Homemade Dog Bones
Ingredients
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup skim milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine flour and baking powder.
In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk.
Combine mixtures and stir well.
Drop dough on a lightly floured surface and knead.
Bake on a greased baking sheet at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool on a rack, and store in an airtight container.



Pork Liver Cookies

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About those whiskers on your pet.

Whiskers are also known as "tactile hairs" or vibrissae.

They are needed to help an animal feel his way around. Whiskers are very sensitive and helpful to animals.

It is thought that they work by sensitivity to air currents. Whiskers are also a good indicator of an animals mood. They may be pulled back due to anger or relaxed and pushed forward when happy.

Whisker's other use is to help an animal judge his space. This is helpful in judging whether or not he'll fit through an opening.

Whiskers should never be cut or trimmed (we'll discuss why later).They are rooted very deep in the cat's face, in an area rich in nerves and blood vessels.

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Train your cat or dog to respond when you call it's name.

The first step in teaching your cat or dog to respond to his name, is to teach him to to associate it with positive rewards. By calling his name and giving him a positive reward, your pet will learn to come when he is called.

Probably the most positive reward there is to a pet is a treat.These are relatively inexpensive and can be easily found. Be sure to take into consideration the size of the treat and the number given in a day as you don't want to cause a weight problem.

Another positive reward to a pet is good old praise. You can easily reward him with praising or petting.

It should be noted that once you have started the training process you should never use your pet's name to call him over for a reprimand.

The training process should be kept easy and consistent. You can do this by using the same name every time you call him. Don't confuse your pet with many nicknames or variations on his name.

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Catnip

Cats love Catnip.

Catnip has been around for a long time. Originally from Europe and Asia it was used by the ancient Romans for cooking and healing. It was used for the treatment of nervousness, colds, and other complaints during the Middle Ages.

Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family. It has no effect on human, however, it does on cats because they rely heavily on their noses.

The chemical nepetalactone in catnip is responsible for the response. Some cats are totally unaffected by it. Other cats experience extreme pleasure and playfulness from it. The intensity of responses varies from cat to cat. Its effect is short-lived, usually 5 to 20 minutes. After enjoying this brief “catnip high,” a cat is unable to respond to catnip again for about an hour.


Some say that the cat’s responsiveness to catnip is inherited . It is sometimes described as the presence or absence of a “catnip gene.” Up to 30 percent of all cats do not have this gene. Kittens with this gene may not respond to catnip until about six to eight months of age.

For the catnip-loving cat, sniffing this herb is harmless and non-addictive.

Catnip can be purchased alone or already in a cat toy. If you prefer, you can grow it yourself however, be warned that you will have a garden that is very popular with cats.

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Winterize with your Dog

* Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time.


* Give your dog adequate shelter .


* Frozen water, such as lakes, rivers or ponds, can be dangerous. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.





* Dogs may need additional calories because it takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated.

* Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow.


* Don't leave your dog alone in a car.

* Antifreeze is lethal.

* Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks is irritating to footpads.


* Provide plenty of fresh water.

* Prevent frostbite by not leaving your dog outdoors for too long.

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Holiday Pet Dangers

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Survey about Pets, Bed, and Gifts

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Interested in a pet goat?

Here are some things that you should know.

Goats are herd animals which means that you would need to get more than one. They need plenty of space, with a fence around it. If you are in a city, bylaws may prevent you from keeping goats as they will likely be classed as an agricultural species.

Female goats are called does. Male goats are called bucks. A male goat that has been neutered is known as a wether.

Shelter
Goats must always have ready access to shelter them for safety especially in bad weather. They cannot tolerate wet conditions because they have no lanolin in their hair .


Goat Statistics

* Body Temperature: 102.5° F-104° F
* Pulse/heart rate: 60 to 80 beats per minute
* Respiration rate: 15 to 30 breaths per minute
* Puberty: 4 to 12 months
* Gestation (length of pregnancy): 150 days
* Breeding season: Pygmy goats may be bred any time of the year. Dairy goats usually go into heat between August and January in the Northern Hemisphere.
* Weight: An adult pygmy goat weighs between 50 and 75 pounds. An adult dairy goat doe weighs between 125 and 200 pounds. An adult dairy goat buck weighs between 200 and 300 pounds.

Basic care
Goats need water. Be sure to provide them with plenty of clean and unfrozen water.
They need to be fed 1-2 times per day.

They will eat alfalfa hay. An adult dairy goat doe eats about 5 pounds. This is usually supplemented with a grain mixture.

Goats can be prone to foot problems, and routine examination and maintenance of hooves is essential. Feet must be regularly inspected, and when necessary, trimmed.

