Pets

* Why does my aquarium stink?

When the mosses mix with the water, the water becomes dense and sticky. Mosses live through in the oxygen in the water. They excrete carbon dioxide that causes the water to become stinky.

* Why is my aquarium green?

The green colors that appear in your aquarium are mosses. They are water plants that serve as foods for the fishes. Sometimes the green pigment will mix with the water causing it to blur.

* How do I clean my aquarium?

When your aquarium already has noticeable mosses around it and already emits an unpleasant smell, it’s time to clean your aquarium. Cleaning an aquarium is as easy as washing dishes in the sink. All you have to do is remove the fish in your aquarium first. Transfer them temporarily to a bowl or a pail with water. After transferring the fish into the bowl remove and discard the stinky water in your aquarium. Remove all other equipment in your aquarium including rocks and accessories.

Wipe your aquarium with a smooth surface sponge so that the glass will not be scratched. You may use other glass cleaning substances but be sure to rinse the glass thoroughly before putting the fish back in. The substances you have used may contaminate your pets and can damage their skin. If you use tap water to refill your tank, be sure to treat it first with a chorine neutralizer. Again, the chlorine in tap water can damage fish and frog’s skin.

* What cleaning supplies do I need for my aquarium?

Cleaning your aquarium does not need complicated tools, supplies and processes. All you need are smooth-surface sponges, a small amount of glass cleaner and water. A small brush may also be used to clean your aquarium accessories. Soap may also be ideal to use instead of glass cleaner. Just be sure that whatever substance you use you clean thoroughly. As mentioned above, the cleaners may contaminate and damage your pet. So, be sure to rinse the aquarium well.

* What do I do with the fish when I clean my aquarium?

In cleaning your aquarium, you have to transfer your fish into a bowl with water that has been treated in advance with a chlorine neutralizer. Use a net to transfer fish to avoid accidents. Catch the fish and slowly transfer them into the bowl of treated water.

Came across an article of Bob Kingsbery, ranch owner and horse fence expert, the other day. I have to admit that he does know what he’s talking about. The man knows his fences and had given horse fencing seminars worldwide for the last couple of decades. The man talks with sense that I feel obliged to share with you nuggets of knowledge from Kingsbery. But before doing that, let me give you the lowdown on fencing your horses. Fencing is probably the oldest trick in the book for keeping animals safe. In the old days, plain wood and rope were used to fence animals in. But common sense tells us that wood and rope are no match for horses. Thus, the evolution of the lowly wooden fence to electric fences and high-tech barriers. These modern fences come with a heavy price tag, something which Kingsbery abhors. According to our fencing expert, the price of a fence does not determine its capability to protect your horses.

Kingsbery shares some helpful hints for us horse fencing dummies. These tips are very practical and common sense that Kingsbery finds it funny that people forget these. He asserts that it is significant to follow standard instructions and specifications in constructing the fences. Even if you bought the priciest fence money can buy, it is still bound to fail if it is improperly installed. For example, if the measurements indicate a height of 5 meters, anything less or more can injure your horse or let it escape. Let me remind you that not following standard specs can land you in jail or command you to a heavy fine.

Perimeter security is another aspect usually overlooked by fence builders. With his history of long experience, Kingsbery claims that unbroken and continuous fences are the best for this purpose. The uninterrupted barrier leaves no open spaces for horses to escape to. In installing a continuous horse fence, Kingsbery reminds builders to provide a gate. As idiotic as it may seem, forgetting the gate is a regular mistake in fencing history. For added security, depend on horse psychology. Make your fence and security marking highly visible because horses are hesitant to cross stark obstacles without prodding.

Kingsbery also highlights another mistake most horse owners make: leaving the gates open. Most animals escape by nudging an unlocked gate and running out. Train your handlers, yourself, and anyone in contact with your animals to lock gates always. If you must, post signs on every entrance or exit points and install automatic latches that swing doors shut. It is important to choose fence materials that are horse-proof. How to test? Kingsbery suggest testing the locking mechanisms with a child of two years. If it is not sufficient to lock a kid in, it’s certainly not going to keep horses in either.

