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Ferrets are fussy eaters, but by offering them a well-balanced diet they will not only eat well, they will thrive. Ferrets can develop grave health issues with diets lacking in nutritional value, which has been shown to cause sickness and shortened life expectancies. It’s critical to give foods that will help them remain energetic and healthy throughout their lives. As a final reflection, it has always been fascinating to me that a ferret will decline to dine on frozen meat, but then turn right around and eat furnishings or plastic toys.

If you’re on a small budget and searching for a way to save some cash, providing your pet cheap food is normally not the best way to save. Yes, it will be more high-priced getting the high quality brands, but since ferrets consume so little at each meal, your total food expense will still be miniscule.

Ferrets are not very big so they won’t eat a large amount at any one meal, and hence should be offered two or three smaller meals every day as an alternative to one big one. Even though they nap as much as 20 hours each day, they are extraordinarily active creatures while awake and will certainly burn a sizeable amount of calories during the course of their active periods. Due to this fact they need to be offered a high calorie diet if you would like them to remain active and healthy.

You can provide your ferret a dry or a moist food. Moist may be prized a little more, but dry has lots of advantages. You cannot leave moist food in their cage for more than 60 minutes, due to the fact that it will not remain good for any longer than this. When it gets too old it ought to be removed from the cage and disposed of. Conversely, you don’t have this concern with dry pellets due to the fact that it will stay good for days. This will probably reduce the cost of food, because the dry food will not need to be thrown out. Another advantage to dry pellets is that they can help keep a ferret’s teeth clean.

Ferrets will derive enjoyment from a tasty treat now and then, but it’s essential not to overdue it. Seeing as they will usually eat a minute amount at a time, they can fill up on snacks quickly and then reject their high quality meal. This can in due course lead to nutritional deficiencies that can cause illness and a loss of vibrancy.

Yummy snacks are never essential, but if you decide you want to provide tasty treats, be certain you do it in moderation. The ideal snacks are high protein foods like cooked eggs and meat. Foods like candy and fruits that are high in carbohydrates don’t make first-class nutritional snacks. These can often lead to health issues and a decrease of vigor.

As far as overall healthiness is concerned, a ferret requires meals that are low in carbohydrates while being high in fat and protein. Providing foods that are lacking in nutritional content can result in considerable health problems and a decreased life expectancy. If you love your ferret, demonstrate you care by providing a high quality nutritious diet.

A feline friend can be a wonderful pleasure. Every cat has his or her own personality, which incorporates all of those little idiosyncrasies just like ourselves. It is a fact that cats like to think that they are the boss; they often have us running around after them and some of us are well and truly wrapped around their little paws!

Throughout their lives – which are now anywhere between eight and twenty years – they need constant love and affection as well as nutrition and general care. It is in their latter years when the care becomes more involved, just as you would expect with any of our elder relatives and friends. These senior years start from about eight years: with that bit of extra care and attention they can live contentedly for a good few more to come.

Above all, it is your cats’ general comfort and well-being that is the priority. They need reassurance, a regular pattern that they are happy with and lots of attention. Vet visits may also need to become more frequent, just to ensure that their health is still good as they age. They must be wormed and flea treated regularly to keep them in tip-top condition. Any medication should always been dispensed on the advice or prescription of the vet. Advances in veterinary science and technology, along with our increasing devotion to our pets in general has meant that the lifespan of the average household pet is a lot longer than in previous decades. This means that more of us will experience what it is like to live with an elderly pet, and should prepare ourselves accordingly.

One of the first signs of ageing signs is the loss of certain senses – specifically sight and hearing. This can sometimes of course be mistaken for a cat’s natural snootiness! This then brings about the fact that they become more susceptible to dangers that were not so much of a worry a couple of years before. They may be unable to hear or see vehicles and other animals, for instance. It may therefore be advisable to confine your cat to more suitable areas, either solely within the house or in restricted areas outdoors where they can be safe and still content.

