Pigs were domesticated thousands of years ago. They are farmed for their meat and hides. There are still many wild pigs, like the wild boar, the warthog, and the bushpig. Pigs are found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica.
Names: Pigs are also called hogs or swine. The adult female is called a sow. The adult male is called a boar. A baby is called a piglet.
Anatomy: Pigs vary in color from brown, black, white, to pinkish. Some wild pigs have large tusks, overgrown teeth used for fighting and digging for food.
Diet: Pigs are omnivores . They eat a variety of plants and small animals.
Classification: Class Mammalia, Order Artiodactyla, Family Suidae.
A pig has a snout for a nose, small eyes, and a small tail, which may be curly, kinked, or straight. It has a thick body, short legs, and coarse hair. There are four toes on each foot, with the two large middle toes used for walking.
pigs are omnivores, which means that they consume both plants and animals. Pigs will scavenge and have been known to eat any kind of food, including dead insects, worms, tree bark, rotting carcasses, garbage, and even other pigs. In the wild, they are foraging animals, primarily eating leaves, grasses, roots, fruits and flowers. Occasionally while in captivity, pigs may eat their own young if they become severely stressed. A typical pigs has a large head with a long snout which is strengthened by a special bone called the prenasal bone and by a disk of cartilage in the tip.The snout is used to dig into the soil to find food and is a very sensitive sense organ.
Pigs have a full set of 44 teeth. The canine teeth, called tusks, grow continually and are sharpened by the lowers and uppers rubbing against each other.
Pigs that are allowed to forage may be watched by swineherds. Because of their foraging abilities and excellent sense of smell, they are used to find truffles in many European countries. Domesticated pigs are commonly raised as livestock by farmers for meat , as well as for leather. Their bristly hairs are also used for brushes. Some breeds of pigs, such as the Asian pot-bellied pigs, are kept as pets.
Breeding occurs throughout the year in the tropics, but births peak around rainy seasons. A female pigs can become pregnant at around 8-18 months of age. She will then go into estrus every 21 days if not bred. Male pigs become sexually active at 8-10 months of age. A litter of piglets typically contains between 6 and 12 piglets. After the young are weaned, two or more families may come together until the next mating season.
Pigs do not have functional sweat glands,so pigs cool themselves using water or mud during hot weather. They also use mud as a form of sunscreen to protect their skin from sunburn. Mud also provides protection against flies and parasites.
Categories: types of pigs
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2008年9月17日星期三
2008年9月5日星期五
Pet Insurance – What's The Point?
A survey published by Mintel recently revealed that 1 in 3 pets need an unplanned visit to the vet every year. So the odds that you'll be making a claim on your pet insurance are higher than the chances of you claiming on your home & contents policy or your motor insurance.
The word “unplanned” is key here. We don't mean routine treatments such as vaccinations or worming, you won't find a pet insurance policy that covers preventative treatments. Nor you will you able to get cover for ‘elective treatments', like neutering for example. Basically, the common reasons for visiting the vet cannot be insured against.
As I'm sure you're aware, it's the unplanned visits that are the expensive ones! Animal care has progressed a lot in recent years, and all kinds of maladies can be treated, at a horrendous cost. Emergency care is always expensive, and if your cat gets run over, you could be looking at a bill of £700 or more. A series of X-rays could cost £400, and you don't want to know how much a MRI scan could set you back – oh go on then - £1,000! If Dickens the Daschund breaks a leg then it can be treated – but how much will it cost? It could be close to £1,500 - that's a lot of money!
Now we've established that most reasons for a visit to the vet cannot be covered by insurance, so what is included?
Well, pet insurance plans come in 3 main guises:
The value of the claim for each condition or event is capped;
The total annual payout cannot exceed a set amount;
The payout per condition is limited and ceases to cover your pet after twelve months of treatment. This is the cheapest option.
Virtually all pet insurance policies will pay out if your pet dies. As with other types of insurance, you will have to pay an excess if you make a claim, usually £50 -£100.
The cost of the policy depends on which type of policy you want, how much excess you are prepared to pay, the kind of pet you have, its breed (rare breeds are more expensive), its age and even your post-code can make a difference to the premium (vets cost more in Chelsea). It's difficult to estimate because of all the variables, but an industry estimate suggests premiums from £30 - £200 per year for a cat and £50 - £500 for a dog.
