Posts Tagged ‘pet care’
If you are thinking of starting an aquarium, understanding the nitrogen cycle is essential. Many people start an aquarium without knowing the facts. Before purchasing fish, the aquarium must be cycled. It could take anywhere from 24 hours to 4 weeks. Aquariums that have been in use for a while contain a type of bacteria which breaks down ammonia and turns it into nitrate, but since those bacteria are generated by fish already living in the aquarium, they are not present in a new aquarium. If there are no fish in the aquarium, there is no good bacteria.
The basic principle of the nitrogen cycle is this. Fish consume food and create waste. The excess food, plant debris and fish waste come together to produce ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to fish and needs to be broken down. That’s why the nitrifying bacteria is important. The bacteria converts the ammonia into nitrites which are much easier for the fish to tolerate. Other types of bacteria even turn the nitrites into nitrates which are easier for the fish to live with. The filter traps the nitrates. Regular water changes are required to remove the nitrates from the water.
You should prepare and run your aquarium before you add any fish to it. Clean the tank and the substrate with water. Don’t use any soap. Fill the tank with water that has been treated for chlorine and add filters and lights. Cycle the water until it is clear and until the right Ph and temperature are finally reached.
At this point you can buy the fish. Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They are strong enough to sustain the higher nitrite levels in the aquarium. You should add no more than four fish at one time. Float the fish in the bag in the aquarium for about fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank. It will help get the fish used to the different water temperature. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag into the aquarium. It may be contaminated, or will at the very least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Give the fish a few hours to become used to its new home before you offer any food.
All the food should be eaten in about five minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem in an aquarium. Overfeeding will lead to unconsumed food which will turn into ammonia. This is extremely important in a new aquarium, since it doesn’t contain any nitrifying bacteria. Check the water Ph every day for at least one month. If the water becomes cloudy, you might need to add a clarifier. Monitor the fish on a regular basis and look for signs of illness or stress. A healthy fish will be swimming regularly. Lethargic fish will usually hover near the surface of the aquarium. Change about one tenth of the water after the first week and then begin with regular maintenance.
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If you plan to have an aquarium, you must first decide if you would like to house fresh water fish or salt water fish. It’s up to you whether you want to keep saltwater or freshwater, but if this is your first aquarium, you may want to start with a freshwater aquarium.
Salt water fish are harder to take care of and more expensive. Temperature, water conditioning and the salinity of water are only some of the things you will have to worry about with salt water fish. Fresh water fish are much easier to care for.
Here’s a few other things to keep in mind when buying an aquarium:
Where is the aquarium going to be? When you’re deciding on a location for your aquarium, remember that it can’t be placed in direct sunlight, or anywhere else that could result in changes in temperature.
And don’t forget that once you fill it with water, the aquarium is going to be heavy. As an example, a filled 20-gallon glass tank will weight about 225 pounds. Find the right location before the aquarium is filled or it will be impossible to move it afterwards.
Choose a floor that’s leveled.
Choose a floor that’s leveled to minimize stress to the tank and avoid cracks that can form over time from the pressure.
Electrical outlet
Keep your tank near an outlet to have easy access to electricity for your lighting, heaters and pumps.
Accessibility
Keep your tank where you can access it easily to work temperature controls and air valves. You should also be able to have enough space for a net and to move decorations.
What shape should you select?
When you’re choosing the shape of your aquarium choose short, longer shapes over tall, thinner shapes. This way there will be more surface area at the top of the water, which is much better for your fish.
What size of aquarium should you choose?
It is a good idea to choose anything over ten gallons. Mostly because a larger tank makes it easier to work maintenance. No matter what type of aquarium you choose, waste will build up in it with time. A large tank can dispense these materials much more easily. The water will be clean for longer and it will require less maintenance.
What is the best material for the aquarium?
Glass or acrylic are usually the materials used to manufacture aquariums. Either material will work find, however, it is recommended that beginners use glass. This is for several reasons – glass doesn’t scratch as easily, it only needs edge support and it costs less.
As you can see, you need to put some time and consideration into where you choose to place your aquarium. All these things will play a part in which aquarium you choose to buy.
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If you have a new puppy and are looking for the secret to training the puppy into the well-behaved dog of your dreams, the secret is simple and easy: dog treats.
All dog owners know the sometimes slow and frustrating process of training, taming and teaching their dog some good behavior and maybe even some fun tricks. But there’s one little thing that many dog owners neglect, and this is motivation – a powerful tool that could help any Homo Sapiens or Canis Lupus Familiaris do what he is asked of. Just like you need a little motivation to start exercising more or to get your house cleaned out, dogs need motivating reasons big enough to make them want to stop wetting on your carpet or eating holes into all of your socks. Dog treats can be a sure way to motivate your precious pup to do almost anything you desire.
