I was just browsing, searching for nothing in particular, when I came across a photograph of what looked like, well, Pingu (the cartoon) with brownish black fur glued on to him! Absolutely delectable in a queer way, the photo seemed doctored so I looked them up. And lo! Mr.Pingu-with brown fur did exist, and are called by the name of Kinkajous.

These kinkajous, more commonly known as nightwalkers or honeybears, are also known by the scientific name of Poto Flavus, have several subspecies, many of which are docile and kept as pets. Now, having said that these are kept as pets does not mean that all of us can afford them. Kinkajous are extremely expensive and being exotic, are also rare. They live up to 25 years in the wild but according to recent reports, one of them staying in the Honolulu zoo is a little more than 40 years old.

Now, as I have mentioned earlier, they have several subspecies and they vary in size. However, to consider an approximation, their length ranges between 16 to 26 inches with the tail growing up to 20 inches. Quite a tail, I must say! Kinkajous are small pets, and weigh around 8 or 9 pounds.

Before embarking upon actually purchasing one of these delectable creatures, it sure is imperative to know what they really are. Kinkajous are nocturnal creatures. They reside in the treed canopy of the rainforest areas, and needlessly to say, they are tree-dwellers with prehensile tails which assist them in climbing. They do share a lot of characteristics with monkeys in general but they are actually related to racoons, red pandas and also coatimundis.  Nectar and fruits are what you can call their staple food in the wilderness.

Now, let me tell you that if you intend to keep a Kinkajou as pet, it is probably advisable to adopt them at an early age when  they are quite compliant and not to mention, friendly. However, whatever be the age at which you bring home one of these, you must remember that they are primarily wild animals and their habits and habitat are different from ours. You, first and foremost, need to be flexible with them and the less you expect them to change, the better it is for them physically and psychologically. To adduce this, you might consider that they are, by nature, nocturnal so you might get the most activity in the latter part of the evenings or even past your bedtime. They are, like monkeys, extreme curious and they tend to get into things and create quite a mess. They like to toss food around, and in case you plan to keep more than one, they can be quite territorial and you might as well expect quite a ruckus during mealtimes. Kinkajous, sadly( for you, of course!), cannot be litter-trained however much you try. The best that you can expect from them is to find some favourite toilet areas where they would like to frequent, and hope that their favourite spaces do not collide with your favourite parts of the room.

As said earlier, with kinkajous around, you can expect to have a noisy household. In fact, it will be just like having two or three mischievous boys in their early teens creating what you can call a cacophony in an otherwise quiet household. For that matter, you must do what you would have done if you had three teen-aged boys; put them in a leash! I mean, seriously. You cannot let them round around unattended. Kinkajous need a large tall cage, not less than six feet tall and more than five to six feet wide. Now, what you need to do is to create a pseudo-habitat for them inside their cages, and the more elaborate you can be with the whole cage thingy, the happier will your pets be. For that matter, you need to provide an assortment of branches, shelves and even ropes for climbing. In addition to that, you might also want to include a variety of toys, hanging wood and even wide( so that your pets do not try to swallow them) pieces of PVC pipes. You can also hang something akin to hammocks or sleep sacks. A nest box is also important, so you might try placing an opaque plastic container with a hole cut in one of the sides and suspended from the walls of the cage. You need to remember that kinkajous are hyperactive and need to play to get rid of their excess energy or they will, for sure, create quite a ruckus. Now, you need to know that however elaborate you make their cages, they will need to be taken out on a regular basis. What would be the most feasible thing to do, I think, is to let them out for a few hours during the day and confine them during the night when, due to their being nocturnal, they are most active and will tend to irritate you by their incessant slow huffing, chirping to whistling, barking( quite close), and even shrieking out loud to defend their food.

