Animals - Page 3

Healthy Food for Cats

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Cats are obligate carnivores, hence, they have a biological need to eat meat. Your feline friend might be able to digest specific plant products in limited amounts, however, proteins should be the focus of your pet’s diet and it needs to come from animal sources. High-quality cat food will always list animal proteins as their first ingredient with a lot of healthy fats and limited carbs. You should never buy cat food that is made with wheat, soy, or corn ingredients, or food that contains artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Since there are a lot of options out there, it is sometimes challenging to choose cat food on catcaveco.com and in this article, you will be able to read about the best healthy food that you can give to your furry friend. Let’s take a look at the list:

1. Rachel Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food

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What this cat food manufacturer promises are the absence of cereal grains, hence you will not have t worry about the allergies that your pet might get. The food also does not contain any flavor made from poultry byproducts. It is full of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and it has the necessary minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.

2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food

Its primary source of protein and fats is chicken, and the addition of fish oils means that it has the necessary amounts of DHA and EPA for nervous system health and anti-inflammatory properties. This food is made from cats that do not go outside, hence, they will be able to get the nutrients they need.

3. Blue Buffalo BLUE for Cats Adult Dry Cat Food

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Blue Buffalo offers a wide range of flavors that your cat can enjoy. It usually comes in single meat protein such as salmon, chicken, and turkey, or a combination of the three ingredients with brown rice. It also includes natural vegetable that will provide your cat with the necessary minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

4. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food

If you are concerned that your cat might be allergic to specific ingredients, you will not have to worry about that if you choose this cat food. It contains a single meat-source protein and it sources its meat from chicken, salmon, venison, turkey, or duck. Each meat protein is then added with a plant protein such as chickpeas or green peas.

5. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Cat Food

Img source: cat.reviews

One of the best things about this food is that it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which has the ability to optimize and nourish your pet’s joints. And, like all the other products in this list, it is fortified with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are perfect for your cat’s overall wellbeing and health.

6. Merrick Before Grain Meat Cat Food

The primary ingredients in this cat food are either real salmon or real chicken and it does not contain cereal grains that might be harmful to your pet. Additionally, salmon is rich in DHA and EPA which can manage inflammation and help your pet grow. It also contains probiotics which will help your cat have a better digestive system.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cat food in this article will help your cat grow, stay healthy, and have amazing meals. If you are interested in seeing the best wet and dry cat food, visit felineliving.

Freshwater Shrimp For Your Aquarium

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Freshwater shrimp come in several arrays of colors and sizes. As alternatives to brightly colored fish, they are a valuable addition to your aquarium.

Asides from being extremely beautiful and interesting creatures. Freshwater shrimp can help improve the water quality in your aquarium by cleaning up after your fish and lowering algae levels. But before you pair shrimp with fish, research beforehand to know if your fish won’t prey on them.

Preyed upon by larger fish species, some freshwater shrimp thrive only in shrimp-only tanks. If you do decide to pair, some shrimp species can share a tank with some omnivorous fish species. Understand that shrimp can become easily stressed by quick-swimming or rowdy fish, so select calmer, smaller species like livebearers, rasboras, tetras, etc.

Shrimp are quite sensitive to water changes, The Aquarium Adviser website gives some tips for keeping shrimp in your aquarium. While they can feed on organic waste as scavengers, excess waste could kill them. To main great water quality, establish an effective system for biological filtration in your aquarium.

Some species of shrimp prefer more acidic water conditions while others thrive in alkaline. Most freshwater shrimp thrive in warm water but do your research beforehand.

And although shrimp are scavengers of tank substrate and organic waste, supplement their diet with flake food, pellets, and some plant matter to keep them well fed and healthy.

If you’re looking to add some freshwater shrimp to your aquarium, consider these awesome species.

Img source: freshwaterblog.net

1. Bumblebee shrimp

Growing to a maximum length of 1½ inches, these species come with a striped coloration of either white and red or white and black. While bumblebee shrimp are non-aggressive, they demand high water quality—thriving in warm, gentle water.

2. Red cherry shrimp

Well known for their bright red coloration, these species are relatively easy to maintain. Growing to a maximum length of 1½ inches, they’re great scavengers of organic detritus. Red cherry shrimp can bread in one tank if one female and one male are available.

