If your cat is anything like mine then he or she loves to scratch at all kinds of things, things that you really do not want to see scratched up. Cats are one of the most amazing and wonderful pets to own but they can wreak havoc if you let them. You need to learn some techniques to keep the cats from their bad behavior.
Male cats tend to be the most trouble some of the species because they are the ones that are prone to spray. Spraying is one of the most terrible of all cat behaviors. This is a process of literally peeing on anything and everything. They spew urine out behind them in order to mark what they feel is their territory. The best way to treat this behavior is before it starts. The younger that you get your cat neutered the less likely he is to spray as he gets older. People are getting their cats fixed as early as 12 weeks.
If you are worried about getting your cat fixed this young talk to your vet and do some good research online. This is the age that the SPCA is getting this done on the cats that have take in. This is the best way to nip bad cat behavior in the bud, especially spraying.
Of course the most common cat problem of all is scratching. If your cat is scratching the furniture and you, any you have tried just about everything else you should give nail caps a try. These are little tiny caps that go over the end of the nails. They glue on like Press on Nails and they do not hurt your cat in any way. They do not even interfere with the claws ability withdraw into the paw. They are the perfect and painless way to keep your cat from doing any damage with his or her claws. Of course these are only for indoor cats.
2008年8月28日星期四
2008年8月23日星期六
Horse Trailer Buyer Tips: Gooseneck vs Bumper Pull
When choosing a horse trailer, there are many features to consider. One important feature is whether the horse trailer will have a gooseneck or bumper pull design. There are several reasons you might benefit from either design. Let's compare these two features to see which will work best for your needs.
Bumper Pull Horse Trailers - Advantages and Disadvantages
Bumper pull trailers, also called tag-along trailers, are horse trailers that attach to a hitch on the hauling vehicle. The trailer "tags along" behind the hauling vehicle and does not become a part of the overall vehicle.
There are five major advantages of bumper pull horse trailers. One, they usually cost less than a gooseneck trailer. Two, it's not necessary to use a pickup truck for hauling the trailer, and more people can haul this type of trailer with their current vehicle. Three, normal turns are often easier because the tag-along will follow the path of your tow vehicle. Four, you won't need as much storage space for the trailer as you would for a gooseneck trailer. Five, the trailer doesn't have to be classified as a "commercial" vehicle for licensing purposes because the weight of both the trailer and tow vehicle is usually less than 10,001 pounds.
There are several disadvantages as well. Bumper pull trailers do not offer as much room for the dressing/tack room. Some bumper pull trailers might not be sufficient for hauling more than two horses due to the type of hitch required for the weight of the trailer. Also, bumper pull trailers tend to fishtail on curvy roads, which can be dangerous and scary.
Gooseneck Horse Trailers - Advantages and Disadvantages
Gooseneck trailers differ from bumper pull trailers in their hitch style. The gooseneck is attached within the hauling truck's bed with a ball and coupler mating. The gooseneck trailer offers several benefits. One, it doesn't sway or fishtail like a bumper trailer tends to do, and towing is more stable. Two, it provides more room for living quarters, which can be convenient for camping and long trips. Three, the gooseneck is easier to back up to and align with the ball while hitching it to your hauling vehicle. You can see it clearly from the rear window. Four, the gooseneck design is more secure without worry of the load coming unhitched while traveling on the highway.
There are also a few disadvantages. Gooseneck trailers are more expensive and are usually bigger so they must be towed with a truck that is able to handle it. The hitching system is also more expensive for a gooseneck setup. While hitching the trailer, you must climb into the bed of the truck to complete the process. Also, you will have to remove your camper top (if you have one) from the truck to haul a gooseneck trailer.
Find the Right Horse Trailer
Whether considering a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer, you can go online to check out various designs of each. If you're on a tight budget, you might consider searching through used horse trailers to find a bargain. A popular brand name to start with is Sundowner horse trailers. You might also search using keywords related to your state or local area. For instance, if you live in Tennessee, you might type in "horse trailers in Tennessee" or Sundowner of Tennessee."
Some horse owners prefer bumper pull trailers while others absolutely love the gooseneck style. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each design before making a purchase.
