Love My Pets

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How are the animal shelters in Onslow and Durham County in North Carolina US?

Source: http://felinehope.org/Buttercup.jpg

 Why do we need animal shelters in North Carolina?

Every year is a tragic year for shelter animals in the US as half of them are euthanized whether they are sick or healthy because there is just not enough room or resources to keep them alive and properly cared for. The state of North Carolina is no exception including the Onslow and Durham County. This is the sad truth but it does not have to remain a reality if we all pitch in and help save these animals. They are not just strays and ferals but once belonged to loving homes, which are unable to support them anymore for reasons such as a poor financial state, death of primary owner, apparent behavioral issues, larger adult size than expected and unfortunate accidents. Many shelter animals have been subjected to neglect, horrifying abuse, animal cruelty and unethical breeding practices such as those common in puppy mills.

Source: http://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/news/local/wral_investigates/2012/11/15/11780255/11780255-1391625089-640x360.jpg 

What animal services do North Carolina animal shelters offer?

There are a number of very important services being offered by the state run shelters found in the every region of North Carolina along with many privately owned animal shelters operating there. The animal services department in both Onslow and Durham responds to calls of animal abuse and injuries quickly and provides instant medical care for the victims of attack, abuse, cruelty, neglect or just unfortunate accidents. There are temporary shelter setups for abandoned animals or strays found wandering about. Many pet animals are often lost and reported to the animal shelter, which takes immediate action, rescues them and provides residence for a limited time while their owners come to pick them up. There are a great number of cats, dogs, birds and other small animals available for adoption at animal shelters for a very reasonable fee depending on their ages. These are given the best possible care including complete nutrition, medical checkups and love. Spaying and neutering services are available in both counties at low rates for the convenience of pet owners and encouragement. In addition, these animal shelters conduct programmes to spread awareness about the plight of shelter animals and educate pet owners about pet care and responsible pet ownership. You can foster shelter animals by filling out a short application, volunteer to help out at the establishment or spend time with the residents there, who are starved for affection, and donate to make a difference.      

  Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef014e5fc6a80a970c-800wi

Why should you adopt animals from North Carolina shelters?

Simply put, adoption from state animal shelters like the ones established in the various counties of North Carolina saves countless precious lives! If people wishing to bring a pet home opt for a breeder or pet shop instead of a certified animal shelter, it reduces the chances for those shelter animals to be adopted. Many breeding practices are inhumane, unethical and unreliable with a high risk of medical, emotional and behavioral problems associated with such pets. If the demand stops, these terrible breeding programs will be shut down for good. Don’t buy love! Share it!

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Why should you spay/ neuter your pets?

The population of unwanted pets has gotten seriously out of hand and must be controlled so that there is a balance between pet owners and pets available for adoption. Spaying and neutering is the only way to ensure that there are no animals killed simply because they were born and had no one to take them in. Besides, spaying and neutering has many health benefits for your pet such as lowering the risk of many reproductive diseases including fatal ones like cancer. This can also make a huge difference in aggressive or territorial behavior problems associated with reproductive hormones.

  Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/terrified-young-dog-at-north-carolina-shelter-dire-need-of-a-friend

How can volunteers help in state run North Carolina animal shelters?

Volunteering is highly encouraged also because most animal shelters in the state are always short of helping hands and there is so much work to do to promote animal welfare. There are daily tasks of attending to the shelter animals’ basic needs and taking care of their physical health and hygiene. Equally important is their emotional health, which has often deteriorated due to living in such spaces, and not receiving the kind of attention they would have gotten in a proper home. This is especially true for abused, neglected and abandoned animals, who are shy and find it hard to trust humans because the scars on their bodies and hearts. You can volunteer for educational programmes and help spread the word!

 You can conveniently locate your local animal shelters in North Carolina and every state in the US by visiting the Love My Pets Rescue section and start making the lives of these deserving animals a little better one step at a time.   

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http://petsupplies.lovemypets.com/shoppingproducts-lovemypets-cat-food.ashx

#catsupplies #petstores

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hyacinths/

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#petsupermarket #petsupplies

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pyrius/

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The Most Common Health Problems Your Best Friend Might Face.

Man’s best friend needs to be taken care off, for a health and long life. Our pets rely on us for good care; therefore it is important you should have knowledge about some of the common health issues, their symptoms and their cure. By understanding the various health problems that are commonly found in dogs, not only will it cut down the cost of having a healthy pet, but you also are able to treat your pet on time. The most common health problems your dog might face are:

Ear Infections

If you have or ever had a pet dog you might agree that this is one of the most common health problems your dog might have faced. Ear infections can be caused by a number of things such as:

allergies,

yeast,

ear mites,

bacteria,

hair growth deep in the ear canal

Mostly dogs with floppy ears are more likely to have ear infections as compared to others. However this is not a set standard, ant dog can have ear infection it is the owner’s responsibility to take care of his pet’s health and watch out for any symptoms such as:

Head shaking or head tilting

Ear odor

Vigorous scratching

Redness of the ear canal

Swelling of the outer portion of the ear

Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge

Always try to clean up any discharge from your poets ear, however if it does not get better take your pet to the veterinarian, as in some cases there might be a need for a surgery for chronic infections.

Skin Problems

Dogs have a number of skin problems mostly due to parasites. Just because your dog is an animal does not mean it is immune to allergies. If you are not aware of the allergies your dog might have it can be distressing both for you and your pet. Sometimes pollen, dust and mites can cause rashes, itches and skin inflammations. Just like humans there if a possibility that your pet might be allergic to different food. To overcome these allergies and problems your vet might prescribe food topical creams, sprays, treats, shampoos or injections to control allergic reactions.

Vomiting

If you find your dog vomiting do not get in a hyper mode, it be just that your dog is just throwing up something he ate. However you should pay special attention to your dog, as this might be a symptom of a serious illness, which can cause difficulties for your dog. Some of the causes of vomiting might be:

infection or intestinal parasites

pancreatitis,

kidney failure,

heatstroke,

poisoning.

