Archive for November, 2009

Akita For Sale – What to Look For

Picture this: you have been looking for a potential dog for ages and you’ve never been happy with the results. You’ve considered all sorts of breeds but so far have come up empty-handed. Well, here’s a possible dog for you: The Akita, the epitome of both nobility and power. With a medium-length snout, fluffy coat, webbed feet and royal disposition, the Akita dog just might be the answer to your problems. All you have to know is where to find an Akita for sale and what to look for, so that there will be minimum problems, with pros easily outweighing the cons when your Akita arrives at your home.

What are the breed standards for an Akita for sale? First of all, it is under the working group, which means that an Akita is naturally well-built and strong. Any Akita that is out-of-character by being inactive and unresponsive for long periods of time can pose problems. Akitas are meant to be large (though not as large as some dogs), strong and alert. They have naturally broad heads and a deep muzzle. Their eyes are small and their ears are often erect. Their neck is very thick, which is a well-known characteristic of the breed. Lastly, their tail is also popular for it is large and curled.

An Akita for sale should look muscular, and not puny. The body is wrinkle-free when the Akita is relaxed. Its jaw should be remarkably square with least dewlap as possible. Akitas with narrow heads are considered faulty, for when viewed from above, the wide head should appear as a blunt triangle. Its muzzle should be full, and its nose broad and completely black. The ears of an Akita are small but very erect and triangular. They shouldn’t be too low, or damaged in any way. Akita dogs’ eyes are always dark brown, their lips black and their tongues pink. Their teeth are normally strong, and not too short.

The most important thing to note is that an Akita for sale should look healthy and active. Akitas with weak dispositions are usually a bad sign. You don’t necessarily have to buy an Akita meant for show, but the common breed standards are the same as the signs of an Akita’s health. Make sure that the Akita is purebred and that the breeder has a good, clean reputation.

Males are usually twenty-six to twenty-eight inches, while females are twenty-four to twenty-six inches when they reach adulthood. Assuming that the Akita for sale is a puppy, it is best to get it at around three months old. All dogs mature very quickly and you might prefer to see an Akita grow from being a puppy to an adult. They grow extremely fast and before you know it, your playmate will become your guardian at home. Akitas make good guard dogs but are unfortunately too protective at times. They are aggressive towards strangers and may require obedience training. However, rest assured that you will consider any time with your Akita well-spent, because of all the happy memories you will gain.

Pet Insurance Akita For Sale   What to Look For

Health issues that Macaws have

Macaws are beautiful, loving, and smart birds, and they routinely live for no less than fifty years, with the average being between fifty and 80 years. While most Macaws live long and healthy lives, there is some health worries related to Macaws a Macaw owner definitely must be conscious of.

One such problem is known as the Macaw Wasting Syndrome. This is a variety of viral infection, which is perilous. The bird basically ‘wastes away.’ He loses his appetite, which ends in a loss of body weight. He sinks into depression and becomes feeble. There’s no known treatment or cure for the Macaw Wasting Illness , and there is no conclusive cause either.

Psittacosis is another frequently seen problem that Macaw owners have to be conscious of. Psittacosis can take a Macaw rather quickly without medical assistance. Otherwise, Psittacosis can be effectively treated with medication.

Macaws are subject to respiratory infections and sinus infections. Veterinarians suggest keeping the environment that the bird lives in humid and using air filters. Sinus infections may also cause a problem with the eyes, causing the eyeball to sink further into the socket.

Macaws can be stricken with diverse Herpes infections. These infections have a profound affect on the feet, and may cause lesions. Annular toe cuts are also common, and can result in the loss of a number of toes. If the condition is caught early, the toes can be saved.

Papillomas are not unusual in Macaws. This is a viral condition, and while it can be handled, and it isn’t fatal, professionals counsel against using Macaws that have had a Papilloma virus for breeding.

Macaws are high energy birds, and because of their high energy – and their curiosity – they can get themselves into dangerous scenarios or scenarios where they become wounded. You should always supervise your Macaw when he is out of his cage. You must also make it a point to give him regular showers, and to inspect his body while you are washing him, to ensure that there are no injuries or apparent skin infections.

