbinoids.

Is the medical marijuana for pets different than medical marijuana for people?

Medical marijuana, with THC, comes from plants cultivated to have high THC content. It is illegal to use on dogs, even where it's legal for people. Veterinarians cannot prescribe it. CBD comes from hemp plants, which have been cultivated to have low THC bit subsequently have high CBD, Hemp, with CBD, is legal.

How do I know if the cannabis I give my pet is safe?

As with any herb, know your source. I feel more confident with companies that have a history of supplying CBD. Canna-Pet, for example, has probably the longest history and best documentation, and is my personal choice.

Is cannabis added to your dog’s food or administered like medication?

It depends on your source, but ideally it's administered so it's absorbed before it get sto the digestive tract.

Can vets prescribe it or do you get it over-the counter?

You don't need a prescription for CBD as it is totally legal to buy over the counter. Some veterinary clinics stock it, however, and have it on hand for cases they think would benefit from it. But right now, not all veterinarians understand CBD, or that it is legal and different from medical marijuana.

Book Review: The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead By Douglas Green

2016-03-31T15:08:00.001-07:00

Douglas Green’s book, “The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead” is the story of one man’s experiences with his pet, an exuberant mixed breed pup he named Shirelle. (A lifelong music fan, Green borrowed the name from 1960s singing group the Shirelles.)

When Green first met Shirelle, the pup was confined to a shelter, next on the list to be put down. The shelter workers referred to her as “Knucklehead”, an outgoing Husky mix, who impressed her soon to be new owner by playfully biting the ear of the pup next to her!

After some looking at pups at another shelter, Green knew this was the one, and he went back to claim her. Shirelle was no shrinking violet or obedient Westminster dog show candidate, but she wasn’t out of control, either. A curious, friendly pup she didn’t just greet people by sniffing at them – she’d enthusiastically jump all over them. After a few mishaps, it was time for obedience class. Shirelle’s behavior gradually improved, but she was still a knucklehead – in a good way. Green writes about how Shirelle’s presence helped him through a career change, various relationships, and life’s general ups and downs. She was always there to entertain and comfort him, in her own quirky way, and he was always there for her.

Along the way Green dates a woman who doesn’t like dogs. (Shirelle stayed, and the woman is long gone.) He directs a play about a couple and their dog, with Shirelle making an appearance.

Sadly, Shirelle developed cancer, but Green pursued different treatments for her. The cancer went into remission, and she lived another few years.

“The last years of her life she worked with me,” says Green in a short phone interview, “She had a profound effect on clients” and “helped them go to a deeper place and access emotions.”

Green, a psychotherapist in West L.A., keeps Shirelle’s lessons alive through a Q and A feature on the website AskShirelle.com. Kids, teens and even parents write in to Shirelle and she answers their questions about life. The page has become quite popular, with upwards of 10,000 visitors a month.

“The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead” is a different kind of book about pets, since it looks at how a pet helps us through our daily lives, not just about how we can help them. It’s a heartwarming and engaging read for anyone who’s had a dog that’s inspired- and at times, exasperated them.

Buy "The Teachings of Shirelle" at Amazon.com.

Doug Green will be appearing at the Cavalleria Press booth at the L.A. Times Festival of Books on April 9^th and 10^th.

Five Things You Should Do Before Boarding Your Pet

2016-03-11T12:15:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/tiverylucky

If you don’t want a pet sitter puttering around your house while you’re on vacation, or if your cat or dog has special medical needs, contact a local boarding kennel before heading to the airport. Of course, “kennel” is an old-fashioned term. Many pet boarding facilities are akin to fancy hotels for Fido or Fifi, offering individual pet suites of up to 120 square feet with “day and night lighting”, vets on staff 24 hours, and day spas for manicures and grooming.

What should you do before choosing a boarding facility?

Get Recommendations from Vets and Pet Owners

Ask your vet to recommend a local doggie daycare facility. Ask neighbors and relatives where they board their pets. Check out all the usual Internet review sources, like Yelp and CitySearch. Pet forums, however, will give you a more reliable and detailed rundown of a pet’s stay at a kennel. You can check out Yeepet forums here.

Pay a Visit to the Facility

Before committing to a kennel, ask for a tour of the facilities. Some of the larger pet boarding facilities have different amenities and doggie “suites” available, so you’ll want to get a first-hand look before determining what is best for your pet. Some luxury pet hotels have accommodations with cable TV for pampered pooches that like to bark at “The View” every morning. Some seemingly extraneous features do serve a purpose –spoiled or highly nervous pets may need an environment that mimics their home as closely as possible to feel comfortable. Ask if the kennel is a member of the International Boarding Pet Services Association (IBPSA), which provides education and legislative information to pet professionals. If you have an aging pet or one with specific medical needs, choose a kennel with a staff vet, or even better, board the critter at your vet’s office. Some larger veterinarian groups do offer this services.

Bring toys and blankets from home

Dogs and cats are creatures of habit, and a new environment, no matter how well-appointed, will make them nervous. Bring a few favorite toys and blankets to remind your pet of the comforts of home. Alert the kennel staff about any personality quirks or daily habits. Some cats like to play vigorously when they wake up after a nap, while others just want to be left alone to preen. If your pet enjoys certain treats or a particular type of food, let the staff know. Some facilities may let you bring food for your pet in advance; others will supply the food and bill you for it.

Consider exercise and lodging details.

Facilities that house both dogs and cats keep them in different areas. Cats may have anything from a cat lodge, with separate compartments, to a four-story VIP “Townhouse.” Dogs have their own individual suites, with square footage dependent on the animal’s size and weight. Staff workers take dogs for a walk several times a day. Other services, like outdoor runs or personal playtime with a staff member, are available for a nominal fee. Some facilities even have massage and dog training services.

Make sure your pet has required vaccinations

Keep in mind that boarding facilities require dogs and cats have a clean bill of health and all appropriate shots. Both dogs and cats should be flea and tick free and have a good temperament. That combative feral cat you rescued may be a challenge for you to raise at home, but it will be too wild for the staff at a boarding facility full of domestic animals. Generally speaking, you’ll need to show proof that your cat has a current leukemia vaccination or test and a current PRC test. Dogs need have current rabies, DAPP and BV shots. You’ll also need to prove that your canine has no intestinal parasites. Have all your paperwork from the vet ready when making reservations for your pet’s hotel stay.

This article first appeared on Yeepet.com in 2011 (under Jade07)

Five Ways to Pamper Your Pup

2016-03-10T11:16:00.002-08:00

Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Vudhikrai

Celebrities have the extra cash to pamper their pets with snakeskin dog collars, designer doggie salon visits and luxury hotel rooms. The rest of us need to be a bit more creative when we want to pamper our pooches. A little bit of time-and a little bit of money-can go a long way if you want to make your pet feel like the top dog.

Buy your pup a brand new sweater. Sure, everybody liked to dress up their dog for Halloween and other festivities, but how about about buying a fashionable but functional sweater to keep your doggie warm in the winter? An ageless argyle sweater always keeps a pup warm and looking good, while bright confetti sweaters will give your pet a playful look.

Shoot a photo portrait. Turn your dog into a supermodel with a few personality-laden shots. You can do it yourself with a good digital camera and some patience. Be sure to focus on your pet’s personality and let him strike a pose on his own. Or take a family photo wit him on the lap of his favorite human. Set shutter speed at 1/125th of a second, since pets move like lightning just when you think you have the perfect picture in view. Don’t have patience to follow your pooch with a camera? Try contacting a pro pet photographer.

