Upwards of 90% of the information you need, however, will be based on the questions that you ask your vet. Somewhere, typically towards the end of the checkup, your vet will ask you if you have any questions.

Usually, by that time, your adrenaline has been pumping, and you’ve been overloaded. Your cat has been stressed and so have you…. you are both ready to leave. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.

Take this time to take the lead, and ask your questions. What questions? Well, the ones that you’ll forget if you don’t already have them written down. Yes, write them down now.

Much of the information being distributed today on feline diet, health, and cat care in general is either fear based (e.g. raw meat diets, vaccination scares), or profit based (i.e. advertising). It’s important, therefore, to get your vet’s take on some of these issues.

Here is a list of issues that you can use to formulate your questions. This is by no means all inclusive, and you’ll probably have some specific ones of your own.

The important thing is that this will spark a dialogue between you and your vet that will help both of you to better care for your cat.

Here are some subjects to create your questions around…

Vaccination options: there are options for both type and schedule, and there are risks, so be sure to find out what your vet recommends for your cat.

Diet and nutrition: ask about commercial cat foods and brands as they are not all the same. What about alternatives like home made cat food, raw meat diets, and feeding table scraps?

Common cat owner mistakes: ask your vet which common mistakes to avoid.

Emergency procedures: find out what emergency procedures your vet has now, should you need it later.

Indoor or Outdoor: this is a big subject as it greatly affects your life, and the life span of your cat.

Cat litter and litter boxes: many choices can be narrowed to only a few by asking your vet for advice.

Common diseases and their signs: understanding what the common signs of disease are will help you detect problems in your cat early, and may save her life one day.

Use the above list to get started. As you write your questions, more will come to you. Write them down, even if the answers appear obvious. There is no question too small to ask your vet about the health of your cat.

Kurt Schmitt is an experienced cat owner and the author of 7 Questions to Ask Your Vet… A Guide for Cat Lovers. For the answers to all your cat care questions, visit The Website for Cat Lovers.

At the moment of conception a puppy’s genetic makeup is set for life. A breeder can only support the litter by providing an optimum environment, first for the dam and then later for the puppies.

The genetic history of a puppy is not always just from the immediate sire or dam. It is also based on earlier family members such as the grandparents, great grandparents and even earlier generations.

The discipline of breeding along with the successes and heartaches is found learning the aspects of linebreeding, inbreeding and outcrossing of the various bloodlines available. It takes years of concentrated study and effort, trial and error, to achieve a successful breeding program.

It is important to know the breed standard and to have a fundamental grasp of genetics. However, even with the most scientific approach, breeding dogs involves a certain amount of luck. It is like the spin of a roulette wheel, or a numbers game. I often think one needs to have a bit of a gamblers mentality to be able to stick with it. There is a high that can be experienced by the dedicated and passionate breeder….at the time of whelping….at the time of puppies departing and at the time of finally mating the perfect pair, and much uncertainity all along the way of whether this is a win or a loss.

Puppies’ temperaments are affected by genetics, environment and initially through their dam, her relationship with the breeder and her generalized perception of her environment. The attitude of the dam will be reflected to some degree in every puppy.

The time between birth and the first eight to ten weeks of puppies’ lives is the most critical time. It is at this time that they acquire much of their mother’s temperament. Puppies are highly focused on their mother during this time period.

Puppies and older dogs learn through mimicking those closest to them, their mother and their littermates. Inherited behaviors is believed to be only about 10 percent and 90 percent is acquired. The environment in which a puppy is eventually raised into an adult dog plays the biggest role on the puppy’s ultimate temperament and behaviors.

Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Coupons for shih tzu puppies and other products are offered to subscribers. Updates of available puppies. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

But you will not feel relief or enjoyment if the fishes you are to see are confined in an indistinguishable home. Hence to provide you with viewing satisfaction, an all glass aquarium has been created.

An aquarium is set to be the shelter of ornamental fishes. Plants that can survive in water are also placed in aquarium to augment its beauty as well as provide nourishment with fishes. One type of aquarium is an all glass aquarium, which has been well loved by individuals who have pet fishes for quite a long time.

There have been applauds and criticisms to all glass aquariums. Here are some of its advantages and disadvantages.

Using an all glass aquarium provides you with many benefits such as:

?It is cost-effective to buy glass aquarium compared to other types of tanks.

?It is scratch-resistant.

?The frame of glass aquariums are made of customary width, hence you can ensure that it will not easily be broken.

?There are varieties of color available. You can choose your preferred color for your all glass aquarium.

On the other hand, there are some posed disadvantages whenever you use all glass aquariums.

?Without proper care it can result to brokerage that will result to more serious problem such as possible death of fishes.

?Leakage may be one of your dilemmas if your glass aquarium develops a crack.

?Once you decide to empty the tank for general cleaning, it is weighty to carry.

However with proper handling and care you are most likely to avoid any destruction to your glass aquarium. It is not only the fishes you must take good care but its shelter as well. Just like how you give utmost concern to your own home.

Clear and easy to view ? that is what you get from an all glass aquarium. Now you do not have to worry about not seeing all the fishes in its shelter nor will you worry about gaining enjoyment from fish viewing.

With a glass aquarium your pet fishes will most likely convey to you that they swim and they want be noticed. Watch them, feel the relief and be amazed.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Aquariums, please visit http://aquarium.articlekeep.com

Even when the snow is a foot or higher, brushing up against my dog?s belly when she walks, she loves it. She doesn?t see it as an obstacle as most people do. She sees it as a toy; she rolls around in it until she is covered and then shakes it all free. Chloe sees it as a snack; she?ll bite at the puffy snowdrifts as she runs around the yard and leaves a trail of cute paw prints. She also sees it as a friend; she?ll sit on the picnic table and just stare off into the world as her fur coat slowly becomes covered in snowflakes.

