Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Could Your Dog or Cat Be at Risk for Kidney Disease?

Catching an Illness at an Early Stage Is Your Best StrategyJust like people, animals are susceptible to illness and stress. And, just like people, there is a lot you can do to keep them healthy. Julie noticed her dog, Zac, was drinking more water. Not just once, but several days in a row. She knew that excess thirst can be a sign of illness, so she took Zac to her veterinarian for tests. Blood . . .

FREE Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps to Leading the Pack

[This article is the first in a 3-part series about changing dog behavior using positive dog training methods.]Be a leader, a dog will follow.Hum, what does that mean?! Simply put, if you lead thepack, your dog will follow you to the ends of the earth.Some basic and easy adjustments in your dog training routinecan result in huge changes in dog behavior. The simple truthis...dog behavior is a r. . .

The Domesticated Alpaca

One mammal reared mainly for their wool is the Alpaca.Alpacas are a domesticated mammal that's derived from thefamily of camels. Genetics has determined that Alpacas aredescendants of Vicunas. Alpaca are found in the highlandsand parts of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Green grasses are themain sources for food and water for hydration.Alpaca is one of the four species of fiber producing animalsreared. . .

8 Tips on How to Train a Dog

Having a dog as your companion can be a true joy. However, you don’t want your beloved buddy chewing your new shoes or going to the bathroom in the house. Therefore, you need to create a dog training plan to help your new puppy or dog understand the rules of the house. What things should you focus on in dog training when you want your dog to understand the expected behaviors and even some fun t. . .

Companion Animals and Their Unique Place in Society--Part 2

A brief history of the domestication of dogs.Fossil remains suggest that five distinct types of dogs existed by 4500 B.C. Illustrations of dogs, dating from the Bronze Age, have been found on walls, tombs, and scrolls throughout the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Often the dogs are pictured hunting alongside their human companions. In ancient Egypt, dogs—like cats—were pampered and rev. . .

Companion Animals and Their Unique Place in Society--Part 4

The Bible and The Chronicles of Narnia talk about companion animalsWhat the Bible says about the role of animals in our livesIn Genesis chapter 1, God made man in His own image, and then gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and all the earth and every creeping thing on it. Dominion means “control” or “sovereignty,” but what exactly God meant by it is ope. . .

Clicks Instead Of 'Good Boy' For Dog Training

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. . .

Seeing Eye Dogs - A Brief History

You have no doubt seen a blind person being lead across a busy intersection by a Seeing Eye dog. These functional companions have been used to help handicapped people become independent for years. Nobody knows exactly when the concept of a Seeing Eye dog came into existence but it has been suggested that dogs have been used in such a capacity in various cultures for a very long time. It is know. . .

How to Find a Certified Dog Trainer

Are you in the market for a dog trainer? Do you want your dog to learn from a top notch certified dog trainer? You may have dreams of seeing your dog in professional dog competitions and shows. Therefore, you need to have your dog trained by a certified dog trainer to ensure the best results. Why should you hire a certified dog trainer instead of a basic dog trainer? A certified dog trainer is . . .

Companion Animals and Their Unique Place in Society--Part 3

A brief history of the domestication of horses.Archaeological and paleontological evidence indicates that the horse was domesticated about 3000 B.C.—later than dogs and cats. At first, horses apparently were herded for meat and milk. Later, when people had learned how to cultivate grain and abandoned the nomadic hunting lifestyle, they began to appreciate the horse for its finer qualities.It wo. . .

Top of the Mind Awareness in Equine Marketing: Familiarit...

One of the large challenges you face as an equine marketer is achieving what marketing professionals call "top of the mind awareness" of your horses and business. What is Top of the Mind Awareness? Top of the Mind Awareness, or "TOMA," is being the first supplier a prospective customer thinks of when they think about the horses, equine products, or horse-related services that you offer. Increas. . .

Clicker Training for Dogs

What is a ‘clicker’?A clicker is simply a small plastic box, containing a metal plate which, when pressed, makes a ‘click’ sound.What is clicker training?Clicker Training is a method of ‘positive reinforcement training’ – that is, rewarding the behaviours that we like instead of punishing behaviours that we don’t like. When the dog does what we want him to do, we ‘click’ and give him a treat.So. . .

