Why i Groom my Pets

Sure, brushing your pet’s hair and cleaning his teeth regularly will help him look his best, but it’s also important for his health. Here, a guide to help you get started. A good brushing and teeth cleaning can do your pet a world of good! Grooming provides you a chance to go over your pet’s coat with a fine-tooth comb—or brush—to help you keep track of subtle changes in your pet’s skin. What’s more, regular nail clippings and teeth cleanings can prevent a number of unpleasant health problems.

WATCH IN THE END SOME EXAMPLES OF GROOMING ART

Get the Right Tools

Using the proper tools will make the grooming process much easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pet. So before you get started, make sure you have the right brushes, combs, and clippers for the job. Ask your veterinarian which tools he recommends for your pet.

Brush Gently and Regularly

Spending a few minutes taking care of your pet’s hair is good for your relationship and will help remove dirt and dead hair from his coat, preventing mats and tangles. Your veterinarian can tell you how often you need to brush, based on the length and thickness of your pet’s coat, as well as your pet’s species and breed.

If you find a tangle or mat in your pet’s fur, don’t try to pull it out. The reason: Doing so is painful for you pet and he will quickly learn to avoid the brush at all costs. Nor do you want to cut matted hair out, as you could injure yourself or your pet. Instead, head to a pet retailer and pick up a special brush or comb designed to split or remove mats. If you don’t think you can succesfully solve the problem yourself, consult with your veterinarian or a reliable groomer, who should be able to take care of it for you.

Consider a Bath

Depending on your pet’s species and the type of hair he has, regular baths may be a good idea. While letting your pet soak in the tub can help keep his skin healthy and remove excess oils and odor-causing dirt, it may be overly stressful for some pets, so talk to your veterinarian before you try.

Your veterinarian can recommend a specific shampoo, or he may suggest simply bathing your pet with water. He can also help you create a bathing schedule that’s appropriate for your pet’s skin and coat.

Trim Those Nails

Keeping your pet’s nails at the appropriate length helps avoid overgrown nails and other painful conditions, and can help prevent accidental injury to you, your pet, or your furniture. Plus, trimming your pet’s nails gives you an opportunity to inspect his feet for problems like swelling, cracked pads, or matted fur. Ask your veterinarian how to trim your pet’s nails safely.

Don’t Forget the Ears

Some pets, particularly large dogs, may benefit from a regular ear cleaning. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your pet may need to have his ears cleaned.

Get a Toothbrush

Regular tooth brushing is recommended for dogs, cats, and some other pets to prevent periodontal disease, which is now being recognized as a widespread health problem for animals.

Experts agree that it’s best to start brushing your pet’s teeth at a young age to get him accustomed to the process. Consult your veterinarian about how to introduce your pet to his new toothbrush, and make sure you’re using a toothpaste that’s safe for your pet. It’s also smart to let your veterinarian know if your pet has bad breath, as this is often a sign that your pet may have dental problems.

Get a Breed Based on Your Personality Type?

Getting a dog is a big decision, and no two breeds are exactly the same. For example, a lazy basset hound may be content chilling all day on his doggy bed, but that frisky golden retriever isn’t going to entertain himself. You might want to rethink which dog is right for you.

PEKINGESE

Sure, she might look like an ottoman, but this confident and self-possessed dog doesn’t care what you think about her. She likes to assert control, and she’ll ignore your scolding with little regard for the consequences. Rest assured: Once you gain this breed’s respect, they are reliable and well mannered.

GERMAN SHEPHERD

It would be difficult to find a more loyal breed. Watchful, obedient and intelligent, they want to serve a purpose and keep everyone safe, which often leads them to be overprotective of their families. If you can relate, a German shepherd might be the perfect companion to share the load of responsibilities.

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

Originally bred to herd sheep, Aussies are workaholics that try tirelessly to tackle any task put in front of them. Energetic, intelligent and loyal, helping others is their main purpose…and it’s probably yours, too.

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

Smart but possessing a mind of their own, these agile and energetic terriers will always move to the beat of their own drums. They are great dogs for families, but they also enjoy alone time.

RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

These handsome and athletic dogs are known for their exploratory and active personalities. They love to get their paws dirty and experience the world…and they can even be a bit daredevilish, unafraid to break from the pack.