Vomiting is usually followed by dehydration so make sure your dog stays hydrated and give them special attention. Also try giving your pet bland food till he feels better.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused due to number of things, however the most common causes are parvovirus, eating unsuitable food or swallowing objects. It has a very apparent symptom: loose, watery, or liquid stool. Diarrhea can cause dehydration very easily so make sure you dog have an increased intake of clean water. Also try taking him to the vet if the diarrhea persists, or if your dog has fever, vomiting, tiredness, or bloody stools

Worms

If your dog has external parasites, there is a huge chance he might have, he is prone to have internal parasites then. Some of the most common are: tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. All these infestations are uncomfortable and need an immediate treatment, however they can be fatal to puppies. Also some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans. The symptoms which show your dog might have worms are:

Diarrhea (may be bloody)

Weight loss

Appetite changes

Poor overall look

Rough fur

This problem is best diagnosed by a vet, do not stay at home trying to figure what is wrong with your pet. The medication and treatment depends on the type of worms your pet might have so never try to treat your pet at home.

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Animals - In Need of Rescue

There are millions of animals that are living with humans as their pets. The most common pets are dogs and cats. Most of the people adopt or buy their pet when they are very small, creating a strong bond between the pet and its owner. There are number of animals and pets that are stranded, unwanted, abandoned and, abused. Have you ever thought they might be in need of help? They are not taken care of, people look down at them and they are usually left to fend for themselves.

Seeing how these helpless animals were being treated a number of organizations were set up called animal rescue groups or organizations. These organizations are mostly run by NGOs and volunteers, who try to make the world a better place for abandoned animals. Their aim is to find a loving and caring home for unwelcomed, lost, homeless and ill-treated pets. Thanks to these organizations issues related to stray animals have been reduced to a large extent.

Animal rescue groups promote pet adoption and help find the right home for each pet. They try to train these animals, make them feel wanted, take care of their medical issues and solve any behavioral issues pets might be facing. However not every animal is lucky enough to find a loving home, some pets are euthanized if they have been for too long in the organization, even if they have no choice they have to follow through with this procedure.

Rescue groups are not limited to cats or dogs, there are number of rescue groups for different animals. There are reptile, rabbit, squirrel and bird rescue groups just to name a few. Some rescue groups are formed to take care of a specific breed of animal, such as hunting dog and Golden Retriever rescue groups.

Most of these groups work closely together to be able to find homes for pets wherever possible. Apart from other rescue groups they also work in collaboration with animal shelters. Whereas most shelters might have a limited space for a limited number of animals, rescue groups can have the animals placed in a foster home, till there are able to find a permanent home for them. There are millions of animals euthanized every year due to shortage of homes and overpopulation of shelters.

There are some rescue homes that aim at housing lost, deserted and pets that are no longer wanted. Along with this there are groups and organizations that ensure any healthy and pet-worthy animal is not euthanized.

In a world where there is not much to care about, animal rescue groups are making people change their stance. They are aiming at creating the world a better place for all those pets that are stranded, unwanted, abandoned or abused. They are creating a strong network of individuals who volunteer to take in pets and help them find a better home. Pets and animals are an important part of our lives, they add excitement and joy to our lives. We should try to treat them better.

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A Little Extra Nutrition Won't Hurt Your Pet

What are Supplements?

Due to change in our diet and the picky behavior with which people have started to eat, we are lacking a lot of vitamins from our meals on a daily basis, to help compensate for this loss doctors prescribe supplements to these people. A supplement is a "dietary ingredient which may be one, or any combination, of the following elements:

A vitamin.

A mineral.

An herb or other botanical.

An amino acid.

A dietary substance for use by people to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake.

A concentrate, metabolite, constituent, or extract.

Just like it is necessary for humans to take supplements, a number of vets believe that pets should also be given these supplements. A large number of dogs and cats owners give vitamins or supplements to their pets. The most common amongst these are multivitamins, supplements to support arthritic joints, and fatty acids to reduce shedding and improve the pet’s coat’s shine.

Why is Supplements Used?

There are a number of pet conditions that can be cured using various pet supplements available. Pet owners come across these supplements either through friends, retail stores, Internet, media advertisement or health care providers. However before a pet owner decides to give his pet any supplements he should make sure the information he has is complete and not biased. Some basic information about pet vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and other nutrients can be found in the numerous standard nutrition textbooks. These sources of information provide proper and well-documented indications for particular nutrients and associate mainly to nutritional necessities rather than their uses. Pet owners can also find information on the internet and from a number of other written sources, but the issue is that they may or may not provide accurate or complete information.

The effectiveness of these supplements vary a lot, depending on the type of supplement being given to the pet, the number supplements to being given simultaneously or in conjunction with other lifestyle changes and on the time period for which the supplement is been given to the pet. At times the owners need to continue giving the supplement for a few weeks before the pet show any signs of change.

Are All Supplements Safe?

If you believe that just because the supplements you are intending to give your pet are natural and they would be safe, then you are highly mistaken. Every medicine is possibly toxic if used wrongly or given in excess. To have complete information about the dose and type of medicine every pet owner should talk to their vets before continuing with any sort of supplement course.

Even though the use of pet supplements is a comparatively new exercise in veterinary medicine, trustworthy information resources about the clinical application of pet supplements are becoming increasingly available. However, if your does not have the necessary information you should contact the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is reluctant to provide any information, it is best to not use that pet supplement.

Do Pet Needs Supplements

Normally dogs and cats receive a balanced and complete diet, comprising of all the essential vitamins and minerals. This is usually in the form of commercially processed pet food, however owners who feed their pets food made at home may need supplements added to their diet. Even though some people think that giving supplements to pets is dangerous, it is nonetheless vital for the animal.

It is also advised for pet owners to frequently take their pets to a vet and get their pets checked on a regular basis. This would help them to know if their pet is in need of any supplement and if they their diet is balanced or not. The reason this is necessary is that if an animal is already being given a balanced diet and receives excess portions of some vitamins and minerals, it could be harmful for the pet. As it is seen too much calcium can cause skeletal problems, especially in large-breed puppies; too much vitamin A can harm blood vessels and cause dehydration and joint pain. Excess of vitamin D can prompt a dog to stop eating, harm bones, and cause muscles to atrophy.

