It is very common for folks to get a pot belly pig as a pet. In fact, for people who want to have a different kind of pet, this kind of pig is a really popular choice. Yet, some of you may find it a bit difficult to take care of it. It is very true that taking care of pigs is not that easy. Here are 5 tips for you so that you can take care of it easier.
Tips To Take Care Of Your Pot Belly Pig
#1 There are some people who think that there will be some bad smells when you have a pig at your home. The truth here is that this will not happen. The truth here is that there will not be any bad smell if you can keep it clean. Even if it is a dog or a cat, there will be bad smells if you do not keep it clean.
#2 A lot of space will be needed when you are taking care of a pot belly pig as a pet. To this end, you may not consider this kind of pet if you do not have enough space at home. This is very important. It will not grow healthily if there is no space for it to develop.
#3 You will need to take some time to take care of it. Usually, it is not uncommon for a pot belly pig to be 15 years old. To this end, you will probably need to expect that you will need to have a long term commitment when you get the pig as a pet. If you do not think you can have a long term commitment, you should not take it as your pet.
#4 It is important that you pay a lot of attention to your pot belly pig. This is because it can have a lot of aggressions if you do not pay enough attention to it. However, if you can train it properly, it will not be difficult for you to take care of it.
#5 You also need to consider the diet of the pig. Usually, a lot fat diet will be good. You should make sure that you will not give the wrong foods for it to eat. Proper nutrition will be needed. Besides, you should also need to include a lot of vegetables in its diet.
In fact, it is not difficult for you to take care of your pig if you can discover some Pot Belly Secrets. These secrets can help you to train your pig easily.
Click Here Now to discover the most rarely known secrets to take care of your pot belly pig.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Liu
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
How to Name Your Pet
Naming your pet should be easy, but people often make it very hard and stress out over it. I've had lots of pets and naming them has never been an issue, but has often been lots of fun. Here are some basics.
Don't name the pet you don't have! Don't choose a name for a pet you're getting as it might not fit. For example, you might choose a name of "Buster" for the bulldog you are going to get or a name of "Missy" for the kittycat you're planning on, just to find they don't work. Your Bulldog may be more of a Leonard or Chad, and Butch or Bob might be a more appropriate name for your cat.
Think twice about reusing names. I friend named his cat after an old girlfriend of mine. Another friend named his dog after me. Both were amusing but not good long term names. Do you really want to name your dog after your dead grandfather or your canary after your deceased wife? Think twice.
Pick a name you like. Your pet won't care and it's no one else's business. Your pet, your name, is the basic rule.
Remember you can always use a nickname if you'd like. I'm Harold, but always called Harry. My Uncle Throckmorton was called Uncle Butch. You can also change a pet's name if the original name isn't working out. It is not like changing a child's name; you can just do it! My mother in laws dog came with the inappropriate name of Greta. Greta is now Frank, a much more appropriate name for her.
Harry Baldwin writes often on home and garden topics. See his latest on Rubber Stair Treads and Carpet Stair Treads. He once lived with a cat name "Stair Tread," and the name fit!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harold_Baldwin
Don't name the pet you don't have! Don't choose a name for a pet you're getting as it might not fit. For example, you might choose a name of "Buster" for the bulldog you are going to get or a name of "Missy" for the kittycat you're planning on, just to find they don't work. Your Bulldog may be more of a Leonard or Chad, and Butch or Bob might be a more appropriate name for your cat.
Think twice about reusing names. I friend named his cat after an old girlfriend of mine. Another friend named his dog after me. Both were amusing but not good long term names. Do you really want to name your dog after your dead grandfather or your canary after your deceased wife? Think twice.
Pick a name you like. Your pet won't care and it's no one else's business. Your pet, your name, is the basic rule.
Remember you can always use a nickname if you'd like. I'm Harold, but always called Harry. My Uncle Throckmorton was called Uncle Butch. You can also change a pet's name if the original name isn't working out. It is not like changing a child's name; you can just do it! My mother in laws dog came with the inappropriate name of Greta. Greta is now Frank, a much more appropriate name for her.
