The Hermit crab’s search for a perfect shell is endless.  It continues its search throughout its life.  That is why it is important to provide your crab with a variety of shells.

The hermit crab will molt its exoskeleton (or body shell) every 12-15 months.  It should be left along during this time.

Hermit crabs are “decapods,” that is they have 10 lets.  The front pair is different from each other.  The larger (usually purple) has a pincher used for defense and climbing.

The smaller pincher is used for eating and climbing.  The next four legs are used for walking.  The remaining four legs are used to hold the crab in its shell.  They never extend outside the shell.

Diet: Omnivorous.  A commercial food is available.  Diet can be supplemented with bread, crackers, lettuce, apples, oatmeal, cornmeal, bologna, etc.  Always provide fresh water.

Housing: Aquarium tanks will work.  Barred cages are poor because crabs can squeeze between bars and get lost or hurt.  Sand and gravel for the bottom is best.  Include climbing objects, various shells and cover to keep your crab active and content.

Health: Lives well if given a clean environment and healthy diet.  Providing it with activity also keeps it healthy.

(Source: 4-H Cooperative curriculum System – Pet Project Activity Guide)

Housing: Ferrets like dark, tight spaces for sleeping.  They need space for stretching and moving.  A cage should be a minimum of three feet in length and two feet in height.  They will use a litter box just like a cat.

Feeding: Carnivores (meat eaters).  They need high protein diets.  High grade dry and canned kitten and cat food is best.  Some pet stores have commercial ferret food.  Have fresh water available at all times.

Health: Ferrets need distemper and sometimes rabies shots.  They are susceptible to human colds and a wide range of both canine and feline diseases including distemper, feline leukemia and heartworm, as well as Aleutians (from mink).  Be sure house is “ferret proof” if the animal is allowed to roam free.

Ferrets have scent glands that give off a musky odor.  These can be surgically removed, which is often done at the time of spaying or neutering.

The ferret is a member of the weasel family but has a very different disposition.  Since the domestic ferret has never lived in the wild it is a gentle, social animal with a playful personality when bred and raised as a pet.  Commercially many ferrets are raised for their mink-like fur.

Training: Just like with a puppy or kitten, be consistent teaching them acceptable behavior.

(Source: 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System – Pet Project Activity Guide)

Research even confirms that pets can be good for our health.  For example, pets have been found to lower the blood pressure of their owners simply by offering affection and good company.  A number of studies suggest that those with beloved pets may handle stress better, may visit physicians less frequently, and may even recover more quickly from surgery.  There’s no questions about it: Pets are a vital component of our lives, particularly for certain segments of the population.

Children

Many children get their first taste of responsibility caring for a pet.  The animal, in many cases, becomes the child’s first “best friend,”

a trusting companion  offering unconditional love.  Children become extremely attached to pets, which makes the death of a pet more difficult.

Because we grow so fond of our pets, here are five suggestions for dealing with the loss of a beloved animal:

BE TRUTHFUL
When explaining to a child that a pet has died, do not try to avoid the subject by saying that the pet wandered off.  Death is a part of life.  Just as with the    death of a beloved human, children need to learn how to deal with the loss of a special pet.  Take this opportunity to explain the process of death and its mystery.

Many people describe euthanasia as “putting the pet to sleep.”  This can confuse young children because they know that sleep is only temporary.  If they begin to see sleep as permanent, they can develop fears of going to sleep themselves.  You can ease these fears by not using sleep as an alternate term for death.  Instead, you might say, “Dr. Parker gave Ranger a shot to help him die more quickly and with less suffering.”  You might also explain that the intravenous drug used for euthanasia does not cause pain.

Be honest with children and let them learn about death.  Be honest with yourself and let yourself experience your feelings of loss and grief.  Say what you’re truly feeling and go ahead and let the tears flow.  Your honest grieving will not only help you heal, it will be a lesson in authenticity for those who may be around you, both children and adults.

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS
Help children to sort through the confusion of loss.  Often young children feel guilty, thinking that their neglect or anger toward a pet caused the animal to die.  Children need to understand that they are not responsible for the death of the pet.

