We humans are so susceptible to getting influenced by things around us that we try to reason any unusual happening with hypothetical possibilities, without knowing the logic behind it. Our ancestors came up with religious beliefs,the foundation of many of which where simply based on unknown facts which nobody tried to dig upon and find out the reason behind. Well when it is said that half knowledge is dangerous then that be true because it can turn out to hurt someone or even be fatal. As such we have never spared our fellow species, our pets can be no exception in it as we drag them into this colossal field of false beliefs and myths.

Below are few myths-considered-facts that that we has been going around for a long time now but needs to be clarified.

1. Black BAD LUCK

As if hypothetical ghost stories lost their charisma that they dragged a poor little feline into it. Considering them as inauspicious, black cats are often seen as carriers of some evil that is bound to happen and inevitable. People stop and flinch if they see black cats come across their way. This one is too old a myth and some still follow till date. ‘Uh-uh! I won’t go that way else bad luck would follow’, seriously? You think a cat can make a truck run over you while crossing the road, probably yes if your gaze is fixed on that four-legged dark shadow and not on the road while crossing it. Get over that sick myth! They are like any other cats that people pet around rather just more beautiful and unique!

2. Old dog New Tricks, Uh-uh!

No! This is a false verdict. There is no relation between age and ability to learn new things when it comes to your canine friend. No matter what age they reach you can still teach your friend to sit, roll, stay, fetch or whatever pleases you. This has nothing to do with its age. An everyday practice for a week or two and then your dog is smart enough to grasp what is being taught. Don’t underestimate your dog friend they can be stubborn or lazy but they will definitely pick up more quickly than you expected and surprise you. Changing their habits isn’t that difficult as goes the saying everywhere.

3. A Camel’s own water tank?

Camel is the ship of desert, some books poetically explained so. With their ability to live several days without food and water, they are considered as the most well adapted animal to the harsh conditions of the deserts. Camels have distinctive features like padded feet, long eye-lashes and most visible of them all, its hump. Well most of the people think the camel carries water inside its hump and avoid death due to dehydration. The actual fact being they have got oval shaped red blood cells instead of the common circular shaped cells that most mammals have. This lets them retain water in their body for much longer duration. And as for the hump, it just a mount of fat that acts as a food reservoir rather that that of water. Camels can stay fit and fine for as long as three weeks without food with the fat burning in the hump providing the necessary energy. Special thanks to the kidneys and intestines that reduce the water excretion to minimal levels and help it survive whilst other animals die of hunger and thirst.

4. All parrots DON’T talk

You pay a visit to your neighbor got a parrot pet recently and the first question that comes out is, ‘Hey does it talk?’ And with high expectations you try saying monosyllables to it, thinking probably it might mimic you in the funniest way possible. Well, here goes down your expectation and myth, not all parrots talk. Why?! Simply because they are individuals like us. Parrot species like Amazon parrots and African grey parrots are most famous among the parrot species as they can pick up vocabulary faster and mimic better. Whilst on contrary some of the species won’t talk at all. Even among the above two species, there can be few odd ones who don’t talk or very less in comparison others. The reason for this is still a mystery to the scientist who give the individualistic trait as one of the reasons. Hence so forth, don’t overestimate about the poor parrot, because all parrots can’t speak like you.

5. That Egg is Hers!

Well, it doesn’t who came first the egg or the chicken, you simply have your non-veg delicacies without thinking nonsense, but what is to be clarified it that the eggs you have aren’t the ones that would hatch if you keep them warm or something. As a child I often used to do that, thinking that at least one of them would hatch and I would have a chic to play with. Sadly the eggs that we eat are not the fertilized ones. The hen lays eggs regularly, be it fertilized or not. So no you are not committing any crime and killing those babies developing inside the calcium shells. Veggies, take a note!  If you have roosters n your farm and you think probably the hens are having a good time making fertile eggs then you can keep them in the fridge. Refrigeration can  to stop the further growth inside the egg.

6. RAPE RACK

This one goes as a matter of fact, clearing out every possible ‘made-ups’ and beliefs around. You think you get ample calcium supplies from that glass of milk you have everyday (which is actually not true) and with those endorsement brands of milk showing cows happily grazing in the background, it all seems a perfect cycle of milch industry. The horrendous truth being that the milch animals are tortured inhumanly to get you that glass of milk or cup of coffee in the morning. The concept is simple, cows only lactate when they have babies. No baby means no milk. Hence they are impregnated time and again effecting their health and what is done with the calves is even more unfortunate. They are weaned onto some other diet whilst the milk that is supposed to be for the calf goes to us humans. The babies are kept away their mothers, tied all the time with little space to roam around and if they seem of no use, specially the male calves, they end up in slaughter houses. The sorry and disturbing truth, isn’t a myth but a fact covered with the veil of the benefits of developing good health through milk.

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When you think of chicken, what comes to your mind? In one go, all the non-vegetarians out there would think of all kinds of mouth watering chicken cuisines. Well if you are what they say as ‘pure-nonvegetarian’, then why not have your own farm of poultry and raise your own healthy chickens, so that you never have to go to the supermarket to buy eggs and flesh and get a fresh supply from your own backyard. Keeping poultry pets is not so popular in suburban areas but here are few reasons as to why and how you keep a flock in your backyard.

Why?

1. An omelette in morning and a chicken cuisine for dinner would be something quite common for you, and that includes the family dinners and parties as well. You will be happily feasting with your friends and relatives.

2. Keeping chicken is fun. They are active, alert always ready to run around. You can cuddle them, pamper them only if you take care of them and bond well. They are unique! Yes, every chicken is unique in its personality trait, apart from varied feather colors and sizes. Chicks are equally adorable. You will love to play around with them and raise them in your backyard.

