Shout About Pets

The Tarantula is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as a pet.  This is mainly due to their quiet nature and their uniqueness.  They need little space and they can be fascinating creatures to keep. 

However if you want a pet that you can handle the tarantula isn’t for you.  This is largely due to the spider getting stressed and the harm that can be done to it rather than the harm the tarantula can do to you!  You’ll find many shapes, sizes and breed available and they have a variety of appearances.  They are usually easy to care for but check out the breed first before buying.  The food and housing requirements will be different depending on the species so make sure you fully understand what is required before you bring one home.

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If you have a pet rabbit and you want to keep it outside you need to provide it with a large abode
When choosing your hutch go armed with some key facts about your rabbit.  How big will it grow in adulthood?  As a guide your adult rabbit should be able to sit up fully stretched on its hind legs and be able to stretch out length ways.

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If you’re worried about your pet dog packing on the pounds and you’re looking for a way of keeping you both fit other than trudging the same circuit from the park, then agility training could be for you!  It’s a sport for dogs that teaches them coordination, control and speed.

Any breed or size of dog can enjoy this doggie sport as long as they are over 12 months old.  Other requirements are that they are in good health, are the ideal weight and are reasonably obedient.  Some giant breeds might not find agility courses best suited to their powerful gait however.  The requirements of you are hard work, persistence and dedicated training.

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A Blue Cross Survey has revealed that 25% of pet owners are worried about their pet’s weight.  Dick Voigt, the Blue Cross veterinary services’ director commented:

“We frequently see pets with obesity-related diseases at our hospitals. Diabetes, heart disease and arthritis are some of the most common. But there are many things owners can do to help ensure their pet stays at an ideal weight”.

So what can you do to keep your pet trim?  Dogs and cats are best kept on dry food.  These are nutritionally balanced food mixes and do not need to have anything added to them.  Dry food is great for cats who like to graze but if your cat is prone to eating too much you’ll have to restrict his servings.  Limit treats to a minimum and use healthy alternatives such as broccoli stalks and chopped carrot.

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In the hot summer months you need to be extra vigilant about your dogs welfare.  As the temperatures sore your canine friend can really start to feel the heat and suffer as a consequence.  It can be a dangerous season for your dog if you aren’t careful enough to take steps to protect your pet from the heat. 

Here are some top tips for protecting you dog from the summer sun:

The sun is at its hottest between 11.00am and 3.00pm so don’t take your dog for a walk between these times.  In general try to get your dog out for a walk early in the morning or late at night when temperatures are much more tolerable for your dog. 

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When choosing a coldwater fish you’d be surprised at the amount of varieties that are available to choose from.  Even the humble goldfish comes in many variations.  Take advice from the pet shop owner on the best mix of fish as some species are just not compatible together in the confines of a fish tank.

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Once you pet rat has got accustomed to being handled by you, take time to rat proof your home so that you can allow your rat to roam in the house.  You don’t need to redesign the house but a little thought and consideration will make sure you can keep tabs on your intrepid explorer and keep him safe from harm.

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When bringing a puppy home there are some key things you can do to make sure the puppy feels safe and secure straight away.  Puppies have often been separated from their siblings for the first time and your home will be filled with strange scents and sounds.  Here are some ways you can help your puppy settle in quickly:

Choosing a name – it may sound silly but we humans tend to forget that dogs don’t understand words!  Therefore when you are choosing a name it needs to be short and snappy.  Don’t pick a name like Winchester or Bartholomew – you need to limit it to two syllables.  Avoid one syllable names as the dog might confuse his name with commands such a down and sit.  Don’t shorten the puppy’s name and use variants as this will only confuse him.  And when your puppy recognises his name make sure he gets plenty of praise.
At bedtime – make sure he has his own bed out of colds draughts and away from through traffic.  On the first night your puppy make be upset so put a jumper or blanket that has your scent on it in the basket and use a heat pad to make him feel secure. 
Other pets – introduce the rest of the pets and family gradually and don’t leave him with small children or other animals unsupervised.
Feeding time – the first few meals are crucial to developing a stable routine.  Initially use the food he has always been fed on and only gradually change over if you want to. 

When choosing any pet you need to carefully consider whether it will fit in with your life and family.  This is no different when choosing a fish. Fish are generally one of the easiest pets to care for as they don’t require training or visits to the vets however here are some things you should still consider:

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When your preparing for the arrival of a new puppy it is best to get essential items before your new pet arrives. It can seem a daunting task thinking of food items, treats for training and rewarding, looking into finding a vet and arranging vaccinations. If you are prepared in advance your puppy will settle into the routine of your family much more easily. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you through:

Puppy food – speak to your vet if you are unsure as to which puppy food to choose. If you are swapping the puppy over from the food the dog breeder has suggested take a few days to mix the new food in with the old food to prevent tummy upsets.
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