Bicycles provide a wonderful and freeing mode of transportation. The bicycle was first invented in Europe in the nineteenth century. Today it is the world's most popular vehicle. Bicycles allowed for easy travel -- they are 3 times more energy efficient than walking, and 3-4 times as fast as walking. Bicycles and horse buggies were the two biggest modes of private transportation just before the automobile was invented. Bicycles are pragmatic, functional, and efficient. They are a big component of a healthy urban transportation system. The bicycle is a simple and elegant machine, attracting kids of all ages and adults. Bicycling offers many health benefits, and it does not directly contribute to global warming or environmental pollution. It is a wonderful, freeing sport that brings health and joy to millions of people everywhere.
Have you wanted to travel with your dog but find the whole thing too overwhelming? There are several ways of enjoying your bike and your pet at the same time -- some are more safe than others.
With large dogs, you could bike run your dog. That is, you would be on your bicycle and your dog would be on a leash. This method gives both you and your dog exercise, but is there a risk? Now you've increased the width that automobile drivers need to avoid -- please don't do this on busy streets. Also your safety is now dependant on your abilities, but also in the behavior of your dog. Are you prepared for your dog quickly running after a stray cat? What about your dog's safety? Be careful letting your dog run too long on a hard surface. This can cause joint problems and possibly boody paws. There is a lot at stake and a lot of uncertainties when you bike-run with your dog.
Even more risky would be to allow your dog to run ahead of your bicycle without a leash. Your safety is no longer in the paws of your pet, but there are leash laws in many parts of this country. You may believe your dog is very well trained, but there are so many things that could go wrong if you let your dog run loose.
For small to medium dogs try a pet bicycle trailer -- a much safer method of bicycling with your pet. Actually, some pet bicycle trailers can accommodate larger pets up to 115 pounds. With one of these attached to your bicycle, you can maintain your active lifestyle and get your pet outside, too. When you go to the park to give your pet a little fun and exercise, why not take him there in a bicycle trailer -- you get some exercise on the trip there and back, without tiring your dog out along the way. You can put any small to medium pet in a pet bicycle trailer. It might take some getting used to though, and it might take some training for your pet to be sure he doesn't go nuts while you're trying to bike. Two high quality bicycle trailers are the Trek'R and the Burley Tail Wagon.
Please, note these precautions when using a pet bicycle trailer: When riding, your dog should always be secured with the safety leash adjusted to the correct length. Do not exceed the recommended weight capacity of your pet bicycle trailer. Check tire inflation before every ride. Carefully check the connection of the trailer to your bicycle before riding. Be aware that riding with the trailer increases your braking distance and may affect your ability to control the bicycle. Thoroughly practice in a safe area before riding with the trailer in high-traffic areas. Always wear a helmet when riding.
Another way to enjoy your bike rides and your small pets is a pet carrier that fits on your bicycle's handle bars -- only recommended for small pets up to maybe 15 pounds; your specific pet bicycle carrier will specify the exact weight limit. With a pet bicycle carrier you can have your small pet share in the fun of your bike ride. You can bike ride with your pet in front of you with a bicycle pet carrier. You are closer to your pet and can better enjoy his company. Two high quality pet bicycle carriers are the Pet Cruiser Sport Carrier and the Pet Cruiser Wicker Cruiser.
Here are some of the precautions when using a handlebar mounted pet carrier. Never leave your pet unattended or alone in the pet carrier. Never leave your animal confined or unattended in direct sunlight or anytime there is a risk of overheating. Be sure to secure your pet with the harness. Do not speed while riding your bicycle with your pet on board. Wear an approved bicycle helmet. Do not ride when it is raining or when the roads are wet. Do not ride after dark. Check everything over before riding. Do not exceed the weight capacity limit specified by your bicycle carrier. When installing safety straps, be sure they do not interfere with brake cables, brake levers, or gear control shifters of your bicycle.
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Caring for Dogs in Cold Weather
We may think our dogs are tough and they shouldn’t be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large dog breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.
If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.
First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.
When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.
We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren’t home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.
You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn’t warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.
If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don’t want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.
Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.
If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.
First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.
When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.
We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren’t home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.
You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn’t warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.
If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don’t want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.
Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.
2008年8月12日星期二
How To Properly Introduce New Fish Into Your Aquarium
There are two areas of introducing new fish into an aquarium that you must be aware of:
1. Fish Quarantine
Fish quarantine is one big, singular factor that must be observed strictly before you can be sure that your new fish is of good health and not an apostle of doom for the other inmates. Most new fishkeepers don’t take consider this very important factor.
For the benefit of intending aquarists, quarantine in the fish world refers to the physical and chemical treatment of new fishes (either imported or caught from the wild) to rid them of disease and restlessness before introduction into a new environment,
A small quarantine tank (30x20x25cm) is advisable for any serious aquarist. The alternative is to be sure that your pet shop has a functional quarantine section to cater for bacterial, fungal and viral diseases.
