photo by ღĴęNňζ™, Flickr

Having a pet and pet stains are unfortunately going to go hand in hand. Perhaps you have been given a new untrained puppy, or you have an older dog that no longer can retain its urine until you come home. If you have hardwood floors, this presents a very unique predicament. You can call in the professionals to remove the stain or you can do it yourself. Doing it yourself necessitates a few special tools and of course a bit of elbow grease.  New pet stains are undoubtedly easier to remove than old pet stains, but both are feasible.

First test your stain removal plan on a piece of flooring that will not show damage should damage occur.  Removing every iota of the stain is important, as part of the removal process is to remove the “marking” odor that pets recognize and desire to either mark again, or mark it for themselves if it was made by another canine. It’s a territory thing, you know?

Removing A Fresh Pet Stain

So, first let’s assume that you are working with a fresh stain.  Because the wood is not thoroughly soaked down deep, these stains are uncomplicated to remove.   Arm yourself with warm water, white vinegar, paper towels and one of those new-fangled products that contain enzymes, or special bacteria that will remove both the discoloration and the “marked” odor from the wood.  Be sure and ascertain that the particular product you purchase has been designed for wooden floors.

Now you are ready should your pet urinate indoors on your wooden floor.  Be organized to act quickly and begin by removing as much of the liquid urine with paper towels.  Next, use the white vinegar, which will work to remove the stain as well as remove the odor of the urine.  Rinse the spot with warm water and more paper towels.  Follow this with a vigorous drying course of action with more paper towels until the area is thoroughly dry. Next use the professional stain remover, carefully following the direction on the product.

Removing An Old Pet Stain

This is a bit more problematic; however, if the stain has been there long enough to have saturated both the wood and sub-flooring, the first step is to sand the wood down to determine how deeply the urine stain went. If the stain has disappeared with a bit of sanding, simply refinish that section after you cease sanding. Should you find that the damage goes much deeper and is too far-reaching perhaps the best solution at this point is to refinish the total floor.  Also, removing deeply ingrained odors may require a treatment with bleach in order to keep pets from using the same spot over and over again.

Coming home to your happy dog, which never fails to greet you with a wagging tail, palpable happiness, and absolutely no retributions for anything you have done – this is all part of owning a dog. Since time immemorial, dogs are said to be “man’s best friend” thus your pet is going to rely on you to be his best friend as well.

Some canine pets require a lot of time for grooming therefore you should be aware what breed you are considering based on the time and effort you will have to spend on grooming your canine best friend.

Unless you plan to breed your new pet, the shelter is the best place to consider getting a dog.  There are so many available, and they all greet you as their best friend the moment you walk into the kennels.

Consequently if you are ready and willing to part with care, food, and attention, they will pledge their allegiance to you and guard you as though you were the most precious thing on earth, which of course, to the canine mind, you are!

Nutrition

In order for your pet to live long and yes, prosper; you need to purchase dog food that is nutritious. This is not the time to acquire junk food and expect your pet to thrive, just as junk food is not nutritious enough for most humans, neither are the low-priced cans of dog food contain cheap fillers.  Also, just as humans need treats, so dogs need treats as well, but you should be judicious with them.
Training

Dogs need to learn manners, tricks and other ways to bring you pleasure, for bringing you pleasure is essential to their happiness.  A well trained dog is one who relishes pleasing their owner, thus it rests on your shoulders to train the dog yourself, or attend the local dog training sessions so that your dog is not a nuisance but instead the “true friend” that you seek.

Grooming

In order for your dog to be the attentive companion you seek, you must be sure to either groom it or have it groomed.  Depending on the breed you’ve chosen, it will require, to be well brushed so it maintains a pleasant coat.  The longer haired breeds may need to have their coats trimmed at intervals to prevent painful knots from forming. Also, you will need to clean the dog’s ears and brush their teeth. Of course all dogs need an occasional bath, which you will have to provide.

Exercise

Making a commitment to a dog means that you must be ready to walk your pet so that it can relieve itself and get the exercise it needs.  The larger the breed, the more exercise it will require.  Make the walk a fun time for you to bond with each other.

Health Care

Just as you see your own Doctor at specified intervals so will a good veterinarian set up a schedule for your pet.  Yearly shots are necessary but you also need to keep a careful eye on your pet so that you can bring your dog pal to seek help as soon as possible.  Just as a human becomes listless when they are sick, so do our canine friends.  As you become accustomed to your dog’s specific habits, you’ll note a difference in your dog when they are ill.