It?s all a game to dogs. That?s what life is to them. They don?t see our obstacles as obstacles. They gladly welcome new challenges as games. It is no different with snow. It is an exercise, a relaxation, a way for the dog to breath fresh air from the freshly fallen snow. Sure the weather can be cold, and you shouldn?t keep your dog out long, but brief explorations into the backyard of snow can be healthy for the dog.

When you?re out shoveling, bring the dog with you. They?ll get some fresh air and you might get some time to play with the dog. Even throwing a snowball or two might help get their blood going and muscles moving. Don?t let them be lazy pets just sitting in the house until Spring comes. They need to experience the outdoors in the winter more than just taking a bathroom break.

My dog for example loves snowballs. She loves them even more than any rubber ball you can buy at a pet store. She gets excited when I make one, quickly going into her pounce position, ready to attack the snowball, ready to run from it. You can never guess just what she?ll do. My dog will get excited by this rare event that one comes a few times the year. It will get her moving around the yard more than expected. I am sure many dogs will be quite interested in the snow, too.

Once it is in the air, you can only take a guess at what she?ll do. It?s hardly the same thing twice. Sometimes she?ll bite at it, catching what she can in her mouth. Others she?ll dodge so she can eat it when it lands. Even other times she?ll go wild and run around the yard in circles. That?s her way of telling me to throw more. And I do of course. Just seeing her have fun in the snow makes the experience of winter that more enjoyable for me.

I know my dog isn?t the only one that loves the snow. Neighbors? dogs and friends? dogs love it also and are just as wild as my Chloe. If your dog is playful, active and loves the outdoors, don?t leave them inside during the winter. Let them experience the snow and really enjoy themselves. All you have to do is find out just how long your dog likes to be outside in the snow and you will make it a winter of fun.

Jake Rose is an artist and writer from New England. He loves animals, nature, and all things creative.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

If you have made up your mind to take one of our strays, or indeed, any other rescued dog, do think very carefully about which kind of dog would suit your particular lifestyle. The last thing an unwanted dog needs is to find a loving home only to discover that after a short while he is unloved again and considered a nuisance.

If you are at home a good deal of the time and are active, there is no reason not to enjoy long walks with a larger active dog providing you have the space to accommodate him.

Many large dogs such as greyhounds or big heavy dogs do not need as much exercise as smaller highly strung dogs- and greyhounds in particular usually make docile pets.

If you work part-time (you really should not consider taking a dog if there is nobody at home all day) a smaller less active dog would not require such lengthy walks although many small dogs are highly active. You should ask advice to the dog’s particular needs from the refuge where the dog has been looked after.

Don’t expect miracles when your dog first arrives. He will be very confused especially if he is one of our Spanish dogs who may well have spent years in the refuge or tied up somewhere.

With quiet love and understanding he will settle. Just give him his own time and space to adjust. So many people want to make a big fuss of the dog when he arrives, inviting friends and family to meet him – but there will be plenty of time in the future for this. Leave him be, just speaking in a friendly tone to him as you go about the house. The less fuss you make- so will he.

Another consideration when deciding which rescue dog to choose is whether you have time to spend grooming a long coat. If not stick to a dog with short hair as long coats need regular attention to keep them healthy.

Dog or Bitch?

I personally really don’t have a preference.

All our dogs are neutered before arriving in England for rehoming, and they all have distinct personalities.

If you already have one dog it is usually best to choose a second one of the opposite sex, to avoid competion as to who is going to be top dog.

If your reason for taking on a rescued dog is to provide your existing dog with a friend, please be sure that you have the patience and ability to persevere in the event that the first dog does not like or accept his new friend.

A couple of dogs have been returned to me for this reason, not through any fault of their own, just because the owners had not thought it through first, and all it achieve was to make an insecure little dog even more insecure.

Young or Old?

Lastly do consider an oldie if you can. They are usually wonderful pets and great characters. It is so sad that they are forgotten especially when

if like our Spanish strays they have been confined to a refuge for years. Some say they are institutionalised and will not settle but this simply is not true. I have rehomed several (whom were thought to be quite ancient) but am pleased to say they are still going strong after five or six years!

Whichever dog you decide on make sure you have given the matter some careful thought.

Think carefully before taking him

Do not expect too much from him at first

Give him lots of love and you will receive lots in return!

European Animal Welfare rescues strays from Spain.
Please visit we offer animal rescue stories, and Animal pictures.

First of all, discus require clean water free of chlorine and heavy metals. You may be best to invest in a water purifying unit. Make sure the water is on the soft and acidic side. pH between 6.0 and 7.5 with a general hardness between 5 and 15. Now is you want to been them these will have to be lower.

The water should be well filtered but slow moving and be heated at around 82 ? 86F.

Another point to cover is that discus are best suited to large deep aquariums as they commonly grow to around 6 or 7 inch. They prefer to be in shoals of no less than 6 when they are growing up.

They can be kept in bare tanks but benefit from bog wood and plants as these help the discus feel safe knowing they have some where to hide. If they get stressed and scared in a bare tank they can dash around and damage there selves.

Ideal tank mates for discus include small tetras from South America i.e. neon tetras. They are also ok with various cat fish and plecs but please make sure the discus is the largest fish in the aquarium.

Discus can be fed on most aquarium foods and practically like sinking pellets. They also like frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Young discus should be fed 3 times a day and adults just once.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and learned a little bit more about discus fish. If you would like more information on discus fish please visit my site http://www.discus-fish-secrets.com

Rob Clarke owns Discus Fish Secrets website helping begginners and advanced fishkeepers with discus problems inluding keeping and breeding them. Please visit the site for more discus information

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.

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

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

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