How to choose a supplement?

When purchasing a supplement always look for a brand that focuses in any one area, or that has authorized clinical studies of their products. Also read the label and the required ingredients should be checked. Check the product for a sign that the company has set up quality control checks. The buyer should make sure there is information regarding the company. Human supplements should not be given to cats or dogs it can be harmful for them

What to Do In Case Of a Reaction?

Pet owners should always be attentive to their pets and should report any unexpected reactions either to their veterinarian, to the person who advised the owner to use the pet supplement and even to the supplement manufacturer. There are also government agencies that collect information related to such activities and it is strongly recommended that these agencies be informed of the concerns.

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Pets and Networking - The Future of Social Networking For Pet lovers

 The world has become global village in its true sense. People from every corner of the world are in touch with one another, a letter that used to take ten days or more to reach your loved ones, now hardly takes ten seconds via an email. Thanks to internet it has become easier and more feasible for people of different interests to come together and share their experiences. The barrier of distance that was once a major concern for these people tends to have vanished.

A number of online social networks, chat rooms, groups, clubs, and social medias have been set by people who saw this as an opportunity. A growing aspect of this online world is focusing on its animalistic side; do not get confused we are not trying to imply the lack of spirituality. Do you love your pets and social networking? We are simply talking about websites devoted to pet-related social networking. With the almost 170 million dog and cat owners in North America alone, there is obviously a solid social community centered on pets. Hence, it has given birth to a new way of connecting with other animal lovers that is pet networking, or petworking!

If you are animal lover here is the good news, you can find a number of websites dedicated to animals. They provide you with all sort of information you need. Anything that flies, swims or runs can be found online. By nature pet-owners tend to form a bond with one another, whether it is because of their daily walks, or for pet-shows, or for just comparing notes. Therefore, by creating social network dedicated to their pets seems to be natural for these pet-owners. A number of these social networks, allows you to not only with the ability to showcase your pets by creating a pet profile, creating groups, swapping photos and videos, but they also provide you with forums, resources, and expert help on any issue or concern you might have regarding your pet.

Moreover, numerous networks have launched gaming areas to retain their users, increase their communication, entertainment and benefits. These social networks are not only useful for pet-owners, but it is an exceptional source of information for those who take this as a hobby as well as a profession. The main aim of these websites is to bring together pet owners within your neighborhood, town or city. They help you find a group in your area and if there is not one, you can startup a new group or signup for notifications if one is created.

Some of the high ranking pet-lovers websites, which go beyond the cute photos and "pat the dog" features, are:

Catster.com

Pleasant to look at and easy to use, if you are looking for a place that is completely devoted to a fur ball, this is the place for you. This network provides you with photo sharing, pet adoption services, behavioral training, information on pet healthcare and food. All you need to do is create an account and get working.

Dogster.com

It is a complete guide for any dog lover, the dos and don’ts of owing a dog. They provide you with the opportunity to connect with other pet people and build a community, get information on topics such as food and pet fashion to training and grooming, post photos, send messages, and create events. This is one of the busiest website for dog lovers.

LoveMyPets

Do you want to share stories, blogs, create albums of your favorite pets and upload videos; well this is the place for you. This is a social network dedicated to pet-lovers. LoveMyPets also provide you with the opportunity to shop and sell within the community. They also provide you with a rescue database, which is said to be the largest on the web.

PetBrags

A growing community for pet-owners, Petbrags welcomes all kind of pet’s dogs to cats to fish to reptiles. They provide you with tips, gaming area, chat room, pictures, videos and much more. So if you want to be a part friendly free pet community Petbrags is the place for you.

Cuteness

A social community and shopping forum all packed in one; this is just what a number of pet-lovers look for. They welcome pet-owners of all sorts, with pets of all sizes, colors, shapes and age. They hold shows such as cuteness wars where you vote for the cutest pet. They also have a dog park where you can meet other pets and their owners.

These are just a few of the websites that are designed to help pet-owners to meet other pet-owners and their pets, create pages communities and profiles for their pets, get information and help on a number of topics and issues, users can follow their favorite animals, or can browse popular and random animals, and they can share and like photos. 

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How Much Do You Know About Pet Supplies.

People of every age, race and gender want to own a pet; pets tend to be your companion and friend when there is no one else around. There are almost 78.2 million pet dogs in the United States, 86.4 million pet cats, and 5.3 million house rabbits. Dogs and cats are the two most popular options of animals people keep as pets. Usually people owning pets consider them a part of their family. Pet owners have a special and unique bond with their pets. 

Owning a pet is not an easy job. One needs to be very careful about the needs and wants of their pets and the supplies needed. If proper care is not taken and certain requirements are not met, it may affect their health. One of the common issues faced by pet owners is the consumption of inappropriate food, using domestic cleaning products, and not taking care of their allergies.

To overcome these problems, many organizations are focusing on producing items that are specially designed for pets and animals. Just like no two humans are the same similarly no two animals are the same. It is necessary to take special care of the products that you buy for your pets. Before buying anything whether it is dietary products, health products, apparel items or toys, you should check the ingredients of these products and make sure they do not contain any harmful elements in them.

Pet supplies consist of all the items that can be used for the betterment of your pets. You can find these supplies in any pet store, pet shop or pet supermarket. Some of the items commonly found are:

Beds

Bowls & Feeders

Carriers

Clean Up

Clothes

Collars, Leashes & Harnesses

Crates

Doors & Gates

Eco Friendly Products

Flea & Tick Control

Food

Gifts for Pet Lovers

Greenies

Grooming

Health

Houses

Rawhide Bones

Toys

Training & Behavior

Travel & Outdoor

Treats

These are some of the supplies that you can find at any store whether in a brick and mortar shop or in an online shop. Each of these categories are than further divided based upon the pet you have, that is the supplies for a dog owner would differ from those bought by a person having a cay or a bird. You can find a huge collection of brands for any of the item that you need. Each brand then further sub-divides the product on the basis of shape, size, color, flavor, design, features, usage, ingredients, and so on.

