Artificial Insemination for Dogs

The method of Artificial Insemination (AI) for getting viable characteristics in breeds was only most commonly heard of in cattle. But since the last decade, veterinarians and dog breeders, have also started using this technique to produce superior dog breeds. They do this to get much sought after characteristics such as intelligence, strength, and ability to reproduce healthy offspring in the future generation. It is also done by private individuals at home, though this is not recommended without proper and complete information. A male dog of the desired breed with the above traits is selected. This male dog is called the stud. The stud's semen is then obtained and can be stored by freezing for further use or can be transported to the necessary location to be then artificially implanted into the female dog.

Process of Artificial Insemination

Semen Collection
This is done by exciting the male stud, by bringing him in contact with a female dog in the heat period. When the dog tries to mount the female, she is replaced by an artificial vagina, which is placed over the stud's penis, and the semen is then collected by using a syringe. In some cases, if a female dog in heat is unavailable, then vaginal swabs which have been taken earlier when rubbed on to a neutral female also produces the same results.

Sperm Examination
The semen thus collected is checked to see if the sperm count is adequate and if the sperms show any kinds of deformities. Once this is done, the sperms are ready to be implanted and are frozen for use.

Artificial Insemination
When the sperm has been found to have no irregularities, then it is artificially inseminated into the female dog, using a long plastic or glass tube. The sperm has to be deposited at least till her cervix. If the female dog is not immediately available, the semen can be stored for up to twenty four hours and can thus be transported in a frozen state too.

Advantages
It is an easy and affordable method of maintaining and developing breeds with good genes. It can help to avoid any undesirable characteristics in a breed, hence allowing selection of the best. Artificial insemination for dogs cost is a lot lesser than raising or even hiring a stud and then transporting both dogs together and that too within the heat cycle of the female which could be a short and limited period. Frozen sperm can be easily transported to any part of the world for use. This process also offers more options between dogs and when semen is stored in liquid nitrogen, it can be stored for years making it possible to develop bloodlines of studs even years after they have died.

Disadvantages
The main problems with taking your dogs for artificial insemination arise, when it is done with a lack of adequate information. Amateur pet breeders often use poorly bred studs which causes a weak gene line to develop. Before using your dog for a stud, make sure he has undergone a complete health check up and is certified by an experienced vet or breeder. If it is a female dog that you have, then it is recommended that you gather all the details of the stud and whether he has been fully tested. If not, it could lead to the spread of disease to your female dog or could cause undesirable characteristics in the litter. The cost of getting your dog certified and then getting the semen can be reasonably expensive. Add to that, the fees of having this done by a professional (which by the way is safer and has a greater success rate), will also have to be taken into consideration. If you are not sure of any of the above details, then it is better to get your pet spayed or neutered.

Artificial insemination in dogs is, therefore, an efficient method of maintaining a desired gene pool or bloodline, but should be done only with expert supervision and after taking all the necessary facts into consideration.

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How Much to Feed a Cat?

Cats are great pets and companions but taking care of them can create a few questions, such as how much to feed a cat? What type of food? Canned or Dry?

Every cat is a little different, just like us humans some prefer dry food and others wet food. It also depends on the life stage they are at, such as kitten, young adult and senior. Each of these stages needs to be tweaked a bit to continue with good health and an ideal weight.

If you have been feeding your cat the same food for years, and now you have been told he is overweight, then chances are he doesnt have the same calorie needs that he needed as a younger adult and you will need to gradually cut back.

You will need to adjust your food regime at the different stages in their lives to keep them in good health.

How Much to Feed a Cat that is Overweight? Measure the food - If your cat is older, then you need to look at a senior line of cat food, and/or measure their intake for the day. The senior line of foods have less fat and calories, but you still need to measure it out for your cat rather than just filling the bowl.

Most cats tend to graze when it comes to their meals, compared to a dog that basically eats at one sitting. The cat will pick at their food most of the day if it is the dry food, and if you are just filling up the bowl when it is empty, he may be taking in more calories than he needs to.

You dont want to starve him, but check the package for the amount your cat should be eating, and then measure it out for the day.

Canned Food This is a good choice for any cat that likes meat or needs the extra calories. One of the good things about canned food, is that you can get it in pre-measured cans, such as 3 ounce sizes, and this is measured out as one meal.

You should make sure and get food that is specific for the age group of your cat, such as kitten, young adult or senior. The can will have suggested servings, but most cats will eat one of the smaller 3 ounce cans a day.

You can then leave them a small amount of kibble to nibble on during the day, but if your cat needs to watch his weight then you need to measure carefully.

Young Adult Cats If your cat is past kitten stage but still very active, then he will need more calories, and adding a can of food to their day is a great way to get protein. If you prefer to feed them dry food only, then measure out the required amount for the day you may need more kibble if they are not eating canned food.

Does he need more? - If you find that he is eating it quickly and looking for more and he is a very active cat and slim, then you can give him a little bit more, but dont completely fill the bowl again. You will be able to gauge how much he needs in a day with a bit of experimenting! If the package says cup for the day and your cat does much better on one cup, then this will be his amount every day. Keep a measure with the food.

If you get your cat gets in the bad habit of assuming there will always be a full bowl then the chances of them overeating and gaining weight is high. If you know your cat does well on one cup of food then measure it out each day.

Worms If your cat goes outside as well as indoors, and is eating and eating and not getting full and is on the skinny side, then you need to get him checked for worms, as this is common with outdoor cats and needs treatment.

How much to feed a cat? Kittens, need to graze all the time, and if you are feeding them canned food for kittens, you dont want to leave it in the bowl all day as it will spoil. So you need to spread out the canned food over the day to keep it fresh. (Canned food once opened needs to be kept in the fridge)

Kibble should be in a separate bowl so as not to spoil from the wet food. Most cats do not like getting the kibble wet.

Did You Just Adopt a Cat? - So, if you have just adopted a cat, get him to the veterinarian for a checkup and find out his age if you can, and then purchase good quality cat food based on his age and your availability for feeding him.

Canned or Dry? - Advice I received years ago from my Veterinarian was If you are not around a lot of the day, then start your cat off with dry kibble based on his age, as canned food will spoil if not all eaten and the dish cleaned out.

Cats dont have to have canned food, there is kibble that has all the nutrients necessary for a complete diet. So, if you dont like the idea of canned food or the smell, then make sure and get a well balanced quality dried kibble and start by following the chart on the package.

How much to Feed a Cat? Find out their weight and age, and then use the chart on the package as a guide and then monitor your cats behavior.

For most cats that will be enough, and make sure to have fresh water close by at all times (cats hate stale water).

If your cat is looking for more, and is a very active slim cat, then add another 1/8 of a cup of kibble at a time, until he seems satisfied, and then that is the amount you need to feed him every day.

But remember after a few years, this may be too much that is why it is important for checkups, to see where your cat is in his or her life cycle. Your veterinarian will tell you if he thinks your cat is too fat or slim.

Get to know your Cat Their personalities are so different. Some cats simply take a bit of food and get on with their day, while others (like my cat) will spend all day at the food bowl if they could. So I need to measure out her food for the day.

Use good quality food, if you are not sure get a recommendation from your veterinarian or friends who have healthy happy cats. You may need to pay a bit more, but it will show in your cats glossy coat and good health.

Using the guidelines on the side of the package is a great place to start when trying to figure out how much to feed a cat if you are using kibble and if you prefer canned food or it was recommended to you, just make sure and clean the dish well afterwards as spoilt canned food can make them sick. Dont leave uneaten canned food out for the day. If you dont think you can deal with the canned food and will not be around much of the day, then start them from the beginning with the dried food in the measured amounts and then adjust!

Use an Automatic Pet Feeder

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Natural Flea and Tick Control for Dogs

Frontline not working for you? Are you concerned about what these harmful pesticides that go into your dogs skin are doing to your pet? After all, something that has a warning advising you to thoroughly wash your hands after applying can't be good for a pet, right? Are you looking for a safe and natural flea and tick control for your dog? Well in this article, I am going to discuss some safe alternatives to flea and tick control that don't involve the potential harmful effects that pharmaceutical grade flea and tick medication could pose.

