Saturday, March 12, 2011

Rufts Is Now in Association with Waggers, the Specialist Online Shop Offering Dog Products


Rufts, the world's largest dog show where dogs from more than 30 countries participate for the title of Crufts top dog each year, is now in association with Waggers, a specialist online shop offering an exciting range of dog products.

, will be featuring around 180 breeds in categories such as Best of Breed, Best of Group and last but not the least the Best in Show. It has now joined hands with Waggers, a specialist online shop offering an exciting range of dog products. Together they are looking for the ultimate dog in their online competition. The winner in the category will get a beautiful, luxury dog bed from Waggers!

Tracey Cannon, the marketing manager at Waggers, states, "Rufts is a prestigious dog show and undoubtedly the most watched in Britain. Providing dog products like dog beds, and dog toys for years, we are now happy to join hands with such an award where "dog people" from more than 30 countries enthusiastically bring their dogs to participate in different categories."

Waggers is the ultimate choice of dog owners as they offer their range of products such as dog beds, collar, blankets & towels, coats, ramps, guard, feeding equipment and many healthcare products with a guarantee of 100 money back. One can browse their catalogue online and can even order for a free one from their site http://www.Waggers.co.uk/. Waggers is in association with Kennel club, UK's largest organisation dedicated to the health and welfare of dogs, has recently joined hands with Rufts. They are helping and encouraging dog owners in every possible way!


Waggers is an online shop offering an exciting range on dog products, including dog beds, blankets and luxury baskets, dog leads and collars and other dog accessories including home furniture and car seat covers plus a selection of dog training products. They provide a wide range of dog beds that will always be appreciated by your dog. Their incredible collection of dog accessories includes dog beds for all breeds of dogs, hardwearing dog beds that are virtually indestructible, designer dog beds, outdoor, orthopaedic and many more designs of dog beds. They have a large collection of dog products like car boot dog beds, plastic dog beds, basket beds, car boot liners, round, rectangular and special dog beds including off the floor and tunnel dog beds.

Rufts Is Now in Association with Waggers, the Specialist Online Shop Offering Dog Products


Rufts, the world's largest dog show where dogs from more than 30 countries participate for the title of Crufts top dog each year, is now in association with Waggers, a specialist online shop offering an exciting range of dog products.

Rufts, which is going to be held from March 10th to 13th at Birmingham National Exhibition Centre, will be featuring around 180 breeds in categories such as Best of Breed, Best of Group and last but not the least the Best in Show. It has now joined hands with Waggers, a specialist online shop offering an exciting range of dog products. Together they are looking for the ultimate dog in their online competition. The winner in the category will get a beautiful, luxury dog bed from Waggers!

Tracey Cannon, the marketing manager at Waggers, states, "Rufts is a prestigious dog show and undoubtedly the most watched in Britain. Providing dog products like dog beds, and dog toys for years, we are now happy to join hands with such an award where "dog people" from more than 30 countries enthusiastically bring their dogs to participate in different categories."

Waggers is the ultimate choice of dog owners as they offer their range of products such as dog beds, collar, blankets & towels, coats, ramps, guard, feeding equipment and many healthcare products with a guarantee of 100 money back. One can browse their catalogue online and can even order for a free one from their site http://www.Waggers.co.uk/. Waggers is in association with Kennel club, UK's largest organisation dedicated to the health and welfare of dogs, has recently joined hands with Rufts. They are helping and encouraging dog owners in every possible way!


Waggers is an online shop offering an exciting range on dog products, including dog beds, blankets and luxury baskets, dog leads and collars and other dog accessories including home furniture and car seat covers plus a selection of dog training products. They provide a wide range of dog beds that will always be appreciated by your dog. Their incredible collection of dog accessories includes dog beds for all breeds of dogs, hardwearing dog beds that are virtually indestructible, designer dog beds, outdoor, orthopaedic and many more designs of dog beds. They have a large collection of dog products like car boot dog beds, plastic dog beds, basket beds, car boot liners, round, rectangular and special dog beds including off the floor and tunnel dog beds.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Affenpinschers and Tail Docking

Over much of its history, Affenpinschers have had their tails docked for a number of reasons. At first, it was thought the "working" dogs, such as hunting dogs or ratters, should have their tails docked to prevent them from being injured while they work. As dogs made the transition from working dogs to pets, tail docking continued because many dog fanciers believed that the shorter tail completed the "look" of the dog. In most cases, Affenpinschers do not have medical reasons to have their tails docked, and today the decision rests solely with the owner.

The breed standard, written by the Affenpinschers Club of America, states that tails may be docked or natural. If they are docked, they should be between one and two inches and length and set high and carried erect. If they are natural, the tail is carried high and generally curves over the back while the dog is in movement. The standard specifically states that "the type of tail is not a major consideration."

Much like ear cropping, questions have been raised about the ethics of having tails docked when it is medically unnecessary. Some people feel that the procedure robs the dog of having the means of expressing itself, while others simply are against putting the dog through a painful procedure that is purely cosmetic, especially when the dog has no way of having a say in the matter. A common argument for the procedure is that the docking is usually done when the dog is just a puppy and therefore experiences less pain. Unfortunately, this is false. Tail docking is usually performed without the use of an anesthetic, and not only severs vertebrae but muscles as well.

