Favorite Foods For Pet Rabbits

Rabbits, just like people and all other animals, definitely have certain foods that they like to eat better than others. However, just like with people, these favorite foods are not always the best or most nutritious for them. An excess of a rabbit's favorite food can lead to serious health problems, like obesity and gastrointestinal issues. That being said, let's review some of the tastiest foods that rabbits love to eat!

Not surprisingly, if given the option, rabbits will always choose to eat human foods over rabbit foods. They love salty, sugary treats and snacks that many times even humans should not be eating. So, let's discard the option of human manufactured foods like candy or chips for your rabbit. What comes next? Well, probably other sweet foods like fruits! Rabbits love fruits like apples, peaches, cherries and strawberries. However these fruits are also very high in sugars and should be given very sparingly to your pet bunny (the guideline is about two tablespoons worth of fruits a day for a five pound bunny). If eaten in excess, these tasty and sugary treats will cause your rabbit to gain some serious, unwanted weight.

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After fruits a rabbit's next favorite food is probably vegetables. Rabbits love to nibble on all manner of different vegetables, including carrots, celery, basil, tomatoes and cilantro. Carrots and other starchy vegetables should be given in moderation. Also, celery should be cut up into one-inch sections to avoid problems with the fiber-like strands getting caught in your bunny's teeth. Rabbits love a wide variety of different herbs and vegetables, so experiment and see which kind your rabbit likes best!

Favorite Foods For Pet Rabbits

Lastly but most importantly, comes pellets and hay. Although a rabbit might opt to eat these last, they are the most vital to your rabbits diet and contribute the most essential nutrients to keep your rabbit healthy and happy. Be sure to provide your rabbit with a constant supply of quality pellets and timothy hay to keep him well nourished.

Favorite Foods For Pet Rabbits

Piranha Fish - Feeding Your Pet Piranhas

Contrary to common belief, piranhas do not only eat live food. In fact, they do not only eat meat. Piranhas are omnivores, which means that they can eat just about anything (meat as well as greens.) It is important to keep your piranha's diet varied. Piranhas can be taught to eat dead food. When feeding your piranha dead food, it might be best to splash it around a bit (to mimic live behavior) just long enough to grab your piranha's attention. When feeding your piranhas live food, it's extremely important to understand the risks involved. Many of these feeders are in poor health, and can carry diseases which may pass on to your piranhas. Make sure to quarantine any live feeders before feeding them to your piranhas.

HERE IS A LIST OF FOOD THAT YOUR PIRANHAS CAN ENJOY:

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Beef
Chicken
Crayfish
Cod
Eel
Earthworms
Krill
Pellets
Salmon
Shrimp
shall feeders (minnows, pinkies, frogs, etc...)
Small insects
Squid
Smelt
Sprats
Trout
Tuna

Piranha Fish - Feeding Your Pet Piranhas

Piranhas are not particularly picky fish when it comes to food. They will eat just about anything edible that is dropped into the tank. If you have just purchased your piranhas and they are not eating, do not worry. It might take your piranhas awhile before they start eating. Piranhas take time before they get comfortable and acquainted to their new environment, so they might not eat much during the first few days or even weeks. There are a couple of things that you can do to help speed up this process. You can:

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.
Piranhas do not like the light much. They come from murky waters so turning down the lights will help reduce their stress.

TURN UP THE TEMPERATURE SLIGHTLY.
Doing this will help stimulate your piranha's appetite. Be careful not to over-do it though. 1-2 degrees should be fine.

MAKE SURE TO GIVE YOUR PIRANHAS ENOUGH PLACES TO HIDE IN YOUR TANK.
Not doing so will leave your piranhas feeling exposed, and this will only prolong the settling down period.

The most important thing you can do is to give it time. Piranhas will not starve to death, so try feeding it a bit every once in awhile. After a certain period of time, your piranhas will get used to their new home and begin to feed normally.

Piranha Fish - Feeding Your Pet Piranhas

Pet Bird Allergies - 5 Curious Facts About Allergies and Pet Birds

Bird allergies are the number one in allergies that are pet related. And yet, over 6 million households in the United States own one or more pet birds. If you are one of those who has opened your home to a bird and suffer with bird related allergies, here are 5 facts about what you can do that will help.
 
Do all birds cause allergies? All birds and other warm-blooded animals have the potential of triggering allergies. It is often the protein in the dander, or dead skin, saliva, urine, and feces that can causes the adverse reaction thus causing sneezing, coughing, watery, eyes, runny nose, and congestion. These symptoms don't happen for everyone who has a bird, only to people whose bodies, for whatever reason, have sensitivity to the allergen. And if you are allergic, short of finding a new home for your bird, you must take proactive steps to mange their constant production of the allergen.
 
