Looking for ways to allow your cat to go in and out of your house safely? Tired of going back to your main door always to close it as your stubborn kitten keeps on opening it? The installation of cat doors is a good solution for you! A cat door is easy to install and the process of building one can be accomplished in less than a hour. All you need to have is a lot of patience. Read the cat door installation tips below.
Here is the step-by-step installation procedures of properly installing a cat door:
1. First, remove the door from hinges using a hammer and screwdriver.
2. Measure the belly height of your feline friend, then layout the measurement on the outside of your door.
3. Cut the desired cat door opening. You can draw a square or rectangle. The opening should be atleast 2-3 inches above the bottom of the door, and it needs to be about 2 inches larger than your largest cat.
4. Proceed to making a cat door frame. Measure the inside part of the opening. Construct an "L" shaped frame to fit the inside dimensions.
5. Use fasteners to secure frames to the cat door.
6. For an added flair to the cat door, put some colorful paint or finish to it.
7. The cat door installation end with putting a simple mini-curtain as cat barrier. You can use any fabrics for that, even old towels and curtains. Make sure that that the mini-curtain is 2 inches bigger than the opening of he cat door.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Where's The Beef? B.A.R.F. Feeding For Dogs
Dogs are prey animals that existed in the wild as carnivores eating primarily raw meat and bones. Wild dogs rarely ate grain and that helped them to stay lean and mean. Dogs today are our beloved pets but they are still carnivores and many people believe that they should be fed the same diet that wild dogs once ate. Unfortunately, most commercial pet food is filled with grains and chemicals that experts say may account for the rising rate of skin allergies, gastrointestinal problems and cancer.
An alternative to chemical laden commercial foods that poisoned pets in 2007 is the B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet. The B.A.R.F. diet is controversial yet millions of people have switched to this way of feeding their dogs. Read on to discover some of the facts and controversies surrounding this popular method of feeding dogs.
What Is The B.A.R.F. Diet?
A Veterinary Surgeon in Australia, Dr Ian Billinghurst, created the B.A.R.F. diet and recommends that owners feed their dogs bones, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy. His theory is that it is better to feed a dog completely raw food, imitating the types of food eaten by their wild ancestors.
What Food Can I Feed My Dog On The B.A.R.F. Diet?
There is much controversy in the B.A.R.F. community about what is included in the diet. Dr. Billinghurst states that vegetables and fruit are appropriate food to feed but others disagree. Most would agree that raw, meaty bones meat are a staple of the diet and that includes beef, chicken, deer, duck, game birds, goat, pork, lamb, fish, rabbit and veal. Some of the more controversial foods include eggs, vegetables, fruit, dairy, cooked cereals and supplements.
What About Handling Raw Food?
You should wash your hands before and after handling raw meat just (or wear disposable gloves) as you would while preparing food for humans. Be sure to disinfect cutting boards and countertops where meat is prepared. Many people believe that the dog digestive system is not as susceptible to salmonella, e-coli and parasites as humans. Many vets disagree.
How Much Food Is Fed Each Day?
On the B.A.R.F. diet dogs are fed according to their energy level. If your dog is very active it should be fed 2 to 3 % of their weight every day. A less active and more sedentary dog would get fed approximately 1% of their weight every day. This is not a precise measurement so it should be adjusted as your dog adapts to eating raw food. You should plan on feeding three or four times a day and preparing meals in advance.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Raw?
There is no scientific evidence that supports added benefits from feeding your dog raw food, but there have been many studies showing that commercial food is poisonous to our pets. People who are feeding their dogs raw food report that they save money and their dogs have less body odor, less bowel movements, cleaner teeth and reduced illnesses and medical costs.
Can Every Dog Eat Raw?
The simple answer is no. Most healthy dogs can adapt to raw food but dogs that are very old or that have chronic and serious illnesses may not be appropriate candidates for this type of diet. Some dogs will simply refuse to eat raw food. You should talk to your vet before the switch but be prepared for the doctor to discourage you from making this decision. Some veterinarians are heavily influenced by commercial pet food companies because they make a great deal of money selling the product. Ask your vet if any patients feed their dogs raw food and ask if they experienced problems adjusting to the change in diet.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Again, this is anecdotal information but many people report a detox stage in feeding raw food. This means the dog is adjusting to the diet and getting rid of toxins in their body. Symptoms your pet may display include vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath and itchy skin. Supplementing your pet with Vitamins C and E may help. If your dog has these symptoms for more than three days after switching diets, take them to your local vet. Ask your vet about the best method for changing your dog's diet.
