Wildlife in Tanzania Main National Parks – What Wild Animals to Expect During Your Safari

Tanzania, as a wildlife safari destination, is known as the home of the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. These two wildlife conservation areas together with many others in Tanzania, provide homes for the ever-threatened African wildlife. In fact, more than one-quarter of Tanzania is under some form of protection to preserve its biodiversity.

Some of the wildlife conservation parks in Tanzania and the animals that they provide a safe haven for, are given here:

Lake Manyara National park

The cleavage, known as the Great Rift Valley, can be identified from space as the most distinctive feature of the African continent. The seam of this cleavage has developed a series of fascinating and beautiful lakes. One of these lakes is called Manyara. Lake Manyara is also a national park. Manyara is a fantastic big game park. The variety of habitats parallels its exceptional scenery.

Every imaginable East African animal is found here in abundance. There are great herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and several varieties of gazelle. Mahogany, sausage tree and croton are alive with blue monkeys and vervet monkeys. Some of the most amazingly large pods of hippos congregate at the rivers emerging into the lake, and the birdlife is plentiful. Lake Manyara is also known for its “treeclimbing” lions.

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park covers 3237 square kilometers and lies within the Mkata River plain bordered by the Uluguru Mountain range to the east and the Rubeho Mountains on the west, an area of lush vegetation which particularly attracts elephants and buffalos. Open grasslands dominate in the flood plain, eventually merging with the Miombo woodland covering the lower hills. Wildlife is abundant with giraffes, zebras, buffalos, hartebeests, wildebeests, elephants, wild dogs, and smaller mammals and reptiles. Mikumi’s vegetation includes woodland, swamp and grassland with two water holes, Mkata and Chamgore. Apart form the saddle-bill stork, hammer kop and malachite kingfisher, there are also monitor lizards and a deadly python inhabiting the pools.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro is quite unique as its physical protection from man natural beauty ranks it among the most pristine wildernesses on earth. It is regarded as a natural wonder of the world and has been declared a World Heritage Site. It is the largest intact crater in the world, being 610 meters deep, 16 kilometers across and covering an area of 540 square kilometers. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodland and mountains – all a haven for wildlife, including the greatest predator population in Africa. The volcanic crater is packed with wildlife, including all the big game. Its pride and joy, however, is that it remains the last great wild refuge for the endangered black rhino.

Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s second largest park and the world’s largest elephant sanctuary. Although set in spectacular scenery with an abundance of wildlife, the park is one of the lesser visited in the country, keeping it an isolated and peaceful wilderness. Amongst the game found at the park are elephants, buffalos, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, leopards, a wide variety of antelope and over 465 recorded species of birdlife.

Selous National Reserve

Selous is one of the most remote and least visited game park in Africa, but at 15,000 square miles, it is the world’s largest game reserve. The name derives from hunter-explorer Frederick Courtenay Selous, a keen naturalist and conservationist as well as a hunter. He was killed in the First World War in the Beho Beho region of the reserve. The defining feature of the Selous is the great Rufiji River, which naturally splits the ecosystem into two distinct parts.

Selous National reserve can be explored by boat, sailing through swamps and lagoons where elephant often come to bathe, or even by foot, as the Selous is one of few Tanzanian reserves to allow walking tours. It has the world’s largest number of big game, more than 120,000 elephants, 160,000 buffaloes and about 2,000 rhinoceros. In addition, the Selous contains Africa’s greatest concentration of hippopotamus, crocodiles and wild dogs.

The Serengeti National park

The name 'Serengeti' comes from the Maasai language and appropriately means an 'endless plains'. The National Park is as big as Northern Ireland, but its ecosystem, which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maswa Game Reserve and the Maasai Mara Game reserve (in Kenya). It lies between the shores of Lake Victoria in the west, Lake Eyasi in the south, and the Great Rift Valley to the east. As such, it offers the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on earth.

A unique combination of diverse habitats enables the Serengeti to support more than 30 species of large herbivores and nearly 500 species of birds. Its landscape, originally formed by volcanic activity, has been sculpted by the concerted action of wind, rain and sun. It now varies from open grass plains in the south, savanna with scattered acacia trees in the center, hilly, wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains to the west. Small rivers, lakes and swamps are scattered throughout. Rising in the southeast are the great volcanic massifs and craters of the Ngorongoro Highlands. The Serengeti plains are host to a dramatic annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and numerous other species of animals indigenous to the area.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park covers 2,600 square kilometers and is on the traditional migration route of several species of the wildlife. At dry times, the concentration of animals in Tarangire rivals that of the much better known Serengeti. Herds of migratory wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and buffalo gather along the marshy shores of Lake Natron. These pools are shared by flocks of birds: green wood hoopoes, fisher lovebirds, tallish herons, white bellied goaway birds and giant kingfishers. Resident lion, giraffe, elephant, and black rhino are common at any season;

Tarangire is noted for its baobab trees and splendid vistas of rolling savannah and acacia woodland. The strange-looking, centuriesold baobab trees are believed by the Maasai to be the first tree in creation.

Article Source: http://www.wzooka.com

Bearded Dragon | Crickets | Hissing Cockroaches | Fruit Flies

When we talk about pets, the ones that most often spring to mind are dogs, cats, maybe even fish. Although reptiles are slightly more uncommon as pets, there are those amongst us that do like their lizards and salamanders. The more commonly tamed ones are tortoises or turtles, frogs and sometimes even spiders. If you have a pet, you have to feed it and the diet for this range of pets is usually constituted of feeder insects like mealworms or Bearded Dragon. They also consume fruit flies and crickets.

Let’s look at the cricket in a little detail. If you’ve seen a grasshopper before, a cricket looks quite similar to it. Predominantly nocturnal creatures, you are most likely to come across them during night time. Live crickets are very commonly used as a feed for most reptile pets. Live crickets also make up the main feed for animals like the hedgehog or a pet hamster. They are also very popular as bait for fishing and can be tied to the end of hook to attract fish in ponds and streams.

If you have had a chance to hear crickets, they are rather noisy and this noise is their mating call. They create this sound by flapping their forewings. Crickets feed on a range of food from fungi to organic matter. They also eat decaying plants and sprouting plants. However, if they are deprived of food for any reason, they also do eat their own dead. It is also not uncommon in certain Asian cultures or parts of Africa for humans to consume crickets as well. It is a relatively unknown but interesting fact that crickets do possess an auditory sensory organ (what we know as the ear) and this is located in their knee.

Fruit flies are another common food for reptiles. Their mating call is also through sound created by vibrating their extended wings. This call is sent by the male of the species. Depending on the temperature of the surroundings, it can take anything from six to sixty days for the fruit fly to eventually develop in to an adult.