Harry Baldwin writes often on home and garden topics. See his latest on Rubber Stair Treads and Carpet Stair Treads. He once lived with a cat name "Stair Tread," and the name fit!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harold_Baldwin
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
How To Care For A Potbellied Pig
Although for many people the word pig conjures up images of a farmyard, potbellied pigs are increasingly popular as domestic pets. They are much smaller than the standard farm
pig, and commonly seen with mixed black and white coloring; or all black, all white, or silver coloring. Adults typically weigh around 125-200 lbs, are fully-grown at 2-3 years and are about the height of a medium sized dog. They have a projected lifespan of 15-20 years, and are relatively low maintenance pets, requiring roughly the same amount of daily care as a dog. Potbellied pigs are popular city pets, and their small size lends itself well to apartment living.
The potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. Given the chance, they can interbreed with common farm pigs and wild boars, as they are all part of the genus sus scrofa. Potbellied pigs are exotic pets, which can make them a bit more troublesome than a cat or a dog for this reason: not all veterinarians treat them which can make it difficult to get these pets the care they require. Pigs need their tusks trimmed every couple of years, and may need their hooves trimmed annually. A veterinarian, or an owner who has learned how from a doctor, can perform these tasks. Pigs will need to be spayed or neutered and require regular vaccinations.
Potbellied pigs make enjoyable pets because they are very intelligent and affectionate. However, like many animals they are prone to laziness and aggression if not properly exercised and socialized. At times, an adult pig may rebel against the owner in so-called "dominance aggression", and will need to be reprimanded gently yet strongly, and taught to respect the owner's authority. They can be well trained, if properly motivated by food and other rewards. They take well to positive reinforcement when they are behaving well, but should not be physically punished.
Pigs should have daily leash-led walks or they will gain weight. They will eat nearly endless amounts of food, particularly high-carbohydrate unhealthy food, if allowed, so it is vital to restrict your pet's access to the food it craves. They are relentless in searching for food, and should be kept far away from the kitchen or any food storage. Special pig feed can be purchased in a pet store or special-ordered. Pigs are omnivores, equally interested in vegetables, meats, sweets, and carbohydrate-based foods.
Pigs are social herd creatures, and it is often recommended that they be kept in pairs or groups, especially if they are kept outside the house. This keeps them stimulated and active. Because of their intelligence, if pigs get bored they may become destructive and troublesome. Inadequate attention or playtime can compel pigs to do anything from rooting up plants to taking up linoleum floors and eating drywall. Pigs need to be kept in their own confined area of the house, preferably an entire room, if not a confined outdoor area. They are clean and essentially odor-free, so it is not usually difficult to find a room where they can roam.
Like any pet, a potbellied pig is a serious commitment, and requires some specialized care that demands time and resources. Shelters are overflowing with abandoned pigs whose owners did not anticipate the kind of attention that their pet would need. However, the intelligence, affection and personality of a well trained, adequately cared for potbellied pig can be very rewarding for the prepared, responsible owner.
Gray Rollins
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for PotbelliedHogs.com. To learn more about how to care for pet pig and potbellied pigs as pets, visit us.
pig, and commonly seen with mixed black and white coloring; or all black, all white, or silver coloring. Adults typically weigh around 125-200 lbs, are fully-grown at 2-3 years and are about the height of a medium sized dog. They have a projected lifespan of 15-20 years, and are relatively low maintenance pets, requiring roughly the same amount of daily care as a dog. Potbellied pigs are popular city pets, and their small size lends itself well to apartment living.
The potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. Given the chance, they can interbreed with common farm pigs and wild boars, as they are all part of the genus sus scrofa. Potbellied pigs are exotic pets, which can make them a bit more troublesome than a cat or a dog for this reason: not all veterinarians treat them which can make it difficult to get these pets the care they require. Pigs need their tusks trimmed every couple of years, and may need their hooves trimmed annually. A veterinarian, or an owner who has learned how from a doctor, can perform these tasks. Pigs will need to be spayed or neutered and require regular vaccinations.
Potbellied pigs make enjoyable pets because they are very intelligent and affectionate. However, like many animals they are prone to laziness and aggression if not properly exercised and socialized. At times, an adult pig may rebel against the owner in so-called "dominance aggression", and will need to be reprimanded gently yet strongly, and taught to respect the owner's authority. They can be well trained, if properly motivated by food and other rewards. They take well to positive reinforcement when they are behaving well, but should not be physically punished.