In age-appropriate ways, encourage children to feel and express their grief.  Often they will experience the death of a pet before encountering the death of a human being to whom they are close.  If they learn to acknowledge their feelings and experience the healing sadness of walking through their grief, they will have an excellent foundation for coping with the many losses that will inevitable come as they grow older.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE POWER OF GRIEF

Grief is a natural, powerful and healing process.  Don’t diminish grief by playing down the loss.  Don’t make insensitive statements such as, “It was only a dog.”  Most often is was not only a dog.  It was a vital part of someone’s life, and now it is gone.  Loss of a pet can have severe repercussions, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and physical illness.  Denying loss blocks healing, understanding and growth of the individual.

DON’T PREMATURELY REPLACE A PET
For children, replacing the pet too quickly can result in confusion.  In a way, rapid replacement of the pet sends the message that the animal is not dead, but only changed.  Give a child the chance to adjust and to grieve.  A good rule is to live for a while without a replacement, then wait until the child asks for another pet.  If you do decide to acquire another pet, it’s usually best to give the pet a different name.

CELEBRATE YOUR PET’S LIFE
Instead of trying to put the death of your pet out of your mind, openly acknowledge it.  Be thankful for the friendship you and your pet shared.  Remember the good times.  Have children help create a simple memorial service to share their fondest memories.  A ritual of celebration can bring a measure of closure to a sad time.

People continue to bring animals into their lives, where they form new attachments and relationships with their pets.  Remember that it’s okay to love a pet and there is no way the death of a loved pet can come without grief.

Source: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service,  Kentucky State University

Poinsettias fill homes with color during the holidays.  During the month of December many pet owners question whether their Poinsettia plant might be harmful to their pets, if ingested.

According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, “Poinsettias fill homes with color during the holidays. Poinsettias have received bad publicity in the past whereas in fact, poinsettias are not very toxic to pets. They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth but if signs develop they are usually mild.

“Mistletoe can be very toxic to animals and you should seek veterinary consultation immediately if your pet has potentially ingested any part of the plant. Mistletoe can cause vomiting, severe diarrhea, difficult breathing, shock and death within hours of ingestion.

“There are many species of Holly (genus Ilex). Berries and leaves can be a problem although signs of poisonings are generally mild, and include vomiting, belly pain, and diarrhea.”

If you have specific questions regarding any pet health concern please contact your local veterinarian.

Remember to put your holiday plants in a place where children and animals cannot be tempted.
Enjoy the holiday with your pet and family.

Well, I really wanted that cat.  I asked and I was given the calico cat.  Now I had to be a responsible cat owner.  It had been over a year since I had owned a cat.

Responsible cat ownership means that you are reliable and trustworthy in caring for your cat.  There are privileges, responsibilities and rewards that one can expect from owning a cat.  Pet ownership means that one accepted the responsibility of owning and caring for a cat. The family must agree to provide proper housing, nutritious food and adequate health care in exchange for the pleasure the animal brings into your life.  Being a pet owner also means that you are aware of your surroundings and are a good neighbor.

If you do not already have a cat, you decide what kids of cat to get.  Do you want a male or female, purebred or mixed breed, longhair or short hair, kitten or adult cat?  Each cat has its own personality and not all cat will be right for you and your family.  The more though you give to selecting the cat that is right for you, the better your cat will be suited to you and your family and the happier you both will be with each other.

Kitten or Older Cat?

Kittens are playful and fun to watch.  They are easy to train and adjust to a new home and family quickly.  Older cats will be quieter than kittens and already trained, but need more time to become used to their new home.

Long or Short Hair?

Longhaired cats tend to be quiet, say-at-home pets.  Their fur needs almost daily brushing and combing.  Shorthaired cats require brushing less often.  Generally shorthaired cats are active and playful.  They are easier to groom than longhaired cats.  Also question yourself about whether the cat will be a house cat or not.  Do you want long hair all over your clothes, carpet and furniture?

Male or Female?

Male cats are usually more cozy and friendly, while females are generally more cautious.  Males tend to be a little larger than females.  Unless you are planning on breeding, you should sterilize your pet.  Neutering males cats is generally less expensive than spaying females.  Sterilizing usually produces a mellower, healthier animal.

Spayed/Neutered or Intact?

If you adopt a cat that has already been spayed or neutered, you will not have to pay to have those procedures done.  With a spayed female, you will not have to worry about a female coming in heat and getting pregnant.  Some types of cancer are much less common in spayed cats.  With a neutered male, you will not have to worry about a male spraying urine to mark his territory.  Neutered males do not develop the unsightly jowls, thick skin and “stud tail” typical of tomcats.

