Rabbits Diet: Is your rabbit eating right?
Rabbits Diet: Is your rabbit eating right?
The typical diet for a pet rabbit consists of water, hay, pellets, fresh vegetables, and its own caecal pellets. Fruit and other treats are given only in very limited quantities, as they can cause obesity in a rabbit. Rabbits require a constant water supply as they dehydrate quickly.
Most sources recommend 80% of the diet should be Timothy hay or another grass hay. Too many vegetables in a rabbit’s diet typically leads to diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Pellets
Rabbits are generally fed a pelleted feed available from pet stores, supermarkets, and farm suppliers. Pellets were originally designed for rabbit breeders for the purpose of providing as much food energy and vitamins as inexpensively as possible. This is optimal when the rabbits are being bred for food or for experimentation.
Most sources recommend a minimum of 18% fiber, low protein (14?15%), and less than 1% calcium. Depending on the amount of vegetables available, an adult rabbit should be given between 20 ml to 40 ml per kilogram (? and ? cup of pellets per 6 pounds) body weight daily. Pre-adolescent and adolescent rabbits (7 months and younger) can be given as much pelleted diet as they can consume, although additional vegetables are preferable to additional pellets. An older rabbit (over six years) can be given more pellets if they are having difficulty maintaining a steady body weight. Timothy hay-based pellets are great for rabbits that have stopped growing and do not need to gain weight. Alfalfa-based pellets are best only for young, growing rabbits or older rabbits who are under-weight.
Hay
Hay is essential for the health of all rabbits. A steady supply of hay will help prevent gastrointestinal stasis and other digestive tract problems in rabbits. Additionally, it provides a number of necessary vitamins and minerals at a low food energy cost. Rabbits enjoy chewing on hay, and always having hay available for the rabbit may reduce its tendency to chew on other items. Timothy hay and other grass hays are considered the healthiest to provide the rabbit. As a persistently high blood calcium level can prove harmful to the rabbit, hays such as alfalfa and clover hay should be avoided. Alfalfa is also relatively high in food energy, and a constant diet of it can cause obesity in rabbits.
Treats
Treats are unhealthy in large quantities for rabbits, just as they are for humans. Most treats sold in pet stores are filled with sugar and high food energy carbohydrates. If an owner is determined to feed the rabbit treats, the best treat to provide it with is fruit.
Acceptable fruits (seeds and pits MUST be removed): Banana, Mango, Pineapple, Peach, Apple, Kiwi, Berries, Orange and other citrus fruits.
Pineapple, mango, and papaya all contain a natural enzyme which is thought to reduce hairballs.
Fruits or other treats must be given in moderation, as rabbits easily become overweight and suffer health problems. Their diet should consist of no more than half a tablespoon of fruits or treats per day.
However, fresh fruits should not be given to rabbits under the age of 4 months because their digestive systems are not always developed enough to handle the fruit. It can cause enteritis that causes death within 48 hours.
While a common myth that rabbits should be given lettuce, this is not a good idea because it contains little to no nutritional value for the rabbit and again can cause enteritis which leads to a quick death.
Caecal pellets
Do not be alarmed if you see your rabbit eat some of his feces. These are called cecal pellets, and are a vital part of his diet. Caecal pellets are soft, smelly, clumpy feces, and are a rabbit’s only supply of Vitamin B12. Due to the design of the rabbit’s digestive system, they cannot extract some vitamins and minerals directly from their food. At the end of their digestive system is an area called the caecum where cellulose and other plant fibers are broken down and ferment. After they have been broken down and passed, a rabbit’s digestive system can finally extract the vitamins from them.