Don’t ask us because we haven’t tried ‘em – but any Rover and Fido worth his salt will agree that dog treats motivate because of their great taste. Only when dog treats are actually reserved as a special treat will dogs want to do whatever it takes to enjoy the yummy treat. It is all so plain to see! If it isn’t, then here’s an example that might help – you have two life choices to make, one is to eat a whole box of pizza on demand, if available and whenever the darn heck you please, and the other choice is to eat a few pizza slices provided you do those extra ab crunches your trainer said you should be doing. Now answer me this, my friends – would you be motivated to work out if you chose Scenario A? Of course you wouldn’t. Not if ice cream could be a treat whether you exercised or not. That is why I am begging of you on bended knee to make dog treats just that – a treat, a reward, a special prize for doing the right thing, not something as ubiquitous as the air we breathe.
For you, the dog owner, dog treats are great because they are relatively inexpensive. Before you bite the bullet and send your puppy off to some tony obedience school, you should make an effort to train your puppy on your own time and without spending a fortune. And use dog treats. It may be a big deal at first to train rambunctious Rover, but at the end of the day both you and your puppy will be better off if you did the training yourself.
Whether you are teaching your pup how to sit down or roll over or how to go potty outside, using dog treats can be an important element of the training. In no time your dog will learn to love the reward of dog treats enough that it will obey every command you give it. There isn’t a moment to hesitate – floor it, jump out of your car and into the pet shop, buy a box of dog treats, and train (and motivate) away!
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Professional dog training is surprisingly big business nowadays, and let’s admit it – separating the wheat from the dog training chaff can make your head spin in circles! What to look for when choosing a professional to help you with dog training :
A good reputation. Ask around and you shall find, as fellow dog owners, veterinarians and kennel club members can spread the good word about a good trainer.
He/she must be experienced. Make discreet inquiries about the trainers’ abilities, recommendations, experience and background.
An unconditional and unquestionable love for dogs. He/she must be knowledgeable and updated. The best trainers seek to expand their knowledge by attending dog training classes and seminars, conferences and summits that deal with animal behavior. Look for somebody who knows how to train and treat a dog properly. Always get a trainer who genuinely cares for your pet no matter what happens. The best trainers join reputable clubs and associations for animal lovers and professionals.
Now that you know the six tips, here is another piece of quick advice to make training worth the while for you and your dog. Do not even think of training if you believe you are not up to it. Always reward your dog for obeying your commands promptly! Rewards can be considered an all-encompassing prize that your dog genuinely wants. Treats are an obvious reward but other rewards could be verbal praise and toys. Dogs perform better when trained in multiple short sessions as opposed to one big training marathon. Training is not to be confused with abuse or negative reinforcement. There should be no shouting, no hitting or smacking, no chain jerking on choke chains or collars, and absolutely no electric shocking! Make each training session fun and productive and give your dog rewards when needed.
Head collars – an alternative means of training
Pulling on the lead is one of the few unpleasant experiences of bringing up a new puppy or dog. Fortunately, the use of a head collar for dog training has made some headway in the training field, no pun intended. There are quite a few reasons why training with a head collar definitely beats training with your run of the mill training collar. Although very simple to use, it is important that head collars are fitted correctly and your dog properly introduced to the collar. Your dog will certainly feel more at home with head collars, instead of the traditional training collar. Head collars are very effective when controlling dogs in difficult situations.
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Basic small dog care is much the same as for larger dogs, but owners need to make a few adjustments to best meet their small dog’s needs. Consider the following daily dog care routines, and how they’re adapted to meet the needs of your pint-sized pup.
How To Feed A Small Dog
Dogs, needless to say, must be fed every day, but the dog food you buy at the local pet shop or grocery may be a bit on the large size for small dogs to properly eat. Never mind the additional expense – your smaller dog’s mouth may have an easier time chewing and nibbling on the right kibble – these smaller, finer kibble varieties are usually produced by premium dog food manufacturers. Canned soft foods are also perfectly suitable for your small dog.
Containing Your Small Dog
You may think that your fenced-in yard provides optimum security and protection for your small dog, while letting him do his business and get quality exercise. Wait a minute…hold the phone! Those gaps in between your fences may safely prevent a large dog, say, a St. Bernard, from escaping, but would be wide enough for your little Yorkie or Chihuahua to “break on through to the other side.” And believe it or not, a large hawk or bird of pray can swoop down on Spot and take your small dog to Lord knows where – fences won’t be able to protect against them. A covered kennel run might better meet your small dog’s needs.
Small Dog Training Tips
Small dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, yet the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. No matter if he fits in a purse or a pocket, your small dog still sees the world in terms of pack behavior, and if you’re not leading the pack, he is. Your dog may miss the mark at times, and you have to take note even of the tiniest minutiae of your small dog’s housebreaking process and take action. While we’re not saying you turn into your small dog’s equivalent of Der Fuhrer, many experts believe it should be your way or the highway. Before you feed him a treat or even a full meal, ask him to sit or do a trick on command.
