Choosing Play Toys for Your Dog

All dogs, especially puppies, thrive on stimulation and enjoy playing. Although it’s great to play with your dog, it’s not always practical or possible to do so all the time. That’s where specialized dog toys come in – they can help keep your dog busy and ensure his mind is occupied. But what types of toys are right for your dog and how do you go about choosing a toy for your furry friend?

These days, there are a range of toys available to suit all preferences and tastes. Some dogs love chasing things, so balls that can be thrown are ideal, whilst others thrive on huge amounts of chewing or time spent puzzling over a strange-looking toy. Finding out what would be best for your dog may be a case of trial and error. If you notice, for example, that he seems fond of chewing your slippers, then a toy to chew would be a good starting point. If you’re not sure, buy a selection of different toys and try them out one by one. It may be that he appreciates the variety and enjoys them all, or you may find one in particular appeals more.

Ensuring you purchase a safe toy that won’t harm your dog is just as essential as making sure toys bought for young children are safe. Each year many dogs suffer accidental injuries that can be nasty and painful as a result of swallowing small pieces of toys, broken off pieces of sticks or even the squeaky parts from inside novelty squeaky balls. So before you buy, make sure that the toy is well made, sturdy and doesn’t have any parts that might come off and end up injuring your pet.

Some of the common types of dog toys include toys that can be tugged, chewed, thrown or offer some form of puzzle or novelty factor. Find out more about them below.

Toys to tug

Dogs that love to play tugging games are bound to enjoy tug toys! These come in various forms, such as rubber rings or hoops, and are generally designed to be held by a human on one side and by a dog on the other. A good quality, durable tug toy should last for ages, despite plenty of tugging activity, so remember to look for a well made option. When you’re not there to aid in the tugging, they can often double up as great chewing toys.

Toys to chew

While dogs would be happy to chew your slippers, furniture or anything tasty-looking that comes into view, it’s not always so great for owners to have anything and everything chewed to shreds! That’s where toys to chew come in and can be an absolute joy to your beloved pet. Toys designed to be chewed are usually made of strong, hard rubber, so that they last for ages and give your dog plenty of amusement.

Toys to throw

Many dogs traditionally love having a stick thrown for them to chase after, but sticks can pose a danger if bits break off and get stuck in the mouth or throat. If your dog enjoys toys that are thrown, choose alternative options such as balls or rubber objects that can be safely thrown and chased. Standard tennis balls are great, but you can also get specialized balls designed with attachments. As well as being great exercise for your dog, this type of play doubles up as good exercise for you, too!

Novelty toys

A quick peek in a good pet shop or online store will reveal a huge selection of novelty dog toys for sale, from things that squeak and make noises, to furry toys and strange toys to give dogs something to puzzle over. If your dog responds well to noises, then squeaky toys could provide hours of fun, plus they’re good to chew. Do take care to ensure the squeaky part doesn’t come loose easily though, as they’re not designed to be swallowed. Toys that are puzzling are ideal for dogs that like quieter, drawn-out entertainment and those that are happy playing on their own.

As a whole, dog toys can provide hours of fun and enjoyment, and help your dog develop into a playful animal, so why not treat your pet today?

Tips and Tricks in Building an Iguana Cage

Iguanas are arboreal. They prefer to stay in a large and wide ecosystem. Iguanas also tend to spend their time high up in tall trees. It is because their enemies or predators will not be able to follow them up in high trees. Most iguanas can easily hide from their enemies, by climbing jumping down into the ground without getting hurt. Today, the lives of iguanas are in danger. Some of them are being caught and eaten by wild animals.

If you’re an animal or pet lover you can help these iguanas to survive against predators and help them from being extinct. You can do this by taking care of iguana, by just having at least a pair. Handling of iguanas needs proper planning. There are some things to be considered.

The first and most important thing is building a cage or enclosure. You must provide them with a good place where they can roam while having the freedom they enjoy in the wild.

Here are some more tips in building a great home for your iguana.

1) Look for a cage that is spacious and secured. A large room or a big closet can be a good place where they can roam. You can add artificial plants and branches where they can climb and hang over. If your iguana is still young, be sure to make the appropriate size of the cage. A smaller one with no hole is recommended so that they’ll not escape from the cage. When your iguana grows and get habituated to his new home, you can expand the area so that it will not look crowded.


2) Another thing to consider in building an iguana cage is the air circulation. Look for a cheap but comfy closet with proper air circulation. You can put a small, low-cost and quiet fan that will help regulate the air and raise the temperature and humidity inside the cage. A closet which has a good flow of air can also prevent the growth of mildew. But in case a mildew problem occurs, you can simply wash the walls using water and bleach.

