Quite simply, a fish tank is designed to offer marine life with a familiar and contained environment. As a hobby, fish tanks allow individuals to purchase fish as pets and keep them inside their home. The first fishkeeping, for personal use, became increasingly popular in the 1950′s and was widely enjoyed through the use of glass aquariums that are still famous today.

A fish tank typically features the tank itself, along with a filter, lighting and an aquarium heater. Purchased in a variety of different sizes, a fish tank can range in size from the small to the very large models. For this reason, prices vary greatly depending on the size and features of the fish tank.

The features of a fish tank are very important to the survival of the marine life. As they are used to moving water, filtration is a must. Otherwise, the water would become cloudy and the fish would deteriorate quickly. While lighting is perhaps not as important as a quality filtration unit, it does provide a sense of a routine in a distinction between light and dark. While in the wild, marine life experiences the difference between day and night and will find a similar lighting routine to be similar to their natural habitat.

It is very important that the water in a fish tank be tested regularly with the use of a test kit. In addition, regular water changes are required of every fish tank in order to keep the fish?s life clean and safe. Regular tap water, however, will likely feature contamination that may prove harmful to the fish. Chemicals and purifiers used to treat the water is found in most tap waters so, instead, a fish tank should be filled with distilled water. When changing the water in a fish tank, the owner must remove up to 20% of the current water and replace it with new , which is achieved through the use of a mix.

There are a number of ways to find the perfect fish and a fish tank to keep it safe. A pet shop is the most likely place to find rare marine life and provides the biggest selection, while many retail stores offer a freshwater fish selection. When purchasing, it is a good idea to ask if the fish comes with any type of guarantee and/or special car instructions. Fish are fragile and must be treated according to specific guidelines, which any pet shop owner will detail depending on the fish that you select.

To find out more about fish tank, please visit our website at http://www.fish-tank-guide.info It contains tons of free fish tank articles, resources and tips.

In today’s modern home, pets are part of the family, and pet owners need to design good feeding practices suitable for their particular pet, and also suitable for their own lifestyle. Owners need to consider too, factors like cost, convenience, variety and availability of foodstuffs for dog food. They need to think about the individual needs of their own pet and combine foods in a way that the dog food meets those needs.

Most pets in the household live indoors, and are not in regular work so will require what is termed a maintenance diet dog food. This dog food diet needs to provide a balance of nutrients in the correct amount to keep the animal fit both physically and mentally, and to encourage peak condition and reduce disease. The dog food also needs to be concentrated adequately so that your dog is not having to eat large volumes of it, and it also should taste good so that your dog eats all its meal. Make feeding time with your dog fun as this will help with bonding your dog to you. Dog food time is often the high spot of many a dog’s day!

Dogs are omnivorous although we group them with the carnivores. They can quite happily eat fruit and vegetables as well as meat. My own dog Toby loves nothing better than eating apple cores or cheddar cheese. It makes a change from dog food! He does however, have a preference for meat, and will eat it raw or cooked.

Healthy adult dogs can be fed with a variety of foods, or just one complete dog food. These complete diets can be either dry, semi-moist or canned. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in your dogs diet as this will often result in diarrhoea. Introduce new foods slowly by combining them with the current regime, gradually increasing the new food. Often the easiest way to vary the diet is to offer different varieties of food from the same manufacturer.

Feeding your dog once a day is often all that is required to keep their appetite satisfied. I would tend to advise against feeding too late in the evening as this may prompt calls for the toilet in the middle of the night. Some dogs are happier fed two to three times a day after their owners have eaten, and this can be okay too, provided that an eye is kept on the dog’s weight, and obesity doesn’t become a problem. I would advise that dogs which are feeling unwell be fed little and often. The same would go for dogs with a poor appetite, and also very old dogs.

So how do you tell if you are feeding your dog adequately? The best way to tell would be by the appearance of your dog. Does he look in good condition? Does his coat shine? Is his skin in good condition? Is he full of life and vitality, and not too thin or too fat?

Finally, keep a regular check on your dog’s weight and have him checked at least every six months at your local veterinarian. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Feed your dog a well balanced dog food and let him live to enjoy many years at your side. He may be the key to long life for you too.

