According to the infectious agent, zoonoses can be: parasites, protozoa, helminths (nematodes, cestodes and trematodes), fungi, bacteria, viruses and pria. So many people all around the world have no idea how many disease (some of these diseases are pretty scary) are there. But if you read this article you’re lucky, because now you’ll see a partial list of these diseases (zoonosis):

Anthrax

Babesiosis

Balantidiasis

Barmah Forest virus

Bartonellosis

Bilharzia

Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

Brucellosis

Borrelia (Lyme disease and others)

Borna virus infection

Bovine tuberculosis

Campylobacteriosis

Cat Scratch Disease

Chagas disease

Chlamydophila psittaci

Cholera

Cowpox

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or “mad cow disease”

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Cryptosporidiosis

Cutaneous larva migrans

Dengue fever

Ebola

Echinococcosis

Escherichia coli O157:H7

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Eastern equine encephalitis virus

Western equine encephalitis virus

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus

Giardia lamblia

H1N1 flu

Hantavirus

Helminths

Hendra virus

Henipavirus

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Korean hemorrhagic fever

Kyasanur forest disease

L¨¢brea fever

Lassa fever

Leishmaniasis

Leptospirosis

Listeriosis

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Marburg fever

Mediterranean spotted fever

Mycobacterium marinum

Monkey B

Nipah fever

Ocular larva migrans

Omsk hemorrhagic fever

Ornithosis (psittacosis)

Orf (animal disease)

Oropouche fever

Pasteurellosis

Plague

Puumala virus

Q-Fever

Psittacosis, or “parrot fever”

Rabies

Rift Valley fever

Ringworms (Tinea canis)

Rotavirus

Salmonellosis

Sodoku

Sparganosis

Streptococcus suis

Toxocariasis

Toxoplasmosis

Trichinosis

Tularemia, or “rabbit fever”

Typhus of Rickettsiae

Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever

Visceral larva migrans

West Nile virus

Yellow fever

Yersiniosis

Other zoonoses might be:

Glanders

SARS (possibly; civet cats may spread the disease, or may catch the disease from humans.)

Now, I hope, for everyone is pretty clear that to keep a pet at home is a risky choice. Before take a decision to have some pets, please think twice!

Be healthy!

Joan Miller, vice president of the CFA, which sanctions cat shows all over the U.S. and in other countries, says there are advantages to getting a purebred cat. “For one thing, they have a predictable personality and look, so if you want a high-energy cat, or a laid-back cat, or a longhaired or shorthaired cat, you can get that,” Miller says.

That’s why Jo Williams of Marietta, Ga., says she keeps getting seal point Siamese cats. She says she’s addicted to their personalities and will always have one. “They make me laugh because they’re always busy, very smart, very athletic, and they want you to play with them,” says Williams, who also works with a Siamese rescue group. “And they love to talk. You need to like a talking cat to love a Siamese.”

Health Issues with Purebred Cats

Elyse Kent, DVM, ABVP, owner of Westside Hospital for Cats in Los Angeles, says purebred cats have more predictable personality traits and looks, but they also have more health problems than a mixed breed cat. “There’s a lot of inbreeding in purebreds to get the look they want,” Kent says. “Just like in any gene pool, the more diversity you have, the healthier the stock is going to be.”

Letrisa Miller, MS, DVM, owner of the Cat Clinic of Norman in Norman, Okla., says people looking at purebred cats should ask the breeder about common health issues with the breed and if any of those problems run in the breeder’s line. There also are genetic tests available for some health problems, she says.

Popular Cat Breeds and Their Traits

For people thinking about a purebred cat, listed below are the six cat breeds the CFA says were the six most popular in 2009, along with their personality traits, grooming needs, energy levels, and health issues. The information is compiled from interviews with CFA’s Joan Miller and Drs. Kent and Miller.

1. Persian. The most popular breed for years, the Persian is known for its long hair, flat face, and laid-back nature. Happy as indoor lap cats, Persians are quiet, people-oriented and sweet. Daily grooming is a must or they quickly become matted, which is very painful for them.

Kidney and heart problems are prevalent in some lines, and their flattened faces can cause breathing and eating problems, as well as eye and teeth issues. “The shorter the nose, the more problems they have,” Letrisa Miller says of the breed.

Although Persians shed, they don’t shed as much as some shorthaired breeds because their coat is made up of three different types of hairs, Joan Miller says.

2. Exotic. The Exotic is often called a shorthaired Persian. It has the same body build as the Persian, but with a short, dense coat that makes grooming much easier. Like the Persian, it has a quiet personality, is low-energy and likes to be around people.