Will bathing my bird help? Bathing your bird will help remove the amount of dander available to go airborne when your bird preens, shakes, flies, flaps its wings or plays either inside or out of the cage. But before you get started with a bath regimen, be sure to consult your avian vet for a recommendation of frequency of baths, and products to use.
 
Will the furnishings I choose for the bird's room make a difference? Dander is invisible to the human eye, but it can attach to big particles like feathers, bird dust, upholstery curtains, carpet, and even the walls. Try trading carpet for linoleum, tile, or some other hard surface that is easy to clean. Area rugs that can be washed or cleaned can be used to soften the effect. Replace curtains with vertical blinds that trap fewer particles and are easier to clean. And use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter that will trap rather than spread particulates as you vacuum.
 
Will cleaning really make a difference? It will make a huge difference in the health of both you and your bird. The paper at the bottom of the cage with droppings should be replaced daily with fresh paper. Water should be changed as often as necessary to keep it fresh and to prevent mold from growing (and spores from becoming airborne), and to prevent your bird from becoming ill from ingesting mold. The floor should be vacuumed daily, the walls and floors should be mopped weekly, and the cage should be totally cleaned at least once a month. The cleaner you keep the bird room, the more you reduce the number of allergens that are likely to cause you and your bird problems.
 
Can anything get rid of airborne dander? Dander is an ongoing problem because its production is a very normal process of any healthy bird. But you can reduce dander to a low enough level to avoid a flare up of symptoms by using a high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) air purifier. These high powered cleaners are designed to remove particulates as small as .3 microns, and since bird dander is larger than that, it is easily trapped with this filter.
 
Cleaning the air will also remove other airborne triggers such as household dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pollen, bacteria, and viruses that can also irritate those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.

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Pet Bird Allergies - 5 Curious Facts About Allergies and Pet Birds

Pet Bird Allergies - 5 Curious Facts About Allergies and Pet Birds

Dealing With Pet Euthanasia

You own a pet. You love him. You do not regard him as just an animal anymore, more of companion, a friend, a family member. You share moments together. Sometimes, you do not realize that you are talking to your pet like you would talk to anyone else. And you did not expect that this day would come - euthanasia... mercy killing your beloved pet. Can you really do it? How would you know if it is really time?

Knowing if it is time

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Most cases of pet euthanasia involve health problems. It is either that the pet is severely sick, or extremely old. The veterinarian would then suggest euthanasia when your pet cannot regain its health anymore. Deciding to do it is very serious, and never easy to ponder, even if it the kindest thing you can do for your pet, a quiet death.

Dealing With Pet Euthanasia

Deciding if euthanasia is best is always a difficult choice. You need to ask for several opinions, most of the time close friends and family, including your veterinarian. You have to consider everything that is best for your beloved pet... you should think about all the options you have.

You know if it is the right time when he cannot enjoy your moments together. Your pet cannot respond to you anymore. And you noticed that he is experiencing pain more than ever before. It is also an option if the pet has a disease that cannot be cured, or treating him is beyond your financial status. For the options stated, euthanasia is the option.

However, if the animal is healthy but his behavior becomes abnormal, euthanasia may be necessary. Discuss the options with your veterinarian if your pet becomes dangerous.

Your attachment to your pet could be understood by the veterinarian, so he could determine whether there are any possibilities or hope for recovery. The decision for euthanasia would not come from your veterinarian, you have to understand the medical condition of your pet. If there are some things that you don't understand regarding you pet's diagnosis, you should ask. You need time to think about the decision.

Once made, you need to discuss the proper caring for the remains of your pet's remains with your veterinarian and your family. Alternatives on burial and cremation will be provided by your veterinarian.

What to expect

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian at a time when there are fewer other patients. It could the first one in the morning or the last one in the day. It is your right to take the remains of your pet home, or you can leave your pet with the veterinarian for cremation or burial. Ask what will be done after your pet is put to sleep.

You can be present inside the surgery or exam room during the process. Most owners cannot stand it when the moment comes. It will always be your preference whether or not to be there. But many veterinarians advise you to be there in your pet's crucial moment when he is put to sleep. It is also acceptable to cry. You lose someone dear to you, so it is expected.

When the euthanasia solution is going to be administered by the veterinarian, an assistant will help to hold your pet. It depends on you whether you want to hold your pet while the euthanasia solution is being injected. After administering the solution, it takes six to twelve seconds before the pet takes a deep breath and grows weak, then lapse into deep sleep. In its unconscious state, the pet may continue to breathe, and then the muscle movements will stop.