Leonard Mutch is a dog owner and trainer with over 25 years experience working with dogs. Learn the 7 essential components of good dog feeding on his website : dog food information

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. Dog treats are not something that you give as bait for better behavior of your dog. Dog treats are not something that is cheap to come by.

When you think of dog treats you are probable thinking of doggie bones and snacks. There are a lot more different kinds of dog treats out there that you can choose from for your family pet. You are able to purchase many different items such as soft chew treats so that you dog is not going to be able to eat up their treat right away. When you are purchasing a dog treat that is a soft chew treat you know that you are not going to need to purchase a new different treat right away in most cases.

No matter if your dog is just a family protector for the long night or if they are part of the family, because you spoil them you are going to want to get your dog some kind of a treat every now and then. If you notice that the dog has bad breath then you may want to even check out the dog treats that will help them out with bad breath. That could be a good lifesaver if your dog is one that likes to make sure that you are up in the morning so that you do not end up running late. Just think if you are getting them one of the dog treats that will help with bad breath then you are not going to be knocked out in the morning when they are trying to get you moving.

No matter what kind of a dog treat you are looking for there is so many different ones out there that you can purchase for your dog. There are even ones that you are going to be able to make in the privacy of your own home so that you are going to be able to save a little money in the long run. Plus you may end up feeling better if you are making the dog treats for them instead of buying them all the time. At least when you make them you are going to know what all is in the dog treat that you made them.

In conclusion, never make a dog treat like bait. Use them wisely and you can reap the benefits of giving your dog the treats they deserve.

Depending on you, dog treats can have a positive or negative effect on your beloved dog. Know more about dog treats for FREE by visiting this website: http://www.1-dog-treats.info

An untrained dog is a direct reflection on you, the pet owner, and how much you care about the dog. In fact a dog that is not trained becomes a nuisance to the owner and the environment. You can probably give to your dog basic obedience training, i.e. teaching it to respond to simple commands. Whether it’s a puppy or a fully-grown dog you can teach them with a little effort on your part.

Dogs are intelligent animals. They have been trained to do specific tasks like sniffing out drugs and explosives and performing search and rescue missions. All these are possible by the efforts of the dog owner. But how can you train your dog to obey you?

First, you need to know about the genetic make up of your dog. Like wolves, dogs are hierarchy conscious. They instinctively gravitate toward living in pack under a leader. Your family is your dog’s pack and it needs to understand that you are the leader.

Even as a puppy, your dog can learn that it is subordinate to you. How? Try holding its gaze with your eyes until it looks away. Also, rubbing the dog’s belly while on its back is a good exercise, as this puts it in a submissive position. If your dog is being a nuisance and does not stop when you say ‘No’, try ignoring it or leaving the room.

When your dog responds to your commands, it is acknowledging that you are in charge. If you, as the owner, do not establish your position of leadership, your pet may conclude that it is equal or superior to you and this might affect its behavior.

To teach your dog basic commands, you will need a collar, a leash and plenty of patience. For successful training, you will have to follow the steps below:

a. Give a simple, one-word command, b. demonstrate the desired action and c. immediately give praise when the action is done. Your tone of voice is more important than the word you use. A command should be given in an affirmative tone and praise be given in a happy, affectionate tone.

Physical punishment, such as hitting or kicking, is not necessary. Simply say ‘No’ in a sharp tone, prolonging the vowel, so that the dog will know that you are displeased with its performance. A dog is intelligent enough to know when you are rewarding or reprimanding.

If anything more drastic is needed, you might grasp the dog by the scruff of its neck and shake it lightly while saying ‘No’. Reprimands should be given during or immediately following the undesirable behavior. Remember, a dog cannot discern why it is being scolded if scolding occurs minutes or hours after the act. Neither does it understand why a certain action is acceptable on one occasion but not on another, so be consistent.

Training of a dog is a continuous process, but the nucleus for all obedience is the command ‘Sit!’ if your dog understands this basic command it becomes quite easy to train your dog in the other basic commands. For example, you can tell your dog to sit when it begins to jump on visitors. To teach your dog to sit, put the leash on it and give the command while pushing down on its hindquarters and gently pulling its head up with the leash. Give praise immediately. Repeat these steps until the dog obeys the command on its own.

