http://www.animalloverworld.com/ Articles at Pets Animals Lover Information World en-us http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/worm-composting-whats-the-distinction-amidst-worm-bins-and-red-worm-farms.html http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/worm-composting-whats-the-distinction-amidst-worm-bins-and-red-worm-farms.html Sun, 24 Oct 2010 11:23:03 -0700
Basics of Vermicomposting
Many consumers form a median of more or less a pound of organic offscourings per day, between herb cuttings, tea leaves and coffee dregs and filters, egg shells, fruit skins, among other things. Red wigglers should gobble up to fifty percent of their total weight in eatables a 24 hour period, so routinely you will necessitate close to one pound of earthworms. (I've on top of that heard that red wigglers will decompose their equal weight in eats, although my knowledge is that it's centrally a bit less and varies based on the nutriment.) As they eat your food trash, they will assimilate it and output a byproduct named "worm castings" that is an excessively nutrient-full plant nutrient. The earthworms are kept in a lidded plastic enclosure possessing holes for aeration and voiding, and a bedding of dampened shredded newspapers, old leaves, and a bit of loam.

Worm Bins
Worms bins reference an arrangement which utilizes a single plastic repository to shelter the worms, to include some version of depthless tray or pan underneath to amass leaks and earth particles. This is the most simple structure for red wigglers, and additionally the most economical - though there are commercial worm bins convenient you might in addition to that doubtlessly assemble your own for lower than $15 with a plastic receptacle from Wal-Mart or related department store. Worm bins are besides that marvelous room savers and ought to be stowed beneath sinks, in cabinets and storage areas, mud rooms, garages, and for all practical purposes anywhere else.

Worm Farms
A worm farm is an architecture composed of a series of bins that are placed literally on top of each other and allow the earthworms to travel in each one. Generally there's a minimum of two tiers, both with ready to use bedding, though the earth worms will lodge in the lowermost bin to get under way. Once you nurture the earth worms for a couple of months and they distend the lowermost tub with castings, you then switch to locating edibles in the higher receptacle to urge them to shift upwards. After a couple weeks you should take off the bottom bin, which ought mostly lacking of worms, acquire the castings and replace the bedding, and use it as the new above layer for your worm farm.

Each one of these ways has its ups and downs. Bins are more condensed but it is more complicated and a lot more time-consuming to pick up the castings; farms support more red wigglers and are simpler to acquire from, but cannot be efficiently hidden if that's your propensity. Ordinarily, both are positive approaches for Vermiculture, and each person can gauge which one can be adopted into their way of life better. ]]> http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/summer-pet-product-tips.html http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/summer-pet-product-tips.html Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:17:44 -0700 Are you and your pets ready for warmer days? Heat is dangerous to your pets, and they usually can't tell if they are thirsty or dehydrated. Too much heat causes skin diseases too, while fleas and ticks are extreme in this season. Your pets’ natural instinct like shredding and finding a cool spot to rest is not enough to protect and cool enough to keep them cool and comfortable under the hot and sunny weather. This PetStreetMall article will guide you to the list of important and affordable pet products that would save comfort your pets enough while saving your time and money.

Furminator (An effective De-Shedding Tool). Pets like dogs and cats shed naturally when hot days are coming, the extra double coat was falling to reduce the body heat they produce. This FURminator tool is you can rely on, it is capable of removing and trimming your dogs falling hair easily and safely, while doing this will save your home from dirty and fallen hairs everywhere because you already control the fallen hair. Shedding can last from 3 weeks to two months, with some breeds shedding more than others. During this time your pet will be scattering its fur around the house and creating quite a mess to clean up. With Furminator Products you can reduce this and get all of the old fur off at one time. Furminator shedding tools are different because it removes the loose dead undercoat and does not cut or damage the top coat. This tool is great too for pet owners with allergies who suffer during shedding season, because it reduces the amount of airborne elements that cause allergies.

Pet Auto Waterers. On hot days, pets easily get de-hydrated and when you are out for few hours, you need something that will ensure your dogs have access to fresh, safe and cool water to drink. The Automatic Pet Waterer is ideal for dogs, cats or other pets, and it reduces the chances of your pet getting Urinary tract diseases, too. The Pet automatic waterer is veterinarian recommended and proven effective to keep pets have enough fluids to drink whenever they want. Some automatic waterer has Forced aeration (forced induction of air into water) reduces pet saliva contamination in this automatic fresh water fountain. This patented system does not depend on water splatter to induce Oxygen into the water. There is also the WaterDog® automatic outdoor pet drinking fountain lets your dog help itself to fresh water, so you don’t have to worry about stagnant or empty water bowls. WaterDog senses your dog’s approach, and automatically dispenses a cool, clean stream of fresh drinking water. Smart sonar sensing technology triggers the WaterDog to turn the water on when your pet comes within three feet (one meter), and turns it off when your pet leaves. You'll never have to worry about what your dog's been drinking again!

