Crate for Anxiety, teach your dog that he will be safe in the crate.  Start by playing games and leaving treats allowing him to enter but not shutting the door.  When he is comfortable, shut the door for short intervals and do not leave the crate, always taking softly and calmly.  Eventually work up to longer periods of time with you leaving the room.

Aging Pets - We have gotten a lot of emails lately about aging pets and decided to list common ailments and problems associated aging.  Any changes in behavior or appetite are often the first signs of illness.  If you notice any of the symptoms below, please take your pet to a vet immediately for a complete check-up.  This is not intended to cover everything, just the most common problems.

Dogs - A dog's lifespan depends greatly on quality of life, size, genetics and breed.  Typical is between 10-12 years.  Dogs are considered senior after age 7 and geriatric after age 10.  This means that you should consider making dietary changes and watch for health problems after age 7.   We also recommend getting a veterinary geriatric check-up at age 7 and again at age 10 (if no obvious problems) to rule out any hidden age related illnesses.  The most common health problems associated with canine aging includes but are not limited to; weight gain, dental problems, arthritis & mobility, eye problems, hair and skin bumps or lumps, diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney and liver problems, heart problems and cognitive dysfunction.   Symptoms to watch for in an older dog:  changes in appetite, lethargy, drinking unusual amounts of water, frequent urination, trouble getting up, cloudy eyes, hair loss, oily skin or roughened skin, sudden weight changes, distended stomach, coughing, bumping into things, and barking at odd hours for no reason.

Cats - A cat's lifespan depends greatly on quality of life and genetics.  A typical cat will live between 12-15 years.  Cats are considered senior after age 10 and geriatric after age 12.  This means that you should consider making dietary changes and watch for health problems after age 10.  We recommend getting a geriatric screening from your vet at age 7, 10 and 12 (if no obvious problems) to rule out any hidden age related illnesses.  The most common health problems associated with feline aging includes but are not limited to: weight gain, dental problems, diabetes, kidney and liver problems, heart problems, and cognitive dysfunction.  Symptoms to watch for in an older cat:  changes in appetite, lethargy, drinking unusual amounts of water, vomiting yellow or foamy liquid (not hairballs),  hiding, distended stomach, confused and meowing at odd hours or long periods.

Hamster, Mice & Rats - A rodent's lifespan depends greatly on quality of life and genetics.  A typical rodent will live between 2-4 years.  Rodents are considered senior at 1 1/2 years of age and geriatric after age 2.  This means that you should watch for health problems after age 1 1/2.  We recommend taking your rodent to the vet for a geriatric check-up at 1 1/2 years to rule out any hidden age related illnesses.  The most common health problems associated with rodent aging includes; internal and external tumors, dental problems, skin problems, mobility and weight gain.  Symptoms to watch for in an aging hamster, mouse or rat: bulging eyes, bulging stomach, hair loss, overgrown teeth, changes in appetite, not using wheel or wobbly movement.

Guinea Pigs - Guinea pigs are rodents and have similar aging issues to smaller rodents listed above but do have a longer aging process.  Cavies have a typical lifespan between 4-6 years.  Their lifespan depends greatly on the quality of life and genetics.  Cavies are considered senior after age 3 and geriatric after age 5.  This means that you should watch for health problems after age 3.  We recommend taking your cavy to the vet for a geriatric check-up at 3 years to rule out any hidden age related illnesses.  The most common health problems associated with guinea pig aging includes; internal and external tumors, dental problems, skin problems, mobility and weight gain.  Symptoms to watch for in an aging guinea pig: overgrown teeth, appetite changes, lumps and bumps, hair loss, and wobbly movement.

Rabbits - A rabbit's lifespan depends greatly on quality of life and genetics.  A typical rabbit will live between 10-12 years.  Rabbits are considered senior at 7 years and geriatric at 9 years.  This means that you should watch for health problems after age 7.  We recommend taking your rabbit to the vet for a geriatric check-up at 7 years to rule out any hidden age related illnesses.  The most common health problems associated with rabbit aging includes; internal and external tumors, dental problems, eye problems, skin problems, mobility and weight gain.  Symptoms to watch for in an aging rabbit: overgrown teeth, lumps and bumps, cloudy eyes, hair loss, changes in appetite, weakness and wobbly movement.

Birds - A bird's lifespan varies greatly between species and size.  Generally the smaller the bird, the shorter the lifespan.  Smaller birds live between 15-20 years and the larger birds live from 40-80 years.  A bird's lifespan depends greatly on quality of life.  Bird's are notorious for not showing illness until it is almost too late.  This is a strong instinct for survival in the wild.  Therefore, your bird may not show many outward signs of aging.  We recommend a geriatric check-up for your bird about 5 years before their expected lifespan to detect any hidden illnesses related to age.  The most common health problems associated with bird aging includes; arthritis, skin and feather problems, and weight loss.  Symptoms to watch for in an aging bird includes; mobility or perching problems, scaly or patchy skin, lack luster feathers, not preening, and appetite changes.