Naming Your Cat?

Since my new cat is a calico, I named her “Cali.”  The name you choose says as much about you as it does about your dog. It shows how you view your pet and your relationship with it. Some names can cause people to judge a pet and react positively or negatively/fearfully when meeting it. I once had a cat called “Psyco Bob.”  Yes, he was psyco!  Depending on whether the cat is a pet, or is used for pet therapy or a business cat, it is important to use a name that conveys the proper image. Happy searching!
Consider the following important naming tips:

• Make a short-list of preferred names.
• Keep it simple, as possible.
• A couple of syllable names are best.
• Try to choose a name that is easily recognized.
• Is the name easy to call out?
• Base the name on how your pet acts!
• Try it out. When you find a name you like, give it a test run for a few day.
• If it feels natural, keep it! Otherwise, try the next name on your list.
• If your darling is adopted, try and keep the name your pet already owns.

The rewards of cat ownership is to enjoy the companionship of a pet. Remember to hold a family meeting to discuss the rules everyone feels the cat should follow. Outline a plan for teaching your cat to follow the rules discussed. (Resource:  4-HCCS BU-08148)

There’s a warning to pet owners who may be tempted to feed their four-legged friends turkey and all the fix-ins.  Mouth-watering turkey is what many cats and dogs want to get their paws on and sink their teeth into.

Forget giving your dog a holiday bone. Cooked turkey, duck, geese, and other bird bones are extremely dangerous to dogs. Cooked bones splinter and break easily, possibly causing sharp pieces to tear the intestines. A bone could pass by itself, but more often it becomes lodged in the dog’s throat, which could cause choking, or it could possibly cause an intestinal obstruction.

In addition to the intestinal danger that results from eating bones, dogs may experience cracking or breaking of teeth. This could result in prolonged periods of pain for the animal because tooth injuries are not as easily noticed as other physical ailments. When the problem is discovered, the dog may have to undergo oral surgery to remove infections, reconstruct a tooth, or extract teeth. This is painful and traumatic for the dog and can be very costly for the dog’s guardian.

If a pet owner is in doubt regarding proper nutrition for a dog, it is recommended that they consult a veterinarian.   Food requirements vary, depending on a dog’s breed, weight, and size. If a pet owner can’t bear not to give the dog a treat, use rawhide or chew bones made of dog food purchased at the store or pet shop.

A proper diet for a dog contains a balance of nutrients that are low in fat and are easily digestible. Veterinarians do not recommend that dogs receive ‘table scraps’ or leftovers from the owner’s meals. Eating these foods can result in weight gain and a rejection of food specifically prepared for dogs. In particular, dogs should never be given chocolate, raw meats, or raw organ meats.  For information about feeding your cats and dogs consult your personal Veterinarian.

Feeding dogs bones is not a good thing to do!  You would rather spend your Holiday time with your family and not at the animal clinic with the Veterinarian.

Happy Holiday’s

Caring for a pet is a wonderful way for kids to learn about long-time responsibility and can also be an opportunity for children to develop an interest in science. If your children express a strong desire to have a pet of their own, an aquarium can be an ideal choice in many situations.
Fish are nice.  They are very quiet.  They don’t roam into other people’s yards.  Fish are fascinating.  They have more possibilities than most people realize.  If you decide to keep fish, you can pick between tropical fish or goldfish.
Tropical fish are warm water fish that come in an endless variety of shapes and colors.  Most of them are small.  Many are expensive and have special requirements.  The water temperature should between 75 degrees to 80 degrees.  You need a thermometer, heater, aerator and filter in addition to the glass-sided tank, plants, gravel and water.
Goldfish are easy.  They are really just pretty carp.  The Chinese people began to develop these fancy fish over 1000 years ago.  Goldfish can be kept in almost any container that will hold water.  They can survive winters out-of-doors so long as the water they are in doesn’t freeze clear to the bottom. They can be happy in a bare glass jar so long as they are fed and have enough oxygen.
Oxygen is the most important thing for you to think about when you are deciding how many fish to get.  Just like you, fish need oxygen to breathe.  People use lungs to extract oxygen frm the air.  Fish get oxygen from the water that flows through their gills.  In a fish bowl with curves sides, you will need 24 square inches of water surface for each inch of fish body length.  Fill an all glass bowl only up to the widest point.  In a straight sided tank you will need about one gallon  of water for each inch of fish body.  Overcrowded goldfish spend their time at the top with their mouths partly out of the water gulping air to breathe.  Overcrowded tropical fish die.  When you are deciding what kind of and how many fish to keep, you can get your aquarium ready.
Get them young.  If you can, get young fish.  Fish that grow up in your tank will be hardier than those put in when they are fully grown.  If you are careful in selecting the, you can have more than one kind of fish living in your tank at the same time.  Ask for advice from people who sell or raise aquarium fish.  Read books from the library about fish.  Research the web on aquarium pets for reliable research sites.  Be skeptical  on amateur blogs for advice, because they might have the wrong advice for diseases and care problems.  Read about how to properly set up an aquarium, filter systems, landscapes,  feeding, providing water, care and kinds of diseases.  Research and read about all of these topics so you will know what you will need before purchasing fish and supplies.
Remember, “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.”  Take care of your fish and enjoy them.