To teach your dog to remain in the position, use the command ‘Stay!’ while standing in front and putting your hand out with the palm facing flat toward the dog. If the dog moves, say ‘No’ and place it back into position. Repeat the command and praise the dog when it stays sitting for a short period. Gradually increase the time it sit and then the distance between you and the dog as it responds to the command.

The best way to teach your dog to come to you is to use a long leash and give a gentle tug while calling your dog’s name and giving the command ‘Come!’. Back up as the dog moves towards you and continue to praise. Soon it will respond to your call without being prompted by the leash. Never use the word ‘Come’ for a negative reason, such as to reprimand. Your dog must learn that responding to ‘come’ will bring pleasurable results, whether praise or a food treat. If you lose your patience while teaching this command, your dog will learn that coming is unpleasant and will be avoided.

You can teach your dog to walk by your side without pushing ahead or lagging behind. To do this without stress, use a link-chain training collar and a short leash. With the dog on your left, give the command ‘Heel!’ and step out with the left foot. If your dog attempts to push ahead or lag back, give a quick, sharp jerk on the leash and repeat the command. Give praise for compliance.

Remember, a dog is a social and intelligent animal. Long period of confinement can lead to excessive barking, hyperactivity and destructive behavior. But with training, your dog can become a delightful, loyal companion instead of a nuisance.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dog Training

Who doesn?t like to visit the local discount/Dollar store in search of deals? Many pet care items can be purchased at these stores, some of these items are not obviously for pets. A trip to the Dollar store can be an excellent time to stock up on grooming supplies, as well as an opportunity to build a pet First Aid kit.

Boar Bristle brushes are often available at these stores, in the section for human hair care. These brushes are a necessity for a nice glowing finish. You can find quilted cosmetic pads for ear cleaning, as well as tearless Baby Shampoo to use on your dog?s face. If you want to smooth the nails without the use of a nail grinder (which must be used with care), you can find packages of emery boards to smooth out the rough edges after you clip. Tweezers are a good thing to have, get a pair to put in your Dog?s Fist Aid kit.

You can really clean up in the medicine isles of these stores. It?s a great place for non-buffered, non-coated aspirin( NOT Ibuprofen). Real aspirin is basic in your Dog?s first aid kit. This can be administered to dogs for muscle strains, joint aches, teething pain or any inflammation. Call your vet for dosage. You will need a bottle of liquid bismuth (pink stuff), this helps diarrhea and upset stomach. Again, call your vet for dosage. There will be a variety of non-adhesive bandages here, as well as gauze. Get plenty, they are always good. (Make a stop at your farm store, get some co-flex bandage wrap (sticks only to itself). This will hold your bandage in place, and so worth the $2.00 you will spend on it.) Although you don?t need these things often, when there is an emergency and you need them, it?s really awful not to have them. And having dogs is a lot like having kids, at some point, sometime, something will happen.

Get a pair of blunt nosed gauze scissors if they have them, as well as gauze fasteners (these are just small pieces of metal with teeth at each end).You will need a tube of antibiotic ointment, which they should have. It?s usually called triple antibiotic or Bacetracin or the like. If they carry thermometers, rectal or not, grab one. A dog normally has a body temp. of 101 F, a temp. can tell you much about what?s going on, and if your dog should see a vet. If there is a bottle of buffered saline solution for eyes, this makes a very nice eyewash in a pinch. Occasionally, these stores carry Electrolytic Solution for dehydration (generally in the Baby section), if so get one of these. Ipecac can be a good thing to have on hand also, in case of accidental poisining that calls for you to induce vomiting. In the case of poisoning, call your vet IMMEDIATELY, with some substances YOU DO NOT WANT TO INDUCE VOMITING. I can?t stress enough the importance of having your vet?s number posted and using it in these cases.

