Pets: February 2012

5 Interesting Facts About Dumbo Rats

Dumbo rats are very interesting little creatures and there is a lot to know about them. Much like people, they have a variety of behaviors and traits that range from the "perfectly normal" to the "not so normal"! In this article, I will be discussing five very interesting bits of dumbo rat information. I hope you find these as fascinating as I did!

1. Why does my rat have a bald spot on the top of his head?

Answer: If your newly bald pet is sharing a cage with other rats, chances are, he is being barbered by his cage mate. This is not really harmful and if there are no other symptoms observed, it is not something you need to worry about. For a really neat trick, maybe you could try training them to give each other little rat mohawks!

2. Why do I feel my rat's ears vibrating? What could it mean?

Answer: Your pet is in season. This is natural for female rats, and occurs typically once every 3-5 days. Sometimes your female dumbo rats won't show any signs that they are in heat, but this is a common one.

3. My pet's eyes almost popped out! Do I need to take him to a vet?

Answer: No. This is called "boggling", a perfectly normal phenomenon that you don't need to worry about. It is actually a sign of happiness, contentment and relaxation. It often occurs at the same time the rat is "bruxing", or grinding its teeth. The contraction of the muscles involved in bruxing are what push the eyeball into the "popeye" look that you're observing.

4. My two female rats are humping one another. Is this normal?

Answer: There are a number of reasons why rats hump each other. Most times they do this when in season. For male rats, it is a sign of dominance. Although it may seem a bit strange, it's really nothing to be concerned with!

5. One of my rats died in the cage. I saw the other rats eat him! Is this behavior normal?

Answer: Unfortunately, yes. This is because they cannot have dead bodies in their cage, otherwise, it will attract other potential predators who, in the wild, could end up harming the still living rats. This is a natural animal instinct and is to be expected. If this isn't something that you're comfortable with (which not many are!), it is important to personally get rid of the dead body as quickly as possible to restore order to your cage.

Look for more fancy rat care articles to come in the very near future! I promise that will be packed full of interesting information and useful tips to help you give your little friends the best care possible. One thing that I have learned over the course of my time spent with pet rats is that there is always one more thing to learn!

Until next time, happy rat keeping!

For more great dumbo rat information and dumbo rats, try visiting Dumbo-Rats.com, a popular website that provides tips, advice and resources on caring for fancy pet rats.

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Dumbo Rats and People

Rats are very good pets for children and grown-ups alike as they are very smart, friendly, and lovable.

Unfortunately, many people until now still have a preconceived notion of them as disgusting, selfish, and vile creatures. This is a tendency that seems to be caused by their failure to disassociate pet rats from wild rats. Many people still fear rats in general, whether they are domesticated or wild, because of the bad press they have had since way back the past. During the Middle Ages, rats were blamed for causing the Bubonic Plague in Europe, tarnishing their name for hundreds of years hence.

Before understanding why a lot of people nowadays keep rats as pets, here are two truths about pet rats:

They are not dirty.

As a matter of fact, they clean themselves more often than other animals, and even go on to clean their fellow rats in the cage!

They are not hostile.

As a matter of fact, they are quite shy. They do not bite unless provoked or hurt, and may actually be frightened of those who scream and think of rats as frightening. Once they are comfortable with a human, they show great loyalty, which makes them wonderful pets for children.

As earlier stated, pet rats do not bite without provocation.

In order to avoid getting bitten by your pet rat, here are some tips to consider:

Motherly instinct

Be careful placing your hand inside a cage with a mother and her young inside. Any external influence introduced to the scene with a mother rat and her young will immediately cause aggression in the mother as a natural instinct to protect her young.

Proper feeding method

Do not feed your pet rats through the wire cage from the outside. They will eventually think anything that passes through the wire walls is food, and the next time you might want to touch it through the gaps with your finger, your pet rat just might make a tasty treat of it.

Rid yourself of smells or smears of food.

This is quite self-explanatory. The more you smell of / taste of food, the more likely you will get bitten. Wash your hands before handling your pet rat. Absolutely avoid sticking your hand in his cage or handling him after having eaten something with your bare hands.

Look for more information about fancy rat care on my website below. Until next time, happy rat-keeping!

For more information about fancy rat care and dumbo rats, try visiting Dumbo-Rats.com, a popular website that provides tips, advice and resources on caring for fancy pet rats.

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Karen Pryor and Clicker Training

Karen Pryor is a Behavioral biologist and an authority on operant conditioning; she came into the public notice in 1984 with the publishing of her book, Don't Shoot the Dog. The book explains positive conditioning and how it works on people and animals. The popular book has now gone into its 16th printing and is used as a reference by many dog trainers for a gentle and effective training method.

Karen's expertise comes from her graduate work in zoology and behavioral biology. Then, as co-founder of Hawaii's Sea Life Park and Oceanic Institute, she acted as curator and head dolphin trainer. It was there that she began using the technique of applying behavior analysis developed by B.F.Skinner, which is the basis for what is now called Clicker Training.

In 1987, Karen Pryor began giving seminars under the name of clicker training for participants who were using conditioning to train dogs and other domestic animals. The use of the clicker for training gives the program its name. During training the clicker serves as a positive reinforcer. Voices can change in pitch, volume, and tone. The click is a consistent sound that immediately communicates to the animal that it has done something right. It also lets them know that at the end of the session a reward will be coming. Clicker training helps animals learn purposeful behaviors as opposed to habitual behaviors.

Clicker Training is characterized by only positive reinforcement, there is no deprivation. Sessions are short and there is no drilling. The training process used can be practiced with any animal for any behavior There are three steps:

1. Get the behavior.

2. Mark the behavior.

3. Reinforce the behavior.

Once the desired response is achieved, the training moves on. There is lots of variety in the activities. The effectiveness of the program shows in the accelerated progress of the animals in the training program.

Karen's latest book, published in 2009,reaching the Animal Mind, comes from her 30 years of experience in training animals of every kind. In it she shares with the reader what she knows about animal training and what she has learned from the animals in turn.

Karen Pryor is the CEO of Sunshine Books, which provides DVD's and clicker training books. She has also developed a trainer program which certifies graduates internationally. Clicker training is used worldwide for zoo animals as well as dogs, cats, horses, and birds.

Susan Morris is involved in a variety of activities and loves to write about them, these include pets, pottery, the outdoors, natural healing, and healthy lifestyles. As a former teacher Susan is always interested in sharing her knowledge and skills. Want more information about Clicker training, trainer certification, or training starter kits to work with your own pet? You can find a link to clicker training at For My Four Legged Friends

10 Reasons to Buy Pet Supplies Online

How to Keep Your Small Pet Warm in Winter

ByChristina Kennedy

Keeping warm in the winter is essential for all animals and your small rodents / cavies are no exception.

Below are some tips to keep your pets healthy in cold weather.

Rodents (rats, hamsters, gerbils)

The first most cost effective way of keeping your rodents warm is to add extra bedding to their home. The bedding will need to be highly absorbent and changed regularly to ensure that your pets don't become ill from cold / wet bedding. The deeper the bedding, the better it will be as your furry friends can burrow in it when cold. It is also worth adding extra soft nesting material for your pet. You can also cut up strips of kitchen roll that they can use to nest in.

There are now a great range of hidey houses, hammocks and snuggle caves that can be bought from large retailers and independent craftspeople. These are often made from fleece and other soft, warm materials. These are great for your pet to sit in when cold or when sleeping.

To add more extra heat, you can purchase microwavable heatpads if it is particularly cold and you can even purchase some hidey houses with heatpads already installed.

Warm foods are a good way of keeping your pets cosy in winter. Rodents (particularly rats) will enjoy soups, mashed potato and cooked vegetables on a cold day.

Blankets and towels can also be added to your rodent's home for extra warmth but make sure they are changed regularly to avoid dampness and smells.

Please note that you have to be especially careful to keep syrian hamsters warm as they can go into hibernation if too cold and unlike wild animals their bodies aren't equipped to cope with this. You do really need to keep an eye on the temperature in this case.

Rabbits and guinea pigs

Rabbits and guinea pigs are often kept outside and because of this it is especially important to be prepared for winter.

If your rabbits or guinea pigs are kept outside, you may consider bringing them inside. You may be able to bring them into your home itself or a shed / garage. If you bring your pet's hutch / home into a garage, please ensure that it is unused as the fumes from cars would be very dangerous for your pet.

If you cannot bring your pets inside, at the very least you should make sure that the hutch is well sheltered and appropriately insulated. Rabbit hutches can be covered with blankets, duvets and then tarpaulin to make sure it is waterproof. Alternatively, specially made hutch covers can be purchased from pet stores. The hutch should then be placed in a sheltered area so that it is protected from the wind.

Extra bedding is very important when it becomes cold and it must be changed regularly so it stays warm and dry. Nesting boxes and cosy hideouts can be added to the hutch also. You can also purchase fleece cage liners to further insulate your pet's home.

Water bottles will need checking regularly so that they don't freeze and a spare one should be provided in case of this possibility. Bottles can be insulated by wrapping them in thermal clothing, bubblewrap or special wine bottle insulators.

