You can never underestimate the importance of understanding the AAFCO cat and dog food nutrition standards and of knowing how to read  food labeling when choosing a commercial diet for your pet.
The AAFCO approves both low and high quality ingredients; but unless you know what’s in the commercial pet food your dogs and cats are eating, you might think everything is just fine.

There were problems with many of the lower quality dog foods and the ingredients used that have been brought to light in the early part of 2007. Speaking of problems with dog food will of course trigger the memory of the most recent devastating loss of canine and feline lives due to contaminated food.

Reports indicated the number of affected cats and dogs to be in the 39,000 mark across the country. Animals became extremely sick or died due to contamination of commercial pet foods with an industrial chemical (melamine), used to make plastics and fertilizers. This chemical was found in more than 100 brands of dog and cat food recalled in Canada and the USA in mid-March.

The major culprit was identified as rice protein concentrate (otherwise called rice gluten), NOT brown rice. In June, concerns were raised about reports of acetaminophen (Tylenol) being found in dog and cat food, followed by salmonella poisoning in others.

To cruise through the FDA site for information (some of which is dated by now due to the passage of time), here is their url: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html

The second chemical found with the melamine was cyanuric acid! Deadly when combined. Both were found in the cat and dog food recall in March 2007. Cyanuric acid is commonly used to slow the breakdown of chlorine in swimming pools. It has NO place in healthy pet food!

It was speculated then and still believed today, that those two chemicals were used in dog food to increase the reported nitrogen content but the rice gluten contaminate with melamine was simply known as a “filler.” The recall of those contaminated pet foods has done nothing to stop the use of fillers in lower grade commercial.dog food.

Such pet food manufacturers keep their costs down by loading them with bulk, which has absolutely no nutritional value. Your pet’s food could contain one or more of a number of fillers, including, cereal by-products, cottonseed hulls, citrus pulp, peanut hulls, weeds, straw, corncobs and soy

The majority of pet owners who offer their homes to the convenience of dogs or cats, as they would to family members, view pet crates with a great deal of skepticism. This doubt does not extend to younger family members who have crates for ferret, hamster and other small critters.   In this instance, crates seem to be quite appropriate.

Therefore, it may be necessary for dog and cat owners to realize that a crate for larger pets is no less appropriate than crates for the smallest pets, for many obvious reasons, particularly in the case for dogs that will be stated here.

Dogs carry over instinctive traits from their wolf ancestry. Apart from sharp senses of smell, sight and sound, they maintain a respect for their share of the pack’s kill. They carry their portions to a stronger place and defend it until they have their fill. Fortunately dog’s domestication has left traces of these attributes even to the point of defending its food in some cases. 

Although your dog may be well accustomed to a feeding schedule set for it, you may observe the position of its head over the bowl and the cautious glance from one side to the other. This may be a defensive carry-over where your dog would prefer to eat alone, and it may not finish its food until you have cleared out of its area. 

Another observation the owner may make could be his dog’s favorite resting place after a meal. This may not be so obvious as household events could affect this habit. However, the two last events, observed or not, may be a case for the use of crates.

Cats were excluded earlier in favor of dogs because of the reference to the wolf and also the fact that cat’s comfortable indoor dwellings have long been popular but may be considered in the discussion of crates should the occasion arise for its use. Contrary to the pet owner’s mental definition of crates, the average household cat and dog has absolutely no idea what confinement or punishment could be associated with this new thing in the living room. The pet owner can be thankful for this and make the acceptance of the two, much easier with a few simple tactics.

Having apparently selected a crate of suitable size that will allow the pet to turn around, sit, stand and stretch, the owner should add as many features as possible that may invite the pet to use it. Some items will surely be the dog bed, or blanket on which it usually sleeps, an old slipper or sock, its favorite toy. Place healthy dog treats, food and water bowls close to the entrance, cover the crate and sides with a blanket or material that will allow air flow, leaving the entrance open. Allow the pet to take tenure of its new abode with the least amount of fuss.   But lots of praise.

Take time to research for the crate that will serve both yours and your pet’s requirements. You’ll find crates made to cover necessities the widest range imaginable. Soft-sided dog crates! Are also called tent crates, or pop up crates. These crates are high quality, lightweight and versatile. They pop-up and fold easily, and can be used inside, outside, or in your vehicle or SUV, but are not designed for dogs that tend to chew their crates

Dog Crates, or homes as they are called, come in a variety of forms for any pet owner so the crate that is ideal for you is available and are made in different styles of “homes” in a variety of finishes and colors. You can choose by breed, dog size,  or by brand.

These homes are also made fold up “suitcase style” for easy transport and storage. All panels are connected and set up within seconds! Those who take their dogs with them when traveling prefer them. Fold and carry crates are wire mesh construction. No tools are required to assemble these crates, and are perfect for the dog owner who wants a crate that is portable, but also very tough.