Raw feeding is not for every dog nor will it work for every owner. Be careful whenever you change the diet of your pets. Some proponents of raw food insist that a "cold turkey" switch is better but most vets will disagree and say changes should be made gradually. Educate yourself by doing research and reading some of the great books available on raw feeding before making the switch.
© 2008, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights reserved. Reprints welcomed so long as the article and byline are not changed and all links are made live.
Bonnie Jo Davis is an animal lover who is active in animal rescue. She is the author of "50 Fantastic Recipes For Dogs" and "50 Fantastic Recipes For Cats" and created these downloadable cookbooks for those people who want to feed a more natural diet but do not want to handle raw meat. More information is available at http://www.dog-and-cat-food.com and other recommended pet e-books are available at http://www.dog-and-cat-food.com/petebooks.htm
An alternative to chemical laden commercial foods that poisoned pets in 2007 is the B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet. The B.A.R.F. diet is controversial yet millions of people have switched to this way of feeding their dogs. Read on to discover some of the facts and controversies surrounding this popular method of feeding dogs.
What Is The B.A.R.F. Diet?
A Veterinary Surgeon in Australia, Dr Ian Billinghurst, created the B.A.R.F. diet and recommends that owners feed their dogs bones, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy. His theory is that it is better to feed a dog completely raw food, imitating the types of food eaten by their wild ancestors.
What Food Can I Feed My Dog On The B.A.R.F. Diet?
There is much controversy in the B.A.R.F. community about what is included in the diet. Dr. Billinghurst states that vegetables and fruit are appropriate food to feed but others disagree. Most would agree that raw, meaty bones meat are a staple of the diet and that includes beef, chicken, deer, duck, game birds, goat, pork, lamb, fish, rabbit and veal. Some of the more controversial foods include eggs, vegetables, fruit, dairy, cooked cereals and supplements.
What About Handling Raw Food?
You should wash your hands before and after handling raw meat just (or wear disposable gloves) as you would while preparing food for humans. Be sure to disinfect cutting boards and countertops where meat is prepared. Many people believe that the dog digestive system is not as susceptible to salmonella, e-coli and parasites as humans. Many vets disagree.
How Much Food Is Fed Each Day?
On the B.A.R.F. diet dogs are fed according to their energy level. If your dog is very active it should be fed 2 to 3 % of their weight every day. A less active and more sedentary dog would get fed approximately 1% of their weight every day. This is not a precise measurement so it should be adjusted as your dog adapts to eating raw food. You should plan on feeding three or four times a day and preparing meals in advance.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Raw?
There is no scientific evidence that supports added benefits from feeding your dog raw food, but there have been many studies showing that commercial food is poisonous to our pets. People who are feeding their dogs raw food report that they save money and their dogs have less body odor, less bowel movements, cleaner teeth and reduced illnesses and medical costs.
Can Every Dog Eat Raw?
The simple answer is no. Most healthy dogs can adapt to raw food but dogs that are very old or that have chronic and serious illnesses may not be appropriate candidates for this type of diet. Some dogs will simply refuse to eat raw food. You should talk to your vet before the switch but be prepared for the doctor to discourage you from making this decision. Some veterinarians are heavily influenced by commercial pet food companies because they make a great deal of money selling the product. Ask your vet if any patients feed their dogs raw food and ask if they experienced problems adjusting to the change in diet.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Again, this is anecdotal information but many people report a detox stage in feeding raw food. This means the dog is adjusting to the diet and getting rid of toxins in their body. Symptoms your pet may display include vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath and itchy skin. Supplementing your pet with Vitamins C and E may help. If your dog has these symptoms for more than three days after switching diets, take them to your local vet. Ask your vet about the best method for changing your dog's diet.
Raw feeding is not for every dog nor will it work for every owner. Be careful whenever you change the diet of your pets. Some proponents of raw food insist that a "cold turkey" switch is better but most vets will disagree and say changes should be made gradually. Educate yourself by doing research and reading some of the great books available on raw feeding before making the switch.