Take a trip to the dog park. Don’t stick to the tried and true neighborhood walk routine all the time. Treat your dog to a few hours in the local dog park. He’ll get a workout and meet some new friends (and so will you!). Be sure to bring plenty of water, some chew toys, a Frisbee and snacks! All dog parks aren’t created equal, so scope out reviews on Yelp and other local guides to get an idea of the best romping posts in your city. In L.A., Curbed recommends The Boneyard, Lake Hollywood, Silver Lake and Laurel Canyon.

Introduce your dog to some gourmet eats.You can always run off to the pet aisle at CVS on a regular basis and buy cheap dog treats, but that’s the equivalent of humans eating Twinkies everyday as a snack. To give your fave friend a new culinary experience, look up your local dog bakery. L.A’s Three Dog Bakery offers bone-shaped doggie cakes with specialized message in peanut butter or carob flavor. The gourmet treat comes in a wheat free version and feeds one to five dogs. If you don’t have time for a trip to the bakery, try a bag of chicken and apple dog treats or Bark Bar candy bars for dogs, made of honey and oats, carob or peanut butter.

Give Fido a new place to slumber. Most dogs prefer to sleep in their masters’ beds or on a big cushion in the living room. But why not pamper your pooch with his own designer bed. Fancy sleep quarters are more common for small dogs than larger ones, of course, but all canines deserve to relax in their own designer space once in awhile. Plush buttercup beds adapt to dog’s size, creating a comfy nest for long naps. Dutchie beds made of microvelvet fibers come in extra small to double extra large. These beds tufted are cushions with four square bolsters to pamper your dog with his own little dreamboat. Finally, if you have a tiny teacup dog, treat her like a princess with her own faux fur sleigh bed.

This article first appeared on Yeepet.com in 2012 as Jade07
Copyright 2012 Jade Blackmore

Five Tips to Help Your Cat Maintain a Healthy Weight

2016-03-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/ William Siers

It might be fun to look at photos of obese cats on YouTube, but if you really think about it, extra weight on a cat is unhealthy. It impedes quality of life for our feline friends, even if they are relatively healthy despite the extra weight.

It’s not surprising that so many cats are overweight. It’s easy to overfeed a cat, especially for busy folks who work long hours and leave extra treats for their pets in lieu of one-on-one playtime. Unlike dogs, cats aren’t taken outside for a brisk walk to relieve themselves. Their restroom is inside just a few steps away from boudoir, and their entire day may consist of sitting on the windowsill looking across the street. If they’re lucky they have a cat tower or house to play in, but that alone will not keep a cat at fighting weight.

The first step in keeping your cat trim is to get him moving.

Play with him more often – most cats need fifteen to twenty minutes a day of exercise. If you don’t have time every day to devote to exercising your feline, have a family member, friend or even a pet-sitter play with your cat.

Active Toys and “Hiding Places” Encourage Exercise

We all know that cats love to play with paper bags (with the handles cut off) and hide inside, punching holes in the bag for fun. Engage your kitty in a game of hide and seek by punching a large hole in the back of the bag and waving their favorite toy outside it for him to grab. Other household objects can provide endless amusement for your cat from toilet paper rolls to shower rod rings and small stuffed animals.. Cats naturaly love to chase and eventually catch all sorts of objects. Even if you don’t configure your house for natural hiding places, cats always seem to make their own “caves” to hide toys. (My cat Lux loves to hide shiny metallic scrunchies behind my computer desk; that is, til he started to bat them under the fridge.) Every cat has a fascination for different toys. Experiment with a few to see which ones capture your pet’s imagination. Cats need to chase, fish and knead and different toys fulfill these needs.

Combine Eating and Play with Food-Dispensing Toys

Constantly filling your cat's food dish will keep him from bothering you, but it will make him fat. It’s like always having a full dish of candy or chips at your desk at all times. How long would you be able to resist temptation? Keep your cat at a healthy weight by using a food-dispensing toy –make them work before getting a treats or food. You fill the dispenser and then make the cat hunt or “fish” for the kibble like they would in nature. You can start by using treats and slowly introduce dry food to the mix, leaving toys around the house for the cat to discover. This helps housebound cats whose owners work long hours. Some toys/food dispensers for housebound cats are the PetSafe Cat Food Dispenser and the Pipolino.

Encourage other natural instincts, such as biting, in a healthy way. Purchase developmental cat toys which satisfy the biting urge and keep cats teeth clean. Some companies sell toys like stuffed chew mice or mint-leaf filled chew sticks geared toward improving a cat’s dental health.

Never use hands and feet as scratch toys.

It may be tempting to play with a kitten this way, but it will cause problems when your kitty grows into a large, agile cat with sharp claws. If a cat swats a pen or other small object off your desk til it falls on the floor, he’s following his natural compunction to “toy” with prey. Of course, if he won’t give this m.o. a rest, he’s trying to get your attention or maybe he’s just plain bored. Schedule more playtime with your kitty or get him another feline companion to keep office supplies on your desk instead of the floor!

This article first appeared on Yeepet.com in 2011 (as Jade07)

Feeding Brine Shrimp to Your Fish: An Introduction

2016-03-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Illustration Credit/vectorolie/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What are brine shrimp?

Brine shrimp (Artemia salina), found in Utah’s Salt Lakes and the San Francisco Bay, are a popular live food used by fish hobbyists. While pet stores sell live and freeze-dried brine shrimp, brine eggs that can be cultivated at home by aquarists comprise the largest market segment. Most cultivated brine shrimp eggs used by hobbyists are from Utah, since they are larger than those found in San Francisco’s waters. Hobbyists and breeders feed brine shrimp to their baby fish, or fry, as they are also called. If produced on a regular basis for a home aquarium, hobbyists can have a plentiful food source for their fish without constant trips to the pet store.

What types of fish eat brine shrimp?

Most popular breeds kept as pets can eat brine shrimp. Livebearer fish like guppies and swordtails, cichlids (angelfish, oscars, etc.), betas (wine red betas, Siamese fighting fish) and even goldfish can eat brine shrimp. Plecostomus Catfish won’t eat brines, but otherwise, any common hobby fish will gobble them up at feeding time.

Can I buy live brine shrimp from a dealer?

Retail pet stores and online dealers sell brine shrimp eggs, freeze-dried brine shrimp and live brine shrimp Live brine shrimp have a life span of about three months. While there’s nothing wrong feeding your baby fish freeze dried or store-bought shrimp, if you have lots of new fish, a homemade hatchery provide the best choice to provide a steady shrimp diet for your fish. If you have one small aquarium and don’t plan on adding new fish (or babies), a hatchery might not be worth your time. If you are a serious hobbyist or if you breed fish, a small hatchery is a good investment.

Making a Small Home Hatchery

You can cultivate your own brine shrimp using shrimp eggs from any store or online supplier and a few items you already have at home. Here’s a basic outline for a small, DIY home hatchery. Set aside a space in your aquarium room and assemble a hatchery using the following tools:

Two one-liter soda bottles
Flexible airline
Aquarium Air pump
Rigid tubing
Drinking straw
Prepared brine solution or salt and baking soda
Desk lamp

Brine eggs ( 90% is best)

Clean the empty soda bottles. Then cut the bottom off the first bottle, throwing away the “indented part” and leaving at least three-quarters of the bottle, leaving the bottle cap securely fastened. Cut the second bottle one-third of the way up from the bottom, so that you have the indented, bottom of the bottle. Fit the first piece into the second piece. The open piece at the top is the hatching container. The small bottom piece helps it balance on the tabletop.

