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THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Australian Shepherd dog
The Australian Shepherd comes from a line of European herding dogs and is thought to have originated from the Basque regions of Spain and France.
Brief History
The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog breed. During the 1800’s, Australia’s Basque emigres pushed further inland to cattle farm and brought their dogs with them. The Basque Shepherd dogs were then crossed with Collies and Border Collies. After some time, the population began to immigrate to California. Farmers there took a liking to these herding dogs and named them Australian Shepherds.
Physical Features
The hard-working Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that is both athletic and intelligent. With a strong head and a slightly rounded skull, this exceptionally easy-going dog has a muzzle that is equal to, or slightly shorter than, the length of the back skull. The Australian Shepherd has warm almond–shaped eyes that can be blue, brown, amber, or a combination of the three.
This breed has adorable triangular drop ears which are high set. Their tails are straight and naturally bobbed or docked. The Australian Shepherd has a double coat that is either wavy or straight. Feathered fur covers the backs of legs, thighs and neck. This breed’s coat color is either blue merle, red merle, black, red and with or without white markings.
Average Height:
18-23 inches
Average Weight:
35-75 pounds
Life Expectancy:
13-15 years
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd has a strong work drive, and is an intelligent dog breed. They are easy to train and enjoy being around family. The Aussie is sensitive, loyal, fun-loving, energetic and smart. They also make terrific guard dog and manage their posts without aggression.
The Aussie is also fantastic with children, other dogs and animals. They have a strong prey drive and also try to herd people around them. The Aussie should be kept away from small animals and sometimes cats depending on the individual dog. This high-energy breed does well with an active family and open spaces. The Aussie does well with farm life around cattle and horses.
Special Needs
The Australian Shepherd has to have a job and plenty of daily exercise. These dogs form very close bonds with their pet parents and enjoy long off-leash hikes. Aussies make good running companions after puppyhood when their bones are fully formed. The Aussie most definitely is at his best when competing in canine sports like agility, obedience and herding.
Possible Health Concerns
This breed is generally healthy. Yet there are still a few illnesses they may be prone to:
Hip Dysplasia – This is an abnormal development of the hip joint in large breeds like the Australian Shepherd. It is generally characterized by a loose joint and degenerative joint disease. Excessive growth, types of exercise, nutritional and hereditary factors all come into play with hip dysplasia.
Cataracts – This is a condition in which the lens of the eye progressively loses transparency, which often results in loss of vision. Consult with your veterinarian for advice.
Elbow Dysplasia – This is an abnormal development of the elbow joint in young, large, fast-growing breeds. It involves abnormal bone growth, cartilage development, or joint stresses. Treatment involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery before the degenerative changes of osteoarthritis take place.
Australian Shepherd dog breed
Exercise
The Australian Shepherd is a high-energy breed that thrives on exercise. The Aussie needs to have a stimulating environment and active pet parents. Rural or countryside living with plenty of space work well for this breed. Cattle herding is an Aussie’s job preference, followed by simply being a fun-loving companion.
Nutrition
A high-quality dog food for the appropriate life stage is recommended. Pet parents should never underestimate the importance of a well-balanced diet for their Australian Shepherds. That said, a dog food that works for one Aussie, may not work for another.
Grooming
Daily grooming is necessary for this breed’s waterproof, double –layered coat. During shedding season pet parents will need to groom more frequently. Undercoat rakes will remove dead coat hair and wire brushes are great for grooming. This breed is most often outdoors, so bathing regularly is a must. The Aussie is often dirtier and smellier than other dogs when outdoors having fun. Nails, ears and teeth need regular care.
With a sweet and fun temperament, the Aussie makes a great dog breeds to adopt if you are active and have a large property. It’s not a good idea to adopt this dog breed if they will be cooped up indoors. The Aussie is too smart to do nothing all day and needs a job. Children often love this dog’s fun-loving temperament.
Veterinarians Guide to Fleas and Ticks for Pet Owners
Everything You Need to Know About Fleas and Ticks
As any pet owner will tell you, our lovable balls of fluff are prone to bringing unwanted friends of their own home; namely fleas and ticks.
These common critters can find their way on to dogs, cats and even humans – sometimes with nasty consequences.
So, what can be done to treat these bloodsucking mites and how can you prevent them in the first place?
Fleas – what are they?
Fleas are small, wingless parasites that can feed on your pet’s blood. Cat fleas for instance are dark brown and 1-2mm long. They are often picked up outdoors, and there are over 2,000 different types in the word. Adept at jumping, they are easy to pass on to other animals, as well as owners. They can be picked up anywhere, from other pets, kennels and even from the great outdoors. They can be more common in warmer months, but exist all year round.
