Simple Tips for Taking Care of Fish in a Home Aquarium

Mom used to have a lot of aquariums, and at one point she had ten of them. However, she began eliminating them about 5 years ago. She got rid of the last few when auntie moved home a couple of years ago. Watching the fish swimming around in their aquariums was fun.

An aquarium in your home can add beauty as well as fun to your living area. Psychologists claim that watching fish swim in an aquarium is one of the greatest stress relievers there is. That is probably why so many doctors’ offices now have aquariums. If you are going to install an aquarium in your home, there are a few simple tips you need to keep in mind if you're going to be successful at this intriguing endeavor.

1. Choose an appropriate aquarium for your home.

Don't purchase an aquarium that is extremely deep unless you're prepared to do a lot of extra work. If you own a deep aquarium and one or more of your fish dies, the water may become polluted before you even notice any dead fish.

In a deep aquarium it's difficult to get the plants you may wish to introduce to grow properly since the light has to go all the way down to the bottom. If you want an extra large aquarium, you need to purchase a 48-gallon aquarium that is 48 inches long by 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep. Get one that comes with a flourescent light canopy as this will be capable of illuminating the large aquarium's bottom. Because the aquarium is only a foot deep, your plants will get adequate light and you will have no difficulty seeing all parts of your aquarium. If you get a 48-gallon aquarium, make sure that you get a filter that will be large enough to adequately filter that volume of water.

2. It's best if you purchase all needed aquarium supplies before you set up your aquarium. Let the aquarium sit for at least one week full of water with the filters going before putting any fish into it. Then only put one or two in at a time with at least a three day to one week interval between each group of fish. In this way you won’t upset the biological balance in your aquarium.

Here are some supplies you're going to need:

* aquarium
* aquarium cover with a flourescent light bar
* heater
* aquarium filter
* gravel
* 5 gallon bucket
* strainer
* glass scrubber
* fish food
* replacement filter media
* chemical test kits
* plants -- natural or artificial
* decorations
* fish net
* aquarium vacuum
* aquarium stand - if you don’t have a piece of furniture capable of supporting over 500 pounds (480 pounds of water plus the weight of the aquarium, gravel, fish, filter, and decorations) you should consider getting an aquarium stand to put your aquarium on.

3. It's essential that you keep a close watch over your aquarium. Be sure to check the water in your aquarium for fungus infections, parasites and bacteria. There are parasites that can enter your aquarium through infected fish. Before you notice anything wrong, your entire aquarium could be totally infested. Therefore, be sure to keep close watch to see if any of your fish show signs of being infected and put them in a separate tank away from your healthy fish.

Before adding new fish to your aquarium, you should keep them in a separate tank for at least a week before introducing them to your other fish. You only need an inexpensive plastic tank with no gravel or plants to keep your new fish in to make sure they're healthy. Then add fish gradually so you don't get so many fish in your aquarium that ammonia problems arise, which can result in some or all of your fish dying. A good rule for the number of fish, is to have a maximum of one inch of fish for every gallon of water. Therefore, a 48-gallon tank could handle up to 48 inches of fish. Note! Fish grow. Before purchasing fish, check with the pet store you are buying them from to find out how big they will be when full grown. Overcrowding your tank will cause a lot of problems and spoil the fun of having an aquarium.

4. Take care of your fish by choosing them wisely. Not every fish is compatible with every other fish; so don't purchase fish that won't get along well together just because they're attractive. You'll be sorry if you do. A friend of mom’s did this. Three days later he only had his new attractive fish in the tank. It had eaten all the rest. Pet store staff should be able to tell you if the fish you are looking at is a candidate for a community tank (one with a variety of different fish in it). If they can’t, then go to a different store to buy your fish.

Educate yourself about fish at your local pet store before you make your purchases. You will want to learn what your new fish is like and what its habits are so you'll know how to take care of it. You'll also need to learn if it is compatible with your other fish. Check with the pet store to see if there is an aquarium club in the area. If there is, join it. You will meet a lot of knowledgeable fish enthusiasts at the club. They will gladly help you out and answer all your questions. Aquarium club members frequently have fish to sell or give away, so you can frequently get some good quality fish at very reasonable prices. Also, having someone you can call when you have a problem is invaluable.

5. Be sure that you don't give your fish too much to eat. One of the most common causes of fish dying prematurely in aquariums is overfeeding them. A good rule is to only put enough food in the tank so that your fish can eat it all in two minutes, with none settling on the bottom of the tank. It is much better to under feed your fish than overfeeding them. Provide a little variety in the diet of your fish. Just like you, your fish won’t be happy eating the same food every day of the week. Pet store clerks should be able to help you out in this regard. If they can’t, members of the aquarium club certainly will.

Now that you've read these five simple tips to help you successfully raise fish in your home, be sure to put these tips into practice. Then have fun as these marvelous creatures entertain you.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. The tank shown above is too deep. Mom had a lot of trouble getting the water to circulate properly and as a result, polutants from fish waste built up regularly causing the fish to become ill. She finally solved the problem by putting extensions on the intake tubes to the filters. In this way she drew in the water to be filtered from the bottom of the tank and emptied the filtered water into the top. Once she did this, her fish remained healthy and the tank ended up being in biological balance. She never had this sort of problem with her 48 gallon tanks.