Because the Exotic has the same facial build, it can have many of the same problems caused by a flat face, including breathing and eating problems, as well as eye and dental issues. They also shed a bit more than Persians.

3. Maine Coon. This large breed of cat is growing in popularity and could soon replace the Persian as the most popular breed. The Maine Coon tends to be larger than most breeds, with males sometimes topping 20 pounds. A one-time barn cat, they are known as friendly, outgoing, playful but not hyper, smart and easily trained. People-oriented, Maine Coons usually do well even with young children and dogs. They’re also known for the odd, almost chirping sound they make.

Because they are longhaired, Maine Coons should be groomed weekly, and they do shed quite a bit. Common health problems include heart disease and hip dysplasia.

4. Siamese. One of the oldest breeds, Siamese cats are long, lean, and athletic, with a high energy level. They love to climb and observe the world from high places, so perches or cat trees are a must. They are the talkers of the cat world, often carrying on conversations with their owners.

A very demanding cat in need of constant attention, they do best when kept with other Siamese cats. They like interacting with people and often become attached to one person over others. “If you don’t have the time to be their servant, you won’t get the most out of having a Siamese,” Williams, the Siamese owner, says with a laugh.

Health issues include teeth and eye problems, but they tend to be healthy and long-lived, the veterinarians say.

5. Ragdoll. These large, semi-longhaired cats are calm and gentle with a strong need for human contact. They are good with children and train easily, including learning tricks and walking on a leash. Grooming is necessary, but not as much as with a Persian. And although they shed, they aren’t considered heavy shedders. Ragdolls are a healthy breed that can live well into their teens.

6. Abyssinian. Abys are very high-energy cats that need room to run and climb. They are intelligent and high-strung, and although people-oriented, they aren’t lap cats. Abys may not be the best pet for younger children, but they do need others cats or pets as company. Their sleek, short coats mean little grooming is needed, but they do shed. Health problems include some dental and ear problems.

Finding the Perfect Cat

With all the choices available, Kent says people should take their time and choose their new pet based on how its personality and needs will fit into their lifestyle. “People so often choose a cat based on its looks, without checking to find out what the cat is really like,” Kent says. “That can lead to real problems. But with a little research, people can find the perfect cat for their home and family.”

source:   http://pets.webmd.com/cats/features/purebred-cats-which-breed-is-right-for-you

When Cute Cats Become Problems

Those loveable, cuddly kittens sometimes grow up to be loveable, cuddly cats with problems. Do you have a cat that sometimes forgets there’s a litter box? Here’s a rundown of the top 10 behavior problems that can drive cat owners batty. See what you might be able to do if your cat displays any of these behaviors.

Avoiding the Litter Box

One out of 10 cats develops a litter box problem. Often, it’s because the cat prefers a different kind of litter or doesn’t like the box. Unscented litter in an uncovered box that’s scooped out at least once a day seems to work well for most cats. They also prefer locations where there’s not a lot of traffic. Try using more than one box and try different litters. Then watch to see which your cat prefers.

Urine Marking or Spraying

Urine marking is how cats communicate when they’re seeking a sexual partner or trying to avoid disputes. Unless it’s looking for a mate, a cat typically doesn’t spray if it feels secure. But if there’s conflict with other cats, multiple cats in the house, or changes in routine, there’s more chance it will mark its territory. Having a cat neutered or spayed and addressing what’s causing it stress will help resolve the problem. Also, medications may decrease the cat’s anxiety threshold to decrease the frequency of spraying.

Destructive Scratching

All cats like to scratch. They do it to play, stretch, sharpen claws, and mark territory. Unfortunately, what your cat likes to scratch includes your furniture, carpets, and drapes. Protect your home by placing a variety of scratching posts with different qualities and surfaces around your house. Be sure they are sturdy so they won’t fall over when used. Then invite your cat to explore them by scenting them with catnip or hanging toys on them.

Playing Rough

When cats play, mock aggression is always a part of it. They pounce, swat, scratch, and bite. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s a game or real. And, scratches and bites given in jest still hurt. To channel your cat’s energy, use toys like balls or a fake mouse for batting. A paper bag can give him hours of pouncing fun. And to protect yourself, never encouraging a kitten to play with your hands or feet. Nips become bites as a cat grows up.

Compulsive Behavior

Compulsive behavior is repetitive activity that stems from an irresistible urge. It could be otherwise normal behavior, like eating, or abnormal, like wool-sucking. Frustration or stress causes it, but so do some health issues. If your cat behaves compulsively, start with a visit to the vet. Then try to identify and remove any stressors. Enriching your cat’s environment with structures she can climb and things like fish tanks to watch can help reduce her stress.

