Things You Need To Know About Dog House Kits
For a person without any carpentry background, building a dog house could be a dreadful task. However, no need to be a master when it comes to building your pet’s house where it can lounge and sleep in once it’s outdoors. You will find dog house kits on the net and they come in many options so you will be able to choose the best for your beloved pet.
Dog house kits are generally ready-made dog house materials that you can assemble with or without the aid of tools. Nowadays, many kits are pre-fabricated, pre-painted and with added advanced creature comforts. There are also some added features that can help protect and provide comfort to your pet. You will find various designs from basic dog house kits to more elaborate ones that look like castles and mansions.
May it be an elaborate or a simple dog house, you will still need to consider the right size of the house and the size of your dog. It doesn’t have to be the size of your living room or bigger. Your pet should be able to turn around, lie and stretch inside its dog house, so it should have enough space. Remember that your dog won’t be staying inside often; only when it’s time to rest and sleep. So the space should be cozy but not too big for your dog’s size.
The most common materials of many dog house kits are heavy-duty plastic and cedar wood. Do not choose metal since it is a heat conductor and it won’t be good for your pet. To ensure your money’s worth, you can search for an online seller that offers dog house kits with lifetime warranty.
The prices of dog house kits are around $100 to $1000 and up, depending on the add ons. You might not spend as much when you buy a kit compared to hiring a carpenter and buying all the dog house materials. So look for the right kit with ideal features that will fit the needs of your pet, but will not bust your wallet in return.
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat
Bearded dragons are omnivores and therefore they are quite easy to feed. Bearded dragons eat both vegetable matters and some insects for food. This article will discuss the basic guidelines on what do bearded dragons eat.
The most important consideration in thinking about what do bearded dragons eat is the age of the lizard. A newly-hatched bearded dragon will mostly eat small insects as they need proteins for their growing bones and tissues. Once they are already 2-4 months of age, their diet should consist of 20% vegetables and 80% insects already, even if they do not eat the greens at first.
This is to ensure that they will become familiarized with it as they grow up as when they become adults, the majority of their diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure that you feed young bearded dragons 2-3 times everyday, as they will nip the toes and tails of their fellow young dragons if they are not fed well. Once they are adult, they should be given feeder insects for once or twice a week only.
Feeder insects is included in what do bearded dragons eat. These insects include crickets, mealworms, roaches, superworms, and silkworms. When feeding them to bearded dragons, leave them in the tank for 15 minutes only and make sure to remove the uneaten ones after. Also, never feed insects that are too big and have hard exoskeleton as they can cause impaction.
On the other hand, the greens, fruits, and vegetables that are included in what do bearded dragons eat are mainly those that most humans eat, except for a few exceptions. These include iceberg lettuce, tomato, citrus fruits such as orange and lemon, avocado, and rhubarb. Some vegetables like spinach, kale, cabbage, and banana are also not recommended to be fed regularly as they can interfere with the calcium absorption. When feeding vegetables to your bearded dragon, make sure that you shred and tear them into pieces and mix them together. This will train your dragon to eat all the food that is being offered and not just pick out on their favorites.
Sick Bearded Dragon
When taking care of a bearded dragon, sometimes it is inevitable that your pet will contract an illness. When this happens, you should take care of your sick bearded dragon in order to ensure that its condition will not deteriorate, or in a worst case scenario, it will not die. Here are some tips on how you can provide supportive care for your sick bearded dragon.
The first and foremost step is identifying if your bearded dragon is sick. It is kind of tricky as these reptiles tend to hide their symptoms from their owners when they are sick. Therefore you need to be alert for sudden behavioral changes that your pet goes through. Bearded dragon owners should watch out for signs like lethargy, sudden loss of appetite, or drastic weight loss.
The next thing that you need to do is to go to a reptile veterinarian in order to have the condition of your pet inspected. You may bring a stool sample along the way to easily help the veterinarian diagnose your pet’s condition. You should always pay attention to the condition of your pet so that if the veterinarian asks about the occurrence of symptoms, you can answer accurately. Then if your pet was prescribed medications, make sure that you give it to your pet as directed and follow the exact schedule, to make the treatment more potent.
