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Critter Nook was created with pets and the people that love them in mind, with the sincere desire to create a place for you.. pet lovers everywhere...to meet, share your experiences, stories, pictures, ideas, and knowledge about the animals in your lives.

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“A Newly Created Page for Special Needs Animals” – Facebook

Duchess - Special Needs Animals StoryMany of us have been in the position to have to make tough decisions regarding the animals in our lives, whether because of an accident or illness, we as guardians and caregivers are forced to decide whether to end the animals life or to fight for them, to help them find a new quality of life, love and hope through our patience and diligence. A Newly Created Page for Special Needs Animals shows us that almost anything is possible and celebrates the lives of these animals…. That through the unending efforts of their special people have succeeded, have made it through a very difficult time to become playful, happy and healthy.

Page Admin. Cheryl Gustafson explains, “It’s about our special needs animals…their stories and the people who saved them. After you read these special stories, you will see that it’s TRUE. We should never ever give up! It’s also to give recognition to the resilience and strength and courage both have…the animals and those who love them.”

Meet Dutchess the Dog: Dutchess has been a therapy dog since 2009, working with individuals with autism. She helps her friends at the autism center with speech and reading goals, and serves as a positive, calming element, by soaking up attention and grounding static energy and stress.

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Cat & Dog Owners Not Considering Age When Selecting Food

Kitty CarbsA new survey has revealed that only 11% of dog and cat owners consider their pet’s age as important when they are selecting a type of food.

A national survey commissioned by Iams® has revealed that only 11% of pet owners in the United States consider the age of their dog or cat as the most important factor when selecting a type of food for their pet. The survey also found that most respondents (36%) considered expert opinion – such as from a veterinarian – as the most important factor when choosing a food to feed their pets. Another 30% of respondents consider the ingredients as the most important consideration. The remaining 25% described the price as being their main concern when choosing their pet’s food.

Iams® did not say which of the four answers it considered to be the most important, but think that the results of this survey suggest pet owners should consider their pet’s age more when choosing food. “When choosing a food for your cat or dog it is important to select a diet that has the right ingredients for that stage of your pet’s life,” said Dr. Nelson,  a member of the Iams Pet Wellness Council. “Diet requirements – including protein levels, calories and vitamins and minerals – vary over the life of a pet and, in turn, an animal’s needs change as he grows from a puppy or kitten, to an adult into a senior. I always tell my patients that healthy checkups start on the inside. Feeding a high-quality diet specific to an animal’s age, like Iams Premium Protection, which offers specially formulated life-stage specific diets, is one of the most important ways to ensure four-legged family members lead healthy, happy lives.” said Nelson.

phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpgThe company says that as a result of not considering age, pets might not be receiving the right nutrients at the levels which are optimal for their health at their stage of life. Iams® quotes three life stages as being general guidelines as a way to select a food type for your pet:

  • One to 12 months: Kitten and Puppy formula includes DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) for brain and vision development
  • One to seven years: Adult formula includes HMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) to keep teeth clean during and after meals, as well as balanced omega 6:3 ratio for healthy skin and coat
  • Seven years and older: Senior formula with L-carnitine helps burn fat and keep muscles lean

Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/cat-dog-owners-not-considering-age-when-selecting.htm

Adverse Reactions to Micro-chipping Pets

Dog with BoneMicro-chipping pets has been a hot topic in the news lately with the Pharmaceutical company Merck being served a lawsuit over claims its pet microchip product HomeAgain® induced cancer in a cat. More details on this case can be read here: Andrea Rutherford v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. and Digital Angel, Inc.

A microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of a pet that is about the size of a large grain of rice. The microchips are based on a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology which allows them to be scanned using a handheld scanner.

The FDA’s official statement is as follows “The potential risks to health associated with the device are: adverse tissue reaction; migration of implanted transponder; compromised information security; failure of implanted transponder; failure of inserter; failure of electronic scanner; electromagnetic interference; electrical hazards; magnetic resonance imaging incompatibility; and needle stick.”