All in all, you’ll have years of pleasure with your dog if you follow the tips listed above, and most importantly you’ll discover why a dog is known to be “man’s best friend!”

All dog foods are not the same, and because quality varies so much, many owners, in the search to maintain their pet’s health at its very best, have discovered that they can better attain that goal by making the food they feed their pets.

Because of this, many Internet sites have sprung up that contain exceptional recipes for you to try making for your dog.  There are also other reasons for the popularity of these sites and that is the intimidating shock that all pet owners felt when commercial pet food was found to contain ingredients that were highly poisonous and killing many pets.

Many of the recipes posted are jam-packed with the correct ingredients for accurate nutrition and even provide the proper vitamins in order that your pet can not only maintain superior health but also gain improved resistance to any illnesses that may come along.  It’s a win-win situation for both you and your pet.

Many owners have even found that they can eat some the meals themselves, saving not only time but stretching the costs associated with making your pet meals yourself.  Most of the ingredients for the pet meals are readily accessible at your corner supermarket.

Time is of course, the largest expenditure to making home-made meals for your dog, however most pet owners will agree that the thought of saving your pet from an excruciating death due to the harmful additives that have been found in commercially prepared dog food is well worth the time needed to make the meals. Having that ultimate control as to what your pet eats is an amazing feeling, one that many owners have found is particularly fulfilling as they can use passionate creativity in preparing the meals for their beloved pets.

On many of the sites, helpful lists are posted to inform you of a variety of ingredients that dogs should not be fed, or those that can cause accidental medical problems in your pets such as diabetes, obesity or heart disease. Some lists even bring you up to date of changes you can make in the pet’s diet to take care of existing medical pet problems!

Making a pet’s high quality food is not only easy, and very rewarding to the dog owner but surprisingly it can often be much cheaper than commercial foods.  Some of the pet food recipe sites even contain useful articles and charts.  By the way, all the tools considered necessary to make pet food are probably already in your kitchen.

Also, your dog will be exposed to a bigger variety of tastes and textures that will make your pet more secure and less bored with their food.  Good animal nutrition not only can be better for your dog, but it can be tasty too. When the solution is so easy, it behooves owners who truly love their dogs to ascertain that they are properly fed for a long, healthy life by making their meals for them.

Dogs are super intelligent creatures, and because they are so intelligent they require mental stimulation.  Toys will provide stimulation, but those toys also need to be safe for your dog.  Some toys are made for the dog to play with alone, and others require the aid of their human.  Occasionally dogs suffer from separation anxiety when you leave, so sometimes their toys can assuage them and help pass the time.

As mentioned above, a dog’s toys need to be safe for him to play with. Dog toys need to be purchased that do not have small parts for them to choke on. Also you should be sure and purchase toys that do not contain poisonous contents should your dog play too rough with the toy and burst it open. Stuffed toys, for instance, may pose untold dangers unless pointedly made for dogs.

Among the safer toys are toys designed for chewing that even cleanse their teeth as they chew.  Also there are rawhide bones, pig’s ears, rubber balls, and hundreds of other varieties.  It can be confusing, but pet shops usually have highly qualified help who will point you in the right direction for your breed and size of your dog.

Most pet shops, unless they do not have a separate entrance, will even allow your pet to come with you inside the store as you choose toys! It can be a blast to acquire toys for your dog that he has chosen for himself.  Dogs inside such stores are like children and they love to rush about from one side of the store to the next finding the “perfect” toy for their size and temperament.

Younger energetic dogs need toys that can take a lot of hard abuse.  The rigid hard rubber toys such as balls and those shaped like bones will please the most destructive of canine. Nylon bones will allow your pet to entertain itself for hours on end.  Older dogs tend to play for fifteen or so minutes then curl up for a well-deserved canine nap. Some toys are even filled with treats that keep your dog working industriously to attain the treat.

Some dogs thrive on playing tug-o-war with their humans and thus rope figure-eight shapes will lend both you and your canine pal loads of fun.  If your canine friend loves the water, there are toys made that float and are especially made for dogs as they are nearly indestructible.  Who knows, perhaps you’ll even land on one of those TV shows that portray dogs diving great distances into water to retrieve a toy you’ve thrown for him to fetch.

Small tiny dogs, such as miniature poodles and Chihuahuas seem to relish large balls that they can push around at great speed.  Many dogs enjoy pushing them under furniture and wedging them so that they need to get around the ball to push it back out.  Again, keep in mind that dogs are highly intelligent creatures, and thus dog toys need to stimulate their intelligence and most importantly be safe for them to play with.

