Animal testing is a big problem in many countries all over the world. In fact, such testing does not only involve rats or mice, but larger animals that can be pets or those that live in the wild. When you find a product that indicates that it is said not be tested on animals, it may only mean that the final product was not tested on animals. However, that will not mean that the individual ingredients had not been tested on animals before it was put all together. In such cases, animal abuse is undeniable and animals are consistently tested on day after day.

Dogs

Dogs are a common animal that companies use to test their products. In fact, they are also used in medical schools and research labs throughout the country for lung and heart cancer research, microbiology and even transplantation experiments. They have also been known to be used for toxicity studies for food additives, drugs and industrial chemicals. The friendlier the breed, the more likely the breed will be used for animal testing.

Cats

Cats have always been used for an array of experiments and animal testing labs. They are mostly used in training students child intubation procedures where hard plastic tubes are forced into their windpipes. This can inflict swelling, bleeding, throat tissue scarring, collapsed lungs and even death.  Aside from Pediatric Advanced Life Support, cats are also used in a procedure where air is forced into the chest cavities and excess air is removed by having a needle inserted.

Monkeys

Just they are often portrayed in movies; monkeys are often used in invasive research for vaccine testing and drug toxicology. In certain locations, monkeys are isolated in poor conditions and minimal regulations are enforced. Continuous testing on monkeys has left many of them unfit to be placed in the wild again, while others die.

Chimps

In the past, chimps were originally used as dummies until actual dummies were invented. Labs are not allowed to import or breed chimps for the intention of medical research, but there are still chimps being used in labs for invasive experiments. They are usually used in AIDS, hepatitis and cancer research. These animals live away from each other and in isolation, while their environments are found to be abusive and stressful.

Animal Tested Products

Items that we use in our everyday lives are often tested on animals. This includes shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, beverages, food and even toothpastes. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware that products are still being tewsted on animals. Dogs, cats, chimps, cats and monkeys are not the only animals being tested on using barbaric methods. Yet the necessity for their sacrifices seems to be in demand by businesses. Though many products are not really required to be tested on animals, there are still major companies that continue to harm and kill animals instead of opting for modern alternative test methods. Nevertheless, regardless if the product has been tested on animals; it does not guarantee that it is safe to be used by humans.  The only way a company that uses animal testing methods can be held liable is when they do not follow regulations and abuse their process.

Valerie Howards is a freelance writer and animal lover who specializes in animal cruelty cases and bail bonds La Habra. She regularly contributes articles to law firms, bail bonds and animal websites.

When you think of exotic animals, such as tigers and snakes, you don’t imagine them living in someone’s back garden. Sadly, some people illegally keep exotic animals as pets, even in cities as densely populated as London where these animals don’t have the freedom to roam as they would do in the wild. It has even been suggested that many of the apparent sightings of big cats in Britain could be down to illegal pet owners releasing them into the wild when finding themselves unable to cope. Here are a few examples of exotic pets gone wrong.

Four Crocodiles in a London flat

image source

In June 2011, police officers found four crocodiles in a spare room during a routine call to a flat in Croydon. They were West African dwarf crocodiles, capable of easily tearing limbs of humans, found crammed into shoddy makeshift tanks. Sadly, they were in such bad condition that one died shortly after being transported.

Lion in Manchester

In February 2012, Peter Jackson of Longnor Road, Hazel Grove, Manchester was gobsmacked when he thought he saw a lion type creature skulking around his garden but thought he must be seeing things. However, his dog wouldn’t stop barking and so he rang the police and described the animal as a ‘large black cat.’ Following this sighting, a second person contacted the police and described exactly the same thing. It is a possibility that this cat had been let free by an owner who couldn’t cope with their exotic breed anymore. Some love the idea of owning a wild animal and romanticise the idea, until reality hits them!