Bumper Pull Horse Trailers - Advantages and Disadvantages
Bumper pull trailers, also called tag-along trailers, are horse trailers that attach to a hitch on the hauling vehicle. The trailer "tags along" behind the hauling vehicle and does not become a part of the overall vehicle.
There are five major advantages of bumper pull horse trailers. One, they usually cost less than a gooseneck trailer. Two, it's not necessary to use a pickup truck for hauling the trailer, and more people can haul this type of trailer with their current vehicle. Three, normal turns are often easier because the tag-along will follow the path of your tow vehicle. Four, you won't need as much storage space for the trailer as you would for a gooseneck trailer. Five, the trailer doesn't have to be classified as a "commercial" vehicle for licensing purposes because the weight of both the trailer and tow vehicle is usually less than 10,001 pounds.
There are several disadvantages as well. Bumper pull trailers do not offer as much room for the dressing/tack room. Some bumper pull trailers might not be sufficient for hauling more than two horses due to the type of hitch required for the weight of the trailer. Also, bumper pull trailers tend to fishtail on curvy roads, which can be dangerous and scary.
Gooseneck Horse Trailers - Advantages and Disadvantages
Gooseneck trailers differ from bumper pull trailers in their hitch style. The gooseneck is attached within the hauling truck's bed with a ball and coupler mating. The gooseneck trailer offers several benefits. One, it doesn't sway or fishtail like a bumper trailer tends to do, and towing is more stable. Two, it provides more room for living quarters, which can be convenient for camping and long trips. Three, the gooseneck is easier to back up to and align with the ball while hitching it to your hauling vehicle. You can see it clearly from the rear window. Four, the gooseneck design is more secure without worry of the load coming unhitched while traveling on the highway.
There are also a few disadvantages. Gooseneck trailers are more expensive and are usually bigger so they must be towed with a truck that is able to handle it. The hitching system is also more expensive for a gooseneck setup. While hitching the trailer, you must climb into the bed of the truck to complete the process. Also, you will have to remove your camper top (if you have one) from the truck to haul a gooseneck trailer.
Find the Right Horse Trailer
Whether considering a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer, you can go online to check out various designs of each. If you're on a tight budget, you might consider searching through used horse trailers to find a bargain. A popular brand name to start with is Sundowner horse trailers. You might also search using keywords related to your state or local area. For instance, if you live in Tennessee, you might type in "horse trailers in Tennessee" or Sundowner of Tennessee."
Some horse owners prefer bumper pull trailers while others absolutely love the gooseneck style. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each design before making a purchase.
2008年8月14日星期四
The Different Breeds of Cat
In 1953 the American Can Company, which produces containers for commercial pet foods and was therefore interested, discovered in a survey that there were 26,700,000 domestic cats in the United States.
By "domestic", it is meant cats who, however casual their membership, belong to human families. Most of them - 13.2 million - were found to be farm cats. Seven million were city cats, and 6.5 million lived somewhere in between.
The South had the most cats (9.7 million), the Far West the fewest (3.2 million). The East had the most urban cats (2.4 million), the Midwest the most farm cats (5.8 million); no surprises there.
Overall, 29 per cent of the nation's families had one or more cats. Farm families had the most cats; nearly half of them owned three or more. The nationwide average was 2.21 cats per cat-owning family. Low-income families were found to be far more likely to have cats than were the high-income families.
To arrive at a figure for all the nation's cats, however, there must be added the worker types who patrol or inhabit our stores and factories, warehouses and wharves, restaurants and military bases, and who go down to the sea in ships. One estimate places them at half a million.
Then there are the cats nobody owns, who live a gypsy existence in the city streets and the wooded country areas. These may number another two million, although obviously a figure like this has to be either a wild guess or come straight from some cat.
Assuming the latter, we have a total of 29,200,000 cats, which is probably inexact and not highly important, yet rather nice to contemplate if you like cats.
