Your Dog And Your BBQ Events

It's summer time and with it comes celebration. We always enjoy a good barbeque, and so can our canine friend. Visitors come over for the celebration and everyone enjoys a good meal. There are some dangers that you need to help your pup avoid though.

Always make sure the gates are closed.

Your yard needs to be secured so that your pup doesn't escape into the wilderness of the world. Make sure that all the gates are closed, and your pup is safe. As you begin to cook, keep in mind that matches and other items should be kept away from your pup. Matches may seem harmless in the paws of a dog, but they contain phosphorous which is deadly to them. Once lit, the grille will be hot and boiling grease will likely drip down.

Burns are another great danger.

Keep your pup away from this. They may smell the grease and want a taste, leading to burns as the hot liquid drips down onto them. Also be sure to keep any trash out of your pup's reach. Bones and plastic utensils can hurt a dog's insides, so be sure your canine friend does not have access to your garbage.

Harmful foods

As you enjoy your meal, it will be hard to keep your pup under control. They smell that good food, and can't always help themselves to want it. Inform your visitors not to feed your pup, as greasy and spicy foods can build up in their pancreas and may lead to an inflammation. Other foods to be very weary of are onions, avocados, grapes and raisins. These are very toxic for a dog, and you may end up at the vet's office. Most of all, don't give your pup alcohol. It may seem funny, but it is very bad for them. The alcohol can hurt their respiratory system and dehydrate them. Treat your pup like your child, keep an eye on them, and don't let them get into mischief.

Other dangers with common summer items

There are some other dangers that come with a cookout. Things like bug-spray and other insect repellant should be kept out of reach. This is especially true for candles that give off repelling fumes. Fireworks are also a danger to your pup. They may get excited and pounce on them, and the noise can often hurt their sensitive ears. During the day, the summer sun can kiss your pups nose, so you might consider applying a dog formulated sunscreen to protect your pup. At night, glow-in-the-dark jewelry is fun for the kids just don't let them leave it around for your pup to chew on. The chemicals within are poisonous. Take care not to leave any other items around that your pup might happen into. With all the family and friends around, it can be tough to keep up with what gets left on the ground, or in a place where your pup can get to.

Having a great holiday is important, but be aware that your pup may find mischief. Keep an eye on them and don't leave anything dangerous where they can reach. They are clever animals, and enjoy spending time with you. By keeping your pup safe from dangers, you can ensure a safe and happy barbeque for you and your four-legged friend.

How To Help Your Local Animal Shelter

Many people have a deep love of animals. We love to hold them and comfort them, play with them and tell our secrets to them. Dogs and cats can be faithful companions, our best friends when times turn tough.

Unfortunately, some people aren't well equipped to manage the responsibility that pet ownership requires. Whether emotions cloud good judgment or someone simply doesn't understand the level of care required by pets, sometimes the wrong people end up owning a cat or a dog. At least for a while.

Shelters take in animals that are lost or abandoned, rescued from poor homes, or from people with good intentions but without the means. Whatever the reasons, shelter dogs and cats need medical attention, food, shelter and love just as any other living mammal.

Often cats in a shelter are adversely affected by their surroundings. Even shelters which are set up to attend to their emotional and psychological needs sometimes find that cats which have been waiting for adoption for several months become restless, agitated or even a little aggressive. Part of the reason is they lack stimulation. The small cages don't afford them an opportunity to run, pounce, hide and stalk.

You can help your local animal shelter by considering a donation of some cat trees. Cat trees are furniture items built for use by cats. Constructed primarily of wood, carpet and sisal rope, cat trees come in varying heights and widths. Good cat trees may have a platform perch, an enclosure for hiding, a swing or pouch for lounging, and sisal for scratching.

Cat trees range in expense from sixty to several hundred dollars. If you're thinking of making a donation to your local animal shelter this year, speak with a representative to find out if they have the space for a few cat trees. The cats will greatly benefit, and you'll get a write-off for your taxes.

Learn More About Blaptica Dubia

If you have pets like geckos or chameleons, then you will need insects to feed them. They are insectivores so they like to eat bugs and in this case, live bugs. If you feed them canned crickets or mealworms, it just won't work. Feeding your pet Dubia roaches is a good option. So what are Dubia roaches? Blaptica Dubia or Dubia roaches are a roach species which can be found in Central and South America. They are also called Guyana Spotted Orange Roach. They can grow up to 1.5 inches to 2 inches and after adulthood they can live up to a year. Their size is one of the reasons why this is a good feeder roach. You will not have any problems feeding your geckos, tarantulas or monitors.