If you, like me, have owned cats that turn their noses up at food on a regular basis, it will be of no surprise that this may well increase as they get older! Mine for one has to have a least 3-4 brands or food types on the go otherwise she will get fed up and just refuse whatever is there until you change it accordingly! Needless to say, that her selective hearing never stops her from noticing a tuna can being opened or cheese being cut! So far, her sense of smell and taste is still there, without question. But it could be that these senses are deteriorating; regularly changing foods and adding extra moisture will keep your old timer interested as well as suitably nourished. It is also important that water is always available for them. As age creeps on, cats can occasionally become dehydrated as they often don’t seem overly bothered about drinking. Again, by adding moisture to their food, you will know that they are receiving adequate fluids.

As we grow older, we become less flexible and supple. This is true also of our moggies. Common ailments include arthritis, and because it can be more of an effort to get about, they do sleep more – if that is at all possible! The lack of movement also can mean that they plump up a bit. This in turn can be a double edged sword as more weight can not only make it more uncomfortable to move but brings on other health issues further along the line.

You will need to ensure that some playtime is incorporated into their day and that the diet is well controlled. After all, you as a discerning owner wants a cat that is still active in mind and body – don’t you? Regular exercise will also help them to retain some muscle strength and tone. As with humans, if muscle groups are not used, they will atrophy. By keeping your cat relatively active you will also help to keep at bay the more serious health issues of heart disease, digestive disorders and diabetes.

In this respect, I am very fortunate. My 16 year-old lady still enjoys her mad ten minutes racing about the house, up and down the stairs, behind the sofa, chasing toys and wrestling with her catnip cushion. Needless to say, she sleeps pretty much for the rest of the day after that, but hey, that’s because she can! She is still known to jump out of windows, to peruse the neighbourhood over the conservatory and garage roof when it is hot enough. But it is rare for her to venture out far anytime between November and March, as it is just far too cold for those poor old bones!

As cats get older, it can be difficult for them to groom themselves, especially in some of the more contorted positions they used to achieve as kittens. Daily grooming of your cat can keep those nasty hairballs at bay and also maintain your loving bond with each other. Their hair can also become dryer and more knotted as they are unable to reach it. Sometimes the coat can thin or lose its shine; grooming will help to stimulate those all important natural oils again, enabling a glossy shine and healthy coat. It’s like them having a little massage and we all understand the benefits of that! Grooming and massage increases blood flow, nerve stimulation, aids relaxation, releases tension and pain, and aids the respiratory and digestive systems.

It’s fair to say that one of the things that cats are really great at is sleeping. Therefore as they get older, they do indeed tend to sleep more & their comfort is imperative. If yours is like mine, she will slowly move around the house, following the sun so she can slowly cook throughout the day! It is very rare for her to stick with one particular place, maybe moving several times in just one room. During the night, I regularly have a constant heat source at my side. Wherever they sleep will always be determined by them. You must however ensure that any area or bedding is kept clean and free from any mites or fleas. If your cat prefers a more up-market bed and isn’t satisfied with any old cushion, there are various beds available to buy including ones that hang from the radiators & most will encircle your cat in the utmost comfort.

Another fact of getting older is the deterioration of teeth and gums. Unfortunately cats can’t clean their own teeth, so it’s up to you. Poor teeth can be a major cause of bad health. With the build up of plaque, gums can become problematic. They in turn can produce infections which affect a cats internal organs. Always try to check their teeth if they let you, otherwise those regular visits to the vet will keep an eye on them. If you’ve introduced your cat from a young kitten to having teeth brushed, good for you, as this is the best way to ensure your cat’s oral hygiene. There are many cat toothpaste and toothbrush products on the market if you’re brave enough! Otherwise certain food brands which claim to have have teeth-cleaning properties in them – especially dry foods that break up in a certain way – may be effective.