Ticks – what are they?
Ticks are tiny blood-suckers with a spider-like appearance. They have eight legs and can range from 1mm to 1cm in size. They are typically fond of woodland and grassy areas, where they latch on to your pet. They are known for transmitting bacterial diseases, the most common of which is Lyme Disease, borne from black-legged ticks. Much like fleas, they are more common in the warmer months, but present all-year round.
How can you prevent fleas and ticks?
The first measure is to protect your pets.
If you live in a house with a large unkempt yard, try and cut back the grass, which attracts these insects. Where possible, use flea spray to prevent any outbreaks, too. While indoors, pay attention to areas where ticks and fleas can thrive; on carpets and rugs – thorough vacuuming will help keep this at bay.
Secondly, make sure your pet’s bedding area is well cleaned. Anything that could attract unwanted visitors should be cleaned or thrown away. Where possible, deep clean toys in hot water regularly, to kill any lingering bugs.
Finally, there are many treatments on the market that you can use on your pets. Not just when they are infected, but as a preventative measure. From flea combs to sprays, along with regular brushing of their coats, to reduce pests from growing. If your pet has long hair, you may want to keep this short, particularly in the warmer weather, so it is less of a breeding ground for pests.
Flea and tick collars are worthwhile solutions to help repel fleas away using chemicals that are safe for your dogs and cats. These can be picked up in most vet clinics, drug stores and pet stores, and are inexpensive.
Signs of fleas and ticks
Scratching, writing and over grooming are common signs that your pet may be housing fleas or ticks. Sometimes these can be visible to the human eye, particularly during grooming, but not always. Therefore, if you suspect that your beloved cat or dog is infected, you may want to take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you experience a continual itching and bites in succession, or believe that you have been bitten by a tick (sometimes the tick is still visible in the skin), see a professional caregiver immediately.
Treating fleas and ticks
The good news is that these bugs are easy to treat, in many forms, from powders to medicated shampoos. In the first instance, visit your veterinarian. It’s also vital to ensure that you do not use the same treatment on your dog, as your cat, as in some cases these are known to be toxic to felines. Therefore, always seek professional guidance before treatment.
You will also need to consider treating your house, from upholstery to carpets, and bedding. Anti-flea and anti-tick treatments are commonly available.
World Records for Pets and Other Animals
If you always dreamed of getting in the Guinness Book of Records, then you might want to start preparing. It seems competition is tough and not just with humans — there’s a whole host of world records set by animals!
THE LABRADOODLE
Known for their curly fur and agreeable disposition, the Labradoodle is a cute, fun-loving and dedicated dog. It was originally bred to be a guide dog, so it always enjoys human company and always seeks to provide companionship. The Labradoodle is highly intelligent and sociable and makes a lively life companion or a family dog. Thanks to its minimal coat shedding, the Labradoodle is ideal for people with allergies.
Brief History
The Labradoodle was bred to offer day-to-day support by the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. It is a cross of the Standard Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. Thanks to its calm and people-loving heritage, this dog is quite comfortable among people and other pets as well. Its origin is just as interesting as the dog itself. The very first Labradoodle was bred in 1989 for a visually-challenged woman who lived in Hawaii. Interestingly, her husband was allergic to fur, therefore her guide dog had to be hypoallergenic. The Labradoodle was born and retained the fun-loving nature of the Labrador and the intelligence of the Poodle —making it well-balanced and loving.
Physical Features
The Labradoodle can have a variety of physical features that largely depend on its genetic heritage and parentage. The Poodle and Labrador DNA in each Labradoodle’s body play a big role in determining the overall appearance of the dog. Commonly, this dog breed emerges in coat colors such as chocolate, blonde, apricot, black and charcoal.
Seeing as this dog breed is a result of breeding with a Standard size Poodle, it has a medium sized body. Its coat of fur can be soft and wavy or curly and taut. Their ears are droopy and widely considered to be one of the most attractive features of the dog.
Average Height:
21-24 inches
Average Weight:
50-65 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Temperament
The Labradoodle is a cool, calm and sociable dog. This is due to its heritage. It is bred from two dogs that are well known for having a cool disposition. The Poodle is intelligent and the Labrador is a social, family-oriented dog. This dog breed is cat-friendly and interacts with felines and other dogs comfortably.
