So, aside from trying to break this cute little habit, also make sure that when you do cave in and give up a scrap you only stick to certain basic food types. Lean meats, vegetables, rice and some unprocessed foods can be okay. However, food that is heavily seasoned and that has onions or garlic in it is a no. Foods that have a lot of artificial ingredients and additives should also be avoided. Of course you know not to give your dog chocolate or chocolate based foods, and also, no foods high in sugar, fat or salt as they can wreak havoc on the dog's health eventually. Yes, the same way they eventually do you! Skip the fast food - we know what type of crap is in that stuff, and while you might be willing to do that to your own body, please, spare the dog! He will be much better off without McDonald's!
While it's not the worst thing in the world, try not to have your dog accustomed to begging at the table. But if you do it, do it at least with a bit of common sense.
With origins in France, this plush, striking cat is most recognized by its thick, bluish-gray coat that is almost wooly, depending upon the climate in which the cat lives. They are muscular, thick bodied cats who at adult size range from about 11 to 15 pounds. The longer haired cats of this breed are very majestic looking, almost like miniature lions with their broad chests and massive furs. The were at one time mated with Persian cats to help preserve the breed.
This large, regal dog was first found in the Tohoko region of Japan. They were generally used for hunting such animals as deer, boar and bears. They were first introduced into America. They can grow to over 100 lbs, and full grown stand at about 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder. Their thick, lush coats are made for harsh, cold climates such as are found in certain regions in Japan. They saw an insurgence of popularity in the US in the 1980's, and still today retain some popularity. Their temperament is generally agreeable and calm around humans, but when in the vicinity of other dogs can become very agressive. They are known to be very protective of their owners.
...well, consider it a fair warning. Cats don't usually growl, but will meow angrily instead when just generally pissed off or unhappy. Even when cats are tousling with other cats, you will generally hear those mean meows and screeches. A growl, however, indicates that the cat really feels itself to be in danger and is going into absolute defensive mode, claws out, take no prisoners. Consider that to be a level 10 and step back!
The market is exploding with products claiming to improve the health and wellness of individuals using vitamins and nutritional supplements. People are now seeking the same products to complement the health of their pets. The benefits of appropriate nutritional supplements are overwhelming and can add several healthy years to your life, as well as your dogs...
"Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur?"- An Irish saying about cats, perhaps best describes what pleasure-giving creatures cats can be.
Jean Burden, beautifully defines the feline beauty. "A dog, I have always said, is prose; a cat is a poem." Cats for many people, are really very lovable - remember 'Snowbell' - the cat of "Stuart Little".
Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments. Cat grooming is a very important part of keeping a cat as a healthy pet. Cat supplies can be defined as important things that can be purchased for cat grooming, and maintaining general good cat health.
Getting a dog can be exciting and rewarding. It can also be stressful. Whether you are getting a puppy or an older dog, you can bet that there will be an adjustment period while you all get used to each other. One of the best ways to make this transition period successful is to begin basic training with your new pet right away. Training for puppies can begin as young as 8 weeks, and with older dogs the sooner the better! Having a properly trained dog can lead to much happiness for you and your pet. Here are a few tips on teaching your dog to come, sit, lie down, and stay.
First, let's look at the basics of basic training. All dogs, especially puppies, learn more quickly with positive rather than negative reinforcement. Just as with humans, a little love goes a long way. The best reinforcements for good behavior are verbal praise, affection, a favorite toy, or a piece or two of your dog's regular food. Using treats can be motivating, but a dog can come to expect a treat if used too often, and using treats can become expensive. If you work on training immediately prior to your dog's normal meal time, your pet will usually be hungry and pieces of food as a reward will be welcomed. The reward should be given immediately following every correct response in the beginning. Once your dog has progressed, verbal praise should be offered each time, but a reward should only be given for exact responses performed in a timely manner. Gradually reduce the number of rewards given until you only give an occasional reward, but offer verbal praise each time. Dogs retain their training for the longest period of time this way. Also, you should use
Cats prefer foods at body temperature--the temperature of freshly killed prey. They also prefer their food cut into ¼ inch chunks (especially when they are sick and need to be tempted.) And did you know that 60% of all cats like cold tomato juice? I've tried V-8 and it doesn't seem to be at all tempting. We use this trick to entice kidney-failure cats to drink more liquids.
Cats are either right or left handed, showing a distinct preference for one paw over the other.
A healthy domestic cat can reach speeds up to 31 miles/hour, but can't maintain that sprinting speed for more than a minute.
A cat licks their fur to keep cool in hot weather. Like dogs, they sweat only through the pads of their feet.
The cat's whiskers are specially adapted to act as antennae. They are used to navigate, to detect movement and to judge the width of an opening. Whiskers are also an indicator of mood--when the whiskers are back, the cat is angry, so watch out. Some people think finding a whisker is good luck. I know one woman who is a millionaire that has a cat whisker collection!
Adopting a fully grown shelter dog is usually not considered when a family decides to get a new pet. It may actually be the best choice for your family.
A fully grown shelter dog may already be house trained, trained in basic obedience and be past the teething stage. That means no messes in the house, no damaged furniture and a dog that listens to it's owner. That sounds like a dream dog to me. You'll also know what you're getting in your new dog regarding it's size, color, temperament and personality. There are fewer surprises and you'll have the advantage of knowing what you're getting before you get it.
If you're looking for a loving family pet a shelter dog just may be the answer. If your looking for a show dog it's probably not. I say probably because I've seen pure bred animals, with papers, in the shelter I worked in. It was rare but it did happen. Sometimes the dog out-grew it's family and sometimes it was disobedient or chewed up something in the house. Occasionally the owner just wasn't responsible enough
Longevity - It is said, give a cat three years for every human year and you have an idea of how old he is compared to us. Not so. A cat at one year old is capable of reproduction and fully able to take care of himself. A three year old human is helpless. Such mathematical formulas for understanding the 'real' age of an animal don't work because their internal, and external developments vary and do not correspond to human development.
But did you know that the life span of cats seems to be increasing, from around twelve years or so several decades ago to eighteen or more and it seems now not uncommon for cats to live into their twenties? Not only advances in cat medicine but apparently in genetic changes as well are contributing to longer life and some cats live to be much older indeed. Several cats in Southern California have been reported to live as long as thirty and thirty four years.