Unfortunately there are some more serious conditions that cats develop as they age. These include constipation, a decrease in organ function and diabetes. An older cat also finds it harder to fight off disease as their immune system lessens in its ability. Ensure that if you see a change in their toilet routines that you see your vet at the earliest opportunity just to rule out any underlying problems. You may also find that their behaviour may change in relation to their health or maybe just because they find it harder to cope with their environment. It is best to avoid any undue stress to your older puss-cat as their tolerance levels and coping stategies are not what they were. So it’s probably not a good idea to expose her to uninvited attention, such as visiting children she is unfamiliar with.

An important point to note here that it is a good idea to make sure that you have adequate pet insurance in place before your cat reaches her twilight years – that way you will be better protected should
your feline friend develop any of the common ailments associated with old age. It is never too late to buy pet insurance – at Animal Friends Insurance they insure cats of any age; they don’t have to be kittens to be elegilble.

At the end of the day, we care so significantly for our cats that we will do pretty much anything for them. Letting them grow older gracefully and healthily in their twilight years is all they ask of us.

Good dog food nutrition is a tough find these days, especially in today’s world of manipulative marketing techniques. With some dog food comparisons, your canine friend may still lack what he or she needs to be healthy. This article should explain a lot about optimal nutrition.

Your pooch has to have essential nutrients to stay vibrant and healthy, but a very slim minority of us know exactly what a healthy pet food is! Most of us rely on our pets canned, home-cooked, raw or dry dog food to deliver the right amount of pet nutrition, but the fact is that many of these brands don’t come close to being an optimal diet for dogs.

When it comes to natural nutrition for dogs, there are six elements you have to keep in mind. These are minerals, proteins, vitamins, fat, carbohydrates and finally, water. By making sure your pet gets enough of these nutrients, your dog will have the greatest odds of living a healthy, long and happy life.

If you buy commercial quality dog food, or fix your dog home cooked food, keep in mind that protein should make up about 50% of your dogs diet. Grab the good quality protein – no “meat byproducts” which you mostly find as major ingredients in the majority of cheaper commercial pet foods. Beef, chicken, fish and lamb may be fed to your pet for optimal nutrition.

Make sure to include a little fat in a natural dog food nutrition diet. Yes, they get fat from meat, but you should also give them an oil supplement of fish oil, flaxseed oil, safflower oil or olive oil which will leave their fur and skin shiny and healthy.

I used to think of dogs as straight carnivores, but you should really give them a wide range of foods and carbohydrates, this is an important part of canine nutrition. Yes, the main ingredient in quality dog chow needs to be some kind of meat, but also make sure they get some grains – brown rice, barley and oats are what they should get but you’ll probably see corn or soy in most dog food brands and these can actually be very unhealthy.

If you really want to give your pooch good dog food nutrition, give him some vegetables and fruits. Allowing your canine buddy to eat these kinds of foods will provide them with quality minerals and vitamins, if you give them raw vegetables and fruits this will provide critical digestive enzymes.

Last but not least, constantly provide your dog with an ample amount of fresh, preferably filtered water. A well hydrated puppy is a healthy and happy puppy.

Dog nutrition is so important, but it’s easy as long as you put in some up front time. There are some commercial foods out on the market that provide good nutrition for dogs but not many. So when you compare dog food, you just need to do a little research to discover the truly healthy foods. There are many great books and reports on this subject written by some of the world’s top pet health researchers and holistic veterinarians.

Feeding a dog should be taken with seriousness and a careful eye in reading ingredients and a strong backing of nutrient knowledge. Whatever food is given to the dog will later on manifest itself either through a healthy response of strength and energy or a downward turn of weakness and poor appearance. As people are concerned with what goes into their bodies, the same should carry to their pets. Probably the very basic rule of feeding a dog is “do not feed your dog something you would not eat yourself.” Although it must be kept in mind that not all human foods are good for dogs.

