Pet Ownership Responsibilities

There are certain responsibilities that every person will assume when they consider owning a pet. Pets require the same amount of love and tenderness that a person would bestow upon a newborn child. Pets need attention and interaction with the people inside the home, and an animal needs to be exercised on a regular basis in order to help keep weight gain from occurring and to help the animal feel more like socializing with others in the home.
Pets ownership responsibilities do not end there. Many pet owners are quick to select a pet from a pet store and even quicker to select a certain pet food. The quickness is usually founded on cost issues because owning a pet is a major responsibility that will incur costs of many kinds. Pets will need to visit the veterinarian as early as possible after entering the family because pets need to be checked for rabies and any other diseases that they might carry that would affect the health of everyone at home if left unchecked.
Some pet owners do not take pet ownership responsibilities very seriously and rely on the rule of supplying food, shelter, and water as the minimum daily requirements that a pet will need once they enter the home.

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In this Issue

Pet Ownership Responsibilities Tips to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe in Summertime Fat Pets Equal Fat Bills Dog Food Secrets Exposes The Truth Behind... 12 Proven Ways to Introduce Children to Pets Puppies! Open Your Eyes (Just Another Day In... From Hairballs To Arthritis, Pet Nutritional... Do You Have an Ear For Your Pet's Ear Infection? Do You Have an Observant Eye For Your Pet's... Where To Find Dental Products For Pets? How to Choose the Right Pet Medicine For... Rescue Dog Romance No Cost, Fun Summer Activities for the Whole... How Much do You Value Your Pet? Are Cockatoos Always Trouble? Dealing With Fear In Pet Parrots

Tips to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe in Summertime

Taking extra care of your pets during the hot summer months is crucial to keeping them healthy. For dogs with thin or short fur, pet sun block is a great solution to prevent sunburn. In the summertime, insects are actually more of a threat for dogs and cats then they are for children. Be sure to give your pets plenty of water, as everyone, kids, adults and pets, all need plenty of water to combat the intense heat of summer.
Animals with thin coats are at high risk of sunburn at all times, but even dogs with thick fur can suffer from sunburn. It’s easy to see that bristling coat of fur shining in the sun and think it means that our pet’s skin is safe. All pets are susceptible to burning on the tips of their ears and their noses. Another trouble spot is the abdomen. Many dogs and cats like to lie on their backs letting their stomachs take in the warmth of the sun (yes, dogs and cats sunbathe too.). Lying on their backs, while comfortable, puts pets at significant risk of sunburn. Lotions designed just for dogs and cats can be found online or at stores. If you have trouble finding what you need ask your veterinarian. Be especially careful in applying these lotions as pets have a much harder time washing out their eyes if the lotion gets in them.

During the summer months, bugs can be a major problem for animals. Allergic reactions to bees and fire ants can be fatal to your dog or cat if the vet is not visited immediately. The first step is to use flea and tick medication. It is also important to use heart worm meds because a mosquito can carry the parasite to your dog or cat. Once this is taken care of keep a close eye out for anomalies. If you notice scabs on the animal you should check closely that the medication is working.

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Fat Pets Equal Fat Bills

With more than one third of cats and dogs in the UK classed as obese, the costs of owning a pet are rising whether or not those obese pets are insured. If your pet is obese, chances are you're going to end up paying for it one way or the other.
According to new research from Sainsbury's Bank, there are around 2.72 million obese dogs, and 2.87 obese cats in the UK. That's more than 5.5 million pets whose health is suffering as a result of their excess weight. The owners of those pets are suffering too, with higher vets bills even with insurance.
Many owners of obese pets may not even realize the potential problem and some pet policies don't cover obese pets. The long-term health effects for pets can be serious, and long-term medical care for pets is expensive.
Obese Pets Suffer
Animals that are overfed and become obese can develop diabetes, osteoarthritis, and other conditions that will require long term veterinary treatment. An obese pet's life expectancy can also be reduced.
According to Sainsbury's pet insurance manager Claire Moyles, one problem is simply that many pet owners enjoy

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Dog Food Secrets Exposes The Truth Behind The Dog Food Conspiracy