Again, heatpads can be used but if you don't have one of these, a sock stuffed with rice can be used instead. You just microwave the sock and make sure that no rice comes out. Also allow the sock to cool after being heated up before adding it to your pet's hutch / cage.

As well as heatpads, some owners purchase heat lamps that are most often used to keep reptiles warm. Heaters can be used too but should not be placed too close to the cage as the bedding materials could become a fire hazard.

You could also consider keeping a thermometer in the room that you keep your pet in to monitor room temperature.

It is important to remember that the main danger with rabbits is that they overheat but they still shouldn't be left out in the cold in a wire cage with no protection from the wind and rain.

Christina writes articles about human and animal health and endeavours to advocate the use of clean, warm and environmentally friendly small pet bedding.

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5 Signs Your Animal Has Been Poisoned With Antifreeze

ByLexi L Davis

Antifreeze is used to keep cars in good working order, and it is scientifically called ethylene glycol. It has no color, no odor, a syrupy texture, and a slightly sweet taste, and it is poisonous to both dogs and cats. If you keep antifreeze in the garage, keep it capped and out of the reach of your animals. Be familiar with the signs of antifreeze poisoning in your animals, and rush your dog or cat to the emergency veterinarian if you detect them.

Seeming Drunk
Because antifreeze has alcohol in it, the animal may appear drunk after consuming it. Depending on how much the animal has consumed, this type of symptom may range from a lack of coordination to severe depression. Watch for the dog or cat to stumble over nothing, to stagger or to suddenly turn bored and unresponsive.

Seizures
Drinking antifreeze may cause your dog or cat to fall over into a seizure. A seizure is characterized by sudden muscle spasms and the animal paddling their legs. They may whimper and whine or their body may suddenly go rigid. A seizure only lasts for a minute or so, but it can be very alarming, particularly if you have never seen one before. After a seizure, take the animal to the vet immediately.

Heavy thirst
Animals who have drunk antifreeze typically express heavy thirst and a strong urge to urinate. This can continue repeatedly over the course of just a few hours. The antifreeze is working in their system and causing this behavior, and in turn, this behavior may lead to violent vomiting, where they bring the water back up.

Poor respiration
As the ethylene glycol starts to break down in the animal's system, the animal starts to have problem breathing. This is something that will come and go, making it hard to track down. The dog or cat will start to pant or to breathe heavily, or it will start to gasp for breath. The problem with this symptom is that it sometimes stops and the pet seems fine.

Pain
In the very late stages of poisoning from antifreeze, the animal begins to exhibit signs of being in great pain. It may hide and when it walks around, it stays close to the ground, moving very slowly, with its tail tucked close to its body. During this time, a previously friendly animal may be aloof and nervy or a previously aloof animal may be cuddly. A change behavior and signs of pain are indications that you need to take the animal to a veterinarian.

Immediate action is necessary to save an animal's life if it has ingested even a small amount of antifreeze, so don't hesitate. If your animal is expressing any of these symptoms, take them to the veterinarian immediately.

Lexi Davis is a writer who enjoys writing on a number of different verticals. For more on antifreeze, Dawg Business offers readers information on the dangers of antifreeze.

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Pet Safety Around The Pool

BySara Conlin

Pool owners who do not have children to worry about around the pool may have pets that they want to keep away from the dangers of their swimming pool. The family swimming pool can be a very real danger to pets that either do not know how to swim well or pets that slip and fall into the pool. Just like children, pets should be supervised at all times when they are around the swimming pool to prevent accidents.

Many dogs enjoy swimming, however, they should only be allowed in the pool when they are supervised. You don't want your dog jumping in the pool every time they are let outside. Not only does this pose the possibility that they could drown, but would create quite a mess as well. During the winter months the pool will be very cold and it would not be good for your pet to decide to take a swim. Some dogs do not swim well and could fall into the pool and drown. Elderly dogs may not see as well as they used to and could easily misjudge and fall into the pool. All of these are good reasons for installing a pet guard pool fence around your pool to prevent an accidental drowning of your pet.

Should you have to drain your pool for any reason, a dog that is used to swimming whenever they please may not realize that the pool does not have any water in it and could jump in seriously injuring themselves. Imagine the damage that could be caused if a dog jumped in a pool and landed on the concrete in an 8 foot deep end. If the dog survived the jump, they would almost certainly have a broken bone or two.

Some dogs drink the pool water. This is not a good idea as there are many chemicals in the pool that may cause your pet to get sick. The only way to prevent your dog from drinking the water is to create a barrier between your pet and the pool.

A pet guard pool fence is manufactured with the same high quality materials as a child pool safety fence and installed in the same manner. It is just a shorter height than the child safety fence, however, it is too high for most dogs to jump over. The holes in the mesh are also very small and would prevent your pet from climbing over the fence. Obviously, if there is any concern about children getting into your pool unsupervised you should install a pool safety fence which will protect both children and pets. The pet guard pool fence can also be installed with a self latching gate which allows for easy access to the pool area by adults.

Keeping your pet safe around your swimming pool should be a priority. Pet drownings occur much more often then most people would think. This is quite easy to do with a pet guard pool fence which is professionally manufactured and installed to match your current pool deck area.

For more information about pet safety fences or pool safety fences, please visit our website.

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Pets - The Amazing Benefits of Animal Companionship

Lots of us already realize that animals add to our emotional and spiritual well-being. Since we live in times where just about everything can and is often researched, countless tests have confirmed that owning a pet is good for our physical health as well! Evidently, whilst we are taking care of our pets, our pets are taking care of us.

We live longer, age better, have reduced bouts of loneliness, and are generally healthier if we have pets. Studies abound showing that sharing our lives with animals has a positive influence on our stress levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, moods, immunity, fitness, the span and quality of our lives, and can even reduce health care expenses.

Here are just a few of the amazing benefits you can expect from animal companionship:

Pet owners were found to have lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.
Having a feline companion has been shown to decrease your heart attack risk by nearly one third.
In recent times, therapy dogs have been introduced into hospitals, mental health centers, and nursing homes where their positive effects on patients are well documented. Visits from these compassionate canines commonly lift the spirits of patients, calm their nerves, and alleviate their loneliness.
Pets commonly serve to facilitate social interactions between people. Individuals who are mobility impaired speak of increased "freedom to be capable" after getting an assistance dog. Additionally, participants reported increased independence and self-esteem, decreased loneliness, and experienced regular sociability from strangers.
Dogs and cats have been known to be able to detect cancer in people and will constantly lick and smell the affected area as a warning to their owners.
Alzheimer's patients who are still living at home with pets had fewer mood swings, confusion, episodes of aggression and anxiety than patients not exposed to pets.
Pets can improve our social lives. I have met many interesting people while walking my dogs or volunteering at our local animal shelter.
Unconditional Love; I love my family and they love me. My family is always happy to see me but it's my dogs that show the most excitement, wagging their tails gleefully and celebrating my return every time I walk in the door from a hard day at work.
Dogs can help you keep fit. Some mornings I find it hard to get motivated to go on my daily walk. Then I find those big pleading eyes of anticipation looking up at me and I simply can't say no.
Pets and Children: Psychological research and analysis of the relationship between children and animals has determined that the mere presence of animals can positively alter a child's attitude about themselves and increases their ability to relate to others. Additionally, pets can assist children to develop positive skills in several areas including love, attachment, wellbeing and caring. Yet further studies suggest that children exposed to pets in early life experience improved immune function with reduced allergies, less wheezing and asthma.
Quality of life can be improved dramatically in families of epileptic children when a dog that that is trained to respond to seizures is present in the home.

The ways that animal companions affect our well being are apparently never-ending. The afore-mentioned examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amazing benefits and complexities of human-animal companionship.

There are so many heart-felt stories about the bond that exists between animals and humans but they are too numerous to mention here. Sharing your life with animals will provide you with spiritual health benefits that are beyond description. Animals have a way for touching our heart and soul. They ask for nothing and will go to the ends of the earth to protect you.

Thanks for reading my article. My name is Jessica Louise and I am passionate about animals of all types, large and small.

I invite you to visit my website. It's all about Pet Health Care and comparisons, reviews and ratings of the best Pet Insurance Companies Pet Health Insurance Comparisons. View leading insurance companies and their insurance policies for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Horses, Reptiles, Exotic Animals and More!

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What to Consider When Choosing Pet Urns

BySachin K Gupta

Losing a beloved family pet can be a painful experience for many people, whether they have lived for too long or they just died suddenly. To help hold on to their memories, many families choose to have their pets cremated instead of burying them. The remaining ashes are kept in a cremation urn, which the family keeps in the house. There are many different types, sizes, and designs of these pet urns that you can choose from in order to give your pet a decent final resting place, which you will display somewhere you can see it daily to remind you of the good times you had together.

Pet urns, just like other types of cremation urns, are available in different materials. These include ceramic, metal, wood, and glass. As you consider which type of material to use for your urn, bear in mind where you intend to keep it. If it is in an open place where people pass frequently, chances of it being knocked down are high, meaning you need to avoid fragile materials like glass and ceramic, and consider metal or wood. Ceramic and glass are ideal for preference urns that are kept out of normal reach where they are safe.

