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Friday, October 12, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Are Dogs Color Blind?
For many years it was thought that dogs were completely color blind and could only see black and white. A few years ago, studies confirmed that dogs, are not able to see the full color spectrum as humans; but are able to see limited colors. Dogs have a red-green color deficiency known as Protanopia. With Protanopia, the eye lacks the long-wavelength sensitive retinal cones making it impossible to differentiate between the green-yellow-red section of the color spectrum.
For the protanope, the brightness of red, orange, and yellow is much reduced compared to normal. This dimming can be so pronounced that reds may be confused with black or dark gray, and red traffic lights may appear to be extinguished. They may learn to distinguish reds from yellows and from greens primarily on the basis of their apparent brightness or lightness, not on any perceptible hue difference. – from Wikipedia
For the protanope, the brightness of red, orange, and yellow is much reduced compared to normal. This dimming can be so pronounced that reds may be confused with black or dark gray, and red traffic lights may appear to be extinguished. They may learn to distinguish reds from yellows and from greens primarily on the basis of their apparent brightness or lightness, not on any perceptible hue difference. – from Wikipedia
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| How our dogs see the world |
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| How dogs and humans see colors |
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your Pet?
Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your "Going on vacation? Whether you're bringing your pet along or have to leave it behind, plan ahead to ensure your furry friend is well cared for.
Here are our pet travel tips!"
Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your Pet?
Nothing beats looking forward to a vacation – except, of course, going on one. But when you have a pet, you can’t just book the first travel deal that pops up in your inbox. Deciding whether to bring your pet or leave them behind requires diligent research, and probably involves some nail-biting as well. The good news is that, according to the Department of Transportation, lost pets, pet injuries and deaths all declined in 2011. But whether or not you bring your furry friend along, taking a trip requires advance planning and preparation to make sure your animal companion enjoys itself during your vacation as much as possible.Leaving Your Pet Behind
Your cat probably won’t even notice you’re gone, while leaving might break your dog’s heart. Either way, they’ll appreciate being taken care of in your absence.
Kennel
If you want to give your furry friend its own vacation, consider boarding them in a kennel. Many kennels offer a suite of activities for your dog, and can customize their experience. Many urban cities have boutique kennels, but both PetSmart and Best Friends Pet Care offer kennel services in cities across the country. Prices vary depending on location, but a survey of Best Friends Pet Care locations showed kitty condos starting anywhere from $16-$21/night, and dog boarding ranging from $22-$40/night. Depending on the kennel, those fees are typically for the boarding only and do not include extra services, such as taking your pet out for exercise and attention. These services will cost you more. If it’s in your budget, this is a great way to give your furry friend their own vacation while you’re away.
Pet-Sitter
If boarding your pet in a kennel is out of your price range, consider asking a trusted friend who is familiar with your pet to look after them for you. Or, ask your friends that love animals. They may be very eager to get to have a pet for a weekend. But remember that not everyone, especially those who rent, are allowed to have pets in their own home. Also be sure to compensate them for their time and effort!
Taking Your Pet With You
If you’re unable or unwilling to leave your pet grounded while you travel you still have options for getting them safely to your destination.
Use a Pet Airline?
Until recently, if you were traveling between Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, upstate New York, Omaha or Phoenix, you could send your pet on their very own flight! Pet Airways promised to transport your pet in their main cabin, with a dedicated staff to look after your pet. They even transported a pig all the way from Florida to New York. Unfortunately, due to financial troubles, Pet Airways has been grounded since December. Until they’re back in the air, bringing your pet on the plane is your only in-flight option
Bring Your Pet on the Plane
Probably the most dreaded of all vacation options, due to horror stories of pets being lost, getting injured, falling ill, or even dying while being transported. That’s actually less of an issue than it used to be, however, and navigating the landscape of fees and restrictions will likely be your greatest source of stress. Depending on the airline and the size of your dog, you could pay as little as $75 or as much as $349 each way to travel with your pet. Unfortunately, because airline weight restrictions include both the weight of the carrier and the animal, only the smallest of pets are generally allowed in lieu of a carry on. But even if you have to place yourpet with checked baggage or even in cargo, rest assured your animal will be placed in a special pressurized and climate-controlled area, just like in the main cabin.
