Friday, October 26, 2007

Cat - Providing Your Dog With Enough Toys

Variety is the spice of life. This holds no different when it comes to pet toys, particularly those of a dog. Like a child, having just one or two isn't very stimulating or helpful to the animal. The dog should have a variety to help give a different range of playtimes. Of course, it's not toys like a child where they are pressing all kinds of buttons and learning things. But each dog toy is still unique and provides a different experience for the animal.

My dog has four toys that she loves. She is a beagle, and is easily distracted by so many things, yet these four toys keep her occupied and happy. They promote play, chewing, and just feeling good about doing something. They can keep her from just sleeping and being down when the weather is sad or there is no one home. This is a beneficial view for all dog owners.

My dog's favorite toy is the ball. It is a versatile toy, both for casual and more energetic play. She loves inside the house and outside the house. When she casually plays with it, she just holds it in her mouth, bites down on it a few times, and stuff like that. Sometimes she'll drop it or toss it, watch it roll, and then pick it up again. Nothing much. When she really wants to play with it, she'll have me throw it so she can chase it. It's one of her two active toys.

The other toy that keeps her on the go is Kong. It's a funny little toy that looks almost like a red snowman. It's built to bounce when thrown and is great for the outside, especially for those with big yards or parks to play at. Not only can you throw it far, like a ball, but it has a great bounce to it and can go off in many directions. It keeps the dog on its toys and excited to play.

Her third toy is a red Nylabone that has been around for years. She just loves it and it is her favorite chew toy. It is probably the best chew toy she could have. It's thick, strong, well-made, and still fun to chew on. This is great for dogs to keep their teeth strong and to give them something to chew on other than slippers and furniture.

Her fourth toy doesn't last long and is constantly being replaced, but she loves it. It is a rope, another great chew toy, but for a different reason. It's like a floss for dogs, helping keep their teeth and mouths clean and healthy. She goes to town on it, obsessed with ripping it apart in the first day. If it's a small one, she'll have it in threads all over the rug within an hour. But a nice thick, sturdy one will last for a while and keep her very happy.

These are my dogs four favorite toys, but they are not the only good toys out there for dogs. It depends on the dog's personality and the size. Some toys are great for smaller dogs, some for larger, some for calmer dogs and some for more active. They can be squeaky toys, plush animals, rawhides, and other special bones. They come in numerous sizes, shapes, and designs to provide a great variety of entertainment.

The key is providing your dog with a variety of toys to enjoy. This not only makes sure they will last longer, but also keep your dog occupied. They won't get bored fast with just one toy which can happen. Dogs, like all animals, need a variety of ways to have fun. We can't always be there to play with them, to run around outside or give them the attention they need and deserve. When they are left alone or the owner is too sick or busy, having a nice variety of toys can go a long way and keep the dog happy and amused.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com which is a site for Pet Forums.

Jake Rose is an artist and an author from Massachusetts.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Rose

Cat - At What Age Should You Give Your Child a Pet?

If you have kids, you might be up in the air on getting a kitten, dog or something else. You probably should, but the question is when?

Kids dream of having their own pet. As parents, you might be confused as to whether getting a pet is a good idea or not. There is no right or wrong answer, however. A lot depends on your personal situation and the maturity level of your children.

If your children are not yet in school, they should not have responsibility over a pet. It is certainly fine for you to have a family pet, but you will need to be prepared to do most of the work yourself. Children at this age often do not know that they are bothering an animal and they simply think the animal is playing with them. You need to make sure that your pet will get along well with small children. Even gentle dogs and cats can become agitated when their tails are pulled or if a child is harassing them. If you have a bird, you will need to make sure that you are able to keep the cage out of the reach of children. Little kids love to stick their fingers into a bird cage and a bird loves to nip them.

If your children are in school, they are probably ready for a pet. However, you will need to have a serious discussion as to whether your child will be responsible for all of the pet care or whether it will be shared between family members. A child often will agree to take care of a pet. When the time comes to actually do it, they might be less inclined. If your child generally does a good job at taking care of his or her belongings, then they might be ready to take on the additional responsibility of a pet. However, you must supervise this care as you are ultimately the one responsible for the pet's care.

You should also never buy a pet on a whim. You will often see rabbits at a carnival or a box of free puppies on the side of the road. You might wander into a pet store at the mall and see a cute cat that you want to make your own. Avoid the temptation. Many animals which are bought on impulse end up in shelters. Do your research before you make a commitment to a pet.

If you have prepared for a pet and know what you are getting into, they can be a great experience for a child. Adults also often name the times they spent with their pet as some of their favorite childhood memories. There can be quite a few benefits to pet ownership. Many people feel that it helps children gain responsibility. It can also teach them how to be kind to animals and can have a therapeutic effect on many children. Some doctors also believe that having a pet as a child will help reduce your susceptibility to allergies when you are older.

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