Pet Encyclopedia

Love Lasts a Lifetime

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:45:00 +0000

If you love animals, you won't want to miss this.

Of Cats and Locusts

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:19:00 +0000

Gabby, my tabby cat, was out in the garden this morning. He's restricted to a fenced yard, and only has outdoor privileges when the dog and I are outside. He was exploring the catnip patch, a favorite pastime of his, when he saw wings fluttering in the grass. On the hunt, he took attack stance and crept up on the hapless critter.

Upon closer inspection, Gabby didn't know what to make of what he was seeing. Interested, I approached quietly and identified the prey as a locust. I expect they'll be abundant in the Midwest this year. I've seen a number of them already. This one was a beauty. With its transparent wings and shiny eyes, it was quite a presence in the grass. So much so, that Gabby thought better of attacking it and backed away.

Safely back in the house, he acted like a returning warrior. He and I both know differently though. The coward. For this round, the locust wins hands down. It must have looked like an invading alien to my pampered Gabby. We'll see what the next encounter brings.

Training Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:14:00 +0000

My dog, Harry, is a wonder. He's a sheltie and golden retriever mix, a comedian, nurturer, and genius. I'm being objective here.

My husband and I have taught Harry many tricks and behaviors, some of them unintentionally, and I have a few tips on how to teach your dog to do useful things.

I've had dogs all of my life, and Harry is by far the best pupil I've ever had. I'm sure this is partly because he's naturally intelligent and likes to learn. I also realize that I'm a much better trainer than I used to be. Here are a few things that I've learned:

Use Your Dog's Knowledge of Human Language

Dogs understand language. Tell them what things are and they'll remember. When you get around to training them, a little vocabulary comes in handy. Instead of saying "Good" when your dog has performed well, explain to him what he did: "Good sit" or "Good stay" works wonders. This reinforces the name of the behavior you want from your dog, and it also makes it clear what you're praising him for.

Never Call a Dog to Punish Him

This seems like a no-brainer, but there are lots of people out there who yell for their dogs to come and then wale the tar out of them. Seriously, after one bad experience like that, would you come when someone called you?

Treat Your Dog With Respect

Snapping a rubber band at your dog's nose or smacking him with a cardboard wrapping tube may seem funny, but your dog isn't going to get the joke. It's cruel and disrespectful. If you wouldn't want it done to you, don't do it to your dog.

Groom Your Dog

Learn how to groom your dog. This means giving him a bath, trimming his hair, making sure his collar isn't getting too tight, clipping his nails, checking his ears, and looking for any problems (like hot spots on the skin, fleas, ticks, burrs, etc.). Your dog knows that you're taking care of him. I prefer the personal approach to taking Harry to a salon. I'm sure he prefers it too.

Reward Your Dog for Good Behavior

If you give your dog a treat when he does something good, like performing a trick, you aren’t bribing him. You are reinforcing good behavior. Positive reinforcement works on humans, and it also works on dogs . . . really well.

Most dogs love to eat, so give them a little something (make it small so he won't start putting on weight) every time he does what you want him to do. Keep some small treats in your pocket, and use them. If you cook, try making your own dog biscuits. Dogs love homemade treats, and it's great to give them organic, nutritious, tasty snacks. If you make them yourself, then you control the ingredients. These days, that's a good thing.

Give Your Dog a Change of Pace

Looking at the same four walls and yard gets to be a drag. If your dog has developed bad behaviors like chewing his skin raw, gnawing on his feet, excessive barking, or other negative traits, it shouldn't be much of a surprise. Give your dog something interesting to do.

Place treats in different areas of the house and move your dog's treat bowl from day to day. Make it a game for him to find it.

Take him for a walk at least a couple of times a week.

Buy a dog video and give your dog some TV entertainment.

Play with him at least a couple of times a day.

Take him for a ride in the car.

Talk to him during the day.

Let your dog outside for brief periods a number of times during the day, not just when he needs to go out.

Your dog loves you, but bonding with him means more than feeding him. You can develop a deep bond with a pet if you start thinking of him and treating him like a companion. Your dog will notice the difference.

Once this bond starts to grow, you'll be amazed at what you can teach him (or her) to do. Dogs are smart. Just how smart is a matter of some debate, but one day you'll be looking at something your pet has figured out and the hairs will stand up on the back of your neck. It's happened to me, and one day it will probably happen to you.