How to Find the Right Dog School for your Dog

Has a new puppy recently become a member of your family? Puppies are born with instincts, but not with the knowledge of how to behave. Therefore, it is necessary to teach your new puppy appropriate behaviors and also some fun tricks. You can try to do this yourself or you can enlist the help of a dog school. There are many different types of dog schools available. What dog school would be the b. . .

How To Find The Best Horse For Your Child

Owning a horse is a huge responsibility for an adult, much less for a child. Owning a horse requires a lot of time and money, both from the parent and the child, therefore, before you decide to go horse-shopping, it’s best that you sit down and discuss the responsibilities and tasks involved in owning and caring for a horse with the child. A horse, remind them, is not a mere domestic pet. It’s . . .

Small Dogs Require Extra Care During the Holiday Season

The Holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. To keep it that way for everyone, people with small dogs should take some common-sense precautions. Especially now, when tiny dogs are increasingly popular, families need to stay aware of their special needs.Most people know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs. But other Holiday favorites can also pose hazards, including: turkey, pork, onion. . .

Pet insurance, true piece of mind

Pet insurance has allowed me to make emergency medical decisions for my pets with little thought about the costs involved.Veterinary costs are constantly rising like everything else.Yet last year, when my cat Bonzo suddenly became dehydrated and diagnosed with early onset kidney failure, he was treated immediately. The last thing on my mind was the thousands of dollars in vet charges about to b. . .

Home Alone Troubles

Do you have problems leaving your dog home alone? Do you come home, only to find that your dog has been up to mischief or tried to escape from the yard? This is not an uncommon problem at all, and we’ll explain why your dog behaves badly when alone and what you can do about it.Dogs experience many of the same emotions as humans such as anxiety, boredom and depression. If one of these emotions i. . .

Best Pet Picks for Kids

Pets are great for kids and every child should have a pet at some point in their childhood. Not only do they make great friends but they also teach a child life lessons of care and responsibility.A child’s first pet will depend a lot on their age and level of maturity, so as a parent, you will need to decide what level of responsibility your child can handle, unless you want to end up doing all. . .

Housetraining Your Pup

If you have just bought (or are considering buying) a new puppy, then one of your concerns will most likely be housetraining your new pet. Puppies, like babies have limited control of their bodily functions, so a simple training plan will need to be implemented from day one. The following guide will give you a quick start to housetraining your pet.An important point to note about dogs is that b. . .

The Importance of Getting a Dog Bed

Investing on a good quality dog bed is one of the more important things a dog owner can do for their dog. A lot of people assume that getting a dog bed is an indulgence or a luxury. A good dog bed is far from that. Your dog needs a warm, supportive bed in just the same way that you do. A quality dog bed can provide security for your dog, as well as other far reaching benefits on their health an. . .

Bat Ejection Techniques – Country Survival Course #27

People lie! They lie about the bliss of rural relocation. They lie about the size of fish they catch. They lie about being there for you. But, mostly, they lie about bats! Such a silly thing, yet no one can admit the ugly truth. “Bats only come into your house. It never happens to me,” friends say. Liars!Evidence to the contrary exists. Bat visitations have occurred regularly in all three of my. . .

How To Find The Right Vet For Your Pet Bunny Rabbit

Even with the most diligent bunny rabbit selection process and the very best care and grooming, there is always the possibility that your pet will develop a health condition that requires medical attention. When this happens you will need to find the right veterinarian who will give your pet the kind of attention he deserves. This article will discuss that as well as a run-down of the most comm. . .

How To Select The Right Pet Bunny Rabbit For Your Household!

So you have decided to purchase a pet rabbit, and now you are wondering how do I pick out the right one?Well, aside from appearance, there are a number of important considerations that you will have to make when you pick out your pet bunny rabbit at the local pet store or other venue. This is important both to ensure that you choose a healthy pet rabbit, and to make sure that you and he are com. . .

Supper Time! What Should You Feed Your Pet Rabbit?

