Since cats are such independent creatures, many people don't think of getting pet insurance for them. This is especially true if the cat is kept indoors because they are not as likely to get run over by a car.
The truth is that there are many potential health problems that will require a veterinarian's care. Insurance will help pay for some of the costs related to those health issues.
The costs that can become expensive begin when you first get your kitty and continue until it becomes an oldster.
One problem that can be prevented before it gets to the point of your pet needing surgery is hairballs. By simply giving a food that contains a hairball additive or by feeding an over-the-counter hairball remedy, you can prevent expensive surgery. Pet insurance will certainly help if your cat has gone past the preventative stage.
Kidney failure is another disease that cats are prone to. Senior cats are most likely to have this ailment. Vet bills can be astronomical in these cases.
Urinary tract infections are also common. Symptoms are varied. They will cry when going to the bathroom, or they "miss" the litter box. Treatment usually depends upon the type of urinary tract infection that they have. A veterinarian will have to do tests and kitty will need to be put on antibiotics.
Your cat could also develop upper respiratory problems, especially if they were gotten from the humane society. Symptoms are, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and eye weeping. If you have more than one cat, isolate the sick cat from other cats. Again, kitty will need veterinary care and most likely antibiotics.
Many cats are also prone to developing diabetes. This is when pet health insurance really comes in handy. Diabetes is an extremely expensive cat disease.
Then, there are cat allergies. No, not your allergy to your cat but your cat's allergy to things it breathes or comes into contact with. He or she can become allergic to the dust of their litter box litter, air fresheners, dust, household cleaners or other airborne particles.
A cat with allergies can't be treated with over-the-counter medicines. They must be treated by a vet who can test kitty to get to the cause of the allergy.
Other medical problems that cats can get are parasites, liver disease, infections, cancers, poisonings and pancreatitis. Blood tests will have to be done to find out what problems your cat may have that are causing its symptoms. Take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if it suffers from abdominal pain, elevated heart rate or high fever.
Any cat that is sick should be encouraged to drink water. Water will help wash out any toxins that your cat may have gotten into. It will also lower a high fever. Sometimes, just giving a cat water will help flush its kidneys and reduce the amount of treatment it must receive from a vet.
As you can see, cats can develop many of the same diseases that humans can. And they can be nearly as expensive to cure. Pet insurance can help alleviate some of the expenses associated with all of this veterinarian care.
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
The Loyal Working Companion Dog: American Pit Bull Terrier
This kind of dog is known for its aggressiveness to other dogs but as a pet they will be your companion. These dogs are well known for their intelligence and loyalty and are also very protective of their owners. Many people mistake them for staffies, which is short for Staffordshire terrier but this is not a staffie. An American pit bull terrier is a mix of two dogs, a terrier and bulldog. They are of their own kind and cannot and should not be referred to as staffies. I have seen the UKC shows and I have never seen a pit bull on it.
These are some things that the owner may want to know about pit bulls. They are classified as terriers by the kennel organizations, hence the full name, American Pit Bull Terrier. They are equally happy indoors or outdoors, although we tend to keep ours indoors the majority of the time because they love being around us. They are very social dogs and will go bonkers if you don't give them a lot of attention.
These are also short haired dogs with coats that are shiny and smooth although they do come in a great variety of colors. We currently have a female that is black with a white chest and nose and another that is the desired red nose variety that is red all over. He also has golden eyes and is one of the most beautiful pits I have ever seen.
American Pit Bull Terriers vary greatly in size as well. The dog that my son has is only around 45 pounds while his father was about 90 pounds. They range from thirty to over one hundred pounds depending on their lineage and are usually from 18 to 24 inches tall although I have seen some larger.
As with any dog they should be bathed on a regular basis to keep them clean and free of irritants. You should also brush them twice a month and rub them down with a towel or rag to shake off loose hair. Also be sure that they get plenty of exercise so that they will sleep well at night. If you are exercising them in public always keep them on a leash to avoid any accidents.
Due to their fierce loyalty and protectiveness it is best that you socialize the animals with as many people and other animals as possible when they are young. If you do this you will avoid the problems that many people have with them when they are older. I have had several and none of them have been aggressive. It is all in how you raise them.
These are some things that the owner may want to know about pit bulls. They are classified as terriers by the kennel organizations, hence the full name, American Pit Bull Terrier. They are equally happy indoors or outdoors, although we tend to keep ours indoors the majority of the time because they love being around us. They are very social dogs and will go bonkers if you don't give them a lot of attention.
These are also short haired dogs with coats that are shiny and smooth although they do come in a great variety of colors. We currently have a female that is black with a white chest and nose and another that is the desired red nose variety that is red all over. He also has golden eyes and is one of the most beautiful pits I have ever seen.
American Pit Bull Terriers vary greatly in size as well. The dog that my son has is only around 45 pounds while his father was about 90 pounds. They range from thirty to over one hundred pounds depending on their lineage and are usually from 18 to 24 inches tall although I have seen some larger.