Attach the rigid air tube to flexible airline. Put the flexible air tubing into the air pump. Place the rigid end of the tubing into the soda bottle/hatching container.

Fill hatching container with slightly more than three-quarters of warm water. Put in a tablespoon of table salt and a pinch of baking soda OR pre-packaged brine shrimp solution according to directions. Then measure a half-teaspoon of brine shrimp eggs and pour them in the bottle . Now drop in the brine shrimp eggs. Stir it slightly with the drinking straw to hydrate eggs floating on the top.

Place the light over the open bottle. The water in the bottle should be between 75 and 80 degrees. If the water temp is lower, it will take the brine shrimp longer to hatch. At optimum temperature, it will take 24 hours for the eggs to develop. When you come back the next day, the water should be orange. That means the brine shrimp have hatched. Turn off the air pump and remove the air tube. Wait ten minutes for the brine shrimp and the shells to separate. The brine shrimp will be at the bottom of the container; the shells at the top. Take the drinking straw and put your finger over the top. Put the straw all the way into the bottom of the container where the shrimp have gathered. Then lift your finger off the top of the straw and pull the straw out of the water. The straw should be orange-colored and filled with brine shrimp. Unused baby brine shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for three or four days in Petri dishes filled with brine solution.

*If you need to produce a large batch of brine shrimp, use the above method substituting an aquarium tank for the soda bottles.

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com (as Jade07)
Copyright 2011 by Jade Blackmore

Transitioning Your Cat to a Homemade Diet

2016-03-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

Photo:nipitphand/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If your cat is skittish, finicky or prone to health problems, even the most pristine brand of store-bought holistic cat food may not be adequate for his needs. A homemade diet tailored to a cat’s individual temperament is often preferable to commercial products. Preparing homemade meals for your cat doesn’t take that much extra time once you get the hang of it. Plus, you never have to worry about pet food recalls-you always know ahead of time exactly what your kitty is eating and how it was prepared.

Get to know your cat’s eating habits first.

Get a feel for your pet’s eating habits before becoming a natural food chef for felines. Take her to the vet for a check-up even if she seems to be in good health. Once your vet has determined if you cat has medical problems (like diabetes), you can alter homemade meals to treat it. A homemade meal for diabetic cats, for example, may include cooked zucchini, squash or green beans and cooked oatmeal in addition to chicken. These ingredients are designed to boost insulin production and fortify the pancreas.

A homemade diet features both raw and cooked foods. Cats like their food at room temperature or slightly cool. They dislike foods that are too hot or too cold, just like Goldilocks.

Transitioning From Commercial Food to Homemade

Test fresh homemade treats to see what your cat likes, but don’t toss down leftovers from your dinner plate. While that chicken ala king may taste good to you, the sauces or spices in it may contain ingredients harmful to cats. (See list below.)* Create a feline version of baby food for your cat as a homemade starter food. Add vegetable oil and water to a small piece of poultry and puree in a blender. Serve it instead of canned food and see how your pet reacts.

When you discover what your cat likes the most –whether it’s chicken, turkey or beef - cook small chunks of it and add them to the puree -- or to the canned food you’re currently feeding him. This helps him get used to the new tastes without jolting his gastrointestinal tract too much.

While preparing homemade food for your pet, follow the basic nutritional rules by using a combination of poultry, fish, beef and a smidgen of grains and veggies. There are several books and websites about cat nutrition, raw diets and homemade recipes to guide you on the best meals for your kitty. Catinfo.org has plenty of good information, written by a vet who advocates homemade diets.

* Foods cats should never eat:

Alcohol, chocolate, coffee, tea (Obviously!!)

Grapes, raisins, walnuts
Onions, garlic (fresh and in powdered form)
Raw Salmon (which contain harmful bacteria).

Dairy and sugar are harmful if ingested in large amounts. If your cat nibbles at crumbs from a muffin or licks a pat of butter once in awhile, he probably won’t get sick. Just make sure that it doesn’t become a habit.

While it’s doubtful your cats will show much interest in the foods mentioned above, be careful not to leave coffee grounds, tea leaves or half-full glasses of wine where his curiosity will get the best of him. Hide the chocolate, along with the coffee and alcohol. That might go double for one of your crotchety old uncles!

This article first appeared on Yeepet.com in 2011 (as Jade07)

Four Steps to an Eco-Friendly Aquarium

2016-03-06T19:04:00.001-08:00

Photo:phanlop88/Free Digital Photos.net

Pet stores and websites pay a lot of attention to green, eco-friendly ideas for dog and cat owners, but there’s scant info on eco-trends for aquarists. Tropical fish owners who want to maintain a healthy ecologically safe tank for their pets and help the environment on a larger scale can do so in a number of ways.

1) Use ecologically-friendly aquarium products.

Sure, you can cut corners and decorate your fish tank with brightly-colored gravel and a miniature pirate ship from the discount store, but cheap trinkets not only look hackneyed, they can also prove toxic to your aquatic friends. Cut-rate accessories may contain chemicals or add waste materials to your tank. Look for green decorations and cleaning supplies for your aquarium instead. Place ecologically-safe pebbles made from volcanic rock in your tank to purify water and eliminate bacteria. These porous stones decorate both freshwater and saltwater aquariums and keep them chemical-free. Malaysian driftwood helps maintain a low pH for freshwater Discus and Angelfish. It’s safe for fish to nibble on, too.

2) Save energy by using LED lights.

LED (Light Emitting Diode) aquarium lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lighting. An eco-friendly LED system costs more to set up, with a full reef-capable system costing around $160, but you’ll spend less money on electric bills in the long run. LED lights stay cooler than traditional lighting and can be set for day or night use. A slim, unobtrusive LED light panel also makes maintenance work easier by eliminating the need to move bulky lights.

3) Choose tropical fish bred in captivity.

Preserving tropical fish, especially exotic saltwater species, in their natural habitat has become a hot-button issue for many environmentalists. Extensive cultivation of for the aquarium trade has endangered many fish species, and even live coral, in some parts of the world. Fisherman in Southeast Asia use cyanide to catch tropical fish for the luxury aquarium market. Don’t patronize sellers who secure fish from these unethical sources. The use of cyanide harms both the fish intended for sale and their natural habitat. Purchase your fish from a reputable fish farm or captive breeder. Chances are most freshwater fish have been breed in captivity, but most saltwater species are still collected from the wild.

4). Dispose of fish and fish waste properly.

Don’t dump tank water or dead tropical fish into storm drains, rivers or other bodies of water. This may introduce pathogens into the local water system. Flushing dead aquarium fish down the toilet is unsafe (and illegal) for the same reason. Burying a dead fish in the backyard is the both sensitive and ecologically sound. Some aquarists dispose of deceased fish by wrapping them up and throwing them out with the trash. This may seem harsh to some fishkeepers, but it’s better for the environment than flushing them down the toilet or throwing them down a storm drain. To some hobbyists, saying goodbye to a pet fish is like holding a funeral, while others consider it an unfortunate part of the hobby. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

Learn more about tropical fish and conservation at All Tropical Fish.

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com.

Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore

DVDs for Cats –An Electronic Petsitter for Owners, a Virtual Backyard for Cats

2013-02-18T19:56:00.001-08:00

Cats star in a large percentage of reposted videos on Facebook, but videos and DVDs for cats are less-publicized. Felines may be near the top of the viral video heap, but once in awhile, they might like to sit back and view a good video instead. DVDs (and before that, VHS tapes) for cats have been around for a few decades and many cat owners

Full-length videos that entertain and petsit cats have been on the market since the late 1980s through mail order, Internet ads and retail stores. The DVDs last an hour or two and feature chirping birds, scampering mice, bugs, fish and other creatures apartment-bound cats would chase if given the chance.

