A green thumb and pets do not always mix. But with some pre-planning on the garden's design and research into which plants are toxic to pets, the two can co-exist in relative harmony.
More than 700 plants have been identified as having enough toxicity in them to harm pets. Symptoms of plant poisoning include excessive drooling, head shaking, gasping, repeated swallowing and depression.
While a plant may not be toxic to pets, the cat or dog may be allergic to the plant material, and therefore, exhibit the same symptoms. Contact your veterinary clinic immediately if you suspect your pet has gotten into your garden and is feeling ill as a result. Remove any leaves, stems, flowers, etc. from the pet's mouth. And bring a sample of the plant to clinic so the veterinarian is fully aware of what he/she is dealing with.
The most dangerous plant is the Dieffenbachia or dumb cane. The Dieffenbachia only has to come in contact with an animal's mouth, tongue or throat to cause a serious reaction. Symptoms of Dieffenbachia poisoning include: mouth irritation, upset stomach, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures and death. This is obviously a plant that must be avoided if you have pets.
Other toxic garden plants include the Aconite, Autumn Crocus, Bird of Paradise, Christmas berry, Christmas rose, Daffodil, Holly, and Narcissus. Poisonous root vegetables include the Potato and Rhubarb.
If you are planning to cultivate a herb garden, there are some herbs you are best to continue buying in the store - Atropa belladonna, Bloodroot, Buttercup, Cowslip, Fan weed, Field peppergrass and Flax. To cats and dogs, a garden is a little piece of heaven. The soil is nice and soft - a perfect litter box for your cat, the plants are tasty - to both cats and dogs, and there are lots of things to find when digging under the soil - like roots and bulbs
.
Spraying a cat or dog with water to get it out of the garden is only useful when you catch the animal in the act of trespassing. It is not, however, a long term solution. However, since cats are adverse to water, motion-activated sprinklers may do the trick as the sprinklers go into action as soon as movement is detected around the garden.
A safer deterrent strategy is to grow plants that cats and dogs don't like the smell, flavour or texture of.
Herbs known to be of no interest to cats are the Absinthe, Lavender and Lemon-thyme. Flowers of disinterest include Fuchsias, Petunias and Roses (because of the thorns). Dogs, on the other hand, are not all that picky. So planting anything prickly is probably the best bet.
If your plant choice still does not keep them out of the garden, try sprinkling pepper (not cayenne as it gets on their paws, then into their eyes), citrus peels, pine cones, blood meal fertilizer and tea leaves around the garden. These are all scents most pets don't like
.
To further secure your garden, place items such as skewers, sharp sticks or toothpicks - all with the pointy end up, pebbles or crushed rock, throughout the garden bed. Chicken wire (lay it down before the plants sprout) will also make digging difficult, while thorny/spiny branches placed around the garden perimeter will help keep the animals at bay.
If all of this fails, then a fence may be necessary. Also, train pets not to go near the garden area when it is being constructed.
We love to bring the outdoors inside, but when it comes to fresh flowers and plants, some are better left outside, and in someone else's garden.
Christmas plants - poinsettias and mistletoe - are both wonderful additions to the season, however, they can be deadly to our pets. So when your guests are considering a suitable hostess gift to bring, let them know poinsettias and mistletoe are unsuitable.
Some other toxic indoor plants include: Caladium, Castor bean, Dumbcane/Dieffenbackiar, Easter Lily, Elephant's ear, Hyacinth, Lantana, Philodendrons and Rosary pea.
Keeping toxic plants on table or countertops may not be enough to keep them out of the cat's reach as they can get pretty much anywhere. As for dogs, the larger ones can reach on top of tables and counters. Use hanging baskets, however, do not place them over something, i.e. the back of the couch, which can be used as a launching pad into the basket. Place planters in rooms the animals are not allowed into or on very high surfaces - tops of bookshelves or mantels for example.
View the original article here
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Monday, 29 November 2010
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Choosing A Dog Breed - Discover How To Choose A Dog Breed
So you're ready to bring a new family member into your household - you've decided to get a dog. You understand what is required to become a responsible dog owner - and are prepared to do it.
You're now in the process of choosing a dog breed that will suit your lifestyle, personality and requirements. This is an important long term decision for you and anyone you live with. It pays to put in some research to ensure you reach the right decision.
When you visualize the type of dog you picture yourself living with for the next 15 years the dog's breed is just one of the many factors you need to consider. It is a vital piece of the puzzle but merely because you pick out a breed with some qualities you desire does not automatically mean you will end up with your "perfect dog". What it does mean is that you will probably discover a breed of dog which is compatible to you and has the potential to be everything you had hoped for.
The other just as crucial ingredients (along with the dog's breed) that combine to determine what type of dog you will share your life with are: Where you purchase your dog from - always buy from a conscientious and reputable dog breeder if possible. Which puppy you choose out of the litter. The puppy socialization your dog's breeder and then you give to the dog. The Obedience Training you provide - this includes things like household etiquette, leash training and the basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, down etc...