The Blaptica Dubia is a non-flying and a non-climbing insect. However, the adult male dubia has wings but it just flutters a relatively short distance while the female dubia don't have wings, only stubs. It's easy to distinguish the difference between the male and the female Dubia. A good thing about these feeder roaches is that they don't emit any foul odor plus they won't make any noise unlike crickets. So even if you have a lot kept in a glass tank, it won't be a problem. These feeders have become quite popular because of its protein. Their shells are soft which is easy to digest. It is ideal that you feed them, twenty-four hours prior to feeding your pets so that your pet is going to get a good quantity of protein.

They like to eat fresh fruits, cereals, dog food and even fish flakes. These can be mixed all together or can be rotated. Just make sure that you get rid of old food, since mold can harm these insects. You can also purchase diets for them online. These insects can be housed in a plastic container or a glass tank. Just secure an egg crate for them to breed. They should have adequate humidity and you have to mist the container from time to time to keep the humidity level intact.

Does Your Pet Bird Love to Eat What You Are Eating?

Do they even try to steal food from your hand or dinner plate? I know our Quaker parrot, Charlie does. Whatever we are eating Charlie doesn't want to miss out on. As soon as he sees any type of food he wants it and he is not going to stop performing until he gets it.

Whilst we like to give Charlie a wide variety of foods, I have read that there are some that are highly dangerous to birds even fatal and you must not let your bird eat any of them. They are, avocado, chocolate, apple seeds including cherries, peaches, apricots and pears contain trace amounts of cyanide within their seeds. The fruit of the apple and pear is fine but the seeds are poisonous and there may be pesticides present on the fruit's skin so it is important to wash all food, onions, mushrooms, tomato leaves including the green coloured part, stems and vines and the same for potatoes, salt, caffeine including soda, coffee, and tea, dried beans are all not to be fed to your pet bird, cooked beans are considered ok as long as they are thoroughly cooked. Boiled eggs and the shell are a good source of nutrition as well.

Sometimes at meal times we make up a separate plate just for Charlie and sit it next to us on a birdbib so as he still feels like he is getting the same as us. There are times though that no matter what we do he just wants to eat from our plate. Although this may seem cute, funny, or whatever, it is not safe for your bird. They may just eat something that is poisonous to them and it could be fatal and then how cute would that be. I have watched my son clear away a space on his plate just for Charlie's food! Mmmm

After researching I have found that there is a wide variety of food that you can offer your pet bird, whether you have a Quaker parrot, Parrot, Budgerigar, Cockatiel any Parakeet. The foods include grapes, oranges, bananas, mangoes, melons -- just about any kind of fruit imaginable is good for your bird. alfafa sprouts, chile, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots (one of Charlies favourites), asparagus, peas, celery, thoroughly cooked beans and pasta cooked or raw (another of Charlie's favourite), cereal, grains, bread and a small amount of nuts are a great treat. They also love popcorn, but not the microwave type as they are very high in salt.

If your pet bird does like to eat what you are eating please make sure that the food you offer is safe for them, just as you would for any family member. After all our pets are just like family and we all should look after them and their health in the same way that we would a child, as they are just as or even more vulnerable. Pet birds are just like children, they love to eat what tastes good, not what is good for them. That saying comes to mind, sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.

Puppy Dog Food Vs Adult Dog Food - Which is Best?

Dogs mature much quicker than human beings, growing in the span of a year or two what requires a human baby equal to fifteen years to achieve. Because of this reason, it's significant to feed your pup the best, almost all nutritionally perfect, puppy food which you can afford. To raising a puppy you have to be very careful just like raising a human child; we have to care a lot.
Puppy Nutrition

Puppies quickly grow in their initial months of their life and they continue maturing for12 to 24 months, counting on the breed. Foods of Puppies are nutritionally well-balanced to render the extra energy and nutrition puppies require.
Adult Dog Nutrition

After attaining a specific age, adult dogs stop growing, just like human beings, their metabolic process slows down. They no more require added nutrition to back their maturity, but rather a well-balanced nutrition to maintain them well and healthy and at a balanced weight.
When to change to Adult Dog nutrient

Make the change from pup to adult dog food at the time while your dog is attaining adult height of its breed. Dogs of small breeds grow faster and you must be ready to switch to adult food subsequent to one year. Average sized dogs weigh twenty to fifty pounds and have to be fed pup food till 14 months. Breeds which are larger than fifty pounds may need up to two years of pup food.

