Why Dogs Eat Grass

Some dogs love to eat grass. This habit usually has no bad side effects, except perhaps when he throws up the odd time. This does not affect the dog too much. He will just vomit and be on his way. It probably bothers you more than your dog. Why dogs eat grass is a complex problem which has a variety of conjectures.

Some believe that dogs eat grass in an attempt to add more nourishment to their food. So many dogs will eat other things besides meat-grass being one of them. They think dogs are trying to balance their diet of meat with some 'salad' on the side. If you are feeding your dog on high quality food with all the nutrients that he needs, he may not eat grass, but if he is only fed meat alone, this could influence him in his choice of food.

Feeding your dog canned food does not promote healthy teeth and bowels. For the most part, kibble should be the main part of a dog's diet. It keeps him regular and his teeth clean. For a little variety, he can be fed a few spoonfuls of canned meat.

Another theory is that dogs eat grass to ease their stomach discomfort when having a feeling of nausea. But dogs do not need to eat grass to vomit. It is true that sometimes they do throw up after eating grass, but this theory is merely speculation.

If your dog is a grass eater, make sure that the grass has not recently been treated with weed killer or pesticides. Except for that, you need not worry about it, because eating grass does not hurt your dog. Since there is no evidence that it is detrimental to your dog's health, you can be assured that eating grass is just something your dog likes to do. Even if he throws up once in a while, this habit will have no undesirable effects on him.

Supervising him on leashed walks will help alleviate the problem. You will be able to restrict his desire for grass if he starts to eat it, if you feel it necessary.

Truthfully though, there really is not a lot you can do about the grass-eating habit, since nobody really has an answer to why dogs eat grass. Experts seem to believe that it is just one of those things that some dogs enjoy. Preventing your dog from eating grass may deprive him of this pleasure.

For more tips on dog behavior like excessive barking, whining and other dog behavioral problems, visit my website at http://www.knowingyourpet.com

Sleeping dog Runs into wall

Animals are cute and funny and everyone loves them. But sometimes they can be really annoying, like when they steal our food, toys and so on. Sometimes they are very naughty and steal something from other animals as well. Here's a compilation of sleeping dogs! Enjoy!

Getting Another Cat?

You might be thinking about getting another cat but it is not a decision to be made lightly. Many people get another cat not thinking through the decision all the way. Your neighbor or friends might be wanting you to take their cat, but before you cave in you need to consider several things.

1. Will your current cats accept your new cat? Cats can be very territorial, and a new cat in the house can upset a delicate balance that might take a long time to reestablish. You can't tell for sure how your current cats will accept a new cat until they actually meet. The best way to introduce new cats is to isolate them in a room for a few days so the cats can get used to new smells, and then after that only allow supervised interactions for the first couple of days.

2. Why is this person trying to get rid of their cat? Does this cat have a behavior problem you are not aware of? The number one reason cats are surrendered are due to behavior problems, like urinating on the bed and scratching furniture. If this cat does have a behavior problem are you willing to take the time to work with the cat in fixing this problem?

3. Do you have the financial capability to care for this cat medically? Veterinary bills can add up quickly especially for older cats. Before accepting a new cat be sure you consider your financial situation.

4. Do you have space for this cat, just considering litter boxes? Most cat experts recommend having one more litter box than you have cats. This means if you have three cats you need four litter boxes. Do you have room for four litter boxes?

5. Does this cat have any health issues? Many diseases are silent but deadly. Diseases like feline leukemia virus can be carried by seemingly healthy cats and can spread the disease to your cats. Before accepting new cats be sure to have their health status verified by a veterinarian.

Giving a new home to a cat that needs one is a great thing to do. But you need to make sure your situation is right for accepting a new cat into your house. By thinking through all these steps you can make the right choice.

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Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Mars Petcare U.S recalls possible contaminated pet food

There's a recall on pet food products Everson, Pa. The Mars Petcare U.S. announce that they are recalling dry pet products especially those dry pet .


Here:s the rest of the story...

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Mars Petcare U.S. has announced a voluntary recall of dry pet food products made at its Everson, Pa., facility because of possible salmonella contamination that could sicken both pets and their owners, according to media reports Monday.

The recalled products were made between Feb. 18 and July 29, it said in a statement.

"Even though no direct link between products produced at the Everson plant and human or pet illness has been made, we are taking this precautionary action to protect pets and their owners," it said.

The recall, according to media reports, has reached 31 states and various brands, which include items under the names Country Acres, Retriever, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Roy, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Pedigree, Wegman's, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition and Red Flannel.

However, Mars did not say which ones or how much food is involved.

