Once upon a time, I had a major love affair. He was beautiful, sensitive, and completely in love with me. He was my everywhere companion, my confidant. And then he left me.
And I’m 100% certain that had I neutered him, he would still be with me today. Sob.
Rats can make wonderful pets: they are smart, easy to train and can be extremely affectionate. They need daily love and attention, but don’t require walks around the block or large areas to explore. Relatively speaking, they are low maintenance pets.
But rats are predisposed to tumor growth, which can cause extreme discomfort and even premature death. As a rat owner, you need to know how to prevent and manage this potentially life-threatening ailment! Read the rest of this entry »
It’s challenging enough for some of us to make pet sit. Never mind take his medicine! But with the right tricks and tips, and a lot of patience, he’ll have that pill swallowed in no time.
Kinds of Medication
When your pet is sick, or has just had surgery, chances are they need medicine of a sort. It could be an antibiotic to ward of infection, or a prescribed blood-thinner to be taken long-term. Whatever the case may be, your pet needs that drug to stay well!
The first step in helping pet take their meds is determining what kind they have:
Pills – A pill is a dose of medicine that comes in a pellet form. It is typically the active drug powdered, combined with fillers to make it stay together.
Capsules – This kind of medicine is either a powder or liquid form, enclosed in a gelatin or vegetable fiber capsule.
Liquid - The simplest form of a drug is a liquid suspension. This liquid will contain the active ingredients, and is usually administered with a dropper
How To Get Pet To Take It
It takes practice and patience to make sure your pet is taking their doses! While some pets adapt easily to pill taking, others will run and hide. Because your pet is not well, time is of the essence – so don’t give up!
Try these tips to get your pet to take their medicine. Make sure you have a treat on hand to reward your pet after (unless the medication is not to be taken with food), and speak encouragingly the whole time.
1. Pills – The number 1 easiest way to get pet to take medicine is to crush the pills and mix it up into some of pet’s food. Most of the time your pet won’t notice a difference! But make sure to check with your vet that mixing with food won’t weaken the medicine in any way.
If that doesn’t work:
2. Pill or Capsule – Kneel in front of your pet. Gently pet their head, and then lean it back a bit. Open their mouth, dropping the pill back as far as you can – then blow gently into pet’s face. Your pet should reflexively swallow immediately. If you need help, have a friend or family member hold pet from behind.
3. Liquid – Most liquid medicines come with a dropper – perfect for administering medication. Kneel in front of pet, as above. Try lowering pet’s bottom jaw. If you can’t open their mouth, simply pull down the skin around mouth from teeth. Place dropper between lips and teeth and slowly squeeze dose out. Try blowing on pet’s face to encourage them to swallow.
If your liquid medication doesn’t come with a dropper, try blending medication with food. Otherwise, droppers can be purchased at local pharmacies – and your vet should have extra for you, too.
Aside from making sure your pet takes his or her proper doses, you need to make sure of a few other things:
Knowing your pet is sick can be a hard pill to swallow; getting pet to take a pill can be even harder! But it’s really quick and easy, when you take the right steps.
Cats naturally keep themselves clean. In fact, your cat will clean itself a few times a day!
But as their caretaker it’s just as important that you groom them, too. Kitties can’t reach deep into their ears or clip their own nails, so your help is necessary.
What You Need
Grooming your kitty is easy, when you have the right tools. To make sure your time is quick and easy, you’ll need the following:
Old Clothing - Particularly a long-sleeved shirt. This will protect you, most importantly from potential scratches!
Cat brush – While brushing helps distribute the natural oils in your cats coat, the best choice is a brush to remove dry, dead skin from kitty’s fur. Hard or soft brushes are great for shorthairs, while pin or wire brushes are best (along with combs) to keep longhair cats’ coats from knotting.The right cat brush will make your cat’s coat shiny and smooth!
Nail Clippers – Clipping your cat’s nails is one of the most daunting tasks for pet owners. But it’s easy, with the right tips and the right special nail clippers
Towels – Towels will be needed to dry kitty off when bathing, or for placing your cat on to make her more comfortable. Make sure to use older towels that you don’t mind getting dirty, or ripped up.
