Dogs may encounter other dogs while their owners are walking them. A dog that is not well-socialized might have dominant body language and stare other dogs straight in the eyes, which is conceived to be a direct challenge. Dog’s that are otherwise friendly when not on a leash will more likely bark and lunge at another dog.

There are 2 situations in which aggression between dogs occur.

1 When one dog is unfamiliar with another dog.

2 Aggression between familiar dogs that live in the same household.

To avoid these confrontations owners should stay alert and keep their dog on a short leash. They should have voice control at all times and not let their dog sniff or come in contact with another dog. To prevent aggression when a dog is on a leash is to train the dog early on he can’t visit with every canine he meets. Owners should also teach their dog to sit and wait for permission before approaching another dog. They should also train their dog not to pull on the leash. Behavior and basic obedience training along with voice control can help in preventing aggression and fights.

Along with keeping their dogs on a leash and with proper training owners can also avoid fights by keeping their dogs from roaming free, neutering them before one year of age, and start socializing their dogs when they are in the puppy stage between 5 and 10 weeks of age.

There are 4 behavioral clues to look for if a fight is threatening to start:

1 A stern, deliberate, and targeted stare.

2 Body language; the tail held stiffly up or down; lips pulled tight against the teeth.

3 Rigid body movement.

4 A dominating posture stance.

When dogs first meet they tend to establish a social hierarchy and determine whose top dog. They become involved in loud barking and growling. Sometimes the aggression escalates and a fight ensues where one dog latches on to another dog.

If you intervene don’t put your hands or get between them to avoid getting bitten yourself. If another person is there you can take your dog by the tail or hind legs and the other person takes the other dog and both pull back until one of the dogs loosens its grip. You should then move away quickly. This can be risky since dogs will sometimes bite whoever is hanging on to them.

Fights and aggression that occur between dogs in the same household will be about those resources that are considered most important to dogs. These include territory, possession, food, sleeping-quarters, and favored people.

Fights often come about over their sleeping territory near their owners, treats, food, owner attention (or greeting the owner upon return).

Dogs of the same sex occur most often than those of the opposite sex and seems to be most intense between female dogs. Fights can also start between familiar dogs where one is obviously dominant.

There are some familiar characteristics when it comes to fighting between dogs in the same household.

* A-Adult dogs over 3 years old.

* B-Dogs fight only when the owner is present.

* C-Dogs are of the same sex.

* D-A clash often between dogs is which one will be the dominant dog in the family pack.

An owner might try punishment but typically this only promotes more aggression and creates new problems. Any breed of dogs can get into fights, and it depends more on the dogs training, temperament, and socialization.

Some fights can start so quickly the owner is caught off guard, but many times you can spot behaviors that signal problems ahead. Keeping a watch out for these signs can keep a fight from starting.

Of course the best approach is prevention and giving your dog proper training and providing good leadership.

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How long does pregnancy in cats last?

How long is a cat’s pregnancy?

Just like all animals, pregnancy in cats in a normal part of a cat’s life that sometimes occurs if your cat has not been spayed.

The average length of cat pregnancy is 65 days. But a variation of four days either way is not unusual, so the whole cat gestation period may be as short as 61 days or as long as 69.

For example, if your cat mated on may 5, the date of birth should be on July 10, but could be as early as July 6 or as late as July 15.

When it comes down to it, you are the cat owner and it is your decision whether or not to allow your cat to get pregnant. You are the owner and you must make the judgment. If you do not want your cat to have the ability of pregnancy, it is highly recommended to have your cat spayed and to prevent unplanned pregnancies, have your male cats neutered.

If you suspect that your cat may be pregnant, or if you know that she is, take her to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will give the cat a regular checkup to make sure she is healthy. Ask your vet about what kinds of commercial cat food you should be feeding your cat at this time, since nutrition is very important for both the queen and her kittens. Feed your cat several small meals throughout the day, rather than one or two large ones. The queen may have nausea, not eat as much, and sleep more than usual during this time. Don’t worry about this unless your cat isn’t drinking any water, eating any food at all, or becomes lethargic for more than a day or two – in this case, call the veterinarian immediately.