As with any dog they should be bathed on a regular basis to keep them clean and free of irritants. You should also brush them twice a month and rub them down with a towel or rag to shake off loose hair. Also be sure that they get plenty of exercise so that they will sleep well at night. If you are exercising them in public always keep them on a leash to avoid any accidents.
Due to their fierce loyalty and protectiveness it is best that you socialize the animals with as many people and other animals as possible when they are young. If you do this you will avoid the problems that many people have with them when they are older. I have had several and none of them have been aggressive. It is all in how you raise them.
2008年8月12日星期二
Solving Problem Puppy Behaviors
If you have ever had a puppy you know that there will be some problem behaviors that have to be corrected. These are always much easier to nip them in the bud while they are young rather than trying to break the bad habits as they grow older.
Jumping up on people is one of the problem behaviors that lots of people inadvertently encourage by mistake. It is cute when it is a small puppy that is jumping and all excited to see you. It makes you feel good that your new puppy has this much affection for you.
While this may be cute on a little puppy when they grow into a large dog it can be quite dangerous for a child or even an adult.
To stop this behavior place the puppy down on its feet gently as soon as it jumps up. Once your puppy remains still for a bit praise them extensively.
It is also helpful to give the puppy an alternative to jumping such as giving you his paw. This allows them to get your attention in a positive way.
Another problem that is much easier addressed earlier than later is teaching your puppy not to pull on the leash. It is definitely much easier to control and train a 10 pound puppy than a 100 pound dog.
The first thing that needs to be taught in any training of a puppy is to heel or walk by you on a loose leash rather pulling and tugging. This is much easier to do by employing a head collaror training collar.
To start just start walking and anytime your puppy decides to charge ahead just change direction and allow some slack as soon as the puppy changes direction to follow you. It is important that you don't allow the puppy to pull at the lash and try to hold them back as this will teach them the wrong lesson.
Once your puppy understands the heel command you can then consider further training.
Jumping up on people is one of the problem behaviors that lots of people inadvertently encourage by mistake. It is cute when it is a small puppy that is jumping and all excited to see you. It makes you feel good that your new puppy has this much affection for you.
While this may be cute on a little puppy when they grow into a large dog it can be quite dangerous for a child or even an adult.
To stop this behavior place the puppy down on its feet gently as soon as it jumps up. Once your puppy remains still for a bit praise them extensively.
It is also helpful to give the puppy an alternative to jumping such as giving you his paw. This allows them to get your attention in a positive way.
Another problem that is much easier addressed earlier than later is teaching your puppy not to pull on the leash. It is definitely much easier to control and train a 10 pound puppy than a 100 pound dog.
The first thing that needs to be taught in any training of a puppy is to heel or walk by you on a loose leash rather pulling and tugging. This is much easier to do by employing a head collaror training collar.
To start just start walking and anytime your puppy decides to charge ahead just change direction and allow some slack as soon as the puppy changes direction to follow you. It is important that you don't allow the puppy to pull at the lash and try to hold them back as this will teach them the wrong lesson.
Once your puppy understands the heel command you can then consider further training.
2008年8月11日星期一
Training Your Dog To Drop At A Distance
Before you attempt to make your dog drop at a distance, teach her first to drop directly in front of you on the first command and on the first signal.
With the dog on leash, facing you, hold the leash in your left hand (it is presumed, of course, that your dog already knows how to lie down as outlined in The Complete Novice Obedience Course). without moving your body, command "Down!"
Use a quiet tone of voice and follow the command with "Good Girl!" The praise is important! It encourages the dog to obey without leash correction. If one is necessary, it will be more favorably received.
If your dog obeys the first command to lie down, go to your right, circle around in back, and while she is in the down position, pat her. If the command is ignored, quickly stamp on the leash with your right foot to get her down, giving extra praise.
Circle around, pat her, but don't let her get up until you give her permission. With a small dog, or one that is extra sensitive, tap the leash more gently.
After your dog lies down on voice command, tell her "Sit!" This time raise your right hand (this is the signal used by right-handed people to make the dog lie down) and follow the signal with "Good Girl!" If your dog isn't down by the time your hand is raised with fingers pointing UP, stamp on the leash or bump the palm of the raised hand against the dog's nose, with extra praise.
Say "down!" at the same time, then circle around to heel position and pat her while she is lying down. The important things to remember are these: Give the command without body motion; when you use the signal, raise your hand, wait, then make the correction; and whether you use your hand or your foot to get your dog down, give praise!
The way you give the signal is also important. Lift your hand quickly, then lower it slowly while the dog is in the process of going down. If you drop the hand too fast, it will look like the signal to come and your dog could be confused.
When your dog will lie down immediately on a single command, and will do the same when you give the signal, try it without the leash, but stay close to your dog. Give the command or signal once, then follow with praise. The praise can be dropped after the dog has learned to react immediately, but during the teaching, praise should accompany the voice and the hand gesture.
When the leash is off, and the command or signal is ignored, the bump on the nose is an effective correction. Return to heel position each time your dog goes down; pat her or give her a tasty morsel so she will associate something pleasant with the prone position.