Cotton Balls – For ear cleaning.
Wash Cloth – For wetting your cat in the bath.
Olive Oil – A gentle, edible oil that can help remove greasy spots from kitty’s fur. It’s also great for using when cleaning ears.
2 Buckets or Pitchers – To help rinse your cat while in the bath.
Shampoo/soap – A non-toxic shampoo or soap will be needed during bathing, to remove any greasy parts of your cat’s fur.
Treats – For rewarding the kitty who sits still!
How To Do It
Whether petting or grooming your cat, always speak in soft, soothing tones. When your cat is at ease, you’ll be safe from scratches and bites – if your cat is not in the mood to be touched.
Brushing
You’ll want to brush your cat only when they’re in a good mood! Since cats typically love to be brushed, they’ll let you groom them often this way – and you can brush your cat everyday.
Outdoors is a great place to brush your cat, since most of them shed.
Start by petting your cat for a few minutes, until they lie down and are comfortably relaxed – purring, or licking you. Begin at the back, using long strokes from head to base of tail. Read your cat: look for signs that your cat isn’t happy – purr stopping, tail flicking, pupils widening. Try offering a treat throughout the brushing.
Avoid tugging on knots or brushing near your cat’s genitals, paws, and tummy. These areas can be very sensitive, and you want to avoid being swatted.
Remove fur often while brushing, to keep brush clean. A full brush won’t collect hairs, so it’s important to keep the teeth clean.
When you’re done let your cat go – but not without a treat!
Nail Clipping
Clipping a pet’s nails, for many pet owners, is one of the most hazardous missions to accomplish. Especially when it comes to cats – their nails are sharp, and their tempers are sharper.
It’s important to start clipping your cat’s nails when they’re kittens, to make sure they get used to the process early.
You can start by gently petting, and holding, kitten’s paws. Try this when kitty is relaxed and sleepy, and once holding press gently on a toe pad to extend the claw. You’ll notice a pink tissue on the inside of the claw: this is called the “quick”. it’s this part of your cat’s nails that you must avoid cutting – while the actual nail doesn’t hurt to be clipped, the quick will.
Once they are used to having their “hands” held, you can start the trimming.
Try holding your cat on your lap, or on a table at your level.
Hold the clippers in a vertical position, up and down. This way, the claw is trimmed from bottom to top instead of across the nail and won’t split.
Hold a paw in one hand and extend the claw by pressing a toe. You’ll want to clip the sharp tip, half-way down to the quick. Make sure to treat your kitty during clipping!
If you accidentally clip the quick, don’t panic! Bleeding can happen, and your cat may be upset. The bleeding will stop quickly, but if not you can use a styptic pencil to stop it.
Let your cat go when done, and don’t forget to send him off with treats!
How Often To Clip Cat Nails
Clipping your cat’s nails depends on how quickly they grow. Front nails can be clipped every 10 – 14 days.
Rear nails can be clipped sometimes as little as 3 – 4 times per year, since they aren’t used as often as front nails. Cats will often chew at them more than the front.
Bathing
Does kitty need a bath? Chances are they’re fairly clean, but outdoor cats tend to roll in dirt or greasy areas. You’ll want to do more than just brush and rub your cat – you’ll need to bathe her!
Wear an old,long-sleeved shirt to avoid your skin and clothing from being scratched.
Before bringing your cat in for a bath, fill a tub with warm water to about 4 – 5 inches. Add your shampoo or soap, to make a cleaning solution. Fill a few other receptacles, like a pitcher or a bucket, for extra rinsing water. Cats can be fearful of running water, so this extra step can help them stay calm.
Hold your cat firmly, so it can’t wriggle out of your grip. If your cat is big and strong – like a coon cat – you may need to enlist the help of someone else! In this case, someone will hold the cat by all four legs, while the other holds the cat’s mouth shut gently (no biting).
At this point, make sure you’ve brushed out all snarls in your cat’s fur, an
d trimmed his nails – since most cat’s hate being wet, even the most gentle kitties can get testy during bathing.
If your cat is super greasy or stained with something, massage a little olive oil into it before shampooing. This will help your shampoo or soap lift the oil out.