Have you ever considered whether or not the dog food you are feeding your dog is actually good for his health? In light of recent tragic events, where thousands of family pets died or suffered serious health issues due to tainted pet foods, it's something that's been on many people's minds.
Fortunately, there's a resource available to help you answer that question. The e-book, "Dog Food Secrets," goes into great detail explaining everything included in store-bought dog food products, and even suggests alternatives for feeding your dog a diet he needs to live a long and healthy life. It is an excellent reference for almost any dog owner, since it actually tells the truth about the practices dog food manufacturers are trying to hide.
Inside "Dog Food Secrets," you'll learn why store-bought pet foods are sold so inexpensively. While you think you're getting a great deal on a huge bag of food, the fact is that most dog foods are made up cheap fillers, like rice and grains.
You'll also discover that most commercial dogs food contain

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12 Proven Ways to Introduce Children to Pets

Have you ever watched a young child around a pet cat or dog? The scenario is similar whether it happens in Berlin Ohio or any other place in the world. In one single confrontation, the child experiences a rainbow of emotions. Fear. Surprise. Excitement. The child crawls or hobbles towards the animal, reaching out to touch it. The pet’s instinct tells it that something’s amiss. With a woof! or meow! from the pet, the child’s eyes grow as big as saucers. Sometimes the youngster then bursts into tears or retreats from the animal. As a parent, what can you do to introduce your children to animals, in a fun, safe way?
Animals create a natural curiosity in children. However, you should slowly introduce your child to a pet, to ensure that your child learns the importance of safety and responsibility:
1. Observe your child and pet closely, whether or not they live in Berlin Ohio, to determine any changes that need to be made to improve the relationship. For example, your dog’s nails or your cat’s claws may need to be trimmed. In addition, your child may need to learn how to pet an animal.
2. Never let a pet lick your child on the face.
3. Never leave your child unattended with a pet of any kind.

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Puppies! Open Your Eyes (Just Another Day In The Life Of A Dog Lover)

You know it is really hard when you are waiting for something to happen. You tend to check things more often thinking that it will happen sooner. Like putting a pot on the stove to boil, we all know that a watched pot never boils, and yet we keep watching. That is how I feel now. Waiting for these beautiful babies eyes to open and see the world.
I have had pups open their eyes as early as 9 days and as late as 17 days, so it is always a waiting and guessing game with pups I guess. They seem to really come alive once those eyes open. They really have to see every part of their pen, checking out every fold and crease in blankets, and toys are sooo much fun. I wait soo impatiently for their eyes to open so I can begin their training on how to stand and where to put their feet when standing for shows.
If someone had only told me the sorrows of breeding when I got started, I think I would have run the other direction as fast as I could. There are so many heart breaks that just seem to keep coming. And you can't seem to throw enough money at a problem to make it go away. But there will always be the sweetest times that could only be

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From Hairballs To Arthritis, Pet Nutritional Supplements Tries To Solve It All

We may have a lot of differences with dogs and cats in terms of anatomy and physiology but it appears we are no different in nutrition development. Just as dietary supplements have become a growing trend for us upright creatures, the current craze for our four-legged friends are nutritional supplements. Although veterinarians and other animal experts don't seem to see eye to eye regarding this matter, nutritional supplements for pets have become a major force in the animal feed department.
Besides the vast number of producers and distributors of nutritional supplements for pets, these more natural alternatives to pet food come in increasingly specific varieties. Above and beyond the vitamins, minerals typical of a food supplement, there are those with anti-oxidants and immuno-stimulants, digestion and elimination supplements, and high energy nutritional supplements.
Our pets won't get left behind when it comes to staying slim, too, as there are nutritional supplements for pets that are specifically designed for weight loss! Also, if your kitten or puppy does not get enough milk, there are supplements that act as milk replacer!
There are even nutritional supplements for pets that aid in keeping them well-groomed. Skin/coat supplements and laxatives and hairball treatments make it easier for you to keep your pet always looking trim. Unless you're one who garbs your pet in cute shirts, their basic all-around outfit is their skin or fur.
In the same way that we suffer stress and pain, our pets do, too. But pet supplements providers have got this covered!

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Do You Have an Ear For Your Pet's Ear Infection?