There are also several ways that you can do on your own for a sick bearded dragon. One of them is placing the lizard in a warm water that is deep enough to immerse its body but not enough to submerge its head. This treatment can help a constipated bearded dragon, as well as when it is dehydrated.
Finally, if your sick bearded dragon is rapidly losing weight because of an illness, you can add more mealworms and superworms in its diet. These worms are rich in calories and they should help your pet gain more weight. However, you need to revert to the normal diet once your bearded dragon is already healthy, as these worms also contain a lot of fats. When your pet has no appetite and does not eat anything, feed it using a syringe. Blend its food until it has a liquid consistency and feed a tablespoon of the mixture. Continue doing this until the sick bearded dragon can already eat on its own.
Selling Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are great as pets because they have a docile nature, very friendly towards people, active during the day, and does not bite so it’s safe even around kids. They are also very easy to take care of as you can feed them common foods. If you want to buy a bearded dragon, you have to keep some things in mind to make sure that you get the most out of your money. Here are some tips on how to buy a bearded dragon.
However, before heading out in a pet store or going online to purchase a bearded dragon, keep in mind that this lizard has a lifespan of up to 20 years so think of it as a long-term investment that you should take responsibility of. Also you must already have a vivarium ready for the bearded dragon before purchasing one so that it already have a place to stay once you take it home.
The next thing that you need to think about is where to buy a bearded dragon. The best option would be in the pet store as you can actually choose the bearded dragon that you will take care of. But if you don’t have the time to do that, you can always go online and browse through the websites that sell bearded dragon, and look for the best deal out there.
Whether you buy a bearded dragon on a pet store or online, it is best that you purchase one that is captive bred rather than wild caught ones. It is because captive bred bearded dragons tend to be healthier and cleaner than their wild caught counterpart. Also wild caught bearded dragons have more chance of having parasites and they may not be in good condition due to the risks in living outdoors.
Finally, when buying a bearded dragon from a pet store, always choose the ones that look healthy. Choose the ones that look alert and energetic, and they shouldn’t have any deformities such as wounds, pus, sores, burns, missing toes or tails. The size of the bearded dragon should also be considered as it is not recommended to raise very small ones especially if it is your first time to own one. It is because baby bearded dragons are fragile and become sick or overstressed easily.
Buy A Bearded Dragon
A vivarium is an indoor enclosure that is used for raising pet animals or plants and they are usually observable as they are made from glass. If you intend to keep a bearded dragon as a pet, you will need to make a vivarium that is suitable for the needs of that particular lizard. Here are the steps on how you can make a bearded dragon vivarium.
The initial step in makinga bearded dragon vivarium is getting the enclosure with the right amount of size. For bearded dragons, it is recommended that you obtain a Breeder tank which is very large and has a dimension of 36”x18”x16”. While you may be wondering why would you need such a large vivarium for a bearded dragon, especially if it is just a baby, it’s because these are terrestrial lizards that need room to run around and therefore the large amount of floor space is recommended.
After setting up your enclosure, the next component that you will need for your bearded dragon enclosure is the substrate that will serve as the flooring. You can use newspapers, paper towels or carpets as they cannot be ingested by the bearded dragons. If you want a more natural feel to the vivarium, you can put play sand or calcium sand, although it is not recommended to put too much as it can cause impacting when the bearded dragons ingest it. Woodchips and walnut shells should never be used as they have sharp edges that may be swallowed by your pet.
You will also need to put heating devices in your bearded dragon vivarium. It is because the natural habitat of bearded dragons in Australia are hot, arid places and they do not hibernate at all as they are in places that are warm all year long. To do this, you will need a heating pad that must be placed under the vivarium. Another heating device that you will need is a heating lamp as bearded dragons like to bask in sunlight during the day. You can use a UV lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or a incandescent lamp as they all give off heat.
Finally, you can furnish the vivarium with logs or rocks, a trough for feeding, and a separate trough for water that must be large enough so that the lizard can actually immerse their body in them. It is also more advisable that you put logs than rocks as they retain heat better. Do not forget to add a covering where the bearded dragon can hide and sleep.
