By Deena Caruso
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass, then throws up afterwards? You'll probably feel relieved to know that pets eat grass because their bodies need it.
Dogs and cats have been eating grass for a long time. In fact, grass is so popular among dogs that one species, dog grass, is named after them. Dog grass is also known as couch grass and quackweed, and it grows in all but the southern-most states.
You can think of grass as an herbal medicine. It acts as an internal cleanser, expelling excess mucus, bile, and other impurities. It also cleanses the bowels and expels worms. Cereal grasses contain enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which was used for relieving pain, treating infections, ulcers, skin diseases, and anemia prior to the use of antibiotics.
Some pet owners grow grass specifically to give to their pets to prevent or treat diarrhea, anemia, cataracts, fleas, tumors excessive shedding, and other pet health problems. Pets that are fed grass on a regular basis are less likely to crave outdoor grass. So, if you don't feel comfortable with your pet eating the grass in your lawn, you may want to grow your own grass for them to eat.
Try growing rye or barley sprouts. These sprouts are preferred over wheat grass because some animals are sensitive to wheat.
Follow these instructions to grow rye or barley grass. Soak one cup organically grown grain in one quart water for 8 to 10 hours. Then drain the container and leave it on its side in a warm place, away from direct sunlight. A tiny white rootlet will sprout from each grain within 24 to 48 hours. Caution: If you don't see these rootlets, your grain isn't viable and should be thrown away.
Next, spread the sprouting grain on one inch of moist potting soil or top soil in a plastic garden tray. For drainage create a one inch channel around the soil.
For two days, cover the tray. Then uncover it, and water thoroughly. Place the tray in direct sunlight or under grow lights. Keep the soil moist by watering when needed.
When the grass is 6-8" tall, cut it with scissors or a sharp knife. Place grasses in a ziploc bag, along with a damp paper towel. Be sure to expel air from the bag before sealing. Then store the grass in the refrigerator.
When feeding the grass to your pet, cut or mince it into tiny pieces, or place a small amount in a blender or food processor with other foods. To be sure your cat or dog will accept the grass, begin feeding just a fraction of a teaspoon. Increase the amount gradually to approximately one tablespoon per 50 lbs. of body weight.
Once your pet is given the amount of grass his body needs, you probably won't be seeing him eating the grass in your lawn. And you can feel relieved knowing that you're feeding him something that he craves and that his body needs.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Pet Safety for Your Children
By Angela Rozewski
All children should learn skills for safely dealing with animals. Whether there are pets next door or whether the nearest animal is at a petting zoo, teaching your children how to interpret and respond to an animal's behavior will make life safer and more pleasant for both children and pets.
Friends or neighbors dogs bite most children. Teach your child to ask if a dog is friendly and if it's OK to pet. A dog may not necessarily know a stranger from a friend, so it's always a good idea to ask the owner for an "introduction" to the pet. It is important for your child to learn that a normally friendly dog may bite to defend its food, if it is injured, or if it feels threatened. A dog's ears, eyes, and nose are sensitive so many dogs do not like to be petted on the head. Petting on the neck and chest will likely be well received by a friendly dog. Children should learn to never grab, squeeze, or startle a dog, or try to take away a toy. Tug-of-war encourages aggressive behavior in dogs and a child engaging a dog in such a challenge could be inviting a bite.
Since dogs may bite out of fear or anger, children should be taught to recognize the signs. A whining dog that has his ears flat and tail between his legs is showing signs of fear. A dog, barking or not, with ears forward, teeth bore, and tail wagging high is angry. In both cases the dogs should not be approached. If there is a doubt, the child should leave the dog alone. Children should be taught that running, screaming, or confronting a potentially vicious dog can be very dangerous. If the child is standing, experts advise to "make like a tree" - standing very still with arms at the sides. Don't look in the dog's eyes and don't make noise. If the child is sitting on the ground when the dog approaches, "make like a rock" - curl up, face down with hands over the ears. The dog may approach and sniff the child and then move on. While a low wagging tail on a dog may be an invitation to pet, the same on a cat may mean it's very angry and ready to pounce. Very small children should, in general, be kept away from cats. Your child should also understand that a dog who lies down and rolls over is likely inviting a stomach rub while a cat who does the same may bite and scratch anyone who touches it in the wrong place. Many cats do not like to be picked up. If a small child cannot hold a cat comfortably, it's a recipe for disaster. A squeezed cat will not likely be forgiving of a child's innocent intentions. If you want to introduce your child to a cat, pick a time when the cat is relaxed and napping and allow the child to pet it gently.