The cheapest insurance is directed at young pets, and seeing as most pets can be insured from 8 weeks old and you can then continue insurance for its lifespan, that's the best way to go. If your pet is already 8 or 9 years old when you decide to get it insured, it may be difficult to get worthwhile cover. This is mainly because the exclusions will list existing health conditions, and at that age, it is likely that your pet will have some known conditions. In any case, at that age a new policy will be more costly.
There are a few ways to lower the premiums - some insurers will discount insurance if your pet has an identity chip, and if you are insuring more than one pet, you will be able to get a quantity discount. These are widely available for your second and subsequent insured pets.
To get the cheapest premiums, browse the Internet for deals. The Internet is a great place for cheap insurance of all kinds - your home, your car or pet, your holiday – all just a click away.
The word “unplanned” is key here. We don't mean routine treatments such as vaccinations or worming, you won't find a pet insurance policy that covers preventative treatments. Nor you will you able to get cover for ‘elective treatments', like neutering for example. Basically, the common reasons for visiting the vet cannot be insured against.
As I'm sure you're aware, it's the unplanned visits that are the expensive ones! Animal care has progressed a lot in recent years, and all kinds of maladies can be treated, at a horrendous cost. Emergency care is always expensive, and if your cat gets run over, you could be looking at a bill of £700 or more. A series of X-rays could cost £400, and you don't want to know how much a MRI scan could set you back – oh go on then - £1,000! If Dickens the Daschund breaks a leg then it can be treated – but how much will it cost? It could be close to £1,500 - that's a lot of money!
Now we've established that most reasons for a visit to the vet cannot be covered by insurance, so what is included?
Well, pet insurance plans come in 3 main guises:
The value of the claim for each condition or event is capped;
The total annual payout cannot exceed a set amount;
The payout per condition is limited and ceases to cover your pet after twelve months of treatment. This is the cheapest option.
Virtually all pet insurance policies will pay out if your pet dies. As with other types of insurance, you will have to pay an excess if you make a claim, usually £50 -£100.
The cost of the policy depends on which type of policy you want, how much excess you are prepared to pay, the kind of pet you have, its breed (rare breeds are more expensive), its age and even your post-code can make a difference to the premium (vets cost more in Chelsea). It's difficult to estimate because of all the variables, but an industry estimate suggests premiums from £30 - £200 per year for a cat and £50 - £500 for a dog.
The cheapest insurance is directed at young pets, and seeing as most pets can be insured from 8 weeks old and you can then continue insurance for its lifespan, that's the best way to go. If your pet is already 8 or 9 years old when you decide to get it insured, it may be difficult to get worthwhile cover. This is mainly because the exclusions will list existing health conditions, and at that age, it is likely that your pet will have some known conditions. In any case, at that age a new policy will be more costly.
There are a few ways to lower the premiums - some insurers will discount insurance if your pet has an identity chip, and if you are insuring more than one pet, you will be able to get a quantity discount. These are widely available for your second and subsequent insured pets.
To get the cheapest premiums, browse the Internet for deals. The Internet is a great place for cheap insurance of all kinds - your home, your car or pet, your holiday – all just a click away.
2008年9月1日星期一
African Grey Parrot : One of the greates species of parrots
The African grey parrot scientifically known as Psittacus erithacus is originated in Central Africa. here are two types of African Greys - the larger Congo (has bright red tail feathers) and smaller Timneh (darker tail feathers). No one really knows when the grey african parrot was first found in Europe but it said that King Henry VIII had an African grey parrot as a pet.
The african grey parrot is a large bird that can grow to 12 to 14 inches in length. The Timneh subspecies is a little smaller. Their tails are quite short and they don't have very beautiful colored plumage. but all this is compensated by they intelligence.
I will try to talk a little about the african grey parrot behavior and training.
The Grey is a very social bird. In the wild, they depend on the flock for their safety and their emotional well-being. Because they depend on the flock so much, they read the emotion of their companion birds. This translates to their human companions as well. If an owner is upset or angry, the bird will feel it and react to the emotion.
