If the future mother is due for vaccinations, have her vaccinated prior to (not during) pregnancy, since vaccines may cause adverse effects on fetal development if given during pregnancy.

Vaccinations before pregnancy accomplish two goals:

(1) They boost the future mother’s immunity.

(2) They provide the temporary immunity puppies need after birth for protection against diseases. (Puppies are not capable of building their own immunity until they are a few weeks old.)

If the mating is successful then pregnancy will follow; like metestrus it lasts two months, taking into account individual variation. Most vets can diagnose pregnancy four weeks after mating; earlier diagnosis is difficult.

One of the best available aids is good records, which tell when dogs are mated, give insights to previous breeding problems, and by their thoroughness, point out potential problems. Without benefit of breeding dates it is easier to determine that a dog is pregnant than to determine that it is not pregnant.

A good balanced diet and vitamin and mineral supplementation, which are vital during pregnancy, becomes much more important during nursing. Health problems related to pregnancy are uncommon in dogs. Although an occasional dog may abort, even this is not common. Most problems of practical concern involve breeding, delivery, and nursing.

Ferrets can be purchased from a breeder or adopted from a shelter even when they are young. Baby ferrets are better known as kits and if you choose to get a male, it is called a hob while a female is called a Jill.

When you acquire them, they have already been weaned and they now need adult nourishment. Since their teeth are not yet sharp enough to chew anything, it is best to soak the food in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before this is given. You must never give them cat food because studies have shown that this causes health problems.

Kits need more fat and protein than kittens. This is because they have a short gastrointestinal tract and a rapid intestinal transit time which means it takes some time for the food to pass through the stomach and into the intestines. When you are looking for the right food product to buy, look at the label and see to it that this contains 35% protein and 20% of fat.

If you want to own a ferret, you will probably have more luck buying them from a breeder or a shelter instead of the pet store. This is because it takes some effort to care for these animals especially since they need constant attention.

For those who happen to find a breeder using either the newspaper or the web, it is best to ask for photos. If you like it, you will have to fill some forms and then pay for it and it’s already to be taken home on the same day.

Ferrets can be purchased at any age. If you want to raise a new born ferret, make sure to ask the breeder about animal care. Although these cute little creatures can already see, their vision is limited to a certain distance. You have to keep this clean at all times to prevent injuries. As they grow older, it is best to toilet train them.

Adults on the other hand are quite different but just the same, they have to toilet trained and your home has to be ferret proof to prevent damage to your home.

Natural disasters can strike at any time; when they do is not the time to try to prepare. Having your family and pets prepared for such catastrophes as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods will save you time to respond and evacuate, if necessary, and could very possibly save your or your pet’s life. The images of last year’s hurricanes along the Gulf Coast told it all. Thousand of pets became separated from their owners and were left behind. Some survived but, like their owners, found themselves homeless. Others found new homes, and a few were miraculously reunited with their owners.

Plan now by ID’ing your pet.

Wouldn’t you want to be able to find your pet in case of such an emergency? Start now by checking with your vet or shelter about a microchip that can easily be implanted under your pet’s skin. They’re about the size of a grain of rice and can be read by a handheld scanner. If microchips aren’t for you, by all means have an ID tag on your pet’s collar that includes a cell phone number or a number where you can be easily reached. Keep in mind that home phone numbers in disaster areas could potentially be out of service.

Why is liver functioning so important for my pet?

The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is often seen as the most important one. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, a healthy liver is seen as the most critical element in the body’s ability to fight disease and function optimally.

Amongst other important functions, the liver is responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter the blood stream. It also produces bile which is essential in the breakdown of fats and is the organ which stores Vitamin A, D, E and K.

Environmental pollution, processed and unhealthy foods, prescription drugs, frequent vaccinations and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to sluggish and diseased livers. The result? Pets with depressed immune systems, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish livers and digestive systems, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin and many other health problems.

A sluggish or diseased liver can seriously compromise your pet’s health and increase the chances of systemic illness.

How do I know if my pet has a problem liver?

Symptoms of a problem liver can be vague especially in the early stages of liver disease.

What is Canine Distemper and what are the symptoms?

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, extremely serious viral disease which occurs in dogs and other wild canids (e.g.. foxes, wolves and coyotes), raccoons, skunks and ferrets.

It is an airborne virus, which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system of the animal. Puppies between three and six months and elderly animals are particularly at risk.