Now that we have heard about kinkajous fighting and turning territorial for food, I think we should know about what to feed them as well. In the wilderness, alongside nectar and fruits, they are used to eat a variety of insects, frogs, and eggs. However, in captivity, you might endeavour to make their food a tad bit more delicious by providing them with an assortment of biscuits, chow, fruits like figs, cherimoya, pomegranates, pineapple, grapes, kiwis, melons, mangoes, papayas and even bananas. It is best to avoid chocolates and dairy products since kinkajous have trouble ingesting milk.

Kinkajous, if you do manage to adopt one, are extremely rewarding pets, and will ensure a lively household with their chatter and endless prattle. To say the least, you can never be or even feel lonely when you are around these creatures.

The post An exotic pet for you to choose: kinkajous! appeared first on Pet Attack.

Birds make good pets, but before I begin I would like to add a personal note to it. If you really want to keep birds as pets don’t cage them all the time. They have got wings for a reason. So if you saw your neighbor getting a pair of love birds home and you wish to get a bird friend too, go for a parrot. Parrots are social and intelligent birds. They are trainable and develop very strong bonds with their owners. You can cuddle them; play with them, they simple love interaction, be it with their owners or other parrots. Now that you have decided upon buying a pet parrot, you have got a number of species to choose from.

 Parrots as Pets

There are a lot of things to keep in mind if you have decided to keep a parrot as pet. Some of them include cost, space available in house, interaction and time spent with your pet. Generally parrots’ diet includes a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, sprouts, nuts and seeds. Parrots create a lot of mess while eating; one has to be patient to clean the cage regularly. Be careful when you let the parrot out of cage, usually parrots have tendency of chewing upon things like furniture. Protect your belongings before you let the parrot out of the cage. Parrots need exercise and should be left free to roam around in the house. May be you can make a place to play around. Parrots screech and create lot of noise. The owners should be committed towards the pet, and should give enough time and attention to the pet. Parrots are social birds. They need attention from their owners. They might get irritated and can cause a lot of destruction if not comfortable. If you think you can’t pay required attention to your bird pet, then better by it a companion.

Parakeets

These tiny parrots are about 7 to 12 inches in length. Caring for parakeet involves going for regular round to a veterinarian, even at first signs of illness. Also parakeets shouldn’t be kept with other species of parrots, they don’t along much together. It might lead to behavioral problems. Parakeets are good at learning and can be easily trained. They can be trained to talk, sit on owners shoulder, perform tricks etc. But all of this is only possible if your pet is comfortable with you. A strong bond needs to be built before you start making him learn things. They love petting and pampering. Care need to be taken care as they get ill easily. Proper cleaning of cage, regular change in water, washing of food and water dishes, regular exercise, and proper nutrition needs to be taken care of. The bird’s cage should be placed at some secure place, away from too much noise and direct sunlight.

Cockatiel

They are usually grey or cream yellow in color with blushing cheek patches. The difference between male and female is so undistinguishable visibly that a DNA test needs to be done. Cockatiels require more seeds in their food. Some other food items include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, corn and few fruits like apple, mango, pear and pineapple. Chocolates, ice-creams, pastries etc should be strictly avoided. These birdies require big cages, preferably longer in length than in height. Cockatiels don’t usually learn to talk but males can be made to talk and whistle more likely than females. Patient and soft training sessions can possible earn good results. Breeding is a little difficult and requires time and commitment. It is best practice to delay breeding until your pet is mentally and physically mature enough.

Parrotlets

The most popular parrot species is a beautiful blue colored Pacific Parrotlet as the name justifies. Now several colored mutations have been developed though. These species though puny are bolder than expected on seeing their size. There are different species even in Parrotlets based on their color and size. Green Parrotlets are a little smaller than Pacifics and slightly intimidated by new things while Spectacle Parrotlets, which are similar to Greens in size, turn out to be more curious and inquisitive. The cage size for parrotlets should be 18” in length breadth and height on an average. The cage should be longer than being tall. These species require a lot of food in contrast to their size. This mostly includes fresh fruits and veggies, grains, seeds and high protein foods. Fresh clean water is must for you pet. They bond well with person who spend maximum time with them.

