Gerbils make great pets for smaller children, as they are active during the day and are extremely curious and friendly. Gerbils are actually desert animals. They are very clean animals, which makes cleaning up after them a lot simpler. For a young child’s first pet, these are perfect! Gerbils are very social animals, so a pair is definitely the way to go with these animals. However, be sure they are not mates; otherwise you’d better be prepared to take care of lots of little gerbils! A large aquarium-style tank with a deep layer of wood shavings makes for a perfect home for these little creatures, as they love to tunnel and dig. To keep them (as well as your child) entertained, tunnel-type toys are great! Gerbil food is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any pet store. They also enjoy the occasional bit of lettuce or cheese. Gerbils usually live up to three years.

Guinea pigs are good first pets, as they don’t scratch and can be gently handled. Like gerbils, they’re social creatures, so a pair is preferred. Guinea pigs are very timid, so they need lots of places to hide in their cage. An aquarium-style tank works well for guinea pigs as well, as long as they have a grazing area and places to burrow. Guinea pigs need a daily diet that his high in fiber and vitamin C. Guinea pigs live up to six years.

Most people aren’t entirely keen on the idea of keeping mice, but if you’re looking to get one as a first pet, you should keep in mind that, like the others, they are social. Two to three female mice are the best way to go as males tend to fight and produce a much stronger smell. Cages must be cleaned two to three times a week. A wire-mesh cage works best for mice, as they need a well-ventilated living space, with tunnels and other toys. Mice need a lot of things to gnaw on, such as dog biscuits.

Though they generally have a shorter life span than gerbils or guinea pigs, mice are by far the highest maintenance. However, any of these pets are perfect for a child’s first pet, and what better way to give your child a lesson in responsibility?

So let’s start with the tank:

The most important factor in discus breeding in the water quality, make sure it is soft, acidic and clean. It is recommended that you have a bare bottom tank as it is easier to clean. In the breeding tank itself, you may either have one or two potted plants or just leave them out. Remember that breeding Discus Fish should be kept at 88 degrees to aid the breeding process.

It is very important to change the water in your Discus Aquarium Fish tank on a regular basis. In a display tank, I recommend around once or twice a week, but for breeding tanks you should up that rate from twice a week to anything up to once a day for the best results when breeding Discus Fish. Some foods that are good for breeding Discus Fish are white worm, adult brine shrimp and chopped up crab sticks or prawns.

Now for the breeding:

Sexing Discus Fish can be difficult so start with a number of potential parents but bear in mind that Discus Fish tend to become a bit territorial when breeding, so it is best to breed a well-established pair, or keep a group of young Discus and allow them to pair themselves. The breeding pair will usually clean a vertical spawning site on which the eggs are then laid and fertilised.

A breeding pair will lay eggs as often as every week, as many as fifteen times and once the babies are born, breeders can observe one of the most unique traits of this fish: the young feed off the mucus produced on the scales of their parents in particular the secretions of the mother Discus Fish. Therefore it is critical not to separate the mother from her small fry.

Finally, through selective breeding a wide variety of body shapes, colors, and patterns can be produced and although Discus Fish may not interact with you like your four-legged friends, they can give you many hours of pleasure and entertainment.

By: Liz Linkwell

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This information is only the tip of the iceberg and you can get more of the best secrets to breeding and keeping these cute fish by going now to www.discusfishsecrets.info/

Just like humans a dog teeth can build up tartar or plaque which can cause gun disease. Gum disease is an infection resulting from increase of soft dental plaque on the outside of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if plaque is permitted to accumulate, will lead to infection in the bone around the teeth.
What effect does this have on your dog? You will notice the dog will have bad breath and the gums will become irritated, they will start to bleed and the dog will have oral pain, your dog could lose its appetite or drop food from its mouth while eating.
As a dog gets older they will require more dental care so that their teeth remain healthy,
so it is important to know that while they are still young, their teeth should already be properly taken care of.

Your dogs Diet

If you have a young dog start them on good quality dry foods. The crunchy texture helps the removal of plaque which moist foods are unable to. The crunchy feature also helps to stimulate the gums so that gum diseases are also prevented.