Again, make sure your cat has been brushed before putting them into the water. Holding them tightly as above, gently lower them into the water. Speak softly the whole time, using words and a tone of encouragement.
Using a wet wash cloth, get your cat wet from the chin down. Then, using the cloth, wash your kitty from neck to tail. Watch out for ears, eyes and nose!
To finish up, rinse your cat with the water in the buckets. Then blot your cat dry by pressing a towel into the fur – don’t rub, to avoid tangling fur! Try popping the towels into the drier before hand, to warm them up. Cats love warm towels.
Make sure your cat is almost dry before you finish drying. You can put your cat near a heating vent with a dry towel to finish them up. And don’t forget treats.
Ear Cleaning
Cats need to have their ears cleaned, to keep them free of mites and debris. Since the ears are a warm and moist place, they are the perfect breeding ground for yeasts and bacteria – helping pet keep their ears clean is key.
Warm your olive oil, by heating it in a little dish over a pot of warm water.
Next, with your kitty on your lap or a table in front of you, place a few drops of the oil with your clean fingertips into each ear. Massage each ear at the base for around one minute, to loosen any wax or debris. You can do this ear by ear, or if kitty is comfortable, then both ears at once.
At this point, let your cat alone and leave her with a treat. She’ll want to shake her head around, which will help any dirt from the inner ear canal move to the outer.
After approximately 5 minutes, use the cotton balls to gently wipe out each ear. Finish up, and give your cat a treat!
A domestic cat is a clean animal by nature, But your cat still needs extra help from you! With a little practice and the right equipment, grooming can be enjoyable for both kitty and owner!
What Are Kidney Stones?
Just like in humans, dogs get kidney stones, too. Also known as “renal calculi,” kidney stones are quite literally stones – calcified minerals, which grow over time.
These minerals, most often calcium and magnesium, form layers over top of each other over time. This creates a stone, much like a pearl.
Kidney stones can irritate the lining of the bladder, and can even plug the urinary tract. Your pet will find it difficult or painful to urinate – and in some cases, won’t be able to urinate at all. Infections can occur!
Kidney stones can be more common in female dogs than males, since the female anatomy has a shorter urinary tract. But the condition can occur in both males and females – and for your pet, it’s very uncomfortable.
Types Of Stones
Your dog can develop different kinds of stones. It’s important to know what kind your pet has, so that you and your vet can treat appropriately.
Struvite Stones form when an infection is present – like Staph. This is most common in female animals, given that urinary tract infections are most common to this sex. The stones are made up of Magnesium, Ammonium, and Phosphate.
Calcium Oxalate Stonesare rare in females, and have been linked to a hereditary condition with dogs that have defective nephrocalcin (the substance that normally breaks down calcium deposits). They are found in animals with overly-acidic urine.
Uric Acid Stones are almost only present in Dalmatians, since their livers cannot absorb uric acid.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
There can be different causes. In general, urinary tract or kidney infections can cause the stones, as can dietary factors.
In some cases, diet can have a major impact in dogs who develop calcium oxalate stones. In this case, dogs who have an acidic PH, or too much acid in their urine, stand a greater chance of having stones. Since diets high in proteins and salts can trigger an acidic PH, an almost exclusively vegetarian diet can help prevent this type.
Genetic defects like Cystinuria – an inherited condition, wherin the body can’t reabsorb cysteine, an amino acid. It then builds up in the urine, which eventually causes stones.
Certain medications like corticosteroids and illnesses, like Dog Cushing’s Disease can contribute to stones.
Some breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos and Bichon Frises are also more susceptible than others.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms can range from none, to ones that are mostly unmistakable:
Frequent urination
Frequent urinary tract infections
Blood in the urine
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
If your pet is showing signs of stones or a urinary tract infection, make sure to see your vet right away!
Treatments
Your vet can determine if your pet has kidney stones through various tests, including blood and urine tests and x-rays. Once they have determined that there are stones, treatment will begin.
Treatment for kidney stones will vary, depending on the severity of the case. If the urethra is partially or totally blocked, surgery can be required to empty the bladder.
