Looking for a Pet First Aid Course?

The human found an online pet first aid course!

We guinea pigs tend to be awkward creatures, with strange injuries. The human has navigated broken toe nails, hay in eye attacks, sore paws, pulled stitches, allergies, and more. Now, while the scope of this course focuses on dogs and cats, first aid information is invaluable. You never know what trouble a pet might get into!

The human tried to get me to learn too…
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No human, it is your job to learn to take care of me!

Have you ever wondered when you absolutely need to take your pet to the vet? Are there situations you can handle at home? Or are there things you can have on hand to help in emergency situations so you can get your pet to the vet? Or wanted to learn this kind of stuff but don’t have time to actually go to an in person class?

If so then check out Pro Pet Hero!

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The human really liked that the course is taught by a certified veterinarian named Dr. Bobbi Conner. She presents the information clearly and consciously, and demonstrates key skills. First you watch training videos, after which you take a test to demonstrate what you learned, and when you pass you get a certificate you can print. Very useful if you are a pet sitter, dog walker, or other such profession so you can prove your training to clients. The course is well priced for information that could save your pets life, or your sanity, depending on the situation. Some of the big topics covered include dog cpr, creating a first aid kit, poisoning, itching, vomiting, how to measure vital signs, and many other health topics.

You can take the course from wherever online, what ever time of day you are free, and at your own pace. The human was able to start the course and complete it later on over the course of a couple days as she had time! The site also offers a weekly refresher email so that you can keep up on your skills over time.

The website explains the process like this:

howtoproph

The human is interested in getting a puppy soon, and now she feels much better equipped to deal with dog care and health. If you have a pet, work with them, or are considering one this course is a great opportunity to learn valuable skills! prophlogo

My human is certified, are you?

Check out Pro Pet Hero!

101 Dalmatians Themed Engagement Photos

Are you a big Disney fan? Love 101 Dalmatians? Corinne Jones and her fiance Tony Collier love both and wanted to recreate the scene from the animated movie in which Pongo takes the initiative to unite Roger and Anita in the park.

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(Disney)

Here is the animation of the entire scene:

The couple dressed in period fashion and used their own dogs Izzy, a mastiff mix, and Mookie, a black lab mix. While not dalmatians the two dogs are such a part of their owner’s lives that they deserved a part in the photos and memories for the couple. The dogs were incredibly well behaved and helped the shoot become what it needed to be. The hardest part was making sure that the couple’s facial expressions matched those from the animation scenes. The photographer is the couple’s cousin Melissa Biggerstaff.

Not yet together:
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(Rusty Lion – Melissa Biggerstaff)

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(Rusty Lion – Melissa Biggerstaff)

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(Rusty Lion – Melissa Biggerstaff)

The reason the couple likes the love story in the movie so much Corinne explains:

“I’ve always loved that Roger and Anita were not the typical fairy tale — they were believable characters who didn’t just come together merely by wishing on a star and casting a magic spell, Pongo had to take the first step.”

Taking the initiative:
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(Rusty Lion – Melissa Biggerstaff)

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(Rusty Lion – Melissa Biggerstaff)

The couple started their relationship at a marching band formal in 2009. Disney has been a part of their relationship ever since. Their first vacation together was to Disney World and both worked at the Magic Kingdom after graduation. When Tony proposed he set up a scavenger hunt that ended with a picture of Corinne as Cruella da Vil, her favorite villain, and he used the lines of the villain’s henchman Horace who stated that he didn’t want a princess but a villain. So it was only natural to incorporate 101 Dalmatians into their engagement photos.

They even took photos of the pond scene:
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(Rusty Lion – Melissa Biggerstaff)

In which they got wet but did not actually take a dip in the pond.

And Roger offering his sodden handkerchief:
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(Rusty Lion – Melissa Biggerstaff)

Very cute and a unique idea! Did you incorporate your pets into special photo sessions like your engagement or wedding?

 

You can see more of the photos from the shoot here, and read more about the couple here.