Live Sand Care - Live Sand is as important to your marine aquarium as live rock.  It has a necessary role in the cleaning and feeding of your reef system.  The term "live" means that when purchased, the live sand contains helpful bacteria and tiny organisms that will help jump start the cycling of your new aquarium.  These tiny organisms are another media to help break down the leftover waste, nitrites and nitrates.  The many tiny organisms growing in the live sand also help to feed your smallest corals and inverts that can be difficult to feed.  Live sand does not really require much care...it does not need vacuuming like gravel in a freshwater aquarium...in fact, we recommend not vacuuming at all.  What we recommend is stirring the sand every week to release built up gases and debris (you may notice bubbles between the glass and the sand, which is natural).  By stirring the sand, we mean gently moving the visible sand back and forth taking care not to get sand on any corals.  There is no need to move rock or corals.  Once you have stirred the sand, you will notice your corals and inverts come  out to feed on the organisms released.  Any waste that is released into the water is quickly reabsorbed and filtered away.  Always stir the sand prior to doing a water change to remove as much waste as possible. 

Sugar Glider Toy Ideas - Gliders like to hide and cuddle, so anything with a tunnel, tube or enclosed area is a great addition to a glider cage.  A simple covered shoe box with holes cut in the sides make easy and inexpensive places to hide or play.  Add a little more interest by making a maze inside with soft toys, wadded paper towels, toilet paper rolls, etc.  Baby toys such as stuffed animals, bath toys, etc.  Try plastic game pieces with easy to hold shapes such as the barrel full of monkeys or leap frogs, wiffle balls, etc.  The simplest toys are plastic links found in the baby isle that can be loose or hung for climbing. 

Leash Pulling - A lot of dog parents don't like to hear this...but, many common dog behavior problems are solved once they discover what it is they are doing to create or encourage the problem.  Keep in mind that one of the best "cures" for behavioral problems is exercise.  Lets face it, the lifestyle for many dogs is boring...playtime and exercise go a long way to relieving boredom.  On that note...we have found a great website that explains a simple solution to leash pulling and the rational to why a dog pulls.

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/nopulling.html

Bird Training - Do you have a bird that is like a two year old having a temper tantrum....always biting, doesn't step up, scared, screaming or isn't social?  We have found the Nanny 911 of the bird world.  Check out the website below to find useful information and a DVD on how to develop a great relationship with your bird. 

*We are not affiliated in any way with birdtricks.com

 www.birdtricks.com

Food Allergies - Dogs

Rabbit Fun - Got any old phone books laying around?  Believe it or not, phone books make great toys for rabbits.  If accidentally eaten, the paper is digestible and the ink is soy based and non-toxic.  Your rabbit will love tearing and shredding  it.

Dog Allergies -  If your dog is constantly itching, scratching and licking causing those irritating rashes and hotspots....check out the list below for the most common allergens for dogs:

1.     Wheat

2.    Corn

3.    Fleas

4.    Grass

While wheat and corn are easily removed from diets by changing dog food brands, even treats contain these cheap fillers (Greenies main ingredient is Wheat)..... Usually a high quality food does not contain wheat and corn as cheap fillers..... a flea allergy can be just as easy to reduce with the application of Frontline or Advantage.   A grass allergen obviously can be more difficult to deal with...we recommend having pet wipes available near your door to wipe your dogs feet after a walk through the grass....try adding a comfy place for your dog to lay outside besides the grass....your vet can also recommend an antihistimine to reduce itching associated with grass and airborne allergens.

Airline Perks - Continental Airlines is providing pet travelers traveling with their PetSafe program and OnePass Miles rewards program a few luxury amenities.  Every cat or dog booked with PetSafe will receive a free amenity kit.  This kit contains grooming products by Pet Silk Inc.  They are working to add more products.  Continental Airlines will also be offering OnePass Members traveling with their pets, OnePass Miles for their pets.  Call Continental Airlines at 800-575-3335 for more information.

http://www.cocargo.com/cocargo/CargoPages/liveanim.asp

Training Aides/Deterrants - Have an unwanted visitor to your lawn or garden?  Have a dog or cat that loves to chew and use your garden as a litter box?  We have just discovered a new and humane way of dealing with these pesky problems. 

Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinkler - An ingenious device which senses a motion and automatically turns on a short burst of spraying water.  The noise and the water are enough to deter any unwanted visitors to your lawn or garden.  This product can be found at your local hardware store or visit the link below.

http://www.biconet.com/critter/sprinkler.html

Great Dog Toy -   Katie's Bumpers

Get out and play with your dog!