Portable Water Dispenser. When you and your dog loves to walk, run, hike and have adventures outside, this simple tool will easily help you feed water to your dog instantly, called Speed-E-Drink water dispenser. his water carrier attaches with a simple belt clip to your waist for portability, while leaving your hands free. It attaches to most .5L bottles, so you never have to worry about breaking or cleaning a bottle.

Cooling Dog Beds. If your pet enjoys the soothing warm of heated pet beds on winter and cold days, then your pets should have cooling dog beds on hot summer days. Heat is dangerous to pets especially when they usually spend lots of time outdoor. With cooler dog beds, you can protect your beloved dog from being parched or acquiring possible skin problems due to heat waves or overexposure to sunlight. The Canine Cooler, also known as the Thermo-regulating pet bed, is the most comfortable, innovative and extraordinary dog bed that you can give to your dog especially during the summer season.

Cool K-9 Cooling Jackets. This is a great product for dogs who enjoys walking and hiking. It is perfect too for dogs who are practicing or showing in agility events. The Cool K-9 dog cooling jacket is a breakthrough in thermo-regulating technology. This Dog Cooling Jacket works through Water-absorbing, cross-linked polymers are sewn into supplex fabric. Just soak the dog jacket through with water and then put the jacket on your dog to help him fight off heat exhaustion and keep him cool on hot days. The dog cooling jacket acts as a perspiration system. It absorbs heat from your dogs body, then allows the heat to be dispelled into the air by the natural evaporative process. So instead of just panting and sweating through the pads of his paws, your dog is essentially "sweating," which helps him to cool off.

Cooling Bandana. Just like cooling jacket, this cooling bandana for dogs is made with crystals which absorb water and acts like a reverse heat pump which helps to remove the heat from the dog, and then dissipates it into the surrounding air. Dog Cooling Bandana is Very inexpensive, yet very Hi-Tech. The Dog Cooling Bandana is made with non-toxic polymer crystals which absorb up to 30 times their weight and stay cool for several hours. This tool is reusable and hand-washable, too.

Flea and Tick Control Products. Fleas and ticks love heat and warm, that's why they are on the attacking mode when the hot summer days come. You need to control this bugs and parasites off your pets, flea and tick products like K9 Advantix, Frontline Flea Control, Dog Advantage Flea Control, Dog Flea Powders, Dog lea Shampoo, Flea Combs and Frontline Spray. Ignoring the unstoppable growing number of fleas and ticks on your pet’s body will seriously affect your pet’s health or can cause skin disease. It will also make them irritated at all times.

Doggles. This tool is a protective eyewear both for wind and sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) rays. These dog goggles are dog protective eyewear that are comfortable and stylish. Doggles dog goggles are perfect for hunting and working dogs since these breeds can benefit dog eye safety. When Dog eye safety is need such as post-eye surgery, light sensitivity, or car trips Doggles eyewear is the perfect choice. All Dog Doggles have polycarbonate (shatterproof), anti-fog Doggle lenses which block 100% of UV light and keep out wind and debris.

]]> http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/ethical-breeders-are-taking-a-beating.html http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/ethical-breeders-are-taking-a-beating.html Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800
Why is this happening to ethical breeders?

Negative publicity always sparks the interest of “extremists”, those right wing rebels and fighters for justice for all things wrong in the world today. Not to mention those who are undeniably out in left field. These left fielders are malicious people looking for a way to get even.

Let’s just say for instance they have a personal issue with this ethical breeder (we will use a dog breeder for this example). This woman (we will call Eva) has a cousin whose boy friends sister (we will call her Cathy) bought an antique vase from her aunt and it turned out to be a fake. Even though the Aunt was totally unaware it was a fake, Eva wants to avenge Cathy so Eva writes a very dauntingly nasty review on a popular online dogs for sale website, also writes a letter to the directors of the American Kennel Club reporting this ethical breeder as a “Puppy Mill”. If Eva herself has done business with this breeder may even go so far as to report her to The Better Business Bureau. While these accusations will be investigated and proven false, the ethical breeders reputation has been adversely affected and the ethical breeder now must repair it. In the past incidents like this were not that hard to resolve. It usually took a few malicious attacks such as these before a breeder was even questioned.