It is always best to consult your vet on the type of dental care you should be providing for your dog. Some breeds are more susceptible to dental problem than others and your vet can suggest the right food for them

Products For Dog Dental Care

There are many products on the market now available for your dogs dental health, from specially designed biscuits, chewing bones (such as pigs ears), toothpastes and tooth brushes. By using them it will decrease the chance of your dog getting gum or teeth disease. Always use specially prepared dog toothpaste. Because dogs can’t rinse and spit after a brushing, the dog toothpaste must be safe for pets to swallow! Some human toothpaste contains detergents which can upset your dog’s stomachs, and, in addition, large quantities of ingested fluoride can harm your dog. To go with the toothpaste you can use a regular brush or a finger brush. The finger brush can easily be placed over your finger so that it is easier to brush your dog’s teeth. Consult your vet on what they recommend to be the most suitable for your dog’s teeth. Your dog’s teeth need to be cleaned at least twice a week. Do this and your dog will love you for it.

By: GloriaG

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For more articles, books and products on taking care of your dogs health and wellbeing please visit: www.dogsreviewed.com

One of the important things that you need to consider is whether you want to commit to take care of a turtle for its entire life. Turtles have a long life expectance and will require caring for during that time. In fact many pet turtles can live to be 25 years old. This is a long time to commit to the caring of a pet so make sure that you are willing to do what it takes for its life time.

Secondly consider that turtles are not “people pets.” What this means is that they are not going to wag their tail when you enter a room, they are not going to lick your face, and there will not be any teaching it to do tricks. That does not mean that you can’t take the turtle out of its cage and hold it or talk to it. It just means they simply do not interact with people that way so make sure that this is the type of pet you would like.

There are also safety concerns to bear in mind when you are choosing a turtle as a pet. For example some turtles may spread certain diseases such as salmonella. So you are going to need to take some precautions when it comes to handling the turtle. For example when anyone holds the turtle or cleans its living area you are going to need to wash your hands thoroughly. This is especially important when you have young children in the household as they are more prone to picking up these diseases.

Setting up their environment is also important. They are going to need fresh water daily, food and vitamins. Their bedding also needs to be kept clean. They require attention everyday and cannot be left alone when you go on vacation so you will need to keep that in mind. They also will hibernate anywhere from 10 to 20 weeks a year and you will need to have the right bedding and environment so that they can do so. They also need to have their housing temperature maintained so that they can live comfortably.

Raising a turtle as a pet can be a rewarding experience. Make sure that you understand the commitment that a turtle will require. Once you have decided that you are willing to make that commitment you can go and purchase a turtle. One important thing to remember is to buy a turtle that was born in captivity; wild turtles turned into pets do not fare as well in captivity and are prone to illness and diseases. When choosing a turtle as a pet it is important to know the facts, that way you can make the best decisions for you, your family and your turtle.

By: Craig Thornburrow

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Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on Turtle Equipment and turtle tanks at www.keepingturtles.com

I am fairly new to raising suburban chickens and when I began I was less than thrilled. It was not in my plans to raise chickens but divine intervention happened…

My husband works for the Department of Agriculture so is frequently in an environment with the opportunity to purchase multiple breeds of animals. In 2005, I attended an auction with him and saw some quail. I am an avid backyard birder, watching and feeding any bird that visits my yard. When I saw these birds I decided I wanted to raise some.

It was in early December and I was on one of my frequent trips for my job. I arrived home and I thought my husband was acting a little strange but being gone a few days what did I know. I was home about an hour when suddenly I heard a rooster crowing. I could tell by the sound that it was very close and had to be in our yard.

I ran out the back door and find a rooster and three hens. These chickens did not resemble quail to me. To make a long story short, I fell in love with the birds. They may be a little larger than what I was expecting but they are still birds.

That was the beginning of my daily learning experiences of raising backyard chickens. If you are thinking about starting a flock of your own, I hope you will be better prepared than I was. Listed here are some necessary items to start off successfully with your backyard chickens.

