Pets 747

What to do About Lost Pets

2009-11-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

Lost pets can be a really tragic ordeal for the whole family. For the kids, they are missing the dog that they love to play with. For the parents, it brings on extra stress because the pet has become a member of the family. The entire family can remember raising that dog since it was a puppy. Well, there are a couple things you can do to find that lost one. First of all, put up signs all over the neighborhood and see if anyone has found the lost pets. Then, give the local animal shelters a call and see if they have any new arrivals. After that, just pray.

The Cost of Exotic Pets

2009-11-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

Some would define exotic pets as animals that you do not see every day. So, this would take out dogs, cats, hamsters, rats, birds, and some other more common pets. The exotic pets that I am going to be looking at today are the likes of which most people see at the zoo. This means that I will be talking about monkeys, lions, tigers, bears oh my! The cost of keeping these pets is very high. It is almost like having a child that needs your constant attention and money. If you look at it, the cost of maintaining exotic pets is almost 10 times as much.

Virtual Pets are a lot of Fun

2009-11-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

If you do not remember, virtual pets came about during 1998 when computers were just starting to get big. Then the internet got big and along came Neopets. But, let us backtrack to these 1998 virtual pets. These things were little keychain games that you could take around with you. There were some that you could train for battle. There were others where you had to feed them and truly take care of them. Kids got really into these games and it translated on to the computer. Sites began to host these virtual pets and kids would buy supplies for coins and such.

How to Pick Adoptable Pets

2009-10-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Before you begin looking for adoptable pets, it's important to understand how to select the right pet for you. You want to review the pet selection process before you fall in love with the first pet you see.

If you're looking at a litter from a breeder, watch the animals first from a chair. See how they interact with you and each other. Puppies that are very extroverted may end up testing your boundaries when they are older.

Don't choose the kitten or puppy that is cowering in the corner either. You want a pet who is not so timid that it won't interact with people or other animals.

If you're adopting a pet from a shelter, make sure you spend 10-15 minutes alone with the cat or dog. In this time, you'll be able to determine if the cat or dog can relax with you present. Ask shelter representatives how much exercise the animal requires and how much energy he/she has to make sure it's a good fit.

Virtual Pets Can Prepare Owners for Real Thing

2009-10-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

Although most people use virtual pets as a form of entertainment, they can also serve other functions. For example, digital pets can help potential pet owners prepare for the real thing.

If you are considering adopting a dog or a cat, you might try getting a digital pet first. The pet will give you a general idea of what it's like having a creature depend on you for food, affection, and other care.

You will have to play with your digital pet, feed it, wash it, etc. Usually, if you don't do these things consistently, your digital pet will die.

If you enjoy having your digital pet and do well with meeting its needs, you would probably do well as an owner of a real pet. Try out a digital pet today to see if you have what it takes.

What Animated Cyber Pets Are

2009-10-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Animated cyber pets are a bit different from traditional virtual pets. A standard virtual pet doesn't necessarily move around or even move at all.

On the other hand, animated virtual pets move, jump, run, sleep, and do all of the other activities normal pets would do. You can watch them on your computer screen.

For example, some animated pets will allow you to interact with them to play fetch and other games. If you had a dog, you could throw an object with your cursor and the pet would retrieve it.

Animated pets are usually more fun than basic virtual pets. They are much more life-like and allow for more owner-pet interaction.

How to Adopt Virtual Computer Pets

2009-10-08T17:45:00.001-07:00

Virtual computer pets can make wonderful and very devoted companions while you use your desktop. Read on to find out how to adopt a virtual pet of your own.

One interesting site from which you can adopt a pet is the rspca-cyberpet.co.uk site. The program is sponsored by the British humane society.

Once you name the pet you adopt, you will receive tips on how to keep it healthy and happy. Every time your pet needs attention or is hungry, you'll receive an email notifying you.