African Grey

Considered to be the most intellegent of  all parrot species, it originally belonging to Africa, is about 12 to 13 inches in length from beak to tail. A big bird, if you have decided to pet it, you should consider having a big cage and spacious living place for your parrot. They will give you company till 50, although some can even live till the age of 70+. These are intelligent beings and that shows in their behavior. They are affectionate towards their owners, but if bored or frustrated it will create havoc. As the name says they have grey feathers, with threads of white over the fur and black beak. They have shiny red tail color in contrast to old grey look. Like other parrots their diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables but they can even be fed pelleted food along with egg, cheese bits and nuts and seeds. They provide a good company and can easily be trained to talk. If properly cared for they develop strong bond with their owners. But care should be taken as to what you speak in front of them as they tend to repeat everything and remember it too all thanks to their high IQ levels. That may land you in trouble later.

Macaws

Macaws are large, colorful parrots named after their feather colors like scarlet macaws, blue and gold macaws, military macaws and hyacinth macaws. There also exist mini-macaws which include species like Hahn’s noble and yellow colored macaws. They reach to a length of 20 – 40 inches depending upon the species. The life span is about 30-50 years though if cared well they live beyond that. They are playful, exuberant, and affectionate and remain happy when they get enough attention from their owners. Yes they screech, they are loud and noisy. They have excellent ability to imitate but not as good as African Grey. Macaws need large cage about 24”x36”x48” for an average size macaw. The cage must be strong enough to withstand their strong beaks. Since they are quite playful, you can get them wooden toys to chew upon and play with and some hangings to climb upon. Their diet can include pelleted food with usual fresh fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds.

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You must have come across these doe-eyes astoundingly gorgeous creatures in magazines, and wanted to own one of them. To be honest, the first time I laid my hands on such a picture, the first thought that came to my mind was, “ Are these real?” They looked for different from any animal I had ever seen that it had never struck my mind that you can keep one of these as your pet.

Well, now you can! Exotic though they are, they can be adopted, or rather purchased, to be exact.First things first, I must acquaint you with these strangely mythical creatures which, now that I know, actually do exist. They are called Fennec Foxes, more commonly known by the name of the ‘desert fox’. They, like dogs, are a small member of the canine family. Like dogs, they share a lot of behavioral characteristics, but since they are rarely domesticated, require cautious socialization as well as necessary precautions against escape. Now, do not be intimated about keeping a pet whose sole purpose might seem to run loose because, frankly speaking, this is not the case more often than not. Belonging to the canine family, fennec foxes, once tamed, are rewarding and more importantly, loyal.

Fennec Foxes, save for their beautiful over-sixed ears, are petite. An adult weighs about two to four pounds. One of its striking features is the soft, thick coat that is reddish and tawny on the back, and whitish on the underside. They also have some curious black markings on the back and tail.

Fennec Foxes are astute creatures. Quick and agile, they have a high pitched yelp like puppies, and are extremely cautious creatures. They are nocturnal in the wilderness, but can be adopted to the human timings if brought home at an early age. The fact that they are, like cats, extremely clean animals, and can be litter trained, if adopted at an early age. The age is an important issue when Fennec Foxes are concerned, and more often than not, owners find it difficult to tame the animal if not adopted at a very early age.

Fennec foxes are omnivores in the wilderness, their diet including s wide range of insects, rodents, plants, fruits and also reptiles. However, it is advisable to  feed it, when adopted, what-you-call a commercially wild candid diet, which will be available in pet shops where they house exotic pets. However, taking into account the fact that these are exotic animals and you might not come across any such pet shops in your area, I would advise you to provide your pet fennec with a healthy mix of dog food, cat food, fruits and vegetables. One in a blue moon, you might also want to treat your pet with an assortment of raw meat, vegetables, and necessary vitamins.