Today, the practice of tail docking has been banned in several countries where the procedure is done for merely cosmetic reasons, notably European countries such as Norway, Sweden, Greece and Switzerland.

On the other hand, there are plenty of dog fanciers that believe that the practice is not cruel and goes a long way to prevent damage to the tail later in the dog's life. Many say that if the procedure is done very early in the puppy's life, as early as two to five days after birth, the pain is minimal and the puppy will retain little to no memory of it. Many supports of tail docking prefer the "banding" method, in which a ligature is placed on the tail when the puppy is 24 - 72 hours old, cutting off the blood flow and resulting in the end of the tail falling off in a couple of days.

As far as Affenpinschers are concerned, those who are interested in showing their Affenpinschers in competition should take heart that dogs both with and without tails are winning in competition, so this should no longer be a consideration when thinking about having a puppy's tail docked. In the end, the decision will fall solely on the owner, so it would be best to talk with experienced Affenpinscher owners and your veterinarian before making a final decision.

Monday, March 7, 2011

What Your Pet Can Teach You

I am honored that so many people look to me to help them enjoy more fulfilling relationships with their dogs, but the truth is that the dogs themselves have been my teachers. The most valuable lessons I’ve received have come from animals. Here are some of the ways dogs have helped me become a better, happier, and more-balanced human being.

Live in the moment.
I tell my clients to follow this simple rule with their dogs: Offer exercise, discipline, and affection every day. Do the same for yourself. We humans are happier if our routines include physical activity, a sense of structure, and the opportunity to give and receive love on a daily basis
.
Trust your instincts.
Animals don’t care about words. They recognize that what’s really going on in any interaction is beneath the surface. Many of us have lost touch with this all-important instinctual part of our natures. By paying attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and energy, we can learn more about our friends, our loved ones, and ourselves.

Be direct and consistent in your communication.
Many of my clients only intermittently enforce rules, leaving their pets confused about what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. Great relationships, no matter the species, begin with clear and consistent communication. This is a lesson we should carry into other areas of our lives—with our family, our friends, and at work. Remember: We teach people how to treat us

Learn to listen
Make the time to lend an ear to those you love or those who want to transform their lives. But don’t try to fix their problems, and don’t take their problems personally, either. A great leader is also a great follower and knows that everybody counts.

Don’t hold grudges.
There’s a remarkable lack of conflict in dog packs.  That’s because members resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Imagine what our world would be like if we dealt with our conflicts before they escalated out of control. Holding onto negative feelings tends to make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward.

Live with purpose.
When dogs are bored, they develop issues ranging from anxiety to aggression. But when given a job and a way to contribute to the pack’s well-being, they turn around almost immediately. All animals—including humans—have an inborn need to work for food and water. Ask yourself how you can contribute more to your job, your family, and the world around you. You’ll feel much better about yourself if you earn your food and water, too.

Celebrate every day
.
For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life’s simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your own life.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Simple Tips On Cleaning A Pet Cage

Cleaning your pet’s cage is one of the keys to keeping your pet healthy at all times. It will make your pet’s living space free from germs and foul odor, making it a comfortable environment to live in. It can also minimize the chance of bacterial and fungal infections to your pet.

Cleaning cages is not a fun chore, but doing it as organized as possible will make the task less of a chore. Here are some simple tips when cleaning an animal cage:

Being systematic is really the solution to a much hassle-free cleaning process. Whenever you need to clean your pet’s cage, better transfer your pet to a safe place where he or she can feel comfortable during the cleaning time. You can put your pet in another cage while you are doing the cleaning. Bringing him or her in the yard or any confined space would be a good idea to avoid getting distracted.

Afterwards, start removing all the things inside the cage. Throw all the trash and dirt away. Be meticulous in getting rid of all the left-overs and animal wastes inside the cage. Clean up all the solid material first. Then, proceed to washing the litter pans, feeding bowls, toys, and other accessories. Don’t forget to clean the bedding. You can use fabric softener so that the bedding will be soft for your beloved pet.

Take extra time in cleaning the removable trays. Make sure you also disinfect the wire bottom and wipe it to remove any lingering poop or urine smell.

Bear in mind that the aim in cleaning your pet’s cage is to kill the germs, so it’s better to use hot water and proper cleaning agent when scrubbing the cage. To ensure the cage is cleaned very well, purchase a cage cleaner, which can be in the form of powder, wipes or spray bottle. Make sure it’s made from non-toxic materials. Use only the products that are proven safe for animals.

