Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Flea Control For Home And Pet Owners

Flea control for dogs and cats liken to the different kind of fleas you will find on both animals. However; similarities are recognized in how fleas (While enjoying their feast of fresh, warm blood), will literally spit out a kind of chemical concoction into the hosts bloodstream. This leads to the blood clotting.Of course this tasty cocktail of flea punch on the rocks is not exactly what the . . .

Did Dragons Walk Among Us? (Do They Still?) Part 3

Virtually every culture on earth has an oral tradition of encounters with large, strange beasts—creatures different from those we know. Were they dragons? Why don’t we still have dragons among us? Or do we? Will we ever know for sure?Part 3Dragon slayers become saintsIn the Western world, where dragons were “evil,” dragon killers have been celebrated, and several made into saints. The western c. . .

Thrush Song Bird

Thrush are a group of small passerine birds that exist most commonly in the Old World. Most often Thrush are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores. Often thrush will feed from the ground. Thrush have also come to be known as song birds as they have many attractive songs.Thrushes belong to the Family Turdidae which also includes: Yemen Thrush Olive Thru. . .

Coyotes in Paradise—Living With the Reality

One of the delightful things about life in a rural community is our collective love of animals, both domestic and wild. It is that love that makes us vulnerable when bad things happen to these animals, and such tragedies are becoming increasingly common as “wilderness” and “civilization” collide.In April of last year, a neighbor asked us if we’d seen their cat, who’d been missing for several da. . .

Did Dragons Walk Among Us? (Do They Still?) Part 1

Virtually every culture on earth has an oral tradition of encounters with large, strange beasts—creatures different from those we know. Were they dragons? Why don’t we still have dragons among us? Or do we? Will we ever know for sure?Part 1 What are dragons?From the fossil record, we have a sizeable body of knowledge about huge animals that are no longer represented in the animal kingdom. Thoug. . .

Did Dragons Walk Among Us? (Do They Still?) Part 2

Virtually every culture on earth has an oral tradition of encounters with large, strange beasts—creatures different from those we know. Were they dragons? Why don’t we still have dragons among us? Or do we? Will we ever know for sure?Part 2What the Bible says about monsters, and why it’s probably trueThe Bible makes reference to several types of animals that are known to be departed, but that c. . .

Veterinarians: How to Get Your Clients to Provide More an...

Today’s veterinary healthcare providers face a dilemma: how to get your clients to provide more and better care for their pets without making them think all you want is money. Here are some ways you can do just that (and a bonus: you’ll get more new clients, too!). America is a nation of animal lovers. We provide homes for pets in numbers unrivaled by any other society on earth. And you, the ve. . .

Cat Litter Brands Determine Good Cat Litter Box Habits

If you have a cat who doesn't use her cat litter box, it might be the type of cat litter you buy for her.Cats are fussy about a lot of things, and the cat litter brand you think she'll likes might end up offending her for a number of reasons. If she doesn't like it, your cat will communicate the only way she knows will get your attention - she'll stop using the cat litter box.There are a confus. . .

Stop The Itchy Fleas!

“No, your dog is not pregnant but she has fleas”, said the vet.“Excuse me?”(She lifts up the dog’s tail) “You see all these fleas”I was stunned. I give my dog flea preventative every month! She bathes monthly and she rarely goes outside. So how could she get fleas?I learned that all the things I thought mattered did not. After all, what good is flea preventative if it doesn’t work?Based on my e. . .

Can My Dog Get Flu?

In today’s society with flu pandemics and such grabbing so much of the spotlight, it is easy for us to overlook the fact that our dogs can also contract a version of flu. Yes it is true, there is a flu virus becoming prominent in the canine world that is believed to have originated as an equine strain. This equine strain has started to appear in dogs in the United States opening up a huge can o. . .

Dog Training

One of the few things that dog owners or prospective dog owners think about is whether or not they will need to train their dog. Although training a dog is not absolutely essential unless your dog has a particular problem, a small amount of training to remove bad habits and set boundaries for your dog should be considered. In addition to this, a well trained dog will feel much more secure in yo. . .