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Honey, I Shrunk the Pigs – New Arrivals Coming Soon!

Honey I Shrunk the Pigs Article 050613Welcome to the home of our Lovable and Adorable Teacup Mini Pigs! We have two Micro mix litters coming soon! They will be in the $1500 range, now taking deposits of $250. Mommas are Mabel-Lean and MoHOGany, which are pigtured under pig parents on our website! Please call for more information, 714-985-9954 if you think that a Micro piglet would be perfect for you and your lifestyle. http://www.honeyishrunkthepigs.com

We believe in Quality vs. Quantity and complete health for our pigs. We handhold and train every piglet from the time they are born until the day they join your family. We believe we are responsible for the beginning stages of socializing your mini pig. We do not underfeed our pigs or promise unreasonably small sizes on our piglets. Our piglets go to only the very best homes and we donate a portion of every piggy sold to a reputable Pig Sanctuary in support of abandoned pigs, as potbellied pigs are the #1 discarded animal. Please look around the site at Pictures, Videos, our forum of questions and answers, Frequently Asked Questions and then contact us for more information and specific detailed questions. You are also able to visit our forum and blog for more information. We specialize in Vietnamese Miniature Teacup Potbelly Pigs, Teacup Potbelly pigs and Micro pigs. These piggies really do make the most uniquely amazing pets ever! Our wish is that other families can share in the joy our piggies have brought our family!

Honey I Shrunk the Pigs Article 050613 - 2“Before bringing a piglet into your home, it’s important that you get to know them, do your homework first to make sure that you really understand what living with one is all about. We think we understand pigs, but do we really. To say that they are smart, have individual personalities, feelings and needs all their own would be an understatement.

Read on to begin to get a true understanding of what these wonderful piggies are all about, and don’t hesitate to give “Honey, I Shrunk the Pigs” a call for more in-depth information. They are happy to help you, whether you are considering adopting a piglet from them or have questions about one that you have already adopted. ”Honey, I Shrunk the Pigs” is devoted to the happiness and health of all pet pigs out there… that is their bottom line, and I am happy to endorse them.” Kat, Critter Nook, LLC

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PetsMart May Promotions

PetsMartAll month long, you can take advantage of PetsMart’s Spring promotions! Offers end May 21st: Spring into Savings Sale! Save up to 25% on thousands of items at PetSmart.com!

Mistletoe May Cure Equine Sarcoids

phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpgMistletoe might be better known as a novelty at Christmas, but Swiss researchers have found that it is effective in the treatment of Sarcoids in horses.

Equine Sarcoids are common skin tumors in horses which are usually benign. Sarcoids normally occur under the back legs along the ventral mid-line to the chest and head, and take various forms from ulcerated weeping lesions to slightly crusting dark patches. Very rarely do Sarcoids represent a serious health problem, but they are at the very least unsightly and can cause some discomfort in horses. Current treatment of Sarcoids is varied, and includes surgical removal, radiation treatment and treatment with liquid nitrogen.

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Air Travel with your Pet

Pet Air Travel Story - 2013Many pet owners can’t bear the thought of leaving their pet behind when traveling, even when they travel via air.  If you are planning a trip by plane and your pet is going to accompany you, taking necessary precautions beforehand is important to making the trip a healthy and safe one for your pet.

Where will Your Pet Ride? Historically, pets have been “checked” as luggage when flying by air.  This means that the pet would ride in the baggage hold or cargo hold of the plane.  The cargo hold may not be a safe spot, however, as it is not always shielded against severe cold or heat that often occurs during flight.  A pet can be exposed to extreme temperatures in the cargo hold, which is particularly disconcerting if the pet is left there for a long period of time, or if a flight is delayed. To make matters worse, there is no way for you to check on, monitor, or render aid to your pet if it becomes ill or uncomfortable during its time in the cargo hold.  Smaller pets can be carried on the plane, but only if you notify the airline well in advance, as airlines are limited by the number of pets that can fly per flight or per cabin.  Your pet and its carry-on container, such as a “Pet Taxi,” cannot weigh (combined) more than forty pounds with most airlines. You must also be able to stow the container and the pet beneath your seat during the flight.