Whether you own a dog, cat, or any other animals, it is always important for you to make your pet’s cage clean. Doing this task regularly is essential to the health and well-being of your pet.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

African Penguin Facts

Some basic and interesting African penguin facts await you in this article. Read them and know about this amazing bird of the south-western coast of Africa.
African Penguin Facts
Scientifically named as Spheniscus demersusb, the African penguin is one of the native species of the fauna of the south-western coast of the African continent. 'Black-footed penguin' is another name for it. And in case you did not know, this flightless bird is also known as the 'Jackass penguin'. Why? Well, it brays in the same way as the donkey does. An average adult can grow up to 68 - 70 cm, that is 26.7 - 27.5 inches. And, 4 and 12 pounds is the measure between which the bird can weigh. One can easily identify this creature, given its black stripe and black spots on the chest or the belly. What is interesting about these spots is that their pattern is unique for each penguin, like our fingerprints are. So no African penguin can get away with a crime! That was a bad joke, wasn't it? Coming back to another one of the interesting African penguin facts, it is about the creature's eyes. Well, not exactly about its eyes, but some pink glands above them. The function of these glands is to cool down the bird when it gets hotter. What happens is, on a hot day, the blood rushes to this gland to help the bird cool down by the surrounding air. That is why, the hotter the day is, the more pink these parts become. Some more African penguin facts have been compiled in the following.

Interesting Facts about African Penguins

The following African penguin facts have been provided to you in the form of the important aspects associated with the lifestyle of this bird. These include its habitat, feeding, and behavior, among others.

African Penguin Habitat
One of the must-know African penguin facts is about the environment it copes with to thrive and survive. This species, as already mentioned, is an endemic species of the south-western coast of Africa. These birds spend most of their time in the sea, foraging. And when the breeding or molting season is on the run, they form colonies on the rocky shores. One important fact is about the distances these birds can cover on a single trip. It is about 75 miles.

African Penguin Food
When it comes to feeding, this bird is known as an opportunistic hunter. It feeds on a wide variety of fishes, with squid, sardines, anchovies, pilchards, crustaceans, horse mackerel, and round herrings.

African Penguin Behavior
Coming to another one of the important African penguin facts, is about the behavior of this species as compared to the other types of penguins. It is known, through the experiences of many tourists, that this is one of the calmest species of penguins. Interaction with this bird is relatively easier. For communicating with other members in its group, it makes use of its donkey-like brays.

Some More African Penguin Facts

    * The U.S. Endangered Species Act has listed this penguin as an endangered species of the world. The population of these birds is dwindling with time, due to increased commercial fishing, and global warming, and also due to the use of its eggs as one of the many foods sources in the area.
    * The ideal season for breeding for the bird comes in early February. However, breeding can occur at any time of the year.
    * At 4 years of age, the penguin is said to have reached its maturity.
    * While feeding, the penguin is known to dive up to 200 feet below the surface.
    * After the young are born, parents take care of them for an additional 60 - 120 days. Once a juvenile learns to fend for itself, it can go into the sea for foraging. Now, how soon can the baby can do so, depends upon the type of nutrition it receives from its parents.
    * One of the fun facts about the African penguin is about its vocalization. Large colonies can be deafening if they start braying at the same time.
    * Natural nemesis of this bird include sharks, large seals, and orcas. Kelp gulls, mongoose, genet, etc., are the enemies on land.
    * Under water, it can hold its breath for an average of 2.5 minutes, and 15 mph is the speed with which it can travel.
    * 10 years is the life span of this black and white bird.

So these were some very interesting African Penguin facts from my end. In case you come across some more, then feel free to update them here in the comment box. Cuidar!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Tips On Cat Health

A number of fragrant flowers can be deadly for cats. "Certain types of lily are extremely poisonous to cats if eaten or if the pollen is ingested," said Dr. Michele Gaspar, DVM, DABVP, veterinarian and feline specialist for Feline Pine. "The first signs of poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to two hours of ingestion and include vomiting, loss of appetite, blindness, paralysis or kidney [renal] failure."

Common lily types that grow in yards and are sent in bouquets include tiger lilies, stargazer lilies, Easter lilies and daylilies. If you suspect your cat has come in contact with one, seek medical care immediately. Dr. Gaspar offers these additional health tips for cats:

Great Getaways

If you're planning to take your cat in the car-even if you're only heading across town-be certain to use a sturdy, reliable carrier that closes completely. A soft, thick towel or rug placed inside the carrier will provide additional comfort and help prevent your cat from feeling stressed. If you're going on a long trip, bring veterinary records-including vaccination records-and medications. Also, familiar foods and water from home will help avoid stomach upset.

Healthier Cats

"The right food and the right cat box filler are two of the most important choices you can make in your cat's life," said Dr. Gaspar. "If your cat doesn't find the cat box filler acceptable, there can be problems with inappropriate urination and defecation." You might protect kitty from carcinogens with an all-natural litter, such as Feline Pine. It's made from 100 percent natural, biodegradable pine and is silica dust free. It's also proven to produce less dust in general than other litters.

Healthful Diets

Fat cats are susceptible to a number of health problems. If your pet is overweight, he's being fed too much. Kittens between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks should be fed kitten food four times daily. Ages 3 months to 6 months should be fed three times daily. Adult cats should be fed twice a day. Also, choosing moist canned food could help cats avoid feline urologic syndrome (FUS)-a term used to describe lower urinary tract disorders, including kidney and bladder stones. Finally, avoid feeding your cat any human or dog food and always keep fresh water out for her.