Did you know that 80% of dog and cat owners have major misconceptions when it comes to their pet’s food? Pet food has been around a long time: it has a life, history, and fascinating bits of trivia that may surprise you.

Over 150 Years of Nutritional Evolution

Commercial pet food has been around since 1860 when a guy named James Spratt from Ohio created a biscuit type dog food by carefully compounding a preparation of wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot, and meat to feed dogs on ships going between America and Europe. That’s over 150 years of nutritional evolution to help make your pet’s life better.

Your Pet Food Stinks

When it comes to dog food it’s not about taste. Humans have a strong sense of taste with around 9,000 taste buds compared to a dog’s average of about 1700 taste buds and cats with an average of about 470 taste buds, so it’s common for us humans to have the misconception that our pets feel the same way about the taste of what they are eating. Not so. With our furry family it’s more about the smell, than the taste when it comes to grub. Dogs have about 125 million sensory cells in their noses, as opposed to us humans with our 5 to 10 million, so when your dog loves a food it’s not the flavor so much as the smell that gets that tail wagging or that kitten purring.

Gotta Keep It Fresh Yo’

Ever notice how excited your dogs and cats get when you open a fresh bag of food? Do they seem to lose interest over time? As foods age they lose their delicious aroma, so it’s important to keep your pet’s food fresh and smelling its best. The average dry dog or cat food is at its peak for about a month after you crack that bag open, so be sure to keep the bag closed tight, or in a container with a proper lid to seal in that new food smell.

Starches Rock Your Kibble

Grain free does not mean starch free. Sometimes people get these two confused. Starchy vegetables like peas and garbanzo beans are important to dog and cat food because of their nutritional value and they help to bond the food together into those lovely little kibble shapes that are easy to scoop into a bowl and cats and dogs love to eat.

Highest Trending Pet Food Faux “Paw”

The most commonly made pet food mistake is overfeeding. Pudgy pets may look cute but it’s not good for them. More than half of our pet dogs and cats are overweight and that can lead to all sorts of health problems. Healthy weight can be supported by proper measurements and avoiding too many treats or human foods.

Do you have any questions about your pet’s food? Leave them in the comments below and we may answer your question in a future post.

Fall is one of the favorite seasons for furry pals due to its crisp air, colorful foliage and sweet aroma of the seasonal plants lingering in the environment. Though the season is welcoming, it has potential health hazards for your furry pals, about which you may not be knowing. It is essential to learn about these dangers and protect your pet from the unconditional situations.

Let us look into some of the major things that you need to take care of in Fall.

Less Hours Of Daylight

Shorter days mean fewer hours of daylight and we have to cut-short some of our day activities when visibility is poor. Dog owners have to take their furry pal on walks either during the dusk or dawn. This brings in the added risks of accidents due to low visibility.

During winters, when taking your furry pals on walks in the darkness of early morning or evening, it is crucial to be careful of your pet. Reduced light means it is challenging for drivers to see animals, which may lead to accidents at times. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close observation on your pooch on a walk and control by having a leash and collar or chest harness. Make him wear reflective collars as well as a tag with a microchip for a safe return in case of missing incident.

Leaves – A Catastrophe to Handle

It’s a pleasure to just move around and listen to that rumbling sound coming out of the dried leaves. Dogs love to run about the foliage and have fun time. But the furry animals are not aware of the danger of this debris. These dried leaves are the source of toxicity if your fur pal lick any substance from the ground or their paws.

There may be fleas, ticks as well as bacteria and mold growth on these leaves. And, if your pet ingests any of these micro-organisms, it would be creating dangerous condition including vomiting, diarrhea, sickness or even tapeworm infection.

It is better to remove the foliage and cut short the dried grass in the lawn to keep away those nasty parasites. Moreover, ensure that your pet remains indoors, separate from the yard work.

Plants and Mushrooms

Mushrooms and other toxic plants are seasonal plants of the Fall and they are wildly found during this time. Your furry pal may succumb to toxicity if any of the part – leaves, stem or flower, any of these is ingested by them. Mushrooms are wildly found in yards. Though most of the wild mushrooms are non-toxic, there are a few which are highly toxic, and when ingested cause challenging situations.

Therefore, try to remove any unwanted plants and mushrooms from your yard and avoid your pet from moving around in the yard until you remove it.