Hagar lagarto is a long time Pet lover with many articles and websites on the subject.You can get much more info at <a href=http://pet.freehostia.com>http://pet.freehostia.com</a>
Flea Control: The In's and Out's of Getting Rid of those Pesky Critters
Bleh ” fleas! Tis the season ” are you prepared? It s not just at home where you need to be ready either. Different geographical areas have different climate conditions so the flea season varies depending on where you are ” keep that in mind whether you are at home or traveling. Something else to be aware of is that fleas, in various stages of their disgusting lives, can survive indoors even during the cold weather. Following are some helpful facts about fleas and information on how you can prevent them from infesting your pets and your home. Even though there are more than 2,000 known species and subspecies of fleas, only one class of flea called the cat flea is to blame for almost all the fleas found on cats and dogs in the United States. What is really daunting is that there is evidence of fleas dating all the way back to the dinosaur era which means they obviously aren t going away by themselves ” all the more reason to do something to protect your pets and family. Most fleas can survive for an average of two to three months without food which is actually the blood they suck from their hosts . A female flea consumes 15 times her own body weight in blood daily! You should also know that while adult fleas suck blood from a cat, dog or other mammal, their larvae live and feed on organic debris in the host animal’s environment ” that s your home! Be aware that some fleas can jump 150 times their own length ” that compares to a human jumping 1,000 feet. So if you happen to see one flea, there may be more than 100 offspring or adults looming nearby in furniture, carpeting or on your pet. Now let s talk about how to prevent these gross little parasites from getting into your life and how to get rid of them if they do. As a pet owner, one of your main responsibilities is to keep your pet healthy. Taking them to the vet for their annual check ups is very important. While you re there, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about a flea prevention method for your furry friends such as Advantage, Advantix or Frontline. Certain products can also help to prevent ticks in addition to fleas. If you see fleas on your pets or in your home, take action immediately. Not only are fleas a huge annoyance, but they can also transmit diseases and tapeworm. If your home becomes infested, you will probably need to purchase flea bombs ” make sure read and adhere to the directions carefully and contact your vet to get further advice and relief for your pet and family.
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6 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health
Not only does a pet offer unconditional love, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits too. Pets Help lower blood pressure, lesson anxiety, boost our immunity and if you;ve got a cute pooch, they can even help get you dates. Allergy fighters: experts suggest kids growing up in a home with “furred animals” will have less risk of allergies and asthma, and strengthened immunity. Date magnets: a dog is a natural conversation starter. Pets help ease people out of social isolation or shyness. Dogs for the aged: caring for a pet - for elderly people who are able - can provide exercise and companionship. Emotional well-being: the pet-human relationship can help to ease loneliness and decrease depression. Playing with pets can help to alleviate stress. Exercise: walking or running your dog each day provides a good level of physical activity which can reduce stress, control weight, and enhance mood. Good for the heart: heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without, according to several studies, and pet owners have less sign of heart disease than non-owners. So enjoy the time you have with your favorite animal - your health will benefit in more ways than you know!
Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of <a href="http://astronutrition.com/">AstroNutrition</a> - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements.
Learn More About Pet Health And What You Can Do To Improve It
If you own a pet, you know how frustrating it can be when they get sick and nothing seems to get them better. Visits to the vet, drugs, pills, shampoos … it seems as though they will be sick forever. The problem usually lies in their food. Nutrition, or lack thereof, is the number one factor that determines a pet’s health. Store bought commercial pet food lacks almost all the nutrients that pets need. To make matters worse, they are loaded with toxic chemicals, synthetic preservatives, and discarded animal parts that you would never knowingly give your beloved pet. Even ‘premium’ store bought pet foods lack the proper nutrition that your pet requires. They also usually contain most of the same dangerous chemicals that the cheaper brands do. It’s all about slick marketing and advertising. Unfortunately, once again, it’s all about the money. However, there is hope. There are a handful of companies that really do care about your precious pup or fuzzy feline. They manufacture top quality, human grade, natural and organic pet foods that have everything your little friend needs, and nothing they don’t. The best part is that they usually don’t cost much more than the store brands, sometimes even less. Because they are so nutrient dense, you normally will feed your pet less because they won’t need as much in their bowl. This makes every bag last longer and will actually save you money. Even the best pet foods usually lack a few vitamins, minerals, or important nutrients. This is where nutritional supplements come in. There is a very wide range of products available and you need to know exactly what you are buying. Consulting a pet nutritionist or holistic veterinarian is usually a good idea if you plan on treating your pet without drugs. There are specific alternative remedies for every condition or ailment out there. Most are very effective. Do a little research on the Internet for organic or natural pet food, nutritional supplements, holistic or homeopathic pet remedies, etc. You will see thousands of resources listed, but the top 4 or 5 will usually be reputable companies that can be trusted. The more you read, the more you will learn and can then make informed decisions about the health and nutrition of your pet.
Learn about <a href="http://www.healthy-pet-supplies.com">pet health</a> and how healthy, natural pet food and supplements can help. Holistic remedies and natural alternatives provided.
Easter Candy Can Kill Your Pet!
For millions of families, the celebration of Easter includes Easter baskets filled with sweet treats galore ? chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, sugary jelly beans and snack-size versions of nearly every candy product imaginable.