3) During the night time, you can use a heating pad to warmth your iguana. Look for a light bulb that consumes less electricity. You can simply screw a 75 watt bulb on the wall of the cage.

4) Let your iguana adapt first to the new enclosure. Iguanas might get traumatized or hurt themselves if placed in a new environment. Iguanas normally react if placed in a new enclosure by rubbing and scratching the walls. It is advisable that you stay with your iguana as they explore. Try to bond with your pet until he gets acquainted with his new environment.

5) Be cautious on the electrical connections positioned on the enclosure. All wiring must be carefully situated in areas where your iguana can’t reach them. Iguanas are intrusive creatures, they will try to jump and climb up on accessible wirings and hot light equipments.

6) Lastly, keep your enclosure away from pests. Remove left over foods as soon as possible. Remember that cleanliness is the most essential factor to prevent possible problems.

Building a cage for your iguana can be simple and fun. Just follow the steps above and surely you’ll have a perfect enclosure for your pet.

Ferrets as Pets

Can ferrets be pets? The answer is, ye,s just like owning a cat or a dog. All you have to do is provide them with the same kind of attention you would with any other animal you choose to have at home so they will be able to stay with you for a long time.

Ferrets are considered to be “unusual” in the pet industry because a lot of people would still prefer a bird, cat, dog, fish or hamster. In fact, some states in North America and a few countries do not allow you to own one.

The issue centers around the safety of the people who own them especially since these animals have very sharp teeth and although they are already domesticated, they will bite if ever they are provoked. This is why parents are discouraged from getting one if there are small children around but if they still choose to do so, they must never leave them unattended.

The worse part about getting bitten by a ferret is that it can carry and transmit rabies just like dogs. This is the reason that pet owners should make sure their ferrets have been vaccinated. Neutering is another thing that has to be done to control the number of domesticated ferrets.

Ferrets are also very curious creatures and if you don’t like them messing up your home, you should make sure your house is ferret proof. You can do so by sealing small spaces which they may enter, reinforcing wires and securing air ducts.

Here are some interesting things that you should know if you decide to own a ferret.

First, they sleep for more than 18 hours everyday but when they are awake, this is the time that you need to feed and play with them.

Second, they do not like being caged so give them some room to move about in the house.

Third, ferrets take naps in the most unusual places. If you don’t want to squish or hurt them, check under the cushion before you sit down because you could hurt them.

Fourth, male ferrets are heavier and grow much longer than the female.

Fifth, they can live for 6 to 8 years and if you are lucky, even up to 12 years with proper care.

Sixth, ferrets are blind but this handicap increases their other senses like their hearing and smelling enabling them to find food or go to you.

Seventh, ferrets can be trained to do just about anything just like a cat or dog. Reinforcement theory is the best approach here by rewarding them with food when they do something right.

Eighth, ferrets are not noisy since they don’t bark. They also don’t go outside as long as the doors, windows and vents are secured so there is no way that they will ruin your garden or that of the neighbor’s.

Those who want to own a ferret can either buy one from a breeder or adopt one from the shelter. Before you pay for it and fill up the forms, make sure you know how to take care of it because that responsibility is now in your hands.

If you are not ready, put it off until you are committed to take care of a ferret as a pet.

Tips for Bathing Your Cat

Cats normally do not need help getting and staying clean. They are fastidious about their cleanliness and spend much of their day primping and preening. Cats learn from a very young age to stay clean, as the mother always teaches their young the art of bathing.

Cat owners rarely need to give their cats a bath, however, there are some situations where you may find it is time to bath kitty. You never know when your cat will get so dirty that they need a little extra help. If your cat is afflicted with skin allergies or has a flea infestation, you might need to bathe your cat. Sick and older cats may have a difficult time keeping clean, too. You will find that your cat probably resists getting a bath, but you can do it if you are prepared.

Get Your Supplies
The best place to bath your cat is in a small, enclosed room. If you have a sink in your laundry room, that would work perfectly. A deep bathroom sink would also do the trick. The idea is to get your cat in a small area to help him or her feel safer during the process. Another idea is to use a baby tub and place it inside your own bathtub. This might cause an aching back on your part, but may be just the thing for your cat.