Like most animals, when a Macaw is unwell or injured, he will be able to try to hide this from you. Keep an eye on how much he is eating and his weight. If you notice that he isn’t eating as much as he mostly has, or that he is losing pounds, you should definitely seek diagnostic testing and treatment with your veterinarian.

Finally, the key to keeping your Macaw healthy and content is feeding him a sensible diet, ensuring that he is getting masses of exercise, providing a clean environment for him, and giving him plenty of love and attention.

Pet Insurance Health issues that Macaws have

Feeding your Maine Coon cat

Your Maine Coon Cat is special. This is obvious from the price that you paid for him to the fact that he is companionable to the point of behaving more of a dog than a cat. As he is special, you want to be certain that you feed him the way that he should be fed, and that you are feeding him the proper things.

First, let’s debate water. Water should be made available to your Maine Coon Moggy at every point – otherwise, it will not be long before he learns the way to lift the lid on the toilet, or the way to turn on faucet on the kitchen sink. He is completely capable of turning that faucet on, and since he has been paying attention, and he knows this is where the water comes from, he is going to do it if other water isn’t open to him. He will not, however, turn the water off when he is finished.

While fresh water should always be available, food should not. Free feeding is highly daunted for Maine Coon Cats . Most cat breeds eat what their body needs, and then they walk away from the food bowl – irrespective of how much food is still in it. Maine Coon Cats don’t. They’re going to They are going to eat until the food is gone – like dogs do. If you free feed, it will not be long before your precious kitty has a weighty issue.

Dry pussy food is recommended for Maine Coon Cats . In reality, if you shop for your cat food online, you’ll be able to find food that is designed especially for Maine Coon’s. You can even ask your pet store or veterinarian to order special food for you. You can also feed the cat the brands in the stores, that are not specialized, but you will find that your Maine Coon enjoys bigger health, and has a longer life, if you feed him food designed especially for his breed.

Your Maine Coon Cat will not enjoy eating alone. He is highly companionable, and wants to have company when he dines. Since you will need to feed him three to four times a day, it’s a good habit him when you eat your own meals. Obviously, he is not going to eat on the table, but he will enjoy a bowl of tripe that is placed on the floor, near your chair at the dining table.

Aside from food and water, you need to debate treats with your veterinarian. Most vets will suggest that you get tartar control treats, since Maine Coon Cats are dependent on gum disease. He could also suggest other treats that will give him further nutrients and nutrients. Don’t be shocked if your vet also prescribes an extra vitamin for your Maine Coon.

Don’t over feed your Maine Coon – whether you are feeding him his ordinary food or treats. Ask your veterinarian what the proper amount is for each meal, and keep it up. Never – under any circumstances – permit your Maine Coon to eat food that is intended for human consumption. This isn’t good for them, and may cause a myriad of problems.

Pet Insurance Feeding your Maine Coon cat

The different breads of Eclectus Parrots

Just as the Eclectus parrot is a breed of parrots as a whole, there are numerous different breeds of the Eclectus parrot, known as subspecies. These subspecies are identified by their colors, marking, and their size. There are at the current time 10 different subspecies include the Eclectus Roratus Roratus, the Eclectus Roratus Vasmaeri, the Eclectus Roratus Westermani, the Eclectus Roratus Cornelia, the Eclectus Roratus Riedeli, the Eclectus Roratus polychloros, the Eclectus Roratus Biak, the Eclectus Roratus Aruensis, the Eclectus Roratus Macgillivrayi, and the Eclectus Roratus Solomonensis.

Each of these subspecies come from different geographic locations. As an instance, the Eclectus Roratus Roratus, known as the Grand Eclectus, comes from Southern Moluccas. The Eclectus Roratus Vosmaeri comes from both northern and central Moluccas. The Eclectus Roratus Westermani comes from breeders, and is basically a sample specimen. You can think of him as a mixed reproduce.

When the subspecies are written or spoken, rather than spelling or saying Eclectic Roratus, the general reference is just E.R. Therefore, the E.R. Cornelia comes from Sumba and Lesser Sumba Islands. The E.R Riedeli comes from Tanimbar Island. The E.R Polychloros, known as the Red-Sided Eclectus, comes from New Guinea and Indonesia. The E.R Biak got his name because he came from the Biak Islands. The E.R. Aruensis comes from the Aru Islands. The E.R. Macgillivrayi comes from the Cape York Peninsula in Australia, and the E.R. Solomonensis comes from Admiralty Island, Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands.

