Saturday

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pet Spider

Nowadays, people are wanting more and more unusual creatures to keep as pets. For some, having the normal dog or cat as a pet is too “average” and they would like to spice things up a bit more. Therefore, insects, arachnids and other interesting species are becoming popular in the pet market. Spiders, especially, are becoming an icon for nice household pets.

Tarantulas and wolf spiders are the most common types of arachnids “infesting” homes. Some of the advantages of having spiders as pets are:

- They are quiet and clean.
- Spiders don’t need a lot of living space.
- They can be interesting to observe.
- Pet spiders don’t need much interaction or socialization.
- Less expensive to maintain.
- Can serve as valuable and unique learning tools for people of all ages.

However, there are a few obvious downfalls of owning such a pet. For one, spiders are venomous. By pure nature, they’ll bite and could, quite possibly, cause major harm to their handler. Spiders don’t only cause harm through biting. Tarantulas, when agitated or scared, have hairs that could cause skin irritation or vision damage if near the eye. Another disadvantage would be that spiders don’t usually like interaction. They’re also quite fragile. If a person were to handle a tarantula and accidentally drop it, the abdomen could rupture and cause instant death. No fun, right?

Either way, for a person who doesn’t necessarily want a high maintenance pet, a spider could be a nice companion. The owner simply needs to remember the pros and cons of what they are caring for.

Friday

What to do if You’re Traveling with Fish

Traveling from one place to another can be tiring and slightly difficult, especially with a fish. Fish require special treatment, obviously. They don’t breathe the same way people do; they eat different foods and live in an entirely different environment. All and all, fish need plenty of water. Therefore, traveling with a fish can be quite hazardous.

Luckily, there are some tips for a traveling fish owner that are decently easy to follow. When taking the fish with you, be sure to obtain a smash-proof container. A pail with air holes or a sturdy plastic bag could also work. Fill a third of the container with water from their aquarium and place the fish in. If using a plastic bag, be sure to double bag it and tie with a rubber band. However, keep in mind that, even though the bag is doubled, it can be very easy to puncture. Be sure to bring plenty of backups in case of emergency.

When loading up whichever vehicle you are using for transportation, make sure to keep the fish container in an easily accessible spot. For every four to six hours, it is recommended that the fish owner open the container to let in fresh air. Before the trip begins, it is suggested that the owner bring as much of the original aquarium water as possible. This allows the fish owner to change out the water in the container so that the fish can be cleaner. The fish should be placed into the aquarium as soon as the owner arrives at the end destination.

Sunday

How to Travel with Birds

In my mind, birds are one of the most unusual kinds of animal for a person to bring with them on a trip. Small birds, such as canaries, finches and budgies are birds that a very easily startled. Thus, they don’t necessarily work well when it comes to traveling on a plane. On the other hand, bigger birds, such as cockatoos and macaws, like to travel. Traveling gives them the chance to become excited about the rest of the world and sparks their curiosity. Also, if they are left alone at home, they can suffer separation anxiety.

Contrary to popular belief, traveling with birds isn’t difficult. However, there are still some essential tips to keep in mind when bringing your bird buddies along. First, a person should access the routine of the bird and if they will be able to maintain that same pattern. Young birds haven’t established a difficult routine yet but more mature birds may have a certain way of living that they do not want to change. Both of you will most likely have to compensate on some things.

When traveling, be sure to make time for your bird. Ask questions like: How long can they comfortably stay in their cage? Will I have time for them when I arrive at my destination? Is it legal to take my bird into this country or state? All of these are essential questions to gain important knowledge so that the trip doesn’t get ruined in the end. Also, it is recommended to get your bird vaccinated for any potential sicknesses (this also prevents their ‘normal’ sicknesses from infecting other countries/states).

What Are Some of the Most Unusual Pets?

Within the world, there a lot of different animals! The animals that people tend to keep at pets only cover a small portion of all the creatures that inhabit the world. However, even thinking “outside of the box” doesn’t fuller cover all the kinds of creatures that can be kept as a pet. A few of the most unusual pets are: wallabies, tarantulas, piranhas, potbellied pigs, Madagascar hissing cockroach, skunks, the “Pac man” frog, sugar gliders, hermit crabs, and stick insects.

