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Thursday, February 26, 2015
Long-Term Considerations for a Successful Reef Tank
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Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Rabbit
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Rabbit
There are many benefits to spaying or neutering a rabbit. First and foremost, a fixed rabbit can live a longer, healthier life as the risk of cancer and urinary tract infections are greatly reduced.
Second, a rabbit that is spayed/neutered becomes calmer and easier to manage. Their destructive habits subside a bit,yet they don’t lose their charmingly mischievous nature. Altered rabbits are also easier to litter train and have less of an urge to spray.
Spayed and neutered house rabbits are easier to bond because of their calmer demeanor. And of course, an altered couple will not end up with a litter of baby buns. While baby bunnies are adorable, there is an issue with overpopulation. Most rabbit shelters are consistently full.
When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet Rabbit?
When male rabbits are between 3 and 5 months old, they are old enough to be neutered. Female rabbits are generally old enough to be spayed between 4 and 6 months; this is when they first reach sexual maturity. When rabbits have reached middle age (5-6 years old) they can be considered too old to be altered. Rabbits that are too young or too old are at higher risk for complications from surgery.
What to Expect from the Spay/Neuter Surgery
Spaying is the procedure performed on female rabbits to remove the reproductive organs. The procedure takes place through the abdomen. Blood vessels that lead to the reproductive tract are tied and the reproductive tract is removed. The rabbit then receives several sets of sutures to close her back up.
Neutering is performed on male rabbits to remove the testes. The veterinarian will make an incision in the scrotum and remove the testicles through it. Up to three weeks after the surgery a male rabbit can still have semen stored in his body. For this reason a recently altered male should be kept away from unaltered female rabbits during this time period.
In order to provide a safe spay/neuter experience for your rabbit you need to find an experienced veterinarian. When looking for a veterinarian, be sure to ask if he/she has had experience working with rabbits. If there is a local rabbit shelter in your area, they may be able to recommend a vet to you.
If you have adopted your rabbit from shelter or rescue, the rabbit may already be altered. Be sure to ask. Talk to your qualified vet about what to do to prepare your rabbit for surgery and how to provide care post-surgery. Also ask your veterinarian to explain the procedure thoroughly as it may ease your own anxieties to know what will happen.
Be sure to monitor your rabbit after the procedure for changes in behavior, failure to eat, pulling at stitches or signs of infection.
Step by Step Reef Aquarium Setup
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The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Cat
According to 2008 stats from the Humane Society, there are approximately 88 million owned pet cats in the United States (more than dogs!). Nearly one third of all US households own a cat and on average most of those homes have two cats. Eighty seven percent of the pet cats in the U.S. are spayed or neutered. It's a very common procedure and there are many benefits.
What Is Spaying And Neutering?
Sterilizing a cat is known as neutering for males and spaying for females. Neutering a male cat is a fairly simple procedure performed by a professional veterinarian. The cat is placed under general anesthesia, and the testes are removed through an incision in the scrotum. The incision is very small and stitches are usually not even necessary.
Spaying a female cat is a more involved and invasive procedure, and as such is often more expensive. The ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed after the cat is immobilized with general anesthesia. The operation is known as an ovario-hysterectomy. The abdominal area is shaved and the surgical wound usually only requires a few stitches.
Kittens should be spayed or neutered when they reach sexual maturity, which is usually between four and six months of age. However a cat can be safely spayed or neutered at any age, so even older adopted cats should have this procedure.
Some rescue organizations participate in a "catch and release" program where homeless cats are captured, neutered or spayed and released. This is considered more humane than euthanizing strays. The catch and release program is sometimes known as TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and the cats that are sterilized have part of one ear clipped. If you adopt a cat with a clipped ear, he or she has almost certainly been already spayed or neutered as a result of this effort.
Why Spay Or Neuter Your Cat?
There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your cat, and they extend to your pet, your family, your home and society in general.
Stray and feral cat overpopulation is a massive problem. The life of a homeless cat can be miserable and harsh. Feral cats also contribute to the destruction of other indigenous wildlife, especially birds.
Un-spayed female cats may be restless and noisy and exhibit other behavior problems.
Males who are not neutered (also known as Tom Cats) have many behavior problems, including a tendency to roam if allowed outside and a habit of spraying strong smelling urine inside the house to mark their territory.
Spayed and neutered cats generally have fewer health problems and a longer life expectancy.
Is there a downside to sterilizing your pet cat? Not really. Sometimes neutered males require slightly less food after the procedure so they don't gain weight. But most cats are healthier, happier and calmer if they've been spayed or neutered.
Fast Facts On Cat Sterilization
Most animal shelters and rescue groups require cats to be spayed or neutered before they will allow them to be adopted. The new owner should anticipate picking up the cost for this procedure.