SHIBA INU

Fox-like in appearance with upright ears, this Japanese breed is easygoing, peaceful and alert. Though they make great companions, they’re happy minding their own business, laying on a patch of grass and contemplating the ways of the world.

TIBETAN TERRIER

These guys are notoriously aloof and reserved to strangers, but they grow to be very affectionate of the people they trust. Sound familiar? Though he’ll rarely curl up on your lap, he’ll follow you around the house like your shadow.

CHOW CHOW

Is that a lion!? No, it’s just a chow chow--although, this breed’s aloof and pensive personality is closer to that of a feline. Chow chows tend to be intelligent, but given their indifferent personalities, they may appear to have their heads in the clouds. That said, these fluffy giants prefer to be by your side than alone.

BEAGLE

Beagles are playful and active, constantly searching for new adventures. As a result, they’ll get into trouble if not given frequent attention and activity. But at the end of the day, they’re amiable and love constant social interactions.

CORGI

Just look at their constantly smiling faces: Corgis are the life of the party, and they’re always ready to play. They’re so playful, in fact, that they often have trouble focusing on one task at a time.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Warm, compassionate and intelligent, but also built for sport and activity, these big dogs are always looking for a new adventure. A dip in the ocean, a jaunt in the mountains--they’re game for whatever escapade you take them on.

FRENCH BULLDOG

This lady may be small in stature, but she’s got a big, lively personality. Don’t let her frowning face fool you: She’s friendly and lovable, albeit a bit feisty. Her stubborn personality may make her inclined to go against your wishes--like chew on your sneakers or jump on the off-limits sofa.

SIBERIAN HUSKY

Ah, the active, outdoorsy husky. He is always looking for action, especially in cold weather (hence, his common role as a sled dog). While these wolfish animals are generally good-natured and very dependable, their personalities can be domineering.

BICHON FRISE

The “cheerleader” of the dog world, these little white bundles of joy are, above all, social creatures. Gentle, playful and loving, they thrive on human interaction and will do their best to make people happy.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Passionate, charismatic and hands down the cutest pups, goldens are constantly standing up for the people they love. They’re impressively tuned in to the needs of others around them and live for social connections with others. They’ll be the first to dive into the pool after you or fall asleep on the foot of your bed.

TIBETAN MASTIFF

Charismatic and confident, these giant, furry creatures are intelligent and determined, and they love a good challenge. Be warned, they can often be commanding and fairly difficult to train, so definitely keep an eye on who’s actually the leader of pack.

Tips for Caring for a Parrot

A growing number of people are discovering that parrots make the perfect pet. Parrots are really beautiful, fascinating and super smart creatures. However, you need to learn about caring for them before running out to the breeder and buying the first parrot that you see. Here are a few useful tips for caring for a parrot.

Be ready for a messy and noisy house

Parrots toss fruit peels, seed casings, their toys, and the area around their cage can get very messy. Moreover, there’s also the matter of feathers and droppings. A large parrot can make lots of noise. Whether they are yodeling a country song or yelling nonsense, you cannot count on your parrot to be quiet just because you want to take a nap. Putting them in your garage or shutting them away in an isolated room is not a good option. In this way your parrot will become emotionally disturbed and can behave psychotically.

Consider location and temperature

Although parrots are social creatures, every parrot may have different needs. So depending on your parrot’s temperament, place the cage in the area where your bird will often interact with you. A kitchen is a bad place since cleaning and odors from cooking can be very harmful to your parrot! Parrots can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, so if you keep your house at a comfortable temperature for yourself, your parrot will also be comfortable. Temperature stability is the most important factor. Fluctuating temperatures can have a big effect on your parrot’s health.

Vary your parrot’s diet

No one likes to have the same thing every single day. Your parrot needs a varied diet with a wide range of nutritional value. Don’t feed your parrot seeds only. Discuss with your veterinarian what a better diet for your parrot. It’s usually agreed that a parrot needs a mix of seed, pellet, fresh leafy greens, veggies, legumes, grains and some fruits. Keep in mind that parrots must never be fed chocolate, avocado, alcohol, caffeine, salty or sugary snacks.

Keep an eye on claw, beak and feather health

When your parrot’s claws grow too long, go to a vet to trim them. Never try to do it by yourself since parrots have a very active blood supply to their claws and a cut could lead to a blood loss. Feather and beak condition are a great indicator of health. A lot of parrot deficiencies and diseases show up as poor feather condition or malformations of the beak. If your parrot shows change in feather or beak condition, see your vet as fast as possible.