African grey parrots really need much attention and interaction. Because of their dependence of the flock, if they stay alone they will get bored and depressed. If you don't spend enough time with an african grey parrot he will get the feather picking behavior or even become quite aggressive. So if you decide to buy an african grey parrot keep in mind that they are not lonely birds. African Grey parrots need a strong relationship with their owners. If you think that you are not able to make this commitment you should reconsider and buy another species of parrots.
But the most interesting aspect of the african grey parrot is that they are very intelligent. I have heard of a parrot called Alex that Alex, the African Grey trained by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, can perform tasks on the same level as a four year old child including distinguishing colors, shapes, and numbers of objects.
African grey parrots are also great talkers. They can learn a lager number of words and the most amazing thing is that they can use the words properly. If you think that we are talking about a bird's brain you have to agree that this are very good performances.
The training of your african grey parrot can be very fun because they learn very fast and they are very curious. If you want your bird to say a certain phrase, say it in different ways. Say it in a sing-song way, in a low voice, in a high voice, in a baby voice, or any other voice. Say the phrase looking directly at the bird so that he knows you want him to say it.
I advise you not to teach him dirty words. Don't make a joke from your pet. Also be careful to keep many toys around your african grey parrot so he will not get bored.
In conclusion, please don't buy an african grey parrot if you are not sure that you can meat all the parrot care demands.
The african grey parrot is a large bird that can grow to 12 to 14 inches in length. The Timneh subspecies is a little smaller. Their tails are quite short and they don't have very beautiful colored plumage. but all this is compensated by they intelligence.
I will try to talk a little about the african grey parrot behavior and training.
The Grey is a very social bird. In the wild, they depend on the flock for their safety and their emotional well-being. Because they depend on the flock so much, they read the emotion of their companion birds. This translates to their human companions as well. If an owner is upset or angry, the bird will feel it and react to the emotion.
African grey parrots really need much attention and interaction. Because of their dependence of the flock, if they stay alone they will get bored and depressed. If you don't spend enough time with an african grey parrot he will get the feather picking behavior or even become quite aggressive. So if you decide to buy an african grey parrot keep in mind that they are not lonely birds. African Grey parrots need a strong relationship with their owners. If you think that you are not able to make this commitment you should reconsider and buy another species of parrots.
But the most interesting aspect of the african grey parrot is that they are very intelligent. I have heard of a parrot called Alex that Alex, the African Grey trained by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, can perform tasks on the same level as a four year old child including distinguishing colors, shapes, and numbers of objects.
African grey parrots are also great talkers. They can learn a lager number of words and the most amazing thing is that they can use the words properly. If you think that we are talking about a bird's brain you have to agree that this are very good performances.
The training of your african grey parrot can be very fun because they learn very fast and they are very curious. If you want your bird to say a certain phrase, say it in different ways. Say it in a sing-song way, in a low voice, in a high voice, in a baby voice, or any other voice. Say the phrase looking directly at the bird so that he knows you want him to say it.
I advise you not to teach him dirty words. Don't make a joke from your pet. Also be careful to keep many toys around your african grey parrot so he will not get bored.
In conclusion, please don't buy an african grey parrot if you are not sure that you can meat all the parrot care demands.
2008年8月24日星期日
Improving Quality of Life for Canine Cancer Patients
When large organizations plan to sponsor studies in human cancer, they have a number of distinguished cancer centers to approach for their clinical trials. In the field of veterinary oncology, Angel Care Cancer Center's main hospital in Carlsbad, California offers diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities that are comparable to, and in many ways superior to, those at the finest human cancer centers in the world.
A client education booklet published by the center notes there is much evidence to support supplementation with omega-3 (n-3 series) fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long chain fatty acid that has been shown to have a number of benefits for the veterinary cancer patient. Most notably, DHA:
Can inhibit tumor growth and development. Appears to be important in reducing radiation and chemotherapy induced toxicity while increasing the efficacy of these therapies. The booklet goes on to say that DHA from algae may be preferred, since fish sources can be contaminated with heavy metals and organophosphates (chemicals used in pesticides). Algae-based DHA is available in gel caps at natural health pharmacies. Small dogs and cats should receive 200 mg once daily; medium sized dogs 200 mg twice daily; large breed dogs 200 mg three times daily; and giant breeds 200 mg four times daily.