Fun Fetch Toys Easy to throw Floats Non toxic Easy to see Durable Made in the USA Dogs Ask for Katie's Bumpers by Name! Sqwuggies are fun to SQUEAK and TUG

The hottest, newest water toy on the market. It is easy to see and fun to throw and fetch. Each bumper comes with a brightly colored float rope for easy throwing.

There is nothing out there like it! Katie’s Bumpers are easy to see on the water, on land, in the snow, and in the shadows. Dogs don’t miss them!  The Heave Hose and Sqwuggies are made from tough pre-consumer recycled fire hose!

PATTERNS:
Katie’s Bumpers Float ‘n Fetch Water Toys were designed to be cute and practical all in one package. Katie’s Bumpers’ unique new patterns are easy for dogs and humans to see. Dogs can see the eye-catching movement and contrast of the patterned bumper against water, land and in all weather conditions. They can find Katie’s Bumpers faster. So, we have created a toy that dogs love to fetch!

Katie’s Bumpers are vinyl bumpers that come in 2 sizes: 2”x10” and 3”x11”. The large bumpers are great for retrievers and hunting dogs. Our 12” floating rope makes it easy for you to throw the bumper further and more often for more fun.

Heave Hose Cloth Bumpers come in 10”,8", 6" and the perfect 4” puppy and small dog size. These are made of tough pre-consumer recycled fire hose material in various colors with our great throw rope.

Sqwuggies are squeakable, tuggable, durable, colorful, whimsical, fetchable, floatable squeak and tug toy.  Sqwuggies are made of dog friendly pre-consumer recycled fire hose material and come in a variety of colors.  It can be used by all size dogs, whether they want to squeak, tug, carry or hide their new Sqwuggie; they will have lots of fun with it.  Sqwuggies have a strong sewn-in loop tug handle for tugging and a muffled squeaker so they are quiet for the 2 leggeds among us but perfect for the sensitive ears of every dog!  Sqwuggies can be washed in the washing machine and they float!

Check for a store nearest you: http://www.katiesbumpers.com/storelist.asp

www.katiesbumpers.com

Small Animal Toys - Many pocket pet people are often frustrated by the lack of toys available to help stimulate their small animals intellect.  Small animals are overlooked by the toy market because they are regarded as pets that require little attention and are not playful....however, this couldn't be further from the truth!  As a pocket pet person you know that your rat can be trained to do tricks and loves to climb and investigate....or that your rabbit loves to roll balls.....or that your ferret is mischievous.....or that your sugar glider loves to climb and jump....all this adds up to a pet that needs interactive stimulation to keep from becoming bored.

If you are a pocket pet person, you may have resorted to the bird toy department looking for a fun and interactive toy.  However, bird toys can be very expensive and are not designed specifically for small animals.   WeeBtoys, toys for birds, realized the demand for this type of toy and has created a toy line specifically designed for small animals of all types including; hamsters, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets,  and sugar gliders.  WeeBtoys researched specific habits, instincts and safety for each type of pet to determine the best toy designs.  

WeeBtoys is a manufacturer and does not sell directly to the public, however, there are two ways you can get their toys.  Email WeeBtoys at wee@softdisk.com and let them know your interest and nearest pet store as well as make sure your local pet store contacts the Manufacturer's Representative, Persona Pet Products, for product sales at (760) 613-6213.

Bunny Munchie                            Cheese Block                                Mouse Shoes

Critter Climber                            Sugar Bear                                    Ferret Slider

Hamster Tips - Visitor tips on handling and taming new hamsters;

*    Keep hand sanitizer near cage and wash hands before handling to remove any food, animal or human smells that may cause your new hamster to bite.

*    Rest hand in cage for about 15 minutes daily for first two days...add favorite treat to palm of hand for next two days...pet but do not pick up for another two days.  After a week your hamster should be ready for handling.

*    If bitten do not give up...this is what the hamster wants.  It can take up to a month to tame a hamster.

*    Only handle your hamster in the evening after it has awakened for foraging.  They are nocturnal animals and may be more prone to bite if awakened from sleep during the day.

*    Hamsters are prone to biting if they feel unsafe...be sure to hold your hamster properly with the whole body supported in the palm of your hand.  Legs dangling and holding too tight can make your hamster nervous.  They are very aware of how fragile they are if dropped.

Neutersol - The New Way To Neuter - Have you heard?  There is a new way to neuter young male puppies without the complications of traditional neuter surgeries.  Male puppies between the ages of 3 months to 10 months can receive an injection (in the testicles) called Neutersol which is 99.6% effective for life.   Neutersol is basically an injection of Zinc and I-arginine which causes the prostate and testicles to shrivel and cause permanent sterility.  This procedure can only be performed by a Veterinarian.