Not all cats will become couch potatoes at the sight of TV birds and squirrels. It’s sure to catch their interest initially, but after that, some felines lose become bored. Suburban and country cats used to the real thing-hitting the backyard grass to chase real birds and rats – might not be as fascinated by the filmed version.

City cats who rarely get the chance to test out their primal instincts may jump at the TV screen or try to get inside it at the sight of birds and scattering mice. Make sure the TV (or flat screen) is secure, especially if you plan to use the DVDs as a catsitter when you’re running errands or at work.

The audio quality and selection on the DVDs is just as intriguing to cats as the visuals. Cats rwill perk up their ears to sounds like birds chirping or squirrels running through a field. Some cat DVDs have specially composed music so pet owners can enjoy the show with their kitty.

Amazon lists eight different DVDs for cars as of December 31, 2011. The Petsitter DVD series have been around since the late 1980s, so longevity proves there’s something to them. Each video provides a unique selling point – CatDVD has a Laser Pointer Party sequence, Video Catnip is divided into three parts-one for humans, one for cats and humans and one for cats only. Some petowners enjoy the images and background music and find it a relaxing accompaniment to chores.

City dwellers might save a few bucks by breaking out the Camcorder on their next trip to the woods. A homemade pastiche of birds, critters and babbling brooks filled with fish will divert your pet’s attention from those china figures (or other tchotchkes) he likes to swat off the table. Virtual scenes of the great outdoors will be at least a temporary respite from a day of hiding under the bed for your housebound kitty.

Search for cat DVDs on Amazon.

Copyright 2011 by Jade Blackmore
This article first appeared on Yeepet.com

More Exotic than Fish But Not as Scary as Snakes: Salamanders and Newts as Pets

2013-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Digital Library/Gary M. Stoltz

People who find snakes, lizards and other reptiles too icky to keep as pets may find slimy-skinned, water-partial amphibians, like salamanders, less offensive. Sure, salamanders are a little slippery and lizard-like, but they’re pretty laid-back. They come in all sorts of colors, sizes and varieties. Salamanders are fun to watch, and there’s little chance that one will bolt from its plant and mulch-filled abode. Aside from regular feedings and terrarium cleaning, upkeep is minimal. Let’s look at tiger salamanders and fire-bellied newts, two of the most popular amphibian pets.

Tiger Salamanders

Tiger salamanders have black or dark brown skin, usually with yellow stripes or blotches, but the coloring may vary. They can grow up to 14 inches, though 6-8 inches is common. Keep them in a 10-gallon glass tank, separating land and water areas with a divider. Use substrata of eco earth or small bark pieces in their terrarium or aqua-terrarium. Tigers love to burrow, so give them plenty of places to hide. Decorate it with hollowed-out logs, driftwood or cork tube. It’s best to keep one to a terrarium since these amphibians are so big. Don’t place them in the same space as newts or smaller salamanders. Tiger salamanders eat pinkie mice, waxworms, mealworms, snails and insects, most notably crickets. Feed them every two or three nights using tweezers to place insects near their mouths; release tweezers when they grab the food. Tiger salamanders like to eat and will sometimes beg for extra servings. Resist the temptation to spoil them; it’s not good for the animal. You can learn more about caring for tiger salamanders at About.com Exotic Pets.

Fire Newts

Newts are tiny version of salamanders, ranging in size from 2 to 6 inches depending on the species. Newts are black with bright orange or red bellies, and males tend to be larger than females. Chinese fire newts have black specks on their bellies. Fire-bellied newts are nocturnal creatures that live partially underwater. Called fire newts for short, aquatic types eat brine shrimp and chopped nightcrawlers, though some will eat reptile food pellets or sticks from the pet store. Terrestrial newts can eat crickets or tubifex worms. Newts have light appetites, so feed them every other night or every third night. Dust crickets and other insects with vitamin supplements once or twice a week before mealtime. Check for leftover crickets; they may bite unsuspecting newts. Unlike salamanders, a 10-gallon glass terrarium/aquarium can provide comfortable accommodations for up to four newts. Use mulch and sphagnum moss for land. Avoid gravel, as it’s too rough for newt skin. You can find out more about fire newts here.

General Rules for Keeping Salamanders as Pets

Wear latex gloves when handling a newt or salamander. Oil from your hands can harm the salamander and residue from their skin can cause you to develop salmonella. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling any amphibian pet.

Clean the entire tank once a week, with daily spot cleanings as necessary. Temporarily place the salamander in a secure container with a small amount of water. Scrub the terrarium with a small sponge or cloth and hot water. If necessary, use an eco-friendly cleaner like Seventh Generation and rinse thoroughly, eliminating any smells that might disturb the salamander. Experts recommend drying just-cleaned tanks outdoors in sunlight.

Take your salamander to the vet if you notice weight loss, bloating or skin lesions. The most common salamander malady, gas bubble disease, is caused by a tank that’s too aerated (too much air). Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide seep in through tank or pump leaks. This causes bubbles to form in the salamander’s bloodstream. The bubbles may cause the abdomen to swell and may be visible underneath the skin. Take your salamander to the vet if you suspect gas bubble disease. Seal leaks in tanks and hoses to prevent this problem.

Purchase salamanders from a reputable dealer. Check out Reptile Channel or Caudata.org, the largest newt and salamander portal on the net. Petco and other pet stores also sell salamanders and newts.

Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore
This article first appeared on Yeepet.com

His Royal Majesty- the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

2013-02-11T23:51:00.000-08:00

Overview

The Cavalier King Charles, a descendant of toy spaniel breeds of the 16^th century, is a wide-eyed cutie who enjoys being around people. The Cavalier King Charles is named after King Charles II of England. King Charles admired the toy spaniel and they followed him around during his daily routine. Breeding changes in the 17^th and 18^th centuries led to the flat-nosed version of the dog we have today. They were even allowed in the House of Parliament, a law that’s still on the books today! These good-natured canines have a medium coat and undocked tail. The breed comes in four variations. The Blenheim has chestnut markings on a pure white coat. Some of these adorable doggies sport a chestnut-colored Blenheim spot in the middle of their forehead. Black and Tan Cavaliers boast a black coat with tan markings. Ruby Cavaliers have an all-chestnut coat with occasional white markings. Tricolors are black and white with tan markings above the eyebrows, inside the legs and/or on the cheeks.

Only recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official show breed in 1995, the Cavalier King Charles is gaining popularity in America, rising from 56^th place in 1998 to 25^th in 2008. Adult dogs weigh ten to eighteen pounds and grow to 13 inches tall, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prized for their loyalty, companionship and good looks!

Characteristics

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels perceive every visitor as a friend, so if you need a guard dog or live in an unsavory neighborhood, consider another breed. If you’re merely looking for a loving companion, a Cavalier will fit the bill.

Cavaliers mature slowly, and should spend ten to twelve weeks with their Mom and siblings before entering their new home.

Give a Cavalier King Charles pup a rollicking social life at a young age, introducing him to neighbors, relatives and folks at the veterinarians’ office. He’ll need to be around people beside his master early on to avoid behavior problems later in life. Isolating a Cavalier pup may lead him to be shy around strangers. Spoiling him may lead to believe he’s the boss of you!

Cavaliers are suited to both house and apartment living. They need a moderate amount of exercise, including a long walk once a day. A small outdoor play area or fenced-in backyard will give this happy canine enough space to move around and keep fit. If you have a staircase, let your Cav bound up and down every so often. It will help him expend some of his cheerful energy.

