Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Beware of Raw Foods for Your Dog

Despite the best efforts of public health agencies, some dog owners continue to believe that raw meats are safe and beneficial for their dogs. Louise Louis of www.ToyBreeds.com said many people believe the old wives tale that cooked foods are more difficult to digest than raw food. It’s true there is some structural change from the cooking process, but it works just as much in favor of digesti. . .

Is Your Aquarium Balanced?

The world as we know it is in balance. Animals breathe in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. Plant absorbs carbon dioxide and give off oxygen as part of there process of photosynthesis. Animals eat plants and animals wastes, feed plants. Water evaporated from the seas and come back to freshen the earth.The absolute balance of an aquarium world is not usually possible for a beginner. Usually th. . .

Feline Anxiety Causes Cat Litter Box Problems

Cats experience anxiety and get stressed out just like us human staffers. Unlike people, cats don't have a lot of creative ways to express their feelings. Unfortunately, when cats suffer from stress and anxiety, they generally communicate it in a very clear way that can really turn humans upside down. They usually tell us by not using the cat litter box.And since we can't speak meow, and cats d. . .

Dog Sicknesses Symptoms & Diagnosis

The downside of dog ownership is that communication can sometimes be a guessing game.This is particularly true when your dog is not feeling well. Sometimes your dog may just be “off” – not as energetic or acting odd. This may be nothing but it could be a sign of a serious health issue. Educating yourself in the signs that indicate all is not right with your dog can mean the difference between l. . .

How To Properly Introduce New Fish Into Your Aquarium

There are two areas of introducing new fish into an aquarium that you must be aware of:1. Fish QuarantineFish quarantine is one big, singular factor that must be observed strictly before you can be sure that your new fish is of good health and not an apostle of doom for the other inmates. Most new fishkeepers don’t take consider this very important factor.For the benefit of intending aquarists,. . .

Goldfish Care - Learn The Basics To Happy, Healthy Goldfish

So you’ve decided to bring a new life into your world, and no it’s not a baby, it’s a goldfish!Growing up, many people had a goldfish as their first live pet, and their first dead pet too. Too many times have parents been required to flush poor Goldie down the toilet, only to replace him with a new fish before anyone had the chance to notice.Goldfish care is assumed to be low maintenance and ea. . .

Sick Goldfish - Step One, Prevention, Step Two, Monitor, ...

There are times in every parent's life when his or her child, pet, or goldfish gets sick. Goldfish are prone to many ailments, and even the most common ones can be life threatening. Prevention and monitoring your fish are the best ways to keep your pet from contracting a disease.Being the good parent that you are, you have probably studied and memorized the normal movements and behaviors of you. . .

Goldfish Diseases - How To Spot Them, Treat Them, And Hop...

Many small animals and fish are susceptible to diseases and once infected, have greatly shortened life spans.A goldfish can get sick if his tank is dirty, the water and oxygen levels are too low, the temperatures are too warm or too cool and if he is not being fed properly. Even if you are an excellent and doting parent, sometimes your goldfish might get sick for reasons unknown. Prevention and. . .

Aquarium Fish Health: White Spot Disease Symptoms And Cures

Fish death is one of the main problems that beginner aquarist and even some expert aquarist face. It’s frustrating to the extent that most quit keeping aquarium fish. But fish death can be avoided. Most fish deaths are caused as a result of both an internal and external types parasites that compete with the fish in tank. As a result if you watch your aquarium fish often you should be able to di. . .

Aquarium Plants And Lighting Mini-guide

Aquarium plants are as important to aquariums as water is to fish. Aquarium plants add more life to aquarium and make it to look beautiful while completing the aquarium community structure. The most important thing to bear in mind with plants is to form an attractive background, leaving ample space so the fish can swim undisturbed and be seen. The tall, grassy type is best planted at intervals . . .

Ragdoll Cat History is Stranger Than Fiction

The origins of Ragdoll cats are full of myth and controversy. This cat’s history is often contradictory and confusing; some of the Ragdoll story is just not possible. Other parts we know to be factual. First things first: the Ragdoll cat breed started in California back in the 1960s. It was founded by a woman named Ann Baker. The very first cat of this breed was for all intensive purposes a reg. . .

