Squirrels are extremely cute creatures and no doubt most people would love to keep them as pets but as adorable as they maybe they are not like kittens and puppies. At the end of the day they are still wild animals and though some people might claim that keeping a squirrel is not a very difficult task ;it is not for most people. Baby squirrels can be kept as pets but once they become adults they can very troublesome. Wild animals are not supposed to be kept in cages, they are supposed to live in forests and be free. If you ever come across an injured squirrel then don’t hesitate in bringing it home and taking care of it but don’t purposely try to catch hold of a squirrel just because you wish to keep one. It will be disastrous for both you and the squirrel.

Squirrels are not social but solitary animals and rarely rely on anybody for food, protection and companionship.  Baby or young squirrels need to stay around other squirrels until they are atleast two months old in order to learn squirrel behaviour. After they have completed eight weeks of their life they won’t accept other squirrels. If you get a squirrel home and then leave it into the wild after a certain age it will surely die because it has not learnt to fend for itself and can’t even protect itself from predators. Most importantly a domesticated squirrel will not  be able to distinguish between friend and foe. By now we know that squirrels won’t accept other squirrels after eight weeks but the truth is that squirrels don’t even accept any other human after that age. This means if you go out of town you won’t be able to hire a sitter for your squirrel. Your pet squirrel will barely learn to tolerate you in a few months but its attitude towards another person will never be like its attitude towards you.

Squirrels are very choosy when it comes to their living areas and won’t accept a change in surrounding lightly. They might get aggressive or stressed and this might lead to seizures and consequent death. We all know that puppies chew on everything when they are teething but squirrels have teeth which grow throughout their life and they chew on anything and everything they can find- walls, curtains, furniture and this never stops. It will be like having a teething puppy forever. You can’t even teach a squirrel what to eat and what not to. Squirrels don’t have retractable claws like cats do which means they can do more harm to drapes, furniture and the human skin even when they don’t intend to. They have extremely sharp nails meant for climbing, grasping and jumping. They cannot be easily trained and you can never teach them to use the litter box and in most cases when squirrels feel anxious or threatened they are most likely to turn own their owners.

Squirrels require a nutritious and balanced diet to remain healthy. Their diet is not easy to provide, it is time consuming and expensive. You will have to spend hours looking for food, cooking meals rich in calcium and buying and preparing insects as that your pet squirrel doesn’t suffer from any deficiency diseases. Squirrels love to eat junk food and they will do anything to get their hands on them. They are like children and will prefer to eat junk food instead of their meals. They don’t know what is right for them and what is not so it will be your responsibility to see that your squirrel doesn’t eat junk food but healthy and nutritious food. Squirrels have a lot of energy and need huge cages with lots of space. They also need to spend ample amount of time outside the cage; atleast two to three hours on a daily basis.

No doubt squirrels are neat and tidy creatures but they only like to keep their surroundings clean, they don’t really care about other places. They throw anything they find dirty onto the floor be it nut shells, wilted fruits and vegetables, uneaten food, partially eaten insects and other wastes and since they never learn to use the litter box your entire house is like a litter box to them.

Only if an accident or disease renders them unfit to adapt or stay in the wild only then should you think about adopting the squirrel. Even then people who rehabilitate animals and release them into the wild should be permitted to take care of the squirrel. You can show your love for squirrels by not trying to domesticate them and letting them live freely in the wild. By letting squirrels live in the wild we are protecting them in a way. Capturing them and stuffing them in cages only makes them aggressive and anxious. They are wild animals and they do not belong in a cage. To quote the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association, “A captive squirrel is constantly looking for a way out and that behaviour cannot be changed.”  Squirrels can live up to fifteen years so before getting one home and raising it make sure you can take care of it for that long. Once a squirrel starts living around people; the chances of it surviving in the wild become negligible. So you can’t leave it in the wild when you want to. Once you get a squirrel home you will have to take care of it for life.

The post SQUIRRELS ARE NOT PETS appeared first on Pet Attack.

Most people think that if they allow their dog on the furniture and let it eat people food they then are encouraging their dog to be spoiled but if that is the criteria for spoiling a dog then I say that every dog should be spoilt. Barking, chewing, digging, jumping, house soiling, biting and other destructive behaviour are the traits of a spoilt dog. Spoiling occurs when you give something for nothing. Your dog must realize that just because it asks for something doesn’t mean he/she is going to get it. They have behave in a desirable manner in order to get their wishes; demanding and throwing a fit won’t work. Spoiling occurs when you reward your dog for those things which are not appropriate. You might think it is funny now but in the long run you will come to regret it.

