Pet's World

Horse Information

2007-12-05T23:50:00.000+08:00

General Information
Some experts speculate that horses were first domesticated almost 10,000 years ago. Throughout time, these sturdy and resilient animals have been used for transportation, to transport cargo, and sometimes for food. Around 2000 BC, historical records indicate that horses were used by many different cultures and societies.
Once domesticated, horses began to be bred for their specific abilities and characteristics. As humans began to find various uses for these animals they began to breed certain horses for pulling plows and wagons, for riding (with and without saddles), and as mentioned before, some cultures used horses as a source of meat and milk. Modern day horses are used mainly for recreation, although in some areas of the world horses are still used for work.

HORSE Scientific Information
Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: PerissodactylaFamily: EquidaeGenus: EquusSpecies: E. caballus

HORSE Character Information
Depending on the breed, horses’ behaviors and characteristics vary from being subdued to very spirited animals. Horses are very intelligent can be taught to obey and perform specific tasks when trained to do so. If you have any experience in riding or working with horses, you can attest to the fact that at times they can also be very stubborn animals.
Horses require special attention and care and should be taught to trust their caretaker. Horses that are neglected or not well cared for can become wild and unruly creating an unsafe environment for anyone in this large animal’s vicinity.

The information is original from:

http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-pets/11/HORSE/

CAT Products

2007-12-05T23:44:00.000+08:00

Cat Litter

A good cat litter will keep your home smelling fresh and your cat happy. When shopping for a quality cat litter, look for litters that cling to waste and absorb liquid waste. Cat litters can be purchased fragrance free or perfumed.

Litter boxes

Litter boxes come in heavy duty plastic as well as in biodegradable pans. The pans can be purchased in various colors and sizes to meet your cat’s need. If you have more than one cat, you may want to consider either a larger sized box or multiple boxes.

Cat Bed

A well rested cat is a happy cat! Treat your cat to a soft, warm, comfortable cat bed to provide your cat the best possible rest. Some cat beds are machine washable, allowing you to keep your cats bed clean and free from bugs and parasites. Be sure to find the right sized bed for your cat.

Cat carrier

Cat carriers keep your pet safe and comfortable during travel. A quality cat carrier will feature double zipper openings for top and side entry, convenient storage pockets, mesh panels for ventilation and visibility, adjustable handles with snap closure, name tag, and a removable liner. When not in use, you should be able to fold up your cat carrier for easy storage.

Flea Spray

In addition to killing and repelling adult fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, flea sprays contain active ingredients to kill flea eggs before they hatch to effectively break the flea life cycle and help prevent reinfestation. Flea sprays work for about 7 days and should not irritate the cats skin.

Cat Flea collars

Flea collars kill fleas and ticks, including lyme disease-carrying ticks, for up to eight months. Cat flea collars are designed especially for cats, and can stretch to allow a cat to escape if it gets caught or snagged. Never use a flea collar on cats younger than 12 weeks old.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-products/2/CAT/

CAT Breeds

2007-12-05T23:42:00.000+08:00

Breeds
Abyssinian
American Bobtail
American Curl
American Shorthair
American Wirehair
Balinese
Birman
Bombay
British Shorthair
Burmese
Chartreux
Colorpoint Shorthair
Cornish Rex
Devon Rex
Egyptian Mau
European Burmes
Exotic
Havana Brown
Japanese Bobtail
Javanese
Korat
LaPerm
Maine Coon
Manx
Norwegian Forest Cat
Ocicat
Oriental
Persian
RagaMuffin
Ragdoll
Russian Blue
Scottish Fold
Selkirk Rex
Siamese
Siberian
Singapura
Somali
Sphynx
Tonkinese
Turkish Angora
Turkish Van

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-breeds/2/CAT/

CAT Kittens

2007-12-05T23:39:00.000+08:00

Kittens Information

Before you bring home a new kitten, it’s important to kitten proof your home. Never underestimate the destructive creativity of a kitten – kittens will try to nibble, scratch or climb pretty much anything that looks exciting. Be especially careful to remove toxic plants, electrical chords, low hanging curtains or anything else that looks enticing from a vantage point of about eight inches off the floor. Get on your hands and knees and take a look around your home – you’ll be surprised at what you’ll discover.

If you have other pets in the home, it’s important to get your new kitten to the vet before bringing it home. Even the youngest of kittens can carry diseases and parasites that will afflict the other pets in your home. Save yourself the headache by doing a little prevention at the veterinarian’s office. A new kitten’s health schedule should be the following:

3 weeks: fecal exam
6 weeks: fecal exam
9-10 weeks: FHV/FCV/FPV vaccine, ELISA test for FeLV, FeLV vaccine, fecal exam
12-14 weeks: FHV/FCV/FPV vaccine, FeLV vaccination, Rabies vaccine, fecal exam

If you decide to bring your new kitten home before these shots and exams are complete, keep your kitten in quarantine until it has received all the necessary exams and vaccines.

When your kitten is finally ready to be brought home, be sure to have planned enough in advance to have a bowl full of food and water ready, as well as a sleeping box and litter box in the cat’s new living space. The kitty will quickly learn to call this space their own and will need to learn that the litter box is the appropriate place to “go.”

To introduce a new kitten to existing cats in the home, place the new kitten in a room by itself for a few days with a slight crack in the doorway so that the other cats can introduced to the new kitten’s curious nose that will appear in the doorway. Rub down your cat with a towel and place the towel in the existing cat’s sleeping space so that the cat will become accustomed to the kittens scent – do the same for the kitten, so that the kitten sleeps with a towel that carries the scent of the existing cat. After three days, the new kitten can now be “introduced” to the existing cats in the home.

Spaying and Neutering

Males: The earlier the better. Male kittens can be neutered as soon as they are at least two pounds in weight and have two descended testis. Delaying neutering increases the likelihood of testicular and prostate cancer, and can result in a pet population explosion in your very own neighborhood.

Females: Spay before the cats’s first heat cycle – delaying spaying beyond the first heat cycle increases the likelihood of breast and uterine cancer.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-babies/2/CAT/

CAT Diseases

2007-12-05T23:36:00.000+08:00

CAT Parasites

Preventing Worms

It is not uncommon for cats to be exposed to and experience many different types of intestinal and heart worms and parasites. Cats that are experiencing worm and parasite problems must undergo diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian.

Prevention is the best approach – cats should be given a heartworm pill annually, as well as seen by a veterinarian annually. In addition to the annual prevention, parasites can also be avoided through several control techniques:
Cats should not be fed on the floor or out of a dirty dish
Living spaces such as cat bedding and play areas should be treated regularly for parasites using a parasite inhibitor, as well as treated for ticks and lice
Keep cats away from raw meat such as birds, mice and other rodents
Clean cat litter boxes regularly
If the cat is diagnosed with parasites, give the cat the anti-parasitic medications as prescribed by the cat’s veterinarian

Mites, Fleas, Lice, and Ticks

Mites

Mites, like Fleas are external parasites that live in the ears of cats as well as on the surface of their skin. Mites can be transferred from cat to cat and will cause the cat to scratch and claw at its skin due to the skin irritation. Kittens typically experience a black discharge out of their ears when infected with mites.

To cure mites, use a mineral oil to daily clean the cat’s ears and use common flea powders over the ears and body of the cat.

Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless, external parasites that live off of the blood of mammals and birds. Cats in humid climates are generally more affected by these types of parasites. Reactions may vary from cat to cat, but most reactions result in a rash on specific areas of the cat.

To control fleas, keep the cat’s living area clean and use commercially available powders, sprays and cat collars.

Lice

Another common parasite, lice can cause intense itching and skin irritation in cats. Lice eggs are typically found on the cat’s hair and adult lice close to the cat’s skin.

To control lice, use commercially available flea powders and sprays regularly. Eliminating lice can take several weeks.

Ticks Ticks are small to microscopic parasites that burrow their heads below the surface of the cat’s skin causing disease and irritation. Ticks are common in almost every part of the world, but are especially prevalent on beaches, in open fields and in wooded areas. These parasites are typically found between the toes and in the ears of household pets.

To remove a tick, cover the back of the tick with oil or alcohol and wait for the tick to back out of the skin. If using tweezers, make sure that the entire tick is removed and that the head of the tick is not broken off under the skin. Never use a hot match to remove ticks.

CAT Diseases

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that can cause a wide variety of symptoms in cats. Once bitten by a rabid animal, the virus will spread through the nerve tissue and eventually affect the brain such that the cat will become highly agitated and possibly aggressive. As the virus progresses, the cat will eventually experience paralysis of their lungs and throat causing the animal to suffocate and die.

Rabies is a virus that can be prevented through vaccination every three years. As rabies is common in both domestic and wild animals, most states in the US require cats to have rabies shots.

Once contracted, rabies is usually fatal. This virus attacks the central nervous system, starting at the brain and radiating throughout the body through the nerves.