3. Grass shrimp

With transparent and pigmented bodies that help them with camouflage, grass shrimp grow up to a maximum length of 2 inches. As great scavengers, they thrive in slightly brackish aquarium conditions. Enjoying acidic to alkaline conditions, they require a nice planted tank with several hiding places. In large groups, grass shrimp will thrive well in your home aquarium.

4. Amano shrimp

Amano shrimp have an opaque brown color with a light brown stripe running along the length of the back. Growing to a maximum length of 2 inches, they prefer warmer water conditions. They also thrive in a nicely planted aquarium with good hiding places. With a lifespan of two to three years, they’re relatively hard to maintain.

5. Ghost shrimp

Ghost shrimp have transparent bodies, which make them hard to see in your home tank. Growing to a maximum length of 2 inches, they’re non-aggressive, great scavengers and easy to maintain.

Img source: herz-fuer-tiere.de

Remember

Caring for freshwater shrimp needs a lot of commitment. Before setting up a tank, consider where the breeds originated. While most species are native to eastern Asia, ghost shrimp are from American South. Their origin determines the type of environment they’ll thrive in—from water pH to temperature.

For water volumes, larger freshwater species require aquariums of at least 10 gallons. Around 10 gallons or less is recommended for smaller species.

From species to species, pH requirements vary. For instance, Amano and ghost shrimp thrive in any pH if it’s not extreme. However, species like Caridina shrimp and crystal shrimp require high and low pH respectively.

To breed shrimp, ensure you select species that breed quickly and easily.

Freshwater shrimp eat algae. So when starting out with a small population, don’t use a brand new aquarium. Allow your tank to be cycled a few times before adding shrimp.

As the shrimp population grows, you can provide supplemental food. From commercially produced flakes to tiny pieces of cucumber, spinach, or pear.

The more shrimp population grows, the more you have to feed. Remove uneaten feed to prevent pollution and overfeeding. Note that overfeeding could hurt your shrimp.

Animal Control Goes High Tech

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The laws about dogs, and particularly those in regard to their barking, are different in every country in the world. What isn’t different is the need to train your dog not to do it. Everything else in your life has gone high tech, so why shouldn’t animal control for your dog do the same thing.

It has.

There are a few things you need to know about shock collars before you purchase one though. Like everything else in life, there are good points and bad points to them. Keep reading to find out everything you wanted to know about shock collars for dogs.

Pros and Cons

You need to know there is some controversy surrounding the use of shock collars though. These arise from the fact are some very real risks to shock collars and fences. Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a veterinarian at Texas A&M University claims the potential for abuse outweighs the benefits of using them.

Img source: akc.org

Dog trainers who have used them for years disagree. When they, as negative reinforcement, are used in conjunction with positive reinforcements such as treats and affection, the results can be quite impressive. Dogs are smart. They quickly learn which behaviors illicit a stinging shock and which ones result in a tasty morsel and adjust their actions accordingly.

When shock collars are used in this fashion, there is little to no risk for the dogs. Remember, they are not intended to be a punishment. They’re a deterrent.

Settings

With that in mind, they have several settings. Some will beep or vibrate as a warning before delivering an actual shock. This provides an opportunity for you to issue a verbal command such as “No!”, “Stop!”, or “Down!” before the shock is given. This teaches the dog much quicker than the zap alone.

The intensity of the shock is adjustable. Once the dog has been sufficiently trained you can lower the voltage so it becomes a warning or reminder if the animal tries to resume the unwanted behavior.

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Collars can also be set to deliver a shock in response to barking. This is the most problematic area of shock collar use. When dogs are at home while you’re at work, you can’t order them to stop barking. People will use this device to do it for them. But you need to train the dog – extensively – before leaving them at home with the shock collar. Teach them, with both positive and negative reinforcements, not to bark. Then you can leave them alone and expect to get good results.

Leash Laws

Leash laws are different around the world too. Even if they weren’t, you shouldn’t take your dog off the leash when you’re out walking until they’re properly trained. Daily walking can benefit your health and taking a dog with you, especially for women and children, can be a source of companionship and protection.

If the leash laws in a particular country allow dogs to be off the leash if they’re trained, then, by all means, use the shock collar (and treats) to train them to stay close when you take the leash off. If they start to run away, MerchDope has a number of shock collars with extended ranges that can quickly bring them back into line.

The range starts at 300-400 yards for the cheaper models but extends to over a mile on the higher quality ones. The range of the radio signal from the controller to the collar will be affected by your surroundings. For instance, heavy tree growth will inhibit the range of the device more than grassy plains. Downtown high rises will block the radio signal more than single story homes.