Fatality due to Rodenticides

Falling temperatures drive rodents out of their shell in search of shelter for cold into your homes. People mostly use rodenticides to kill these creatures and keep them away from their homes. However, at times your dog or cat are likely to feast on these chemicals, and may encounter grave danger. Rodenticides cause critical conditions like hemorrhages, uncontrolled bleeding, and blood in vomit.

If you suspect that your cat or a dog has ingested rodenticides and find any toxicities, immediately contact your vet or poison emergency center for immediate help.

Before your dog or a cat fall to any of the dangers of the season fall, ensure all the care and take precautions to avoid any unfaithful circumstances.

A family with a lot of furry members is really a heavenly abode with lots of enjoyment every day. However, with it comes – greater responsibilities, as the pet family requires lot of care and efforts to keep them all fit and fine, maintaining their overall wellbeing. Whether you have to take care of two kitties or a pack of four dogs or a whole farm, you need to take care of each vital thing ranging from food, preventive medications, and litter boxes to beds and toys.

Here are a few tips that fully aid you in organizing your day to day activities for taking care of multiple pets. Following the tips, you can definitely have time for yourself along with having a quality playtime with your furry pal.

Arrange for Multiple Beds

Having multiple pets in your home means a special place to provide all for a nap. Get beds for each and every pet in your home. Multiple bed will discourage pets from laying or bouncing on sofas.

Protect Furniture

It is crucial to cover your furniture. Tiny dog or cat hairs are more likely to get easily stick to the furniture. Cover them with fleece blankets and throws on tables, chairs and couches to keep pet hair to minimum. Additionally, when it comes to your car, it’s good to cover the seat in order to keep that mud away in case your dog must have brought it from the dog park.

Keep Food in Air-Sealed Containers

Different pets mean different requirements of various kinds of foods. To easily recognize the food, it is better to label the plastic bins for different food types. Ensure to store them in a pantry or in a kitchen counter shelf. Keep it away from damp place and check that it is not accessible to your furry pal or either to your children. Ensure that you keep the feeding place well organized and mess free. To avoid fights among your pets, maintain a feeding schedule.

Separate Feeding Locations

You are wrong if you are thinking that there is no need for separate feeding locations for your multiple pets. It is to avoid food hostility as dogs and cats are quite territorial so try to feed pets in different rooms. Some pets may go along well, but if it seems there is some tension, then it is better feed them at separate places. This helps to avoid unwanted accidents.

Keep A Folder for Pet Records

Don’t mess your pets’ medical records. Organize different pets’ health records including vet visits, adoption papers, vaccination cards, microchip registration, licenses and pet insurance policies in different folders for various pets. It would be quite helpful in case of any emergency.

Provide Litter Box for Each Cat

Cats are inclined too much towards cleanliness. They are too picky about clean litter boxes. Provide each of your cat a separate litter box, which they are sure to appreciate. If you want them all to use litter box, then it is better to provide them each a separate one.

Stock Up First Aid Kit

Always have your pet’s first aid kit in handy. With so many pets in the house, there can be accidents at some times. Providing them first aid will largely cut on the vet bills. The important things that your pet’s first aid box should include are Gauze of various sizes; scissors; first-aid tape; wound disinfectant; antibiotic ointment; eye wash solution; hydrogen peroxide; cotton balls or swabs; cortisone spray or cream; thermometer.

Parasitic Preventive Treatments

A home with multiple pets mean that there is a huge probability of spreading disease due to fleas, ticks or worms from one animal to another. Missing treatment of flea and tick infestation or heartworm preventive for a few of them is of no use as gradually they too will be infected by the infected animals, and the cycle of recurring infestation will continue. Treating all the pets in the household will deploy the occurrence of parasitic infestations.

Multiple pets mean taking various responsibilities and providing the best care. Always keep a stock of essential medications including preventive treatments along with proper food and nutritional supplements. This ensures a great health and happiness for your big family of humans and four-legged companions.

Pets Are Constant Companion

Your child is bound to get bored and lonely. This happens most when you are raising a single child. However, having a pet around helps your child to have a constant companion in the house.

Pets also can match the energy and excitement level of a child. A human adult can never match the energy and enthusiasm a pet, in the form of a dog, has. The pet can keep your child busy and engaged. It can be your child’s constant playmate without getting bored.