With the support of the Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals, Angel Care Cancer Center has also used and studied Poly-MVA, a liquid dietary supplement, as an adjunct to cancer therapy. Invented by Dr. Merrill Garnett in 1991, Poly-MVA (MVA = a proprietary mixture of minerals, vitamins and amino acids) was introduced in 1995. While Dr. Garnett's formulation is designed to increase cellular energy and enhance an animal's quality of life during this difficult period of cancer treatment, it also takes advantage of cancer cell dysfunction to facilitate the animal's recovery.
Among the nearly 800 patients involved in the Poly-MVA study over the past three years, the ones with the most delighted owners are those who enjoy a good quality of life with stable disease (cancer that does not progress). While virtually all these animals have been receiving DBA in addition to Poly-MVA, as well as specific therapies including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation where appropriate, there appears to be a subjective difference among some who had Poly-MVA added to their supplementation regimen compared to those who did not. Randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials have been proposed to confirm these observations.
"We see our best results among those patients that are treated long term with osteosarcoma, anal sac adenocarcinoma (cancer that originates in the anal sacs below the tail), hemangiosarcoma (a cancer of blood vessels) and many others," says Angel Care's director Dr. Gregory Ogilvie, who has been exploring the therapeutic potential of nutrients to treat veterinary cancer patients since 1984 and has published over 100 scientific articles on the subject. Dr. Ogilvie does not believe that every patient with every tumor will experience an observable benefit with Poly-MVA. (Lymphoma cases, for example, generally do not seem to improve.)
When asked if he would recommend Poly-MVA for veterinary cancer patients, Dr. Ogilvie says, "I would not be involved in Poly-MVA research if I did not believe it would help the majority of my patients experience an improved quality of life. More formalized studies are needed before any definitive statements can be made regarding a statistically significant difference in survival."
Enhancing QOL: Quality of life (QOL) is the centerpiece gem of any study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive modalities for cancer patients. It can be measured with a set of parameters (appetite, energy, behavior patterns, etc) that are recorded and documented over time. For the Poly-MVA study, a significant number of people who have animals with cancer completed QOL surveys and returned them to Angel Care Cancer Center. Although many survey responses are based on clients' subjective impressions, an impressive 86% of respondents felt that Poly-MVA improved their animal's quality of life. The patients most likely to benefit included dogs or cats that had a diminished quality of life prior to treatment.
Patients receiving Poly-MVA along with standard treatments for their cancers also tended to improve when it came to objective parameters such as weight, anemia, liver and kidney function, all of which have been monitored by the professional staff at Angel Care. Dr. Ogilvie, a scientific purist of the highest caliber, cautions that some patients will always respond much better than others in any study, but even he seems impressed by the overall trend that has been observed so far.
*This article was originally published in the Aug/Sept. 2007 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine.
A client education booklet published by the center notes there is much evidence to support supplementation with omega-3 (n-3 series) fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long chain fatty acid that has been shown to have a number of benefits for the veterinary cancer patient. Most notably, DHA:
Can inhibit tumor growth and development. Appears to be important in reducing radiation and chemotherapy induced toxicity while increasing the efficacy of these therapies. The booklet goes on to say that DHA from algae may be preferred, since fish sources can be contaminated with heavy metals and organophosphates (chemicals used in pesticides). Algae-based DHA is available in gel caps at natural health pharmacies. Small dogs and cats should receive 200 mg once daily; medium sized dogs 200 mg twice daily; large breed dogs 200 mg three times daily; and giant breeds 200 mg four times daily.
With the support of the Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals, Angel Care Cancer Center has also used and studied Poly-MVA, a liquid dietary supplement, as an adjunct to cancer therapy. Invented by Dr. Merrill Garnett in 1991, Poly-MVA (MVA = a proprietary mixture of minerals, vitamins and amino acids) was introduced in 1995. While Dr. Garnett's formulation is designed to increase cellular energy and enhance an animal's quality of life during this difficult period of cancer treatment, it also takes advantage of cancer cell dysfunction to facilitate the animal's recovery.
Among the nearly 800 patients involved in the Poly-MVA study over the past three years, the ones with the most delighted owners are those who enjoy a good quality of life with stable disease (cancer that does not progress). While virtually all these animals have been receiving DBA in addition to Poly-MVA, as well as specific therapies including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation where appropriate, there appears to be a subjective difference among some who had Poly-MVA added to their supplementation regimen compared to those who did not. Randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials have been proposed to confirm these observations.