Only the food department can be segmented into an array of products. Food for dogs is designed as compared to the food for cats. Some people tend to make their own dog food, some feed their dogs meals made from ingredients purchased in grocery or health-food stores or give their dogs a raw food diet. Similarly those people who own a cat would know that while feeding their cats they would have to take care of a number of things, as you cannot feed a cat the same food you feed your dog.

Apart from food pet owners take special care of the type of products they use to bathe their pets and to keep them clean. Pet hygiene vary from pet to pet, as most of the pets live inside the house owners need to take special care of their pets to keep themselves and their family safe from getting ill. You can get a variety of shampoos, conditioners, sprays, dental care products, paws and fur cleaning products and ear and eye products, just to name a few. All these items differ for the different breeds, just like they differ for humans.

There are a number of well-known and renowned brands that provide a huge collection of pet supplies. These brans have physical location and are also present on the internet. With the growing trend of selling things on the web, it has provided people, in remote places, with an access to products with the best quality and at reasonable prices. Providing pet supplies is only half the issue, the main issue owner’s face is to be provided with products that are of good quality, which will not harm the health of their pets.

As animals rely on you to take care of them it is your duty as a pet owner to provide your pets with the best things that you can afford and buy. It is no necessary to buy something extremely expensive, what you need to do is check the value of the supplies you want to buy for your pet. You cannot hope to keep a pet without spending on the supplies that are needed for its growth and health from time to time. If you want to skip buying the necessary goods and services for your pets it would be better to save yourself the hustle of owning a pet. As you are not only hurting your pet but also keeping yourself in a delusion of being a good owner.

So, how well do your understand your pets needs and the supplies required to meet the needs?

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What is a Pet-supermarket?

Generally when you hear the term supermarket you get the image of a large traditional grocery store that is a self-service shop and provides a variety of food and household items, arranged into aisles. Compared to any traditional grocery store, it is larger in size and provides a broader assortment of items, but when compared to hypermarket or big-box market it is smaller and offers a limited range of merchandise.

Some of the traditional supermarkets that we visit on a regular basis occupy a considerable amount of floor space, usually on a single level. Supermarkets are normally located near a residential area, the reason behind this is that they want to be a convenient to the consumers, and capture as much consumer market as possible. The thing that attracts the customer the most is the availability of a wide-ranging assortment of goods under a single roof, at relatively low prices.

Now, once you understand the concept of a supermarket, it would be very easy for you to understand what a pet supermarket would be. Most of you must already have an idea about a pet store; a pet store is a business dealing in different kinds of animals, which are legal to sell. They also provide a number of animal supplies and pet accessories. Some of these stores also provide a number of services such as hygienic care and esthetic services.

Combine a pet store with a supermarket and you would get a pet supermarket. A pet supermarket usually has a very large selection of pet food and supplies. They provide anything and everything that is related to your pet and its care. They also tend to have a limited supply of livestock and have a separate department foe it. Some of these supermarkets have also added grooming and self-serve dog washes. So if you want to go buying supplies for your dogs or any other pet for that matter, you can drop them off at the areas that provide the grooming services while you roam round to buy the food and hygiene products for your pet. Unlike some pet shops and pet stores, a number of these trending pet supermarkets make it a point to welcome dogs, cats and other pets to its stores. The reason behind is that the shops are dedicated to pets, they are who the shops serve through their owners, so if they pets don’t come it the stores what is the use of creating such a huge supermarket?

These stores are designed according to the blueprints of any of your traditional supermarkets and grocery stores. They revolutionized the concept of pet stores, they introduced wide aisles and neat well-stocked display shelves in pet shops. They featured overhead signs, large parking lots, convenient hours, everyday low prices, and helpful staff on the aisles.

They provide a number of products varying in their utility and benefit to the owners and the pets. Some of these products are:

Dog food

Cat food

Cages and doors

Carriers

Strollers

Collars

Bowls

Training items

Health and Nutrition

Gifts

Toys

Medical Merchandises

Medications

These are only a few of the various and diverse products that are available at these supermarkets. Their aim is to keep you and your pet happy and be a convenience for you. The staff at these places is well trained to handle not only distressed customers, but also their pets. Just like every human has special and different needs so does every animal and those who understand this will be the most successful and profitable in this business.

To make things easier for the people who love pets, a number of online per supermarkets have also been set up. They provide you with the same products that you would get at any other store. The advantage of buying things online is to reduce the hassle of walking through isle after isle and standing in long queues to pay for their products and make their way. You can also compare different products and items from various brands to find the one that is the best fit for you and your pet.

Some of these supermarkets also help animal shelters and rescue groups to find a good hone for the animals that live in a number of fosters houses and those who are awaiting adoption. It is necessary to find a suitable house for these lost or homeless pets. Everyone deserves to get the best, even if they are our pets. Pets are an essential part of our lives, being unjust to our pets, is like we are being unjust to a member of our family. A number of the pet supermarkets aim at providing quality products and services to the pet owners, so that their pets can get the best, safe and healthy products, and they only provide products that they would give their own pets.

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Capture Memorable Moments with Your Best Friend!

Paintings, photographs and pictures have been an old way of capturing the moment. For centuries people have been drawing things on walls, in caves, on trees on rocks, practically anywhere they can get their hands on. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century animal painting was mainly focused on wildlife. You can find a number of famous and extremely creative paintings of animals. With the passage of time as people started thinking of animals more than a means of helping them with their work routine and more like their pets, the theme of paintings also change.