The above ingredients all come together to determine the health, well-being, character and behavior habits of your dog.
When choosing a dog breed it's a good idea to talk with people who have first hand experience with the breed you are interested in. Your local veterinarian, dog breeders and obedience trainers are a valuable source of information. Also if you visit any dog shows you can talk with the owners of just about any breed - this will make the picture clearer for you.
What size of dog breed do you favor? Size does matter but it doesn't necessarily mean that a big dog needs a big yard and a small dog breed is suited to apartment living. Some large breeds like the docile Greyhound are perfectly suited and easy to manage in a smallish yard. Can you handle a dog that sheds heavily? Almost all dogs shed to some degree but some like Golden Retrievers, Pugs and Dalmations are shedding machines! Unless you are prepared to allocate some dog grooming time each day you may be better off with a breed that sheds minimally. Is it important that your dog is good with children? Do some research to discover which dog breeds are best for children - there's lots of great options. How important is it for your dog to be well trained? Some breeds are more suited, willing and capable if you plan to get involved in advanced obedience training - does this apply to you?
Will your dog be living with other animals and dogs? Many breeds find it difficult to happily coexist with other animals, while there are some dogs that love the company of others. What energy level should your dog have? Do you long for a dog who lounges around on the couch with you or one who continually drops a ball at your feet looking for a game? It's important for the human-dog relationship that you share a similar level of energy to your dog. Please note that energy level comes down to each individual dog rather than by breed. Is affordability an issue for you? Think not only of the initial purchase price but also feeding, grooming and health care - with some dogs the list goes on and on.... Do you want a dog who will guard you and your possessions or one that may just "sound the alarm" and act as a watchdog? Is it likely that your lifestyle, commitments or requirements will change drastically in the next 12-15 years?
Choosing a dog breed is an important long term decision - it pays to look ahead for the wellbeing of the dog. Will your dog be left home alone for long periods? Many dog breeds (such as Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas) suffer badly from separation anxiety if left alone and bored for long periods. If your career demands a lot of your time you'll need to consider your choice of breed carefully - you may even want to reconsider your decision to get a dog at all. Will your dog be an inside dog, an outside dog or a bit of both? Some breeds are simply not suited to being kept outside and it's not fair to enforce this upon them.
Will your climate present any problems to your chosen breed? Dogs that were bred for specific purposes and in one part of the world will often find it hard to climatize into other areas. Does the breed you are interested in have any breed specific health problems? Again this is just a matter of doing some research and talking to people who would know. Common breed specific problems are hip dysplasia, various eye problems and skin conditions. Do you have a secure and large enough property to safely confine your dog? Puppy proofing your home checklist. How much and what kind of exercise are you prepared to give on a daily basis? This is an important one, if you are not prepared to properly exercise your dog the dog's energy will come out in other, destructive ways. Some dogs don't require much exercise at all - they'd rather curl up with you on the couch. Will you be able to get your chosen breed in your area? It's no good falling in love with a certain breed only to find out that you cannot source a puppy in your area. What is your level of experience with dogs? Some dog breeds are not recommended for first time dog owners - they will walk all over you! What was the breed originally bred for? Many breeds still retain the strong drives and instincts which they were bred for. For this reason if you enjoy having a nice and tidy flower garden you may want to avoid some of the terrier breeds (they love to dig!). Do you suffer from any dog related allergies? Hypoallergenic dog breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frise and the Bedlington Terrier have a decreased tendency to cause allergic reactions.
The above questions are designed to make the process of choosing a dog breed a clear and straight forward process - if answered truthfully!
As soon as your new dog arrives home is the time when your hard work begings. You will be responsible for shaping his/her character and behavior habits and helping him to thrive in our human society. To learn how to properly bond with and train your dog I recommend you study and closely follow this Comprehensive Dog Ownership Package. Try this online Choosing A Dog Breed Questionnaire to further narrow your search. You can find answers to questions such as "What is the best small dog breed?" and "What is the best dog breed for children?" plus much more... Top 31 AKC Dog Breeds in order of popularity. Informaiton includes choosing a dog breed, dog breed profiles and dog breed pictures.
ATTENTION: For Those Getting a New Puppy
All dogs, regardless of breed type need to be raised, trained and cared for in a responsible and informed way. If it's your wish to raise a happy, healthy and well adjusted dog then I'd suggest you get involved in this great community of dog lovers - Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer. It's the best investment you'll ever make for you, and your dog.
View the original article here
You're now in the process of choosing a dog breed that will suit your lifestyle, personality and requirements. This is an important long term decision for you and anyone you live with. It pays to put in some research to ensure you reach the right decision.
When you visualize the type of dog you picture yourself living with for the next 15 years the dog's breed is just one of the many factors you need to consider. It is a vital piece of the puzzle but merely because you pick out a breed with some qualities you desire does not automatically mean you will end up with your "perfect dog". What it does mean is that you will probably discover a breed of dog which is compatible to you and has the potential to be everything you had hoped for.