Beast of Burnham Thorpe

Even the queen managed to get in on the wild cat action in 2009 when a Lynx type animal was photographed wandering nearby her Sandringham estate. However, many locals brushed off the photographs claiming the animal was obviously just a large pussy cat minding its own business.

Essex Lion

In August 2012 a lion was spotted near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. The police mounted more than 30 officers are spent more than £3000 on helicopters to find it but didn’t find anything. Nevertheless, the witnesses stood by their claims, stating adamantly that they had seen it cleaning itself for and rolling about in the field for about 20 to 30 minutes. Whether something will eventually be found is an open question.

Beast of Banff

In 2007, a video was taken of what looked like a panther, roaming around the town of Banff. No animal was ever caught but the video footage speaks for itself and locals are convinced that the animal was over five foot tall, ruling out the possibility of a domestic pet.

Runcorn’s Crocodile

In June 2012, police raided a semi-detached home in Runcorn after suspecting a possible cannabis factory and being shocked when they found an 8ft crocodile in the bath! They also found several potentially dangerous cobras and a rattlesnake. They were all seized and handed over to the authorities who found them far more suitable homes. On the black market, animals like these can go for thousands of pounds and can be very lucrative, if kept secret!

Author: This article was compiled by Andy Graven who works for Invisible Fence, providers of invisible pet fences.

Pets are lovely to have and complete homes. However, they can be a cause of stress and worry when they fall sick, and people have to go out of the way to manage funds for their treatment. Just like family members, one has a strong emotional and personal attachment with pets, and they want to do whatever they can to make sure they get better. For this, there exists a concept Pet Insurance.

Just like other forms of insurance that one takes for family members to cover the cost of medical expenses during illnesses or accidents, even Pet Insurance provides the same benefits for pets, except that these insurance policies may be available with lesser insurance companies as compared to the number of companies for regular insurances.

What all is covered?

A very common question that people have is regarding what all the insurance covers for pets. The answer to this varies from policy to policy, and company to company. However, most companies or insurance policies do cover medical expenses incurred during serious illness and accidents. There are some policies that may even look at covering regular vaccinations and routine check-ups for the pets, along with covering their alternate and side treatments, such as that of physiotherapy, dental care etc.

How Does One Get The Money?

Depending on the kind of policy it is, and the kind of treatment one’s pet is undergoing, an insurance company may either give a bulk amount when needed, or may give a certain percentage of the money required for treatment as per the veterinarian’s charges for treating the pet. One can either show the bills to the insurance company to file a claim after the treatment is completed, or can get the money in advance based on an estimated amount predicted by the vet for the treatment. Copies of proper proofs and bills need to be attached while filing the claim. Some vets can delay taking the payment, till the time one does not get the insurance money. On the other hand, some insurance companies deal directly with the vet and transfer the payment to the clinic, without causing any hassles to the policyholder.

Lifetime Insurance or Annual?

There are mainly two kinds of insurance policies available for pets. The first category is that of lifetime insurances, which cover the costs of treatments for a pet for its entire life. These may have certain clauses as to what all medical conditions can be covered, and how many times similar conditions can be covered in a lifetime. Then there are annual insurances, which need to be renewed every year, and the claims made for a certain treatment in one year may not be alowed the next year for the same treatment.

It’s important to read through the fine print of the insurance policy very well, in order to understand what benefits exactly one is getting. Usually, pet insurances are easy to get for cats and dogs, as they are quite common. For other kinds of pets, the insurances might be a little difficult to get.

Lauren Devaney has written this blog post who is a financial adviser and suggests using her website http://www.paydayloansuk.org.uk/ to help people finance all their daily requirements.

When you move to a new town, it can be hard work to find a new veterinarian. Friends and work colleagues can recommend a vet for you, but you’re the only one who will know if they’re the right doctor for your beloved dog.

 
It’s a good idea to invest a few dollars and make an appointment for a wellness exam at any veterinary practices that are on your shortlist. Only by visiting them and meeting their staff can you fully evaluate their service. You don’t want your first meeting with a new vet to occur when your dog is sick or injured and you don’t have time to make an informed choice.

