Pet Goddess

Your guinea pig’s pen is an important part of his life, mainly because
this is where he will spend the majority of his time. One of the most
important aspects of his pen is his bedding. Not only will he root
around in the bedding, but he will sleep on it, walk on it, nibble it,
and even eliminate on it if he doesn’t use a litter box. Don’t make
the mistake of thinking that just any bedding will do for your beloved
guinea pig.

One of the most popular pet bedding materials is called Vet Bed. This
special bedding seems to stay fresh longer than other types of bedding
and guinea pigs seem to be genuinely happy with it. It is perfectly
safe for guinea pigs, and it is very absorbent. Vet Bed bedding can
actually be washed and reused, but this should be done weekly. Hemp
can also be used, but it is expensive. Hemp is very soft, but
unfortunately, it doesn’t absorb well.

Litter should be confined to a litter box, and not used as bedding.
However, it can be used underneath bedding, as an absorbent material.
It should be changed weekly if used in this fashion.

Wood shavings are the most popular types of bedding. Pine and cedar
shavings should be avoided. Aspen is always a good choice, however.
Shredded paper works well, and newspaper is a cheap option. The nice
thing about shredded paper is that there is no dust involved. Chopped
or shredded cardboard is another good option, but you should have
litter or newspaper beneath it to absorb moisture and prevent the
cardboard from becoming soggy too quickly.

Chopped straw, which is commonly used for rabbits, is also a good
choice for guinea pig bedding. It is very soft, but it is not very
absorbent, and should be used on top of another absorbent material.
Straw bedding will need to be changed more often than other types of
bedding, but it is cheap.

Overall, the bedding that you choose should be soft for your guinea
pig to walk and sleep on. It should also provide adequate warmth.
Remember that your guinea pig will play in and with the bedding, and
it should not pose any threat of injury. Also note that if a litter
box is not used, your guinea pig will use the bedding for elimination,
and it really needs to be absorbent to keep odors under control.

When you visit your pet store to purchase bedding, you may be easily
overwhelmed by the choices available to you. One way to choose your
bedding is to find out what bedding the breeder or rescue center is
using. This way, your guinea pig will have bedding that he has already
grown accustomed to. You could also try out a variety of bedding
materials over time, to see which one you and your guinea pig prefer.

Posted November 23, 2009 Comments(0)

Many of us assume we will outlive our pets, but what if something untimely happens to us?

Here is a great guide from the Humane Society on how to plan for your pet’s future:  Planning for your pet’s future

Posted November 21, 2009 Comments(0)

Here is a handy article full of great advuce on how to travel successfully with your pet.

Travelling with your Pet

Posted October 25, 2009 Comments(0)

Support bill to make pet-care costs tax deductible

We all know how expensive it has become to keep a pet. Yet it costs a great deal of money to give humane injections to [ut them to sleep!
Many people would love to have a pet, but feel they can’t afford it.

In particular, older people and those on fixed incomes would love to have a companion animal, but alas, the costs can be too high. One trip to the vet could end up being a financial disaster, and even pet insurance might be beyond their reach financially.

We have written often about the many health benefits of pet ownership. Now we have a chance to extend this opportunity in some way, and stop the overcrowding in shelters too: Pass a bill in congress that will make pet expenses tax-deductible.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?s_oo=d_hlyC82Du9pTXH0L1X1uw..&id=2605
If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.

Posted September 24, 2009 Comments(0)

When you have pets that live both indoors and outdoors, you run the risk of fleas. Fleas not only attack your pets, but also the other people living in the house. Here are a few ways to rid your puppy and yourself of this minuscule menace.

Fleas are a fact of life for animals. Your puppy will get them if he ever goes outdoors without adequate flea protection.

Fleas are small, so they can jump from puppy to another surface like the couch and then to you.

Fleas bite, and can carry diseases. For most puppies, the bites are irritating and cause scratching. For some puppies, the bites cause flea bite dermatitis. This condition is miserable for puppy.

Flea bites can also result in a severe allergic reaction that can lead to anemia and even tapeworm infestation.

Once fleas have infested your puppy, they can be the devil to get rid of. Some owners use flea baths, over-the-counter pesticides, and flea collars. These work for some, but not for all. Also, over-the-counter remedies can be dangerous to a young puppy, and even your family.

Flea products like growth regulators and pesticides attack the flea eggs and the adult insect, respectively. Growth regulators take a few weeks to work, but produce non-viable egg offspring from the adult fleas. However, killing the adult insects doesn’t guarantee that the eggs will die as well.

If the infestation is severe, a stronger substance may be warranted. Before buying anything, consult with your veterinarian to find out the best course of treatment for a young puppy. The items that they carry are safer and more effective than what is found in the stores.

Flea combs are also a good course of treatment. Combing puppy’s fur once or twice a week can rid him of harmful fleas. Comb him when he comes in from outdoors before he has a chance to jump on everything in the house.

Cleaning puppy’s normal haunts on a regular basis will cut down on problems with fleas as well. This includes puppy’s bed, his blanket, his crate, and his toys. Vacuuming the rugs and the furniture keeps fleas away from others in the household.

Don’t forget to throw away the bag after you vacuum, or they will come right back out again!

If you decide to treat your home for fleas consult a professional. Using substances like borate powder can be dangerous. Inhaling the powder can make everyone very sick. Professional application is the only way to go.

Fleas are a nuisance and a health hazard for the whole family. They can love puppy to an irritating distraction. Protect puppy as best you can through routine cleaning, combing and visits to the vet.