The company stopped its production at its facility on July 29 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced there and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund, according to its statement.

Health officials said salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Two legged dog

I was really impressed with this dog that only have two legs. It really inspired me a lot... Watch the vid and meet fate - the wonder dog.

Pet Adoption Websites

As the overpopulation of companion animals becomes an ever increasing problem for the nation, we are seeing a growth in the number of pet adoption websites.

It is not so much that websites are appearing without having a shelter behind them, it is more that the pet adoption websites are there to help publicize the shelter, their aims, beliefs and pets that they have available for adoption. The world wide web has become a great help for charitable organizations such as shelters for unwanted animals as it helps to broaden their scope for finding suitable homes. If a family is looking for a certain breed of dog or cat, they no longer have to visit the shelters to have a look around.

The pet adoption websites that are the window for established pet shelters are also able to give a large amount of information regarding the organization itself. They will be able to give details about how and when the shelter was established, the mission statement and their codes of practice. Also, they will obviously be able to show pictures of the pets that they are currently trying to re-home.

The world wide web, however, does create the possibility for some people to advertise and publicize organizations that are not all that they seem to be. There are some pet adoption websites available which do not seem to be a shop window for a registered shelter, but more an agency that charges to find you a suitable pet to adopt. They will then scour the various pet shelters until they find an animal that will suit you and put you in contact with the shelter for a fee. It is important that you check the details regarding the website to ensure that you are dealing with a bona fide shelter and not just a middle man.

Having said that, there are some pet adoption websites that are not animal shelters, but are a portal for a number of different shelters that are genuine and are merely a way of introducing you to all the establishments in the area. This is not a fee charging service and the website is purely a directory. They will direct you, via links, to shelters which they believe to be well run and have a good code of conduct. Many of these websites will also give information about what to do if you should find a homeless animal and information about many other aspects of pet care and re-homing.

If you are considering adopting a pet, be it a cat, dog, rabbit or a more unusual animal, make sure that you are using a genuine organization. Do some research and visit the shelter. Do not just stay at home and rely on the pet adoption website to bring the perfect pet to you or you may never get to know where you new pet has come from.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about pet adoption, please visit New Pet Adoption for current articles and discussions.

Feline Worms - Three Common Types of Feline Worms

There are three common feline worms that affects cats. They include hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. These worms multiply as they live inside your cat. If there get to be too many, it can be life-threatening for your cat. Let's take a look at these feline worms.

Roundworms

Roundworms live in the same intestine and can reach up to five inches in length. Most cats become infected by coming into contact with feces or food. Queens can also pass them to their kittens through their milk.

These worms are relatively large, so they can easily cause an intestinal blockage as they multiply. An infestation can quickly become serious for kittens. Your veterinarian can determine if your cat has these feline worms by examining his stool. An infestation is easily treated through use of a deworming medication.

Hookworms

Hookworms are much smaller than roundworms, as they only measure half an inch. Your cat can swallow them in his food and become infected. Sometimes, the worms are able to penetrate the cat's skin. Like roundworms, hookworms infect the intestines also, but only after passing through the lungs.

An infestation of hookworms can also be life-threatening. They cause blood loss when they attach themselves to your cat's intestines. If they get to be too numerous, your cat can develop anemia. Fortunately, hookworms can be detected through a stool sample and treated with deworming medications.

Tapeworms

Unlike the two previous species, tapeworms rarely cause serious damage to your cat. These feline worms infect cats when they ingest contaminated rodents or fleas. The adults mature in the small intestine. They also shed segments that pass from the cat's body through his stool. You can easily spot the segments by looking at your cat's feces closely. Tapeworms are also easy to treat through use of deworming medications. However, you need to adopt a flea control program if you want to prevent your cat from getting infected again.

Some types of worms can be very dangerous to your cat. To learn about a range of other cat illnesses such as feline ringworm, stop by cat-illnesses.com. Your cat will thank you for it.

Poisonous plants to dogs

Listed below is a list of plants which are considered poisonous for our pets. You will even be amazed that some of these plants are very common garden and household plants which you may have in your yard. This may not be a complete list of all poisonous plants but at least you will have enough idea which plants are dangerous for your pet's health. Your pet may have an allergy or sensitive to the plants listed or not listed below. These plants can be toxic to your furry little friends. Dont forget to contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet have ingested one of the plants listed below. If you don't find the information you're seeking listed below you can check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for our more information about poisonous plants, effects and plant photos from the various veterinary/horticultural schools.