Scanning or going over the small print of ingredients on canned products may be helpful to a certain point but it would even be better to know what should go into a healthy meal.  Experts have come to a consensus that the best ratio of food is 40% meats, 50% veggies and 10% carbohydrates or even grains. Meats found in canned goods have already been pre-cooked and contain the protein needed by dogs. One must take note of what brands are certified by the animal health ministry of what should or should not be in dog food. Some cheaper brands may throw chicken beaks into the mix which is considered to be indigestible. Cheaper foods are known to add fillers to give more weight and volume into the cans but these fillers may consist of other foods that dogs may be allergic to such as corn or wheat. Grains are much more preferred due to its optimum fiber content to meet the digestive needs. Again, careful reading of the ingredients is needed for the first items may be meats but if careless owners just toss it in the trolley, they missed the other items that are more fillers.

How about playing it safe and sticking with veggies since meats may even cost more? A sound idea however dogs need the animal protein to be healthy as well as to enjoy their food. Although a vegetarian diet is possible, dogs may not take to it as well as people do.  When introducing new foods to the dog, it is a good move to see how it comes out later on. The feces of the dog should be firm not loose nor should it have blood or mucus.

Preservatives are present in canned foods but it would be wise to avoid chemicals such as BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin for they may give cancer. Overall, the one of the best advice is to opt for the known brands as well as consulting with the dog’s veterinarian for more additional information that a printed can or media can give.

A true Brahmin, the Boston Terrier can trace its roots back to 1865 in Boston, MA. The Boston Terrier of that time was very different than the one we know today. He was originally a cross between a Bulldog and an English Terrier and weighed around 35 pounds instead of the smaller variety today. The modern Boston Terrier was actually created by the employees of the wealthy at that time. They would “borrow” their employers’ Boston Terriers and breed them with other dogs to create a good, smallish fighting dog. Unfortunately, Boston Terriers were seen in the dog fight ring for quite awhile but their devotion to their master and his family stood out and they became companion dogs.  The French Bulldog started out as the Toy Bulldog which was brought from England to France during the Industrial Revolution. The French created such characteristics as their bat-like ears and they were adored in royal courts. They are basically a bull-and-terrier breed.

These breeds share many physical characteristics in common including size, build, and bulging eyes. They also share many similar personality traits. Both the BT and the Frenchie are very sweet dogs who love to play and act like a clown. But, both are also at risk for developing Small Dog Syndrome which is a condition where the small dog believes himself to be Alpha because of the owner’s overpampering and child-like treatment. These dogs can be stubborn so early training and establishing yourself as Alpha are imperative. It may seem contradictory to his past but the Boston Terrier is rarely dog aggressive. The French Bulldog, however, is dog aggressive more often so early socialization is important. Neither of these breeds are barkers so you can rely on having a quiet household but not on having a guard dog. The BT tends to need more exercise than the Frenchie who would rather hang out and see what you’re cooking. Both breeds are very people-oriented and a bored Boston Terrier or a lonely Frenchie is liable to be destructive.

The Boston Terrier has been a popular dog since the early 1900s. You’ll see many pictures from that time with children and their Boston Terrier, showing how quickly the breed integrated into family life instead of the ring. The BT was so popular in the 1920s that it made up 30% of entries into dog shows. In 1922, Boston University made the Boston Terrier their mascot and he still proudly represents them today. French Bulldogs were also popular between 1910 and 1915, being in the top five popular breeds in the U.S. Their popularity has emerged again since 1990 because they are such good dogs for apartment living and are excellent all around family dogs.

The Frenchie has several nicknames including “The Clown” and “Frog Dog.” He truly is a clown, often hamming it up for a laugh and some attention. “Frog Dog” comes from the way he look when he lies on his back and his legs sprawl out on either side. This breed is bound to amuse you and cheer you up on a gloomy day. The Boston Terrier was, and is, often called “The American Gentleman.” This name comes from his innate good manners with adults and children and his quiet demeanor. Owning a BT is like having a good butler. Both breeds are a joy for families as long as they’re trained and know their place in the pack.