Aug 31st, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
Iguanas by nature like to live in bushes and trees, they also live high in the rain forests to avoid being harmed. If you are planning on buying an iguana and are going to prepare a place for him to live then you will want to do the very best that you can to try and match his natural habitat.
The first thing is to make sure that you enclose your iguana in a roomy environment. In other words, iguanas do not like to be closed in so make sure that there is room for them to roam. Keep in mind that a new baby iguana, if cared for correctly, will easily fill up a 60 gallon tank within a year. That can give you a decent estimate on size.
Add artificial trees and branches for them to climb on. Just make sure that if you use a cage that there are no spaces that he can escape from and if you choose a tank, make sure it is well ventilated.
You need to make sure that you have good circulation but also you need to have heat and humidity. You should make certain that the humidity level inside of the cage is at a constant level of 65%-75%. It is preferred that you place a humidifier inside of the room where the iguana calls home to regulate the humidity level but in a pinch, just spray water in the cage three or four times a day You can purchase small, inexpensive fans that add and circulate heat and add humidity to the enclosure. Closets make great places for iguanas. You could also use a heating pad or a 75 watt bulb to help add warmth to the enclosure. The temperature inside of the enclosure should be at approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Most pet stores will recommend that you use either hot rocks or mercury vapor lamps to keep the temperature regulated as it can be dangerous to the iguana if it is either too hot or too cold. If you choose the hot rocks method, please be extremely careful that your iguana can not get burned.
Remember that iguanas like to climb so put some things in the cage that he can climb on but nothing that allows him an escape route. It would be also be essential to make sure that cats and dogs have no access to the iguana. Iguana’s need a great deal of light too so it is best to use UVA or UVB bulbs in his cage. Keep all electrical cords and wiring away from the iguana. These types of bulbs are the best way to recreate their natural environment which helps them produce vitamin D3 which they need to regulate their digestion process. If you live in a hotter climate you could place the cage in front of a window but that is not recommended if there are any chills or drafts. It is very important that if you are going to purchase an iguana that you take proper care of him. Creating the correct environment for him is part of caring for him the right way. If you can not ensure this then you may want to consider purchasing a different type of pet.
Aug 24th, 2007 | Dogs, Pets | Comments Off
Taking care of a new dog isn’t just about feeding and taking him out to the bathroom. He will need your loving affection, constant supervision, and mild training, especially during his first few days home and during most of the housebreaking phase.
The amount of time it takes to maintain puppy care depends on the breed. For instance, if you are planning to own an English Shepherd, you need to know that this active and intelligent breed requires plenty of exercise and training.
If you do not have the time to give your dog adequate exercise, you might consider getting a smaller dog instead, such as a Boston Terrier or a Miniature Pinscher. Similarly, if you are thinking about getting a Poodle but do not have the time to groom him on a regular basis, consider getting a Chihuahua instead, as they do not need much grooming care.
Your dog’s age is also a main factor on the amount of caring he will need. For example, A puppy will require more of your attention than an adult dog.
The Basics Of Taking Care Of A New Puppy
All puppies, regardless of the breed, will need to be house-trained and obedience-trained in order to grow up to be intelligent, well-behaved dogs. They need to be fed 2 to 3 times a day and they need to be exercised at least twice a day. Socialization is also required so they won’t be frightened or shy around other people and animals. And most importantly, they need to be able to spend time with you, whether it’s play time, grooming time, or just sitting beside them while watching television.
And lastly, it is important for you to know that puppies do not tolerate being left alone every single day. They are social animals that need social interaction on a regular basis. Unlike a hamster or a goldfish, you cannot leave a puppy alone for a long period of time. So if you have a busy lifestyle and are always out of the house, consider a pet-sitting service or an older, more independent breed.
Aug 18th, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
Before you go out and purchase your first iguana, you must arm yourself with the right information and knowledge about this species. You have know what to look for and what to avoid. Keep in mind that getting a healthy iguana in the beginning is crucial to prevent future challenges and problems.
Although we know more about iguana care now than we did 10 years ago, there are still a lot of misinformed iguana owners and pet stores out there. Unfortunately, there are still some iguanas for sale that aren’t properly cared for. Some of them have thermal burns, deformed faces, or body parts that are missing. You have to be aware of certain things and be able to tell a healthy, normal iguana from a sick and damaged one. If you have further questions or concern, ask the iguana seller before making your final choice.
There are certain qualities and characteristics to look for when selecting the right iguana. Do not just go with the biggest one in the cage. Often times, hatchlings from the same cage arrive at different times and from different sources and the biggest hatchling may just be an older iguana that has been in the cage longer than the others. Below is a list of characteristics to look for in a healthy, normal iguana:
1. Eyes: The eyes should be clean and bright. Watch out for any discharge, tearing, crusty residue, or drooping or swollen eyelids. Iguanas’ eyes must be alert, moving back and forth as if they are watching your every move.