3. Keep them if you have pest problems in your garden. They can turn it into a fertilizer. No need to use pesticides also. Chickens love to roam around freely and forage. They can eat almost anything, even the grass that has grown too long. So stop caring about mowing your gardens and let those chickens go loose.

4. Low maintenance is what is synonym to keeping chicken. No walking, no brushing only feeding twice a dy. With minimal needs and plethora of benifits what more you can ask from your pet, than an egg every morning. The cleaning and bedding is a once in a while effort.

5. Save a chicken from the farm-factory where they follow ruthless and cruel farming of poultry and diary animals to produce higher output. High epsticides and antibiotics are used to rpevent spread of diseases in the stocked up innumerable poultry animals. Here you keep chickens, there one less chicken is put in a gruesome situation plus even you prevent yourself from ingesting those chemicals.

6. Its not just about chicken and eggs, in the end you get a pet to whom you can cuddle, scoop around, comb and pamper. Amaze others as you make your chicken fall asleep in your arms, they can be good pets if bonded well.

Now that you have got enough reason to keepp them, lets see the how part.

HOW?

DIET

FOOD

Chicken diet depends upon the breed and the age. Feed should be well balanced and the containers should be regularly cleaned to avoid any chances of illness. Chickens need insoluble grit in their diet like hard flint grit. Chicken feeders are equally important when keeping chickens as pets.

Water

Constant clean and fresh water is a must in your poultry house. The drinkers should be cleaned regularly. Care should be taken that drinkers are not too deep to prevent the chicks from falling into them.

HOUSING

The place where your chicks will grow up and thrive has to be warm, dry and well ventilated. The area needs to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to remove parasites and other insects. The feeders and drinkers should be placed in one corner of the house and if you have more number of chickens, two or more feeders can be kept per chicken coop.

Flooring

The flooring should be made of dry material like wood shavings or straw that should be topped up. Chicken like to forage and dust bath around so the toppings can be replaced when required. The floor should be dry to avoid habitats for parasites to grow and cause unwanted diseases to your pets.

Space

Chickens require ample space to stretch their wings, run and hop around. If you have 30 birds in your coop, roughly 12 square meters of space would be enough for them. But this also depends on size and number of chicken pets you have. You can fill the space with perches, about 3 to 5 cm in length with round edges to avoid the chicken getting hurt.

 Nest Boxes

When the hen is getting ready to lay eggs it needs quiet places. Make sure you provide the would-be moms with warm, serene enclosed nest boxes where they can lay eggs in peace without any disturbances from humans and other male chickens. The flooring can again be straw or wood shavings, in short, something dry and comfortable.

Outdoor Environment

Provide an overhead cover over the coop, like a small tree or a shed to protect your pets from sun and weather. Chicken constantly sun bathe and forage so enough space should be there for them to do so. Feeders and drinkers should even be kept outside for easy access to food and water. Proper fencing should be there to protect your pets from wild animals or other pets in your house. Make sure the bird doesn’t get out of the fence or not hurt itself getting stuck in it.

HEALTH

Healthy chickens are easy to notice. They have bright eyes and alertness in their movement. Poor health symptoms include hunched posture, reluctance in movement, erect feathers, hiding in corners etc. The chicken seems dull and less interested. Always contact your vet if you think your chicken is not doing well. Late response may make other chicken unwell too. Chickens should be checked for lice and red mites, generally found under the wings or in the crevices of the coop. Chickens need regular de-worming, if kept outside in the same area over a long period of time.

Chicken Company

Feather pecking can be a cause of serious trouble while introducing new chicken to the flock. Cockerels who haven’t grown together should be kept separate to avoid rivalry. Even hens peck and pull at the feathers of other hens causing injuries. This can occur anytime and may even lead to cannibalism. Care should be taken to separate any newly introduced member into the flock if they break into a fight.

Before getting yourself a flock of your own birds make sure you have ample space and can devote enough time and care towards them.

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In humans, the pregnancy period is quite a delicate time, so is for animals. Proper attention care is required towards the animal whether it is diet, safety, exercise or meds. First thing to keep in mind is that, you should not breed your pet unless are ready to take up the responsibility of the litter. Just for the matter that your dog/cat should have the experience of having a litter is not a reason enough for breeding your pet. Also if you have already planned for it then you should go to a responsible breeder who has considerable knowledge about your breed. You can also consult the vet first to get the breeding done.

After your dog/cat is in the gestation period, a lot of attention and care is required from your side being an owner. Below are few important points that you should realize while taking care of your pet.

Diet

This is the first and the most important thing that your dog/cat needs good nutrition. Now that she is carrying babies, she needs to intake extra calories, to feed more than one. Improper diet can even lead to death of newborns. After mating and while gestation, you should make sure that your pet eats properly. During the first few weeks dogs eat in normal amounts but as the weeks precede so does their requirement. By the end of the gestation period they tend to eat 1.5 times their initial diets. Same applies to your cat so increase the amount of food you provide to your pet. Give your dog/cat commercial dog/cat food that is high in calories. Also talk to your vet about the dietary habits for your pet and how to make it better. Most importantly provide ample amount of water at all times.

Exercise and Fitness

You dog should undergo sufficient exercises though not vigorous ones. The target should be to ease the complications during delivery and not weight loss. Regular outdoor walks should keep your pregnant dog fit and fine. Cats usually take care of themselves on their own during pregnancy. They may undergo morning sickness like certain behavior changes, not having food on time, vomiting and restlessness. But worry not this is a part of the hormonal changes going inside her body. Sometimes you might not even notice such changes. If the cat doesn’t eat food for a long stretch of time do consult your vet. Weight loss is not recommended for your pet and a lot of rest and sleep is required, so don’t try to tire your pet, in the name of exercise. Again plenty of water is a must.

