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