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    Red Eared Slider Tank Building Made Easy

    Thursday, January 7th, 2010

    Things That Are Needed in Your Red Eared Slider’s Tank

    When putting together your red eared slider tank, you should know the proper equipment that is required. Its tank, or aquarium, should be anywhere from 20 to 50 gallons to start, depending upon its size and needs. As a rule of thumb, it’s actually best to have about ten gallons of water per inch of turtle. For instance, an eight inch turtle should be in an eighty gallon tank. This is the best size for the optimum health of your red eared slider.

    There should be both water and “land”. The water should ideally be deep enough for your turtle to submerse itself completely. Remember that red eared sliders are aquatic turtles, so they spend a great deal of time in the water. However, remember that they CANNOT breathe under water, so it is important for them to have “land” to rest on. The land should consist of non-organic material such as rocks. Also, avoid putting wood chips in the tank, as the turtle may ingest them (very bad) or they may rot or grow fungus.

    To keep the water clean, you can opt for a filtering system. In the absence of one, you will need to watch your turtle’s tank water to ensure that it remains clean. If there is too much of your turtle’s waste it can make it sick and unhealthy.

    As a cautionary note, it is important to keep in mind that if you do have an automatic filtration system, it is not set to suck in water too hard. If your turtle gets caught in the system and stays submerged for too long, it can drown.

    Finding The Right Temperature For Your Red Eared Slider Tank

    You need to make sure you are keeping your red eared slider tank at the right temperature. Keeping your indoor red eared slider warm is important. 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature at which to keep your turtle. Lowering the temperature 5 to 10 degrees at night is also an option. A heat lamp is a good way to keep the tank at the right temperature.

    You should avoid dramatic shifts in temperature for your turtle. This can happen when you move a turtle from indoor to outdoor, or vice versa. Turtles can be sensitive to sudden environmental changes due to the fact that they are cold-blooded. To learn more about red eared sliders and how to build a red eared slider tank, click on the link above.

    Byron Joseph is a recognized expert in the field of raising red eared sliders and has owned them for over three decades. For more information on building a red eared slider tank, see the link above. For a complete, comprehensive resource that covers every aspect of caring for your turtle, check out www.turtlecaresite.com. You’ll find that it is the one resource you cannot do without.

    Common Dog Diseases to Watch Out For

    Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

    Dogs are definitely great animals to have around as pets. We usually equate them with fun and happy-go-lucky times, and well we should. However, we must be knowledgeable about the common dog diseases that may fall upon our dog so we will know how to treat them when the need arises. Here are several dog diseases and symptoms that we should avoid.

    Heartworm is a common ailment that besets canines, especially puppies. It is primarily caused by mosquitoes and the infection it brings is transmitted in the bloodstream and enters the vital organs like the heart and lungs. When this is left untreated, it could eventually lead to congestive heart failure. Watch out for unusual cough and lethargy in the animal.

    Parvovirus attacks the intestines of the canine and is considered one of the most fatal and common dog diseases for them to have. Dogs that catch this are usually those that are often in dirty and unsanitary places. Virus enters their system through fecal matter and its symptoms manifest quickly. If the canine have a decreased appetite, is vomiting, has severe bloody diarrhea and is lethargic, have him checked immediately. Parvovirus is a dangerous and fast acting disease which can cause death within a few days of contamination.

    Another extremely harmful disease caused by unsanitary surroundings is distemper. There is no cure found for distemper yet and there is only a fifty percent survival rate for adult dogs that catch this ailment. Symptoms that follow distemper include diarrhea, coughing, chest congestion and abnormal discharge from the eyes and nose of the dog.

    Rabies is a viral disease commonly associated with dogs although raccoons, cats and bats are also carriers of this disease. It hits the nervous system of the dog and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal. Initially, the dog will have slow eye reflexes and be feverish. Aggressive behavior and a breakdown of the canine’s motor movements ensue after the first phase. When the animal is found to have rabies, he needs to be euthanized immediately.