One of the most important aspects of properly caring for a pet rabbit is providing him with a healthy, satisfying, and well-balanced diet. Fortunately, doing so is relatively easy, since there is general consensus about what is good for rabbits and a wide range of great food pellet options. Rabbits can also eat many of the fruits and veggies that you probably have on your dinner table every nig. . .

Keep Your Dogs Teeth Healthy

Dogs get plaque and tartar on their teeth just like humansdo. Cleaning your dogs teeth between professional cleaningsis very simple.Keeping your dogs teeth and gums clean will eliminate "doggybreath" as well as keep your dog healthy.Most veterinarians suggest twice a week brushings. Whenbrushing teeth, use baking soda or a special toothpasteformulated for dogs, not toothpaste for humans. Pet. . .

Pet Rabbit Nutrition 101

One of the most important aspects of properly caring for your pet rabbit is providing him with a healthy, satisfying, and well-balanced diet. Fortunately, doing so is relatively easy, since there is general consensus about what is good for rabbits and a wide range of great food pellet options. Rabbits can also eat many of the fruits and veggies that you probably have on your dinner table every . . .

Getting Ready For Your Pet Bunny Rabbit

How To Teach Your Children The Proper Care For Your Pet Rabbit! Children are naturally innately drawn to cute, cuddle-y little creatures, and they will probably want to pick up, stroke and play with your new pet rabbit. But while this may be tempting, it's potentially quite dangerous -- both to the bunny and to your child. Rabbits are sociable animals and generally like human companionship, but. . .

The Facts on Dog Bite Lawsuits

While dogs may be our best friends, some dogs can become aggressive and bite someone. A dog bite falls under the law in the personal injury category. Each state has various laws regarding the liability of the dog’s owner. Following are things you should do if you are bitten by a dog. Dogs that bite can do it for a number of reasons. Perhaps the dog has always had an aggressive nature and percei. . .

How To Pick The Right Pet Bunny Rabbit For YOU!

Aside from appearance, there are a number of considerations that you will have to make when it comes time to pick out your fuzzy friend at a pet store or other venue. This is important both to ensure that you select a healthy pet, and to make sure that you and he are compatible!Now I'll explain what you'll need to think about prior to heading out to buy your pet rabbit, and what to look for whe. . .

Where's the Meat in my Pets Food?

Today we hear all the Whole-Health buzzwords like functional foods, nutraceutical, organic, natural and holistic ingredients. Every natural, holistic, and organic ingredient we use has been researched for safety and efficacy. Natural, Whole-Health Holistic ingredients in our formulas use meat as the first ingredient because cats and dogs are primarily carnevors. All meats have different gr. . .

Dog Worming

Regular worming is essential to protect your dog against internal parasites. This involves giving it preparations in liquid or tablet form. Adult dogs should be wormed at least once a year, and at least once every six months if in contact with children. Dogs showing any signs of infection should be wormed immediately and all breeding bitches should be wormed prior to mating.Roundworms.Several o. . .

Dog Fleas & Ticks

Fleas.Dog fleas are different to those which infest humans and cats. When a flea bites, it injects saliva to stop the blood clotting whilst it sucks it up. The saliva contains chemicals which often cause an allergic reaction in the dog. The signs are :-Bites which look like small red pimples.Black, gritty material in the coat, and areas of inflammation on the animals back.Scratching.What is the. . .

Aquarium Supplies Part 2 - My First Experience With Goldfish

If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or are just starting out, I would like to stress again the importance of having some basic knowledge about aquariums and fish keeping in order to enjoy the hobby for a significant length of time and to avoid frustrations and disappointments.In the first article I illustrated this by sharing my own childhood experience with bettas, and now I . . .

What's the Real Deal on Pet Insurance?

Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet of late, pet insurance has probably crossed your mind. And if you have, the bill for any non-routine care may have cost you anywhere from a cool couple hundred to nearly a grand. You might have wondered why people have health insurance and most pets don't, when the medical costs seem practically the same! And yet, navigating through the underb. . .

Dog Breeds: How To Choose The Perfect Dog Breed For You!

If choosing dog is such a straight forward process, and it is, how come so many puppies find their way into adoption centres every year? Well one reason is that people choose the wrong dog breed.Don’t let your puppy become a statistic. Make it your goal to choose a puppy suited to your family and circumstances. Think about your previous experience of owning a dog and the amount of time you have. . .