The best human and dog relationship is when the human is the trainer and the dog is the trainee. Your dog must know that you are the alpha of the pack. Your dog must realize that he can earn the good stuff by doing things to please you. Though dogs love their owners but they are hardly ever trying to please them. They do things which guarantee them a treat and in the process if they please their owner it is only accidental. A spoiled dog is one who does not need to please to the human to get the good stuff and generally behaves like the trainer in most cases. A spoilt dog has many traits but mostly a spoilt dog is one who barks at three in the night to go out, barks at your husband when he tries to get on his side of bed or whines to be let outside the crate so that he can sleep on the bed and in most cases drags his poor owner around the neighbourhood eating every bit of garbage, barking on every human and animal on the way and peeing on every bush.

Your dog must realize that nothing is free in this world. He/she has to perform a desirable task so as to get a treat. Your dog has to learn to say please. The best way for dogs to say that is to sit and wait patiently while you serve his food or tell him to do something and this is the easiest of commands. Once your dog knows that doing this will earn him rewards he will do it without fail. Never command your dog to ‘say please’ he has to learn to do it by himself. If they don’t do it on their own accord then they will not do it in front of your neighbours and guests. Your dog has to realize the fact that unless they initiate the good behaviour the good stuff won’t happen.

Don’t falter or give way to your dog’s tantrums. If your dog wants to go for a walk and then starts running about here and there and doesn’t listen to you then say ‘no’ and keep the leash back in the drawer. After your dog has calmed down try again if he/she behaves in the same way then say ‘no’ again and keep the leash back. Do this repeatedly until your dog realizes the fact that throwing a fit will get him nowhere. Once your dog sits quietly and waits to be collared then take him out for a walk as a reward.

If your dog is already spoilt then the only way to modify his behaviour is by reprogramming all that he has learnt. For example your dog has the habit of barking to let you know that he wants to go out and you want him to quietly come and sit near you instead of barking. The only way to do this is to stop responding; stop responding when your dog barks the next time. He will probably start barking louder but pay no heed. If you give in and open the door then your dog will realize the fact that barking louder makes you open the door and this will not end well for you. It might take some days or some weeks but your dog has to realize the fact that unless he comes and quietly sits by your feet he won’t be permitted to go out. Make sure you don’t tell your dog to keep quiet once he starts barking or else he will think that it is a chain reaction. He might think that if he barks and then keeps quiet then he will be permitted to go out and that is not something you want to inculcate in your dog.

Make sure you understand your dog. Lack of understanding gives way for pushy behaviour. Reward your dog for the good things and not for the bad things. Don’t think of their pushy behaviour as funny or cute. Some dogs are already spoiled but there is no reason for alarm; with a little bit of patience and a no nonsense attitude your dog can become one of the most well behaved dogs around. Don’t accept the fact that since your dog is already spoilt there is nothing you can do about it but teach and train your dog well so that the next time someone says spoilt you can proudly say “not my dog”.

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Everybody loves dogs and most people buy or adopt dogs to suit their own personality. What they fail to understand is that not all dogs can live comfortably in apartments. Some need a lot of exercise to stay physically fit and healthy. Dogs never complain about their living conditions and will probably adjust with you even if you live in a one room apartment but that doesn’t mean that they are comfortable. So before you buy a dog make sure you know which dogs can live in apartments and which dogs cannot. Dogs which need minimum exercise and love to lounge around the house are the perfect pets for apartments.

Here are some dogs which make wonderful apartment dogs.

BOSTON TERRIER

They make ideal apartment pets because they as polite and gentle as dogs can be. They are very quiet so you will not  have to worry about them disturbing your neighbours. They bond extremely well with their owners and are extremely loyal and adorable. They are called the American Gentleman and that’s partly because of their black and white tuxedo like fur. Moreover these dogs are small and need less exercise. A brisk walk around the neighbourhood should be enough to keep these dogs healthy and happy.

ENGLISH BULLDOG

These dogs can be called the apartment superstars or in other words they are the perfect dogs for people living in apartments. These dogs are extremely lazy and they love nothing more than to sit at home all day and watch TV. They are a bachelor’s dream because both have a very laidback attitude towards life. They are extremely quiet dogs because they can’t be bothered to bark at anybody. Just because they live comfortably with bachelors doesn’t mean that they can’t adjust well with kids. They are extremely patient and get along really well with kids. Before adopting an English bulldog make sure to buy an air conditioner because they don’t handle the heat very well.

FRENCH BULLDOG

This breed is the combination of the Boston terrier and the English bulldog. So if you can’t choose between the two breeds then adopt a French bulldog. They have the all the good qualities of the two breeds. They are patient, loyal and super duper lazy like their English counterpart and they are small in size like the Boston terrier. They are also called Frenchies. Frenchies look very similar to the Boston terrier and most people have difficulty in telling them apart.