What's The Big Deal About Being the ALPHA Dog?

Technically speaking, dogs as a separate species are supposed to be evolved from the wolves. Research indicates that the wolf mutated into several breeds, according to the climate, geography and the environment. As these separate breeds were assimilated and socially integrated into the human society, they became distinct as the domesticated dog. So you see, what we have as the pure bred dogs to. . .

Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors

Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:Jumping up on people: This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorab. . .

Choosing The Right Dog Breed

Were you aware that there are literally hundreds of distinct dog breeds? When you decide to get a dog, choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is essential. With so many different dog breeds available, this can become a very daunting task. Luckily, there are ways in which you can narrow down your options somewhat, making the whole thing a lot easier.First and foremost you should be. . .

Want To Start With Dog Shows? Show Small Dogs!

The lights, the ring, the glamour! Ever think you might like to become involved with showing dogs? If so, then starting with "toy" or small dogs can offer a great way to enter into this hobby with fewer demands on your time and space than a larger breed might involve.The purpose of a dog show is to compare all entered dogs of a specific breed against a pre-established, written breed standard of. . .

How To Choose The Right Vet For Your Dog!!

When one takes a moment to think about it --- perhaps the most difficult and agonizing decision to be made on behalf of your Dog is choosing a vet.The first and most essential step is to educate your self on the Dog and aspects such as diet, health care, behavioral problems, and emergency care. This will enable you to understand what the vet is saying and you can then be a part of any decision . . .

Dealing With Dog House Training Issues

The best house training uses the dogs own instincts to avoid soiling its bed. That is the basis behind crate training, in which the dog is confined to its crate in the absence of the owner, and den training, in which the dog is confined to a small area of the home. In essence, the crate, or the room, becomes the dog’s den. Dogs are naturally very clean animals, and they try their best to avoid . . .

Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming & Routine CareAll dogs need regular grooming. It improves the appearance of short coated dogs, and is essential for those with long coats. It also does much to stop unwanted hair on the furniture and carpets. Start as soon as you get your dog or puppy. If you get dogs used to grooming from an early age they will accept it as a normal routine and become to enjoy it.For the shorter h. . .

Protect Your Cat With Vaccinations

If you want to enjoy the companionship of a healthy and happy cat, 1 of the most important things you can do is to safeguard its health. Vaccinations can protect your cat from many common cat diseases. Weaned From Mother's ImmunityWhen your kitten is 6 to 8 weeks old, you should begin his vaccinations. Before this time, the mother's antibodies have been protecting him. Once he is weaned, howeve. . .

Danger to Your Rabbitry - PAWS Legislation

Many of us have heard some of the horror stories of puppy mills. News programs describe the unsanitary conditions, the uncontrolled breeding and the poor condition of the animals. Congress has responded by introducing a billed called the Pet Animal Welfare Statue of 2005. This bill is an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act. It’s in the Senate as bill S1139 and in the House as HR2669. Currently . . .

Cat Litter Box Strategies for Special Needs Kitties

You don't often hear about or see information for special needs kitties. These may be blind, very old (with limited mobility), or disabled in some way. Disabled cats may be amputees, or even paralyzed. There are special mobile devices you can purchase for your paralyzed cat.But this article will talk a little bit about the cat litter box concerns for special needs kitties. Due to their limited . . .

Potty Trained Puppy

Oh, isn’t she just the cutest thing you have ever seen? That brand new little puppy you received as a Christmas present is the best gift you have ever received. You are so excited and you just can’t wait to…Wait a minute! What’s that smell? You have got to be kidding me! And so it begins. A lot of new owners find that puppy house training is one of the most frustrating things they face. House t. . .

Even Lassie Had Her Moments

Lassie! Now THERE’S a dog! If you said SIT, Lassie would sit. If you said FETCH, Lassie would fetch. If you said PLAY DEAD, Lassie would just about quit breathing. Why, you could just imagine Lassie bringing you dinner each night, couldn’t you? Now THAT was a well-trained dog!!! Guess what? Lassie wasn’t born that way; she had to go through puppy training! Puppy training is very important if yo. . .