Teach your parrot to talk

If you want your parrot to talk, you’ll need to spend a lot of time teaching it. If intense, limit your teaching sessions to 15 minutes at a time or just repeat the same words and phrases a few times during your ‘lesson.’ Parrots usually mimic the things they hear most often. Keep the phrases short, two or three words usually work best. After your parrot has mastered some words and phrases, you can teach it some useful communications.

Clean the cage

The bottom of the cage must be cleaned every two days, if your parrot is not too messy. Replace any liners and discard any seeds, shells, gravel, etc. Clean all of the toys in the cage. It’s also recommended to clean up any mess that does not require too much time once a day. Make sure you use a bird-safe disinfectant, which you can buy in your local pet stores.

Replace toys in different places

Once you’ve finished washing the cage, put your parrot’s toys back inside, replacing them in different places. Parrots are very intelligent and intensely curious, and unlike dogs and cats, they like changing stimuli.

Regularly visit the vet

While some parrots can be absolutely healthy forever, most of them still have some health problems, which could be solved with preventative veterinarian consultations. However, make sure your vet is one who sees parrots specifically or you’ll just be wasting your money.


Do you have any other tips for caring for a parrot? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section.

How to Help Kids Cope with Pet Loss

Cope with Pet Loss

Losing a beloved pet, whether it’s a dog or a gerbil, is never easy. For many children, a goldfish or favorite cat dying is often their first taste of death and it can be devastating for them. It’s difficult to see your little one mourn. Fortunately, you can take steps to ensure that your child comes to terms with the loss in a healthy way and is able to move on. Here are a few tips to follow to help your children cope with losing a pet.

Let your child grieve

It’s okay to feel sad when you lose someone you love and this should be conveyed to your child. If you were close to the pet, you can let them see that you are sad, as well. Avoid being sad for too long. Your children should learn how long they can grieve and how to live after the death of the pet or person they love.

Allow your child to be a part of the death

It’s important that children know what is going on. If a pet is deathly ill or is about to be put down, make sure you explain it to your child in terms he or she can understand. It may be difficult, especially if your child is highly sensitive, but this will lessen the impact later on.

Create a memento

Remember that special pet with something made to memorialize them. A scrapbook with memories written in it and photos of the pet can be a helpful reminder of the good days. Collect photos of your deceased animal and help your child put together a fun photo album that will help everyone remember the great times you all enjoyed. Add stickers and captions to make the book special. If you aren’t up to doing a full photo album, something like a photo frame or even one page of photos to hang on the fridge can be a good alternative.

Hold a memorial service

While you may feel silly holding a service for a mouse or fish, it can be a useful tool for helping a child move on. A service may include a burial, depending on how you decide to handle the animal’s remains. Have each person say something about the pet. Children can read an appropriate poem or lay flowers on the grave. If there is no burial, have the service in front of a photo of the pet.

Don’t get a replacement

It may be appropriate to get a new animal later on, but don’t rush to replace the lost pet. It’s important that your child have time to grieve. It is also a good idea to show children that death is part of life and that you can’t just buy a new creature to take away the pain. A rapid purchase can cause children to worry that if they die, they will also be replaced and you won’t feel their loss.

Make sure your child doesn’t feel responsible

Children tend to be fairly self-centered and this can lead to assuming that the pet’s death was their fault. Be sure to let your little one know that pets do die and that it’s normal, though unpleasant and sad. Make sure your child doesn’t blame himself for the pet’s passing.

Talk about the pet

Sometimes, when an animal or loved one dies, that part of life becomes closed and no one talks about it. For most children, it’s important to explain that they can share their good memories of their pet and talk about what happened. This will help them work through the pain and gradually move on. Ensure that your child understands death is final

Continue with regular activities

While your child may want to stay home and grieve, it’s best if he goes to school and after school activities, the same as usual. Returning to a normal schedule can help kids see that life goes on, even after a devastating loss. It will also give them something else to focus on.

Allow your child to keep something special

A favorite pet blanket, chew toy or collar can be a good thing for a child to hold onto. Don’t be surprised if he wants to sleep with the pet’s item. Keeping something special like a collar close by can bring comfort to the grieving child. It’s usually fine to let kids hang onto a few keepsakes.