Increase Your Child’s Activity Level

In the era of smart-phones and tabloids there are chances that your child might become less active. However, a recent study has shown that the kids, who own a dog, exercise eleven minutes more on average, than non-dog owning kids.

Eleven minutes might sound quite less but also when you add up the figure in terms of weeks and month you realize the benefits. A pet in the form of a dog really helps your child to walk the extra mile and keep him/her active.

Grows Responsibility

Children with pets become more responsible than the others. It keeps them alert whether the dog or the cat got their share of food or water. They also tend to share more than the other kids.

The kids learn to be accountable of someone else. In that way they grow up to be more responsible adults. They learn fast that how the pets are dependent on the human beings and from that understanding, the attachment develops.

Makes them Empathetic

Pets also teach your children to become empathetic and kind towards others. Kids without any kind of pets tend to become cruel or repulsive towards other animals. However, kids having pets like dogs or cats tend to care more for others.

The responsibilities of owning a pet makes them accountable and their self-esteem also increases. They grow-up to be dependable adults than kids who don’t own a pet. By keeping in mind their pet’s feeding and grooming routines, they also learn to keep track of their own routines.

Makes them Healthier

Studies have shown that there are also certain health benefits of having pets. Babies who are being raised near pets tend to fall less sick than the babies who are not. Pets, especially dogs, carry certain microbes from outside into your home. These microbes tend to help your baby by improving their immunity.

Interaction with pets also helps in releasing the dopamine hormone in your child. This makes them more cheerful than the others.

Holly Gough is a life long owner of pets, from Dogs, Cats, Pony’s and Birds to name a few. You name it Holly has grown up with them, from rescue pets to special breeds, Holly has a wide range of experience with animals. She also helps run a website were they sell a wide variety of training tools, fun agility kits [http://www.petproductspro.com/Agility-Training-s/166.htm] for great inter action between kids and their best fury buddy, or just simply toys for fun interaction. Why not visit the site today [http://www.petproductspro.com] have a browse around, great prices and always free shipping!

Pets drop their hairs constantly and they shed out everywhere in the house. These small hairs can be very annoying when they go deep into clothing, couches, carpet and furniture. It is not just unpleasant in appearance, pet hairs are actually one of the sources of various kind of respiratory allergies. They have awful impact to the respiratory system especially for young kids.

Here are some easy methods to remove the hairs of your pets on furniture and clothing.

Vacuum Cleaner

This is the most effective and handy technique. A suitable vacuum cleaner can cover and clean up a large piece of area. Using vacuum cleaner is in particular good for carpet, blinds and large couch. Many vacuum companies have come out with attachments to help suck up pet hairs from difficult areas such as carpet. You may use two special attachments to deal with larger flat surface e.g. carpet and then a sucking tube on gaps and hanging pieces such as curtain.

Rollers or Tape

This is probably the cheapest, simplest and yet effective method. It works exceptionally well for removing pet hairs from clothing where there is an uneven surface. Simply move the roller back and forth over the problem areas until all hairs have been picked up. Remember to peel off the piece when it is fully covered with hair. Then a fresh sticky piece will appear to work again.

Similar technique applies when you use packaging tape, duck tape or scotch tape. Wrap you hand with the non-sticky side toward your hand and the adhesive side face out. Brush your hand over the desired area and pick up the hairs thoroughly. However rollers and tape method may not work so well for larger piece of furniture like sofa and carpet. It can be a tiring job if you do so.

Lint Brush

Have you try to use a lint brush to remove the lint on your wool and woven jackets? They can be used in picking up pet hairs from your furniture as well. The key is to pull the brush in one single direction only. Do not move your brush back and forth. The reversal of direction will make the hair re-deposit onto the clothes again. Use lint brush on small furniture items such as chair and couches are good. However it is difficult to use between small gaps because of the flat surface of the lint brush. So you have to redo with a tape or vacuum cleaner to work deep inside small areas.

With all these methods to clean off pet hairs, the basic is that you can avoid the dropping of pet hairs. This depends on your training of the pets so they will not run around inside the house and shed hairs everywhere. Also regular hair combing helps to reduce the hairs from losing out.