This great number makes rather impressive the fact which follows. This is that, despite the vast number, there are basically only two categories of cat: long-haired and short-haired. Within them there are perhaps six recognized breeds and several varieties about whose classification as breed cat experts and fanciers have earnest, inconclusive discussions. Beyond this, however, there is nothing more to choose from until you get to ocelots and jaguars. As a type, the cat has been remarkably consistent for a very long time.
In the cat world, as elsewhere, the common people far outnumber the aristocrats. It is a safe guess that 99 out of any 100 cats encountered will be plain, ordinary citizens belonging in the boundless company of Domestic Short-hairs. This is the proper name for the group carelessly called "alley cats," and while it does contain a number of woebegone and misbegotten creatures, it is not to be sneered at. It is a breed, and prime cats have emerged from it to win top prizes at cat shows.
The deluxe breeds in the remaining one per cent include the long-haired Persians (and/or Angoras), and the short-haired Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinian and Manx. There are also several in-between groupings, such as the Blues and Tortoise-shells, which may be long - or short-haired and are classified primarily by color. The Blues, for instance, include the Maltese, Russian Blue, British Blue, and so on.
By "domestic", it is meant cats who, however casual their membership, belong to human families. Most of them - 13.2 million - were found to be farm cats. Seven million were city cats, and 6.5 million lived somewhere in between.
The South had the most cats (9.7 million), the Far West the fewest (3.2 million). The East had the most urban cats (2.4 million), the Midwest the most farm cats (5.8 million); no surprises there.
Overall, 29 per cent of the nation's families had one or more cats. Farm families had the most cats; nearly half of them owned three or more. The nationwide average was 2.21 cats per cat-owning family. Low-income families were found to be far more likely to have cats than were the high-income families.
To arrive at a figure for all the nation's cats, however, there must be added the worker types who patrol or inhabit our stores and factories, warehouses and wharves, restaurants and military bases, and who go down to the sea in ships. One estimate places them at half a million.
Then there are the cats nobody owns, who live a gypsy existence in the city streets and the wooded country areas. These may number another two million, although obviously a figure like this has to be either a wild guess or come straight from some cat.
Assuming the latter, we have a total of 29,200,000 cats, which is probably inexact and not highly important, yet rather nice to contemplate if you like cats.
This great number makes rather impressive the fact which follows. This is that, despite the vast number, there are basically only two categories of cat: long-haired and short-haired. Within them there are perhaps six recognized breeds and several varieties about whose classification as breed cat experts and fanciers have earnest, inconclusive discussions. Beyond this, however, there is nothing more to choose from until you get to ocelots and jaguars. As a type, the cat has been remarkably consistent for a very long time.
In the cat world, as elsewhere, the common people far outnumber the aristocrats. It is a safe guess that 99 out of any 100 cats encountered will be plain, ordinary citizens belonging in the boundless company of Domestic Short-hairs. This is the proper name for the group carelessly called "alley cats," and while it does contain a number of woebegone and misbegotten creatures, it is not to be sneered at. It is a breed, and prime cats have emerged from it to win top prizes at cat shows.
The deluxe breeds in the remaining one per cent include the long-haired Persians (and/or Angoras), and the short-haired Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinian and Manx. There are also several in-between groupings, such as the Blues and Tortoise-shells, which may be long - or short-haired and are classified primarily by color. The Blues, for instance, include the Maltese, Russian Blue, British Blue, and so on.
2008年8月9日星期六
How To Treat Your Dog In Cardiac Arrest
In every batch of worst-case scenarios, there's always one that demands immediate medical attention, may have multiple causes, leaves only a few minutes to save a life, or requires considerable effort and knowledge just to administer fast first aid. Among dogs, the twin serpents of cardiac and respiratory arrest are the nightmare scenario. Should your dog suffer cardiac or respiratory arrest, a swift but knowledgeable response can mean the difference between life and death.
The first signs of cardiac and respiratory arrest are paler-than-usual or grey gums and mucous membranes (the usually pink flesh surrounding a dog's eyes under the eyelids) due to restricted blood flow. Another clear sign, dogs suffering from cardiac and respiratory arrest will fall unconscious. Cardiac and respiratory arrest can be caused by massive physical trauma, electrocution and certain poisons. You should also check for a pulse in the dog. If you can't feel a pulse, you need to begin performing CPR.