Playtime for a Fennec is nonpareil. Like Labradors, they are hyperactive and need an outlet for their energy. Like small kittens or puppies or who-am-I-kidding even babies, they are extremely inquisitive and will get into probing anything and everything.  In fact, your fancy pet can be also act like a pig at times. Do not be alarmed; I meant that Fennec foxes have quite a penchant for digging. For that matter, you must devise the outdoor enclosure cautiously to prevent them from digging under or climbing over the fence (if you were planning on a fence, that is), and trust me, they can do this gamely. The best thing to do is to bury a significant portion of the fence and turning the fence in at the top or even completely casing the enclosure to avert escape.

You might want to teach them to fetch like dogs, which will help them burn off the excess energy.  However, if you are intending to play fetch with your fennec pal, do not forget to leash him or her since they are exceptionally agile, and if they once do escape, it would be extremely knotty to recapture them. However, if you can, and I hope you will, establish a close bond with your fancy big-ears, it might just stop it from trying to escape.

Weather or rather temperature is not an issue with Fennec foxes provided they are sheltered adequately. It is true that keeping a Fennec fox will cost you quite a handful. However, if you consider the fact that they are a curious assortment of all the animals you’ve ever wanted as a pet, then I do believe that it is really worth it. To adduce this fact, let me make you aware of another Fennec characteristic  that is rather croc-like: One of the favourite activities of a Fennec fox is basking in the sun!

Well, considering all the pros and cons, and of course the astoundingly cute face, I believe that if you do intend to get one or a pair of these as pets, it would be a rather rewarding experience. Almost similar to dogs in certain character traits, Fennec foxes, especially the hand-raise pups, are generally compliant and do not resort to biting unless cornered or threatened. They are generally not apprehensive about strangers, and are quite friendly to everybody. One in a while, they might irritate your other pets but, trust me, this is because the Fennec expects them to play with him, all the time!

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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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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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RED PANDAS- A rare yet a very remarkable animal, is believed to be one of the pandas which are hardly ever found around us and when found are known to be attractive enough to lure you in their antics. Unlike the conventional black and white wolf that we address pandas as, red pandas look nothing like them, and are thus intermittent to an extent that no one even knows about their complete habits and personality!

They are even known as one of the fastest climbers in this world of animals!

RED PANDAS CLIMBING A BRANCH OF A TREE

Red Pandas are known to be the last living creature belonging to the genus of AILURUS udner the family of Ailuridae. Generally they belong to the Eastern Himalayas and China, and are given various names such as; in Nepal they are known by the name: bhalu biralo. Red pandas are even known as lesser pandas or red- cat bear. There has been a huge controversy regarding their name and their origins but it is believed that they originally came from the superfamily of Musteloida. Another mis-guided principle follows that red pandas come down from the families of the giant pandas, this is false and has been certified the same according to many institutions as well.

ORIGINS & HABITAT OF THE RED PANDAS:

Red pandas are known to originally be native to the Eastern Himalayas and China and thus is endemic to the forests of the former and tends to ranges from the foothills of Himalayas from Western China to Nepal. They end up living in this area as they are best suited to live in the area consisting of Mixed Deciduous trees or Conifer trees that are usually found even in places like Arunachal Pradesh as well as southern part of Tibet. Like any other panda, it loves BAMBOOS and can hog onto them throughout the day, if required.

It is believed that the Red Panda lives in an altitude and temperature of:

• ALTITUDE: 7,200 & 15,700 ft. or between 2,200 & 4,800 metres.

• TEMPERATURE: In between 10-25⁰ C or in between 50 to 77⁰ F.

There are two sub-species to the Red Pandas which are commonly known as the following:

• Western Red Panda: known to be existing in the areas of Nepal, Assam, Sikkim & Bhutan

• Styan’s Red Panda: known to be existing in the areas of China and northern Burma

RED PANDA’S DIET:

Red Panda are known to be one of the most unique animal which is an HERBIVOROUS CARNIVORAN. Red Pandas belong to the member of the order CARNIVORA yet Red Pandas are not really carnivores, they are Herbivores! This is because a Red Pandas diet includes mostly of bamboo leaves and bamboo shoots. It is occasionally that Red Pandas are seen having fruits, vegetables and it is very rare to see them have an egg or a bird.

