Twisted Sketches

Month: March 2022

Spiders Have Special Benefits- But Beware Of That Bite!

Many Americans warmly welcome four-legged friends into their homes, but few are comfortable when creatures with eight legs wander in from outside.

Even though they make you shriek, some spiders play a positive role around your home by preying on other pests. For some homeowners, their contributions to reducing unwanted insects far outweigh the fear they evoke.

“Many household spiders are not dangerous to humans,” said Orkin, Inc. entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D. “However, there are a few species with a venomous bite. The key is distinguishing between those that make harmless houseguests and those that present a threat to your family.”

Several spiders can protect your home from pesky invaders. Cellar spiders-the web-spinning species most common in homes-have been known to prey on black widow spiders. Some, like the spiny orb weaver and house spiders, can hunt crickets and small flying insects. Wolf spiders can help rid lawns and gardens of common pests. Even the brown recluse-the most dangerous spider to humans-can assist by eating cockroaches, silverfish and other soft-bodied insects.

When protecting your family from venomous spiders, it is important to identify key characteristics of harmful species like the black widow, brown recluse and yellow sac spiders, whose bites can cause severe skin irritations.

• Black Widow: Females are shiny black, with a red hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomen.

• Brown Recluse: This spider is yellowish to brown in color, with a dark brown violin-shaped back marking; legs are long and thin with fine hair.

• Yellow Sac: This spider has yellow coloring; its abdomen is often much brighter than its head or legs.

According to a survey conducted by Orkin, Inc., spiders have a noticeable presence in two out of three American households. So when spiders make frequent appearances in your home, trust an experienced professional to identify the species, consider its web-building or hunting behaviors and determine the best way to control the infestation.

Homeowners can take some steps to prevent spider invasions and reduce potentially harmful encounters, such as removing food sources and discouraging nesting by keeping low-traffic areas, such as cellars or closets, clear. However, a licensed pest control company should be called upon to treat and repel spider infestations.…

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Pets Benefit, Spider Facts

Smart Nutrition Solution For Multi-Cat Households

Cats of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages often share the same space and the same dinner bowl. But cats have different dietary needs, and those with more than one cat often find that it becomes cumbersome to keep track of the amount and type of food each cat requires.

 

To make the process easier, The Iams Company recently introduced a food containing ingredients that the company says “work together to meet the individual needs of each cat in a household.”

 

“Feeding different foods to multiple cats living in the same home often is impractical, so Iams Multi-Cat is formulated with those needs and differences in mind,” said Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian with Iams. “Developing this food was a two-step process. First, cat owners described the ultimate food that would answer the needs of their cats. Iams nutritionists took that information and discovered the ideal combination of ingredients to accomplish the goals and fulfill the needs of these multi-cat households.”

 

The key ingredients in new Iams Multi-Cat are L-carnitine, which helps overweight cats burn fat; vitamin A, which is believed to help lower risk of weight gain; and protein for lean muscle mass.

 

According to industry research, 71 percent of all cats living in the U.S. live in a multi-cat home and 40 percent of those households make the extra effort to sequester each cat at mealtime.

 

But feeding is just one of many challenges multi-cat owners face. For those considering bringing an additional cat into their household, Iams offers the following tips:

 

* Give the new cat its own room with a bed, a scratching post, litter pan, food and water dishes and toys.

 

* Ease into it. Let the new cat explore the house while the other cat explores the new cat’s room. Also, let the new cat play with the first cat’s toys and then switch the toys. This will help them get used to each other’s scent.

 

* When introducing the cats, open the door just wide enough so that they can see and smell each other and stay close by to supervise. Repeat these short introductions as often as necessary until they are able to stay comfortably in the same room, with supervision.

 

* Give your first cat lots of extra attention and affection during this period of adjustment.…

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Household Cats, Pets Tips

Raising A Healthy Bird.

1. If you want your bird to live a long life it is important to feed it in a nutritionally sound way. Birds often die too young because they are malnourished or they pick up a disease because they were not being fed correctly.

 

2. Birds who are part of the parrot family should be fed a variety of foods. Seeds are used by most as the only part of the bird’s diet and this is a mistake. Seeds have too much fat, not enough protein and almost no vitamins. Seeds should not make up more than 50 percent of your bird’s diet.

 

3. Try healthy table foods like items that contain whole grains and pretzels, pasta and whole wheat bread. Many birds can be persuaded, given time and encouragement, to eat dairy and poultry products. Try serving your bird low-fat cheese, yogurt and chicken. Avoid any food that is high in fat and stay away from avocados, they are toxic to

birds!