Discharge

Your pet both dogs and cats experience discharge from genital area during pregnancy. The discharge is often pinkish in color in case of dogs and transparent in case of cats. If the color of discharge differs, it can be pus or blood. You should immediately contact your vet in this situation. In case of cats, if the discharge is pink it is a fungal infection while green discharge indicates bacterial infection.  After delivery discharge is normal in case of cats, which can be thick and either punk or brown in color. This continues for 10 days so no need to worry. Discharge during pregnancy should be taken seriously ignoring certain conditions can even lead to abortion or premature delivery.

Surroundings

To make your dog/cat go through the gestation period comfortably you need to ensure that their surrounding environment is stress free and tranquil. Make separate bedding for your cat, some time before her due date like a box. Provide comfortable bedding or base, by putting a soft towel, blanket or may be an old launder that makes them feel warm and cozy. Place it in a silent location; make it a point to keep it away from other pets and children in the house so that your cat/dog may rest silently without any disturbances. Let her know where the box is kept but don’t force her to be there. She may end up choosing some other location to give birth or may even make changes according to her wish in her newly made space. Keep your pet away for three weeks after parturition so as to prevent transmission of any potential diseases.

After Birth Care

You should make sure that your pet feels comfortable and secure around people in the house. Keep a separate den for the new mommy where she can feed and tender to her litter without any trouble or disturbances. Keep a bowl of water close by, but make sure that pups don’t fall into it by mistake. Change the bedding regularly to avoid smell and maintain hygiene in their resting place. Clean the puppy poop from time to time, although in case of cats, the queen, that’s what the new mommy is called, tends to eat up her baby poop, clean and groom them simultaneously. This behavior is sometimes seen in dogs too and is fairly normal. Ensure that your pet has proper food even during lactation. Whenever you feel any abnormal changes like loss of appetite in your pet, insatiable thirst, discharge etc contact your vet.

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People don’t usually keep rodents as pets. Even if they do it is usually a guinea pig or a hamster. Rats and mice are also petted but rarely. But if you have recently bought one of these puffy yet delicate beings you need to know how to take their proper care. Big animals like cats and dogs, are easy to take care in terms of food, cleaning, bonding and petting. Coming to the rodents, even they require love and bonding which may turn out to be difficult considering their size and behavior.

Here are few points to help guide how to develop a better relation with your little rodent.

1. Cages

The size of the cage depends upon the size and number of pets you keep. Hamster adults are about 6 inches so a 12*18 size cage would be fine for a single hamster. Hamsters are solitary animals, hence should be kept a hamster per cage.  Gerbils are petit and grow up to just four inches. They are social animals so it is better to keep them in a pair or a group. A 12*24 size cage would provide enough space for a pair. Mice make it to just 3 inches and like gerbils tend to stay in pairs or groups. They need a small 12*18 size cage although the size can be varied if you increase the count. Rats and guinea pigs on the other hand reach a length of 8 and 10 inches respectively. You can get a cage of size 24*36 or can even make a little home with the household items for the guinea pigs, your rat my chew off its home, hence a cage is better option.

2. Bedding and Accessories

The bedding shouldn’t be made of an absorbent material. Normally pine wood shavings and paper-based pallets are comfortable for your pet and even keep the bad odor away. Make sure you don’t provide wired bedding for your rodent as spending time on wired base leads to bumble-foot, a bacterial infection associated with feet. Rats tend to litter waste in one corner of the cage, you need to make sure you clean the cage regularly, at least once a week and restore the bedding back. Rats and mice like to climb over the cage. You can add certain toys and accessories to the cage for your rodent’s playtime. Some rodents like to run on wheels while others don’t. You can get some toys which your rats and mice can chew upon and rotate them so that it doesn’t feel bored.

3. Food

Hamsters, guinea pigs can be given similar diets like whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits and other healthy things. Pellet food is considered best for your pet. You can also try human food, as long as it is healthy and not junk food. Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, so sugar and fatty foods should be avoided. If you have a rat or mice low fat meal can be given occasionally including cheese and nuts apart from bread, rice yogurt. A low fat high fiber diet is preferable. Rats get tempted with sweet food items like sugar and chocolate but this tendency of developing a sweet tooth must be avoided. Make sure you give clean drinking water to your rodent. The water should be changed regularly and take care that bowls don’t get contaminated with algae. Your rodent requires water regularly and may be ill otherwise.

4. Cleaning and grooming

Rats don’t usually require cleaning and grooming as they clean themselves by licking. But if you feel the fur becoming dirty or the tail turning black with dirt, you can give it a slightly warm bath. Bathing should be done once per month only if necessary. Same applies to hamsters, guinea pigs and other rodents as well. Take care that the water doesn’t go the eyes. DO NOT put shampoo anywhere around eyes. Clean the face with a damp towel. For the first time, the bath can be intimidating for your pet and it may try to run off. You can first make it comfortable by placing it in an inch or two of water and let it get used to the wetness. Use only a drop of shampoo and not more than that. Rinse and little and wash off. Clean the tail with a soft brush in case of a rat, being long and skinny it often gets dirty. You can even trim off the nails if you think they are too long by using normal nail-cutter but be careful with not to cut the pink skin. A vet can be consulted in this case.