Health is wealth

The current health of your cat or dog often determines his or her overall health in the long run. The sooner you ascertain the health of your pet, the easier it will be for you to predict what your pet might face in the future, health wise.

Declining health maybe of natural causes or accidents. Whatever the cause, you should be prepared beforehand just in case the unthinkable happens.

A tiny droplet does amount to something

Over time your pet becomes an integral part of the family that goes without saying and sometimes your best friend as well; money stowed away now will come in handy for their future. You just pay a premium amounting to a few notes out of your pocket each month which will benefit you and your pet in the long run. So, the next time you see the long bill and it is almost always a long one, you won’t be left floundering.

Costs for pet healthcare are on the rise

Technology is becoming better as time lapses, which is why healthcare services for your four pawed companion is becoming expensive. Besides this, some machines often require specially trained staff to operate them and it is you the pet owner who bears the brunt of this additional cost. So, it is always wise to apply for insurance beforehand.

How insurance helps you and your pet

The expenses incurred for obtaining healthcare expenses at one go can be a source of anxiety for some; you might not have money in hand right at that moment. In some cases insurance might be mandatory if the breed you own is the fragile kind; your vet might recommend one for your pet, if he doesn’t you can always discuss it with him.

Tackling emergencies made easier

Times of crisis seldom come knocking. It’s better to opt for insurance at the earliest so you are saved that frustrating moment of nail biting when the digits on the bill stare coldly at your face.

What should you do?

Consider doing some researching on your own to make sure you’ve got the right insurance plan for your cat or dog, else your pet’s vet is a good advisor. Also, everything ought to be clearly spelled out by the insurance provider; from what the insurance covers and the limitations of the insurance. In that manner you will be spared any last minute surprises when you are need.

Intuition Is Part of Animal Communication.

Intuition often appears as a feeling or knowing or an awareness about something.

Many people receive telepathically from animals in this way, but may not recognize it as true Animal Communication.

Often humans expect and desire to receive communication from animals in words, or even pictures.

But there is no one “right” way to experience Animal Communication.

When first learning to communication telepathically, you will be more successful if you start out where you already are.

In other words, when you receive messages intuitively and accept that, “this is how I receive telepathic information right now,” you will open yourself to receive and expand your telepathic ability with animals from there.

In contrast, if you say, “No, I don’t want to receive telepathically that way. I want to do it another way,” you’re creating a barrier of energy that will block your receptivity to messages from animals.

To strengthen your intuitive receptivity, follow through on your intuitive insights.

This provides a feedback loop that will help you expand your intuitive receptivity.

For example, if you sense your animal may be feeling sad, say something to the animal, such as ‘I’m wondering if you’re feeling sad.”

Watch how your animal responds to your verbal statement. You may notice physical signals that acknowledge your statement, such as a sigh, or closing of the eyes, for example. The response can be many different things, so just notice… notice… notice.

If you sense that there’s something wrong with your animal that requires veterinary help, don’t wait for symptoms. Go to a veterinarian that you trust and have them check out the animal.

You be surprised how this can save the animal’s life. And even if the veterinarian finds nothing wrong, the feedback will help you strengthen your intuitive abilities.

By working with your telepathic abilities at whatever level they are, you will soon find them expanding.

Your animals will appreciate knowing that you’re making an effort to communicate with them in their natural language: telepathic animal communication.

You’ll also find that increased intuitive ability can be a powerful tool in other areas of your life, such as when making decisions about jobs, where to live, or even whether to trust someone.

If intuition is your primary way of receiving animal communication, accept it with joy and work with it. The benefits will be great, and you’ll soon find yourself receiving telepathically from animals in other ways.

The breeding stock should be selected when they reach 4 to 5 months of age. The breeder should be selected from the largest litter. In males, it is very essential to see the presence of two testicles in the scrotum as testicles descend down from the body cavity at 12 weeks of age.

1. Extensive type of reproduction:-

Weaning here practiced is 5 to 6 weeks and re-breeding soon after weaning. Does are therefore mated once every 2.5 months. This is the best suited for tropical countries like India.

2. Semi intensive reproduction

Weaning is practised at 4-5 weeks of age. Breeding is practised after 10-20 days after kindling.

3. Intensive reproduction

Weaning is at 4 weeks of age. Mating is done immediately after kindling. Usually this practise is followed in western countries.