Hyperactive Nights

Cats like to have fun and often choose the middle of the night to have it. If your cat gets revved up or hungry at night, here are some things that might help. Play with her in the evening until she tires. Feed her just before bed. Or, try a timed feeder that will dispense food later so she doesn’t need to wake you. And, unless you think she’s hurt, never respond to her antics. If she gets you up once, she’ll only try harder the next time.

Excessive Meowing

Grown cats don’t meow at one another. The meow is primarily for humans. Cats use it to say hello, ask for food, or get attention. If your cat seems to meow a lot, check with your vet. It could be a sign of a health problem like an overactive thyroid. If she meows for food, don’t feed her when she cries. If she meows for attention, teach her you’ll only give it when she’s quiet. But don’t ignore her meows. She could be telling you there’s a problem, such as not being able to get to the litter box.

Separation Anxiety

Cats are actually very social. They can form strong bonds and become anxious when their owner leaves. Signs of anxiety might include vocalizing when left alone, or inappropriately urinating. Ignoring your cat 15 minutes before you leave and after you return can help reduce some of the stress. So can putting out some of her favorite toys and putting them away when you come back. Your vet may also suggest medication to treat the anxiety.

Obsessive Grooming

Cats groom for more than hygiene. Grooming also calms them. But sometimes a cat will over-groom, which can result in injury from excessive licking, biting, or other grooming techniques. This is usually an indication of excessive stress. Once you find out what’s causing the stress – for example fear, change in routine, a new animal in the house – you can take steps to make changes that should help reduce the problem. Also, an exam by your vet may help check for a primary dermatologic problem versus behavioral.

Aggression

An aggressive cat can inflict severe injuries by biting and using its claws. An aggressive cat in the house poses a real danger to everyone there. Real aggression as opposed to play aggression can be identified by a cat’s posture. Any sign of aggression – such as a stiff-legged stance and dilated pupils, possibly accompanied by growling – is a signal not to touch or try to reassure or punish the cat. Sometimes fear makes a cat aggressive; other times, there is no apparent cause for aggression. Because living with an aggressive cat is risky, it’s important to get professional help in evaluating and dealing with the cat.

source:  http://pets.webmd.com/cats/slideshow-behaviorial-problems-in-cats

But what seems like the perfect hidey-hole isn’t always the safest.

When Allison Waters lived in an old carriage house, she didn’t realize that one of the cabinets in her pantry had an area underneath that was open to the inside of the wall – and the entire length of the back of the house – until she heard feline screaming sounds.

The Atlanta veterinary technician and dog trainer was about to take a chainsaw to the cabinets when her cat Goblin emerged. It was the perfect hiding place for a cat afraid of loud noises. After several attempts, Waters finally found a way to effectively board up the space.

“I had no idea what was in the wall,” Waters says. “As a kitten, he liked to chew on wires and being a veterinary technician, I know the worst of what can happen.”

WebMD asked cat experts about the most dangerous spots where cats can get stuck or injured, and how to keep your cat away from them.

1. Clothes Washer/Dryer

Danger: Cats can suffer serious injury if the appliance is turned on, including broken bones, burns, heat stroke, damaged internal organs, and death.

“The worst I ever saw was a cat that came into my hospital that had gotten into the dryer. The owner didn’t notice, closed the dryer, turned it on high, and left the room,” says Ilona Rodan, DVM, a feline behavior specialist and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. “When she came back, she found her cat stiff and hot. The cat was unfortunately already dead when she raced him into the clinic.”

What to Do: Keep the door tightly shut and always check inside before using. (The same goes for the dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator.) You should also make sure your cat isn’t hiding in your dirty clothes hamper, because you could accidentally dump your pet in with the wash.

2. Garage

Danger: Cats may have access to hazardous chemicals, such as anti-freeze, which tastes sweet to them. Shivering felines have also been known to climb under the hoods of cars and hide out in the warm engine compartment, says Meghan E. Herron, DVM, clinical assistant professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

What to do: Block off access to the garage. If you suspect a cat could get under the car, honk the horn or bang loudly on the hood before starting the engine. This should wake up the animal and give it a chance to escape or let you know he’s there, in which case you can pop the hood and let it out.

3. Cabinets, Cupboards, and Drawers

Danger: They’re fun hiding spots, but a cat can become trapped or injured.