    Bloat is a dog disease that happens when the canine overeats or consumes his food too fast. The animal’s stomach becomes twisted and this traps gas as well as cuts off the blood supply needed. This is really painful for the dog and will frequently lead to a fast death. Be attentive during mealtimes that your dog doesn’t eat too quickly or too much at once. Some indicators of this disease are dry heaving, restlessness and depression.

    Studies show that many of our pets are susceptible to obesity. While it is not generally a fatal condition, it complicates many dog medical conditions and is harmful to its general health. Obese dogs suffer more stress in their vital organs and will be a higher risk if they ever need to be operated on. A good nutritional diet will be beneficial for their over-all health.

    The above dog diseases and symptoms will help you arrest whatever condition your dog may have but establishing preventive measures is better. Keep them healthy and strong with exercise, a good diet, a clean environment and regular trips to the vet.

    Being aware of common dog diseases is essential to keep your pet as healthy as possible. Discover important information on dog diseases and symptoms that can help save your dog’s life one day.

    What are Pet Amphibians?

    Monday, December 28th, 2009

    Amphibians are more than just frogs. They are some of the most colorful pets that you can imagine, and watching them can provide hours of fun. Not only is the amphibian pet enjoyable, but you can also plant the terrarium to make it an attractive feature. And one positive is that these animals are very easy to keep.

    Amphibians and distinguished by the fact that they can live on both water and land. Usually they spend the first part of their lives in the water, and the next stage of their development on land. In fact the name amphibian comes from this trait, with amphi being the Greek for life, and bios the word for both. When you look at your pet amphibian, you should realize that amphibians set foot on earth long before any mammals, and that they are the link between man and fish.

    Amphibians are ectotherms which means that they rely on the external environment for warmth. So if you keep one as a pet you may need to provide a heat mat or lamp, depending on the species. In the wild amphibians hibernate to avoid cold temperatures. Their amazing range of colors is for the purpose of camouflage, and to ward off predators. The moist skin of an amphibian is shed/sloughed from time to time, and they generally eat their old skin. Tropical pets like amphibians exhibit some interesting characteristics! [youtube:3lYWYt1Fb8w;[link:Amphibian Video];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lYWYt1Fb8w&feature=related]

    All amphibians are vertebrates, which means that they have full skeletons, from their skulls, right down to their toes. Generally amphibians eat by swallowing so they don’t always have teeth, and the bigger species that do have teeth tend to use them to hold their prey, rather than to chew.

    When it comes to reproduction amphibians produce soft, jelly eggs and they lay them in water. These eggs are in clumps and they are laid by the thousands as amphibians tend to congregate in the same places to lay their eggs. Despite the fact that masses of eggs are laid, only a few eggs survive to the next stage of thee life cycle. Not only are there many natural predators, but also schoolchildren wanting to bring frogs home.

    These are just a few basic pieces of information about these exotic pet amphibians. You will learn more if you decide to keep them. One final interesting fact is that they both breath and drink through their skin. So make sure you provide them with good quality water as this water-permeable skin makes them very sensitive to their environment.

    For more details on the fascinating world of tropical pets then why not look at with site http://www.squidoo.com/amphibians-exotic-pets. Happy reading!

    Homemade Kitten Food: Is Homemade Kitten Food Right For Your Cat?

    Friday, December 25th, 2009

    Lets start with the cons first and then go to the pros.

    Making your own homemade kitten food will take you more time then simply opening a bag or can of kitten food. There is nothing simpler then pouring premade food into your kittens bowl. Making your own food will require you to spend time making it every few days.

    On the other side, the more used to making homemade kitten food you are the less time it will take you to make it and it has been proven that the more your cats diet resembles his natural diet in the wild, the healthier and longer your cat will live.

    In the beginning, making your own kitten food can be more costly. A kittens diet consists of raw meat and vegetables.

    Over time you will actually save money by feeding your cat homemade kitten food. When your cat gets the nutrition his body needs he has a stronger immune system so he will get sick much less often. That means less money on vet bills. You will still have to get your kitten his shots but you will be taking a sick cat to the vet a whole lot less. Also, when your kitten gets the nutrition he needs he will eat less everyday.

    You can’t just start feeding your cat homemade food because some of our food is actually poison to him. Make sure you do your homework first and do it thoroughly.