1. Housing from predators and the elements of weather. It doesn’t have to be fancy but the chickens need a place to roost in the evenings and have protection from other animals. There are a variety of books available with plans for stationary or mobile coops.
2. Food—There are a variety of feeders available for purchase. We designed our own made from pvc pipe to ensure the hens do not scratch the food out on the ground.
3. Water—When I first started tending to my flock I had a round bowl filled with water. The chickens filled it with dirt daily since it sat on the ground. I found it is much easier to have a watering station suspended above the ground.
4. Storage for feed—I found the squirrels and rats love the chicken feed as much as the chickens do. We use a metal trash can to ensure no intruders have access to the feed. Make sure to use metal, we tried a plastic can on wheels at first and the squirrels ate through the lid.
5. Nesting boxes—These are not necessary but if you want an easy way to find your eggs I recommend either making them or purchasing your preference of style from your local farm supply store.

In the beginning it may seem like a lot to get prepared for your chickens but once you start raising your backyard chickens you will reap the benefits that chickens bring to your backyard. Once your flock is established, daily chicken care is minimal.

Today I have one rooster, five hens, and four biddies. I thoroughly enjoy feeding, watching, and tending to my flock. Not a day goes by without a crow from the rooster in the morning and a visit with the hens.

By: Carole DeJarnatt

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Carole DeJarnatt lives in Florida and raises a variety of hens, biddies, and a rooster. She shares her learning experiences and helps to educate others on how to get started and the many benefits of raising backyard chickens. Visit her website Fowl Visions where you will learn more about raising chickens and backyard birding. www.fowlvisions.com

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a layer of skin over the inner surface of the lids. Allergy occurs when the immune system over-reacts to a stimulus, mistakenly thinking it is an infection or cancer that it needs to fight off.

A dog with allergic conjunctivitis is likely to have redness, swelling and watering of one or both (usually both) eyes. There may be thickening of the conjunctiva, and if the dog is irritated to the extent that it scratches the eyes, there may be corneal abrasions and other eye damage.

No treatment (”watchful waiting”) is a valid option if symptoms are very mild. If possible, allergen avoidance is important. Bathing the eyes with a cool flannel may relieve some soreness and itching.

More severe allergic conjunctivitis will be treated with anti-inflammatory or antihistamine eye drops and ointments, and if any secondary bacterial infection is suspected, an antibiotic drop may be added. In severe cases a steroid drop will be used if treatment is otherwise unsuccessful.

Allergen testing may be needed to find the cause of the allergy.

Most holistic therapists and vets will look to the diet for a source of allergy. It is worth trying a hypo-allergenic diet. In addition, allergens are often airbourne, so it is worth looking at environmental dust and pollution. Antioxidant supplements can help boost the immunity and reduce allergy.

Herbal Remedies: Burdock, Rosemary and Meadowsweet can all help with allergic conjunctivitis. Burdock (Arctium lappa) helps with detoxification; Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is another antiseptic and disinfectant. The eyes can be bathed in a decoction of fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), Eyebright (Euphrasia officinallis) or elder flower (Sambucus nigra) to reduce soreness and inflammation.

Homeopathy: Apis mel can be used to rinse sore eyelids; arsen alb is used for more watery eyes.

Relaxation therapy, spiritual healing and general stress reducing measures will aid recovery from allergic conjunctivitis, as well as other ill-health. Healing work on the Brow chakra will particularly benefit the eyes.

Blue lace agate is useful for eye problems when using a crystal healing.

Flower Remedies: Bach remedies will help an underlying emotional problem which may be contributing to reduced immunity and allergy.

Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Pet.com

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Dr Alison Grimston, a holistic doctor and animal healer, has a natural animal therapy website informing the public about animal therapies while connecting and informing animal therapists. www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com

Using the right fish tank equipment means implementing all of the following pieces of equipment in your aquarium set up:

- A proper filtration system.
- A heater.
- A thermometer.
- Aquarium plants or Airstone.
- The right Décor.

Filtration- is a necessary part of keeping your aquarium properly equipped. Filtration pulls the water through, filtering out impurities, waste and other bits and releasing clean water back into the aquarium. Not only should you have the fight filter in your aquarium, but you have to make sure that you are using the right filter media as well. Most filters use charcoal to purify the water before releasing it back into the aquarium, sans waste and debris.