It is one of those rare facts that Red Pandas are known to have a FAKE SWEET TOOTH!

In accordance to a study, results specified that Red Pandas preferred three types of artificial sugars:

• Neotame
• Splenda
• Sugarfree

Making them one of the only non-primate which is able to taste such sugars; fake sugars.

RED-COAT PANDAS:

The red fur coat on Red Pandas is known to be a unique feature which allows for these Red Pandas to save themselves from marauders like the Snow Leopard. There is a common misconception that their red fur coat doesn’t allow for them to camouflage in the forests, but it is believed that the very same allows for Red Pandas to be able to hide behind branches of fir trees which are usually covered with brown-reddish moss.

RED PANDAS TWEET:

The conception about pandas howling gets removed when one listens to Red Pandas twitter!

Red Pandas are known to carry with themselves the ability to tweet and thus do not sound like one of those Kung-Fu pandas panda like we see up in the movies. Contrary to prior beliefs, they are known to have the ability to actually sound in-tune due to their unique twittering.

RED PANDAS- DOMESTICATED OR NOT?

There has been a lot of confusion regarding domesticating a Red Panda, and the only viable solution that there might be to all of this haphazard discussion could be this- THERE IS NO ANSWER!

There is a common viewpoint that people who are well-off (REALLY WELL-OFF) may have the resources to domesticate Red Panda and create an environment in their respective houses so as to keep them- Indira Gandhi, the famous ex- Prime Minister of India is known to have a Red Panda as a pet during her childhood.

But then comes the other side which speaks about how unruly it becomes for the Red Panda to be able to adjust themselves to such unknown environment- they end up living a shorter life than their designated span- being of 12-18 years. Thus, it is believed that domestication of the Red Panda is not a viable option for all.

RED PANDAS- EXTINCT?

According to the IUCN, the http://www.iucn.org/ shave been termed to be “VULNERABLE”, not extinct. For those who don’t know, vulnerable is a term used for animals who have a ratio of being alive in the range of 0-10000, and not more, which means there are only those few Red Pandas that are existing in our world. Extinction is a bar that has been hanging on their heads for a long time and the situation could get worse if the following are not stopped:

• Poaching
• Habitat Loss
• Fragmentation
• Inbreeding depression

Such threats are not only scary but risky if they actually get carried out- losing any kind of animal is a loss to the society and even the world at large.

We must stop this hindrance from being carried forward and make sure such invasions in the animals life shall be stopped, immediately!

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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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My Angel
This season, a cup of hot chocolate on the table is enough to keep Angel running around the table. Unfortunately, she isn’t allowed to have hot chocolate, so she’ll have to manage with its aroma. Angel is a 5 year old, black and tan, female Daschund, who’s presently sitting on the window sill, enjoying the rain outside the window.

While the rain is a refreshing break to the scorching heat, it does affect our pets in a number of ways. The thing she hates the most, this season, is her walking time being cut-short. On the other hand, she sighs in relief when she knows she wouldn’t be bathed as frequently as before. She has a habit being prepped-up for a walk, with two pairs of rubber boots and a light-weight water resistant windcheater, to avoid getting foot-infections, digestive problems, skin-infections, and a wide variety of other health problems.

Bruno, a 5 year old, golden, male Labrador, is one among the very few lucky pets to be able to roam around the city in an SUV. Bruno has a habit of looking out of the car-window, often getting some “Awww, so cute” reactions from the pedestrians. He roams around the city zipping past other street dogs in his SUV, because his owners do not want to risk getting Bruno infected by taking him for a walk. How many of our pets are this lucky?