Pigs should have daily leash-led walks or they will gain weight. They will eat nearly endless amounts of food, particularly high-carbohydrate unhealthy food, if allowed, so it is vital to restrict your pet's access to the food it craves. They are relentless in searching for food, and should be kept far away from the kitchen or any food storage. Special pig feed can be purchased in a pet store or special-ordered. Pigs are omnivores, equally interested in vegetables, meats, sweets, and carbohydrate-based foods.
Pigs are social herd creatures, and it is often recommended that they be kept in pairs or groups, especially if they are kept outside the house. This keeps them stimulated and active. Because of their intelligence, if pigs get bored they may become destructive and troublesome. Inadequate attention or playtime can compel pigs to do anything from rooting up plants to taking up linoleum floors and eating drywall. Pigs need to be kept in their own confined area of the house, preferably an entire room, if not a confined outdoor area. They are clean and essentially odor-free, so it is not usually difficult to find a room where they can roam.
Like any pet, a potbellied pig is a serious commitment, and requires some specialized care that demands time and resources. Shelters are overflowing with abandoned pigs whose owners did not anticipate the kind of attention that their pet would need. However, the intelligence, affection and personality of a well trained, adequately cared for potbellied pig can be very rewarding for the prepared, responsible owner.
Gray Rollins
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for PotbelliedHogs.com. To learn more about how to care for pet pig and potbellied pigs as pets, visit us.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Pet Health Savings Account
Perhaps you are one of those Americans who has a health savings account along with a high deductible health insurance plan. I've had one of these policies for several years and I like it. In theory, this costs less in the long run because the premium for a high deductible insurance policy is lower.
The insurance is bought to protect you from financial ruin in case of a very large hospital/doctor bill (a catastrophic illness). You use the savings account (which is tax deductible and the interest builds tax free) to pay your deductible associated with the insurance policy and any smaller healthcare expenses. You can even use it for expenses that aren't necessarily covered by your health insurance e.g. the services of your dentist, chiropractor, eye glasses, etc. If you are healthy and don't spend much on healthcare, the money builds up for when you do need it. It somewhat like an IRA.
The savings account and insurance policy complement each other. It's nice to have the money already set aside when a healthcare expense occurs. You can even have the money for the insurance premium and the deposit into the savings account automatically deducted every month from your checking account. That way the money is budgeted month by month.
There are some companies and individuals who counsel people to put all their money into a savings account and forget the pet insurance. In my opinion, this would be unwise. What if you are $200 into your savings plan and your pet gets ill or is injured and the diagnostic/treatment plan is $5000 with a prognosis of a complete recovery? Do you really want to be faced with the decision of whether you can afford that or not? That's why you have other financing options e.g credit and/or insurance.
While starting your own pet health savings account isn't tax deductible at this time, it's still a good complement to pet insurance and/or credit to help pay for those unexpected/unplanned pet health expenses.
Dr. Kenney practices small animal medicine and surgery in Memphis, Tennessee. He enjoys teaching pet owners how they can save money on their pet's healthcare expenses and how pet insurance can be beneficial to pet owners and veterinarians, but most of all pets.
Toward this end, he has authored a book, "Your Guide To Understanding Pet Health Insurance" that also includes the companion book, "The Wise Pet Owner" available online at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Your-Guide-Understanding-Health-Insurance/dp/0982322100/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242854554&sr=8-5). He also authors a blog (http://www.petinsuranceguideus.com).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_Kenney
The insurance is bought to protect you from financial ruin in case of a very large hospital/doctor bill (a catastrophic illness). You use the savings account (which is tax deductible and the interest builds tax free) to pay your deductible associated with the insurance policy and any smaller healthcare expenses. You can even use it for expenses that aren't necessarily covered by your health insurance e.g. the services of your dentist, chiropractor, eye glasses, etc. If you are healthy and don't spend much on healthcare, the money builds up for when you do need it. It somewhat like an IRA.
The savings account and insurance policy complement each other. It's nice to have the money already set aside when a healthcare expense occurs. You can even have the money for the insurance premium and the deposit into the savings account automatically deducted every month from your checking account. That way the money is budgeted month by month.