When it comes to owning a piranha, a person should not be faint of heart. This creature is known to live up to its Hollywood title as being vicious and doesn’t necessarily hesitate to bite whatever comes its way. Be careful! Now, on the other hand, tarantulas aren’t so bad. Contrary to what they are known for, tarantulas are not usually dangerous or aggressive. This animal is becoming quite popular mainly because of their interesting and low-maintenance nature.

The most unusual pet, in my opinion, would have to be the Madagascar hissing cockroach. I find it completely unique how people actually own such a creature as a pet! This roach can grow up to three inches long and over an inch wide. Luckily, they do not bite and are, in fact, great pets for children to be around. The Madagascar hissing cockroach is quite clean, odorless, docile and harmless creatures.

Friday

Should I keep my cat in or outside of my home?

As a pet owner, you should decide if you are going to keep your cat on the inside or outside of your home. If you have allergies, you would have to take the proper medications so that you would be able to tolerate your cat.

Your home must be house proof before you bring your cat home. Here are some things you can do whether you decide to keep your cat in or outside of your home.

1. Protect your valuables. Keep all your most important items put away, because cats like to roam around and get into things.
2. Protect your furniture. If you have cotton fabric, it is not a good idea to keep a pet in your home. Pets has long claws and they love to run and jump on furniture.
3. Train your pet. Take your cat to obedience school so he or she may learn obedient measures.

Most cats carry fleas and ticks and if your cat lives your home you will be open to having them in your home. There are many cats who live indoors, but they can also survive outdoors as well. If your cat is outdoors, be sure and keep them gated so they won’t wonder and get lost. If your cat is inside and you have to leave be sure and open a window so that your cat will have air to breathe. Your house will suffocate of cat hairs if your windows are sealed shut.

The choice of keeping your pet indoors or outside is very important. The information above has been proven to help pet owners make wise decisions while taking care of their pet. Your decision should be based not only on your family but the neighbors that lives around you.


Tuesday

What to do When Traveling with Reptiles

It seems like, nowadays, people are traveling more and more with their animals. Creatures of all kinds are popping up in airports and flying below the deck of an airplane. Now, with all of those animals, there come many precautions, careful preparations and extensive safety procedures. One of the most difficult types of animals to travel with are reptiles.

Reptiles, even in their home environment, can be quite troublesome. They need specific amounts of heat, certain foods (insects, etc) and their cages might need to be cleaned daily. With that being said, can you imagine how difficult it’d be to pack up a reptile to travel on an airplane for a couple of hours? There are, however, pet carriers made especially for traveling reptiles. Said carriers are usually made from cardboard. They aren’t necessarily long time use carriers but they get the job done for small airplane trips. The boxes have small vent holes which, quite obviously, allow the reptile to breathe.

Lucky for reptiles, though, they don’t necessarily have to be stored below the seating area of the plane. Of course, that all varies on how the airline company is. Some airlines may want the reptiles to be away from other passengers or they may allow them to be counted as a carry-on. Either way, it is suggested that the pet owner make sure the traveling box is as comfortable as possible. Being confined in a dark, unfamiliar and, most possibly, cold space may cause the reptiles great stress which could affect it in negative ways later on.

Monday

Keeping the Fleas away from your Pet

Keeping the Fleas away from your Pet

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Keeping the Fleas away from your Pet

Many fleas try and live and dwell in the fur of most pets. If your pet lives in your home, you want to definitely keep fleas away from your pet. Most pets can become allergic to fleas which will cause them to become sick. Most local stores in your city will have multiple creams and ointments that you can use to protect your pet from fleas.

The most common sign that your pet has fleas is persistent scratching and biting parts of his body. Be sure and get him checked out once you see the signs. If the scratching persists then you can take a part of his hair and have it inspected by a pet doctor. The pet doctor will be able to determine what is the cause of the fleas.

Your pet should be cleaned daily to prevent any type of diseases from attaching itself to him. Your pet should wear a flea collar daily. There are numerous types of cleansers that will protect your pet such as sprays, creams, and soaps.

The most important thing is to disinfect your home with the right solution that will get the fleas out of your home. Fleas can hide away in carpet as well as plants in your home.

Here are some ways you can disinfect your home from fleas;

1. Remove the cushions from your home and have them professionally cleaned.
2. Take your rugs and shake them outdoors.
3. Spray a flea repellant on your plants and outside patio area.