Essential Pregnant Cat Care Tips

- Keep your pregnant cat indoors.

Don’t expose an expecting kitty to danger. But there are more reasons. Some queens go into heat even during pregnancy. Cats are capable of being pregnant of two different litters at the same time. And of course, a pregnant cat should not give birth in a cold place outside.

- Give your kitty the right food.

It should be high on calcium and protein. Kitten food is specially designed to meet the need of pregnant and nursing
felines. Vitamin supplements are recommended too.

- Do not give any medication during pregnancy.

A pregnant cat should get medication only in emergency. The same goes for deworming products, or products against fleas. If she has worms or fleas, first consult your vet.

- Make your cat a comfortable nest bed.

A box filled with newspaper usually does the trick. Put in a warm sheltered place, preferably a location your cat frequently visits. Make sure all is ready two weeks before birth.

- Find a home for your kittens – before they are born.

It will give you peace of mind to know where the kittens will go. Finding a home for a kitty can be time consuming. You’ll have more time for that before they are born.

- Use non-clumping litter for her box.

Sometimes cats give birth in the litter box. If a kitten is delivered in clumping litter, the mother kitty might refuse to
clean her newborn off as the clump is all over the sac. And the baby drowns in its own fluid.

- Keep other cats away from her.

You have more than one kitty? Your pregnant cat wants privacy. She doesn’t like the company of other cats during this period, even if she knows these cats very well.

- Buy enough food for your kitty… and you.

You should have no reason to leave your kitty alone on the days before and after birth.

- Check which vet is available.

Have a piece of paper with the phone number of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If there’s no such clinic in your area, find out which vet is available for emergency care. One phone call to a local vet is usually enough.

- Get the right information about cat pregnancy.

Only if you understand what you see and hear, you will be able to recognize complications. Plus… there are many problems you can solve yourself, if you know how. So, do not panic. Get the right information instead.

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You need to keep a watchful eye on your pup at all times.  His environment, food, and social factors can affect him in different ways.  Most importantly, he can become deathly ill with some of the illnesses that befall puppies.  When you need to identify a problem, be sure to include your vet in the process.  He will know the appropriate action to take.

Symptoms to watch for in your new pup are diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, pain of any kind, no appetite, and a fever.  Dogs cannot tell us what they are feeling so we have to watch for these symptoms and call the vet to see if they need to be seen.  Make sure their vaccinations are all up to date.  Also monitor his contact with other dogs as they may be sick and the owners may not know it.

Once you see the vet and decide on a course of action, he may decide some medicine would help the animal feel better.  There are several ways to get the puppy to take the medicine whether it is liquid or tablet.  Some dogs may spit it out.  You have to keep trying until they get it down or call the vet and see if something else can be done.

For liquid medicines, some dogs will lick it right off a spoon or out of the dropper.  You can pour it in some food and mix it up.  If the dog is uncooperative, you can hold him by the back of the head.  Pull one side of the mouth up and shoot the medicine toward the back of the mouth and they will swallow it.

For tablets, the same thing applies.  Most people will disguise the food in a piece of bread or in the dog’s food.  Some dogs will take it right out of your hand.  If the dog is uncooperative, tilt your dog’s head back and place the pill as far back on the tongue as you can get it.  At no time should you hurt the animal while giving medicine to him.

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When starting a new aquarium it is important to understand the nitrogen cycle. Many new aquarium owners jump into the hobby of fish keeping too quickly. Before purchasing fish, the aquarium must be cycled. This could take anywhere from twenty four hours to four weeks. In an established aquarium there are certain bacteria that help the breakdown of ammonia to nitrates, but they are not present in a new tank because they are generated from existing fish. If there are no existing fish, then there are no good bacteria.