Heater - Most tropical and salt water fish prefer warmer waters. Goldfish are usually more than happy to be in colder waters, but if you want to keep your tropical fish happy, keep them warm. Most heaters for aquariums are set up so that they only click on when the water needs a boost of warmth. Make sure that you also have a thermometer installed inside your aquarium so that you can make sure that the right temperature is being reached at all times. Different fish species have different temperature requirements, so keep that in mind when setting your heater.

Aquarium Plants and Airstones - These two pieces of equipment are not necessarily vital to the health of your fish, but they are nice and helpful additions. Plants and airstones both introduce oxygen into the water and while fish do not need to breathe the air we breathe, they do need the oxygen in the water in order to survive. Airstones release oxygen into the water by way of bubbles, and plants naturally produce oxygen as part of their normal life cycle. So while not exactly necessary, these props are still worthwhile additions to your aquarium setting.

Décor - Some people would tell you that décor is not a vital part of any aquarium setting, but some fish do require it.
For example, African Cichlids are aggressive fish that take up territories in an aquarium. If you plan to house numerous Cichlids in the same aquarium, giving them different territories and boundaries is a good way to keep them from harming one another. Another less than vital aspect of the aquarium setting, but still worthwhile if you want to create a safe haven for your fish.

By: Derek Rogers

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Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For information on fish and fish tanks, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fish tank equipment.

How to recognise if a pet has fleas

Probably the first sign you will notice is your cat or dog scratching and/or biting quite vigorously, or the first indication may be when you discover that you yourself have itchy and irritating bite marks on your lower legs and ankles. On closer inspection of your pet you may be able to catch sight of a flea as it runs through your pet’s coat. Other telltale signs include brownish/reddish specks on your pets coat or bedding, which are basically dried blood and other deposits from the flea bites.

Fleas can also transmit tapeworm so if this is a problem for your pet then it can also indicate the presence of fleas. If in doubt, a veterinary surgeon will be able to tell you quickly and easily if a pet has fleas or worms or both and they will be able to recommend appropriate treatments.

Treating your pet

Purchase good quality insecticidal treatments that can deal with the fleas, their larvae and their eggs. It’s important to note that flea collars can be ineffective as they only treat the area around the neck.

Comb or brush your pet daily, particularly after they have been outside and especially in hot weather in order to help dislodge fleas and eggs from your pet’s coat. Keep a bowl of hot water close by when you do this so that you can place any fleas directly into the water, however, fleas are notoriously hard to catch so don’t expect to eradicate all your pets fleas using this method.

Treating your home

One of the problems with flea control is that the flea doesn’t just stay on your pet but will live quite happily for extended periods of time in your carpets, pet bedding and other parts of your home so it is absolutely pointless to treat your pet without treating your home at the same time.

Fleas can be dealt with quite effectively using a good quality insecticide for the home. Again, there is no use dealing with the fleas if you don’t deal with the eggs too. Wash your pets bedding in hot soapy water on a weekly basis to help dispose of any flea eggs.

Flea eggs can fall from your pet and on to the carpet or anywhere in the house for that matter so vacuum the carpets daily and invest in a steam cleaner to clean your carpets from time to time. Better still if you have wooden floors which can easily be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

After grooming your pet, make sure you vacuum the surrounding area immediately afterwards remembering to empty the vacuum cleaner outside in a sealed bag.

When using an insecticidal spray, make sure you treat everywhere that your pet is likely to have been.

When are fleas most likely to be a problem?

In the past, fleas were predominantly a problem during the warmer summer months, however, these days with centrally heated homes and milder temperatures fleas can be a problem all year round. As such, you need to be constantly on the lookout for the presence of fleas and if treatment is conducted immediately, then you are unlikely to have much difficulty in controlling them. However, if you do find that you have an infestation of fleas that you cannot deal with on your own, consult a vet or an expert in pest control for more information and advice.

Dogs and cats need both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for optimal health. Studies find omega-3 in fish oil may improve cognitive function in older dogs. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with heart failure had lower levels of EPA and DHA than their healthy counterparts. Those are two of the major benefits of fish oil that can be given to our dogs and cats.

Dogs given fish oil that are prone to thromboembolisms (obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its main branches) may be helped by the anti-clotting effect on platelets.

Ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal rapid heart rhythms originating in the lower chambers of the heart) have been prevented and high blood pressure has been reduced in dogs supplemented with fish oil rich in omega-3.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) may be useful in reducing inflammation associated with arthritis. Ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and glomerular disease (kidney disease) may respond to the anti-inflammatory effects of certain fatty acids, which have also been shown to be renal protective.

Omega-3 fish oil can benefit dogs by slowing the growth of malassezia, a yeast infection on the skin and ears in both dogs and cats. Researchers suggest that fish oil supplements for dogs may prevent atopy (allergies to inhaled substances such as pollens and molds).

Fish oil for dogs and cats has been shown to reduce the itchiness, redness, swelling and hair loss associated with those dry, raw, hairless patches that bother our pets. In some animals, fatty acids alone can decrease pruritus or inflammation to an acceptable level.

The choice of a fatty acid supplement needs to be based on the specific problem or condition we are trying to treat. For dry skin, dull coat hair, seborrhea and other keratinization, supplements high in linoleic acid are recommended. For allergies and inflammations, supplements high in EPA, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) are most effective.

Deficiencies in fatty acids occur for many reasons including overcooking that destroys them. Improper storage or less than optimal amounts of antioxidants in dry food may result in rancidity and a subsequent deficiency in fatty acids. Deficiencies also result from disease where certain enzyme functions are deficient; or by the use of fat-restricted diets in overweight dogs. But, fat is needed for energy and to satiate the dog’s appetite.

Fats do not affect canines like they do us when it comes to cholesterol or heart disease. Fat is indeed necessary for good dog nutrition and is important for energy, skin and coat, kidney health, heart and to keep inflammation at bay in the joints.

If we are looking to buy and do the best by our pets, the optimum source for omega-3s is what we want to know. Research is trying to determine the optimal ratios of omega-6 to omega-3. Current recommendations are for ratios of 10:1 to 5:1. The ratios are a guideline; the important EPA and DHA omega-3 essential fatty acids are plentiful in salmon fish oil for your dog or cat. There is no more natural place to get them than salmon. Cod liver oil is quite different, as it is lower in omega-3 and very high in vitamins A and D. Unlike plant based omega-3 supplements, salmon fish oil is readily processed by the dog’s digestive system.

A daily supplement of salmon fish oil is a must for any cat or dog of any age with skin or coat problems caused by allergies. Giving fish oil to a dog or cat fortifies them with antioxidants and traces of vitamins that occur naturally in salmon. Actual concentration of EPA in omega-3 is what’s most important. It is recommended that therapeutic trials with supplements should last 9-12 weeks.

Some pets may develop diarrhea from fatty acid supplements. Often, starting supplementation at a low dose and gradually working up to the therapeutic dose alleviates the problem.

By: Jay Jacovitz

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We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of www.CalloftheDog.com and www.CalloftheDogShop.com — created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well. See our Product Recommendations at www.CalloftheDog.com/fishoildogs.php

It has been said that Great Danes are descendants of Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound and Bullenbeisser. Years of careful breeding resulted to this tall, chiseled dog, so robust yet so gentle, so regal and elegant. Great Danes possess remarkable characteristics that capture attention and admiration wherever it goes.

Probably some people think that this breed won’t make good household pets (especially those who are living in apartments) because of their giant size. Their height ranges from 30 to 40 inches and the typical weight for males ranges from 54 to 90 kg. and 45 to 68 kg. for females. In fact, a Great Dane named Gibson holds the title as the world’s tallest dog in the Guinness World Records in 2004. But despite their giant size, a Great Dane can manage life in an apartment quite well. Their energy is not as high as other breeds and only need half an hour walk and some run few times a week.

Being a creature with fairly slow metabolism, they really don’t eat that much. Two cups of dry dog food a day is enough to keep them fueled. Too much protein should be avoided to prevent damaging the bones and joints. Bloat, formally known as Gastric Volvulus is their enemy. It is a serious problem that may kill this breed, or other large breeds in minutes. Gastropexy (tacking of the stomach to the right abdominal wall) is usually done to Great Danes especially those who have relatives with history of bloat. Using elevated food dishes and avoiding strenuous exercise and other activities right after meals are other ways to prevent the occurrence of bloat.