This is a sure guarantee against fish deaths. The unfortunate thing with most shops in the country is the lack of space and inadequate expertise to build and administer the prophylaxis procedure on new fish, as the procedure is sure to last at least nigh days! To the average aqua-investor, this is an unnecessary tie down of capital and you know what that means.
Admittedly, the expense incurred on quarantine by way of chemical purchase e.g. copper sulphate, wescodyne, malachite green, teremycin etc) is high. This is more or less reflected on the final sales price of the fish, which is slightly higher in our shop. But, this would pay you off in the long run, as it is unlikely that you will complain of fish deaths any longer.
I am quite sure, some fish farmers reading this column would be more concerned about the application of this procedure to solve their farm problems especially those with hatcheries or those who stock with post fry and fingerlings.
2. Feeding New Fish
When you just introduce a new fish to aquarium tank it’s necessary to feed the fish. Though this will not be instant because no matter how carefully you add the fish to your aquarium tank they will look very unhappy for a while.
Thus it’s necessary that you turn the flights out, and leave them overnight to get used to their new home first before thinking of feeding them. Then feed fish with aquarium fish food with fish flakes the next day, this will make the fish feel at home.
If you already have an established tank, it is advisable to quarantine new fish before adding them to an existing populated, and the cheapest way to do this is to purchase a plastic tank which will need no gravel or plants.
This can be used solely for quarantine and as a hospital tank.
Leave the fish in this tank for about three days during which any disease harbored by the fish would be evident for which it can be treated using available chemicals from your dealer. The fish can then be introduced into the tank in the same way as before.
When you add new fish to an established community, there will probably be a certain amount of harassment of the new arrivals by the original fish. Try to divert their attention by giving them a good feed when the fish are introduced.
1. Fish Quarantine
Fish quarantine is one big, singular factor that must be observed strictly before you can be sure that your new fish is of good health and not an apostle of doom for the other inmates. Most new fishkeepers don’t take consider this very important factor.
For the benefit of intending aquarists, quarantine in the fish world refers to the physical and chemical treatment of new fishes (either imported or caught from the wild) to rid them of disease and restlessness before introduction into a new environment,
A small quarantine tank (30x20x25cm) is advisable for any serious aquarist. The alternative is to be sure that your pet shop has a functional quarantine section to cater for bacterial, fungal and viral diseases.
This is a sure guarantee against fish deaths. The unfortunate thing with most shops in the country is the lack of space and inadequate expertise to build and administer the prophylaxis procedure on new fish, as the procedure is sure to last at least nigh days! To the average aqua-investor, this is an unnecessary tie down of capital and you know what that means.
Admittedly, the expense incurred on quarantine by way of chemical purchase e.g. copper sulphate, wescodyne, malachite green, teremycin etc) is high. This is more or less reflected on the final sales price of the fish, which is slightly higher in our shop. But, this would pay you off in the long run, as it is unlikely that you will complain of fish deaths any longer.
I am quite sure, some fish farmers reading this column would be more concerned about the application of this procedure to solve their farm problems especially those with hatcheries or those who stock with post fry and fingerlings.
2. Feeding New Fish
When you just introduce a new fish to aquarium tank it’s necessary to feed the fish. Though this will not be instant because no matter how carefully you add the fish to your aquarium tank they will look very unhappy for a while.
Thus it’s necessary that you turn the flights out, and leave them overnight to get used to their new home first before thinking of feeding them. Then feed fish with aquarium fish food with fish flakes the next day, this will make the fish feel at home.
If you already have an established tank, it is advisable to quarantine new fish before adding them to an existing populated, and the cheapest way to do this is to purchase a plastic tank which will need no gravel or plants.
This can be used solely for quarantine and as a hospital tank.
Leave the fish in this tank for about three days during which any disease harbored by the fish would be evident for which it can be treated using available chemicals from your dealer. The fish can then be introduced into the tank in the same way as before.
When you add new fish to an established community, there will probably be a certain amount of harassment of the new arrivals by the original fish. Try to divert their attention by giving them a good feed when the fish are introduced.
2008年8月11日星期一
The Most Privileged Pets
While most people are content treating their pets to the ocassional plate of "people food" on special ocassions, or perhaps going so far as to give Fido his own Christmas stocking full of doggie treats, some pets are pampered more than many people pamper their children. Celebrities parade through the tabloid headlines, carrying their latest spoiled pet in their arms; upscale pet boutiques sell clothing, designer perfumes and even fancy shoes for dogs and cats; favored pets enjoy private air conditioning systems in their dog houses; tiny teacup dogs sport collars costing more than many new cars!