Again, the coloring plays a large role, not only in the different subspecies, but also in telling the difference between males and females. Gurus agree that the Eclectus parrot species, as a whole, is the most color dimorphic bird in the whole world. As base colors, all female Eclectus parrots are a bright red, while the males are green. It’s the difference in the color patterns, and color variations in the wings that set the subspecies apart. Size also becomes active, though none of the subspecies will be bigger than fifteen inches, or smaller than twelve inches. Apart from these differences, everything else is usually the same.

When you start hunting for a breeder, be certain to ask which subspecies of Eclectus parrots they reproduce. If they can’t give you an answer, move on to a different breeder. Also, as quickly as you know what subspecies they have, read up on that particular subspecies to learn more about them. Generally, only breeders refer to their Eclectus parrots by their varied subspecies. Those who simply love these birds, but do not breed them, refer to them simply as Eclectus, Eclectus parrots, or parrots.

Pet Insurance The different breads of Eclectus Parrots

What you need to know for your Gerbils diet

In there original homelands the gerbils mostly sum up their diet within wind blown seeds, grasses and grains. Due to their coyness people misjudge them as herbivores; it is not actually as such. They do need some amount of protein in their diet charts, they are born omnivores. When in their natural habitat they fulfill their needs by eating small insects or other forms of animal proteins. They have a striking similarity with sharks; sharks have a new tooth every time one gets broken, while the gerbils have same set of teeth but with a tendency to grow lengthier all throughout the life. This is why gerbils need to gnaw something to wear out these teeth.

The Feeding Chart when a gerbil is a pet-Gerbils should be fed everyday in order to keep them healthy. It is very important to have a good quality and heavy earthen bowl so that the food remains dry and dirt free, also the weight will keep the bowl where it should be and not topple the food allover the floor; especially when it is eating. Like us humans their dishes must also be cleaned after every use. Till date gerbils have been generalized and been fed from hamster foods. This is a basic flaw that most people ignore when having as beautiful pet as a gerbil, the food nutrients for a hamster and a gerbil are different. The hamster diets contains too much of fat, which is never suitable for gerbils.

Pet Insurance What you need to know for your Gerbils diet

Removing your Maine Coon cats claws

Take a look at the claws on your Maine Coon kitten. They are actually pointy, are not they? Have you spotted your kitten using his scratch pad lately? You can bet he is sharpening those claws to a fine point. On the other hand, he could be using your furniture for that purpose – and most likely using your skin too. Should you get him de-clawed?

De-clawing is a controversial topic among pussy lovers, including Maine Coon Moggy owners. Some are for it, while others are dead set against it. Who is right? Who is wrong? You do not need your furniture shredded, but is it fair to the Maine Coon?

The first point of business, before even making a choice, is to look at the written agreement that you have with your breeder. Breeders frequently have conditions in the written agreement that forbid you to have the moggy de-clawed. They also regularly have other stipulations, such as ensuring that the animal is spayed or fixed, and that he or she is kept indoors. Did you already agree to never have your Maine Coon de-clawed? If this is the case do it. Instead, find alternatives to de-clawing.

If there is nothing in the contract that pertains to de-clawing, you have a call to make. The possibilities are good that your Maine Coon is already twelve weeks old (3 months). This is mostly the cut-off age for many veterinarians for de-clawing. They often don’t need to do it past this age, as the base of the claw isn’t cartilage – it is no longer cartilage – it has become bone, and this could cause the animal a great deal of agony after the surgery.

Many people report that their cat’s attitude and personality changes after de-clawing. The moggy becomes less trusting – and even unhappy in a few This attitude change may or may not pass, and you have to decide whether or not it is worth the danger. Most true pet lover’s will advise against de-clawing, because they do consider it to be an inhumane – needless – act.

There are alternatives to de-clawing. First, purchase special nail clippers for your cat. These are specially designed clippers, so take care that you get the ones designed for cats. Ask your veterinarian to show you the way to use them properly, so you are not wounding the animal.