Mealworms are the next feeder insect we look at in details. They are the larva form of the mealworm beetle. They typically measure around 2.5 cms. Once the larvae hatch out from their eggs, they go through a stage of eating everything (usually various vegetation) very quickly and grow into a pupa. They then undergo repeated moulting. The pupa is initially a creamy white colour and then changes to an attractive brown. The body is segmented and generally mealworms can be quite attractive to look at. Mealworms play an important role in our eco system for recycling organic matter.

Zoophobias Mario is a species of the darkling beetle and the larvae of this beetle are called super worms. They can be between 1 to 2.5 inches long and resemble mealworms in appearance but are bigger than mealworms in size. Lizards, salamanders, turtles and even birds are fed Hissing Cockroaches as part of their diet.

Article Source: http://www.hallofarticles.com

Animal Scales Weigh Zoo Animals For Health Maintenance

Weight change is an important indicator of animal health. Sudden increases or decreases in weight can signal the presence of disease and may seriously affect the animal’s well-being. Abrupt weight loss is associated with medical conditions such as tapeworm, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, depression, infection, or cancer. Factors to consider in weighing an animal besides the normal weight range for its species are weight changes related to seasonal and hormonal fluctuations, lactation, and pregnancy. The scales used to weigh large animals are high capacity platform or floor scales that enable the animals to step on and off easily. The largest animals can weigh as much as 800 pounds, typical of the bison, moose, and Kodiak bear, to 5,000 pounds, as in the case of the African elephant. Smaller animals, such as birds and small reptiles whose weight ranges from two to ten pounds, require lower-capacity scales.

Routine weighing of zoo animals allows veterinary staff to track if young animals are growing properly. Animals are weighed at least monthly, although animals such as elephants require weekly weighing. Weights that are lower than expected indicate that the animal is not receiving the right amount and/or type of nutrition. This may be due to difficulties with digestion or getting the animal to eat. It is then necessary to address these issues quickly to avoid developmental delays. This would be done by reevaluating the diet. The manner in which the weight change occurs can also signify transitions in life stages. For example, an elephant calf will gain two to five pounds a day, and then drop slightly in weight, marking the transition from milk to solid food.

Zoo animals present a special challenge for zoo veterinarians because the animals are confined to limited spaces that hinder their ability to participate activities they would do if they were in the wild. Hunting, climbing, and running across long distances are not possible in a zoo environment. Consequently, the animals are often restless, sedentary, and obese. Obesity is especially a problem for animals in captivity and affects all kinds of animals, including bears, gorillas, and whales. As a result of excess weight gain, zoo animals can be plagued with health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Zoo animals are susceptible to cravings for high calorie, fatty junk foods just as humans are. Nutritionists are crucial members of the animal-care staff; they make sure that all the animals are on the proper diet. Assessments of zoo animal diets have led to switches from high-calorie foods to lower calorie options. The result has been leaner, healthier animals with less behavioral problems.

The weights of zoo animals provide veterinary staff valuable guidance in caring for the animals. Tracking their weights in a consistent manner allows zoo veterinary staff to monitor for problems associated with health, growth progression, nutrition, and diet. The restricted confines of a zoo allows for less activity, leading to obesity and health problems. Therefore, weight, along with nutrition and diet must be continually assessed in order to maintain the health of zoo animals.

Article Source: http://www.articledirectorylive.com

Pet Accessories For Dogs And Cats

Dogs and Cats are very important domestic animals. Our pets share special places in our hearts, just like every human member of our families. Like humans, they can be dressed up for occasions like Halloween and other social events. These can be done with beautiful dog accessories. You can order dog accessories from any the local pet shops around you, or on the internet. There are both basic and advance dog accessories in the market. Basic dog accessories are dog clothing, dog shoes, fancy dog collars, doghouses, food bowls and luxury beds - in fact the list is endless.

Dog collars can make your dog look sexy and smart. Dog collars are available ready-made, or you can choose to get a customised one to suit your tastes. Personalised dog collars are beautiful and colourful. You can have the name of your dog and your contact information embossed on it if you want. Depending on your budget, you can also get your dog collar personalised with diamonds or other precious stones. Beautiful dog collars can truly make your dog a centre of envy in your town.

Another important dog accessory you may want to get for your pet is the dog bow. These dog accessories, which are usually attached with a locket, are placed on the head to make your dog look truly cute. Prices of dog bows vary, from pocket-friendly dog bows to the high-end dog bows that are made of diamonds or other expensive precious gems.

There are also grooming tools for dogs. Grooming tools are dog accessories such as dog shampoos, dog baths, hairdryers, brushes, restraints, towels, brushes and combs. You can also get ear and claw care accessories. If you plan to stay outdoors, trip-ready accessories such as collapsible doggie water bottles and food bowls, seat covers, crate pads and ramps will be of great use.

In addition, when you are out with your dog, in a field, you may need to take your dog's recreational accessories with you. Recreational accessories are dog toys. There are lots of precious dog toys available depending on what your dog likes to do. Some dog toys come in handy when training the dog. For example, you can use fetch toys to train your dog to be alert. Fetch toys are flyers that you throw for your dog to go catch. Fetch toys usually float on water. You can also choose to get specially designed play sets to make your dog fit and agile. If you plan going hiking, there are dog boots for that too.

Finally, what about a convenient place of abode for your lovely, trendily-dressed pet to rest his head? A doghouse outside your house will do just that. Doghouses or kennels provide protection from the sun, rain and other weather conditions. Doghouses are specially designed to provide your dog with the ultimate comfort. The doghouse can be located inside or outside your house. Modern state-of-the-art doghouses come with soft beds and other utilities to collect urine and faeces.

Article Source: http://www.articlesarticles.net

CATS HAVE BRAIN!

If the right definition for the term "Intelligence" would be "the ability to acquire and remember information and the capability to use them while solving different problems", then the cat is definitely the most intelligent animal from all those surrounding us.

Try to put an adult cat in a room in which she has never been before and see how she is inspecting every corner of that room. This detailed search gives her valuable information about the environment, information that can even save her life in some cases. Actually, the curiosity specific to cats never harmed them, on the contrary it gave her the reputation of having nine lives!

We al know that the ability cats have to inspect surroundings is legendary, but, at the same time it has been proven that this ability is superior to that of any other domestic animal.

The intellectual capacity of the cat is demonstrated by her ability of using information she already has to pass safely through certain situations. Cats are capable of forming "learning methods", a characteristic that was supposed to belong only to primates.

Cats learn through observation, imitation, trying and of course, mistakes, just like people. The stories with cats being able to open draws or cupboards are many, but there also are cats that can turn on the lights or use the toilet, and this is possible only by carefully observing the ones that know how to do these things, their owners.