Choosing your airline based on seat prices one option, as well as considering the reputation of the airline, with regards pet travel. Both Delta and Frontier also have reputations for being pet-friendly airlines. Continental (now United) has an award winning pet carrier program called PetSafe, although unfortunately they don’t carry certain breeds of dogs, such as mastiffs or pitbulls. JetBlue allows you earn reward points when you bring your pet as a carry-on. Earlier this week Alaska Airlines announced a partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital to help passengers ensure that their pets are safe and healthy for travel.
Going on vacation should be a stress-free as possible, for both you and your animal companion. Whether they remain grounded or join you in the air, you should educate yourself about your available options before booking tickets. There is a lot to consider, including a wide range of fees, but the NerdWallet travel tool can help you figure out which course of action will be the best for both you and furry friend.
Photos via PR Log, Franklin Ranch, Pet Airlines.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Ring a Bell To Go Outside - Potty Training
You can teach your puppy to ring a bell when he needs to go outside to go potty. This trick is easiest taught to puppies being house-trained.
Instructions:Hang a bell from a doorknob at a height your dog can easily reach it. Dab a little peanut butter on the inside of the bell and encourage your puppy to explore it by wiggling it and saying "BELL, get it". The instant your puppy causes the bell to ring, praise and give reward from your hand.
Don't replenish the peanut butter, as there is probably a race amount still on the bell. Point to the bell again, the instant your puppy makes it ring again, praise and reward. Repeat this process several times. If your puppy becomes confused, put some more peanut butter inside the bell.
Get your puppy's lease and get her excited to go for a walk. top at the door with the bell and encourage him to ring it. This may take a while but the instant he touches the bell, immediately open the door and take him outside. With this trick, the reward is going outside instead of a treat, so be sure to introduce this concept early on.
What to Expect:The more responsive you are to the bells in the beginning, the quicker your puppy will learn this trick. Most puppies will start ringing the bell on their own within a week.
Get your WEE WEE Bells here; Handmade, hand painted.
Handmade, hand painted - Only $14.99
Add your pets name for $5.00 more
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| Winston and his Wee Wee Bells |
Don't replenish the peanut butter, as there is probably a race amount still on the bell. Point to the bell again, the instant your puppy makes it ring again, praise and reward. Repeat this process several times. If your puppy becomes confused, put some more peanut butter inside the bell.
Get your puppy's lease and get her excited to go for a walk. top at the door with the bell and encourage him to ring it. This may take a while but the instant he touches the bell, immediately open the door and take him outside. With this trick, the reward is going outside instead of a treat, so be sure to introduce this concept early on.
What to Expect:The more responsive you are to the bells in the beginning, the quicker your puppy will learn this trick. Most puppies will start ringing the bell on their own within a week.
Get your WEE WEE Bells here; Handmade, hand painted.
Handmade, hand painted - Only $14.99
Add your pets name for $5.00 more
 |
| Purple |
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| Green |
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| Red |
Plants, Gardens & Your Pets
The most commonly used lawn care products are of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. When applied according to package instructions or by a qualified lawn care service most of these products are not harmful. Pets are primarily poisoned by contact with concentrated products. This may occur from inappropriate storage, failure to read package instructions, or by intentionally using more product than needed. Dogs are especially good at finding poorly stored containers, chewing them up and drinking the contents. Pet owners should be especially vigilant when using insecticides as these tend to have a higher degree of toxicity.
Dogs may be exposed by digging up treated earth, chewing on pellets, or rooting around ant mounds shortly after insecticides are applied.
Many pets chew on plants in the yard and garden. Fortunately for dogs, who for some unknown reason seem to enjoy eating grass and then vomiting, most grasses are non-toxic. Holiday ornamental plants such as poinsettias and Easter lily are often put outside for the summer. Ingestion of poinsettia stems and leaves may cause some mild gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting but is not deadly. Ingestion of all parts of the Easter lily causes depression, vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Left untreated most cats die of kidney failure. Tulips (bulbs), Lily of the valley and azaleas are all springtime plants that can be deadly to pets if ingested in large enough quantities. Dogs should be watched carefully when these plants are being cared for.