CHIHUAHUAS

These dogs have the reputation of being only celebrity dogs and we always have the habit of imagining them in handbags. What we fail to realize is that they have endless patience because how many other animals would quietly sit around in purses? They are low maintenance dogs and even the long haired ones need little grooming. Their size makes them very desirable as pets and they can fit even in the smallest of apartments but if the apartment you live in has thin walls then don’t go for Chihuahuas because they can be noisy when they want to.

DACHSHUNDS

They make wonderful family dogs because they tend to be very friendly with kids. They are very playful by nature and their small size and adaptable nature makes them perfect apartment dogs. They have the ability to adjust to any living space. They don’t need  lots of exercise to be fit but a little bit everyday is compulsory for them because they are prone to obesity. Dachshunds like Chihuahuas tend to be noisy so don’t get one if you have neighbours who are very particular about noise.

GREAT DANES

This breed might surprise you because they don’t exactly look like apartment dogs but looks can be deceptive. They are gentle giants despite their enormous size and like English bulldogs they don’t mind spending the entire day lounging on the couch and watching TV. These dogs are so quiet that you will hardly know of their existence and they are very easily trained which makes them all the more easy to keep. Living in an apartment with a Great Dane will be both fun and safe.

GREYHOUNDS

These dogs may not seem like apartment dogs at first sight but believe me they are. Most people think that since these dogs are race dogs they need a huge backyard in which they can run laps but that is not true. These breeds are calm and relaxed and if you have a retired greyhound don’t worry about its physical health. These retired greyhounds just want to put their running days behind them and want to curl up at your feet and rest. Their short hair is an added bonus because they don’t need a lot of grooming and they won’t fill the apartment with fur.

Pugs

They are one of the most preferred apartment dogs because not only are they small but they have incredibly cute faces. They have an awesome personality and will gladly follow you wherever you go. They are extremely loyal and tend to get depressed even if they are separated from their owners for a short while. They love walks though they shouldn’t be taken for long walks because this might lead to their bodies getting overheated. They need more maintenance than most dogs because they are prone to many diseases. They need an air conditioner in summers and if you decide to get one; be prepared to handle their snoring.

Though the above listed dogs can live comfortably in apartments, make sure they get the minimum exercise needed in order to be healthy. Most of the dogs listed can adjust in small apartments but they need your love, care and utmost attention to be lively and happy.

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“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
― John Grogan

Everybody loves animals and given a chance most people will love to keep pets. But as all of you already know animals need time, care and attention and not everybody has time to spare. Whether it is a cat, a dog or a bird no animal likes being alone and like people animals crave company. Most people refrain from buying or adopting animals in spite of being animal lovers because they feel guilty about not giving their pets time. Most people work crazy hours and go out of the country for work purposes and vacations so they never get a pet due to the fear of having to leave them alone. Most people are apprehensive about keeping other people’s pets specially their dogs and cats. They fear the fact that if something happens to the animals under their care they will be held responsible.

Isn’t it just sad that people who actually love animals are deprived of the opportunity to keep pets just because they occasionally travel for work?  If a solution could be provided for these situations wouldn’t people be more willing to keep dogs and cats?  They could go on business meetings or to a friend’s wedding outside the country without having to worry if their pet is being taken care of properly or not. Everybody’s problems would be solved if more pet crèches were developed. These pet care centers have trained and professional staffs who knows how to take care of an animal perfectly well. People could drop their pets off at these crèches before leaving on tours. The people involved in taking care of animals in these centers know how to engage an animal so that it does not suffer from separation anxiety. Most animals especially dogs tend to get depressed and lonely when separated from their owners, but keeping your pet at these pet crèches is a better idea than leaving it at a friend’s place who doesn’t know how to handle a dog or a cat well.

The concept of pet crèches is fairly new and there are not a lot of them in India. They provide a lot of facilities and cater to all the necessities of your pets. Before you decide to leave your beloved pet at a crèche make sure to check if that particular crèche is licensed or not. This is important because their might be a lot of phony organizations who kidnap dogs and other animals and sell them in the black market under false pretenses. So make sure you check if all the information provided is relevant or not.

These crèches provide a wide range of activities from picking up your pet from your doorstep to dropping them back. These centers not only train your pet but also take your dog walking or groom them, to summarize it they do whatever is needed. Dog day care centers are a big thing these days though they are still in their embryo stage in India. These centers take care of your dogs for the entire day while you are at work and drop them back home when it’s time for you to come back home. They even have a specialized meal plan according to the age and size of your dog. These centers not only take care of your dog but being around other dogs and playing with them makes your dog social and lively. It’s a win -win for everybody. If you are worried that your dog might be attacked by other dogs then keep your fears at bay because these dog care facilities make sure none of these things happen. Dogs are also provided with an indoor and outdoor playroom so that they can unwind and just have fun. The best part is that they even celebrate your dog’s birthday. Other dogs are invited and there are a lot of party games and food for your canine guests. There is a birthday cake and everything is done according to your requirements.