Rabies is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human through a bite wound that breaks the skin. The virus can also be transmitted through saliva.

This information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-diseases/2/CAT/

CAT Health Information

2007-12-05T23:30:00.000+08:00

CAT Medicine Information

Pilling your cat

The easiest way to give your cat a vitamin or pill is to hide it in food. Bread, meat, or other favorite food items can be used to bury the pill. To ensure that the cat swallows the pill, the pill or food item should be placed as far back in the cat’s throat as possible. Once the pill is inserted, tap on or blow on the cat’s nose to get it to lick its nose. The licking motion will cause the cat to swallow.

If you have to force the pill into the cat’s mouth, first wrap the cat in a blanket or towel to prevent it from scratching you. Hold the upper jaw by both sides with one hand, and lift it up, holding the lower jaw with the other hand, and using your first finger and thumb to place the pill quickly in the tongue's base. As described above, once the pill is inserted, tap on or blow on the cat’s nose to get it to lick its nose. The licking motion will cause the cat to swallow.

CAT Vaccinations

Information from The Humane Society

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus (FVRCP) - viral diseases of the eyes, nose and throat (upper respiratory infection) plus Panleukopenia a viral disease of the blood and intestines (feline distemper or infectious enteritis).
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) - a viral disease that impairs immunity. Usually fatal.
Rabies - a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals. Vaccination is necessary for all cats.

Kitten Vaccinations
8 weeks to 1 year
8 weeks - First vaccination shot (FVRCP).
12 weeks
Feline Leukemia shot (FeLV) (only if pretest is negative). A second (FeLV) shot given 2 to 3 weeks later. Second vaccination shot (FVRCP).
4 months
Rabies and third vaccination shot (FVRCP).

Adult Cats
FVRCP - Yearly. Cats 13 weeks or older that have not been vaccinated should have an initial vaccine then a booster in 2 to 4 weeks.
FeLV - Yearly. Cats not previously vaccinated need the two injection series (only if pretest is negative).
Rabies - Yearly (depending on vaccine)

CAT Emergencies

Cat First Aid

Injured cats will react to pain by experiencing fear and panic. It is common for cats to be uncooperative during treatment, even going so far as to try and bit or scratch the caretaker. When dealing with a frightened cat, it’s important to secure the cats so it calms down and doesn’t aggravate the existing wound or cause additional harm to itself.

Treating injuries is done through basic first aid. A simple pet first-aid kit should consist of scissors, tape, bandages and basic medications such as milk of magnesia, antibiotics, mineral oil and a common antidiarrheal formula – milk of bismuth.

Poisoning

It is not uncommon for cats to get into baits (such as rat poison) or chemicals that are harmful to their system. A cat exposed to a poison may react in various ways, including, but not limited to, paralysis. Veterinary help should be sought immediately. To purge the cat’s system of poisons, you will need to induce vomiting by feeding the cat small amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Give the cat about a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide about every 10 minutes for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Puncture wounds

From time to time cats may encounter barbs, thorns or fish hooks that puncture and embed themselves in the cat’s skin. If your cat gets a deep puncture wound, seek out a veterinarians help before attempting to remove the item. Veterinarians can provide the cat with pain relievers and anesthesia to relax your cat and provide the veterinarian with the best possible situation to remove the hook or barb.

If the hook or barb is only slightly embedded in the skin, be sure to cut off the sharp barb before attempting to slide it out. To remove a thorn use a needle and tweezers as you would for a sliver in your own hand or foot.

With any puncture wound, it is important to use a good antibiotic and to cover the wound with a bandage until it’s healed.

Broken bones

Bone fractures in cats will require the help of a veterinarian. Before moving the cat, be sure to secure the broken area by wrapping the injured area with a towel or blanket. Use rope or some type of cloth to tie the wrap to hold it in place. In addition to wrapping the wound, cover the cat with blankets to keep the cat warm as such injuries generally induce shock.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can occur when cats are exposed to high heat from prolonged periods of time – such as being locked in a car or a garage during the heat of summer. A cat experiencing heat stroke will become disoriented and eventually lose consciousness. To treat heat stroke, immediately begin cooling the cat by running a hose over the cat – continue dousing the cat for several minutes. If after several minutes the cat does not revive, take the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

To prevent heat stroke, make sure cats can find shade and have adequate air circulation. In hot climates cats should not be left outside in the sun during the heat of the day.

Bleeding

When a cat is cut and begins bleeding the wound should be immediately covered with gauze or cloth and moderate pressure should be applied. Hold the dressing over the wound for at least five minutes – do not pull the gauze or cloth back to peek and see if the bleeding has stopped. If after five minutes the bleeding has not stopped, take the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hair balls

As cats groom themselves they occasionally swallow hair, forming hair balls in their stomach. These obstructions can cause vomiting. To control cat vomiting, add a teaspoonful of mineral oil to the cat’s for three consecutive days. The mineral oil will compact the excess hair in the stomach and allow it to pass through the intestines much more easily. Many experts recommend that after the mineral oil treatment, that cat receive two teaspoonfuls of milk of magnesia – this will help the cats stomach to stabilize.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-health/2/CAT/

Cat Care

2007-12-05T23:22:00.000+08:00

General Care Information

Cats, as independent as they may seem, do require care and attention. Be sure to pay attention to these important details:
Cats should visit the veterinarian annually and kept up-to-date on the necessary shots and vaccinations
Cats should be given a heartworm pill once a year
Dry Cat food is recommended for the bulk of the cat’s diet and should be supplemented with a good cat vitamin
Cats should be bathed regularly with a cat shampoo – use baby shampoo if you need to wash the cat’s head. In addition to bathing, cats should be brushed one or two times per week.
Cats should have their teeth brushed at least twice a week.
Use only low calorie treats – dry treats will also help clean the cat’s teeth
Cats should be checked regularly for fleas and ticks during the Spring, Summer and Fall months

CAT Feeding Information

Cats require a balanced diet from a cat food that includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. Cats do not do well on a diet that revolves only around meat and do not require fancy or expensive cat foods to be healthy and happy.

A quality cat diet includes mostly dry cat food with only occasional meals coming from the dinner table. As health and wellness varies from cat to cat, it is always wise to seek a veterinarian’s help in adjusting your cat’s diet.

Dry Cat food

Dry cat foods contain a mixture of cereals, vegetable proteins, meat by products, vegetables, and vitamins and minerals. Typical commercial dry cat foods contain approximately 10% water. Generally cats do well with dry cat food, by feeling satisfied sooner and feeling healthier because of the contents.

The cat’s dish should be kept full to encourage regular eating.

Semi-Moist foods

These types of cat foods are created to look and smell like meat, but are generally made of soy, cereal grains and meat by products – they are also heavy in preservatives. These foods contain 25 – 30% water and are high in proteins. While not recommended as the primary source of nutrition in a diet, semi-moist foods are a great supplement to a cat’s diet.

Canned Foods

Canned cat foods are expensive, are not nutritionally well balanced and are mostly water (almost 80%). Cats that are fed canned foods tend to overeat and can experience weight problems. Additionally, these types of foods do not clean the cat’s gums and teeth.

CAT Grooming

Brushing

Grooming your cat can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for you and your cat. Additionally, regular grooming and handling will better adapt the cat if the need arises for it to see a veterinarian. Although cats do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean, additional grooming can improve the health of the cat’s skin, prevent stomach hairballs and remove dangerous parasites and sticker weeds.

To groom your cat, choose a time when the cat is ready to rest and not in a playful mood. Begin by cuddling the cat in your lap and petting it gently. Once your cat is subdued, use a soft cat hair brush to stroke the cat from head to tail following the direction of the cat’s fur. As you brush, use firm pressure to remove excess hair and other items hiding next to the cat’s fur. Pay particular attention to the ears and between the toes, as these are common places where ticks, mites, thorns and sticker weeds may hide. These areas are generally tender and should be handled carefully. Keep a pair of tweezers close to remove any fur and skin irritations.

Brush the legs and tail, gently stroking out mats and other foreign entities. If you should encounter wounds, use ointments and antibiotics as directed by the cat’s veterinarian.

Bathing

Before you attempt to bathe your cat, be sure to take time to cut its nails. Cat nails grow quickly and can become very sharp. To clip the cat’s nails, use a set of cat specific clippers or pet nail clippers – using normal human nail clippers is not recommended. Hold the cat’s paw with your off hand and the clippers in your strong hand. Before you begin clipping, locate the vein that runs through your cat’s paws and cut just above the vein. Cutting too closely too the vein may cause the nails to bleed and cause the cat unnecessary discomfort. Clip off the end of each nail on both the front and back paws.