Ceramic pet urns are some of the most common and many people choose them because they are versatile and relatively cheap as compared to other materials. Ceramic urns can be molded into almost any shape that you ask for since clay is easily malleable. They can be given a glazed finish or painted in a variety of colors according to your choice. Ceramic pet urns are also biodegradable, meaning that should you one day decide to bury your pet eventually, you can use the urn as a coffin.

Resin is a form of plastic, and this makes them easy to mold into different shapes also. They are also relatively cheap and you can have one custom made to define your pet. The wooden pet urns not only hold the ashes, but there is also a place to hold the picture of your pet as well. Many people love the idea of being able to look at pictures of their dead pets and even "talking" to them as part of the grieving process. Whichever material you choose to have for your pet urn, you can have them styled in a way to reflect the personality of your dead pet so that his/her memory lives on stronger.

When you are shopping for pet urns, the price will be a big factor. With the right research in the right places, you can get a stylish urn that is affordable. The material used to make the pet urn will have a direct influence on the price. For those people who are in a position to spend a large sum of money, there are very elegant glass preference urns that you can go for. For you to stand a chance of getting a good deal on preference urns, you should use the Internet for your search and purchase.

The loss of a pet can be devastating to you and your family, and putting the remains in pet urns is a very good way of keeping their memories alive. There are various types of pet urns you can pick from...

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How to Care for Your Rabbit

A rabbit stereotype includes them living outside in a hutch but these animals can also be fabulous free range house pets. Your initial reaction may be that it is strange to keep a rabbit in the house but they can be trained to: use a litter tray and do various tricks. Despite this, it is recommended that you do not completely introduce them to free life instantaneously and begin training them through a cage. Whether you choose to keep your rabbit indoors or outdoors the basics of keeping them happy and healthy are the same.

Rabbits are extremely intelligent creatures and can be very friendly if you treat them with the correct care that they deserve. Bunnies kept indoors live on average 8-10 years whereas living outdoors they can survive up to a measly 2-3 years so it is recommended that you keep them indoors. There are basic essentials that you need to consider when keeping rabbits as pets:
HousingFeedWaterExercise

Rabbit Housing

A large cage will need to be provided so the rabbits have enough space to run around and move with ease. In the cage there should be a resting board, pellet bowl or feeder, litter box and a water bottle. Bedding which is made of recycled paper is probably the most ideal to put at the bottom of your rabbit cage but be sure to never use pine or cedar bedding for your pet. In the litter tray you need to provide a non-toxic litter as rabbits' respiratory systems are vulnerable to damage when in contact with aromatic oils. Be sure to clean your rabbit's cage at least once a week.

Rabbit Feed

Rabbits are herbivores so they do not eat meat and they are very fond of rabbit pellets and alfalfa hay that are available at most pet shops. You can also supply your bunnies with a limited array of variation of fresh vegetables and fruit but make sure that you do not give them too much fruit as the natural sugars can make them unhealthy. Supply fresh food once daily so that their food does not go stale and cause illness.

Water

You should give rabbits a constant supply of fresh water by using either a water bowl or a water bottle and it should be thoroughly cleaned once a week. Failure to supply them with water could result in dehydration and serious illness.

Exercise

Just like any other animal, rabbits need plenty of exercise to remain healthy and content. Ways of exercising your rabbit include letting them run around your living room or a similar safe environment; or providing them with a run for outside which allows them to hop around your garden merrily. Give your rabbit exercise for a few hours a day - playing with them to bond counts as exercise too.

Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of animals and caring for them appropriately and aims to provide information to people who share the same interests as her own. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Get all the basic rabbit supplies you need from Millbry Hill.

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Where Can I Get A Bespoke Leather Dog Harness?

ByRobert James Graham Jones

If you are a dog lover, and you are proud of your dog and you love him or her as a pet deserves to be treated with love, then you are going to want to treat your pet to the best available gifts in your budget. Bespoke leather accessories for your pet are increasingly becoming as popular as the food it devours and the water that it drinks!

These days you can buy every conceivable leather dog accessory. Dog Harnesses are an important purchase for almost any type of dog, and vary in quality and strength depending on the manufacturer, and also the purpose of it. There are available leather leads, collars, muzzles etc., all made in leather and of the very best quality and also, if you go to the right places, the best value too. Try looking searching online for manufacturers of Leather Dog Harness, collars, leads, muzzles etc. to get the best deals.

There are even manufactures out there that can design bespoke leather dog harnesses, to your own special needs and requirements. You could ask for a specific colour, or length, or even a patterned design, or one with a picture of your dog or a bell on it, or even some kind of electronic GPS device such as a camera or tag so you know where your pet is at all times, the possibilities are endless. Try searching the internet for such things and see what you can find out there. Alternatively, nip into town or to your local shopping centre and see what there is on offer.

Your pet will look good with a bespoke dog harness to compliment its well cared for, great nourished appearance and healthy coat. People walking down the street will know you love your dog if you buy the best dog harness money can buy, and it's in your favourite colour also. Nothing is better than a very healthy family, and your dogs are no exception to the rule, other people will look on in pride if they see you take such good care. See if you can find a leather dog harness or collar to suit your pet and buy it. Some companies even offer discounts if you are offering to buy more than a few.

For example, you may have a large farm or small holding even a pet shop of your own and need to buy leather harnesses and accessories for large groups of animals, well these manufactures can provide what you need and normally if you order over a set amount, for example 700 pound; 500, you may find that you end up with as much as twenty five per cent off the total price of your order. Don't hesitate, look today for great manufactures to supply your dog harness needs, and then you and your pet will be as happy as you ever could be!!

I have been in this industry for a number of years visit my site bigdogleathers.com to have a look at my handmade leather products. As you will be able to see at bigdogleathers.com everything is handmade in my workshop and customer satisfaction is very important.

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How to Care for a Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are extremely sociable creatures and tend to get lonely if you do not spend time with them every day. Many people believe that these pets are easy to care for and do not need a lot of attention but it is in fact the opposite and you will need to be dedicated when adopting such a fantastic animal. It is good to keep these excellent pets in same sex pairs as they could also become very lonely on their own. Although it used to be acceptable that you keep these pigs outdoors it is now recommended that they remain indoors due to interaction with the family and also weather problems.

These wonderful creatures are a brilliant family pet but make sure that when coming into contact with children they are handled with care as they are fragile. Essentials when keeping guinea pigs include the following:

A CageFood and BowlsWaterExerciseChew Toys

Guinea Pig Cage

A lot of cages which are branded guinea pig cages are far too small for the average rodent which could be a problem when choosing the correct cage. Make sure that the cage is 7.5 square feet minimum for one guinea pig and ranging up to 13 square feet for four guinea pigs. Inside the cage you will need to have bed shavings made out of recycled paper and apply 2-3 inches to the bottom of the cage. Also needed is a hide, nest and a bathroom area.

Guinea Pig Food and Bowls

Giving your cavy a nutritional diet is important if you want them to be healthy and happy. Their favourite and most substantial food is hay. Providing them with fresh hay is imperative as it helps their digestion and limits growth of their teeth. Along with the hay you will need to supply them with 1/8 cup of pellets once a day and give them fresh vegetables and fruit. You can treat your little pig every once in a while but do not treat them too much as they could become overweight. Use a ceramic, wide and shallow bowl to serve their food in.

Water

A constant supply of fresh water in a dish or preferably a water bottle is needed to keep them satisfied and healthy.

Exercise

If your guinea pig is not given plenty of space to exercise and time to do so they could end up with severe health problems. Do this by providing them with a large cage and exercise toys to help with the process. Also, allow them out for a couple of hours a day for some floor space to allow them to discover new places.
Chew Toys

As you may already know rodents teeth do not stop growing throughout their whole life so providing a chew toy is a definite essential. A wooden, non-toxic chew toy is best for them to file down their teeth whenever they like.

Guinea pigs are a wonderful pet to keep and it is very beneficial for you to keep an animal within the home. Be sure to stick to the essentials and provide your pet with tender loving care and they will reward you with love.

Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of animals and caring for them efficiently and aims to provide information to people who share the same interests as her own. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Get all the essentials you need for Guinea Pigs at Millbry Hill.

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How to Care for Your Pet Chinchilla

Chinchillas are very active and boisterous pets and are also extremely rewarding. They have an amazingly long life-span for rodents and live on average 15 years, with many living 18-22 years. This means they are a lifelong pet. Their sleeping pattern is nocturnal but despite this they can make a great, friendly pet who still need tender loving care.

Just like humans, chinchillas need basic essentials so they can stay healthy and happy:

CageFood and WaterExerciseChew ToysBath

Chinchilla Cage

Choosing the best chinchilla cage can be a hard task if you are unfamiliar with their characteristics. The bigger the cage the better and it should be no smaller than 24' by 24' and be tall with separate levels so they can climb with the help of ladders. A metal cage is the best as these beautiful rodents tend to chew through plastic. Wood shavings and recycled paper is the best option for lining the bottom of the cage - do not use cedar or pine shavings as it can make them ill. Provide them with a nesting area and other extras and clean thoroughly once a week.

Food and Water

A glass water bottle is fantastic for a chinchilla. As mentioned previously they usually chew through plastic. Provide your pet with fresh water at all times and thoroughly clean out their water bottle at least once a week. Their diet should be very strict as they have a delicate digestive system and specified chinchilla pellets should be given every day with unlimited hay (this can really help their poor digestive system). Supply their food in a shallow wide bowl that is ceramic or metallic and give them a treat every once in a while.