One of the safest ways to control a flea and tick outbreak is to use natural wood chips. Bugs hate these chips in general but by adding wood chips around your pets bedding, the fleas and ticks will try to get away. The crazy thing about this method is your grandmother probably is using this method to keep bugs away from things in her chests and closets. I suggest using cedar wood as this not only is an effective deterrant to a possible flea infestation but it also smells great!

You can apply cedar wood oil extract directly to your dogs skin to keep the fleas and ticks at bay. Typically, you would only be spending $1 to apply the oil on the dog's coat and you won't have to worry about it making your dog sick. It is a natural solution.

Because it is oil that you are applying, you will probably want to apply the treatment outside. If your pet is infested with fleas, you can literally watch them jump off of him or her as you are applying it. They hate the stuff that much.

I have tried other natural flea treatments as well but they haven't worked. The laundry list include pennyroyal, Borax, diatomaceous earth and pyrethrum. All of these either didn't work at all or had issues. For instance, diatomaceous earth is toxic when you are applying it to your backyard and you have to wear a mask or risk slight damage to your lungs.

In hindsight, I wish I had tried to use cedar wood chips and cedar wood oil for fleas in the very beginning rather than listening to suggestions friends told me and reading articles online. Cedar wood oil is the perfect preventative for dogs. It is safe and natural and fleas and ticks (and other bugs) absolutely hate them!

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Dog Incontinence Treatment

Did You Know?

The incidence of urinary incontinence in dogs is higher in case of spayed female dogs. Around 10-20% of female dogs may suffer from urinary incontinence after the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries.The terms 'urinary incontinence' and 'fecal incontinence' refer to involuntary loss of bladder control and bowel control respectively. While the episodes of house soiling are observed in more than 30% of the dogs that are affected by behavioral issues, dog owners must understand that there could be an underlying medical condition behind such episodes. When the loss of bladder or bowel control is due to a medical condition, the symptoms can be alleviated only with the help of proper medical treatment.

Incontinence in Dogs

There are certain medical conditions that can increase the risk of incontinence in canines. Here are some of the contributory factors for loss of bladder control in canines.

Infections: Loss of bladder control could be a sign of a bladder infection. Medically referred to as cystitis, bladder infections are characterized by inflammation of the lining of the bladder. Bladder infections that are caused by bacteria can make the urine more alkaline. This can lead to the formation of struvite stones. Bladder stones can irritate the bladder, thereby increasing the risk of urge incontinence.

Treatment: The treatment options would vary depending on the nature of the infection. Before the urine sample is collected through cystocentesis, a broad-spectrum antibiotic would be prescribed. An X-ray examination or an ultrasound may be conducted to check for bladder stones. Dietary modification may be suggested to alter the mineral content of the urine. If tests reveal the presence of bladder stones, surgery may be suggested for the removal of stones.


Prostate Problems: Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland in male dogs. Development of prostatic abscesses could also make a male dog susceptible to loss of bladder control. At times, surgical removal of the prostate gland is recommended for treating prostate problems in canines. This surgery may lead to urinary or fecal incontinence.

Treatment: Drug therapy may be required for treating infection and inflammation. At times, neutering may be recommended to alleviate the symptoms associated with an enlarged or inflamed gland.


Hormone Responsive Incontinence: Also called urinary sphincter incontinence, this is a condition that is characterized by the weakness of the sphincter muscle or valve that is located at the neck of the bladder. This valve controls the outflow of urine from the bladder. The leakage of urine occurs due to the failure of the muscle to contract when the dog is sleeping or relaxing. Since estrogen helps maintain the muscle tone of the sphincter, surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female dogs may increase the risk of loss of bladder control. Dogs that are middle-aged or older are more likely to suffer from this condition.

Treatment: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is a drug that can be effective in increasing the muscle tone of the urethra. In severe cases, a combination of estrogen and alpha-adrenergic agonists may be prescribed. Low dosage of estrogen DES (diethylstilbestrol) may be recommended for spayed female dogs.


Ectopic Ureter: This is a congenital abnormality in which the ureter opens in the uterus, urethra or vagina instead of opening in the bladder. Female dogs belonging to breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retrievers, and soft-coated Wheaten Terrier are more susceptible. Almost half of the dogs that have an ectopic ureter have a weak urinary sphincter. This condition is characterized by constant or intermittent dribbling of urine.

Treatment: This condition needs to be treated with surgery. The surgery involves the creation of a new opening through which urine can be collected in the bladder, and flushed out of the body through the urethra.


Besides the aforementioned conditions, urinary incontinence could also occur if the nerves that control the bladder get affected. Trauma to the spinal cord could also increase the risk of incontinence in canines. Older dogs could sometimes develop cognitive dysfunction. This is a condition in which the affected dogs forget house training. They may defecate or urinate indoors. The exact cause of this disorder is not known. It is believed that genetic factors may have a role to play. Chronic kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, kidney stones, tumors, etc. could also cause urinary incontinence. Parasitic infections, nerve damage, weakened anal reflex, and gastrointestinal problems can cause fecal incontinence. The treatment usually involves drug therapy. Taking the dog for frequent walks can help stimulate defecation.

Dog owners must understand that incontinence is a medical condition. Punishing or trying to train the dog is the most inappropriate way of addressing this condition. While the problem of house soiling can be addressed with the help of diapers or pads, do consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause of incontinence in your dog.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified vet.

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Future Snake Owners: Questions You Should Ask Yourself

Owning an exotic pet is exciting and different from the normal everyday pets you see like a dog or a cat. I was a proud owner of a ball python that I named Sage. He was a great pet and eventually I had to find him a new home because of different reasons. I have even been asked questions and advice on owning a snake which brings me to this article. I took a lot of time to research and decide if owning a snake was a good option for me. Here are some questions I recommend before taking on the responsibility of owning a snake.

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What kind of snake?

Do your research and ask around.

This was a hard question for me but lucky I had friends who were proud snake owners themselves and they gave me their opinions. I kept getting recommended ball pythons so I began researching them on the internet. I read blogs, websites, and even went to pet stores where they recommended them to me as well. I bought a few books and eventually was sold on the idea of getting a ball python for a few reasons.

• The size was very important because they averaged around 5-6 feet and I didn't want a huge snake. Huge snakes are too intimidating for me.
• I liked the fact that they would ball up if they are scared. It was cute!
• I loved the earthy colors.
• They are easy to care for as long as you maintain the correct temperature, humidity, and proper feeding.
  

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Can you feed them live animals?

Sometimes frozen isn't an option.

My friends loved to watch my snake devour a mouse but there is always one person that can't handle watching it. I was used to it because I had friends with pet snakes already and some snakes want live food. Snakes are cold-blooded so the appeal of live prey with warm body heat is quite tasty for them.

If this fact makes you uncomfortable or even guilty, I would reconsider getting a snake because you won't always find a snake that eats frozen mice. Snakes can be picky eaters and live prey is always a better option if you were to get a picky snake. Giving them live prey is closer to how they naturally eat in the wild than frozen mice.

BEWARE: Larger snakes, like a Burmese python, can eat rabbits and pigs so that is why size is important too. The bigger the snake, the big the food you have to give them - so be careful not to get in over your head.

If you do use frozen mice I would use these.

Makes feeding the snake easier and you don't have to touch the mice.

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Can you enjoy the snake for what it is?

They bite.

A popular question I was asked was if I ever got bitten by Sage and luckily my answer was and still is no.

I was always very careful about when I played with Sage, keeping with a routine, and respecting the fact he was a snake. The possibility was always there because mistakes happen and if he confused my hand for food - I was aware of the risk and I took it anyway. I was prepared if it were to happen because of all the research I had done but I was lucky that situation never happened.

Please note the term 'lucky' is used often because nothing is guaranteed with a snake. You can do everything exact but the snake could easily get confused and perceivesomething differently.

What do I mean by respecting him for being a snake?

• I never played with him after he ate because that is when they are most vulnerable and it could cause him to regurgitate the mouse.
• I never touched his head or was rough with him. Putting your hand around his face too much leaves a risk of him confusing it for food.
• I never let him around my face or wrap around my neck for safety reasons.
• I never let him sleep in the bed with me.
• I never played with him while he was shedding because that is another time a snake is vulnerable and could mistake your hand for food.
• I always followed a routine when I fed Sage versus bringing him out to show friends or to let him wrap around my arm. Remembering to handle your snake with care lets the snake know what you are doing next and always seemed to work with me.