It’s never easy when a much loved member of the family dies. Children who are experiencing loss for the first time are more likely to have a hard time accepting that their friend is gone. It’s up to you to console them and ensure that they understand exactly what happened. Answer their questions to avoid children coming up with fearful ideas of their own.

How much exercise does my puppy need?

Humans need exercise to feel better, look better and live a healthy life. And the dogs in our lives are no different. Dogs are built for activity. In fact, stray cats and dogs can travel 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) a day. Their domesticated counterparts certainly don't need to cover that much ground every day, but they still need to be regularly moving on all fours.

Daily exercise is good for both your pooch's mental and physical well-being. Exercise can help your baby dog avoid arthritis and other problems with his joints later on in life. Dogs are also prone to the same types of obesity-related illnesses as humans, so exercise is crucial to helping them keep off the pounds. Basically, getting your dog in the habit of regular physical activity while he's young is the cornerstone to a long healthy life and helps his physical development.
Puppies also need exercise for mental stimulation (SEE MORE). Moving around keeps them from becoming bored and mischievous. Many owners find that taking their dogs out for regular outdoor play and walks cuts down on behavioral issues like incessant chewing and digging and nonstop barking that make owners want to pull their hair out.

How Much is Enough?

Make sure you're consistent with the amount of exercise your puppy gets. You need to help him build his stamina, and the only way he can do this is by exercising regularly but with caution. At the puppy stage, he's much too young to be doing the rigorous activities that he will be more able to do as he grows older.The amount of exercise your puppy needs depends on his age, breed and medical condition. Not every breed will be up for a long walk through Central Park. Some breeds are just not built to go the distance, while others are always ready to romp. Some of the breeds that need the most exercise are Border collies, Labrador retrievers, Jack Russell terriers and Dalmatians.
Puppies need five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day, according to the U.K. Kennel Club. In other words, a 3-month-old puppy will need 15 minutes of exercise while a 4-month-old will need 20 minutes. This may take the form of low-impact activities like swimming or playing with small dog exercise balls. You can also take your puppy out for short walks on a leash. However, if he starts to sit down, give him time to rest. If he does not start walking again, you may have to carry him home. Most adult dogs should participate in some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours every day. Your puppy's genetics will determine when it's time to move her up to adult dog exercise. If she won't get any larger than 25 pounds (11 kilograms), then she can start at around 9 months. If she'll end up weighing between 25 to 100 pounds (11 to 45 kilograms), it's best to wait until she's at least 14 months old. If she'll be tipping the scale at 100 pounds (45 kilograms) or more, you can introduce these activities to her when she is at least a year and a half old.

So, how will your pooch feel after exercising? Pretty much the same as you and I feel after a great workout. Taking your puppy on a nice short walk or letting him play in the yard translates to a calmer canine that will more than likely sleep very well that night.

Vaccination

Which vaccines my dog ​​need to take?

 

And if he has never been vaccinated?

 

When are these vaccines?

Learn more and see the vaccination schedule for your dog.

It is important to know which vaccines your dog should receive and the intervals between doses should be at the discretion of the veterinarian who takes care of your dog. Here at All About Dogs seek answer your questions and provide a vaccination schedule for you to follow the vaccines your dog. Indepentemente of vaccines that your veterinarian will apply the multiple vaccines (V8 or V10) and anti-rabies vaccination is mandatory in any scheme.
Adults who have never been vaccinated dogs or puppies that have passed the correct time to vaccinate need to receive two doses of multiple vaccine (with an interval of 21 days between them) and a dose of rabies vaccine. This also applies to dogs "unknown" when it is not known whether they were vaccinated one day.

In these vaccines, there immunization against leishmaniasis or kala-azar, an important zoonosis (disease that can be transmitted from animal to humans). This vaccine is applied in regions where the disease is common and should be preceded by tests to detect if the dog already has the disease.

One should not vaccinate puppies under 45 days of age unless the bitch that gave birth to the puppies have never been vaccinated because the vaccines can be inactivated by antibodies passed from the mother to the offspring.

All domestic animals, usually the canines and felines, require extra protection with regard to your health ... and health of their owners. Yes, because a dog or cat unvaccinated run not only much greater risk that they will incur serious and highly contagious diseases, as well as come to contract zoonoses, or diseases transmissible to humans (as is the case of rabies).