Expect that you will experience grief after your pet's passing. It often brings up memories of other losses in one's life. Death has a contagious sadness that makes you feel helpless and depressed. You might need to talk to someone who understands your sadness. Just remember, you are not alone in sadness.

Your pet's life cycle is much shorter than a human's. And death is part of the life cycle. You have to understand that it can't be avoided. The grief you are experiencing can be helped by your family, friends, and others who can understand you. Recall moments that you had with your beloved pet. You can also contribute to a charity as a memorial to honor to your pet.

Dealing With Pet Euthanasia

Finding Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities

Here is good news for all college and university bound pet-loving students: pet friendly colleges and universities are on the increase. Presently, there are still many student accommodations that do not allow pets, but don't despair. If you simply cannot bear the thought of leaving your beloved pet at home for months on end while you are at university, then you should be able to find a pet friendly university or college. They are out there.

Just about every college has the policy of disapproving of students keeping pets This is so for a number of reasons. Pets are usually considered to be smelly, noisy, and capable of biting, or scratching. Another major concern is that some students may be allergic. Also, there is the possibility that once the novelty of having the pet has worn off, and the students get busy with their academic (and social) activities, they may neglect or abandon their pets. This would not be beneficial for other students, and certainly neither would it be beneficial for the pet.

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There is a very positive development occurring. Many authorities are starting to realize that having pets can be very beneficial. For one thing, they are a great stress reliever. It also appears that pet owners tend to be happier and more relaxed than non-pet owners. Having pets around can be very beneficial for university students. It can help them cope with the stress of exams when that time comes around. Pets can also help lessen the initial feeling of homesickness at the start of term.

Finding Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities

The Biggest Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities

The closest to being pet friendly colleges and universities as far as most are concerned, is to allow fish or small reptiles. That seems "safe" enough, doesn't it? Naturally, guide dogs and other service animals are allowed. However, in recent years, many more colleges and universities are permitting certain animals on a trial basis. This is good news for college bound students who would prefer to head off to college with their pets.

Two major and well known universities allow cats that have been spayed or neutered, namely MIT and UCLA. They also require that the animals innoculations are all up to date, and that the animal be registered with the campus housing office. Every resident on the floor has to approve the cat before it can stay there "" to avoid issues with allergies, for example.

Eckered College has special 'pet dorms' where cats and dogs are allowed, although they have to weigh less than 40 pounds, and again, all vaccinations have to be up to date. Stephens College will allow cats, dogs and rabbits in one of its halls, but only on the first floor, so pet friendly 'places' are limited.

Vassar College have had a pet friendly policy since 1971, although they operate a voting system and require that at least 75% of the residents in a dorm vote in favor of allowing pets before the dorm becomes a 'pet dorm'.

CALTEC will allow cats in their dorms, as will the State University of New Your. The University of Pennsylvania will allow hamsters, birds, and rabbits.

As you can see, many prestigious colleges and universities will allow pets. An increasing number is considering the possibility each year, so when you apply be sure to ask about whether pets are allowed at the university. You may be delighted to discover that you can take your pet with you when the term starts.

Finding Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities

Pet Loss Support - The Seven Worst Things To Say When Someone Has Lost A Pet

When a friend or loved one has lost their pet it is often very hard to know what to say to help. With over 200 million pets owned in the United States most of us will, at one time or another, be called upon to support an important person in our life as they experience the often times devastating loss of a pet. While it may be very hard to know what to say, an important part of supporting the loved one is to know what not to say:

1. " It was just a dog (fill in here: cat, horse, bird, rabbit, gerbil, etc)" - There are millions of households in America who have chosen to own a pet, often as a very important part of their family. The love that a pet owner shares with this pet is indeed a unique and special part of your loved one's life and should never be minimized as "just a..." anything.

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2. " If losing a pet is doing this to you, I would hate to see what you would do if you lost something really important, like a child" - This cannot be a helpful thing to say under any circumstance. While this attempt at "tough love" may seem like it will shake the loved one out of their misery, don't say it. As someone once said, "never be a party to someone's deepest pain; you may never be forgiven for it".

Pet Loss Support - The Seven Worst Things To Say When Someone Has Lost A Pet

3. " At least you won't have the kitty litter (carpet spots, horse stall, cage) to deal with anymore" - Many times with the loss of a pet, those are just the routines that a pet owner misses the very most. The daily reminder that those chores are no longer necessary while seemingly freeing to someone from the outside can be a very painful part of the loss of a pet.

4. "They are in a better place" - While a very nice thought, in the beginning throes of a loss, it can also be a very discomforting thought. To a pet owner the "best place" for their pet is in their home or in their arms. A responsible pet owner feels responsible for every aspect of their pet's wellbeing and the bereaved pet owner may feel that they are letting their pet down by not "being there" any longer for them.

