Category Archives: animal & pets

animal & pets

Finding the Best Low Shedding Dog Breeds

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If you are a pet lover, but suffer from severe allergies, you may be wondering if there is any chance of purchasing or adopting dogs that don’t shed. The good news is, there are certain dog breeds that are considered to be low shedding dogs. Although these dogs do shed a small amount of hair, they are more suitable for those who have allergy problems, than the typical breeds. Now that you have heard the great news, you will need to find out which of these dogs will be the chosen one. Stick around and you will find out all that you need to know in order to find the perfect pet.

Bedlington Terriers

Bedlington Terriers are at the top of the list of low shedding dogs. These dogs are popular amongst allergy suffers, as they have short, curly coat, resembling that of a sheep, which has minimal shedding. You must keep his coat groomed by brushing it each day. This will prevent the hair from becoming matted. In addition to that, you should have the coat trimmed by a groomer, at least every three to four months to achieve a healthy, beautiful look. The low shedding coat is not the only thing that you will enjoy. Get ready for tons of fun with your energetic, lovable natured furry friend. Although energetic and playful, the Bedlington Terrier has a mild temperament, which makes it perfect to have as pet for children.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is also a dog breed that sheds a small amount of hair. It has a short curly coat, which resembles cotton ball. This is a small, active puppy that needs regular exercise to maintain its high energy needs. With his soft, curly hair, there is no need to worry about shedding, if you are concerned about allergies. You just have to make sure that you brush and trim his hair regularly to prevent matting.

Schnauzer

Any of the three varieties of Schnauzer dogs sheds very little hair. The three types are the Miniature, Standard and the Giant Schnauzer. They are perfect for both apartments as well as on the farm. Any of these adorable dogs are a suitable choice for those who are allergy sufferers and looking for non shedding dogs. They have a short, wiry, outer coat and a soft undercoat, which needs to be clipped or stripped if he participates in shows. They are easily identified by their distinctive box shaped face and sturdy shoulders.

animal & pets

Trying to Decipher Weird Dog Behavior

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If your dog is acting weird all of sudden, don’t panic just yet. Although some of these behaviors may seem strange to us humans, they have some sort of meaning in the animal world. Since dogs cannot communicate with words, they use a variety of methods, which may sometimes seem unusual. Some veterinarians have connected some of these behaviors to fear or environmental factors, starting from when the dogs were in their puppy stage. Learning to decipher these behavior can be beneficial to both you and your pet.

Walking in Circles

It is common for dogs to walk in circles before laying down. No one really know the actual reason for this. However, experts assumed that this dog ritual has been around since the days when dogs had to sleep outdoors. They usually circle to make sure that grass, snow or other debris were cushioned, making their sleep area more comfortable. Although most times this behavior may not be a cause for concern, if your dog always seem restless or find it difficult to get comfortable, you should bring him to the pet. Sometimes when dogs go around in a circle, they may be suffering from some type of neurological problems.

Dog Scooting Behavior

Your dog may start scooting or dragging his butt across the floor  or even on your carpet. This may seem bizarre, since you have never seen him doing it before. This strange dog behavior may develop as a result of infected anal glands, gastrointestinal worms or because their rectum may feel irritated. You should bring your pet to the vet, and if necessary, they may perform a certain procedure called anal gland expression.

Tail Biting

Another weird behavior, which may be puzzling to you, is when your dog starts to chew his own tail. This can be a sign of boredom, stress, anxiety, allergies or fleas. Your dog may inflict wounds, which may then result in infections. Since it may be difficult for you to determine the real reason for the tail biting, it is best to bring him to the veterinarian. There are also things that you can do at home to reverse this behavior. Make sure that you have toys for your pet to keep him occupied. Spending more one-on-one time with him can also help. Check out your pet’s environment to determine if there are any stress factors around. Always pay attention to your pet in order to quickly notice when strange behaviors develop suddenly.

animal & pets

Guinea Pigs: What You Need to Know Before Making Your Choice

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Guinea pigs are adorable and friendly, which makes them great pets to have in your home. They are just the right size if you are looking for a pet that is not on the large side. There are different breeds to choose from, some of which have fluffy hair, while others have longer, silkier hair. These cute animals are known to show their joy by making a delightful squeal whenever they see their favorite human friend. As adorable as they may be, guinea pigs have specific needs that you must be able to meet, in order to keep them happy and healthy.

Finding the Time

Assess your schedule to determine if you are ready to add a guinea pig to your family. Children are also responsible for taking care of their pets, as this will teach them how to be responsible when they are adults. You will need to determine if your child is ready to take on all the work that goes with owning a pet or if you will pitch in from time to time. Bringing in another pet if you already have one or some at home, can add additional strain, especially if you have a tight schedule.

Pre-prep For Your Guinea Pig

Before you go on your pet shopping venture, prepare everyone in the home for the newcomer. Children should be taught how to handle a guinea pig to prevent injury. They should be handled with care, especially by younger children. It is easy for small children to accidentally drop or squeeze them. Use a stuffed animal as practice at home. Practice your handling skills by using one hand to hold the bottom of the animal and the other one to support its back.

Everyday Care for Guinea Pigs

Your little friend or friends, if you decide to buy more than one, will need something to gnaw their teeth on, so make sure that you have a small piece of untreated wood or branch to file their teeth down. You may consider buying these cuties in pairs so that they will always have company when you are not around. Your guinea pig’s diet should consist of pellets along with fresh fruits and vegetables.

You should include vitamin C in their diet, since they are unable to produce vitamin C. They should be fed at least two times each day. Give them Timothy hay to help with digestion. Clean water should also be supplied on a daily basis. Cages should be cleaned at least one time per week. Keep your little pets well-groomed by brush their hair once a week. The ones with long hair should be groomed each day.

Human Contact With Guinea Pigs

Interacting with your animal friend often, will help to strengthen the bond between both of you. Spend time interacting with him, making sure that he spend quality time out of the cage, where he can safely explore his new home, while getting regular exercise. Careful planning and preparation in advance will help to ensure a safer, healthier environment, where your pet will live happily for years to come.