Share Your Pet Pictures on Your Own Custom Calendar

I remember several years ago my aunt surprised us with a calendar she had made using pictures of her cat, dog, and kids. It was very unique. She did it really well too using pictures she had taken throughout the year and matching them up with the appropriate month. 

I realize that it is a little late in the year, but I only got to thinking about this just now after finding Calendars.com.  They also have a huge assortment of dog breed specific calendars for all the dog lovers out there as well as a full range of pets and animal calendars.  Some of their wildlife calendars (such as the Hummingbird WWF 2013 Deluxe Wall Calendar) have a special bonus - in that part of your purchase price goes to WWF as a donation to help them help more wild animals!

You can make your own custom calendar at Calendars.com and if you are talented enough, and have time, you can stage a few pictures now to use throughout the calendar, such as having your pet sit with a red rose by its feet and a red background to use for February (Valentines Day). 

Their prices are great too, and if a personalized calendar is not for you they have a huge range of other calendars (as mentioned) books and puzzles with animal themes.

click here to go to the site

If you are looking for a unique gift or just something unique for yourself then for sure consider making your own custom calendar. I wish I had remembered to make this suggestion earlier, but there is still a little time before the New Year. A calendar is something pretty much everyone enjoys getting and when finished with the year they still have frameable pictures they can keep if they wish.

Like them on Facebook and get 10% off (a window should pop up after you have been on the site and picked out a calendar).

Do Dogs Need Heartworm Medication in the Winter?

Heartworm is a very serious concern in pets. While cats also can suffer from heartworm, these pests are mostly associated with dogs. The treatment for a dog infested withheartworm is risky in itself so prevention is the best measure.

There are many medications that are used to prevent heartworm and although not terribly expensive the costs do add up, so reducing the number of treatments per year can have financial benefits to a pet owner. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, there are concerns in regards to the over-medication of pets and potential risks (including cancer).

The question remains, should you treat your dog year round for heartworm or only in the months in which mosquitoes are active?

First let us understand how heartworm medications work.

Heartworm is spread to cats and dogs via mosquitoes. The mosquito must drink the blood of an infected pet and take up the very young heartworms at that time (larval stage 1) . The larva grow inside the mosquito and eventually travel to the mosquito's mouth and wait to be inserted into another pet. The heartworms develop in the pet's bloodstream eventually making their way to the heart. Heartworm prevention medication does not actually “prevent” the heartworm infections, but rather they kill the young heartworms at one larval stage which is about 30 to 45 days after the initial infection, but before the worms make their way to the heart. Heartworm prevention medication does not kill the mature heartworms in the heart.

In order for the heartworms to develop in the mosquito temperatures must be relatively warm. When temperatures drop below 57F (14C) the lifecycle of the heartworms in the mosquitoes is ended.

But recalling that the heartworm preventative medication is only effective on larvae that have been in the infected dog for more than 30 days, you can see that treating a dog in the fall (depending on how cold it gets in your area), after mosquitoes have died off, is still a good idea, however into the winter is not necessarily required unless you live in a warm weather area. As such if you live in an area where winters get cold you may find that you do not have to treat your dog with heartworm medication from December to February or March.

You may want to discuss the risks of heartworm with your vet before going on a heartworm medication prevention program. In warm areas where there are lots of dogs and mosquito's (areas with lots of water) the risk is certainly higher than in areas with desert conditions and a lower population of pets.

Click here to Shop US Pets for the lowest prices on pet supplies, medicine, treats, and more. Save up to 50% on major name brands, plus free shipping!

If you are looking for places to buy heartworm medication for your dog (or cat) here are some great online places worth considering. They sell many other pet health products too and you should note that a healthy pet has a natural defense against heartworm. 

How to Diagnose your Pet's Health Symptoms

A brief look at what some common symptoms mean in a pet and where to find more help if you think your pet is sick.  This list is not every symptom, nor is every cause listed it is only to give you some ideas of health concerns in pets.