Once the cat’s nails are cut, you are ready to get your cat near the bathing water. Cats generally do not like water and become especially agitated with the sloshing and splashing sound of water. Begin bathing your cat away from the tub or wash basin by using a warm wash rag and some baby shampoo to wash the cat’s head, eyes and ears. If you choose to wash your cat with an anti-flea shampoo, be sure to treat your cat’s eyes with mineral oil prior to applying the harsh shampoo – this will protect the cat’s eyes from the stinging irritation that will occur if the medicated shampoo gets in the cat’s eyes. Use a cotton swab to wash your cat’s ears and be sure look for any black discharge that signals the presence of mites. If you do find that your cats ears do have a black discharge, be sure to take your cat into the veterinarian.

Once the head is clean, you can now place the cat into the tub or wash basin – be sure to use water that is right around room temperature or slightly warmer. If your cat struggles with being placed in the tub, and to further prevent soap from getting into your cat’s eyes, you can place the hind end of the cat in the tub and let the forepaws hang out over the edge of the tub. Soak your cat using a cup or hose and then apply a cat specific or pet shampoo. Massage the shampoo into your cat and then rinse the cat thoroughly using the cup or hose.

To dry the cat by removing the cat from the tub or wash basin and placing it on the floor on a towel. Gently cover the cat with a towel and blot the cat dry – do not rub the cat as this will cause the fur to tangle and mat. Use a blow dryer, on medium heat, to gently blow dry the cat’s fur. Be sure to keep the blow dryer in constant motion, about 12 inches away from the fur - never blow the cat directly in the eyes and ears. As you blow dry your cat, use a broad toothed comb to gently move the fur away from the cat’s skin. Be sure to keep your cat away from cold weather for the next 24 hours as the cat’s fur continues to dry.

CAT Housing

Cats require a padded box or basket to call their home - choose an out of the way location that is cool and well ventilated.

Outdoor cats should be sheltered in a shelter that will prevent wind and rain from getting inside. The house should be big enough to allow the cat to enter completely, and turn in a full circle before lying down. During the winter months, a heavy cloth should be hung over the door to keep in heat and prevent wind and moisture from entering. Make sure to clean the shelter regularly to keep the cat healthy and comfortable.

CAT Exercising

Outdoor cats get plenty of exercise just doing their normal routine, but indoor cats can be encouraged to exercise by providing them with toys. Scratching posts, balls and other toys will encourage indoor cats to move around and be active. Indoor cats can also get lots of exercise by having a playmate such as another cat.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-care/2/CAT/

DOG Products

2007-12-05T23:17:00.000+08:00

DOG Products

Dog Formula

Dog formula products contain real meat, whole grains, rice and vegetables in a taste that dogs love. These nutritious treats offer complete and balanced nutrition that help defend against environmental toxins. Dog formula treats also strengthen the immune system and supports the specific lifestage requirements of adult dogs.

Collars

High quality dog collars come in top-quality leather, buckles, and metal tuck loops. To determine your dog’s collar size, measure the neck and add 2 inches.

Collar charms

Add a little bling bling to your doggy’s collar with dazzling, gem-studded charms. Customize your pet’s collar with your pet's initials, nickname, or fun shapes by sliding on one or more of the charms. Perfect for small dogs and phat cats.

Doggie Diaper Garment

Keep your dog and home clean with these cotton fabric, Velcro adjustable diapers. These garments are designed for puppies, incontinent dogs and females in season. Can be used with or without additional absorbent liner pads (sold separately). Machine washable and line dry.

Pet Pen

Keep your dog safe and secure with a mobile pen designed with sturdy wood and a metal frame, removable plastic pan with snap-lock latches, and lockable caster wheels for mobility.

Dog Chews

Cornstarch-based dog chews satisfy your dog's hunger, are odorless and will not stain the carpet. Dog chews have a grooved surface to help maintain good oral health through vigorous massaging of the gums.

Pet Odor remover

Pet ordor removers keep carpets, floors, furniture, clothing, cages, litter boxes, bird cages, and all pet living and sleeping areas smelling fresh and clean without perfume cover ups. Eliminates stains and odors to restore colors to floors, carpet and upholstery.

Rawhide Bones

Rawhide bones help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s gums and teeth. These flavorful treats satisfy your dog’s cravings and are perfect rewards for good deeds and obedience.

No Bark Collar

Water-resistant No Bark collars respond to your dog’s bark and not to ambient noise – creating efficient training for your dog. High quality No Bark collars offer seven levels of adjustable stimulation so it can be used for dogs of all sizes. The correction stimulus gently encourages your dog to not bark.

Dog Carrier

Dog carriers are perfect for the traveling pup and should be rated to meet domestic and international airline safety rules. Many airlines will allow certain pets in bags to ride in the cabin. Before purchasing a carrier for in cabin travel, check with your carrier for specific rules and any fees that may apply.

Dog Flea collar

Dog collars offer your dog five months of protection from adult fleas and ticks. The collar begins working right away and continues even when wet. Find the right sized collar for your dog to ensure proper flea and tick control. Never use a flea collar on dogs younger than 12 weeks old.

Spoil your dog with pet supplies from PetCareRx and spend less with us.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-products/1/DOG/

DOG Breeds

2007-12-05T23:05:00.000+08:00

Breeds

Miniature Sized Dogs

Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog. These dogs make great house pets. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means, "monkey-like terrier." This breed was developed to hunt and kill rats in German kitchens, granaries, and stables. In France the breed is described as the "Diablotin Moustachu" or moustached little devil.

Brussels Griffon
This tiny dog is especially intelligent, alert, sturdy, with a thickset, short body. There are two distinct types of coat: rough or smooth.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an active, graceful, well-balanced toy spaniel, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate. It is this typical gay temperament, combined with true elegance and royal appearance which are of paramount importance in the breed. Natural appearance with no trimming, sculpting or artificial alteration is essential to breed type.

Chihuahua
A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.

Chinese Crested
A toy dog, fine-boned, elegant and graceful. The distinct varieties are born in the same litter. The Hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the Powderpuff, completely covered with hair. The breed serves as a loving companion, playful and entertaining.

Dachshund
Low to ground, long in body and short of leg with robust muscular development, the skin is elastic and pliable without excessive wrinkling. Appearing neither crippled, awkward, nor cramped in his capacity for movement, the Dachshund is well-balanced with bold and confident head carriage and intelligent, alert facial expression. His hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue and distinctive build make him well-suited for below-ground work and for beating the bush. His keen nose gives him an advantage over most other breeds for trailing. Note: Inasmuch as the Dachshund is a hunting dog, scars from honorable wounds shall not be considered a fault.

English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby and essentially square toy dog possessed of a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and a silky, flowing coat. His compact, sturdy body and charming temperament, together with his rounded head, lustrous dark eye, and well cushioned face, proclaim him a dog of distinction and character. The important characteristics of the breed are exemplified by the head.

Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, well balanced, lively, aristocratic toy dog with a distinctive Oriental expression. It is light and stylish in action. The plumed tail is carried over the back, curving to either side. The coat is profuse, silky, soft and straight. The dog's outline presents a square appearance.

Maltese
The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. He is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and, despite his size, possessed of the vigor needed for the satisfactory companion.

Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is structurally a well balanced, sturdy, compact, short-coupled, smooth-coated dog. He naturally is well groomed, proud, vigorous and alert. Characteristic traits are his hackney-like action, fearless animation, complete self-possession, and his spirited presence.

Papillon
The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action; distinguished from other breeds by its beautiful butterfly-like ears.

Pekingese
The Pekingese is a well-balanced, compact dog of Chinese origin with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. Its temperament is one of directness, independence and individuality. Its image is lionlike, implying courage, dignity, boldness and self-esteem rather than daintiness or delicacy.

Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog. He has a soft, dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured outer coat. His heavily plumed tail is set high and lies flat on his back. He is alert in character, exhibits intelligence in expression, is buoyant in deportment, and is inquisitive by nature. The Pomeranian is cocky, commanding, and animated as he gaits. He is sound in composition and action.

Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is a true "toy terrier". He is moderately low set, slightly longer than tall, of refined bone structure, but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. His coat is silky in texture, parted from the stop to the tail and presents a well groomed but not sculptured appearance. His inquisitive nature and joy of life make him an ideal companion.

Tibetan Spaniel
Should be small, active and alert. The outline should give a well balanced appearance, slightly longer in body than the height at withers. Fault Coarseness of type.

Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is truly a toy and a terrier and both have influenced his personality and character. As a terrier, the Toy Fox Terrier possesses keen intelligence, courage, and animation. As a toy his is diminutive, and devoted with an endless abiding love for his master. The Toy Fox Terrier is a well-balanced Toy dog of athletic appearance displaying grace and agility in equal measure with strength and stamina. His lithe muscular body has a smooth elegant outline which conveys the impression of effortless movement and endless endurance. He is naturally well groomed, proud, animated, and alert. Characteristic traits are his elegant head, his short glossy and predominantly white coat, coupled with a predominantly solid head, and his short high-set tail.