    Garlic, onions, and tomatoes are poison. Cats should not eat any thing that is in the same food group as onions and garlic. Kittens are also lactose intolerant and where as it won’t kill them it will make them sick and that would defeat the purpose of feeding your cat homemade food.

    Just like anything else, after you learn the rules and follow them, they become second nature so you won’t even have to think about them.

    Giving your kitten homemade cat food will allow your kitten to live a long, healthier life. Feed your kitten homemade kitten food.

    School For Dogs

    Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

    Are you thinking about bringing home a new canine addition to the family? If so, you will want to make sure you are prepared for the proper training and tools necessary to make sure the addition transitions well. While you can opt to train your dog yourself, if you don’t have experience it may be well worth taking a dog training course with your puppy.

    If you already have a dog, perhaps you have seen the show “It’s Me or the Dog” and thought – that sounds like me! If your dog is running your house, perhaps you should consider dog training school. Many times dogs misbehave not because they are bad, but because the owners don’t know how to train them properly. Investing in a training program for you and your pooch will create a happy and peaceful relationship.

    Often, pet owners get caught in a power struggle with their dog. Learning the right body language, tone of voice, and reward system for your dog are essential to keep you in control. Owning a dog is like being a parent, and some well given advise can save the day.

    Dog obedience school will provide both puppies and grown dogs the chance to socialize with other canines. Learning to interact with other dogs properly is important when taking your dog out for a walk. Going through a course will also introduce the owner to other owners for the opportunity to develop friendships, and possibly even find a playgroup for your dog.

    Being enrolled in a dog training class also allows owner and dog to learn commands in a premium environment. An instructor can teach the owner how to speak to the dog, as well as demonstrating body language that will yield results from your commands. While some of these tips may be simple, an instructor can facilitate the right responses and help give pointers for things that need work.

    In a classroom setting, the dog will be learning in a busy environment with distractions. This means that the skills should transfer easily to the home environment where there are not other things going on. Unlike teaching skills at home, where they may be quickly forgotten once distractions are introduced, the classroom offers multiple benefits.

    Taking your dog through obedience training will provide a satisfying relationship. A well trained dog is more secure, better behaved, and confident. Being able to trust the owner and expectations will provide a long lasting relationship with your loyal friend. Dogs that have been through obedience training are safer around friends and children, while preventing unacceptable behaviors.

    Once your dog is well trained, enjoy the benefits of pet ownership. Owning a dog will reduce your risks of illness, and provides a great outlet for exercise and social interaction as well. That will benefit you and your dog!

    Answers to your dog health questions. See our site for more articles.

    Small Dog Syndrome – Is Your Small Dog A Headache?

    Friday, December 18th, 2009

    Small dogs are little canines usually with big personalities. However, they can also become big problems if you don’t train them the way you should. If you let them, they can develop what is called small dog syndrome.

    It’s fairly easy to spot a dog that has this problem. They can be especially loud, overly protective, and extremely aggressive.

    The size of a small dog makes it better able to get away with bad behavior much more easily than a large dog. After one bark from a huge dog, the owner will probably want them to stop, but with a small dog they can easily keep yapping and yapping and be ignored.

    Many owners don’t see their dogs as pets, but as babies. Small dogs have a great reputation of being adorable and loving little creatures. Owners that treat their dogs like babies will often pick them up when they do something wrong and coddle them.

    As you can see, it is easy to let a cute, cuddly, small dog act out of control. When a newcomer comes to the house it is easy to let them keep yapping away without correcting their behavior.

    How a dog acts on your lap can tell if they have small dog syndrome. Nipping or barking at anyone that gets close to you may be seen as protective behavior, but in reality it is the dog’s way of saying that they own this human.

    Why do they act this way? Is it because of their size? A dog acts like this because it is allowed to act like that. If it was trained not to and not allowed to continue the bad behavior it would no longer be acting like a tiny terror.

    Small dog syndrome is not permanent unless you continue to let them get away with it. With consistent training and discipline your dog will learn it can’t act that way, and become a happier and better behaved companion.

    Yorkies Galore offers many adorable Yorkie Poo puppies for sale. Also, you can go there to learn about training older dogs.