National Dog Day

Today, August 26th, is National Dog Day! A day meant to celebrate the dog in all of its glory! The first national dog day was in 2004 and it is meant to highlight pets, working dogs, and dogs in need of adoption.

(nationaldogday.com)

Make sure to take a moment to give your dog a little extra attention in honor of the occasion! If you would like any ideas on how to celebrate, nationaldogday.com has a list of 50 ideas here.

Funny image to celebrate National Dog Day:

(found here)

I feel this is how all dogs I have ever owned thought!

Hero Dog Awards

Today I discovered the Hero Dog Awards sponsored by the American Human Association.

The contest celebrates the dogs who “enrich, enhance, and even save our lives.” Categories include therapy, guide, law enforcement/arson, hearing, search and rescue, military, emerging hero, and service dogs. 453 dogs were nominated and you can now vote for one of the 8 dogs which are competing for the title 2011 American Hero Dog.

To vote visit herodogawards.org. You can click on the pictures of each dog to read about them to help you decide which dog to vote for. The contest will end September 30.

Here are pictures of the finalists – To read their stories, decide who to vote for, and to vote click here:

Sadie the Arson K9 – Law Enforcement

Harley – Hearing Dog

K9 Sage – Search and Rescue

MWD Cino C152 – Military Dog

Roselle – Guide Dog

Stacey Mae – Therapy Dog

SURFice dog Ricochet – Emerging Hero Dog

Zurich – Service Dog

Miniature Cows

I was not aware until recently that farmers have been breeding mini cows for some time now! On Today I read about a rare, miniature “Panda” cow:

The panda cow has been genetically modified to create its special panda like markings. What truly intrigued me about the article was that these animals are bred solely to be pets.

Do mini cows make good pets?

Mini cows stand at a height of about 33 to 40 inches, and can weigh between 300 to 500 pounds. Compare that to a regular sized cow that can be 5 to 6 feet tall and weigh upwards of 1500 pounds for cows, more for bulls. Aparently these little guys have mellow personalities like dogs, enjoy attention, and are social. They will come when called and can be taught tricks.

Another perk? Feeding mini cows is relatively cheap – if you have a good sized lawn. These guys will eat your lawn and can be kept that way so that you would not have to spend money on feed. In the winter it only costs about $30 a month to keep them fed with hay.

For human consumption: mini cows can produce up to 2 gallons of milk a day – which can meet the needs of a small family for their milk requirements! Just think, no more trips to the store to get milk, you can just go to your backyard!

Downsides: Mini cows are not indoor pets! They are not like dogs and cats in that regard. They need a bit of space, weigh a lot, and might not be able to be house trained. They can also be rare to find. Specially marked animals, like the above mentioned panda cow can cost around $30,000. This does not mean to say they are impossible to find or are always near that expensive, but it might take some research to find the animal you want.

Here is a comparison of a normal cow by a miniature one:

They are quite cute, even fully grown:

There are a number of different breeds of miniature cow, and they are used for different purposes. Some are best as pets, and other people actually raise them as farm animals which they use for milk and meat. It is a way to make sure that your animals are raised in good conditions and completely organically – especially if you do not have the room for fully sized cows.

Dog has 17 Puppies!

A dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, in Germany has given birth to 17 puppies! The owner of the dog has had to bottle feed some of the puppies because the mother cannot handle feeding all the pups. But miraculously all the pups survived!

Here is a picture of some of them from the AP:


There are 8 female puppies and 9 males. All the pups have African names because that is where their breed is from. The females puppies are called Bahati, Binta, Bahya, Bashima, Batouuli, Binki, Bora, Bisa and the male ones are Baakir, Banjoku, Belay, Bruk, Bundu, Bayo, Bukekayo, Biton and Bulus. So far four of the puppies have been sold and 2 more are fully paid for.

To read the full story at news.yahoo.com.