Bearded Dragon Vivarium
When planning to get a bearded dragon as your pet, make sure that you are prepared to take care of it for a long amount of time. It is because a bearded dragon life expectancy can reach for up to 10-20 years when taken care of properly. This article will discuss some tips on how to take care of your pet lizard so that it will reach the maximum bearded dragon life expectancy.
The first thing that you can do so that your pet can attain the life expectancy of a bearded dragon is by feeding it the appropriately. The right balance between insects and vegetables are dependent on the age of the bearded dragon. As a general rule, a young bearded dragon eats more insects while an adult eats more vegetables. In addition, you should not feed your bearded dragon fireflies, citrus fruits, tomato, avocado and rhubarb as they can be very dangerous for your pet.
The next thing that you can do to ensure that your pet reaches the bearded dragon life expectancy is by protecting your pet from impaction. Impaction can lead to the death of your pet bearded dragon so it’s best if you can protect it from the risks that can cause the condition. To do this, you need to use the appropriate substrate for the enclosure, not feeding the bearded dragon foods that are too big or chitinous insects, and always maintaining appropriate temperature of the cage. This way they can digest their food more properly and prevent digestive blockages from happening.
Another way of making sure that your pet attains the bearded dragon life expectancy is by taking care of your dragon when it is sick. Whenever you notice certain behavioral and physiological changes in your pet like lethargy, rapid weight loss, and lack of appetite, you need to consult an animal health expert immediately so that you’ll know the necessary actions to take. You may also need to find a reptile veterinarian as those that usually looks after traditional pets like cats and dogs have a different specialization.
Taking care of a bearded dragon is easy and you only need to keep in mind these simple reminders to ensure that your pet attains the bearded dragon life expectancy.
The Basics Of Organic Dog Food Recipe
If you have been planning on preparing your pet’s food, you are not alone. Many dog owners have been practicing this since years ago, even before the first bag of kibble was produced. However, this has evolved and many folks are going for organic dog food recipes that they believe are better alternatives for commercial varieties.
A typical organic dog food recipe on the net usually have emphasis on the type of ingredients since those make the recipe organic. An organic dog food recipe does not use any ingredient that has been exposed to chemicals such as fertilizers, commercial feeds and other chemical-based products. When you check the labels of organic dog foods in the market, you will see the same type of ingredients, although in different varieties.
When cooking for your pet using an organic dog food recipe, it is best to stick to the ingredients that you’ll find. You may look for an alternative ingredient in the organic section your local grocery if you can’t find the exact one. The goal is to produce organic and healthier dog food in your own kitchen using various ingredients that are readily available. And there may be times that you won’t find any organic vegetables or fruits in the grocery, you may substitute with another organic vegetable or fruit.
Many people who share their organic dog food recipes may tell you the various good and bad ingredients for dogs to help you select only the good ones when you shop. Some of the food items that are toxic to dogs are cacao products, chocolate, onions, coffee, raisins, grapes, strawberries, varieties of nuts, grains, garlic and corn products. You should steer clear from them once you’re shopping for your pet’s home-made dog food.
You will find many organic dog food recipes on the net via blogs, dog-related websites, as well as home-made dog food sites. After checking the ingredients, you should also do some research to ensure that everything is harmless and beneficial to your pet. It is also advisable to change or rotate the ingredients once in a while – for instance, change the organic meat content every two days. By doing this on a daily basis, you are adding variety to your pet’s meal.
Buy Organic Dog Food
You’ll find a variety of commercial dog foods to choose from. But not all dog owners prefer this type of food for their pets. Aside from the news about the health risks caused by commercial pet foods that came out a few years ago, many pet owners are switching because of their pets’ dietary requirements. For dog owners in particular, many of them have seen the positive effects to their pets’ health in feeding organic dog food. For the same reason, many dog lovers now buy organic dog food even though the price is a little higher than regular dog food.
Another reason why many pet owners are switching is due to the fact that they want more nutrients from dog foods; not empty promises and bags of fillers. Many dog owners have noticed the remarkable change in their pet’s energy level and physical attributes. After eating organic dog food, some dogs were able to improve their strength tenfold. Others stopped experiencing loose bowel movement. More and more pet owners are convinced and open to buy organic dog food after noticing the positive effects on other dogs.