There are many methods to keep horses in. Likewise, there are also ways by which horses can get out of your horse fence. Review your horse fencing technique and try to think of ways by which horses can overcome it. By the way, this advice is from me and not from Kingsbery.

The news that cat purrs can heal bones have been circulating on the net for some time.

It started from Elizabeth von Muggenthaler’s research, who used accelerometers to measure the frequencies of cat purrs. Paula Peterson interviewed Elizabeth and wrote about it in her web site Earthcode. Paula said: “Elizabeth has gone where no man (or woman) has gone before into the mysterious realm of the healing power of a cat’s purring, the haunting whale-song of the Sumatran rhino, and about the sounds that we feel but never hear. She is also president of Fauna Communication Research Institute, where amazing breakthroughs are being made that may forever change the way we listen to the animals.”

But is it true that cat purrs can heal bone injuries and osteoporosis, or is it just another old wives’ tale, like “a cat has nine lives”, or more like the folklore taught in veterinary schools: “Put a cat in a room with a bunch of broken bones — the bones will heal” ?

Why do cats purr?

Cats purr when being stroked by humans, leading to the idea they purr because they are content (In English, “purring with content” is a common expression). But they also purr when in pain or injured. Elizabeth believes that cat purrs must have a survival value for the cats in general.

Cats and dogs

It is a fact that cats suffer much less bone injuries than dogs. Cats have been known to fall from high rise buildings and survived. The record is a fall from the 45 th building level. The average height of cat falls studied is 5.5 floors, and 90% of them survived. (Whitney, W., and Mehlhaff, C., (1987) the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association).

Healing frequencies

Various researchers have found that low frequencies at low dB are helpful with regard to pain relief, and the healing of tendons and muscles.

Some of the reported results are:

50 - 150 Hz chronic pain

20 - 50 Hz increase bone density

120 Hz counters muscle atrophy

100 Hz decrease dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Elizabeth summarizes: “Vibrations between 20-140 Hz are therapeutic for bone growth/fracture healing, pain relief/swelling reduction, wound healing, muscle growth and repair/tendon repair, mobility of joints and the relief of dyspnea”.

Cat harmonics

Returning to cat purrs, Elizabeth measures cat purr frequencies, including those of cheetah, puma, serval, ocelot and the domestic house cat. The dominant frequencies are 25 and 50 Hz, which are the best frequencies for bone growth and fracture healing. The harmonics are close to 120 Hz, found to repair tendons.

Another report by T.F. Cook mentioned: A dying cat who could not breath (they were considering euthanasia), was found to breath normally once it began purring. The purring opened up the cat’s airway, and improvement was “remarkable and the next day commenced to eat….” Three species of cats have a strong harmonic at exactly 100 Hz, the vibrational frequency found to relieve dyspnea. One species within 2 Hz and one species within 7 Hz of 100 Hz. It could be that the cat’s purr decreases the breathlessness by vibratory stimulation.

Putting two and two together

If we put the above together, about the healing frequencies, and the purr frequencies, can we then say that cat purrs heal bones? There are certainly indications in that directions, but a more thorough research is required. However, if you believe it or want to try it, there are various commercial cat purr CDs being offered, for example in the link below. Links: http://www.animalvoice.com/bioacousticsr.htm

http://chetday.com/catspurrcd.shtml

Adding a new member to your feline family is usually more exciting for you than your current cat. Even though they are solitary by nature, most cats eventually learn to accept or at least tolerate newcomers. Because they are very territorial, the way you go about introducing the new cat to your existing cat can mean the difference between success or “cat-astrophe.”

The introduction process can take as little as 10-12 days for kittens and very young cats, to as long as 12 weeks for older cats. It all depends on each cat’s personality. Be sure to give your “first” cat plenty of attention. This will help him feel secure that he is not in competition for your affection.

Confine your new cat to a “safe” room until the introduction process is complete. This should be a small room, such as a bathroom or small bedroom that your current cat rarely visits. Furnish it with a bed, scratching post, food, water and litter box.