Often, stones are left to pass on their own. This is accomplished through diet, with special dissolving agents designed to help the stones break up naturally.
Natural Treatment And Prevention
Of course, preventing stones is the best possible treatment. Making sure that the urine is PH balanced properly means taking care of pet’s diet:
Gluten-free foods: grains are high-glycemic, meaning they create a lot of sugar in the body. Plus, they’re really hard for your dog to digest! Choose a food with proteins and veggies, with limited grains.
Plenty of fresh water: dehydration can contribute to kidney stones, and urinary tract infections! Help your pet keep their urinary tract clean by encouraging them to drink plenty of clean water.
Supplements: Try a natural remedy to help fortify the kidney, and improve urinary flow.
Ultimately, you can help prevent painful stones from developing in your dog. With a healthy diet and plenty of water, as well as natural support, your dog will stay balance – and happy.
What Is Heartworm?
Heartworm is a serious disease spread to your pet through a mosquito bite. It is a parasite, a worm that matures into an adult in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of its infected animal host. This kind of parasite can cause all kinds of health problems, from severe lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and death in pets.
Adult heartworms look like strands of cooked spaghetti, with males reaching about 4 to 6 inches in length and females reaching about 10 to 12 inches in length – though in cats they can be shorter. The number of worms living inside an infected pet is called the worm burden – in dogs this can average 15, and in cats one to three.
Heartworms live for years, averaging 5 – 7 years in dogs and 2 – 3 years in cats. While in both animals these worms can cause serious damage, they are more serious in dogs, as cats have antigens to fight the parasite, while dogs do not.
How Do Pets Get Heartworm?
A pet needs to be infected through a mosquito bite, by a mosquito who is carrying the parasite. It picks the parasite up from biting an already infected pet.
For 10 – 14 days, the parasite becomes infective inside the mosquito, who then passes it along to a pet.
Once bitten, your pet incubates the parasite for 6 – 7 months (dogs) or 8 months (cats) until the worm matures. Adult males and females then mate, releasing their offspring into your pet’s bloodstream.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Is Infected?
Vets can test for worms using tests, most often an antigen test – though in cats this test is not sensitive enough. This test detects proteins, called antigens, that are released by adult female heartworms into the pet’s bloodstream. It can detect the antigens released by a heartworm as young as 5 months. In cats, an antibody test is most often used.
Symptoms Pet Has Heartworms
Symptoms of heart disease can vary depending on the worm count, and how long the pet has been infected. Symptoms are not always obvious, especially in young, energetic pets. Dogs and cats show some similar and some different symptoms.
Symptoms in Dogs
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Persistent Coughing
Vomiting and weight loss
Loss of appetite
Swelling in abdomen
Blood in stool
Heart failure
Caval Syndrome: when the worm burden becomes so great that the heart is physically blocked by a mass of worms, obstructing the flow of blood.
Symptoms in Cats
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Coughing
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting and weight loss
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Prevention is Key!
Conventional heartworm treatment can be toxic to animals, and in some cases risky surgery for removal may be involved. Many vets advise pet owners give their pets anti-worm medication, to prevent this serious parasite infection.
And check your pet yearly! Yearly tests for heartworms are endorsed by the American Heartworm Association and yearly testing is considered the gold standard of heartworm control. So, yearly tests are recommended by most veterinarians.
Preventing naturally is easy. It requires a dedication to helping your pet live a healthy life, and incorporating plant-based formulas to support heart health.
Promoting a worm-free life for pet includes:
exercising – encouraging a healthy weight and increased blood circulation
eating well – providing pet a gluten-free, plant and protein based diet for enhanced nutrition absorption
herbal formulations – designed to strengthen pet’s heart
Your pet won’t know what’s bitten them.But you’ll know that his bark or meow is worse than his bite – and worm-free!
Yappity-doo-dah!
My tail gets a wagging every time I read a heart warming story from one of youz. And as you know, I pick one fantastic tail to post, each month!
This month’s testimonial winner hails from Reston, Virginia and has a ruffing heart-warming story to share! John and his dog Molly look to have some healthy, happy year ahead of them, thanks to a good ol’ dose of Milk Thistle:
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Last spring (2009), she stopped eating and became very lethargic. Her thyroid readings collapsed and the vet upped her dosage. In the space of 5 months, she lost 28 pounds!