CPR for dogs starts with placing the dog on its side. For dogs weighing 25 or fewer pounds, place the flat of each hand on either side of the widest part of the dog's chest, which is right behind the elbows on the dog's front legs. After that, press both hands against each side of the chest to compress the chest, about 120 to 150 times per minute. For larger dogs, place both hands over the heart (which is on the left side of the chest, close to where the elbow meets the ribs) and press against the heart, about 80 to 100 times a minute. In all cases, you should make your pressing movements quick and short so that chest pressure shifts quickly, as it normally does when your dog is healthy.
For dogs suffering cardiac arrest, artificial respiration (described below) will also be required. If you can get someone to help you give medical attention to your dog, one of you should compress the dog's chest and the other should provide artificial respiration. If you're by yourself, you'll have to alternate between doing 10 or 15 chest compressions, and then giving your dog a deep breath of artificial respiration. For small dogs, give one deep breath for every six chest compressions, and for larger dogs, give one deep breath for every 15 compressions.
If your dog has a pulse but isn't breathing, it's suffering from respiratory arrest, which demands immediate artificial respiration. To give artificial respiration, start by placing the dog on its side with its neck extended and its mouth opened, and make sure there's nothing blocking your dog's breathing, such as food or vomit. If there's something blocking your dog's breathing, remove the obstruction quickly. Then hold the dog's jaws closed and place your mouth over the dog's nose. Breathe slowly and deeply into the nose, trying to breathe deeply enough to cause the dog's chest to expand. Small dogs may require 20 to 25 breaths per minute, while larger dogs may require 15 to 20 such breaths.
Get someone to call the veterinarian as you apply these life-saving techniques. Your dog will need professional care fast, and the chances of survival are up in the air. But don't give up, as your efforts to provide your dog with some fast first aid might make the difference in its survival, and all it will have cost you is a few breaths of your own. Isn't that the least you could do, for man's best friend?
The first signs of cardiac and respiratory arrest are paler-than-usual or grey gums and mucous membranes (the usually pink flesh surrounding a dog's eyes under the eyelids) due to restricted blood flow. Another clear sign, dogs suffering from cardiac and respiratory arrest will fall unconscious. Cardiac and respiratory arrest can be caused by massive physical trauma, electrocution and certain poisons. You should also check for a pulse in the dog. If you can't feel a pulse, you need to begin performing CPR.
CPR for dogs starts with placing the dog on its side. For dogs weighing 25 or fewer pounds, place the flat of each hand on either side of the widest part of the dog's chest, which is right behind the elbows on the dog's front legs. After that, press both hands against each side of the chest to compress the chest, about 120 to 150 times per minute. For larger dogs, place both hands over the heart (which is on the left side of the chest, close to where the elbow meets the ribs) and press against the heart, about 80 to 100 times a minute. In all cases, you should make your pressing movements quick and short so that chest pressure shifts quickly, as it normally does when your dog is healthy.
For dogs suffering cardiac arrest, artificial respiration (described below) will also be required. If you can get someone to help you give medical attention to your dog, one of you should compress the dog's chest and the other should provide artificial respiration. If you're by yourself, you'll have to alternate between doing 10 or 15 chest compressions, and then giving your dog a deep breath of artificial respiration. For small dogs, give one deep breath for every six chest compressions, and for larger dogs, give one deep breath for every 15 compressions.
If your dog has a pulse but isn't breathing, it's suffering from respiratory arrest, which demands immediate artificial respiration. To give artificial respiration, start by placing the dog on its side with its neck extended and its mouth opened, and make sure there's nothing blocking your dog's breathing, such as food or vomit. If there's something blocking your dog's breathing, remove the obstruction quickly. Then hold the dog's jaws closed and place your mouth over the dog's nose. Breathe slowly and deeply into the nose, trying to breathe deeply enough to cause the dog's chest to expand. Small dogs may require 20 to 25 breaths per minute, while larger dogs may require 15 to 20 such breaths.