Snakes are easy pets to care for but don't forget their nature and try to understand the importance of safety. They are not like owning a cat or a dog so it is better to acknowledge this fact before you have to learn the hard way. Larger snakes are even more of a safety issue because if you are careless and they get loose, due to their size, they have the potential to hurt a human being. That is another reason big snakes intimidate me.

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Putting Sage back into his habitat

Using a snake hook is a tool I used often.

Credit: Taken by me

This saves you and the snake any confusion.

I used this tool a lot and it limited mistakes.

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Are you in a good location?

Know your area and your limitations.

I am surprised how fast people will jump into a committment with a pet before realizing they got more than they bargained for. Where you live can make a difference on how well you can provide for your pet and how much money you end up spending just to have it.

• Does the pet store in your area provide mice for exotic pets? Some only sell mice as pets instead of food for snakes.
• Do you live in an apartment? If so, do they have a policy against exotic pets?
• Does your state require you to have a license? If so, do they charge fees of any kind?
• How far are you willing to drive to a pet store to get food for you snake?
• Do you have roommates? How do they feel about you getting a snake?

These questions can help you realize how much of a financial investment you will be taking on if you take a snake as a pet. Knowing your limitations will save you the headache of trying to find your snake a new home in case you realize this too late.

Sage resting on my arm

Credit: Taken by me

Sage was a great pet but eventually I had to make a decision that was best for Sage as well as me. I found him a good home with a dear friend of mine and I visit him often to see how he is doing. I enjoyed my experience watching him grow and I want all future snake owners to have a good experience like I did. Please take my questions and advice into consideration when you are deciding about owning a snake as a pet because doing your research will be a huge benefit to you. It will verify your decision and prepare you for what is to come especially for first time snake owners. Good luck!

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Kidney Problems in Dogs

Your pet dog will show some specific signs and symptoms when he suffers from kidney problems. These are increase in water consumption, increase or decrease in urination, presence of blood in urine, decrease in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of weight, poor hair coat and physical inactiveness. There are several factors that can be responsible for kidney problems in dogs.

What Causes Kidney Problems in Dogs

There can be numerous factors that can cause kidney problems in dogs. The foremost among them is age. As your pet dog grows in age, his kidney's capacity to perform its functions decreases. This slow down is more noticeable in some dogs. Secondly, the kidney may get infected with micro-organisms like virus, bacteria and fungi. An infected kidney often develops inflammation, which further affects its functionality. Like humans, a dog's body also provides shelter to parasites. Their activity is usually kept suppressed by the body's immune system. But when the immune system fails to do so, the parasites cause havoc in the body.

Your pet dog may ingest something that is toxic or allergic for his body, especially the kidney. Such a substance can be a medicine, floor cleansing agents, etc. There is a medical complication which involves the deposition of a certain kind of protein in the kidney. Amyloidosis is the medical term to describe the condition. Other causes of kidney problems in dogs are autoimmune, congenital, genetic diseases and trauma.

How is Kidney Problems in Dogs Treated

While suffering from kidney problems, a dog produces little or no urine. Such a condition is fatal for life. However, the problem of malfunctioning kidney can be cured by medical treatments.

In order to get your canine friend the effective treatment, you should take him to a veterinarian as early as possible. Veterinarians determines the underlying cause by conducting some diagnostic tests that include urine culture, ultrasound imaging, etc. He may use fluid therapy to improve the condition of your dog. It involves administration of intravenous fluids into your dog's body. This corrects dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Periodic administration of subcutaneous fluids may help in maintaining a hydrated state in your dog's body.

The veterinarian may prescribe either therapeutic or homemade dog foods that are easily digestible and low in proteins and phosphorus while your dog is under treatment. These foods are very effective in curing kidney problems because they reduce the amount of metabolic wastes that the kidney have to deal with. The vet may take help of antibiotics and antitoxins to treat kidney problems in your pet. Antibiotics will help the immune system of his body to fight the infection causing bacteria in case of kidney infection. Ethanol or medicines based on it are used as antitoxins to detoxify the kidneys.

Kidney problems in dogs are those dog health problems that need medical assistance for restoration. There is little that you can do at home to improve your dog's state. To keep him healthy, observe him for the signs of kidney problems given in the upper section of this article. If you notice the presence of such symptoms, take him immediately to a veterinarian for necessary assistance.

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Pet Party Ideas

Our pets are the best friends that we can have. They have loads of love and affection to give and the only thing they ask in return is a warm hug and a good care and support system. Shower your little (or not so little) pet with some love and allow your pet to have fun by throwing him or her a pet party and inviting all his or her friends over for a day full of jumping, playing and enjoying! Get some ideas from the following sections of this Buzzle article.

Outdoor Picnic
Which pet does not love the outdoors? So gather all your fellow pet owners and plan a fun filled picnic for your pets at the local park. You can also take them for a hike in the woods or a trail and camp for a while before getting back. Make a day out of it and have all your pets ready early in the morning for a day full of outdoor activities. Depending on whether it's a party for the same kind of pets (all cats, all dogs, etc.), you can plan out different games that the pets can play. Pack up their favorite foods and don't forget to carry everything that they need for a day outdoors!

Sunshine Party
It's not just us humans who appreciate a few hours soaking up the sun. This summer, let your pet have some much-needed 'sun-fun' by sending out invites to all his or her buddies' owners. Organize a party with a beach side theme in your own backyard. If you have a pool and are willing to spend a decent amount of time and money doing the post party cleaning, then nothing like it! Set up baskets with comfortable seating, keep the food bowls and a lot of drinking water at the ready. Let your pets enjoy themselves thoroughly in the sun and have a dip in the pool if they're willing to! You can give them little sunglasses and hats if you're too skeptical about their threshold to withstand the heat.

Costume Party
And you thought we'd never make a mention of this idea, didn't you? Of course! Costume parties are a major hit not only with us, but also with pets. Even pets can enjoy a costume party now and again, don't you think? If you're not sure, there's only one way to find out: have one! That's right! Call all your friends who have pets, and invite them over for a costume themed party for their pets. You can either give them a theme according to which they must dress up their pets or simply leave it to their imagination. You'll be pleasantly surprised when they show up with their pets in the most adorable outfits! Make sure you have enough food to go around and also some super cool favors to give them as they leave.

Competition Party
Is your dog soon going to be celebrating a birthday? How about bringing in his birthday with some pomp and entertaining grandeur? Spread the word that there's going to be a talent competition for pets on your dog's birthday! Have all your friends train their pets in some tricks and prepare them for the big day. On the party day, you can have a panel of judges (whose pets aren't participating in the competition) and have them decide on one particular winner. Train your dog to hand over the winner his or her prize. The prize can be anything from pet food to treats, attire, leashes, or even a gift voucher for a fancy pet store. Then you can cut the birthday cake for your dog and pass it around along with other pet food provisions that you've made.

Holding a pet party needs not only a lot of planning and time, but also a lot of small details that need to be taken into account. You can implement one or all of the above pet party ideas or come up with your own, eventually making sure that your pet has a blast at the party. Each pet that visits you is different and should be made to feel as comfortable as he or she would have been in his or her own home. So take care of the comfort, along with the safety provisions when you organize a pet party. Have fun!

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Printable Petsmart Coupons

Printable Petsmart Coupons

Petsmart sells pets and pet products. They offer most major pet brands for a wide range of different animals. A great ways to save money at Petsmart is with the use of printable coupons. Printable Petsmart coupons will save you a substantial amount of money on your next visit to the popular pet store. Savings of 10%,25%, and 50% are not uncommon. Petsmart releases a good number of coupons, which makes saving a snap. The following will provide you with the best ways of finding printable Petsmart coupons.

Visit The Petsmart Main Website

Petsmart updates their main website with coupon offers and promotions. Check with the website to see what offers they currently have available. It is also helpful to register with Petsmarts e-mailing list to recieve updates via e-mail as to what new offers and coupons are available.