Weave of the Gods: The Real-Life Golden Fleece

Paleontologists tell us the camel family arose in the North American Great Plains about 45 million years ago. One group took the Bering land bridge into Asia to establish the populations of Bactrian camels and dromedaries, while the other chose the southern route through Panama when that land bridge rose from the sea about 3 million years ago. Several of those species prospered in South America. . .

Love Is Not The End But Beginning

Scott had to turn his head away while the needle penetrated; with a sobering voice, he kept saying, “I am sorry; I am so sorry.” As soon as he returned home from the vet, this six-foot-two-tall man collapsed into tears after putting Jackie, his kitty cat to sleep. Jackie had not cleaned himself or eaten for two days. Scott noticed that he had a hair ball in his mouth, as he looked closer, he fo. . .

Apistogramma, Dwarf Cichlids In The Aquarium

The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have the same characteristics, like a complex breeding behavior, as their large relatives, only their size is different. Besides the apistogramma group there are also some relatively popular dwarf cichlids from Africa, like the Pelvicachromis group. From this group the most widespread cichlid is the Pelvicachromis pulcher, also known . . .

Animaroo Gives Animal Breeders the Online Opportunity The...

The online animal industry has recently taken off due to the opportunity and connection the internet provides for animal breeders. It is now easier than ever to find dogs for sales, horses for sale, alpacas for sale, and llamas for sale, adoption, or stud. The internet is currently the vehicle of choice for animal breeders looking to find a greater variety of animals online. Animaroo has decide. . .

Pros and Cons of Buying Pet Medicine Online

Pets are many things in many ways but they are not responsible. Not outside of very limited doggy parameters. This means that you are 100% responsible for your pet's health. In this day of seemingly limitless online medication options, the only way to face this challenge is through education. Freedom of choice is only a benefit when you are familiar with the choices. The easy availability . . .

How to Care for Your Dog's Ear

Regular ear care for your dog Routine ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Perform regular checks and cleaning between visits to your veterinarian, it will help keep your dog’s ears healthy and pain free. This is extremely important to do. I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are . . .

What’s The Best Dog Toy For Your Adult Dog?

As a professional dog trainer, people often ask me what dog toys I recommend they should buy and which ones I use for my own dogs. Here’s the answer: Your dog doesn’t need more than two toys. Rotate them, so he doesn’t get bored. But remember: We’re talking about an animal that eats the same food, day in/day out. And while your dog needs mental stimulation in the form of play and obedience trai. . .

Understanding Your Pet's Chewing Issues

If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species surrounded by the chewed up remnants of your previous existence, fear not. First of all you are not alone. There are dog owners like you suffering the same fate and having the same problems getting their otherwise delightful pet to cease and desist from devouring hearth and home. Not only that, but people, experienced dog owner type peo. . .

Keeping Parrot As Pets

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing day. This is evidenced by the proliferation of Internet discussion lists which provide access to information regarding parrot care and behavior. This upsurge in the number of parrots in homes and the amount of information newly available does not alert the companion parrot owner to a very important and pertinent fact - that parrot keep. . .

Apistogramma , Dwarf Cichlids In The Aquarium

The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have the same characteristics, like a complex breeding behavior, as their large relatives, only their size is different. Besides the apistogramma group there are also some relatively popular dwarf cichlids from Africa, like the Pelvicachromis group. From this group the most widespread cichlid is the Pelvicachromis pulcher, also known . . .

Aquarium Supplies Part 1 - My First Experience With Bettas

Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them and changing the water every once in a while. Sadly, many people aren't aware of that and they just buy aquarium fish because they're attractive. After a short while the fish start to get sick and die one after the other, and the newbie would lose interest in the hobby and give it up all together.Basic knowledge of fish keeping, together wi. . .

Dogs - Wonderful Companions

Dogs Are Man's Best FriendDogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They were the first wild animal to be tamed. Ancient man probably brought home cub wolves to raise as pets. The pet wolves were also useful in driving away bears and other wild animals. One of the oldest known breed of dogs is the Salukis, which were bred by Egyptians thousands of years ago as hunting dogs. Grey. . .