Watch your Cavalier King Charles when he’s around around birds and small animals. He is a spaniel by nature and loves to hunt and chase. If you work long hours, buy a cat or dog companion and introduce it to your Cav when he’s a pup., Cavs love playing with an animal companion, and they’ll become best buddies, especially when raised together.

Leaving a Cavalier alone for long periods-without other animals (or people) to keep him company can make him nervous and extremely jumpy upon your return. Cavaliers are classified as a lap dog even though they’re natural hunters, so you’ll have the best of both worlds. They’ll cuddle with you on the sofa or sit contentedly on a cushion on the floor while you watch TV.

Due to their trusting nature and small stature, Cavs aren’t recommended for families with children under five. Youngsters may unwittingly tease or prod the Caviler and hurt him. Like other lap dogs, the King Charles Cav is too cute for its own sake sometimes, and young children may treat him like a toy.

Cavaliers make great traveling companions. They’re happy to be around their owners and adapt well to pet-friendly motels and new surroundings, as long as there’s a familiar person around to guide them.

Owners should groom Cavaliers on a regular basis, bathing their pet and brushing and combing the dog’s coat once a week.. Cavs shed occasionally, and can develop tangled hair on their ears and eye infections. Check for these conditions while performing weekly upkeep. They’re clean dogs, and an occasional trip to the groomer will keep them trim and handsome

Health

While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beautiful, affectionate dogs, they are prone to a more health problems than many other breeds. Prospective owners should take this into consideration before purchasing a Cavilier. Some of the most common health issues include:

Mitral valve disease, a heart disorder, is the most common cause of death among the Cavalier King Charles breed. Most Cavaliers develop this condition at some point in their lives, usually by age five. Owners should have their dogs screened once a year for heart murmurs from age one year onward.

Syringomyelia (a cyst within the spinal chord), though unusual in most breeds, may affect up to 90 per cent of all Cavaliers. Symptoms include scratching ears or paws until they are raw, whining when being picked her up, sleeping in cold areas of the house, like a cement floor. Syringomyelia is diagnosed through an MRI. This test may be prohibitive for many families, costing between $600 and $2,000.

Glue ear, or PSOM (Primary Secretory Otitis Media),a build-up of mucus in a Cavalier's middle ear, causes neck and head pain, hearing loss and fatigue. The Cavalier may tilt his head, cry, yawn or scratch his ears. Since some of the symptoms are similar to Syringomyelia, vets must carefully consider all factors before making a diagnosis.

Learn more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

Odd Pet News - Bark Mitzvahs - The Latest Pet Party Trend?

2013-02-10T11:40:00.002-08:00

Photo: Wikipedia

People will do just about anything for their dogs - feed them gourmet treats, buy them fancy sweaters and raincoats to protect them from the elements – and throw them birthday parties or Bark Mitzvahs. Yes, Bark Mitzvahs, the animal counterpart to the traditional Jewish coming of age ceremony for 13 year old boys, have gained popularity in the Jewish community during the past decade. While most Bark Mitzvahs are informal parties honoring a pet, some do have a spiritual component and take place at a synagogue.

Background and Controversy

The first Bark Mitzvahs were recorded in the New York City area in 1997. The practice is frowned upon by some rabbis, who think it makes a mockery of a sacred spiritual ceremony.. Still, Bark Mitzvahs (and the occasional Meow Mitzvah) have taken hold in New York, Florida and California. Some folks use it to mark a dog’s 13^th year or 13^th month, while others calculate the appropriate canine Mitzvah age as 2 years, which roughly calculates to 14 human years. Bark Mitzvahs have attracted a good amount of mainstream media coverage over the past few year. Keith Olbermann featured a story about a coming-of-age party for a Florida dog named Columbo Rudy on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

Fundraising and Neighborhood Pet Parties

Most dog owners consider Bark Mitzvahs just another fun way for pet owners to celebrate their furry companions. Some owners fit their dogs with a prayer shawl and/or a special version of a yarmulke, or skullcap, used during real Bat Mitzvahs for teen boys.

The term “Bark Mitzvah” is sometimes used to describe a generic party or event for a group of dogs and their owners. The play on words is amusing to many people, and some synagogues sponsor trips to the dog park under the moniker. The festivities are often part of a charity fundraiser, benefiting organizations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or animal shelters. Private Bark Mitzvah parties are a great way for neighbors and their dogs to hang out and have a good time. Flashier parties take place at dog salons or even restaurants. Bark Mitzvahs are as much fun for the owners as for the dogs, as this video demonstrates.

Small businesses specializing in quirky pet products have jumped on the Bark Mitzvah bandwagon. Owners can indulge their pet with a celebratory doggie basket that includes plush toys, chews and treats. Café Press has a selection of Bark Mitzvah greeting cards and invitations. Dog bakeries offer all-meat cakes, homemade biscuits and a star collar for the canine guest of honor.

The concept may seem a little wacky to some, but overall, Bark Mitzvahs are just another way for dog owners to bond with their pets. And the guest of honor will surely enjoy all the attention!

Article Copyright 2012 Jade Blackmore

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Angelfish for Beginners

2013-02-10T11:31:00.003-08:00

Queen Angelfish

General Information

Angelfish belong to the Cichlidae family of freshwater fish and their saltwater relatives belong to the Pomacanthidae family. These colorful, triangular-shaped creatures are an attractive addition to your aquarium. But be forewarned, they require more upkeep than goldfish or other common tropical fish. Saltwater (or marine) angelfish varieties are even more exotic-looking and need more time and specialized care from fishkeepers. But if you have the patience and the money, caring for a tank or two of brightly-hued angelfish will give you many hours of enjoyment and fascinate even your non-aquarist friends.

Natural Origins

Freshwater angelfish live in South American rivers. Marine angelfish swim in oceans throughout the Southern hemisphere. If you’ve ever watched film of scuba divers swimming past coral reefs and schools of brightly-colored fish, there’s a good chance some of those fish were marine angels.

Identifying Characteristics

Since there are about a hundred different species of freshwater and saltwater angelfish, the characteristics are as varied as the names-from flameback to zebra, from Cherub to Emperor, full descriptions will vary, but there are a few similarities. Freshwater angels have long dorsal and back fins and a flattened, laterally-shaped body. Saltwater angelfish are flat like freshwater fish, though their fins are usually not as long as freshwater angels. Marine angels tend to have striking coloration, and they eat algae, vegetable and animal matter. Saltwater angels eat sponge and are territorial about their surroundings. For this reason, aquarists recommend keeping only one species (or in some cases, only one fish) to a tank.

It’s hard to tell the difference between a male and female angel fish except at breeding time. The female’s breeding tube will be blunter and wider than the male’s. While this info makes some angelfish species harder to keep than the average fish, their looks make them worth it to many aquarists. Call them the high-maintenance fish of the aquarium hobby!

Tank Set-Up

Each adult angelfish requires four gallons of water. Breeding couples need 15 gallons of water. Use 25 plus gallons of water if fry will be raised with the parents. Fill the tank with filtered tap water at a temperature of 74 to 80 degrees Celsius. Maintain a pH of between 6 and 7.5 – 6.5 to 6.9 if breeding. Use a sponge or under-gravel filtration system. A high-flow system may be too taxing for these sensitive fish. Add java moss, java fern, and/or tall, blade-like Vallisneria (eelgrass) to the tank. Angels love to glide through eelgrass. Include broadleaf plants if you have spawning angels. They like to lay eggs on the leaves. Keep the tank free of debris by use a net to remove excess food. Use a gravel vacuum to siphon off debris at the bottom of the tank. Change 20 per cent of the water once a week for show fish and 50% for breeding fish.