© 2008, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights reserved. Reprints welcomed so long as the article and byline are not changed and all links are made live.
Bonnie Jo Davis is an animal lover who is active in animal rescue. She is the author of "50 Fantastic Recipes For Dogs" and "50 Fantastic Recipes For Cats" and created these downloadable cookbooks for those people who want to feed a more natural diet but do not want to handle raw meat. More information is available at http://www.dog-and-cat-food.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Preventing Pet Arthritis
Pet arthritis is very much possible to occur. Animals also suffer this kind of illness and it is very common specifically among cats and dogs. These two household pets are exposed to some high endurance activities like running, jumping, and playing which can lead to the wearing and tearing of their cartilages. When this happens, arthritis comes in. Come to think of it, humans are not the only ones straining their joints everyday. Also, when you pet cat or dog is already old, expect it to be prone to arthritis. So, does exposing your pet on an active lifestyle help in preventing this illness?
Actually, pets become more up close to the illness if they take the lead in an active lifestyle. Possible signs that your pet may start to have arthritis is when it is lively before and now, it becomes lazy and doesn’t even want to move a paw. Your will also notice that your cat or dog agility skills are lowered as compared before. Change of mood is another a sign.
Here are three easy ways to prevent pet arthritis:
1. Visit the veterinarian
The signs of pet arthritis mentioned above are just a few signs that can contribute to distinguishing whether your pet is suffering from the illness. However, there are times too that it does not lead to arthritis.
2. Treat the arthritis
The illness itself can be treated without surgery. There are prescribed drugs that can be taken in by pets as advised by veterinarians.
3. Change your pet’s living environment
Having a pet is just like having a child run around your home. To somehow help prevent you pet from suffering from arthritis; make your household a safe place to stay in. Accident prone areas like slippery floors contribute to a much better lifestyle of your pet.
Actually, pets become more up close to the illness if they take the lead in an active lifestyle. Possible signs that your pet may start to have arthritis is when it is lively before and now, it becomes lazy and doesn’t even want to move a paw. Your will also notice that your cat or dog agility skills are lowered as compared before. Change of mood is another a sign.
Here are three easy ways to prevent pet arthritis:
1. Visit the veterinarian
The signs of pet arthritis mentioned above are just a few signs that can contribute to distinguishing whether your pet is suffering from the illness. However, there are times too that it does not lead to arthritis.
2. Treat the arthritis
The illness itself can be treated without surgery. There are prescribed drugs that can be taken in by pets as advised by veterinarians.
3. Change your pet’s living environment
Having a pet is just like having a child run around your home. To somehow help prevent you pet from suffering from arthritis; make your household a safe place to stay in. Accident prone areas like slippery floors contribute to a much better lifestyle of your pet.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Traveling With Pet Strollers
There are many good reasons why a dog stroller is an important piece of equipment. One of them is for travel purposes.
Traveling with your puppy or dog will be a lot easier when you use dog strollers. You can transport your dog from one place to another without worrying that he might get lost or run away from you. Besides being carriers, pet strollers are also ideal crates where your pet can rest or get nap when he gets tired from walking.
A stroller can be very beneficial for dogs with disabilities or those who are just recuperating from an injury or surgery. This equipment will let you carry your canine easily and comfortably anywhere you wish to go. An old dog who gets tired from walking can still roam around if you put him inside a stroller, while also creating a confined space away from possible dangers and accidents in the street like fast raging cars and road hazards.
It is also practical to use a dog stroller when you are transporting a litter of dogs and puppies. You can put them all inside a single stroller, preventing them from escaping inside the mall or at the yard. Pet strollers can really give you quality time with your dogs allowing you to travel with them in various places, more than what dog leashes or other kinds of pet carriers allow.
You can show the beauty of the outside world if you take your dog around town inside a stroller. More than being fashionable, pet strollers offer undeniable comfort for your dogs or puppies without any worries on your end.
Traveling with your puppy or dog will be a lot easier when you use dog strollers. You can transport your dog from one place to another without worrying that he might get lost or run away from you. Besides being carriers, pet strollers are also ideal crates where your pet can rest or get nap when he gets tired from walking.