Consult a veterinarian for further goat care.

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The Popularity of Pets
Two-thirds of American households (about 71.1 million) have at least one pet, according to a survey of pet owners conducted last year by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.45 percent of pet owners have more than one pet

US Pet owners spent an estimated $41 billion in 2007 on their pets.

Cats remain the most popular pet America numbering more than 64.2 million felines. Canines now number at over 62.5 million.

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Dogs and Cold Weather

While it is not advisable to keep your dog outside for long periods of time in cold weather, here are some tips to follow for cold weather. Outdoor dogs normally need more food to generate enough energy to cope with the cold. Offer your dog fresh water several times during the day and be sure to provide him with an electrically-heated water bowls. A dog cannot drink ice. An outdoor dog's shelter should be insulated, and watertight. The shelter should be elevated and protected from prevailing winds . Because they use their own body heat to keep warm, the shelter should be small enough to preserve the dog's body heat. Provide dry, clean bedding materials such as straw or blankets and replace bedding if it becomes damp or wet.

Don't keep your dog outside in all conditions. Pay attention to the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it's too cold for any dog - even those accustomed to being outside.


Winter Care for your Dog
Remove packed snow or ice from between the toes of your dog's paw pads and wipe the paws thoroughly. Be sure to check for salt and other de-icers that are spread on sidewalks and roads as these may also irritate the pads and cause them to bleed.

If your dog is experiencing dry skin and shedding it is usually the result of low humidity. Frequent brushing helps remove dead hairs and will stimulates oil glands.




Do check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.

Do invest in a pet sweater for shorthaired breeds. Pets will shiver in response to being chilled.Young and old dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.



Clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste. Very small amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. Consider using an animal-friendly anti-freeze.


Don't leave pets alone in cars during cold weather months. When the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.

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Cat Purring

Even though not every species of cats purr, domestic kittens as we know them are born with purring ability. We believe that cats typically purr when they are content, thus, we associate purring with a happy cat.

However, cats also purr when they are distressed or in pain. Female cats will purr while giving birth. She does this to sooth her kitties and to comfort herself.

Cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles during both inhalation and exhalation.


Some researchers believe that the different sound frequencies of purrs mean different things. For instance, a slow frequency may be indicative of a cat's ability to conserve energy.

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Barney- This White House Dog, gives a tour of the White House Decorations.

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From Cesar Milan, The Dig Wisperer

These tips should help you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

1)Remember your rules, boundaries, and limitations .It's important to remind your dog that the rules, boundaries, and limitations remain.

2) Remember to be cautious around fire! Animals will instinctively stay away from fire. Also, keep candles well out of your dog's reach.

3) Reminder about some dangerous holiday items. Poinsettias, chocolate, fragile ornaments, and tinsel to name a few.Keep hazards out of your dog's reach!

4) Keep presents out of reach. Dogs will know if you're getting an edible gift before you do.

5) Celebrate with your dog by your side and your family around you!

Visit Cesar's Web site for more Holiday Tips.

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Pet Snakes for the New Owner

Recommended breeds- corn snakes, king snakes, or ball pythons are the best choice for pet snakes. These types of snakes tend to be gentle, and meeting their diet and environmental needs is not as difficult as for some other species.

The recommended snakes are relatively small , ranging from 4-5 feet adult length . All snakes represent a commitment to long term care, though, with life spans of about 20 years for corn snakes and king Snakes, and up to40 or more years for a Ball Python .

Ball pythons have a reputation as being difficult to feed due to their tendency to sometimes stop eating for months at a time. If choosing a ball python, make sure it is captive bred and used to being fed killed prey.

With any snake, feeding pre-killed prey is recommended. A live rodent can inflict some serious wounds on a snake in self defense. These can be frozen.

A warning for beginners. Avoid snakes such as Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, any tree boa or python, water snakes, or any wild caught snakes. Burmese pythons have been involved in cases of human fatalities . Red-tailed boas (also known as boa constrictors) aren't quite as large (10 feet, 50+ pounds) but are more work to care for.

For individual care, it is recommended that you research your particular breed of snake. Snakes are a different kind of pet and require a commitment that may be long term and is certainly special.

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CPR for Dogs

As with anything concerning your pet, always consult with a professional first. Talk to your veterinarian for the latest updated information.

It's all about the ABC'c.
Airway, breathing and circulation.

Airway- Is your dog breathing? Lie your dog on his back and listen to his mouth and nose while you observe his stomach for movements of breathing. Gently tap your dog and call out their name to see if they move. Then (being careful not to get bitten or scratched) lean down close and LOOK, LISTEN AND FEEL for breathing. Look: at the chest of the animal to see if it's moving.