Quantity to Feed

All the time check out the packaging to discover the appropriate quantity of nutrient to feed your pup. Pups are required to be feed 2 to 3 times a day, although adult dogs may be fed one time a day.

Dogs of small breeds grow faster and you must be ready to switch to adult food subsequent to one year. Average sized dogs weigh twenty to fifty pounds and have to be fed pup food till 14 months. Breeds which are larger than fifty pounds may need up to two years of pup food.

Dog Food Treats

Dog food treats are always in ample supply. We love to shower them with an array of goodies to express our love and devotion. Sometimes, however, we can go overboard. By purchasing healthy dog treats, you can ensure a happy and healthy dog without the guilt.

Crunch
Crunchy dog food treats are a pet favorite. They come in a plethora of flavors and shapes to guarantee every dog's satisfaction. Be sure to choose a type that uses high quality ingredients and is not high in fat or sugar.
Soft
Soft dog treats are always a bit hit among canines. They are perfect to use as a training tool since they are both tasty and easy to eat. A lot of soft, chewy dog food treats contain artificial flavors and should be avoided. Instead purchase a natural treat that is high in protein.

Jerky and Dried
Freeze-dried and jerky dog food treats can be one of the more healthier snacks for dogs. Usually they are made of meats, liver, poultry and seafood yielding a high protein content. Chicken jerky is an all-time favorite with most canines and is very successful as an aid in training.

Chews and Bone-Like
Dental chews and bone-like dog food treats are a healthy addition to dental hygiene. They help remove excess plaque and can keep your dog's mouth from developing tooth decay and gingivitis. These dog treats are not made from animal bones and are constructed of starch or other ingredients. Even though they are deemed safer than real animal bone they can still cause intestinal blockage if eaten whole. It is important be present when your pet is eating either a chew or bone-like dog treat to ascertain they are consuming it properly.

Bones and Hooves
Animal bones and hooves are among the worst dog food treats you could give to your pet. It is advised that you do not ever supply these. This type of dog treat causes severe damage to teeth such as chipping and/or breaking. It also attributes to gastrointestinal blockage that can lead to death. The most dangerous type are cooked animal bones that can splinter and cause choking. It is best to offer your pooch a bone-like or dental chew instead.

Pig Ear
One of the most fattening dog food treats is the pig ear. They are usually processed with chemicals that can make your dog gravely ill. It is not recommended to feed your dog this treat as it can contribute to an unhealthy bodyweight and potential health complications.

Human Food
Human food is what every dog dreams of. To them it is the most desirable since we, as their owners, eat it. However, not all human food is an appropriate dog treat. Dairy, sweets, hot dogs and items high in saturated fat should be avoided as treats. Fresh foods, on the other hand, make excellent dog treats. Items such as apples, carrots, poultry and seafood are beneficial for your dog's health. Grapes, raisins and onions are highly toxic to dogs and should never be given as treats.

Special Treats
Some dog's have special needs. To meet these needs, some companies manufacturer specific dog food treats that coincide with a canine's diet. Generally, these are only available through your veterinarian and it is suggested that you discuss options with your vet prior to giving them to your dog. Another specialty is homemade dog treats. There are many easy to do dog food treats that you can cook at home.

Always know what you feed your dog. Dog food treats should not make up more than 10% of their diet. Be giving, but always be wise.

Dog Food Aggression - Is it a Myth?

While it seems like an obvious sign of distress, dog food aggression is a serious problem that is growing out of control in the United States. More shelter dogs are put to sleep thanks to this behavioral problem than any other. Personality tests consist of dog food aggression tests, and a failure means an automatic failure, even if every other aspect of the dog is perfectly acceptable. Aggression in all forms is unacceptable in our dogs but there are ways to prevent and cure it.

Preventative measures are highly recommended for any puppy or new shelter dog. Starting good behaviors right off the bat is an easier avenue than fixing bad behaviors once they are a problem. Leadership is a necessary element in curbing any dog's food aggression problems.

A dog that has been previously starved will have a much higher tendency toward dog food aggression than one that has always had a constant supply of food. Some dogs will figure out that they no longer have to guard their resources when they realize that they have security in the midst of everything else. Others need a reminder that they are not in charge.

Make sure before every feeding that your dog sits and waits for you to fill the bowl, put it down, walk away, and give him a command to eat. This lets him know that you are the boss of his food. Take precautions with a dog who has shown any type of aggression around food. Make sure that he receives his meals alone and in a quiet place. Children and other dogs are too unpredictable to help a dog get over his aggressive tendencies.