Considering the fact that the cat is the most intelligent domestic animal, it is very important that the owner knows very clearly the limits of her cognitive processes, because conferring the pet human motives can cause damage and behavioral problems.

For example, a cat cannot reflect upon the past or think in perspective, so punishing her for something she has done only minutes earlier is useless, because the cat is not capable of connection the punishment with her actions. The same way, cants can't claim revenge for a past punishment. In conclusion, don't underestimate the intelligence of your cat! Try and know better your pet and act in such a manner that living together can be a benefic experience for both of you.

Enhance Your Dog Training With Animal Communication

We first encountered animal communication when we had reached the end of our dog training with our Border Collie Cross Badger. We reached a point when everyday dog training no longer worked with her, this is her story.
My husband and I decided our life had reached a point where something else was needed to share our life so we decided to get a puppy! We read up on all the dog training methods until we were ready to go and get her.
Training started from day 1. All the usual commands, sit, stay, leave, wait were coming along nicely! What a clever puppy we had chosen (or had she chosen us?!) and we were so pleased we had taken the time to read all the different dog training methods, things were coming along very nicely!
Sadly not long after this, this all changed, this cute little responsive puppy had started showing her teeth and growling if we went near anything she considered hers. The dog training went out of the window.
Eventually she bit me. This was bad enough but she didn't stop there. Her growling, snapping and snarling was so unpredictable she started doing the same thing to my husband and any visitors to the house or in fact if we were visitors in their house. She would spend hours in her bed just staring at us, she guarded her toys, food, water absolutely anything even a piece of paper What had we done so wrong, was she trying to tell us something?
Holidays and days out became a thing of the past as did visits to family and friends with the dogs. Nothing reached her any more not even the additional dog training, we were at a total loss as to what to do for all of us.
Various techniques and methods were used by the numerous Trainers and Behaviourists we consulted. Nothing worked, in fact if anything they made her worse. She was now aged 1 and fully grown, what a hopeless situation, where did we go from here? What next.. anything?
Life by this time was so incredibly limited, we could not simply sit by and wait for something to happen. We could not understand our dog's unpredictable behaviour. What options were left to us? If we had tried to re-home her she would never have left the dog shelter. We were eventually advised it may be best to put her to sleep.
Around this time, a friend had consulted an Animal Communicator and had had some very good results with her own dogs. Nothing else had worked to this point but we decided to contact an Animal Communicator in one last ditch attempt.
Insight and understanding of our dog was desperately needed by us and with no other obvious way to get this we contacted James French, a recommended Animal Communicator.
It may sound like an overused clich - but Animal Communication really did save her life.. and ours! It provided the insight we needed; what motivated her, what was wrong with her, what she needed from us and where was it all going so wrong?
After all this time we learned that our dog was not aggressive she was in constant pain as her digestive system was not processing her food, no wonder she didn't like being touched and was so body sensitive.
The other thing we learned was a little more mind blowing. Whilst we knew she was highly anxious yet extremely dominant this was not technically her fault?! Badger had become my mirror, I reeled when I was gently informed of this. How could this be? What on earth had I done to my dog? But I had read all of the dog training manuals and done everything to the letter? It suddenly dawned on me we had been going through this for 3 years now and I was practically a nervous wreck and between us we were caught up in our own little vicious circle.
To cut a long story short, we changed her food to a raw food diet and a lot of the undesired behaviour vanished within a few weeks - AMAZING! I then had to change my own behaviours to enable Badger to change hers.
My stressful job was the first thing to go, I suddenly realised the feeling I had with the Badger situation was the exact same feeling I had when I though about my job. The next change was actually making time for myself this did not include ironing whilst watching the TV, this was not chilling out! And then to my final decision to train to become an Animal Communicator, how many dogs and their owners were suffering like we were? I had to get out there and help.
I really feel this story is some sort of fairy tale....If we had of given in and taken her to rescue centre she would never have left, if she had had different owners she may have been put to sleep. How many people and dogs were suffering out there? How many dogs were being put to sleep each day, each year just because they cannot be heard?
I am now a very proud fully qualified Animal Communicator! I fulfil my dream everyday of helping humans and their animals share a rewarding and lifelong friendship and I have Badger to thank for this. Dog training on it's own did not work for us however combining Animal Communication and Dog Training together wow, what a powerful combination!

Article Source: http://www.articledirectorylive.com

Valentine's Day Presents - Top 5 Plush Animals

February may be a cold month, but there is one day that at least manages to warm our hearts emotionally. That’s right, it’s February 14th: Valentine’s Day. On this day, nothing shows your sweetie you care for them more than a stuffed animal. This great classic gift may be heartwarming, but it also requires you to make a choice. After all, there are lot of animals available, which one should you pick? This article will help you answer that question by outlining the five greatest stuffed animal gifts for Valentine’s Day. You’ll even get some tips for the day along the way!

#5. Stuffed Bunnies

This cuddly critter is sure to warm the coldest of hearts! After all, there aren’t many stuffed animals cuter than the bunny. With soft fur and an adorable face, this is one gift that is sure to be sweet. It may not be a classic animal for Valentine’s Day, but pair a cute bunny with an accessory or just give it on its own and you’ve got a very endearing gift.

#4. Stuffed Lions

Who doesn’t like the mighty lion? You could get a classic appearing lion, or something a bit more innovative. Whichever way you decide to go, the lion is great for conveying a variety of messages. Just to name a few, a plush lion could convey power, beauty, courage, or even royalty. This can be a wonderful way to show how you feel without having to resort to pretty words or poetry. After all, actions speak louder than words!

#3. Stuffed Tigers

Still a traditionally sweet plush toy, the tiger can also convey power or vigor, which makes it a great gift for a guy. It can also be a particularly fun way to convey a message. For example, leave the toy somewhere where he’s sure to see it, or have it delivered to his home or office. Make sure the stuffed animal has a note on it with something along the lines of “I can’t wait to see you tonight, tiger!” He’s sure to feel great after getting a message and sentiment like that from you!

#2. Plush Pets

Whether a dog, cat, or something slightly less traditional, plush pets certainly deserve the number two spot. This is an especially good idea if you know your sweetie has a favorite pet that they’d like to own or one that they already do. For example, maybe your girlfriend just adopted a new kitten. Get her a plush cat and present it to her in a unique way. Maybe you could hide it in a bouquet of flowers (if it was small), or if it was larger you could have it hold a rose or a bouquet in its paws. Something this cute would certainly warm the heart.

