Golden Retriever Lover

Chinchillas are of small sized crepuscular rodents belonging to the Chinchillidae family, almost the size of rabbit. They are found in the Andes Mountains of South America.

There are two different species of chinchilla, Chinchilla Lanigera and Chinchilla Brevicaudata. Although they look almost similar, the tail and ears of Chinchilla Brevicaudata is shorter, its shoulder and neck are broader and is found in the wild. The Chinchilla Lanigera species can be kept as pets. Their standard color is grey and they can also be found in ebony, beige and other colors.

Chinchillas are endangered species. They can be kept as domestic pets, but are very shy animals and are not good with small kids. Because of their fragile bone structure, they should be handled with care and that might be the reason why chinchillas don’t like it when people hold them in their hands.

The life period of chinchillas is about fifteen years, when kept in captivity; some even survive till twenty or more years. They are noisy animals and make noises like squeaks, barks and chirps. They make noise to express their moods.

They use a sweet chirping sound to attract another chinchilla for mating. They bark loudly when they get aggressive or scared. Chinchillas are social animals and can be kept together. When keeping the chinchillas of opposite sex, they should be neutered. A group of same sex chinchillas also does well, except that there is a chance of them fighting when a younger or older member is introduced in the group.

Chinchillas are very playful animals. Arranged shelves can be kept in their cage, which they can jump on. Toys like large wheel measuring more than eight inches in radius, hanging wooden toys, and paper towel cylinder can also be placed in the cage. Care should be taken that none of the objects should have a mesh structure as there is a possibility of chinchillas getting their legs stuck in it. Adding to this, when they are given wooden toys or wooden chew stick, the material shouldn’t be conifer wood, because it contains resins which are poisonous to them. Even plastics should be avoided for the same reason as they will block their intestines I swallowed.

The cage should be very airy and the bedding again shouldn’t be of cedar wood. Birch, apple tree, willow, and Manzanita are good options for wood. You may also consult Illinois pest control companies prior just to make sure nothing is in your house to harm the little addition to the family.

Temperatures should be maintained below seventy-seven degree Fahrenheit, because chinchilla don’t have sweat glands and do not sweat. When the temperatures get really high, they get overheated and get a heat stroke. Since the animals are hyper active they should be made to spend at least half an hour outside their cage to exercise, in supervision. They clean their fur many times a week by taking dust baths. A container filled with special chinchilla sand dust and fine pumice should be kept in their cage for bathing purpose. The chinchillas shouldn’t be given wet baths because their fur has the property to retain moisture and this could aid fungus growth. Even if they are given wet bath, they should be dried very fast with the help of blow dryer on a low setting.

Chinchillas shouldn’t be given a sweet and fatty diet, like nuts and fruits, as their digestive system is very delicate. Their main diet can comprise of hay based pellet and loose hay. They can also be given small pieces of papaya and raisins sometimes. If they are fed with sugar products, they have a tendency to develop diabetes or diarrhea. Even fresh vegetables block their digestive system which can be very dangerous.

The cause of extinction of chinchillas is that they are killed on a large scale for its superb soft feeling fur. Also, they have a very evenly colored fur which makes it most apt for small apparels and as lining for bigger apparels. Although, now the wild species aren’t hunted for fur, but domestic species are especially bred for this purpose. There are fur farms where chinchillas are bred in larger numbers. They are kept in really bad conditions.
Get more info on pest control services on our blogs.

Puppies and dogs are terrific little creatures to have around the house but at times they can be as difficult as a child to care for. That is why canine obedience training can be a great way to make your busy life easier. dog daycare was created from scratch so that owners could give their pets a day of fun as well as a break for themselves as well. On top of controlling your pets attitude there is always a matter of how they look as well. pet stylists can be a major help to your dog too, whether it’s a hard to handle coat or a big fluff ball of fun, your dog will surely be taken of.

dog maturity is a must in my house and it should be in yours too. The way a dog behaves in front of its master or guests is imperative to rewards and treatment that it gets from its family. If your dog leaps on your friends or barks and random strangers that are innocently passing by, then there is a problem. If your dog is unruly no matter what you do, then there is also a big issue. If your pet isliving in the house like this, then there is an issue with how your dog listens and how well you make the rules known. If there is no reinforcement or punishment for bad behavior, then the dog or pet will notunderstand that their behavior is bad, they will continue the behavior until something is done to prevent it.