 

4. Beans and legumes as well as fruits and vegetables are good sources of nutrition for the pet bird. It may take quite awhile to get your fine-feathered friend to except these changes, (up to a year) but it will be the best thing for your bird.

 

5. When you get ready to make these changes do it slowly. Offer the fresh foods twice a day for about an hour at each feeding. Don’t leave the fresh food in the cage longer than that. It becomes unappealing and can develop bacteria.

 

6. Feeding your bird twice a day is a good idea. Your bird will become hungry between feedings and this practice produces a more active bird. With a healthy appetite the bird is more likely to try new foods. You will also be able to keep a closer watch on how much your bird is eating. (If your bird is sick,laying eggs, caring for young, or nesting they should always have food available.) When food consumption drops, a bird is usually not feeling well.

 

7. If your bird is having a hard time getting used to the new diet, try warming the food or cooking the vegetables. It will take a little time to discover what works for your bird. Offer seeds only at meal time and along with other foods until you see that your bird is eating enough …

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Pets Benefit, Pets Tips

Poor Genetics And Weak Nerves

Dear Mr. Katz:

 

I recently purchased your book, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!” and have tried very hard to curb my dog Honey’s aggressions, which I have now recognized as both fear and food aggression… after reading your book.

 

But instead of better, I fear it is getting worse.

 

We adopted her from the age of 2-3 months, and she was fine in the beginning. Very loving and extremely hyperactive. The hyperactivity continues, and she still jumps up at anyone coming near the house. She seems to fear tall men, especially if they have anything in their hands, like a garden rake or spade, and she backs away from strangers, even small children. She is afraid. She gets aggressive with anyone she senses is afraid of dogs, and she has gone for them, making it worse for them, of course! She becomes aggressive with anyone who passes her by when any food is around, and she will growl and snarl at them, telling them in effect that the food is hers, so hands off!

 

To crown it all off, she snarled and growled at me today when I went up to stroke her, which she has not done before. I have always tried to correct her, either by the leash, or we have a muzzle which we correct her with, and failing that, I will put her in her crate as a punishment. I am not a novice with a dog. Before Honey, we had the most wonderful shepherd/husky dog, who was similarly abandoned, and I never had one problem with him – he was wonderful. I have taken honey to obedience classes – She does sit and stay, also goes down when she is instructed to.

 

I feel that I have done everything possible to alleviate her aggression, but it doesn’t seem to work. I have two daughters who both pour love on her too, and quite frankly, I am afraid one day that she will become vicious – Can you please give me some advice, because I do not want to have to have her put down.

 

I have tried everything you recommend in your book, including spitting in her food, and making her wait to eat last. But I must be doing something wrong! I know mixed breeds aren’t your favorite, but please make an exception in my case. I …

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Pets Tips

Pets Can Greatly Improve Your Health

Having a pet is one of the healthiest investments you can make to your long-term health and happiness. We know that having a pet enrichs our lives, and scientific studies in the last decade, have clearly shown how companion animals benefit both our bodies and our minds. Apart from lazy days in the sun, walking, fetching, and guaranteed smiles throughout the day, pets provide health benefits that extend far into the body and mind, such as lower blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety level as well as providing pet owners with both consistent behavior and offering unconditional love and affection. Pets in return, respond well to stability and the love and affection pet owners lavish upon them.

 

Pets have been known to improve the lives of pet owners, significantly benefiting health, not only for the young and families, but also for the elderly. Pets may help elderly owners live longer, healthier and ultimately, more enjoyable lives. The Journal of the American Geriartics Society published an article in May 1999 showing how independently living seniors with pets, tend to have better physical strength and overall mental health and wellbeing than seniors that do not have pets. They are more active, generally happier, cope better with stress, and have significantly lower blood pressure.

 

It would seem that taking care of a pet would be a lot of work. In fact, it is that work, that maintenance – walking, feeding, grooming, fresh water, playing and petting, that lowers the heart rate, decreases anxiety and stress levels, increases serotonin and the release of beta-endorphins in pet owners. Even just getting up to open the door for a dog to be let in or out, or changing the water for the kitty, require some cardiovascular exercise, and increase joint flexibility and keep joints limber and agile. Consistent minor exercise like this, ensures healthier bodies for pet owners.

 

Many of the benefits of having a pet are less tangible. Pets allow for physical contact and offer consistent companionship, as well as unconditional love. They act as a support system for older people without homes or families or close friends. People with pets generally remain more stable emotionally during crises than people without pets. Pets also offer protection socially from isolation, separation anxiety for people in nursing homes, and for people whodon’t have as much opportunity to interact with other people.