Next, purchase some vinyl caps. These are sold online and in pet stores. They come in colours, and there is a clear version too. These are simply glued onto your moggy’s nails. He gets the thrill of scratching the furniture or the scratching post – but without the damage. These usually last for four to six weeks, dependent on how much your pussy scratches. When they fall off, you simply replace them.

Again, de-clawing is a major matter that could have life long consequences. Make sure that you have rigorously considered the options, and if at all possible, try the nail caps first. If you do wish to de-claw the Maine Coon, note this can have a negative result in shows.

Pet Insurance Removing your Maine Coon cats claws

Your kids and your Chihuahuas

Most Chihuahua owners will agree that Chihuahuas and youngsters actually don’t mix well. This mostly refers to very small children, but might also refer to older youngsters, relying largely on the Chihuahua in question.

You see, Chihuahuas are very like little youngsters themselves. They are not very tolerant of other pets, unless those other pets are in truth Chihuahuas. they are also not very tolerant of tiny youngsters – and again depending on the dog, they may become highly envious of private human relations, but this is often restricted to Chihuahuas who have an highly strong bond with their owner.

Again, a Chihuahua isn’t commended for a home that has small children, however if you have youngsters and a Chihuahua, it’s crucial to understand that the kid will have to be taught to have respect for the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua isn’t likely to change his personality, and he will not have a powerful idea of any rules applying to his actions or interactions with the child.

Teach the kid not to handle the Chihuahua, and also to grasp the cautions that the Chihuahua gives. If the Chihuahua bites the kid, it will most likely be because of the actions of the child. While Chihuahuas are renowned for their viciousness, that viciousness only becomes active when they feel threatened, they feel their territory is threatened, or they feel that somebody that they adore is threatened.

In many cases, a breeder will not sell a dog to an individual who has little kids in the home. However, if for some reason you do get a Chihuahua, for a home where a tiny kid already exists, this is easier than acquiring a Chihuahua and then later bringing a new baby into that Chihuahua’s home.

Most Chihuahuas will not put up with a new baby well at all, however in the reverse situation ; they may view the kid as the ‘dominant pet’ in the home. This, will not stop their feelings of jealousy and they very well could hurt the child.

With that said, however, Chihuahuas and kids should not be left alone together unmonitored. Kids over the age of eleven or twelve seldom have problems with a Chihuahua in the house, but smaller youngsters just about always do. This could be why Chihuahuas are excellent pets for people who have grown kids or no youngsters, with no intentions to ever have any children.

Pet Insurance Your kids and your Chihuahuas

Dental hygiene for Persians

Just as you want to have regular checkups with your dentist, your Persian needs to have regular dental checkups with his vet. This is frequently part of the once a year or bi-annual general exam that your veterinarian will give your Persian, and it is critical. Most veterinarians will simply observe the moggy’s teeth to ensure that there are no issues there, but you can request an oral cleaning as well, and this is unquestionably something you should do.

From the time that they are born, tartar starts to collect on the Persians teeth. This tartar will lead to gingivitis if it isn’t not taken care of properly. It is start your Persian on a tooth care regimen when he could be a little kitten, so that it is something that he becomes accustomed to. This is cleaning that you have to do between exams at your vet’s office.

You can essentially purchase toothbrushes and toothpastes that are created for animals, and particularly for moggies. Most owners can’t floss their moggy’s teeth, but a good brushing every two weeks or so is a must have. The toothpaste designed for animals is non-toxic, and can be securely swallowed, so you don’t have to persuade the Persian to wash – which is a relief.

Never use toothpaste designed for humans – or any other dental cleanliness product designed for humans – on your Persian. If you’ve never brushed moggy’s teeth before, ask your veterinarian to show you how to do this.

If your Persian has a bad tooth, he may become very grouchy. His bad tooth will hurt him just as much as a bad tooth would hurt you

Pet Insurance Dental hygiene for Persians

How to communicate with your Hedgehog

Hedgehogs have their own unique way of conversing with one another, with other animals, and with the homo sapiens that they adore and rely on, as well as those that they do not know well in the slightest. As a hedgehog owner, it’s critical to appreciate what different sounds mean for your hedgehog, just like a parent understands what the assorted cries that their babies emit mean.
Unlike babies, hedgehogs have a complete repertoire of sounds that they make, with each sound having a different meaning or purpose. They may snort or snuffle. They may squeak. They may even scream. They may huff and puff, though they are not sufficiently large to blow a place down. All these things have meaning, and again, it’s vital to realise what the different sounds mean, so you are better able to worry for your hedgehog.