Yorkshire Terrier
That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Small Sized Dogs
Australian Terrier
Beagle
Bichon Frise
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cocker Spaniel
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
English Cocker Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Lakeland Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Löwchen
Manchester Terrier
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Pug
Schipperke
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih Tzu
Skye Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier

Medium Sized Dogs
Airedale Terrier
American Eskimo Dog
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Water Spaniel
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Basenji
Basset Hound
Bearded Collie
Bedlington Terrier
Belgian Malinois
Border Collie
Boston Terrier
Brittany
Bulldog
Bull Terrier
Clumber Spaniel
Dalmatian
English Springer Spaniel
Field Spaniel
French Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Harrier
Irish Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Manchester Terrier
Norwegian Elkhound
Parson Russell Terrier
Pharaoh Hound
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Samoyed
Siberian Husky
Smooth Fox Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Sussex Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Terrier
Whippet
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Large Sized Dogs
Afghan Hound
Akita
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Borzoi
Bouvier des Flandres
Boxer
Briard
Bullmastiff
Canaan Dog
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow Chow
Collie
Curly-Coated Retriever
Doberman Pinscher
English Foxhound
English Setter
Finnish Spitz
Flat-Coated Retriever
German Pinscher
German Shepherd
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Giant Schnauzer
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greyhound
Ibizan Hound
Irish Setter
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
Komondor
Kuvasz
Labrador Retriever
Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Otter Hound
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Pointer
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard
Saluki
Scottish Deerhound
Shiba Inu
Spinone Italiano
Vizsla
Weimaraner

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-breeds/1/DOG/
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DOG Puppies

2007-12-05T23:03:00.000+08:00

Puppies Information

Puppies, as playful and as carefree as they seem, learn and develop habits quickly. Before bringing a puppy home, it is important to plan out how the puppy will interact with you and your home – where it will sleep, what rooms it is allowed in or not allowed in, etc. When a puppy is first brought home, it is common for the puppy to miss its mother and whine or cry during the night. Until this new addition to your family bonds with you and becomes accustomed to its surroundings, whimpering will probably be the norm. Although this whimpering may cause several sleepless nights, it’s important that you do not teach the puppy that if it whimpers you’ll come to comfort it. Like a young child, the puppy does not have control over its emotions but learns very quickly the results of making the whimpering sound. If you feel it is necessary, you can comfort the puppy with soothing sounds and a gentle touch – although picking up the puppy to cuddle it will reinforce its desire to whimper in order to be cuddled.

Be sure to provide your puppy accommodations that are comfortable and that makes them feel safe. A snug, warm area, like a travel crate can provide the needed comfort a new puppy desires. Place a warm, loose blanket on the bottom of the crate so that the puppy can burrow into a comfortable sleeping position. If your puppy is having a hard time learning to settle down at bedtime, place a light sheet over the opening of your puppy’s sleeping space. The puppy will come to learn that when the sheet is over the opening, it’s time to go to sleep.

When picking up your puppy from the breeder, ask the breeder for a cloth or toy that has been with the mother and that carries the mother’s scent to provide additional comfort during the separation phase.

If you choose to let your puppy sleep in your bed with you, remember that this habit will be extremely difficult to break as the dog gets older. Puppies that are allowed to sleep in the owner’s bed will grow into large unwelcomed sleeping partners later in life.

Puppies are inherently mischievous and extremely determined. In an effort to contain their enthusiasm, puppies will need a safe place to play and explore during the hours of the day when they are unattended. Make sure to keep small objects that they may choke on out of reach, as puppies are not afraid to try chewing or picking up a new or interesting object with their mouths. Just like children, puppies must be watched closely and protected from household dangers.

When leaving your puppy outdoors during the day, make sure it has plenty of food, water, shade and a comfortable place to stay. Lonely puppies will find trouble and develop bad habits of digging, barking and destroying things around the yard. The more time you spend with your puppy, the quicker they will learn what is and is not acceptable behavior and become a wonderful, integrated part of your family.

Potty Training

Potty training can be a difficult and frustrating experience, but following a few simple rules will make the process easier.

Puppies should begin potty training as soon as they are brought home. Like children, puppies usually need to go potty when they wake up, after they eat, and after they play. Take the puppy outside at these times and be patient in waiting for them to accomplish the task. Always praise your puppy when it goes potty outside at the appropriate time. If your puppy does not go potty while outside, take him inside so that he’ll quickly associate outside time as potty time.

When it is not possible to supervise your potty training puppy, the puppy should be tied up close to its sleeping box or placed in a small kennel. Dogs have a natural instinct to keep their living space clean and will not go potty when confined to a small space, especially near their sleeping area.

Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go potty – sniffing, scratching at the floor, or circling. If your puppy does have an accident indoors, show them the accident and tell them “NO!” It is not necessary to rub your puppy’s nose in the mess. Take your puppy immediately outside and clean up the mess inside. Make sure to use an ammonia based cleaner to eliminate the smell completely – any remaining scent in the house will only encourage future accidents.

Spaying and Neutering

Males: Neuter at 6 months old – delaying neutering beyond 6 months increases the likelihood of testicular and prostate cancer.

Females: Spay before the puppy’s first heat cycle – delaying spaying beyond the first heat cycle increases the likelihood of breast and uterine cancer.

Puppy Names

Looking for the perfect name for your new little puppy? SimplePetCare.com has compiled an extensive, alphabetical list of some of the most popular puppy names. The name you choose will say something about your puppy. Playful puppies grow up to be playful dogs, so choose a name that will best fit it's personality.

Not only should a name reflect your puppy's personality, but it can also be a statement about your relationship with your dog. Choose a name that best describes your relationship. Have fun naming your puppy!

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-babies/1/DOG/

DOG Diseases

2007-12-05T23:00:00.000+08:00

DOG Parasites

Mites, Fleas, Lice, and Ticks

Mites

Mites, like Fleas are external parasites that live in the ears of dogs as well as on the surface of their skin. Mites can be transferred from dog to dog and will cause the dog to scratch and claw at its skin due to the skin irritation.

To cure mites, use a mineral oil to daily clean the dog’s ears and use common flea powders over the ears and body of the dog.

Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless, external parasites that live off of the blood of mammals and birds. Dogs in humid climates are generally more affected by these types of parasites. Reactions may vary from dog to dog, but most reactions result in a rash on specific areas of the dog.

To control fleas, keep the dog’s living area clean and use commercially available powders, sprays and dog collars.

Lice

Another common parasite, lice can cause intense itching and skin irritation in dogs. Lice eggs are typically found on the dog’s hair and adult lice close to the dog’s skin.

To control lice, use commercially available flea powders and sprays regularly. Eliminating lice can take several weeks.

Ticks

Ticks are small to microscopic parasites that burrow their heads below the surface of the dog’s skin causing disease and irritation. Ticks are common in almost every part of the world, but are especially prevalent on beaches, in open fields and in wooded areas. These parasites are typically found between the toes and in the ears of household pets.

To remove a tick, cover the back of the tick with oil or alcohol and wait for the tick to back out of the skin. If using tweezers, make sure that the entire tick is removed and that the head of the tick is not broken off under the skin. Never use a hot match to remove ticks.

DOG Diseases

Cancer

Dog Cancer is defined as any type of tumor or growth that invades healthy tissue. Just like humans, dog experience tumors that, unless properly removed, can experience death. Not long ago, cancer was considered to be an uncommon disease in dogs, but as the average life span of dogs has increased over time, so have the incidences of cancer. Cancer is a highly variable disease that has no specific source and can spread quickly causing death before it is detected. Possible sources include genetics, diet, environment, exposure to harmful chemicals, etc.

Older dogs should be checked regularly for abnormal growths. Dogs that experience fevers, weight loss, lethargy and loss of appetite should be taken to a veterinarian for an examination. Once cancer forms it can exhibit itself as an open sore (that bleeds or causes abnormal discharge), lumps under the skin, bulges in the throat (causing difficulty breathing and eating), abnormal bowel movements, etc.

Heartworm

Heartworm is caused by the Dirofilaria immitis parasite. This parasite lives in the heart and blood vessels causing the heart to weaken resulting in death. Although most common in dogs, other animals can also contract this parasite.

Heartworm is transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes that bite infected dogs and then inject a healthy dog with the parasite. Once infected, dogs will begin to be affected by the parasite in about 6 months. As the parasites mature and begin occupying the right chamber of the heart, the dog will begin to experience reduced blood flow to its major organs.

Prevention is the best approach. Dogs should be given a heartworm pill each month and have regular visits to the veterinarian.

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that can cause a wide variety of symptoms in dogs. Once bitten by a rabid animal, dogs will develop a nasty and irritable temperament within days and usually die with in a week of the first signs. As the virus progresses, the dog will eventually experience paralysis of their lungs and throat causing the animal to suffocate and die.

Rabies is a virus that can be prevented through vaccination every three years. As rabies is common in both domestic and wild animals, most states in the US require dogs to have rabies shots.