Small Dog Grooming Tips
Small dog care includes some special grooming needs you’ll need to keep in mind. Because small dogs are not as accustomed to rough surfaces as their bigger counterparts, you should trim their nails more often. You’ll also need to brush your small dog’s teeth twice a week if you’re feeding a soft canned food diet.
So there – small dog care really doesn’t take much more effort, and the processes are generally the same as big dog care. As for the differences, they may seem trivial in comparison, but sometimes the little things mean the most, which is very true in caring for your small dog.
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Fresh water fish are generally easier to care for because they are stronger than salt water fish. A basic aquarium is all you will need. You will need to provide a tank and some sort of substrate or rocks. You will also need a filter and some lighting. Do your homework and only mix compatible fish. They should have the same requirements for water temperature, P.H. and food. Try to keep the fish relatively the same size. If a fish is big enough to eat the other one, it will likely do so. So don’t be discouraged if this happens.
Even fish that have been housed together for several months have been known to disappear on occasion.
Remove unnecessary items from the tank. This will minimize the possibilities of stress.
Only change about one third of the water at a time. This will need to be done every two to three weeks. Use either a bucket or a siphon to remove the water from the tank. Also remove any debris you see. When adding the new water to the aquarium, be sure that it is within approximately two degrees of the tank water. Clean the sides of the tank to remove any algae buildup. Again be careful not to disturb the fish. Wash your hands before you clean the aquarium and after you are finished. And make sure you change filters regularly. Filters collect any fish waste or left over food. But they won’t do their job if they are not clean.
Only bring strong fish to a new tank. Not all fish are hardy enough to sustain the higher nitrate levels found in new aquariums. Choose fish such as danios, barbs, gouramis, and live bearers. Don’t add more than three to four small fish per week. Acclimation times vary per species, so check with your retailer before adding any other new fish.
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A cat can be a nice pet to have but sometimes the cat can get upset and bite or scratch, vomit on the bathroom rug or just be moody in general. What do you do when your cat gets out of control? What makes the cat do these things?
While a cat is a wild animal first and foremost they are able to live and get along in the human world.
Just like us we get use to routine and when a cats’ home has been interfered with it reacts just as we would do.
Maybe the dog needs a playmate and trying to make one of the cat and that’s why the counter jumping. The nails may be getting to dull or even to long and that’s why the scratching. A scratching post may be the answer or trimming the nails may help. The cat may just be looking for some attention and that’s why the biting.
Did you notice if the cat has not been as active or maybe not drinking or eating as much? Cats are strong animals in general but when they get sick it happens fast and usually we get no time to see symptoms like you would with a dog. Urinary problems can be a leading medical issue in cats who have sudden behavioral changes. Taking your cat to the veterinarian would be the smartest thing to do.
To stop bad behavior reinforcing basic training can always help, showing more attention to the good things and making him feel proud again can help too.
Giving out punishment will not work, as cats are proud animals and tend to have a mind of their own. Punishment will often times just lead to more bad behavior or even a more aggressive cat.
Try giving him something to do. Buy him a new toy to keep him occupied or give him even more affection when you’re watching TV. You may not always be able to change things to suit the cat but finding ways to compromise may be the answer.
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If you are a cat owner, you have probably realized that cats are unique creatures. They are much different from dogs. This being the case, their training needs are also different. They have more independent personalities, and you will have different behavioral issues as well.
For one, you’ll want to teach your cat not to jump on the table. The best way to accomplish this is to start when they are young and let them know that this is not a place for them to be.
Don’t ever feed a cat on the table. If you do, you will undermine your training of the cat and give it mixed messages. You can’t tell a cat not to jump on the table, then feed it on the table.
You’ll also want to make your cat stop biting. You need to be careful where you put your hands on a cat especially if it is a female. You want to avoid the hind area because this makes them uncomfortable and they have a tendency to get uncomfortable when you touch them there.
cats make wonderful pets. If you teach them right from wrong when they are a kittens, they grow up knowing how to behave. It’s much harder to teach an older cat. If for the first year of its life a cat has been allowed on the table and then you try to train it, it will be confused as to why suddenly it is not supposed to do something that used to be ok.
Keep at it. The key to successful training of your cat is to be persistent. Training a cat successfully takes time.
Finally, remember that once you have your cat properly trained then they will be much easier to get along with.
A little investment of time and patience will pay off, in having a pet that you get along with much better. It may take time to train your cat but you will be glad you did.
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Skunks are considered to be pretty smart animals that can be trained in a similar fashion to how dogs are trained. Discover how to reward a pet skunk with food with information from a veterinarian in this free video on exotic pets and pet care.
Expert: Dr. James Talbott
Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn.
Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge
Duration : 0:1:29
There are many types of exotic pets available for purchase, but many of them aren’t legal in any state. Find out how to always research exotic pets with information from a veterinarian in this free video on exotic pets and pet care.
Expert: Dr. James Talbott
Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn.
Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge
Duration : 0:1:38