She had developed spots on her skin where it turned black and the hair fell out. I was frantic and the vet could not figure it out.
I found your site and took a chance on the milk thistle. Following your instructions, I saw her start to slowly recover.
She’s got progressively better over a period of weeks. The vet was amazed and we have since backed her thyroid medication way down.
She just turned nine years old and is like a puppy again. Her coat is beautiful, she eats, plays and even runs again! We just had the blizzard here in Virginia and she romped in the snow for hours.
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John and Molly, I am thrilled for you! Isn’t it amazing what a little herbal magic can do? And your vet would be so wise to incorporate it into their practice – good for them for thinking about it!
John, check your inbox for your winner’s coupon – you’re going shopping!
Love, Buster
Want to win something and come shopping with us too? Send your testimonials my way, to 
We’ve all heard the terrible stories of our pet pals being lost or stolen, or more likely – yipyipyip! – hit by a car or a coyote. Losing a pet is like losing another family member, and can be devastating.
Many pet owners don’t think about the safety of their precious pups and kitties when they let them outside! All kinds of dangerous things can happen to them, from abduction to injury to death.
It would be best for pet if they never went outside unsupervised, but for most people that’s not an option. So here’s the rundown on how to keep you licking loved one outside, and out of danger!
To begin with, it’s important to know why your pet may stray from your home.
Cats and dogs don’t always “run away”. It’s true, we love to explore and sometimes this takes us around a new corner – but in general, we pets are very territorial. We defend our homes every way possible!
8 Reasons Why Pet Is Missing
1. Local animal control picked them up
2. Someone “rescued” your pet, thinking it needed help
3. Someone “adopted” your seemingly lost pet
4. Your cat crawled into a car and the car was driven away
5. (This one’s really terrible) Someone abducted your pet to abuse them, or sell them
6. Your neighbor wanted to get rid of your pet
7. Your animal was hit by a car and injured or killed
8. Your pet was injured in a car/dog fight, or by a wild animal
How To Find Your Pet!
Any of the above realities can fill you with fear and sadness, but no matter what – if your pet is missing you have to act fast! We can travel even when we’re injured, and chances are we could be hiding. If we’re still alive, we probably need your help right away. FOllow the steps on this checklist, to make sure you are thorough in your search:
Petfinder Checklist
- Start with your own home. We may be inside, hanging out in the closet or sleeping under something. Shake our food dish around – if we’re there, we’ll come running.
- Check your yard, under patios and in the garage. Again, we could be hiding.
- Grab a photo of your pet, and take a ride around your neighborhood. Ask if anyone has seen your pet recently.
- Make flyers and put them up everywhere businesses will let you. Go door to door. And offer a reward!
- If you suspect we’ve been stolen, call law enforcement right away. Make sure you have photos of us from many angles, so they can recognize us by our specific markings.
- Call your local pet shelter or dog pound – use Petfinder or Shelter Finder online to find out the closest one to you. If there isn’t one nearby, call local law enforcement.
- Visit your local vet. Someone may have brought your pet in for treatment! You never know, there are angels out there.
- Look online for lost cat or dog forums, to see if anyone in your area has any news.
And don’t give up! I’ve heard amazing stories of dogs and cats showing up months after they’ve gone missing.
How To Prevent Your Pet From Going Missing
Finally, the best way to handle our disappearance is to never have to handle it at all. Preventing us from being lost or stolen is remarkably easy. Aside from keeping us indoors at all times (and by the way, most officials I know say that cats should always be kept inside), a responsible pet caregiver will do these things:
3 Simple Steps To Avoid A Lost Pet
Neuter or spay your pet! We won’t be tempted to stray for a roll in the hay. And by the way, HERE’S a few other reasons why you should do this!
Microchip! The smartest thing Dog gave Man, ever.
Safety Collar! Keep our id in plain view, so no one can ever suspect us of being a lost pet. And most people don’t have a device to read our microchip.