As parents, we often warn our children ?Now don?t eat too much or you?ll make yourself sick.? At worst, a child who stuffs him or herself with chocolate may develop nausea and a stomachache.
But for our furry friends who get into the Easter goodies, ?getting sick? may be the least of it. Many of the sweet treats mentioned above can actually be fatal to dogs, cats and other small animals (such as ferrets.)
As responsible pet owners, it?s our job to protect our pets from harm. And though pet owners routinely give their companion animals human food, this is almost always a mistake.
Yes, many pets prefer to eat what we eat. Yes, household pets (especially dogs) really like sweet, sugary foods. And yes, it feels good to pamper Fido or Fluffy by giving them ?just a little taste? of what we?re having for su pper. But many of the foods that humans enjoy can not only cause illness for your beloved dog or cat, they can even be fatal. And given how small a cat or dog is compared to a human, sometimes it doesn?t take much.
Chocolate is one of the most deadly foods for pets (both cats and dogs; dark chocolate is worst, white chocolate has the lowest risk). It?s not only high in fat (pets don?t need lots of fat any more than humans do), it contains two nervous system stimulants, caffeine and theobromine. The fat can make your pet vomit or cause diarrhea ? unpleasant, but usually not fatal.
But it?s the stimulants that sometimes cause death. Theobromine is both a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. A dog that ingests an overdose of chocolate may be fine at first, but will probably become excited and hyperactive within a few hours. It may pass large quantities of urine and become unusually thirsty. The theobromine will cause your pet?s heart rate to accelerate or beat irregularly, either of which can cause death (especially with exercise.)
But it?s not just chocolate that?s the problem. All sugary foods can cause dental problems, lead to obesity, and contribute to diabetes in pets, too. So be sure to keep your stash of chocolate securely out of your pet?s reach.
Children are notorious for sorting and trading candy, so make sure they don?t leave candy laying around (or candy wrappers, either, which can cause choking)
And don?t forget how flexible and persistent a pet can be when it smells something yummy in a trash bin or garage sack, either.
If you do have reason to think that your pet has gotten into the candy, call your vet and describe their symptoms. (Symptoms of chocolate toxicity are nervousness, vomiting, shaking, and overreacting to noises, touch, lights, et cetera.)
If your vet is closed, call an emergency vet center. If you don?t have one of those in your area you can call one of the national animal poison control lines such as the Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680. (There is usually a fee for this service.)
It is up to you to make sure that Easter candy and other dangerous foods are kept securely out of the reach of your household pets ? so your whole family can enjoy the holiday!
For a free Pet Poison Hotsheet with lists of household foods, products and plants that are toxic for pets, plus emergency poison information, visit <a href="http://www.healthyrecipesforpets.com" title="http://www.healthyrecipesforpets.com" target="_blank">http://www.healthyrecipesforpets.com</a> and sign up for the free newsletter.
Looking For Cheap Pet Meds?
I love animals as much as the next guy. In fact I can almost guarantee you that I love them even more, how many people do you know that spent $15,000 on a sick cat all at once? I have been there with the sick animals and I know how expensive it can be and I also know that you can practically bankrupt yourself if you are not careful. That is why it is so important for everyone who owns animals to know where they can get cheap pet meds without having to sacrifice any quality.
There are a couple of different groups of pet meds. There are the ones that help to prevent your animal from getting so sick they need surgery or other more drastic measure and then there are the ones that they need when they are already very ill. They are both expensive but the difference is that if you get the good ones right away you may be able to avoid getting to the more serious and expensive stage. But where can you find thee pet meds?
The best place to shop for pet meds no matter what kind of animal you have is online. The Internet makes everything fast, simple and cheap. Why do you think that we all have it? No one likes to pay more than they have to for anything and when you start shopping on the internet you are going to notice that you have a lot more money floating around than ever before.
You can find all kinds of great pet meds on the Internet from all over the world. No matter where you live you can get some of the top name brand meds shipped to you that very same day. This is wonderful because sometimes you don?t have a long time to wait, you animal needs the medications now.
You do need to be careful though, just as you do when shopping for your own medication. The ones that you choose should be from a reputable manufacturer. Don?t go with cheap meds just because they are cheap, go with them because you know they are worth a lot but you are getting a good price on them. Your goal should be to find the best quality medications for a fraction of what you would pay from the vet.