5. Playtime

It is better that kids don’t handle these rodents themselves as they are delicate creatures. Squeezing and dropping down can cause harm to your pet. Though they can be social, but rats, mice and gerbils are generally nocturnal and can be disturbing throughout the night. They may not like getting disturbed during the day, as they sleep most of the time. They are playful but not that responsive, though they can be tamed by frequent handling and spending some time with your pet both when inside and outside its cage. Get few toys for your rodents to chew upon and when you leave them out make sure you don’t keep any valuables in their way as they can chew off almost anything.
Spend time with your pet and don’t just keep it because it is cute, furry and adorable. Take proper care of it and let it enjoy your company.

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You’ve finally made the plunge! You have got yourself your dream pet, the cute and furry little hamster.

You stood at that pet shop for ages convincing everyone around you, that the adorable creature staring at you from behind the cage was the perfect pet for you. That cage has finally made itself to your home. You wake up everyday with it next to you in the cage and bid it goodnight before you go to sleep, wishing it dreams of hamster heaven. In fact you have already named that furry creature and he is one of your best buds.

Once the excitement sets in, it is only natural to go overboard with feeding them titbits of everything you eat and cuddling them close. While the latter is not exactly harmful, the former is quite dangerous for your friend, as hamsters tend to have sensitive stomachs.

So, what should you feed your hamster? Definitely not that Mars bar that you love, or that delicious chocolate pudding that everyone must simply taste. Some might be even wondering if they are feeding their treasured pet the right thing. Not to worry, here are a few dietary specifications that could help your hamster lead a healthy life.

Water

Water is really important, so make sure your pet hamster always has a supply of clean water to drink. The best choice would be to get a water bottle attached to the cage for your hamster. The bottle should typically require very little suction so that your pet hamster can drink water with ease. If it isn’t possible, just place the water in a wide bowl which is easily accessible to it. Remember, they don’t possess the dexterous hands that we humans have. Make sure that you regularly replenish the bottle or bowl with clean water so that your hamster never goes thirsty. It would be advisable to wash the bottle at least once a week to ensure that dirt does not accumulate.

Food

When in the wild, hamsters are great burrowers and forage for seeds, fruits and nuts and store it underground to munch on. A very peculiar feature of hamsters is their cheek pouches. Hamsters have cheek pouches in which they store the food they forage for. In fact, when these cheeks are full, the size of its head can even become twice its original size. So don’t be surprised if you find your hamsters cheeks bulging or that the food that you placed has vanished into thin air!

So what exactly should you feed your pet hamster once you have brought it home?

There are many commercial feeds and pellets available a pet stores, produced having these dietary restrictions in mind. It is a safe option to grab these from a nearby pet store so that your pet gets the necessary nourishment it requires. Ensure that the commercial feed is suitable for your hamster breed. A tablespoon of commercial feed a day would be sufficient for your pet hamster.

Treats

It is just natural to want to treat your pet hamster and you will find a large variety of very attractive treats for your hamster in a local pet store. Anyone would like a little variety in their meals and so would your pet hamster. Treats would typically be fruits and nuts and even seed mixes. Moreover treats would be an excellent way to entice your pet hamster if it is a poor eater.

You don’t necessary have to buy the treats for your pet hamster. Apart from the commercial treats, you could feed your hamster a few fruits and vegetables. Some good fruits for the hamster would include apples, pears, bananas. Carrot, cauliflower, lettuce and broccoli would be vegetables that it would enjoy munching.

Feeding your hamster small quantity of your leftovers isn’t a bad idea too, but make sure it isn’t too spicy that it would cause digestive trouble to it. Some leftovers which your hamster would love are bread, eggs (hard-boiled or scrambled), boiled rice, tomatoes, yoghurt, peanuts and even cottage cheese! Just make sure that you don’t feed too much of these treats. It is entirely possible for your hamster to become obese if it overeats, and no one likes a hamster that finds it difficult to lift itself up.

There are a few treats that should be avoided at all costs when feeding your hamster! Sticky treats, junk food, chocolate, garlic and onion are unhealthy and not suitable for your furry pal. In fact sticky food could get caught in your hamster’s cheek pouch and could cause quite a lot of harm. Sugar based treats are a no-no as hamsters are susceptible to diabetes.

There will be an urge that most pet owners tend to have, to feed your pet just that little bit extra in your enthusiasm to make it happy. However much you want to do it, resist the temptation! Hamsters are prone to diarrhoea if fed too much and you definitely don’t want to see your pet suffer and cleaning the mess could be quite a smelly ordeal.

A good balanced vegetarian diet will ensure that your hamster stays fit as a fiddle.

Now that you know what to feed your pet and how to take care of it, you and your hamster are going to have a wonderful and healthy time together as best pals.

And remember; don’t feed your hamster any ham!