"We see our best results among those patients that are treated long term with osteosarcoma, anal sac adenocarcinoma (cancer that originates in the anal sacs below the tail), hemangiosarcoma (a cancer of blood vessels) and many others," says Angel Care's director Dr. Gregory Ogilvie, who has been exploring the therapeutic potential of nutrients to treat veterinary cancer patients since 1984 and has published over 100 scientific articles on the subject. Dr. Ogilvie does not believe that every patient with every tumor will experience an observable benefit with Poly-MVA. (Lymphoma cases, for example, generally do not seem to improve.)
When asked if he would recommend Poly-MVA for veterinary cancer patients, Dr. Ogilvie says, "I would not be involved in Poly-MVA research if I did not believe it would help the majority of my patients experience an improved quality of life. More formalized studies are needed before any definitive statements can be made regarding a statistically significant difference in survival."
Enhancing QOL: Quality of life (QOL) is the centerpiece gem of any study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive modalities for cancer patients. It can be measured with a set of parameters (appetite, energy, behavior patterns, etc) that are recorded and documented over time. For the Poly-MVA study, a significant number of people who have animals with cancer completed QOL surveys and returned them to Angel Care Cancer Center. Although many survey responses are based on clients' subjective impressions, an impressive 86% of respondents felt that Poly-MVA improved their animal's quality of life. The patients most likely to benefit included dogs or cats that had a diminished quality of life prior to treatment.
Patients receiving Poly-MVA along with standard treatments for their cancers also tended to improve when it came to objective parameters such as weight, anemia, liver and kidney function, all of which have been monitored by the professional staff at Angel Care. Dr. Ogilvie, a scientific purist of the highest caliber, cautions that some patients will always respond much better than others in any study, but even he seems impressed by the overall trend that has been observed so far.
*This article was originally published in the Aug/Sept. 2007 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine.
2008年8月19日星期二
Dog Ticks - Be Watchful Of Them
We all know that the ticks are responsible for the spread of several diseases. In recent times, the experts have been telling us that the number of ticks has been on rise due to several reasons and hence there is an increasing chance of your dog being infected.
The main reason behind this sudden growth in ticks is the urbanization of the forests. Warming climate is also attributed to the rise of ticks. Years ago, the diseases used to spread mainly in the summer and were therefore seasonal. However, due to warming, these ticks seem to breed all throughout the year and have become a menace to our dear pets. More and more people now go for outings with their dogs which expose them to the ticks, leading to further infestation.
Various kinds of diseases are spread due to ticks. Lyme's disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Canine Ehrliciosis are among the most common ones.
Ticks lay eggs, larvae are hatched from these eggs and they immediately start seeking hosts. Once they feed on the host, they fall off and start living on the forest floors, feeding on decaying material until they develop into nymphs. The nymphs will again start searching for blood meal. If they can't find one, they perish. However, if they happen to find their blood meal, it will eventually fall off the host and live in the soil again further mutating into an adult.
If left attached to an animal, adult ticks can become quite large. I have personally seen them as large as a nickel. Now that's disgusting.
Adult ticks prefer larger animals like deer. In fact, deer are one of the main causes of the thriving tick population. If there were no deer, we wouldn't have such a big problem with ticks. Deer were close to extinction in the last century, but the restrictions placed on their hunting has now increased their number, and as their numbers increase, the ticks are thriving as well!
Due to the growing problem of ticks, the number of diseases is on the rise, affecting more and more pets. Your veterinarian can recommend various ways of protecting your dogs from ticks and fleas. Even simple preventive methods are better than none to keep your pet safe from the ticks.
These parasites can be very irritating for our beloved pets, especially if the dog is allergic to their bites. So, it is very important for you to ensure that your dog is free from ticks.
The main reason behind this sudden growth in ticks is the urbanization of the forests. Warming climate is also attributed to the rise of ticks. Years ago, the diseases used to spread mainly in the summer and were therefore seasonal. However, due to warming, these ticks seem to breed all throughout the year and have become a menace to our dear pets. More and more people now go for outings with their dogs which expose them to the ticks, leading to further infestation.