Vomiting – There are a few different types of vomit pets can have. Food vomit is when there are still undigested chunks of food and can just mean the particular type of food does not agree with your pet's stomach (or is rotten). Bile is yellow liquid containing no food and can mean the pet has an upset stomach but the stomach is empty. Cats sometimes vomit up hairballs. Vomiting can be a sign of poisoning or other health concern. 

Diarrhea – Diarrhea can signal many problems, from a poor food, to a too rich food. Diarrhea can be an indication of worms, bacterial infections, or a viral problem. Black smelly diarrhea can indicate parvo. 

Blood in the Stool – If bright red, blood in the stool indicates a problem (such as worms) in the lower intestine, if dark red it can be a problem in the stomach.

Refusing to Eat – Can be just a minor tummy upset or something more serious. The pet could have bad teeth, or an upset stomach.

Refusing to Drink – This is a very serious problem that can cause body organs to shut down and often means the pet is very ill and should see a veterinarian immediately.

Drinking A Lot – This can be a sign of many health concerns, of which diabetes is one.

Frequent Urination – Again this can be a sign of diabetes, or urinary tract problems.

Change in the Stool Habits – This can be from a change in food or an internal health problem.

Pet Appears to be in Pain – Could the pet have been hit by a car, hurt by a neighbor, or child, could it have fallen down stairs? Could the pet have been bit by a snake? Is the pet old and possibly suffering from arthritis?

Swollen Joints and Pain – This could be a sign of Lyme disease.

Holding Head at a Tilt, Falling Over – This could be a sign of a brain injury, stroke, or vestibular disease, it can be due to an ear infection affecting balance.

Pale Gums – Can be a sign of anemia, poor blood circulation, a weak heart.

Coughing – There are many different types of coughs in pets and a cough can be a sign of any number of concerns including a bacterial or viral infection, heartworm (if coughing after exercise), something stuck in their throat, trachea collapse, and so forth.

Fever – Note that to determine if your pet has a fever you must actually take its temperature, feeling the nose is not an accurate way to judge if your pet has a fever. If your pet does have an elevated temperature this usually means it is fighting some sort of infection.

Lethargy – Can be a sign of an infection, poisoning, or other concerns.

Itching - Can be from fleas, lice, ticks, or even a food allergy or an allergy to chemicals used in the home or yard.

Bad Breath -  May be due to rotten teeth, poor food, or can be a sign of a problem with one of the pet's internal organs.  Diabetes can also make a pet have bad breath.

Above all if your pet is exhibiting any kind of health problem you should consider taking it to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.  Kittens, and puppies, in particular can get worse very quickly but symptoms of a health concern should not be ignored in older pets either.  This list was only very basic. I am including two links for further help regarding diagnosing your pet. 

PetMD lets you ask questions online from a real veterinarian.

Their Symptom checker lets you select either a cat or dog and you click on the body of the pet to see a list of symptoms and then are given information in regards to what the problem could be. Just click on their ad or link below.  

Does your pet have suspicious symptoms? Visit petMD's Pet Symptom Checker today for informative, helpful, veterinarian approved articles.

Remember in most areas vets are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  There is no reason to ignore the health of your pet.

Tips on Getting a Pet Rabbit

Are you thinking of getting a pet rabbit?

Rabbits are pretty good pets for the certain people such as those who do not have time or space for a cat or dog. Rabbits are active in the day (unlike hamsters and other nocturnal pets) and can be walked on a leash when using a harness.

There are several breeds of rabbits, some being rather small and others being very large (often used for meat). Fluffy rabbits require proper grooming and regular brushing. Breed selection is very important, keeping in mind that the larger rabbits will need a lot more space. The lop eared rabbits also tend to need more space because in a small cage they tend to stand on their ears a lot which makes them dirty.

The size of the rabbit's cage, or hutch, is important. At the very least a small rabbit will need three square feet of space in its cage, while a larger rabbit may need six square feet of space. The smaller the cage the more time the rabbit should have out of it for exercise and mental stimulation.

Some people leave their rabbit loose in their house, allowing it to use a litter box much like cats do.

You must consider where you are going to keep your pet rabbit. While many people do keep pet rabbits outdoors in hutches this is not the ideal place. Not only do they tend to be neglected when outside but they also are at risk for attacks from predators and problems such as fly strike.