As of late the general public has been smothered by information regarding the horrific treatment of animals. It is truly without a doubt justifiable concern, however with so many caring people as well as extremists and nut cases wanting to do “their part” it is being blown way out of proportion. This “over caring” is really hurting the ethical breeder, who is an organized, careful, loving and nurturing breeder who cares for their selected breed or breeds as if they are human.

Now, however because of the irresponsibility of hoarders and mass production facilities, ethical breeders are taking a beating. They must constantly be on guard and ready to fight a barrage of accusations and insults even in forums and blogs. Many pet services no longer condone the breeding of pets because there are so many unwanted pets in shelters. There is a lot to be said for shelters however, some people wish to keep pure breeds pure and show their animals, many breeds were developed for certain qualities and purposes.

Tennessee Walking Horses Have been selectively bred over the years for their smooth gait and long distance endurance. Not all horses share these qualities. A quarter horse is built for harder work but does not have the gait of a walker. To get the qualities you want in an animal you must purchase a breed that fits your need. This is not usually the case if you get your horse from an animal shelter. What you will generally get is what is referred to as a “Grade horse” meaning it is a mixed breed that could have many or few good qualities but cannot be reliable. The same is true of dogs , cats or any other animal that can be cross bred. I realize there are occasionally pure breed animals available in shelters. These usually do not have their registration or lineage available or any past health records. If you are just looking for “a pet” and it’s characteristics are not important, The shelter is a great option. When getting a pet from a shelter however take the same measures to investigate the shelter as you would a breeder. Some shelters have been known to have sick and mistreated animals. These animals can be dangerous as well. Many animals are there because of temperament defects. There are killer dogs and horses all over the world. Usually the previous owner mistreated the animal causing this but many animals cannot be reformed. To take in one of these animals shows love and concern on your part and you should be praised, however please take your safety and the safety of your family into consideration when choosing an animal. An ethical breeder has spent time with their animals and knows the temperament of each and every one of them, whereas a shelter may not have had the pet long enough to have seen it’s “true colors.” I have experienced both sides of this argument getting pets from shelters. I have gotten the perfect pet and also the pet from Hades.

My final word on this is be careful and take your time choosing your perfect animal. Do your homework on your selected breed before contacting a specialized breeder. How can you blame a breeder if you have not done your part?



Summary

In today’s society we must find a way to stand up and be counted among the honest and trust worthy so let’s give ethical breeders a fair chance to do just that. Next time you hear “breeder” please don’t cringe, but keep an open mind. Many are doing this because of their love for their certain breed of animal. If the facility is clean (not immaculate), the animals are healthy, the breeder asks many questions, can show lineage, health records and answers your questions, chances are you have found an ethical breeder. If any of these elements are not in place I would think twice before purchasing an animal from them.
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Colleen Del Bane has experienced negativity because Del Bane’s Web Design creates custom websites for ethical animal breeders. People are so upset by Hoarding and Milling trends that they don’t trust any breeder. This is where Del Bane’s Web Design
comes into the picture. We have developed our website design business to support the ethical breeder.

Our mission is to screen breeders by interviews, references, photos, referrals and first hand onsite evaluation when possible. By association with Pet Sitters, veterinarians, pet escort services and others directly involved with breeders We will be able to determine if they fit our criteria.
If we determine they fit our criteria we will then list them on our website as an ethical breeder. This will give the public a safe resource for finding an ethical breeder with confidence. We will also list reputable associated services that we trust. Such as pet escorts, sitters, veterinarians, groomers and others.


]]> http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/panting-pets-protesst-petty-prettying.html http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/panting-pets-protesst-petty-prettying.html Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800
In fact, it can make pets feel stupid and depressed. "It may look cute to humans," says veterinarian C. Spot Runn, a vet from San Diego, California. "But pets are not humans, they are animals, and animals do not wear clothes."

A pet psychic from Palo Alto agrees. "I've talked to hundreds of cats and dogs, in their own language," says pet psychic, Ima Nutt, "And they all tell me they wear pet clothes for one reason and one reason only ... to please their owners." Says Nutt, one pooch politely panted, "I am not a doll, I'm a dog. Wearing pet clothes is demeaning. When my owner walks me and I'm wearing pet clothes the other dogs laugh at me. And they also have trouble sniffing my rear end."