If there’s one fear that is constant across all pet owners it’s that the pet will be lost. Especially if you live in a heavily wooded area where a lot of predators roam, it’s particularly concerning for pet owners. But there are certain things that pet owners can do to decrease the likelihood that their pets will go missing. First of all, make sure that you get all your pets inside once it’s dark outside. Many dangerous animals come out at night, so you want to make sure your pets are safely inside once they start coming out.

The other major way to keep your pets safe is with pet ID tags. By having your pet wear one of these collars, it’s an easy way to have him returned. If he wanders off to an unfamiliar neighbor, these collars can contain as much or as little of your contact information as you’d like. It truly is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to ensure that your dog or other pet is returned to you. Just make sure that the pet is always wearing the collar, so even if he unexpectedly bolts outside, he’ll still be identifiable.

 Pets Give You More Than Love
If you’re like most pet owners, your cat and dog is a favored member of the family. But your pet gives you more than love. Studies now show that pets are not only a great source of comfort to their owners but are also good for their health.
Research shows that pets help you relax, might help you exercise, and distract you from anxiety.
Allan Beck, the Director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University’s Veterinary School, says,
“When we touch and pet our cats and dogs, we actually have a drop in blood pressure.” 
Not only do pet owners feel better and more relaxed when they interact with their pet,
but so do the pets.
Many dog lovers out there have experienced how magnificent it is to treat your dog as a family member.
Why dogs and not cats? Well, by associating with the cat, one only risks becoming richer. Moreover, thousands of years ago cats were worshipped as gods,
Perhaps they have never forgotten this and vent their feelings on a cat scratching post.
Because dogs are loyal, and you treat yours with a dog agility course and healthy dog treats, it will never abandon you and many dogs, capable of doing so, will even put your life above theirs.
But you should know that each dog has a unique personality and although some will not show the dedication you may be expecting you should consider whether you have given the right opportunities to your dog to help it achieve this.
 Some things to remember:
- If you adopt a stray dog it will never forget it and will give it back to you ten times more
- Always trust your dog and give it the attention it needs. You have your family, your friends, your job but your dog has only you..

You and I realize the value of taking herbal remedies to support healthy immune system function and to keep the liver functioning properly. We are aware of the role that antioxidants play in preventing age-related diseases. The diet of an animal in the wild would often include these antioxidants and herbs. But, they are mostly lacking in our dog food and wellness cat food.

Our four-footed family members deserve the best care that we can possibly provide for them. While living safely indoors with us protects them, it also limits their capability to take care of their own health, as they would do instinctively.

In the wild, they would seek out milk thistle, cat’s claw or echinacea when they were feeling unwell. These are not plants that we grow in our backyards as most people consider them to be weeds. You may notice after rainy periods when weeds begin to sprout, that your dog may nose among the weeds and chew on them. This is where our animals may find these natural cures for what ails them but this source falls far short of their requirements to maintain good health. 

Luckily, there are some supplement companies that realize the importance of our cat and dog food nutrition. They make dietary supplements for humans also, and follow the same safe manufacturing practices for pet supplements. These supplements are meant to make up for some of the short-comings in the diets of our animal friends.

C-Caps by Native Remedies, are among the best dietary supplements on the market. They were created specifically for dogs and cats. They contain no artificial ingredients and none of the artificial colors that are present in many pet foods and even in the nutritional supplements sold by major corporations.
The principle ingredients of C-Caps are:

Astragalus - an ancient herbal remedy, because of its possible use to treat cancer. It has been used to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, increase vitality and improve appetite.

Mistletoe - a highly nutritious plant that animals would naturally eat in the wild. It is a popular herbal remedy in Europe, where it is used to treat circulatory problems, respiratory problems and cancer.

Echinacea - a well-known plant that supports normal blood pressure and stimulates the immune system.

Indian ginseng - a tonic herb that supports growth, strengthens the immune system and nourishes the blood.

Milk Thistle - used as a liver tonic for thousands of years. It has been recommended for cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis. Modern research has found that the plant contains a compound called silymarin, which is responsible for its beneficial effects.

Cat’s Claw - another plant that supports and maintains the immune system.

Remember, these ingredients do not suppress symptoms. They treat the causes of the symptoms. They support the body’s ability to fight disease.

Whether your animals are well and healthy or suffering from chronic health problems, C-Caps are a good investment

With the choice of so many models of pet doors, you should have no difficulty finding the perfect one for your home.

The electronic dog door is great for so many reasons. It is much more secure than the average cat door or dog door. Burglars can’t use them and wild animals and strays are firmly locked out as well, while baby is locked in.

Since the electronic pet door use special collars or tags on the collar to trigger the door, you can control which pets can enter and exit your home via the pet door. By removing the collars or tags, you can even control when your pet uses the pet door.