Dog Emergencies - 3 Tips to Help You Save Your Dog's Life

Dogs can also suffer injuries or get sick from a number of diseases, and it can happen at times when a veterinarian is not available and you haven't found out where the nearest emergency animal clinic is located. Since your dog is a dear member of your family, you want to save your dog's life, but are you prepared to deal with such emergencies?A life-threatening emergency situation is always fr. . .

Selling Luxury Products in a Dogs World

One of the fastest growing industries in the United States today is the pet industry. The industry as a whole has increased 20% over the past 5 years and is projected continued growth in the upcoming years. Over the past 10 years, the pet industry has grown to a $34 billion dollar industry. This exceeds what we spend on candy and toys. The candy industry has become a $25 billion dollar industry. . .

Diamond In The Ruff -- Meet The Cairn Terrier

The Cairn terrier hails from Scotland, as do its close and outstanding relatives, the Scottish terrier and the West Highland terrier. Much like another cousin, the Welsh terrier, the Cairn is probably an underappreciated breed in the United States, while it remains wildly popular in the old country. But its relative dark horse status is likely just fine with serious Cairn fans. Unlike several f. . .

Dog Training - The Basic Commands

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and beha. . .

Dog Pregnancy Tips

Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take careful steps to make this successful.Professional dog breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of healthy offspring. The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every p. . .

Don't Skimp On Tools For Your New Dog!

So today is the big day, your new dog or puppy is coming to his new home! Getting a new dog means you’ll need a few more accessories to go with him. In order to properly care for your new pet, you’ll have to abide by certain local laws and make some additional purchases. Some of these items are necessities; some just make life with your new dog more convenient.The necessities; Most of the truly. . .

Dog Training – House Training Your Dog

One of the most confusing and anxiety-ridden areas of dog training is house training. Yet, it is one of the most important, especially for the humans involved.The best way to understand and find success with house training is to use the dog’s own nature to help you.Dogs are, by instinct, very clean animals. They would rather not soil any areas where they normally sleep or eat. Dogs are also cre. . .

Dog Training With A Training Collar Or Choke Collar

There are a variety of names that go under the broad heading of “training collar”. Some of them are --- choke collar, choke chain, training collar, correction collar and slip collar. These are all training collars and are used by professionals and amateur trainers alike.Training collars are effective tools if they are used properly. Here are a few thoughts to apply when using training collars:D. . .

The Best Ways to Teach your Puppy the English Language

Puppies are eager and willing to do the right thing. They love your happy face and the squealy noises you make when they have done something great. They will do ANYthing to please you because of the loving rewards they get from being a Good Dog. They just cannot get enough of your praises and cuddles. Moving towards "What a good dog!" from "Bad Puppy!" is based on one thing. Your puppy do. . .

Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers & their Dogs

If you have dog lovers in your family, it’s time to think of some unique gifts you can give them this Christmas. They will remember this gift for a long time if you not only give them a gift form themselves, but include something for their dog or puppy. To get your ideas flowing, here are some gifts you can get for the dog lover: of course, if you can take some pictures of their dog in advance,. . .

Dog Training – Dealing With Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner’s property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.Dogs suffering from separat. . .

Taking Terrific Photos of Your Dog

Dogs have a wonderful sense of humor. The moment you turn on your camera – they stop doing whatever made you reach for it. Great pet pictures do happen, just not as often as we’d like.The keys to great pictures of your dog are planning and patience. Fortunately, with digital cameras, we no longer have to worry about the expenses of film and developing. We can take dozens of pictures and only pr. . .

Photographing Your Cat with Close-Up Techniques

Other than photographing our kids, there's probably nothing we enjoy photographing more than our pets--in my case my two Ragdoll cats. (In case you've never seen Ragdolls, they're "giant" cats that were first bred in the 1960s. They're big, gorgeous, even tempered, long-haired cats, with blue eyes and raccoon faces. Their name comes from the fact that they can relax so much they go limp, just l. . .

Have You Considered the Axolotl

Believe it or not, but the Axolotl can make a great pet, and a unique one at that. For those of you still wondering what the heck an Axolotl is, well just keep reading and you might just want one for yourself.The Axolotl is native to Mexico and is essentially an aquatic salamander with some astounding characteristics. One notable characteristic is that Axolotls remain in a juvenile form even as. . .