Do not feed the dog table scraps or any other form of people food. Keep him away from meal time for the humans. He needs a direct distinction between his food and yours. Do not permit children to run around with food around the dog.

He doesn't get to continue eating if he becomes aggressive. Take the food bowl away calmly without entering his eating space and correct his behavior immediately. Make him sit or lie down yet again. He must go through the entire command and release process each and every time if you are going to make progress. Getting angry or teasing him even just once will blow all of your hard work and you will be back beyond ground zero.

Make him sit and calm down before returning the bowl. Never use your hands. Push it back with the yard stick. In order to prevent this type of aggression, you should always make sure your dog is in the seated position and waits for you to release him before eating. This teaches him that you are the boss of when he eats, so being aggressive with you will never get him the meal he wants.

Make sure that you are not giving him mixed signals. Dog food aggression is a serious problem with devastating consequences. You have to be the one to remain consistent and keep training him to behave for his food. Over time you should start to notice that he understands that there is nothing for him to get worried about. If you are truly his leader, he will know that you will provide food for him.

Food, Glorious Food

The answer on how to serve your dog food may be a glaringly obvious one but if you are feeding all or part of your dogs food in a bowl, only small or medium dogs should eat with their bowl directly on the floor. Dogs of Labrador height or larger should be fed with their bowl at shoulder height and on a stand. This can aid the movement of the food to the dogs stomach and prevent gastric dilation.

Unlike humans who have to chew their food to get the digestive juices flowing, the dogs digestive juices do not start to flow until the food reaches the stomach. Dogs therefore gulp their food down and as a consequence take in large amounts of air as they eat.

With the larger dog if his food is placed on the floor then the food has to travel upwards first before it heads downwards to the stomach and so he takes in even more air. For similar reasons it is always better to feed your adult dog twice a day rather than give him one huge meal. Puppies of course will be fed between 4 and 6 times a day to begin with. If you are feeding your dog a natural diet then most of the dogs food will be outside on the ground and the dog will lie down to eat it.,save the feeding stand for the raw meat,vegetables etc.

With regard to giving your dog Tit bits, remember that dogs cannot digest refined sugar. Do not give them biscuits, or snack food made for human consumption. Tit bits should be reserved for training exercises where they should be the branded type or small pieces of apple or cheese. NEVER give your dog chocolate that is designed for humans and that goes for dark chocolate especially. It contains a substance called Theo bromine which is a bitter white crystalline alkaloid related to caffeine and Cocoa. It is a heart stimulant and could cause your dog serious problems. Theo bromine is also found in cocoa shell mulch, the type of mulch that is used for many pot plants so be aware that any potted plants that you buy may also present a real danger to your dog.

So how much food do we feed our puppy or adult dog.

As a rough guide he should be having about 20 percent of his total target body weight in food over one week. To begin with use your common sense and either decrease or increase the amount depending on hos the puppy is growing or the dogs weight. Once a dog is fully grown you will have to level out the amounts and may have to reduce them.

Tips For Buying Quality Dog Food

Read the First Five Ingredients
Out of the first five ingredients on your dog's food at least two should be animal protein, and I do not mean by-products. These are the ground up leftovers after processing, and they are not considered fit for human consumption. Even some of the dog food brands that are considered healthy have animal by-products in the first five ingredients. To be honest you probably will have to give up on the grocery store when it comes to buying quality dog food, and rely on a pet store instead.

Know What Grains are Good for Your Dog
Did you know that your dog cannot process soy, wheat, or corn? Unfortunately these cheap grains make up the bulk of less expensive dog food, and your dog pays the price with his health. If any of these ingredients are in the top five of your dog's food, toss it. Instead, look for quality dog food with brown rice, millet, or quinoa, which are all easy on a pup's tummy.

Know Your Percentages
Ideally your dog's diet should consist of 40% meat, 50% vegetable, and 10% grain. Read the guaranteed analysis on the label to determine what the percentages are in your dog's food.

Ultimately it may cost more to buy your dog quality food, but it will save you money and heartache in the long run. Good food can prevent health problems and extend your dog's life, while junk food will land your dog in the vet's office before he is even old. Take pride in knowing that you are providing the very best you can for your dog, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think is well hidden.
One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to chocolate. The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids(sometypes have more of these chemicals than others)
Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog. If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog’s reach.
If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks. In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can be downright dangerous.
Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver andd kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby food since it can contain garlic.
Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression. Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to this one so keep out of the reach of both.
Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have the same effect in dogs.
When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit is safe, the leaves and roots are not.
And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures. Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog food is eaten every day caution is advised. Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog. Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial colors.