Jen Thon lives with her beautiful family in a small town in Michigan. She has been involved with pets for 30 years, as a trainer, the owner of my own grooming shop for ten years, and as a pet lover. Even though she has a BS in Psychology with studies in Animal Behaviorism, still she constantly learns new things from pet lovers she meets online and off. Jen says As a mom, I found it was necessary to work from my home, on my own (or rather the kid’s) schedule. So I, combined my love of animals with my experience of what works and what doesn’t nutritionally, and that was the beginning of Small Town Pets. I’ve always heard you’re supposed to make a living with what you love, that way you love your job! So that’s what I’ve done, with the advent of my online holistic store. Also, as a pet owner for three decades I’ve found many things that work for cleaning, and many that don’t. Cats and dogs (in most cases) are much smaller than humans, therefore they are much more suseptible to the negative effects of chemicals that are in the most common of products. That is why she decided it was so important to try and educate owners on the dangers of feeding chemicals, and using harsh cleaning products.

In her store, at www.smalltownpets.net/TownStore/ you will find an array of natural cleaning products that Jen uses herself, and wholeheartedly recommends. So please, browse the site and store, enter Pet of the Week contest, and leave a comment on the blog or forum!

When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents’ characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs’ personas.

My mother and father are both card-carrying neurotics with drastically different sensibilities. The former engages in an overt style of panic characterized by covering her eyes when our car seems close to hitting another car that’s three hundred yards down the road. The latter is more of a concealer; I would cite one of his quirks in this sentence, but the ensuing disownment would be harsh.

Frazier, a beige mix of Bichon and Poodle, arrived in our home when I was in the ninth grade. For the first few months, he struck us as an emotionally balanced individual, but it wasn’t long before the wide, glassy eyes and quivering lower lip set in. Like his human siblings before him, he experienced separation anxiety in the absence of his parents. Unlike his human siblings, Frazier saw it fit to pace around the unoccupied house for hours, howling to the ceiling and holding his paw against his beating heart. Such behavior, though unquestionably neurotic, was at least grounded in recognizable childhood symptomology. It wasn’t until the arrival of Jake, during Frazier’s fifth year, that Frazier experienced a full-fledged nervous breakdown.

Given the instability of Frazier’s ego, the appearance of Jake–an energetic full-blooded poodle with black hair and a trim gray beard–was emotionally catastrophic. When he wasn’t lying on his stomach leering into the abyss, Frazier went as far as to commit acts of physical violence upon his younger brother. We knew not to be fooled by the innocent look in Frazier’s eye when his leash somehow ended up around Jake’s neck.

Jake, who entered our home as somewhat of a free spirit, was oblivious to Frazier’s brooding melancholy. He ran and played with the best of them. He developed a flourishing social identity among the locals. However, it wasn’t long before the torch of neurosis was passed onto Jake. From whose hands or paws the torch came is difficult to determine, but genetic theories strike me as inadmissible.

Jake’s inaugural phobia was a fear of vacuum cleaners. We have various vacuums in our home, and Jake’s fear of each is proportional to its size and volume. When the biggest vacuum is about to be used, Jake requires an explicit and descriptive monologue preparing him for what is to come. The monologue is best performed with the speaker’s hand firmly applied to the top of Jake’s head. We’ve found that with the aid of such verbal reassurances, Jake’s anxiety in the presence of the vacuum cleaners has decreased by 3 or 4 percent.

By now, we’re pleased to announce that Frazier has overcome his initial aversion to Jake. Not only do they dine together frequently, but they’ve also come to display the sincerest form of love in our family: they worry about one another. When Jake’s out jogging in the backyard and Frazier’s sobbing from the window, his tears run rich with affection.

About The Author

Eric Shapiro is the author of Short of a Picnic, a collection of fictional stories about people living with mental disorders.

shortofapicnic@aol.com

It is Winter time again, a time of the year when pets and humans are very vulnerable to each other. As this is obviously the chilliest time of the year, animals are much more likely to be cooped up inside the house with us. All of the windows and doors are closed to the world and the heat is blasting around the clock.

These are precisely the conditions which make our winter homes playgrounds for some kinds of allergens. Our dogs and cats are considerably vulnerable to the dust in the carpet, the mold inside the walls of your old house and other pets. But warm moist times of the year are high allergy times as well. Allergies are simply the most common conditions affecting cats and according to the Kansas State University, 15% of dogs suffer from common allergies like pollen and house dust. An allergic reaction is the work of an overactive immune system. It is when an animal responds abnormally to a seemingly everyday substance like grass or general food ingredients.