As with any medical procedure, be aware and fully informed about the pros and cons to Neutersol:

1.    Neutersol does not completely stop testosterone production.  Testosterone is the hormone responsible for aggression, roaming behavior, and mounting when related to reproduction.  After treatment with Neutersol, your dog may still seek females in heat or display mounting behavior.  Traditional neutering completely eliminates these behaviors when related to reproduction*.  

*There are other types of aggression and mounting behaviors that are related to dominance behavior and obedience problems.  Neutering does not change these behaviors.

2.    Neutersol does not protect against testicular or other reproductive cancers that traditional neutering helps prevent.  Traditional neutering completely removes all parts of the reproductive organs and reproductive hormones reducing almost 100% chance of reproductive cancer.  Whereas Neutersol leaves the organs and reduces hormone production by 41% to 52% which could potentially cause testicular or reproductive cancer later in life.

3.    Neutersol is a safer alternative to neutering and anesthesia.

4.    Neutersol is 99.6% effective.

 Your Veterinarian is your best resource for information on Neutersol !

 For more information on Neutersol be see the links below:

http://www.neutersol.com/

http://www.hsus.org/ace/19195

Baking Soda Uses

1.    Remove fleas:  sprinkle on dog, cat, hamster or rabbit and comb out the fleas! **

2.    Allergies/Irritated Skin:  Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with oatmeal shampoo!  **

3.    Remove Pet Odors: in pet bedding and carpets by sprinkling areas weekly!  **

4.    Remove Urine Odors:  pat dry, let dry 24 hours, sprinkle baking soda liberally and

        vaccum!  **

5.    Teeth Cleaning:  apply small amount to cotton guaze and gently rub teeth! **

** Baking soda is not harmful to pets.  However, baking soda is a drying agent and should not be left on the skin for prolonged periods and should not get in the eyes.

Adding New Fish ?- Trying to add new fish to your tank and are having problems adding new fish to your aquarium?  Ever feel sorry for the little fish always being picked on?  It's because fish are territorial and have a vested interest in a particular piece of plant, decoration or space in your aquarium.  To combat this problem, before adding new fish, try taking out all the plants and decorations.   Next, add your new fish and then the old fish and, finally, rearrange or add new decorations to the aquarium.  It's amazing how the old fish are suddenly so preoccupied establishing new territories, they don't even notice the new fish.

Urine Removal - Do you have a dog or cat that is marking their territory around your house?  Need to find all those "secret" spots that keep them coming back?  Try using a black light to illuminate those hard to find hidden spots.

The first step in stopping the behavior is to remove as much of the smells as possible.  Black lights will illuminate any invisible areas.  Use the black light at night and turn off all the lights.  Use a piece of chalk to outline the area.  Once the areas have been identified...use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the stains.  Enzymatic cleaners contain natural enzymes that eat and breakdown the stain and smell.  There are lots of products that can be found at your local pet store.  The most popular product is called Nature's Miracle. 

Do not forget the most important step which is retraining....without retraining, your pet will continue it's behavior. 

Important - if this is a new behavior, please make sure there is not a medical reason for the behavior such as a blocked urinary tract or bladder infection.   

Hamster Hair Loss - Hair loss is very common in hamsters.  There are a number of reasons why hamsters lose their hair including; old age (the most common), mites or fleas, exercise wheels (hair being getting caught) and vitamin deficiencies. 

Hair loss due to old age starts to happen around 1 1/2 to 2 years of age.  It is generally seen starting around the face, neck and chest.  If you think your hamster's hair loss is due to old age...providing the best possible diet and vitamin supplements will help your hamster's retirement years.

Hair loss due to mites or fleas is generally seen in the stomach and hind quarter area because of the itching and chewing.   Mites and fleas can be given to your hamster from other pets in the household as well as brought in by bedding material.  A close examination of your hamsters will reveal little white or red mites or black fleas.  Treatment can be found at your local pet store....be sure to read the instructions carefully.   Treatment must also include completely cleaning the cage and replacing bedding twice per week for two weeks to get rid of any hatching eggs.  

Hair loss due  vitamin deficiencies can easily be cured by providing the highest quality diet and supplementing the diet with water soluable vitamins found at any pet store.  Be sure to provide calcium in your hamsters diet to help prevent bone problems and cage paralysis.  Calcium can be found in broccoli, peas, yogurt chips, milkbones (yes, for dogs), corn flakes, etc.

Any change in behavior, appetite or skin condition can be the first sign of illness....please see your vet if you notice any changes in your pet's "norm".

Water Pillows - Do you have a Tarantula, Scorpion or Hermit Crab?  Or maybe your raising your own feeder crickets?  Water pillows are the new convenient and safe way to water your exotic pet or feeders.  No more drownings in large water bowls made for larger pets.  These special groups of pets have unique requirements for drinking water...they most often suck water from droplets found on plants in their native habitat.  In the wild, these types of animals never get their water from a large puddle or pond...therefore, it is unnatural for them to climb into a bowl full of water.  Instead, these animals will instinctively will suck the water out of these specially made pillows.   Ask your local reptile store about this product. 