These centers are useful when you are going out of the country and can’t find a sitter or when you are busy and can’t find the time you take care of your pet. But these centers are expensive and not everyone can afford them. Always remember the fact that you can’t buy your pet’s love. They don’t really need parties or playrooms all they need is your company. Even if you can afford to hire people to take care of your pet because you are busy don’t make it a habit. Your pet needs you not anybody else. Getting a pet home and then sending him or her to day care is like sending your child to a boarding school because you can’t take care of him. Once in a while it’s okay but if you are planning on doing it most of the time; then don’t get a pet. Your pet will only end up feeling neglected and that is just cruel. Think of your pets as your children and treat them as you would treat your children. They deserve our love more than anybody else and they give us more than double the love in return.

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When someone says the word pet; we think of dogs and cats first and then about other animals. This is not strange because this is how things are. Cats and dogs are the norm. People prefer them above other animals. We see cats and dogs everywhere as they have been accepted as pets since the beginning of time. One of the most underrated pets is the duck. Most people think of them as food only but they make exceptional pets. Imagine; when you come back from work and a duck comes waddling towards you at full force, it definitely won’t be like a dog bounding towards you but it will have a certain charm to it nevertheless.

There is the myth that ducks are noisy which is only true to a certain extent. There are noisy only up to a certain weeks after they are brought. All baby animals quack or bark and whine when they are young. After a few weeks when your duckie gets used to its surrounding it will calm down. Never try and keep your duck indoors, they are not meant for staying inside the house and keeping them inside might have adverse effects on them. Create a pen for them outside your house which has a small section with a lock so that they can be safely kept there at night so as to prevent them from being attacked by predators. The floor of the pen can be covered with gravel or mud. Putting a layer of straw is also helpful because when the ducks poop then the straw can be removed without any hassle.

Female ducks continue laying eggs even without the presence of a male duck. These eggs are unfertilized and can be used like chicken eggs. They are also bigger and tastier than chicken eggs. Ducks are highly social animals and love to stay in flocks. They get depressed if kept alone and keeping one duck is just cruel. They live quite amicably with each other and seldom fight. Ducks are very sensitive and feel loneliness , grief and sadness just like humans. Never keep your duck in the cage for a very long time, it can cause depression and it is not emotionally healthy. Never get a duck if you want to be different, get one if you are confident you can keep one.

They might not look like dogs but they are like dogs in many ways. They are sensitive and adorable and if their owner takes the time to train them they can respond to commands, play with toys, give kisses and demand cuddles. Ducks can be very social with people if they are trained from an early age. Observe your duck carefully and soon enough you will also know about the things your duck likes to do.

Most people refrain from getting a duck because they think that they would have to create an artificial pond or water body for them; but this is a myth and nothing else. Ducks don’t need water to swim. Ducks do not even smell like chickens and they are not prone to fleas and parasites. Duckling need to be kept warm for the first four weeks of their life. Keep them in a warm box with a light source. Sometimes ducks like to move away from the heat so keep the light in a corner and not in the centre. Never leave your ducklings near a water source unsupervised, they could drown or freeze to death. After their bodies are covered with feathers they can be allowed to go outside. You can start by keeping their box outside for a little time everyday and once they get comfortable outside they can stay in the pen built for them.

For the first few weeks ducklings should be fed duck starter which is a special feed for ducklings. For the next two months they should be fed duck grower which is for the growth and development of your duckie. From then they can be fed unmedicated chicken feed. Ducks must have access to grit which helps them to grind the food in their gizzard since they have no teeth to help them chew. Ducks like goats can keep your garden free from weeds because they love to eat greens. They can also help you finish your dinner if it is not heavily spiced. Ducks can even munch on bread and pasta. Before feeding anything to your duck make sure it is free from herbicides and pesticides. Ducks need only enough water to submerge their head and if you wish you provide them with a pool get them a plastic wading pool found in toy stores but make sure they can get in and out of it on their own.

Most ducks live for atleast 15 years so make sure you can take care of them until then. If you buy ducks be completely sure that you can take care of them. They are inquisitive and interesting creatures and they sometimes even follow their owners to see what they are up to. They are no dogs but they have their own charm and they make really nice pets. You just have to be patient while training them. Make sure to love them with all your heart. We must always remember that animals have emotions too and they feel each and every thing done to them.