What to Do: Keep drawers shut as much as possible. If you find an open drawer, “make a loud noise to startle them, since they would be able to jump out of the drawer,” says Tami Groberg, DVM, a veterinarian at Bay Hill Cat Hospital in Orlando, Fla. Use childproof latches on any cabinets containing hazardous chemicals.

4. Open Windows and Balconies

Danger: Warm weather often finds cats snoozing in open windows. But despite their reputations for balance and resilience, cats can fall and suffer severe injuries, even from just a story or two above the ground.

What to Do: Make sure your windows have secure screens that a cat can’t push out and escape through, Rodan says. Block off or screen in balconies and only allow access under supervision.

5. Rafters

Danger: Cats love to climb to high places, where they have a clear view of the action or a private spot to snooze without the threat of anyone sneaking up on them. But like with windows, they can fall and hurt themselves.

What to Do: Close off rafters and “try to limit access by not having things they can jump on to get to these high places,” Groberg says. Provide alternative perches for cats to climb and cuddle in, such as climbing towers, “kitty condos”, or scratching posts that have high platforms to lie on. Put a favorite treat or toy there to encourage the cat to use them.

In general, experts say the best way to keep cats out of dangerous hiding spots is to provide safe options, such as the above-mentioned perches and cardboard boxes lined with blankets or towels. Cats who aren’t able to hide can become very stressed, Herron says.

“An experiment with laboratory cats showed that cats that had the ability to conceal themselves in a box had lower stress levels than those who did not have the ability to hide behind this box, even though they had identical environments,” Herron says. “Stress levels can be greatly reduced by providing cats hiding places.”

source:  pets.webmd.com

Discus

1. The first tip is to keep the tank clean because Discus fish are very sensitive to water conditions and diseases. Discus fishdo not like water wells for quality changes. On the other hand a smaller tank fluctuates it’s pH levels, so the smallest proper sized tank for them should be 40 gallons.

2. Quarantine new fish for two to three weeks in a separate tank before put them together with others in your tank. New fish can bring bacteria, disease or parasites. If you do not notice any signs of ill health by the end of this period it is safe to put them in the tank together with the other existing fish you have before.

3. Regulate the water temperature because Discus as any other tropical fish thrive at 84 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit so you can use a heater to the perfect water temperature for your fish.

4. You should be aware of the kind of environment suitable for Discus fish. These fish is swim through foliage in the nature, they hide under rocks, logs, plants, or other shelters so you should have plenty of places in your tank where Discus can hide.

5. Fed Discus with the right food. They love live foods like worms, daphnia, bloodworms, or brine shrimp. But be careful because sometimes these foods can have parasites and bacteria.

6. Tip number six goes right along with the last tip; the feeding process itself. Discus are a very reactive fish. They will react to your presence in the room, things on TV, or they even may tap on the glass at your approach before feeding time. Take notice of their feeding habits on a regular basis. If they are not eating, there is something wrong. Do not overfeed them. This can pollute the tank and overeating can cause the fish stress.

7. Supply your Discus tank with a good filter. You can buy an overhead filter because it is easy to clean and eliminates chlorine and heavy metals from the water without changing the pH level.

8. Position your tank in a quiet place with no activities to make fish jumpy.Avoid places where there are shadows or vibrations.

9. Put overhead lighting to cut down the on the shadows which may frighten the fish.

10. Change at least twenty to thirty percent of water in the tank once a week. Do not change at once a large amount of water because it stresses the fish and fluctuates the quality of water too much.

If you follow these simple tips Discus fish will flourish for years to come!

source:   http://www.petscomfortadvisor.com/ten_tips_for_caring_for_your_discus_fish.html

Caring

But animals and pets can transmit infections to humans, especially kids. So if you’re thinking about buying a pet, or already have one, it’s important to know how to protect your family from infections.

How Pets Spread Infections

Like people, all animals carry germs. Illnesses common among housepets — such as distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms — can’t be transmitted to humans.

But pets also carry certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can cause illness if transmitted to humans. Humans get these animal-borne diseases when they’re bitten or scratched or have contact with an animal’s waste, saliva, or dander.

These diseases can affect humans in many ways. They’re of greatest concern to young children, infants, pregnant women, and people whose immune systems have been compromised by illness or disease. Infants and kids younger than 5 years old are at risk because their immune systems are still developing, and some infections that might make an adult just mildly sick can be more serious for them.

Healthy Family, Healthy Pets

But you don’t have to give up your family’s furry friends either. Pets can enrich your family life, and taking a few precautions can protect your kids from getting sick.