Female Dog Care

As there are certain health issues that affect only the female dog, care should be taken to ensure that these are fully understood before deciding whether or not to buy a bitch.The most important dog health care concern is that of spaying.Only those who are fully educated in all aspects of a specific breed and who have the time and energy to put into making sure that bloodlines are kept strong . . .

How To Choose The Perfect Dog Name For Your Puppy

So you've brought home your new puppy, it's time to name your new animal friend but you’re running short on ideas. Choosing a name for your dog can be hard if you aren't feeling very creative, so here we give you a head start with the basics and some great ideas to help you choose the perfect name for your puppy.Three Basic Dog Name Guidelines1. Pick a name your dog can easily recognize. Dogs u. . .

Adopting A Dog

There are lots of ways that people choose a new family dog. Some may search the newspaper for advertisements from breeders who are selling new puppies; others find breeders via listings on the internet, while still more may simply purchase a puppy from a local pet store. Perhaps the best method, however, in terms of being helpful to society in general is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelt. . .

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) In Dogs

The canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a highly contagious disease in dogs known as distemper. Dogs who contract distemper suffer damage to their gastrointestinal, central nervous and respiratory systems. Distemper is incurable and often fatal.Puppies between the ages of three and six months are most susceptible to the disease, although older dogs and other carnivorous mammals can also contrac. . .

How Owning a Dog Can Benefit Your Child

Thinking of getting a dog? You know your child wants a dog to play with but did you know that the love and companionship of a dog can have long lasting effects going far beyond their ability to entertain and amuse?The current research into dog assisted therapy has turned the humble pet dog into an emotional, educational and physical resource. Everything from autism to reading ability has been t. . .

Dog Training: How To Understand Your Dog's Mood

Make you puppy training easier and more fun by understanding that your puppy is trying to communicate with you in other ways than barking or wagging his tail. Remember, your puppy also communicates with his ears, tail, paws, mouth and more and your puppy training and everyday life with your dog will be much more fun.Here is a short guide to some basic dog body language and what it means:Dominan. . .

How to Choose Goldfish

How you choose your goldfish, depends largely on two things: the type of fish you really like to see, and the kind of container you intend to keep them in.People in warmer climates, like to populate their outdoor ponds and pools with goldfish, which is a wonderful addition to the outdoor décor of your lawns and gardens. These may be natural ponds, or manmade pools that are actually vinyl liners. . .

How Long Will My Cat Live?

The answer to that depends upon several factors. The care that you give your cat, the quality of the food that your cat eats, the kind of lifestyle that your cat lives. All these things play their part in the chances of your cat enjoying a long life. Veterinary medicine has made some great advances in recent years, and this is one of the reasons the average age of domestic cats is increasing.. . .

A Brief History Of Seeing Eye Dogs

No one knows when the concept of using assistance animals for the blind first came into being. It is suggested that dogs have been used in such a capacity in various cultures for a very long time. It is known, however, that there was no formal guide dog program in existence until after the First World War.Why German Shepherds?Many people have probably wondered why guide dogs and Seeing Eye dogs. . .

How To Get Rid Of Fleas

If you own a pet you will have fleas in the house from time to time. In some cases you may become infested with fleas. We have had as many as four cats at our house and we have been infested with fleas a few times. We only have two cats now so it is not as bad, but we still have to use the process I am about to tell you about. You really don't have any control if your pet goes out of your yard,. . .

Allergies – Dogs May Suffer Too

Many people don’t realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United States alone suffer from one allergy or another, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common form of allergies in dogs. Other types include atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies.Signs and symptoms of dog allergies may va. . .

Hurricane Katrina: A Lesson in Emergency Preparedness for...

Heart wrenching images of Hurricane Katrina’s four-legged victims are too much for most of us to bear. Fortunately the majority of people around the country have their loving companions next to them while they are watching the devastating news of dogs left to fend for themselves and people making the choice of their pet or their own rescue. A disaster such as Hurricane Katrina is not a common o. . .

Dog Health Can Be Improved With a Natural Diet

It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog. Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog bre. . .