In addition, you will want to make sure that you have everything you need on hand before you begin. It will be almost impossible to stop what you are doing with a struggling cat to run and get a towel or shampoo. You will need several old towels, mild, non-irritating shampoo such as baby shampoo or pet shampoo, and a cup for rinsing. You might even consider using a turkey-basting tool to reach under the chin, around the neck and between the legs. In addition, if your cat’s fur is matted, you might want to consider cutting these mats away before beginning.

Get the Bath Ready
When you have gotten all of your supplies where you need them, you will want to prepare the bath. Your cat will not like very hot or very cold water, so lukewarm water works best. Think of the temperature you would use to bath an infant. That is what you need when you wash your cat. Next, fill up the tub or sink. You do not need a lot of water when you bath your cat--just enough to rinse the cat off. It is also a good idea to place a non-skid mat or folded bath towel in the bottom of the sink or tub before you begin filling it with water. This prevents the cat from slipping around on the bottom of the sink or tub.

Ease your Cat into the Water
It is now time for the hard part. You have to get your cat and ease him or her into the water. This may sound easier than it is. Some cats may struggle with you more than others may. Only you know your cat’s personality. The best way to go about doing this is to lower your cat into the water. Do this by placing one hand under the cat’s belly and one hand firmly, but gently on the cat’s back. Lower the cat from its hind legs into the water.

If your cat is still struggling, you might want to wrap a towel around your cat to prevent scratches. You might be surprised by your cat’s reaction. Some cats will sit there quietly and let you work. Others will be scared and will try to run from you. You will get wet, but you may think about holding the cat’s body close to your own while bathing so he or she feels more secure. Never raise your voice or move too fast, as this can send your cat into a frenzy.

Begin the Bath
After your cat is somewhat situated in the water, you can begin to bathe. Work quickly, but gently. The best method for bathing your cat is to start with the head and work your way down. Be careful not to get water or shampoo in your cat’s ears or eyes. You will only need a very small amount of shampoo. If you get too much, you will have to rinse longer. If you are treating fleas, then you will want to follow the directions on the flea shampoo at this point. You can use vegetable oil if you need to remove sticky substances from your cat’s fur. Use this sparingly because this will leave an oil residue on your cat’s fur, although it is harmless.

Do you have a cat that is avoiding the litter box, biting, scratching, keeping you awake at night, or just plain misbehaving? In order to effectively train your cat, you must understand the way cats think – and what drives their actions. To discover how to end cat behavior problems FAST, click here.

Need a Little Help with Your Health? Get a Dog!

Dogs are considered man's best friend. But did you know that having a dog gives you several heath benefits? In studies done by medical professionals, dog owners benefit from their pet's presence in several ways:

1) Improved cardiovascular health - Dog owners have been proven to have blood pressure and cholesterol lower than ordinary people. These factors reduce the chance for cardiovascular diseases. Stroking a pet has long been known to reduce blood pressure. A study from the New York State University found that these benefits continue even without the pet available. The study tested a group of stockbrokers with hypertension. They concluded that just being a pet-owner can lower blood pressure.

Dog owners also have blood cholesterol levels lower than normal. Five thousand four hundred people were tested by the Baker Medical Research Institute of Australia and with the results showing pet owners having not just lower blood pressure but also lower levels of blood triglycerides and cholesterol compared to people who didn't own any pets.

2) Faster recovery time and higher survival rates - Hospital studies have found that seniors and recently operated on patients responded better to treatment and got better quickly while they were in contact with dogs and other therapy animals. Just petting a dog can be relaxing and therapeutic for recovering patients.

Also, dog owners have a greater chance to survive after suffering from a serious illness. Several studies have discovered that pet owners who suffered from a heart attack were more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who did not own pets. Another New York study found that pet's affected their survival rate more even more than the presence or company of family members or friends.

3) Fewer visits to the doctor - Studies conducted at Cambridge and UCLA have found that owning a pet corresponds to overall improved health and less need for hospital visits. A Medicare study of its elderly patients also discovered that those who own dogs visit the doctor less than those who don't have a pet.

4) Mental Wellness - Patients who have dogs have also been known to have better emotional health than their counterparts. They offer unconditional love and affection; their presence alone helps reduce loneliness for sick people who have otherwise been isolated. Several studies of people with major illnesses have shown that the stress of fighting the disease is significantly reduced when they had a dog as company.

As you can see, having a dog is a great investment, for the joy that you get from owning one and the health benefits that you can receive. So go out and get a dog!