Posted June 3, 2009 Comments(0)

Americans have learned some hard lessions about hurricane preparedness in 2008.
But have they all taken their pets into account?

Sadly, no. New Orleans is still suffering from huge pet overpopulation and strays as a result of not spaying and neutering, and displaced animals wandering around freely and doing what comes naturally.

It is sad that they are homeless, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in the Galveston area, this problem continues to increase.

Make sure you have ID, proof of shots, and muzzle and a carrier or other means of transporting your pet safely.

Make sure it has its own go bag of food and water and any medicines it might require.

If you are not sure what to put inside your own go bag, you will find useful instructions here: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html
Plan ahead now, to potentially save your life and that of your beloved pet.

Posted June 1, 2009 Comments(0)

One of the most common problems affecting cats is an ear condition.  This is caused by mites that can reside in the ear canal.   

If you notice your cat’s ears are seeping a brownish discharge and they are scratching their ears constantly, they may be exhibiting symptoms of this condition.  To avoid this potentially medical problem, it is best to keep your cat indoors as these mites come from contact with other cats. While dogs can suffer from worm infestation, so can cats.  They can develop tapeworms from eating rodents, for example.  Tapeworms can be passed from cat to cat through the feces.  Thus, it is important to check their stool to look for signs they are infected with these parasites.  Visit a vet to determine course of treatment. Worms are particularly dangerous for kittens.  

Just as humans develop allergies, cats also suffer from this condition as well.  Fleas can cause a myriad of problems such as skin infections, tapeworms, and anemia.  

The best course of action to prevent cats from becoming infested with fleas is to consult your vet to determine what type of flea protection is best suited for their age and overall health. As with any pet, any change from their normal routine may signal that there is a problem.  Keeping a watchful eye on your cat’s behavior and habits can alert you when something doesn’t seem quite right.  

If your cat exhibits any sign that he or she is having a problem, it’s time to act.   

What signs should you look for?  A lack of eating or drinking is a clear sign that something is wrong. 

If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, inability to urinate, sluggishness, scratching of the ears, eating problems, or any drastic change in behavior, and or development of any lumps or sores under its coat, it’s time to visit the vet. 

No one knows your pet better than you, so keeping  a watchful eye on all of your cat’s activities will allow for immediate treatment before the condition becomes too serious.  No cat should go longer than 24 hours without eating. If it refuses, bring it to the vet. 

Your pet may look healthy, but it is relying on you to see the warning signs, and act fast to help it before it’s too late.  Make sure no matter if you have one cat, or several, you spend time with each one every day, and  note any change in habits.

Posted January 17, 2009 Comments(0)

Another condition that can affect a cat is kidney problems.  Usually associated with older cats, in cases where the kidney begins to malfunction, this can produce renal failure.  You may notice that your cat is drinking more water than usual, losing weight; and vomiting.   

While this is relatively common, you can prevent the onset of kidney failure by reducing the amount of protein and salt in their diet. There are many special diets now which can help you cope with these dietary restrictions. 

Always feed good quality cat food; the cheaper the food, the more likely they will have problems.  

Also make sure that you take your cat to the vet if you notice any significant changes in weight or amount of thirst, since this can also signal  the onset of feline diabetes.   

If you find that your cat is having a problem urinating, or the urine contains blood or mucus, this may be a sign that your cat has cystitis.  Make sure they have plenty of water, and take them to your vet.

Posted January 15, 2009 Comments(0)

Cats can have a variety of health problems as they mature.  Here are some common cat ailments and ways to avoid them. Cats have an innate ability to self-groom.  Observe any cat, from housecat to lion, and you will notice immediately after eating they lick their paws they gently “wash” their face.   

They groom themselves constantly and because they do, they swallow the hair that accumulates on their paws.  As a result, fur balls are swallowed and this leads to vomiting and gastric distress. In order to avoid this from occurring, brushing the cat’s coat frequently is recommended, as well as keeping the cat hydrated, and giving them a hairball treatment as needed to help the fur pass more easily through their digestive tract. 

Hydration also plays a vital role in bladder infections which cats often get, particularly in male cats because they have a much narrower urinary passage compared with a female. It is also advised to limit dry food intake by not keeping a plate of food available, but choosing the time in which they are to be fed. Wet food will help a male pass more urine.

Posted January 13, 2009 Comments(0)

There are also healthy edible bones, and natural rawhide-avoid the colored stuff, and cheap rawhide that comes from South America. 

Puppies are excitable creatures.  This excitement can cause them to chew everything in sight.  To avoid destruction and mayhem, stay calm around your puppy and remember, he will grow out of this sooner or later.   

Some dogs stay puppyish for life, and they chew to relax, but not all dogs remain so playful and high-energy. 

One final word of warning-make sure you NEVER allow puppy to teeth on human body parts. You may not mind it having a go at your finger, but a stranger on the street, or worse still, a child, might think it was a bite. Always give it a chew toy instead.   

Always make sure the dog is supervised as well with bones and balls-choose something large enough in proportion to the dogs mouth that it can’t be swallowed.   

Never play tug of war with your pet. In addition to possible hurting its teeth, if you ‘lose’, it will think it is the boss of the pack, the alpha, and start showing more aggression. 

With a bit of consistency and forethought, training your puppy to only chew on his chew toys will pay off in a happy, healthy dog that is welcome wherever he goes.

Posted December 22, 2008 Comments(0)