When your dogs behavior gets to be a bit too much to handle, there is always a way to get a little bit of a break to regain your sanity. Whether you leave the pets with a family member or a friend or even the pound there is always a way. Dog daycare centers usually involve day camps, staying through the night, or long term overnight camps for whatever your schedule needs. Pets are usually given their normal meal times with special treats, play time with lots of other dogs to meet, and some camps even have special equipped rooms with bright colors, sofas, and a television,just the same as their own home Some of these options may get expensive, but your pet and your peace of mind will be worth the effort

Onethought about your pet that is extremely important to many pet owners is the way that the animal appears to others. Some dogs look good with fluffy hair, some with short, some with flowers in their fur, and some without. It all depends on what your animal looks best in. Many dogs are able to begroomed from the home tub, but if you don’t know what to do a pet stylist may be your new best friend. A pet stylist can cut, wash, style, shave, or brush your dog’s hairwithout a hitch, that’s their occupation. If your dog needs some special attention in that area, make sure you give it to them!

Taking care of your dog, can becrazy, fun and powerful if you choose the best options for you andthe best little friend. Whether you are trying to get rid of the tough habits and rule breaking patterns or their lack of style, it can be very easy for you to learn and love to control your dog.

So your boss says he needs you in the Philadelphia office. For good. Now what? Just as you were starting to get along with the guy across the isle. With your baker, you have a newly formed relationship. You noticed she started putting an additional bagel in your bag each morning! What about your cat, Max? He has his territory and he defends it. How will he react to having to start over? They other cats respect his boundaries and surely he will miss that little patch of catnip you planted for him. Remember last time you visited your grandmother, and Max, your beloved cat, spent most of the two hour ride clinging to the ceiling of the car? How will he handle a six hour ride? He will require attention during the six hour ride, by getting a Moving van rental you can give him the assurance he will need.

Some cats enjoy riding in a car, while most cats do not. You may want to get a crate for those who do not do well. Some folks think that “boxing your animal in one of those things” is cruel & inhumane, but in reality it gives the animal a sense of security. To get your cat used to the crate, you will want to set it out at least a week before it will be needed. You can find Cheap truck rental in your local phonebook or by going online. When you get it home, place it near Max’s area of the house and put a small litter box and a treat inside. A little bit of catnip might work best. By getting him used to it, your cat should be comfortable sitting in the crate, at least while it is still. When he has learned to love his crate, take him on a few 20 minute rides to acclimate him to the motion of the car. He may be one of those few that love to ride in the car! But usually, cats don’t like it and some even become sick.

So now you have some ideas about traveling with the cat and you have taken care of the moving van rental. You have almost finished packing, and decide this is a good time to take Max for a practice drive. By the time you reach the end of the driveway, he has already begun that low, deep-belly moan and his eyes are as big as his ears. Within moments, the backseat sounds like Halloween with all the screeching and howling going on. There are three things you can do: You can just let him do it and try to ignore him. Your vet may be able to give you a sedative for your cat, which is recommended for very long trips. Long distance movers that deal exclusively with pets know how to keep them calm during transport.

Most cats can be quite odd. The same cat may not react to the same situation the same from one time to the next. If you can stay calm, he will pick up on this. It can be done with a little patience and perseverance. Maybe it’ll be him who keeps you calm.

Your Dog In the Heat
While all of us are happy to see winter go, and we are all ready to get outdoors, we have to consider how to handle not only ourselves, but our furry, four legged friends as well. We are all far less sedentary in the warm weather and this brings up a number of concerns for both people and their dogs. The secret to getting back into a more active lifestyle of course is moderation. While it’s easy to get out and enjoy the nice weather, don’t forget that if you are like most of us and spend most of the winter in the house, returning to high activity levels in warm weather can mean heat exhaustion. Vets and dog trainers alike warn about the high risk to dogs during this time, especially after a long winter spent indoors.

Start Slow and Work Up
Every athlete knows they won’t win any medals on their first day of training. The same is true for us and for our dogs. Start out with shorter walks and gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. Watch your dog carefully for signs that he’s reached his limit. Watch yourself too - you may reach your limit before he does! As long as your dog is healthy, it won’t take him long to get back into shape and be able to maintain an active schedule.If you were going to run a marathon, you would not go from your sofa to a twenty mile run would you? Certainly not – you would work up slowly. Things are no different when dealing with your dog. Start out slow, and every day adds time onto your daily trek with your furry friend. Regardless of whether your dog is your special family friend or a hunter, be sure that the exercise that they are getting is in line with their overall health. Watch to make sure that your dog is content, and not overly exercised and gradually increase the activity level. For most dogs, going from low activity to high activity is not a long drawn out process. The more energy they expend, the higher their energy level will be.