This change in pattern can be seen very clearly now, with the assistance of web. Animal and pet lovers all over the world take pictures and paint their pets and upload them with a simple click on the mouse. Pet photography has become a complete art in itself. The bond and relationship an owner has with his/her pet can been seen and understood from their photography. Every picture has a complete story that the owner tries to tell. Taking pictures and sharing them with others, whether through an mms, in a chat or uploading it on some form of social media, has changed the purpose of pet photography. People no longer take pictures just for the sake of it, taking pictures of their pets is almost as important as taking pictures of themselves. Pet owners want to have a colorful reminder of the time they have spent with their pets.

Some of the social medias dedicated to pets have hoards of pictures uploaded by pet owners. Every picture uploaded by the owner has a story attached to it. And it is not just pictures that are a way of capturing the moment any longer, thanks to the innovative technological advancements, pet owners also make videos of their pets. Just type in pet videos into any search engine and you will come across millions and billions of videos posted by pet owners.

For pet owners it has become necessary to share their pets and their stories with friends, families and followers. The facts that everyone has a camera in their phones have made things even simpler. Now people can capture any and every moment of their pets that they want and that they think is important. Pet owners no longer have to worry about carrying a separate camera to catch the cute and adorable look on the face of their cat, the cheerful look on the face of their dog as he runs around in an open area, or the irresistible look a pet gives his or her owner when they want something from them.

A large number of people enjoy watching the videos and pictures of their pets, whether they have shot captured these themselves or asked someone else to capture them. Pet owners have a psychological relationship with their pets. They enhance their owners’ health, sense of psychological well-being, and longevity.

People try to capture the character of their pets in every picture they take; this tends to create a deeper meaning for the pet owner. It is said the eyes are the windows to the soul and this holds extremely true for animals. A lot of pet owners try to capture the look in their pet’s eyes especially when the pet is quite and not doing anything. Pets tend to have very expressive eyes, as they cannot talk this is one of the way the send a message to their owners.

People do not just take picture of their pets alone, a lot of pet owners prefer to take a picture of themselves and their pets. With almost 170 million cats and dogs in the North America alone, it would not be surprising to find pictures of pets with their owners in their houses. Whatever the occasion, pet owners do not leave their pets behind; they always take a picture of their pet and themselves together. For most of the people pets are an important part of their lives, in fact for some their entire lives revolve around their pets. Hence it only makes sense that they take countless pictures of them. People take pictures with their pet everywhere, whether they are inside their house, in their porch, in a park, while out of a walk, in their car, or any other imaginable place. Pet owners use their imagination to capture beautiful and creative pictures.

Taking pictures with pets leads to improvement of social attention, behavior, interpersonal interaction, and mood, apart from this it results in reduction of stress-related parameters such as cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure.

To most people it seems normal to take pictures of their pets and with their pets; however there are some people who do not consider it to be appropriate to take pictures with pets or animals. These types of people can be found everywhere. However, do not let them change your mind about taking pictures with your pets!

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What is an animal shelter?

While crossing your street or taking a short cut and going through an alley how many times have you come across stray animals? Some of you might say you have, while some might have rarely seen any stray animals.Have you ever thought where they go? Not all animals are lucky to have a nice family. Those who don’t either live on the streets or in places called animal shelters. An animal shelter is a facility that provides place to live in for lost, homeless or abandoned animals; they even arrange adoptions for these animals, which are mostly cats and dogs.

The aim of animal shelter is to provide the animals with basic needs until they are reclaimed by their owners, placed in a new home, moved to another institute for adoption, or euthanized. Before an animal is put up for adoption certain shelters temperament test animals, this is done in order to find out if the animals are adoptable and to find the appropriate home environment.

An animal is mostly euthanized in the public shelters, and only those animals are out down that are in distress due to age or illness, or those who aren’t adopted within a set time period. Private shelters are normally run as no-kill shelters.

However not all animal shelters are the same. Many open-admission shelters are staffed by professional and caring people; this is where a number of the fortunate homeless and unwanted animals end up. They help frightened animals to calm down, look after sick and injured animals or put an end to their sufferings. They are also responsible for keeping the animal quarters clean and dry. The people working at these places never turn away animals in need; they give complete attention to the emotional and physical needs of each and every one of them.

However if these shelters started accepting all the animals without euthanizing those that are un-adopted and unadoptable, they will have more animals in the shelter than they can take care of. It is also not worthwhile to turn them away, as it would leave these animals in more danger.

This was one side of the story, there are also certain shelters that are nothing more than shacks, without walls or roofs or a proper protection against the surroundings. Many unfortunate lost or abandoned animals end up here; they are left in places like this to die from exposure, disease, or fights with other animals.

An animal shelter is supposed to take acre of animals, despite how they look or sound. It doesn’t have to provide 5-star services for the animals. All they are expected to do is take care of unwanted, lost or stray animals till they are adopted, and if they are not adopted they always have the option of euthanizing them.

To make things easy for these shelters, many volunteers set up animal rescue groups. Just like animal shelters, animal rescue groups take in unwanted, abandoned, abused, or stray pets/animals and try to find them an appropriate home. The volunteers who create these groups take the animals to their homes and care for them until a suitable permanent home can be found. Animal shelters often work closely with rescue groups, this due to the reason that they usually have difficulty looking for a house and placing even healthy and pet-worthy animals, that they would want to be placed in a home than euthanized; while shelters might run out of room, rescue groups can often find volunteers with space in their homes for temporary placement.

The main difference between animal rescue groups and animal shelters is that shelters are usually managed and funded by local governments, whereas rescue groups are run by volunteers who are mostly funded by donations. The aim of animal rescue groups is find an appropriate adopter for the animal. In most cases the animals live with the volunteers as a part of their family until they look up for an adopter. They provide the adopters with basic information which would make the transition from life at a rescue's foster home to an adoptive home easy and successful on the animal.

Even if there is no place it is better for the people working in both these places to take in the animal then leave it with the owners. There have been cases where shelters refused to take in animals because they did not have the place for them; this resulted in the owners killing the animals cruelly and brutally, leaving them in the woods, letting them out in the streets, or leaving them in someone else’s backyard.