Protecting your family from pet-related infections begins before bringing a pet home. For instance, reptiles and amphibians should not be allowed as pets in any household with infants and young children.

Also consider the health and age of your kids before getting a pet. A pet that would require frequent handling is not recommended for any immunocompromised child (such as a child who has HIV, has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, or uses prednisone frequently). Kids with eczema should probably avoid aquariums.

Common Infections That Pets Carry

Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are popular pets but can carry infections such as:

• Campylobacter infection: can be transmitted by household pets carrying Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, which cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever in people. The bacteria may be in the intestinal tract of infected dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, and certain farm animals. A person can become infected through contact with contaminated water, feces, undercooked meat, or unpasteurized milk.

  More than 2 million cases of campylobacter infection occur each year in the United States, and C. jejuni is now the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. Campylobacter infections are contagious, especially among members of the same family and kids in childcare or preschools. Infection is treated with antibiotics.

• Cat scratch disease: can occur when a person is bitten or scratched by a cat infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. Symptoms include swollen and tender lymph nodes, fever, headaches, and fatigue, which usually resolve without treatment. However, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is severe. Cat scratch disease rarely causes long-term complications.
• Rabies: a serious illness caused by a virus that enters the body through a bite or wound contaminated by the saliva from an infected animal. Animals that may carry the rabies virus include dogs, cats, raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. Widespread immunization of dogs and cats has decreased the transmission of rabies in these animals and in people. Human rabies is rare in the United States, and a vaccine is available for treatment following a bite from a potentially rabid animal.
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF): is transmitted by ticks infected by the Rickettsia ricketsii bacteria. Symptoms of RMSF include high fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches, as well as a rash that may spread across the wrists, ankles, palms, soles, and trunk of the body. RMSF, which can be treated with antibiotics, is most common in the south central and the mid-south Atlantic regions of the United States.
• Ringworm: also called tinea; a skin infection caused by several types of fungi found in the soil and on the skin of humans and pets. Kids can get ringworm from touching infected animals such as dogs and cats. Ringworm of the skin, or tinea corporis, usually is a dry, scaly round area with a raised red bumpy border and a clear center. When the scalp is affected, the area may be flaky, red, or swollen. Often there are bald patches. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medications including shampoo, cream, or oral medicine.
• Toxocariasis: an illness caused by the parasitic roundworm Toxocara, which lives in the intestines of dogs and cats. The eggs from the worms are passed in the stools of dogs and cats, often contaminating soil where kids play. When a child ingests the contaminated soil, the eggs hatch in the intestine and the larvae spread to other organs, an infection known as visceral larva migrans. Symptoms include fever, cough or wheezing, enlarged liver, rash, or swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms may resolve on their own or a doctor may prescribe drugs to kill the larvae. When the larvae in the intestine make their way through the bloodstream to the eye, it is known as ocular toxocariasis, or ocular larva migrans, which may lead to a permanent loss of vision.
• Toxoplasmosis: contracted after contact with a parasite found in cat feces. In most healthy people, toxoplasmosis infection produces no symptoms. When symptoms do occur they may include swollen glands, fatigue, muscle pain, fever, sore throat, and a rash. In pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, premature births, and severe illness and blindness in newborns. Pregnant women should avoid contact with litter boxes. People whose immune systems have been weakened by illnesses such as HIV or cancer are at risk for severe complications from toxoplasmosis infection.
• Dog and cat bites: may become infected and cause serious problems, particularly bites to the face and hands. Cat bites tend to be worse, partly because they are deeper puncture wounds. Significant bites should be washed out thoroughly. Often these bite wounds require treatment in a doctor’s office or emergency room; antibiotics are sometimes necessary.

Birds

Pet birds, even if they are kept in a cage, may transmit the following diseases:

• Cryptococcosis: a fungal disease contracted when someone inhales organisms found in bird droppings, especially from pigeons, that can cause pneumonia. People with weakened immune systems from illnesses such as HIV or cancer are at increased risk of contracting this disease and developing serious complications such as meningitis.
• Psittacosis: also known as parrot fever, a bacterial illness that can occur from contact with infected bird feces or with the dust that accumulates in birdcages. Symptoms include coughing, high fever, and headache. It is treated with antibiotics.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles (including lizards, snakes, and turtles) and amphibians (including frogs, toads, and salamanders) place kids at risk for:

• Salmonellosis: Reptiles and amphibians shed Salmonella in their feces. Touching the reptile’s skin, cage, and other contaminated surfaces can lead to infection in people. Salmonellosis causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Young children are at risk for more serious illness, including dehydration, meningitis, and sepsis (blood infection).