Bird Bottles - Not necessarily new to the bird world but largely unavailable or unknown, the bird water bottle is a useful tool in caring for your bird.  Do you have a bird that likes to make "pea soup" with their food and water bowl or does your bird like to bathe in his freshly cleaned water?  Let's face it...birds can be messy and they love water...that is what spritzer bottles are for, not their drinking water.  The right water bottle and diligent freshening of the water are the perfect solution.  Water bottles offer convenience and cleanliness.  They keep the water clean and fresh for two to three days and keep the water from becoming dirty from food and droppings.   We recommend the Oasis line of Bird Bottles because they are made specifically for birds.  Things to look for in a bird bottle include; durable colored plastic (coloring helps prevent bacteria growth from sunlight), outside mounting or bottle guard for larger birds, angled neck and red ball in tube which naturally attracts birds.  Things to watch out for;  glass bottles which can easily be broken and inside mounting hardware. 

TIPS when choosing to switch to a water bottle...leave old water bowl in cage and place new bottle right above the old bowl.  This will allow the bird time to adjust to the new item in cage and they will quickly get the idea.  Always check hardware inside tube to be sure the balls move freely and that water comes out easily.  We recommend changing the water at least every other day so that the water is always fresh and you can check to make sure it is working properly.  Never leave water in the bottle for more than a week....water can become stale even in a sterile environment.

Hamster/Rat Toys - Encouraging a hamster or rat's natural behavior is the best way to keep them happy.  And what is a natural behavior for hamster or rat?....Chewing and Climbing!  Below are a couple of ideas to keep your hamster or rat's teeth health and provide a stimulating environment:

Old Egg Carton - For hamsters you can put a hole in one end and place treats inside to encourage the hamster to go inside.  Rats are a little big to hangout inside but will enjoy trying to chew through the carton to get at treats.  

PVC Pipe - PVC piping (plastic) can be purchased fairly inexpensively at your local hardware store.  These make great tunnels for climbing in and out.  If you want to get fancy, you can buy connectors and make a maze.

Rabbit Hay - Did you know that Alfalfa Hay should only be fed to rabbits under six months of age?  Alfalfa hay is very fattening and should only be given as a treat to rabbits over six months of age.  Hays that are recommended as part of an everyday diet for any age rabbit are Timothy hay and Oat, Wheat and Barley Three Way Hay.   Check out the link below for more information on the best nutrition for your rabbit:

http://www.rabbit.org/chapters/san-diego/diet/hayisbasis.html\

Reptile Exercise Net -  By total accident we came across a great tool for exercising your reptile in the yard and allowing time in the much needed sun.  My son has a "throw & field" net found at your local toy store or athletic store.  It has a sturdy metal frame and 2 inch square netting tightly attached to the frame.  When I was exercising the snakes in the yard, they both gravitated to this toy and loved winding around the netting and hanging out in the sun.  Because the frame and netting is black it was warm which I think they liked (be sure that it is not hot to your touch before putting your reptile on it).  Never leave your reptile unattended.  

Bird Toys - Want quick and inexpensive hours of fun for your bird?  

Try using a soda bottle filled with nuts, cheerios, fruit loops, or other treats.  Close the lid tightly so that it is difficult for them to remove.  There are all different sizes of water and soda bottles to fit the size of your bird.   Do not use sport bottle tops, they can come apart.

Cereal boxes make for a great treasure hunt.  Give your bird a new box of cheerios, fruit loops, corn flakes, etc (use the miniature boxes for the little birds).  Watch them tear through the paper and into the treats.  

Use dried mini bagels as foot toys...even better...before drying insert nuts, then dry making the nuts harder to remove.  With larger bagels, you could slice them, dry them and then string them along with some dried fruit on an old toy chain or leather stip.

Use an old tub of margarine as a treasure box.  Wash the tub completely, put a hole through the lid and the bottom (make the hole in the lid big enough so that the lid will move easily up and down the holder), string the tub onto old leftover toy parts such as; sisal rope, leather strip or chain (be sure to knot the bottom so the tub will not fall off).  Fill the tub with treats such as nuts, dried fruit, millet, etc and close the lid tightly.  They may be able to get the lid off but will have to work to keep the lid open to enjoy the treats.

Always supervise your bird and check your toys careful to be sure they are safe!