Feeding

Angelfish can eat commercially-prepared dry flake and freeze-dried food. Live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms are good choices for angels. Saltwater species need frozen foods that contain both meat and algae.

To find more specific information about caring for angelfish, consult Fishchannel.com or browse angelfish for sale at Petco.com.

French Angelfish

Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore
This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com .

The Difference Between Stray and Feral Cats

2013-01-29T20:25:00.002-08:00

There are almost 60 million stray and feral cats in the United States, with the number growing everyday. Some cats are truly feral or wild animals while others are lost cats that have strayed too far from home.

Feral cats are domestic cats that have reverted back to their ancestors’ natural, predatory state.They have been away from humans too long and may fear people or be downright hostile and vicious. A stray is simply a domestic housecat that has wandered too far from its owner’s front door.

A lost housecat may be dirty or banged up a bit from being outdoors for a few days. Some cats may withstand this initial experience better than others, but after awhile, they get tough. Most lost domestic cats who don’t get back to their home-or a new home - within a reasonable amount of time won’t survive very long on the streets. That is, unless they join a clowder or group of other feral cats. Clowder cats usually band together in alleys, parks or other secluded spots. If you live in a crowded urban area, a clowder of fighting or mating cats may wake you up with their high-pitched shrieks in the middle of the night..

A Stray Story

My cat Petey was a stray. She would walk up repeatedly on my doorstep and rub up against me til I fed her. Petey followed me inside the first few times I left food on the porch , but I didn’t bring her in, figuring she belonged to one of the many “cat people” on the block who sometimes let their pets outdoors during the day. When a neighbor said she’d spied Petey sleeping on our porch one night ,that was it. The next day when she showed up at feeding time, I took her in. I was unable to locate her original owner, so she stayed with me for several years.

Wild In The Streets

It’s easy to tell a feral cat from a newly-minted stray, though it will take more than a quick sidelong glance. A feral cat will flat-out avoid humans or snarl and hiss when anyone approaches him. Unlike Petey and other strays, a feral cat has no interest in returning to a housecat status. They’ve had a taste of the hunter lifestyle, and it’s now permanently etched in their genes.

Taking in a feral cat is not recommended, even for the most experienced and patient cat people. There’s no way of knowing how long the cat has been in the wild or if he has contracted toxoplasmosis, rabies or other diseases while out on the streets.

A friend of mine once took in a feral cat . He actually saved the cat’s life by rescuing him from a wheel well. He took the cat home, fed him, and tried to treat him like a regular housecat, but the feral feline would have none of it. He wasn’t interested in living in a home, except for the regular feedings. He did take to the other household cat, a mild-mannered domestic, and they would often play and clean each other’s ears. The feral cat never did get chummy with any of the people in the house, even after several years off the streets. He spent most of his time hiding and sleeping under the bed..Eventually, he ran away. He did return once, a few months after gallivanting, and followed me up the stairs. He took one look at my friend and ran away again. That’s gratitude for you!

Trap-Neuter-Return
So while it may be tempting to take in a feral cat, you’re fighting a losing, and maybe dangerous, battle. The ASPCA and other animal and cat organizations advocate Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), a humane method of trapping feral cats so they can be neutered or spayed and checked for rabies before being released back into the wild. You can find out more about T-N-R by reading the ASPCA’s Feral Cat Sterilization Guidelines.

This article was first published on Yeepet.com

In Praise of Hairless Pets - Be Bald and Free Day

2012-12-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

Origin

Oct 14 is the Be Bald and Free Day. This was conceived by Wellcat Holiday & Herbs to honor folks who are bald, either by chance or choice. After all, there’s enough attention heaped upon the long-tressed populace. Why not devote a day to hairless people – and even hairless pets. While most of us know a few folks with shaved pates, not many people own – or even know much about – hairless dogs and cats. Because of their unusual appearance, some fur-free breeds have gained notoriety in “Ugliest dog” contests- and as the feline companion to Austin Powers’ nemesis, Dr. Evil.

Sam, the World's Ugliest Dog

The World’s Ugliest Dogs?

If you’ve caught a glimpse of “Ugliest Dog” contest winners on the Internet, you’ve seen the best-known breed of hairless pup, the Hairless Chinese Crested. These dogs have no fur on their bodies, just on their feet, head and tail. Sam, the world’s most famous Chinese Crested, won the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest from 2003 to 2005. Rascal, another “Ugly Dog” contest winner, appeared on the Jay Leno show and in a few horror movies as well. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some of these pups are so homely they’re cute.

Other Hairless Dog Breeds

There are a few other hairless dog breeds, though none of them have achieved the celebrity status of the Chinese Crested. The energetic and loving American Hairless Terrier is a “nude” version of a Rat Terrier. Hairless Khalas, native to Latin American countries, resemble greyhounds. Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless, comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes.

A Sphynx cat on his kitty tower

He’s Not a Bad Cat, He Only Plays One in the Movies

Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil’s pet in the Austin Powers movies, was a Sphynx cat. Although this particular cat character was portrayed as a meanie, Sphynx cats are actually very sweet and loving in real life. They have a skin texture similar to Chamois leather and may have thin vellus hair or peach fuzz. They love cuddling up to their owners and other pets for warmth.

Ten Things You Need to Know about Hairless Dogs and Cats

1) They don’t shed! No fur to clog up vacuums or stray hairs all over the house.

2) Most allergy sufferers can live with a hairless dog or cat, since the dander and body hair that cause weezing are non-existent.

3) You can dress them up in shirts, sweaters, and costumes and they won’t mind. They need to cover-up when the weather is cool anyway, so why not do it fashionably!

4) They need less grooming. No combing, brushing or trips to the pet “hairstylist.” You will need to bathe them on a regular basis to keep them clean.

5) Use sunscreen on your hairless dog before walking them or letting them play outside. Since they don’t have a coat to protect their skin, cancer is a concern.

6) Check your hairless pet for scratches or cuts after playing outdoors. Some breeds can get pimples or rashes, just like humans!

7) Keep Sphynx cats indoors! Since they have no fur to protect them, a little bit of feline curiosity and the hot sun will cause injury and sunburn.

8) Keep your home, or at least the rooms where your hairless pets reside, relatively warm. Sphynx cats like temperatures of about 70 degrees, for example.

9) Hairless Chinese Crested tend to have tooth problems, so brush their teeth often.

10) You won’t have to worry about searching for hidden fleas or ticks in your pet’s fur.

The handsome American Hairless Terrier

Celebrate Be Bald and Free Day on Oct 14 with your hairless pet (if you're lucky enough to have one) by buying them a new sweater or coat for the fall, or get them an extra-warm blanket or pillow. If you have a short or long-haired breed, as most of us do, take them in for a grooming or brush off excess fur with a “love glove.” They won’t be as bald and free as their born-hairless compatriots, but they’ll feel better!

A Chinese Crested Hairless pup

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Weird Pets -The Axolotl

2012-12-13T19:21:00.001-08:00

We’ve all seen pictures of pet dogs and cats that are so unusual looking they make us laugh or squirm, but what about fish and amphibians? In the slippery world of salamanders, the axolotl or Ambystoma mexicanum, wins the quirky-looks category hands down. Originally descending from Xochimilco and the defunct Chalco, two lakes south of Mexico City, the axolotl brings in the highest number of oohs and aaahs - and maybe some yucks - of all the salamanders available to pet owners.