PPS. When buying a tank over 10 gallons, always buy a tank with thick walls. The glass should be one-quarter of an inch thick or thicker. There is much less chance of the glass breaking and spilling a large volume of water onto your floor. Also, the pressure of the water will not make the sides of your tank bulge out. If this happens, your tank cover will not fit properly and your glass will always be under stress.

Basic Nutrition for Pet Birds

My mom and dad have had numerous birds. They have had canaries, a cockatiel, two parrots and a blue and gold macaw and as a result, I have been able to watch what they do and the wonderful success they have had with these birds. Cisco, the cockatiel is twenty-seven and a half years old. Bird experts claim that the maximum lifespan of a cockatiel is twenty-five years, but that most die before their tenth birthday.

Pet birds can be great companions but you need to provide proper nutrition in order to keep your bird healthy. An all seed diet should not be fed to your pet bird because seeds lack all of the vitamins and other nutrients that are essential to keep your bird healthy.

An all seed diet could end up making your bird sick. Lack of essential vitamins and nutrients is one of the most common nutritional problems seen in pet birds. Birds need a variety of quality foods to stay healthy just like you do.

Feeding a variety of foods is the best way to ensure that your bird has the greatest chance of consuming all of the proper nutrients. You should also consider supplying vitamin and mineral drops in your bird’s water.

If you are currently feeding an all seed diet you need to gradually reduce the amount you are feeding and gradually introduce other foods to your bird’s diet over the course of several weeks. If at any time your bird has not eaten for a few days, you should take it to see a veterinarian. Because of their high metabolism, birds cannot go very long without food or they will become ill. Also, if your bird starts to vomit or has diarrhea, that is another sign of problems and you should seek a veterinarian’s help as soon as possible.

Great things to feed your pet bird include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Also provide egg pellets, which are available in the bird area of your local pet store, as a protein source for your bird. As a treat, in addition to the treat seeds, get dried fruits from the pet store. Coconut, mango, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are great dried fruits. Cooked frozen peas, carrots and corn will provide some of the needed nutrients (note-it is best to remove the skin from these vegetables after they have been cooked as the skin is hard for the bird to digest properly). Fresh celery, broccoli, apples, oranges, nectarines, grapes, etc. (with the skin removed) can also be supplied on a rotating basis every second day. In this way your bird will get a balanced diet and provide you with years of enjoyment.

Be sure to always provide a clean source of water for your bird. Proper sanitation is also another must to keep your bird healthy. By cleaning the food and water bowls every time you refill them, (at least once a week for the food bowl and every second day for the water bowl) you will keep disease away. Bacteria can easily build up on food and water bowls causing your bird to get sick.

Three things that you should never give your bird are parsley, avocado and chocolate. These items are extremely toxic to your bird and should be avoided.

Some people suggest that the simplest way to provide complete nutrition for your bird is with pellet food. Mom and dad have never had a bird that would eat pellets, so they had to use the seeds, vegetables, fruits and drops mentioned above. A large number of veterinarians recommend bird pellets so be sure to try them. Maybe your bird will like them. Before picking one, read the label carefully and be sure that it is one that contains a complete and balanced diet. Like all things nowadays, some don’t have everything that is needed.

If your bird does eat bird pellets, just remember that it could become bored with a pellet diet, so be sure to supplement the pellet diet with fresh fruit, vegetables and seeds and don’t forget to put the supplemental drops in the water. Speaking of water, don’t forget to give your bird a bird bath and change the water in it and wash it out every second day just like you do with his drinking water container because if he is anything like the birds in our house, he will drink his bath water too.

By providing some variety in your bird’s diet you can keep him healthy and happy. Providing a complete and balanced diet for your bird is easy if you follow the basic suggestions above.

Until next time,

Teia

Bathing Your Dog

There is controversy regarding bathing your dog when you are going to clip it. Some groomers claim that you should bath the dog first and then groom it. Others say that you should cut the dog’s hair first and then bath it.

Sometimes I get a bath and then get my hair cut and other times I get my hair cut and then I get my bath. It all depends on the groomer. If my hair is cut before my bath, the clippers and scissors are dulled more than if I get my bath first. However, by cutting my hair first, the bath and drying time are shortened.

Both clipping and bathing cause me stress, so from that point it doesn’t seem to matter which is done first. However, my recommendation is to bath me first and then cut my hair. It is easier on the clippers and scissors and if my hair is left a little damp (damp not wet), it saves some drying time and the groomer has an easier time cutting my hair which makes it more comfortable for me.

Essential equipment for bath time is of course a high quality dog shampoo. Do not use people shampoo on your dog. Dog skin has a different ph than human skin. If you use people shampoo on your dog you will damage its skin and you may cause it to develop skin allergies. Dog shampoo is formulated with a ph compatible to a dog’s skin. I recommend that you put a rubber mat in your bathtub, hook a shower spray to your bathtub faucet (if you don’t have a shower in your tub) and wash your dog in the bathtub. Also put a fine strainer in the bathtub drain to catch the dog hair so you don’t plug up the bathtub drain pipe.

Never leave your dog unattended on a grooming table or in the bathtub.