How to Choose a Dog Walker that's Right for Your Dog

If you are like most working Americans you are low on time and high on tasks. You might put in long hours at the office. This shortens the amount of time you spend engaging in dog walking with your best canine friend every day. Different dog breeds have different daily exercise requirements, so your pooch might need extensive dog walking or run in the middle of the day. How can you take your do. . .

Dog Care: 6 Easy Steps for a Terrific (and safe) Romp in ...

Leaves are falling and paws are crunching in the parks....What a beautiful time of the year to get out with your canine companion and enjoy the crisp, cool air, frolic in the falling leaves and take in the visual splendor of nature. A walk in the woods can be an exhilarating experience for you and your dog, especially if you’ll take a moment for some basic dog care preparations. Minimize surpr. . .

Cleaning Your Fish Tank

One of the nicest additions to any home is a fish tank. A fish tank creates a colourful, relaxing ambience and they come in a huge range of sizes to suit virtually any setting. However, fish tanks do require work, and without proper care, algae build ups and murky water can change your tank aesthetically and cause unpleasant odours. Cleaning your fish tank not only helps with the appearance of . . .

What Supplies Will You Need for a Dog?

The time has come. You have stopped by the pet shop every day on the way home from work to dote on the cute puppies in the window. Normally you return home with the thoughts of a cute puppy scampering down your hallways. Well, today you did it. You decided to purchase your very own puppy. However, before you bring your puppy home you need to be prepared. You need to purchase various dog supplie. . .

Why Do People Sponsor An Animal?

Many people now prefer to sponsor an animal in addition to – or rather than – having their own pet. And this is good news! Sponsoring an animal has many benefits – both to the person who is taking out the sponsorship and the organisation – and the animal – being sponsored.So how does it work? Basically, sponsorships of an animal, whether it be a lion or orang-utan, a donkey, rabbit or a rodent . . .

Click And Treat Training For Dogs

The first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly establishing itself in becoming a big hit in the world of dog training. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this training method everyday.One advantage to using this form of training at home is it’s easy to learn for both the dog and his trainer!Originally used to t. . .

Could a German Shepherd Be The Right Dog For You?

The German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian or Schafer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. Because they are eager to please, they are easily trained in obedience and protection. The German Shepherd Dog is a large, strong, substantial-looking dog.Ever since Rin Tin Tin became a famous television personality, the German Shepherd has gone from an already popular dog breed to one of the most well known br. . .

Prevent Feline UTI With a Canned Cat Food Diet (Part II)

Last week I wrote about the benefits of transitioning your cat to a raw food diet to stop feline urinary tract infections. As I also noted, some cats just won't eat raw food. Part II gives you information about the more common diet alternative - canned cat food.Many experts recommend you feed your kitty canned food almost exclusively to keep feline urinary tract infections from recurring. More . . .

How To Train Your Dog In Five Easy Steps

Have you noticed that being around a dog that is trained is lovely to be around?Dogs that are trained are less likely to jump up on people, and are less at risk of biting someone. Their manners are very calm in nature and don't get distracted in most environments. It is important to train your dog with the goal to teach them limitations, thus making them more relaxed around humans. On the inter. . .

Five Secrets for the Very Best Cat Food

There is a significant difference between dog and cat food even though their may appear to look the same. Cats need a much higher amount of protein and fat than dogs do. Also, cats have different needs than dogs, so don't feed your cat dog food, or your dog cat food. Remember, Cats are primarily carnivores and need plenty of meat in their diet. Here is what to look for when you are deciding. . .

Change Your Thinking to Change Your Dog's Behavior

Bad Behavior is only a Game.I recently changed the way I think about training my dog. I have one of those high spirited dominate alpha males who instinctively thinks he is the leader of the pack and is always testing my authority. I often thought, why is he so challenging, he knows he is not supposed to do that because I've told him "no" a hundred times. Boomer, my dog, likes to steal things. . .

My Dog is Lost! What Should I Do Now...

Your dog is lost. You are worried and clueless on how to get started to bring your lost dog home. Follow these tips here and I’m sure it will increase your chances of finding your lost dog.1. Make sure that your dog is actually lost – Search your house and back yard completely first. Your dog might just be too distracted by his new found toy in the yard.2. Search around your neighborhood. Most . . .