Exercise

Img source: akc.org

Dogs need plenty of exercises. Overseas backyards can be small to non-existent, depending on where you’re stationed. With the rise of electric skateboards for your kids or for the kid in all of us, an “invisible leash” in the form of a shock collar can be the perfect way to let your dog run around without jerking your arm off, pulling you off the board, or getting too far away from you.

Dogs benefit from meeting each other, just like people do. Although they will be highly protective and aggressive when a strange dog appears at your house which they consider their territory, they’ll be totally open and friendly to that same dog if they meet in a neutral location such as a park or city street. Very diplomatic of them isn’t it?

Are Dried Mealworms Good For Your Pets

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Same as caviar is to people; mealworms are a natural delicacy to pets. But mealworms are far more beneficial for pets than caviar is to people. Namely, mealworms, both fresh and dry, are rich in protein and fat. They are super delicious for your pets but they are not worms, they are the larvae of darkling beetle.

Both types of mealworms, fresh and dried, are excellent providers of protein and fibers for your pets. But the dried type lasts more since the moisture is extracted from them. However, that’s not to say that your pets don’t need fluids when they are eating mealworms. It’s because of this that dried mealworms are firstly frozen, and then they are freeze-dried in order to regain their nutritional values.

Because dried mealworms are super rich in amino acids, fats, and protein, their essential nutrients are key for preserving the shelf life and freshness. Unlike the fresh type, dried mealworms don’t require refrigeration and they are easier to store.

But who benefits from dried mealworms?

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The main type of pets who benefit from dried mealworms are chickens, hens, reptiles, hedgehogs, fish turtles, birds and many more.

The reason as to why dried mealworms are better than fresh is because they are easier to feed. They don’t move at all so that makes it easier for you to feed to your pets, and it makes it easier for your pet to eat.

Benefits as to why you should use dried mealworms for your pets

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Apart from the nutritional values, dried mealworms are not seasonal like fresh mealworms. They can be used to feed your pets throughout the year, even in the summers when it’s hard to find any to feed your pets.

Feeding them is super easy and can be done through a lot of means. You can throw them directly on the floor or in the birdcage, you can place them in feeders or bird tables, or you can use them with a mealworm feeder that is designed specifically for dried mealworms.

Another great thing about dried mealworms is that you can mix them up along with the usual pet food you use. This way you preserve more of them for longer.

Dried mealworms are the perfect food for birds during times when insectivorous protein is not available. They are excellent during breading and for baby pets, they need to be soaked first before they are fed.

The dried type is always preferred more than the fresh type since they are tastier in comparison. Dried mealworms provide high-energy, 50% protein, 25% fat and they are free of additives and preservatives, healthy and good for your pets.

If you wish to attract birds at your bird feeder, just grab a handful of them, sprinkle them on the ground, and watch the birds come your way. Birds especially love dried mealworms because they taste so good to them. A lot of bird species gets attracted to dried mealworms such as cardinals, bluebirds, nuthatches, mockingbirds, orioles, robins, grosbeaks, and many more.

Conclusion

source: bestfamilypets.com

Dried mealworms are nutritional bombs for your pet birds, lizards, hedgehogs, turtles, and many more. They are protein rich as well as rich in amino acids that have major benefits. Considering adding them towards your pet diet by mixing them with their regular food will ultimately pay off in the long run.

Signs It’s Time To Call A Pest Control Company

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It’s quite normal to see the occasional bug in the garden. Bees and butterflies pollinate the flowers and worms aerate the soil. A healthy number of critters flying around in your backyard is not a cause for concern. The things that begin to worry us are when they can potentially harm in some way.

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Cockroaches, rodents, and ants do more than bring an expression of fear and disgust on our faces. They carry disease and can wreak havoc on the hidden parts of your home where no one can see. According to data collected from the last three years, household pests cost upwards of $30 billion in damages to plants and structures every year. That includes such things as lost revenue from hotels that have been overrun by bedbugs to wiring being eaten by rodents.

Learn how to protect your home from becoming just another statistic of the devastation pests can cause, and call a pest control service when you see these signs.

Excess Moisture

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If you live in a climate where it is continuously humid or rainy for some part of the year, you could be vulnerable to a cockroach or termite infestation. These bugs love wet, dark places and any form of condensation or moisture will attract them to set up a colony.