Other Animals

Handling and caring for rodents — including hamsters and gerbils — as well as fish may place kids at risk for:

• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM): People can contract lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus by inhaling particles that come from urine, feces, or saliva from infected rodents, such as mice and hamsters. LCM can cause flu-like symptoms — fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting — and may even lead to meningitis (an inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). As with most viruses, there is no specific treatment, but some patients may require hospitalization. Like toxoplasmosis, LCM may be passed from infected mother to fetus.
• Mycobacteria marinum: This infection may occur in people exposed to contaminated water in aquariums or pools. Although mycobacteria marinum infections are generally mild and limited to the skin, they can be more severe in people with HIV or with weakened immune systems.

Precautions When Adopting or Buying a Pet

If you’re adopting or purchasing a pet, make sure the breeder, shelter, or store is reputable and vaccinates all of its animals. A reputable breeder should belong to a national or local breeding club, such as the American Kennel Club. Contact the Humane Society of the United States or your veterinarian for information about animal shelters in your area.

As soon as you choose a family pet, take it to a local veterinarian for vaccinations and a physical examination. Don’t forget to routinely vaccinate your pet on a schedule recommended by your vet — this will keep your pet healthy and reduce the risk that infections will be transmitted to your kids.

You’ll also want to regularly feed your pet nutritious animal food (ask your vet for suggestions) and provide plenty of fresh water. Avoid feeding your pet raw meat because this can be a source of infection, and do not allow your pet to drink toilet water because infections can be spread through saliva, urine, and feces. Limit young kids’ contact with outdoor pets that hunt and kill for food because a pet that ingests infected meat may contract an infection that can be passed to people.

Safely Caring for Your Pet

Here are some tips to help your family safely care for pets:

• Always wash your hands, especially after touching your pet, handling your pet’s food, or cleaning your pet’s cage, tank, or litter box. Wear gloves when cleaning up after an animal’s waste, and if you have a bird, wear a dust mask over your nose and mouth to prevent inhaling urine or fecal particles. Don’t have kids clean cages or litter boxes unless there is supervision or until they have demonstrated they can do this safely and responsibly (and again, hands should be washed afterwards).
• Avoid kissing or touching your pet with your mouth because infections can be transmitted by saliva. Also, avoid sharing food with your pet.
• Keep your pet’s living area clean and free of waste. If your pet eliminates waste outdoors, pick up waste regularly and don’t allow kids to play in that area.
• Don’t allow pets in areas where food is prepared or handled, and don’t bathe your pet or clean aquariums in the kitchen sink or bathtub. Wash your pet outdoors or talk to your veterinarian about professional pet grooming.
• Avoid strange animals or those that appear sick. Never adopt a wild animal as a pet.

Watch kids carefully around pets. Small children are more likely to catch infections from pets because they crawl around on the floor with the animals, kiss them or share food with them, or put their fingers in the pets’ mouths and then put their dirty fingers in their own mouths. Also, if kids visit a petting zoo, farm, or a friend’s house where there are animals, make sure they know the importance of hand washing.

For your pet’s comfort and for your family’s safety, control flea and tick problems in your pet. Fleas and ticks can carry diseases that may be easily passed to kids. Oral and topical medications are available for flea and tick control; avoid using flea collars because kids can handle them and become sick from the chemicals they contain. Check your pet regularly for fleas and ticks, as well as bites and scratches that may make them more susceptible to infection. Keep your pet leashed when outdoors and keep it away from animals that look sick or may be unvaccinated.

And, finally, spay or neuter your pet. Spaying and neutering may reduce your pet’s contact with other animals that may be infected, especially if your pet goes outdoors.

source:   http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/parasitic/pet_infections.html#

Dehydration

What Causes Dehydration in Dogs?

Dehydration occurs when fluid levels drop to less than normal. This is due to either reduced water intake or increased fluid loss. Fluid loss can be due to overheating in hot weather or a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, especially in puppies.

What Are the General Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs?

• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Depression

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Is Dehydrated?

Dehydration may indicate a serious underlying problem. If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, take him to a veterinarian immediately. You may be able to detect dehydration at home by gently lifting the skin on the back of your dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades-unless your dog is seriously overweight or very shin, it should immediately return to a normal position. If he is lacking in fluids, the lifted skin may not quickly return to normal. Often, however, the signs of dehydration are not obvious, and only a veterinarian can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are Certain Dogs Prone to Dehydration?