Dog Grooming – Maintaining A Posh Pup

Dog grooming is not simply an aesthetic bonus for our canine friends. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule will help to keep your dog both happy and healthy. Routine dog grooming will ensure that your dog is free of parasites, has healthy skin and a shiny coat, and has good dental health. Of course, the aesthetic benefits are also a plus. Only a true dog lover wants to be around a dirty, sti. . .

Prepairing to Bring Your Dog Home

PREPAIRING TO BRING YOUR NEW PUPPY HOME CratesThese come in all sizes, depending on your dogs potential. I would discuss with your local supplier. I would recommend one with a divider so as the dog grows so does the space. This is good if adults are going to use cages as well and maybe to use as a birthing den.Travel CarrierYour puppy may arrive in a plastic carrier. They are excellent for trav. . .

Obedience Training For Your Dog

There are dogs that do not have bad behaviors, and even if their owners are trying hard to tech them to obey some simple commands, these dogs are hardheaded. Chances are, many owners would just dump them to dog pounds because they are already fed up, and could no longer understand the behavior anymore. These things should have been avoided if obedience training was used and implemented. Mostly . . .

Weight Problems In Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?

People may not be aware of this, but obesity is one of the greatest problems dogs are dealing with these days. Obesity, like humans, is also caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges. Mostly, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that when not controlled may just lead to more problems.Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases too when they are overweight. These diseas. . .

Here's A Quick Check for Feline Urinary Tract Infection

There's a couple different ways you can tell if your cat has a Feline Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). The most obvious way is if she cries while urinating, you see blood in her urine, and/or she won't use the cat litter box to urinate.If you see this behavior in your cat, please call your vet immediately to get her checked! This is a very painful infection for kitty to suffer through.But here's . . .

Affenpinscher - The Monkey Dog

The Affenpinscher is a small 7 to 8 pound dog that usually does not exceed around 10 inches in height. The Affenpinscher has bushy eyebrows and shaggy hair and most often is considered looks somewhat like a monkey. Although this certainly is a dog, you might consider that sometimes it is a monkey by the way that it acts.Affenpinscher's look like terriers but they're actually part of the pinsc. . .

Great Pyrenees Grooming Tips - Special Techniques for Lar...

Large breed dogs pose special grooming dilemmas. The Great Pyrenees and other Bernard family members have cornered the market on that special combination of girth and hair. Without a regimented grooming routine the Pyrenees’ flowing white locks can easily morph, soon resembling an electrocuted Komondor on steroid. One obstacle to keeping large breeds in the peek of beauty is the difficulty in l. . .

Dog Training With A Head Collar

The head collar has become an increasingly popular dog training tool in the past couple of years. Two of the most well known brands of head collar on the market are the Gentle Leader and the Halti, but there are many other brands that incorporate the basic head collar concept. Many people find the Gentle Leader easier to fit that the Halti, and in addition the Gentle Leader is designed to faste. . .

FREE Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps to YOU Becoming Leader...

This article is the second in a 3-part series about changing dog behavior using positive dog training methods.Be a leader, a dog will follow. From the last article, remember King and his dominant dog behavior? King was the leader of his pack -- Mom, Dad, 2 kids. King set the rules in the house and didn’t hesitate to enforce them, with growling, posturing, biting and other scary dog behaviors. I. . .

Chicken Rearing 101 - How Not to Raise Chickens

Chick: A hatchlingCapon: A castrated male used for meat. (How much could that yield?)Pullet: A female chicken under one year old. Hen: A female chicken over one year of age Rooster: A male chicken over one year of age.Raising Chickens for the first time can be intimidating. When I first called the Feed Shop, I was trying to sound like a pro. I asked, “Do you sell pullets?” “Yes”, the man replie. . .

Training The Dog To Come When It Is Called

Training a dog to come when it is called is a vital, and potentially life saving, part of any successful dog training program. All properly trained dogs must learn to respond instantly to the owner’s voice, and the sooner this lesson is learned the better. The advantages of teaching a dog to come when called are obvious. For starters, coming when called will help you regain control of the dog i. . .

Dog Treat Ingredients To Avoid

There are many websites on the Internet that provide access to dog treat recipes. Many of these recipes are excellent resources for providing your dogs with healthy treats that are affordable and nutritious. As with any information that you find on the Internet, however, you should do quite a bit of your own research before using any of the dog treat recipes. This research should include ens. . .