Vaccination of domestic animals contributed, throughout the twentieth century to prevent the deaths of millions of animals, according to experts estimate. And pet owners should not fail to vaccinate the dog or cat against rabies just because this disease has been eradicated from the country where they live, without evidence of any cases today. Diseases like this are highly contagious and anger, in particular, comes from animals like bats and foxes. Therefore, the vaccination will also give more freedom to your pet as it may cause increased security what we like best: play and travel.

So, know that preventable diseases through vaccination are several, such as anger (no known cure), leptospirosis (highly dangerous, transmitted from infected rats, can also infect humans), canine distemper (often fatal and most common in winter), parvovirus (the animal dies in diarrhea sequence plentiful), Coronavirosis (similar to the previous, but with a more benign character), infectious hepatitis (can cause irreversible eye damage) and canine influenza (highly contagious among dogs and more frequent in wet and cold days). The classic vaccination schedule prevents all these diseases, but sometimes the veterinarian may consider that the characteristics of the animal or the region where he lives require extra vaccines (to prevent diseases such as feline leukemia, giardia or leishmaniasis).

Animals should see its reinforced vaccination every year, since studies point to the duration of immunity to one year. However, know that the veterinarian who treats your pet is who will decide the right time to revaccination. This will be decided depending on the animal's lifestyle: if it's homemade, whether it is animal exposure and contests, whether it is animal hunting.
Finally, know that vaccination in very rare cases, such as vaccination administered in humans, could entail some risks and even trigger severe crises in animals. But the disastrous occurrences are uncommon and the risk-protection gains greater expression when we think the risks that entails an animal is not vaccinated.

Mental Games for Dogs

Not only do dogs need their daily physical exercises like a walk or run, but they also need to be exercised cognitively. Mental challenges help make your dog smart and intelligent while keeping her from getting bored and destructive. Just humans, dogs are cognitive and emotional beings. So, they need experiences that stimulate them at both a cognitive and emotional level.

Basic Mental Exercises

Mental exercises for dogs don't need to be all that complex. Even what seem to be basic physical tasks involve a mental component. For example, a game of fetch requires that your dog focus her attention. Attention is a mental task. Any activity that requires your dog's attention will be great for her mind's growth.

Another simple mental exercise that has become quite common is the Kong toys. Kongs require that your dog strategize about how to get the biscuits out of the toy. While your dog won't be very physically active, she will certainly be mentally active. This is a mental exercise that your dog can even perform in her crate, and will serve a double purpose of keeping her from boredom.

Complex Mental Exercises

Simple mental exercises are more than sufficient to keep your dog psychologically healthy. However, there are some tasks that will require your intense involvement. For starters, you can play games with your dog. Any game that your dog learns will be great mental exercise because it will require that she know and follow rules. Learning and following rules of any kind is a great form of mental exercise.
For example, a game of hide and seek can be played both indoors and outdoors. Many dogs will naturally play this game both because they are instinctually good at tracking and retrieving and because they want to be in their owners presence. Hide and seek requires that your dog use her mental skills to track you down.

Another game that is great for dogs is keep away. Grab some item that your dog has a special relationship (a ball or toy) and start running away from her. Keep your back to her the whole time. She will chase you trying to get the object. You can also reverse the tasks. Give your dog an item and then start chasing her. Many dogs will playfully start dodging and avoiding your attempts to take the item away. Slowly increase your resolve to get the item back, changing strategy, and your dog will likewise adapt, figuring out the best way to keep away!
Of course, the most complex set of mental exercises are those that involve formal training. Training your dog to perform tricks, to obey commands or even to perform in dog competitions will pay huge dividends. As your dog goes through training, she learns a large amount and her mental capacities are greatly expanded.

Small Pets That Are Great for Kids

Having pets can be a great experience for children. Pets offer love and companionship and teach children responsibility. Small pets are great for kids because they don’t require a lot of maintenance. They don’t need to be walked or played with every day and they offer kids a chance to demonstrate how much responsibility they are willing to take on. Before going out and buying a dog or a cat, train your kids with one of these little critters. Any of these small pets would make a great companion.