There are a number of rescue projects and programs that try to take in stray animals and protect them till they can find a safe sanctuary for them. Animals are usually harmless and innocent beings, unless and until they are forces to become vicious. They rely on us to help them and keep them safe. If we do not do this, then it is a shameful place for us.

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Why do Rats Make Great Pets?

Rats are notorious for spreading disease, destroying wiring and home systems, violence and being big pests in general that are hard to get rid of. There is a big “but” to this whole picture. These are characteristics of wild rats not domesticated carefully bred rats. Rats make really good pets because of a number of advantages they have over other larger pets.

Brains

Rats are pretty small creatures so that means their brain power will be quite low right? Wrong! Studies have proven that rats have almost the same level of brain power as dogs if not more! That is why scientists often use them in maze studies. Rats are smart so they can be taught some pretty awesome tricks just like dogs! They are really more like super tiny dogs!

Maintenance

Rats are really low maintenance pets because they take care of themselves to a great extent with little cost required to keep them satisfied and happy. They don’t even have to be vaccinated like cats and dogs because they have natural resistance against a host of diseases and infections. They are not picky about their diet plan either. They rarely ever fall ill so that cuts back on pet medical cost.

Social factor

Rats love being around humans and they absolutely adore a long cuddling session. They are especially affectionate towards their owners and like to snuggle in their lap or ride on their shoulder as they go about their daily routine. Rats are great at expressing love and adoration and live happily with other rats without any territorial issues.

Gentle playful nature

Rats are very docile creatures and almost never bite unless seriously provoked. So they make really great pocket pets especially for children. They never tire of playing games with their owners and are very active. They are easy to please so one does not need to buy a pet rat expensive toys.  A pet rat is a very good choice for a beginner.

If these reasons are not enough to convince a pet lover to choose a pet rat check out how adorable they are! They are really easy to care for and all sorts of rodent supplies are readily available at US pet stores. Reliable online pet supermarket websites like www.lovemypets.com offer comparison shopping with special discounts and offers. Rats reciprocate the love given to them manifold and become loyal constant companions.

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5 Things to Know Before You Adopt a Pet Snake

Exotic reptilian pets like snakes are becoming increasingly popular as pets. A wide variety of beautiful snakes from far off habitats are now available at US pet stores. Of course the fascination with snakes is understandable and they make really interesting pets. Before you bring a snake home as a pet there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Snakes can be tamed but they are still wild creatures with behavioral characteristics that must be understood. They have special needs that must be met in order for them to be happy. The owner is responsible for the well being of their pet snake so it is no small task in case of snakes. This article sheds some light on the basic things to remember before making the decision to keep a pet snake.

Size

Snakes are reptiles that shed their scales once they have outgrown them. They may grow rapidly depending on their species. Snakes have longer life spans as compared to other pets therefore; long term planning must be done beforehand. A snake you buy from your local pet store may be 2-3 feet long as a young snake but grow to more than 20 feet as a mature adult. Research which species you have decided to bring home and make sure you know the length and width to which it may possibly grow.   

Environmental needs 

Snakes are cold blooded creatures that are dependent on their outer environment for regulation of temperature. Moreover, every snake has a different natural habitat depending on its species. This means that the humidity, temperature, ventilation, etc needs of your pet must be thoroughly investigated and proper provisions made for the required environmental conditions according to the preferences of your pet snake. There are very helpful quality reptile supplies available in US pet stores that help to maintain a constant environment that suits your particular snake species.  

Housing

Snakes have a lot of essential needs when it comes to accommodations. They must be kept in a place that resembles their natural home as much as possible. This way the snake will be at ease and live comfortably within its new home. This is the first step after you decide to keep a pet snake. A large number of quality equipment is available through reliable US reptile supplies dealers that will aid you in creating the perfect atmosphere for your new scaly friend. The bigger the better is applicable in this case. You can keep an eye on your pet snake through the glass walls of an adequately supplied vivarium consisting of plant material, gravel-like material, proper humidifiers, heating and lighting equipment.   

Nutrition

A pet snake’s eating habits are both a boon and a burden. Unlike other pets, it does not consume large quantities of food daily that need to be purchased stored and feed at regular feeding times. They need to be fed two or three times a week depending on their natural preferences. They are carnivorous so they need to be fed small mammals like mice, chicks, rat, rabbits, etc. It is humane to kill them before being fed and will protect your pet snake from injury. There is also frozen food available for your pet snake in US pet supermarkets.

Hygiene

Cleanliness is of the utmost importance when it comes to all reptiles. This is not only crucial for the snake’s health but also for the owner’s health because snakes may develop diseases that may easily be transferred to humans. Regular thorough cleaning of the snake’s home is essential to keep it happy and germ free.

Snakes make great pets if good care is taken and all their requirements are fulfilled. Snakes are often inexpensive when you buy them but the cost of their upkeep is not that small. A passionate snake lover knows what the snake needs and provides it at the right time. A huge variety of reptile supplies is available at US pet stores and US pet supermarkets including great online pet sites like www.lovemypets.com that offer comparison shopping. However, if you are unwilling to cover the expenses a pet snake comes with then this might not be the best option for you.

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What are Cat Worms and How to Treat Them?

Cats are very independent creatures by nature but every once in a while they require a helping hand. It is very important to take your cat for regular veterinary checkups and be alert for any signs of sickness that may indicate a serious problem like a worm infestation. Sometimes these symptoms may not be very noticeable so only a detailed examination by a certified vet may reveal such an issue. Special care must be taken because some of these parasitic worms may also attach themselves to human hosts.

Types of parasitic feline worms

There are several species of worms that attach themselves to different parts of a cat’s body from the inside, reproduce, grow and steal its nutrition making it weak and susceptible to more diseases. 

Roundworms

These are found to be the culprit in most of the cases of feline worm infestations. They tend to grow up to 4 inches in length and have the thin loopy shape like thick strings. Means of infection also vary in each case. Sometimes the young cat may get roundworms from its mother through infected milk. Bad sanitary conditions like unclean living areas can result in roundworm infestation. Infected rats, mice and other rodents if eaten can give cats this sickness as well as contact through waste of infected felines.