    Do You Have Pet Insurance?

    Friday, December 11th, 2009

    Surprisingly not many pet owners actually bother to organize vpi pet insurance or any other type of pet insurance. This could be considered odd when you think about how important health insurance is to people.

    Contrary to the belief of many, pet insurance is an important monthly expense; pet owners soon learn how costly it is when they require treatment if they haven’t taken out any pet insurance. No area is immune for price increases and vets fees are no exception.

    So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider cover for your pets. Unfortunately, domestic animals become sick from time to time or are involved in an accident; when this happens, the cost of treatment may even cause financial strain.

    If you are in this unenviable position then a choice may have to be made; the last thing you should have to deal with is the stress over the expense of saving your animal.

    I remember a few years ago when the vet told me that it would cost in the vicinity of $2,500 dollars to save my dog; all I could think about at the time was whether he was worth the cost, that’s awful, isn’t it? Medical science cannot cure everything and pets are vulnerable too; operations on animals can go wrong sometimes.

    The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully; no-one wants this to cause them financial problems. Raising (sometimes) large sums of money can be prove to be financially embarrassing especially when you are have money problems; which could mean contacting a relative or friend for the money.

    Financial difficulties are the number one reason why pets do not receive proper attention; owners with pet insurance do not have these concerns because they have whatever treatment they need. Although pet healthcare insurance costs are rising they are not going to break the bank; plans are still affordable, especially when you consider the alternative.

    You can choose from a range of pet health insurance services; discounts are often available should you decide to place all household pets all on one policy to reduce the monthly cost. All pet owners should think carefully about what pet insurance provision they have made for their pet.

    Discover more on the kinds of pet insurance choices that are available. You could be pleasantly surprised by the variety of reasonably priced pet insurance plans there are.

    Dog Training Aids for Your Dog Training Sessions

    Monday, December 7th, 2009

    The art of persuasion is a good skill to develop when dog training. Your voice is the most important aspect of this skill. It’s important to use your dog’s name before each command, and to use a persuasive tone of voice. Keep your tone of voice low and pleasant, but also firm.

    Talk constantly to your dog when dog training. When training your dog to retrieve, you’ll need to persuade him to take an item from you. Great dog training aids for this are very light dumbbells. As soon as your dog starts to take the dumbbell, immediately praise him with a happy and excited voice. And don’t forget to pet him as well.

    Always keep a happy tone with your dog when training. Becoming angry will never assist in your training efforts. It will only serve to confuse your dog and make him anxious.

    Dogs want to please their owners. It is their prime motivation. So if your dog does not understand your commands immediately, it’s not because he’s being naughty or disobedient. He just doesn’t grasp what you’re asking him.

    Once your dog understands what it is you’re attempting to train him to do, he will be more than happy to repeat the action – probably over and over again. One thing you can be almost certain of is that you will get bored before your dog does!

    If your dog does not understand that you want him to take the dumbbell (or whichever other dog training aids you’re using), it may be necessary to gently place the dumbbell in his mouth and then gently hold his jaws closed by placing both your hands around his muzzle. Be careful not to bang your dog’s teeth on the dumbbell.

    Dog training sessions are a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time with yoru dog. Yes, dog training takes time and effort. It sometimes takes considerable patience. But always bear in mind that dog training should be a fun time for your and your dog.

    Once you have placed the dumbbell in your dog’s mouth several times, encourage your dog to take the dumbbell from your hand himself.

    Once your dog understands the taking of the dumbbell, you need to extend the reach of the item. Place the dumbbell on the ground in front of your dog and ask him to “Retrieve” or “Fetch”. Then start moving the dumbell further and further away from him. Your dog will soon get the idea.

    What are the more important features of dog training? Find out what they are, and how dog training aids can help when training your dog to retrieve, to fetch, and much more.

    Why Your Dog Loves Homemade Dog Food

    Sunday, December 6th, 2009

    Much like people in America, dogs in America are becoming fatter and fatter. While they live happily with their owners, many dogs are less active and eat worse diets than just a decade or two ago. This causes more illnesses, higher vet bills, and shorter life spans of many family dogs. Some dog owners have started their pets on diets that are tailored to meet their pet’s special dietary needs. First, the owner must research what the ideal food is for meals, snacks and treats. Once they have collected enough dog information, the owner can guarantee that his/her beloved pet is getting the nutrition it needs.