In the beginning, your first cat may hiss and yowl at the cat on the other side of the door. Just ignore him and walk away. Never punish him for vocalizing aggressively, it will only cause trouble between the two cats. Be sure to praise and pet your first cat when he acts calmly when near the new cat’s room.

After a few days, take a rag or washcloth and rub it over your new cat as you pet and play with her. Use a different rag to do the same thing with your first cat. At feeding time, put each cat’s scented rag under the other cat’s bowl. This will help them associate the other cat’s scent with something positive-food. Lots of little feedings each day will help them get used to the smell more quickly. Be sure to renew the scent on the rags each day.

Next, you can feed them in closer proximity. Keep your new cat in her “safe” room with the door firmly closed, and place each cat’s dish on their side of the door. Be sure to feed them at the same time. Once they both eat with no growling or hissing, you can move to the next level of the introduction.

Close your first cat in a room he likes to frequent, making sure he has water, some favorite food and a litter box. Let your new cat out to explore the house. After a few hours, put her back in her room and let your first cat out. He will probably hiss and fuss when he smells another cat’s scent in HIS territory. Again, be patient and praise him when he acts calmly. Repeat this activity at least once a day until both cats seem comfortable.

Before you let the cats have full access to one another, let them come face to face in a safe situation. Use two hard plastic doorstops to jam the door to the new cat’s room open a mere 2-3 inches. Check that the door can’t be pushed open any further, and that neither cat can get its head through the opening. The object is to give them a chance to swat paws at one another and even go nose to nose without the opportunity for full body contact. Feed each cat on their respective side of the door. Once they no longer hiss or growl at one another, you can try playing with both of them in the same room.

The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors is currently one of the, if not the only known, certified dog training organization. It has an extremely extensive process of evaluation, and does not give certificates away to anyone that walks into one of their courses off the street, it only issues certificates to people they deem fit for the role, and that have enough experience to pass on guidance and advice correctly. Passing their tough course and been issued with the NADOI certification will definitely contribute to your future success in dog training others, but this option is not available to fresh instructors.

There are numerous qualities and advantages that will determine whether or not you will become a good dog trainer. Firstly a love for dogs will go a long way, and it goes without saying, if you try to achieve certification and do not have a passion for the animals then simply do not bother wasting your time of the national association of dog obedience trainers time either. Knowing your love for dogs, you need a good level of communication with fellow dog owners and the general public, as not only are you dog training you are also training the dog owner, so they can put it into practice outside of lessons.

The majority of time spent obedience training is spent with the owner and training people, as it is essential that they know how to train their dog, and put it in all the correct actions at an early stage, so their dog knows what is right or wrong from an early stage, otherwise the dog will never know the difference. Therefore the two main essentials are people skills and of course the love for dogs. Been able to understand people is a must as instructors will be faced with many difficult situations, and good communication will go a long way in helping both the owner and the dog.

Of course there are stacks of private dog training academies around, but none are certified like the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, and this is the only academy recognized by dog trainers and vets throughout the USA.

Dogs can live very comfortably in small apartments (and so do their owners). What kind of dog will make the best roommate? That’s a trick question. It’s really no about the dog, but the owner.

Five questions to make a wise choice:

(1) Size

Size isn’t important (unless your landlord or condo board has rules).

How big is too big? I’ve met 70-pound couch potatoes and 9-pound balls of energy. Small dogs can be noisier and can shed more than big dogs – sometimes!

Of course, in a 500-square-foot apartment, you may feel crowded if you invite a Great Dane to share your space.

(2) Exercise Needs

How much exercise will Fido need? Even in a big house, your dog would need to leave for exercise. Running around a house or yard is not enough. Dogs need to walk to bond with their owners. They need to play and run.

But some dogs tend to be couch potatoes. Others need two or three hours a day — running at full speed. Investigate before adopting. And decide where you’ll take the dog for exercise.