Most lawn seed and Mulch products are generally not associated with toxic problems in pets. Cacoa bean mulch is perhaps the only product known to cause poisoning in dogs. This mulch is made from the hulls of cacoa beans and when fresh has a rich, chocolate aroma associated with it. Some larger breed dogs have actually eaten several pounds of the mulch, more than enough to develop poisoning associated with the chocolate remnants. These over eager dogs should be kept away from the mulch until the aroma has dissipated. Generally a heavy rainfall or thorough watering is all that is required.
As you work outside be sure to take an extra moment or two to protect your pets. Read all package instructions carefully before any applying products to your lawn or garden. Be sure not only that it is safe to use around your pets but that you are mixing or applying it correctly. Check with your local garden center about the safety of plants you are putting in your garden. Finally, be sure to close the top tightly on all containers and put them in an area where your pets do not have access to them.
With a little careful planning, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and relaxing garden environment. Whether you're planning a large garden to feed the family or decorating a small space with hanging baskets and containers, here are a few factors to be considered.
Plant Selection
Plants and flowers are nature's attention getters. Their fragrance, appearance, and cool shade they create are natural attractants for you and your pet. Curiosity often leads pets to consume the flowers and foliage of ornamental plants, which can produce irritating and sometimes life threatening side effects.
Lawn and Garden ChemicalsIt is very easy to reach for a chemical pesticide, fertilizer or fungicide when faced with a problem in the lawn or garden. Fortunately for the average home gardener, safer alternatives are available for most commonly encountered problems, reducing the risk of a toxic exposure for your pet. You would not think that your pet would have any reason to consume these products but sadly they do, either intentionally or inadvertently and these types of poisonings are all too common. Remember before applying any product to your lawn, vegetables, or ornamental plants to read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Many of these products are designed to persist in the environment days to weeks after application, so a pet can have an exposure days to weeks after initial application.
Alternatives to Chemical PesticidesIf you notice damaging insects on your plants such as aphids, spider mites or thrips, these insects can be eliminated or reduced by a simple spray of water. These soft-bodied insects are easily dislodged. Adjust the nozzle of your hose so a firm spray will not harm your plants and wash them away. If you have only a few plants, use a good stream of water from your watering can and a little hand washing. It may take a day or two but an infestation can be cleared by no more than a good shower!
Soap and WaterIf your insect problem is more serious, add a teaspoon of dish soap to a gallon of water and use it in a garden sprayer. The soap is an irritant to a lot of insects and can help break down the protective barriers of their external skeleton. There are commercial insecticidal soaps available that are less toxic than most chemical alternatives.
CompostThe "black gold" of the garden, recycled kitchen and yard waste can be combined to produce the best garden fertilizer at no cost and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. It can be applied to the lawn and garden twice a year and it will replace the essential nutrients that growing plants and grasses require.
And Don't Forget
Sometimes we forget the simplest things! Put your pets inside when mowing the lawn. A lawn mower can make a projectile out of a stick or rock that can injure your pet. Paint your garden tools a bright color such as red or yellow so you can see them out in the yard. Many pets step or trip on sharp garden implements. Store your chemicals out of reach and in their original containers. Don't assume your pet will not be interested in consuming these products. If there is a toxic exposure or consumption, call your veterinarian immediately with the information from the product label. Keep your pets inside when applying any chemicals to the lawn or garden. With a little planning you and your pet can enjoy a safe and beautiful garden..
Many pets chew on plants in the yard and garden. Fortunately for dogs, who for some unknown reason seem to enjoy eating grass and then vomiting, most grasses are non-toxic. Holiday ornamental plants such as poinsettias and Easter lily are often put outside for the summer. Ingestion of poinsettia stems and leaves may cause some mild gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting but is not deadly. Ingestion of all parts of the Easter lily causes depression, vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Left untreated most cats die of kidney failure. Tulips (bulbs), Lily of the valley and azaleas are all springtime plants that can be deadly to pets if ingested in large enough quantities. Dogs should be watched carefully when these plants are being cared for.