Get someone to call the veterinarian as you apply these life-saving techniques. Your dog will need professional care fast, and the chances of survival are up in the air. But don't give up, as your efforts to provide your dog with some fast first aid might make the difference in its survival, and all it will have cost you is a few breaths of your own. Isn't that the least you could do, for man's best friend?
2008年8月3日星期日
A Man's Best Friend: Ten Interesting Facts For Dog Lovers
Dogs indisputably descended for wolves many thousands of years ago. Two thousand years ago the plaques on houses in Pompeii said 'Cave Canem' or 'Beware of the Dog' showing an interest in dogs for protection. However dogs became poorly tolerated in medieval times when phrases such as 'son of a bitch' and 'die like a dog' originated. Even so, around this time dogs were valued as hunters, especially during periods of famine, and a good hunting dog was worth more than a slave!* Dogs seem to have the ability to think. Its mind operates 80% of the time by instinct and 20% of the time by knowledge gained during its lifetime. However during the first 21 days a puppy's mental capacity is zero as it only responds to warmth, food and sleep.A dog's thinking capacity can be shown by the story of a German Shepherd dog which loved to bring home dead rabbits. The owner was unhappy with this but never severely reprimanded the dog. One day, however, he got so fed up that gave the dog a severe telling off when it brought back a rabbit. After this whenever the dog caught a rabbit he would bury it rather than take it home.* Intelligence is not necessarily a good indicator of a dog's trainability as they tend to have their own agenda. Generally terriers and hounds are tough to train because of their intelligence. Sporting and herding dogs are easier to train. Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs work well with human beings.* Dogs with oily coats can develop an unpleasant doggy odour. Brushing is needed to remove dead hair in poodles and wire-coated terriers. Dogs with short hair may suffer in northern climates while dogs with long hair will shed and shed again.* People all over the western world are getting obese. Too much TV, computer games and high calorie snacks have made people overweight. Now dogs are in trouble. The fatter the human the less exercise the dog is likely to get. Obesity in dogs puts stress on their hearts, liver kidneys and joints. Fat dogs are also more at risk during surgery.* Fleas, flies and ticks are all after Fido's blood. The flea arrives in springtime and can jump 100 times its own height. The flea not only bites the dog but uses its jumping prowess to land on a human where it is not unknown for it to have a nibble. Flies are bad in that they can attack and bite the ears of a dog but there nuisance value pales into insignificance compared to the dreaded tick. This vile creature is a cousin to the spider as it has 8 legs. It feasts on mammals' blood and spreads disease such as Spotted fever, encephalitis and Lyme disease. To remove a tick grasp it firmly, rock it back and forth a few times and pull it off. Wearing surgical gloves or using a plastic bag is a good idea to protect you from the tick's bodily fluids.* Dogs are social animals. They need the company of other beings in order to develop to their full potential. Man brought dogs into his family circle and dogs have now come to need the company of man. It is perhaps the only animal that earns its keep from the sheer love and affection that it shows its master.* Canine behaviour is controlled by three drives: Defence, Prey and Pack.The defence drive has to do with fight or flight. A dog is more likely to flee when younger and fight when older.The prey drive to hunt and kill comes from its wolverine ancestors. The dog is on longer a member of a pack of wolves but is now a member of the family pack. It needs the love and attention of the human pack and will usually do almost anything to get it. It is this desire to fit in and be loved which dog trainers key in on.* The main difference between a cat and a dog is that cats are independent creatures while dogs are social animals. However both are predators. Cats will pounce on anything that moves while dogs will chase anything that moves. Sometimes cats and dogs never get used to each other in the same household. In other cases the kitten and puppy will play together and build up a relationship which sees them curled up together in the same sleeping basket and drinking out of the same bowl. The type of relationship which develops really depends on the personalities and temperaments of the animals.* Human beings are often inconstant in their dealings with their four legged friend. For example we expect them to accept and fuss over family friends but to bark and chase away a burglar. During training a dog will learn a variety of behaviours which make them acceptable to the human being. It can perhaps be said that dogs are better at adapting than their owners. Within limits they can modify their behaviour for good or ill to cope with human idiosyncrasies and still meet their own need for social acceptance.
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