Of the different kinds of allergies, contact allergies are the least common in cats and dogs. An Example of a contact allergen is a flea collar. Grass and various kinds of bedding such as wool are also examples. An Inhalant Allergy is the most common allergy for cats and is also prevalent in dogs. This particular kind of allergy is caused by the hypersensitivity of the immune system to environmental substances. A Flea Allergy is the single most common dog allergy but is also common cats. The normal dog or cat suffers only somewhat minor irritation in lieu of a flea bite with minimal itching.

A food allergy is also somehat common in pets. Cats often become allergic to their most common protein such as tuna. Dogs can be allergic to proteins like chicken and beef. When it comes to allergies, like most things it’s a matter of controlling, not curing. Once an animal’s body becomes hypersensitive to certain things, it is then eternally vulnerable to those things.

Regarding treatment of allergies, the most common treatments are topical products like shampoos or antihistamines. There are also certain supplements that you can give to your pets to help support

the insides of their bodies, which to an extent determine the condition of the outside. Studies have shown that if we shampoo our pets’ coats on a regularl basis, it is much less likely that foreign substances will enter through the skin. Regular bathing discourages allergens — irritants such as dander and dead hair. When our pets itch and injure their skin, it leaves their internal landscapes much more vulnerable to skin problems For additional Information visit

Dog Supplements from Life’s Abundance for help with your dog

Ryan Joseph is a writer/researcher of pet issues. For more info. visit http://www.premium-cat-food.com/

Arthritis occurs when the joint surfaces which are supposed to glide over each other become rough as they rub together. The joint cartilage, which aids smooth movement of the joint, decreases it’s lubrication and deteriorates, thus making movement more difficult and often painful. Pets are just as susceptible to arthritis as humans.

Have you noticed your pet moving at a slower pace? Does your dog have trouble jumping about and running around? Does it take several small jumps rather than a single leap for your cat to reach the counter? If your pet is having difficulty in performing these routine movements and has reduced mobility, chances are he may be suffering from arthritis.

Arthritis in pets, as in humans, can greatly affect your pet’s health and well being. With the onset of this Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), your playful and active pet can quickly turn listless and pain ridden. This disease usually affects larger breeds of dogs, like retrievers, but it can also occur in cats. Approximately 30% of family pets suffer from arthritis. The stiffness, pain and swelling in a pet with arthritis is the same as what most human being would experience.

The cause of arthritis in pets is often different from that in people. While arthritis commonly accompanies old age in humans, dog and cat arthritis is often caused by direct injury to a joint. More old dogs and cats have arthritis than young ones, not because they are old, but because degeneration of the bones worsens over time. It occurs in large dogs more often than in cats and small dogs since the animal’s weight is primarily stressed on the joints. Also, the common causes of arthritis, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and other common bone problems, are usually diseases of large, fast-growing dogs. Arthritis, however, does occur in small dogs and cats as well. In the US, an estimate of 20% of cats suffer from arthritis.

Pets can’t discuss their pains outright. So how do we know our pet is a victim of this joint disease? Some signs that you should be mindful of are the following: change of personality, being inactive at play, lagging behind on walks, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, difficulty of rising from a resting position, limping and yelping in pain when touched. If you notice some of these signs, have your veterinarian diagnose the condition of your pet with an X-ray.

If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis, don’t panic! The good news is, there are plenty of remedies to alleviate the pain. An effective treatment duo to best relieve arthritis pain includes pain medication and weight loss. Common pain medications are analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They revive the spirits of the pets by removing their pain, allowing pets to move easily and to exercise. Exercise, in turn, corrects the alignment of the joints which lets them experience less pain. A veterinarian’s prescription is necessary to determine the exact dosage for your pet. Some veterinarians recommend Omega 3 fatty acids to protect the heart, kidney and liver.

Many veterinarians recommend using supplements that protect the cartilage. Such supplement is termed as chondroprotective. It not only nourishes the cartilage but it also help pets with arthritis experience less pain. The second part of the double treatment is weight loss. Pet owners should help control their pet’s food intake. Studies show that when overweight pets lose weight, their pain significantly decreases.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Arthritis

Your dog might not love them, but there are many common parasites that love your dog. If your dog is not properly cared for he can become infested with any of these pests and develop illness or life threatening disease.