If you suspect your house is appealing to termites or cockroaches, get it inspected at least once a year for any signs of pest presence. It’s not difficult to find excellent cockroach control in Chicago IL being they are a common problem in the area.

If You See Pests During The Day

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Rodents, cockroaches, and other bugs are nocturnal. This when they do their eating and mating. It is very convenient for them to be able to scuttle around for eight hours at night without the risk of being seen or caught.

If you see a mouse or cockroach scattering in panic across the floor when you approach during the day, then you have a severe pest problem. Rodents and cockroaches begin to exhibit this kind of behavior when they have issues in the colony such as overcrowding and competition for their food source.

If you think you have only the one pest in your house if you see it in daylight, you are mistaken. Call a pest professional as soon as you can.

If You Hear Strange Noises At Night Or See Signs Of Damage

source: napervillepestcontrolpros.com

Any scratching or rustling noises at nighttime can be signs that something has set up inside your home. It could be termites, rodents, or carpenter ants. The best thing to do is call in a pest control expert to have a look at where the sounds are coming from.

Having a pest problem in your home can cause a lot of damage over time. They chew through wiring and wood, and mice can eat through cardboard packaging so fast it’s as though it isn’t even there. If you hear strange sounds or see holes in your food packaging, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Why You Should Choose Grain Free Dog Food

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Paleo diet can have many benefits for both you and your canine. If you’re reading this article, then chances are you are aware of the benefits of going grain and gluten-free. Furthermore, you must know at least one person who is going grain and gluten-free.

We’ve all seen how restaurants and grocery stores are stockpiling on gluten and grain-free products. It is an increasing trend that has its own benefits. But what does going gluten and grain-free mean for our dogs?

In this article, we are going to tell you the reasons why you should choose the grain and gluten-free dog foods. Visit The Petite Pets for more information and advice.

Why should your dog go grain and gluten-free?

Gluten and grain foods have been found to cause allergic reactions in canines. This is because those types of foods contain difficult to digest fibers that can harm your dog.

There are a few ways you can notice if your dog has allergic reactions to grain and gluten foods, and those are:

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  • Excessive flatulence
  • Diarrhea
  • Skin irritations and rashes
  • Chronically lickings, chewing and biting to relieve the itching
  • Vomiting
  • Ear infection

These are some of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions to grain and gluten foods in dogs. However, some breeds are at higher risk of developing food allergies than others. Those breeds are:

  • Retriever
  • Boxer
  • Dalmatian
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Springer Spaniel
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Wheaton Terrier
  • Daschund
  • Cocker Spaniel

So, from this list, we can see that a lot of dog breeds can develop allergic reactions to grain and gluten foods. You can find the best dog food for picky eaters here.

What are the benefits of going grain and gluten-free?

Grain and gluten-free dog foods contain far more proteins and animal fats which are essential for canines. When thinking about the potential benefits of going grain-free, the best grain-free dog food in 2019 has some amazing benefits for you to read about.

Img source: happycatuk.com
  • Grain-free foods help keep your dog full for a longer period of time. This can be quite beneficial because your dog will eat less frequently and it is also a cost-effective option.
  • Grain-free foods have been found by studies to reduce the appearance of food allergies in canines.
  • Grain-free foods provide more energy, healthier skin, and a shinier coat to your dog.
  • Grain-free foods will reduce the shedding of your dog, it will improve his/her breathe smell, and reduce flatulence.

Tips for going grain and gluten-free

If you do decide to switch from a normal diet to a grain and gluten-free one for your dog, the first thing you should do is consult with your veterinarian. When you start the diet, make sure to slowly introduce the grain and gluten-free food by mixing it with its current diet. With time, start increasing the grain and gluten-free food more and more and lower the amount of normal food. You are doing this because your dog’s digestive system needs to adjust to the current type of food. Be careful as there have been reported cases where the canine can suffer from diarrhea because of the switch. But that’s nothing to worry about since it is only natural. If you do spot any other major concerns during the switch, such as itching, lack of interest in eating, hair loss, etc, make sure to contact your vet.

Benefits of Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Beds for Arthritis & Joint Pain

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Just like humans, dogs also suffer from a variety of health problems. These include joint aches, diabetes, seizures, and cancer, to name a few. When your pet gets old, it will invariably suffer from various types of joint problems. As a result of this, it will fail to move around as smoothly as it used to when the dog was young. During such times, you need to give the animal an orthopedic bed so that it can rest comfortably, and the joints and bones get an adequate amount of rest. Although there are several types of orthopedic beds seen in the market, you need to choose one that is best suited as per the size and situation of the dog.