Printable Coupons Online

Consider using one of the many printable coupon websites available for Petsmart coupons. There are many such websites available and many offer Petsmart and other pet store coupons. The majority of such websites offer their services completely free of charge. You can find printable coupon websites through a simple search through your search engine.

Coupons Upon Request

Request printable coupons from Petsmart through an e-mail. Do this by sending a quick e-mail to Petsmart, requesting coupons. If such coupons are available Petsmart will send them to you in their responding e-mail. Also be sure to inqure on specials and promotions in your ares for participating Petsmart locations.

Petsmart Coupons Through Online Auctions

Although it is not the first place you think of when you are looking for printable coupons, Ebay and other auctions are a great place to find such coupons. Sellers on such auction websites list value Petsmart coupons (as well as countless other coupons) for valuable savings. Once you have purchased the coupons they will be sent to your e-mail address where you may download them, print them, and redeem at your local Petsmart store.

Coupon Codes

Coupon codes are a great way to save at Petsmart and countless other stores. Such codes are ideal for anyone who wishes to shop at Petmart online. Such codes can be entered on at the checkout page and redeemed for valuable savings. Printable coupon code websites for Petsmart can be found through a simple Google search.

Paper Petsmart Coupons

Traditional paper coupons are another great way to save at Petsmart. They often offer similar discounts and deals that printable coupons and coupon codes offer. To find paper coupons for Petsmart look in coupon books, magazines, newspapers, mailers, flyers, inside the Petsmart store, etc. Petsmart usually has several different paper coupons available, so finding them shouldn't be too difficult.

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Dehydration Symptoms in Dogs

Just like human beings, even dogs are susceptible to the problem of dehydration. Dehydration is the condition when fluids are lost from the body. The dog's body consists of 90% water, and dehydration can be caused even with the loss of just 10 - 15% of bodily fluids. Along with water, the canine may also lose essential electrolytes including potassium, chloride, sodium, etc., from the body, which may result into serious dog health problems. Therefore, it is important for every dog owner and dog lover to know about the dehydration symptoms in canines, to take immediate action when the need arises. However, let us first discuss the reasons that result in loss of water in dogs.

Causes of Dehydration in Dogs

The most common cause of loss of water is heavy panting in dogs. After the dogs are exposed to heat or after they indulge in physical exercises, they are known to pant and drool to cool themselves, as they do not have sweat glands like human beings. In this process, they lose a lot of body fluid, and if they are not rehydrated immediately, dehydration can occur. Diarrhea or vomiting in dogs can also be the cause for dehydration. Other dog illnesses that can lead to dehydration include fever, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.

Dehydration Symptoms in Your Canine Pets

• One of the most common dog dehydration symptoms is loss of skin elasticity. If you suspect that your pet dog is suffering from dehydration, a simple elasticity test will help in diagnosing it yourself. Pinch a part of your dog's skin on the area of the shoulders. Observe the skin carefully when you release it. If the speed in which the skin goes back to normal position is slow, you canine may have dehydration. However, this is not a very reliable test as the skin's elasticity will also depend on how fat or thin the dog is.
• Another sign of dehydration in dogs is lethargy. If your dog, who is normally very lively and energetic, suddenly becomes uninterested in playing and sits at the same place for a long time, chances are there that it has dehydration. Loss of appetite in dogs is another clear symptom, where your pet is constantly refusing any kind of food and sometimes even water. Check if the dog has a rapid heartbeat, as this also another symptom of dehydration.
• The eyes of a dehydrated dog may look sunken, and sometimes the mouth, gums as well as nose may also appear to be dry. Usually, the mouth and gums of a healthy dog is wet and slippery. However, dehydration takes away all the moisture, making it dull, dry and sticky. There is another test too that can reveal whether the dog has dehydration. This is called the slow capillary refill time. You have to press a part of the dog's gums with your finger gently until the red color changes into white. After that just release your finger, if the color returns back to red immediately, the dog is healthy. However, if it remains white or if it takes time to return to red, there are chances that the dog has dehydration.

Treatment of Dehydration in Dogs

A dehydrated dog should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. However, before taking your pet to the vet, there are certain steps that you can take to rehydrate it. Keep your dog at a cool location and let it drink lots of water. However, if dehydration is very severe, do not make the mistake of allowing your dog to gulp the water quickly, because this may lead to vomiting, and subsequently further loss of bodily fluids. So, allow your dog to drink water slowly, taking little sips at a time. You can also try giving your dog pedialyte, which is an electrolyte product which will help in regaining the loss electrolytes in the body. However, if your pet refuses to drink any water, rush it to the vet for further treatment.

As dehydration can cause serious problems like failure of organs and sometimes death too, it is your responsibility as a dog owner to take all the necessary steps to prevent it from getting affected by dehydration. You have to see to it that your dog remains hydrated throughout the day. Place bowls of water at different places at your home to ensure that your dog drinks water regularly. Feeding your dog with moist foods will also do the trick. Apart from this, it is better to keep you pet indoors during hot and dry climatic conditions. If you have to take your canine outdoors for long trips, remember to give it clean water at regular intervals. Dehydration in dogs can be a symptom of some other major disease. So, if you notice any of the dehydration symptoms in dogs, the vet will help you in finding out the actual reason, and subsequent treatment if severe.

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Canine Valley Fever Symptoms

Pet owners living in the Southwestern desert area are often worried about canine valley fever. This is because this is a serious dog infection that is very common in the dusty areas of the United States. The desert regions of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Southwestern Texas are the thriving grounds for the fungus that leads to this health problem. Thus, it is very important for every dog owner in these regions to educate themselves regarding canine valley fever symptoms.

Causes
Canine valley fever is a very serious and life-threatening fungal disease in dogs. This disease is caused by Coccidioides immitis, a fungus that is common in the dry desert regions of the United States. This fungus produces spores that remain dormant in the soil and sand. They reproduce only after it rains and the fungus releases more spores in the environment. A dog that inhales the spores while playing or digging in the soil or sand, becomes susceptible to infection. It has been found that inhaling less than 10 spores may also lead to mild canine valley fever in dogs. Dogs with a weak immune system are particularly at risk of falling prey to this systemic fungal infection.

Symptoms
Canine valley fever occurs in two forms. This includes the mild form, also called primary form, and the disseminated form. After inhalation of the spores, they develop into spherules. These are large multicellular structures that burst releasing many endospores within the body. The primary form of the condition occurs when the disease is just limited to the respiratory organs, i.e., lungs. The dog suffers from respiratory symptoms like -

• Continuous hacking cough
• Fever (over 102F)
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

In case of severe infection, it may lead to excessive weight loss and severe pneumonia. When the disease begins to spread to other organs of the body, it is known as the disseminated form. The spherules reproduce and spill the endospores into the blood stream. Thus, these spores are able to travel down to other organs leading to spread of infection. The disease spreads to the bones and joints causing the dog to limp. It may even spread to the brain leading to seizures. The symptoms of disseminated form of canine valley fever include -

• Swollen limbs
• Pain in the neck or back
• Seizures
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin ulcerations
• Eye inflammation

Diagnosis of Canine Valley Fever
If you notice any of the above symptoms of canine valley fever, it is important to take your dog to a veterinarian for further diagnosis. The veterinarian may suggest canine valley fever tests like a blood test that checks for specific antibodies related to the fungus. Other tests may include isolation of the fungal agent from the skin ulcerations and lesions or a chest X-ray to understand the type and severity of the infection. Once the condition is confirmed, the veterinarian will begin with canine valley fever treatment.

Treatment
The canine valley fever medications include antifungal drugs that help in getting rid of all the fungus from the dog's body. This conventional treatment is continued for about 6 months to a year. The common medications used include ketoconazole and itraconazole. Ketoconazole medication is the least expensive, but leads to many side effects that include vomiting, loss of appetite and liver damage. Itraconazole is an expensive medication with fewer side effects. However, both medications need to be given to the dog daily for about 6 to 12 months. If left untreated or if one does not complete the course of the treatment, it may lead to death of the dog.