Wet the dog thoroughly before applying shampoo. Lift long hair to be certain you get down to the roots. Be sure the water drains away as it runs off your dog. You do not want your dog standing in dirty water. If water starts to accumulate, turn off the spray attachment and clean the dog hair out of the strainer in the bathtub drain. Temperature of the water should be warm, never hot or cold. Put some cotton in your dog's ears to prevent water getting into them. Water in the ears from bathing can cause ear infections.

Start with the head and wet down the neck, along the back and down the left side including the legs. Repeat on the right side. You may want to avoid turning the dog at this stage. Turning the dog at this stage could encourage it to jump out. Wet the tail last.

If the dog is sensitive about having its head wet, you can take your free hand and place it over the dogs eyes before you start to spray the dog’s head. Or if that doesn’t work or is too awkward start with the tail and work up the body, wetting the head last.

After the dog is soaked, you can use a hound glove to remove dead hair from your dog’s coat. After doing this, clean any accumulated hair out of the bathtub so that it doesn’t clog the drain.
Soak the dog again to be sure that it is wet down to the skin and then work the shampoo into the coat thoroughly. Do not overlook the area underneath the chest and stomach, the anal area and the dog's feet (especially on the bottom of the feet). Be sure the shampoo gets down to the skin and is well lathered. Add water if needed.

Always use a tearless shampoo for the head and face. You still need to be careful not to get shampoo in the dog's eyes. Rinse immediately if the shampoo gets into the dog's eyes. Do not put shampoo in the dog's ears.

Rinse off the shampoo and use a second application if required. If your dog's coat is clean - it will "squeak" like human hair does. Clean your dog's coat until you hear the "squeak." Rinsing should be very thorough. Any shampoo left in the coat can cause intense itching and it will dry out the dog’s skin. If your dog has very sensitive skin, use a dog shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin. If you notice itching right after your dog's bath, discontinue the brand of shampoo that you used and try another brand next time. You should always use a dog hair conditioner after the shampoo has been rinsed out because it makes the hair more manageable and it seems to shorten the drying time and the brushing time. Always thoroughly wash the conditioner out of your dog’s hair before removing the dog from the bath.

If you would like to prevent yeast and fungus ear infections you can use Betadine Scrub (you can get this from your vet) inside the ears each time you bath your dog. Just pour a little straight from the bottle into each ear after the bath. Let it sit in the ear for a couple of minutes and then take a clean dry cloth and wipe any moisture and debris out of the ear. Keep the hair pulled out of your dog's ears so that ear wax and dirt don’t accumulate in them. (I don’t like this much as I have sensitive ears, but I’m also prone to ear infections, so my ears have to be kept clean).

When you are finished rinsing your dog's coat, squeeze out the excess moisture with cotton towels or super absorbent towels to cut down on drying time.

Most breeds of dogs need to be blow dried after a bath. Use a low temperature on your hair dryer. Be careful not to have the air blow directly onto the skin. Blow the hair away from the skin, but do not blow the skin itself. Most dogs hate the blower on their faces. If your dog objects to the hair blower then turn the blower down to low speed and the dog may not object as much.

Do not wash your dog more than once every two weeks as you will cause it to develop skin problems that could become difficult to treat. Most dogs only need a bath once a month. If you are in doubt, check with your veterinarian.

Until next time,

Teia

A Guide to Traveling with Your Pet

Have you wanted to visit friends or relatives, or perhaps hike the trails at a scenic park? Did concerns over leaving your pet behind prevent you from going? Traveling with your pet is easier than you think.

If you travel by car, make pre trip hotel reservations at pet friendly hotels. A large percentage of hotels and motels now accept pets. Check when making your reservations. There will be an extra charge for your pet, but it is usually quite reasonable. The only restriction they place on your pet is that it must be in a crate or pet carrier when you are not in the room with it. Many of these pet friendly hotels have an area for guests to walk their dog and let it go to the bathroom. They do expect the guest to pick up after their dog and deposit his bowel movement in the receptacle provided or in the nearest garbage can if a bowel movement container is not provided. Holiday Inn and Super 8 are two chains my mom and dad used regularly as both were happy to see us. We don’t get to go very often any more because auntie and grandma now live with us, so we stay home to keep them company.

Air travel with pets falls into two categories, in-cabin and cargo. In-cabin pets must be small enough to fit into a carrier that will slide under the seat in front of you. Pets too large to fit comfortably in a small carrier must travel in cargo. Cargo holds are heated, cooled and pressurized, just like the passenger compartment.

A number of years ago, mom and dad’s older daughter (not the one that lives with us) had a blue and gold macaw called “Bucko.” At that time her husband was in the military and they were stationed at Camp Borden near Barrie, Ontario. Bucko did not like some of their military friends and began attacking these people when they came over to visit. This auntie decided that she would have to give Bucko up and phoned mom and dad to find out if they would take him. They agreed to take Bucko. It was in the middle of a very cold Canadian winter so she checked with Air Canada to see if Bucko could be accommodated in the cabin of the aircraft. Air Canada agreed that this would be acceptable providing Bucko traveled in a hard sided dog crate. On the day Bucko was to fly out of Toronto, Ontario, it was cold and windy, so his mom wrapped the dog crate in towels so that Bucko wouldn’t be bothered by drafts. She then turned him over to Air Canada personnel and phoned to tell mom and dad the flight number. Mom and dad met the flight at Regina, Saskatchewan, where we lived at the time. They waited in the luggage area for Bucko. Shortly after the plane landed, an Air Canada flight attendant walked into the luggage area carrying the dog crate containing Bucko. She was asked if he had been any problem and she laughed and said, “No he wasn’t a problem at all. He shared a seat in first-class with model Lauren Hutton.” Auntie never did advise us what the cost of the flight was, but the bird flew in good company.