Exercise

It is important that you give your animal enough exercise and they should be able to run around freely outside of the cage for at least one hour a day. By putting exercise toys in their cage such as wheels it can allow them to exercise whenever they like - having a bigger cage can help improve their exercise routine.

Chew Toys

As you may already know rodents teeth grow continuously throughout their lives and chinchillas are no exception. Prove them with non-toxic wood toys or safe alternatives to make sure that they can keep control of the size of their teeth.

Bath

Chinchillas need to clean just like any other animal and a sand bath is an extremely brilliant way to do so. This type of animal do not bathe in water but special chinchilla sand which you can purchase at almost any pet shop. Allow them to have a sand bath at least once every two days but do not leave it inside the cage as it could cause their skin and coat to become too dry.

These beautiful creatures are a very pleasant addition to the home and can be a beneficial lifelong pet. They are rarely aggressive and if you treat them with the correct care they will reward you with their affection.

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How to Take Care of Your Pet Gerbil

As gerbils are desert creatures they are cleaner pets as they do not produce as much waste and do not drink as much; also they do not smell as much as other rodents. This means that gerbils are generally easy to look after in comparison to some other pets and are neither nocturnal nor diurnal as they have many wake/sleep cycles. These brilliant animals live for three years on average so make sure that you are prepared to take on the responsibility of their entire lifespan.

In order to properly care for your gerbils you will need to begin with the basic essentials:

A CageWater and FoodExerciseBathingChew Toys

Gerbil Cage

A gerbil cage should be no less than 5 gallons per gerbil, so as they prefer to come in pairs your gerbil cage should be no smaller than 10 gallons (preferably bigger). A glass aquarium is the most recommended type of cage but if you choose this type of housing make sure that it has a mesh lid. If you treat your gerbil cage like their home you can add sections of the cage per room for example the kitchen should include their food and water area etc. As gerbils are cleaner than most rodents you will need to thoroughly clean the cage at least once every two weeks.

Water and Food

These pets tend not to drink as much as others but you do need to make sure that they always have access to clean, fresh water through a glass water bottle. The food that you will need to provide is general pet shop gerbil food as they realise the nutrients that your pet needs and include them all in their food. Do not re-add their food if there is still some left as they generally tend to pick out their favourite foods ergo not giving them all of their nutrients. You can add fruit to their diet and the odd supply of nuts but do not over feed them - supply their food in a solid ceramic gerbil food bowl ideally.

Exercise

In your gerbils cage you do need to supply them with some form of exercise such as a wheel or a healthy substitute. Also, get them out of their cage once a day to have a run around; this allows them to feel more comfortable around you.

Bathing

As they are usually sand animals and they need to keep clean, bathing them in gerbil or chinchilla dust is imperative - do not use water to bathe them. Give them a bath at least once a week by putting the dust into a ceramic bowl and letting them roll around in it to clean themselves. If you leave the bowl in too long they may use it as a litter tray.

Chew Toys

It is extremely important that you provide your gerbils with chew toys as, like most rodents, their teeth constantly grow so providing them with a safe chew toy to keep their teeth at a good size is a definite essential.

Gerbils are very sociable animals and are a lot better in pairs although you can get solo gerbils. Make sure that you look after them appropriately and if you do not think you have time to look after them please do not adopt one. As these wonderful creatures can live up to 5 years it is important that they have a happy and lengthy life.

Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of animals and caring for them efficiently and aims to provide information to people who share the same interests as her own. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Find all the gerbil essentials you need at Millbry Hill.

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Pet Burial Vs Cremation - Pros and Cons

ByMonica Phillips

The death of a family pet is an event that brings with it a special sorrow. Making this mournful period even more stressful is that fact that the owner is immediately faced with the decision of what to do with the remains of the loyal friend. While a pet cemetery can be a viable option, costs can range from $500 with a simple plastic casket and stone marker or more elaborate burial packages of $2000 or more, which may not be within the budget of most pet owners. A veterinarian's office can dispose of the remains for a nominal cost but such a choice may seem cold hearted. For most people, a simple backyard burial or cremation remain the only viable alternatives, but which one is the best choice?

BURIAL

PROS - Given the necessity to quickly provide a final resting place for a treasured pet, burial on or near the owner's property is the most popular choice made by pet owners.

Not only is this method relatively inexpensive, but it can also provide the grieving owner with comforting closure in knowing that the pet has received a final resting place near their home. The addition of a memorial stone, engraved marker, or wind chime on or near the pet's grave adds a lasting remembrance and memorial to the beloved pet.

CONS - Unless you live in a rural area, local city laws and/or home associations may limit or even bar pet burials on an owner's property. Even if burial is allowed, special care must be taken, not only to prepare a hole deep enough to discourage scavengers, but also in cases of large pets, to use a proper container so as to prevent a depression in the grave once decomposition begins.

CREMATION

PROS - When the cremation option is chosen, the grieving owner is spared the grief of handling the remains, checking the local laws regarding pet burial, and digging the plot. (This would be a particular advantage during the winter months.) Most veterinarians will be able to either handle the cremations themselves or make arrangements to have the procedure performed elsewhere. The ashes can either be kept in an urn next to a framed picture of the beloved pet or scattered in a yard that the animal loved to play in. If so desired, a small portion of the ashes can even be put into a tasteful piece of memorial cremation jewelry.

CONS - Depending on the size of the animal, the costs of "Private" pet cremation (one pet only, rather than communal) may range from $75.00 to $400.00, depending on the size of the animal. Some crematories may charge extra fees for services performed after hours and on weekends. There may also be some laws in the owner's town that may limit the scattering of the ashes.

The choice between a yard burial and cremation is not an easy one for a pet owner to make. While the factors of cost and convenience should be considered, ultimately it will be the heart of the pet owner which will decide upon the final resting place for their lost companion.

For additional information on pet memorials, contact Heart to Heart Sympathy Gifts, an online sympathy and memorial gift store that offers gifts of remembrance.

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Honoring the Memory of Your Lost Pet

Anyone who is a true animal lover will tell you that the loss of a pet can sting every bit as much as losing a human friend or family member.

Unfortunately the sad truth is that most pets don't have the same type of life span as a person. This means that losing a pet is often inevitable. For those who feel the loss of a pet, pet memorials can offer a sense of closure. It's important to remember that a beloved pet is just as much a part of the family as any human being is. Honoring pets with pet memorials gives grieving family members the opportunity to come together and say goodbye.

We have memorial services when we lose friends and family members, to have one for a pet is a normal part of the grieving process.

Just because a pet was an animal does not reduce the significance that they had in your life. You can form a loving bond with a pet that can be very painful when it comes to an end.

As pets get older there may come a time when an especially difficult decision must be made. When a beloved pet is suffering due to age and injury it is in the best interest of the animal to consider euthanasia. Although the thought of losing a pet may seem like it is too much to take, keeping a pet around that is suffering isn't fair to the animal.

When the time comes, euthanasia is a way for you to allow your pet to rest in peace and escape the suffering that age can bring. You can choose to take your pet to a local vet, or many vet offices will even come to your home to perform this merciful and compassionate service for you. Although the pain may be overwhelming at first, you can take comfort in knowing that you have done what is right for your pet. Your pet is no longer suffering, and can finally rest in peace.

Once your pet has passed away it's possible to still feel close to them when you choose pet cremation. Cremating your pet allows you to keep their remains in a manner which is legal and safe. Burying your pet has health issues and there are often laws in place that prevent you from doing so. Instead of burial you can choose to cremate your pet and keep their remains, and memory close to you. There are many types of urns for pet ashes that can be purchased allowing you to keep the ashes of your pet nearby. Memorial pet urns are a way to remember your pet and give them an honored place in your home.

You can place a pet cremation urn on your mantle, or in another place of significance, allowing you and your family to remember how much your pet meant to you.

Loss is a part of life. All of us lose loved ones and friends over time, and the loss of a pet can be just as painful. Why not honor your pet by choosing pet cremation? Your pet was a part of your life, for many people a pet could have been a companion for many years. You owe it to your pet to make certain that the end their lives with dignity and respect.

When the time comes, and your pet is no longer healthy enough to function normally, you may have a difficult choice to make. You may have to choose euthanasia. Know that while this choice may be painful, it is the right choice to make. Even after your

pet has passed away you and your family can still feel close to him by placing his remains in one of the many pet memorial urns that are available. With your pet's ashes nearby you and your family will be reminded not of the pain of losing him, but of the joy that he brought to your lives.

Your pet probably spent most of his life in loyal service to you and your family. He probably wanted nothing more than to please and protect his human masters. By having a memorial service for him, and choosing pet cremation, you can honor him in the way that he deserves.

For The Love of Animals.
Thanks for reading my article. My name is Jessica Louise and I am passionate about animals of all types, large and small.

I invite you to visit my website where you will find lots of information about Pets and Pet Health Care.
I also compare, review and rate the best Pet Insurance Deals Pet Health Insurance Comparisons. View leading insurance companies and their insurance policies for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Horses, Reptiles, Exotic Animals and More!