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We the humans know how bad it feels to face neglection. It hurts when one throws a straight no at your face. The miseries seem endless, troubles unending and we feel as if nobody is standing beside us as a support. We are shattered, lonely and sad. All the bright, wordly colours of life look bleak and dull.
Animal emotion is a complicated arena, but it seems the scales are slowly tipping toward the opinion that animals do have emotions, although some skeptics remain. The debate surrounding the scope of emotions animals possess derives from two main complications: the potential for anthropomorphism (humans projecting their own traits onto animals) and the inherent difficulties of studying emotions in nonhuman species.
Such emotions must have evolved out of a social necessity. Animals, once involved with others learn such social necessities. Hence a slight mistreatment from your side can upset your beloved friend. The relationships with pet animals are very mutual, we find a source of happiness, playing with them gives us a scope for physical exercising and the attention we give to them is returned manifold times through constant company they give us. Not only we talk to our pets without even thinking if they understand our language or are interested in them; animals when not in direct contact with us make up for a pleasant watching through their playing, jumping around and other surprising activities. Animals at home are a complete element of surprise because everyday we get to discover a new aspect of our pet. When you let down this very source of joy, you break its trust. Dogs empathize and sympathize with humans and in turn expect just a little encouragement from us, their masters. If we fail to provide so they become depressed since thy too need plenty of attention, care, love and time. If they are left alone and hardly taken outside for strolls, he is likely to feel and remain aloof. We, as the proud, responsible owners, also have some commitment towards them which we ought to fulfill other it will feel useless and unncessary to you. If someday you return home tired from work and your pet dog suddenly starts jumping on you, demanding to be taken outside for a long walk, we usually put it away. He does understands well that you will not take him out and will, instead move away with a bowed down head and a dejected heart.

Usually animals, especially dogs show attention seeking behaviour from their very puppyhood age. They communicate to us by showing actions or even barking, pawing at your hands, whinning etc which is perfectly normal. We try to stop their behaviour by yelling at them because we get annoyed. This discourages them. Like any other living creature, animals are also a basket full of emotions. When we, the all powerful humans stop them from channelizing their energy in the correct direction, they get depressed which at times may lead to an aggressive behaviour. This can later on become uncontrollable. Simply buying an animal and keeping it at home is not enough. Just bathing and feeding it daily and giving this the name of love and care is not enough. We become selfish and mean with the bonds we share with them. Do we take them for granted? Surprising to hear that we ourselves do not know this answer because we are so overloaded and preoccupied with our own worlds. Since we are their closest companion, we need to understand their psychology better. They have different needs, their own way or method of approaching things and their own workings of the brain. It may want to spend quality time with you to be happy and satisfied. It doesn’t like being left alone. When they do not get it, normally, they will react resultantly. Then, we cannot merely judge it as BAD or GOOD behaviour.

We vow to love whatever pet animal we bring home and when that vow is broken, the animal’s heart is broken. Animals love humans. Why can’t we love them back? Pet owning is a wonderful experience but if we are busy and as a result neglect them, we can never call ourselves ‘the responsible owners’. Maintaining a social bond with your pet companion is a lifelong process. So do not think that simply buying a pet dog and having a walk or two with it completes your task of showing generosity towards it. Training them, caring about them is also a good way to hook up with your pets. If you treat your dig like a showpiece meant only for decorating your household and not to treat it humanly, you simply don’t deserve to have them. Your pet will love nothing more than being commited to you for a lifetime. It will never doubt your love, your intentions nor be jealous or possessive. It will never get bored of you. It will not mind if you shout at him for minutes. Such a generous creature your pet proves to be. Such noble manners is he gifted with. The love from animals cannot be found elsewhere. It is said that animals constitute a small part of our lives but for them we are their whole lives. It will never demand materialistic things and fussing that you otherwise have to provide in case of others. All it needs is you to play with him often and give him some love. So, when, though you do not have to put in any effort to woo it, please do not neglect it by sheer means. Make your beloved animal feel loved.

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If your own dog has ever gone missing, you know what a relief it is to get the phone call from someone who’s dialed the number on your dog’s collar or see your missing pet run to you at the local animal shelter. Critical in many of these owner-pet reunions a good samaritan found, held or chaperoned your dog to a safe place. Knowing how grateful we were or would be to them, we naturally feel like doing our part if we ever see a lost dog or a stray wandering on the streets.
Dogs have always been the best human counterparts. A symbiotic relationship developed between dogs and humans way back in the days of the cave men. Wolves and their puppies hung out at the camp fires of cave people looking for scrapes to eat and in turn they provided a benefit to the humans by keeping vermin at bay. Once you understand the nature of canines, it’s clear why the stray dogs adopt people and never leave. Wolves are pack animals that mean they are gregarious and social and need to stay together. An ostracized wolf, a lone wolf, couldn’t survive on its own. Since domestic dogs have descended from the wolves, they still have those wild instincts. Dogs always seek for company. They believe that a human will always help it thrive. Dogs who follow people home and adopt them will never leave their side because once they have had the experience of being hungry and suffering in extreme temperatures, they will choose family life over stray life.
Dog homelessness is a problem affecting millions of dogs even today. Though the cartoons and movies have glamorized the lifestyle of independent dogs, we all know that the daily life of a lonely street dog is much bleaker than is depicted on the screen. The following steps will help you safely rescue a dog from the streets.
1. Checking the urgency of the situation.
When you see an unattended dog on the streets your instincts will, on one hand, urge you to help but on the other hand you cannot take any decision. You will fear to make the situation worse. You don’t want to scare the dog unnecessarily and try to help only if its in need. There might not be a relevant situation for you to move on the path of animal heroism.
2. Determined Ownership.
You should make sure the first thing that the dog is actually alone and cannot be momentarily seperated from the owner. You can save yourself loads of time and hassle along with potential criminal charges while making sure that your dog is alone.
3. Analyzing the condition of the dog