Guinea Pigs

These furry critters are sometimes confused with hamsters, but guinea pigs are a totally different affair. Guinea pigs are larger and less fragile than hamsters. They are also noticeably more affectionate and sociable. Life spans are longer with guinea pigs, living anywhere from 4 to 9 years. This gives kids a great opportunity to watch their pets grow and mature and even learn tricks. Bigger cages than that of hamsters are required and a full stock of toys to keep those critters active. As with all pets, kids should be made aware of what a healthy diet is. Guinea pigs should have a steady diet that includes a good dose of vitamin C for optimum health. Kids should also be taught how to clean up after their pet to ensure a healthy and happy life for both pet and owner.

Goldfish

The most common pet for young children, goldfish can be a fun and lovely pet to keep. Kids enjoy feeding fish and watching them eat, but should be warned not to overfeed. Overfeeding has often been the demise of pet fish, so take time to explain the feeding schedule to young kids. A decent sized bowl is required and kids will love choosing the different colored rocks for the bottom as well as any plants or accessories. To keep those fish healthy, make sure to show kids how to clean the bowl properly.

Ants

There is something fascinating about watching the lives of ants. Kids will find it interesting to watch ants build their homes and go about their work as they carry food to their lair. Ant farms never go out of style and don’t require much maintenance. Ant farm kits can be purchased from pet stores and regular shopping centers and come with instructions on how to care for ants. Kids will get a kick out of using the holding pen that comes with ant farm kits to capture their new pets from the great outdoors. Watching the lives of ants can demonstrate hard work and organization. Curious kids will be delighted.

Stick Insects

These insects are delightful to observe. They have a life span of only about one year, but they are fantastic to behold. A good pet for older kids, stick insects are fragile and should be handled delicately. They can also bite, so gloves should be worn when handling these spindly fellows. The bright side is, no fur, no feathers and all fun.
 

 

Rabbits

Soft and furry rabbit is a great pet for your children. The large selection of rabbit breeds (there are over 40 breeds) make rabbits a popular kids’ pet. Polish, Dutch and Holland Lops are among the most popular bunny breeds, and some larger bunny breeds such as the Flemish Giant are more tolerant of handling. Since rabbits generally live for about 10 years, getting a pet rabbit is a very important commitment. Rabbits are social animals so it’s better to buy a few rabbits, but make sure that all rabbits are spayed or neutered to avoid unintended breeding. Keep in mind that rabbits don’t like to be picked up or held and incorrect handling can result in the nails of a rabbit scratching a kid, or a rabbit’s legs or back being broken or injured.
Rabbits don’t need baths because they groom themselves just like cats, but they require regular nail trims. A rabbit with maloccluded teeth need regular tooth trims done only by a veterinarian. Long-haired rabbits usually require everyday brushing. Rabbits must eat hay, so if anyone in the house is allergic to hay, a rabbit won’t be a good pet for your family.

Hamsters

The amazingly busy and beautiful hamster is a pet that’s really fun to watch. There are 5 species available, including the Syrian, Winter White, Roborovski, Chinese and Campbell’s. Chinese hamsters are illegal to have in some states, so be sure to check it before buying. The life span of the hamsters ranges from 1 to 3years, but the Syrian could live longer. The Syrian must have its own habitat, since they fight, sometimes even to the death.
Hamsters are the busy pets and they are always on the go. It’s fun to watch them play in a play area or in their habitat. The only disadvantage is the hamster’s sleep schedule. Hamsters sleep during the day and are awake and busy at night. Hamsters are self-groomers and they usually don’t need anything except a dust bath with the special dust.

 

Chinchillas

I’m sure many people will agree that touching a super-soft fur of chinchilla is a pleasant sensation! Chinchillas live about 10 years old. Since chinchillas are herd animals, they must be kept as pairs (same-sex to avoid breeding). Like hamsters, chinchillas are pets more to appreciate by watching rather than interacting with them. Pay attention that handling can be difficult, and if you grab the fur wrong it can cause it to come out in clumps. Chinchillas require a dust bath several times a week. They also like to chew and they have constantly growing teeth, so to keep their teeth trimmed make sure to give them some chew items. Just like rabbits, chinchillas must eat hay, so if anyone in the house is allergic to hay, a chinchilla won’t be a good pet for your family.