Timing
Do not try to take your dog out for a walk at the hottest times of day. Usually, if it is very hot outside, you should try to plan your dogs exercise, walks and play times in the early morning or late afternoon. The reason is that these are the times of day when it is cooler. Remember, asphalt and concrete heat up under beating sun. Walking first thing in the morning after an overnight cool-down or in the evening after the sun has had a chance to go down and cool these surfaces can help keep your dog from burning his feet.

Grooming
If you own a dog that requires regular grooming, be sure to brush him daily. Also, ask the groomer to trim your dog shorter for the summer. Long-haired dogs and dogs who have double coats are more susceptible to overheating. Be careful, though, because if you trim it too short, your dog could get sunburned, especially if it has a light-colored coat. Take note of your own comfort level – if you’re uncomfortable, chances are your dog is too.

Cooling Off
We often wonder how our dogs perspire in the summer – especially in the heat of the day. Canines unlike people do not perspire through sweating, but instead through panting – perspiring through the mouth. Dogs’ bodies cool down from moving air and from shaded areas (or a dip in the water). They do not however cool down as quickly as we do. Keep your dog in an area where he will have access to shaded and if possible, moving air. This will help him stay cool and comfortable in the hot sun.

Watch For Heat-Related Problems
Owners need to know the signs of heat stroke in dogs:

Labored or deep and uncontrolled breathing or excessive panting with broken rhythm
Tacky and bright red gums
Fatigue, unwillingness to move, or collapse

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately care for your dog. It is never recommended that you use cold or ice water for cooling your dog down. Instead, use tepid water to wet your dog. Then place wet towels over your dog to keep the water on their bodies. If you move the towels, this will help airflow as well. Keep in mind, a dog who is suffering from heat related problems should not be allowed to go into a pool or other body of water that might require swimming. Their lack of energy could result in drowning.

Your dog should begin to improve shortly after you take these measures. If not, be certain to contact your vet for emergency care. While chances are the dog might be fine by the time you get there it’s better to have them checked out and make sure. This is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Keeping your dog safe in warm weather means using a practical approach to exercise and care. Keeping your dog healthy in warm weather means that they will have a happy summer time with you and your family.

Having a dog is like having a child, they become part of you and your family, with the being said you have to make sure you have the proper training gear as well. There are lots of great brands out there, but my personal favorite is Innotek. They have some great collars out there, some of my favorites are Innotek ADV-1000P, Innotek ADV-1002, and Innotek Field Pro Series. Do you research and choose which one is right for you and your dog.

Jamie Lynn gives respectable obedience lessons to canine buddys so that they’ll be more docile and respectable canine buddys. This dog training NY absolutely makes the canine buddys very pleasedand it makes their owners pleasedtoo. The owners believe that this dog training NJ is very key for their canine buddys because it aid s the canine buddys in becoming respectableand docile canine buddys. A respectable canine buddy is much better to share a place of residence with than a canine buddy who is not docile – several canine buddy owners agree about this. It is absolutely key to note that canine buddy obedience lessons can be a long and sometimes difficult and challenging process for your canine buddy. However, you can be assured that it will absolutely be worth it in the end when you have an docile and pleased canine buddy.

There is no such thing as a typical obedience obedience lessons, but Jamie Lynn absolutely follows a routine schedule to aid make sure that you canine pal makes the most out of his or her obedience obedience lessons. Before the obedience lessons even initially starts, Jamie Lynn sits down with her possible employer. She knows that it’s very key that the two of them go over their individual goals for what they hope to get out of obedience lessons. Some common goals that Jamie Lynn thinks are respectablefor both the owner and the canine buddy are: mastery of basic commands, learning key stress signals and a few respectabletricks to absolutely add some fun into the routine. Jamie Lynn wants to go over any specifics problems that the canine buddy has with they owner prior to the obedience lessons so that they both are on the same page. On this particular day, the canine buddy that Jamie Lynn will have for obedience lessons is named Lilly.

Lilly is very pleasedto see Jamie Lynn, the routine of coming to obedience lessons each week with Jamie Lynn has become key to Lilly. canine buddys must have a stable routine in their lives and Jamie Lynn aid s give just that to Lilly in her everyday life. This is very key and structure is an key component to making any dog happy. Jamie Lynn has found that several of her canine buddys that come for obedience lessons are much more pleasedafter they initially start obedience lessons.