Boring Ordinary Dog Tags - Are There Better-looking Perso...

I was wondering if you share the same problem as myself 5 months back?You see. I failed to find any unique or good-looking dog tags anywhere – online or offline!The search mission for a better-looking tag started when my girlfriend, Alice bought a new Chihuahua pup – Misty. While looking for a dog tag, she complains to me that most of the dog tags available are both too ordinary and actually bo. . .

Designer Dog Clothes

Some of us just to refuse to think of our dogs are just dogs. For us there are dog clothes! Cute sweaters, doggie tee shirts, dog booties, stylish bandanas, and let’s not forget little hats. These are among the items people will purchase to dress their dogs in style. Dressing a dog is more about the owner having fun than the animal, but as long as the clothing isn’t uncomfortable, most dogs don. . .

Eliminating Problem Dog Behaviors – Jumping And Roaming

Every dog owner must eventually deal with some unwanted behaviors on the part of their four legged companions. Some of the most frequently encountered training problems with puppies and dogs alike are jumping on people and performing those amazing feats of escape. Jumping up on people Jumping up on people can be a cute trick for puppies, but it quickly becomes a problem behavior as the dog gets. . .

8 Ways to Control Dog Fleas

There are numerous products that will kill adult fleas on your dog. However, they vary in the duration of their effects.1. Flea shampoos, sprays, and powders. Most products will kill any fleas present on your dog at the time of application, but many have no lasting effect - your dog may have more fleas within 24 hours of being treated. When using a flea shampoo, always begin on the dog's head, . . .

Giving A Foal A Good Start

Having only been a horse owner for 10 months, to suddenly find myself with a foal to care for was quite a shock. My horse is a traditional coloured cob, prone to be a bit on the large side anyway, so she hid the foal very well. So well in fact that it was not until we found her early one morning with a foal at her side that we realised! A call to the vet advised me that as long as the foal was . . .

Rabbit Temperament - An Interview With the Experts

Quick Summary:Temperament is an important part of the personality of a rabbit. In fact it’s the temperament of the holland lop that makes them so enjoyable. We interviewed some of the top rabbit breeders in the country to get their thoughts on temperament. See what they had to say.Rabbit TemperamentWe love holland lops! I believe they are the greatest breed in the world. Most of our herd will r. . .

Saltwater Fish Tanks-- Ease Of Keeping Saltwater Fish At ...

Having a collection of striking fish in your living room that are normally only found in the ocean provides serenity and is a great attraction for family and friends visiting your home. Although it may seem difficult to maintain or expensive to setup, having saltwater fish differs little from a normal tank.One of the first steps in having a saltwater fish tank in your home is a review of your f. . .

10 Essential Pregnant Cat Care Tips

1. Keep your pregnant cat indoors.Don't expose an expecting kitty to danger. But there are more reasons. Some queens go into heat even during pregnancy. Cats are capable to be pregnant of two different litters at the same them. And of course, a pregnant cat should not give birth in a cold place outside.2. Give your kitty the right food.It should be high on calcium and protein. Kitten food is s. . .

Can I Give My Dog The Flu?

Everyone seems on edge about the latest outbreak of avian flu. People in China are told to kill their poultry in order to keep the virus from spreading. Meanwhile people in the United States watch on in fear that the avian flu will come to their shores. So what exactly is all the hubbub about? After all, every winter millions of people come down with bird flu.Origin of InfluenzaInfluenza, the t. . .

Prevent Feline UTI With a Raw Food Diet (Part I)

A feline Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) often causes cats to stop using their litter boxes. This is a very painful condition for kitty. Using her logic, she thinks that because it hurts to use the litter box, maybe she should urinate someplace else. It might not hurt to urinate in another part of the house. And so the problems begin...Feline UTIs are quite preventable and treatable. Your vet wil. . .

Do Your Understand Your Pet Bunny Rabbit's Personality?

When you mention the word "rabbit" many people think of Bugs Bunny. In reality, rabbits are very different from their cartoon counterparts. Rabbits may be cute, fuzzy, and adorable, but that does not mean they enjoy cuddling up to humans or being picked up and carried around.In fact, improper handling of your new pet can result in harm, so before you pick out your new pet rabbit, make sure you . . .