If there were a contest for the most pampered pets in the world, the competition would be fierce. Paris Hilton's famously pampered pet dog would surely be in the running, especially now that "mommy" has her own branded line of top-shelf designer pet apparel. But non-celebs can keep their "babies" in the running too, whether their tastes are as lavish as Paris' or they prefer the classic look of a pet trench coat from Burberry, perhaps paired with an elegant Gucci collar. And what pampered pet ensemble is complete without a proper manicure, offered by many pet grooming salons (complete with your choice of colored polish)?
Of course, the most pampered pets need more in their lavish lives than just fancy apparel. Outdoor pet houses are available with all manner of amenities, from climate control systems and uphoulstered interior furnishings, to exterior styling to rival the loveliest estate homes. Indoor pets can lounge on the finest goose-down feather beds, and enjoy hand-cooked meals on the finest serving silver. Pet entertainment systems are even available, for the feline left to watch the house alone, allowing them to watch video of fish and birds on demand (thanks to their own remote control).
But the most pampered pets aren't those who are left at home when their owners go out, no matter how lavish their surroundings. Surely, the most pampered pets are deserving of their own holiday accomodations at four-star pet hotels, available to accomodate travelling pets all over the world, from the UK to Japan. Rather than hiring a common dog sitter, your pampered pet can enjoy their own private hotel room, complete with plush furniture, on site veterinarians, "personal trainers" (aka: dog walkers) and even room service meals! Such accommodations are available to pampered pets around the world, from the UK to Japan.
If there were a contest for the most pampered pets in the world, the competition would be fierce. Paris Hilton's famously pampered pet dog would surely be in the running, especially now that "mommy" has her own branded line of top-shelf designer pet apparel. But non-celebs can keep their "babies" in the running too, whether their tastes are as lavish as Paris' or they prefer the classic look of a pet trench coat from Burberry, perhaps paired with an elegant Gucci collar. And what pampered pet ensemble is complete without a proper manicure, offered by many pet grooming salons (complete with your choice of colored polish)?
Of course, the most pampered pets need more in their lavish lives than just fancy apparel. Outdoor pet houses are available with all manner of amenities, from climate control systems and uphoulstered interior furnishings, to exterior styling to rival the loveliest estate homes. Indoor pets can lounge on the finest goose-down feather beds, and enjoy hand-cooked meals on the finest serving silver. Pet entertainment systems are even available, for the feline left to watch the house alone, allowing them to watch video of fish and birds on demand (thanks to their own remote control).
But the most pampered pets aren't those who are left at home when their owners go out, no matter how lavish their surroundings. Surely, the most pampered pets are deserving of their own holiday accomodations at four-star pet hotels, available to accomodate travelling pets all over the world, from the UK to Japan. Rather than hiring a common dog sitter, your pampered pet can enjoy their own private hotel room, complete with plush furniture, on site veterinarians, "personal trainers" (aka: dog walkers) and even room service meals! Such accommodations are available to pampered pets around the world, from the UK to Japan.
2008年8月7日星期四
Proteins: The Most Important and Least Understood Nutrient In Cat & Dog Food
Cat and dog owners are advised by authorities, government agencies and veterinarians, that so long as animal food meets the standards of the American Association of Feed Control Officers (AAFCO), it is sufficient for the health of the animal. Is it? Do these agencies and authorities have a deep understanding of animal nutrition? Or, is their understanding superficial? Let's think together about proteins and see if we can make a judgment about their competence.
Scientific Language Is Baby Talk Compared To Atomic Communication
Proteins, like all biological matter, are composed of atoms, such as carbon, hydrogen, and others. Dependent upon by the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons, each atom is defined as a particular element.
The dissection does not stop there. Besides the electrons, protons, and neutrons, atoms are also made up of even smaller particles: mesons, leptons, muons, quarks, and others.
This last subset of particles is often called a weird quantum menagerie. These are not particles in the sense we think of particles. In fact, desperate for a term to describe them, physicists have settled on calling them "probability waves," if that helps.
Not only is the substance of quantum particles otherworldly but their location and movement are in another dimension. To scientifically calculate a quantum address requires mathematical notations detailing motion (spin, rotation around a central axis, and a high speed pendulum-like oscillation), electromagnetic forces (charge and magnetic moment), and the bizarre properties of strangeness, charm, and color.
As if that was not enough to upset our normal expectations, quantum particles can be in two places at once, can change from a particle to a wave dependent upon how they are observed, and much more weirdness.
Mystery Is Built Into Creation
Possible states are so numerous, it is theoretically feasible and logically compelling that no quantum particle, atom, protein, human being, or for that matter any abstracted part of the universe, is identical to any other part.
Add to that insight that matter is the foundation of life, and the strangeness multiplies. Proteins, like all biological material, are bizarre substances moving through a really strange pulsating, living universe.