Huffing and puffing is sometimes an indication of trouble or upset. It may be that they’ve been bugged, and therefore the distraction has been the cause of them to become irritated with you, another pet, or the situation usually.

They may make sounds that sound very like snufflingalmost like they have got a cold. This is a sound that is ordinarily made when they are exploring something. Remember that their sense of smell is a great amount better than their visual acuity, or any other sense that they have. You may hear many references to ‘snuffling’ by hedgehog owners, as this is something they do on an once a day basis, in any case of how well they know their own environment.

When your hedgehog is satisfied, he’ll probably make squeaking noises, chirping noises, or maybe whistling noises. These are the light sounds that you would like to hear more frequently than not, as they are your hedgehog’s way of announcing ‘everything is OK in my world.’ These sounds will do wonders for your own soul. It is like the hedgehog is just giving off positive vibes across the room, and you can’t help but notice the effects of it.

The sound that you don’t wish to hear will resemble a scream. That scream can basically be terribly loud, and it is an indication the hedgehog is in intense agony, or that he feels threatened a large amount. When you hear this sound, you must consider it an emergency, and seek to discover what the reason for the scream was.

It may take a little bit of time, but you may at last come to recognize all the sounds that your hedgehog makes, and understand what they mean. However, when your hedgehog makes a sound that is not familiar to you, irrespective of how trivial the sound may appear, it’s a smart idea to take a look and see what is happening in your hedgehog’s world. It’s the only possible way that you can actually understand the language that he speaks.

Pet Insurance How to communicate with your Hedgehog

Why you should own an Akita Dog

In their homeland, akita dogs are considered as a national monument and with good reason. These dogs were originally bred to hunt large animals, like boar, bear, and elk. Additionally, they were kept as pets exclusively by Japanese aristocracy; no one else was allowed to own these dogs. Akita dogs have a high level of courage and display a strong sense of loyalty to their masters.

Apart from these traits, akitas demonstrate intelligence to a particularly high degree compared to other breeds. These dogs are also known to be proud and strong-willed and thus are neither tolerant of nor receptive to abusive or forceful training methods. These characteristics, combined with akita dogs’ impressive size, great strength, and innate guarding instincts, definitely make these dogs a formidable breed.

Both their physical traits and their behavior make akita dogs excellent guardians for you and your family as well as your home. Because these dogs are already naturally excellent at being guard dogs, they hardly require any training on protecting their masters and their territories. Without having to be told, akita dogs will do what they have to do to protect you and your home if there is a reason to do so. This innate ability to do what is necessary for your protection is due to the fact that this breed likes to take charge (which may be a throwback to the breed’s wolf ancestry).

Note that akitas are tolerant of visitors to your home if you are around, but when you are out, these guests will not be welcomed by these dogs. In relation to this, you should also remember that this breed is known for being aloof towards unfamiliar people. Akitas also typically have an inhibited nature which adds to their overall value as guard dogs. Additionally, since they are not prone to fits of hyperactivity, these dogs are perfect companions inside the house.

Besides the traits illustrated above, akitas have also shown a remarkable ability to form strong bonds with their human families. These dogs are renowned for being greatly family-oriented and hence do not tolerate being separated from their masters. They are highly loyal, and unlike other breeds that tend to resort to certain acts to gain attention, akitas are affectionate without being clingy. This breed generally does not do anything disruptive as akitas are usually quiet, and when you are at home, these dogs will normally keep out of your hair. Akitas have been noted to be somewhat feline in this sense since they hardly make any noise.

However, if your akita starts barking, then you would do well to pay attention to him because chances are, he is warning you about an unseen danger.

If you are looking for an excellent canine companion and guardian, then you should consider getting an akita. Apart from being first-rate protectors, akitas are also very clean dogs and are easy to house-break. Just be sure that when you do get an akita, establish yourself as the one who is in charge so that you and your akita can have a very harmonious relationship in the long run.

Pet Insurance Why you should own an Akita Dog