There are Ways to Deal With Cats in the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:36:00 +0000

You love your cat, but you probably love your garden plants too. What do you do when your cat doesn't want to live in harmony with your plants? It's a problem, but you're not alone in being frustrated.

From gardeners who are battling neighborhood or feral cats, to the cat lovers who would also like to keep a decent looking flowerbed safe from their own marauding kitty cat, the problem of cats in the garden can be never-ending, frustrating, and expensive.

Want some natural, sneaky, and inspired ideas for foiling feline hijinks? I wrote a blog a while back for my herb blog about this very problem. 'Be gentle', is my motto. But I also believe in using a cat's natural aversions against him. Cats hate unexpected noises, anything sticky, and citrus. Try some creative ways to use these natural cat repellents to keep your flowerbeds safe: Keeping Cats out of the Garden

Dogs Eating Feces

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:40:00 +0000

It's unsavory, even disgusting, but it happens. Sometimes dogs develop a habit of eating their own feces, or sometimes the feces of other pets in your household. Before you click away, learn about the reasons this might be happening and how to deal with it. No one wants a puppy with poo breath, and there are ways of training your dog to stop snacking on. . .well, dung.

The previous paragraph was tongue-in-cheek, but sometimes there are medical issues involved in feces-eating. The best way discover what's going on is to take your dog for a vet visit. Before you do, though, be forearmed with a little information on the problem.

Is Your Dog Eating Feces?

When you Travel – What About Your Pet

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:54:00 +0000

Deciding whether or not to board a pet can be worrying and frustrating. Before decide on the best way to handle your pet's needs when you travel, there are some things you should consider.

There have been big changes in recent years in the area of pet and care and boarding. When you go on a trip or vacation it isn't a foregone conclusion that your pet will spend the time in a cramped cage in foreign surroundings. From pet care professionals that come to your home daily to pet spas that pamper your favorite fido or pussy, making sure your pet is safe and happy when you're away is easier than ever before.

I've outlined some of the options in:

Using a Professional Pet Sitter

Whatever you decide, make sure you take the time to plan. Sitters and the better boarders book far in advance. Get everything together the night before. Moving a pet that isn't used to traveling can be a handful. Set aside vaccination certificates, medications with instructions, food, a piece of clothing or pet bedding that smells like home, and a list with phone numbers where you can be reached. Also, have the number of your vet ready in case it's needed.

You'll have a better time, and so will you pet, if you do some strategizing before you travel. The homecoming will be nicer too.

Watch Your Pets for Ear Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Ear problems are one of the most common ailments afflicting dogs and cats. Ear mites, bacterial infections, and yeast infections are all common causes for ear scratching and head shaking, and at one time or another it is likely that your cat or dog will develop one or all of these common problems.

Recognizing Ear Mites

Ear mites are easily spread through casual contact between animals, and you can tell if this is the root of your pet's problems by checking your pet ears for small black specs that look a little like coffee grounds. Their presence in your pet's ears will help you make a diagnosis of ear mites. It's always a good idea to have any diagnosis confirmed and treated by a veterinarian.

Home Treatment for Ear Mites

Although treatment by a veterinarian is always preferred, you can treat less serious infestations of ear mites with mineral oil. Apply two drops of oil to the affected ear with a clean medicine dropper, and then massaged the ear gently from the outside. There are also over-the-counter ear mite medications available to your local pet supply, or online. When treating cats, be careful to avoid medications containing permethrin, which is toxic to them.

Recognizing Bacterial Infections of the Ear

Moisture loving, and often difficult to clear up, bacterial infections flourish where there is a build-up of earwax. They can also be caused or encouraged by your pet's allergies, broken skin inside the ear, food sensitivities, or a compromised immune system.

Infections are painful, and your pet will react to the discomfort when his ear is touched or rubbed. The bad news is that your pet will need professional help. A thorough ear cleaning and treatment with antibiotics is in order. The good news is that ear infections are easy to treat when you follow the vet's course of treatment carefully.

Yeast Infections of the Ear

Yeast blooms in the ear can also be harmful and require veterinary intervention. Yeast is always present in the ear, but increased moisture in the ear (as can occur when there is a buildup of earwax), cuts or scrapes, and lowered resistance can cause yeast to become a painful problem. It can also be easy cure with medical treatment.