Various kinds of diseases are spread due to ticks. Lyme's disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Canine Ehrliciosis are among the most common ones.
Ticks lay eggs, larvae are hatched from these eggs and they immediately start seeking hosts. Once they feed on the host, they fall off and start living on the forest floors, feeding on decaying material until they develop into nymphs. The nymphs will again start searching for blood meal. If they can't find one, they perish. However, if they happen to find their blood meal, it will eventually fall off the host and live in the soil again further mutating into an adult.
If left attached to an animal, adult ticks can become quite large. I have personally seen them as large as a nickel. Now that's disgusting.
Adult ticks prefer larger animals like deer. In fact, deer are one of the main causes of the thriving tick population. If there were no deer, we wouldn't have such a big problem with ticks. Deer were close to extinction in the last century, but the restrictions placed on their hunting has now increased their number, and as their numbers increase, the ticks are thriving as well!
Due to the growing problem of ticks, the number of diseases is on the rise, affecting more and more pets. Your veterinarian can recommend various ways of protecting your dogs from ticks and fleas. Even simple preventive methods are better than none to keep your pet safe from the ticks.
These parasites can be very irritating for our beloved pets, especially if the dog is allergic to their bites. So, it is very important for you to ensure that your dog is free from ticks.
2008年8月12日星期二
Choose Safe Dog Toys For Your Small Dog
Choosing the appropriate toys will make your small dog's play time richer, while lessening his chance of accidental injury. Safe toys for your small dog can be purchased from pet supply stores or even made from household items, but it's good to keep these few main safety concerns in mind.
Size Matters With Small Dog Toys
In general, small dog toys should never be small enough to fit entirely in your dog's mouth, or be capable of being broken into smaller pieces that can stick in his throat. A dog toy that's too small can easily bounce back in your dog's mouth and obstruct his windpipe, meaning he could suffocate to death if you aren't in the immediate area to intervene! Sadly, this has happened to more than one dog. For that reason, small smooth balls just aren't the best choice for most dogs.
Tennis balls and the larger, hard rubber balls are big enough to stay out of the throats of most small dogs (make sure both kinds of balls are still whole and strong and not cracked). The small pull ropes found in pet aisles are also a good choice of toy for your small dog, unless you find him attempting to eat the rope when you're not busy playing. In that case, small fibers and threads from the rope can get stuck in his throat which again can be dangerous, especially if you're not around to help.
Very high quality, unusual shaped dog toys like Kongs are also a good choice for small dogs. Even much larger dogs find it virtually impossible to chew Kongs into smaller pieces that can lodge in the throat and cause problems, not to mention Kongs can be made infinitely fascinating to your dog by stuffing them with dog treats, peanut butter or frozen beef broth.
Ever thought of getting your small dog a pool? Most dogs love water, and will adore chasing their toys in and out of the pool. For small dogs, however, it's terribly important to make sure they can easily clamber out, even when heavy and wet from the water. Make sure the sides of the pool are low and that your dog's head easily clears the water. Avoid pools entirely for the toy dogs.
Is your small dog a ripper, or does he play nicely with his toys? Dogs that are gentle can play relatively safely with a wide variety of toys, including small plush animals and squeaky toys. Other, more aggressive dogs need to be kept safe from toys with ribbons, "googly eyes," or toys containing a squeaker, which can be chewed loose and pose a danger if swallowed.
Materials Matter For Small Dog Toys
No matter how carefully constructed, most dog toys are capable of splitting or crumbling at some point, and being ingested by your dog. This poses two problems. Most dog toy materials are naturally not meant to be eaten, and some can cause digestive trouble. Worse, if the piece in question is sharp, it can even puncture the dog internally. So it makes sense to select non-toxic small dog toys that don't contain any brittle materials. The safest route is to stick to high quality latex and vinyl toys crafted specifically for use with dogs. The manufacturers of higher-end products, such as Kongs, have gone to great lengths to eliminate these kinds of risks.
No matter what small dog toys you select for your pet, keeping these main safety points in mind should help you choose appropriate toys for your small dog that leave him happy and entertained -- and safe.