Special Needs
Seeing as it is a sociable dog, the Labradoodle can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
Possible Health Concerns
Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs, however they can suffer from certain health issues. Some of these issues are eye diseases such as cataracts and progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip dysplasia and Addison’s disease.
Labradoodle puppy
Exercise
The Labradoodle is a big dog that loves to play and have fun. This dog needs to get between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise every day. For best results, your Labradoodle should exercise by running around in a fenced yard or dog park. Here, they can thoroughly work out their lateral muscles and have a great time. This dog makes a great jogging partner as well. Labradoodles also enjoy swimming.
Nutrition
The Labradoodle is an active dog and therefore requires a diet that can support its vibrant lifestyle. You should always strive to implement a balanced diet for your Labradoodle as it can do exceptionally well with 1 to 2.5 cups of dry food served twice every day. This is best done in the morning and in the evening after their exercise sessions. By feeding your Labradoodle twice in a day, you are able to prevent cases of gastric tension.
Grooming
The Labradoodle needs some grooming conducted so as to keep their coats in great condition. While it does not shed much, the Labradoodle still requires regular care for its coat. You should brush through its fur at least twice a day. This prevents matting and bunching up of the hair.
While grooming, you should remember to cut the hair inside the ear. Also, carefully shave the fur that is near the ear canal and under the ear too. Any hair around the eyes should be trimmed as well. This needs to be done so as to prevent the fur from obstructing your Labradoodle’s vision. Proceed to trim the hair around his pads. The nails should be trimmed as well. While bathing your Labradoodle, make sure to use a gentle shampoo. The baths should be infrequent to preserve the natural oils in their hair furthermore, your Labradoodle is best left to air-dry.
The Labradoodle is a loving, intelligent and addition to any family. The dog does not require much maintenance and is generally a strong, healthy dog. The Labradoodle lives for a long time.
THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR CAT
The American Shorthair is a domesticated cat breed that originated in Europe, and was brought over by early settlers. This cat breed was a ratter used to protect cargo on ships from mice. This is a pedigreed cat breed that is accepted by all North American cat registries.
Brief History
The American Shorthair sailed with sailors from Europe to North America. Many travelled on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims and interbred. They developed special traits to survive the U.S climate and lifestyle. By the beginning of the 20th century, a selective breeding program stipulated the American Shorthair breed standards. This breed was first named the Domestic Shorthair. This changed in 1966 when it was changed to the American Shorthair. This breed is a working cat breed, since it originally was used to kill mice on board ships.
Physical Features
The American Shorthair has a round face and short ears, a well-built body, a strong chest, powerful shoulders and hindquarters. The coat can be one of eighty colors and patterns ranging from brown tabby to a shady silvery coloring. Many American Shorthairs will have black or brown coloring. Eye color can be green, gold, hazel, blue, copper, or odd-eyed. By 2012 this cat breed was the seventh most popular cat breed in the U.S.
Average Height:
8-10 inches
Average Weight:
6-15 pounds
Life Expectancy:
15-20 years
Temperament
The American Shorthair is relaxed and enjoys being pampered. This breed thrives with lots of cuddles and cute cat toys. This cat breed is laid back, low maintenance, and loves to hunt and sunbathe. Early socialization during kittenhood helps all cats get along with guests and other animals. This cat breed is very affectionate, and does well with indoor living.
This cat breed is easy to live with, as they are not overly vocal or quirky. Positive clicker training with rewards works best with the cat to prevent excessive scratching in the wrong places. This breed learns quickly, and is wonderful to live with. Providing your cat with scratching posts, clean litter boxes, stimulating and safe cat toys, help to ensure a well-balanced and happy cat.
american shorthair cat
Possible Health Concerns
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This is a heart muscle disorder where the heart walls of the left ventricle thicken. This is a common primary heart disease in cats. It tends to get noticed at around 3 months to 17 years of age. Most cats will be middle aged when this disorder occurs. This disorder tends to affect males more than females, and it is an inherited genetic defect. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs. Fluid may also accumulate in the lungs, and in the space between the lungs and chest wall. Veterinary treatment will aim at improving cardiac function, and reducing blood clots. There is a good longterm outlook for mildly affected cats.
Grooming
The American Shorthair needs daily brushing. This cat breed sheds moderately.
Healthy cats need minimal bathing with a gentle cat shampoo. Your cat will need dental care as well. Small and frequent effective hygiene habits will make a big difference in maintaining healthy skin, healthy teeth, and good overall health. Look for environmentally safe pet products that have natural ingredients.