Dog Training - Sit and Release

Dog training begins with the basic commands. Sit and release are very important and should be taught to every dog. These basic commands will provide the foundation for your dog's obedience training. They are essential for your dog to learn in order for him to be a good citizen.Hold a treat or toy in front of your dog’s nose, just out of his reach. If your treat is food, make sure it is very sma. . .

Milk Goats - Know Thy Enemy

Patience may be a virtue, but laughter is the only way to survive goat milking. You can strive for the perfect fencing. You must aim for good nutrition. But, don’t kid yourself. When it comes to milking, you do not get the last word. When I decided to add milk goats to my backyard farm I envisioned pitchers of milk cooling in the fridge while cheddar rounds age in my cellar. Spirit, my first na. . .

Companion Animals and Their Unique Place in Society--Part 1

Every once in a while, a discussion of the role of animals in our lives makes the news as some difficult decision must be made. The interesting thing about this is that our relationship with animals, though different in different times and places through history, has been established since Bible times.Several years ago, legislation was introduced to make illegal the use of horses for human cons. . .

Puppy House Training

House training is one of the most important things you can do for both you and your puppy. It is imperative that you begin your puppy's housebreaking as soon as you bring him home.It is natural for a dog to relieve himself where ever it is. You must teach your puppy to relieve himself outdoors. Keep in mind that the younger the puppy is, the less control he will have over his bladder and bowels. . .

How to Find a Sitter For Your Dog

Whether your dog is old or a just a puppy, there will come a time when you have to out of town for business or a vacation where dogs aren't allowed. Therefore, you will need to leave your prized pet in the care of a pet sitter. Where can you find a pet sitter? What types of pet sitter services are available? How much will it cost to hire a pet sitter? These are some of the many questions that y. . .

Tips For Easy House Breaking Your Puppy

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through.The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outsid. . .

Health Problems In Cats

It may come as a surprise, if you're a new cat owner, that many health problems may befall your feline friend. Some problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.HairballsHairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. Cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges. . .

'Social Bookmarking' As An Aggressive and Acceptable Blog...

Social bookmarking websites are becoming more and more popular. They allow you to save bookmarks online and Tag/Categorize them with keywords instead of saving them as bookmarks in the favorite's list of your browser. This is particularly useful when your browser based bookmarks have become unwieldy. It's also help since you can access your bookmarks from any computer where you have an internet. . .

Solving Problem Puppy Behaviors

If you have ever had a puppy you know that there will be some problem behaviors that have to be corrected. These are always much easier to nip them in the bud while they are young rather than trying to break the bad habits as they grow older.Jumping up on people is one of the problem behaviors that lots of people inadvertently encourage by mistake. It is cute when it is a small puppy that is ju. . .

Easy Tips For House Breaking Your Puppy

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through. The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outsi. . .

Crate Training For Your Puppy

Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best step in his life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior wall. Establishing you as the Alpha member of his “pack” is one very good reason for starting your puppy in a crate when he is very young. Another reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability.. . .

Western Saddle Rigging Demystified

Explanations as to how to rig a western saddle often go into much more detail than is really needed by the recreational rider. Rigging is quite basic in concept although it should be noted that in installing the rigging the saddlemaker must be very careful and precise in doing it correctly. While the basic function of the rigging is to attach the saddle to the horse, this must be done correctly. . .

How To Choose A Pet That's Right For You And Your Family

What size of pet do you have room for? Keep in mind when choosing a pet that small puppies and kittens grow into larger animals who take up more room. If you choose a larger breed keep in mind that a 10lb. puppy could blossom into a 100lb. dog some day.How much time will you have to spend with your pet? If you and your family are on the go a lot you may want to consider a pet that is less deman. . .

Training Dogs the Lazy Way

Have you ever found it difficult to get your dog to do as it is told? Well, today we're going to show you how to train him the lazy way, and get results every time. Our first task is to get the dog to pay attention to us. How many times have you seen someone shout their dog's name with absolutely no response? So, say your dog's name in a moderate voice without shouting, and if he looks at you s. . .