Size Matters With Small Dog Toys
In general, small dog toys should never be small enough to fit entirely in your dog's mouth, or be capable of being broken into smaller pieces that can stick in his throat. A dog toy that's too small can easily bounce back in your dog's mouth and obstruct his windpipe, meaning he could suffocate to death if you aren't in the immediate area to intervene! Sadly, this has happened to more than one dog. For that reason, small smooth balls just aren't the best choice for most dogs.
Tennis balls and the larger, hard rubber balls are big enough to stay out of the throats of most small dogs (make sure both kinds of balls are still whole and strong and not cracked). The small pull ropes found in pet aisles are also a good choice of toy for your small dog, unless you find him attempting to eat the rope when you're not busy playing. In that case, small fibers and threads from the rope can get stuck in his throat which again can be dangerous, especially if you're not around to help.
Very high quality, unusual shaped dog toys like Kongs are also a good choice for small dogs. Even much larger dogs find it virtually impossible to chew Kongs into smaller pieces that can lodge in the throat and cause problems, not to mention Kongs can be made infinitely fascinating to your dog by stuffing them with dog treats, peanut butter or frozen beef broth.
Ever thought of getting your small dog a pool? Most dogs love water, and will adore chasing their toys in and out of the pool. For small dogs, however, it's terribly important to make sure they can easily clamber out, even when heavy and wet from the water. Make sure the sides of the pool are low and that your dog's head easily clears the water. Avoid pools entirely for the toy dogs.
Is your small dog a ripper, or does he play nicely with his toys? Dogs that are gentle can play relatively safely with a wide variety of toys, including small plush animals and squeaky toys. Other, more aggressive dogs need to be kept safe from toys with ribbons, "googly eyes," or toys containing a squeaker, which can be chewed loose and pose a danger if swallowed.
Materials Matter For Small Dog Toys
No matter how carefully constructed, most dog toys are capable of splitting or crumbling at some point, and being ingested by your dog. This poses two problems. Most dog toy materials are naturally not meant to be eaten, and some can cause digestive trouble. Worse, if the piece in question is sharp, it can even puncture the dog internally. So it makes sense to select non-toxic small dog toys that don't contain any brittle materials. The safest route is to stick to high quality latex and vinyl toys crafted specifically for use with dogs. The manufacturers of higher-end products, such as Kongs, have gone to great lengths to eliminate these kinds of risks.
No matter what small dog toys you select for your pet, keeping these main safety points in mind should help you choose appropriate toys for your small dog that leave him happy and entertained -- and safe.
2008年8月11日星期一
The Mysteriously Cute Black Pomeranian
The black Pomeranian is a very popular and sought after puppy for its many fine personality attributes as well as for the colour. Most Pomeranians tend to be tan or blended colours with oranges and red being most prominent and common colours of Pomeranians however every now and then a rare gem with be born that is an enterirely black Pomeranian. Lets look at some of the most attractive and well liked personality traits and physical traits of not only the black Pomeranian but all Pomeranians in general as the colour has very little if anything to do with the actual personality or appearance.
Pomeranian Traits
In order to properly paint the mental picture for what these dogs look like in a very generalized manner, the black Pomeranian is a very small and short dog that is extremely intelligent in appearance. The dogs have a very coarse textured hair for the over coat and the under coat is very thick with a tail that is set high and curls around to lay flat on the dogs back. The black Pomeranians are very active and 'bossy' and are naturally nosy by nature as they are very vivacious and energetic.
Proportion and Size
Generally the black Pomeranian like most other Pomeranians range in size from 4-7 pounds and typically have very short legs. The Pomeranians as a whole are constructed of medium bone size, which surprises many due to the very small size of the dog itself however; they aren't brittle or tiny and are actually quite sturdy dogs. The length of the black Pomeranians legs will be in direct proportion to the frame of the dog and generally don't deviate much from that look no matter the color of the specific Pomeranian.
The Coat
The black Pomeranian can require more grooming than a lighter color due to the fact that black picks up everything and you can see the dog's hair as dirty more often than those that are lighter in color. As was mentioned in the first part of the article, the hair is very thick under the outer coat while the outer coat is very coarse. The thick undercoat tends to stand up and hold the outer coat up in order to stand off from the body of the dog and it typically called 'guard hair'. If the guard hair is standing surely there is danger around because Pomeranians are extremely intelligent.