Prognosis
It has been found that many dogs are successfully treated with prompt medical intervention. However, a few dogs may die in spite of giving them the required medication and treatment. These dogs include very small puppies, old dogs and those with a weak immune system. Most dogs tend to live through the infection and become immune to the spores by the time they complete their treatment course.

Is Canine Valley Fever Contagious?
If you are wondering whether canine valley fever is contagious, the answer is 'no'. This condition does not spread to other pets or humans from an infected animal. Also, a human infected with canine valley fever will not pass on the infection to another person or a pet, including dogs. The same applies to dogs, as they cannot pass on the infection to their owners as well as other pets around the house.

If you observe respiratory illness symptoms and a limp in your dog for no apparent reason, make sure you test him for valley fever. This is especially true for people who live in the Southwestern desert regions of the US. For further information on this disease condition, speak to the veterinarian.

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Best Food for Obese Dogs

Obesity is not just a big problem for humans, it's also a huge health issue for dogs too. Being overweight not only makes them fat, it also makes them lazy and disinterested in activities around. Remember you haven't purchased a dog to make him a couch potato, your dog needs his daily hours of physical activity and you should make it a point to give it. According to a recent survey, more than 40% pet dogs in America suffer from the problem of obesity. If you or your vet think that it's necessary that your dog should lose some extra pounds, then make it happen. It's pretty simple to understand that being overweight doesn't mean that your dog is fit and healthy, it means that it's on the verge of contracting heart diseases and different metabolic disorders. The best way to deal with this situation is exercise for sure but you also have to ensure that your pet eats healthy food.

Most owners can't tell whether their dog is overweight unless and until they go and have a checkup done at the vet. Sometimes even the vet can't say whether the dog is overweight. The best way to judge is to see your dog's ribs, are they bulging out? Is your dog's stomach hanging? Does your dog drag his legs while walking? If these are the signs, then your dog is too fat.

Choosing Dog Food for Over Weight Dogs

It's never too late to switch to a good quality dog food which is low in fatty substances. There are many low-fat dog food brands available in the market but there's quite confusion about which brands are the best from the lot. Following points will help you choose good food for obese dogs.

• It's important that the food brand you choose has lower fat percentage while the amount of essential fatty acids should be maintained.
• A low-fat dog food will have a high content of crude ash which aids in healthy digestion.
• Your dog will find the taste of the dog food very bland as its lacking the fat content and has high contents of crude ash. To make the food more tasteful, you can add in more protein content in the food.
• Because your dog food has high crush crude ash content, your dog would be able to eat more and there's no reason to worry as there's less fat and more easily consumable substances which give the required energy to the dog.

Brands of Low Fat food for Obese Dogs

Here are some of the best food brands for obese dogs in the market. You can also ask your vet about which choices should be considered for your dog. All the following mentioned brands are also approved by the FDA to be safe and healthy for your dogs.

• Purina ONE Healthy Weight Wholesome Entree
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Weight & Osteo WO 28 Large Breed Adult
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Adult Weight Control In Gel
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Weight & Stone WS 30 Formula Small Breed Adult
• Hi-Tor Veterinary Select Reduso Diet For Dogs
• Purina ONE Large Breed Dog Healthy Weight Management Formula
• ACANA for Overweight Dogs
• Wellness CORE Reduced Fat
• Horizon Pet Nutrition
• California Natural Low Fat Rice and Lamb Meal Adult
• Wellness Dry Dog Food - Weight Management
• Innova Reduced Fat Dog Food

When you are looking for the best food for obese dogs in the market, it's always recommended that you follow your vet's advice and have a look at some reviews. Also, never make sudden changes to your dog's diet. Even if you want to switch your pet's low-fat food, do it after proper consultation from your vet.

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How to Make Hot Dog Buns or Hamburger Buns

Anyone can easily make their own hot dog and hamburger buns. There is no need to spend an insane amount on buns that are large enough for your hot dogs and hamburgers when you can make your own and make them the size you want. This can even be a good cooking lesson for the kids and fun for them to make their own hot dog and hamburger buns.

Things You Will Need

1 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup butter

4 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

1 package instant yeast

2 tbsp sugar

Large mixing bowl

2 quart pan

Cooking sheet

Shortening

Begin by preheating oven by turning it on to 400 degrees. Use a paper towel to spread shortening evenly on the cooking sheet for cooking your hot dog or hamburger buns on.

In a small pan, thoroughly mix and heat milk, water and butter. Do not bring to a boil, but make sure it is hot.

Mix together the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Pour the heated milk, water and butter into the flour mix and then thoroughly mix in the egg.

When you have thoroughly mixed the hot dog or hamburger bun dough, dump it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. This can take about 10 minutes.

For hamburger buns, divide dough into 12 balls and flatten slightly in your palm. Shape them into a hamburger bun. Put the dough on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.

For hot dug buns, shape the balls into hot dog bun shapes and round the edges off. Let these rise for about 25 minutes.

Bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Once cooled, slice the buns as needed or desired. Store any leftover hamburger buns or hot dog buns in plastic baggies to keep them fresh.

These hot dog and hamburger buns can be customized in any way that you want. Add sesame seeds, poppy seeds or onion flakes to your buns if you want. White flour can be replaced with wheat if you prefer for healthier buns. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

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Want to Buy a Dog? Heres What You Need to Know

So youve decided you want to get a dog. Maybe you saw the cutest puppies in the window of your local pet store just today, or maybe you have been thinking about it for some time. Either way, adding a dog to your family should be something that is carefully considered. If you impulsively take home that cute little puppy without doing a little research, you may find yourself regretting your decision later. There are many things to think about when youre picking out your new furry friend. Not all dogs are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Puppy or Adult Dog

While those puppies in your local pet store might be irresistibly cute, taking a puppy home is entirely different than taking home a dog who is a little older. Everyone has heard stories of new dogs chewing up a favorite pair of shoes or relieving itself on an expensive couch. Puppies are much more likely to do these things than older dogs. Of course, its never a guarantee that an older dog wont do those things, but its much less likely. Any dog, especially one who is left alone all day or doesnt get an appropriate amount of exercise, can start chewing at any time. However, puppies are often not house-trained, which requires much more work than a dog that is already trained. New puppies also have much more energy than a dog that is even just one year old. They require lots of attention and care. This might sound as if Im trying to persuade you that getting a puppy is a terrible idea, but I assure you that is not the case. Raising a puppy can be incredibly rewarding, but the top reason you will find puppies in animal shelters is because new owners are unprepared and have to give them away.

Shelter, Breeder, or Pet Store

Shelters have a bad reputation for having only dogs that are old, mean tempered, or bad. This is because animal shelters will take any dog that is brought to them for whatever reason, and why would someone give up a dog that is a great companion? The truth is that shelters have all kinds of dogs. If someones dog has an unexpected litter of puppies, they could give them to a shelter. If someone lost their home in this bad economy or became too old to care for their dog, the shelter would gladly find those dogs a new home, too. Dogs that are found as strays are sometimes runaways that are totally house-trained and really sweet pets. Dont discount a shelter just because you want a specific type of dog. Shelters are getting new dogs in all the time from all sorts of places.

If you know you want a specific kind of dog, especially if you want the dog as a puppy, a breeder is a great way to go, though purchasing a dog from a breeder will be much more expensive than a shelter. If you have the funds and are set on a certain breed, getting your dog from a breeder is fine. Just be sure you find a reputable one. Good breeders will screen their dogs for health problems and temperament issues.

Many pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills are terrible places to find dogs because they inbreed. They might mate a dog with its sister, for example, and that can create all sorts of health problems for their puppies later in life.

Breeds

The most important research you can do before getting a dog is to look up information about the breed. The type of dog will determine more about its personality than anything else. Terriers, for example, are high-energy and mildly trainable. Beagles are great companions, but howl a lot. Larger dogs are gentle, but sometimes can be lazy. Whatever you do, research the breeds of dogs before you take your pet home. Knowing what youre getting into is better than finding out after the fact.

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Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Chocolates, the scrumptious delicacies made from cocoa beans. Who does not love chocolates and the feelings of getting lost in the delicious aroma. However, this sweet fantasy is a toxic bite for our canine friends. Chocolate poisoning in dogs is a very serious dog health problem. Not many dog owners are aware of the lethal effects of chocolate on their dog's health. Thus, chocolate poisoning is a very common dog health issue faced by owners as well as vets.