Always females should be put to the pen of male to avoid fighting. Mating should be done during coolest part of the day like early morning or late evening. After successful mating the male usually produces a typical cry sound and falls down on one side of the female. Soon after the mating the male one should be removed from the cage. The male should not be more than 3 to 4 days in a week and not more than 2 to 3 times in a day. The ratio of male to female is 1:10. Both the sexes should reach 70% of their adult body weight.

The breeding season is almost throughout year. But in India, autumn stress is encountered during hot weather.

Signs of heat in females

1. Restlessness, Rubbing the chin on the sides of the cage.

2. Lying in mating posture

3. They are spontaneous ovulators. Ovulation begins 10 hours after mating.

4. In heat, the female rabbit accepts male, otherwise it rejects.

5. In heat, the female assumes a typical pose called “lordosis” where the back is arched downward and hind quarter is raised.

6. The female one in di-estrous phage crouch at the corner of the cage.

7. After kindling (parturition), the re breeding happens after one week in intensive management. But normally re-mating is shown one week before weaning.

8. When temperature rises above 36 degree centigrade, temporary sterility happens.

What if lately, you’ve been noticing your pet sleeps abnormally (more than usual), eats less, seems sad, and spends most of its time moping round the house. All these behaviors are totally opposite to his or her normal behavior. Without a doubt, you may start to worry! Depression is what your furry friend may be experiencing. This condition isn’t dissimilar to that of humans.

You’re used to seeing your pet happy because he or she is always there for you whenever you’re down. The mere thought of seeing your furry friend crestfallen makes you sick. Now it’s your turn to be there for him or her. How do you cheer up your best friend? What are some of the methods you can use?

If your pet is depressed, here are 8 strategies to use to cheer him/her up:

1. Spend ample time with your pet

One of the most effective ways to cheer up pets is by spending more time with them, especially when they’re depressed. Now, more than ever, he or she needs you – your undivided attention. Spending quality time together shows your pet how much you love and cherish him or her. To transit from the pits to his/her joyful, happy self, simply give your pet your support, care, and love.

2. Indulge your pet in outdoor activities

Whether you own a cat or a dog, taking him for a fun afternoon out in the park is an effective way of cheering him up. At first, the pet won’t seem enthusiastic. However, as you two enjoy each other’s company, you’ll be surprised by how jovial he’ll turn out to be. Some physical exercise, a change in surroundings, and some quality time with you, will go miles to bring back enthusiasm in your pet.

3. Show your pet you’re happy

Did you know pets and dogs are very intelligent when it comes to telling if you’re happy, just by looking at your face? Consequently, when he’s depressed, avoid frowning or showing him or her that you’re sad. An effective way to cheer up your dog is by staying happy yourself.

4. Socialize your pet

Is your dog or cat depressed because he or she lost a companion or family member? If yes, then you need to take your pet to the park, or to a daycare center, where he or she can socialize with others. According to studies, animals enjoy same-species companionship. Therefore, you shouldn’t hesitate to try out this strategy.

5. Reward your pet for positive behavior

This strategy is more of a positive reinforcement. When he or she shows any sign of getting over depression, you should give your pet a treat or pat on the head. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t be overly sympathetic as this will encourage others to remain depressed in order to enjoy the same attention. You need to show him or her how pleased you are anytime he or she eats meals properly, or plays with you in the park.

6. Comfort your pet with favorite toys

Does your cat or dog have a favorite toy? A great way to cheer up your cat is by giving him or her toys to play with. Most pets have a tendency to find comfort in familiarity. They’ll be more cheery if they are around their favorite toys.

7. Play him or her some music

In the same way music calms and soothes human beings, most pet owners admit that music is also magical to pets. Surprisingly, you’ll be able to lift up the mood of your pet by playing him or her some soothing music. Just ensure that the volume isn’t too high. The last thing you want is to make things worse.

8. Take your pet out for a ride

This strategy works wonders especially if your pet enjoys going for rides. If possible, bring your entire family with you when stepping out for a ride. In addition to enjoying the family’s company, he or she will also enjoy the fresh air.

Chances are very high that the depression affecting your pet will also affect you. Consequently, before the two of you sink into depression, you should act fast. You must find ways to cheer him or her up as soon as you can. The above are some simple ways you can cheer up your pet.