Pomeranian Traits
In order to properly paint the mental picture for what these dogs look like in a very generalized manner, the black Pomeranian is a very small and short dog that is extremely intelligent in appearance. The dogs have a very coarse textured hair for the over coat and the under coat is very thick with a tail that is set high and curls around to lay flat on the dogs back. The black Pomeranians are very active and 'bossy' and are naturally nosy by nature as they are very vivacious and energetic.
Proportion and Size
Generally the black Pomeranian like most other Pomeranians range in size from 4-7 pounds and typically have very short legs. The Pomeranians as a whole are constructed of medium bone size, which surprises many due to the very small size of the dog itself however; they aren't brittle or tiny and are actually quite sturdy dogs. The length of the black Pomeranians legs will be in direct proportion to the frame of the dog and generally don't deviate much from that look no matter the color of the specific Pomeranian.
The Coat
The black Pomeranian can require more grooming than a lighter color due to the fact that black picks up everything and you can see the dog's hair as dirty more often than those that are lighter in color. As was mentioned in the first part of the article, the hair is very thick under the outer coat while the outer coat is very coarse. The thick undercoat tends to stand up and hold the outer coat up in order to stand off from the body of the dog and it typically called 'guard hair'. If the guard hair is standing surely there is danger around because Pomeranians are extremely intelligent.
2008年8月7日星期四
Maltese Puppy And Dog Information
The Maltese is a very popular toy breed. They are a healthy breed but care must be taken against extremes of temperature. They will do fine in an apartment, just needing daily walks. They are playful, fun loving dogs and they make great watch dogs. They are good with older, considerate children and they also tolerate other animals well. They do take considerable grooming to keep their beautiful coats in shape.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Maltese is 8 to 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 5 to 9 pounds. The female ranges from 8 to 9 inches to the withers and 4 to 8 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Maltese is no exception. Although considered to be a healthy breed, be on the look out for genetic eye disorders, slipped stifle, sun burn, skin and teeth problems. 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 Maltese is covered with a single layer of long silky hair which is white in color. Her lack of undercoat leaves her at a disadvantage in weather extremes. She needs daily brushing and combing. 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. Her eyes should be cleaned daily to guard against stains. Consider an occasional professional grooming. Weekly baths are probably ok but be careful not to chill her.
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.
*Life Span. The Maltese can live between 9 and 11 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Maltese comes from Malta where they were kept as pets by the kings and queens. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1888.
Some Registries:
*American Maltese Association
*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: 2 to 4 Maltese puppies
Category: Toy
Terms To Describe: Eager, affectionate, vigorous, playful, lively, fearless, fun, loving, intelligent
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good choice for allergy sufferers.
Makes a great lap dog.
Good watch dog.
Good at obedience.
Fast learner.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Does poorly in weather extremes.
Poor guard dog.
Can be difficult to housebreak.
Can snap.
Can be a picky eater.
*Other Names Known By: Melitaie Dog, the Comforter Dog, Ye Ancient Roman Ladies Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, and the Spaniel Gentle.
*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 male Maltese is 8 to 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 5 to 9 pounds. The female ranges from 8 to 9 inches to the withers and 4 to 8 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Maltese is no exception. Although considered to be a healthy breed, be on the look out for genetic eye disorders, slipped stifle, sun burn, skin and teeth problems. 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 Maltese is covered with a single layer of long silky hair which is white in color. Her lack of undercoat leaves her at a disadvantage in weather extremes. She needs daily brushing and combing. 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. Her eyes should be cleaned daily to guard against stains. Consider an occasional professional grooming. Weekly baths are probably ok but be careful not to chill her.
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.
*Life Span. The Maltese can live between 9 and 11 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Maltese comes from Malta where they were kept as pets by the kings and queens. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1888.
Some Registries:
*American Maltese Association
*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: 2 to 4 Maltese puppies
Category: Toy
Terms To Describe: Eager, affectionate, vigorous, playful, lively, fearless, fun, loving, intelligent
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good choice for allergy sufferers.
Makes a great lap dog.
Good watch dog.
Good at obedience.
Fast learner.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Does poorly in weather extremes.
Poor guard dog.
Can be difficult to housebreak.
Can snap.
Can be a picky eater.
*Other Names Known By: Melitaie Dog, the Comforter Dog, Ye Ancient Roman Ladies Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, and the Spaniel Gentle.
*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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