Gradually increase the distance you stand away, but only if your dog will drop immediately, on a single command or signal, a distance equal to the length of the leash. With the dog some distance away, the voice now becomes the correction. When the command or signal is ignored, give the second command demandingly.
The ultimate goal for the drop in the distance should be twenty-five to thirty feet, to prepare your dog for drop on recall.
If you still have trouble making your dog lie down at a distance, fasten a long line to her collar and run the line through a ring in the floor, or one placed in the ground. Ask an assistant to hold the end of the line at a distance (or hold the line yourself). Tell your dog "Stay!" Face her, then give the signal or the command to lie down. If she remains sitting, the pull on the line will put her down. Return, make her sit, and give her praise.
With the dog on leash, facing you, hold the leash in your left hand (it is presumed, of course, that your dog already knows how to lie down as outlined in The Complete Novice Obedience Course). without moving your body, command "Down!"
Use a quiet tone of voice and follow the command with "Good Girl!" The praise is important! It encourages the dog to obey without leash correction. If one is necessary, it will be more favorably received.
If your dog obeys the first command to lie down, go to your right, circle around in back, and while she is in the down position, pat her. If the command is ignored, quickly stamp on the leash with your right foot to get her down, giving extra praise.
Circle around, pat her, but don't let her get up until you give her permission. With a small dog, or one that is extra sensitive, tap the leash more gently.
After your dog lies down on voice command, tell her "Sit!" This time raise your right hand (this is the signal used by right-handed people to make the dog lie down) and follow the signal with "Good Girl!" If your dog isn't down by the time your hand is raised with fingers pointing UP, stamp on the leash or bump the palm of the raised hand against the dog's nose, with extra praise.
Say "down!" at the same time, then circle around to heel position and pat her while she is lying down. The important things to remember are these: Give the command without body motion; when you use the signal, raise your hand, wait, then make the correction; and whether you use your hand or your foot to get your dog down, give praise!
The way you give the signal is also important. Lift your hand quickly, then lower it slowly while the dog is in the process of going down. If you drop the hand too fast, it will look like the signal to come and your dog could be confused.
When your dog will lie down immediately on a single command, and will do the same when you give the signal, try it without the leash, but stay close to your dog. Give the command or signal once, then follow with praise. The praise can be dropped after the dog has learned to react immediately, but during the teaching, praise should accompany the voice and the hand gesture.
When the leash is off, and the command or signal is ignored, the bump on the nose is an effective correction. Return to heel position each time your dog goes down; pat her or give her a tasty morsel so she will associate something pleasant with the prone position.
Gradually increase the distance you stand away, but only if your dog will drop immediately, on a single command or signal, a distance equal to the length of the leash. With the dog some distance away, the voice now becomes the correction. When the command or signal is ignored, give the second command demandingly.
The ultimate goal for the drop in the distance should be twenty-five to thirty feet, to prepare your dog for drop on recall.
If you still have trouble making your dog lie down at a distance, fasten a long line to her collar and run the line through a ring in the floor, or one placed in the ground. Ask an assistant to hold the end of the line at a distance (or hold the line yourself). Tell your dog "Stay!" Face her, then give the signal or the command to lie down. If she remains sitting, the pull on the line will put her down. Return, make her sit, and give her praise.
2008年8月7日星期四
Lhasa Apso Puppy And Dog Information
The Lhasa Apso makes a beautiful family pet. She can live in an apartment as long as she gets walked for exercise. She makes a good watch dog and gets along well with other pets. She likes older, respectful children. She is a faithful family pet. She is generally healthy but does needs quite a bit of grooming.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lhasa Apso is 10 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 13 to 15 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lhasa Apso is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the lookout for ear infections, bleeding ulcers, kidney problems, allergic reactions to fleas and hip dysplasia. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lhasa Apso has a long, straight, hard and very dense coat. She should be brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Some people clip the coat to lower grooming time.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lhasa Apso can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet where they were kept by the rich as watch dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1935.
Some Registries:
*The American Lhasa Apso Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 5 Lhasa Apso puppies
Terms To Describe: Wary of stranger, happy, hardy, gentle, intelligent, affectionate,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Excellent watch dog.
Very gentle.
Beautiful coat.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
High coat maintenance.
Can be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Tibetan Apso, Bark Lion Sentinel Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lhasa Apso is 10 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 13 to 15 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lhasa Apso is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the lookout for ear infections, bleeding ulcers, kidney problems, allergic reactions to fleas and hip dysplasia. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lhasa Apso has a long, straight, hard and very dense coat. She should be brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Some people clip the coat to lower grooming time.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lhasa Apso can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet where they were kept by the rich as watch dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1935.
Some Registries:
*The American Lhasa Apso Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 5 Lhasa Apso puppies
Terms To Describe: Wary of stranger, happy, hardy, gentle, intelligent, affectionate,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Excellent watch dog.
Very gentle.
Beautiful coat.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
High coat maintenance.
Can be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Tibetan Apso, Bark Lion Sentinel Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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