The other just as crucial ingredients (along with the dog's breed) that combine to determine what type of dog you will share your life with are: Where you purchase your dog from - always buy from a conscientious and reputable dog breeder if possible. Which puppy you choose out of the litter. The puppy socialization your dog's breeder and then you give to the dog. The Obedience Training you provide - this includes things like household etiquette, leash training and the basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, down etc...
The above ingredients all come together to determine the health, well-being, character and behavior habits of your dog.
When choosing a dog breed it's a good idea to talk with people who have first hand experience with the breed you are interested in. Your local veterinarian, dog breeders and obedience trainers are a valuable source of information. Also if you visit any dog shows you can talk with the owners of just about any breed - this will make the picture clearer for you.
What size of dog breed do you favor? Size does matter but it doesn't necessarily mean that a big dog needs a big yard and a small dog breed is suited to apartment living. Some large breeds like the docile Greyhound are perfectly suited and easy to manage in a smallish yard. Can you handle a dog that sheds heavily? Almost all dogs shed to some degree but some like Golden Retrievers, Pugs and Dalmations are shedding machines! Unless you are prepared to allocate some dog grooming time each day you may be better off with a breed that sheds minimally. Is it important that your dog is good with children? Do some research to discover which dog breeds are best for children - there's lots of great options. How important is it for your dog to be well trained? Some breeds are more suited, willing and capable if you plan to get involved in advanced obedience training - does this apply to you?
Will your dog be living with other animals and dogs? Many breeds find it difficult to happily coexist with other animals, while there are some dogs that love the company of others. What energy level should your dog have? Do you long for a dog who lounges around on the couch with you or one who continually drops a ball at your feet looking for a game? It's important for the human-dog relationship that you share a similar level of energy to your dog. Please note that energy level comes down to each individual dog rather than by breed. Is affordability an issue for you? Think not only of the initial purchase price but also feeding, grooming and health care - with some dogs the list goes on and on.... Do you want a dog who will guard you and your possessions or one that may just "sound the alarm" and act as a watchdog? Is it likely that your lifestyle, commitments or requirements will change drastically in the next 12-15 years?
Choosing a dog breed is an important long term decision - it pays to look ahead for the wellbeing of the dog. Will your dog be left home alone for long periods? Many dog breeds (such as Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas) suffer badly from separation anxiety if left alone and bored for long periods. If your career demands a lot of your time you'll need to consider your choice of breed carefully - you may even want to reconsider your decision to get a dog at all. Will your dog be an inside dog, an outside dog or a bit of both? Some breeds are simply not suited to being kept outside and it's not fair to enforce this upon them.
Will your climate present any problems to your chosen breed? Dogs that were bred for specific purposes and in one part of the world will often find it hard to climatize into other areas. Does the breed you are interested in have any breed specific health problems? Again this is just a matter of doing some research and talking to people who would know. Common breed specific problems are hip dysplasia, various eye problems and skin conditions. Do you have a secure and large enough property to safely confine your dog? Puppy proofing your home checklist. How much and what kind of exercise are you prepared to give on a daily basis? This is an important one, if you are not prepared to properly exercise your dog the dog's energy will come out in other, destructive ways. Some dogs don't require much exercise at all - they'd rather curl up with you on the couch. Will you be able to get your chosen breed in your area? It's no good falling in love with a certain breed only to find out that you cannot source a puppy in your area. What is your level of experience with dogs? Some dog breeds are not recommended for first time dog owners - they will walk all over you! What was the breed originally bred for? Many breeds still retain the strong drives and instincts which they were bred for. For this reason if you enjoy having a nice and tidy flower garden you may want to avoid some of the terrier breeds (they love to dig!). Do you suffer from any dog related allergies? Hypoallergenic dog breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frise and the Bedlington Terrier have a decreased tendency to cause allergic reactions.
The above questions are designed to make the process of choosing a dog breed a clear and straight forward process - if answered truthfully!
As soon as your new dog arrives home is the time when your hard work begings. You will be responsible for shaping his/her character and behavior habits and helping him to thrive in our human society. To learn how to properly bond with and train your dog I recommend you study and closely follow this Comprehensive Dog Ownership Package. Try this online Choosing A Dog Breed Questionnaire to further narrow your search. You can find answers to questions such as "What is the best small dog breed?" and "What is the best dog breed for children?" plus much more... Top 31 AKC Dog Breeds in order of popularity. Informaiton includes choosing a dog breed, dog breed profiles and dog breed pictures.
ATTENTION: For Those Getting a New Puppy
All dogs, regardless of breed type need to be raised, trained and cared for in a responsible and informed way. If it's your wish to raise a happy, healthy and well adjusted dog then I'd suggest you get involved in this great community of dog lovers - Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer. It's the best investment you'll ever make for you, and your dog.
View the original article here
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