Treating Your Rabbits Broken Leg Without Breaking Your Bank

Having a bunny break a leg can be traumatic for both you and your bunny. Treating can be very expensive. Heres an artcile describing what we decided to do for our bunny, and her excellent recovery. Having a bunny break its leg can be a very traumatic experience for both the bunny and for you. We raise holland lops, and the tort color often does well on the show table. We have had several colore. . .

Shih Tzu/Dogs/Useful Over The Counter Medications

Some over-the-counter medications can be used for emergencies in select situations. Always ask your vet before giving any over-the-counter medicines to your injured or ill shih tzu.3% hydrogen peroxide: Can be used to induce vomiting and for general wound cleaning. Dosage is: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.Syrup of ipecac: Can be used to induce vomiting. Dosage is: 1 teaspoon per 20 po. . .

Simple And Effective Solutions For Aquarium Algae

Eradication of encrusting algae could be done simply by periodically scraping the sides of the aquarium or scrubbing the rocks. For those with plastic plants and a completely white gravel bed, the situation could be more tasking as it would be necessary to bleach the rocks to remove all traces of algae. However, if you do this, do make sure that you rinse the gravel thoroughly afterwards. Bleac. . .

Aquarium Fish Health: Dealing With Cotton Mouth Disease (...

Cotton Mouth disease also know as Mouth Fungus is a disease your fish can get and it needs to be dealt with quickly. Cotton Mouth disease is not as common as the while spot disease, but, it is highly infectious and contagious. The victim fish shows a whitish fungus round the cheeks and lips. The lips may become swollen and rot away. Sometimes a rotten strip of lip attached only at one end will . . .

Getting Your Wedding Guests to Save The Date

You are engaged - congratulations! Undoubtedly, immediately after your friends and family squeal with delight over your news, the first question they will ask is, "So when is the date?" It can be somewhat annoying, especially if you are very recently engaged, but really all your loved ones are asking so they can mentally save the date.So begins your wedding planning. Obviously the first thing y. . .

Shih Tzu/Dogs/First Aid

Goals of first aid are: Keep your safety in mind at all times. Attend to any severe bleeding that is present. Administer CPR if needed. Immobilize injuries and/or pet for transport. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Delay in seeking professional help often increase costs and decreases treatment success.When you do encounter an emergency situation, do not panic! Look around your surr. . .

Bow Wow Bliss: Five Ways to Meditate with Your Dog

Meditation is as simple as a walk in the dog park.Imagine sitting down with your dog. As you both begin to relax, your breaths become longer, less hurried. Your thoughts slow down until it seems like you are not thinking at all.If you and your dog already share moments like these, then you’ve glimpsed the bliss of meditation.Meditation is great for dogs. Not only does it improve a dog’s health . . .

Give Your Dog a Sexy Makeover

How's your dog looking these days? Running through puddles, rolling in mud, and fighting off fleas can leave any dog looking drab. But it doesn't have to be that way. And you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a fabulous looking dog. Follow these tips and your dog will be the "cats meow"!The most essential part of the process is perfecting the coat.You want your dog to have a shiny, he. . .

Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors

Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:Jumping up on peopleThis is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable. . .

A Pit Bull Could Be The Right Dog For You

Although Pit Bulls have gained a bad reputation for their seemingly aggressive behavior, this breed can be the ideal pet for the right owner. Pit Bulls crave attention and are very loyal and loving toward people. Other dogs, on the other hand, tend to bring out the aggressive behavior of the Pit Bull. Originally bred to fight other dogs, Pit Bulls generally will not tolerate other dogs, especia. . .

Are You Ready To Breed Your Yorkshire Terrier?

The reported sales for Yorkshire Terriers is phenomenal. Over the past few years, the popularity of this breed as a family pet and as the dog to breed has seen tremendous growth. In fact, the requests for adorable Yorkie puppies is greater than the supply. This fact has many Yorkie owners wondering if they should look into the possibility of breeding their pet. While breeding Yorkshire Terriers. . .

Care For Your Small Dog With These Big-Impact Tips

Basic small dog care is much the same as for larger dogs, but owners need to make a few adjustments to best meet their small dog's needs. Consider the following daily dog care routines, and how they’re adapted to meet the needs of your pint-sized pup.Feeding Your Small DogNaturally you're going to feed your dog daily, but the standard-size kibble at the grocery store may be too large for your s. . .