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We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.”
― César Chávez

Have you ever stopped to think what it must be like for an animal that suddenly gets abandoned by its owner? All throughout their life they have loved only one person and then one day out of the blue their owner decides to abandon them. The worst part is the owners don’t even have the courtesy to leave their animals in shelter homes; they just dump them in faraway places or in ditches or forests. How can people be so inhuman? Did they not love their pets at all or is their heart made of stone? It’s not only cats and dogs that people abandon, all kinds of pets are abandoned by people. Whether it is a guinea pig or a teacup pig, a turtle or an owl people leave them in an unfamiliar environment and move on without a second thought.

The most common reason for this is that people try to follow movies and celebrities. If a movie or a celebrity showed a particular kind of animal as the new must have people rush to buy that animal. They forget to realize the fact that animals are not fashion accessories but real living and breathing things. You can’t just get one when you feel like it and then abandon it when you are bored. Other reasons which people cite for leaving their pets are “landlord does not allow cats and dogs”, “ moving out of state for work”, “no space in new house for pets” and the most common of them all “ a family member developed allergies”. If you decide to bring home a pet you must think about the future. Bringing home a pet then keeping it for a year or two and then dumping your pet on the streets because you are leaving the country or a new family member developed allergies is not right. If this is not animal cruelty then what is. Since your pet is used to the comforts of your house how do you think it will survive outside, alone and hungry?

The saddest part is even in pet shelters, animals are given a few days to live during which if they are not adopted,  they are euthanized. Some dogs and cats become aggressive after they are abandoned and some are abandoned because they suffer from some terminal illness or an injury. Don’t these animals deserve a second chance? Most aggressive animals are euthanized early because the chances of them finding a new home are next to impossible.

A lot of people abandoned their animals in their previous homes which have been foreclosed. The animals are left in these houses without food and water and when the people from the bank enter the premises they find either dead or highly dehydrated pets. This is done as an act of defiance against the people who took away their homes. People who do such things to their pets must be punished. Anti cruelty laws must be made and anyone who dares to commit such crimes must be prosecuted. Why torture poor animals just because you are angry at the bank authorities? This is unacceptable. In times like these you must love your pets more and keep them close to you. Even if everyone in the world leaves you, your pets never will. They will love you and look up to you even if you are the worst person if the history of the world.

BEFORE ABANDONING YOUT PET, EXHAUST ALL YOUR OPTIONS.

If you are thinking of moving to a place with a no pets policy, and you will have to abandon your pet before you move then don’t move. You can always find places that allow you to keep pets. If you have to move no matter what ,then ask a family member to look after your pet dog or cat till you find a home which allows you to live with your pet. When you have brought a pet home it depends on you, so giving up is not an option.

If you lost your job and cannot afford to keep your pet anymore make a budget and see what exactly are the things that your pet absolutely needs. A healthy diet with lots of exercise and its vaccinations on time are the only important things. The rest can wait. So don’t give up on your pet so easily.

If you are having a baby and you are worried that having a dog in the house is dangerous then you are mistaken. If your dog is well behaved then there is nothing to be worried about. In fact dogs make the best companions for children. This way you can teach your child to respect animals from an early age.

Always remember that animals are never like they are shown in movies. They are living entities and should never be treated as fashion accessories. After the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’ series got over thousands of turtles were abandoned in the rivers, the same goes for all the Harry Potter fans that abandoned many owls because they realized that the owls weren’t like Hedwig.

It’s about time people realized that abandoning their animals or torturing them is not the solution to their problems. When we bring an animal home we are making a lifelong commitment to love and protect it and under no circumstances should be break our oath to them.

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“He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”
― Immanuel Kant

Keeping animals confined in cages or in chains is animal cruelty without a doubt. The beauty of birds lies in their ability to soar high in the skies. Birds look elegant and beautiful only when they are flying freely in the skies. All captured or captive birds and forced to live in cages. In the wild birds are never alone. They are not solitary animals. They always stay in a flock and do all things together; preen together, play with each other and sometimes even take care of each other’s offspring. Most birds also have one mate throughout their life they won’t take another mate even if their first dies or is lost in the wild.

For most birds forcing them to live in tiny confined spaces called cages is almost equal to cutting their feathers. They can suffer from malnutrition, anxiety, loneliness. Birds are not meant to be kept in cages and hence keeping them in cages drives them crazy. They become agitated, have temper tantrums and start behaving erratically. In extreme cases birds start weaving their head back and forth, continuously shift their weight from one foot to another and also start to pick out all their feathers. Most birds are captured illegally and then they are exported to all parts of the world. In these situations the birds are force fed, their are wings clipped and their beaks taped together and they are stuffed into anything the smugglers can find be it a tire or a suit case. Most birds die of suffocation even before they reach their destination. Most birds that have been raised in captivity don’t sell well after they are 10 weeks old. These birds are kept in small congested and confined spaces and bred illegally.