Before you make a reservation, be sure that the airline will accommodate your pet. Some airlines do not take pets in-cabin; some discount airlines don't accept pets at all. So if you purchase your airline tickets through the Internet, make sure that your pet will be able to travel with you.
Pet passengers require a reservation, whether traveling in-cabin or cargo. Airlines have restrictions on the number of pets they will carry in order to provide safe travel for all. So making your pet's reservation at the same time you purchase your ticket is a good idea. Extra charges for both in-cabin and cargo pets will be assessed.

Purchase a health certificate from your veterinarian. Health certificates are usually only good for ten days, so if your visit will be longer than that you will have to purchase another health certificate for the return trip. It is also wise to carry your pet’s health records with you in the event that you need to use a veterinarian while you are on holidays. This is particularly necessary if your pet has any allergies or medical conditions that might flare-up during your trip.
Your in-cabin pet will need a carrier. These soft-sided carriers come in several sizes, so buy or borrow one that allows your pet plenty of room, but still fits under the seat in front of you. Some of these can be bought with wheels to make transport through the airport easier, however, these will reduce "pet space" under the airplane seat. Window and middle seats have more room underneath than aisle seats due to the seat configurations.

Pets traveling in cargo will need an airline-approved kennel. Generally, these are hard-sided, non-collapsible crates. If your pet already has a sturdy crate it may double as a shipping kennel, but make sure it is airline approved. This may mean going to the airport before the trip to have the crate checked by the airline. This is a little inconvenient, but less so than finding out on the day of the trip that they won’t accept your crate on their aircraft.

Most experts do not recommend tranquilizing your pet. The motion of the airplane seems to have a soporific effect, causing pets (and people) to snooze. Once in the air you'll find that your pet will probably sleep. A word about training is appropriate here. Crate training your pet will make him/her a better traveler. There are many resources available that will show you how to accomplish this. Time spent training will definitely pay off.

Don't hesitate to join the legion of folks who travel with their pets. With a little preparation it can be safe, simple and rewarding.

Until next time,

Teia

Ten Steps to Finding the Perfect Sitter for Your Pet

Your tickets are purchased, the flight is on time, the bags are packed and the kids are finally ready. But just as you’re rushing out the door, you run into "Bowser" with those big, sad puppy eyes. Oh No, what about "Bowser"?

When planning vacation and holiday getaways, pets are often a forgotten, last-minute detail and as your chosen companion, they shouldn’t be. In order to avoid this, I’m offering a great solution.

When you are planning your next holiday, consider using a pet sitter. It allows your dog, cat, bird, rabbit or whatever pet you have, to stay in the comfort of his own home and maintain his normal routine. These are things well-meaning friends or family, pet stores (in some areas pet stores will board your non dog or cat pet) and certainly kennels, cannot offer. Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help protect your home from intruders.

So, how do you find the perfect pet sitter? Start looking before your next trip and follow these ten recommendations.

1. Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used. Word-of-mouth referral by someone you know is often the best reference. If none of these can provide the name of a sitter, then check with local pet stores or the local branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) as both should know of local pet sitters. Once you have several names, proceed to step two.

2. The Interview. Set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter interacts with your pet. Are they actively involved with the pet or are they distant or restrained around him? Does your pet want the pet sitter’s attention? Don’t second-guess your pet’s reaction or your own. If your pet and the sitter don’t seem to interact in a positive way, move on.

3. Questions and more Questions. The kind and volume of questions the pet sitters ask will indicate their actual experience in caring for your particular pet. A professional sitter will take notes and you should too. If they don’t ask questions, cross them off your list.

4. Affiliations. Judging a pet sitter solely by an organization affiliation such as Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is tempting. However, remember that national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up. This is EXTREMELY important. A number of years ago, my mom and dad hired a pet sitter without doing the follow up. She impressed both of them. All of us pets reacted positively during the interview, so they made the mistake of bypassing the follow up. That was a big mistake as it turned out. She dumped a bag of dog food into our dishes and onto the kitchen floor, put several water bowls down, dumped bird food into Bert’s (the parrot) and Cisco’s (the cockatiel) dishes and proceeded to party with her boyfriend in our home for two weeks. When mom and dad came home there was rotting dog food all over the kitchen, dried pee spots all over the house and piles of dog manure everywhere (she seldom let us go out into the fenced back yard). Cisco and Bert only had seed husks in their food dishes and only a few drops of filthy water in their water dishes. All of mom and dad’s liquor was gone, the money they had left for her to buy food, etc. was gone and there were dirty dishes, empty pizza boxes and potato chip bags everywhere. Mom and dad tried to contact her, but her landlady said she had moved out a couple of days before they got home. They never did find her, so she must have left the city we were living in at that time. The clean up costs greatly exceeded the money that she would have been paid if she had done her job as promised.