 

Pets help elders …

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Pets Benefit

Helpful Advice for All Aquarium Owners: What Your Tank Needs

When you purchase an aquarium for your home, it needs to be filled with a mix of different water types that are able to support the different types of fish and other aquatic life. If you are purchasing a new aquarium or replacing the old one, then you should think about what factors you need to consider.

This includes the size of the tank, the number of fish that will live in it, and what type of fish they will be. If you’re purchasing a new tank then there are some additional factors that come into play, such as filtration and lighting. Here is some helpful advice on what your aquarium needs.

What Your Tank Needs

The number one thing that you need to think about is the size of the tank. The bigger your tank, the more fish and other aquatic life that can live comfortably in it. Tanks are measured by gallons so it is important to have a range of what your tank will be able to hold. You’ll also want to consider the number of fish that you plan on having in your aquarium.

This will depend on what type of fish you choose and how many fish you have chosen to purchase. If you just want a few fish then all you need is 1 gallon per 3-5 pounds of total weight, but if you plan on having much more fish then this would require a larger space for them to live in.

Aquariums need lighting, filters, substrate, and decorations as well as a water conditioner and food for their inhabitants.

Factors to consider when purchasing an aquarium

The size of the tank is a factor that needs to be considered. It’s important to know how big you will actually need the aquarium to be because it isn’t just a question of how many fish can live in the tank. The more fish there are in an aquarium, the more they will produce waste, and the more water they will need.

If you are considering more than one type of fish, then make sure you have enough space for them in the tank. Additionally, if you are purchasing a freshwater tank, then make sure that there is sufficient filtration and aeration for both fresh and saltwater tanks. You also want to consider what type of fish you will be keeping in your aquarium; for example, …

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Fish Aquarium

How A Pet Parakeet Would Survive Living In The City

You might think that living in the city is a great place for your parakeet. However, this may not be the case if you want to ensure your pet’s safety and happiness. Here are some tips on how to make sure your pet parakeet can survive living in the city.

 

First of all, you need to get them a proper cage. A large cage will be more comfortable for your pet and it will allow them plenty of room to play and fly around. You should also provide plenty of places for them to escape from predators or even just a safe spot in case they feel threatened by something in their cage.

 

Parakeets In The City

Parakeets are some of the most popular pets in North America. This is because they’re both fun and social. They can be good pets for people who live in apartments or townhouses, are on the go, or even just want to have a bird around the house.

One thing that you must consider before adopting a parakeet, however, is whether or not your city will allow them as a pet. If you find out that your city doesn’t allow parakeets as pets, then this might not be the best option for you.

 

The Cage

You should also provide a comfortable, safe cage for your pet. This can be anything from a large cage with plenty of places for them to escape to a small, safe enclosure. A large cage will allow more room for your parakeet to fly around and play and will be more comfortable for them. With a small enclosure, the space is divided into smaller zones that the parakeet can escape to if it feels threatened by anything in its surroundings. It should also have enough food and water bowls so that it can always have access to what it needs.

 

More About Cages

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should make sure your parakeet’s cage is properly ventilated and has plenty of fresh air. Your pet will also need a water bottle so they can stay hydrated. If you’re going to be gone longer than expected, you should put food and water outside of their cage so they don’t forget where it is and struggle to find it when you come back.

 

You should also purchase a few toys for …

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Pets Tips

What Kind of Habitat is Suitable for a Pet Chinchilla?

If you have a pet chinchilla, chances are that eventually, you’re going to want to get them a home of their own. A habitat is a perfect place for a pet chinchilla, but what kind of habitat should you give it? Be sure to consider your budget and the size of your room when deciding on an environment for your pet.

If you’re interested in getting into breeding, then you’ll need to provide it with proper conditions. You can look at this checklist for some tips before purchasing a habitat or checking out some examples of homes online.

The Habitat You Should Consider
In order to make your pet chinchilla happy, you need to consider the size of the room. If you can’t provide adequate space for your chinchilla, it will be stressed and may even get sick.

You’ll also want to determine if this is a permanent or temporary habitat. A temporary home will last until you’ve found a permanent one, while a permanent home might be more expensive initially but will save you time in the long run.

When deciding on what kind of habitat you should create for your pet chinchilla, consider their needs and make sure it’s something that fits your budget. Consider what kind of bedding they would like as well as the type of food they’ll need to eat.