What is Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

When you are enjoying your bar of chocolate, your pooch will sit near your feet with expressions begging for a bite. Do not let your heart melt like chocolate, and tell your pooch 'No chocolate' firmly. Yes, you may be breaking his heart, but you are saving his life. Once you give your dog a chocolate, he will keep wanting more and more. This is bad. It's not just going to cost him his teeth like a 5-year-old addicted to chocolate. It will lead to serious complications due to chocolate poisoning.

Why is chocolate bad for dogs? Chocolates are made from cocoa beans, that contain a natural stimulant compound theobromine. This theobromine affects the urination, central nervous system and even the heart muscles. The amount of theobromine vary in different types of chocolates. It is this theobromine that is poisonous to dogs.

Dark chocolate poisoning is the most common, as it contains as much as 16mg of theobromine per gram of chocolate. The toxic dose for a dog of chocolate is about 100 - 200mg/kg. However, the toxic level can be even lower than 20mg/kg for dogs. Thus, dark chocolate poisoning is due to the 16.3g of theobromine eaten in one go by the dog. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual the approximate theobromine levels present in different types of chocolates are as follows:

• Dry cocoa powder - 800 mg/oz
• Cocoa bean mulch - 255 mg/oz
• Milk chocolate - 44-64 mg Theobromine per oz chocolate
• Unsweetened (Baker's) chocolate - 450 mg/oz
• sweet dark chocolate and Semi-sweet chocolate - 150-160 mg/oz
• White chocolate contains an insignificant source of methylxanthines

Symptoms

After ingestion of chocolates, the symptoms can be as follows:

• The dog is excited, nervous or trembles abnormally
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination due to high levels of theobromine
• Muscle spasms
• Dog seizures
• Increase body temperature
• Muscle rigidity
• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Extreme response to noise, light and even touch
• Heart failure, coma, death are extremely rare

Treatment

If you observe the symptoms of chocolate poisoning or dogs eating chocolates more than normal, you should immediately call the veterinarian. The toxicity of chocolate depends on the size of the dog, type of dog and the quantity of chocolate eaten. There is no specific antidote available for treating chocolate poisoning in dogs. The veterinarian may use some supportive therapies to reduce the amount of theobromine in the body and treating chocolate poisoning. He may give the dog IV fluids to prevent dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, excessive urination and to flush out the theobromine. Emetics may be given to induce vomiting and within 4 hours of ingestion of chocolates. If the ingestion period is more than 4 hours and the dog continues to show signs of toxicity, then the doctor may use activated charcoal. Seizures in dogs are treated with anti-seizures medications. Those with irregular or excessive heartbeat will be given cardiac medications.

Humans can break down theobromine effectively, but a canine's body cannot. If you love your dog, do not give him chocolates. I know, I know, its hard to resist those begging eyes. But, you need to be stone-hearted when it comes to dog care and avoiding feeding the dog chocolates. Make sure you instruct the kids never to share their chocolates with the dog. Chocolates can be a sinful pleasure for humans, but for a dog it can lead to a painful bite.

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How I solved my ant problem without poisoning them.

No more ants. No more poison.

Credit: Sue Visser

How Ants React to White Pepper

Tiny ants in the home are a big problem

We often find tiny ants crawling all over the sugar the pets food or any dead insect on the floor. What should we do to get rid of them?

Should we apply pesticides?

Spraying insecticides aroundis an obvious choice. It will kill the ants that are present. But will it stop them from returning? This was not my idea of having an eco-friendly home. I aim to have a floor that is clean enough and non-toxic enough to eat from. I found a very simple solution, right inside my grocery cupboard. A few other nifty ant deterrents I tried were effective in some ways but nothing worked as well as white pepper!

Share this fascinating journey into the mind and body of an ant and appreciate these wonderful creatures for what they are. Ants look for food andwere in fact createdto clean up rotting plant debris and dead insects to take home to the communal pantry. This is a valuable service but as we know, it should not include the honey pot, the sugar bowl and food we leave in a bowl to feed Fido. How do we tell ants to look elsewhere? Here is my journey and I hope you find a solution that works for you that is ant friendly.

Fight the ant with its own poison

Ants kill each other with achemicalthey generate to make their bite toxic to opposing ants. Itis known asformic acid. We feel the sting if one of the ant soldiers gives us a nip. We all know what it feels like to have ants in our pants. Yet we humans use this same poison to sweeten our food in the effort to lower the calorie content. Any guesses? Aspartame, a non-nutritive sweetener found in diet drinks and other popular foods is toxic to our little friends.

At home, you can sprinkle a sachet of any popular diet sweetener thathas aspartame around something that is attracting the ants. Soon they will be dead. Either at the scene of the crime or on the way home to the nest. Some of them take food containing aspartame back to their loved ones and kill them too. But the next day there will be more ants, eager to snap up any morsels they can find. After all, this is what they do and they will keep on doing it.

Another household poison is no so sweet

Borax is a common ingredient used to kill cockroaches. Bowls of a mixture of sugar and borax are left in nooks and crannies, especially under the kitchen sink to kill cockroaches. To extend this activity, one can mix a little water with sugar and borax and you can kill two bugs out of the same bowl. Borax is not a good thing to leave around the housebecause to mayfind its way down thethroats of pets and small children. And yes, the ants will keep coming back!

Cinnamon a spicy, non-toxic ant diverter

A sprinkling of cinnamon creates a good deterrent to ants seeking scraps of food. If you sprinkle cinnamon on a plate underneath the pet food, chances are that they will not climb over it and invade the food. My cat didnt seem to mind the cinnamon and his feeding area had the aroma of pumpkin fritters. But oh my, any crumb that escaped from this spicy fortress was once again fully surrounded by ants. You could see the path of tiny ants, leading all the way down from the first floor of our house, back to the garden.

The feeding frenzy continues!

I tried placing a shallow bath of water underneath the cats bowl. I shooed away the stream of determined ants withlashingsof cinnamon and told them to go to the garden, for some fresh organic food instead. I wiped them along with a piece of paper towel. They had no right to come and invade my special Siamese dry food. Not at that price, anyway. Then somebody suggested clove powder. They move away from clove powder and make a lengthy detour around your specially prepared floors, cupboard edgings, door jambs and other nooks and crannies along their route. But they get back to the food!

The telling moment

The reason I tried white pepper was because of the mess the cinnamon and cloves had made of the walls and edges of the floor. Ginger was a lighter colour, but it didnt help, other than add to the aroma of gingerbread and cookies. So white pepper it was. Eek! The ants backed off and began a detour. I continued sprinkling white pepper all over the floor. I swept up the ants and pepper all in one grand slam. I then rubbedthe floor with paper towel and sprinkles of pepper - especially into the tile grouting and around the rugs.

The great white pepper barrier

I had made an invisible pepper barrier. No ants crossed the no-go zone of about one metre wide. I then rubbed more white pepper in a broad sweep around the cats bowl of canned food downstairs. The next morning there were no ants. There were no trailsof eager ants andno more tell-tale ant scouts, coming to investigate. Somehow the white pepper prevented the ants from smelling. But that night I was sneezing!But I did worryabout the cat. He did not seem to react to the pepper in terms of any irritation, but there was a strange side effect.

Does white pepper contain pheromones?

The cat could not stop nudging and rubbing his head against my legs in an over affectionate way. He was purring, tail up like an exclamation mark and a blissful look on his face. I could not hug and stroke him enough. He sidled away at last and lay down on a cushion. He had stopped scratching himself and the fleas were not bothering him. Could it be that fleas dont like white pepper either?

Caution: Please dont try this at home until you find out more about how a white pepper barrier affects puppies, kittens, and very sensitive people. But this is how Isolved my problem without having to use any poison. Any brand of white pepper will do. I guess the more expensive the pepper, the more concentrated it will be. In this case, thin it out with a little corn flour to make it go further.

Ants will however keep returning; despite the white pepper barrier if a strong-smellingsource of food remains accessible. I learnt this the hard way, when the ants found the box of cat food above the now protected food bowl resting inside the dish of water. I am going to buy a special ant proof pet food bowl now.