Strays are two types- a dog seperated from its owner and a dog inherently without any home or family. Though both types are worthy of love and are in need of rescuing, there are additional concerns that need to be taken into consideration.
4. Protect yourself all the time.
Before finding a home for the stray, one must first capture and restrain the animal. It is a little dangerous as dogs can sometimes be defensive or even hostile due to prior abuse, neglect, sickness or its general temperament. If the dog turns violent, you should protect yourself with a dog barrier like a skateboard or a tennis racket but it should not appear as a weapon to the dog. Do not swing it at the dog in an attempt to impale them. It’s for your own safety and not meant to hurt the dig instead.
5. Building a rapport.
This is the most important thing you should do. Gaining trust through peace offering is good. A simple gesture like feeding with your own hand can build trust and open the lines of communication. You should never rush too fast. Go slow while making your approach towards the dog. Pause if it becomes frightened. Pay attention to what triggers an emotional response from the dog and be sensitive towards it. Move slowly and comfortably.
6. Bring rescue to your dog
Even if the dog behaves wildly, search for a proper shelter for him. Return them to a good home. Nowadays parents are getting microchips placed beneath the skin of their dog as a means of tracking their four-legged loved ones. It’s helpful if you want to ensure your dog’s safety.
7. Foster your rescue
If a proper home is yet to be located for your nee friend, you might want to consider adopting it temporarily or perhaps permanently. If you take the dog to the Human Society, a lot of times they do not take proper care of them. But if you are able to hold on to the dog for a quarrantine period of up to two weeks, they will then take the dog and provide it with all necessary vaccinations and tests.
8. Consult your family
The main concern is taking permission from your family, without which, bringing a stray dog home will prove to be your worst decision ever.
Still today, hundreds or more live in swamplands, sick and starving, diseased and injured, living under dangerous conditions. Starvation, dehydration are their regular companions and some are even dumped by human families who had once adopted them. So if you adopt such a dog, be generous and kind. Taking it to a vet, giving regular medical attention for the first few days against heatworm, parasitic diseases or acute injuries, seeking professional advice, complete check-up and sterilization, if needed should be done.
The SOCHI DOG KILLING CAMPAIGN has raised international interest in adopting street dogs from Sochi. Adopting a street dog will give you extreme happiness. Sit back and enjoy your new pet, see that all your difficulties and tensions vanish in a single go. Secure in the knowledge that you are a bonafide hero for saving the life of a poor fellow. 

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FOOD HABITS OF A DOG

We all know that Nutrition is an essential requirement for a healthy, developing body during ALL stages of one’s lifetime, the same however is applied for canines as well. To take into consideration food habits of a dog, one must take all the necessary precautions whenever one decides to adopt a canine of their choice. As a pup or as an adult it is imperative that the owner takes into consideration all the facets and apply the same for the growth of their relative canine. Consulting a good veterinarian could help you chase your problems away if you are not too sure about what to feed your dog with. Assisting pet owners in understanding dog’s eating habits and ways to correct the imperfections can be best done with an expert in this field.

EAT YOUR AGE:

Every dog owner on this planet must realize the fact that just like a baby requires breast milk when they are growing up, and require different vegetables and fruits during their adult life for proper nutrition, every dog while going through different transitional ages in their lives also require the same attention and require for different types of food to be provided to them as and when they reach that stage. There are generally 3 stages of a canine’s life if one has to segregate it like that, the three stages being:

1. Puppy Phase
2. Middle Life
3. Adult- Grown up

Puppy Phase:

In many people’s opinion, the puppy phase is the most integral and vital phase of age that requires for dog owners to be vigilant in what goes in to the system of one’s dog. This is that age when a dog makes up their own food system and develop food habits that might stay with them throughout the rest of their lives, habits that cling on to them forever. In order to follow that up with a healthy course, the owners must be aware of whatever their pups are binging on, there is a tendency for little pups to bite, chew and even at times- destroy that they find around them- from furniture, to shoes and socks to your favourite piece of accessories. Identifying the same and training your dog to eat healthy requires for incentives to be brought in from the owner’s side in the form of acceptable forms of food.

Food like the following can prove to be very healthy for your growing pup:

• High quality balanced dog food- All-time favourite PEDIGREE works the best.
• Natural food stuff such as fresh human-grade raw meet (cut up, diced pieces of lamb)
• Raw bones
• Cooked meat like boiled chicken/lamb for occasional use
• Cooked pumpkins, carrots

• Chemically treated grass

GRASS ALLOWS FOR HEALTHY GROWING UP A PUP

Human grade raw meet must not be fed on an occasional base as over eating of the same might lead to natural deficiencies. Raw bones must only be provided when the dog has reached at least 2- 4 years of age allowing for their jaws to chew and bite in to the bones. Providing them with the same must be checked up with a veterinarian at the time it is being provided in every possibility.

The Following food stuff must be avoided in all circumstances:

• Onion, garlic
• Chocolate, coffee or caffeine of any sort
• Bread dough
• Avocado
• Grapes, raisins
• Fish on an constant basis
• Cooked bones
• Any nuts- macadamia nuts especially
• Fatty trimmings
• Toothpaste, chewing gums, baking goods, unripe tomatoes

MIDDLE LIFE:

When it comes to comparing your average-sized grown dogs, and young, growing dogs there can be many differences that must be inculcated in the diet for the middle-aged dog. This would require frequent visits to the veterinarian and good consultation if you would like to substitute commercial branded food of your dog with that of a cooked meal. This stage allows you to identify if the dog is facing any sort of disabilities or problems in any part of their body in accordance to which a strict diet must be followed till the disease has been taken care of. If it is an incurable disease being spoken about, that might require for you to follow up with more than a single vet and more visits till the life of your furry canine.

TREATS MAYBE GIVEN ONLY OCCASIONALLY WHEN TRAINING A DOG

If your dog is healthy and home cooked meals are what you are going to provide the dog with, then the following must be taken in to account:

• Cook up cheap cuts of meat which may be a bit difficult to find at first but allows for tripe to build up the strength of your dog. Cooking up liver, kidneys, heart, lungs might prove to be a very smelly affair, and must be done occasionally allowing the dog to have a variety of food stuff be provided with.
• Rice and a vegetarian meal with some meal that is a take-in may also be provided with.
• Roughage like brown rice can prove to be very useful.
• Mild pilchards once in a while allows for dogs to pick on fish food as well, which may be very nutritional for certain canines.