Rabbits need proper rabbit food, timothy hay, and fresh vegetables. You can feed them carrots, cucumbers, apples, and romaine lettuce (no other lettuces), but be sure to wash all vegetables first. You can also give a rabbit dandelion greens from your yard as long as you have not used any chemicals on your lawn.
Bedding in the cage should be straw, or aspen shavings; pine shavings are okay, but cedar shavings should never be used in a rabbit's cage.

When looking for your rabbit's supplies be sure to check That Pet Place for discounted pet supplies and treats.

General Considerations Before Getting a Pet Rabbit

• Be sure you have space, and money, for a large cage.
• Be sure you have time to let your rabbit out of its cage for at least 2 hours a day.
• Can you make a lifetime commitment to owning a pet rabbit?
• If you are planning on keeping your pet rabbit outdoors, is it safe from predators, will it be warm and dry in bad weather?
• Where do you plan on getting your pet rabbit? Consider adopting your pet rabbit from an animal shelter.

Problems for Pets in the Winter

Winter can be a wonderful time, however the cold weather can present a lot of problems for our pets.

Of course most people are aware of the risks as related to frostbite or just problems with being cold in general but there are other winter concerns and problems for pets.

Arthritis Pains

In cold weather pets with arthritis have more aches and pains then ever. Some people try to help their dog with arthritis pain by giving it aspirin, however aspirin can be risky for dogs, and should never be given to cats. 

There are better medications for helping pets with arthritis, including those with glucosamine and chondroitin.  I personally take glucosamine and chondroitin for my own arthritic pains and can tell you they work.  Some dog foods have these added but there are some claims that say when these are cooked into dog food they are not as effective and should be fed as a supplement. 

Cold weather means aches and pains for arthritic pets with hip and joint issues. Prescriptions like Previcox, Remadyl and Carprofen can help! Shop today at NationalPetPharmacy.com!

In this cold weather, your dog needs everything he can get to stay healthy. Click here to check bone and joint supplements that are great for senior dogs, athletic dogs, or dogs suffering from an injury.

Aches and pains can also be relived by offering your pet a warm heated bed.

Keep your cat warm this winter with heated cat beds that are now UP TO 25% OFF at NationalPetPharmacy.com

Dry Skin

Our pets also tend to suffer dry skin in the winter. You may have already noticed your cat or dog has more dandruff than usual. This can also make pets itchy and uncomfortable. Better food can help as can having a humidifier on in the room where the pet spends most of its time but there are also supplements you can buy to help improve your pets skin and coat in the dry winter months.

Dermatitis is what your pet gets when they've got itchy, dry skin from the cold weather. Shop for brands like Atopica Cyclosporine at NationalPetPharmacy.com to keep your pets feeling comfortable.

Other Winter Worries for Pets

Dogs can burn their paw pads by walking on ice and ice melting chemicals. There are special boots you can buy for your dog, as well as special de-icing chemicals you can use that will not burn your pet's paw pads.

Ice melts can often contain harsh chemicals that are not good for pets. Check out the "pet approved" ice melts that are safe for you and your pet!

Of course a sweater might also be something your pet would benefit from. Small dogs may even need a sweater for indoors when temperatures also cause our homes to be cooler. They particularly will need a sweater after having their hair clipped.

Shop from PetFoodDirect.com's wide selection of cold weather outdoor gear to keep your pet warm and cozy this winter.

Be sure kids know not to let pets outside on cold days, kids often forget to let the pet inside and if left out too long a pet can get frostbite.  Make sure all younger family members know to ask an adult first before letting pets out when temperatures are very cold.

Remember that short nosed dogs have more problems with cold weather and their walks should be kept short. 

Tips and Supplies for Breeding Pet Birds

Many bird owners want to breed their birds, for some species this is quite easy, but for others it is more demanding. Overall breeding birds is not something you should get into doing without a lot of thought and preparations. Be sure you have homes for any offspring you produce, do not just assume you will figure that out when the time comes. 