Doggles - What are they?  Well, to say the least they make a great doggy fashion statement!  Perfect for the coolest and sportest dogs.  The newest dog craze to hit the pet world are Doggles, Eye Wear for Dogs.  Not only are they a fashion trend but they are a great safety device for dogs that love car rides.  Doggles have a shatterproof lens that will protect your dog's eyes from flying debris.  Doggles also protect your dog's eyes from the harmful effects of the sun, providing UV protection.  For more information click on the pictures below:

Doggles spotted in the San Diego area:

Modern Dog - 7932 Ivanhoe Dr.  La Jolla, CA  (858) 551-9696

Bird Mites - Have you noticed a strange scaly or flaky appearance on your birds nostrils and legs....or is your bird itching more than usual?  If so, your bird may have mites.  There are two types of mites that may be affecting your bird.  The first mite is most common in parakeets and canaries.  It is called scaly face mites.  You generally will not be able to see these mites because they are burrowed under the skin.  However, if you look closely at the affected area, you may notice the burrowing tunnels. 

The other type of bird mite is the red mite.  These are not easily seen either because they generally feed on the bird's blood at night.  When the bird awakens, they hide in cracks and crevices.  If you suspect red mites, try leaving a white paper at the bottom of the cage and surprise them at night with a flash light (don't frighten your bird).  

The best and quickest way to treat these mites is get a diagnosis from your vet and to give ivermectin medication orally or by injection about every 7-10 days until cleared up.  It is important to get a series of treatments to kill any hatching eggs and larvae.

Biting Hamster? - We recently received a lot of emails regarding hamsters that bite...hamsters from pet stores are generally not tame.  Remember that it can take up to a month for your new hamster to become tame.  Here are some tips to help your hamster acclimate to handling;

1. If your hamster bites, never drop or let go of the hamster...your hamster could get hurt and will quickly learn that if it bites, you will let go.

2. Do not use a glove or towel...this only masks your smell which you are trying to get you hamster used to.

3. Do leave your hand resting in the cage, not handling or touching your hamster, for 15 minutes several times per day for at least 2-3 days or until your hamster is comfortable and not nervous.

4. Add favorite treats to your hand and let your hamster come to you to get the treats...again do not try to handle your hamster.  Do this for 2-3 days, several times per day.

5. When your hamster is used to your hand and is comfortable taking treats, try petting gently and work towards picking up.

This method should take approximately a week to two weeks.  Patience is the key.  The more you handle your hamster the more tame it will become.

Soft Paws - Invented by a vet and designed to keep cat and dog nails from destroying your home...Soft Paws are plastic nail caps that are simply glued over the nail.  A great alternative to declawing!  Check with you local vet for purchase or check out the website below for more information:

www.softpaws.com

Ferret Nails - Having a hard time trying to corral your fuzzy for a nail trimming?  Suzanne Kehr of Cincinnati Ohio who has 10 years experience with ferrets has the following tip:

1.  Get clippers and Linatone ready (a fatty acid dietary supplement which ferrets love).  Hold your ferret in your lap on his back.  

2.  Apply a little Linatone  to your ferret's chest or stomach area.

3.  When your ferret's attention is focused on the Linatone, grab the paws and trim away.  If Linatone runs out, just reapply.

Suzanne, thank you for your great tip!

New Cat Toy - Got a cat that is not to crazy about catnip or that is an aggressive catnip user?  Ask your local pet store for Honeysuckle cat toys!  Cats attracted to Honeysuckle will display the typical attraction of rubbing and licking the toys without the aggression usually associated with catnip.  Most cats that are not attracted to catnip will show an attraction to Honeysuckle.  The best part about Honeysuckle toys is that the attraction can be renewed by simply spritzing the toy with water.  Moisture increases that aroma and attraction.  Great toys for ferrets too!!

You can find these toys are www.kittykottage.com

Finicky Fish? - Ever notice that when you feed your fish pellets, they quickly gobble it up only to spit the food out again?  It's probably because the food is too hard...try soaking the pellets first just for a minute or two to soften them up.  

Got Snails? - Snails introduced to freshwater tanks by accident can quickly overrun the tank.  We suggest trying natural methods of removal before trying chemical treatments.  Chemical treatments which are copper based can kill the snails but may also harm your fish population.  Use these chemicals as a last resort.  Below are some treatment options we recommend:

• Freshwater puffers eat snails by cracking their shells, however, puffers are an aggressive fish and are not recommended for non-aggressive tanks.

• Clown loaches may be the best alternative; they suck the snail out of its shell and are not aggressive fish, meaning they do well in a community tank.

• Bettas are also known to eat the snail eggs, limiting reproduction of the snails.

• Since snails are vegetarians (eat plant material), they love cucumbers.  Weight down a cucumber slice with some gravel and leave overnight.  By morning, the cucumber slice will be covered in snails.  Be careful when lifting out so that they do not fall back into the tank.

