dog's eyes

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 No night vision goggles needed! Did you know that dogs’ eyes contain a special membrane, called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see  in the dark.
Source: Healthy Pet

all I want to do...

Allergies in pets

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by Giva Solana

Spring is right around the corner, and for many of us that means allergy season is here. That is also true for our four legged friends. Many animals have developed more and more allergies, due to environmental changes and challenges.

Your pet may be sneezing, have a runny nose and eyes, and scratch excessively. All of these are symptoms of allergies.

There are some really good homeopathic remedies on the market, that can provide great relief for your little friend. I am a firm believer in Nature and Herbs, and they are really helpful!
People medications, such as Benadryl and Claritin will only provide temporary relief, and have some severe side effects. If you choose any of those human meds for your pet, please make sure to ask your vet FIRST. Sometimes human medications are poisonous for animals!!! 

A visit to the vet is necessary in many cases. With allergy testing the dermatologist may be able to pin point the cause of your pet's allergy, and make a medication specifically for your pet's needs. However, most of the time, it is more or less a miss and hit situation. Please do not make any diet changes or treat your pet with any medications, before you consult with your vet or without veterinarian guidance. That might make it more difficult to isolate the causes of the allergy.
In many cases, the allergy is caused by foods, just like in humans.

However, in today's world, mostly our environment is to blame! Cleaning products, chemicals, room deodorizers, dyes, pesticides, and other household items may cause a hypersensitive skin reaction in your pet called "allergic contact dermatitis". In this case your pet most likely scratches a lot, and lesions may occur on it's body mostly in areas with minimal hair growth like paws, abdomen, muzzles etc.
The affected areas are usually red and you can see small bumps or blisters. Do not treat those yourself, please consult a vet!

Obviously it is necessary to remove or restrict your pet's exposure to the irritant, as soon as possible.

You can give your pet a bath with a very mild soap and water, or a hypoallergenic shampoo regularly to relief the itch and burning sensation, that your pet may suffer.

Sometimes it is as easy as making sure that the food bowl is really clean, washed with hot water and dish soap, before you feed. Glass and stainless steel bowls are preferable.
If you walk your pet, try to avoid grassy areas, because they are often sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.

Most of all be kind to your pet! It is no fun for them either, and to ask them to "stop scratching" is not going to help!

Inner Peace

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I love this:
Peace starts within each one of us. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. When our community is in a state of peace, it can share peace with neighboring communities, and so on. When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.
-- 14th Dalai Lama

HAHA, too funny! But seriously, achieving inner peace is a step-by-step process; and it takes some practice.
But I believe world peace can only truly be achieved through each and every human's INNER PEACE.
So. the importance of individual responsibility is quite clear; an atmosphere of peace must first be created within ourselves, then gradually expanded to include our families, our communities, and ultimately the whole planet.
As I said, it takes practice and patience, but it can be done!....and we need to do it!! It is a new year -----perfect time to start a new practice.

Interesting cat facts: 

by Giva Solana

Did you know that....

1.  cats can hear 5-7 times better than humans?

2. most cats have no eyelashes?

3. cats developed their meows to communicate with humans? 

4. cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees?

5. cats have 5 toes (or sometimes 6) on their front paws, but only 4 on their back paws?

Short essay on the importance of pets

I recently found this great article! It really "nails" how important it is to have these lovely, sweet souls in our lives! Enjoy reading..... :)

by Prasad Nanda

Pets are not human but display a lot of human qualities like strong personalities, emotions, preferences, etc. While pets are mere domesticated animals for those who do not possess them, for those few who do they are not just dogs, cats, or birds; they are family.

Despite the odds favouring owners outliving their pets, pet owners are inclined to keep on getting themselves new pets when the old ones pass away. If one has been the receiver of unconditional love and affection from a pet and has enjoyed a pets undemanding companionship then one is addicted for life.

Pets work wonders for your body, soul, and mind. They stimulate your sense of well-being. They give you love, they give you laughter, but above all they give you happiness. They don’t care about your looks, your financial status, your social standing, your creed, your race, your age, your state of health. They see you for who you are; minus the trappings of your daily existence. It is probably this quality of unconditional acceptance that sets pets apart from humans.

Anyone who has loved and owned a pet knows that a pet can be a source of enormous comfort in times of disappointment or grief.

Image Source: petrecognition.com

The instances for sorrow and heartache tend to build up as one grows older: the loss of a life partner, the loss of a friend, the loss of an ex- colleague, the loss of lifestyle, the loss of familiar surroundings, the loss of physical abilities, the lack of the opportunity to do meaningful work, and most importantly the loss of importance.

Looking after a pet often involves activities, like walking the pet, grooming the pet, playing with the pets. All these activities help to keep its owner active. Pets provide many seniors a reason to get out of bed and carry on with their lives.

Pet ownership provides several physiological, social and psychological benefits. For senior citizens, whose human support systems have been seriously compromised, pets along with companionship provide affection and understanding as well. Looking after a pet makes seniors feel wanted and needed. This consciousness of being useful fills them with a feeling of self esteem.

Pets counter gloominess and loneliness and often serve as a social conduit to other people. They help satisfy the need to touch and be touched by other living beings. Many old people who have lost their spouses have been known to experience lesser depression in the presence of a pet.

Medical research has proved that pets increase the longevity of those who have had heart attacks. In many cases their presence has been known to reduce blood pressure as well.

Children who have pets have better immune systems and are less likely to take days off from school. While pets cannot be considered as human replacements, there is no doubt of their ability to alleviate feelings of isolation that humans of all ages are prey to.

Pets are the silent custodians of children’s secrets and private thoughts.

Pets are not a cure, and not a substitute. They are a recommendation for happiness, fun, friendship, love, activity and better health.

Holiday safety tips for pets

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Here is a very helpful article for your pet's safety around the Holidays!

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town 

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries 

By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Toy Joy 

Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. 

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. 
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly 

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Leave the Leftovers 

Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.

That Holiday Glow 

Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up 

Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.

House Rules 

If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Put the Meds Away 

Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

Careful with Cocktails 

If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

A Room of Their Own 

Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year's Noise 

As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. 

From <http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/holiday-safety-tips>