All children should learn that wild animals are just that: wild. They are not like cartoon characters and most won't fare better with human intervention in their lives. If you find an injured wild animal, contact the local wildlife resources representative for the address of a wildlife rescue organization in your area. A sick wild animal could have rabies or other disease that could put the health of your whole family at risk. No child or adult should ever pick up a sick wild animal. If you find a sick raccoon, fox, skunk, or other small mammal, contact your county animal shelter to have the animal picked up and tested for rabies.
And finally, make sure to teach the following to your children, straight from the mouth of a pet:
Don't bother me at chow time. Don't pet me if you don't know me. Never tease me. If you do, I might bight. If I do bight, your parent must call the family doctor to look at you. Then call the family veterinarian to look at me.
Always remember: Keep me well, keep me clean, teach me good habits, and especially give me love and understanding.
Angela Rozewski is the founder of Flea Finders at http://www.fleafinders.com- Visit our web site any time to read tips on lost & found pets. we have many things to offer the pet lover. Join our Pet Tips Newsletter while you are there!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
All children should learn skills for safely dealing with animals. Whether there are pets next door or whether the nearest animal is at a petting zoo, teaching your children how to interpret and respond to an animal's behavior will make life safer and more pleasant for both children and pets.
Friends or neighbors dogs bite most children. Teach your child to ask if a dog is friendly and if it's OK to pet. A dog may not necessarily know a stranger from a friend, so it's always a good idea to ask the owner for an "introduction" to the pet. It is important for your child to learn that a normally friendly dog may bite to defend its food, if it is injured, or if it feels threatened. A dog's ears, eyes, and nose are sensitive so many dogs do not like to be petted on the head. Petting on the neck and chest will likely be well received by a friendly dog. Children should learn to never grab, squeeze, or startle a dog, or try to take away a toy. Tug-of-war encourages aggressive behavior in dogs and a child engaging a dog in such a challenge could be inviting a bite.
Since dogs may bite out of fear or anger, children should be taught to recognize the signs. A whining dog that has his ears flat and tail between his legs is showing signs of fear. A dog, barking or not, with ears forward, teeth bore, and tail wagging high is angry. In both cases the dogs should not be approached. If there is a doubt, the child should leave the dog alone. Children should be taught that running, screaming, or confronting a potentially vicious dog can be very dangerous. If the child is standing, experts advise to "make like a tree" - standing very still with arms at the sides. Don't look in the dog's eyes and don't make noise. If the child is sitting on the ground when the dog approaches, "make like a rock" - curl up, face down with hands over the ears. The dog may approach and sniff the child and then move on. While a low wagging tail on a dog may be an invitation to pet, the same on a cat may mean it's very angry and ready to pounce. Very small children should, in general, be kept away from cats. Your child should also understand that a dog who lies down and rolls over is likely inviting a stomach rub while a cat who does the same may bite and scratch anyone who touches it in the wrong place. Many cats do not like to be picked up. If a small child cannot hold a cat comfortably, it's a recipe for disaster. A squeezed cat will not likely be forgiving of a child's innocent intentions. If you want to introduce your child to a cat, pick a time when the cat is relaxed and napping and allow the child to pet it gently.
All children should learn that wild animals are just that: wild. They are not like cartoon characters and most won't fare better with human intervention in their lives. If you find an injured wild animal, contact the local wildlife resources representative for the address of a wildlife rescue organization in your area. A sick wild animal could have rabies or other disease that could put the health of your whole family at risk. No child or adult should ever pick up a sick wild animal. If you find a sick raccoon, fox, skunk, or other small mammal, contact your county animal shelter to have the animal picked up and tested for rabies.
And finally, make sure to teach the following to your children, straight from the mouth of a pet:
Don't bother me at chow time. Don't pet me if you don't know me. Never tease me. If you do, I might bight. If I do bight, your parent must call the family doctor to look at you. Then call the family veterinarian to look at me.
Always remember: Keep me well, keep me clean, teach me good habits, and especially give me love and understanding.