Check the nose and the mouth for obstructions which can be making breathing difficult. The airway must be clear. Open the mouth and look for a foreign object. If an object is blocking the airway, grab the tongue and pull it outward. If this does not dislodge the object, use your fingers, pliers, or tongs to grasp it.


If your DOG is NOT breathing use a finger to clear any mucus or other objects from the mouth. TILT the head back to straighten the airway passage.Pull his tongue just a little bit, close the mouth and tilt their head just a little to open their Airway. Give them 4 -5 breaths from your mouth to their nose! This is Mouth-to-Snout resuscitation. You'll want to give them just enough air to make the chest rise.

Circulation: This means you're checking to see if their heart is working. The best place to find the pulse is on the inside of the rear leg, towards the top of the leg. This is called the Femoral Pulse.


If there is no Pulse, start CPR

Repeat the breathing procedure once every five (5) seconds until your DOG is breathing normally, or until your Vet or other Emergency technician is available to begin treatment.





Place the dog on the ground or other hard surface with its right side down (larger dogs). Take it's left front leg and bend at the elbow, rotating at the shoulder. The point where the elbow of the dog touches the body is where you place your hands for compressions. Put one hand on top of the other and clasp your fingers together. Lock your elbows and start performing compressions. Push approximately 2-3 inches deep. Give compressions first then a breath. After 1 minute check for a pulse. repeat if there's no response.
or
For smaller dogs. Place the palm of your hand on the rib cage over the heart. Place your other hand on top of the first. (For puppies and kittens, put your thumb on one side of the chest and the rest of your fingers on the other side.) Compress the chest about one inch. Squeeze and release rhythmically at a rate of 80 to 100 compressions per minute.



Giant Dogs = Give 1 breath every 10 compressions.

Medium to large dogs = Give 1 breath every 5 compressions.

Small Dogs = Give 1 breath every 5 compressions.

Watch for the rise and fall of the chest, feel for breath on your hand, look at the gums - they will turn blue from lack of oxygen.

These instructions are just for a quick reference. Consult an expert. If your pet is having distress of any kind, seek a veterinarian.

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Hybrid Liger Cubs
(Maybe Napoleon Dynamite was right?)

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Insuring your dog or cat in the car.


Progressive Corp. is providing collision coverage for customers' dogs or cats at no additional premium cost. It will pay up to $500 if a customer's dog or cat is hurt or dies in a car accident.

There are over 150 million pets in the U.S., and Americans spend over $40 billion on their pets annually, according to a recent Insurance Information Institute study.

If you can use Collision coverage, you can use Pet Injury coverage for pets you or your relatives have.

According to Progressive, pet injury coverage is built in to your Collision coverage.

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From MSNBC

A man teaches his pet turtle to do tricks.

Spero, a psychologist, said his turtle, Florida, has helped children deal with the trials and tribulations of life.

When 7-year-old Ariana Wible started having nightmares a year ago, she went to see Spero. She said before she was able to face her fears, she found a new friend in the turtle.

"I thought it was really cool that you could train a turtle to do that, and I thought anything is possible," Spero said.

Spero said he used the turtle to show children how to overcome obstacles, like dealing with divorce.

"I put a doll on the back of the turtle, and he literally carried her from one house to the other, back and forth," Spero said. "And she finally understood the concept that Mommy was going to have a house and Daddy was going to have a house, and it was OK for her to go back and forth."

Spero said the children catch on quickly, but adults are more skeptical.



Like Florida the turtle, Spero said the therapy can move slowly. However, in the end, there is a lesson that even parents can take home -- rewarding good behavior works.

"I'll often say, 'You know turtles; they can be pretty difficult. Kids are easy,'" Spero said

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Are you thinking about adopting?

Reasons for adopting a puppy.
The top reasons for adopting a dog are for companionship, for children, as a guard dog or as a show dog.

* A companion should like to do the same things you do. Take this into consideration when choosing a breed. Do your research.
* A playmate for the kids should be calm and not prone to aggressiveness.There are a lot of good breeds, such as the Labrador retriever. Don't set yourself up by getting an 'active' or excitable dog.
* A guard dog needs to be loyal and easy to train.
* You should do your research on breeders if you are interested in a show dog.

• Go beyond getting a puppy because it is "cute". This is a living creature and has needs such as feeding.

• Make sure that you have plenty of room for the dog to play or toilet outside.

• Make sure that you will have enough time to spend with the puppy. They are similar to babies in that they need special attention. Be realistic.

• Can you afford a puppy? There are costs such as for the vet and basic set up. The first year can be in the hundreds of dollars.

Consulting a vet or the humane society is suggested as well.

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