The basic principle of the nitrogen cycle is this. Fish eat food and generate waste. That waste along with excess food and plant debris become ammonia in the aquarium. Ammonia is toxic to fish and needs to be broken down. That’s why the nitrifying bacteria is important. This bacteria, turns the ammonia into nitrites which are more tolerable to fish than ammonia. Next, different nitrifying bacteria will turn the nitrites into nitrates, which are even less toxic to the fish and other aquarium life. The nitrates are collected and minimized by filters; however they will eventually accumulate in the tank. Regular water changes are required to remove the nitrates from the water.

It is important to set up and run an aquarium before any fish are introduced into the environment. Wash the tank and any substrate and decorations thoroughly with water. Don’t use any soap. Fill the tank with de-chlorinated water and attach filters and lighting. Allow the tank to cycle until the water is no longer cloudy and sufficient P.H and water temperatures have been established.

Now it is time to purchase the fish! Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They should be able to withstand the high nitrite levels and ammonia in the new aquarium. Only introduce about four fish at a time. Float the fish in the bag in the aquarium for about fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank. This will help the fish become acclimated to the water temperature in their new home. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag into the aquarium. It may be contaminated, or will at the very least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Allow the fish about two hours to become acclimated before feeding.

Only feed an amount that can be consumed in the first two to five minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem in an aquarium. It is important not to overfeed, because excess food will become debris adding to the ammonia levels. This is especially important in new aquariums that lack nitrifying bacteria. Test the water P.H. every day within the first month. Watch the tank for cloudiness; if the aquarium becomes cloudy, it may be necessary to add a clarifier. Monitor the fish for signs of stress or illness. A healthy fish will be swimming regularly. Lethargic fish will usually hover near the surface of the aquarium. After about a week change approximately ten percent of the water and begin regular maintenance.

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Finding unique gifts can present a challenge, and most people never consider giving pet-related gifts. Since the chances are good that more than one person on your holiday gift list has a pet that he or she adores, why not give a distinctive gift that your recipient will treasure? Here are five great gift ideas to get you started:

1. Fine Art Animal Prints

Dogs may come in many shapes and sizes, but each has a personality all its own. One of the most delightful gifts you can give to a pet lover is a fine art print of his or her breed. One of the most notable artists offering fine art animal prints is Lorena Pugh. Her print, “Princess,” for example, depicts a white toy poodle laying atop a stack of twelve colorful pillows, while “Angel Face” showcases a gorgeous pug who has just snagged a cluster of grapes off of a dining room table. In “Chocolate Craving,” she realistically captures the yearning of a chocolate lab as he reaches for a tennis ball against a beautiful background of blue sky. These limited edition animal prints are sure to be treasured, as each comes with a consecutively numbered dog tag to match the tag in the print.

2. Crystal Animal Statues

Whether your gift recipient has a dog, cat, horse, or rabbit, he or she is sure to enjoy an elegant crystal animal statue. Typically made from 24 percent lead crystal, hand-finished animal statues are beautiful yet whimsical. Crystal animal statues can depict a wide variety of pets, from a sitting cat to a dog with a bone; from a turtle to a frog; from a horse to a mouse; and from a duck to a dove.

3. Stone Animal Statues

Who wouldn’t love a playful stone animal statue depicting their beloved pet? Animal garden statues are perfect gifts, as are stone animal statues for the home and office. While some statues – like a sleeping spaniel puppy or an eager dachshund – make you feel warm inside, others – like a cat holding a pair of binoculars up to his eyes, ever watchful for a bird – make you chuckle. Stone animal statues are available for virtually any type of pet, and are certain to be cherished.

4. Animal Posters

If you’ve ever owned a pet, you know how funny they can be. Animal posters depict pets in a variety of outlandish situations (remember the cat in “Hang in There”?), and are eminently affordable. An animal poster is sure to bring a smile to your recipient’s face.

5. Entertainment

When it comes to gifts for pet lovers, there’s nothing more unique that pet-related entertainment. There is actually a music company that creates music for animals, so consider giving a gift of music about and for cats, dogs, or birds. Another great gift idea is to buy a DVD or video that is designed to entertain your recipient’s dog or cat. Your friend or loved one can play the DVD or video while he or she is at work or out running errands – guilt free!

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