Hookworms

Hookworms are notorious blood sucking parasites found attached to the small intestine of cats. They live there once they have selected a host, feed off its blood, grow and reproduce. As they survive on the lifeblood of their hosts, hookworms may be dangerous if they infect young cats because of their low body weight and frailty. Hookworms basically transfer from one host to another through infected waste material.  

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are quite large if they find a proper host and cause great physical discomfort which is a major indication of the presence of this parasite. As their name indicates, they are flat and thin up to 28 inches long. These are present in intermediate hosts such as fleas and rodents so their infestations must be taken care of precisely to reduce the risk of tapeworm development in your pet cat. Tapeworms live and reproduce within their hosts growing long and causing symptoms like nausea and weight loss because due to their larger size they suck more nutrients.

Lungworms

It is clear from the name that lungworms attack and thrive within a cat’s lungs. They can cause serious respiratory illnesses and the symptoms may not be so visible. Insects, snails and slugs are intermediate hosts for lungworms so any of their predators if ingested by a cat can cause it to develop lungworm infestation. Careful monitoring must be performed to ensure that your cat has not got lungworms if it is at high risk.

Cat worm treatments

The best solution to a feline worm infestation is consultation by a certified vet who will determine what type of worms your pet cat has developed and what course of treatment should be taken according to your cat’s age. Oral pet medication may be place directly into the mouth or in water that the pet will finish it completely.

An active ingredient that fights worm infestation is thymol which is used against hookworms. Piperazine is effective against two types of roundworms in cats. For maximum effectiveness, must be administered at least two times (10-14 days apart) to the pet. Fenbendazole is a very broad spectrum anthelmintic used in both small and large animals. It is effective against roundworms and hookworms. Treatment is once a day for three consecutive days.

Praziquantel is used to treat adult tapeworm infections. It does not kill the tapeworm eggs, so there is a potential for reinfection. To prevent this from happening, pets should be retreated on a regular basis. Ivermectin is used as a monthly preventative for heartworm in cats. It is also effective against external parasites such as lice, mange and ear mites. Espiprantal also attacks tapeworms in cats. 

US pet supplies are readily available at leading US pet stores including deworming pet meds for cats that must be administered using a prescription. There are several reliable USA pet supermarkets including good online US pet stores that offer comparison shopping. One such website is www.lovemypets.com that specializes in all kinds of pet supplies and deworming pet meds for cats of all ages and sizes. 

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How to take care of your pet hamster?

Who does not love cute furry things that give constant unconditional love in return for your time and attention? Hamsters are considered suitable pets for beginners because of their smaller size, easy handling, docile natures and nocturnal habits which means that they won’t be a handful like most other pets which are very active during daylight hours. However, hamsters are highly sensitive and delicate little rodents that must be handled with extreme care. Syrian hamsters are larger and more territorial so they must be housed solitary. Dwarf hamsters can be kept together if they are really young and belong to the same species. Everything must be arranged according to their size and nature for them to be happy.  Here are some basic guidelines to help you take better care of your sweet little pet hamster.

Accommodations

A hamster cage needs to be spacious enough for it to freely roam around but must not provide it with any escape opportunities. The wire must be ½ inch width apart and made of a non-plastic material that the hamster cannot easily chew through.  There should be sufficient bedding created from materials like aspen, pine or recycled paper which needs to be almost 2 inches thick. Hamsters love to burrow through bedding and hide their secret food stashes in there. Keep it in a place that is not too hot or too cold. The cage must be cleaned regularly and fresh bedding placed every time.

Food and water

Hamsters need to be fed daily and also love treats. Keep the feeder attached to the same spot inside the cage and fill it up daily with fortified pellets or block type food. This is more nutritious than the mix seeds that may be included within the daily diet in small portions. Plastic bowls need to be avoided as the hamsters can easily destroy them. Instead, opt for metallic or earthenware bowls. Hamsters store food in their pouches and hoard their secret stashes that must not be disturbed. They do not need as much water as other pets but they still should be provided fresh water daily through a dispenser preferably.

Grooming

Hamsters are very independent in the grooming department and do not require much help with it. Occasionally, they should be brushed and their teeth and nails should be examined. Anything broken or out of place should be given immediate attention.  

Medical care

Any sign of illness must be given proper care and attention and a certified vet must be approached in such cases. Hamsters have two sensitive areas which must be monitored carefully to ensure that your pet is in perfect health. The cheek pouches might develop infection or may be turned inside out in a specific medical condition. The first may be treated easily by a vet while the latter has to be surgically corrected. They have a sensitive stomach so problems like indigestion and excess gas may occur. 

Playtime

Hamsters love playing with toys so keep an exciting assortment to keep it entertained and amused while you are away. Untreated wood blocks or pesticide-free branches from hardwood trees like aspen and oak are great for your hamster’s chewing habit. Make sure that its exercise wheel is not too small for it.

Travel kits

Travel kits are great if you need to take your hamster out of the house. You can place toys, food, water, etc in them to keep your hamster calm and occupied during such travelling. Obviously plastic is not an option since your hamster will obliterate it.

Behavior and habits

Hamsters are nocturnal creatures so they must not be disturbed during daytime when they are resting. They need time to adjust when brought to a new home so leave your new pet alone for some time. It must bond with its owner and other people should not interact as much with it. Dwarf hamsters must each have their separate toys, food etc to keep them happy and avoid territorial battles.

Protection

Do not other larger pets like cats and dogs come near your little hamster. Keep it in a room where no such pets are allowed so that it may remain happy and stress free. The hamsters view them as predators only and may develop illness in their presence from stress like issues.

Precautions

Hamster cages must remain in the same order and not disturbed otherwise the hamster may get confused about its own home. A small hamster house is necessary because hamsters build cozy nets for themselves. Young children must not be allowed to handle these delicate creatures. Human food is a big no for hamsters. Cleaning must be done with no cleaning liquids because even a minute amount of chemical maybe fatal to your hamster.