If you have to leave your pet for an extended period of time (on vacation, for example), you can even place your pet in a virtual kennel. You can adopt a variety of virtual animals on the site, including cats and dogs.

Pets Symptoms of the Flu

2009-09-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Many pet owners have expressed concerns over whether their pets can get swine flu, or H1N1. Although there have been no animal-to-human cases of H1N1, cats and dogs can still get a garden variety flu.

Pets symptoms of a flu virus will look very similar to those seen in humans. First, you should watch for a persistent cough that lasts from about 10-21 days.

Secondly, your dog may have some discharge from its nasal area that could be clear or colored. Vomiting and diarrhea are also fairly common.

Most dogs develop a fever when they get the flu. You might notice your dog feeling warmer than usual or panting frequently.

Check Out Funny Pets Online

2009-09-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Pets have an uncanny ability to make us laugh. Just one picture of a dog, cat, or other animal in a funny situation can send even the most stoic into peals of laughter.

If you're in the mood to see funny pets, check out FunnyPetPictures.com. This site is largely supported by users who upload hilarious pictures of their pets.

You'll see everything from a dog swimming with sunglasses on to a cat asleep in a bean pot. If you have your own funny photo of a pet, you can also upload it for free.

Each picture has a caption authored by the pet's owner or the taker of the picture. You can add your own comments as well.

Choosing a Name from a Pets Names List

2009-09-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

If you're stumped on what to name your pet, first consult a pets names list. You can get a few initial ideas from the list and then narrow it down from there.

Secondly, choose a name that's fairly simple. Animals will respond best to names that are one or two syllables long.

Next, make sure the name can't be confused with any of the words you'll use for commands like sit, stay, no, etc. For instance, naming a dog "Joe" may sound a little too much like "no" for the dog to tell the difference.

Finally, consider the breed, disposition, quirks, and appearance of your pet when naming it. The obvious examples are naming a dalmatian "spot" or a female Jack Russell Terrier "Jackie."

How to Buy Pets for Sale

2009-09-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

The number of pets for sale can be overwhelming when you're shopping for your new dog or cat. Read on for some tips on how to choose the best pet for you.

First, consider the pet's coat type and length. If you don't want an animal that sheds or will need groomed regularly, select an animal with short, manageable hair.

Also make sure that no one in your household has any allergies. If someone is allergic, you might be able to find a cat or dog with a hypoallergenic coat.

If you're buying from a shelter, make sure you know why the animal was given up. Similarly, if buying from a breeder, make sure you have all of the dog's paperwork and pedigree information.

Best Homemade Halloween Costumes for Pets

2009-09-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming up quickly, and dressing up the family pet has become more and more popular of late. You don't have to spend a bundle dressing your cat or dog up for Halloween...just use these simple homemade Halloween costumes for pets.

First, try using what your pet already has as the basis for a costume. For example, if you have a white dog, you could spray black stripes on him/her with pet-safe dye and dress him/her as a prisoner.

Adding antlers, bunny ears, and other decorations to small headbands can also make creative costumes. Another idea is to drape a blanket over your pet with dolls or action figures glued to it as if they are riding on your pet.

You can then write "Hollywood Tours" on the blanket in marker, glitter, etc. Another simple classic is a Superman cape. All you really need is a red piece of fabric and some string.

Tips for Potty Training Pets at Home

2009-08-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest challenges to keeping pets at home is the potty training process. Housebreaking can be incredibly stressful for pets and owners alike, but these tips will help you potty train your dog faster with fewer accidents.

The first thing to remember is that dogs do not have full bowel control until they are a few months old. You can make progress with housebreaking when your puppy is very young, but accidents will still happen that are not necessarily your dog's fault.

For faster potty training, make sure your dog sleeps in a crate at night. Dogs do not like to soil the area in which they sleep, so this will prevent accidents at night.

Also be sure to take your puppy out after meals and every time he/she drinks water. Dogs who have had accidents in the house will likely return to the soiled spot in the future, so if your dog appears to be sniffing for a place to relieve him/herself, pick the dog up and place it outside immediately.