While you're there, Get your Free copy of our Dog Training Report

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Finding the Right Pet Urn: Brass Pet Urns, Glass Pet Urns and Other Artistic Memorials

When a beloved pet passes away, figuring out the right way to memorialize them can sometimes be a challenge. Some pet owners choose to bury their pets in a meaningful location. Still others decide that they would like to have the cremains stored in an urn, such as decorative glass or brass pet urns. If you've decided that an urn is the direction you want to go, there are a couple of options that you and your family have.

Glass

While it is extremely delicate, glass urns are simply a sight to behold. Unlike brass pet urns, glass is a much lighter material and has a more modern feel to it. Glass takes many forms and includes a variety of colors. If your furry friend was a lively addition to the family all the way until the end, glass pet urns are a great way to capture their spirit and embody their light and the color they added to your life.

Ceramic

Ceramic urns are possibly the most versatile of all material types. It can be formed to virtually any shape using any color. While they are more breakable than brass pet urns, they will still stand the test of time when kept in a place where it is not likely to get bumped or knocked to the ground. The earthy nature of a ceramic pet urn is a good fit for anyone who had a pet who was more at home playing in the back yard or roaming the neighborhood than sitting indoors.

Wood

Was your dog's favorite game fetch? Did they pick up a stick every time you would go on a walk? Why not honor their love for the game by getting a wooden urn? Wood is a wonderful choice for pet owners because of its natural beauty. These urns are stained to bring out the lines of the wood grain and are a great memorial to display in your home.

Brass

This stately metal has been a traditional choice for years and it will likely never go out of style. Brass Pet urns are durable and will stand the test of time. They are also a beautiful option if you choose to display the urn in your home. Brass ages well and you are certain to have a lasting tribute to your beloved pet. If your pet was a faithful companion and loyal friend, tried and true through the years, consider brass.

Melody Jamali is the Founder and President of ( Une Belle Vie ), a Colorado company dedicated to bringing choice of cremation to public light. Their company offers the widest selection in decorative urns for cremation and includes a wide collection of resources designed to help families and friends in their time of need. From tool for the grieving to informative articles about planning, support and other uplifting thoughts, Une Belle Vie is a company dedicated to helping your celebrate the life of the one you love - on your terms.

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How To Take Care of Your Pet Hamster

There are many different species of hamster and some are different to others but the basic care remains the same. The average lifespan of a hamster is 1.5-3 years so they do not live very long so be sure to give them the best life that they deserve! These are generally small and timid creatures so make sure that you are careful when around them and give them enough attention and care.

Basic essentials that you need to consider when adopting a hamster include:
Food and WaterA CageExerciseChewing Toys

Food and Water

Hamster food is easy and cheap to get from pet shops in the form of muesli and they can also be given vegetables for a healthier diet. Refrain from giving your dwarf hamsters too much fruit as they are only small and too much natural sugar could cause them to be overweight. It is suitable to provide their food in a plastic bowl but a ceramic bowl is preferred. You can also feed your little rodents with the occasional treat. Always give your hamster constant access to fresh and clean water through a water bottle; clean the bottle thoroughly once a week to prevent bacteria and blockages.

Hamster Cage

The bigger the better when it comes to hamster cages; no matter how big or small they are, dwarf hamsters tend to need more room as they are a lot more active. When adopting a dwarf hamster you need to keep them in a cage no smaller than 2 ft as they enjoy running and exploring - also you cannot use wired cages as often as they are small and can squeeze through. Larger hamsters are recommended to have wired cages and despite the size of your hamster it will need to be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. Treat the cage like your home and include various rooms within such as a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living room and your hamster will surely be happy and healthy. Also, provide them with plenty of toys whilst you are away as they can become bored quickly.

Exercise

It is imperative that you allow your hamster to exercise at least once a day by providing them with a hamster ball, wheel or anything similar. Playing with your hamster and having a larger cage allows it to have a lot more exercise, and they should be handled once a day to get used to you. You could even allow your hamster to roam about a hamster safe room once you are confident that they are okay to do so.

Chewing Toys

It is a definite essential that you need some kind of non-toxic chewing toys for your hamsters to use as their teeth constantly grow like other rodents. In order to keep their teeth at a safe length these chewing toys are a must.

Looking after a hamster is not an extremely hard task but you need to be dedicated; if you do not think you have enough time, space or dedication then these are not the pet for you. These are very friendly pets and are perfect for a child's first pet as they are easier to look after - but make sure that children are supervised

Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matters of pets and their well-being and aims to provide information to people who share the same interests as her own. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Take a look at some of the hamster supplies from Millbry Hill.

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Housing Your Rabbit Correctly

Rabbits are fantastic pets, they are friendly, playful, curious and content to play with their owners and are more than happy to be held and stroked. With the correct diet, care and handling you and you rabbit can lead a long and happy life together. So here are a few important things you need to know in order to enjoy your experience of being a rabbit owner.

Rabbits love to socialise, therefore it's better to have more than one, and they should be of similar size to prevent bullying. Rabbits from the same litter are ideal because they will get on well, its important to remember to get your rabbit neutered, to prevent any unwanted births. Un-related females may just tolerate each other if they are given their own space, but still may fight. Un-related males will certainly not get along, and could potentially inflict some nasty injuries onto each other.

The best idea is to pair a neutered male with a neutered female, but not all rabbits will be friendly to one another, so it may be a good idea to ask your vet what would be the best way of introducing them correctly.

You should never keep rabbits with guinea pigs or chinchillas. They have completely different housing and food needs and may fight with each other.

Homing your rabbit
Whether your rabbits are living indoors or outdoors, a hutch with a run permanently attached is perfect for your rabbit. Think of the hutch as its bedroom, the rabbit is going to want to play and explore, so they should have access to the run at all times so they can choose whether they want to be inside or outside as they wish.

The hutch should be high enough for your rabbit to stand on their back legs, and to stretch out fully, they should have enough floor space to do at least three to four hops in every direction. It goes without saying that the more rabbits you have the bigger the hutch will need to be. It's important that they have their own toilet and eating areas, and a place where they can go to be alone, as everyone enjoys their own privacy.

You should line the floor with newspaper and then cover the newspaper with bedding such as straw or dust free wood chippings this absorb the urine and keeps the hutch warm and comfortable. Hutches should always be dry, well-ventilated and kept cool. Heat can be fatal so if you're keeping your rabbit indoors then avoid placing the cage next to a radiator. If you're keeping yours outside avoid direct sunlight, and when it gets colder add extra bedding into their hutch and move into a garage.

Cleaning
It's important to keep your rabbit's hutch clean, they can leave scent markings and if they are removed it may cause the rabbit distress. Bedding should be changed every two or three days, so always leave a small patch in the corner so the hutch smells familiar.

House Rabbits
If you're housing your rabbit indoors it's important to consider the surroundings. The house needs to be 'rabbit proofed'. Wires are very appealing so it may be an idea to duct the metal wires so they're covered up. Also, laminate or wooden floors can cause your rabbits to slip potentially injuring their lower backs. So be wary.

Outdoor Rabbits
It's important to 'predator proof' the area in which they're living. The fear of predators like rats, dogs, foxes and birds can cause distress, so it's important to minimise this potential for example, cover your hutch on a night time so your rabbit can't see outside if any predators do enter your garden on a night. You should also make sure your garden is free of poisonous plants that your rabbit may be tempted to nibble on.

Burgess Pet Care introduce the Excel Feeding Plan, which is a step by step guide on what is good for your rabbit, for a great range of premium quality Rabbit Food. Visit http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk for more information today.

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Vigilance Against Lost-Pet Con-Artists

When an owner loses their pet they will do everything in their power to try and get their beloved friend back home safely. A big part of this includes promoting the fact that the pet is missing through mediums such as 'missing' posters, social media sites (Twitter and Facebook) and by raising awareness from door-to-door with the local people of the area. This active and open promotion of the missing pet inadvertently alerts heartless people whose only aim is to make some money as quick as possible.

Owners who have lost their pet will usually be offering a reward for the safe return of their companion. A common fraudulent tactic used by miscreants is what is known as the 'pay-first' method. The person will phone or email the owner saying that they have their pet and then will ask to be given the reward first before the pet is returned. If the owner refuses then the wrongdoer may threaten to harm the pet in order to get the fragile owners to pay; this is essentially demanding a ransom and so is a serious offence.

Another way in which deceitful people will try to get money is by suggesting that they have found the pet in another city. They will ask the owner to send them money for a plane or train ticket so that the pet can be sent home safely. There are many excuses that these callous people use for finding a lost pet in another part of the country. A common way of fooling vulnerable pet owners is to pretend to have a job role that includes a lot of travel, such as a long-distance truck driver or a member of the cabin crew of a plane.

Of course, many fraudulent people work together to make sure that they can achieve their desired result of getting money. Fabricating the supposed find of a lost pet is no different and sometimes two people will both be in on the act in order to confuse and exploit the brittle mind-set of the owner. A common 'joint-venture' involves the first of a pair ringing the owner of the lost pet and suggesting that they have the animal. After they have spoken to the owner enough to get information about the pet, they will then apologise saying that it isn't the right pet. Shortly after the accomplice will phone the owner with all the correct details given to them from their partner.