Rats and Mice

Mice and rats are small pets that simply perfect for children. An average rat’s life span is 2 to 3 years, so the time commitment is really low. Mice have less of a time commitment, because they live only 1 to 2 years. Both mice and rats are social animals and must be housed in the same-sex pairs or groups. But keep in mind that male adult mice might fight if they are housed together.
Rats are more kid-friendly pet and they enjoy interacting with their owners and love to hang out together. Their size is perfect for kids; they are not too small and not too big, but very easy to pick up and carry. Mice are smaller than rats and they don’t like interaction. They usually enjoy doing their own things and they are much more fun to watch than to hold. Both rats and mice groom themselves, so grooming for both pets is minimal. To keep the growing teeth trimmed, be sure to provide them with some chew items.

Gerbils

The playful gerbils are always busy, smart and they love to hang out with their owners. Gerbils live for about 2 to 3 years, but they pack plenty of living into that time. Gerbils are very social, that’s why it’s better to keep pairs or small groups of the same sex. With gentle handling, they learn to trust their owners and enjoy interacting. Never lift or hold a gerbil by its tail, because the tail is fragile, and the skin might come off leaving a gerbil with a naked tail.
Gerbils are self-grooming pet and they don’t require regular grooming. But, the owners have to offer a dust bath to them every week and always provide them with chew items to keep their always growing teeth trimmed.
It’s important to know that gerbils are illegal to have in a few states, so be sure to check it before buying one.

Ferrets

Finally, the ever-curious, charismatic ferret is a soft ragdoll when asleep and a furry ball of energy when awake. Generally, ferrets live for 5 to 7 years and they’re full of personality. Ferrets must be neutered or just live in same-sex pairs or groups. You can keep a ferret as a single pet only if you are very attentive owner. Keep in mind that ferrets require several hours of out-of-cage playtime. Ferrets also require very little routine grooming, occasional coat brushing or baths and regular nails trims. Moreover, ferret’s teeth should be brushed regularly.There are many different pets to choose from, and finding the one that suits your kid is key. Guinea pigs have all the fun, fur and cuteness kids love. Gold fish are beautiful and fun to feed. Ants and stick insects are entrancing and little trouble to keep. All these pets are great for kids because they don’t require a lot of up-keep. Pets are great companions for kids and a wonderful way to teach responsibility. Take a trip to the pet store and see what catches your kid’s eye.

Common Plants Poisonous to Pets

Pet owners know that dogs and cats often have a penchant for eating strange things. Cats often gravitate toward plastic or wool, and many a dog will chew on whatever it can get its chops around. And then there are plants. Whether garden plants, houseplants, plants in the wild, or flowers from the florist–plants can provide a tasty and tempting diversion for animals, one that can be at odds with your pet’s health.

In order to prevent poisoning by cut flowers or house plants, avoid placing toxic ones in your home where pets may be able to access them. Or better yet, avoid buying flowers and plants that are known to be toxic. Outside is trickier, especially if your dog or cat has a wide range to roam.

For dogs, the animal science department at Cornell University suggests adding bran flakes to his food or switching her diet to one higher in vegetable fibers to deter cravings for vegetation. The only other thing to do is to watch your dog’s behavior when walking outside, and try to prevent them from munching on vegetation unless you know it is harmless. When you see symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficult breathing, abnormal urine, salivation, weakness, and any other abnormal condition, take your pet to the veterinarian because he may be poisoned.

Aloe vera

Great for burns, toxic to cats and dogs. Who knew? If you keep an aloe plant on hand for burns, make sure to keep it out of reach for your pets.
• Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color.

Amaryllis

Pretty, common as a garden ornamental, and a very popular potted bulb for the holidays…and toxic to both cats and dogs. Be careful with the bulbs, they contain the most toxins.
• Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors.

Azalea/Rhodedendron

Not only toxic to cats and dogs, this popular garden staple is also dangerous for horses, goats and sheep–and ingestion of just a few leaves can cause serious problems.
• Symptoms:  Acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.

Baby’s Breath

This sweet filler of many a floral arrangement seems innocent enough, but not so innocuous when it comes to your pet’s digestion.
• Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea.

Begonia

This popular garden and container plant is toxic to both dogs and cats. The tubers are the most toxic part.
• Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

Carnations

The carnation isn’t the most poisonous of the bunch, but it’s ubiquity in floral arrangements makes it one to keep your eye out for.
• Symptoms:  Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis.

Castor Bean

Not in everyone’s garden or bouquet, but castor bean plant is a popular landscaping plant used in many parks and public spaces. Watch out for it on those dog walks.
• Symptoms:  abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Chrysanthemum

The smell of chrysanthemum is enough to keep me away, but dogs and cats may still be drawn to it. It’s not likely to cause death, but it is a popular plant and can cause quite a bit of discomfort. In certain cases, depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.
• Symptoms:  Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, dermatitis.