How To Choose A Room For Your Pet Chinchilla

Choose a room that has high ceilings, plenty of windows for natural light, and a ventilated area for the chinchilla to have fresh air. It should also be in a place where you can monitor the temperature and humidity levels with relative ease. This will ensure that your chinchilla is comfortable in its environment.

A room with an area heater or air conditioner is ideal because it will provide your pet with a consistent temperature throughout the day.

The size of your home will determine what type of habitat you need to put together for your pet chinchilla. For example, if you want to breed your own chinchillas then you’ll need a bigger habitat than if you just want to keep one pet on hand. Consider the size of your home before purchasing anything for your pet, as well as its age and gender before shopping for any furniture or accessories.

Tips On Choosing A Cage For Your Pet Chinchilla

– If you are going to …

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Pets Tips

Reasons Why Hamsters Are The Best Pets

Hamsters make great pets because they are small, easily manageable, and relatively inexpensive. They also don’t require a lot of time or space, which makes them an ideal pet for apartment dwellers. To top it all off, hamsters are very intelligent and have a long lifespan. You can own a hamster for about $30-$50 a month. It’s hard to argue with that price point! Here are some reasons why hamsters are the best pets.

Why Hamsters Are The Best Pets

As small, low-maintenance pets, hamsters make great pets. They don’t require a lot of space, they can live in an apartment or a one-bedroom house, and they don’t cost too much to take care of.

Furthermore, their long life span means you won’t have to worry about finding another home for your hamster when he or she dies. You can buy a hamster for just $30-$50 a month and be totally satisfied with the investment!

1) They are intelligent

Hamsters make great pets because they’re smart and quick learners. Even if you’ve never owned a hamster before, it’s easy to train them to do tricks like standing on their hind legs or rolling over on command. It may not seem like much at first, but these little guys are actually pretty smart which is why they make such good companions.

2) They don’t require a lot of time or space

One reason hamsters are so popular as pets is because they require very little time and space. These tiny critters only need about 3 square feet of floor space each and will happily live in an apartment all by themselves without needing any extra attention from their owners. Because of that, hamsters are ideal for people who live in small spaces or simply cannot spend enough time with their pet due to busy schedules. This makes them perfect for companies who want employees to have plenty of personal time with their furry friends while

What Makes Hamsters A Great Pet?

Hamsters make great pets because they are small, easily manageable, and relatively inexpensive. They also don’t require a lot of time or space, which makes them an ideal pet for apartment dwellers. To top it all off, hamsters are very intelligent and have a long lifespan. You can own a hamster for about $30-$50 a month. It’s hard to argue with that price point! Reasons why hamsters are the best …

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Hamester Tips

How Clean Are Pet Rats: Do They Carry Diseases?

Rats aren’t generally thought of as pets unless you own one of those really cute little house rats, that is! When you begin looking into owning your very own pet rat, though, you may find yourself wondering if these rodents can be kept in good health. And while most people think of them as pests, rats can actually make great pets.

 

But before you go ahead with buying a rat, there are some important questions you should ask yourself first. These include things like how often do you feed your pet, how much exercise does he get and what kind of housing will you provide him/her? The answers to these questions will help determine whether or not your pet rat needs special care.

 

In addition, if you’re interested in keeping a pet rat as a companion animal rather than just pest control, you’ll also want to consider your lifestyle and any other factors that could impact his overall health.

 

In this article, we’ll explain how to tell if your new rat friend is healthy enough to live indoors without becoming an indoor pest. We’ll discuss how to keep your pet rodent hygienic and safe from diseases. And at the end of our discussion on rat health, we’ll give you tips on how to tell if your pet is ready to come home with you.

 

What Is the Hygiene Level for Rat Ownership?

One of the biggest questions many prospective rat owners have when considering adding one of these creatures to their family is how clean rats are. After all, rats are known for their filthy habits. Rodents tend to gnaw through anything that isn’t nailed down, including household objects, furniture, clothing, bedding, and paper products. Not only do these activities cause unsightly damage to homes, but they can also spread disease by contaminating food, water, and surfaces.

But don’t worry although rats’ natural instincts are disgusting, they’re still domesticated animals who require proper care. That said, it’s up to their owners to ensure that their pet rats stay clean and pest-free. To start, you’ll need to understand what makes rats dirty and where your pet gets its filth.

 

Rodents shed small amounts of fur daily because they have no hair follicles (like humans). Their teeth grow constantly throughout life, so they continually grind away at old bones and dead skin cells. Because of this constant …

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Pets Tips
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