If you already have a bird, don’t set it free. Since they have been raised in a non hostile environment ,they don’t have the ability to survive in the wild. They have no idea how to deal with the harsh weather conditions or how to look for food. If they have been raised in a household with cats and dogs they will mistake all cats and dogs to be friendly and that might not end so well for them. We must try and ban the illegal capture of birds but the solution to this problem is not abandon your pet birdie. If birds are allowed to roam freely they wouldn’t be depressed and sad. Most birds bond with their humans and leaving them suddenly to fend for themselves in the wild could leave them with separation anxiety. There are many ways to keep your bird happy and if you follow all those methods your little birdie won’t be depressed.  Some birds cannot be released in the wild so their owners must do all they can to keep their little birds happy.

Chaining your dog is not right

Dogs are called man’s best friend but more often than naught man treats his best friend very cruelly. Most dogs spend their entire lives confined in small kennels tied to the end of a chain. They are deprived of care, love and a proper shelter. Dogs are supposed to be kept indoors and if you have a huge dog then having a huge kennel for it outside the house is alright but they should never be chained. Keeping dogs chained outside is cruel because then have to suffer the extreme heat and freezing temperatures all alone. This might also be lethal for them. All our dogs want  to do is to scratch their eats or roam around the neighbourhood and curl up at their owner’s feet but we condemn them to stay outside far away from us in miserable conditions. Dogs love staying close to their owners and chaining them outside is a punishment in itself. Dogs are social animals are chaining them makes them sad, depressed and aggressive. Improper fitted collars and chains also make their necks stiff and this hurts them.

Most people say that since their dog is not well behaved and aggressive it has to be chained  but that is no excuse. A dog’s behaviour is a reflection of its owner’s. Most owners don’t bother training their dogs and abuse them and when the dog becomes aggressive they blame it on their dogs. Dogs if trained properly will not have to be chained.  The same goes for big dogs. The saddest part is that sometimes chained dogs accidentally hang themselves if they are chained too close to the fence and attempt to jump over it. Chaining an animal as docile and friendly as a dog is inhuman and cruel and there should be strong laws against it.

Whether it’s keeping birds in cages or keeping dogs chained both can be counted as a form of animal cruelty. Animals are born free and they are meant to be free. Humans need to learn that keeping an animal as a pet is one thing but confining it and inflicting pain on it just because it gives us some sick pleasure to tame all beings beneath us is barbaric. Animals give us their love and devotion and make our lives so much better so it is our duty to reciprocate this love and keep them as comfortably as we can.

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Goats are traditionally thought to be farm animals but believe it or not they make good pets. Most people think that farm animals are either used to give milk or to be treated as meat but little do they realize the fact that farm animals such as cows or goats also make good pets. Goats are a hit in petting zoos and their curious and friendly nature makes them a good pet for children. Most pets have the habit of kicking, scratching or biting when they are annoyed but goats do no such thing. Majority of the goats that are kept as pets are dehorned from a young age so as to prevent any injuries. Goats should be obtained as bottle babies so that the children in the family can adapt well with their goats and this also helps to form a bond between the pet and its owner. This bond of love and trust is very important to train a goat. Goats also make good pets to children with Down syndrome who need the one on one interaction with a pet without the fear of any injuries. Goats like dogs love to follow their owners around and can play with them for a long time. As adults goats become calm and patient.

Goats by nature are herd animals so keeping a solitary goat is not a good idea. A pair of goats will be a very nice addition to your family. Goats should mostly be kept as pets in rural areas because a decent amount of land is required to house them though this depends mostly on the number and breed of the goats. Goats like any other pet need your attention and love. Just because they are farm animals doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be taken care of. Goats are susceptible to a number of chronic illnesses and infections so make sure to find a reputed vet to treat your goat. Vaccinations and other preventive treatments for worms and other parasites are also necessary.

Before you buy your pet goat from a breeder make sure to go and visit your breeder to see in what conditions the goats are being kept. Goats think like goats and not like dogs or cats. So learn to understand your pet and make it happy. Keep the food and water in such a place that it is easily accessible to the goats. If you think your pet goat is being stubborn then look at it from your goat’s point of view. Make sure the fences around your goat’s shelter are strong because for goats the grass is always greener on the other side. Any weak point in the fence and your goat will escape, wander around and then will probably get lost so make sure to repair any weak spot in your fences immediately.