Missing your best friend, your beloved baby, is among the most tortuous experiences humans can have. Make sure that you are the most responsible caregiver, by taking the steps to ensure our safety!
Love, Buster
There’s isn’t much that brings out feelings of happy, fuzzy, warm love like a bundle of furry joy. Your new baby’s arrival is one of the joys of life, and an experience that will never be matched!
But choosing the right pet for the right reasons isn’t as simple as picking cat or dog. As a pet owner, you are responsible for another beings life – and hopefully, a long life! You need to know what kind of animal you’re best suited to care for.
But first: it’s important that you, dear human, know exactly why you want to take care of an animal, and what the best type of pet would be for you. Here’s how to figure it out!
10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Adopting A Pet
1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?
The number one thing to ask yourself is WHY? Is this pet to replace one lost or passed away? Are you looking for companionship? Is the pet for your family or child? These questions will help you to figure out what kind of animal you can look after.
2. Are you ready to commit for (the animal’s) life?
Your new furry family member will hopefully live up to 20 years of age. Chances are in that time you may move, create or grow a family, change jobs, etc. Can your pet handle the changes in your life, and be part of them?
3. Can you afford your pet?
Let’s be more specific: vet bills, food, grooming, and even daycare and obedience classes can all add up. If you’re wondering how much your pet can cost, check out the ASPCA’s Pet Ownership Costs chart – it will tell you per year what you may pay.
4. Are you ready to take care of us in sickness and in health?
We get sick, we need you. End of story. Pet trouble can range from allergies to animal cancer, so it’s important to make sure you can afford the cost and the time to take care of us.
5. Will you be able to spend quality time together?
Some pets are way more social than others (ie. puppies and kitties). Anxiety disorders and other issues are just as common in animals as in humans, and pets need affection and one-on-one time with you! We need you around, not out all day and night and away on trips. If your lifestyle doesn’t keep you close to home, then we probably shouldn’t be there, either.
6. Do you have the time and patience to train us?
It’s so sad when pet owners turn their animals over to a shelter or someone new, just because they think we’re “untrainable“. Chances are, it’s the owner and not the pet. We all need to know where to pee, eat, how to listen, and what to do and not do. If you don’t have the time or patience, then we won’t behave.
7. Are you ready to pet-proof?
Speaking of behavior, it’s way easier for us new pets to keep the house clean if your house is pet-proofed. Much like proofing a house when baby starts crawling around, the same goes for us. Beautiful decor, expensive furniture, and toxic plants probably aren’t suitable for us to be around. We don’t want to see you choose between your pet and your pad!
8. Is your home a pet-friendly place?
Speaking of your pad, can you have a creature live with you? If you rent, are you allowed to have pets? If you don’t have a yard, perhaps a dog is not a good idea. Learning what kind of environment your pet needs is key in choosing the right pet for you.
9. Is your family ready for a pet?
Pregnant with first child or kids still super little? Then you may want to wait until the children have grown enough to know how to treat an animal (check out this post, HERE). Some pets don’t gel well with children, so this is important to know as well.
10. What kind of pet is right for you?
All of the above will help you to determine if you’re really ready for a pet, and what kind. If you’re ready to find out what kind of pet is best for you, then read on!
Choosing The Right Pet
I’ve heard stories about people adopting their soul-pets, and stories about adoptions that weren’t a great fit. Once you answer the questions above, you’ll be in a much better place to be able to choose the best pet, breed, age etc. to fit your lifestyle. Here’s a run-down on some of the top pet picks, and why:
Tha Dawg
Ah, human’s best friend. We canine creatures loves you so much, it’s hard not to love us back. We are so into becoming part of your pack, that most of us convince ourselves that we’re actually one of you! We need you though, ALOT. We are extremely sensitive and needy, so forget about us if you’re not interested in having a child. Seriously, cuz that’s practically what we are.
On that note, little kids (ie. toddlers) don’t mix well with dogs (or kitties) since they tend not to be so gentle. And we can react (bless us), as we are, after all, animals. You don’t want our sharpness near your kid, for that reason.
For a complete guide on doggies, check out this post HERE.