Angela Rozewski is the founder of Flea Finders at http://www.fleafinders.com- Visit our web site any time to read tips on lost & found pets. we have many things to offer the pet lover. Join our Pet Tips Newsletter while you are there!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Ten Things I Learned from My Cat
By Rinatta Paries
1. Always be ready to play. Know how to recognize the playful look in the person you love, and immediately start playing.
2. When you are happy to see someone, stretch your arms up to him or her and ask to be picked up.
3. If the person you love forgets to feed you dinner, don't take it personally. Instead, run to sit by your plate and look hungry.
4. Talk to the one you love, incessantly and constantly. It makes him or her feel loved, appreciated and important.
5. Don't be afraid to ask to be touched. Just falling down and looking cute works well. Otherwise, rubbing up against the person you love will do the trick.
6. If you keep asking for attention and don't get any, try disappearing suddenly. Then, don't come back for a little while, even if you are called. Your loved one will think twice before ignoring you next time.
7. Show your love and adoration by bringing presents. Make sure to stand by your present and get fully appreciated.
8. Purr when the person you love is anywhere near you. It will encourage him or her to get closer to you while feeling appreciated.
9. Encourage the person you love to take naps with you. When you take naps together, make sure to cuddle up under the blanket and get as close as you can.
10. Always comfort the person you love, regardless of whether he or she needs emotional or physical comfort. Cuddling, purring, and being sat on are sure cures for almost anything.
Rinatta Paries. Do you know how to attract your ideal mate? Do you know how to build a fulfilling relationship, or how to reinvent yours to meet your needs? Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries can teach you the skills and techniques to attract and sustain long-term, healthy partnerships. Visit www.WhatItTakes.com where you'll find quizzes, classes, advice and a free weekly ezine. Become a "true love magnet(tm)!"
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
1. Always be ready to play. Know how to recognize the playful look in the person you love, and immediately start playing.
2. When you are happy to see someone, stretch your arms up to him or her and ask to be picked up.
3. If the person you love forgets to feed you dinner, don't take it personally. Instead, run to sit by your plate and look hungry.
4. Talk to the one you love, incessantly and constantly. It makes him or her feel loved, appreciated and important.
5. Don't be afraid to ask to be touched. Just falling down and looking cute works well. Otherwise, rubbing up against the person you love will do the trick.
6. If you keep asking for attention and don't get any, try disappearing suddenly. Then, don't come back for a little while, even if you are called. Your loved one will think twice before ignoring you next time.
7. Show your love and adoration by bringing presents. Make sure to stand by your present and get fully appreciated.
8. Purr when the person you love is anywhere near you. It will encourage him or her to get closer to you while feeling appreciated.
9. Encourage the person you love to take naps with you. When you take naps together, make sure to cuddle up under the blanket and get as close as you can.
10. Always comfort the person you love, regardless of whether he or she needs emotional or physical comfort. Cuddling, purring, and being sat on are sure cures for almost anything.
Rinatta Paries. Do you know how to attract your ideal mate? Do you know how to build a fulfilling relationship, or how to reinvent yours to meet your needs? Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries can teach you the skills and techniques to attract and sustain long-term, healthy partnerships. Visit www.WhatItTakes.com where you'll find quizzes, classes, advice and a free weekly ezine. Become a "true love magnet(tm)!"
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
A Black Cat is Just a Cat
By John Young
When my old cat died, I decided to pick one out of the Humane Society. They had named the first cat I saw “Batman”, and I fell in love with him on sight.
But when I brought him home, I discovered he didn’t quite have the courage of the comic book hero. I made some mistakes which resulted in a month long struggle to coax him out of his hiding place to join the family.
I renamed him Bear, and he is wonderful cat, but my guests seem a little uncomfortable when he comes into the room. After all, he is completely black.
He is a black cat and some people are afraid of Black Cats…
The Black Cat in History
Historically, black cats have been associated with omens, bad luck and, well...evil.
The poor unfortunate kitties have been used in rituals, and were supposedly the "familiars" of witches. Anarchism has used the symbol of the black cat, as has Wicca, the modern day expression of Witchcraft. Superstition has associated bad luck with having a black cat cross your path.
All-in-all, the black cat has been getting some really bad press for centuries, and all of that is not easily overcome in just a few short lines of this article.
Scaredy Cat
A very highly sensitive cat, our new black Bear was far more scared of us than we were of him, and we made a number of mistakes in the first hour of his introduction that practically destroyed our chances for introducing him to our home.