5. Client References. Ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person. Strangely enough, the young lady mentioned above had a number of client references and when these people were phoned, they gave glowing recommendations. What made her stay at our house different we were never able to learn.

6. Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, this does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy.

Unfortunately insurance was not available when we had the above problems. Insurance of this type is relatively new in our part of Canada.

7. The Dotted Line. Ask for a copy of their contract and carefully review the details later. A contract will protect you and your pets. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions!

8. Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to spend some time alone with your pets, particularly your dog(s). A walk with your dog is a great idea. Monitor your dog’s reaction. Is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from the sitter? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if she or he can appropriately handle your dog(s), particularly if one or more of your dogs is a large-breed, strong or very energetic.

9. Listen to your gut! Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it doesn’t "feel" right, it’s not, so keep looking.

10. Before you leave. Leave detailed instructions (prepared earlier), phone number(s) in the event of an emergency, and your vet’s name and number.

If you invest your time in advance and follow these steps, you will ensure the best possible pet sitting experience. So the next time you’re making those early travel plans, remember to put "Bowser" and his pet sitter on your checklist, so you can avoid those big, sad puppy eyes.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds – The Chihuahua

The most likely origin of this breed of dog is that it is the progeny of the mating of the native Mexican Techichi and a minature Chinese dog such as the Chinese Crested dog. Over the years, it has been selectively bred to become the smallest dog breed in the world.

The remains of a progenitor of the breed was found in ancient ruins in the Mexican state of Chihuahua so this is the name that was given to this minature dog.

Believe it or not, I am one-eighth Chihuahua. The other seven-eighths is Shih Tzu. My half-sister, Jemma, is half Chihuahua and half Shih Tzu.

If you are considering whether or not to buy a Chihuahua, regardless of whether it is as a pet or as a show dog, there are four important things to consider.

Hype - Don't be drawn to the Chihuahua simply because it is so small. You may have heard of phrases like: teacup Chihuahua, pocket Chihuahua and miniature Chihuahua, among others. These phrases are sometimes used by breeders and pet shops as a marketing ploy to increase their sales. These phrases really do not apply to the Chihuahua as they do not exist in the breed standard. Therefore, implying that a Chihuahua pup is a teacup Chihuahua is simply a device to entice you to purchase the pup in the hope of getting a very small Chihuahua. In actuality, Chihuahuas range from about 4 pounds to just over 10 pounds and their individual size is determined by the genetics of their parents and grandparents.

Fragility - Chihuahuas are not usually suited to small children because they tend to be quite aggressive and can bite if provoked and they are quite fragile when young. I have heard that for the first few weeks of their life, some Chihuahuas require leg splints because their legs are too fagile to support their weight. They can actually be killed or badly injured if they are accidently stepped on or dropped. They can even be crushed in a well-meaning cuddle. Being such a small dog, the Chihuahua needs constant supervision and should always be kept on a leash when taken outdoors.

Behavior - It's not often that you will come across a docile Chihuahua. This dog is very protective of its territory and as a result it can become quite belligerent if it feels that its area is being threatened. Most are loud and dominant. They try to run the entire household, your other pets included. That is why my half-sister and I fight so often. We both want to be the alfa female. It's quite common for a Chihuahua to boss around a Boxer or even a Rottweiler, without any concern for its own safety. What they lack in size, they make up for in spirit. It truly is a tiny dog with a great big heart. You need to be firm and apply consistent training to gain the upper hand. This is also necessary if the Chihuahua has developed the bad habit of 'yapping'. They tend to bark at almost anything that moves or frightens them and can sometimes become quite aggressive toward strangers. This behavior could lead to biting and therefore needs to be constantly controlled.

Housebreaking - Of all the dog breeds, the Chihuahua is one of the hardest to train. This is especially true if the Chihuahua suffers from shyness. Raising your voice and/or losing your temper will not help the matter as sometimes the deed is done on the carpet before they even get to the paper, training pad, or litter tray. Patience and easy access to facilities are the only avenues and even then, this task may never be completely accomplished. As I previously mentioned, I have a problem when there is no snow on the ground.

Although there are a few down sides to owning a Chihuahua, there are many more upsides. You will have a friend for life as Chihuahuas can live well into their teens. They make great travelling companions as they travel light. They love to snuggle with no expectations. Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise or space and they will gladly give their life for you. What more could you ask for?

Until next time,

Teia

PS. Frank! My Hero! I just have to tell you about Frank. He was a very proud Chihuahua whose "mom" was connected to a dog agility training group in Calgary, Canada. He was raised with big dogs, a Great Dane and a Labrador. He swaggered when he walked, his chest all puffed out. Oh, he was a grand sight to see. His "mom" put him through the agility course between rounds of the competition. He raced through the course, bypassing the stations that were too physically large for him to complete as though they didn't exist. The crowd went wild, whistling and clapping loudly. He even bowed to the crowd when he completed the course. When he was walked on his leash, he would prance up to the biggest dogs he saw and say, "Hello" to them. Oh he was grand....he just stole my heart away.

Seven Steps to a Happier Pet

There is a big responsibility that comes with having a pet. It is not to be taken lightly. It is up to you to make sure that your pet's needs are met and that you have done everything in your power to make your pet's life a happy one.