The following food stuff must be avoided:

• Hot chunks of meat might burn your canines tongue, let the food be cooled down in all instances
• Onions, pepper must be avoided in all cases.
• Dogs must only be provided with big and raw marrow bones as others could lead to choking or getting stuck in their throats.
• Bland vegetables like cabbage and cabbage like vegetables such as cauliflower, brinjals, and celery must be kept away at all times.
• Beans and lentils are also not suitable as they may ferment in the canines gut.

ADULT- GROWN UP:

This is the last phase of your dog which requires you to visit your vet almost every other week and making you remain vigilant for any sort of “unwanted signals”

All you can probably provide your dog with is lots and lots of milk and bread, the bread which should be soaked up in milk to a very good extent making it easy for the dog to be able to chew it and swallow as well. Fruits like mangoes must be avoided particularly as it might lead up to knots in the stomach of a dog.

There is no exhaustive list for an adult dog and food stuff that might be provided to them which is why it is harder to identify and provide for the same.

Canines that are your are your responsibility and must be treated with the same love and affection that you provide your own family members with so as to avoid any sort of unwanted situations and losing of your canines even before you would like for it to, which is why proper nutrition and healthy food stuff with rich ingredients must be provided with.

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ZEBRA AND THEIR STRIPES:

If you were a curious child like I was, you would have come across this question at least 10 times during the course of your childhood WHENEVER IT CAME TO THINKING ABOUT ANIMALS, and surprisingly the question remains unanswered till date: ARE ZEBRAS BLACK OR WHITE?

The enigmatic fur on these zebras making us elude ourselves into an abstract transitional phase all along could lead anyone to come up with this question and make us over think and over analyse about the very same as well. Not only regular humans, but scientists till date have been mulling over the same question themselves.

ZEBRA’S ORIGINS:

There is no doubt when it comes to the question of zebra’s having their origins inbuilt with that of the horse family. Their body structure and the elongated face which is like any other normal horse is the answer to the same. The only difference that could be pointed out in relation to when it comes down to comparing the family of zebras with that of the horses and donkeys is that:

“ZEBRAS HAVE NEVER TRULY BEEN DOMESTICATED”

Zebras have been with the human civilization since the last 4 million years and have been known to be “in the wild” ever since. This breed of old horses tends to stand out the most and relatively are the only ones which look the most accurately similar to the breed of earliest EQUINE ancestors of the horses. Which allows for them to enjoy the status of being the most exotic animals belonging to the regions of Africa (mostly Kenya) the “biological mystery” behind their stripes have made them one of the most infamous tourist attractions.

There are 3 types of Zebras classified into the following:

• The Plain Zebras
• The Grevys Zebras
• The Mountain Zebras

The difference between them is that the first two are classified as being horses whereas the last one is known to belong to the donkey family. Though all of them belong to the family; EQUUS that comes under the broader umbrella family tree of EQUID.

STRIPED UP:

All the above mentioned Zebras are believed to have bold stripes in comparison to other African grazers like the buffalo and the antelope.

Like said earlier scientists have been greatly puzzled with the same theory of stripes as well- scientists like Darwin and other great scientists have come to a divine conclusive theory stating that there are 5 major reasons for the stripe formation in the Zebras as we know today. These 5 main hypothesis are of the following:

1. STRIPES HELP IN REDUCING BODY TEMPERATURE:

It is believed that the black and white stripes help the Zebras to contain their body heat and provides for resistance against heat and helps absorbs the heat, turning it into a cool drizzle for the zebras inside, helping them in crossing and covering large distance and areas with a lesser amount of time.

2. STRIPES HELP ZEBRAS TO INTERACT SOCIALLY:

ALL ZEBRAS FLOCK TOGETHER

One of the theories deduces that because the stripes are so similar in nature to each other, it helps the herds that move along together when covering large distances off the shore in order to identify each other easily and allows for social interactions to happen within these tribes in a more unified manner.

3. STRIPES HELP ZEBRAS REPEL INSECTS:

Like discussed earlier, Zebras are generally found in Africa which is prone to many reptiles and insects that end up sucking out the blood out of these poor Zebras. The theory has been deduced in the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STUDY wherein the paper NATURE CALLS published by a Zebra expert and a Princeton-graduate Daniel Rubenstein who attained masters in the field of Zoology deduced this theory of blood sucking flies that get repelled by the stripes present on their bodies.

4. STRIPES HELP ZEBRAS IN CONFUSING PREDATORS:

IT IS RARE THAT LION GETS AN INDIVIDUAL ZEBRA ROAMING ABOUT

It is believed that the “motion dazzle” provided for by these stripes on zebras allows for them to easily hide themselves from their obvious predators; “the lions” which gives them the opportunity to hide from the lion as and when they flock together, making it hard for the lion to choose a specific target. Zebras generally have a lot of stamina and have a night vision ability that is complimented with great eye sight – allowing for them to swish past through the lions in no time!

Lions are colour-blind which allows the zebras to take full advantage of their black and white colour combination, making it hard for their predators to be able to catch them. This confusion that is caused to create perplexities in the minds of a lion allows for the zebra herd to distinguish one herd from another, making it an advantage for them.