Goats like cows are ruminants so they should be pot bellied. A big rumen does not mean that your goat is fat or obese. It simply means that you have a healthy goat. Pygmy goats are mostly kept as pets due to their small size which makes it easier to care for them. They are small and adorable which makes them a favourite among other breeds. Kinder goats, a cross between Nubian and pygmy goats have also started being in demand. They are smart, easy to train and love to spend time with their owners. They are also great entertainers. Goats make wonderful companion not only to their humans but also to other animals. Some pet goats also have the responsibility to provide company to farm dogs.

Petting their goat proves to be a stress buster to the owners and goats like other pets help to relieve tension and provide relaxation. Goats can sometimes be messy and picky eaters. Given the opportunity they can also be destructive. The best way to prevent this is to train your goat properly. Goats are not grazers but browsers. They cannot be called a lawnmower with legs. A goat will probably eat all your plants and flowers before it decides to browse on the grass. Never think of bringing a wild goat and then taming it because that will be next to impossible. To win the trust of your pet goat you will need a lot of patience and treats. Don’t try to run and catch your goat. Being prey animals their first instinct will be to run. Let your goat approach you and when it does offer it a raisin or corn chip. The younger the goat the easier it will be to train it.

Before you decide to buy or adopt a goat stop and think about the kind of pet you want. If you want a pet that sits on your lap and watches the television or the kind that fetches the newspaper for you in the morning then the goat is not the pet for you. Even keeping a goat indoors is a bad idea as they chew and much on everything. Goats need to stay outdoors and they need a stable or shelter outside. Before buying a goat remember the fact that the goat is an outdoor animal and though it will love and recognize you it is no cat or dog.

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Cows are amongst the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them; and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures.  ~Thomas de Quincey

Most people think of them as Gods others as food but let me assure you cows are not to be treated as either. They should be treated as pets. They make wonderful pets and against popular belief they are not dumb or stupid animals. Cows are essentially farm animals and most people raise and breed them for milk, as beef or simply as a land mower, but believe it or not cows can make as good a pet as dogs or even horses because they are in many ways a combination of  the two. Now just because cows can be kept as pets doesn’t  mean that people should start raising them in apartments or in their backyards. Cowsheds are needed to house cows and people living in the countryside having huge farms or estates should only consider keeping them. They are not small animals and require a lot of space to live comfortably.

HOUSING YOUR COW

Your beloved cow can be kept in a barn or a cow shed but make sure it is securely fenced. Cows have a habit of wondering and then getting lost so make sure your barn does not have any weak spots because cows are powerful when they want to be. Also make sure that the floor of the barn is kept dry at all times because wet floors or mud can cause several foot problems.

NUTRITION

Cows drink a lot if water so make sure their barn has a trough filled with cool water. The water should be cleaned regularly. In warmer climates cows should have a small water body where they can wade when they feel extremely hot. Cows mainly need hay and pasture diet. Ensure that the hay is of extremely high quality, free from dust and it should always be stored in a dry container. Always check the hay for any signs of mould and mustiness. If there is any present, don’t give it to your cow at all. Cows also require grains in their diet. Make sure the grains are not musty or sour before you feed them to your cow. Also provide your cows with a mineral or salt lick.

HEALTH

Cows attract insects especially flies that can sometimes a make your cow sick so make sure to use insecticides to keep them under control. These insecticides are available at the pet stores. Also make sure that insecticides you buy are not harming your cow. To be on the safe side always ask your vet before using an insecticide. The hooves of your cow have to be trimmed once every few months but if your cow is placid and well behaved then you can learn to do it yourself too. The most important thing is to keep a vet’s number who is experienced in handling the problems of cows. Remember that your cow like other pets can be sick at anytime. Also take your cow for vaccinations and a check up when it is needed or required.

REASONS TO KEEP A COW AS A PET

Cows are smart

Most people think of cows as stupid and dumb beasts and this fact is believed by most people now but believe me when I tell you this, cows are not stupid. They learn and understand quickly especially if there is a pattern. They are highly intelligent creatures and will learn any trick if shown a handful of times.

Cows smell good

Cows do not smell at all. The only reason we think that they do is because their housing areas are not cleaned properly. It is the smell of their dung and not their smell. Cows have a distinct smell of their own and it is nowhere near bad.

Cows are obedient

Cows can be taught to learn tricks like dogs or cats. They learn quite quickly and listen to their owners. Most cows if properly trained also respond when called by their names. Cows understand their owners well and listen to them when they tell them to do something.

Cows let you cuddle with them

Most people think that cuddling with a cat or a dog can help eliminate feelings of sadness, anxiety and stress but cuddling with your cow can also you feel better. Just think of it this way; as your cat or dog sit on your lap and cuddle with you the same way you can cuddle with your cow. Isn’t it just wonderful?

