Pet Cloning

Pet cloning is the commercial cloning of a pet animal. The first commercially cloned pet was a cat named Little Nicky, produced in 2004 by Genetic Savings & Clone for a north Texas woman for the fee of US$50,000. On May 21, 2008 BioArts International announced a limited commercial dog cloning service through a program it calls Best Friends Again. This program came on the announcement of the successful cloning of a family dog Missy, which was widely publicized in the Missyplicity Project. In September 2009 BioArts announced the end of its dog cloning service. In July, 2008, the Seoul National University created five clones of a dog named Booger for its Californian owner. The woman paid $50,000 for this service.

Bronchial Asthma

Asthma is a lung condition associated with airway obstruction caused by sudden narrowing of the bronchial tubes. In cats, asthma may also be known as "Feline Allergic Asthma", "Feline Allergic Bronchitis", "Feline Lower Airway Disease" or Feline Eosinophilic Bronchitis".

Fall and Winter Holiday Plant Toxicity in Dogs

Flowers and plants add beauty to any holiday, and they make great holiday gifts. But if your family includes pets, you may want to learn which plants are safe and which ones you need to avoid.

Inexpensive Inventions to make your fish tank look 'ice'

Behavior of the Senior Cat

Staying young isn't an option for any of us. And although aging may not be something that we want to happen, the alternative is worse. But getting old isn't all bad: It comes accompanied by a wealth of learning and understanding that just isn't there in the early years. With age comes knowledge, acceptance, inner peace, and serenity, even for cats. But there are some cats for which aging presents some real problems. While some elderly are clear-minded and physically active, others become confused, disorientated, and generally infirm.

How healthy is your dog?

How healthy is your dog? How do you know? 

What does a healthy dog look like? A healthy dog can be described as having bright shiny eyes, a healthy shiny hair coat, good appetite, is able to maintain an ideal body weight, is playful and generally seems "happy"

Lost cat from Colorado found in New York

(Reuters) - A pet cat that went missing in Colorado five years ago was found wandering in Manhattan, and will soon be sent on a plane to reunite with its former owners, an animal pound spokesman said on Wednesday.

Food Allergies - Dogs

While we can't recommend specific brands for your dogs, we can give you some ideas on what to look for in a quality food.  Allergies are the number one complaint with dog owners.  It is most often associated with a food allergy.  Food allergies are most often caused by food additives and by-products.  Please check with your vet about food allergies and any dietary changes. 

People often mix different kinds of protein in food and treats.  Be sure your food and treats have the same protein.  Don't use chicken for one, pig for the other and beef for another.  I like the dried chicken breast strips myself for treats.

Check the labels on your current dog food.  The first three ingredients should not contain the words..."by-product", "meal", "corn", "wheat", etc.  The main ingredient should be a protein such as your basic chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.  Then it can contain a starch such as rice, barley, potatoes, etc.  Any other ingredients should be the required vitamins and supplements required by law.  Stick to a food that contains only one protein source and one starch or carb source.  This way it will be easier to rule out any allergies.  You can start with the popular lamb and rice diets (however, make sure there are no other proteins or carbs and definitely no corn, wheat or soy).    For allergies, I prefer a fish and rice or potato diet because the fish has lots of oil and makes the skin and coat look better. 

My dog's food label reads:  "Salmon", "Sweet Potatoes", and then lists the vitamin contents.  I can read and understand everything on the label.  It can be found at most large pet stores but definitely not the grocery store!

How to Handle and Tame Pet Hamsters

Handling hamsters is one of the joys of having hamsters, but until you have had success at taming your hamster, you will not have much luck holding your hamster. Hamster do sometimes bite, but it is very important to remember that if your hamster bites, it means that your hamster is frightened and is defending itself the best way it knows how. If you are consistently calm and gentle about handling your hamster, and employ a little bribery by offering them their favorite treats from your hand, it will lead to success in taming your hamster.

General Rules for Taming Hamsters 

To make handling and taming easier, there are a few simple rules to follow to make sure your hamster is not stressed before you start handling your hamster:

• when you bring home a new hamster, give it a week or so to just get used to its new home and surroundings before you try to do much handling.
• make sure your hamster has a nice, good-sized cage and the other necessities for stress-free housing.
• place you hamster's cage in a location where your hamster will be around people, but not disturbed by excess noise, harrassment from other pets, or other distractions (especially during the day when hamsters are mostly sleeping).
• don't disturb or try to handle your hamster during the day when it is sleeping, especially at the beginning. Work on taming and handling only after the hamster has emerged from his or her nest on his own -- waking up a hamster is a fairly sure way to make him or her defensive and grumpy!