Once contracted, rabies is usually fatal. This virus attacks the central nervous system, starting at the brain and radiating throughout the body through the nerves.

Rabies is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human through a bite wound that breaks the skin. The virus can also be transmitted through saliva.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-diseases/1/DOG/

DOG Health Information

2007-12-05T21:26:00.000+08:00

DOG Medicine Information

Pilling your dog

The easiest way to give your dog a vitamin or pill is to hide it in food. Cheese, meat, or other favorite food items can be used to bury the pill. To ensure that the dog swallows the pill, the pill or food item should be placed as far back in the dog’s throat as possible. Hold the upper jaw by both sides with one hand, and lift it up, holding the lower jaw with the other hand, and using your first finger and thumb to place the pill quickly in the tongue's base. Keep his mouth close, lifting the head a bit, and rubbing the throat to encourage him to swallow.

Administering liquid medication

Liquid edication is generally easier to give to dogs than pills. Place the liquid into a paper cup and pull the dogs lip out to form a pocket to receive the liquid. Pour the liquid into the dog’s mouth in small amounts at a rate that allows the dog to swallow evenly. To prevent the liquid from entering the dog’s air passage, the nose of the dog should be elevated only slightly.

DOG Vaccinations

Information from The Humane Society

Distemper - an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain.
Hepatitis - a viral disease of the liver.
Leptospirosis - a bacterial disease of the urinary system.
Parainfluenza - infectious bronchitis.
Parvovirus - a viral disease of the intestines.
Rabies - a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals.
Corona - a viral disease of the intestines.
Bordetella - a bacterial infection (kennel cough)

Puppies - 6 weeks to 1 year
6 to 8 weeks - First puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
11 to 12 weeks - Second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
15 to 16 weeks - Third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
Over 4 months - Rabies (repeat l year later)
7 to 9 months - First heartworm test

Adult Dogs - After 1 year
DHLPP - Yearly
Heartworm test - Yearly
Rabies - Every 3 years (after second Rabies shot)
Bordetella - Yearly
Note: Some states have their own laws regarding the frequency & requirement of certain vaccinations. When in doubt, always ask your veterinarian or local humane society.

DOG Emergencies

Pet First Aid

Injured dogs will react to pain by experiencing fear and panic. It is common for dogs to be uncooperative during treatment, even going so far as to try and bit or scratch the caretaker. When dealing with a frightened dog, it’s important to secure the dog so it calms down and doesn’t aggravate the existing wound or cause additional harm to itself. It may be necessary to muzzle the dog to protect the caretaker. To muzzle the dog, use tape or a cloth to loop around the dog’s mouth and then tie off the material behind the dog’s ears.

Treating injuries is done through basic first aid. A simple pet first-aid kit should consist of scissors, tape, bandages and basic medications such as milk of magnesia, antibiotics, mineral oil and a common antidiarrheal formula – milk of bismuth.

Poisoning

It is not uncommon for dogs to get into baits (such as rat poison) or chemicals that are harmful to their system. A dog exposed to a poison may react in various ways, including, but not limited to, paralysis. Veterinary help should be sought immediately. To purge the dog’s system of poisons, you will need to induce vomiting by feeding the dog small amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Give the dog about a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide about every 10 minutes for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Puncture wounds

From time to time dogs may encounter barbs, thorns or fish hooks that puncture and embed themselves in the dogs skin. If your dog gets a deep puncture wound, seek out a veterinarians help before attempting to remove the item. Veterinarians can provide the dog with pain relievers and anesthesia to relax your dog and provide the veterinarian with the best possible situation to remove the hook or barb.

If the hook or barb is only slightly embedded in the skin, be sure to cut off the sharp barb before attempting to slide it out. To remove a thorn use a needle and tweezers as you would for a sliver in your own hand or foot.

With any puncture wound, it is important to use a good antibiotic and to cover the wound with a bandage until it’s healed.

Broken bones

Bone fractures in dogs will require the help of a veterinarian. Before moving the dog, be sure to secure the broken area by wrapping the injured area with a towel or blanket. Use rope or some type of cloth to tie the wrap to hold it in place. In addition to wrapping the wound, cover the dog with blankets to keep the dog warm as such injuries generally induce shock.

Heat Stroke

A dog experiencing heat stroke will become disoriented and eventually lose consciousness. To treat heat stroke, immediately begin cooling the dog by running a hose over the dog – continue dousing the dog for several minutes. If after several minutes the dog does not revive, take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

To prevent heat stroke, make sure dogs can find shade and have adequate air circulation. In hot climates dogs should not be left outside in the sun during the heat of the day.

Bleeding

When a dog is cut and begins bleeding the wound should be immediately covered with gauze or cloth and moderate pressure should be applied. Hold the dressing over the wound for at least five minutes – do not pull the gauze or cloth back to peek and see if the bleeding has stopped. If after five minutes the bleeding has not stopped, take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-health/1/DOG/

Dog Care

2007-12-05T21:20:00.000+08:00

General Care Information

Puppies should begin training at approximately 10 weeks of age
Dogs need plenty of daily exercise – three times a day is recommended
Dogs should be checked frequently for ticks, fleas and other parasites
Dogs should be bathed with dog shampoo and not human shampoo (baby shampoo ok for washing the head)
Dog ears should be cleaned weekly
Dog teeth should be brushed at least twice a week – dog biscuits between brushing will help keep teeth clean and breath fresh.
Dry dog food is recommended, supplemented with a high quality vitamin
Dogs should take a heartworm pill once a month
Dogs should visit their veterinarian once a year for an exam and regular vaccines

DOG Feeding Information

Provide your dog with dog foods that are high in nutritional value, with 80% of the dogs diet daily diet coming from dry dog food. A quality dry dog food should contain varied ingredients with sufficient amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (amino acids). Table foods can cause gastrointestinal distress and load the dog’s food with unnecessary fats and sugars. Always consult with a veterinarian about the best dog food for your dog and about any supplements that may be necessary.

Dry Dog Food

A quality dry dog food should contain approximately 10% water and contain a mixture of soy, meat products, grains, vegetables, animal fats, and added vitamins and minerals. These types of dry dog foods are coated with a meat flavoring to encourage consumption. Smell and taste the animal fat on the food and will eat until they are satisfied. In addition to nutritional value, dry dog foods provide a rough texture to help clean the dog’s teeth and gums.

Unless specified as a dietary precaution by the dog’s veterinarian, the dog’s food bowl should be kept full at all times to encourage healthy eating.

Canned Dog Food

Canned dog food is generally not recommended as a regular dietary item. Although dogs will prefer the taste of canned foods, canned dog food is mostly water (nearly 80%) and does not help promote good health for the dog’s teeth and gums. Care should be taken that dogs do not over eat when fed canned food.

Semi-Moist foods

These types of dog foods are created to look and smell like meat, but are generally made of soy, cereal grains and meat by products – they are also heavy in preservatives. These foods contain 25 – 30% water and are high in proteins. While not recommended as the primary source of nutrition in a diet, semi-moist foods are a great supplement to a diet and are a great reward for dogs.

DOG Grooming

Taking a dog regularly to a professional groomer can be very expensive. While an occasional trip to a professional groomer may be necessary, simple care and grooming can be done at home.

If you plan on grooming your dog regularly at home, it’s important to start early when they are puppies. Puppies that get used to being handled during grooming, will grow up to be much more well adjusted dogs during the grooming process. Although puppies require a lot of patience, the learning will pay huge dividends throughout your dog’s life.

Dogs should be taught to sit or stand as still as possible during grooming.

Caring for your dog’s coat

Your dog’s coat should be brushed daily – frequent and regular brushing will help to remove loose fur and loosen pet dander. The fur should always be brushed in the direction of the fur.

Dogs should be shampooed with a shampoo that is meant for dogs. To give your dog a bath, place him in a tub of warm water and use a cup or hand held shower head to wet him. Rub the shampoo in evenly over the entire dog, paying particular attention to the legs, underbelly and paws. If you are concerned about getting shampoo in the dog’s eyes, you can always use baby shampoo on the dog’s head. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

After taking your dog out of the tub, towel dry the fur and use a brush to smooth out the fur and prevent knotting.

Trimming your dog's nails

To trim your dog’s nails, purchase a set of nail clippers that are meant for dogs at your local pet store. Scissors generally do not work well, and can cause unneeded discomfort for your dog during clipping.

Begin by holding your dog's paw in one hand, and the clippers in the other. Place the clippers over the nail and clip only the tip of the nail. Be careful not to clip too close, as cutting off too much will damage and expose the vein. As the vein can be difficult to see, begin by clipping off a bit at a time. If the vein does accidentally get cut, apply pressure to the wound with a clean gauze pad until the bleeding stops.