Your new guard dogs

Cows might seem like docile and calm animals but this fact cannot undermine the fact that they are huge animals. Wouldn’t a 1500 pound steer or cow intimidate a stranger? Though cows are uncommon as pets they are huge and they are strong and to top all that they are as cuddly as dogs are. So I see no reason why cows can’t be called perfect pets to people who live in the countryside or have huge estates.

Though I call them perfect pets I don’t advise people to start keeping them in apartments or in their backyards. In fact cows should not be kept in the cities at all. These beautiful animals belong in the countryside where they can graze all they want and where they can roam freely without the fear of being hit by vehicles. They are huge and cuddly teddy bears and I am sure anyone who has ever kept one as a pet will agree with me.

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Guinea pigs are cute, little adorable animals that are not only gentle but can also be easily trained. The best place to buy a guinea pig would be a pet shelter. Most people buy guinea pigs on impulse and then fail to give the tiny little pig enough time. Guinea pigs are in general called cavies though males are called sows, and the females are called boars. The baby guinea pigs are called pups. The most common variety of guinea pigs are the American, Abyssinian and the Peruvian varieties.

Guinea pigs have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years though most may live up to 10 years. Keeping two of the same sex is generally advisable but two males if kept together may fight. Guinea pigs are normally quite animals though they may call out loudly sometimes. They are active during morning and night. They make great family pets and rarely bite. They require a large cage though a homemade cage will work just as well.

Guinea pigs are mostly alert and active animals so if a guinea pig becomes panicky when picked up and doesn’t relax even after some time or is very quiet with little or no movement don’t buy that guinea pig because it may be sick. Also avoid guinea pigs that are overweight or underweight. They should well rounded and not extremely skinny or obese. Their skin should be soft and velvety and there should be no fluid discharge from their eyes, nose or ears. Make sure you check for parasites such as lice and redness and flaky skin.

NUTRITION

Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own though this vitamin is highly essential for their well being. Without this vitamin guinea pigs become very ill and might even suffer from scurvy. To prevent this, a selection of vegetables high in vitamin C along with a guinea pig pellet can meet the vitamin C requirement of a guinea pig. Another way to meet this requirement is to feed your cavy vitamin C tablets. You can buy these tablets from your local vet. Pellets should be fed to guinea pigs on a daily basis. Vitamin C pellets lose their potency over time so look for pellets that have a stabilized form of vitamin C. For young guinea pigs alfalfa based pellets are fine whereas for adult guinea pigs timothy hay based pellet are suitable. Hay is the staple diet for all guinea pigs and they should be provided with a fresh bunch at all times. Green leafy vegetables along with fresh fruits are needed for your guinea pigs.

Avoid cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower because they lead to gas production in the digestive tract. Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes. Spinach, parsley, dandelion greens are good choices for your guinea pig. All green vegetables and other fruits must be introduced gradually else they may upset your guinea pig’s stomach.

IS THE GUINEA PIG RIGHT FOR YOU?

Guinea pigs need quite some time out of their cage. Whether they stretch their legs , cuddle in your lap or just run around daily interaction with your pet is a must. They need to be groomed regularly though shorthaired breeds can be groomed once in a week. Their cages must be cleaned regularly in order to avoid fungal growth. No one likes to live in a dirty environment whether man or animal. Before you go adopt or buy a guinea pig make sure to discuss it with your kids. Will they be able to take care of the guinea pig? Will they be responsible enough to look after its nutritional needs? Always remember that no animal should ever be used to teach your children responsibility. That would be an inhuman and cruel thing to do. A guinea pig requires quite a few things so before buying one ask yourself if you are willing to spend that much money on a new pet. They require a large cage, bedding material, hidey box, food dish, toys, timothy hay and vitamin C pellets.

Guinea pigs love company so even if you are committed to spending time with your pet every day  do think about getting another guinea pig. Keeping two will be beneficial for you because you won’t have to worry about your guinea pig getting bored.

ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO THEM?

Some people might to allergic to guinea pigs. They are allergic to the proteins in the animal’s urine and saliva and not their fur or dander. If you aren’t sure whether you are allergic or not go visit a friend’s house who has a guinea pig or to a local pet shelter to see if being around a guinea pig triggers any kind of allergic reaction.

Remember that guinea pigs are not dogs or cats, so if you are a dog or a cat person refrain from buying guinea pigs. They don’t interact like dogs do and the only way they show their affection for you is by letting you pick them up and by licking your hand sometimes. They have a long lifespan; almost 10 years so make sure you can take care of your cavy for that period of time. They might not crave attention but they need your love and care. So think about what you need from your pet before buying one and make sure you know the kind of commitment and time you have to give your pet. They are for life and they deserve the best we can give them.

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