Most lawn seed and Mulch products are generally not associated with toxic problems in pets. Cacoa bean mulch is perhaps the only product known to cause poisoning in dogs. This mulch is made from the hulls of cacoa beans and when fresh has a rich, chocolate aroma associated with it. Some larger breed dogs have actually eaten several pounds of the mulch, more than enough to develop poisoning associated with the chocolate remnants. These over eager dogs should be kept away from the mulch until the aroma has dissipated. Generally a heavy rainfall or thorough watering is all that is required.
As you work outside be sure to take an extra moment or two to protect your pets. Read all package instructions carefully before any applying products to your lawn or garden. Be sure not only that it is safe to use around your pets but that you are mixing or applying it correctly. Check with your local garden center about the safety of plants you are putting in your garden. Finally, be sure to close the top tightly on all containers and put them in an area where your pets do not have access to them.
With a little careful planning, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and relaxing garden environment. Whether you're planning a large garden to feed the family or decorating a small space with hanging baskets and containers, here are a few factors to be considered.
Plant Selection
Plants and flowers are nature's attention getters. Their fragrance, appearance, and cool shade they create are natural attractants for you and your pet. Curiosity often leads pets to consume the flowers and foliage of ornamental plants, which can produce irritating and sometimes life threatening side effects.
Plants for a Sunny Location
If the location of your garden, gives you 4 or more hours of direct sunlight, a day, you have a long list, of annuals and perennials from which to choose. Annuals grow from seed and last one growing season. They are good choices for fast, instant color impact. Garden and discount centers will offer a wide variety of annual plants at economical prices. Perennials return year after year from growth at the roots, they are a little more expensive, but do not need to be planted every growing season. Most gardeners have their favourites and mix both types for the longest possible color show. Safe choices for sunny locations include:
Annuals
If the location of your garden, gives you 4 or more hours of direct sunlight, a day, you have a long list, of annuals and perennials from which to choose. Annuals grow from seed and last one growing season. They are good choices for fast, instant color impact. Garden and discount centers will offer a wide variety of annual plants at economical prices. Perennials return year after year from growth at the roots, they are a little more expensive, but do not need to be planted every growing season. Most gardeners have their favourites and mix both types for the longest possible color show. Safe choices for sunny locations include:
Annuals
Zinnia (Zinnia sp.)
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum sp.)
Cosmos (Cosmos sp.)
Calendula (Callendula sp.)
Petunia (Petunia sp.)
Perennial
Perennial
Bee Balm (Monarda sp.)
Phlox (Phlox sp.)
Roses (Rose sp.)
Catmint/catnip (Nepeta sp.)
Coneflowers (Echinacea purpura)
Plants for Partial Sun
If your garden receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, the following list of non-toxic annuals and perennials requires less sunlight.
Annuals
Plants for Partial Sun
If your garden receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, the following list of non-toxic annuals and perennials requires less sunlight.
Annuals
Primrose(Primula sp.)
Butterfly flower(Schianthus sp.)
Spider flower (Cleome sp.)
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum sp.)
Perennials
Perennials
Columbine(Aquilegia sp.)
Coral Bells (Heuchera sp.)
Turf Lilly (Liriope sp.)
Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)
Shade GardensA shade garden receives little to no direct sunlight, although the sun may filter through the trees for dappled light. Plant selection for these areas may include the following:
Annuals
Shade GardensA shade garden receives little to no direct sunlight, although the sun may filter through the trees for dappled light. Plant selection for these areas may include the following:
Annuals
Begonia (Begonia sp.)
Impatiens (Impatiens sp.)
New Guinea Impatiens
Violet (Viola sp.)
Coleus (Coleus sp.)
Perennials
Perennials
Bugbane (Cimifuga racemosa)
Yellow Corydalis (Corydalis lutea)
Astilbe (Astilbe sp.)