Depending on the source, pet owners are either encouraged to periodically clean their pets ears or never attempt to clean their pets ears. A good solution to the delimma of maintaining your pets health – including the health of his ears, is to seek your veterinarian's advice. My vet has given me instructions on how to swab my cat's ears, for example, and asks during each visit if I've been keeping up the practice. Follow your vets advice, and pay attention to his instructions for your cats medications and his recommendations for preventive maintenance.

Caring for Your Pets Ears

One general rule you should follow religiously is to check your pet's ears for signs of trouble every few weeks. Look in his ears, using a small penlight if you have to, and place your nose close to his ear and take a sniff; any dark or oozing discharge should be reported to your vet immediately, as should any foul odor.

Special Note:

When bathing your pet, avoid getting water in his ears. This is an invitation to ear problems.

Jack Russell Terrier Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:20:00 +0000

If you love or know a Jack Russell terrier, you've seen their enthusiasm for life, high level of energy, intelligence, and determination.

You have also probably seen their temper, their aggressive inclinations when dealing with other animals, and their hunter's attitude.

If you love the breed, or want to, you should learn more about the ups and downs of keeping Jack Russells. They can be wonderful pets for the right household, but in the wrong family, they can be a disaster.

Sturdy and long lived by nature, they have a stable genetic makeup, with some dogs living up to twenty years, with few congenital problems.

They are long legged with predominantly white coloration that has patches brown and black, often in a three-color blend, with hair that can be curly, smooth, or broken.

They are small, not exceeding 18 pounds, and have a narrow ribcage designed to let them enter foxholes easily.

I've written two articles on Jack Russells that will give you background and important facts on this interesting but challenging breed:

Understanding the Fox Hunting Terrier

20 Things You Should Know About Jack Russell Terriers

Pug Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:11:00 +0000

If you love pugs, you know that their health can be a problem, or at least a consideration. I have written two articles and a summary page on pugs that will give you some background on the breed, tips for keeping your pug healthy, points to consider when planning to add a pug to your household, and interesting pug facts - also pictures.

If you have a pug, love pugs, or are planning on adopting one of these adorable/ugly dogs, take a look.

General Information About Pugs:

Living With a Pug

Pug Health Concerns:

Your Pugs health

Pug Page with Interesting Factoids and Pictures:

Pugs on parage

Making a good match up when adopting a pet is the most important key to success.

As I add pages to this blog, please check back to evaluate the facts on any animal addition you plan on making to your household.

Common Plants That Are Toxic To Your Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:20:00 +0000

In one of my other blogs, The Herb Gardener, I receive inquiries all the time from concerned pet owners who want to know if a particular plant is poisonous or not. The following list of toxic plants can hurt your pet. Most of them are toxic to children as well.

When planning your exterior landscape, keep your pet's safety in mind by limiting the toxic plants you keep in and around the areas your pet(s) frequent. When bringing plants indoors, remember that even an animal that's never showed an interest in 'greens' can get curious, with tragic results.

I'll keep this list updated if anyone wants to contribute. Avoid a sad story, and learn the steps to keeping your pet safe.

The National ASPCA Hotline Number

The national ASPCA hotline will help you determine of something your pet has ingested is toxic. They charge a fee for the service, but they're experts, and they are available 24/7. You can reach them at: 888-426-4435

List of Toxic Plants

Alcohol (all varieties)
Almonds
Amaryllis bulb
Anthurium
Apricot
Avocado leaves, seeds, stem, skin
Begonia
Bird of Paradise
Bittersweet
Bleeding heart
Boxwood
Buckeye
Buttercup
Caffeine
Caladium
Calla lily
Castor bean
Cherries
Chocolate
Choke cherry, unripe berries
Chrysanthemum
Clematis
Cocoa bark
Crocus
Croton
Cyclamen bulb
Daffodil
Delphinium
Dieffenbachia
Dumb cane
Elderberry's immature berries
English ivy
Foxglove
Garlic
Heavenly bamboo
Hemp
Holly berries
Hyacinth bulbs
Hydrangea
Iris corms
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Jimson weed
Kalanchoe
Lantana
Larkspur
Lily
Lily-of-the-valley
Lupine
Marijuana
Milkweed
Mistletoe berries
Monkshood
Morning glory
Mountain laurel
Narcissus
Oak
Oleander
Onions
Peaches
Pencil cactus
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Potato leaves and stems
Rhododendron
Rhubarb leaves
Rosary Pea
Sacred Bamboo
Scheffelera
Shamrock
Spurge
Tomato leaves and stems
Yew