Hamsters need tender loving care and just a little attention for them to thrive. They make really good pets for beginners and do not require much money to keep as most supplies are really affordable. All kinds of US pet supplies for hamsters are easily available at online US pet stores like www.lovemypets.com at discounted rates with special offers.

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How are Pet Joint Supplements Helpful?

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that targets dogs, cats and horses especially, them being larger animals. The soft cartilage present in between the joints is decreased with age and results in the knocking together of joints. This causes wear and tear of the joints and leads to severe pain. Arthritis in pets may be caused by joint infection, dislocation, trauma, inherited condition such as hip dysplasia, immune system problems, obesity, ligament, tendon or muscle injury, and fracture of bone that involves a joint, aging and natural erosion of cartilage. 

Pets suffering from joint problems like arthritis may display symptoms including stiff walking, limping or favoring certain limbs, discomfort when getting back up again, lameness in certain limbs, apparent stiff, swollen or sore joints, pain when touched in certain areas, finding certain positions uncomfortable or painful, inflexibility and hesitancy in jumping, running or climbing.

Arthritis is incurable and can only be treated to alleviate pain and inflammation. Joint supplements provide a great means of prevention. They are normally available in the form of chewable tablets that can be given to the pet along with its daily diet with a fixed dosage according to its age and weight. They often come with yummy flavors in the case of cats and dogs like chicken liver, pork, beef, etc. For horses and small animals, they are usually available in powder form that can be added to their regular diets.

What are the benefits of joint supplements?

Pet joint supplements contain active ingredients like include glucosamine, MSM, chondritin sulfate, calcium salts, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) salts and other antioxidants. These act together and help reduce inflammation and swelling of the joints, increase flexibility, provide pain relief and aid in the maintenance and resilience of healthy bones, joints, connective tissue and tendons. As a result, your pet will be able to walk, run and jump more easily with improved flexibility and climbing skills. These joint supplements are safe and can be given with arthritis pain medications. However, diabetic pets have low gluscose tolerance so they need careful administration of such supplements along with constant monitoring.  

What are the active ingredients found in joint supplements?

The active ingredients include glucosamine, which is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage and increases the production of molecules that bind and hold water in the cartilage. This means that the fluidity of the joints is maintained easily in the presence of this substance. Joints need hydrated cartilage to be flexible. This allows animals to move about freely without any discomfort in their limbs. The function of the cartilage is to act as a cushion that absorbs shock when the joints bump against something. This cushion is also what separates the two ends of the bones so that means in the absence of this cartilage, the joints with be knocking against each other every time the limb moves and result in painful friction. Healthy cartilage provides cushioning which helps protect a pet's joints while exercising. Glucosamine may also help maintain the synovial fluid by strengthening cartilage and aiding glycosaminoglycan synthesis. 

Chondroitin is present naturally in the synovial fluid found in the cavities of the synovial joints. According to research, the addition of chondroitin to supplements can help strengthen the joints and aid in the treatment of arthritis. In joint supplements it is normally found in the form of chondroitin sulfate. 

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is found naturally in plants and animals. In medicine, it is used to alleviate pain and fight allergies. It is added to joint supplements because it has anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it reduces the swelling of the joints in pets suffering from arthritis. This swelling may make movement such as walking and exercising difficult so this compound goes a long way to alleviate pain caused by joint inflammation.

Everyone knows how important proper calcium levels are for the health of bones, joints and teeth. It is a mineral nutrient required in only minute amounts by an animal’s body but its deficiency can cause serious ailments. This is why calcium is included in joint supplements in the form of calcium salts that are water soluble and are readily absorbed by the body for instant uptake and metabolic activities. 

Antioxidants are very important and have a wide range of target areas within an animal’s body. They basically exist to neutralize the destructive free radicals which are formed as a result of various daily chemical processes within the body. These free radicals are notorious for damaging different cells within the body and must be neutralized for a healthy body. Antioxidants work for the overall wellbeing of the pet’s health and have other specific functions depending on their natures.  

The inclusion of joint supplements to your pet’s regular diet is a great way to ensure the maintenance of its joints, hips and bones. They are very popular among pet owners in the US and are recommended by all certified vets practicing across the country. They may be easily purchased at any US pet stores selling pet supplies. US pet meds are developed with high quality standards. There are many online US pet supplies dealers as well who offer the convenient option of comparison shopping for joint supplements and all other essential pet supplies. One such website is www.lovemypets.com that sells joint supplements for all kinds of pets including dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, small animals and pets of all ages and sizes.

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How to Locate Animal Shelters in Seattle?

The need for animal shelters within the US cannot be stressed enough. Despite the enormous number of animal shelters doing great work for animal welfare, millions of former pets are euthanized every year. Half of the animals brought to animal shelters every year never find loving homes but are euthanized due to lack of resources.

On the other hand puppy mills are destroying any chance of balancing adoption numbers to those of dogs found in animal shelters. Most of these are operating illegally and keep female dogs and their offspring in the most inhumane conditions where they suffer and often die horribly. Pet owners need to understand the importance of spaying and neutering their pets and boycotting puppy mills to stop the wastage of precious lives. 

There are several animal shelters especially working for the welfare of the residents of which offer adoption, spaying and neutering, lost pets and pet medical care services, include the following:

Seattle Animal Shelter is part of the government’s efforts to help rehabilitate former pets which have gone through neglect or abuse or were residents of puppy mills.

West Sound Wildlife Shelter works to rescue animals in need, care for them until they can be released into the wild or found new homes and arranges educational events.

Seattle Humane Society helps to make the lives of abandoned pets better and take proper care of them until they can be found new loving homes.

Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to placing unwanted and abandoned purebred dogs into new homes.

Seattle Area Feline Rescue rescues homeless cats and kittens, and finds them good homes. They are a non-profit, no kill rescue in the Seattle area.

The rescue section at Love My Pets has a huge database of rescue organizations that work across the US including Seattle to help animals in need. It is convenient for volunteers and those who wish to adopt or donate to locate their local animal shelters and lend a helping hand.