Archive for November, 2011
Choosing a Proper Pet Food
Pet food, being introduced around the time of World War II, were originally made from left-over grains and cereals. The reason for this was not for the nutritional value, but because crops had been rejected for human consumption. There was a movement against waste during this time, so these products were saved for pet food. This was also the beginning of a completely new industry. Soon it became obvious to many the these left-over grains and cereals were not enough to provide proper nutrition. This is why extra protein in the form of meats was added. This provided that beloved pets could grow up without being malnourished.
Although meat was added, it was not prime meat, but meat that had been rejected for human consumption. This meat is commonly known as meat that was either dead, diseased, dying, disabled or drugged, which is a very appetizing combination. Even though this began a long time ago, rejected animals of all kinds are still used in commercial pet food. Ground up bones, feathers and heads are still commonly used as sources of protein. Fillers that are hard to digest are still used as well as harmful chemicals.
For these reasons our pets are suffering from shortened life-spans and shortened life-spans. It is sad because dogs and cats have the genetic potential to live well into their twenties or thirties, but because of poor nutrition, they only live until their teens.
The Loss of a Pet
Grieving is personal and no one experiences the loss of a pet the same way. Although, it is easy to recognize the stages of grief even when one looses a pet. As you grieve it is healthy to recognize the stages of grieving.
Shock and denial
A numb disbelief. A shock at the overwhelming loss. A feeling that they should still be there. Shock gives us emotional protection from being overwhelmed with grief all at once.
Pain and guilt
When the shock wears off it leaves us with unbelievable guilt. The realization of how great our loss is. The thoughts of, “if I would of or could of did things differently” goes over and over in our mind. This pain can become a viscous cycle. It is important to forgive yourself and allow yourself to be human.
Life will feel chaotic and confusing during this time. Don’t hide from this pain. Take time to express the grief you feel over the loss of your pet. Having a friend who has experienced the loss of a pet will be helpful at this time. Someone to talk to who understands the important role your pet played in your life.
You Can Cure Your Pet Mouse
You can take care of your pet! For once, you can do something to help your mouse before having to take it to the vet. Let’s face it we’d prefer to spend money on pet toys rather than vet bills.
Mites are everywhere; they have evolved and specialized to live off any organic matter in any environment. They can be found throughout the world, from the arctic to the Antarctic. The vast majority of them are microscopic but some can grow up to over one centimeter long. Without them the world would just fill up with dead matter, they are part of the eco system, we can’t live without them! Unfortunately some mites have evolved to feed off our loved ones.
Often your pet will have mites living on them without any detrimental affect to the mouse… their numbers are kept down with the mices’ natural grooming, however if your pet becomes ill and listless, it’s grooming habits may be curtailed and the mite population on your pet can quickly become epidemic. This is when problems occur and your mouse can have an adverse reaction to the high number of these parasites.
Some mites just live in the fur of your mouse, eating dead skin and other skin secretions; they don’t harm the mouse per say, but their waste (poo) can and does become an irritant to your pet, leading to excess scratching, rashes and bald patches in its fur.
Moving Home With Your Pets
The different sounds, sights and smells of the new house can be very upsetting for them. It may take up to a few weeks for them to settle in to their new surroundings. The journey, however short or long, can also be very traumatic for animals. Obviously we know what’s going on and that the trip will end with us being settled into a new home. Your pet however doesn’t know this, so be patient with them and try to follow the tips listed below.
• Keep your pet secure in one room while you are doing all the packing and unpacking. Put their food and water bowls in the same room along with their bedding, toys etc. With the upheaval they’ll sense that something is changing which might make them want to go and hide in the garden or at a neighbour’s, so keeping them in one area is strongly advised.
• Don’t clean your pet’s favourite toys and bedding before you move, so that it keeps the familiar smells for them when they’re in the new home.
• Don’t feed your pet too soon before leaving your home on the day you move, three hours before should be fine. If your pet suffers from travel sickness this will only add to their distress. Consult your vet if travel sickness medication is required..
• All pets like routine as this makes them feel secure. Try to stick to your normal patterns leading up to the move and as soon as possible after you’re in your new home.
Things You Didn’t Know About Cute Animals
If you search online, you will see that there are lots of lists of cute animals published from every end of the world; you’ll find funny animals, cute puppies, birds and countless wild animals that, regardless of their appears, have continued to attract travelers. Isn’t that exactly what cuteness is all about?
Some dangerous cute animals
Try not to be tricked, cute isn’t equal to risk-free! Some cute creatures are dangerous, particularly those in the wild and need to be dealt with with the greatest care and caution.
• Hippos
Of course, you’ve seen how lovable and safe these creatures seem on those calendar pictures. But for the sake of your own safety, you are advised to consider the age-old wisdom that appears can be misleading. Much-loved for the Disney-cuteness, the hippos need no much provocation to unleash the devil within. With their sheer toughness, your bet is often as good as mine, that it’ll take them a split of a second to either maim or kill.