The Basics of Proper Iguana Care: Food and Shelter:

Iguanas are very popular pets. People who take iguanas as pets do so because they may find iguanas "exotic." However, some people are put off by the fact that iguana care can be very hard work. However, if you know the basics of food and shelter for iguanas, then iguana care can actually be quite easy. Here are some things you should know about proper iguana care:

1) Food – Iguanas are strict herbivores. Old books on iguana care still say that you need to feed small insects to an iguana. This advice is backed by the fact that some iguanas have been seen consuming small insects in the wild. However, you should know that wild iguanas usually eat insects accidentally, when some such insect lands on a piece of vegetable matter that the iguana is eating.

Another reason why some wild iguanas eat insects is because of the fact that they have nothing else to feed on. Sometimes, different factors affect the vegetation on an iguana's habitat and so the iguana is forced to feed on insects.

Why shouldn't you feed animal proteins to an iguana?

First of all, iguanas' bodies are made for maximum use of plant foods. This means that they are not ale to properly process the high concentration of protein contained ion animal products. The part of the protein that their bodies cannot process often ends up as crystals deposited in the tissue. This could lead to gout or kidney failure.

Proper iguana care requires that you try to keep your iguana on a strict vegetarian diet. Some people think that their iguana's growth will be stunted if they do not feed it any animal proteins. You should know, however, that iguanas which are fed strictly plant foods will grow bigger and live longer.

2) Shelter – this is the second consideration to take in proper iguana care. An iguana owner should pay very close attention to the habitat because of the simple fact that an iguana is cold blooded. This means that the iguana depends highly on its environment for its survival. Here are some things to consider:

a) Temperature – the enclosure for the iguana should have varying spots of temperature. This is so that the iguana can regulate its body temperature by moving between cold and hot spots. You should provide a basking spot for your iguana that has a temperature ranging from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

b) Size – proper iguana care requires that you provide an enclosure which gives your iguana plenty of space to move around. Some people might think that iguanas require small habitat, but the fact is that an iguana that's properly taken care of can grow up to six feet long! This means that you have to be prepared for the future if you want your iguana to remain healthy.

c) Lighting – iguanas need a source of UVA and UVB light. Now while iguana care shops may have some artificial lighting which provides these, you should know that natural sunlight is still the best for your iguana.

These are just the basics of proper iguana care. These tips should get you started on taking proper care of an iguana. However, if you wish to truly master the art of p[roper iguana care, you should definitely research more about the subject.

The Laws on Ferrets

Ferrets are considered to be exotic pets, and it is only legal to own one in 48 states. This is because some people are concerned about their unpredictable behavior, which in some cases have led to unprovoked attacks against humans.

In general, local authorities, meaning the city or the county government, can decide to follow these guidelines, make stricter rules or not agree with it. Two states that prohibit ferrets as pets are California and Hawaii.

So you know if you can own a ferret where you reside, you should get in touch with your wildlife and game department to obtain a current copy of the ordinances. In some places, you will be required to get a license. Remember, that ignorance of the law is no excuse when you get caught.

In states that allow you to have ferrets as a pet, you have to comply with some general laws as well. First, your ferret must be vaccinated against rabies by six months of age using the USDA licensed rabies vaccine. A copy of the vaccination certificate must be filed with the clerk of the city or town within 30 days where the ferret resides. Lastly, rabies vaccination must be administered annually.

People who want to own a ferret may do so as long as it is neutered or spayed at the time this was purchased. It should have also been given inoculation against distemper and a copy of this should also be kept when this is asked for by the authorities.

For breeders, the person can only do so by obtaining a license from the local gaming and wildlife department. This has to be renewed annually and when the offspring are sold to the public, they also have to be neutered or spayed before the sale is made.

Schools or research institutions may acquire a ferret for scientific study provided breeding shall not be offered for sale or trade.

In the past, ferrets were used to assist hunters go after other wild animals. Another provision states that it is unlawful to do so through the use of a ferret.

If ever the owner does not want to keep the ferret anymore, the person is not allowed to release it into the wild. It is also prohibited to sell these to the pet shop. The best thing to do will be to turn this over to an animal shelter so this can be given a better home.

But on a lighter side, what should you do if ever you have a ferret? Owners should always give them the right food consisting of those rich in protein and low in fats to make them healthy. Water should be given using a bottle or a bowl so they do not get dehydrated.

The owners should also be sure that the ferret leaves in a safe environment. This can be done by letting the ferret stay in a cage and making the place ferret proof so they do not injure themselves or cause damage to your house.

Ferrets will sometimes get carried away and do some bad things. When this happens, you must never hit them and instead find a more constructive way of telling them that they should not do it again. Most importantly, love your ferret because when you do, they will also love you back.