Daily problems in monsoon
Medicated talc and deodorants (consult your vet before using any of these) come handy when your pet starts to become smelly. This is due to the high levels of humidity which gets trapped in the fur when your pets become wet. Anti-bacterial lotions (like Spectrozol) help our winged wonders (birds) cope up with feather loss. To avoid fungal/bacterial infection, mix a tsp of antiseptic liquid in luke-warm water and apply to the foot-pads and dry the spaces between their fingers. Their ears must not be forgotten, as monsoon also invites various ear-infections. Keeping their ears dry and airy will help. Use of some commercial products including powders and liquids can help you get rid of the ticks and fleas. Worm infestation is yet another nightmare for pet parents. It causes many diseases like anaemia, general dullness of coat and other problems. Hence, deworming the pets is essential. For adult cats and dogs, the deworming can be done once in three months. Angel’s bath frequency had to be reduced, but contrary to this general belief, many pet-parents increase their pets’ bath frequency. It is always suggestible to consult your vet before taking any such decisions. Please don’t play ‘the doctor’ in such situations.

Brutus, a 2 year old male Pug, has got a different problem. Thunder, lightning, and blowing winds frighten him. This is called storm-anxiety. The symptoms include intense shivering, biting, hiding and chewing. A cozy and protective ambience is mostly what it takes to help Bruno overcome the anxiety. But in severe situations, he has to be administered with Anti-anxiety drugs.
If you feel your pet shows any of the above mentioned symptoms, try to create a cozy and soothing environment this will suffice, but if necessary, your furry friend needs to visit his vet.

Hypothermia should pop into your head when you plan to leave your pet outside for longer periods of time on a cold day. Hypothermia is a condition which displays a characteristic low body temperature. In severe cases, it might also lead to death. It is always advisable to keep your pets indoors when the air outside is below 20 degrees. And talking your miniature pets for a long-stroll is a complete no-no when the air outside is cold enough for you to wear your winter-wears.

Not to be taken lightly

A thing that mostly concerns us, pet parents, is the diet. It is always possible for the pet to develop some allergy to certain foods, this season. Observe your pet’s appetite and poop for any signs of allergy or indigestion. Aria, an 8 year old female Lassa, has a habit of eating grass! Her vet considers it to be normal. “Eating grass provides her with the required amount of fiber” says Dr. Shivaji .H. Talekar, (Associated Professor& I/C Hospital Superintendent TVCC, Govt. of Gujrat).
This habit might worry some of the pet parents, but your pet won’t turn up to grass, if fed with high fiber food. For a lighter and healthier diet, you might consider adding a banana to your pet’s diet (if your vet allows you to do so). Like humans, even pets turn allergic to milk, buttermilk might be a good substitute (if your pet is not allergic to lactic/dairy products). “You might want to store the excess dog food/cat food/bird feed in air-tight food containers to avoid the attack of moisture and the fungus. Risk of Water-borne infections are very high in this season” says Dr. Shivaji. A covered bowl of water at your pet’s side would prevent any insect larvae hatching in the pail. The water should be changed in their pails every three to four hours. Aquarium keepers should not forget to clean the tank and remove all organic materials like leftover food/uneaten food and fish-waste at least twice/thrice a month.

Buzo, a 3 year old, greyish white, male Lhasa-apso, undergoes a ritual. He has to sacrifice his beautiful locks (fur) once in every 2 months to avoid getting “knots”. The “knots” tend to increase in this season.

Comfy Bedding
A glance at my Angel, who is now sleeping on her bed, reminds me of Dry bedding. A clean, soft, warm and dry bedding is a must for your pets this season. Angel has a 2X2 mattress for herself which is cleaned regularly. If you have a cold flooring, do take some extra care of the bedding because a cold floor might give your pets joint-pains.

Trained pets save much trouble

Training your pets to be ready for this season is no easy a task. But monsoon ready pets save a lot of trouble, for themselves and for their pet-parents. Once accustomed to the newly introduced ‘monsoon schedule’, your pets would automatically cut-short their stroll and potty-break time.

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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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