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If You Have an Exotic Pet “The Exotic Nutrition Pet Company” is the Place to Shop

The Exotic Nutrition Pet Company specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of exotic mammal feeds, supplements, and accessories. Exotic Nutrition only produces super premium and premium pet foods with high nutrient levels. Our foods are made in small batches to insure freshness. The formulas for our foods are stable, which ensures consistent quality. We only change formulas to improve them.

Our team of Exotic Pet specialists go to great lengths in order to provide our customers with the same health oriented features that they are seeking for themselves:

* Carefully selected fresh ingredients * Locally grown & Imported fine herbs, fruits and vegetables * Naturally sourced ingredients * Exceptionally delicious and unique flavors

Our facility is located in Southeastern Virginia, and we are a family owned and operated company. We have always prided ourselves in meeting the needs of our exotic mammal friends when they are kept in captivity, and have always striven to bring the finest quality animal diets and accessories to consciences pet owners worldwide. Ensuring the health and well being of your captive exotic is our main concern.

We are, and will continue to be, a company whose objective is to deliver the best possible products and services at an affordable price. Our company stands behind the products that we manufacture, and continuously monitors quality and freshness to offer you and your pets the highest quality foods, supplements, and accessories for exotics available.

Whether you are shopping for wild bird feed, treats for your Degu, an enclosure for your Hedgehog, Sugar Glider, or Marmoset or  simply need advice in caring for your Skunk, we are here to help and you can feel secure in the knowledge that you are getting reliable, thoughtful and informative information when bringing your exotic home. http://www.exoticnutrition.com For 10% off your next order use coupon #ENC828 valid through April 26th.

“A Newly Created Page for Special Needs Animals” – Facebook

A newly created page for special needs animalsMany of us have been in the position to have to make tough decisions regarding the animals in our lives, whether because of an accident or illness, we as guardians and caregivers are forced to decide whether to end the animals life or to fight for them, to help them find a new quality of life, love and hope through our patience and diligence. A Newly Created Page for Special Needs Animals shows us that almost anything is possible and celebrates the lives of these animals…. That through the unending efforts of their special people have succeeded, have made it through a very difficult time to become playful, happy and healthy.

Page Admin. Cheryl Gustafson explains, “It’s about our special needs animals…their stories and the people who saved them. After you read these special stories, you will see that it’s TRUE. We should never ever give up! It’s also to give recognition to the resilience and strength and courage both have…the animals and those who love them.”

525224_611958532165161_786456838_nMilo and Maya: This sweet boy is our 8 month old son, Milo. He came to us from a rescue group in Romania, where he was born without eyes and was found wandering the streets. He came to us with another blind cat, Maya who is also 8 months old. They were both in terrible states when they came to us, very malnourished, a bit skittish. But after a little bit of tlc, the 2 of them have really blossomed into 2 beautiful, loving cats. They love playing with our sighted cats, and watching them tear around the house, you would never say that they were blind at all. My wife an I could not imagine our lives without them in it, they along with Scooter, are an inspiration to us, and they have so much love to share.

Take a moment to visit and share your story….https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-newly-created-page-for-special-needs-animals/382895568404793

Evidence Grows that Childhood Pets Protect Against Animal Allergies

Kids with DogGood news for families who are keen to have a pet cat or dog at home, but are worried that the children might develop an animal allergy as a result. An increasing body of evidence roundly disproves that theory.

New research from Melbourne University has found that kids who were exposed to animals at a young age experienced lower levels of nasal allergies as adolescents. In fact, family pets, especially dogs, do more than fail to cause allergies – they may actively prevent them.

Nasal allergies give rise to irritating symptoms from itchy eyes and sore throats to runny noses. They can also cause asthma and other allergic diseases. The latest study focused on those who grew up with animals, and those who had these symptoms, and questioned 8,500 adults across Australia and Europe. The findings were published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

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