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	<title>Pet Blog :: Pet Care &#38; Training &#187; Pets</title>
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		<title>When a Pet Is Ill</title>
		<link>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/when-a-pet-is-ill/</link>
		<comments>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/when-a-pet-is-ill/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:01:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pet Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/?p=57</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pets cannot tell their owners what they are feeling so there is no way to communicate the illness that is bothering them. As a responsible pet owner, one would have to carefully monitor their pet for any sign of being sick. These pets don&#8217;t exhibit much signs except for a few cases when the illness [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pets cannot tell their owners what they are feeling so there is no way to communicate the illness that is bothering them. As a responsible pet owner, one would have to carefully monitor their pet for any sign of being sick. These pets don&#8217;t exhibit much signs except for a few cases when the illness has gotten worse already.</p>
<p>When a pet is ill it never tells the owner of what it is feeling and this can make the illness worse if not treated early. As the owner, you would have to make an extra effort to be able to identify if the pet is not feeling normal. There would be subtle signs and with a very observant eye you can catch these signs at an early stage. Being able to have your pet treated early would help maintain its health and can also lower the cost of treatment because this is the top concern of pet owners. The cost of veterinary medicine is getting expensive and most pet owners would not want to spend more on vet fees for their pets. Being able to get the sick pet treated at an early stage would lessen the cost considerably compared to having it checked at a stage when it would have many complications.</p>
<p>The health of a pet is very important just like with us humans. With a healthy pet, its owner would be happy and would not have to worry about getting it to the vet for check-ups. With the economic situation now it is always better to have prevention than spending too much too late. Regular visits to the vet clinic would be a wise practice to keep the pet healthy and catch diseases at an early stage to be treated as soon as possible. This way the cost would be lower and the pet would be healthier. There are more that can be done to help in maintaining the health of your pet and a good veterinarian can give advice on this. This can help in preventing the pet getting ill and also helps the owner lessen the expenses. With a healthy pet, a pet owner would be happier.</p>
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		<title>Ensure the Good Health of Your Pets</title>
		<link>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/ensure-the-good-health-of-your-pets/</link>
		<comments>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/ensure-the-good-health-of-your-pets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:17:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pet Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/?p=49</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, pets have really become very common in most of the houses. Most of the people love to domesticate these animals so that they can have a good companion for themselves. Most of the people love their pets but simply loving them is not enough. Owning a pet at your home means lots of essential [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today, pets have really become very common in most of the houses. Most of the people love to domesticate these animals so that they can have a good companion for themselves. Most of the people love their pets but simply loving them is not enough. Owning a pet at your home means lots of essential responsibilities that you must fulfill in order to ensure the good heath, long life and good behavior of your pets.</p>
<p>A pet is not merely an object of love and affection. Today, most of the people love to have an animal friend at their home as a companion but they are totally unaware of the necessary pet care tips. These pet care tips are really very much essential for these domesticated animals. A healthy pet care enables these domesticated animals to lead a healthy and a comfortable life. Well, if you are looking out for some very essential and basic pet care tips that can really help you out to care for your animal friends, then you must read this article.</p>
<p>Sanitation is really one of the most important factors of a proper and healthy pet care. You can easily ensure the good health and long life of your pets with the help of various sanitation practices. You must ensure that the bowls and food dishes of your pets are clean and they are free from germs and bacteria. You must also ensure that the dishes of your animal friends are kept away from your dishes. This will prevent you from various bacterial diseases.</p>
<p>You must regularly trim the nails of your pets in order top protect them from various bacterial diseases. A regular checking of their nails paws and hairs can help your pets to lead a healthy life. You must also groom their hairs. Proper grooming is very much necessary for the removal of impurities and dust particles from their bodies.</p>
<p>Regular health check ups is also very much essential for your pets. You must take these domesticated animals for a monthly check up with a well trained veterinarian. Timely health check ups can ensure the good health of your pets and keep them protected from various infections as well as bacterial diseases.</p>
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		<title>Ferret Care &#8211; Ferrets As Pets</title>
		<link>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/ferret-care-ferrets-as-pets/</link>
		<comments>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/ferret-care-ferrets-as-pets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 09:11:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kathy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ferrets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ferret Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/?p=29</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are some things you should know and consider before saying &#8220;yes&#8221; to becoming a ferret owner: * Ferrets are lovable and cute. They also have the potential to be high maintenance animals. Some sources recommend that owners should be willing to devote two hours a day to playing with their ferrets. If you live [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here are some things you should know and consider before saying &#8220;yes&#8221; to becoming a ferret owner:</p>