2. Nose: The nose should be clean and free of any mucous or runny discharge. However, healthy iguanas have a clear, watery fluid discharge from their nostrils. Because iguanas don’t sweat, this is how they regulate their body’s salt balance. When this watery fluid touches the glass of its habitat, it dries and forms into salt crystals. An improperly housed iguana will try to get out by banging and rubbing its nose the cage, causing an abrasion. If you see one with a nose that seems to be damaged, do not buy it.
3. Jaw: The jaw should look firm. Watch out for any signs of swelling, puffiness in the face, or any kind of distortion. The number one medical problem associated with captive iguanas is metabolic bone disease that is caused by calcium deficiency. One sign of this disease is a soft and swollen jaw. Even if the animal’s jaw appear to look normal, check for the early symptom of this disease by applying a slight pressure on the side of its jaw. The jaw should be firm, and not spongy.
Be very careful, however, when doing this pressure test. If the iguana is suffering from metabolic bone disease, you don’t want to worsen the problem by cracking its jaw, especially if the disease is in its advanced stage. Simply apply a gentle pressure with your thumb and index finger on the sides of its jaw and you will be able to determine the presence of the disease. Also look at the animal’s face from the side. Make sure that it doesn’t appear swollen and that the lower jaw is aligned with the upper jaw instead of being drawn back.
Aug 10th, 2007 | Cats, Pets | Comments Off
Your cat can begin to show signs of pregnancy within two weeks from the mating period, specifically by the change in color of the cat’s nipples. However, these signs are very subtle and many cats will not appear to be carrying their young even up to the last week before giving birth.
In order to safeguard against pregnancy dangers and to ensure that your cat gives birth to healthy kittens, it is imperative that you see your veterinarian in order to have blood work done on your pet. The doctor can use these tests in order to establish your cat’s healthy readings as well as to check for any health problems that may exist or spring up in the near future.
The veterinarian may also use an ultrasound early on in the pregnancy in order to properly diagnose the process and to assess the development and health of the unborn kittens. In addition, x-rays may be taken of your cat approximately 45 days after mating which can help determine how many kittens will be born and what their size will be. This information can better help you prepare for the burning time and to adjust your schedule accordingly in order to take care of your cat.
Caution: Your veterinarian is an expert when it comes to your cat’s pregnancy and exactly what prenatal care should be given. Therefore, it is important that you do not risk complications by giving your cat any type of pet supplements, vitamins, or medications that the vet did not administer or approve of.
Within two weeks of mating, your cat will become restless and instinctually start to find a place in your home where she will decide to have her babies. Cats do this without having to think about it. It is nature’s way of keeping the kittens safe when they are born. It is important that you keep your cat confined to the inside of your house from this point on, even if she is already considered to be an outdoor cat. In fact, it is best to confine her to one room of the house if at all possible.
Prepare your cat’s solitary area with what is called a “queening box”. A queening box is simply a place where cats can give birth and it will also help keep the area relatively clean. It can be a simple as a cardboard box that has one side cut open for easy access. You can fill the inside with newspapers or other material that you see fit. And do not keep her food and water dish in or near this box. It is best to keep them a slight distance away from both the queening box as well as her litter box.
Aug 6th, 2007 | Dogs, Pets | Comments Off
Crate training has to be one of the most beneficial ways there is to train your puppy, and is considered to be a 100% positive training protocol. In other words, there is no negative interaction with your dog or harmful training protocols that go along with using a crate.
There are many advantages when it comes to crate training a new puppy. Here are a few reasons:
1. A crate area is a perfect way of maintaining your puppy in a safe environment while your household goes through its daily routine. There is little-to-no chance of your new pet getting caught up in someone’s legs, stepped on, or meddling in an unsafe part of the house.
2. Using a crate when training your puppy also keeps you from possibly over-training him. Many new dog owners have a tendency to hover over their puppy way too much. This is easy to understand because when the little guy is running around the house you must always be there for him, and this can get a little frustrating and lead to negative consequences.
3. One of the biggest benefits of crate training is that your puppy learns to practice self-control and hold in his urine and stools until it is time for you to take him out to the bathroom. At first he will make his mess inside the crate but dogs have a natural instinct to avoid soiling their living areas. And soon after he gets used to the realization that this crate is his home, he will start holding in his bathroom needs until the appropriate time.
Different Styles Of Dog Crates
Crates are sold in a variety of sizes and designs. Some people prefer to make their own, while others enjoy going the extra mile in purchasing a style that they like. Dog crates that are made from collapsible wiring are probably the most popular type sold on the pet market. It offers plenty of ventilation for your puppy as well as the ability to see what’s going on in the house around him. And because it folds in, the crate can be stored if need be.
Quick Tip On Crate Placement
As a final suggestion in regards to crate training, please place the crate in the main area of your house with a family spends most of its time. A dog crate is not meant to be a prison and your puppy needs to be visually stimulated and know that his loving family is close by at all times. If possible, try to put the crate in your living room. Your little pup will be able to smell and see everyone around him, which will ultimately create a positive influence on your bond together.