If you aren’t willing to make your pet a member of the family and interact with him or her on a daily basis, then don’t get a pet. I know this sounds harsh and belligerent, but daily I see far too many pets that spend their whole life chained to a post in the back yard. How would you like to spend your whole life chained to a post twenty-four hours a day? I’m sure that you would not like it and neither does your pet. Treat your pet like you would like to be treated.

Here are seven easy things you can do to make sure that your pet has the best life possible:

1. Make sure your pet has an ID tag. The ID tag tells where your pet lives and any medical conditions your pet may have. If your pet wanders off, the id tag may be the only thing standing between your pet and being put down at the pound or being sold to another owner.

2. Prevent behavioral problems by enrolling your pet in a behavior training class before it acquires any bad habits. This tip will make both you and your pet happier for the entire lifetime you are together!

3. Get your pet checked by a veterinarian at least once a year and be sure that your pet receives vaccinations for diseases prevalent in your area. In addition, some behavior problems can be health related and taking your pet to the vet on a regular basis will help you with tip # 2.

4. Prepare for disasters. Your pet cannot read the escape plan you have made for your family in case of a flood, fire, or other disaster. Make sure your escape plans include someone in your family having the job of gathering up and removing your pet(s) from your home and taking them to a safe place. Please do not make this the job of a young child. You could lose both of them.

5. Plan for the future. Who will take care of your pet if something happens to you? Make sure you have a "godparent" for all of your pets. This should include short term care as well, in case you are in the hospital, incapacitated, or have to go out of town.

6. Learn to avoid dog bites by training your dog and your family. This is especially important for children. Every year 4.7 million children are bitten by dogs. Eighty percent are bitten by dogs they know and have been in daily contact with. See for more information and how to videos. (The site is part of The Humane Society web site.)

7. And last but not least - Have a heart - Be smart - and have your pet neutered or spayed as soon as they are old enough. If you can't afford to have your pet spayed or neutered go to the following two web sites to see if you qualify for a voucher to pay for the procedure. or . In addition, a number of cities in both the United States and Canada have spay/neuter programs where you can get the procedures done for a reduced cost. Check with your city hall information department. Note! Contrary to popular myth, a spayed or neutered pet is healthier than a pet that is left intact. There are fewer incidents of certain types of cancer and fewer incidents of aggression. Pets that have been spayed or neutered tend to gain weight more quickly, so more exercise is recommended after they have healed from the operation. One other note on this subject. Have the procedure done by a vet, not a well-meaning friend or local farmer. These backyard procedures have resulted in numerous medical complications and in a lot of cases death or disfigurement of the pet involved.

My mom and dad had me spayed and I have been healthier since that time. It breaks my heart to see so many unwanted pets put down each year because their mom and dad didn’t care enough to have their pets spayed or neutered and unwanted pregnancies occurred. Don’t be part of this unfortunate problem, be part of the solution. Get your pet(s) spayed or neutered.

There you have it!

Seven simple steps to keep you and your pets happy for a long, long time.

Until next time,

Teia

Tips for Playing with Your Cat

As a dog, I do not know a lot about cats, but I’ve had some interactions with them and this is what I have found out.

Much like humans and dogs, cats become bored if they do not have enough stimulating activities in their life. Boredom can sometimes be the root of feline behavior problems such as neurotic chewing, compulsive grooming, over eating and in some cases aggression.

As little as 15 minutes of quality play with your cat will prove to be beneficial when it comes to improving your cat's mental health and physical well-being. In addition, playing with your cat regularly will help to strengthen the bond between the two of you.

Following are some simple fun ideas to add a bit of excitement to your cat's every day routine.

FIND THE TREASURE GAME

Stuff one of your cat’s favorite toys in between the cushions of the couch, or under a pillow. Your kitty will enjoy this hunting game. Once the toy has been retrieved, try another hiding place.

PAPER BAGS (without handles as kitty could get the handles tangled around her neck)

Cats love little places where they think nobody can see them. Get out a paper bag open it up and watch how much fun your cat has with it. Your cat will love playing inside it, running in and out of it and jumping on top of it. As a variation, you can even cut a few holes in the bag and put in a favorite toy. This is sure to keep him or her busy.

THE SWATTING GAME

If you don't have a cat toy which you can dangle in front of your cat, create one. Simply tie a string to the end of a stick and attach an object to the string. You can try a rolled up piece of paper, a feather or a small toy. Cats love this swatting game.

THE TOILET PAPER ROLL GAME

Make sure the toilet paper roll has no toilet paper on it. Your cat will bat it around, pick it up and carry it, claw it and possibly even chew it a little (make sure your cat doesn’t ingest the paper as it could make him sick). As a variation, you could also put an object in it, such as a solid ball that has a bit of weight to it and then tape up both ends of the roll. This gives it a wobble when it is batted around.

TISSUE IN A BOX GAME

Your cat will enjoy taking the tissues out. This could make quite a mess, but your cat will have great fun doing it.

CHASE THE LIGHT GAME

Take CAUTION if using a laser light. You should NEVER SHINE IT IN THE EYES!!! A flashlight is a much safer light and it will provide hours of fun for your cat.

Your cat will love to chase the light around the floors and walls; it's a great challenge for kitty and gives your cat a workout too.