Cleaning your dog's teeth

When brushing your dog’s teeth, do NOT use regular toothpaste as it isn’t safe for dogs to swallow. Use a medium to heavy bristle toothbrush or a rubber “finger brush” to gently rub on your dog’s gums and teeth.

To open your dog’s mouth, hold its mouth open by lifting the loose skin at the sides of his mouth. The teeth should be brushed in the direction that they grow. Choose a special doggie toothpaste that comes in a flavor dogs prefer.

A dog’s teeth can also be cleaned by providing it with a dog biscuit that is designed for keeping tartar off your dog's teeth.

Dogs teeth should be checked and cleaned during it’s annual visit to the veterinarian.

Cleaning your dog's ears

To clean your dog’s ears, lightly dampen the end of a cotton tip swab. Do not stick the swab directly into the ear, as you may inadvertently damage the dog’s ear drum. Use the damp swab to gently clean the exterior areas of its ears. Mineral oil should never be used to clean dogs ears – the oils tend to remain in the ear causing hearing problems.

Frequent ear scratching generally means ear mites. Dog’s ears should be checked annually during their regular visit to the veterinarian.

If you encounter difficulties in grooming your dog, take him to a professional groomer and watch to see how it is done. The dog groomer can also give you advice and more tips on how to deal specifically with your dog.

DOG Housing

When choosing a location for a dog’s bed or living space, it’s important to remember that dogs are creatures of habit –where you start out your puppy is probably where your grown up dog will end up sleeping. If the dog will be an indoor dog, choose an out of the way location that is cool and well ventilated. Puppies that are allowed to sleep in the owner’s bed will grow into large unwelcomed sleeping partners later in life.

Outdoor dogs should be sheltered in a dog house that will prevent wind and rain from getting inside. The house should be big enough to allow the dog to enter completely, and turn in a full circle before lying down. During the winter months, a heavy cloth should be hung over the door to keep in heat and prevent wind and moisture from entering. Dogs prefer loose bedding, generally a couple of warm blankets work best. Make sure to clean the dog house regularly to keep the dog healthy and comfortable.

DOG Exercising

The amount of exercise required by dogs varies from dog to dog – smaller dogs get plenty of exercise just playing with a ball in the family room, while larger dogs need room to run and stretch their legs. But regardless of how much exercise a dog needs, it’s important that they a get regular, daily opportunity to run. Just like humans, dogs need plenty of water and intermittent rest during exercise, especially on hot days.

Sometimes the best exercise for dogs is to allow them to play with other dogs in the neighborhood. As outdoor dogs get more exercise just doing their normal routine, indoor dogs can be encouraged to exercise by providing them with toys.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-care/1/DOG/

BIRD Products

2007-12-05T21:08:00.000+08:00

BIRD Products

Bird Feed

While most pet birds can generic pet food, you may want to purchase bird food designed specifically for your bird. Bird feed should be high in nutritional value and should not contain a high nut content – birds can become addicted to high fat nuts causing them to become malnourished and susceptible to disease.

Bird Cages

Provide your bird with a spacious bird cage that helps give your bird the exercise and mental stimulation they need to stay content and healthy. A good bird cage will offer perches and ladders, giving your bird plenty of places to perch and play. Birds also will enjoy a small toy or two to push around. Be sure to equip your cage with food and water containers that can easily be filled and cleaned.

Bird perch

Bird perches are not only enjoyable to the bird, but can also be useful in grinding down the nails and beak of a bird. Textured perches provide a great surface for birds to strengthen important foot and leg muscles.

Bird ladders

Your bird can climb his way to the top on a brightly colored and sturdy wood ladder! Wooden ladders are a great addition to any cage and provide your bird with needed exercise.

Bird cage liners

Bird cage liners are a safe, efficient, and sanitary way to keep your bird's cage clean. Cage liners are made of absorbent cotton layers designed to pull moisture deep inside, keeping the upper layer dry to the touch and containing liquid messes and reducing odors associated with pet waste.

Bird cage litter

Bird cage litters are generally made out of highly absorbent corncob particles designed to control pet odors. Cage litters are made of non-toxic materials and are biodegradable. Some brands of bird cage litter offer scented and non-scented varieties. For best results spread your bird litter about 1" deep evenly in the bottom of the cage and change the litter about every two weeks.

The information is original from:
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BIRD Breeds

2007-12-05T20:59:00.000+08:00

Breeds

African Grey Parrot
The African Grey Parrot originated in Central and Western Africa. This friendly pet is a talkative and extremely intelligent bird. These birds make great companions for any individual or family.

Budgies
Budgies belong to the parrot family. Also known as parakeets, budgies are the extremely colorful and talkative. These birds can be purchased at most pet stores and are relatively inexpensive to purchase and take care of.

Canary
Canaries derive their name from their Island of origin - the Spanish Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco. Canaries were first domesticated in the early 16th century and have proven to be useful to humans to detect potentially dangerous gasses in mines. Canaries have also be kept as pets since that time.

Cockatiels
Cockatiels are loving, affectionate birds. These birds make great pets as they are relatively inexpensive to purchase and take care of.

Cockatoos
As a member of the parrot family, the cockatoo is a popular pet because of its extraordinary feathers and headcrest. These birds find their origins in the South Seas, particularly Australia.

Lorikeets
As a member of the parrot family, the Lorikeets have beautifully colored feathers. These birds find their origins in the South Seas, particularly Australia. While many members of the parrot family prefer seeds and nuts, the Lorikeets mostly prefer fresh fruits and vegetables.

Lovebirds
Perhaps a misnomer, Lovebirds can be extremely active and feisty. These colorful birds find their origins in Africa. Lovebirds got their name from the way the males and females “snuggle” affectionately.

Macaws
As a member of the parrot family, Macaws come in over 22 different varieties. These colorful birds are the most beautiful of the parrots. These birds find their origins in South America and are the most recognized of the parrot family.

Ringneck Parakeets
Ringneck Parakeets are known for their rich colorful variety. These birds find their origins in the Asia and Africa and are talkative, extremely intelligent birds. These birds make great companions for any individual or family.

Breeds Resources
NA

The information is original from:
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BIRD Babies

2007-12-05T20:58:00.000+08:00

Babies Information

Baby birds are generally not raised by humans and whenever possible should be raised by the bird’s parents. If you decide to take on the project of raising a baby bird that has been left behind by its parents, be prepared for a full time commitment for the next 4 -8 weeks.

Baby birds require immediate attention such as a low wattage light source for heat or a heating blanket. The bird will need to be fed every 45 minutes during the daytime hours for about 4.-6 weeks. Baby birds can be nourished by placing the food directly into their open beaks. Foods such as water saturated cat food or dog food can be used to nourish the baby bird. To feed the bird, use a drinking straw by placing the straw into the cat food or dog food mush and holding your finger over the opposite end of the straw – creating a suction to pick up the food. Place the straw into the open beak and let the food slide into the baby bird’s mouth. Continue to feed the bird until it stops gaping (begging for food). When the bird is approximately 6 weeks old, it will begin to self feed. Baby Birds should be exposed to its natural foods as soon as it is ready to self feed.

When feeding a baby bird, it’s important to remember not to give it milk or other liquids. Milk can cause diarrhea and other liquids can actually drowned the bird. The bird will get sufficient liquid from the water saturated dog food or cat food.

Keep the bird clean and in a quiet location in a box that is safe from predators and children.

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BIRD Diseases

2007-12-05T20:55:00.000+08:00

BIRD Parasites
NA

BIRD Diseases

Feather Picking

Feather picking, as opposed to the preening process that beautifies the bird, is a feather damaging habit that some birds form. Picking can be described as when a bird pulls out, frays, breaks and damages its feathers causing its overall physical appearance and attractiveness to decline. This obsessive behavior pattern not only damages existing feathers, but obstructs the growth of new feathers.

Birds will engage in feather picking for various reasons – stress (noise, confusion, the persistent presence of predators), infections of the skin, malnutrition, bacterial and fungal diseases, loneliness (loss of a mate or cage companion), sexual frustration, and fluctuations in hormone levels. Also, as environmental conditions change, such as a new home, or new owner, birds may experience undue stress and begin picking at their feathers.

Feather picking can be treated by first identifying the causes of the stress by looking for medical and non-medical reasons why the bird is reacting this way. If the stress is caused by a non-medical problem, simply help the bird to feel more at ease – put its cage back where it was before, don’t let the cat in the room with the bird, reduce the amount of noise in the home, or revert its feeding back to its previous diet.

Distraction may also be a way to get a bird to stop picking at itself. By introducing new toys (bells, mirrors, balls, etc.), new or favorite foods, or a new companion, the bird will spend more time focused on the new activity an stop picking. Also, by lightly spraying the bird with water, the bird may begin to preen and waterproof its feathers rather than pick at them.

A visit to a veterinarian may reveal a disease or parasite that the owner was previously unaware of. Diseases and parasites can be treated by through treatment and medications.