Jamie Lynn initially starts the obedience lessons by playing with Lilly for a short amount of time to gain Lilly’s trust and get on Lilly’s playful side. Jamie Lynn’s goal is to make school seem like fun and she absolutely works hard to accomplish just that. Jamie Lynn spends a lot of time brainstorming several possible ideas for how to make the canine buddys happier during their obedience lessons. She knows it needs to be as pleasedand upbeat as possible otherwise the canine buddys will absolutely shy away from the experience. One way Jamie Lynn does this is by offering several treats as rewards to these canine buddys for their respectablework in their obedience lessons. This aid s in making obedience lessons both fun and rewarding for these canine buddys.

There are quite a few great reasons you must give your canine buddy the long lasting gift of dog training Philadelphia or dog training NYC. This obedience instruction is a long last gift that your canine buddy will absolutely value, appreciate and use for quite a few years to come. Your canine buddy’s trainer can aid in giving you tips on how to continue your canine buddy’s obedience instruction and to make sure he or she keeps up his or her great behavior.

You absolutely must continue obedience instruction to make very sure that your canine buddy is great and docile. It is very crucialand useful to have an docile canine buddy in quite a few different situations. quite a few people underestimate how crucialthis is for both your canine buddy’s health as well as yours. When your canine buddy is docile, that is absolutely one less thing you must worry about.

Your canine buddy will absolutely be more docile and great on your walks and other outings. It can be very embarrassing to have a canine buddy who is anything less than docile, especially in public. When your canine buddy engages in bad behavior or is generally not docile, it is a frustrating problem that you absolutely must correct. You’ll be pleased to learn that there are quite a few good, experienced professionals who are prepared to handle your canine buddy’s obedience problems and aid you in learning how to continue your canine buddy’s training at place of residence.

Making friends is an crucialthing for anyone to do and this obedience instruction will absolutely aid your dog in becoming a great canine buddy to fellow canine buddys. It is indisputable that making friends is very crucialin any great canine buddy’s life. You must socialize your canine buddy early on in his or her life so that he or she will be used to being around other pets. This development of your canine friend’s social life is very crucialin his or her life and obedience obedience instruction can absolutely aid him or her become a better friend to fellow pets.

Your canine buddy will absolutely be better behaved around company and aid you ease the fact of having quite a few people over at your place of residence by giving you one less thing to worry about. It’s respectable to be worry-free, but that’s nearly impossible, but it would absolutely be nice to be able to eliminate quite a few of your worries by aid ing in making your canine buddy docile and taking him or her to obedience instruction .
canine buddys absolutely appreciate and must have structure in their lives in order to feel secure. A great canine buddy is one that has a structured and organized life that is not difficult by any standards. Your canine buddy will be much more pleased after his or her obedience instruction . His or her obedience will make both of you pleased because it will give you less worry and it will make him or her more pleased because he or she will have a more structured and balanced life.

Electronic dog collars are a very effective way to discipline your dog. No matter the size of your dog, they provide long-lasting training, whether it be a 2-pound Chihuahua or a 200-pound Great Dane. Despite what some people may think, they are very humane in the way they work.

There are three basic types of electronic collars:
Anti-Bark
Perimeter Control
Field Training

Anti-Bark Collars
The most common collar that dog owners look for is one that will train their dog to not bark when it’s inappropriate. These collars are designed to teach your dog that barking is not appropriate behavior. These collars are very technologically advanced they sense only your dog barking, and not other dogs who may be around them. Many models allow dog owners and trainers to control the length of time that your dog will be ‘warned’ as well as the intensity of the warning. There are built in safety features to ensure the dog does not get hurt during use. The theory behind the collar is simple: teach the dog that barking is a negative and generally, dogs learn this very quickly and the habit of inappropriate barking is stopped very quickly.

Perimeter Control and Electronic Fencing
These collars are great for owners who do not wish to put up expensive fencing around their yard. The electrostatic emitter on the collar works with a device that marks the perimeter of the area that the dog is allowed in. This device could be a wire buried underground or an adjustable emitter that creates a radius around it. When the device on the collar comes near the perimeter, it emits a warning beep. If the dog does not move to within the safe zone, it will emit an electrostatic correction, and will periodically keep emitting it until the dog is within its limits. The levels and intervals of the corrections are adjustable by the owner. Usually, flagging is set at the boundaries as a visual barrier to tell the dogs where the boundaries are. Over time, more and more flags are taken away until the dog learns exactly where he can and cannot go. This method can be very effective when used properly, and as with any training, must be consistent.

