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Identifying worms in dogs and cats

One of the most common problems with dogs and cats is worms. Worms are usually not a life threatening condition, but they aren’t pleasant to deal with either. There are many ways for your pets to get worms. Some dogs and cats may even be born with them. Before you can get rid of these pests you need to identify which type of worm they have. Below is an explanation of the four most common types, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Most of these worms have the same type of symptoms that may include diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting.

Roundworms are very common among dogs and cats. They can be picked up by ingesting the eggs which are usually contained in the animal’s stools. Keeping your pet’s environment clear of feces can help prevent roundworms and other types of worms as well.

However, preventing roundworms isn’t always easy since mothers can actually pass these parasites to unborn animals. It is also possible to have roundworms without any having any symptoms. However, when they are passed or vomited they are very noticeable and resemble spaghetti. Roundworms are difficult to pass to humans because you would have to ingest the fecal matter that contains the eggs.

Tapeworms are harder to get rid of than roundworms. While there are usually over the counter medications that can be purchased for roundworms, a prescription may be needed for tapeworms. It is also easier to catch tapeworms. If your dogs or cats like to eat dead animals, they can easily catch tapeworms. They can also catch tapeworms by ingesting fleas that contain tapeworm eggs.

Tapeworms can be distinguished from roundworms by the way they look. What you may see on your dogs and cats are little segments of the worm. The worm is made up of these segments and you will usually never see a whole tapeworm. The segments may resemble tiny worms because they will still move around. This is because the segment contains the eggs. After the segment has been passed it will dry up and no longer move. You may mistake these segments for grains of rice stuck to your dogs and cats fur or in their stools.

Hookworms are not going to be seen in the stools or on the fur. They are microscopic and they will only be identified through a stool sample or due to symptoms. These worms attach themselves to the inside of your dogs, and less often, your cats. While attached they will feed off of the blood from your pet. This may make your dogs or cats anemic and could become a big problem.

Whipworms are also going to be largely undetected unless your pet is suffering from symptoms. A stool sample can usually show whether your dogs and cats have contracted whipworms. However, there are times when a stool sample will not work. This is because whipworms leave very few eggs. If your dogs or cats have a mucous covering on their stools, they may have whipworms.

Dealing with worms is never pleasant for a pet owner. You just have to remember that it is even more unpleasant for the pet. Identifying your culprit is the first step in treating the worm infestation. If you any trouble you should see your veterinarian for help in dealing with this problem.


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The Panther in the House – A Look at the Beautiful Bombay

Many lovers or domestic cats are naturally drawn to the beauty and majesty of wild felines, but those denizens of the jungle make notoriously bad house pets. Those cat lovers who crave the beauty of the black panther, combined with the gentle nature of the house cat may want to welcome a Bombay into the home.

The Bombay in fact shares many characteristics with the legendary black panther, including the striking deep copper eyes and the luscious black coat. These cats are a striking addition to any home, and those who know the breed have fallen in love with their beauty, charm and intelligence.

In fact, many Bombays can be leash trained, providing a safe way to let the neighbors enjoy their beauty. These wonderful felines also love to play fetch with their human owners, combining the playfulness of a kitten with the charm of a dog. In fact, many confirmed “dog people” have been instantly transformed into cat lovers after meeting these inquisitive creatures. The Bombay is far from shy, and many in fact like to greet visitors at the door. This bold nature makes them the perfect choice for sharing space with dogs and other pets, while their gentle nature makes them a great kid friendly choice as well.


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'Max' Hits Top Spot for Favorite Dog Name

It is estimated that only about one in five dogs in New York City are registered by their owners. But the latest official figures for those that are registered show 'Max' as the most popular name, with mixed breeds topping the poll for the most owned dog, followed by Labrador Retrievers.

'Max' accounted for about 1.2% of names engraved by the department on new licenses, while 'Lucky', 'Princess' and 'Rocky' were all strong contenders for the top spot. Mixed breeds made up just over 7% of the new dog population, with Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Shih-Tzus and German Shepherds all retained their places in the top 5.

The most current official statistics were compiled for the year 2005 with NYC Health Department issuing just over 100,000 licenses. These are the official 'Top Ten' names and breeds:

Most Popular Dog Names of 2005
1. Max
2. Lucky
3. Princess
4. Rocky
5. Buddy
6. Coco
7. Daisy
8. Lucy
9. Lady
10. Shadow

Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2005
1. Mixed
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Pit Bull
4. Shih-Tzu
5. German Shepherd
6. Yorkshire Terrier
7. Chihuahua
8. Poodle
9. Maltese
10. Cocker Spaniel

Conclusion

The most popular breeds make sense as far as great family pets if most people are getting it right with their choices but there are still hundreds of other breeds to choose from. And what is in a name? You may actually want to avoid the most frequent names bestowed on beloved pets. Take your pick.

The Sociable Samoyed

Magnificently beautiful in its stunning white coat, the Samoyed is a friendly dog with a high sense of loyalty and a great need for human companionship. Samoyeds can be an excellent family dog for people who are willing to give a lot of time and attention to their care.