The information is original from:
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BIRD Health Information

2007-12-05T20:53:00.001+08:00

BIRD Medicine Information
Medicines provided to birds are generally administered through food and water. Consult with your veterinarian about how specific medications should be given to birds.

BIRD Vaccinations
There are currently no approved vaccinations for use in pet bird species.

BIRD Emergencies
NA

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-health/6/BIRD/

BIRD Care

2007-12-05T20:47:00.000+08:00

General Care Information

Birds, like all pets, require care, attention and companionship. When bringing a bird home make sure you are prepared for a little noise, an occasional mess, and a long term relationship.
Birds don’t just sing beautiful songs, they also screech and holler at what can seem like random intervals.
Expect to clean up after your birds as they toss thing from their cage and scatter food and seeds around their cage.
Regular cleaning of the cage should also be expected.
Some types of birds can become extremely attached to their owners and lose all zest for life if abandoned or sold.

Sunlight – Ultraviolet W

Caged birds need sunlight and rarely get enough ultraviolet radiation from the windows in the home. Birds require ultraviolet (UV-W) light through their skin to facilitate the absorption of calcium as food passes through the intestinal tract. Without enough calcium, birds will develop weak bones and lose muscle tone.

Be sure to get your bird outside as often as possible, especially on sunny days. Place the bird in its cage in a well ventilated sunny spot that is well out of the reach of neighborhood cats and other predators. On hot summer days, be sure to partially cover the cage with some shade so that the bird can move in and out of the sun to stay cool.

In areas of the world or in certain owner situations where direct sunlight is not always available, artificial light sources can be used to create the needed ultraviolet light birds need.

Hygiene

Keeping birds clean and healthy requires a daily effort. Because birds are confined to a small cage with limited mobility, they are continually exposed to bacteria that is created by their own mess, saliva, and feces. Bird cage floors, perches, food dishes and watering containers should be cleaned daily.

To clean a bird cage, remove the newspaper at the bottom of the cage and wipe the bottom surface down with hot soapy water and then a common household disinfectant. Perches should also be treated with a disinfectant and, if they are wood, should be touched up with some sandpaper. Keep several food bowls on hand so that the bowls can be rotated in and out of the cage each day – bowls taken out of the cage should be soaked in a disinfectant and then washed in a hot dishwasher for further disinfection. Uneaten food should be discarded as it is highly likely that the food has been contaminated with droppings or saliva. Water bottles should also be changed daily and soaked with disinfectant and rinsed before being refilled. The safest water to give your bird will be filtered water. If you decide to give your bird tap water, be sure to let the water run for a few minutes before filling the water bottle – this will allow unwanted contaminants to flush through the system and not end up in your bird’s water supply. Water borne pathogens that typically do not affect the human digestive system can cause devastating results to birds.

Keeping your birds cage and food supply free from contaminants requires a constant vigilant effort. By following these cleanliness requirements, you can reduce the chance that your bird will contract a disease and increase the chance of having a healthy bird to brighten your home for many years.

BIRD Feeding Information

Birds require a well balance diet with plenty of variety of the right kinds of foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals. When feeding birds, be sure to offer foods that are high in nutritional value, and not mixed with nuts or seeds. Birds are picky eaters and will consume the nuts and seeds and ignore the nutritional foods. The following details specific things to pay attention to when feeding your bird.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is critical to your pet bird’s health. This vitamin helps maintain healthy feathers, skin, eyes, intestinal tract, respiratory system, and reproduction organs and tracts. To ensure your bird gets an amply supply of Vitamin A, be sure to provide a variety of vitamin A rich foods such as sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, spinach, corn, apricots, eggs and fish oils. Seeds do not contain sufficient Vitamin A - birds that prefer to eat nothing but seeds (called “seed junkies”) eventually become sickly due to the lack of Vitamin A and shorten the bird’s overall life span.

Nuts and Seeds

Seed Junkies refuse to eat anything but sunflower seeds, pinenuts, peanuts and other types of bird seed. Seeds and nuts contain addictive fats that can create an energy boost, similar to a “sugar rush” that humans feels when consuming sugary products. This boost from fats creates a preference for high-fat foods. When birds become hooked and then are deprived of the fatty nuts and seeds that they prefer, they become lethargic and depressed. Recent research shows that not only are sunflower seeds common in pet bird’s diets, but also can be particularly addictive.

Variety

Birds should be fed a regular diet of nutritious fruits and vegetables, supplemented with common bird feed. A with most pets, birds are creatures of habit and like to see familiar, common foods at regular intervals. It is common for birds to shy away from new or unfamiliar foods and will take some time observing the new food before they will give it a try. As new foods can cause the bird stress, it is important to keep the bird’s diet consistent and familiar when they are ill – introducing new foods during times of sickness will cause the bird to eat less and not recover as quickly. It should be noted that during sicknesses, any change from the normal routine (feeding times, cage location, etc.) will cause the bird additional stress

Food Contamination

Bird cages and food dispensers should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial diseases from causing sickness. Birds are highly sensitive to bacteria that is not considered harmful to humans. To prevent contamination, wash your hands each time you prepare the bird’s food and wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before feeding them to the bird. Bird feed can be placed in the oven and baked (350 degrees for 10 minutes) to “sterilize” the food. Foods given to birds should not be placed on the floor of the cage so as to not become contaminated with bird feces and saliva. Place the food in the cage in a clean, sterile bowl.

Water dispensers should be cleaned regularly with a disinfectant soap and rinsed thoroughly with hot water. Because dishwashers ran at hot temperatures, they are a great place to further sterilize food bowls and water dispensers. When filling up your bird’s water dispenser use clean bottled water, or, if you use tap water, let the tap water run for 3 – 5 minutes before filling the water container to allow for impurities to pass through the pipes.

BIRD Grooming

Grooming and Feathers

Wing Clipping

The decision to trim a bird’s wings is clearly a preferential decision made by the pet owner. Owners of free roaming birds may enjoy seeing their birds fly around the home and may not want to trim the bird’s wings. Cage bird’s wings should be trimmed regularly to prevent the bird from injuring itself by trying to fly around in its cage.

When considering whether to trim a bird’s wings or not, consider the following positive and negative results:

Positive • Birds will be protected from themselves – they will be unable to fly into mirrors, windows and ceiling fans • Trimming can cause a bird to be more tame and less aggressive Negative • Trimmed wings can cause a bird to lose its balance both on a perch and while in flight • Unbalance flight can cause the bird to crash and injure itself • The bird will be unable to escape predators like cats • The bird could get caught behind furniture or doors and not be able to get itself out • Incorrect clipping can cause wing damage

Bird owners who choose to clip their birds wings should trim the wings every 6 – 10 weeks after the start of the molt cycle as new feathers grow back. Before trimming your bird for the first time, you may want to find an experienced person or veterinarian to assist you. The first trimming should not take off too much of the feathers giving the bird a chance to adjust to its lifestyle with limited flight capabilities – each time you trim you can take off a bit more. It is important to not cut too deeply so as to not cause the feathers to bleed – never clip the blood feathers or the pin feathers.

Nail and Beak Care

Bird’s nails and beak should not be trimmed using conventional clippers or scissors – clipping the nails can create an emergency situation if the nails begin to bleed. To smooth out the beak or nails of a bird, use an emery board to file down the sharp edges of each nail and the end of the beak.

Bathing

Birds in the wild bath themselves in the rain and in puddles formed by the rain. Caged birds and indoor birds should be given the same opportunity to bath by providing them a bowl of regular household tap water to splash in. The moisture on their wings will remove dirt and dust and encourage preening. If you prefer not to deal with a water mess that may be caused by a bowl of water, you can use a spray bottle to mist the bird – the spray moisture will also encourage preening.

After a bath, birds should be allowed to dry completely in a warm environment – preferably out in the sun. If you choose to use a hair dryer, hold the hair dryer at least a foot away from the bird and use a low heat setting to prevent burning the bird.

Feather Molting

Throughout a bird’s life, its feathers will grow old, fall out and be replaced by new colorful feathers. This natural physiological process of feather replacement is call molting. Molting occurs at regular intervals that vary between different bird types. Environmental conditions, such as climate and location, also will influence the molting cycle.

Feather Preening

Feather Preening refers the instinctual process a bird goes through to groom itself. The preening process consists of the bird using its beak and claws to straighten, adjust, and care for its feathers. As feathers are cared for, the bird naturally beautifies its feathers while taking care of the practical needs of waterproofing and conditioning its feathers. Additionally, preening allows for new flight and contour feathers to form and grow out to their natural lengths.

Companion birds that share a bird cage or living space can occasionally be seen preening each other. One bird will sit very still, while the other bird picks at the feathers of its cage mate. Birds will also rub up against objects to aid them in preening their feathers.