What to Look for in Adoptable Pets

2009-08-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Every pet deserves a permanent home, especially pets in shelters or foster care. To make sure you make the right decision, here is what to look for in adoptable pets.

First, make sure the pet is current on all of his/her vaccinations. The pet should've had a recent veterinary visit to test for diseases like heartworm and rabies.

Secondly, the pet should ideally be microchipped. Microchipped pets have a small chip implanted in their skin that can be scanned to reveal their owner's identity.

Lastly, if you have any other pets at home, make sure they meet your prospective pet before you officially adopt. Most shelters will require you to bring any other pets you have to the adoption to ensure that they get along.

Pets Mart Contemplates Offering Dog-Walking Services

2009-08-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Pets Mart, the nation's largest chain of pet stores, is considering expanding into in-home pet services. Dog-walking and backyard clean-up are two of the services the company is considering.

The chain may also offer services like in-home aquarium set up. The purpose of the expansion would be to differentiate the store from large retailers like Wal-Mart.

"In-home services are a big opportunity, but we have a lot of work to do before we determine how to make that work," CEO Robert Moran explained during a July 15 phone interview. "It becomes a competitive advantage if we can break the code on how to provide that."

Wal-Mart has been trying to tap into the $45.4 billion market for pet supplies by offering food and other common items. The retailer competes with pet stores for about 20% of their business currently.

Ways to Locate Lost Pets Using the Internet

2009-07-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Internet makes it faster and easier than ever to find lost pets. We'll recommend several sites that may help you locate your lost cat or dog.

The first site, Petfinder.com, is primarily an adoption site but also has a section devoted to pet ads in the local classifieds. You can search for lost pets by entering your state, a keyword, and other options, such as the breed or type of animal.

You also have the option to post your own pet classified. In your ad, you can describe your lost animal, and other Petfinder users can contact you if they know anything.

Another good site is Pets911.com, which is a kind of online lost and found for animals. You can report your pet as lost or search for found pet reports on the site.

History of Chia Pets

2009-07-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Chia pets are figurines of animals that have plant seeds built in to them to simulate the growth of fur or hair. The pet Chia was first introduced in September of 1977.

Although the Chia pet is not patented, the name belongs to Joseph Enterprises, Inc. Other companies can make products similar to the Chia, but they cannot use the name.

The Chia has a body of clay with multiple grooves in it. Wet chia seeds are placed in these grooves and then yield a kind of glue that adheres the seeds to the clay body.

Common Chia figures include dogs, cats, rabbits, sheep, and even certain celebrities. For example, you can find a President Obama Chia pet online or a Mr. T Chia pet.

Background on Jimmy Carter's Pets

2009-07-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

Jimmy Carter's pets have a pretty interesting history. The Carters had both a dog and a cat during their tenure in the White House, but the dog didn't last for long.

The Carter's dog, Grits, was a gift to Amy Carter from one of her teachers. Grits was a black and white spaniel mix.

The dog was given back almost immediately after his first meeting with the First Family on June 8, 1977. Why Grits was so suddenly impeached as First Dog is still a mystery.

Grits was quickly replaced by a Siamese cat named Misty Malarky Ying Yang. Misty would be the last cat to occupy the White House until President Bill Clinton's cat, Socks, moved in in 1992.

Virtual Pets to Take Care of on MrFreeFree.com

2009-07-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

MrFreeFree.com has a variety of virtual pets to take care of, including cats, dogs, hamsters, monsters, birds, and fish. MrFreeFree.com does not provide the virtual pet games directly, but rather refers browsers to sites where they can find them.

When you search for virtual pet sites on MrFreeFree.com, you'll see a list of sites that allow you to create and take care of a number of different virtual animals. Each site is ranked by MrFreeFree.com on a scale from one to six stars.