BOUNCY BALLS GAME

They are always BIG fun for your cat! Use a small ball, about one inch in diameter. This will allow your cat to pick it up.

SOCKS GAME

Your cat will surely enjoy a stuffed sock! Stuff an old sock with different sized cotton balls or wads of crumpled newspaper and a bit of catnip, and watch your cat go "wild" chasing it around. Some cats even "wrestle" with it by holding it in their front paws and kicking it with their back paws.

PING PONG BALLS GAME

A couple of ping pong balls dropped in your empty bathtub is another great way to keep your cat entertained. Only do this if you have a non slip coating on the bottom of your tub. You wouldn’t want kitty to slip and suffer an injury.

ICE CUBES GAME
Slide an ice cube back and forth across your kitchen floor. Your cat will chase it and begin to swat at the ice cube. You now have a game of feline ice hockey. This game gets messy because the ice will start to melt and leave little bits of water on your floor, so make sure that you have a floor that is not damaged by water.

These are games you and your can enjoy together. One session a day is a necessity, but two or three play sessions a day, preferably at times when your cat tends to be most active, will keep him or her happy and fit.

Note! These homemade toys and games should only be played by kitty when you are there. Don’t leave these toys around when you are not home as kitty could tear them up and ingest the pieces with possible disastrous results.

Have fun!

Until next time,

Teia

Tips for Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Ah, puppies . . . We’re so adorable, filled with boundless energy and curious about any-and-everything around us. That's why taking steps to puppy-proof your home will go a long way in protecting us from harm. And on the flip side, your precautions will also safeguard your belongings from possible damage.

Your first task is to observe things from a puppy's point of view. How? It’s simple. Go from room to room; get down on your hands and knees and take a good look for anything that we might be enticed by. Remember, we are new to the world and like toddlers, we are inclined to explore our surroundings by putting things in our mouth and poking around in nooks and crannies.

Cabinets

Be mindful of cleaning supplies and personal care items that are stored in low storage areas like under the kitchen sink and in bathroom cabinets. Needless to say, the ingredients in these products are extremely harmful and can even cause death. If the cabinet doors can be easily pried open, think about storing these items in some other place. Another option is to purchase plastic childproof cabinet locks that can be temporarily attached to the handles or knobs. When mom and dad had Bucko, a blue and gold macaw, they had childproof locks on every cupboard door in the house. These safety locks can usually be found online or in local stores that carry baby supplies. Also remember that most of us are allergic to chocolate and raisins, so ensure that you keep these tasty morsels stored in high cupboards because if we eat them it could be fatal. Some of us are also allergic to grapes so do not leave them where we can get to them.

Electrical Cords

You can’t imagine how tantalizing an electrical cord is, especially when it's looping down from a table or desk. "I can jump at it, pull on it, wrestle with it and even gnaw on it," we all think to ourselves. The dangers are obvious: a falling lamp or electrocution can cause serious injury or worse. Wrap up loose hanging electrical cords or at least block access to them. And for cords that need to run across the floor, enclose them in rubber or plastic cord/cable runners that can be purchased at an office supply outlet or home improvement store.

Plants

Household plants are attractive to most animals, especially puppies. However, most of them are toxic to us. Ingesting a bite or two can cause nausea, vomiting and in some cases death. For our safety, reposition your plants so that they are out of our reach.

Small Objects Around the House

Be alert to small items around the house that can be swallowed or cause choking such as coins, jewelry, sewing supplies, batteries, medication and miniature knick-knacks left on low surfaces. A few of us will eat any small object that will fit in our mouth, so until you are sure about us, keep small objects where we cannot get to them. You don’t want an emergency operation to be necessary to remove a small toy or ornament from our stomach. Believe it or not, I heard of a dog that ate stones and he had to have expensive operations on a regular basis. And don't forget to block access to trash receptacles in the kitchen, your home office and even the bathroom. Now speaking of bathrooms . . .

The Toilet (Or, "Beyond the Great Rim")

To an adventurous puppy, the challenge of climbing up, up and over the rim of your toilet is a tail-wagging delight. Unfortunately, falling head-first into this big, slippery bowl of water is not so delightful especially for a smaller-sized pup. Simple solution: make it a house rule to keep the bathroom door closed at all times because even as we get bigger, some of us like to use the toilet as a water bowl.

Puppy-proofing your home may seem like a hassle but providing the safest environment possible is a necessity. After all, we are your lovable, four-legged bundle of joy and we are worth it. We don’t mean to be destructive or troublesome, but like a child, we are adventurous and we want to learn everything we can about our new home and environment. We also want to learn what the rules are. We can’t abide by them if we do not learn what they are.

Until next time,

Teia

What You Need to Know Before You Buy Your First Puppy

Your children want a puppy. All your neighbors have dogs, and your children want one too. It’s the dream of all children to have a dog like Lassie. However, if this is your first puppy, there are important things you need to know before you commit to buying a dog.

First, dogs take time and puppies take even more time.