Dogs most at risk for dehydration are those who suffer from various illnesses such as kidney disorders, cancer and infectious disease. Elderly dogs and pregnant or nursing dogs may be prone to dehydration, as well as diabetic dogs whose condition is not regularly monitored.

How Is Dehydration Treated?

A veterinarian will administer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, and run additional tests, if necessary, to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

How Can I Prevent Dehydration?

• Provide clean water at all times, and change it frequently to ensure freshness. Also, don’t forget to wash your pet’s water bowl every day to prevent bacteria from forming.
• Monitor your dog’s water intake. Generally, a dog needs at least one ounce of water for each pound of body weight per day. If your dog is not drinking an adequate amount of water, seek veterinary advice. Monitoring water intake is especially important if he’s recovering from diarrhea, vomiting or other illnesses.
• Purchase a water bowl with a weighted bottom to prevent your dog from knocking it over.
• Bring extra water when you’re traveling or exercising with your dog.
• If you notice your pet is drinking less than usual, check his mouth for sores or other foreign objects, such as burrs or sticks.
• Avoid chaining a dog outside, since he may get tangled up, preventing him from accessing his water bowl.
• Keep your toilet lid closed to interrupt your dog’s efforts to turn the bowl, which can be a source of bacteria, into a water fountain.

source:   http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-dehydration-water-needs

Cats can be a contented bunch, cared for and pampered by devoted owners who have their pets’ best interests at heart. Yet sometimes our good intentions don’t align with the health needs of our cats. We love a little too much in the form of overfeeding, for example, or miss subtle signs of serious illness.

Cat Health Mistake 1: Not Getting Preventive Care

By far, the most common health mistake owners make is not getting their cat preventive care, say the pros. Preventive care is vital to catching health problems in their early stages, says Oregon veterinarian Marla J. McGeorge, DVM, who has a special interest in cat health.

Although regular vaccinations are an important part of preventive care for cats, they’re not the whole picture. A comprehensive annual exam goes much further and can include:

• An evaluation of a cat’s eyes, ears, coat, and skin
• Blood work
• An oral exam
• Parasite control
• Advice about nutrition, exercise, and enrichment

“Cats generally get less healthcare than dogs,” says Adrianne Brode, DVM, CCRP, associate medical director at the Canine Health Institute in Houston. Brode speculates that one reason may be because cats are more expert at hiding their pain — something these small prey animals do instinctively.

“Some older house cats are pretty inactive and sleep a lot, so owners often just don’t notice problems,” Brode says. Although you might not see signs of arthritis, tooth loss, or malnutrition in your cat, your vet will.

Cat Health Mistake 2: Not Spaying or Neutering

Kittens are precious — there’s no doubt about it. Yet every kitten has the potential to grow into a healthy, reproducing cat. If left unchecked, one female cat and her kittens can produce as many as 420,000 cats in seven years.

“There is a huge cat overpopulation problem in the U.S.,” McGeorge tells WebMD. Nationwide, shelters receive up to 7 million unwanted pets every year, and more than half of them are euthanized.

That’s why it’s important to have cats spayed or neutered before they are old enough to reproduce, McGeorge says. Because a cat can become pregnant at four to six months of age, they should be spayed or neutered promptly. Kittens can be spayed as early as eight weeks old.

Spaying or neutering costs less than raising a litter of kittens for a year, according to the ASPCA. Many nonprofit groups offer low-cost spay/neuter options, with fees as low as $20. Talk to your vet or a local animal shelter. They may be able to recommend a low-cost spay option near you.

Dutch Rabbit

History Of The Dutch Rabbit

The Dutch Rabbit is one of the oldest rabbit breeds and despite its name it was developed in the UK in the 1880s although its ancestors came from The Netherlands and Belgium.

Appearance Of The Dutch Rabbit

The Dutch Rabbit is a small-medium size rabbit with a stocky body and a short rounded head. The ears are erect and approximately 9cm in length. The Dutch Rabbit has a white inverted V shaped blaze that extends from its nose tapering up to a point between its ears and has a saddle of white around its shoulders and over the back. The front legs and feet are white and the back feet are white. The coat is short and dense.

Colours Of The Dutch Rabbit

The Dutch Rabbit is available a variety of colours including Agouti, Black, Blue, Steel, Chocolate, Yellow and Tortoiseshell .

Size Of The Dutch Rabbit

The Dutch Rabbit weighs 2 – 2.3 Kg when adult.

Character Of The Dutch Rabbit

The Dutch Rabbit is very lively, gentle and easily trained and are a popular pet.

Lifespan Of The Dutch Rabbit

The average lifespan of the Dutch Rabbit is 5-8 years.