A stroller can be very beneficial for dogs with disabilities or those who are just recuperating from an injury or surgery. This equipment will let you carry your canine easily and comfortably anywhere you wish to go. An old dog who gets tired from walking can still roam around if you put him inside a stroller, while also creating a confined space away from possible dangers and accidents in the street like fast raging cars and road hazards.
It is also practical to use a dog stroller when you are transporting a litter of dogs and puppies. You can put them all inside a single stroller, preventing them from escaping inside the mall or at the yard. Pet strollers can really give you quality time with your dogs allowing you to travel with them in various places, more than what dog leashes or other kinds of pet carriers allow.
You can show the beauty of the outside world if you take your dog around town inside a stroller. More than being fashionable, pet strollers offer undeniable comfort for your dogs or puppies without any worries on your end.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Dog Constipation Treatment
It's easy to determine if your beloved dog is suffering from constipation. If you observe that your k9 is having a hard time and looks in pain when trying to pass feces, he might be suffering from this illness. The presence of hard and dry stools is a also sign of dog constipation. Just like in humans, constipation in dogs is commonly due to dietary issues. The lack of fibers in the diet is among them. Ingested solid objects such as bones can also disrupt your k9's digestive system, resulting to constipation.
Having said that, the best dog constipation treatment is to change your dog's diet. Feed him with nutritious foods that are natural and high in fiber. Increase your dog's fiber consumption can help in fighting constipation. Try adding some oat bran on top of his dog food. Anywhere from half a teaspoon to 2 tablespoons is good enough depending on the size and weight of your dog.
You can also give him two teaspoons of canned pumpkin every day or a tablespoon of mineral oil to help make his bowel movements more regular. A fresh supply of water can also solve dog constipation.
Another dog constipation treatment which can help soften his dog poop is by adding psyllium to the dog's diet. Half a teaspoon of this medicine 2x day, plus plenty of water, will be very helpful. You can also buy some herbal supplements that are invented to cure dog constipation. Among the components found in these herbal medicines include aloe ferox, psyllium husk, and natrium mariaticum.
Besides making some changes in your dog's diet, you must also increase the amount of exercise your dog gets. Regular dog exercise helps a lot in keeping the bowels more regular. Dogs need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a well-balance, high-fiber diet.
Having said that, the best dog constipation treatment is to change your dog's diet. Feed him with nutritious foods that are natural and high in fiber. Increase your dog's fiber consumption can help in fighting constipation. Try adding some oat bran on top of his dog food. Anywhere from half a teaspoon to 2 tablespoons is good enough depending on the size and weight of your dog.
You can also give him two teaspoons of canned pumpkin every day or a tablespoon of mineral oil to help make his bowel movements more regular. A fresh supply of water can also solve dog constipation.
Another dog constipation treatment which can help soften his dog poop is by adding psyllium to the dog's diet. Half a teaspoon of this medicine 2x day, plus plenty of water, will be very helpful. You can also buy some herbal supplements that are invented to cure dog constipation. Among the components found in these herbal medicines include aloe ferox, psyllium husk, and natrium mariaticum.
Besides making some changes in your dog's diet, you must also increase the amount of exercise your dog gets. Regular dog exercise helps a lot in keeping the bowels more regular. Dogs need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a well-balance, high-fiber diet.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Doggy Hair Day: Preventing The Shedding
Dogs have been a reliable household buddy for ages and almost every family in town has one. Perhaps one of the reasons why the few others who resist in keeping dogs as pets is hair shedding that has been a common concern among pet owners. Though common, this does not really impose any threat to the family, unless they are very particular about tidiness around the home or members of the pack with allergies.
Setting aside these concerns and focusing on how to treat hair shedding among dogs, it can all be taken care of. By simply using proper tools to brush your dog’s hair makes it all better. It is advised that you really shouldn’t start to this healthy grooming habit as soon as you see some pile of shedding hair on the carpet, sofa, or rug… you can start early. Preventing shedding is a much better practice that keeping it off your dog’s hair. The mars rake is one particular dog brush that can help you up with the task.