The American Shorthair is a laid back cat breed that enjoys being indoors, and around family. This cat does well with either apartment living or home living.
6 Things You Need to Know About Seizures in Cats
It’s a terrifying sight to witness your cat having a seizure, especially when you haven’t seen one before. Seizures can look very different from animal to animal, and the cause of the seizures will influence this greatly. In this article we’ll share what you need to know about feline seizures.
THE ABYSSINIAN CAT
Abyssinian cats get their name from the term Abyssinia which was a former name for Ethiopia. A breed with fine bone and elaborate pose Abyssinian cats never fail to impress us. They have a tabby yet multi-colored coat that gives them an intricate look and elegant appearance.
Brief History
There are many stories that surround the Abyssinian cat’s origins however many cat fanciers believe that this breed’s first ancestors were from parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean coast. Traders within these regions were accredited for the cat’s migration into other continental parts such as Arabia and Africa. Some breeds said to be in the Abyss genetic background are Russian Blues, Burnese and Siamese. During the 19th century the breed became famous in Great Britain with belief that British soldiers deployed in various parts of Africa and Asia brought it back home by the end of their expeditions.
Physical Features
The Abyssinian is quite slender but with fine bone and an average body size. They have almond shaped eyes that glare with expression while their ears are large and tend to be pointed with alertness. A kitten Abyssinian is born with a dark coat that lightens with age and as they proceed into adulthood their coats become soft, silky to the touch and ideally fine but close lying and dense.
Average Height:
8-10 inches
Average Weight:
8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy:
9-15 years
Temperament
Abyssinians are generally friendly in nature showing affection for kids and other pets. They are also playful, dislike being lonely or in boring environments and can make good therapy pets thanks to this appeal. As for the family an Abyssinian’s affection is averagely placed meaning that they neither love nor hate to belong to a particular grouping. Everything they do is done willingly and with enthusiasm making them one cat breed that knows how to live every second of their life to the fullest. Any activity, be it play, climbing, jumping or running is done with energy and passion.
oriental shorthair cat
Special Needs
The Oriental Shorthair does not like to be left alone. This cat also needs to be entertained regularly. This means that they need to have some form of entertainment whenever they are awake and around the house. The cat requires interaction as part of daily maintenance.
The Oriental Shorthair is an active cat, and will play fetch, learn tricks and enjoy time with kids. They will get along with other cats and dogs as well.
Possible Health Concerns
If maintained well, the Oriental Shorthair is generally a healthy cat. It is important to note that they may inherit some genetic diseases and conditions that are characteristic of their parent breeds. Conditions that affect the Siamese cat or the Abyssinian can be inherited by the Oriental Shorthair. These include Amyloidosis, crossed eyes or congenital heart defects. This cat may also develop gastrointestinal diseases, lymphoma, nystagmus or Hyperesthesia syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in helping the Oriental Shorthair to recover from these conditions.
Exercise
The Oriental Shorthair cat is an active pet. This means that they need regular exercise. The breed loves to jump from heights. Perches and cat trees come in handy for this type of exercise. They also appreciate toys. If successfully trained, the Oriental Shorthair can be taken for walks around the block on a leash.
Grooming
The Oriental Shorthair’s fine fur coat requires combing every few weeks. This can be done using a soft bristle coat or a soft stainless steel brush that removes all dead hair. After brushing the cat’s coat, polish with a soft cloth so as to ensure that it shines. The cat’s teeth also need to be brushed once a week. This is so as to prevent periodontal disease.
Her eyes also need hygienic care. This can be facilitated with a soft, damp cloth to get rid of any discharge. The ears should also be cleaned regularly.
The Oriental Shorthair is a beautiful cat that was bred from exotic parentage. They are lively, loving and dedicated to their families. Always ready to play and provide friendship, the Oriental Shorthair is an ideal family cat.
Summertime Pet Care: Safe Tick Removal
Ah, yes...for some people and pets in many parts of the United States the summer of 2014 was a most welcome change after a record winter of snow and artic cold. We couldn’t wait to hit the bicycle and walking paths through the woods and the dog parks to help work off the extra pounds gained throughout the harsh winter. But wait, there may be some critters lurking on the hairy bodies of our beloved dogs and cats that have the potential to cause problems as we move into the latter months of warm weather. Caution: your pet may have been in contact with nasty external parasites that can not only cause irritation and discomfort, but bring disease to both you and your pet. Here is a brief overview of what could be a problem. Your veterinarian can determine if there is cause for alarm.