(3) Socialization

Does your dog have a history of friendliness with people and other animals? City dogs encounter neighbors, both canine and human, in elevators and on sidewalks. You don’t want to referee fights on a regular basis, let alone pay huge fees for doggie damage.

(4) Obedience.

Are you willing to sign up for obedience training? Nuisance barking can usually be ended with training, and training should be your first priority after Fido comes home. If your dog displays destructive or hostile behavior, consult a trainer immediately to see what you must do – or recognize that this dog, alas, may not be right for your lifestyle.

(5) Time out for the Owner.

Have you located overnight care? Doggie day care? Most urban areas offer several options. Fido can run around for a few hours while you shop – a real treat, especially in the rain.

Whether it be by car, by train, by airplane or boat, it’s not

always easy to travel with your cat. It is necessary to always

arrange certain things in advance - the tickets, an adequate

kennel, tranquilizers, and water - in order to assure him

maximum comfort and avoid any irregular meowing during the many

hours of travel…

Cat shows, week ends in the family cabin, or big vacations… For

a civilized chat, the opportunities to travel are seldom missed.

A worthy master who deserves to be called such will always plan

ahead so that his animal experiences the transportation in the

best of conditions. Certain animals are familiarized at a young

age with transportation from one place to another, and they

accept the situation perfectly, however others struggle with

being moved around so much.

If the owner of the cat intends on staying in a hotel, he

mustn’t forget to find out if his feline travelling companion

will be admitted (only 1 hotel out of 6 accept clients with

their pets). In all cases, always remember this precaution: to

always attach an identification tag to your cat’s collar. A

nervous and anxious animal will always run away quickly!

By Car

Even for a short trip, it is always preferred to use a kennel or

cage. Nevertheless, is the cat is calm and reliable, you can

always make an exception to the rule: the can will always be

able to sit on the knees of the passengers, but the kennel must

always be within reach.

If used, the kennel must be placed so that even sudden breaking,

stopping or starting will not make it fall. Above all, never put

the cat in neither in the trunk nor should he be left in a

vehicle without sufficient air circulation or to much sun

exposure, which could put him at risk for heat exhaustion. If

the trip lasts several hours, give him water and let him out to

relieve himself from time to time when nature calls. It’s better

to not feed him too much before leaving, which could cause car

sickness. Certain cats are subject to this, so it is always

prudent to consult your veterinarian, who will prescribe a

medicine that prevents noxiousness and that won’t cause

drowsiness. If your cat is really irritated, seems uncomfortable

or bothered, but is not vomiting, your cat will need a

tranquilizer.

By Train or By Bus

Train and bus companies generally do not accept cat unless they

are in there kennels. Certain ones, however, allow passengers to

keep their cat on leash. The fees are usually minimal, consult

the companies before hand.

By Plane

For cats weighing less than 5 kilograms, (a little more than 10

pounds), staying in the cabin is allowed if they are in a

kennel. But each airline has it’s own rules, and can not exceed

a certain number of animals allowed on the plane. It is thus

necessary to plan ahead to assure oneself a spot on board. In

the cargo, cats travel in kennels that can be reserved or bought

from the airline. The cargo is heated and pressurized so your

cat will travel in good conditions. Nevertheless, he will suffer

slightly without the presence of his master. In this case, it is

better to give him tranquilizers to ease his anguish.

For fees included with the ticket price consult your airline.

By Boat

Ships are not usually well equipped for animal transportation.

Usually, animals would travel in cages. In certain boats,

animals are tolerated in the cabins. For a small sea voyage, by

ferry for example, you can generally use a portable kennel. Once

again, there are not rules, it is best to consult the company.

Generally, the advantage of taking a boat instead of the others

is the extra space. Your cat will be able to walk on the deck

with his master. The inconvenience however is a longer voyage

and seasickness, which most cats are prone to.

Foreign Travel

Whether it be Rome, Vienna or Athens, before taking your cat to

a foreign country, it is necessary to know what vaccinations and

documents are demanded by the country.