Your pet dog or cat or tiger or lion can be inflicted with ear infection and the question is, do you have the ear to "listen" to their pains and suffering when they have ear infection? Or to put it specifically, do you have the eyes and the ears to look for an ear product for pets? It's a good thing you have or else you wouldn't come here looking for one.
As a responsible pet owner, what would you do to contain the cause of pet ear infection or maybe, even prevent its inception? Offline or online, there are several proven effective ear care methods that would likely to work to hamper the harmful activities of fungus, bacteria or mites deep down in the long, narrow and intricate ear canal of your pet.
There are some preventive measures that you might already be aware to prevent ear infection in your pet. Some of these are general and regular cleaning of its ears, trying to see to it that no excess water gets inside the ears and of course, giving them the best nutrients that they can get from their foods. Always remember, although foods are the basic needs of animals other than human and plant life forms, it is also true to animals that what they eat can

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DoYou Have an Observant Eye For Your Pet's Eye Problem?

Every pet owners are always on the lookout after their pet's health and welfare and sometimes they can treat their pet like a child of their own. They always want to best for these little darlings. Unfortunately, eye infection is fairly common in pets. They can be a nuisance and a danger anytime without a moment's notice or when somethings lodges in their eyes. Then, it can turn from bad to worst things when they try to scratch it off. The prime question entertains the mind is: Are there any available eye products for pets?
But, before tackling that query, why not try to learn from a common perspective how to take care of your pet's eyes? It might even save you some money, some time and some worry looking for eye products? Why buy when you can try to prevent it from happening, right?
First and foremost, you need to have an eye for warning signs in its earliest stage possible. Some eye infection symptoms include eye discharge, redness, cloudiness, squinting and trying to rub and scratch their eyes.
Just like humans, rubbing and scratching the eyes can have a devastating effect on your pet. Cataracts are also one of the most common disorder in pets.

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Where To Find Dental Products For Pets?

Oscar is having a difficult time of his life. He is always experiencing painful dental problems for many weeks now. Some of his teeth were chipped off and every time he eats, his gums always hurt because of damaged teeth. It would be simple for anyone to go to his dentist and have it diagnosed for teeth problems, let the dentist extract a damaged tooth or teeth but not for Oscar. It's not that simple for him. He can't even complain orally about it. He can't just go up to anyone and let them know about his problems. That's because Oscar is a German Shepherd. But although he's a dog, he can still get some relief from this malady of his and it's up to his master to find some dental products for pets.
Just like humans, dogs and cats and other pet or any other animals, for that matter, can also be inflicted with teeth problems. Bear in mind that they usually use their teeth most of the time compared to humans. Humans have hands to hold something while they hold it in their mouth. And of course, one of the causes of teeth problems is food. Your pet's favorite staple food is meat especially dogs who always chew on something like bones, sticks and stones, your slipper, your favorite shoes or even your expensive Persian rug.

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How to Choose the Right Pet Medicine
For Your Pet?

Pets are one of God's greatest gifts to us. They are special in many ways. Pets can have therapeutic effect on people. They have become family members because of their loyalty and faithfulness to us. The best way to reward our pets is make sure that they are healthy. Knowing how to choose the right pet medicine is always as important as choosing the right medicine for your own health.
Pet lovers need to understand their pets better before they even take care of one. It's not enough to own a cat, a dog or a bird without knowing well their needs. Once we own a pet or pets, we accept the responsibility to take really good care of them. We need to consider the fact that they are already part of the family and we would treat them with outmost care and love that they need.
Oftentimes are amazed with the heroic deeds that pets do to their owners and wonder how we can get the same qualities from out own pets at home. Well, some pets are originally born with talents and others were trained to do so. But like humans, pets have that instinct. They have the ability to respond to their owner in the same way they are treated.

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Rescue Dog Romance

A good friend of mine rescued a dog a while back. He didn't get him from the pound, he sort of "inherited" him when his owner (who had been gravely ill for some time) passed away. The dog, a male, 3-something-year-old named "Busy" had been abused through neglect due to the owner's illness and he brought with him a whole bunch of emotional baggage.
"Busy" only responded positively to one person in the household, one of my friend's daughters. Everyone else was mostly avoided like the plague. Men especially were feared and given the "low growl" treatment. Since I was over at the house on average 3 times a week, I got a lot of growls...and barks too. I decided early on that I was going to change that.
I got out my tools...Kindness, and Persistence
Every day that I went to the house and walked up the drive I'd get barked at. So I responded with an uber-friendly "Hello Busy Man!"...and sort of  "woofed"  back in a friendly way. When I'd get in the gate he'd high-tail it around a corner and I'd poke my head around it and keep up the friendly banter. I'd do just about the same thing when I left the house too.
This went on for literally weeks!
I didn't care though; I was going to keep doing it forever if that's what it took to get "Busy" to start to recognize me and trust me. It didn't take much effort...I just needed to keep at it until he was ready to come to me.
Then one day he did.
Instead of skulking around the corner, he actually (tentatively) stretched out to sniff at me. I slowly squatted down and kept up my usual friendly greeting. Then, for a few visits, this became our new dance.
Some more time passed, and by then he was actually smelling and touching my outstretched hand. A little more time passed and I was giving him "Knuckle rubs" in that space between his eyes.