BIRD Housing

Bird cages are the best solution for housing your pet bird. Bird cages should be large enough to allow the bird some free movement and open enough that they can see their surroundings and participate in the action around the home. When choosing a location for your bird cage, find a spot that is in the common area of the home, but out of the way of foot traffic so that the cage doesn’t get bumped. A well ventilated area away from heating and air conditioning vents will provide your bird ample circulation without the extreme temperature changes that come from the air conditioning and heating. While birds are able to use their feathers to insulate themselves from an occasional draft – rapid temperature changes can cause the bird to become ill.

Additionally, birds should be kept away from the cooking area as oils and non-stick cooking sprays can emit deadly gasses if overheated. The heat, smoke, and gasses produced by a common evening dinner may not affect the pet owners, but these gasses can cause extreme harm to the bird.

During the colder seasons of the year, it may be necessary to cover your bird’s cage to keep it warm. While birds do have the ability to adequately insulate themselves through mild temperature changes, a cage cover can help the bird to conserve additional heat. Pay attention to your bird’s communication patterns when the cover is placed on the cage – some birds react adversely and begin to panic when the cage is covered. If your bird becomes stressed because of the cover, you may want to consider not covering the cage so as to not injure or stress out your bird. Covers also limit light into the cage delaying the bird’s active state in the morning until the owner is ready to hear the chirping and screeching.

Some pet owners like to place their birds on open perches in the home and allow their birds to roam the house freely. Free roaming birds should be closely supervised and place in their cage while the pet owner is away. Birds are quite skilled at getting into trouble around the home. They can peck at and ruin clothing, furniture, drapes, electrical chords, and many other things that can damage the home and potentially be life threatening to the bird. In addition to causing harm to your home, birds lack of depth perception often times will cause them to fly into walls, mirrors, windows and doors. Birds that are allowed to roam the house often can become territorial and become aggressive about certain areas of the home that they consider to be theirs. This territorial nature can be dangerous to children and unsuspecting visitors to the home.

BIRD Exercising

Just like any other pet, birds need exercise – especially birds with trimmed wings that cannot fly as they would like to. Birds can get exercise by providing them toys, such as balls, rattles, and bells – things such as ropes and swings allow them to hang and climb, an excellent activity for exercise.

Birds that do not get enough exercise will seem withdrawn, depressed and can get overweight. This reaction will cause birds to pick at their feathers and exhibit other negative behavioral problems.

The all information are original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-care/6/BIRD/

BIRDS

2007-12-05T20:44:00.000+08:00

General Information

Modern pet birds were first domesticated thousands of years ago, with some species being domesticated as pets within the last several hundred years. Canaries were first bred into captivity in the early 1600s, while the parakeet, with its varied and diverse classes, is believed to have been domesticated for thousands of years.

Birds have had an enormous impact in human life serving as a primary source of food and also in performing important tasks. As a source of food, recent estimates indicate that every year more than 9.8 billion birds are raised, slaughtered and consumed for human consumption in the United States alone. In addition to food, birds have performs such tasks as carrying communications (Homing pigeons), hunting (falcons), scientific research (chickens and pigeons), and protecting miners from poisonous gasses (canaries).

Pet birds provide lively, constant companions that can fill a home with relaxing chirps and singing. Additionally they can bring vivid color and life into quiet corners of the home. Some species of birds can live well into their 60s and 70s creating a life long bond with their owner.

BIRD Scientific Information
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cordata
Subphylum: Verebrata
Class: Aves

BIRD Character Information

Birds are wonderful pets that can liven up any home or apartment with their high energy and beautiful songs and can add a wide array of color to any environment they live in. Birds are intelligent creatures that are easily trained and are relatively easy to care for. They can be extremely social and can live long, healthy lives providing years and years of companionships.

For the budget conscious, birds are not expensive to feed and can live in a small inexpensive cage. When considering becoming a bird owner, it is important to think about your current living condition, whether as a renter you can have such a pet, and about how long you are willing to have the bird as part of your home. Some types of birds can live well into their 70s if well cared for. But whatever your motivation, you can expect to have the happy sounds and colors of your bird brighten your home every day.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-pets/6/BIRD/

CATS

2007-12-05T20:38:00.000+08:00

General Information

Cats are believed to have first been domesticated by the ancient Egpytians around the year 4500 BC, although some evidence suggests that cats were part of Egyptian culture as early as 7500 BC. The Egyptians used cats to defend their grain storage from rats and mice and eventually began to revere the cats. The Egyptian goddess of love and fertility, Bastet, resembled a cat. Throughout time, cats have also been revered by the Vietnamese, Japanese and Islamic cultures.

During the 15th century in Europe cats were considered evil and cat owners were persecuted by declaration of the Pope. Cat lovers were accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Because of this belief, the European cat population decreased causing an increase in the number of rats – it is believed that this increase in the rat population contributed to the rapid spread of the bubonic plague – also known as Black Death.

Cats today are considered playful, loving companions and are well adapted to home life.

CAT Scientific Information

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Felis
Species: F. Silvestris
Subspecies: F. s. catus

CAT Character Information

Cats can be described as loving, playful, highly intelligent and extremely observant. Cats learn quickly and can be very curious about new or exciting things around the home. When provided with lots of love and good care, cats can become loyal companions throughout their life.

While lovable and playful, cats can at times be described as moody, schizophrenic, and even downright strange. It is important to remember that cats like to spend a lot of time on their own. Although they can form strong social bonds with their pet owner and other cats, they can be completely happy on their own. Because cats come from a species that is largely solitary and highly territorial they prefer to have their own space and territory. Cats, from time to time, will scratch, spray urine or rub their fur on things to mark their territory. Pet owners will notice that cats will become more active in “marking their territory” when the cat feels insecure or threatened in its living space – this type of behavior will be especially noticeable when other cats come around.

Cats like to nap throughout the day causing pet owners to think that cats are inherently lazy. In reality, cats rest during the time when the pet owners are awake and are more active when the pet owners are resting. Cats are active during their hunting time – evenings and mornings – when their prey (probably rodents) are most active. Because of this late to bed and early to rise schedule, cat’s prefer to sleep during the day.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-pets/2/CAT/

DOGS

2007-12-05T20:32:00.000+08:00

General Information

The origin of the canine can be traced back with some certainty to the Eocene Miacids that existed nearly 55 million years ago. The modern day dog evolved from the Canoidea line (a coyote type of dog) that existed around 38 million years ago, which again evolved into a fox-like animal (the Leptocyon) and then into a wolf-like animal (the Tomarctus) about 10 million years ago. The Tomarctus was apparently native to the North American continent, and from there began expanding throughout the various parts of the world. The dog like Tomarctus was a dog-like carnivore that eventually evolved into the modern day dog.

Modern day evidence suggests that the dog is the closest relative to the wolf – experts have deduced this information based on genetics and behavior patterns.

These wolf like animals became domesticated as humans began raising the wolf pups as tame and social animals. Humans probably interacted more with these animals because of the shared interest in the same types of prey and habitats. Eventually these pups became dependent on the humans for food and adapted to living with humans. The modern day domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a descendent of these early wolf-pup domestications beginning around 10,000 BC.

DOG Scientific Information

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Canis
Species: C. lupus
Subspecies: C.l. familiaris

DOG Character Information

The dog has long been considered as “Man’s best friend.” When dogs are properly cared for from the time they are puppies, they will grow to live a good healthy life. Proper care and attention will earn you undying loyalty from your canine friend.

Dogs are primarily different from other household pets for two main reasons: social attachment to humans, and physical temperament

Dogs are social creatures – they bond they form with humans is uncommon to other domesticated animals. Their friendly and protective natures make them ideal companions to humans.

Dogs are varied in their temperaments and have been bred to enhance specific characteristics. Because of their varied physical sizes and temperaments, it is very common for a pet owner to find a type dog that meets their emotional needs – there is pretty much a dog for any type of personality out there.

The information is original from:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-pets/1/DOG/

Winter Pet Care Tips

2007-12-05T20:23:00.000+08:00

Housing:
It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor.

Roaming cats:
Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.

Frostbite and snow removal salt:
Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably.

Toxic plants and holiday/winter products:
Plants and other items associated with the winter and holiday season can be toxic to your pets. What follows is a general guide. Please consult your veterinarian, animal poison control, and the manufacturer for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for your pet!

Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.

Moderate toxicity -- fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk).

Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); expoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; the content of Christmas tree preservatives varies and often effects depend upon the amount ingested; styrofoam, small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys, as well as tinsel, can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract; snow flock can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled; and chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets.

Other holiday concerns:
If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter). Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones from fish, pork, and poultry, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats it could ruin everyone's holiday (including your veterinarian's). Do not allow pets to play with ribbons, yarn, or six-pack beverage holders and don't put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck. If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar. These last for many years, are more attractive, and are a lot safer! Cover or tack down electrical cords.

The information is original from:
http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/pawsforpets/default.asp#top