You’ll immediately notice the price difference when you buy organic dog food. You will see that the ingredients in organic dog foods are almost in their purest form since they are all natural and have no fillers, and underwent little processing. The price may rely on these factors since there is more meat and other main ingredients in organic dog food compared to commercial variants.
Don’t be put off by the cost when it’s time to buy organic dog food for your pet. Just think of the money that you lost whenever you rush your pet to the vet’s clinic due to allergies or upset stomach. As some dog owners would say, it’s okay to spend a little extra for their pet’s organic food than on endless medications and trips to the vet.
If you love your pet and only want nothing but the best for its health, then it’s best that you try organic dog food to see the big difference yourself. You can look for stores that sell them online or offline by browsing the net. You may be able to buy organic dog food from an online retailer and have them delivered at your doorstep. Just make sure that you’re purchasing from an authorized seller or retailer.
Some Tips In Choosing The Best Dog House Designs
In the early days, dog owners would just build a box with an entry way and a roof, and man’s best friend has a house of its own. The basic structure is still the principle behind every modern dog house; the designs and structural components contribute to the aesthetic qualities. Modern dog house designs have also incorporated safety and comfort features for your pet to enjoy.
Due to the variety of options for dog house designs today, finding the right one for your pet can be very challenging. You will find numerous online shops that sell specific dog houses and accessories just by searching on the net. From the simplest designs to the most intricate, to the branded and high-end designer dog houses, you will surely feel torn with a few dog house designs that you think your pet will love.
So how do you choose the best one for your dog?
There are cases when unseen factors give the best option. The physical attributes should not be your priority especially when you are considering the comfort and safety of your pet. Browse for the dog house designs that maximize on these important aspects before using the unit’s appearance as your final basis. As for added features, you should choose a unit that is sturdy, weather-proof, properly insulated and ventilated, and easy to maintain.
The material used for the dog house should also be considered. Cedar wood and durable plastic are the most common materials used for dog houses these days. Check the detailed description of the product and see if there is a guarantee and return policy.
The size of your pet is also a vital factor since the cost is relative to the size of the dog house. If you own a large dog, you have to get a large dog house to allow your pet to comfortably move and turn inside. If your budget permits, you can get your pet a much bigger dog house to allow it to move around inside.
Dog house designs do not make the unit pricey. The special features usually bake a dog house more costly. Unless you want to buy a unit that has been designed by a famous designer, then that’s the time you need to pay more for the designer’s name and the brand of dog house.
Things To Look For In Dog House Heaters
It is easy to allow your dog stay and live inside your home. However, for folks who provide their pets their own outdoor living space, it is necessary to also provide them with dog house heaters to protect them during cold winter months. This goes especially to people who live in areas that have harsh winters with temperatures that go below zero.
For people living in locations with moderate winters and summers, it is advisable to get a cooling and heating system. This is like a smaller version similar to the systems that people use. There are internal and external components and temperature controls.
If you are particularly interested in dog house heaters, you need to look for the right features to get value for your money. In order to keep your pet safe and protected all the time, you should consider its needs too.
There are also dog house heaters that are similar to heating and cooling systems with exterior and interior components. A number of these heating systems have bulb or ceramic heat emitters that are identical to incubator systems. If your dog is okay to sleep with a light on, you can get the heating system with the light bulb emitter. It is advisable to get one with ceramic emitter if your pet loves sleeping in the dark.
If it’s modern types of dog house heaters you’re looking for, just search online and you’ll find the latest models and makes. Typically, these latest styles do not have external components. They also have added safety features such as cool surface to prevent your pet from burns, auto shut-off, and ergonomic design for further protection.
There are numerous makes and models on the net for dog house heaters. You may do some comparisons between prices and features before buying one for your pet. The price range for dog house heaters can be as low as $40 to as high as $100. Also search for the detailed product description and the installation guide.
Keeping the heater in good condition is not difficult either. It should be checked once in a while and the filters should be changed when necessary. It is best to clean it up regularly to make it last longer.