The Kitty
Soft and cuddly, and they purr. Cats can sure be demanding, but they aren’t as needy as your pet pal described above.
Cats are primarily nocturnal, so if you don’t want to be woken up by a frisky feline you may not want a cat. They also tend to leave “love treats” lying around, like, on your pillow. Considered by them the highest of gifts, but also really high on your human gag factor. And they don’t play around with you as much. But still, they do really well with the family. The little darlings.
The Fish
Well, they won’t rub up against you or kiss you good-morning-good-afternoon-good-night-you’re-just-good-good-good. And they’re low maintenance (almost). But fish can be educational, pretty to look at, and boy does the bubbling of their tanks give good-night white noise.
Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Mice and Rats
Excepting the mice, these pets can be sort of affectionate and
easy for kids to take care of. They do need daily exercise (IN their cages!) and must be secure in their cages. But they can make great first pets for kids!
Now, like cats they are also nocturnal, so if you don’t mind hearing them running in their wheels or eating and scratching, great. If you have a kitty already and now one of these guys, expect to have some sleepless nights until you figure out how to keep the cage out of site and reach of your cat. Actually, in my opinion don’t mix the two. Just saying.
Rabbits
Rabbits are surprisingly amazing pets. They can be litter trained, are affectionate, come when they are called, and can do tricks. But they do NOT make good pets for kids under 12. They can actually die from fear, and hate to be lifted off the ground.
That said, rabbits can live long and are great indoor pets.
A time machine isn’t available yet, but this site could be the next best thing. To help you find out which pet is right for you, RightPet has detailed descriptions, ratings, and recommendations of thousands of dogs, cats, birds and fish.
If you’re still having trouble figuring out what kind of pet to pick, you can just take a quiz: Take The Quiz. Or not.
How To Adopt A Pet
Finding your pet should take you some time, since you want to find one that you (and family) are compatible with. Once you know what type of pet you are looking for, you need to know where to find it!
Of course there’s always the pet store, but I like to advise pet owners to adopt a baby or adult animal from a shelter. Not only will you help a pet in need, often you will find one already trained, neutered/spayed, and healthy.
Pet Finder is “the virtual home of 288,370 adoptable pets from 13,184 adoption groups” (from their website). If you’re looking for a pet adoption shelter near you, you can check out this link .
Pet shelters like the ones operated by the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) can help you pick a pet, too. Often times you can walk in and spend time bonding with different animals, and return again to revisit if you’re just not sure. You can sign up to volunteer as a dogwalker, for example, and maybe fall in love on the job. Many pet shelters have animals hospitals attached, so that your pet will be known already to staff.
Of course you can always check community boards and classified ads for adoptions and litter announcements – even craigslist.org. But beware this sort of thing!
What Not To Pick
Now that you know what to pick and where to find your pet, it might be worth mentioning some “pets” that may not be suitable. All manner of exotic, strange, unique and dangerous pets can be obtained, but for a gazillion reasons I advise against them all. Here’s a short list!
So there you are, people. A little guide to help you discover if indeed a pet is in your immediate future, how to choose the best one, and where to go find it.
Remember people: choosing a pet is for life. It is a life-long commitment. Be there for us, and we will love you and enhance your life for as long as we can.
Love, Buster
Here fishy, fishy, fish! Slithery pal, you are one fine catch. You`re, er, almost all the things I love in a friend: understanding, romantic, sensitive, and trustworthy. And I love daydreaming with you! You`re the one who loves to float, gazing at the clouds while letting those creative juices flow.
But when it comes to rolling with the pack, you tend to flit away – you can`t stand getting down and dirty! Cleanliness, according to you, is next to Dawginess, so Dog forbid you get a little grubby. You`re highly conscious of where your money current flows, too – so picking personal products that pull triple duty, like a soap/shampoo/insect repellent, pleases you pink (and keeps you silky clean).
And of course, dear water-lover, if I can suggest that you adopt one habit this year, it`s to only drink crystal clear water. No more sipping out of the toilet bowl! Oh no, a fresh, clean flow available 24/7 is exactly what you need.
Just keep swimming, pal.
Happy Birthday!
Love, Buster
Photo Credit: dinogen
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