Just as two owners are not the same, so no two canines are the same.  Keeping this in mind will help you tremendously in seeking the “right” breed to suit your temperament, your home and even your local temperature. This article should help you in making notes for the possible “ideal” pet for you.

Lifestyle

What kind of lifestyle do you have? Are you a couch potato, or do you like to camp in the great outdoors? Does a smaller breed, such as a poodle or Chihuahua suit your lifestyle best, or do you dream of owning a Great Dane?  Pet stores are a great way of looking at different breeds, but doing your “homework” prior to falling in love with a squirmy puppy is imperative.

If you are searching for a purebred dog, your best bet is either the Internet or local dog clubs. Speaking with breeders will allow you to lean a tremendous amount about the particular breed, so do be sure and follow up on that as well.

Space

Is your home large and spacious with a few acres of land behind it, or do you live in a small condominium or a city rental apartment?  It stands to reason that the amount of space you can devote to a dog, will also rule what breed you will be happiest with.

Time

How much time will your pet require in order to be healthy and contented?  Obviously many longhaired dogs require a tremendous amount of time for grooming purposes, but any breed needs exercise and walks to relieve itself.

Expenses

Purebreds require an initial cost, but any animal needs to be properly taken care of.  You will encounter vet bills, grooming bills, dental costs, nutrition costs and such. Getting a pet from the local shelter is much cheaper and often they will come pre-neutered and with all their shots.  If not, you will also incur those costs if you accept a pet from either a breeder or someone advertising in the newspaper.

Because Disney made a wonderful movie about Dalmatians does not mean that you should adopt or purchase a Dalmatians no matter how the kids clamor for one.  For instance, Dalmatians require special care and frequently have specific problems with the breed, such as deafness.  Will you be able to deal with a deaf dog?  Will your children

Stress compatibility

It cannot be stressed enough that canine compatibility with yourself, and your family will guarantee that everyone, including that cherished dog, will be suited for each other and will bring long years of happiness.

If you consider your cat a member of the family as most people do who own cats, then it behooves you to try to save them from premature death.  The frightening pet food recall that we have all experienced has led many people to make their own pet food rather than chance giving their pets cat food that has either been tainted by poisons or that have almost no nutrition at all.

Cats, as many of our pets, are considered a carnivore (meat feeder), and this is borne out by watching an energetic cat catch, play and then eat a mouse or bird.  Mice and birds once provided a healthy meal for undomesticated cats, giving them not only fresh meat and bone, but in eating the innards of said mice or bird, provided the cat with whatever the prey ate.  Thus, they were receiving millet, grains, vegetables and such within the food. Therefore the “wild” cat was eating a well-balanced and highly nutritious meal that was low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals.

Internet suggestions for organic feeding of cats seem to center mainly around complicated and involved recipes.  This need not be so.  Looking up the caloric values in human food can help you adhere to caloric values for your cat by careful measurement of portions. Ascertain from your vet what the caloric needs of your particular cat are. Certified organic foods have had to be held to the highest standards for manufacturing procedures, record keeping and cleanliness. Organic meats for your cat can be purchased either on the Internet, or even through your local grocery store if you live in a metropolis.

By making your own cat food, you can feed your cat a meal that does not contain the infamous “by-products” which may consist of animal feet, feathers, nails, hooves and other unexciting and possibly sickening animal parts.  Also, many times, commercially made cat food has additives such as cellulose in it, which basically can be defined as wood.

A limited list of foods that should not be fed to a feline are, salt, chocolate, garlic, chives, onions, grapes, raisins, and coffee.  This is, of course, an incomplete list, but it does contain some of the more offensive and dangerous things that a cat should not ever be fed.

Some table scraps are acceptable when fed in moderation.  Again, human food is often much healthier than what is found in cat food that can be laced with practically anything!  It is so very unfortunate that so many pets died from the contamination we’ve experienced, or were rendered sick enough to be put down.

The biggest point in making your own cat food is beyond the safety of the product, but rather in how your cat is going to react to being properly fed. Your cat will have more energy than before; it will show a dramatic change in vitality and be much healthier than before, and possibly its eyesight will improve too. Is that worth making your own cat food?  You bet!

Undoubtedly a barking dog is one of the most irritating factors to not only the pet owner but also to those who live around such a pet.  Excessive barking without reason such as when a perceived threat is missing may cause the dog to become a “chronic” barker much to the consternation and dismay of the pet owner who begins to receive calls from the neighbors about their unruly pet.