You will also want to use caution not to over-breed your birds as this will lead to breeding exhaustion. To be a proper breeder you need to have a lot of room and time, you need to have many cages, and if you are going to be hand-raising the young birds you almost certainly have to be home for the majority of the day.

Extend the hours of light to encourage breeding, reduce the hours of light to discourage breeding in birds.

Supplies Needed for Breeding Birds

Your birds must be put on a special, high quality, diet for breeders. 

They need a nesting box or nest. Different species have different preferences, but these should be removed later to prevent the birds from continuously laying eggs and rearing young.

The birds need nesting material. Allow your birds to place this in the nest themselves. You can purchase different nesting materials as well as providing some pieces of dried grass from your yard (assuming you have not used any chemicals on your lawn). Aspen or pine shavings may be given, but never give them cedar shavings, never use a cedar nesting box.

Your birds need to be kept in a stress free area.

If you plan on hand rearing the young birds you will need special feeding tubes, lubricant for the feeding tubes as well as special food for the hatchlings. This is not something I would recommend for a beginner to try on their own without a coach or mentor to show you how it is done. Note that different species of birds eat different food and are fed by different methods.

Incubation Period for Birds Eggs

For most birds you must note that they lay several eggs before sitting on them, often laying one egg per day. Calculate hatching by counting from the day when the birds start sitting on the eggs to incubate them.

• African Grey Parrot – 26 to 30 days
• Cockatoos – 28 to 29 days
• Cockatiels – 18 to 21 days
• Conures – 23 to 25 days
• Doves – 16 to 18 days
• Finches – 14 to 15 days
• Lovebirds – 21 to 25 days
• Macaws – 24 to 28 days
• Parakeets, Budgies – 17 to 20 days

Just click & you'll receive free shipping on your online order of $49 or more at PetCareRx.com!

If you are looking for bird supplies, or specifically for supplies for breeding birds be sure to check out Bird.com or PetCareRX, links are provided by clicking above!

Great Online Pet Product Deals for January

Are you looking for great online deals for pet products for January?

Hello pet lovers, and pet owners.  If you have been following along, the December deals are over and we move into some deals and coupons for pet products for the New Year.

These are all reputable companies  that provide good quality products for your pets.

To use the coupons (where codes are needed) just make a note of the code I have given you.  When you are done shopping and go to the checkout you will see a box where it asks for your Promotion, or Coupon, Code, put the code in and click the APPLY button and your total price will be recalculated.

Happy Shopping!

.

Dog.com

Dog.com is offering a great January Deal, from now until January 21, 2013 you can get 10% off your purchase if the total is over $75.  This means a savings of at least $7.50 on fantastic products for your dog.

Get 10% off $75 or More at Dog.com! - Use code: CJDWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013

Ferret.com

Ferret.com is offering $5 Off orders over $75.  They have a great range of products for ferrets, from food to hammocks. 

Save $5 on orders of $75 or More at Ferret.com! - Use code: CJFWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013

Here is an article covering some of the basic ferret supplies offered at ferret.com.

Horse.com

Horse.com is offering two great deals.  From now until January 31 it is their big blanket blow out.
Winter Blanket Blowout! Save up to 45% Turnout Blankets and Sheets at Horse.com! - Use code: CJHWEEK
Another great promotion to help horse owners save money is this deal for $10 off orders over $100.

Save $10 on orders of $100 or more at Horse.com! - Use code: CJHWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013>

StatelineTack.com

And of course Statline Tack also has some fantastic January shopping deals.
They also offer a savings of $10 for purchases more than $100.

Save $10 on Orders of $100 or More at StateLineTack.com! - Use code: CJSWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013

Pet Care RX

Pet Care RX has great savings on pet supplies and medications and you can get free shipping right up until March, 2013.

Save up to 50% every day on Discount Pet Supplies at PetCareRx.com Pharmacy! Find pet meds for dogs, cats, and more! Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders over $49!

Only Natural Pet Store

Clicking on the ad will take you to the site where you will enjoy great savings, just make a note of the coupon code to get the discount on all your pet food, treats and supplies.