Unlike other salamanders, Axolotls are neotenic. That is, they remain in their larval form (complete with fins) permanently. For this reason, most axies have a babyish, quizzical appearance. Maybe it’s their lidless eyes or the pale pink, almost see-through skin of most axololtols that makes them look perpetually young. They develop gills and remain in the water all their lives. Occasionally, an axolotl undergoes metamorphosis, but this is painful for the animal. Axolotls can regenerate their limbs, eyes, even their kidneys. It’s no wonder scientists study these creatures to find out more about their healing and regenerative abilities.

A mature, two- year axolotl ranges from six to eighteen inches in length. Axolotls have several naturally occurring colors. They may be brown with spots, black, pink, gold or tan. Their eyes are pink or black. Some captive breeders produce multicolored or neon, glow-in the-dark variations.

Caring for an Axolotl

Axolotls should be raised in a 15-20 gallon aquarium, filled with enough water to fully cover the axie. Never use tap water as chlorine may harm axolotl. Use bottled water at a temperature between 64 and 72 degrees, adding Holtfreter's salt solution to prevent infection. Change 20% of the tank water every two weeks. You may need to adjust this, depending on your axolotl's habits and health. Use only sand as substrate; the axolotl may eat stones or gravel lining the botttom of the tank. This may cause death. Axies eat bloodworms, earthworms, shrimp, red meat and tiny fish. They’ll also chow down on tiny insects and store-bought food pellets like Reptomin. Be careful when feeding axies miniature live fish. Avoid leaving any in the tank. They may nibble at the axolotl's gills. With proper care, axolotls can live up to 15 years. Hand-feed these creatures, as they have poor eyesight and can only see an inch in front of them.

Endangered in Nature, Bred in Captivity

The axolotl is listed as “critically endangered:” in its natural habitat by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, many amphibian experts breed axolotls and interested parties can contact a private breeder about purchasing one. Small pet stores occasionally sell axolotls, but you can never be sure of what you’re getting unless you can talk directly with a breeder.

Some states ban axolotls as pets. For example, it is illegal to ship them to California and New Jersey. Check with your state’s Fish and Game Department for the laws in your area.

Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Cat Agility Tournaments Bring Felines Into the Sports World

2012-12-13T18:06:00.001-08:00

Watch out, Westminster Dog Show, Cat Agility Tournaments have come to town. International Cat Agility Tournaments (ICAT for short) were modeled after dog agility shows, which imitated equestrian shows. Both dog and cat agility shows have gained popularity among dedicated animal aficionados, but most causal pet owners aren’t familiar with these mini-athletic contests. That is, until last Sunday when the New York Times ran an article on feline agility competitions.

The mere concept of placing a feline in an agility competition may leave many cat owners scratching their heads. It’s not that cats are incapable of jumping through hoops or running through tunnels. Cats can perform incredible gymnastic feats – like jumping from a ledge and flying seven feet onto a bed containing their sleeping owner. (This actually happened to me.) The problem, as the Times article points out, is getting them to do it on command.

ICAT’s official website recommends that owners serious about entering pets in agility competitions start training their feline at about five weeks. The key to training cats is a bit different than training dogs. Cats are moody and finicky (ya think?), so making the training-and subsequent contests- fun for them is important. Coaches entice a kitty to jump and run on ramps and through hoops by enticing them with feathered toys or wands. Every cat has a toy that makes them run like a sprinting champ. It may just be a matter of choosing the right toy to spur a potential kitty champ through the obstacle course.

The basic ICAT obstacle course consists of stairs, hurdles, hoops and poles for a cat to zigzag through, although organizers hope to include other obstacle in the future. Winners of cat agility tournaments are usually rewarded with ribbons or other mementos, although cash prizes are sometimes offered.

Cat agility training benefits even non-competitive cats. It’s a great way to make housebound cats get some exercise and keep things exciting. Dog owners take their pets out for walks everyday, so at least indoor dogs can see the sights and stretch their legs a few times a day. Cats need a similar type of activity at least once a day, according to veterinarians. So even if you have no desire to enter your cat in an official agility competition, you can play with him and encourage new athletic endeavors to keep him in shape.

Article Copyright 2012 Jade Blackmore

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Literary Cats: Writers and Their Feline Friends

2012-12-13T14:17:00.002-08:00

Writing is a solitary profession, so it’s no wonder that many famous authors throughout history have enjoyed the company of a cat (or two or three) as they labored at the computer, typewriter or composed with pen and paper. Here are a few writers who shared their workspace with a feline companion.

Mark Twain

Humorist and Huckleberry Finn author Mark Twain was so fond of cats, he lived with up to 19 of them at one time. He even placed one of his kittens on his pool table to join in a game of billards. The kitty would reach out with his paws to stop the balls as they hit the corner pocket. Twain often wrote of cats in his novels, stories and letters, including Concerning Cats: Two Tales, based on bedtime stories he told his daughters.

His daughter Clara gave him a mischievous black cat named Bambino, who loved to scratch him and barter for his attention. Twain taught the cat to turn out the lamp light for him at night, and loved showing him off to visitors. One night, Bambino slipped away through an open window. Twain was so distraught he placed a “Lost Cat” ad in the New York American. Eventually, Bambino returned on his own, but people still answered the ad, eager to get a glimpse of the famous writer.

Charles Bukowski

Tough, hard drinking Charles Bukowski, L.A.’s poet laureate, lived in Hollywood for most of his career and wrote bawdy poems about life in Tinseltown’s tough, non-celebrity neighborhoods. He exhibited a mellow side when playing with his cats, and he was often photographed with them. Several of his poems feature passages about his pets or cats in general. His poem Exactly Right begins:

the strays keep arriving: now we have 5
cats and they are smart, spontaneous, self-
absorbed, naturally poised and awesomely
beautiful.*

*From The Night Torn Mad with Footsteps, Ecco Press

Ernest Hemingway

A ship captain gifted the young Ernest Hemingway with his first cat, a six-toed Maine coon named Snowball. Thus began Hemingway’s lifelong reverence for cats, and he soon filled his house in Key West with Snowball’s descendants, many of them also sporting extra digits. These cats, called polydactyls, have a genetic trait that causes them to develop six or more toes on their front paws and occasionally, extra toes on the back paws. These distinctive felines have become so entwined in Hemingway’s legacy that polydactyls are sometimes referred to as Hemingway cats.

Throughout his life in Key West, Hemingway’s cats accompanied him at the typewriter, the library, even the dinner table. There’s even a book dedicated to Hemingway and his cat companions.

Hemingway had a provision in his will to provide for the cats on the grounds of his home. Today, between 40 and 60 cats, many of them polydactyls, roam freely on the grounds of the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum in Key West. The cats give a comfy touch to the surroundings as visitors stroll through the study and the patio where “Papa” worked on his manuscripts.

The USDA almost banished the cats in 2003, claiming that Hemingway House needed to secure an exhibitor license and keep the polydactyl kitties in cages. The battle between the government and Hemingway House ended several years later when the museum erected an enclosure fence to keep the cats from straying.

William Burroughs

Counterculture author William Burroughs wrote some of the most controversial books of his time, but he was a real softie when it came to his cats. He was in his 70s when he wrote The Cat Inside,, an ode to his feline companions. He lived out his life in rural Kansas with his beloved cats keeping him company.

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Breed Overview: Affenpinschers : Playful Toy Dogs/Terriers

2012-08-05T10:32:00.001-07:00

Overview

Affenpinschers , known as “monkey terriers” are scrappy, wiry-haired canines, first bred in Germany. These energetic dogs have a quizzical, monkey-like face and a somewhat stubborn demeanor. Agile and quick to learn, they can be trained easily by a patient owner or handler. Affens are fun, curious dogs, but they can be a handful when agitated. One of the oldest toy dog breeds, Affies usually have a black coat, though some variations include silver, red and a black/tan combination.