Why Birds Need Toys - Chewing is an integral part of a parrot's everyday life.  In the wild, parrots are avid chewers.  Nuts and wood make up a large part of their chewing habits.  It is important to support this natural instinct for a parrot in captivity.  A birds beak grows constantly throughout its life.  Chewing helps keep beaks trimmed and healthy.  Birds are also very intelligent and need constant stimulation and entertainment to be happy. 

Bird toys are meant to be destroyed!  Don't be upset if your bird goes through lots of toys...this means your bird is happy.  Even softbills, which are not avid chewers, require several swings and different sized perches to satisfy their constant activity level.

Look for toys made of the following: 

Hard and soft woods; manzanita, guava wood, eucalyptus, pine and coconut. 

Cotton or sisal;  be sure it is a supreme cotton and cut off any loose strings to prevent entanglement.

Acrylic;  basically hard colorful plastic toys which are indestructable.

Beads;  look for colorful and textured beads to provide interest.

Nuts;  filberts, almonds, brazil nuts, and pine nuts are treats to be taken out of something making a game of the toy. 

Leather & Rawhide; make sure the leather and rawhide are natural and not dyed.

Keep several toys and rotate them every other week to keep your bird interested. 

Toy Safety - Look for toys that have a quick link or C shaped link that attaches to the cage.  Other links are easily opened and can catch nails and beaks.  All metal chains should be welded closed to prevent beaks and nails from becoming caught.  Look for toys that are labeled by bird type.  Large bird toys are not meant for smaller birds and vice versa.  Wood toys should be natural and not treated with chemicals or dyes.  

Tweeky Beaky Bird Toys

Toys for birds with “Beakytude” ™

Small Animal Calcium Treat - Providing calcium in your small animals diet is very important to reduce bone development problems, hind-leg paralysis, cage paralysis, and also help heal broken teeth and injured limbs.  You can easily provide this nutrient in a great treat that your pet will love.  You can try either a regular dog milk bone soaked in milk or hard type breads soaked in milk.  Offer this treat at least once per week as well as adding vitamins to their drinking water to ensure proper health.

Feather Tether - Are you a bird owner that would love to take your bird with you wherever you go but are too afraid of an escape attempt?  All to often an tame bird that has never left his friend's shoulder suddenly is frightened and takes flight never to be seen again.  However, you can stop this tragedy with a Feather Tether which is actually a bird harness.  Use it in the car to keep your bird from flapping around in the car and great for any other outdoor activity such as going for a walk, running errands, or perching for some sun and fresh air.  See the link below for more information:

http://www.claviaryonline.com/ftetherins.html

Never leave your bird unattended with the feather tether to prevent entanglement or strangulation.

Horses - Dry Stall - Snow and rain during the Winter months can cause continuously wet and muddy stall conditions leading to urine odors, thrush, and lameness.  We have heard of a new product on the market which may be better than sand which causes colic, wood shavings that have to be replaced frequently and costly stall padding.  The product is called Dry Stall.  It is a porous material that soaks up excess moisture and conditions hard soil by breaking it up.  Dry Stall can be found at your local feed store or try the link below for more information:

www.drystall.com

Please keep in mind that with any type of bedding product, your horse may ingest the material.  Use your own judgment for which product is best.  It is our opinion that your horse should not be fed on the ground but in a horse feeder to prevent dust inhalation and ingestion of bedding.  We do not imply endorsement of this product.

Fish Parasite Pickers - If you are looking for a natural way to help keep your saltwater fish healthy, look no further than the a couple of new tank mates.  A Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse and a Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp.  These animals set-up cleaning stations within your tank and will quickly have the locals lining up to be cleaned.  These cleaners will help keep ich to a minimum naturally.

Dog Adventure Trips - Looking for vacation ideas for you and your best friend?  We have come across several ideas that sound like loads of fun! 

How about adventure rafting and hiking?

 www.dogpaddlingadventures.com

Bed & Breakfast more your style?

http://www.travelguides.com/search/search.html?pt=bb&q=usa&amen%5B17%5D=pets

A Smorgasbord...

http://www.rovinwithrover.com/

More sites that have pet friendly accommodations:

http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Pets/Travel/

Hamster Teeth - Hamster teeth can quickly become overgrown and cause problems if not kept healthy.  You can help your hamster keep his teeth healthy by providing gnaw toys.  One of the best gnaw treats is actually for dogs....the milk bone.  Your hamster may chew on one for up to a week.  Other ideas include; rawhide bone, uncooked spaghetti, and  unfinished and untreated wooden blocks or shapes found at craft stores.

Potty Training - We receive a lot of emails about potty training puppies as well as full grown dogs.  It is one of the most common questions and problems.  The good news is that with consistency, a schedule, a key word and lots of praise it is one of the easiest to problems to overcome.   