The cost of spaying or neutering varies widely depending on the U.S. location, but will range from a low of $50 through a pet shelter to a high of $200 for a private veterinarian in a large urban area.
In most cases your cat will be able to come home the same day, especially if they are scheduled to be spayed or neutered in the morning.
For nervous cat owners who worry excessively about their beloved kitty, most vets are happy to call you after the procedure is over to let you know how your pet is doing.
Millions of beautiful cats and kittens are exterminated each year by animal shelters who can't find enough homes for them. The famous artist Leonardo da Vinci once said "even the smallest feline is a masterpiece." Cat owners can help make sure that each precious fur covered work of art has a happy home. The best way to accomplish this goal is through responsible spaying and neutering. FOLLOW US!
A Starving Dog Found Inside a Zipped Suitcase Outside a Bronx Apartment Building is Showing Signs of Recovery
A month later, Fraggle has started to eat on his own, and walk small distances without help, according to the ASPCA.
It's a miraculous recovery given that he was perilously close to death when he was found, according to ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group Senior Director Howard Lawrence.
Fraggle will continue to recover at the ASPCA Hospital. A reward of $22,000 is being offered by both the ASPCA, and the NYPD for information leading an arrest/conviction in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS
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Beneful Press Statement 2-25-2015: Frequently Asked Questions
We continually work closely with the FDA to ensure the quality of every Purina product. We use only safe ingredients to ensure that all of our products meet or exceed FDA, USDA and AAFCO standards. In addition, our products are formulated by pet nutritionists, scientists and veterinarians to provide complete and balanced nutrition, and millions of healthy dogs eat Beneful each year.
As pet owners ourselves, our priority is the health and well-being of the millions of dogs who enjoy Beneful. We take these allegations very seriously and stand by our product, which is backed by Purina's strict quality controls and comprehensive food safety program.
Unfortunately, class action suits are common these days. They are not indicative of a product issue. In fact, we've faced two such suits in the past with similar allegations. Both were found to be baseless and were subsequently dismissed by the courts.
Adding to the confusion, social media outlets can be a source of false or incomplete information, as many other pet food brands have experienced themselves.
We at Beneful want you, our valued customers, to know that this lawsuit is baseless; you can continue to feel confident feeding your dogs our food. We stand committed to our Brand, our products and your pets.
We encourage you to reach out to us at any time with any questions at 1–888-236-3385. Or, visit https://www.beneful.com/our-people to get a behind the scenes look into how the Purina Nutrition Research team evaluates the safety and ingredients of Beneful dog food.
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Washington Humane Society - Meet Kaelyn, For Her 7th Birthday She Requested Donations for WHS Instead of Presents - She Raised $472!
This is a great way for anyone under the age of 18 to help out the Washington Humans Society. If you know anyone who would like to volunteer like Kaelyn did, please e-mail volunteer@washhumane.org.
Website: Washington Humane Society
Remember John Unger? His Video Went Viral Showing Him Cuddling Schoep, His 19-Year-Old Dog in Lake Superior to Help with His Arthritis Pain - He Gets a New Puppy
Bayfield, Wis. - John Unger and his dog Schoep became an internet sensation three years ago after photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, snapped a sweet moment of them on Lake Superior.Schoep loved the water but arthritis settled into his joints which made it hard to swim or even walk. So, Unger would just hold Schoep on his chest in the water, sometimes for hours.
"He was my life," Unger said.
Twenty years ago Unger was battling depression when he found Schoep in a shelter.
"He saved me that night and I could only do my very best for him after that," he said.
It was the best to the very end. A year and a half ago, Schoep passed away.
"It was really tough after Schoep left and didn't know what to do with my time," Unger said.
Months passed. The thought of moving on came and went. Unger thought about getting a new dog but nothing seemed right.
"It was re-learning how to live and once I learned that and once I got through the toughness of his love that's when I started searching again," Unger said.
Ninety miles away in Hayward someone else was searching too. A few days ago several dogs were surrendered to the Northwoods Humane Society. Among them was one-year-old Bear. Older dogs and black dogs like Bear often have trouble finding new homes, according to Kim Molitor, who works for the shelter. But a suitor was already at the front door.
"I was like cool. He's like a surfer dude from California. He's going to get along with all the dogs," Molitor said after the long-haired Unger walked in.
Molitor had no idea who the "long-haired surfer dude" was until a co-worker recognized the name.
"I got chills. I couldn't' believe it. He's in the water with the dog and it was beautiful," Molitor said.
Just as beautiful was the moment Unger met Bear.
"It was just unison. It was just you know, in love from the moment they said hello to each other," Molitor said.
In less than a week together Unger and Bear have their walk down. But there are some things they are still learning about each other, like whether Bear likes playing with sticks or a ball.