In some models, there may be a control panel which will let you turn the pet door on and off with the push of a button, or allow your pet only a one-way trip through the door. This provides even more security to your home, and to your pet.

An electronic dog door is also economical. The owner does not have to be a door attendant and since they prevent air leakage you’ll save on heating and cooling unit’s energy bills, which is also good for the environment.
For even more security, magnetically operated doors, using no batteries or electricity, will continue to operate even if you lose power.

There are many forms of the cat and the dog door on the market, but automatic pet doors are arguably the most useful.

It’s difficult to resist feeding your pet scraps, but it’s more important to provide your pets with healthy dog food and natural cat food.
Feeding them good organic or natural food with all the nutrients they need can aid development, prevent obesity and ensure a good immune system. If you don’t maintain a healthy diet for your pet then this will only lead to poor health.

Some pet snacks and dog treats are specifically developed to reduce tarter and plaque build up. Cat and dog owners may still need to take their pets to the vet for regular dental checks, as cat and dog dental health can affect the overall health and well-being of your animals.

Active pets are healthy and happy pets - and maintaining a sensible exercise routine can help those pets with excess flab lose weight. Walking and running are great exercises for dogs and will increase flexibility and stamina.
In addition, fun toys can keep both cats and dogs entertained by turning exercise into quality playtime.

As the warm weather approaches, it’s important to be prepared for nature and its effect on the health of your pet. Warmer weather brings insects that could harm your pet or cause discomfort; therefore, be aware of bees and wasps, as a sting can be distressing to cats and dogs.
What’s more, flea infestations can affect both pets and your family, so remember to regularly treat your pet and home with a flea preventative.

In addition to showering your pet with love and affection, regular grooming can help your pet stay trim and healthy. Washing your pet will not only help reduce germs and prevent diseases, but it also ensures you are properly examining for potential problems that may cause pain and discomfort to them.

If you have both a dog and a cat, is it OK for them to eat one another’s food?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a resounding NO!
An occasional dog’s nibble at the cat’s food shouldn’t hurt it. However, a dog that is allowed to heartily eat cat food could become dangerously obese as cat foods are high in calories; and cats that eat dog food regularly may develop
nutritional deficiencies.
Cats are obligate carnivores with complex metabolisms. They require nutrients that dogs don’t need!
Thank you for reading this . . . Your pets will thank you too.

 Pets, just like people can be crippled by foreign substances found in municipal drinking water. to help maintain their health and strength, fill their bowls with . . . . filtered water .      

People food to Avoid Feeding your Pets
Provided by ASPCA nutrition experts, an article lists the
 top10 people foods that must not be fed to your pet, 
please Click Here for list. 
If ingestion of any of these items occurs, note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at
(888) 426-4435 immediately.

Our feathered friends are foragers, by nature. When kept in a cage, this behavior is greatly reduced, resulting in a lack of stimulation for your birds. Feed into this natural instinct, a huge selection of toys and treats that are available to please all birds and benefit their mental and physical needs! 

Bird toys are vital for their happiness. Birds are social animals, but because of the majority of our lifestyles they often spend much time alone. Toys are a cure for boredom and help prevent related habits, such as feather plucking.

With Climbing Toys, Swings, Java Toys, Rope Toys, Treat Holders and more, the selection suits birds of all shapes and sizes from humming birds to Parakeets and Macaws.

And should you be thinking of an indoor or outdoor aviary in the garden, they are available pre assembled or DIY kits. No garden is complete without wildlife! And what better way to attract wild birds than to provide them with food and shelter.

A well-placed birdhouse and bird feeder can be enjoyed year round from within the garden or the coziness of the home, and will add some natural outdoor recreation for you and your guests to enjoy. The addition of a birdbath will also decorate your garden with the best that Mother Nature and Garden.com can offer, as well as a garden pond filled with aquatic wildlife.

If you have been searching for a fun, exciting, yet inexpensive, sport or hobby that you can do alone or with your family, then it is definitely time for you to consider bird watching. The library on migratory fowl across the USA and bird watching will surely be enjoyed by all birdwatchers. That’s right! Bird watching is considered to be the number one spectator sport in the world. In fact, over 85 million people regularly participate in this sport in North America alone!

Every dog has his own unique personality, and some dogs are simply wanderers. Continually escaping from their fences or yards, it is not only a nuisance to you, but it also a hassle for your neighbors as well. After all, when a dog escapes from his yard, he’s bound to be the average dog. This means he’s likely to get into your neighbor’s garbage cans or other kinds of mischief.

If you’re at the end of your rope with this behavior, many dog owners turn to a wireless dog fence. This administers a small shock when your dog wanders beyond the property line. Quickly enough, dogs learn exactly how far they can or cannot roam. Approved as humane by many pro-animal foundations, the fence has two big advantages to simply tying your dog up in the backyard. One, your dog can’t escape from the fence, and two, it allows your dog to wander the entirety of your backyard rather than a small swath.