There are three main rules to successful potty training that must be followed religiously in order to achieve the desired results.  More importantly, make the commitment to make it happen.  With most dogs, it should not take more than one to two months with accidents tapering off after two weeks.  If you see one accident, use a sharp "no" (do not rub their nose in it) and take them directly to their potty area.

Reptile Lighting/Calcium - Choosing the correct lighting is directly related to the health of your reptile.  Basking reptiles such as; turtles, iguanas, and desert lizards, need a basking light for heat and a UVB light for Vitamin D which in turn is needed to help their bodies absorb calcium.  A lack of Vitamin D and, therefore, a lack of absorption of calcium can cause your reptile to develop a weakening or deterioration of the bones called metabolic bone disease.  This means you can be giving your reptile adequate amounts of calcium but if you do not have a proper light source providing Vitamin D, your reptile cannot absorb the calcium.  Therefore, for basking reptiles, be sure that they have a basking lamp for heat and a lamp that has a high rating of UVB light.  UVA is another form of ultra-violet light but has not been determined necessary for the health of your reptiles.   It is believed that UVA does play a role in skin color and mating. Another light source called Full-Spectrum lighting is supposed to closely resemble the lighting from the sun.  This does not mean that it gives of UVB and UVA rays.  Full-spectrum lighting is used primarily for natural lighting to gain optimum skin color.  The UVB and full-spectrum lights are best used in conjunction with one another.  While snakes are not necessarily basking reptiles and do not require heat from a lighted source, they do need a heat source.  An under-tank heater or heating pads work well for snakes.  Therefore, a UVB alone can be used to simulate daytime sun for snakes.  We also recommend that if you are able, put your reptile’s cage outside on a regular basis so that it can soak up natural sunlight.  When out in the sun, be sure that your reptile can retreat to a shady area when it gets too hot. 

Skunk Remedy - It's that time of year, Spring is in the air and skunks are on the prowl looking for food and a mate...Has your pet been skunked?  Skunk spray can cause irritation to a pets face, mouth and lungs...first check for any inflammation and breathing problems which should be treated by a vet.  Next, get rid of the SMELL...the old method of washing a pet in tomato juice works but not as well  the method below:

1 quart hydrogen peroxide

1/4 cup baking soda

2 teaspoons dishwashing soap (liquid)

Baking soda neutralizes the smell, dishwashing liquid breaks up the skunk oil and the hydrogen peroxide bubbles the oils off the hair.

Disposable Pet Water and Food Bowls - Discovered a new product at Petco the other day and thought it was a great idea for anybody who likes to travel with their pets in the car, takes their pet to the park or beach, add to their pet first aid kit, and keep in car in case of emergency.  At $1.49 they are inexpensive and very handy.  They may even be reusable if washed and folded gently.  Below is a link to Petco with more information:

http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=4258357854

Lawn Spots? - If you have a dog, you have lawn spots.  These are spots that are created by the urine from your dog burning the grass.  It is most notable in the hot summer weather.  The urine from your dog contains large amounts of nitrogen, salts, and high pH levels which burns the grass.  It is said that some types of grass such as tall fescue and ryegrass are more resistant to these burns.  The best tried and true method of treating these lawn burns is to train your dog to a "potty area".  The potty area is the only area the dog is allowed to do its business.  However, this requires a diligent training period....if you need immediate results follow your dog around with the hose and immediately apply large amounts of water to the affected area.  However, many of us do not want to follow our dogs around with the hose.... Other treatments include dietary changes and supplements which can increase water intake thereby diluting the urine or altering the pH level of the urine.  Some advocate adding water to dry kibble, tomato juice, Vitamin C, fruit juice or baking soda.  Any dietary changes made should be discussed with your veterinarian first.    Be aware that some of these treatments can change the pH level of your dogs urine that can cause medical problems such as stones and bladder infections. 

Below are some links with information on treating lawn spots:

http://aggie%2dhorticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/dog%5Flawn%5Fproblems.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1551&articleid=1493

http://www.pet-expo.com/scoop.htm (see greenum)

Fish Problems? - We have recently received a lot of emails from visitors wondering why their fish are sick...fortunately the likely culprit and the easiest problem to cure is water conditions.  Ammonia and nitrate spikes are a common cause of water condition problems.  These spikes occur when too many fish are added, overfeeding, leaving dead fish in tank, and not doing routine maintenance.  Routine maintenance if neglected is the number one cause of most fish ailments.  Water problems weaken a fish making it more susceptible to disease.  Keeping on top of partial water changes, vacuuming gravel, removing algae, and cleaning filters will keep your fish healthy.  Regular maintenance should be done every 3 to 4 weeks.  If your fish are showing signs of stress with symptoms like discoloration, not eating, cloudy eyes, swimming funny, fin problems, etc...do a partial water change once per week for two weeks, add 1/2 tablespoon salt (for freshwater) to help your fish produce a protective slime coat, change or cle