Pet Professional Software Article

How do I, my clients, and employees access the software system?Do I have to enter in all my existing client data?What's the difference between the prepaid and auto invoicing system?How do I use/setup the merchant system that's integrated into my system?The remainder of this article will discuss and answer each of the above mentioned questions. For any additional information, please do not hesit. . .

Frequently Asked Dog Training Questions:

1. Why do dogs eat their poop? One reason dogs eat their poop is because it just plain taste good. Another reason is it could be a vitamin deficiency. One other reason for the poop eating is that it is an instinctual behavior in the wild to eat the poop to keep other predators from tracking their movements. Some solutions for stopping poop eating are: You can put meat tenderizer on their fo. . .

Aquarium Tank Basics

Any new aquarium tank should first be given a thorough test to ensure that it is watertight. If after 12 hours there are no leaks, it may be emptied and placed in its final position. Now all is ready to set up the aquarium, for this work we shall require various items such as sand, rocks etc. These will be death with in order. For making a bottom soil, you need, first of all some sand, the most. . .

Aquarium Aeration Basics

As we all know rivers and lakes are the natural habits for fish and other marine life. Rivers and lakes have large surface area which makes maximum provision of oxygen for fish survival possible. On the other hand an aquarium is not like river or lake, it has a smaller surface area and there is limited movement of habitats. This makes the provision of alternative means of oxygen for fish to bre. . .

Cat Litter Box Location Strategies

Just like in real estate where location is crucial, so it is for your cat's litter boxes. Here's some ideas and tips on how to effectively locate them for good cat litter box habits. When you think about cat litter box placement, imagine if it's a place where you'd like to do your business. We humans generally cherish a quiet and private location. Your cat isn't much different. She'd like her . . .

Doggone Adorable: Dog Halloween Costumes

Dogs love to have fun and now they can join in on the good times by wearing their own pet Halloween costume. Take a look at some of these great costumes available online. Most costumes come in small, medium, large, with some in X-tra large.==Buycostumes.com $9 - $19Star Wars Characters: Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Yoda – now your pooch can get in on all the light saber action of Star Wars.. . .

How To Discover And Prevent Aquarium Fish Illness

Aquarium fish fall ill just like any other pet. The illnesses are as a result of disease. The common diseases that affect aquarium fish are mostly stress induced. The micro-organisms which cause these diseases may be present in the water as part of the normal micro fauna and grab the opportunity to infest or infect the fish when it is stressed and its normal defense are weakened. Different ways. . .

Aquarium Fish Food Tips

A balanced diet for your aquarium fish is essential to thier survival. Most of the commercially available dry fish foods are almost always unbalanced. In many cases, the vitamin content will gradually decline at room temperature and since majority of the dry food for tropical fish commonly used will only keep for about three months, it is always advisable to buy fish-feeds in many small packs r. . .

Picking The Right Aquarium Type

Aquariums have evolved into a very popular hobby, with about millions of aquarium and tropical fish enthusiasts worldwide. Starting in the 1850s (when the predecessor of the modern aquarium were first being developed as a novel curiosity) the ranks of aquarium keeping has grown as more sophisticated systems including lighting and filtration systems were developed to keep aquarium fish healthy. . . .

Adopting A Dog

If you have been thinking of getting a new dog, have you considered all the options available to you? The obvious choice people make, when considering a new dog is to go to a specialized dog breeder. A good dog breeder will be able to sell you a puppy that has been checked for genetic problems, diseases etc and will very often provide you with a high quality pedigree dog that should be free fro. . .

Lately, Have You Seen...?

I own a malamute. He is a beautiful dog with a warrior’s soul and a childlike heart. Every morning, at the crack of dawn, he insists that we go outside to meet the light. If I don’t comply fast enough, he will begin to sneeze on me until I leap out of bed. There is no deterring him.I grab my cup of coffee and a jacket or coat, grumbling under my breath the whole time. I continue my mutterings, . . .