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No Cost, Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family

Summer is coming up right around the corner. Families everywhere are planning out some fun vacations to celebrate the beautiful weather. Amusement parks and renting cabins are popular ways to spend your summer, but not everyone can afford them. Here are some no-cost ways to spend your summer with the whole family throughout the season:
Start a book club-Pick a spot in the backyard, and lay down a blanket large enough to fit the whole family. Have some cookies, lemonade and whatever snacks you choose to have. Use a book from the library and take turns reading it out loud. You can even discuss some things that occur in the book. Consider making it a weekly event and invite your neighbors and friends to participate as well.
Treasure Hunt- Some kids are into anything to do with pirates. You could plan a treasure hunt with their help. Scour your backyard, local beach or park and find things you could put into a treasure chest. The kids could also make some of their own items to place in the chest too. Spend some time searching for pirate information on the internet and use what you find to make up your very own treasure map. Then bury the chest or hide it in the house and let the

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HowMuch do You Value Your Pet?

Our pets are often like our children. We feed them, we look after them and we keep them safe from harm. However, as with children you cannot wrap them in cotton wool and sometimes accidents can occur or illnesses can develop.
The cost of treatment can be extremely expensive and that is why many people turn to pet insurance to provide financial support and peace of mind should a loss occur or treatment be required.
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is designed mainly with dogs and cats in mind. However there are some insurers providing policies for other animals such as rabbits and horses.
Basically it helps you to afford the cost of diagnosis and treatment of injuries or illnesses that your pet may develop. It is also there to help in case your pet suffers an accident and needs emergency treatment. Some policies also provide protection in case your pet is lost or stolen. However, each pet insurance policy will differ and you will need to read the small print to ensure you know what the policy covers.
Do You Need Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is not a legal requirement though if you value your pet and being able to treat it quickly with best

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Are Cockatoos Always Trouble?

Let’s say you have a cockatoo. You bought him after months of careful planning and research, already weaned, and from a reputable source. You did everything you thought you needed to do to raise him properly. He’s a pretty good bird. A bit noisy, a bit needy, but not too bad considering all the horror stories you’ve heard. But when he does act up, you get worried. You’re afraid you’re going to end up one of those people you swore you would never be: Someone with a difficult cockatoo. Should you really worry? Should you start looking for a new home for your cockatoo because he’s going to become a monster?
Cockatoos tend to be more intense than some other parrots, and people who can’t handle that aren’t likely to keep a cockatoo for long. There are lots of perfectly normal cockatoos out there just doing cockatoo things, and it’s the people who have the problem. These families give up because they had no chance to begin with. For other families, everything is fine for quite some time, years maybe, but one day it seems like the dam breaks and all the naughtiness the bird had pent up inside comes pouring out. The owners figure there’s no hope.

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Dealing With Fear In Pet Parrots

Earlier I discussed why it’s not usually helpful to work with a parrot when he’s is in a state of anxiety or fear because he’s likely to associate you with those feelings and take longer to trust you.
While few people think that intentionally causing fear is a good thing to do, there are some common training techniques that can make a parrot feel very anxious, or worse. It’s thought that fear is an unavoidable aspect of training, and in order to make headway, you have to push through it. Sometimes using a more aggressive method is appropriate, but sometimes it’s not.
There’s an alternative. Even a totally “wild” bird can be trained without freaking out every time he sees you. It requires patience and understanding, but these are traits that serve you well if you have parrots.
Many animal training techniques are “borrowed” from human therapy methods. Helping a person overcome fear of pubic speaking (or spiders, heights, clowns, whatever) and helping a parrot get used to being petted isn’t all that different.
We may express fear differently from parrots--people don’t usually bite—but the Stress Response is similar. Think about

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