#1. Teddy Bears

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone that the teddy bear is the number one Valentine’s Day stuffed animal! After all, this stuffed toy has practically become synonymous with February 14th, and you’ll see hearts in teddy bears all over through the first half of February. Giving your sweetie a teddy bear is a great nod to the holiday, and it can be paired with many things. This could include traditional favorites such as flowers and chocolates, to more modern ideas such as restaurant gift certificates or a love-song loaded ipod, or even something extravagant such as tickets to a big game or a couple’s bed and breakfast.

So there you have it, no matter what you choose among the top five, you are sure to have a hit! Remember, a sweet and cuddly stuffed animal is sure to warm your sweetie’s heart during one of the coldest months of winter!

Article Source: http://www.hallofarticles.com

Animal Abuse Linked to Domestic Abuse

While it is a sick and sad thing to think about, animal abuse happens every day. There are many reasons why some people commit such horrible crimes. In many cases however, it has been proven time and time again that there is a link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. Those who commit acts of violence against lovers, children, and animals tend to do so because they feel empowered. They feel as though they can teach someone a lesson because the person or animal they are beating on is weaker than they are. This must stop. But when will it?

Pets are a big part of homes that have children. In fact, 74.8 percent of the homes that have children, ages six and up, in them will have at least one pet. Women are the primary caregivers in three fourths of these homes. Reports collected from interviews with women in United States and Canadian domestic violence shelters show that about 70 percent have been witness to violence towards the animals in the home, from the abuser who attacked them.

Women actually will stay in an abusive home longer simply because of a fear of leaving pets behind. They fear that the pets will be killed or harmed in some way and so they stay in hopes of protecting the animals. These women fear that by leaving the home, the pets could easily become the targets.

Making a Difference

When police officers are now called to the scene of domestic violence, they now look for animal abuse as well. There is special training out there for law enforcement officials so that they can spot animal abuse. And since homes with domestic violence have a high likelihood of animal abuse, it is important to make sure that an eye is kept open. If a police officer finds an abused pet, a call must be placed to an animal shelter for assistance in removing and caring for the animal.

Temporary Pet Housing

Since many women stay in abusive homes for longer than they should be fear of leaving their pets, domestic violence shelters, humane societies, veterinarians, and other organizations are teaming up to make sure that there is safe and adequate shelter for the animals. This would be temporary housing. By providing a safe place for the animals, the women can leave quicker and the animals will not be left behind to be abused.

Protection from Abuse Orders for Pets
Many people already know that a protection from abuse order prevents the abuser from going near the person or persons that they have harmed. This means that the home, children, workplace, and vehicles must be avoided or the abuser can be arrested. But up until recently, there was nothing in place that legally kept the abuser from the family pets. Now, there are some states that include pets and other family animals, such as livestock, in their protection from abuse orders.

It is not yet a perfect system and who knows if there will ever be such a thing. For now, all we can do is to make changes in the law when we notice that changes are needed. The more steps we take to protect our pets, the better the entire world will be, for both human and animal victims.

Article Source: http://www.entirearticle.com

Common Dog Diseases, Illnesses and Conditions

Like all pet animals, dogs too are prone to lots of diseases. To keep the dogs free from the diseases, they should be understood first and accordingly treated well with the assistance of the veterinarian. Some of the common dog diseases are discussed below:

Rabies: Rabies is a very common dog disease caused by a virus affecting the central nervous system of the dog. Rabies is known to be spread through saliva. There are several stages observed in the dogs. In the first stage the dogs are seen with a behavior change, in the second stage the dogs become very violent and in the third stage body parts of the dogs stop coordinating with each other. There is no cure till now for this deadly disease.

Bloat:This is a serious condition of the dog. The stomach of the dog gets twisted, which is due to over eating. The symptoms of bloat are restlessness and depression combined with dry heaves.

Distemper: It is considered to be the worst dog disease worldwide. This leads to fatal condition of the puppies up to 80 percent and adult dogs up to 50 percent. The common symptoms of this disease are congestion in the chest, coughing, diarrhea, gunky eyes, nasal discharge etc. At later stages it affects the nervous system of the dogs leading to paralysis. It is a highly contagious dog disease. It can be transmitted from the feces of the infected dog. This dog disease too does not have any cure.

Parvovirus: It is a very contagious disease affecting the intestinal tract of the dogs. It is also said to affect the heart of the dogs. The symptoms of this disease are severe diarrhea, depression, decrease of appetite. The feacel matter of the dog is found to be in a different color with blood stains. The symptoms appear within hours of the infestation and can even kill the dog within 2 to 3 days of infection. Hence, it is considered as a deadly disease.

Kennel Cough: It is very common among dogs. It is a kind of respiratory disease. This can be easily treated.

Canine Viral Hepatitis.This disease affects the liver, kidney and the blood vessels of the dogs. The common symptoms are profuse thirst, vomiting, hemorrhages, loss of appetite etc. This virus too spreads through the faeces of the dogs.

Leptospirosis: This disease is caused by bacteria and, even human beings get affected by the bacteria. There are several species of bacteria found to produce the disease in dogs. The common symptoms include lethargy, fever, kidney inflammation, clotting of blood and conjunctivitis. In more chronic conditions it can produce pneumonia, intestinal inflammation and jaundice.

Heartworm:Heartworms are a kind of parasites which multiply and grow, causing infection in the chambers of the heart and arteries of the lungs. The symptoms may start with mild cough, fatigue and lethargy. If it is not treated properly it can lead to congestive heart failure.

Retinal Dysplasia: Abnormal development of the retina is the disorder. This is very common in most of the dog breeds. The minor forms lead to vision problems and the acute forms leads to total blindness in dogs. Cataract can also accompany with this disorder.

Article Source: http://www.happy-living-articles.com

African Grey Parrot : One of the greates species of parrots

The African grey parrot scientifically known as Psittacus erithacus is originated in Central Africa. here are two types of African Greys - the larger Congo (has bright red tail feathers) and smaller Timneh (darker tail feathers). No one really knows when the grey african parrot was first found in Europe but it said that King Henry VIII had an African grey parrot as a pet.

The african grey parrot is a large bird that can grow to 12 to 14 inches in length. The Timneh subspecies is a little smaller. Their tails are quite short and they don't have very beautiful colored plumage. but all this is compensated by they intelligence.

I will try to talk a little about the african grey parrot behavior and training.

The Grey is a very social bird. In the wild, they depend on the flock for their safety and their emotional well-being. Because they depend on the flock so much, they read the emotion of their companion birds. This translates to their human companions as well. If an owner is upset or angry, the bird will feel it and react to the emotion.