Another good site for referrals on where to adopt a virtual pet is Gimpsy.com. You'll find a list of URLs and a brief description of the kinds of games and animals they offer.

If you click on "site info" for the URL, Gimpsy.com will show you whether you have to register, what payments are involved (if any), and if the site contains adult content. You can also see the level of traffic each site gets to gauge its popularity.

Finding Free Pets in Fort Myers

2009-07-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

CraigsList.org is usually the best place to find free pets in Fort Myers, Florida. You can find lists of free pets for sale at FortMyers.craigslist.org/pet.

The site has ads for free puppies, kittens, and other animals in the southwest Florida region. You can also review ads advertising lost and found pets.

Many of the ads are for older animals that the current owner is willing to give away free to a good home. If you're looking for a kitten, you should have no trouble, as most of the ads are for newborn cats in the Fort Myers area.

When you pick up your free pet, make sure he/she is up to date on all vaccinations. Ask the owner for the pet's vet records so you can verify this information.

Keeping up with the Wonder Pets Online

2009-06-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Wonder Pets is an animated children's TV show on the Nick Jr. network. The show features the adventures of three pets (Tuck, Linny, and Ming-Ming) who live in a classroom.

The NickJr.com/shows site has a special page devoted to the show. On the page, parents and kids can enjoy a number of printables and other activities.

For one, you will find Wonder Pet activity packs with coloring, puzzles, and more. Currently, you can find a printable photo frame and poster of the pets.

The page also has creative Pets-inspired recipes for parents and kids to try. For example, you can find out how to make Linny cupcakes or jumbo circus animal cookies.

Get Pictures of Funny Pets

2009-06-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Looking for free pictures of funny pets? You can find pictures, email backgrounds, emoticons, and more at FunnyPets.com.

The site also gives users the option to submit their own funny pictures of pets. Any of the pictures can be saved to use as your desktop wallpaper.

You can either browse through the thumbnails of the pictures on the home page or narrow your search for specific types of photos. For example, you can search for funny dog pictures only.

Browsers can also send Flash pet greetings to their friends. You can choose a pet animation and customize it for delivery.

Find Virtual Pets That Grow

2009-06-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Finding a site that offers virtual pets is fairly easy, but finding a site that offers virtual pets that grow is a different story. For growing virtual pets, try FooPets.com.

Foo Pets probably offers the most realistic virtual pets online. These pets can live for 10-20 years with proper care.

Foo Pets will grow, get sick, play, sleep, and do all of the other things that real pets do. If you fail to care for your Foo Pet properly, the animal will be taken to a virtual shelter.

The only downside to Foo Pets is that it is not a free site. You must purchase your Foo Pet as well as its food, toys, and other items.

Put Your Pets in Uniform Digitally

2009-06-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Would you like to see your dog or cat in complete military regalia? For a small fee, you can have professional graphic artists digitally alter the photographs you submit to show your pets in uniform.

The site PetsinUniform.com can put your pet in an army, navy, air force, marines, or astronaut uniform for $19.99. You get to choose the color and type of the uniform as well as the photo's background.

For the best results, you will need to submit a close-up photo of your pet's head. The site can also put uniforms on exotic pets.

Uniformed pet photos make a great birthday or Christmas gift for the pet-lover in your life. In fact, petsinuniform.com often has special holiday discount pricing for interested shoppers.

Top Online Pets Names List

2009-05-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for name ideas for your new pet, check out a pets names list online. You can find hundreds of names for cats, dogs, and other animals.

One of the most popular pet name sites is Bowwow.com.au. In addition to being able to look up pet names on this site, you can also compare the popularity of different names and research pet name meanings.

BowWow also allows users to browse pet names alphabetically. Read through the site to find interesting facts about pet names. For example, 50% of pet names are human names or human nicknames.

Interestingly, 20% of of pet names are derived from the pet's personality or appearance. The classic example of this phenomenon is the ever-popular dog name "Spot," a reference to the patterns of the dog's coat.