The process of first finding Bear where he had hidden in the house and gradually coaxing him out of his hiding place to join the family was long and agonizing. It took over a month, and I had almost despaired that we would ever acclimate him.
Patience won out, though…
Superstition Dispelled
Since then, Bear has been rolling around on my lap enjoying his daily pettings, sleeping in my bed, yowling at the females he sees from his perch in the kitchen window and just generally bringing a lot of joy to our lives.
He is here to dispel the notion that a black cat means bad luck. He is one of the sweetest cats you'll ever meet, and there's absolutely *nothing* scary about him. And I can tell you for a fact that no bad luck is connected with Bear. He's crossed my path innumerable times, and so far I haven't experienced anything one might think of as "bad luck".
I have to say, though, that on Halloween night he seems to be scared of his own black shadow. But I try to keep him calmed down and happy to be where he is...in my lap purring as loud as he can!
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", http://www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
When my old cat died, I decided to pick one out of the Humane Society. They had named the first cat I saw “Batman”, and I fell in love with him on sight.
But when I brought him home, I discovered he didn’t quite have the courage of the comic book hero. I made some mistakes which resulted in a month long struggle to coax him out of his hiding place to join the family.
I renamed him Bear, and he is wonderful cat, but my guests seem a little uncomfortable when he comes into the room. After all, he is completely black.
He is a black cat and some people are afraid of Black Cats…
The Black Cat in History
Historically, black cats have been associated with omens, bad luck and, well...evil.
The poor unfortunate kitties have been used in rituals, and were supposedly the "familiars" of witches. Anarchism has used the symbol of the black cat, as has Wicca, the modern day expression of Witchcraft. Superstition has associated bad luck with having a black cat cross your path.
All-in-all, the black cat has been getting some really bad press for centuries, and all of that is not easily overcome in just a few short lines of this article.
Scaredy Cat
A very highly sensitive cat, our new black Bear was far more scared of us than we were of him, and we made a number of mistakes in the first hour of his introduction that practically destroyed our chances for introducing him to our home.
The process of first finding Bear where he had hidden in the house and gradually coaxing him out of his hiding place to join the family was long and agonizing. It took over a month, and I had almost despaired that we would ever acclimate him.
Patience won out, though…
Superstition Dispelled
Since then, Bear has been rolling around on my lap enjoying his daily pettings, sleeping in my bed, yowling at the females he sees from his perch in the kitchen window and just generally bringing a lot of joy to our lives.
He is here to dispel the notion that a black cat means bad luck. He is one of the sweetest cats you'll ever meet, and there's absolutely *nothing* scary about him. And I can tell you for a fact that no bad luck is connected with Bear. He's crossed my path innumerable times, and so far I haven't experienced anything one might think of as "bad luck".
I have to say, though, that on Halloween night he seems to be scared of his own black shadow. But I try to keep him calmed down and happy to be where he is...in my lap purring as loud as he can!
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", http://www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Does You Cat Have Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)?
By Mike Taylor
FLUTD, also known as feline urologic syndrome or FUS, is a common term that applies to an assortment of ailments affecting a cat’s lower urinary tract such as cystitis, infection of the urinary tract, kidney stones and the formation of crystals in the urinary tract.
More prevalent among male cats over 12 months old FLUTD is a problem that can keep cropping up in some cats over their lifetime and is usually very painful and potentially lethal if not treated quickly. If you think your cat has FLUTD take them to the Vet as quickly as possible because in some extreme cases death can occur within a day.
FLUTD - Potential Causes
Since FLUTD comprises several different diseases it can be hard to isolate the exact causes but here are some commonly accepted reasons your cat can contract FLUTD:
Most cats usually don’t drink very much water and because of this they may not urinate enough to keep their urinary tract cleansed.
Overweight cats usually are not very active and tend to make fewer visits to the litter box so their urine sits in their bladder longer and crystals can form or infections can develop.
Some evidence suggests that having your cat neutered might make it easier for them to get FLUTD.
Cats that are always indoors and use a litter box have a greater chance of having urinary tract problems as opposed to cats that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Your cat can become dehydrated if you use a dry cat food but you should know that many cat experts recommend dry cat food over moist in most cases.
Even though it might be hard to believe stress can play a major role in a cat’s life and this is also felt to be a trigger for FLUTD.