African grey parrots really need much attention and interaction. Because of their dependence of the flock, if they stay alone they will get bored and depressed. If you don't spend enough time with an african grey parrot he will get the feather picking behavior or even become quite aggressive. So if you decide to buy an african grey parrot keep in mind that they are not lonely birds. African Grey parrots need a strong relationship with their owners. If you think that you are not able to make this commitment you should reconsider and buy another species of parrots.

But the most interesting aspect of the african grey parrot is that they are very intelligent. I have heard of a parrot called Alex that Alex, the African Grey trained by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, can perform tasks on the same level as a four year old child including distinguishing colors, shapes, and numbers of objects.

African grey parrots are also great talkers. They can learn a lager number of words and the most amazing thing is that they can use the words properly. If you think that we are talking about a bird's brain you have to agree that this are very good performances.

The training of your african grey parrot can be very fun because they learn very fast and they are very curious. If you want your bird to say a certain phrase, say it in different ways. Say it in a sing-song way, in a low voice, in a high voice, in a baby voice, or any other voice. Say the phrase looking directly at the bird so that he knows you want him to say it.

I advise you not to teach him dirty words. Don't make a joke from your pet. Also be careful to keep many toys around your african grey parrot so he will not get bored.

In conclusion, please don't buy an african grey parrot if you are not sure that you can meat all the parrot care demands.

Article Source: http://www.getfreereports.com/home

Lets Look At The 5 Animals Of Kung Fu

Also known as the Kung Fu fist forms, the 5 animals of Kung Fu are known all across the world, and are some of the deadliest martial arts you can study. There are other specific fist styles in Kung Fu, although none of them are as powerful or as well known as the 5 animal styles. As the name implies, these forms were derived from the animals in which they got their names from.

The Dragon Claw

The Dragon Claw is very well known, with the Chinese believing that this style comes directly from the ancient dragon. This style uses an open hand technique that is used for controlling the opponent through grabbing and throwing. Using an open hand technique, stylists may also use the fingers to poke as well. Dragon Claw is very fast, very hard to defend against - and nearly impossible to predict.

The Leopard Claw

The Leopard Claw style utilizes a half opened fist. The ideal striking method with Leopard is the ridge of the hand, which is formed by folding the fingers towards the palm of the hand, with the palm being the backup or secondary striking method. Leopard Claw is very fast as well, and very lethal if the stylist has enough technique and power behind his strikes.

The Tiger Claw

Tiger Claw uses an open hand movement that is used for tearing and grabbing. Tiger Claw is the most well known of the 5 animal system, and also one of the most well known forms of Kung Fu as well. It isn't affected by simply grabbing and gripping with the hand, but from the digging of the fingernails deep into the skin. Once the fingernails have been embedded in the opponent's skin, the Tiger Claw stylist can shred the skin right off the bone, tearing the opponent apart. Tiger Claw is very powerful - and one of the deadliest forms in the world of martial arts.

The Snake Head

Snake Head resembles the attack of a snake in combat, using an open hand technique which requires the fingers to be held together tight, fully extended. The tips of the finger form a very hard surface, used to attack the softest and most vital areas of the opponent. In order to be effective, both hands need to be used together at the same time.

The Crane Beak

Crane involves the fingers being pressed together tightly, forming a striking surface at the base of the stylist's fingertips. Although the fingers can be conditioned to a high level of strength, most attacks using the Crane technique are focused towards the most vital areas of an opponent.

The 5 animal styles of Kung Fu are very popular, and very deadly. Martial artists that know any of these forms are very deadly - and more than capable of defending themselves against anything that comes their way.

Article Source: http://www.articleretreat.com

A Pet's Tale: Keeping Animals Safe

The saying "it's a dog's life" does not mean what it used to. Today, animals of all types are protected by state and federal laws and have been granted certain rights that help protect and keep them healthy. In addition, many people are closer with their pets than in the recent past, with a large number saying that they consider their animals to be a part of the family. In fact, a day in the life of a pet may entail visiting a spa or salon, being carried in a designer bag or wearing a jewel-encrusted collar-quite a different story from 100 years ago.

Seem far-fetched? On average, dog owners say they spent more than $263 on their four-footed friends in the past 12 months (not including food expenses). Cat owners spent more than $100. One reason for the improvement of animals' quality of life is that animal welfare organizations such as the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) have worked to change the way people think about and treat them. Celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, the association is the oldest animal welfare organization in the Western Hemisphere. The association will mark its anniversary with a yearlong celebration highlighting the progress it has made for animals since it was founded by a New York City socialite in 1866.

With the mark of this milestone anniversary, the group is launching what it calls its most aggressive initiative to date, working city by city to turn the United States into one "Humane Community. " The program is designed to bring community organizations together to help ensure that no adoptable companion animal is euthanized for reasons other than behavior or medical issues.

The new initiative includes increasing the demand for adoptable shelter animals, while at the same time reducing the number of unwanted litters being born. Additionally, the association's "Meet-Your-Match" program is being revamped and will more effectively pair new pet owners with shelter dogs and cats. The group plans to expand its Humane Law Enforcement Department as well, allowing for more investigations and arrests for animal cruelty.

"While our 140th year is gearing up to be one of unprecedented growth, it is our sincerest hope that the further we get from our date of inception, the closer we come to being an organization that is no longer needed-that our work will have permeated society to the point that the rights of companion animals will be second nature to everyone," said Ed Sayres, president & CEO, the ASPCA.

Article Source: http://www.happy-living-articles.com

Why Cats Make Such Good Pets

Cats are very good pets as they don't require as much attention as other options such as a dog. You don't have to walk the cat and you don't have to deal with it barking at everything that happens to walk by your home. Young cats are extremely playful and you can interact with them when you want to. However, most cats are content to play with toys or to be independent.

This doesn't mean that cats aren't excellent companions though. They can be silly at times and they often enjoy curling up on your lap and purring. Your cat won't come running when you are home at the end of day and knock you over. They also don't lick or bite so you won't have to worry about how they will interact with others when you have company. Cats always seem to be able to tell when you need some comfort.

Taking care of a pet can help a child to become more responsible but some pets just come with too much time required. A cat makes a perfect choice for children because they tend to take care of themselves. As long as they are given sufficient food and water they will remain happy. Indoor cats will have to be trained to use a litter box but most of them learn very quickly so you won't have to deal with cleaning up such messes around your home. However, you need to clean the litter box regularly because cats do not like to use a dirty litter box.

Cats are clean animals as they spend a large amount of time grooming themselves each day. In the majority of cases, cats lead a very happy and long life without too many problems. They don't cost very much because cat food and litter are very cheap. They don't require as many vet visits for routine shots either like dogs do which can become quite expensive.

For those that have problems with mice, cats make a great natural system for taking care of them. This means you won't have to deal with messy traps or dangerous poisons around your home. Many cat owners claim they haven't come across a mouse in their home for years with this line of defense.

