Fleas!

These little creatures are dreadful parasites that, to some degree, inhibit the quality of your pet’s life. It is important to ensure that your pet is protected against this parasite, as they may the cause for discomfort in the form of hair loss, rashes, or they may act as a vector for other diseases. Fleas, larvae and the eggs may be controlled by a number of products on the market. Some products prevent the larvae from developing chitin, killing them, but it is important to note that this will not kill the fleas. Remember to use flea medicines with care as some of them are strong enough to affect your pet, if not applied according to the instructions. One must also ensure that one’s home environment is rid of these beasties, by spraying appropriate product, and through regular vacuuming. Fleas also tend to thrive at higher temperatures (so be prepared for the summer months) and the use of air conditioning may also inhibit the fleas’ life cycle.

Why not a Guinea Pig?

Are you wanting a pet, but don’t have the space for a dog or cat? Then maybe you should consider a Guinea pig. Guinea pigs get along in groups of two or more, and are kept in cages lined with wood shavings. Grass is the guinea pigs normal diet. It is also important to include fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet; otherwise they may suffer from a vitamin C deficiency. Pellets, obtained from your vet, are also acceptable. Guinea pigs are prone to obesity so do make sure that their diet is well balanced. They tend to be a little messy and startle very easily, and are know to either hide away, or freeze in place when they perceive danger. However, and I must admit I think this would be reason enough to get some, when guinea pigs get excited they perform little hops in the air.

‘Green’ Cat

Millions of tonnes of kitty litter are disposed of annually, which may not be beneficial to our natural environment. However there are a number of biodegradable kitty litter products on the market today, which will solve your cat’s as well as your concerns. Biodegradable litters are made from a number of different plant resources, including pine wood pellets, recycled newspaper, clumping sawdust, barley, and dried orange peel, which makes them easy to make at home too. Most biodegradable litters last a lot longer than clay litters and also have better deodorising properties than conventional kitty litter. This litter can then be composted at home, instead of being thrown into the garbage. Cats that are asthmatic or allergic to conventional kitty litter may also benefit from these forms of litter, creating a friendlier environment for you and your cat. Grain-based poultry feed also provides an economical substitute to products marketed specifically as cat litter.

I’ll make it fit!

I have reached a conclusion! Small dogs take up the ENTIRE bed, but big dogs? Big dogs make sure that they fit! No blanket too small, no pillow too minute, no rug too petite. Actually the smaller the better! If that is where they want to ‘make their nest’ (as my mom would say) then that is where it will be. It usually begins with a ten to fifteen minute pawing of the material in question. Heaven forbid that there be a lump of stuffing in the wrong place, not that there is much left to ‘lump’ anyway. This is followed by systematic twisting and turning, stomping and standing as to ensure that every corner of the tiny piece of blanket is exposed as to maximise its use. You will then find that with a breathless groan the said ‘big dog’ will promptly curl up as tightly as possible onto their blanky only to wake up on its back, paws in the air and mouth wide open. Entertainment like no other, I say.

Animal Warfare

Dogs were used in warfare even before the Roman Empire. The Romans would adorn their dogs with chain mail and spiked metal collars for protection while the dogs obediently adhered to attack formations made specifically for the dogs. Dogs were also used in logistics and communication during warfare. During World War I, dogs were utilised to pull carts laden with artillery, or the wounded. They were also used to carry messages during battle or to pull telephone lines from one place to another. In today’s warfare dogs are still very much utilised, however they are rarely used in front-line arrangement. The German Shepard is used, in the police force, for the detection of bombs, drugs or people trapped under rubble. Military Working dogs continue to serve as trackers, search and rescue scouts as well as mascots. Retired working dogs are often adopted as pets or are used as therapy dogs.