Whilst many of these scams may seem easy to spot and not be duped by, it is important to remember that pet owners who have lost their animal will not be thinking straight and so such fabrications are easy to fall for.

Head to our website to see our fantastic range of pet insurance policies. For every quote we make online we'll donate 50p to an animal charity with the goal of donating a million pound to animal charities by the end of 2012. Keep up to date with all things Animal Friends related on our Feel Good Park Facebook page. For every 'like' we receive we'll donate

Feeding Your Guinea Pig a Fibre Rich Diet

Guinea Pigs make delightful pets and are a popular choice, especially for families with growing children. They have an inquisitive nature and are incredibly active but they also have a complex digestive system which means the owner needs to pay careful attention to their pet's diet.

Think of your guinea pig as a "Fibrevore". A fibrevore requires a diet that is high in fibre and this is because their digestive system needs to be kept moving constantly. Your piggie requires two different types of fibre in his daily diet so it is your responsibility to provide this.

Indigestible Fibre

Indigestible fibre passes through your piggie's system and is eventually excreted as a hard, circular dropping. Keep an eye on your pet's droppings because any change in shape or texture could suggest illness.

Digestible Fibre

Digestible fibre is perhaps something many guinea pig owners realise their pets need. Digestible fibre passes through the system as is excreted (usually at night) as a clump of soft, sticky dropping. These droppings are known as "caecotrophs". The guinea pig then eats these clumps and they pass through the digestive system for a second time. As they pass through the second time the essential nutrients are extracted by the body. You should therefore try looking for your pet's caecotrophs and don't be alarmed if you spot him eating them!

Pet food manufacturers work hard to try and convince you that their guinea pig food is the best for your pet but you need to buy with caution. Because of his complex digestion your piggie will benefit from a varied diet, the bulk of which should be made from hay or barn dried grass. Therefore look to feed a combination of hay, nuggets and fresh greens. Avoid sugary foods like muesli; these foods offer no real nutritional value at all and will just encourage selective eating.

In the wild a guinea pig would enjoy foraging for food and you can help him mimic this by hiding treats inside his hay or even stuffing hay into a willow ball or toilet roll tube. Foraging is good for his emotional wellbeing as it helps to prevent boredom.

Whenever possible you should offer your guinea pig lots of free range time in the garden. He will benefit from the space in which to exercise, run, play and "popcorn" (jump with excitement) and he will also enjoy having a good old munch on the fresh grass.

A guinea pig can live to around eight years old with the right diet, housing and care and there is no reason why your small, furry friend cannot live a long and happy life.

Burgess Excel is the UK's Number One Vet Approved Guinea Pig Food. To find out more or to buy online visit Burgess Pet Care today.

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Pet Odor Air Cleaners - 5 Features To Avoid

ByDebbie Davis

Pet urine odor can be daunting to get eliminate, but it can happen if you choose an air purifier equipped to remove the smell. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid so you can be assured of bringing home a cleaner that will be effective.

Carbonless Unit---Carbon is well known for its ability to remove gaseous pollutants such as odors. So choosing a cleaner that does not contain this type of filter is not a good idea. Carbon doesn't really care how or why the odors are there; it's just very effective at removing them.

Choosing a filter with activated carbon zeolite helps insure that your cleaner will be effective at removing odors from your pets as well as other more normal household pollutants.

No Additive For Urine---Let's face it, sometimes pets make mistakes. And there is nothing more breath-taking (and not in a good way) than urine smell. As effective as carbon is, even it needs an additive to help with the component that gives urine such a stench - ammonia.

Choose a unit that has an additive that increases the carbon's ability to absorb ammonia. This is crucial for effective removal of urine odor. The combination of carbon and the additive make it a winning combination for eliminating urine smell.

High Maintenance Filter---Always having to change, recharge, wash, or go inside the unit to do anything stops the filtration. Depending on how involved the cleaning process is, it can cause the urine odor to make the air smell bad again.

A filter that requires very little maintenance is a better choice because it gives you more time to spend with your pet. And being able to let the cleaner filter the air 24 hours a day means cleaner smelling air all the time.

Risky Technology---Both ozone and ionizers remain controversial about the risks that they pose to animals and humans. There is also debate about how effective they are at producing cleaner air.

Why risk the well-being of you, your family, or your pet? The healthiest choice is a purifier whose only by-product is fresh air.

Restrictive Placement---There are some air cleaners that can only function well if they are placed in a very central part of the room or area that needs to be cleaned. This can be a real problem.

Having to place a unit in the middle of the floor exposes the cord to your pet more than if it could be placed nearer to a wall and more towards the sidelines of the area.

Selecting a unit that has 360 degree intake of air can allow you to place the unit as close as 6 inches to any surface and still work effectively.

PurerAir.com offers the Pet Machine Air Purifier that is specifically designed to remove urine smell. See it now at http://purerair.com/austin_air_pet_machine.html

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Luxury Pet Supplies That Are and Are Not Worth the Price

From a one hundred and forty dollar wedding dress for dogs that is sold online to a ten thousand pound deluxe rabbit hutch that one Norfolk based owner made for his pets, the lengths that some people go to, to keep their beloved pets happy is starting to entering the realms of the ridiculous. But whilst forking out for your dog to tie the knot with the puppy next door is really not going to improve the life of your pet in any way, there are some luxury pet supplies that do have benefits for their health, happiness and wellbeing.

Every pet owner wants the best for their pet, be it a dog, a cat or something more exotic. Many people come to see their pets as family members and will buy them the best possible goods that they can afford. However when it comes to pet supplies, simply buying the most expensive option every time can lead to a lot of money wasted, which is money that could otherwise be spent on the little luxuries that actually do make a difference to the life of your pet.

Feeding time is a prime example. Your cat or dog really does not care if it is eating from a bowl made out of plastic or hand crafted from diamond encrusted gold. In fact, your pet probably has not even noticed the difference. They just want the food that is inside so do not splash out on a luxury bowl if it means you can only afford to fill it with cut price food.

Pet food is one area where your pet will really reap the benefits of you spending a little bit extra. Just as with humans, pets need to eat a balanced and healthy diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals to ensure long term health. Penny pinching on cat and dog food now can lead to very serious illnesses such as arthritis in the future that, if diagnosed too late, no amount of money will be able to cure. Opt for high quality, brands that offer natural ingredients and use dry foods only as treats or a side dish, never as the main diet.

Recently, the popularity of dog coats and other pet clothing has skyrocketed but whilst you may think Felix looks great in his new tweed jacket the truth is that it probably does not provide any more warmth than a cheaper coat and your pet certainly will not treat it more carefully. Animals have a thick coating of fur that keeps them warm and are usually more than happy to venture outside in cold weather without a coat. However if you are particularly worried about keeping your pet warm, for example if it is quite an old dog or it is ill, buy the coat with the thickest padding, not the one with the glitziest trim.

Furniture is another of the many pet supplies where owners are faced with options ranging from bargain to blowout. It is well known that dogs and cats love to scratch at and rip up furniture, unless you are happy to see that velvet dog sofa you spent your whole pay cheque on with a lovely big tear in the side after three months, it is wiser to stick to standard options. However, orthopaedic furniture such as memory foam beds cost more than your average dog or cat basket, but has been specifically designed to alleviate pain and discomfort in pets with arthritis and other joint conditions. They may not look so glamorous but your pet is going to be far more comfortable, happy and healthy, so when it comes to orthopaedic furniture always go for the best that you can buy.

To summarise, there are many pet supplies on the market ranging from the most basic to the downright absurd, but do not be taken in by appearances when it comes to buying luxury cat supplies or overpriced dog supplies. If you really love and want the best for your pet, its health and happiness should be your two main priorities, which means buying products that have some genuine benefit regardless of what they look like. Your cat or dog can tell the difference when you swap from basic to gourmet food, but believe me, they will not even notice that crystal studded collar.

Leah Williams writes for Petmeds. Petmeds are an online retailer of pet supplies from medicines to shampoos. They have cat supplies, dog supplies and many more. Petmeds only dispenses genuine UK licensed drugs and are regulated by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

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How to Clean Dog Pee Out of Rugs

ByNick Stoles

One of the major problems of pet owners is when the beloved pet left something on the carpet or rug. Dog and cat owners are seeking ways on to remove dog pee or cat pee out of their rugs and carpets.

Cat and dog pee leaves a very strong odor which is why it is important to get rid of them quickly. Also, fresh urine is easier to remove than dried and old dog and cat pee. Here's how to remove dog pee and cat pee from the rug.

• If the cat and dog pee is still wet, then dry it first. Drain it using paper towels. Put a lot of paper towels at the top of the area wet by the urine, the paper towels will try to absorb as much as it can.

• Once you have removed the pee, then you have to remove dog pee smell. You can make your own solution that you will be spraying on the affected area. You can use white vinegar solution, by mixing 50% of water and 50% of white vinegar. You can spray the solution on the affected area. You can also use a sponge and squeeze the solution over the area with the urine. The vinegar will act on the ammonia left by the pet urine.

• After applying the solution, you can rinse the rug or carpet by spraying it with water. Use paper towels again to blot or remove the excess water.