A huge trend, pet owners spend tens of millions of dollars every year on clothes and accessories for their pets. What's next, Dior for dogs? Chanel for cats?

According to the latest survey, 90% of household pets would prefer that, instead of buying pet clothes, pet owners donate an extra $100 to a pet charity.

And, as for spaying or neutering, how would YOU like it?


DISCLAIMER
The above story is not true. It was made up, by the author, solely as comedy, with no intent to harm or offend. Any of it which turns out to be true, in whole or in part, is purely coincidental ... and would be even funnier.

copyright 2007 Andrew Lawrence. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission and, preferably, a big fat payment. Contact veryfunnynews.blogspot.com

]]> http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/our-animals-need-to-detox-too.html http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/our-animals-need-to-detox-too.html Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

We live in a time of amazing medical advances. Many of us are aware of the need to occasionally aid our bodies in the elimination of toxins that build up in our intestines and tissues. But how often do we think about the need to address toxin buildup in our pets?

We are living in a world in which toxins have been introduced at an alarming rate since the end of World War II. There is no burden of proof placed on industry to show that these chemicals are safe. It used to be that we considered acute toxicity or poisoning to be our only concern. Heavy metal exposure was measured in blood to diagnose poisoning. Not so anymore. Chronic heavy metal and chemical buildup in bodies gradually creates a greater ‘body burden’ that is increasingly difficult to overcome with innate detoxification mechanisms.

This process of accumulating poisons starts in utero these days. Toxins cross the placental barrier and affect developing fetuses as well as the newborn. Mammalian milk continues to channel these substances into young bodies. Our animals are exposed to many of the same chemicals that we are, and their abilities to manage this toxic load become easily overwhelmed. Let’s look at common sources of exposure for ourselves and our animals:

Air. Billions of tons of chemicals are put into the air every year, including mercury, sulfates and nitrates from coal-fired power plants in the U.S. Airborne toxins from Asia and other countries travel the jet stream, eventually settling onto virtually every continent on the planet.

Our indoor air is 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Flame retardants, formaldehyde, paints, and nonstick or stain-resistant coatings such as those found in cookware or upholstery and carpets contribute to the mix. Home cleaning products can create an acute problem for birds that live in the house but chronic exposure for dogs, cats and smaller animals can be a problem as well. Think about how our pets are so good at cleaning up after us in the kitchen. Ingesting a little pine scented floor cleaning solution or chemical disinfectant is not a good idea, even in small amounts. Even household building materials can off-gas undesirable substances for years.

Food. We need no reminder of the recent pet food recall catastrophe in order to be diligent about the source of all ingredients in our animals’ food. If we are successful in obtaining domestic products free from foreign contaminants, ensuring that these are as organic as possible with no hormones, pesticides, antibiotics and fertilizer residues can still be a chore. Even organically grown ingredients cannot be protected from pollutants in air and rain and inevitably expose our pets to these toxins when they are ingested.

A study done by Gloria Dodd, DVM detected unacceptable levels of aluminum in many pet foods; even high quality canned pet food contained heavy metals. When Dr. Dodd analyzed hair samples from sick animals, she found that many of them contained high levels of heavy metals such as aluminum, lead and arsenic.
(www.planet-pets.com/drgloria).

Water. Studies done by the Environmental Working Group on contaminants in tap water showed that in 42 states, some 260 contaminants were detected in public water supplies, 140 of which were unregulated chemicals! Using bottled water cannot adequately protect our pets, since 25-30% of it comes from municipal tap systems – and the testing requirements for bottled water are lower than those for tap water. Additionally, the plastics from the bottles can leach into the water.

Plastic feed and water dishes can contribute endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A. Phthalate, another endocrine disruptor, is used to soften plastic and can be found in animal toys and in the linings of canned foods destined for both human and animal consumption.

Grooming products and sprays we put on our pets often have toxins such as sodium laurel sulfate, phthalates, parabens, triclosan and preservatives in them. These go directly on our animals’ skin and penetrate into their systems.

Vaccines are often a source of heavy metals (mercury/thimerisol) which are neurotoxins and the carcinogen formaldehyde.

Heavy metals can reduce the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, eventually leading to problems with immune function, muscle contraction, energy production, and repair of bone.

We don’t know all of the actions of toxins or the interactions of multiple toxins in low levels in the body. One thing we do know is that assaults on the cells and tissues of the body result in the formation of free radicals. Most of us are familiar with this term; free radicals are molecules that are unstable, they are missing one of a pair of electrons. Molecules like to be stable and will ‘steal’ an electron from a neighboring molecule in order to re-stabilize themselves. The molecule that was robbed now becomes a free radical and a chain reaction of free radical formation can occur; if this chain reaction cannot be stopped by the anti-oxidants in the body, oxidative stress results.