Would you believe that these remarkably large dogs are also remarkably gentle? They are sweet and kind large creatures, good with children, other dog, other animals and even strangers. They do not cope well without close contact with their human family and may cause them to become mentally unstable and depressed if left alone for too long. They don’t respond well to training based on hard corrections given that they are emotionally sensitive dogs. Aggression may occur at times due to their nature as wild boar hunter and their drive to protect their family members from what they perceive as threat or danger.

People should understand that this breed grows rapidly. They should think thoroughly and discover more about this breed before taking them home. Remember that ignorance, often if not all the time, leads to wrong decision. You may not want to abandon your gentle giant in a shelter or rescue organization, don’t you?

Richard Cussons is a writer and a dog expert. Visit greatdanesavvy.com for great information about Great Danes and effective Great Dane training tips.

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Each breed is distinct from the other. As to a Great Dane, its giant size but gentle personality makes him different compared to other breeds. The long and narrow head with an accentuated frontal stop, the deep set eyes with lively expression, the cropped ears and the perfectly straight front legs complement the picture of a beautiful giant yet so gentle and friendly.

Their temperament and appearance are not their only distinction from the others. They have unique set of nutritional requirements too, that, just like the temperament and appearance have been passed on from generation to generation. The food should contain nutrient sources that are not foreign to the system of a Great Dane and which are easy to digest. It should contain the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that this breed requires.

There are two assumption regarding the correct amount of protein a Great Dane should receive. One group believes that a Great Dane puppy needs high protein diet important for the development of muscle and bone. Their idea is that, a puppy should be fed 30% protein or more. However, that idea is opposed by the other group for they believe that too much protein increases the risk of developmental disorders such as canine hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans and wobblers syndrome. They also believe that too much protein causes gas which may cause bloat and torsion of the stomach. For them, 20%-23% protein is what that is needed. But both group agree that growing dogs should be kept in a low protein diet. Fat should not be less than 12%. The vitamins and minerals requirement vary depending on the animal’s age, sex, size, activity level, stress level and medical condition.

To reduce the risk of bloat and torsion to occur, feeding multiple times a day is recommended. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day until around six months of age. Older dogs should be fed not less than twice daily. Free feeding may be used but may result to problems like soiling problems. Exercise and other vigorous activity should be avoided one hour before and one to two hours after meals. This will prevent the stomach from twisting. Drinking of water before and after meals should also be avoided.

Food is important for the growth and continued health of a Great Dane as well as other breeds of dog. Feed him with proper diet he needs and he will definitely guarantee you of his loyalty and love that could last for ten years or perhaps more.

Below is the list of diseases common among Great Danes. Owners should be well-informed about these diseases to help their dogs in their battle against these life- threatening problems.

- Bloat

Formally called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), bloat is one of the killers of large and deep-chested dogs like Great Danes. It is an emergency situation that could take away your dog’s life in less than an hour if not treated immediately. Bloat is a condition in which the stomach swells or becomes overstretched, often related to excessive gas content. The stomach may twist or rotate thus cuts off blood supply to other vital organs. The most common sign is an attempt to vomit every five to 30 minutes, but is usually unsuccessful. Other signs include swelling of the abdomen, abdominal pain, rapid breathing and excessive salivation. A dog may also seem to be restless all the time, frequently changing positions and doesn’t act like his usual self.

- Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is an inherited disorder characterized by a deformity of the dog’s hip socket. The socket and thighbone do not fit together properly, it is a loose fit. It will then cause wear and tear within the joint as it moves. As time goes by, the disease progresses causing great pain to the affected dog. Affected dog commonly reduces movement to reduce pain and may also exhibit stiffness or soreness after rising from rest, lameness, abnormal gait and reluctance to stand on rear legs. Early treatment of this disease, more particularly the clinical signs will save your giant Dane from being crippled.

- Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is a two small butterfly-shaped lobes known to regulate a dog’s metabolic rate by producing enough hormone. Hypothyroidism occurs when the hormone produced by the thyroid gland is not enough thus decrease your dog’s metabolism. Signs include skin problems, weight gain, excessive shedding, slow heart rate, lethargy and depression. Great Danes between four to ten years of age are more prone to hypothyroidism.