flickr photo courtesy miss claeson

C.B. Chastain, professor of veterinary medicine and surgery and associate dean at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine says, “Extreme cold, inability to avoid drafts, inadequate ingestion of water or food, or wet freezing conditions are particularly hazardous conditions that can cause illness and, in some cases, death.”

The following is a checklist for keeping Rover and Mittens safe and warm throughout the holidays and winter:

1. Keep pets out of garages if possible. If not, make sure that they can’t reach rat and mouse poisons, poisoned rodents, or antifreeze. “Antifreeze tastes good to pets, but it is a potent poison to their kidneys.” Another garage hazard for cats is their tendency to rest on warm engine blocks. Bang on the hood before you start your engine if you have doubts concerning your cat’s whereabouts.
2. Outdoor dogs need more food in the winter to maintain normal body temperature.
3. Prevent drinking water from freezing for outdoor dogs by keeping it in a heated enclosure or purchasing a water bowl heater.
4. Check outdoor shelter for your pets for a water-resistant door flap and soft, clean bedding that your pet can’t shred or drag out of the house.
5. If your dog’s winter hair coat seems dry, combat the problem by bathing it less frequently and using a humectant or bath oil spray.

Even when it is cold out, regular exercise like outdoor walks are essential for an indoor dog’s health. Short-haired breeds may need a dog coat or jacket in extremely cold weather. Make sure you wipe snow, ice, and salt from its feet to prevent skin irritation.

As winter settles in, take the time ensure a healthy season for pets. As most pet lovers know, winter can be a challenge for our pets and well as its owner.

What kinds of things should a pet owner consider when choosing a pet? The first step is to think about why you want the pet. A person who wants a companion but won’t be home enough to care for a high-maintenance animal may better off with a cat than a dog, while a person who spends lots of time at home may enjoy the companionship of a dog.

Unfortunately, people often choose pets for the wrong reasons. Some people choose purebred dogs as a status symbol, while others get whatever breed they have recently seen on television or in a movie. The problem with choosing a pet this way is that the pet may not suit the owner’s personality and may not make a good match for the owner. Animal personality traits should always be taken in to consideration when choosing a pet.

For example, people often say that Labrador retrievers make great family pets. Why is this? It is because they are usually high energy, very patient, and non-aggressive. Retrievers have been bred for these traits for their work alongside hunters, so they usually display them as family pets too.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are thinking about getting a pet:

• Do I have the time necessary to care for this animal’s needs?
• Do I have the physical space required for this pet? Does this pet need a yard?
• Do I have the money to care for this animal? It is often more expensive than you think!
• Is this pet suited to the place where I live? A large dog may not be very happy in a big city if there is no yard.
• If I get this pet, will I physically be able to handle the animal on walks? This one is especially important when the owner is elderly or when children will be the primary caretakers.
• Do I have young children in the house? If so, a puppy might not be the best choice. Having a puppy in a household with a tiny child can be like having two small children competing for the attention of the parent. Puppies can also be very high energy and can sometimes cause accidents and injury to the child. An adult dog may be calmer and may be a better choice for people with young ones.

Researching what kind of pet is best for you can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. So if you are tempted to get a pet on a whim, remember that a little preparation will go a long way to ensure that your home is a happy one.