Cats are very precious and beautiful animals as well. They have a gentle hum to them that can be relaxing for humans. They have coats in all colors as well as eyes that are very shiny and bright. Each cat has their own personality and you just can't help but adore them. There are many breeds of cats if you want a particular kind but some of the most beautiful cats are those that are mixed breeds.

Cats are very smart animals too so they will quickly catch up to what you like from them and what you don't based on the praise you give them. Contrary to popular belief, cats are obedient and they want their owner's to be happy with them. They will learn fast that you don't like them scratching on the furniture or putting their tail in your face while you are sleeping.

Article Source: http://www.articlesarticles.net

Have you ever wondered why pets are such a joy to have around?

I have, and the conclusion I came to was that they always give love, no matter what mood you're in. Their basic nature is one of love and all they ask often, is that we feed them. Some pets want a bit more but in any event what they give in return is immeasurable.

With humans on the other hand, it's not very common that we give without some expectation for something in return (even if on the surface it seems like we're giving selflessly). Look at this article for example, while I'm sharing information with you, I'd like you to join the Student is Ready - Mindfulness Series. And even though you'll get great uplifting information out of it, the fact remains that I'm motivated by my desire to raise consciousness in the world, and in that "I want something".

This wanting for something is part of the reason (and maybe a huge part) for why we often distrust people. Everyone's always looking for something through their favourite radio station - WII FM (What's In It For Me)!

The reason why we become so egocentric and distrustful goes back to childhood. Children, like pets, give love naturally and the adults around them (usually the parents) take that love and use it to fill their own need for love. (Don't get me wrong, parents do the best they can to raise children as best they know how, it's just that their own unresolved pain from childhood sits under the surface and children absorb that pain without anyone realizing it.)

Children have an open heart and while the love we feel pours out of their heart, they also absorbs the pain and negativity around them through the open heart as well. The negative emotion absorbed becomes so great that the only way to survive is to shut the heart down energetically (emotional level) and unconsciously become distrustful of people as a way of protection going forward.

So as an adult, you now have a choice, if you want to begin to connect more with the world, the key is to firstly accept that there is a part of you that experienced a lot of pain as a child and secondly be aware of when you're looking to have that pain taken care of by others through looking to take something from them.

Note, the taking from someone is often not a physical thing, it's an energetic thing, e.g. notice how you feel when you're speaking to someone you know:

· You may be excited about something and you're looking for them to give you feedback by being excited for you, or

· Some drama has happened and you're looking for them to be surprised or outraged with you.

This is quite subtle to start with but as you bring more awareness to it, it becomes more obvious.

Remember, it's the expectation for a certain reaction from someone else that gives you something (a feeling), this is how you "take" on an energetic level.

Article Source: http://www.exchange-articles.info

Act Like A Cat

Did you ever notice how much cats stretch their bodies? After a nap they stretch. On the way to the food bowl, they stretch. And even just laying around the house, they stretch some more.

I wonder if that's why they are so relaxed. Cats do have a reputation for being pretty chilled out most of the time. They seem to saunter around and do what they want to do when they want to do it. Life pretty much happens on their terms.

But we humans certainly don't have the luxury of taking naps whenever we feel like it or sauntering our way through our daily routines. But we can adopt one cat behavior that offers even humans great benefit. We can stretch!

Stretching our bodies is an amazing way for us to reduce the effects of stress. Here's the deal...stress wreaks havoc on our muscles. When we get stressed out, we tend to clench many muscles - without even realizing it! Over time this subconscious clenching results in extremely tight muscles. And tight muscles can lead not only to pain, but other serious health issues, as well.

Learning how to stretch your muscles, and doing it on a regular basis is a great way to combat the effects of stress on your body. You can develop a routine that targets your most troublesome muscle groups and be on the road to flexibility before you know it. Amazing results can be achieved in just a few short minutes a day!

The ultimate stretching guide has to be Bob Anderson's cleverly titled book, "Stretching." This encyclopedia-ish guide combines simple drawings and instructions for stretching every muscle group in your body. The Massage Therapists I know consider this to be the most well-respected and comprehensive, easy-to-use resource for understanding how to stretch all muscle groups.

I refer to this book often as stretching is a part of my daily routine. It's amazing how much better I feel after one single stretch. And after a whole routine of stretching? Wow - what a difference 5 minutes can make.

We abuse our bodies so much with computer work and bad posture, don't we? Were our bodies designed to be sitting 90% of the time? It doesn't seem likely. Stretching - and following the lead from our animal companions is an easy, simple and effective way to undo the stress that we put on our bodies every single day.

You'll be amazed how good you feel after just one stretching session, so go ahead, act like a cat. At least for a couple of minutes a day. Your muscles will thank you!

Article Source: http://www.articles2use.com

Animal Testing - Support Brands Not Tested on Animals

In 1988, I chose to spend an evening viewing Victor Schonfeld’s “The Animals Film.” This was a strange and revelatory experience. Sitting in front of a small screen, the history of animal exploitation flickered before my eyes. From the first steps in the 1930’s when farm animals were crowded indoors for reasons other than winter, to dog and cock fighting, bear baiting, fox hunting and hare coursing, to name but a few. I already knew of this – who doesn’t – but I wasn’t prepared for one of the most disturbing examples of humanities grim cruelty toward animals, vivisection. Until then, I had an image of science as a dynamic, progressive, frontier-expanding activity, and of its practitioners as dedicated teams of rational, open-minded professionals whose motivation was highly moral and whose concern was to benefit humanity. Much of the evidence presented in this film suggested quite the contrary, with the main beneficiary of these tests being the company profit margin.

It is not difficult to understand why animals are treated so indifferently in a society where the powerful minority holds the majority in similar contempt. What is hard is to break the circle of unthinking cruelty, and this can only be done as people begin to question the accepted values of our way of life and the grim fact of our endemic destructiveness. Here, as with other conflicts, we must build our conceptual bridges with the resources of our age. Puzzling and agonizing though these clashes often are, we know we must somehow deal with them by working out; how we should ideally think about the world and relate to animals.

The way we think about the world has a fundamental impact on decisions concerning the treatment of animals and our relationship with them. Given the importance of this, it is somewhat surprising to contemplate that the majority of people never question the way they think about the world. In many cases the world is a place where everything is ‘natural’ and ‘inevitable.’ We seem to have an astonishing ability to close our eyes to the truth, to live in a world of delusions and make-believe. These characteristics, shared to a greater or lesser extent by all of us, have helped to create a sick planet and a great deal of suffering to animals.