The point here is not to create a feeling of hopelessness or paranoia, it is to get the point across that our animals’ bodies get overwhelmed quickly and easily by the burden of toxins they carry around, and they need serious help getting rid of them and replacing elements that allow the body to function optimally.

Combating toxins and the damage they create in the body can be accomplished by a) removing the toxins and b) replacing and boosting network anti-oxidants, those nutrients that scavenge free radicals and act together to boost the production and function of each other in the body.

One very effective and safe modality for removing heavy metals and toxins from the body is through the use of ingested zeolites. Zeolites are minerals formed when volcanic ash hits sea water. Tiny honeycomb-shaped cages are formed in a mineral matrix that has a very strong negative charge. Since heavy metals and many toxins have a positive charge, they are attracted to the little cages, trapped and passively removed so as not to create a greater burden on the kidneys or other organs of elimination.

Network anti-oxidants are effective in scavenging free radical molecules and repairing tissues. Network anti-oxidants work in different ways and each play an important role in bodily function. They can also protect the body from the stress of infection, inflammation and the oxidation and degeneration of tissues association with the aging process.

Key network anti-oxidants include: CoenzymeQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins E and C, and Glutathione. There are many others as well, and many are found in abundance in fruits, vegetables and green tea.

The body is designed to heal and the mechanisms are already in place. Removing the roadblocks to health and encouraging natural healing mechanisms is the most basic foundation we can lay for our animals’ long and happy lives.

Vivo Animals is extremely proud to introduce formulas that address these issues specifically. These are important products as they deal with detoxification of the body, which is something people are becoming increasingly aware of in this time of overwhelming environmental toxicity.

These products are not meant to compete with other vitamin/mineral mixes; they are designed to give as a top dress to remove heavy metals and environmental toxins from the body. The flagship product is VivoZeoComplete, a product that has a mineral detox base and a blend of antioxidants, blood flow enhancers and immune modulating ingredients. This product comes highly recommended with powerful field study results in the nutritional support of conditions such as laminitis (chronic and acute), insulin resistance/EMS, arthritis, slow healing injuries, and general aging concerns. It is also indicated for such inflammatory conditions as periodontal disease and inflammatory
bowel syndrome.

I see only too often that people search for answers in a desperate state only after disease has set in. A goal at VivoAnimals is to change this paradigm and encourage a healthy lifetime by minimizing the damage done by toxins.


Dr. Zamzow is a consultant for VivoAnimals. VivoAnimals provides cutting edge natural health solutions for the animal companions in our lives. www.animaldetox.com 1-877-848-6628
]]> http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/the-joy-of-pet-sitting.html http://www.animalloverworld.com/animal-information/the-joy-of-pet-sitting.html Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700
For committed animal lovers this service is long overdue. It affords your pet the opportunity to continue their regular routine and eating habits, and owners can enjoy their annual sabbatical, in the knowledge that their home is being lived, plants watered, and gardens tended whilst they are away.

But what about the pet sitters themselves? For them it is an opportunity not to be missed. The joy of meeting old friends and making new ones. On four legs and on two! Leaving for work each day and experiencing a job satisfaction that some of us can only dream about. Indeed pet sitters will always concur that they would never do anything else!

True it is strictly a job for dedicated animal lovers, but let us also remember that this work does not stop on a Friday evening, to be returned to on Monday morning. There are no rest breaks to replenish their batteries! When the phone rings at 10 pm on a Sunday evening and its poor Granny who has forgotten her hip operation and is being hospitalised the following day, now panicking about poor Kitty sitting blissfully unaware in front of a roaring fire.

Oh and don’t forget Gertie the Guinea Pig, who has just been violently attacked by the Roger the Rabbit, who has happily shared her enclosure for the previous 2 years. Why have they chosen the first day of your sit to act out the Gunfight at the O.K. Coral?

As if the flood in Mrs Smith’s kitchen last week wasn’t bad enough, and the broken pump in Mr Brown’s pond which left 2 Koi Carp floundering in a couple of inches of water!

Yes, the pet sitting industry is booming, and those pet sitters will continue to whistle as they work, knowing that they really wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world, and that the holiday they were planning to take, well, that will have to wait yet another year!

By Nina Cole - www.ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk


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