The next morning they were back. I removed the box and slowly chased them out with the pepper. They all went home of their own accord and have not returned. In the kitchen weare nowfree of ants, even when we put the honey and sugar back on the shelves. The ant spies had gone and the troops had marched on to other sources of food.

First come the scout ants

Ants looking for food

Credit: Sue Visser

A few minutes later the gang arrives

Credit: Sue Visser

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Common English Word Misconceptions

Credit: http://www.morguefile.com

I'm confused...no wait maybe I'm not

The English language can be very difficult to use in both speaking and writing. We have a ton of words out there that sound similar and are similar in meaning. Some words are more easily mistaken than others and this article will talk about a few of those very words we need to be able to differentiate from. While there are a lot of words out there that could fit into this article I felt the need to point out these most common ones and will elaborate on their meaning and use in writing and speaking today.

Then vs. Than

Here's one of the key offenders in our objective in becoming good writers. Then and than get so frequently mixed up in writing that people seem to just pick one and go with it. Let's look at the difference between these two

Then: Then is an adverb, and indicates time. An example of a sentence that would you then instead of than is something like "We are going to the movies, then we are going to eat." It's indicating time and action, nothing else. Then is also a word that can be replaced with synonyms. In the above sentence, we can substitute then with afterwards or later.

Than: Than is different. That letter A as opposed to E means all the difference in this comparison. Actually that's exactly what it's used for, a comparison! Than compares two things or is used to indicate amount. For instance in a comparison: "Pie is greater than cake" makes sense because it's indicating that one is different from another. In the instance of amount: "My wallet has 4 dollars less than what it had yesterday." Again comparing something but in this case indicating amount. The other notable thing is unlike then, than cannot be replaced. Try thinking of a word that can replace than in "Pie is greater than cake." You can't because it's standalone.

Accept vs. Except

If you say these two words out loud they sound the same, but I can assure you the difference is quite big between the two. Let's look at these two words to improve your writing skills today.

Accept: Accept is a verb. This means accept is an action and you will use it to portray taking something from someone else. For example: "I will accept your generous donation" means this person is willingly taking this money from the person donating. When you accept, you take or receive in other words.

Except: Except is quite different in that while accept is a verb, except is a preposition or in other words a link to other nouns and phrases. It means not including, or other than and an example would be "I would go to the movies with you except I'm busy tonight". This isn't an action like accept; it's indicating something other than what this person desires.

Affect vs. Effect

Another duo of similarly sounding words, these two are also very different in spite of their one letter difference. Here are the differences between these two.

Affect: Affect is generally used as a verb indicating something happened. An example would be "This food is going to affect my stomach" meaning he's probably going to get sick from it. Affect is the verb here; it's the action of a sentence.

Effect: Effect is the opposite in that it's used as a noun and not a verb. So to play upon this idea of this guys stomach more: "This food is going to affect my stomach. The effect will be I am going to puke." Notice how effect here isn't indicating an action like affect, but instead it's acting as a noun showing the outcome of what will happen from ingesting this food.

It's vs its

That little apostrophe makes all the difference. It's subtle, or so you would think. It's and its are very different and when you understand the difference you will see how if you mixed them up the sentence suddenly makes no sense anymore.

It's: It's is a contraction of the two words "It is". Just like you know don't is "do not" or can't is "can not", it's is a contraction of two words put together by an apostrophe. An example would be "It's time to go to bed". If you took out "It's" and replaced that with the individual words "It is" the sentence still makes sense because "It's" is just short for "It is".

Its: Its is a possessive and basically....well it indicates possession. An example is "The dog ate its bone". If you said "The dog ate it is bone" that makes no sense right? Because we aren't using "It's or it is" but instead possession in "its".

More out there

There are hundreds of more examples out there besides these few that I listed, but these are the most common offenders in the English language and the most frequently confused words for writers today. Make sure you know the difference between these word pairs and you will become a better writer.

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8 Must Do Activities at Fairs and Carnivals

The summer fair and carnivals are beginning to start at venues all across North America. A fair and carnival is a lot of fun. Here are 8 activities that must be done at every fair or carnival. In addition to these activities, make sure that you visit the farm animals if it is a County fair.

Corn Dogs

I try not to eat corn dogs unless they are homemade. I love corndogs but will generally only eat corndogs that are made of 100% beef. Most hot dogs have a mixture of mechanically separate chicken, beef, and pork butt. Yuck. I will however make an exception when I visit a fair. The taste of a greasy corn dog is just better when you are at an event like a fair.

Swings

The Swings are a lot of fun. You dont have to be a kid to ride the swings. Riding the swings is a fun activity that should be done by everybody who visits a fair; just make sure you wait to eat the corn dog until after you ride the swings.

Ferris Wheels

Ferris Wheels are a mainstay at county fairs. Even if you do not ride the rides, you should at least take a round on the Ferris wheel. Tip: Take you camera and snap some pictures from the top of the Ferris wheel.

People Watching

"People watching" is one of the most interesting activities you can do at a fair, and it is free. You see the cute women with skin showing, the fat guy eating cotton candy, the lady on oxygen smoking, the clown who is pissed off by his job

The variety of people and their interaction with each other is priceless.

Fish Bowl Game

Throwing ping pong balls into a fish bowl is mindless entertainment. I dont agree with fairs giving out goldfish as many of them eventually die a young death, but the game its self is fun. Throw balls and have a chance one will go in. This is an extremely fun game for small children, and many adults enjoy it as well.

Shooting Red Star Games

The game is practically impossible to win, but when Osama Bin Laden is added it makes it patriotic. Youre not going to win, but it is a lot of fun to give it a few tries.

Cotton Candy

Seriously dude, what the heck are you doing at a fair if you refuse to eat cotton candy? Cotton candy is truly awesome. If you get lucky they may have the banana flavored cotton candy. The Banana flavored cotton candy is the best tasting cotton candy in the whole world, especially if you wash it down with freshly squeezed lemonade.

Elephant Ears

Elephant ears, also called scones when you are not at a fair, are those large treat that will fill you up. If money is tight buy an elephant ear to eat. It will fill you up. You can get one laden with sugar and cinnamon, but I prefer straight butter on mine. Fair scones are greasy, deep-fried, and dang good tasting.

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Mucus in Dog Stool

It is normal to observe some amount of mucus in dog stool sometimes. However, one should take note of mucus if observed regularly for a few days. The slimy, white mucus is the substance that lines the intestines. It helps keep the colon moist and lubricated. It can be passed out with stools sometimes. This is no cause of panic, but if excessive amount of mucus is observed, it means something is wrong.

What Does Mucus in Dog Poop Mean
When you dog suffers from a major change in his bowel movement, or blood and mucus in stool is observed, it is a sign of some underlying dog health problem. It may indicate irritation in the stomach as well as intestines. If the white mucus does not clear up in a few days, it is better to seek veterinarian help. Feed the dog a balanced diet that includes cooked rice with chicken or meat, to ease the digestive problems.

Causes
There are many causes of mucus in stool, that may affect your dog's health. Some of the causes include:

• Eating stale or rotten foods from garbage
• Dog food allergies
• Intestinal parasites in dogs like whipworm, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms
• Bacterial infection like Salmonella infection
• Colitis
• Diarrhea
• Parvo or Corona virus
• Inflammation of the rectal opening
• Constipation
• Tumors or polyps like rectal polyps

Symptoms
The first symptoms is obviously mucus. If it is transparent, grayish or white mucus, it is probably normal. However, if your observe other symptoms like:

• Yellow mucus
• Foul-smelling stools
• Diarrhea
• Change in bowel movement
• Appetite loss
• Blood in stool

If you observe yellow mucus, you should take your pet to the vet immediately. This can be a sign of intestinal infection or parasitic infection, that may turn lethal. Food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, may also cause yellow mucus to appear. In case of puppies, yellow mucus is a sign of severe infection. Your pup needs immediate medical care as their immune system is still developing.

Bloody mucus is a sign of various dog illnesses. It can be due to presence of parasites like hookworm, heartworm, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, etc. The parasitic infection that is most like to cause bloody mucus is hookworm and whipworm. Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs or gastrointestinal infection may cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This will lead to bloody mucus, along with other symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, etc.