It’s good to know that Air France has a database of information

that indicates the formalities to comply with in whatever

country. If not, you can always consult the embassy or consulate

of the concerned country.

Most of the time, your cat will need to have a recent

certificate of health, given by a qualified veterinarian. Some

documents proving that your cat does not have rabies might also

be necessary

The Shih Tzu is classified by the American Kennel Club in the Toy Group. It is one of the elegant dogs from China. The Shih Tzu was a cherished, pampered pet of royal families in China for over a thousand years. As the Shih Tzu developed there evolved several sizes. The question of size has always been a very controversial topic.

Some Shih Tzu fanciers feel the original Shih Tzu of the Imperial Palace was the very small type ranging in weight of anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds. At the time of this writing, year of 2005, the size of 3 to 7 pounds is nicknamed Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the nicknames of Imperial and Teacup for the Shih Tzu at all. The only size the American Kennel Club and the American Shih Tzu Club recognize as official Shih Tzu are with a set standard weight of 9 to 16 pounds. The under 9 pounds in weight and over 16 pounds in weight Shih Tzu are in existence and have ancestors registered as AKC, therefore, these Shih Tzu can be registered AKC. They are just disqualified from the show ring because of underweight or overweight. In general, most Shih Tzu fanciers or consumers prefer their Shih Tzu to be at least under 16 pounds.

Differences in weight is most likely due to cross breeding in the past with smaller dogs such as the Pekingese to get a smaller size Shih Tzu. The larger size Shih Tzu are probably more from the lines of the Apso.

The Shih Tzu has also been nicknamed “Chrysanthemum Face.” The hair on the face of a Shih Tzu puppy grows out in a circular direction, making the face look like flowers.

The Shih Tzu is an alert little dog with an arrogant and affectionate personality. Shih Tzu cherish their human companions above all else that surrounds them. Hundreds of the best of toys, other Shih Tzu or other animals never take the place of their adored human companions. For this reason, Shih Tzu do not do very well in large kennels, isolated from people. Shih Tzu puppies are best raised in small, intimate quarters and in the company of their best and favorite friends - us humans! Shih Tzu puppies at one week of age can respond to their breeder with warmth and affection. As newborns, they are very close to a newborn human baby.

The Shih Tzu’s long flowing double coat is a standard for their breed set by the American Kennel Club, and is extremely beautiful to look upon. Shih Tzu are one of the few breeds that have hair like humans instead of fur. Their coat makes for high-maintenance grooming and must be brushed daily.

The Shih Tzu is basically a robust and healthy breed with few serious medical problems.

A brisk walk around the block is usually sufficient enough exercise for a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy. They are delightful walking partners. They enjoy every step of the way, taking in all the scenery around them. Shih Tzu are enthusiastic and charming little pets. They love to wag their tails and greet everyone who crosses their path. Most Shih Tzu also travel well. I have had several Shih Tzu who love to stick their heads out the car windows and let the wind blow through their hair. Those we pass just ooh and ahh at this delightful antic of the Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu comes in an array of colors including gold and white, red and white, silver and white, brindles of red, brindles of gold, solid black, solid white, gold with black masks, mysterious shades of blue, and beautiful shades of “chocolate.”

For hundreds of years, Shih Tzu have been bred to serve humans merely as a delightful companion. In pre-Revolutionary China, it was a status symbol to own a dog that had no utilitarian function such as hunting or guarding. The Shih Tzu were highly prized in the Imperial Court where they lived lives of luxury. Their temperament continues to reflect this fact. Because of their long and intimate association with people, Shih Tzu seem almost human.

Shih Tzu are social animals. Shih Tzu love to be petted, groomed and played with. Their favorite spot is anywhere near their human companions. Shih Tzu can be self-sufficient. If you are busy, Shih Tzu are capable of amusing themselves for long periods of time. They will throw and catch their own toys.

Shih Tzu get along well with strangers, children, adults of all ages, and other dogs. Their small size makes them ideal for confined quarters. Shih Tzu do not shed seasonally and are non-allergenic because they have human-like hair rather than fur as most other breeds.