Symptoms grow increasingly severe as the disease progresses, they include:

* Conjunctivitis (a watery, pus-like eye discharge) and inflammation of the eye
* Fever
* Nasal discharge
* Pneumonia (Coughing and labored breathing)_
* Lethargy
* Reduced appetite
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Seizures
* Hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch)
* Muscle twitching
* Progressive deterioration of mental abilities and motor skills
* Complete or partial paralysis

What is the conventional treatment?

There is no doubt that Canine Distemper is a serious illness. According to conventional veterinarian treatment, about 50% of dogs that contract it will die. Those that survive will often be left with debilitating conditions like permanent digestive problems, neurological problems, seizure disorders, deformities of the paw pads, etc.

For most people who own pets, these furry friends are more family, than simple pets. For this reason, we see a growing number of people who take their pets on vacation. While this makes things more fun for the owner and the animal, it also comes with a new set of challenges. The best option is excellent planning so you and your pet are comfortable and safe while having a great time.

One of the greatest challenges of traveling with pets is trying to locate a hotel that accommodates. Even though we see the problem lessening, you will still find many hotels that do not welcome pets. This means you end up staying in a hotel other than what you would prefer just for the sake of the animal. Therefore, we suggest as you plan your next vacation, check with the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the state you will travel to, which can provide you with a list of pet friendly hotels. Now, even when you receive this list, you should call ahead to make sure there are no surprises and that you understand any additional charges that may apply.

A great exercise option that has developed in recent years is the inclusion of dog parks within city limits. These areas allow dogs to run, play and exercise off-leash in a controlled environment made especially for them. Dog parks are typically fenced areas with separate double-gated entry-way and exits. Some have swimming ponds for dogs to use, and most usually have some sort of watering taps or hydrants. They also usually have gear to pick up and dispose of doggie waste.

Dog parks have come into existence because of the growing pet population and the need for people to interact with and exercise their pets. City planners have recognized this need and are now including dog parks in their urban development plans. Dog parks allow dogs and people to interact together in a social manner that is recognized as being beneficial to society.

Some dog parks are more elaborate than others. Some offer shaded areas for dogs and people to hide from the sun. Some have benches and picnic tables. Others, as mentioned have swimming ponds or pools for the dogs. Some parks have separate areas for large and small or timid dogs. Some parks have a significant amount of acreage for the dogs to run in, while others are smaller and compact. But, all dogs are allowed to run free and socialize with other canine companions in a safe, confined and controlled environment.

Do you own a horse? If so, then you have questions about the care, feeding, shoeing, cost, etc. of horse ownership. The least expense of owning a horse, is the actual purchase. Once you have bought your horse, then your expenses begin: shoeing, de-worming, vaccinations, training, boarding, etc.

Horse Training Tip: Timing

Say you’re trying to teach your horse to give to the bit.

When he gives you must instantly release the pressure. There are times I’ve seen people keep pulling on the reins “after” the horse gave to the pressure. No release, no learning.

The problem with that is the horse doesn’t learn that he’ll get a release. So if you keep pulling, there is no timing, there is no release, and you end up with garbage. Soon, the horse may fight you for control.

If he gets no release, then why comply. It is the release that teaches!

Timing is everything.

Currently I am training my mare with the Parelli methods of Horse-Man-Ship. I have seen the Parelli’s in person, and just watching them, gives me goose bumps because of the love, language and leadership that I witnessed with my eyes. It was incredible. I want that kind of relationship with my mare, and I am doing everything possible to achieve this goal.

Whether it be by car, by train, by airplane or boat, it`s not always easy to travel with your cat. It is necessary to always arrange certain things in advance – the tickets, an adequate kennel, tranquilizers, and water – in order to assure him maximum comfort and avoid any irregular meowing during the many hours of travel…

Cat shows, week ends in the family cabin, or big vacations… For a civilized chat, the opportunities to travel are seldom missed. A worthy master who deserves to be called such will always plan ahead so that his animal experiences the transportation in the best of conditions. Certain animals are familiarized at a young age with transportation from one place to another, and they accept the situation perfectly, however others struggle with being moved around so much.

If the owner of the cat intends on staying in a hotel, he mustn`t forget to find out if his feline travelling companion will be admitted (only 1 hotel out of 6 accept clients with their pets). In all cases, always remember this precaution: to always attach an identification tag to your cat`s collar. A nervous and anxious animal will always run away quickly!