Pet fountains are becoming a extremely popular accessory to add to your dog or cat’s life, and with good reason. This is due to the  real, identifiable health benefits to your pets if you give them a source of moving water. An added benefit is that while you’re creating a healthier pet, you will be also making your own life less complicated, and there is not anything wrong with that!

You might think it is just a sales pitch when you hear that a pet fountain will make your pet healthier. This is one situation when the hype is actually true. In the wild, animals generally don’t drink from standing water. This is due to their instincts telling  them that flowing water is typically cleaner and better for them than standing water. In addition to that they find a source of moving water more interesting than water that is sitting still. It has been proven over and over that when a pet is given a fountain to drink from, that pet will drink more water and be a healthier animal overall. The benefits to your pet’s health are hard to deny.

Pets, especially cats,  have problems with a high number of urinary tract infections along with kidney problems. The majority of these problems can be traced to the pet not drinking enough water. It goes back to the simple reality that if we can get our pets to drink additional water, it is almost a guarantee that they will be in better health.

So, with all the fountains on the market, how do you know the right choice for your home and pet? The best manner to approach your decision is to first narrow your list down to the top two or three, then research those further. Many vets advocate owners of cats to stay away from plastic accessories since plastic attracts bacteria easier than other materials.  Instead, look for one of the stainless steel or ceramic fountains that are on the market. The Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain is a great example of a high quality stainless fountain.

Most pet fountains operate in the same manner. A submersible pump is used  in order to recirculate the water through a charcoal filter then up through some manner of fountain. Depending on who makes the particular fountain you are looking at, the water might come out like a human drinking fountain, or it might feature water running down a ball before falling into the main bowl. Each manufacturer has their own identity which is shown off in how their particular fountain looks .

If you are going to place the pet water fountain in a low traffic area, you can choose pretty much any fountain. If it is going to be in a higher traffic location you might want to look at  a pet fountain that looks as if it fits in among the surrounding area.  Ceramic and stainless make excellent selections for fountains if they are going to be located in this type of area.

Read more pet related articles at http://www.tobeinformed.com/pets

Let’s face it: You love your pet! And as someone who has taken on the responsibility to take care of another being’s life, you want to do a great job.

Animals are living beings, just like us and they have health needs, just like humans -as I’m sure you are well aware.

As a pet owner, you worry about your pet’s health and safety. You know that your friends need you to take care of them and protect them from hazards. They also need us to know their health and nutrition needs to make sure they’re getting everything they need to stay well.

I’ve compiled a list of resources that may be useful to you in helping with the daunting task of caring for a pet or pets.

1. Veterinary Secrets Revealed – Pet Care is expensive. What can you do at home to care for your pet and keep him/her healthy, happy and well?

2. Pet Articles – There is a lot of pet gold in these articles.

3. Bad Breath Treatment for Dogs – If you have ever had a dog with bad breath, then you know why this is important.

4. Dog Health Guide – What You Should Know about Dog Health

Is your Labrador misbehaving?

Maybe he just needs the right training? They can be wonderful dogs, under the right circumstances.

Your lab wants to behave! He or she is just waiting for you to show him way.

Here are some options for Labrador training.

1. Zone Training – Training Specific to Labrador Retrievers [aff]. Learn to create a special and responsive bond between yourself and your Labrador.

2. Labrador Secrets – Secret training method [aff]. Powerful and simple. Learn the method that will allow you to get your Labrador to stop unwanted behaviors and exhibit desired behaviors. Be the envy of other lab owners!

Don’t put your dog in the hands of a trainer you don’t know and whom will charge you a nice sum to train your dog. Take matters into your own hands.

You just might learn something and your dog might be a lot happier and far less confused serving only 1 master.

1. Beginner Dog Training Tips – Basic tips for keeping your dog safe and how to sit.

2. 7 Tips for training your dog. This article is far more interesting that the above one

You can also find many more dog training articles in our article directory by searching for the keyword phrase ‘dog training’.

If you have any comments or tips on dog training or want to ask a question, use the reply section below.

Tags: Labrador, Labrador training, Labrador Retriever, Labrador Retriever Training, Training a Labrador

My Friend Pete is just getting online with his first commercial venture. Pete sells dog beds. Check out his site. If you know of anyone with a dog, please let them know. – Dave

FidosDogBeds.com was born out of a true love for man’s best friend.

We believe that dogs are a vital part of our family and add value to our lives.

We try to offer unique beds for your unique dog that will allow you to express your love, pride, and your dog’s spirit and personality through giving him/her a place of their own.

This site is dedicated to those dogs who fancy themselves as much a person as you or I, and thus expect and require the same amenities that we do.

Those are the pets that change our lives and remain in our hearts long after they are gone.

Peter Birchler
http://www.fidosdogbeds.com

Technorati Tags: dog+beds, dogs,

Tired of hearing your child whine about wanting a pet? All parents seem to have this problem at one time or another. Many children want a pet, and it’s a perfect way to tech children responsibility. If you’ve decided to give your children the opportunity to have a pet of their own, you just have to figure out which pet is the right pet! There are a few smaller, easier to care for animals that make great first pets. These are typically a bit more affordable than bigger animals such as dogs or cats. However, with any pet, the owner’s personality affects the decision.

Gerbils make great pets for smaller children, as they are active during the day and are extremely curious and friendly. Gerbils are actually desert animals. They are very clean animals, which makes cleaning up after them a lot simpler. For a young child’s first pet, these are perfect! Gerbils are very social animals, so a pair is definitely the way to go with these animals. However, be sure they are not mates, otherwise you’d better be prepared to take care of lots of little gerbils! A large aquarium-style tank with a deep layer of wood shavings makes for a perfect home for these little creatures, as they love to tunnel and dig. To keep them (as well as your child) entertained, tunnel-type toys are great! Gerbil food is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any pet store. They also enjoy the occasional bit of lettuce or cheese. Gerbils usually live up to three years.

Guinea pigs are good first pets, as they don’t scratch and can be gently handled. Like gerbils, they’re social creatures, so a pair is preferred. Guinea pigs are very timid, so they need lots of places to hide in their cage. An aquarium-style tank works well for guinea pigs as well, as long as they have a grazing area and places to burrow. Guinea pigs need a daily diet that his high in fiber and vitamin C. Guinea pigs live up to six years.

Most people aren’t entirely keen on the idea of keeping mice, but if you’re looking to get one as a first pet, you should keep in mind that, like the others, they are social. Two to three female mice are the best way to go as males tend to fight and produce a much stronger smell. Cages must be cleaned two to three times a week. A wire-mesh cage works best for mice, as they need a well-ventilated living space, with tunnels and other toys. Mice need a lot of things to gnaw on, such as dog biscuits.

Though they generally have a shorter life span than gerbils or guinea pigs, mice are by far the highest maintenance. However, any of these pets are perfect for a child’s first pet, and what better way to give your child a lesson in responsibility?

Amanda Baker writes for for All Things Pondered :
http://allthingspondered.com

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Article Source:  All Things Pondered