I suppose there are negatives to owning a Shih Tzu. As the writer of this article, however, I can’t think of any to share with you at the moment!

The television series “Lassie” made Lassie the beloved symbol for Collies in America. Your new Collie puppy won’t measure up to the wonder dog, but you’ll most likely find him a wonderful family dog.

The Family Protector

The Collie was originally bred to herd sheep, and still has a strong protective instinct, which makes them an excellent choice for a family dog. The American Kennel Club classifies the Collie as part of the Herding Group. These dogs weigh 55 to 80 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall.

The Collie is strong and graceful and has lots of endurance. This dog’s almond shaped eyes seem to sparkle with intelligence, whether they are brown or blue in color. The Collie’s ears — 3/4 erect with 1/4 folded — make its appearance both alert and appealing. The coat can be either rough or smooth. The rough coat is longer and fuller than the smooth coat. This breed can come in sable and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), or blue merle (tortoise shell) colors.

The Collie enjoys living in the midst of an active family. This breed is not a good choice for apartment living, since it’s a large dog and loves to spend time outside. A home with a big yard is ideal. Although the Collie is friendly and outgoing, this dog is protective of its family and takes its duties as a watchdog seriously. Your Collie will bark at intruders, whether they are people, cats, squirrels, or pieces of trash blowing around the yard.

Stubborn, But Trainable

The Collie can be quite headstrong and can get into a lot of mischief as a puppy. You should consider attending puppy obedience classes with your Collie, since it is easier to train a small puppy that hasn’t developed bad habits than a 60-pound dog that has. Also, be firm with your puppy about staying on the floor if you do not want Collie hair on all of your furniture. Once you allow your dog onto the furniture, he will feel that he has a right to be there any time you leave the room.

The Collie breed has few health problems. Eye diseases and PRA (a genetic defect leading to blindness) are the most common problems these dogs face.

A Good Eater

Collies can pack away a lot of food. These dogs have a tendency to overeat, so it is best to give them 3 small meals a day. If your Collie develops a bulge around his middle, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that promotes weight loss.

Although a rough coated Collie has long hair, the dog does not need extensive grooming. Brush through your dog’s coat several times a week to avoid mats, paying close attention to the hair around his face, behind his ears, and around his legs. A smooth coated Collie needs only occasional grooming.

If you want a medium-sized dog to protect your family and play with the kids, the Collie may just be the perfect pet for you.

A small to medium sized dog, the beagle weighs between 20-28 lbs and is 12″ to 16″ in height. Sometimes referred to as the English Beagle, this breed is energetic, friendly and loyal both as a family companion and hunting dog.

Coat colors accepted by the AKC are orange and white, lemon and white, red and white or tri-colored. Black, white and tan tri-colored coats are the most common. Their medium length coat is smooth, hard and close. It requires minimal brushing and only needs washed occasionally.

Friendly, loyal, loving and playful are all qualities that make them excellent family pets. Homes with other dogs, pets and children can all welcome the Beagle as part of the family. They require minimal socialization and actually enjoy the companionship of other pets and their family. A very energetic breed, the beagle needs a home that will give them plenty of play time, exercise and regular walks. When outside they should be in a fenced in yard and a leash should be used for walks as they have a tendency to explore and follow scents. They make good watchdogs as they will let you know if someone is at the door by barking, but they are naturally friendly with strangers, so don’t expect them to be good guard dogs.

Originating in England, this scent hound was bred for hunting rabbits and quails. They would often hunt in packs or pairs, but can also hunt well alone as well. They have an excellent sense of smell which makes them good at tracking and as narcotics dogs. Today they are mainly seen as companion dogs in the United States, but they are also used as hunting dogs.

A breed with such a friendly, loving nature is perfect for just about any family dynamic. Because of their high energy level and need for regular exercise, they work best with active families or those that have a yard where they can have plenty of time to roam and run. If you are looking for an affectionate breed that enjoys family companionship and loves to play, then the Beagle is the perfect dog for you.