Field Training Collars
A very popular and highly effective use of electronic training collars is in the field for hunting or working dogs. In this instance, the collars work in conjunction with a hand-held transmitter that the owner or trainer carries. The trainer can use the collar to interrupt bad behavior or to send warning beeps or vibrations when bad behavior is beginning. As with the other types of collar, these are controllable by the person using it and have a long range, allowing for distance field training (like retrieving, herding, etc.) without the use of cumbersome long leashes. They are water/weather proof and very durable and end the frustration of distance training without this valuable tool.

New Developments
Like his sense of smell, a dog’s hearing is extremely sensitive. Because there is debate over whether the electostatic charges are humane, new devices that use ultrasonic sounds have been developed. The devices work the same way by using a warning system first, but the correction comes in the form of ultrasonic sounds instead of electostatic charges. Testing shows these are equally as effective when used correctly.

There are many electronic dog collars out on the market ranging from training collars to bark collars to tracking collars. Some great collars are the Garmin Astro 220, Tri-tronics Classic 70 G3, Dogtra 200 NCP GOLD, and the SportDOG Sport Basic. Look into them and see which one is best for you

dog clothing, dog collars and dog clothes are all very beneficial to your canine buddy’s contentment and overall happiness. These goods will help your dog be the best looking dog on the block. Both of you will be glad and proud of your buddy’s nice appearance. You can costume your dog for many special days and holidays – Easter, New Years, Halloween and Valentine’s Day, just to name several. Every loving canine like yours needs to be rewarded every once in a while and what better way to do it than with some nice specialty treats made specifically for dogs like yours. You can get your dog some nice gear to help avoid the elements as well. There’s nothing more beneficial for your dog than to have a nice coat to help stay toasty on your walks in the winter months . You might also want to get your lovely canine buddy a raincoat for rainy spring days. Your canine buddy will really treasure your consideration and love his or her new outfits.

Your canine buddy’s wardrobe is a nice way for you to help express his or her personality. There are many colors and themes for outfits, you can help your buddy show the world his or her true colors with many different style options. There are many patterned accessories and other nice things for your loving canine buddy that he or she will absolutely love to use. These accessories for your buddy will give your canine buddy some extra pizazz.

There are also accessories jewel encrusted with Swarovski crystals for you loving buddy. They are both gorgeous and unique. There are many neck restraints that your dog can use that come in a large number of colors and styles. The crystals are both gorgeous and elegant and add a special touch a to your canine buddy’s appearance. They help to give your loving buddy that extra bit of indulging that he or she clearly deserves. It is almost inevitable that you’ll find a neckpiece that you and your loving canine buddy will be proud to use and own.

In addition to decorative neckpieces, there are many sorts of outfits that your canine buddy will really be happy to have . Your buddy will love dressing up for all types of days , as well as simple, everyday activities. Giving your buddy new outfits s is a gift that will be durable and will be used for a long time. It will be very interesting to dress your buddy in all sorts of outfits ; your loving buddy will really be happy to have it as well.

Giving your buddy a gift such as these will be very interesting and useful for your loving buddy’s well being. It is practical for your small canine buddy to use clothes to keep toasty in winter and it is adorable to see your buddy dressed in all types of outfits . There are a big number of goods that are available for your buddy to use and use. Both of you will treasure the purchase.

Dogs love to spend time outdoors and, as a dog owner, you probably do too. During the hottest months, however, you need to keep an eye out for heatstroke and how it can affect you and your pet. Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through the pads of their paws and otherwise can only lower their body temperature through panting. Heat stroke can be serious and even life threatening, so keeping your dog cool this summer is important.

Water and Shade
It seems obvious when you think about it, but many people forget the simple idea of having shade to sit in and having cool water to drink. These are some of the simplest and best ways to keep your dog cool. Doing this not only at home, but also when walking, jogging, or just in the park playing is important to your dog’s health. Carrying water or finding water fountains to use along your walk is a good start. Stopping frequently to rest, under a tree or awning, is also a good way to keep cool. This is especially important in the late spring when the weather is warming up and your and your dog’s activity level is going from winter dormancy to summer fun and play. This time is when your bodies are especially prone to overheating, so taking extra precautions is paramount.

Other Cool Tricks
Dogs love ice! You can add ice cubes to their outdoor water bowls or even find them frozen treats that they will love. Another fun option is to take their soft toys, soak them in water, and freeze them. Your dog will have a wonderful time playing with them and they will help him stay cool.

