Iguanas As Pets

Iguanas can be one of the greatest pets to own as long as you know how to take care of one. Care is essential when dealing with an iguana.

There are three key components when taking care of your iguana. Like most pets you will need to provide your iguana with a great habitat, proper food and lots of love. Now let's go into more detail about these three pieces for a successful owner.

Iguanas are from tropic environments, thus you must provide a habitat that mimics one of the tropics. You will need a cage to keep your iguana in. This cage should have adequate UVA lighting because this is healthier for your iguana. Next, the cage should be filled with brushes or rocks, something for the iguana to climb on. Also, you will need to provide hiding places for your iguana. Make sure the cage is big enough for the iguana to move around in. Also, you must keep the cage clean in order to keep your iguana healthy.

Next you must properly feed your iguana. Iguanas are vegetarians and it can be deadly to feed them meat! Iguanas will eat most green leaf vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, lettuce and berries. Feed the iguana at least once a day and keep an eye on your iguana's eating habits. Also, make sure your iguana has a plentiful amount of clean water in it habitat at all times. Even though iguanas do not drink much water, it is necessary to keep their water supply fresh. Follow these feeding tips and your iguana will thrive.

Lastly you must show your iguana that you care and love it. Pick it up and hold it periodically. Also, the iguana will see that you are feeding it and taking care of it, and the pet will trust you more as you two get to know each other.

Iguanas are fascinating pets and are very easy to handle. Follow the above steps and you and your iguana will become best friends!

Source: Rob Stevenson at PetIguanaCenter.com

Far away rescue: How to help dogs in Puerto Rico

Some people bemoan the fact we've started to bring stray dogs from Puerto Rico to the U.S. to find homes. Their argument is that we have enough trouble here. My feeling is a homeless animal is a homeless animal and that, especially since Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S., it's our obligation to try to help them.

There are over 50,000 stray dogs in Puerto Rico and one group that is doing something practical about it is Save a Sato. "Sato" is a slang term for street dogs. Sato dogs come in many colors and mixes but tend to be smallish and make good family pets. Sato hooks up people who are going to Puerto Rico with dogs that need to be flown back. So the next time you plan a trip to a beach, consider Puerto Rico. You could save a dog's life and have a great time!

by Kelly Modzelewski

Boy dogs and girl dogs are not created equal

Girls can wear longer cut sweaters and tee shirts, but boys will not be comfortable unless their sweaters and tees are cut up on the tummy to mid chest. Many manufacturers pay attention to this distinction, but many do not. When you shop, you'll have to consider gender, or Brandon will end up wet, cold and embarrassed after his walk while Brandy is styling pretty in her well cut clothes.

Dogs have fur don't they? Yes, but not all fur is created for keeping warm in sustained winter cold. Huskies and Eskimo dogs have special fur that traps warm air. They frolic happily in the coldest weather. Other dogs that do not have this insulation - slim dogs, small dogs, puppies and older dogs can get cold in winter. A few stylish, well-fitting coats and sweaters make getting out and about more comfortable and sustain good winter health for many dogs.

Source: www.traveldogbooks.com

Jogging with your buddy

For those that love a good run, taking your exercise buddy on a brisk jog will suffice. When taking you dog on a jog or biking adventure make sure to remember these key points:

- Take rest breaks because dogs get tired, too

- Carry plenty of water to quench your and your dog's thirst

- On hot days jog or bike with your pup early in the morning or late evening when the sun goes down to avoid heatstroke and health complications

- NEVER take your dog jogging or biking if they have serious medical problems, without the consent of a vet

Source: PawLux.com

Fetching ZZZs: Picking the perfect dog bed

When it comes to selecting a dog bed, quality & durability is key. The dog bed must be able to withstand Fido's fascination with chewing and his sharp claws. So chose a bed that can weather the storm of Hurricane Spot, withstand the wrath of the Un-Decorator, and do battle against the Chew-minator.

Make sure the dog bed or its cover is washable and made of durable fabric. Your dog will definitely appreciate his own bed, space and little slice of sleep heaven. Because why should you be the only one having sweet dreams?


PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs.

Dwarf Hamster Care

Dwarf hamsters can often be more delicate, skittish, and faster to make an escape. Their small size allows them to fit into small cracks and spaces so they need a secure enclosure. Hamsters make their homes in tunnels that they dig themselves in the sand and dirt of their native homelands. In a home environment, they thrive in the plastic tubular habitats that are available to purchase at most pet supply stores. But, because of their small size, the hamster habitats might be too large for them to be able to climb and maneuver in properly. Luckily, they now make tubular habitats that are built smaller and specifically for mice. These types of enclosures are better suited for dwarf hamsters. They will also do well in a 10-20 gallon tank or a wire cage. Hamsters are naturally active creatures. So a wheel that can be placed inside the cage and can be used to run on is extremely important. One study found that a typical hamster could run up to five miles on their wheel. There are smaller wheels specifically made for dwarf hamsters.

A substrate on the bottom of your dwarf hamster's cage will satisfy their natural burrowing instincts. Owners need to use a dust free and absorbent material like wood shavings but not cedar or pine based products due to the repertory problems these materials can cause. The substrate in the hamster's cage should be completely emptied out and replaced every week. Hamsters like to make nests out of the substrates in their cages. Owners can also offer their hamsters a number of other nesting materials like paper towels, cotton, shredded paper, or tissues. Often times they like to construct their nests in a small space like a nesting box. Because they are naturally shy animals, they like the privacy that these boxes offer.

Because of their high metabolism, dwarf hamsters eat as much as the larger Syrian hamster. They eat different types of pellets, seeds, dried fruits and vegetables. Although hamsters tend to hoard their food in their nests rather then leaving it in their bowls, they still need to be offered a constant supply of fresh foods and a fresh water supply. Another important aspect that owners need to be concerned about is ensuring that their hamsters receive chewing toys. Hamsters' teeth never stop growing so they feel the constant urge to gnaw on anything that is around them. Without soft wooden toys to keep them busy they are liable to chew on plastic accessories which could injure them if chewed to become rough and broken.

In addition to replacing the substrate of the hamster's cage on a weekly basis, the cage and all of its accessories need to be washed weekly. Owners can use a light solution of soap and water and make sure to rinse everything thoroughly. The cage should also be completely dry before new substrate is added to the cage. Never use harsh chemicals because this can irritate hamsters. Although they require a moderate amount of care, the joy of owning a dwarf hamster far out weigh the amount of effort that needs to be put into the care of these amazing creatures.

Jonathan Houss is a Dwarf Hamster enthusiast, You can read more about Dwarf Hamsters at: Dwarf Hamster Care but before you go anywhere now visit The Dwarf Hamster Center.

Summer adventures for pups & their people

With the warm weather beckoning, bonding with your best friend is as close as your backyard. Here are a few fun ideas for celebrating the sunshine together.

1. Hit the Trail. What better way to stay fit and bond with your dog than hiking together? Go to hikewithyourdog.com to find a trail near you.

2. Visit a Vineyard! Many wineries welcome dogs on their grassy grounds and we're sure your dog would enjoy a picnic there with you.

3. Catch the Show. Find outdoor concerts or movie night in the park in your area. Pack a blanket, some snacks and sit back and enjoy!

4. Hit the Open Road. Pick your destination and get out of town with your pup. Search for pet-friendly hotels at petswelcome.com

Source: www.dogster.com