• When the area is already free of the smell, then you can dry it already. With clean towels, place it over the area and put some weight on it. This will allow water on the lower portion of the carpet or rug to be completely absorbed by the towel. When it is dry enough, you can run a vacuum over it to completely dry the area.

There are times when the odor or the urine smell won't be removed when you first apply the solution. For old urine, you may have to reapply the solution and rinse it several times before you will be able to get rid of the smell.

You can also find other odor reducing powders and enzymes in the market which you can use. But b whenever you are buying carpet or rug cleaning product, carefully read the label to make sure that it is safe to use in your home. Do some research first on the product to make sure that there are no healthy issues on the use of the product. Alarmingly, there are products whose fumes can affect humans and animals.

Some of the products that can remove dog pee out of rugs and carpet can cause discoloration or fading. You can test the product on a small corner of the rug or carpet to check it will affect the colors of the rug or carpet. Carpets and rugs are different, and your carpet or rug may react differently.

You should also clean the flooring beneath the rug to complete remove dog pee smell. Rinse the floor with a mixture of dish soap and water. Completely dry the floor before laying down the rug again.

Do you know there are more than 5 styles of blue area rugs for you to choose when designing your home? Nick Stoles latest article talks about how to choose these colourful area rugs can give your living room an unique feel.

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Rabbit Owner's Information Guide

ByP Riopel

Rabbit Owner's Guide: Things You May Not Know About Your Rabbit

When we first purchased our bunny, we thought it would be simple to look after him. There is so many things to know...

When you first bring your bunny home, make sure that you place their cage away from other animals, high traffic areas, and drafts. Keep your bunny quiet by placing a blanket over the back of their cage, but at the same time making sure that they are not over heated. Make sure that they have their water, food and a play toy. One example of a play toy would be a simple toilet paper role. They love those!

The first few days only you should pick them up so they will learn to trust you. Research has stated that once a day for handling is enough. In the next week, you can start litter training your bunny by placing a litter pan in their cage with litter made especially for bunnies. Do not buy dusty litter because the dust and fumes will affect your bunny's lungs. If you do not have a litter pan, simply putting shavings on the bottom of the cage is fine. The bunny will keep an area to himself or herself just for doing their business.

Purchase a large water bottle at your favorite Pet Store and keep the container full. Also, while you are at your Pet Store, pick up a salt tablet, as they need the salt to survive. To clean bunnies cage; the best way to get your bunny out of the cage is by putting his or her food outside of the cage and the bunny will come out on his or her own.

If you happen to hear your bunny grunt at you, leave him or her alone; they are letting you know that they feel nervous.

Bunnies like light strokes on their nose and the side of their cheek. If you hear grinding teeth noise, your bunny is purring! You may also notice your pet moving their head to their side; they are letting you know what particular side to touch. As time goes by, you will get to know your bunny well and feel more comfortable knowing what to do.

If you did not know, bunnies sleep with their eyes open or slightly closed in daylight hours. Their ears will slant back if they are content while lying down. When bunnies get nervous, they will lower their body and have their ears facing the noise while getting ready to run. They have very keen hearing, so do not be surprised if they jar away from you. They do not like quick movements or loud noises!

Bunnies are very social, intelligent animals and do learn a lot quicker than a cat and without a cat's usual temperamental attitude. They can learn to do tricks such as, standing on their feet for a treat, jumping through hoops, and eating when you ask them to. Depending on the breed of rabbit, some bunnies like to respond to one owner and other breeds will respond with all members of the family.

There is so much more to learn about your bunny, and the best things to do is, research online and in the meantime, have fun with your new little furry friend.

Pet Health Care Web Site
http://www.pethealthandcare.com/types-of-bunnies.html

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Ear Mites In Dogs And Cats: Top 5 Sure Fire Remedies That Work

If your dog or cat is scratching their ears, you are probably wondering if they have ear mites. In this article I will explain what ear mites are, and how you can diagnose infection in your dog or cat. You will learn about the mite life cycle, how the mites spread, and the most effective holistic remedies to treat your pet's ear mite infection at home.

Ear mites are known as Otodectes cynotis, and they are a relatively common parasite of dogs and cats. Most pets with infected ears do not have mites, so it is important to properly diagnose them before you begin to treat your pet; you don't want to be using ineffective remedies for the wrong condition. Symptoms of ear mites include itching, head shaking, scratching of the ears, but differing from other ear conditions, ear mites produce thick black debris. Most ear mite infections occur in cats.

The entire life cycle of ear mites is within the ear canal; they do not burrow into the ear but stay on the surface. The life cycle of a mite is approximately 3 weeks; the female mites can lay more eggs after 3 weeks to continue the cycle. The mites are very contagious and easily spread from animal to animal through direct contact.

The easiest treatment is to visit your veterinarian and get a topical conventional anti-parasitic medication. I have found Revolution (Selamectin) to be very effective; it is applied topically between the shoulder blades, and lasts for one month. Other conventional medications that work include Acarexx, (topical ivermectin), and Milbemite, (topical milbemycin oxime).

Clean your pet's ears with healing oils. I advise to start with this if the ears are especially painful. A simple recipe is 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil combined with 1 capsule of Vitamin E. Place this into the ear, leave it to soak for 5 minutes, then firmly rub the bottom of the ear and remove the debris with a cotton swab.

Another cleaning option is to use vinegar, but avoid this if the ears are very red and open wounds are present. You can dilute with water in mixture of 50:50, and squirt approximately 1 teaspoon into each ear. Put your hand around the base of the ear, and while holding your forefinger and thumb together, deeply massage the solution into the ears. After performing this, wipe out the excess solution, and black debris with cotton swabs. You can do this daily for 7 days, stop for 7 days, then again repeat.

Garlic and Olive oil in combination have been used to treat ear mites. Soak a crushed clove overnight in warm olive oil. Throw away the garlic clove and warm up the oil. Obtain a syringe or dropper, place 5 drops into the ears once every day for 21 days.

Soothing herbs that can also treat ear mites include Aloe and Calendula essential oils. These can be purchased at your local Natural Health store or pharmacy. Place in the ear, and wipe out the black debris. These can be placed in the affected ears once daily for 21 days.

Ear mites are the most common parasitic ear infection in dogs and cats, but they are often mistaken for bacterial and yeast ear infections. It is important that they are properly diagnosed so that your pet is given the appropriate treatment. You can now better diagnose if your pet has ear mites, and have an understanding of the mite life cycle. There are a number of both conventional and holistic remedies for ear mite treatment in dogs and cats, and you can now choose what is most appropriate for your pet.

Dr Andrew Jones is the author of a Free Ebook, Dog and Cat Health Secrets, which gives you over 100 safe, natural and effective at home remedies to solve your pet's health problems quickly and easily at home. He reveals what Vaccines to AVOID and what to give, The BEST food to feed, plus HOW to save money on veterinary fees. Your FREE DOG AND CAT HEALTH SECRETS BOOK is at http://www.theinternetpetvet.com

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Top 5 Winter Dangers to Your Pet and How to Avoid Them

ByDr. Elizabeth Benson

Winter is finally here in full swing. There are dangers that come with winter that can sicken or even kill a beloved pet. Below are the top five tips that can help keep your pet safe during these winter months.

1. Protect your pets against the cold.
Cats and dogs should be brought inside if the weather conditions are extremely cold or snowy. Please stay outside with your furry friend if he or she needs to go outside to eliminate. Frostbite can develop on the feet or on the tips of the ears if your pet becomes too cold. Once you get in, be sure to clean any ice and "snow balls" from your pets coat and feet. Even worse than frostbite, if the temperature is very low, hypothermia could develop. In this situation, the body temperature becomes extremely low and the pet will show signs of depression and weakness. Severe cases can result in death. Under these circumstances he or she should be brought to your regular veterinarian immediately, or to the animal ER if your regular veterinarian is closed.

2. Protect your pet against salt and ice.
When you come in from walking in the cold, be sure to clean the ice and salt from your dog's feet. Dogs can get irritation of their pads when they walk on the ice and salt. Salt especially is very irritating. Be sure to use the "pet safe" salt on your own property. When you are out walking with your pet, your pet is likely to come in contact with salt that is not "pet-safe." When you get home, be sure to clean the ice and salt from your pet's feet. If your pet will tolerate them, consider getting booties to protect against salt and ice.

3. Protect your pets against anti-freeze and other poisons.
At this time of year people often change the anti-freeze in their car. Anti-freeze has a sweet taste that can attract animals, but it is extremely toxic to them and even small amounts can kill them. Symptoms may not show up for a few days. Wipe up spills right away and store anti-freeze and other household chemicals in tightly closed containers and keep them out of reach. If you see your pet lick up any of this, don't wait-get them to the ER immediately.

4. Protect pets from fan belt injuries.
Warm car engines can attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl up under the hood to sleep. Before starting your car in the winter, it's a good idea to bang on the car's hood and honk the horn to scare them away before starting your engine. Do this just in case there's a pet or other animal in there.

5: Protect your pets from dangerous foods.
Valentine's Day is coming up and people often have chocolate around the house. The sugar-free sweetener called xylitol and macadamia nuts may also be in these treats. Both are toxic to pets. Keep items containing chocolate, xylitol or macadamia nuts out of reach. And be sure to keep them in closed containers...dogs have a very keen sense of smell!