Luckily, there are many ways to ward off and get rid of parasites which are as simple as taking pills or using drops. With proper care and prevention, your dog will be generally free and safe from parasites and diseases but if you do notice your dog acting strangly, not eating or scratching too much, it?s best to get him to the vet right away.

Some common parasites that can take up residence on your dog include:

Ticks. We all know fido gets fleas and ticks in the summer, but ticks can pose more serious problems than due to diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme disease. You should check your dog for ticks religiously especially if he spends a lot of time outdoors. Tweezers can be used to remove ticks one by one. If you do not know how to remove ticks properly and carefully, ask your vet first. If you do know how, put them in a can with soap and water after removal.

Fleas. These are the most common external parasites and can cause the dog to continuously scratch various parts of the body. It may get so bad that your dog loses fur in the infested areas. Ask your veterinarian to put your pet on a good flea-control program and be aware that fleas could become resistant to some products over time.

Lice. Lice is less common than fleas but can affect dogs. Your vet will have several treatments that can easily get rid of lice in dogs.

Heartworm. Caused by mosquito bites, heartworm resides in your dogs heart and blood vessels. A dog infected by heartworms looks dull and may even have a chronic cough. There are many heartworm medications that can prevent your dog from developing this disease – ask your vet which one is best for your pet.

Hookworm. Hookworms can cause anemia an loss of appetite and can be given by the mother dog to a puppy during the nursing period or even before birth.

Tapeworm. A dog can get tapeworm from swallowing larvae-laden fleas. There are not many symptoms with tapeworm but you might see rice-like pieces in your dogs stools. This is one good reason to always bring a stool sample to your vet when you bring your pet in for a yearly checkup.

Roundworm. Roundworms cause pneumonia, diarrhea, dehydration, stunted growth, and vomiting. A dog with roundworm may have a pot belly.

Whipworm. A dog infected with whipworms may have diarrhea and other ailments like, stool mucus, and serious bowel inflammation. Extreme weight loss is also a symptom caused by whipworms.

Although our dog can attract any of these parasites, most of them can be easily taken care of. Proper care and maintenance and routine visits to the vet will help keep your dog happy, healthy and parasite free.

Lee Dobbins writes for Epet Pet Center where you can find more on how to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Puppy obedience training is the cornerstone of a great, lifelong relationship with your dog. Without a sound basis of understanding of what behaviour is acceptable and what is not acceptable, your puppy and the dog that it becomes, and you, are on a collision course.

Almost every puppy born seems to come with a job description specially designed to wreck any household in the shortest possible time. Chewing family heirlooms, urinating and worse on the brand new carpet, terrorising the family cat and ripping the garden to shreds are all well documented puppy activities.

Given how mother nature works, it is perhaps not surprising to learn that all these apparently anti social behaviours are in fact necessary for the physical and mental development of the puppy. If they don’t exercise, mark their territory and practise their hunting and fighting skills, then how are they to survive in later life?

The obvious human answer of course is that they don’t need many of these skills anymore – but it is probably going to take mother nature a few more million years of evolution to cotton onto that.

In the meantime, puppy obedience training can go a long way to channeling their behaviour towards a more socially acceptable norm (for humans anyway). But that is not the end of the story.

Puppy obedience training cannot be successfully carried out from a human perspective. In other words, what works with humans wont necessarily work with puppies. In fact, in most cases, you will land up with a totally unintended outcome.

So before embarking on any form of puppy obedience training, we humans must first seek to understand (with apologies to Stephen Covey!) how a puppy will interpret, and therefore react to our training. We need to understand cause and effect and have some insight into what is driving a specific unwanted behaviour.

In the end, we have to accept that we are unlikely to be able to override the genetic imprint for behaviour. However, educated and consistent puppy obedience training can go a long way towards adapting and channeling a puppy’s behaviour in such a way that it is not detrimental to the puppy’s development and at the same time helps to build and strengthen the human – pet relationship.

Keith Perrett is a qualified Veterinarian. Visit www.pet-health-for-humans.com/pet-behaviour-problems.html to find some suggestions for puppy obedience training