Stomach ulcers or cancers of the colon, or digestive system, may also cause bloody mucus in dog stool. Diseases like liver and kidney failure, Addison's disease, also cause bloody mucus in stools. Ingestion of foreign body or hemorrhoids may lead to bloody stool.

Treatment
The mucus in dog poop treatment depends on the cause of the problem. The doctor may prescribe medications and special diet to cure the condition. De-worming is advised in cases of parasitic infections. The dog needs to be fed a balanced diet to improve his overall health. The dog should be fed bland, cooked food 3 to 6 times a day. The food should include ground beef, chicken or meat. Mix the meat with white cooked rice. Do not give your dog, over the counter drugs for treatment of diarrhea or mucus in dog stool. Speak to the veterinarian for his advice on medications.

This was all about mucus in dog stool causes, symptoms and treatment. If you have any further queries related to dog health, speak to the dog's vet. Good dog care will ensure a healthy and happy pet.

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Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Terriers

If a dog's prayers were answered, bones would rain from the sky. - Anon

How can one sum up a Jack Russell Terrier? A whirling dervish, a shaken can of energy, a mini brownish tornado? From their dashing yet mischievous brown or black eye-patches to their short and compact build, a Jack Russell Terrier is designed for an active life. These dogs are not meant for everyone as they need to be kept busy and can get a little too energetic for inexperienced dog lovers or people with small children.

JRTs are ancestrally hunting dogs, bred for the thrill and chase of the hunt, locating and catching prey and alerting their master to its presence. This in-bred attitude remains in most JRTs, so they tend to regard smaller animals and pets as prey and love to dig around in the backyard for potential victims. An integral part of caring for your JRT involves what it eats on a daily basis. In this article, learn some guidelines to planning a typical Jack Russell Terrier's diet.

Feeding Your Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers can be finicky when it comes to ready-made dog foods and brands. Some they like, some they turn their noses and tails at and walk away, all in a huff. They can even like a particular food for a while, only to express their boredom after 1-2 weeks. These little fellows are members of the picky eater club, so variety is the key to gaining their approval, when it comes to chow. Then again, their distinctive Napoleonic personality makes them feel like they need special treatment, so your JRT might demand a home cooked meal each time!

Look for specially designed and created Jack Russell Terrier dog food brands. These food mixes have special ingredients, designed for this breed's nutritional needs. But they can be expensive as compared to other foods and a bit rarer to find. Even dog food brands that cater exclusively to small dog breeds, are good food sources for your Jack Russell Terrier. Such brands take the picky nature of their consumers into consideration as well as try to mix the right nutrients that would suit a small dog's build and digestive system. One such dog food brand is Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Dog Food.

Jack Russell Terriers are bundles of energy and are always ready for a run. From their puppyhood to being an old-timer, these dogs are very energetic and love to run around, so their food should support their respective age and activity level. Unless your dog is unhappy or shows he's bored with the food, avoided repeatedly changing the food. Do feed a complete wet or dry food mix. For a balanced type of dog food, mix the two varieties together. Divide the feeding regime into twice a day, 2 complete meals. Do not feed a Jack Russell puppy cow's milk unless it is diluted with water. Ideally a bitch's substitute milk or goat's milk should be given.

Your JRT needs meat, real pure meat, as he/she needs food with a high protein content. Look for pure, complete meat in dog food brands. If you are cooking your JRT's meals, then go in for steaks and thick pieces, cooked with no seasonings. Meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork will do. Whole flesh or body parts such as ribs, wings, legs and organs (heart, tripe, liver) are choice meats. Avoid ocean fish.

Raw meat bones are good for your dog's teeth and gum development. Avoid chicken bones as they can be brittle and may chip or break, while chewing. Vegetables like carrots and some seeds like pumpkin and sesame are allowed. Actually most vegetables, except corn and wheat, are good for consumption. They should be cut and cooked in small-sized chunks and bits, for your dog to bite easily. If home-made, add some rice to the cooked meat.

Avoid ready-made dog foods that contain corn, wheat, soy and vegetable oil. These are not easily digestible and most dogs are allergic to such ingredients. A high grain content in the food is also undesirable. Added preservatives, dyes and artificial flavorings are other food ingredients, that are harmful. Check the sugar content. A Jack Russell will show skin disease and allergic reaction symptoms, if his/her food is not right, so when trying new brands or switching to other brands of food, see if your dog shows repeated itching, scratching, flaky skin or biting. The wrong food can also cause digestive system problems, such as loose or watery stool or no stool at all, loss of appetite and other signs. Do not feed your Jack Russell food scraps from your table, no matter how many appealing looks he/she gives you! Human food is not good for dogs in general, especially chocolates, junk food, bread products etc., as they can make your dog obese or introduce unwanted health problems like cholesterol and diabetes.

Ultimately the best dog food for your JRT is one that keeps him frisky and active with a shiny, bright coat and sparkly eyes.

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Dry Skin Remedies for Dogs

You dog's skin might become dry due to several reasons. You can cure it by trying various home remedies. Winter season is the most common reason for dry skin in dogs. Moreover, improper diet, poor hygiene and other medical conditions might be contributory factors. There are many easy dry skin remedies for dogs which you can try to give your dog a soft and shiny look.

Remedies

Remedy 1
You must see that your dog's diet is high in protein and that it contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 to help in the proper growth of fur to keep its skin moist and supple. This will also ensure good health. Your dog's dry and itchy skin might be due to an allergy to grains (fillers) usually found in lower-end dog food. So switching to a meat-based food is a great option.

Remedy 2
Supplementing the pet's food with 1-3 tablespoons of flax seed oil everyday for about six weeks is another remedy. Once you see improvement, you can reduce the dosage. Most of the high-end dog foods already contain flax seed that can improve your dog's coat. You can also opt for salmon oil or olive oil which are cheaper alternatives to flax seed oil.

Remedy 3
Remember, not to over bath your dog. Though bathing is a necessary part of dog grooming, remember that bathing your dog too often can worsen the problem as bathing gets rid of the essential oils on its fur. So it is best to bathe dogs as little as possible and use a shampoo containing oatmeal or Vitamin E. Also use a moisturizing rinse or conditioner, especially meant for dogs after shampoo. Never rub your dog with the towel as rubbing can further aggravate this problem, only pat it dry.

Remedy 4
After you bathe your dog and pat him dry with the towel, apply some baby oil or olive oil over his fur and wrap him up in a warm towel. This will help the oil soak in. This is one of the best home remedies for dogs with dry skin. The oatmeal colloidal is best for dogs with eczema.

Remedy 5
One of the easy natural remedies is mixing oatmeal with water and rubbing it over your dog's skin and coat. Leave it for ten minutes and then rinse it off with water. If there is problem in rinsing out oatmeal from the dog's coat, then use more water in the mix and strain the oatmeal before you use it.

Remedy 6
If your dog's skin is dry and itchy, use water mixed with baking soda to relieve the itch. If the dog's feet is itchy, mix Epsom salts in cool water and dip its feet in the water for 5-10 minutes. Make sure that he does not drink it. Sometimes ear mites in dogs might cause excessive scratching in areas around the ears. In this case, soak a cotton ball in mineral oil and swab the ear canal gently. If your dog tends to catch fleas much often, then include yeast and garlic in his diet.

Remedy 7
Using fish oil is one of the effective remedies. Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that keep the skin and hair moisturized and soft. It is available in the form of capsule as well. Give your dog a fish oil capsule or add a tablespoon of fish oil in his food few times a week. You can also apply this oil to the skin topically and then comb through the fur to moisturize his skin and fur and relieve the itching problem.

Always keep your dog's skin moist. Remember just as your skin needs constant moisture, so does his skin. Applying any oil high in Vitamin E on your dog's skin regularly is one of the best remedies. Brushing your dog's coat more often will help remove shed fur and dander that can irritate your dog's skin. Maintaining regular hygiene is the most important element of dog care. Also keeping the dog clothes, dog collars and dog kennels clean is very essential. Remember , you must always consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis, especially in the case of skin tears, lesions or hair loss.

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