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Why Do You Need an Orthopedic Bed?

Once dogs start aging, they get more susceptible to arthritis and various other health ailments. Some of the most common types of health issues that are found in aging dogs include hip dysplasia, arthritis, soft tissue injuries, bone injuries, and much more. During such serious physical pains, your dog needs a soft and comfortable bed so that it can give proper rest to the aching bones. This is where a SimplyPet orthopedic bed comes in the picture. Such a bed is made with comfortable materials and it should be large enough to allow the dog to sleep as it likes without having to curl to fit inside the bed.

Choosing the Right Orthopedic Bed

Orthopedic beds are made with different types of materials and come in variable sizes. When it comes to choosing a bed of the right size, you need to keep in mind the breed of your pet and also its sleeping habits. It should be kept in mind that the sole purpose of an orthopedic bed is to provide proper support and comfort to your aging dog.

These types of beds are made with different types of foams. While choosing an orthopedic bed, you need to check the structure, integrity, density, and thickness of the foam. Most of the best quality orthopedic beds are made with memory foam. It should conform to the body of your dog in the best possible manner. The nooks and crannies of different dogs differ to some extent. Memory foam can easily contour to adjust to the body pattern of your pet.

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Cleaning or Replacing Orthopedic Beds

After regular use of an orthopedic bed, it will naturally get depressed or flattened. The best way to test if the bed has flattened is to press it with your hands. If it bounces back, then it not in bad shape and can be used. However, even after removing your hand the bed does not bounce back, it is time to get a new one. Even if there is an odor from the bed, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Some beds come with washable and removable covers. Washing such coves on a periodical basis is a must. It will help your dog remain clean and healthy.

Benefits Of Investing In Dog Doors

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There is a good reason why we see dogs as our best friends – they give us unconditional love and make our day even when we don’t feel like it. You are certainly familiar with that kind of situation of coming back from work, exhausted and sleepy, only to see your furry friend wagging with its tail and jumping all over the place happy to see you. And that is why we should provide our dogs with the best lives we can – they only have us and we are their everything. Imagine depending on one person for all the love, food and fun? That is how dogs feel about us, and they are not shy to express their gratitude.

Now, if you live in a home and you have a backyard outside, installing dog doors might seem like a good idea. While some might argue that dog doors have certain cons relating to safety and other risks, if you do it properly installing such will allow you to reap many different benefits. The main con of dog doors might be the fact that if you have an unfenced backyard your dog might get excited, run after a small animal and get lost.

Img source: cnet.com

On the other hand, a dog door may represent an entrance for other animals – still this problem is easily solved as most of the dog doors can be closed and locked. If your dog is obedient and you have a fenced backyard there is no reason why you shouldn’t invest in this conventional option. Without further ado, let’s go ahead and take a look at the few benefits of dog doors installation.

 

The Advantages Of Installing Dog Doors

  1. First and foremost, having a dog door installed comes in really handy for those days where you stay late at work and don’t have a neighbor that could let your dog come out or take it for a walk. With a dog door, your furry friend will be able to go outside and finish what they have to do.
  2. Along with that, allowing your dog a free exit to a backyard is a great thing in terms of their satisfaction. Your dog/dogs will now be able to go out and play in the backyard whenever they like and simply come right back in once they are done. This way you will save your energy and time as your dog will be more outside without you having to be around. And it can come in really handy if your dog is prone to chewing or destroying things in the house – with more outdoor times the dog will be satisfied and exhausted once it comes back in.
  3. Dog doors installation is pretty easy and nowadays you can find high-quality sliding or glass doors for a fair and a reasonable price.

    Img source: thegadgetflow.com
  4. Not to forget, dog doors allow for better house-breaking. With the freedom to go outdoors whenever they feel like it, puppies will pick up on it after just a few days.
  5. Last but not least, installing a dog door can work as an emergency exit for your friend. No matter how careful you are accidents might happen. Imagine there is a fire in your home – if your dog is able to let itself out, your chances of getting out and taking everything necessary with you are much higher as well.

Summary

There are numerous benefits to dog doors installation and given the market nowadays you can buy good doors for an affordable price. A dog door is convenient, safe and it is a great way to allow your pet more fun time out in the backyard!

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