Cyclamen

These pretty flowers are popular in the garden and in pots–and they are toxic to both cats and dogs. The highest concentration of the toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant.
• Symptoms:  gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Daffodil

Most people aren’t going to let their pet chow down on pretty daffodils, but who knows what may happen when you turn your back. These harbingers of spring are toxic to cats and dogs; the bulbs being the most toxic part.
• Symptoms:  Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias.

Gladiola

Although gladiolus are great in the garden, they are more popularly used in floral arrangements–since it is the corm (bulb) that is most toxic to dogs and cats it may not present much of a problem, but still…
• Symptoms:  Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea.

Hosta

If you have shade in your yard, I’m guessing you have a host of hostas. Am I right? I’ve seen many hostas unbothered by dogs and cats, but the plant is toxic to both–so make sure your pet doesn’t have a taste for them.
• Symptoms:  Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.

Ivy (California Ivy, Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, English Ivy)

I really can’t see a dog or cat approaching a wall of ivy and begin munching away, but then again, some of the things I have heard about pets eating have really surprised me, so…be warned. Ivy foliage is more toxic than its berries.
• Symptoms:  Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea.

Lilies

So lovely, so fragrant, so dangerous to kitties! Members of the Lilium family are considered to be highly toxic to cats, even when very small portions are ingested. Many types of lily (Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, Casa Blanca) can cause kidney failure in cats. Curiously, lilies are not toxic to dogs.
• Symptoms:  Kidney failure.

Milkweed

For the sake of the monarchs I really hope you will plant milkweed in your garden, but…dangit, it’s quite toxic to dogs and cats. (You can help monarchs in other ways, though: First Aid for Butterflies.)
• Symptoms:  Vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia, and diarrhea are common; may be followed by seizures, difficulty breathing, rapid, weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis and death.

Morning Glory

It somehow doesn’t surprise me that morning glory can cause hallucinations–and although cats on catnip are cute, cats and dogs experiencing rubber reality? Not so much.
• Symptoms:  Gastrointestinal upset, agitation, tremors, disorientation, ataxia, anorexia, hallucinations.

Oleander

Being a native of southern California, I’ve known forever that oleander is pretty, and poisonous–but I never knew how severely it could affect cats, dogs, and even horses. All parts contain a highly toxic cardiac glycoside (much like digitoxin) and can cause a number of problems.
• Symptoms:  Colic, diarrhea (possibly bloody), sweating, incoordination, shallow/difficult breathing, muscle tremors, recumbency, and possibly death from cardiac failure.

Poinsettia

“Beware the poinsettia,” pet-owners have been told ad nauseam. But guess what, they are totally over-rated in toxicity! The ubiquitous holiday decoration may cause discomfort, but not the alarming panic that has been described. Read Can Poinsettias Kill Your Cat? for more about the Poinsettia myth.
• Symptoms:  Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing mild vomiting.

Pothos

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  Not the most toxic plant on the list, but it’s such a popular houseplant that is should be noted that cats and dogs can both have adverse reactions to chewing or ingesting it.
• Symptoms:  Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

Sago Palm

If you live in a temperate region, chances are that you have sago palms around. They are a very popular landscaping plant, and also do double duty as a popular bonsai choice. They are apparently very tasty to animals, and unfortunately highly toxic–all parts are poisonous, but especially the seeds.
• Symptoms:  Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death.

Tomato Plant

Is there anything better than the smell of tomato plants on your hands after you’ve picked fresh tomatoes? Not so for your dog or cat. Although tomato plants probably won’t prove lethal for your pet, they can provide a good dose of discomfort.
• Symptoms:  Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate.

Tulip/Narcissus

It’s the bulb of the tulip and narcissus plants that have the highest concentration of toxins. This means: if you have a dog that digs, be cautious. Or, if you are forcing bulbs indoors, make sure they they are out of reach.
• Symptoms:  Intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Yew

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The bark and leaves of this very popular evergreen provided the basis for the cancer-treatment drug, paclitaxel–but general ingestion of any part of the tree (except the flesh of the berry) can be very dangerous to animals. Horses have an especially low tolerance to yew.
• Symptoms:  Central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.