How to Pick Up a Hamster 

The best way to pick up a hamster is cupped in the palm of your hand with the other hand over its back to prevent it jumping off your hand (and possibly getting injured). Especially at first, it is best to hold your hamster just above your lap or some other soft surface in case it falls or jumps. As your hamster gets more comfortable, let him or her crawl from hand to hand and over your arms. You can continue to offer treats, though your hamster may not be as interested in treats where there are more interesting things to see and explore.

Picking Up a Hamster That Isn't Tame 

There may be a time you need to pick up a hamster that isn't hand tamed yet, especially when it is time to clean the cage. If you need to pick up an hamster that isn't yet tame place a cup (or cardboard tube with paper stuffed in one end to close it off) on its side in front of the hamster, and gently herd the hamster into the cup (or tube), which can be used to carry the hamster. Out of curiosity many hamsters will walk right into the cup.

Gloves or a thick towel can be used if you must pick up a hamster that bites and the cup method isn't working. The problems is that this can be really stressful and cause your hamster to resist handling even more. If it is necessary to use this method, take extra care to be as gentle as possible.

Tip: if you need to clean the cage of a hamster that isn't tame, or want to have an untamed hamster out of the cage for exercise, try a clean, dry bathtub. Make sure the drain is plugged, and close the bathroom door and the toilet lid (just in case your hamster is a super jumper, but most hamsters can't get out of a tub). Place the hamster's cage in the tub, open the door and let the hamster come out to explore (this won't work if you use an aquarium). Use treats to entice your hamster out, if necessary. Once your hamster is out, take the cage out of the tub to clean it, then put the cleaned cage back in the tub with the door open, and use treats to entice your hamster to get back in.

Some people will even sit in the empty bathtub with their hamster to get it used to their presence - you could add this into the steps I've given above once you get to step four or five. Just remember to let your hamster come to you, don't try to force the issue.

How to Keep Your Pet Happy and Active

It seems like the most natural thing in the world‚ our pets need food, water, medical care and lots of love. But dogs and cats have other needs, too. Our furry friends need ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to lead truly full and happy lives.

Dogs and cats need to stay busy and engaged, but unfortunately most pets are unemployed—daily they sit at home, chronically bored and waiting for their humans to return from work. And as we all know, an idle pet can quickly turn into a naughty pet when restlessness becomes overwhelming.

To prevent behavior and health problems,highly recommended the following physical and mental workouts‚all both when you're there to join the fun and when your pet is home alone.

• Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day. Jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy.
• Engage in structured games, like fetch and tug-of-war‚all they're not only great exercise but also teach your pet impulse control and strengthen the bond between you. 
• Keep your dog occupied when he's home alone by giving him a food-stuffed puzzle toy, like the Kong, or some tasty chew toys. 
• Like their canine counterparts, cats also need plenty of aerobic exercise. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions, such as chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice. 
• Encourage your cat's favorite home alone activities, including bird watching, exploring paper bags or boxes, watching cat videos or spending time in secure outdoor enclosures. 
• Teach your cat new tricks! Felines are quick studies and can learn practical skills like coming when called, sitting up, rolling over and even using the toilet! 

Is It Safe Kissing a Pet?

For animal enthusiasts of affection can be shown in various ways, one is kissing their pets. But Is it safe kissing a pet?

There are many myths circulating about the safety of kissing a pet. Some believe that the animal's mouth is cleaner than the humans, while others think otherwise.

"Several types of bacteria in the mouth of a cat or dog is kind of the same bacteria as in humans. But if not admitted properly can be a dirty pet health more than human," said Dr. Paul Maza, deputy director of the health center at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, as quoted by FoxNews, Saturday (03/12/2011).

Dr Maza said if the owners noticed oral hygiene of their pets as diligent brushing and cleaning the animal's mouth, then maybe a dog or cat's mouth is cleaner than human mouths.

"So long as the animal is well maintained hygiene and oral health as well as his body, then it is safe for pet owners to kiss," he said.

Some of the diseases it can passed from pets to humans such as toxoplasmosis or bartonella. But this is very rare and is usually transmitted through animal dirt is ingested.

However for some people who have low immune systems, have HIV disease or other diseases that can lower immunity and older people, should not be too often kiss pets. This is because her immune system has decreased making it more vulnerable to infection of bacteria or germs.

"In addition, baby who was sick also should not be too frequent close to the pets," said Dr. Maza.

For that reason if you want to safely every time kissing a pet, then brush the animal's mouth with a special tool and rinse it with water, do not let pets eat leftover food in the kitchen or the trash, clean the feeding site on a regular basis and maintain a healthy body and cage.