Queen of the Meadow (Filipendula ulmaria)
Vegetable GardensIf you're interest is vegetables, you'll need 4 or more hours of full sun for most plants. Keeping your pet out of the vegetable garden may be your biggest task, especially when plants are young and fragile. Some clearly visible fencing may help. Avoid hardware cloth as pets can become entangled. Motion detector sprinkler systems can be useful in keeping pets and wildlife out of newly planted areas, and are not harmful. Most vegetable plants do not pose toxicity problems with a few exceptions. Onions, chives and garlic, which a lot of pets do like, contain compounds that, if ingested, can cause anemia. The leafy part of the potato plant, and the green part of the potato skin contain compounds that are toxic if eaten in sufficient quantities. Fruits also contain toxic chemicals in their seeds/pits. Apple, plum, cherry, apricot and peach seeds/pits contain cyanide, which can cause fatal seizures.
10 Harmful Plants
The following is a list of plants that is best to avoid altogether due to their toxic nature. It is not a comprehensive list, if you are considering any plant of which you are unsure; consult your local plant nursery.
Vegetable GardensIf you're interest is vegetables, you'll need 4 or more hours of full sun for most plants. Keeping your pet out of the vegetable garden may be your biggest task, especially when plants are young and fragile. Some clearly visible fencing may help. Avoid hardware cloth as pets can become entangled. Motion detector sprinkler systems can be useful in keeping pets and wildlife out of newly planted areas, and are not harmful. Most vegetable plants do not pose toxicity problems with a few exceptions. Onions, chives and garlic, which a lot of pets do like, contain compounds that, if ingested, can cause anemia. The leafy part of the potato plant, and the green part of the potato skin contain compounds that are toxic if eaten in sufficient quantities. Fruits also contain toxic chemicals in their seeds/pits. Apple, plum, cherry, apricot and peach seeds/pits contain cyanide, which can cause fatal seizures.
10 Harmful Plants
The following is a list of plants that is best to avoid altogether due to their toxic nature. It is not a comprehensive list, if you are considering any plant of which you are unsure; consult your local plant nursery.
| Oleander (Nerium oleander) |
| Castor bean (Ricinus communis) |
| Morning Glory (Ipomea sp.) |
| Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) |
| Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
| Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) |
| Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) |
| Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) |
| Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) |
Precatory Beans (Arbus precatorius)
|
Lawn and Garden ChemicalsIt is very easy to reach for a chemical pesticide, fertilizer or fungicide when faced with a problem in the lawn or garden. Fortunately for the average home gardener, safer alternatives are available for most commonly encountered problems, reducing the risk of a toxic exposure for your pet. You would not think that your pet would have any reason to consume these products but sadly they do, either intentionally or inadvertently and these types of poisonings are all too common. Remember before applying any product to your lawn, vegetables, or ornamental plants to read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Many of these products are designed to persist in the environment days to weeks after application, so a pet can have an exposure days to weeks after initial application.
Alternatives to Chemical PesticidesIf you notice damaging insects on your plants such as aphids, spider mites or thrips, these insects can be eliminated or reduced by a simple spray of water. These soft-bodied insects are easily dislodged. Adjust the nozzle of your hose so a firm spray will not harm your plants and wash them away. If you have only a few plants, use a good stream of water from your watering can and a little hand washing. It may take a day or two but an infestation can be cleared by no more than a good shower!
Soap and WaterIf your insect problem is more serious, add a teaspoon of dish soap to a gallon of water and use it in a garden sprayer. The soap is an irritant to a lot of insects and can help break down the protective barriers of their external skeleton. There are commercial insecticidal soaps available that are less toxic than most chemical alternatives.
CompostThe "black gold" of the garden, recycled kitchen and yard waste can be combined to produce the best garden fertilizer at no cost and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. It can be applied to the lawn and garden twice a year and it will replace the essential nutrients that growing plants and grasses require.
And Don't Forget
Sometimes we forget the simplest things! Put your pets inside when mowing the lawn. A lawn mower can make a projectile out of a stick or rock that can injure your pet. Paint your garden tools a bright color such as red or yellow so you can see them out in the yard. Many pets step or trip on sharp garden implements. Store your chemicals out of reach and in their original containers. Don't assume your pet will not be interested in consuming these products. If there is a toxic exposure or consumption, call your veterinarian immediately with the information from the product label. Keep your pets inside when applying any chemicals to the lawn or garden. With a little planning you and your pet can enjoy a safe and beautiful garden..
written by: Marcia Murray-Stoof
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