5. STRIPES HELP ZEBRAS IN PROVIDING FOR CAMOUFLAGE:

A simple army type camouflage pattern allows the zebra to protect itself from unwanted enemies. An open savannah that is triggered because of Zebras allows for them to protect themselves from the Lions- this particular pattern was even used by ships during the First World War.

The stripes allowing for zebras to find themselves mates easily and more effectively too. Vegetation is also provided for by the same.

BLACK/WHITE?

These and many theories have been deduced, not a single one being triggered down as THE one reason for the stripes being there or not.

The debate has been moved past many stages and has deduced many conclusive theories within these theories and because zebras cannot be really domesticated- they are too wild and have peculiar demands that may only be provided by the nature itself.

Thus the question remains unanswered and a cryptic mystery to all!!

Sorry to disappoint yourself any my childhood curiosities!

The post STRIPES HELP ZEBRAS!-UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY BEHIND STRIPES appeared first on Pet Attack.

WHAT GENERALLY HAPPENS? 

No matter how much we humans might love the monsoons, that brings along with itself the ability to relieve us from the scorching heat, the same monsoon season might be a nightmare for our little furry creatures. From birds to dogs, the showers affects them all, and ends up leading to a dampener of all activities. There so many diseases under the umbrella of this rain that might affect them, of which one must be wary of. Allowing for your pets to run around in this kind of weather might only lead up to more health complications which in turn might lead to dire consequences as well. The pleasant weather might not be so pleasant for them, as however much we even try to get sore throat and cold out of our heads, it’s even more difficult for a pet who end up going through problems regarding indigestion, fungal infections, skin infections and a lot more!

PETS LIKE DOGS WHO STAY OUT IN THE RAIN CATCH MANY DISEASES

Being vulnerable to many diseases during this monsoon season, there are a host of different problems that might be faced when taking care of our beloved pets, and it is even harder to take in to account ALL such problems and their remedies, which is why one’s knowledge will always be restricted, but the most common of all problems and remedies are given as follows for directional purposes when it comes to taking care of pets:

1. DIET PLAN:

It is vital to make a meal plan for your pet and it is even more essential to follow it up- REGULARLY!

• DO – make your pet eat HEALTHY NUTRITIOUS FOOD compromising of nutrients like chicken/lamb eggs, fat, fish oil etc. Boiled, and filtered water is a must and it should be taken care of that the pet does not eat/drink unhealthy, unauthorized food, water.

• DON’T- have your pets eat corn, soy or wheat.

2. REGULAR NUMBER OF MEALS PER DAY:

Food is one of the most important things when it comes to nutrition of a pet and it becomes imperative to give your pets, ideal number of food supply every day at least till the monsoon ends.

• DO – make your pet eat twice or thrice a day (for adults) and four to five times for a new born

• DON’T – overfeed your pet!

3. RAINY FUR COAT:

One of the common problems all pet owners face are the dirty fur that their pets carry around after it rains, dirty paws lead to yeast/fungal infections, dirt fur if not scrubbed or washed properly may even lead up to the death of the dog triggered because of the dirt present around. The mud that a dog likes to play in, might go inside their mouths which may end up causing problems in their stomach.

• DO – Wash/Scrub/Comb your pets fur two or three times a week of heavy monsoon rains, if your pet is incapable of staying put at your homes, and is very restless that he/she sneaks out for a little run-  it is imperative on your part to make sure their fur is clean and dry. One may use a blow drier or heaters to help serve that purpose.

• DON’T – direct heat from the heater/ blow drier might electrocute your pet and scrubbing everyday might even result in rampant hair fall – both the things must be done only and when required.

4. PLAY TIME?

It becomes extremely crucial to make a pet stay put in a house during the monsoon season. For one who may afford a big lavish mansions wherein the pet has free enough space to survive in, it might not be a huge deal but for the others it might be!

• DO – Lesser walks, indoor playtime with Frisbee/ ball, making the pet climb up and down the stairs or leaving it out in the open in the inner garden will let the pet remain active for a long time.

• DON’T – take them out for usual regular long walks, especially when it is pouring down.

5. PSYCHO PETS:

Scientists reveal that the most amount of fear for an animal is generally triggered by – THUNDERSTORMS. It might shake up the most peaceful and calmest of animals and end up making them have nightmares and howl throughout the night time.

• DO – hug your pets, make them feel as comfortable to you as possible, keep them cosy enough and try sleeping them if possible! Anti- anxiety pills must only be used in the rarest of rare cases.
• DON’T – leave the pets alone in such dire situations which results in excessive aggressiveness, howling, barking, chewing up of furniture etc.

6. FURRY CARE:

It is believed that not only dogs but even birds face issues with body odor, sweat and gastroenteritis. They must be taken regularly to their respective vets/ doctors for regular check-ups in such a weather and must be taken care of

DO – for dogs, clean their claws after they come back from a walk, changing water in their pails is necessary. For fishes, their aquariums must be drained out regularly and should be cleaned with fresh water added at least twice a month; making sure that organic foods and all the dirt is cleansed out, thoroughly.

DON’T – Let the dogs stay out, let the water be contaminated for long, Spectrozol; an anti – bio tic lotion that allows for humidity not to affect Birds must be used regularly.

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST:

A dog’s claws are prone to get very dirty and nails must be trimmed regularly so as to avoid yeast infections or skin infections. One might judge if their pet lie a dog is really uncomfortable if they keep on licking themselves, or are scratching their paws against their heads a lot which is an indication of ticks being present in their body.

These pet care tips are vital for any pet care takers and must be takin to account thoroughly so as to provide for a healthy, suitable environment for their pets which was promised to them in the very first place in this dirty, vulnerable weather of MONSOON RAINS!

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