5. "You can get another dog (fill in here: cat, horse, bird, rabbit, gerbil, etc)" - The bereaved pet owner know this, it doesn't have to be stated right away. Often a pet owner will need time to process their loss before they can contemplate bringing another pet into their lives. Many bereaved pet owners feel that they would be "unfaithful" to their beloved pet in finding another so quickly. Some actually do need to fill the space immediately with another pet. This suggestion can remain unspoken in the beginning of the grieving period.

6. "I thought you were prepared for this" or "You have known this was coming" - Even though the bereaved pet owner may have been dealing with an aging or ill pet for a long period of time, the actual loss is something that really cannot be fully anticipated. Each pet loss is unique, even for the experienced pet owner who has traveled down the path of pet loss before. While often prepared for the process, the finality of the event and the acceptance of facing the days ahead without their pet's presence is something that pet owners need to deal with in their own way.

7. "Enough time has passed, you should be getting over this by now" or "It's time to move on" - Time actually is the only thing that will get the bereaved pet owner in a "better place" with their loss but sometimes it can take a very long time. Every pet owner processes their loss at a different pace and the best thing that a loved one can do is wait and be gentle and patient. Perhaps some lovingly suggested pet loss support groups, online pet loss sites or helpful pet loss books would be a better approach.

While it can be very hard to know for sure what to say when a loved one in your life is facing the loss of a beloved pet here are two simple suggestions which are guaranteed to be on the list of "Things To Say When Someone Has Lost A Pet":

"I Love You" and "I am so sorry" Say them softly and say them often.

Pet Loss Support - The Seven Worst Things To Say When Someone Has Lost A Pet

How to Buy Pet Meds From Australia

No matter if you're a dog lover or a cat lover, there is no reason why you can't get top quality pet meds and save money at the same time. This is particularly pertinent given the current global economic condition.

Saving money on genuine pet medicines can be achieved by looking beyond your local market and assessing prices in different regions and countries. The manufacturer/distributor will price their products differently depending on the regional market they are selling in. They will typically price to maximise their profit, rather than the associated costs in research & development, mass-production and marketing.

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Based on extensive investigation and comparisons of hundreds of online pet meds stores, I have been able to conclude that Australian prices for pet medications are amongst the lowest in the developed English-speaking world. This is taking into consideration the major countries such as USA, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Factor in the cost of shipping from Australia to your door (typically around ) and you're very likely to be still pocketing a significant saving.

How to Buy Pet Meds From Australia

But you might ask...what are the associated risks or areas of concern when buying pet medications abroad from countries like Australia?

One:  What is the risk of fraud or receiving counterfeit pet meds?

There is no value in risking your pet's health to potentially fake or counterfeit pet medications. If you want to save money, generally speaking, Australian websites can sell much for much cheaper without some of the associated risks of buying from unknown or questionable countries.

Australia is an advanced economy, so the economic penalties of conducting fraud or selling counterfeit pet meds are high. Australian-based vendors simply wouldn't risk it. You should be able to buy with confidence that you'll get genuine pet medications from Australia.

Two: Are there any notable differences between Australian-based pet meds and those sold in my home country?

The petmeds themselves that are sold throughout the world are typically manufactured in the same factory. As the petmeds roll off the production line they are stamped and packaged with the appropriate regulatory information depending on the regional market it will be sold in. For instance, Australian pet meds will not have the FDA and EPA regulatory information printed on the packaging. Additionally, Australian uses the metric system so the boxes will be labelled in kilograms and grams as opposed to pounds and ounces.

Other than packaging and labelling, there are no other differences in the pet medicine. The pet medications will be equally as effective, with the same mode of application (e.g. topical solution on the back of the neck in-between the shoulder blades), etc.

To wrap up the following are the key advantages in buying Pet Meds Online, from stores based in Australia.

The Pet Meds (i.e. the tablets and vials) are typically manufactured off the same global production line and then boxed up for each country for sale. Based on my own personal research Australia Pet Meds are amongst the cheapest available. Therefore, if you buy Pet Meds from Australia, you can rest assured that your pet will be treated with genuine petmeds without compromising on quality.

Additionally, for the same petmed, different countries will have different regulatory laws determining whether it can be only sold with a prescription or OTC (over the counter). Experience has shown that OTC pet meds end up being typically more cost effective than those requiring a prescription. There is quite a significant range of pet meds that do not require a prescription for sale in Australia and therefore there are quite significant savings that can potentially be passed onto the buyer.

However, it is always strongly advised that you consult your vet before purchasing any pet medications online.

How to Buy Pet Meds From Australia