If your Great Dane is showing signs of any of these diseases, seek the advise of your vet as soon as you can. This article is just a guideline and is not intended to replace any vet’s diagnosis.

Glucosamine has been useful to help aid joint health in humans. Research has also shown that glucosamine in a dog’s diet can also be a positive ingredient to help your pet’s health.

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement, that research has shown to help aid good joint health. This supplement helps to maintain a good joint cartilage. Glucosamine is one of the main supplements to that help produce joint lubricants. The joint lubricant produced by this supplement helps to keep the joints moving with ease. Making sure glucosamine is in your dog’s diet will assure your pet’s joints work at their best for years to come.

How does glucosamine work to help your dog’s joints? Glucosamine will hydrate and lubricate your pet’s joints. The added hydration and lubrication will help to prevent arthritis in your dog. For this reason, glucosamine is a good supplement in your dog’s diet. Pet owners of larger breed dogs that are susceptible to having joint and hip problems should particularly consider adding glucosamine as a supplement to their dog’s diet.

Glucosamine is generally safe as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Your dog’s diet should include glucosamine to encourage joint health. Also your pet will not suffer from side effects with medications when glucosamine is part of your dog’s diet.

Today, many high-quality dog foods, manufactured by respectable companies, have already added glucosamine to their food products. Animal nutrition reports have made it clear of the benefits of glucosamine in your dog’s diet and dog food producers have quickly responded to this information. If after you do some research you find that your dog’s diet does not contain glucosamine, or you feel your pet will benefit from additional supplementation in there diet, you should have no problem locating glucosamine supplements for your pets diet.

Glucosamine supplements come in various forms. There are also many treats that are specially made to help supplement your dog’s diet with glucosamine. Using a tasty treat stops you having the trouble of having to dose your dog with pills.

It is always best to talk to your vet first about any changes that you intend to make to your dog’s diet. They will give you advice about what supplements should be added to your dog’s diet and in what quantity. Ask your vet about the advantages of glucosamine and you will get a positive response from them about using it in your pets diet.

As you contemplate your dog’s diet and the ingredients, you should consider your dog’s health. Glucosamine is normally added to high-quality dog food. Talk to your vet to help you determine if additional glucosamine supplements would help in your dog’s diet.

Fish like the natural balance in their living quarters and like humans require a healthy diet to remain active, alert and disease free. Just as in our own lives this means a good variety of food is better than a constant stream of one source.

In the wild, fish have to search out food and as such will get a good mixture of diet. But in an aquarium environment, some compromises are necessary. However there are a number of different types of food that can be sourced that will give your fish a good all round diet. Aquatics worms, crustaceans and insect larvae, green plant matter, and algae are good additions to the several flake products that are around. You can also include granules for mid-water fish, and some algae wafers and pieces of cucumber or courgette for the bottom-dwellers.

You also need to know how much food to give your fish and how often you must feed them. You should feed your tropical fish at least daily, but only give them enough food to fill them as overfeeding can kill your tropical fish, either by digestive problems or by break-down of rotting food giving poor water quality. One rule of thumb is that you should give them enough food that can be eaten in 2 minutes, and do this 2 – 3 times a day – little and often is good. Not feeding them for one day every two weeks is also recommended.

If you go on holiday, fish can generally last a week without food before any harm comes to them, however two weeks is too long. This can be overcome best by getting a close friend to pop round every couple of days (but make sure the friend knows not to over feed) or to get one of the many autofeeders that releases food on a set timed basis.

Variety is the spice of life – to fish also – so a good wholesome variety will leave your fish much more healthy and active.

I use to go into tropical fish shops and marvel at the inhabitants – too frightened to ask the “expert” what all the different fish were and what you need to do to start…there is nothing like feeling small in front of an expert. Or worse still being told rubbish by a so called expert!

You really need to take your time researching questions to ask before getting to the store. There are lots of aquarium stores with staff that know very little about fish, so don’t base your decision on their advice alone…and make sure you take a close look at the fish yourself.