FLUTD - Symptoms
It is important to make note of any change in your cat’s daily behavior as this can be a clear sign a urinary tract problem is developing:
Is your cat urinating more frequently?
Are there any traces of blood in your cat’s urine? If so take them to the Vet immediately.
Does your cat strain while urinating or is unable to go at all? Do not mistake this for constipation which is the inability to have a bowel movement.
Is your cat urinating outside the litter box or spraying doorways? This might indicate FLUTD but can also be attributed to behavioral problems.
Does your cat have a sudden loss of appetite?
FLUTD - Treatments
If you think your cat might be having some type of urinary problem your Vet can do a simple urine test to check for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.
The good news is that FLUTD is easily treated through medicine and changes in your cat’s diet. Be sure and follow your Vet’s advice and your cat will be healthy in no time.
FLUTD – Prevention
FLUTD related diseases typically go away in a week or two but you do not want to take the chance and wait to see if your cat gets better because doing so can be risky to your cat’s long term health.
You need to make sure your cat is drinking enough fresh water and using a water fountain designed just for this purpose might help.
If you think stress is the problem you need to find out what the stressors are and eliminate them.
Follow your Vet’s advice to the letter.
If there is one central theme to this article it is that you do not want to take risks with your cat’s health. If you think they have FLUTD you need to get them to your Vet quickly so a professional diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment prescribed. Do not disregard your cat’s sickness thinking it will go away as FLUTD can not only be very painful but lethal as well.
For information on how to remove super cat urine stains visit us at http://www.cat-urine-remover.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
FLUTD, also known as feline urologic syndrome or FUS, is a common term that applies to an assortment of ailments affecting a cat’s lower urinary tract such as cystitis, infection of the urinary tract, kidney stones and the formation of crystals in the urinary tract.
More prevalent among male cats over 12 months old FLUTD is a problem that can keep cropping up in some cats over their lifetime and is usually very painful and potentially lethal if not treated quickly. If you think your cat has FLUTD take them to the Vet as quickly as possible because in some extreme cases death can occur within a day.
FLUTD - Potential Causes
Since FLUTD comprises several different diseases it can be hard to isolate the exact causes but here are some commonly accepted reasons your cat can contract FLUTD:
Most cats usually don’t drink very much water and because of this they may not urinate enough to keep their urinary tract cleansed.
Overweight cats usually are not very active and tend to make fewer visits to the litter box so their urine sits in their bladder longer and crystals can form or infections can develop.
Some evidence suggests that having your cat neutered might make it easier for them to get FLUTD.
Cats that are always indoors and use a litter box have a greater chance of having urinary tract problems as opposed to cats that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Your cat can become dehydrated if you use a dry cat food but you should know that many cat experts recommend dry cat food over moist in most cases.
Even though it might be hard to believe stress can play a major role in a cat’s life and this is also felt to be a trigger for FLUTD.
FLUTD - Symptoms
It is important to make note of any change in your cat’s daily behavior as this can be a clear sign a urinary tract problem is developing:
Is your cat urinating more frequently?
Are there any traces of blood in your cat’s urine? If so take them to the Vet immediately.
Does your cat strain while urinating or is unable to go at all? Do not mistake this for constipation which is the inability to have a bowel movement.
Is your cat urinating outside the litter box or spraying doorways? This might indicate FLUTD but can also be attributed to behavioral problems.
Does your cat have a sudden loss of appetite?
FLUTD - Treatments
If you think your cat might be having some type of urinary problem your Vet can do a simple urine test to check for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.
The good news is that FLUTD is easily treated through medicine and changes in your cat’s diet. Be sure and follow your Vet’s advice and your cat will be healthy in no time.
FLUTD – Prevention
FLUTD related diseases typically go away in a week or two but you do not want to take the chance and wait to see if your cat gets better because doing so can be risky to your cat’s long term health.
You need to make sure your cat is drinking enough fresh water and using a water fountain designed just for this purpose might help.
If you think stress is the problem you need to find out what the stressors are and eliminate them.
Follow your Vet’s advice to the letter.
If there is one central theme to this article it is that you do not want to take risks with your cat’s health. If you think they have FLUTD you need to get them to your Vet quickly so a professional diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment prescribed. Do not disregard your cat’s sickness thinking it will go away as FLUTD can not only be very painful but lethal as well.
For information on how to remove super cat urine stains visit us at http://www.cat-urine-remover.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com