There are some companies and individuals who counsel people to put all their money into a savings account and forget the pet insurance. In my opinion, this would be unwise. What if you are $200 into your savings plan and your pet gets ill or is injured and the diagnostic/treatment plan is $5000 with a prognosis of a complete recovery? Do you really want to be faced with the decision of whether you can afford that or not? That's why you have other financing options e.g credit and/or insurance.
While starting your own pet health savings account isn't tax deductible at this time, it's still a good complement to pet insurance and/or credit to help pay for those unexpected/unplanned pet health expenses.
Dr. Kenney practices small animal medicine and surgery in Memphis, Tennessee. He enjoys teaching pet owners how they can save money on their pet's healthcare expenses and how pet insurance can be beneficial to pet owners and veterinarians, but most of all pets.
Toward this end, he has authored a book, "Your Guide To Understanding Pet Health Insurance" that also includes the companion book, "The Wise Pet Owner" available online at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Your-Guide-Understanding-Health-Insurance/dp/0982322100/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242854554&sr=8-5). He also authors a blog (http://www.petinsuranceguideus.com).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_Kenney
Friday, January 1, 2010
5 Tips to Take Care of Your Pot Belly Pig
It is very common for folks to get a pot belly pig as a pet. In fact, for people who want to have a different kind of pet, this kind of pig is a really popular choice. Yet, some of you may find it a bit difficult to take care of it. It is very true that taking care of pigs is not that easy. Here are 5 tips for you so that you can take care of it easier.
Tips To Take Care Of Your Pot Belly Pig
#1 There are some people who think that there will be some bad smells when you have a pig at your home. The truth here is that this will not happen. The truth here is that there will not be any bad smell if you can keep it clean. Even if it is a dog or a cat, there will be bad smells if you do not keep it clean.
#2 A lot of space will be needed when you are taking care of a pot belly pig as a pet. To this end, you may not consider this kind of pet if you do not have enough space at home. This is very important. It will not grow healthily if there is no space for it to develop.
#3 You will need to take some time to take care of it. Usually, it is not uncommon for a pot belly pig to be 15 years old. To this end, you will probably need to expect that you will need to have a long term commitment when you get the pig as a pet. If you do not think you can have a long term commitment, you should not take it as your pet.
#4 It is important that you pay a lot of attention to your pot belly pig. This is because it can have a lot of aggressions if you do not pay enough attention to it. However, if you can train it properly, it will not be difficult for you to take care of it.
#5 You also need to consider the diet of the pig. Usually, a lot fat diet will be good. You should make sure that you will not give the wrong foods for it to eat. Proper nutrition will be needed. Besides, you should also need to include a lot of vegetables in its diet.
In fact, it is not difficult for you to take care of your pig if you can discover some Pot Belly Secrets. These secrets can help you to train your pig easily.
Click Here Now to discover the most rarely known secrets to take care of your pot belly pig.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Liu
Tips To Take Care Of Your Pot Belly Pig
#1 There are some people who think that there will be some bad smells when you have a pig at your home. The truth here is that this will not happen. The truth here is that there will not be any bad smell if you can keep it clean. Even if it is a dog or a cat, there will be bad smells if you do not keep it clean.
#2 A lot of space will be needed when you are taking care of a pot belly pig as a pet. To this end, you may not consider this kind of pet if you do not have enough space at home. This is very important. It will not grow healthily if there is no space for it to develop.
#3 You will need to take some time to take care of it. Usually, it is not uncommon for a pot belly pig to be 15 years old. To this end, you will probably need to expect that you will need to have a long term commitment when you get the pig as a pet. If you do not think you can have a long term commitment, you should not take it as your pet.
#4 It is important that you pay a lot of attention to your pot belly pig. This is because it can have a lot of aggressions if you do not pay enough attention to it. However, if you can train it properly, it will not be difficult for you to take care of it.
#5 You also need to consider the diet of the pig. Usually, a lot fat diet will be good. You should make sure that you will not give the wrong foods for it to eat. Proper nutrition will be needed. Besides, you should also need to include a lot of vegetables in its diet.
In fact, it is not difficult for you to take care of your pig if you can discover some Pot Belly Secrets. These secrets can help you to train your pig easily.
Click Here Now to discover the most rarely known secrets to take care of your pot belly pig.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Liu
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