Breed Profile: Rhodesian Ridgeback

This breed was developed in South Africa and were used to hunt lions. The most distinctive feature of the breed is the ridge of hair along the dog’s spine which grows the opposite direction of the rest of the fir. Males can weigh up to 85 pounds, and females 70 pounds. These dogs are very muscular. The breed is loyal and intelligent. They often choose to ignore strangers, but are protective and can be taught to be good guard dogs.

Top 10 Strange Pets

Animal Planet has a new show called Pets 101, which follows along the lines of their Dogs 101 and Cats 101 except that it features all different kinds of pets. In honor of the show, Animal Planet’s website has an article that is called the “Top 10 Peculiar Pets.”  These pets are not recommended for everyone, and some states or cities may have laws which prevents owning these animals. I have the list below, along with pictures and information.

What do you guys think, are there more strange and exotic pets out there?

10. Capybara

The Capybara is the largest rodent in the world, native to South America, and is related to the domestic guinea pig.  They weigh up to 100 pounds when fully grown and are semi-aquatic – meaning they spend a good amount of time in the water.

As a pet: These rodents are never fully domesticated and require a large area to roam, lots of attention, and a swimming area. They eat grass, but you might have to make your own food (not commercially available food in a pet store) to assure your pet receives its nutritional needs. It will also be difficult to find a vet that has enough knowledge to properly see your pet. Capybaras are not recommended as pets for families with small children because they may bite and not tolerant like a dog may be.

Since capybaras require a lot of space and have very special needs, please do a lot of research if this become your pet of choice. But, if you like this kind of animal guinea pigs may be a great alternative. They are relatively easy to keep, can live in a much smaller space, and they are readily available in shelters and pet stores in need of good homes.

9. Stick Insect

Stick insects are now popular pets as they are interesting to watch and easy to care for. Fully grown they can be up to 4 inches long and they can live for several years.

As a Pet: These can be a great choice due to their ease in care. Be careful when handling because their limbs are fragile and can easily come off. Their habitat should be at least twice their length tall so they can hang, should be kept at room temperature, and cleaned weekly. Stick insects are omnivorous and can thrive on things like lettuce and ivy.

Here is a website about caring for stick insects – earthlife.net. I am sure there are more out there, please make sure you know how to properly care for these guys before you get one.

8. Miniature Donkey

Donkeys are not that strange of pets, but I was not aware they came in a miniature variety! A mini donkey can be around 3 feet tall, and weigh upwards of 350 pounds. These animals make good pets because they are affectionate and also good with children.

As a Pet: Mini donkeys like to live in pairs, so should you want one you need at least a pair. The needs of these donkeys are very similar to full size donkeys – hay, grain, pasture with shelter, and water. They will also need to have their hooves trimmed.

If a full size donkey is not your thing, then maybe a couple mini donkeys are. But remember that these guys still require quite a bit of space and the costs to maintain them will not be small.

7. Hedgehogs

While exotic, hedgehogs may not be hard to find at a local pet store these days. It is believed that they became poplar pets after the release of the Sonic the Hedgehog games.

As a Pet: Hedgehogs are easy to maintain. There are food blends available at pet stores to assure proper nutrition, and insects like crickets can be fed as treats to supplement. While gentle, they need to be socialized to humans as babies. Cages should be large enough to have an exercise wheel, around 30 by 24 inches and at least 15 inches tall. However, they are nocturnal so they will be sleeping mostly during the day and up at night.

Make sure a hedgehog is right for you before purchasing. These animals are gentile but shy at first and remember they are nocturnal – so patience and time are a necessity. You will have to tailor your interaction with your pet around their sleep schedule, not yours (unless you work nights). For more information check out the this Basic Guide for Hedgehog Care.

6. Pygmy Goats

Pygmy goats are very popular pets these days because they are sweet and small in size. It is not uncommon to find these goats at petting zoos in your area.

As a Pet: Fairly easy to care for, pygmy goats still require a bit of space. They should have shelters around 8 by 10 feet and fencing that is 4 feet high. Diet for these little guys includes grass, hay, and leaves. The National Pygmy Goat Association has more information on the proper care of these animals. However, these animals may prove to be a bit too aloof for some owners.