Starting over is never easy but Unger learned years ago from his first love that it's a chance worth taking.
"I talk to him still. Thank him for everything," Unger said.
If you'd like to send John and Bear a welcome message you can write to them at P.O. Box 434, Bayfield, WI 54814.
If you missed the video that went viral, you can view it here:
Dog Owner Cuddles His 19 Year Old Dog in Lake Superior to Help with Arthritis Pain - Picture and Video Have Gone Viral
You may also be interested in reading:
Update! Dog Owner Cuddles His 19 Year-Old Dog in Lake Superior is Now Receiving Donations
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Wednesday, February 25, 2015
In a Northern Dutch Town, the Residents Are Being Terrorized by an European Eagle Owl
There have been a rising number of owl attacks.
An European eagle owl has silently swooped on dozens of residents over the past three weeks, causing many victims to seek medical attention.
The latest attack, two members of a local athletics club were attacked. One person required stitches for six head wounds caused by the nocturnal bird of prey's talons.
The club has cancelled all training until further notice.
Residents and workers at Prinsenstichting home for the handicapped have been left terrified following at least 15 attacks, spokeswoman Liselotte de Bruijn told AFP.
"During the day there's no problem. We only venture outside at night armed with umbrellas, helmets and hats, anything really, to protect ourselves," said De Bruijn.
"The problem is that you don't hear the owl before it strikes. Its claws are razor-sharp," she said.
Purmerend city council said it was trying to find a solution.
"We want to catch the owl as our city's residents are in danger," it said on its website, noting however that the European eagle owl is a protected species that requires special permission to be trapped.
"These procedures can still take some time. Meanwhile, we are advising people to stay away from the owl," the city said, telling night strollers in the area to shield themselves with umbrellas.
Gejo Wassink of the Netherlands' OWN owl foundation said the bird's behavior was unusual.
"Either the owl was reared in captivity and released into the wild and now associates humans with food -- meaning it's not really 'attacking' people."
"Or it may have heightened hormone levels as the breeding season starts, which influences its behavior and makes it defend its territory," Wassink told AFP, saying the bird "appears to be a female".
He pointed to the wider problem of people hand-rearing owls and then releasing them into the wild when they become too big to handle, potentially leading to an increase in attacks.
The European eagle owl is one of the largest owl species, with a wing-span of up to 1.80 metres (almost six feet) and weighing up to three kilos (seven pounds).
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You Will No Longer Be Able to Feed the Dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando - A New Program, Starting in March, Will Allow You to Only Touch and Interact With the Dolphins
The new program starting on March 2, will cost $15, and will be a reservation-only package, that allows small groups to spend several minutes touching and interacting with dolphins but not feeding them.
"Dolphin Cove will continue to provide areas where all guests are able to view dolphins up close, and interact with animals that choose to interact with them," said spokeswoman Becca Bides in an emailed statement on Tuesday.
Conservationists hailed the move as an incremental improvement in the treatment of captive marine mammals, saying the feeding pools are dangerous.
"It’s out of date, out of style and it’s full of risk," said Courtney Vail, campaign and program manager for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.
Vail said dolphins have been harmed in large feeding programs fighting over food and by guests dropping objects into the pools, not washing their hands and touching the dolphins’ eyes or blowholes. Guests occasionally are bitten, she said.
Vail said feeding programs encourage people to feed dolphins in the wild, leading to dolphin-boat collisions and teaching dolphins to beg rather than forage.
Vail said most aquariums other than SeaWorld ended feeding programs years ago.
Feeding of dolphins will remain a part of SeaWorld’s sister park in Orlando, Discovery Cove, where a limited number of guests touch, feed and swim with dolphins.
SeaWorld San Diego ended its large group feeding program in 2012, followed by the San Antonio park in 2013, according to Bides. Those parks still allow guests in small group interaction programs to feed dolphins.
Attendance at SeaWorld Orlando park took a hit after a 2013 documentary focused on its captive killer whale program, and in particular on Tilikum, formerly a performing a killer whale that drowned trainer Dawn Brancheau.
Her death led a federal administrative judge to order the theme park to maintain barriers between trainers and the whales.
In August, the company announced a planned expansion of the whale pools, and a $10 million contribution to killer whale research.
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Watch Out Grumpy Cat, Sauerkraut Is Starting a Craze of Her Own
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7 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Adopted A Dog
Both of my dogs have given me very different opportunities to learn what truly goes into owning a living, breathing, eating, pooping, thinking, chewing, high-energy, accident-prone, vaccination-needing, attention-seeking being. And while nothing could make me regret bringing home either of my wonderful dogs — no matter how high the vet bills or how frustrating the training — I do wish that I'd have gone into the adoptions with eyes wide open. (And maybe a little more padding in my savings account.)