The Affenpinscher’s ancestry can be traced back to around 1600. “Ratters”, dogs kept in stores and farms to kill rats, were larger versions of today’s Affens. First bred as smaller dogs in the 18^th century, homeowners used them as watchdogs and mouse catchers. Derived from the German Pinscher and mini-Schnauzer around 1750, artistic renderings of these dogs appear in many paintings of the time.

Personality

Affens combine intelligence with spunk. They’re friendly and aren’t afraid to approach people or other animals, including big, aggressive dogs. He’s brave and fiercely protective of his owner and surroundings. Due to their curious, active nature, they’re not recommended for households with young children, unless the owner exhibits strong “pack leadership” and lets the dog know its boundaries at an early age. Affens are pretty athletic and not just in the usual; chasing a ball around the yard way. They love to do tricks, leaping to play with toys and even walking on their hind legs

Grooming

A naturally fastidious dog, an Affen keeps himself clean and don’t require much grooming. An occasional grooming touch-up is all he really needs. His medium coat rarely sheds. You can use a slicker brush and greyhound comb to do maintenance grooming on his shaggy coat. An occasional visit to the dog groomer to get his ears cropped and tail docked will keep your Affen looking good.

Your Affenpinscher Puppy

Purchase your puppy from a licensed breeder who will give you a health certificate. Some states have extra legal requirements. In California, a vet must sign off on a health certificate stating a dog has received immunizations before being sold.

Take your Affen pup to the vet to get shots for infectious hepatitis, parvovirus and distemper. Pups should get rabies shots when they are four months or older. Start your pup on a regular meal schedule, feeding him at the same time each day with the same type of food. If you suddenly change your pup’s schedule he might refuse to eat, become anxious or get diarrhea. Feed a new pup four meals a day until he’s six months old and two meals until he’s a year old; after that one meal a day will suffice.

Take your new Affenpincsher for rides in the family car. Walk him at a dog park so he can meet other dogs and their owners. You can also take him to a playground or shopping mall to acclimate him to the outside world. Crate train an Affenpinscher puppy by using a small airline kennel with bedding and a water dish. Keep him in the crate when you’re at work or at night. Once accustomed to the crate, he’ll run right to it at bedtime.

Health

Hot, humid climates causes a lackluster coat and make an Affenpinscher uncomfortable; moderate or cool climates are best. Extreme heat causes respiratory problems in some Affens. Some dogs have bones that fracture easily or can develop a slipped stifle (dislocated knee). Like other toy breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia. Patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart disease that occurs more often in female dogs, is a more serious risk.

For more info on Affenpinschers, go to The Affenpinscher Club of America

Dog Boarding: An Overview

2012-04-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Dog boarding has changed lot since the days of kennels that consisted of little more than cages and food dishes. You don’t just leave your dog in a kennel, caged up in a small space with other lonely cooped up dogs anymore when you need to go out of town.. Most dog boarding services offer a gamut of services. It’s like checking your dog into a luxury hotel for the weekend

Some dog boarding facilities give dos their own room, complete with TV and furniture, just like the living room at home. Many of the higher-priced services boarding hire employees just to walk and exercise the doggie guests. Some boarding facilities offer special treat and meals. This type of arrangement can be pretty pricey. Despite all the luxuries, your pet still has to share time and space with dozens or even hundreds of other dogs in a regimented environment.

You should always visit a boarding facility before letting your dog stay there during your vacation. Some of the better boarding facilities belong to the International Boarding Pet Services Association (IBPSA), an organization dedicated to educating pet caretakers and bettering standards for boarding services.

Leaving your dog with a friend or neighbor may be convenient for you, but it’s not the best idea for the dog’s happiness and well-being, unless your friend is a dog owner. Your pet may be confused by your absence, and the presence of other dogs and caring humans will be a lot more comforting than a sterile atmosphere with someone who has never owned a pet and pays scant attention to your dog until your return.

A professional dog-sitting service interviews potential caregivers, ensuring only responsible and friendly people will take care of your pet and your house while you’re away. You’ll have to show the service proof that your dog is healthy and has all proper vaccinations and tests. Some people, however, don’t like the idea of a stranger, no matter how well-behaved and documented, staying in their home while they are away on vacation.

A service offering pet-sitting in the sitter’s home works well if you want your dog to stay in a loving home environment while you’re away, but don’t like the idea of a pet-sitter staying in your home. This simple, inexpensive dog boarding option ensures that your dog stays with a loving family, couple or individual, usually with a dog (or dogs) of their own. Check out a list of possible pet-sitters online, preferably one with photos and other information about the household. Some services even offer a questionnaire about your pet’s personality and needs for better matchmaking.

Senior dogs and ones with medical problems are better off boarding at a vet’s office (some veterinary practices have onsite dog boarding). If your dog is a bit frenetic or tends to be a diva, let the boarding staff or pet-sitter know about it ahead of time. Most dog lovers understand that all canines have their own personalities and back-story, just like people, and will know how to take care of a less than laidback dog.

Regardless of the dog-boarding situation, always remember to bring your pet’s favorite toys to the pet-sitter’s home or to the boarding kennel. This will put him at ease and remind him of home. Bring some of your dog’s favorite foods and snacks to the boarding facility, if they allow it. Some kennels won’t allow outside food and will bill you extra for any special treats you request.

So, as you can see, there are several ways to make sure your dog gets all the love and attention he deserves while you’re away on vacation or business. Replicating a dog’s day-to-day habits as closely as possible is the healthiest option. A dog hotel might be swanky and offer doggie manicures, but there’s no substitute for a warm, loving home environment.

Notable Pet News for the Week Ending Feb. 18th

2012-02-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

Lights! Camera! Catnip!

Just this morning,my boyfriend tried in vain to catch our cat Lux Batboy. Just when he thought he had captured the elusive feline, Lux jolted away again with lightning speed.This continued for about ten minutes, then it got tiresome and we just gave up. So imagine my surprise when I came across this article in the New York Times about Jordana Serebrenik, a Manhattan-based "Cat Catcher." For $80, Serebrenik will catch even the sneakiest kitty from under your stove or behind your couch and bring him to his proper place in your arms.It's time for a Los Angeles franchise - I'd sign up! If you're in NYC, check out Catch Your Cat's Facebook page.

One of my ex-roomies in NY would always take her dog, a laid-back, friendly lab, to California with her when she jetted to visit her parents. Since the dog was so large, he rode in a carrier in the cargo hold, not in the cabin with her. He never suffered any health problems because of it, but other animals aren't so lucky. According to this Gawker article, 35 pets died while being transported on commercial airlines in the U.S. last year. Nineteen pets died on Delta Airlines flights last year, all of them succumbing in the cargo hold. Considering the number of animals transported by plane each year, I'm sure the percentage of deaths is quite small. That's no consolation to the people who have lost their pets. I can't even imagine the pain that a pet owner has to endure upon arriving at their destination to find their pet has died. If you're considering bringing your pet with you on a long plane trip, get them thoroughly checked out by the vet. Small dogs or cats in good health can usually withstand a few hours in a carrier underneath your seat. Large dogs should have no respiratory problems and a really sturdy disposition if you want to take them with you. They'll have to fly in the plane's cargo area with the luggage and be exposed to extreme temperatures, bad ventilation and other hazards. Read these tips from The Humane Society if you must transport your pet by air.