If you have the space and food source for these little guys they can be a good choice over full size goats. I know a lot of people who own and show these guys, and are very happy with them. However, if you are looking for a dog like animal a dog will still be a better bet.

5. Potbellied Pigs

Potbellied pigs have been considered as pets for a while now, due to their cleanliness and intelligence. These animals can be a rewarding investment.

As a Pet: These animals require lots of exercise because they can easily become overweight. Given their intelligence, they are easy to train and can be walked like a dog on a leash. However, there is a downside to the intelligence – if they want food they can learn how to get it for themselves by opening refrigerators and cabinets. Pigs can also be aggressive if they are attempting to be the dominate force in the household, so they are not advisable pets for families with small children. Pigs can live up to 18 years, and can weigh upwards of 125 pounds. For more information on what bringing a pig home can be like, check out Pot Bellied Pigs as Pets.

Pigs are a good choice if you have the time, patience, and space for such an animal. Make sure that you know all about their behaviors – especially concerning young children – and appetite. Pigs can destroy carpet, make hiding food difficult, and destroy your yard so research and consideration is a must before investing in a pig.

4. Sugar Gliders

Sugar Gliders are native to Australia, but have been gaining in popularity as pets. They are part of the possum family and have a membrane which stretches from their front to back legs and allows them to glide from tree to tree in the wild.

As a Pet: Sugar gliders are social, and should be kept in at least pairs. They eat cooked meats and eggs, fresh veggies, nuts, insects, and leaves. They can socialize with people, but need to be handled a lot when they are young. These animals need space in their cages to be able to jump from branch to branch. However, they are nocturnal so they will be sleeping during the day.

Sugar gliders are not recommended for children, because they have sharp teeth and claws which can hurt someone who is not good at handling them.

3. Wallaby

These little marsupials can weigh up to 53 pounds, and be 41 inches long. While small, these guys need a large space to roam.

As a Pet: Wallabies are social animals best kept in pairs. They need to be kept in a large area with a fence that is at least 5 feet tall, with chains along the bottom to keep them from escaping – which these little guys are very good at. They are very shy creatures.

The Marsupial Society of Australia does not recommend keeping such animals as pets in that sense of the word. They are not dog like and do not house train easily – they can become destructive and smelly. These animals will require a lot of your time, but are nocturnal so you would have to adjust your schedule accordingly. They have a lot of special requirements for space and a backyard is simply not big enough. They are also at risk from diseases from more domestic pets like cats when kept in such an environment.

Wallabies are not domesticated animals – and some will tame, others become dangerous. So please, do research and know what you are getting yourself into should this be your pet of choice.

2. Skunk

While wild skunks are smelly, pet skunks have their scent glands removed at 4 weeks of age so that owners will not have to deal with such a problem. Skunks are inquisitive and intelligent, and can live over 10 years.

As a Pet: Time must be spent bonding with these animals while they are young. You can litter train them. They eat a diet like a ferret, with fresh veggies to accompany dry food. For vet care, they need scent glands removed, to be spayed or neutered, and require vaccinations on an annual basis.

Please make sure that your state allows you to own a skunk, many do not. Also make sure that you know of a vet that can take care of your animal before you get one.

1. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

These large cockroaches do not fly, sting, or bite, and make an interesting hissing noise. They make good pets for people or children who like bugs due to their ease of care.

As a Pet: They require a small space to live in, with lots of places to hide from light. They also should have sticks to climb, but they are very good at climbing and will climb right out of their habitat if you are not careful with a lid. It is suggested to coat the top portion of the enclosure with petroleum jelly. They can eat any dry food high in protein (like dog food) and love fresh veggies.

Check to see if you need a permit before buying one in your area. Here is a link to about.com’s care information on keeping Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

 

Please do your research before considering an exotic or strange pet, this will assure that you are happy with your choice and can properly care for your new family member.

To see the original article, please visit Animal Planet, Pets 101, Top 10 Peculiar Pets.