French Lop Rabbit

History Of The French Lop Rabbit

The French Lop Rabbit was first bred in France around 1850 and was established in France as a rabbit for meat during the mid 1800s. It is believed to have been produced by crossing lop eared rabbits to the Giant Normande rabbit breed. The French Lop rabbit became popular in neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Germany and Holland and in 1933 10 French Lop Rabbits were brought over from Holland and exhibited in the UK. However, it was not until the 1960s that French Lop Rabbits became popular with UK fanciers. French Lop Rabbits were imported into the USA in 1970-1971.

Appearance Of The French Lop Rabbit

The French Lop Rabbit has a stocky body with sturdy, fairly short legs. The head is broad with a curved profile with thick ears which hang down with the tips below the jaw. The coat is dense and soft and slightly long and comes in a variety of colours.

Colours Of The French Lop Rabbit

The French Lop Rabbit is available in a variety of colours including Agouti, Chinchilla, Opal, White, Black, Brown, Blue, Sooty Fawn, Siamese Sable, Butterfly, Orange, Steel and Fawn.

Size Of The French Lop Rabbit

The French Lop Rabbit is one of the larger breeds of lop eared rabbits weighing 4.5-6 Kgs.

Character Of The French Lop Rabbit

The French Lop Rabbit is calm, good natured and affectionate making it an excellent pet but needs plenty of space due its large size.

Lifespan Of The French Lop Rabbit

The average lifespan of the French Lop Rabbit is 5-7 years.

source:   http://www.petwebsite.com/rabbits/rabbit_breeds.htm

Humans

Interesting Reptile Facts

1. More 8,000 species of reptiles live everywhere on the planet, except Antarctica.

2. “Cold-blooded” is not the right word. Their blood is not cold just they are ectothermic, and heat their body from external sources because they do not have an internal regulator of body temperature as humans do.

3. Reptiles are one of the longest-lived species on the Earth. Aldabra tortoise can live for more than 150 years. Some popular pet reptiles like ball pythons can live up to 40 years.

4. Only 2 percent of all snakes are harmful to humans.

5. The most popular venomous Australian snake is the inland taipan and there are more poisonous snakes than any other place in the world.

6. Americans die from bee stings more than from snake bites.

7. Snakes eat large meals compared to their body size and can go months without eating because their metabolisms is much slower than ours.

8. Most reptiles do not like the cold except the Blanding’s turtle which lives under the ice in the Great Lakes region.

9. Snakes and lizards don’t smell through their noses, they flick their tongues to collect scent particles in the air and hunt for food. They have a Jacobson’s organ to decipher the air.

10. The African egg-eating snake swallows whole eggs and then use tiny “spikes” which it has in its spine to crack the egg then regurgitates the egg shell in a neatly folded piece.

11. Chameleons do not change their color, they are naturally camouflaged , predominantly green they only change their brightness by darkening or brightening their skin when they need to regulate their temperature or when they are frightened or angry.

12. Snake skulls consist of many small bones which are connected in a flexible fashion, not like a human skull, which is solid. That’s why snakes can expand their jaws and heads so they can eat prey larger than themselves. A garter snake, for instance, swallows a frog twice bigger than its head. Think about anacondas and what can go in their jaws!

13. The idea that reptiles are slimy is completely wrong they just do not have sweat glands and their skin is dry and cool.

14. Their scales are made of keratin, the same substance that makes up our hair and fingernails.

15. Young snakes shed their skin more often than older ones because they grow faster the first two years of their lives.

16. The reticulated python is the longest snake and can exceed up to 10 meters. The largest snake by overall size and weight is the anaconda which weighs over 300 pounds.

17. The largest of the poisonous snakes is the king cobra with its length of about 6 meters and weight of 20 pounds.

18. Gecko tails is actually a defensive tool which they will wiggle to lure the attacking enemy. If the animal bites onto the tail, the gecko detaches the tail and it escapes. A new tail grows in place of the old tail.

19. Most snakes lay eggs,but there are also snakes like rattlesnakes and boa, for example which bear live young.

20. In Georgia and Texas some people organize “rattlesnake roundups,” they gather rattlesnakes and slaughter them because they think that those snakes evil or malicious. Let’s hope that this practice will be outlawed.

21. Reptiles deserve respect from us as they are the oldest type of animal on the planet. Turtles have been here for more than 200 million years.

These interesting facts merely to give you a glimpse into the fascinating world of reptiles.

source:   http://www.petscomfortadvisor.com/some_very_interesting_facts_about_reptiles.html