When taking your dog for a bath, it is always best to apply shampoo but not just any type of shampoo. The shampoo manufactured in markets for human use has a different PH balance which can be harmful for your K9 buddy thus allowing moderate to excessive shedding. Buy the ones that are really meant for dogs. Talking about the bathing water, hot and cold does no good so use tepid temperature water.
After giving your pet some pet bath, don’t just let ‘em run around wet. Dry your dog at air temperature. There are blowers for dog parlors but these gadgets do not use any heat. Let the hair dry and the air flow at the direction opposite the growth flow of your pet’s hair to get rid of some of the loose ones.
If excessive shedding still occurs, check on your dog’s diet and food intake as these can also contribute to your dog’s hair condition.
Setting aside these concerns and focusing on how to treat hair shedding among dogs, it can all be taken care of. By simply using proper tools to brush your dog’s hair makes it all better. It is advised that you really shouldn’t start to this healthy grooming habit as soon as you see some pile of shedding hair on the carpet, sofa, or rug… you can start early. Preventing shedding is a much better practice that keeping it off your dog’s hair. The mars rake is one particular dog brush that can help you up with the task.
When taking your dog for a bath, it is always best to apply shampoo but not just any type of shampoo. The shampoo manufactured in markets for human use has a different PH balance which can be harmful for your K9 buddy thus allowing moderate to excessive shedding. Buy the ones that are really meant for dogs. Talking about the bathing water, hot and cold does no good so use tepid temperature water.
After giving your pet some pet bath, don’t just let ‘em run around wet. Dry your dog at air temperature. There are blowers for dog parlors but these gadgets do not use any heat. Let the hair dry and the air flow at the direction opposite the growth flow of your pet’s hair to get rid of some of the loose ones.
If excessive shedding still occurs, check on your dog’s diet and food intake as these can also contribute to your dog’s hair condition.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Types of Dog Leash
Most dog owners underestimate what a dog leash can do for their beloved pooch. They fail to understand that dog leashes are more than just straps or accessories made from nylon or leather, but rather essential tools designed to control your dog and correct his negative behaviors. It can also give you and your k9 a less stress-free and comfortable lifestyle.
Nowadays, you can buy dog leashes made from various materials with luxurious styles and fashionable designs. Here are some of the common types of dog leash:
Nylon dog training collar is popular because of its high melting points, excellent clarity and stiffness. Another type of dog leash is the retractable dog leash. This type of pet leash, which has adjustable features, is commonly used to increase your dog’s confidence. By using it, your dog will have the freedom to roam around wherever and whenever he wants to. Since a retractable dog leash varies in length and features, you can use in many different ways.
A leather dog leash is also a popular choice for dog owners because it look stylish. For this design of leash, the ideal length is usually about six feet to give enough length for your k9 to roam with great deal of control.
There is also a bungee dog leash. This type of pet leash maintains tension through the length of the 6-foot leash so that there is less pulling on your arm as you run outside or walk in the park. Given the bungee takes up the slack, you will prevent the leash from tripping up your k9’s paws.
You can also purchase a hands-free dog leash. This type is highly convenient especially for pet owners who are always busy. The state of the art design of this leash will allow you to walk in the park with your dog without using your bare hands to assist him and walk along with you.
Nowadays, you can buy dog leashes made from various materials with luxurious styles and fashionable designs. Here are some of the common types of dog leash:
Nylon dog training collar is popular because of its high melting points, excellent clarity and stiffness. Another type of dog leash is the retractable dog leash. This type of pet leash, which has adjustable features, is commonly used to increase your dog’s confidence. By using it, your dog will have the freedom to roam around wherever and whenever he wants to. Since a retractable dog leash varies in length and features, you can use in many different ways.
A leather dog leash is also a popular choice for dog owners because it look stylish. For this design of leash, the ideal length is usually about six feet to give enough length for your k9 to roam with great deal of control.
There is also a bungee dog leash. This type of pet leash maintains tension through the length of the 6-foot leash so that there is less pulling on your arm as you run outside or walk in the park. Given the bungee takes up the slack, you will prevent the leash from tripping up your k9’s paws.
You can also purchase a hands-free dog leash. This type is highly convenient especially for pet owners who are always busy. The state of the art design of this leash will allow you to walk in the park with your dog without using your bare hands to assist him and walk along with you.
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