While I only have hindsight, it is 20-20. I hope that it can help someone else prepare a little more for what they're getting into when they sign up for a dog. Here are the seven things I wish someone would have said to me before I signed the adoption papers, just so I knew exactly what I was getting into.
1. You're going to spend a lot of money. A. Lot. Of. Money.
Whatever you think you're going to spend on a dog, triple it. Better yet, quadruple it. And depending on your dog, double whatever the sum of your quadrupling.
Americans spent $55.7 billion on pets in 2013. We spent an estimated $58.5 billion in 2014. In fact, every year, we spend billions more than the previous year on our non-human family members. Why? Because we care.
The bulk of what we spend goes toward better food. These days it's tough to trust just any old can of ground-up goodness-knows-what. Is it nutritious? Is it safe? Is it ethical? More and more pet stores are offering better options like dehydrated or frozen raw food made with organic ingredients. Honest Kitchen, Grandma Lucy's, Small Batch, Orijen, Stella & Chewy's, Primal, Natural Balance and other brands have come onto the market to offer dog owners only the best for their pups. And they aren't cheap.
Beyond the absolute basics of food, there are the basics of annual vaccinations and licensing your dog with your city. There's also microchipping your dog and getting him registered in search databases, which is a huge step in ensuring a lost dog can be returned to his or her owner.
Then there are the vet visits — not predictable in when they'll happen or why, but predictable in that they will indeed happen. Some dogs are prone to skin infections or allergies or ear infections. Young dogs run the risk of injuring themselves in overly rambunctious play. Old dogs run the risk of developing arthritis, or the scary c-word, cancer. And there's always the expense of monthly flea, tick and heartworm medications. Some pet owners opt to get pet insurance with monthly payments in case of an emergency or as a way to handle expensive prescriptions if the dog has special health needs, so there's another monthly cost to consider.
Then there is the money you don't spend on your dog but you spend because of your dog. Replacing furniture or carpets, for instance. I've had to get a toilet repaired (ball got stuck in it) and a window replaced (ball went through it) and a new fence installed (ball went under it so dog went through it).
There are the necessities like baths and grooming and nail trimming. And there's the fun stuff like collars, tags, treats, beds, crates, harnesses, leashes, sweaters or boots if you live in cold climates, cooling blankets if you live in hot climates, bully sticks and marrow bones, chew toys and stuffed toys, replacement toys, replacement toys for the replacement toys, Chuck-Its and tennis balls, training treat pouches, poop bags ... I could keep going, but I think you get the idea.
And there's the cost of classes. An obedience class or two is a must. But there's also private trainers to get one-on-one help. Special classes for dogs with particular issues like reactivity or shyness. There are canine good citizen classes or agility classes or rally classes or scent work classes.
What if you travel a lot and need to board your dog with someone while you're away? Or what if you work all day and need to hire a dog walker or enroll your pooch in doggy daycare so they get enough exercise and don't tear up everything in the house?
So when I say double what you quadrupled, I'm not exaggerating. You're not paying for an adoption fee, a collar, leash and some food — oh, not by a long shot. Still, all this doesn't add up to not getting a dog. It just means you'll need to do some serious thinking about budgeting for and making decisions about what you're going to spend money on and preparing for that fact.
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Meet Sauerkraut, the Internet's New Favorite Grumpy Face Kitty
Taking a break out from tracking Sauerkraut's rise to the top, I spoke to her human, Amy Bender, about the origins of her perturbed look, her views on Grumpy Cat, and whether she's actually a fan of the fermented cabbage dish she is named after.
Catster: What made you decide to keep Sauerkraut, as opposed to just fostering her?
Amy Bender: Her health issues made her less adoptable to the usual crowd. When you put so much care into a special needs kitty, you get attached and want the best for them.
Getting to the big question, what's at the heart of Sauerkraut's grumpiness?
I think she's very annoyed that she doesn't have thumbs and a driver's license.
So what one thing in the world would make Sauerkraut a little less grumpy?
Becoming the next leader of North Korea.
How does she feel about Grumpy Cat, the world's most notable crabby cat?
Definitely a role model. Actually, Sauerkraut would love to meet her some day.
Sauerkraut's Facebook page mentions that she has a plan for world domination. How is she going about achieving that?
She has a secret war room where she has clandestine meetings with some minions, a devil bear, and Domo. I'm not allowed in. I think we are all in trouble though. I'm working on a bunker.
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Crazy Cat People - Hilariously Imaginative Pictures of People in Purr-fectly Normal Scenarios Surrounded by Playful Felines
To see these adorable pictures, click here: Crazy Cat People - Hilariously Imaginative Pictures of People in Purr-fectly Normal Scenarios Surrounded by Playful Felines FOLLOW US!
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