You need to also find out just how much shipping the store or company is gong to charge you. This is vital because it does you no good to save on the price of the pet meds only have to pay triple what you excited on the shipping. Also be sure to get an exact timeframe for when the pet meds will be delivered. Get them to guarantee it in writing if you can, heck, if you are saving a lot you can even afford to get the super fast shipping. Think about it because your animal needs the medicine now. If it is gong to be a couple of days then talk to your vet about him or her giving you just enough to get you through until your shipment arrives.
Lavinia Snider is the owner of <a href="http://www.easypetmeds.info">Easy Pet Meds</a>. All you need to know about pet medication along with the best places to buy cheap pet meds online.
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Health Benefits of Cat Ownership
Health Benefits of Cat Ownership
You love your cats for the companionship that they provide. A sympathetic ear, great listening skills, and boundless affection are all great side benefits of cat ownership, but your cat may actually be doing more for you than you think. Recent studies have shown that keeping pets has a positive impact on your health and well being, especially when that pet is a cat.
General Health Benefits
Studies have proven that having contact with a pet is very calming and soothing, and have backed up this conjecture with medical facts. Vital signs taken after an individual s interaction with a pet show positive effects on the blood pressure, pulse, and breathing frequency, and the results of these tests are surprisingly similar to the body s condition after deep meditation. Some studies have even indicated that having pets reduces stress and results in a lowered risk of heart disease.
Cats and dogs ” but especially cats ” have been used in some hospitals and nursing homes as a kind of therapy for the bedridden and ill. The warmth of their furry bodies and open, purring friendship can drastically influence a person s state of mind for the better. A study conducted in the states of New York, Missouri, and Texas found that nursing homes that allowed pets had lower medication costs than those that didn t.
Lowered stress and increased calmness could be the cause, but studies over the last twenty years have also shown that people who own pets are much healthier than their non-pet owning counterparts; they are often less-prone to minor illnesses like colds and influenza, score better on psychological tests, and claim to feel a greater sense of well-being.
Children and Cats
Adults are not the only ones who benefit from caring for a cat. Children who have participated in the raising of a pet have shown higher self esteem levels, better social skills, and a greater sense of responsibility toward others. For young children and infants, exposure to cats at a young age can also help the child develop resistance to allergens and asthma.
Seniors and Cats
Older adults often lack companionship, social connections and opportunities for recreation during their retirement years. Owning a cat can significantly boost the health and happiness of a senior, giving them a feeling of purpose and the knowledge that they are needed.
Cats are ideal pets for seniors as they are relatively low-maintenance in comparison to dogs. They don t need formal exercise like regular walks, or constant trips to the backyard, since they take care of their own exercise routine during play and confine their bathroom habits to a single area.
Cat ownership has been shown to improve the general health and well-being of men with HIV, reduce the loneliness of single women living by themselves, and even help victims of heart disease recover more quickly after a heart attack. Next time you re cuddling with your cat on the couch, tossing that rubber ball across the linoleum for the sixty-third time, or even cleaning a hairball off the rug, remember that your cat might be doing a lot more for you than you think.
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Natural Dog Health Care: Giving Man's Best Friend A Longer Life
It is important to give your dog the best life you can possibly provide. That includes taking care of all her needs.
Having a pet is not so different from having a child. Your dog depends on and trusts you to ensure that all its needs are taken care of.
This means making sure it gets regular check ups and vaccinations. That is the unwritten contract you sign when you have a pet.
And just like your body, your dog?s body has special needs–and you need to find out how best to meet them if you want to improve your pet’s quality of life.
Choosing natural dog health care means that you have taken a pro-active decision to do the best you can for your dog. It also means that you will dedicate yourself to this decision.
Natural dog care also means that you provide the best natural pet products for your dog. This will ensure that your dog stays healthy and enjoys a long life.
Natural dog health care also means that you need to know your dog?s needs. Because just like us humans, your dog has its own unique needs that can only be met by the right products. You need to know that your dog is counting on you to know what is right for it.
That is when natural dog health care can be of benefit to you and your dog. You will easily meet your dog?s daily demands and it will be of no effort at all.
You have to be sure that the products you purchase for your dog are not working against your dog immune system, but with it to ensure that your dog is getting healthy and strong.
By knowing what to get, you will be able to make the right decision.
Talk to your vet about natural dog health care; and ask them if they can advise you on what the best products are that will ensure you that you are giving your dog the best natural care possible.
Joan Winthorp has always been fascinated by dogs. If you are a "dog lover" then the Joans website at <a href="http://www.my-dog-training-secrets.com" title="http://www.my-dog-training-secrets.com" target="_blank">http://www.my-dog-training-secrets.com</a> was written just for you.
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