<p>* Ferrets are lovable and cute. They also have the potential to be high maintenance animals. Some sources recommend that owners should be willing to devote two hours a day to playing with their ferrets. If you live on an extremely hectic schedule, you should keep this in mind. Many people cannot find two hours to devote to their own children.</p>
<p>* Ferret care will involve some set up expense as you will be needing ferret pet supplies like a suitable cage, bedding, toys and a safe area to keep your new pet.</p>
<p>* Veterinary care is a must with Ferrets. Along with the basic visits that you might be familiar with as a dog or cat owner, ferrets can sometimes have their own special issues that can be expensive to deal with as they occur. Also, not all vet clinics will take on a ferret as a patient. Before adopting a ferret, be sure that you have a veterinarian in your area who will deal with him or her. If you don&#8217;t, then ask yourself if you are willing to drive the miles required to get to the nearest small animal veterinarian.</p>
<p>* Ferrets can be a bit smelly. Although most are sold &#8220;fixed&#8221; and de-scented now, you should consider this if you are extremely sensitive to odors.</p>
<p>* Your house will have to be ferret proofed to keep your ferret safe. You must make sure that your pet ferret cannot fit into anything inviting like a heating duct or small holes in the wall. Also, common hazards like electrical cords and poisonous substances must be put safely out of harms way before your curious new friend can find them.</p>
<p>* If you have other pets, be sure that they will be able to live with having a new pet ferret in the house. Some dogs and cats do not take well to these new visitors.</p>
<p>* Check local laws and ordinances related to keeping ferrets as pets. Some areas strictly forbid their ownership. Other areas require permits. Finally, in some areas you can do whatever you please as far as owning a ferret. Check this out before you buy.</p>
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		<title>Snakes as Pets</title>
		<link>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/snakes-as-pets/</link>
		<comments>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/snakes-as-pets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:49:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Keith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Pet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Stores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Snakes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/?p=7</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Snakes can make fascinating and entertaining pets, but they&#8217;re not quite the ideal pet for everyone. They require special care and requirements, and should only be kept by those willing to commit to their care. Choosing the type of snake is your first step. Some snakes are more dangerous than others, and the types of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Snakes can make fascinating and entertaining pets, but they&#8217;re not quite the ideal pet for everyone. They require special care and requirements, and should only be kept by those willing to commit to their care.</p>
<p>Choosing the type of snake is your first step. Some snakes are more dangerous than others, and the types of snakes range from common, harmless garter snakes to large and dangerous pythons.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s important to research types of snakes before making a decision. Take into consideration its special needs and requirements, as well as the danger in handling the type of snake.</p>
<p>Regardless of the type of snake, you will need to house it in a secure enclosure with no gaps or open areas through which the snake can escape. A glass structure, like a large fish tank may be ideal. Just be sure the lid is firmly secured and not able to be lifted easily from the inside.</p>
<p>Snakes do not eat vegetation, but must feed on prey. The most common food for snakes (though it does depend on the type) is mice or rats. It is actually preferable to have the prey pre-killed in order to prevent injury to the snake. A live rodent can harm a snake, so pre-killing is recommended. It may be convenient to keep a supply of frozen food for your pet snake.</p>
<p>Speak with the pet store or pet dealer/breeder before purchasing a snak&#8221;Snakes can make fascinating and entertaining pets, but they&#8217;re not quite the ideal pet for everyone. They require special care and requirements, and should only be kept by those willing to commit to their care.</p>
<p>Choosing the type of snake is your first step. Some snakes are more dangerous than others, and the types of snakes range from common, harmless garter snakes to large and dangerous pythons.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s important to research types of snakes before making a decision. Take into consideration its special needs and requirements, as well as the danger in handling the type of snake.</p>
<p>Regardless of the type of snake, you will need to house it in a secure enclosure with no gaps or open areas through which the snake can escape. A glass structure, like a large fish tank may be ideal. Just be sure the lid is firmly secured and not able to be lifted easily from the inside.</p>
<p>Snakes do not eat vegetation, but must feed on prey. The most common food for snakes (though it does depend on the type) is mice or rats. It is actually preferable to have the prey pre-killed in order to prevent injury to the snake. A live rodent can harm a snake, so pre-killing is recommended. It may be convenient to keep a supply of frozen food for your pet snake.</p>
<p>Speak with the pet store or pet dealer/breeder before purchasing a snake. If possible, the snake should have been bred in captivity. Snakes caught from the wild tend to be less tame and more prone to disease. Also, snakes caught from the wild will generally be more difficult to feed in captivity.</p>
<p>For new snake owners, or those who may be inexperienced with snakes, choosing the right type of snake is key. Corn snakes, king snakes or ball snakes are the best choice for new owners, as they tend to be more gentle, and their needs are not as difficult as some of the other species of snake. They are also relatively smaller than other types of snake, ranging from four to five feet in length as adults.</p>
