September 2nd, 2010 by Jessica

This is a sore point for many pet owners and animals often seem quite capable of getting by on whatever they eat. Many types of pet food, for cats and dogs particularly, are fortified with important vitamins and minerals. They help to promote growth, digestive health and other functions. But how do you know if you pet is getting enough?

Important Vitamins for Pets

For owners of exotic pets like ferrets vitamins are generally unnecessary, unless the animal shows a clear sign of deficiency. As long as feeding guidelines are followed they are generally OK. Since most of us own cats, dogs or both, there are other issues to consider. Some of these are:

• Some animals are fed scraps or leftovers from family meals. Is this enough to meet their dietary needs?
• Different brands of pet food vary in nutrient content.
• Your pet’s activity levels may influence its nutritional needs.

Knowing Your Pet’s Needs

For starters the breed and size of the animal largely influences how much of certain nutrient they need. Be guided by your vet’s advice, as they usually have much information in this area. You will find however that most brands of pet food do not provide all the vitamins your animal needs. Many such products provide the animal with the minimum daily requirements, despite what the ads may say.

Try adding liver to your pet’s diet as this will provide many of the nutrients it needs including Vitamins A, D, E and K. This is especially important for those people who simply give their pets whatever they have handy. Vitamin supplements for pets should definitely be considered in these cases as well. Pet vitamins can also be looked at for animals on bagged or canned food. This will ensure that they get their daily requirements of nutrients they need to keep being healthy.

Remember also that your pet will need adequate amounts of protein. Table scraps simply won’t cut it. Check the labels on pet food to ensure that enough protein is provided. Naturally larger animals will require more protein, especially if they are very active.

Understanding the signs of nutrient deficiency is also important for your pet’s long term health. That is exactly what we will look at next week.

August 30th, 2010 by Jessica

Some people would argue that cats are more difficult to train than dogs. There are probably quite a few who would disagree with this however. The fact is that cats do pose a bigger challenge with the issue of obedience, and it has nothing to do with smarts. Cats are by nature a bit more solitary, and sometimes may not show any interest in playing by rules. They simply want to love you and be loved in return. Like any other pet however they may display behavior that needs correction.

Why Train Your Cat

Do you simply like the idea of teaching your cat to follow your commands? Or do you want to establish a bit more control so as to curtail a few bad habits? The idea is to get the cat to stop doing what it considers natural, and to do what you want it to do. This is not always easy, but these pointers might help:

• Reward them for good behavior, maybe even more than usual. Make sure to withhold rewards when they do the wrong thing. So never feed the cat just to get it out of the way or to make it settle down. This will send the wrong message.
• Don’t punish the cat as this may instill fear instead of good behavior. Punishment will have the opposite effect and cause your tabby to pull away when you reach for it.
• Try buying a clicker to help reinforce positive behavior. Of course, a reward should generally follow the clicks.
• Combine action with strong words to limit negative activities. Clawing at the fish tank or scratching your good speakers for example, should be met with a stern ‘no!’ and a removal from that area. And of course, don’t give them a treat just to distract them from what they were doing.
• Always be ready to reinforce good behavior as it is easy for them to fall back on bad habits.

Repetition will work in your favor, especially for really stubborn cats. And remember the idea is to make it clear that good behavior will make their lives more pleasant. Teaching your cat to do things like sit or stay are unnecessary and usually not within their nature. While it can be done with some cats you may find it an exercise in frustration.

August 28th, 2010 by Jessica

When kids have play dates one of the main issues is coming up with stuff for them to do. Some kids are easily bored and keeping them occupied can be a challenge. Why not try coming up with your pet fashion game? This can be a great idea for two, or even a group, even if some of them have no pets at home. They can have fun creating their own pet fashion accessories or pet wear. Once you have all the right tools, they can have hours of fun.

What You Will Need

For any playtime activity the right tools are important. You don’t have to worry about spending money. You can use things you already have lying around the house. Remember the idea is to have fun, not to create top of the line pet items. Just make sure you have things like:

•    Glue
•    Bits of cloth (old curtains or clothes will do)
•    Scissors (supervision may be necessary depending on their ages)
•    Paper and pencils for sketching ideas
•    Needle and thread (or sewing machine)
•    Colored craft stones

Getting Them Started

Have the girls draw their ideas for pet clothing or accessories on paper first. Help them to cut the cloth into the desired sizes. Having another parent there might be a big help. Guide them in sewing different colors together for attractive pieces. They can glue colored stones to old collars or belts to give them new life. After they have all had some fun putting their ideas together they can stage their own pet fashion show. Admittedly one dog may get worn out walking the runway to show off all the pieces. So if you have more than one dog or cat fine, or ask someone else to bring their own pet.

Remember the idea is to enjoy themselves so there will be no winners this time around. Give everyone a prize for their efforts. Of course, the cooperative and fashionable pet deserves treats as well for a job well done. Save any unused bits of cloth for the next pet project. You can also get even more creative by using non-toxic paints to revitalize those old collars. When all is said and done you will have given all the girls involved a memorable and fun day.