Aloe
Amaryllis
Aloe
American Bittersweet
Andromeda Japonica
Asian Lily
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Avocado
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Branching Ivy
Buckeye
Buddist Pine
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Charming
Chinaberry Tree
Chinese Evergreen
Christmas Rose
Clematis
Cordatum
Corn Plant
Cornstalk Plant
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Day Lily
Deadly Nightshade
Devils Ivy
Diffenbachia
Dumb Cane
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
Emerald Feather
Emerald Fern
English Ivy
European Bittersweet
Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron
Flamingo Plant
Florida Beauty
Foxglove
Fruit Salad Plant
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Glory Lily
Gold Dieffenbachia
Gold Dust Dracaena
Golden Pothos
Green Gold Nephthysis
Hahns self branching English Ivy
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heavenly Bamboo
Holly
Horsehead Philodendron
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Japanese Show Lily
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
Kalanchoe
Lace Fern
Lacy Tree
Lily of the Valley
Macadamia Nut
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Marble Queen
Marijuana
Mauna Loa Peace Lily
Mexican Breadfruit
Mistletoe American
Morning Glory
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthytis
Nightshade
Oleander
Onion
Orange Day Lily
Panda
Peace Lily
Philodendron Pertusum
Plumosa Fern
Precatory Bean
Queensland Nut
Red Emerald
Red Lily
Red Princess
Red-Margined Dracaena
Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant
Rubrum Lily
Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Sago Palm
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Spotted Dumb Cane
Stargazer Lily
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Swiss Cheese Plant
Taro Vine
Tiger Lily
Tomato Plant
Tree Philodendron
Tropic Snow Dumbcane
Tulip
Variable Dieffenbachia
Variegated Philodendron
Warneckei Dracaena
Wood Lily
Yew
Yucca

Jindo dog

The Jindo dog was named after Jindo Island in Southwest Korea and was only available on the island. Under Korean national law, the Jindo dog is protected as the 53rd Natural Monument. Although relatively unknown outside Korea, it is celebrated in its native land for its unwavering loyalty to its master. It is generally unknown breed outside of Korea, especially purebreds, since the Korean government restricts the exportation of this breed but Korean-Americans have been bringing Jindos to America since the mid-1980's.

Jindo dogs are known to be extremely loyal and affectionate toward its master, a clean animal both in its body as well as its habits, very independent, highly intelligent, proud and trainable only by the master. Jindo dogs will housetrain themselves as puppies. Even off lead or without direction, they will often relieve themselves in the farthest corner of the yard. They are also renowned for their almost uncanny homing instinct. It has an innate sense of direction and is capable of returning home from several hundred miles away.

The Jindo is a medium-sized, double-coated spitz-type dog, with prick ears. The body is either square or slightly longer than tall. Jindo are divided into two body types the Tonggol or Gyupgae and Hudu or Heutgae. The first one is very muscular and shorter in body, with a depth of chest equal to one-half the height at the withers and a shorter loin, while the other one is more slender with somewhat less depth of chest and a slightly longer loin. Typically, the males are larger with heavier heads and females have more fox-like features. These two types are gradually being blended into a third type called Gakgol, which retains the length of body of the Hudu style and the depth of chest of the Tonggol style.

The Jindo breed is also a great hunting companion; they are often brought along when hunting deer, wild boar, rabbit, raccoon, and badger. Due to Jindo’s courage, cunning, and pack sensibility they are renowned as great hunters.

Akita dog

The Akita dog breed originated from the Akita region in Japan and this breed is more than 3000 years old. For many years now, the Akita has captured the hearts of the Japanese people and are seen as the national dogs of Japan where they have also been selected as a Natural Monument. Guard dogs, fighting dogs and hunters are some of the common uses of the Akita dog breed and also to perform army and guard work. The Akita is a very effective in hunting that's why many people choose Akitas as their hunting dog because they can also hunt in deep snow.

Akitas thrives on human attention so make sure that you give them the attention they need. Aside from that it is also one of the most loyal dog breed that you can find but can be wary of strangers at times. This is a dog that will protect its family and territory fiercely without showing any fear and they can be very aggressive towards other animals. In spite of being a great guard dogs, owners will be very happy to know that Akita dogs do not bark excessively. Seeing that the Akitas love human companionship, they will not stand out in an environment where both owners work.

You need to spend fair amount of time in grooming an Akita In order to keep its coats in a good condition. These dogs should be brushed with a hair brush daily. Bathe Akita when really necessary and always use a gentle shampoo, if the shampoo is not gentle enough, it might strip their coats from its natural oils.

Akitas should have thorough training sessions because it is vital for these dogs to be submitted to sufficient socialization and obedience training. Akita dogs will try to take control or will want to be the alpha so it is also very important that the owners of these dogs establish their dominance.