<p>The life-span of snakes, especially the easier care species listed in the paragraph above, range from twenty to forty years. Snakes are not a low-maintenance pet. They require a good deal of special care, and their long life span requires an additional commitment to long term care.</p>
<p>As with any pet, the decision to own a pet snake should not be taken lightly. Careful research and evaluation of your commitment to taking care of the pet should be done. Snakes can make very rewarding and entertaining pets. Just be sure you&#8217;re up to the challenge.&#8221;<br />
e. If possible, the snake should have been bred in captivity. Snakes caught from the wild tend to be less tame and more prone to disease. Also, snakes caught from the wild will generally be more difficult to feed in captivity.</p>
<p>For new snake owners, or those who may be inexperienced with snakes, choosing the right type of snake is key. Corn snakes, king snakes or ball snakes are the best choice for new owners, as they tend to be more gentle, and their needs are not as difficult as some of the other species of snake. They are also relatively smaller than other types of snake, ranging from four to five feet in length as adults.</p>
<p>The life-span of snakes, especially the easier care species listed in the paragraph above, range from twenty to forty years. Snakes are not a low-maintenance pet. They require a good deal of special care, and their long life span requires an additional commitment to long term care.</p>
<p>As with any pet, the decision to own a pet snake should not be taken lightly. Careful research and evaluation of your commitment to taking care of the pet should be done. Snakes can make very rewarding and entertaining pets. Just be sure you&#8217;re up to the challenge.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Choose A Cat From A Rescue Centre</title>
		<link>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/choose-a-cat-from-a-rescue-centre/</link>
		<comments>http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/choose-a-cat-from-a-rescue-centre/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:47:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rosa</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rescue Centre]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.petshopindex.com/blog/?p=5</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are thinking of getting a cat, there can be no better place to find one than from a Rescue Centre. Every Year Thousands of cats are abandoned by their owners, become lost, are given up or are just unwanted kittens. All of these unfortunate animals are then thankfully taken in by Rescue Centres [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are thinking of getting a cat, there can be no better place to find one than from a Rescue Centre. Every Year Thousands of cats are abandoned by their owners, become lost, are given up or are just unwanted kittens. All of these unfortunate animals are then thankfully taken in by Rescue Centres and taken care of until a good home can be found for them.</p>
<p>Regardless of the type of cat you might have your heart set on i.e. male, female, specific breed, colour or age, there will always be a match looking for a home in one of the centres somewhere.</p>
<p>Choosing to re-home a cat from a rescue centre has many benefits over buying one from a pet store or advertisement: All Cats are given a through health check before being offered for re-homing. So there will be no nasty surprises later on.</p>
<p>Most centres will vaccinate and neuter cats before you are allowed to take them home.</p>
<p>Cats are assessed to see what sort of home would suit them best, i.e. with children or other animals. Are they happy to be an indoor act or would they require access to a garden.</p>
<p>Rescue centres are able to provide useful advice regarding the care of the cat and will also provide helpful advice after you have adopted a cat.</p>
<p>By purchasing a cat from a rescue centre you are helping to provide funds for the care of other homeless pets.</p>
<p>Another major benefit of choosing a cat from a rescue centre is that you as a potential owner are also assessed. It is very important that you fully realise all that is required from you as an owner and that you are prepared for any financial outlay that may arise in the future. The last thing a lost or abandoned animal needs is to go through another upsetting experience of being rehomed to someone who later on neglects their needs and they have to be re-homed a second time. The benefits to you of being assessed, is knowing that you are fully prepared for most eventualities and that you are paired with a cat that will fit in with your lifestyle. Some cats need a lot of attention whereas others are happier to be left alone for periods of time. If you are out to work most of the day the last thing you will want is a needy cat that suffers anxiety during the day and urinates everywhere due to stress.</p>
<p>Although the process of being assessed may seem daunting it must be seen as beneficiary to both you and your potential new pet and should be approached as a positive process. Some of the types of questions you may be asked are:</p>
<p>What sort of home you have?</p>
<p>Will the cat be left alone a lot of the time?</p>
<p>Are there children or other pets in the home?</p>
<p>What facilities will there be for your cat, i.e. a garden, it&#8217;s own room etc.</p>
<p>Are you aware of what regular medical treatment is required for your cat every year and how much it is likely to cost?</p>
<p>Have you owned cats before? This is to ascertain your general knowledge of looking after a cat.</p>
<p>All of these questions will help to match you with a cat that will suit your lifestyle and environment and also provide you with cat care advice if you have not owned a cat before.</p>
<p>When you are introduced to the cats available for re-homing you will be able to ask about the cats individual backgrounds and how it has become homeless. You may also be able to find out what is known of where the cats came from and their previous circumstances. Any underlining health problems or behavioral issues will also be discussed, so that you are fully informed of which cats you may be interested in re-homing.</p>
<p>Many rescue centers will allow you to spend some time in the enclosure with your chosen cat before you make the final decision. Take your time and allow the cat to come to you. It will soon become apparent if you will be compatible or not. However if after all the assessments you find that after a while the cat is not happy with you or you are unable to take care of them anymore, a rescue center will be happy to take the cat back with out any recriminations. They would rather the cat be in a suitable home than abandoned or unhappy.</p>
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