The impressionable puppy

Because a dog may have learned as a young pup that its owners were pleased when the dog barked at either a doorbell or some alleged threat, it may continue to do so well into adulthood even when the “threatening” components are missing.  Because doggy rationale is barking equals welcome attention from humans, its barking is frequently difficult to “cure” once the habit is ingrained.

Why your dog barks

Various possible reasons dogs bark are the lonely dog, the provoked dog, and the chance that they are suffering from a physical illness or pain and separation anxiety. Of course, you will first rule out the extraneous reasons for barking, and then you can commence to train the dog.

The possible solution

The following method is highly regarded:  When a puppy barks at a perceived threat, praise the puppy but after a few barks clap your hands loudly and add a loud  “Stop!” or “Enough!”  Or a horn can sound after the first barks, also using a “Quiet” or some such command.

Water guns

Water guns or squirt bottles are also highly recommended.  They will definitely get the dog’s attention and combined with the sound of your displeasure using the stop, enough or quiet commands this method can be efficaciously utilized.

Playing with toys

If the reason for the dog barking is that it is bored, giving the canine a number of toys may be enough to cure the barking.  Make sure that you, at first play with the animal so that it senses that these items it’s being presented with are in actuality toys and not your personal items.

Another possibility

A dog that is tired, yet relaxed, will take to learning better when taught how to stay quiet, therefore play with your dog as part of the training to cease barking.

Consistency is the key

Be sure and give the dog the same reaction to excessive barking and reward the dog for good behavior.  Yelling or belittling the dog without consistency will only lead to a confused dog that will probably bark even more due to the confusion.  Be sure and also praise the dog when it is quiet.  Dogs are extremely intelligent and soon your dog will be well mannered and will restrain excessive barking just to please you.

Whether you own a cat or dog, makes no difference, for proper nutrition of your pets requires that their food includes meats or fish, and vitamins as well as excluding non-nutritious fillers that the cheaper food contains. In the wild these animals tore at the flesh of other animals, and so the “circle of life” was stimulated and thrived. In the wild too, dogs and cats would eat the organ meats of animals and thus were provided with the legumes, bones, grasses, and fruits that the kill had eaten.

Experts agree that performing research on what you are going to feed your treasured pets is imperative in order to keep them healthy.  Among many other fillers, cellulose, which in effect is sawdust, is frequently used as filler for pet food, and thus is detrimental to your beloved pet because cellulose is not digestible by cats or dogs. Other strange fillers may include scraps from the particular meat listed, such as feathers, beaks, feet and grain hulls that contain no actual nutrition.  At the worst, know that cheap kibble may be laced with preservatives such as BHT, BHA, and possibly the antioxidant Ethoxiquin, all of which can make pets very sick.

It is crucial that you read and weigh the amount of vitamins in any kibble or other pet food.  As mentioned, in the wild, the vitamins are already inherent in what they eat but when man-made food is created, man tends to add preservatives and other non-nutritious additives.

Instead add your own additives in the form of nutritious “people food” such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, various vegetables and fruits as your pet indicates a desire for by eating them.   Choose carefully though as some  “people food” is dangerous for pets, such as raisins, onions, chocolate and cocoa, as well as macadamia nuts.  Again and again it cannot be stressed enough that proper research be done. Often sick pets are brought to vets and the vets find that the dogs and cats being presented have over-caloried diets, but the poor animals are actually under nourished!

Grain-based diets also do not bring with them the proper nutrition to cats and dogs, and therefore bring illness to the pets. As with humans, chicken based diets are considered the best for dogs. Optimum human diets announce that fat, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and enzymes should be well balanced, and so it is with pet food.  Remember when researching for the optimum food to feed your pet that the primary ingredients on the can or box are listed first, and the gradient falls from there.  You need not be a scientist to purchase the best food for your pets, but careful adherence to the afore-mentioned “balance” should point you to the best.  If in doubt, then of course the best person to consult is your local vet that takes care of your pet.

photo by Red~Star, Flickr

Do you yearn for an agreeable feline darling?  Yes, you can look in the newspaper for many cats are given for free by those who have a basketful of kittens to get rid of, however, going to the local shelter is the best plan to get a cat.  You will need to be conscious of the guidelines below to help you choose the best cat or kitten for you.