If everybody showed respect and had compassion for the nonhuman world, the earth would then undoubtedly become a more balanced and healthier place to live. Furthermore, if people maintain that compassion they will automatically free themselves from their mental patterns of ignorance. Knowing what is beneficial to yourself and others, and being able to do it, is wisdom, which cuts through our fundamental ignorance. Indeed, “The greatest knowledge we can posses, Socrates maintained, the only knowledge that matters a damn, is the awareness of our boundless, fathomless ignorance.”

Essentially, what needs to be done is not that particularly difficult, it is just a matter of a simple turn-around in attitude. Just because the way we think about animals has been inoculated culturally (and not programmed into us genetically as those who take part in blood sports occasionally claim), does not mean the disease is not treatable. If changed attitudes then lead not only changes in our personal lives but also to policy changes at the corporate and government level, indeed we have cause for hope. As civilisations advance, the trend must always be toward increasing humanity and compassion, and deceasing cruelty and exploitation.

People need to educate themselves about vivisection and pass on this information to friends and family. It is only our ignorance on the issue that perpetuates this cruel and barbaric practice. Something can always be done if the will of the majority dictates it. You can find out more about vivisection from any of the following organisations: British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection; Dr Hadwen Trust; Doctors and Lawyers for Responsible Medicine; Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments; National Anti-Vivisection Society; People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; The Humane Research Trust; Uncaged. There is also a selection of informative short videos on You Tube, just enter vivisection or animal testing/experimentation.

One of the most effective ways of turning changed attitudes into positive, concrete actions is by buying products not tested on animals. The grim fact is that all too many companies still test their final products and ingredients on live animals. Buying products that are cruelty free demonstrates to those companies that continue to test that you will not be supporting them. Nowadays, it's very easy to find products not tested on animals and these can easily be found on the internet (i.e. Caring Consumer, Go Cruelty Free, Leaping Bunny, Uncaged, etc), in whole-food and ‘alternative’ shops, and increasingly in some supermarkets (i.e. all Co-op own brands are not tested on animals).

Unlike so many other animal abuses, the issue of using animals in product testing is one that ultimately rests with consumers. Reliance on animal testing methods for cosmetic and household products will continue unless concerned citizens speak out with their purchasing power. By making informed humane choices and encouraging others to do the same, individuals can push for an end to product testing and stop the needless suffering of countless animals each year.

Laboratory animals do not have a voice, so we must use our purchasing power to speak out for them.

Article Source: http://articles.sites4.info

Online Pet Store - Reward Your Pets

Many current pet training methods have followed the footsteps of old pet domesticating and breeding methods from centuries ago, science and the understanding of our pets have helped us breed and train our pets to a higher degree than in the past. Things like clickers and electrical collars have only enhanced the effectiveness of pet training methods.

To the highest degree reinforcement conditioning advocators do not like to open up to other pet training techniques. The best way of negative reinforcement is collar and leash training, leash training allows you to strongly tug on your pet when you are unsatisfied with a certain type of behavior they have displayed. Another great thing about leashes is that it allows you to wrap around your waist and have your pet's brain stimulated by following after you wherever you go; running around obstacles is a great technique to having your pet understand you are in the lead, not them. It is often lazy pet owners who are willing to give their pet the lead when walking them on leash that are facing the most trouble and barking when their pet is at home. By having your pet lead you, you allow them to think they are the dominant specie and therefore are carrying you.

Among the more fashionable formulas of reinforcement grooming is the clicker button training. By associating the clicker as a reward every time your dog commits a good behavior, and then consequently offering a treat a split second after using the clicker, your dog begins to associate the clicker and the treat as a positive reinforcement. After a while, you stop using treats, but continue using the clicker, and the dog feels rewarded without the treat; the clicker becomes the reward. This ensures that you are not feeding your pet junk food, and they are still listening. With time, your dog will obey commands even without the use of a clicker, and this is a great way to begin dog training in the beginning stages of pet domestication. You can turn the most aggressive dogs into loyal pups using the clicker method; it is a safe and proven pet training method.

When applying reinforcement disciplining, the virtually basic basic of rewarding your pet is through food treats. It is not suggested to use food and treat methods exclusively, it teaches your pet that they will always be rewarded for positive behavior. In the beginning stages, it is wise to use this style of pet treatment and reinforcement, but with time, this type of behavior and food treats needs to dissipate in order to have your pet obey without the need to be rewarded; after all, you are the master, not them.

Article Source: http://www.articles4y.com

Mini Lop Rabbits Are Are Great Pets

Mini Lop Rabbits are the sweetest addition to anyones family, here we have compiled tips from our years of keeping and breeding rabbits.

Housing your rabbit is crucial and the bigger the better. Mini Lop Rabbits need somewhere they can run or be outside. They need sunshine too. However, on highly hot days they do need protection since they do not sweat and run a likelihood of dehydrating or overheating.
Feed your rabbit.

It is recommended that your mini lop rabbit eat a diet that's grass or hay based. For the majority of rabbits, we endorse feeding them in limited quantities of high quality make of rabbit food which is a mix or pellets and limitless hay. You can supplement this diet with other green foods. You can alter the proportions of the foodstuff above and supply your rabbit with a natural diet that consists of principally hay and greens and smaller quantities of pellets or mix. This type of hay and plant diet suits most rabbits well as it is closely related to the diet of a wild rabbit.

Unfortunately, lettuce can cause runny stools and possibility of dehydration which is the cause of it not being included in our list. Many people think rabbits eat lettuce I continue to find people giving me lettuce for my rabbits, but it truly isnt good for them.

It is in the best interest of your mini lop rabbit to keep on feeding them the food we provide you when you purchase a baby rabbit and then tell you when to make a few changes. When this isn't possible[**] you should continue using the 1st food and then continuously add your present feed mixed up with the first feed. Just make sure that the food you do get is of top quality and the rabbit gets its advised daily necessities of minerals and vitamins. Remember that baby rabbits shouldn't eat vegetables till around 3 to four months of age.

Litter, Bedding and Nesting Material for Your Pet Rabbit to take in and collect waste, litter is the material placed on the floor of a rabbit hutch. Many owners call this bedding. Some of the materials used for litter can be useful for bedding. Nesting materials are materials a rabbit uses to make a soft bed in its fave place to sleep. Assorted sorts of Bedding and Litter for your Pet Rabbit
A variety of rabbit litter I available to you, for example sawdust slices, wood chips, clay and corncobs. The bottom of the cage should be covered with this type of litter materials in order to sponge up the odors and collect waste. Cedar shavings are far more concentrated in smell. Pine and aspen bedding has lower amounts of aromatic oils. You must talk with your veterinarian about the type of bedding that is compatible with your rabbit, since its respiratory system can be compromised with excessively aromatic oil scents. Corncob bedding could cause impactions after being consumed so this kind isn't recommended.