Even in the best of circumstances and with due diligence, things can happen and your pet may get into trouble. If you experience any of these dangers, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately.

Resource: Dr. Elizabeth Benson is the founder of Best Friends Veterinary Center in Chicago. For more information and to visit her practice online, go to http://www.bestfriendsvetcenter.com

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Bunny Barns - A Good Home For Your Rabbit?

ByClive S. Dentler

When it comes a time to buy a home for your rabbit, you have lots of options available to you. Bunny barns are one of those options and I believe that they are something you should consider positively. I happen to love bunny barns and I believe that your rabbit will enjoy them too and so would you.

Let's talk about some of the good things about having a bunny barn and whether you should purchase one for your pet.

First of all, a bunny barn is an outdoor home for your rabbit which I approve of, weather permitting. As long as you don't live in a snow covered area, your rabbit will probably fare better outdoors than indoors. Rabbits are outdoor creatures and they like to be able to live in as natural surroundings as possible. If you can house your rabbit in your yard and provide it with a safe home away from predators, this is probably best.

Second, a rabbit barn is often quite spacious. Many of them are multi-level and give you rabbit a lot of space to move about in. This is crucial for the mental and physical happiness of your pet. You want your rabbit to be able to get the exercise it needs. Otherwise, it may grow weak and sick. Also, its happiness and spirit are dependent on how free it feels, so you want to give it as much freedom and movement as possible.

Third, I enjoy looking at rabbit barns. They're cute, nice to watch, and blend quite well in a yard or a farm. I love the wooden texture and the overall shape of the barn and they are something which your neighbors will likely compliment you for.

Make sure to buy a sturdy home for your rabbit and as big as you can fit in your yard and can afford to pay for. Remember that you may wish to grow your litter and have more pets in the future. Also, make sure that the barn offers protection from rain and that you place it correctly to allow freedom of movement and security for your pet. A bunny barn should also be easy to clean so make sure it has all the features it needs to have.

Overall, I believe that you can do no wrong with a bunny barn. It is a beautiful home for your rabbit. Enjoy it.

I hope that you find the right bunny barn for your pet. For more rabbit raising tips visit Cheap Rabbit Hutches For Sale
Clive Dentler is an animal lover and writes about animal care.

Choosing a Pet - How To Decide on the Right Pet For Your Family

Choosing the Right Food for Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are adorable social small animals and owning one can be fun, but at the same time they create huge responsibility requirements. Like rabbits, their teeth grow continuously through their lifetime and therefore they have a constant urge to gnaw at objects with wooden surfaces. Guinea pigs also require balanced diets, enriched with their daily nutrient requirements.

Speak to your vet or pet food retailer about a feeding plan formulated to ensure that your piggie receives all the dietary requirements needed to maintain a proper digestive system, dental health and social relations. Seek out a manufacturer that provides a variety of food products, formulated to satisfy the requirements needed for guinea pigs to achieve physical growth.

One of the leading guinea pig food products offered in the UK is contains a Herbage and Forage meal plan, which contains vital nutrients needed to maintain good dental health. The company offers several Herbage brands such including Herbage with dandelion and marigold, Herbage with chamomile and Herbage with birch bark so your pet can be offered variety at each feeding time. The dust is extracted from these products before packaging, to avoid causing respiratory problems to your pet.

Nuggets can also be offered to add variety to your pet's meals but make sure that it is fibre rich and not muesli based because this is packed full of sugar. Look for nuggets that contain added vitamins, prebiotics and minerals which help to maintain a healthy coat, eyes and skin.

Fresh greens are also ideally fed to these small pets, because they provide required nutrients and also provide a dietary variety for your pet. Wash the greens thoroughly, to avoid causing problematic digestive problems. Spinach, broccoli, carrot tops and tomatoes are great sources of greens fed to guinea pigs. Some greens to avoid include tomato leaves, rhubarbs potato and potato tops.

Water forms an essential part in a guinea pigs everyday life; these small animals can be rather clumsy and they can scatter their waste all over and therefore, the chances of water contamination are high. Ensure that you check your pet's water trough about 3 times daily and regularly clean the water trough. If possible, use heavy water containers that cannot be toppled over or suspend the containers above ground level.

Your pet's health depends on you and as a responsible guinea pig owner you need to understand his dietary requirements and feed him a fibre rich diet that will promote a long and healthy life.

Burgess Excel is the UK's Number One Vet Approved Guinea Pig Food. Visit Burgess Pet Care to find out more or to buy online.

Why Timothy Hay Is Good for Your Rabbit

Hay is an essential dietary requirement for small pets, because it provides the required roughage and prevents pets from forming hairballs and other blockages in their digestive tracts. Timothy hay is an ideal hay-based meal product for pets, and it provides high fiber levels. Several animal experts have endorsed the product and they recommend that it should be incorporated into the dietary plan of small pets, because it eases digestion and promotes bowel movement.

When hay is fed to pets, their fibrous nature eases digestive movements and therefore digestive discomforts are rarely experienced by pets which feed on the product. Timothy hay is the best choice for small pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas because it provides a number of dietary benefits. The hay-based meal offers the fiber required, catering for the dietary needs of small pets and providing something tough to chew on.

Timothy hay has a high stem to leaf ratio; this mean that it offers an adequate level of roughage for your pet, increasing wearing of your pet's teeth. The wearing process is enhanced by the pet's constant grinding of its teeth sideways. Since your pet's teeth are constantly growing, the hay also helps to maintain the pet's oral hygiene by cleaning its teeth. Timothy grass also has less dust making it easier to handle, especially for pet owners who suffer from respiratory problems.

The hay has a fresh fragrance that is irresistible to herbivores, making it ideal for small pets, particularly for picky eaters. Once timothy grass is dried it is compressed into bales and stored, overtime the hay acquires an appealing distinct fragrance. The hay is ideally fed to small animals to enhance their growth process and growing pets to boost their energy levels as well as enhancing their dental hygiene.

This kind of hay is also because of the health advantages it provides; the hay is low in calcium content which is a great for animals such as rabbits that are susceptible to bladder stones and crystallization of urine. These condition cause discomfort to small pets and they may greatly reduce the lifespan of these animals.

Once dried up and stored, Timothy hay can last up to one year due to its moisture laden content. It is therefore recommended that the hay should be dried before storage, so that it can stay fresh for longer. Timothy hay is readily available, and it can be acquired from several hay producers as well as online.

Burgess Excel is made from quality Timothy Hay. Find out about the UK's Number 1 Vet Recommended feeding plan for rabbits when you visit The Excel Feeding Plan today.

The Presidents Pets

ByBecky O'Neil

This February as we prepare to honor and remember all of our Presidents, past and current, we should also remember their furry family members who inhabited that big white house in Washington, DC. The White House has been home to many First Pets over the years. While the majority of these pets have consisted of dogs, the White House has also housed more unconventional pets such as alligators and hippos and also several farm animals.

Some of the President's that have had pets in the Oval Office in Washington, DC over the past 50 years include:

John F. Kennedy: President Kennedy and his family seem to win the award for the most pets to reside in the White House. They had animals ranging from hamsters to birds, from horses to cats, and from dogs to rabbits! I am sure President Kennedy wishes he had pet sitting services available to him during his presidency.

Lyndon B. Johnson: President Johnson had five dogs during his time in Washington, DC, three of which were Beagles. He also had hamsters and lovebirds, as well.

Richard Nixon: President Nixon had three dogs during his stay at the White House. Their names were Vicki, a poodle, Pasha, and Terrier, and King Timahoe, an Irish Setter.

Gerald Ford: President Ford had a Siamese cat named Shan, and two Golden Retrievers named Liberty and Misty. Misty, Liberty's puppy, was actually born in the White House!

Jimmy Carter: President Carter's animals seem to be for his daughter Amy. Amy had a Siamese cat named misty Malarky Ying Yang. I wonder how old Amy was when she named this cat. President Carter had built-in pet sitting services through Amy, lucky him! The Carter's also had an Afghan Hound named Lewis Brown.

Ronald Reagan: The First Pet during President Reagan's term was named Rex, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. President Reagan also had several other dogs of various breeds.

George H. W. Bush: During the first President Bush's presidential reign, First Pet Millie, a Springer Spaniel, ruled the White House.

Bill Clinton: There were two First Pets while the Clintons lived in the White House. Chelsea Clinton had a cat named Socks, and President Clinton had to chocolate Lab named Buddy.

George W. Bush: The Bush family also had several pets during their stay in Washington, DC. First Pet Barney, a Scottish Terrier, lived in the White House, while some of the other family pets resided at the Bush Ranch in Texas.

Barack Obama: Current President, Barack Obama, only has one pet living in the White House with his family. Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, is the current First Pet of the United States.

As you can see, pets are no strangers to the White House. The White House needs on-site pet sitting services available to the President and their families! It is nice to see that we have had so many animal loving Presidents throughout history. Not only have so many President's had a pet as part of their family; some of their pets have played a role in past Presidential campaigns. While we have grown to love many of our President's we have also grown to know and love their pets.

Becky O'Neil is a pet expert and owner of Becky's Pet Care a professional dog walker and pet sitting services provider in the Washington DC area.