Your personality and the cat’s personality

Just as humans, some cats are lazy and love lying around, while some are exceedingly playful and full of energy.  Matching your personality to a feline is important for both of you to be happy and content with each other. Do you want a cat that is highly-strung, active and full of energy, or one who will stay in your arms and purr as you watch TV or listen to music while you pet it?  Be sure to play with the cat of your choice prior to arranging to bring it home with you. A cat that plays while lying down rather than chasing whatever you’ve enticed it with will be more laid back and placid.

Kitten vs. grown cat

Granted, kittens are adorable and very energetic, but they are also prone to be destructive to your home and possessions and may wreak havoc in the home while you wish to sleep.  Decidedly too, kittens also tend to bond with their owners, and thus may become a more cherished pet in the long run, however you may not need the frustration and costs associated with a kitten.  Chose cautiously, and mull over the differences between a kitten and a cat!

Let’s talk about hair length

Longhaired cats are indeed beautiful and elegant, however keep in mind the amount of cleaning that a longhaired cat will require from you if you are fond of a tidy home.  Whether longhaired or shorthaired, cats shed the most during the summer months, perhaps when you like to laze the most yourself. Also, longhaired cats require grooming so that their fur does not become matted and unmanageable.

One or more

Cats seem to be more placid and restrained when there are more than one in a human home.  You may consider getting two cats at the same time, perhaps two that are already “cage buddies” so that they can entertain each other when you are not about.

Nutrition
Cats need the proper nutrition; so do not scrimp on the kind of food you buy for them.  Just as humans cannot thrive on “junk food”, neither do our feline companions.  Shop around and buy the highest rated food for them, and they will bring you years of companionship and happiness.

Speaking of Happiness

The “owning” of cats has been medically proven to bring happiness and a certain amount of calm to their owner’s lives.  In fact a new study has shown cat owners were less likely to expire from a heart attack and similar cardiovascular problems than those who have never owned a pet cat!

Wild cats play with either each other or use what they find in the wild to play with.  Your cat is, however, is a house cat, therefore it behooves you to purchase or make cat toys for your feline, lest it play with lamp cords and other dangerous parts of your home. Granted kittens and grown cats are very inventive and can entertain themselves, however, they can also get themselves into untold trouble too!

Cat toys need not be expensive, though you can opt for mechanical wind-up or even battery-operated toys, however your cat will probably enjoy uncomplicated low-cost catnip-filled felt mice.
Of course it is your responsibility to provide <b>safe toys</b>.  Examine the toy carefully noting if there are any loose parts, or parts that can be pulled off the toy that may present a choking hazard.  Anything small enough to go down your cat’s throat is unsafe, as cats tend to place everything in their mouths. Choose toys that are made with non-toxic, natural, water based finishes. Plastic toys should be made of the highest quality; shatter resistant and PVC- free materials.

Safe choices include ping-pong balls, undersized plastic balls, paper bags, cardboard boxes, paper balls, rolled-up adult socks, and the ubiquitous catnip mouse. An interesting idea is to leave different toys out on different days so that your cat will never become bored or uninterested in a particular toy. Cats will especially appreciate a few toys left out for them to play with when you leave home for work or such.

Grooming your cat

Cats are fastidious self-groomers, and will take care of their fur better than you ever can.  Watch a cat give itself a bath, and you’ll see how judiciously they “cleanse” every portion of their fur.  However, at times, even the most fastidious cat needs a bit of help, and there are some cats that relish being brushed and cared for.  First, you must purchase a comb and brush especially made for grooming cats or kittens.  Persians and other longhaired cats will require combs and brushes designed for their long hair, for that kind of hair can develop annoying tangles.

Also be sure and keep supplies on hand for your cats such as mineral oil, cotton balls, cat shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste especially designed for cats, small scissors, cotton balls and their own towels. A styptic pencil is also a good idea to keep around for halting slow seeping blood. Nail clippers especially designed for cats should also be purchased.

Because collars and ID tags present a choking hazard to cats since they are fond of  jumping to high places  and crawling low under furniture, most cat owners recommend that a veterinarian insert a microchip to identify your cat.  It is a simple procedure, it does no harm, and you can have it inserted in kittens aged eight weeks or older. This is a permanent record of your ownership and cannot be lost or even removed by the cat itself.

In conclusion, a cat will bring you years of enjoyment, companionship and pleasure if you will but take on these negligible responsibilities.  As. T.S. Elliott wrote,  ”You now have learned enough to see that cats are much like you and me and other people whom we find possessed of various types of mind.”