    Some dog owners have started to use their own dog information to help them make their own food and treats for their dog. This has to be done very carefully, since learning how to make your own dog food can actually hurt your dog if you do not make it correctly. Your dog may not be able to digest certain meats or fats, for instance. There are also some foods that can harm your dog, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, bread dough and anything that contains mold.

    Some companies will make an all natural dog food for you. These companies have done the necessary research and they know your dog information, especially the vitamins and minerals your dog has to have to survive and be healthy. They are also aware of what foods your dog should avoid as they make him sick. Some companies, such as Flint River Ranch Dog Food, make human grade dog food, which means a person can eat it without becoming ill.

    Today you can buy dog treats that are safe enough for people to eat. Specialist pet bakeries create these snacks and bake them just as if they were cookies or bread. Ask your pet bakery if you can bring your dog in for samples so you may buy the dog treats he loves most. Whatever you decide to feed your dog, make sure that you do your research to give your dog the best possible life. Plenty of water, rest, and exercise are all part of having a healthy pet and keeping him healthy. Remember that we are our pets’ best friends and they need us to make wise decisions for them.

    Today, family dogs are fatter and more unhealthy than just a decade or two ago. This is mostly attributed to being less active and eating less healthy diets. Many people feed their dogs special diets after they determine what foods their dogs need to eat, both for regular meals and for special treats. This dog information allows them to be sure that they are feeding their dogs properly. Some companies, such as flint river ranch dog food, make human grade dog food, which means a person can eat it without becoming ill. Alternatively, you can make your own dog food at home.

    Great dog information online, includes resources on homemade dog food, or the premium dog food called Flint River Ranch dog food.

    Why a Dog Health Diagnosis is Crucial

    Saturday, December 5th, 2009

    Your dog is more than your pet. He is your best friend, companion, and protector. When he is not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is worry that there is something seriously wrong. Therefore, off you go to the veterinarian for a dog health diagnosis.

    No matter is your dog is sick or not, a trip to the vet should be done on a regular basis. The veterinarian will show you things to look out for and to check, especially if you think your dog is sick. When visiting the vet, your dog should undergo a few procedures to make sure that he will continue to be healthy.

    Dogs should always be vaccinated. Several diseases are the culprits behind many dog deaths. Your dog should have his rabies shots, distemper, and treatments for fleas. Older dogs can have asthma or even a form of Alzheimer’s which is best treated by your vet. The importance of having regular check-ups for your faithful friend cannot be stressed enough.

    Sometimes, the dog can even get the same illnesses that we get. For example, dogs can suffer from the common cold as well as a full-on fever, and sadly, even cancer. The most important thing is to make sure that your dog is continuing to be healthy. The best way to do this is to have regular check-ups with the vet.

    When you keep your pet in the best health possible, you will find that he/she will be much happier, and so will you. Having a dog that mopes around or acts sick is very worrisome for pet owners. Dogs generally act just as a sick child would who is too young to be able to express what is wrong. When your dog isn’t feeling the best, he/she can’t tell you that it’s a stomach ache or a headache.

    He is relying on you to make sure he is healthy the same as he depends on you for being fed, walked, bathed, and loved. There are many things you can do to keep your friend feeling great and preventing serious illness. Your vet may recommend natural remedies to keep your dog in top health.

    Making sure his diet is one that is recommended for his age and his particular needs can make the difference between having an energetic, healthy pet and one that does not feel like playing or leaving his bed. You should avoid commercial brands of dog food that have high concentrates of sugar and preservatives. Exercise cannot be stressed enough, and look at it this way. It is as healthy for you as it is for your dog.

    When you take your dog to the vet, a dog health diagnosis is the best way to be sure that there aren’t any serious problems. Even little problems can become serious. After all is said and done, your dog will be able to be happy and live out a long life as your faithful companion and protector.

    Discover the facts about holistic dog health and dog health diagnosis to improve dog health in your dog, visit HealthierDogs.com

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