Posted under
Pet Tips by oahupet on April 14th, 2008 11:43 pm
Article By: Kelly Marshall
(Photo by ©iStockphoto.com/elliotwestacott)
When you are getting a new puppy, there is bound to be some excitement. In all the excitement, forgetting certain important items is bound to happen. One way to avoid forgetting to buy these important items is to make a list and keep it where you can add things as you think of them. Keep in mind that not everything your puppy will need has to be bought at one time. Remember that not everything is a need, rather a want. Here are a few things that will be needed in preparation for the arrival of your new puppy.
Food and water are definitely a necessity, along with a bowl or two to keep them in. Make sure you choose a food that is specifically for puppies. This puppy food will help your dog grow strong and healthy, and is easier to chew and digest. Water is also very important to a dog, so make sure there are two bowls, one for food and one for water.
Buying a leash and collar for your puppy is also a very good idea. Make sure you get a leash and collar that is the proper size for your puppy. Getting a collar that fits your dog properly is very important. The leash and collar will be important for taking your dog outside to go potty, and go for walks. You don’t want to just let the dog go outside loose, or he may run and get lost. If you plan on going on walks, chances are you will also need to get a pooper scooper, due to the increasing places where it is required that you pick up after your dog.
A way to confine your dog is also something you will want to think about. If you are at work and have your dog indoors or outdoors, either way you will need a way to confine the dog. If you keep the puppy inside, a gate comes in very handy. The gate will keep your dog in one room of the house. A room with hard floor that is easily cleaned is a good choice. If your dog is to be outside dog, a fenced yard is a great idea which can give the dog plenty of room to play. If your dog is an outside dog, some sort of shelter from the weather is a good idea. You can decide on either a dog house, a corner under your deck, or any other option you can think of.
Cleaners for your dog and your carpet will also be needed. Your new puppy is bound to have accidents while the housebreaking is taking place and cleaner will be needed to properly clean up the messes so they don’t stain and smell. Shampoo will also be needed to keep the dog smelling and looking clean. In addition to the shampoo, a brush is used to groom the dog after the bath.
A couple other items your puppy will need are some toys he can chew on and play with. If your puppy does not have toys, he will chew on anything he can get his teeth on. Your puppy may chew on other things even if he does have toys to chew on so beware. A bed for your dog to sleep on is also a good idea. You can buy a dog bed, or use a big pillow and blanket, whichever you prefer.
Article Source: http://animalarticles.com
Kelly Marshall is the author of the Dog Food Recall Guide – a comprehensive report on the dog food scare that answers all your questions. The report is free to the public.
Windward Mall (235-6477)
Visited the mall today, its a great place to bring a toddler if you have one. Right across the shop is a playground made for toddlers only, gives you an excuse to come visit here.
Looking through the shop I was surprised to see that the pot-belly pig was finally gone and also surprised that they are now selling the hairless guinea pigs. I was not surprised to see the upkeep on live stock, which included a large display of Betta’s out front of their fresh and salt-water displays.
Today’s puppies were a few mixed (Pug/Fox Terrier/Chihuahuas) and a large German Shepherd. Along with normal Guinea Pigs and a few beautiful bunnies. Jackson Chameleons where available as well as some tortoise.
I’m starting to fall in love with the Conures, I wish I had enough room and time to take care of one or even the Red Bellied Parrots. Also in stock were Emerald Pidgeons, Finches, Parakeets, Cockatiels, Canaries, Parrots, and Lovebirds. This would be a good time to start too, the shop looks as though they expanded on the cages. A must look.
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Posted under
Pet Tips by oahupet on April 2nd, 2008 11:36 pm
New Tank Syndrome
(Photo by ©iStockphoto.com/cornelius30)
Is your water hazy, cloudy, or looks rather gray. This is a problem confronting most aquarium hobbyist, which can be fixed with patience and knowledge of the aquarium water cycle. What most novices don’t comprehend is the co-existing bacteria life that exist in their tank along with their fish. Bacteria that is necessary to breakdown the ammonia produced by the aquarium inhabitants.
The bacteria build up in an aquarium is what actually produces the hazy, gray look of the water in the aquarium, and is most common within 3 to 4 weeks of setting up a tank, adding new fish, and or death of a inhabitant within the aquarium. Even excessive water changes can produce this outcome, as essentially you will be resetting the bacteria levels contained in the water.
To reduce the chance of this happening to you:
- Make sure your filtration is rated for your aquarium size.
- Add an under gravel air filter. (In most cases, this will greatly improve the quality of the water in the tank as it helps the bacteria colonize within the gravel)
- Check to make sure all your inhabitants are accounted for. One dead fish can through off the bacteria level.
- Introduce fish in to the aquarium over a period of time. A few every month will allow the water to adjust. Adding fish to quickly before sufficient bacteria buildup, can produce a toxic environment.
- Do partial water changes of about 25-30% every other week.
- If you have the sufficient lighting, purchase plants. These are natural filters that can also help keep your bacteria levels down. Caution: If you do not have the correct lighting to maintain the plant health, plants will also discolor the water as they wither.
If you have done the above and are still having the same problem, you may have to much inhabitants for your tank. You might consider getting a bigger aquarium or reducing the amount of inhabitants in the tank.
To learn more about the water cycle please read:
Nitrogen Cycle: The Key to Biological Filtration