Dog cots and above-ground bedding is another good idea. Especially if you soak it with the garden hose a couple of times during the day. These allow air to circulate all the way around your dog and the water will cool the air (and your dog) as well. If your dog digs holes so he can lay in the cool dirt underneath, you can save your yard by offering him a cool pool to lie in instead. Cheap plastic kid’s pools (about eight inches deep or so) can be used or you can install a more permanent fixture if your dog really loves water. Keep the pool in the shade and keep the water fresh by emptying and refilling it daily. The dirty water can be used to water sections of your lawn, your garden, etc. If your yard doesn’t offer much in the way of shade, you can install some for your dog cheaply. You could plant a tree, build a small awning, or purchase a simple shade tent (or mosquito tent with removable sides) and set it up for him. A child’s light canvass tent is great, as it allows the air to flow easily but still provides a lot of shade. Often, you can find used tents at the thrift or Army/Navy store for a very good price. Finally, let your dog spend more time indoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day. A nap in the house on a cool, tile floor can’t be beat as far as he’s concerned.

What to Look For
Knowing the signs of heatstroke is important, as catching it early can mean the difference between a simple cool down and major medical problems. Dogs are normally operating with a body temperature of around 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit. Moderate heatstroke usually starts when the body temperature rises three to four degrees above normal and sever heatstroke is only two or three degrees above that. So a dog with a temperature of 106 degrees F is in serious trouble.

Watch for these symptoms and take steps to cool your dog immediately using the information listed at the end of this article.

Signs of Heatstroke:
• Rapid panting
• Bright red nose and gums.
• Thick, sticky saliva that drools heavily.
• Weakness, dizziness, or an inability to move or function normally.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or uncontrollable dry heaves.
• Shock-like symptoms, disorientation, or frequent passing out.

If any of these signs occur, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so do the following immediately:
• Remove the dog from the hot area and into shade or indoors.
• Wet the dog thoroughly with tap-cool water. Never use ice or “dunk” the dog in water as this can restrict blood vessels and lower your dog’s natural ability to cool off.
• Fan the dog to increase air circulation.
• Wrap the dog in wet towels (again, cool tap water, no ice) and get to a veterinarian as quickly as safely possible.

Hopefully you will never have to worry about how to treat heatstroke because these simple tips can prevent it from happening. However, in the event that heatstroke does occur you can deal with it properly and potentially save your dogs life.

Keeping your hunting dog safe is key, you should also take into consideration the training supplies you use for them too. Some great products are the Garmin 220 tracking system and the Innotek IUT-300 dog training collar.

Last week the Prescott Humane Society held a poodle dress fundraiser. There was fun, games, t-shirts, promotional pens or promotional pen for anyone who was willing to donate. The fundraiser has been held annually for a few years. The members of the society use the fundraiser to raise awareness about animal cruelty, responsible pet ownership, and to raise funds for shelters.

Most people love animals, especially cats and dogs. We call them our best friends, spending billions and billions on food and other supplies for them as a nation every year. But every year in the United States millions of cats and dogs become strays or wind up in shelters. Pet Overpopulation is everywhere. There are only about 5000 pet shelters in the whole of the U.S. Although shelters are able to take in 7 million cats and dogs every year, only half of these will find good homes from the shelter. The rest are euthanized, a sad fact that accompanies the fact that pet shelters do not have the capability to take in so many animals.

to prevent further overpopulation, we must take drastic measures to protect them from what they cannot protect themselves against: themselves. It is up to us to institute sterilization programs so that we can control the population. Cats and dogs reproduce much faster than humans. Dogs can give birth twice a year and have 6-10 puppies, while cats can have as many as 3 litters a year of 4-6 kittens. In six to seven years a cat or a dog and their babies may give birth to a hundred more. Sterilization programs can prevent a lot of unwanted animals, and in areas where such programs have been started there has been a dramatic 30-60 percent decrease in the number of animals in shelters that need to be euthanized.

There are many complex parts that need to be taken into consideration when implementing such a plan. The community needs to get involved, local veterinarians, educational session and campaigns, and subsidized clinics. Legislation is one solution.

Action must be taken. There are too many animals for the amount of people who have taken them in. Some animal shelters have become huge holding areas for dogs and cats waiting to die. It is animal cruelty. Extra animals means extra problems. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, many of them strays. Overpopulation results in dangerous dogs. Instead of trying to deal with the consequences of overpopulation, we should deal with the real issue. Sterilize your pets.