Having a puppy is like having a 2-year-old. Until we are trained (see the second entry), we require almost constant supervision. After we are trained, we still require supervision until we are older - much older. If you can't entertain us nearly all day, you may want to consider two dogs, or taking us to puppy daycare, or maybe a cat would be better for your family. If you consider two puppies, be very careful. A few years ago, my dad got two males from the same litter. Until they established who was the dominant male, there were a lot of fights. Once that was established, they got along well. The next time they decided to get two dogs, they got two females, my step-sister and me. We’ve been with them for nearly five years and we are very jealous of each other, with any excuse being a good excuse for a fight. Although lately, we’ve been getting along a bit better. I think that the best combination would be a male and a female. However, if you are not planning on breeding the dogs, get them spayed and neutered at 5 - 6 months of age. Also remember that male dogs have a tendency to raise their leg and wet on furniture (to mark their territory).

Second, puppies need training, and so do your children.

You can pretty much ignore cats, however that is not the case with dogs. You have to train us to go outside to wet and do our bowel movements. You can start by training us to do this on paper or puppy training pads which are available in all pet stores and the pet section of major chains like Walmart. Once we have mastered this, then slowly move the paper toward the door. When we have learned to do it on the paper beside the door, then move the paper outside and make sure that we have many trips outside. Once we have learned that we have to do it on the paper outside, you can slowly make the paper smaller and smaller until there is none left. Alternatively, you can train us to go outside from the first day you bring us home. Just make sure that you take us outside at least once every half hour and preferably once every 15 to 20 minutes. Always praise us when we do something outside. Make a real fuss of us and give us a small treat when we come back inside. I was a winter puppy and I learned to go on the snow. When the snow all melts, I have trouble remembering to go outside because the dirt, grass and gravel in my yard don’t feel right. I’m lucky though, because my mom and dad put down training pads so I can go on them if I have a sudden need to go. This saves their floor from getting damaged.

You will need to take your puppy to several puppy classes and possibly more classes when your puppy is grown. Dogs are dependent and you need to teach us proper behavior.

If you have children, they need to take the classes with their puppies so they can learn how to interact with their new pet.

Third, puppies cost money, sometimes, lots of money.

Ok - this isn't unreasonable, but you need to be prepared to add your puppy into your budget. You will have many expenses, especially when you first get your new puppy. We need toys, rawhide chew bones, vaccinations, a dog licence, and don't forget the food, possibly a dog house, collars, clothes (no really - it’s a big business - you'll be tempted!) veterinarian bills and training (see above).

Dogs are one of the most expensive pets around. Most puppies become part of the family - and will cost you like part of the family. Don't go into this venture thinking we’re cheap. The initial cost of a puppy will depend on whether you choose to get a pure bred dog or a mixed breed dog. Pure bred dogs usually cost considerably more to purchase than a mixed breed dog.

Fourth, remember that puppies grow into dogs.

I know that's obvious - but you need to be sure you know how big your dog will be. If you have young children, your puppy may outweigh them within a year. Do some research so you know how big your cute little puppy will be when he's a full grown dog. If you purchase a pure bred dog, the seller should be able to tell you how big the dog will be when full grown, what it will look like and many other factors. However, a lot of purebred dogs come with breed specific problems. For example a number of breeds have a high incidence of hip dysplasia which is very expensive to deal with and very painful for the dog. Mixed breeds are less prone to inherited problems, but you are never sure exactly what you are getting until the dog is full grown. What looks like a cute little puppy could end up being a 185-pound behemoth when full grown (this happened to my grandma - she got a nice chubby little puppy which grew into a dog that was half the size of a black bear and he looked like one too). So, if your pet is a mixed breed dog, look at its paws. Usually, a puppy will grow into its paws. Big paws on the puppy mean that you will have a big dog when full grown. Little paws usually mean a little dog. However, while this is a good yardstick to judge the size of your dog when full grown, it is not infallible. Sometimes dogs with small paws grow into quite large dogs.

Fifth - Dogs need exercise.

People need exercise too - so this can actually be an advantage if handled properly. Puppies need room to run and play. They need people to play with and they need toys to play with. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, be sure you pick a dog breed that is low activity.

The larger the dog, the more room and exercise it will need. You will need to walk your dog several times a week. Be sure and plan that into your schedule now - or you may find your puppy running around the house all day without you. Always remember that a bored puppy will frequently get into trouble because we need something to relieve the boredom. Chewing things and scratching flooring, furniture and bedding are some of the things that we do to amuse ourselves when we are bored.

Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience - even if this is your first puppy. Your dog will become one of the family and be a faithful companion for life. Be prepared for your new puppy, and it will be a great adventure for both of you.

If you are getting the puppy for your children, I can guarantee that within three months or less you will be looking after the puppy as the children will find it far too much work and responsibility. Always remember that getting a puppy is a lifelong commitment. It is not fair to get us and then abandon us when the novelty wears off.

Until next time,

Teia

WELCOME

Welcome to Birdhouse Publishing. As a pet, I can tell you all about pets and what they need and want.

Make sure that you become well acquainted with the vet that you have chosen for your pet. A short time after you bring your new pet home, make an appointment with a veterinarian and introduce your pet to him or her. Have your pet checked and make sure that any vaccinations that are needed are attended to. Your new companion's life could very well depend on having adequate protection from diseases present in your part of the world.

Your new pet will give you many years of companionship and love if you ensure that he/she has plenty of nutritious food, clean water, a safe place to stay and vaccinations to ward off potential diseases.

I hope that you will visit me often and that you will enjoy the postings that my dad enters for me.