Changing a Rabbit's Litter and Bedding, you must change the litter weekly. It can be damaging to your rabbit if it is restricted to a cage that holds a high concentration of ammonia smoke. You can reduce this smell by cleaning out the soiled corner daily. You can also cut back the odours from your rabbit hutch by trying an all natural Pet Deodoriser.

Children and Rabbits, Are you considering a rabbit for your children? Rabbits are wonderful family pets for kids of every age as they can play a role in its care. Bear in mind that rabbits live for roughly ten years and children cannot be expected to maintain their interest in pet care for that period. A responsible adult is known as for when it comes to rabbit care. When youngsters get busy with other issues the may not notice a rabbit is not eating well and this is necessary for a rabbit.

Mini Lop Rabbits don't enjoy being picked up and when mishandled can be hurt simply. They can die of falls or being dropped. Do not permit any child under eight years old to pick up your rabbit. When babies are holding a rabbit, they deserve to be sitting on the ground so the rabbit cannot fall. I have sadly heard of a kid picking a rabbit up and dropping it causing an evere damaged bone the rabbit was put to sleep, children must be managed it's way better to sit them on the floor so the rabbit can not fall, rabbits dont like being up in the air they're built to be on the ground and may feel extremely insecure if you pick them up and carry them around.

It is highly recommended the mini lop rabbit similar to cats and dogs be desired by the adults of a family since when youngsters loose their interest in the pet, it doesn't wind up in a shelter or out in the woods.

Article Source: http://www.articles4y.com

Air Purifiers and the Family Pet

Are you a pet owner? With the popularity of household pets, there is a good chance that you are. If you are a pet owner, what type of pet or pets do you have? Popular household pets include cats and dogs. Unfortunately, with many household pets, including cats and dog, many pet owners develop allergies to their beloved pets. Are you one of those individuals?

If you are allergic to your family cat or dog, or any other animal for that matter, what do you plan on doing? Unfortunately, a large number of individuals make the decision to get rid of their pets. While this will completely solve the problem, it can't always be done. There are some individuals who love their pets too much to get rid of them. It may also be even harder to get rid of your family pet, especially if you have children. It has been noted that children attach quicker to family pets, when compared to everyone else. If this is the case with your pet and your family, you will not necessarily want to get rid of your pet, but you will need to look for alternatives.

One of the reasons why pet allergies are such as problem is because of the air particles that are created, from those pets. These particles often come from pet hair or droppings. To eliminate or reduce this problem, and maybe even your allergy, you will need to have cleaner air. While this may not sound like something that would be easy to do, the reality is that it actually is. All you really need to do is purchase an air purifier.

The easy part is making the decision to purchase an air purifier. The hard part comes when you need to make the purchase. It has been noted that all air purifiers are effective at eliminating air particles caused by pets, but they are not all the same. That is why it is important that you know what you are buying. A little bit of research online and you will walk away well informed. It may also be a good idea to examine air purifiers that specifically mentioned pets on their boxes or in their product descriptions. These types of air purifiers are often better, when it comes to eliminating harmful pet pollutants from the air.

Although an air purifier can help, there are also some things that you may want to do. One of those things is keeping your pets in a specific area of your home. Everywhere that your pet travels, pollutants and air particles will be left behind. Unfortunately, most air purifiers are not designed to treat a whole house. In fact, many air purifiers can only control the air in one room, sometimes three rooms, at the most. Therefore, the less space you allow your pet to invade, the easier it will be for you to keep the air in your home clean.

In addition to improving your home's air, you can also improve other indoor air. For instance, if you operate a business that is centered on pets, you may also be able to benefit from the use of an air purifier, especially those with a focus on pets. Essentially, this means that whether you are a vet, a pet sitter, or a pet groomer, you should not only be able to keep the air in your home clean, but also the air in your office. There is a good chance that you would not be the only one benefiting from the purchase of an air purifier. Your other employees, as well as your customers may also notice the improved air inside your office.

If you like what you just read, you are advised to start shopping for an air purifier. As previously mentioned, you are advised to look for air purifiers that specifically mentioned pets. They will be your best bet, when it comes to creating healthy, breathable air for you and the rest of your family.

Article Source: http://www.goarticles.com

Bulldog Types

The American Bulldog is an athletic dog with a beautiful yet intimidating appearance. Their personality is a complex mixture of happiness, protective of their owners and high energy. The American Kennel Club hasn't yet recognized the breed, but it is fast gaining popularity as both a working dog and as a popular family pet.
Originally the breed was originally used in the 17th and 18th century to catch livestock, guard homes and in the sport of bull baiting. Then for the purposes of gambling and as a working dog the Bulldog was brought to the United States. The sport of bull baiting was then outlawed in the United Kingdom in 1835 and then the breed became the popular family pet now seen in the English Bulldog.
However through the years the American Bulldog has experienced less change. During World War II, the American Bulldog wasn't very popular and actually almost became extinct. But through preservation efforts the breed remained to become a beloved family pet, a competitive athlete and a strong working dog today.
The American Bulldog has an overall stocky appearance and a very muscular build. Their facial expressions can range from stark intimidation to goofy and fun loving. The common coat colors for the breed include white, fawn and brindle. They will typically stand between twenty to twenty-eight inches at the shoulder when full grown and weigh between sixty and one hundred twenty-five pounds. The breed has two variations as well. The classic is the larger of the two with the standard being the one with a shorter muzzle. Breeders have also mixed these two variations.
The American Bulldog is like all other Bulldogs in the sense that they make a devoted family pet, especially with children. Throughout the years the breed has become very well known for their acts of heroism, although these same good protective traits also make them aggressive towards other animals and strangers. Make sure you have a lot of time to devote to the dog if you are going to get an American Bulldog.
In order to have a well-behaved American Bulldog you need to train and socialize them from a young age. The American Bulldog can even become friendly to other animals if you train them thoroughly at an early age and are selective about when you choose to use their guarding instincts. Because of their low maintenance coat brushing and bathing only needs to be done on an as needed basis. However, they do tend to slobber a lot because of their large and droopy jowls.
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are two bone conditions that can affect the breed. Some eye conditions to be aware of include prolapse of the third eyelid, retinal dysplasia and Enropion, which the eyelid rolls inward. At birth the American Bulldog can be deaf or it can develop when they age.
Patent Ductus Arteriosis is a congenital birth defect in which the blood vessel doesn't close after birth and extra amounts of blood flows into the lungs. By taking proper care of your American Bulldog and avoiding common health problems you can expect your dog to live a happy eight to fifteen years.

Article Source: http://www.articlegoldmine.com