Samoyeds (pronounced sam-a-YED) originated in the northern regions of Russia, where they were once used to round up reindeer and pull sleds for the Samoyede people. These dogs are alert, lighthearted, good-natured, and highly intelligent. Because they are quite resilient, Samoyeds are able to adapt to most types of weather, although very hot climates are not ideal.

Samoyeds are normally between eighteen and twenty-two inches tall, and they weigh fifty to sixty pounds. They usually live for about twelve to fourteen years, and have litters somewhere between five and nine puppies. Their beautiful coats are white or cream colored, and do not have any distinct scent. Their hair is made of a thick and woolly under layer, as well as a coarse outer layer of straight, long hair that looks a bit silver. The coat of a Samoyed should be brushed two to three times a week, and will most likely need a little extra maintenance during the two periods of shedding each year.

One of the unique characteristics of Samoyeds is their high need for attention and daily interaction with their human owners. Many people who own Samoyeds find this quality to be the most rewarding thing about this specific type of dog. However, it is important that those considering a Samoyed as a pet realize the extent of dedication it requires to be a Samoyed owner.

Samoyeds are agreeable with other household pets, although they especially enjoy being with children. They are also very alert, which makes them excellent watchdogs. Although they tend to bark upon the arrival of a guest, Samoyeds will typically find out who has come to visit, and then return to their own business. It is not usual for a Samoyed to continue barking unless he is in distress or feeling bored and unnoticed.

The Samoyed is able to sleep outdoors, but would much rather be inside with family members. It is possible for these dogs to make the adjustment of living in a kennel, as long as they have a high amount of interaction with people on a daily basis.

Though it is one of the Samoyed’s best qualities, his high level of intelligence can pose a few potential problems. He needs to have his mind challenged, and will not be likely to sit in one place for long periods of time. If a Samoyed becomes bored, mischief inevitably follows.

Because Samoyeds have such sharp minds, it may prove difficult to train them without professional instruction. They can tend to ignore commands if they are not feeling particularly interested or cooperative. Harsh commands from an owner can also result in misbehavior. This type of dog usually requires and responds well to high levels of praise for a job well done.

As long as an adequate amount of time and training are invested in Samoyeds, their intelligence can be an exciting challenge. They tend to learn tricks very easily, and they are also able to communicate very well. This part of the dog/owner relationship can be very rewarding.

All in all, the owner’s efforts in caring for his animal are always multiplied in return. Owners will often tell you that this love and loyalty is the best part of owning the very sociable Samoyed.


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My Rabbit Is Unfriendly. Now What?

My Rabbit Is Unfriendly. Now What?
by Guest Blogger Laurie Stroupe of Precious Pet Rabbits

I raised over 700 rabbits, mostly Holland lops, during the years that I showed rabbits. And through my rabbit websites, I’ve received rabbit questions from literally all over the world. Here’s a question I’ve received again and again – and my answer.



One of the main reasons that pet rabbit owners complain that their rabbit is not friendly is because they chose a doe (female rabbit), did not spay her, and now she’s hit sexual maturity. Suddenly the doe views her cage or her space as a potential nest. Now she’s all about business and protecting that area – and her owner is the intruder.

The best solution is to choose bucks (male rabbits) for pets. Or, choose a female and then have her spayed. It’s obviously too late to choose another sex, but talking to your vet about having her spayed is still a great option (take the time to find a rabbit-savvy vet, please).


By the way, I recommend neutering pet bucks, as well.

If the rabbit is not friendly due to its basic personality, there is relatively little that can be done. I’ve never been able to totally turn around a rabbit that is unfriendly from the get-go. Some of the ideas below may help some. But it’s hard to turn a cranky pants into a sweetie.

However, if your rabbit is unfriendly due to fear or lack of experience being handled, there’s a lot that can be done:

1. Avoid chasing your rabbit. You do not want to become the predator in your relationship. When attempting to pick up the rabbit from a cage, put your hand on his head to keep him from running, and then scoop him up with your other hand.
2. Use a soothing tone of voice to talk to your rabbit whenever you approach him. I’ve been able to calm a totally panicking rabbit from 20 feet away simply with my voice.
3. Hold your rabbit in the crook of your arm like a baby – on his back. Baby rabbits nurse on their backs, so it is not a strange position for them. The position makes them feel secure and develops trust.
4. Deeply massage your rabbit instead of gently stroking his fur. Rabbits learn very quickly that being handled is a very good deal for them.
5. Trance your rabbit. Hold him firmly with one hand by the back of the head with the ears between your fingers (never allow the rabbit’s weight to be held by the ears). Put the rabbit on your lap on his back with his head on your knees. Use your free hand to stroke his head, ears, and cheek. Continue stroking the cheek until he’s totally relaxed (now’s a great time to have a friend clip his nails, too).
6. Place your rabbit belly to belly with you, horizontally, across your body. Begin stroking at the top of his head and rub firmly down to the tips of his back toes, gently stretching out his legs with each pass. Pretty soon, your rabbit will be totally relaxed – and much longer than you ever imagined.

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