Millions of species of plants and animals, many with unique protein systems, are a complete mystery to us. Fish glowing in the dark, frogs with hallucinogenic body slime, the genetic phonemes of the bacterial language, all depend upon proteins.
You need not go to exotic fauna for examples. Human cells, the scientists have guessed, make 50-150,000 different proteins. Each of the 25 trillion cells in the human body contains tens of thousands of proteins, participating in thousands of chemical reactions in each second. This storm of activity is so mysterious it might as well be going on in a parallel universe.
Communication Of Another Kind
What else? How about completely incomprehensible communication channels. In a protein, often containing millions of amino acids wound into highly specific shapes resembling steel wool, the particle/waves of protein substance are micro-dot and dash vectors in an intricately layered, multidimensional Morse code of vitality.
Proteins, especially those making up the genes, communicate to each other. We know they communicate, and usually quite accurately, because animal bodies have an internal and external reason, memory, and purpose.
Pretending To Know Is Not The Same As Knowing
Follow along with me here. Veterinary scientists discovered that cats and dogs need certain proteins, composed of certain amino acids. Ever since they have been blinded by this knowledge. Plant and animal proteins in cat and dog foods are permitted simply because they contain the required amino acids. This includes shoe leather, ground up cats and dogs (euthanized animals are legitimate proteins for animal feed), and ground up cancerous cows and chickens. These recommendations assume a protein safety that is not borne out by our intuition. Proteins are much more than a collection of amino acids!
Finally, Common Sense Is more Helpful Than Corporate State Science
Cats and dogs are neither vultures nor cannibals. They need a diet somewhat close to what their ancestors ate. Include some raw food and high quality nutrition in your pet's food and see the difference in their health and your veterinary bills.
Scientific Language Is Baby Talk Compared To Atomic Communication
Proteins, like all biological matter, are composed of atoms, such as carbon, hydrogen, and others. Dependent upon by the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons, each atom is defined as a particular element.
The dissection does not stop there. Besides the electrons, protons, and neutrons, atoms are also made up of even smaller particles: mesons, leptons, muons, quarks, and others.
This last subset of particles is often called a weird quantum menagerie. These are not particles in the sense we think of particles. In fact, desperate for a term to describe them, physicists have settled on calling them "probability waves," if that helps.
Not only is the substance of quantum particles otherworldly but their location and movement are in another dimension. To scientifically calculate a quantum address requires mathematical notations detailing motion (spin, rotation around a central axis, and a high speed pendulum-like oscillation), electromagnetic forces (charge and magnetic moment), and the bizarre properties of strangeness, charm, and color.
As if that was not enough to upset our normal expectations, quantum particles can be in two places at once, can change from a particle to a wave dependent upon how they are observed, and much more weirdness.
Mystery Is Built Into Creation
Possible states are so numerous, it is theoretically feasible and logically compelling that no quantum particle, atom, protein, human being, or for that matter any abstracted part of the universe, is identical to any other part.
Add to that insight that matter is the foundation of life, and the strangeness multiplies. Proteins, like all biological material, are bizarre substances moving through a really strange pulsating, living universe.
Millions of species of plants and animals, many with unique protein systems, are a complete mystery to us. Fish glowing in the dark, frogs with hallucinogenic body slime, the genetic phonemes of the bacterial language, all depend upon proteins.
You need not go to exotic fauna for examples. Human cells, the scientists have guessed, make 50-150,000 different proteins. Each of the 25 trillion cells in the human body contains tens of thousands of proteins, participating in thousands of chemical reactions in each second. This storm of activity is so mysterious it might as well be going on in a parallel universe.
Communication Of Another Kind
What else? How about completely incomprehensible communication channels. In a protein, often containing millions of amino acids wound into highly specific shapes resembling steel wool, the particle/waves of protein substance are micro-dot and dash vectors in an intricately layered, multidimensional Morse code of vitality.
Proteins, especially those making up the genes, communicate to each other. We know they communicate, and usually quite accurately, because animal bodies have an internal and external reason, memory, and purpose.
Pretending To Know Is Not The Same As Knowing
Follow along with me here. Veterinary scientists discovered that cats and dogs need certain proteins, composed of certain amino acids. Ever since they have been blinded by this knowledge. Plant and animal proteins in cat and dog foods are permitted simply because they contain the required amino acids. This includes shoe leather, ground up cats and dogs (euthanized animals are legitimate proteins for animal feed), and ground up cancerous cows and chickens. These recommendations assume a protein safety that is not borne out by our intuition. Proteins are much more than a collection of amino acids!
Finally, Common Sense Is more Helpful Than Corporate State Science
Cats and dogs are neither vultures nor cannibals. They need a diet somewhat close to what their ancestors ate. Include some raw food and high quality nutrition in your pet's food and see the difference in their health and your veterinary bills.
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