Below are some basic guidelines to consider when buying new fish:

• How big does the fish get?
• It may be small now, but will it eat all of them when it is adult?
• Is it a territorial - or will it be happier in a group?
• Will it get along with the current fish in your tank?
• Is your tank at the right temperature?
• Are your water conditions correct?
• Can you supply the right food for it?

Things to ask and look out for:

• Ask where the fish originally came from, the answer usually gives you an idea of how much the staff actually know!
• Does the store have a quarantine tank, if not be wary – or ask where there quarantine tank is. Generally this indicates that the fish are being cared for…
• Look at the aquarium plants, are they well kept?
• Ensure they catch the fish that you want, or better still catch it yourself!

Remember that the key to success is to keep your tank in balance giving happy, stress-free fish, so don’t be tempted into buying an incompatible species jut because you think it’s attractive - you’ll definitely regret it.

Don’t try to add too many fish to your tank at once - and always check that the fish are healthy before you buy them. Sometimes it can be difficult to be patient, particularly if the dealer has a species of fish that you really want but TAKE YOUR TIME!

Yorkshire Terriers are cute little terriers that can be just a little “quirky”. Trying to determine if the Yorkie is just “being a Yorkie” or is obsessed can be relatively simple, and well… fun! That crazy, quirky behavior could also be due to serious medical problems. Here are some tips to help you understand Yorkie behavior.

Known Yorkie behaviors include digging or scratching at the ground or floor. This is a common Yorkie behavior. Although if may look obsessive, a Yorkie is a member of the terrier family and was bred to hunt rats. When a Yorkie is digging at the floor, he is simply following his instincts and looking for a rat… or whatever else he thinks is down there.

Licking everything in sight, from his own paws to the furniture to you is enough to drive a sane Yorkie dog owner crazy. This Yorkie behavior can stem from something as simple as dry itchy skin or bad teeth. Yorkies are known to have dental problems, even when they are young. Good dental care is very important for Yorkies.

Becoming overly excited to the point of hyperventilating, even shaking is a common Yorkie behavior. The Yorkie is known to be the most people oriented breed and doesn’t like being alone. This behavior could be just from being over excited or from a serious condition called “collapsing trachea”. Collapsing trachea happens if the airway (trachea) flattens out; this can block the airway and cause hyperventilation. The lack of oxygen from collapsing trachea can cause shaking and hyperventilation. Your Yorkie should be checked by a vet if these symptoms continue or last longer than a few minutes. Calm the dog before the muscle spasms of the airway become worse.

Barking and yapping constantly is attributed to Yorkies, but this is only bad behavior and not specific to the Yorkie. Some Yorkie owners reward this bad behavior unknowingly by picking up the dog when it barks. The dog thinks being picked up is a reward, much like a dog treat. Simply train your Yorkie with one word, either “No!’ or “Quiet!” and the yapping stops.

Obsessive Yorkie behaviors are based in fear. Attacking the vacuum cleaner or broom is a common obsession. Since a Yorkie is usually seven pounds or less, the Yorkie is keenly aware of large objects in his territory. We humans don’t help this behavior- because chances are we will chase the Yorkie with the broom or vacuum, because it really is funny. Unfortunately, we are just reinforcing bad behavior.

Circling the area where food is served to him is an obsessive behavior. This is especially true if your Yorkie was the runt of the litter, as he’s probably had to fight for his fair share of food. You can help your Yorkie get over this fear by giving him his dog treats at his food bowl. He will soon learn to associate the food bowl with a reward instead of a fight.

Doing anything repeatedly for unknown reasons can be common in the Yorkie. For example, a Yorkie may refuse to walk in a certain area suddenly, after walking there for months. The Yorkie may suddenly start hiding when its time for food. Try to figure out what could be bothering him so you can remove the object of his obsession. If you cannot figure it out, try to ignore the obsessive behavior and it will probably change to a new obsession in a short time.

Summary:

* Carry dog treats in your pocket to reward good behavior

* Remember a Yorkie is high spirited and quirky - expect and enjoy his quirkiness

* If your Yorkie has trouble breathing or swallowing, take him to a vet immediately; it could be life threatening for him

* If your Yorkie appears confused or weak, take him to a vet immediately; these are signs of lack of oxygen to the brain