 
Here are some thoughts on how to evaluate a new vet, and decide if you should continue to work with them to keep your dog healthy.

 
1. Take note of the atmosphere when you arrive for your appointment. Even if the practice is busy, it should have an air of professionalism and efficiency. The receptionist should welcome you quickly, and the waiting room should look and smell clean.

 
2. Watch the staff as they go about their duties. Even though much of their work is routine, they should be enthusiastic and cheerful about it.

 
3. How long do you have to wait to see your veterinarian? Sometimes there are emergencies and you may need to wait a little longer than expected, but generally speaking you should be seen close to your appointment time. If there is a delay, the receptionist should keep you informed as to what is happening.

 
4. When you’re invited into the consulting room with your dog, your technician and your veterinarian should introduce themself to you. They should handle your dog gently but confidently, and explain to you what they are doing. If you have questions, they should answer them in a way that you can understand.

 
5. What does your dog think of the practice and the staff? You can expect him to perhaps be a little anxious about visiting a new hospital; after all there are lots of unfamiliar smells there. The staff should treat him gently and speak to him to help him relax. Do they try and build a rapport with your dog?

 
6. The final step – how do you feel about your bill at the end of your visit? You can expect to pay a fair price for veterinary services; after all it does cost a lot of money to maintain a practice and provide a good service. Having said that, the cost of veterinary care should reflect the services they provide.

 
A practice with the latest equipment and training should rightly cost more than a more basic service but at the end of the day, you need to be able to afford them.

 
It’s just as stressful looking for a new doctor for your dog as it is for you. Spend a little time doing some homework and you’re sure to find a veterinarian that you and your dog can trust.

Susan Wright is a vet, a dog expert and a freelance writer. Visit this website for more dog owner tips

Hiring a nanny is a big decision for any parent to make. Because a nanny is going to have such a significant impact on your child’s development, this isn’t a decision you want to rush. What many parents don’t realize is that before you even start reviewing and scheduling meetings with candidates, you need to decide what type of nanny you need.

If you weren’t aware that there are different types of nannies, you’re far from being alone. The majority of parents who haven’t previously hired a nanny naturally assume that there’s just one basic type. In reality, there are actually three primary types of care that nannies can provide. The types of care are:

Coordinated: This is generally the most popular type of care for parents who have never hired a nanny. The reason is it still allows them to be the most involved with the way their child is cared for on a daily basis. Since it can take a lot to feel comfortable giving someone else the ability to make significant decisions about your child’s daily life, this form of care allows you to get the help you desire without feeling like you’re going to be completely pushed out of the picture. The reason you’ll still feel completely comfortable is because the relationship between you and your nanny will be that of teammates working together.

Custodial: This form of care is often sought out by parents who have previously had a nanny for one of their children and are planning on a nanny for their next child. The difference between coordinated and custodial care is instead of being involved on a daily basis, parents outline what’s expected of the nanny, and then the nanny uses this as her guide. Instead of parents making adjustments on a daily basis, reviews are held on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.

Surrogate: Parents with extremely demanding careers may find that surrogate care is the best option for their family. With this form of care, it’s common for there to be more than one nanny who’s involved in children’s lives. Keep in mind that while multiple nannies may be involved in this type of care, they generally all answer to one head nanny. Not only is the head nanny responsible for managing her team, but in most cases, parents choose to give her a lot of control over making decisions about the types of issues that come up on a daily basis.

Now that you know more about the three different types of care that are available, the best thing you can do is sit down with your partner and decide which option is the right fit for your family. Once you decide what type of care you want for your children, you’ll be able to tailor your search for the perfect nanny to fit exactly what you want.

John Wisenheimer blogs for www.nanny.net which is a site that helps young ladies to become a nanny.

Image by Roberto Verzo

The internet holds a myriad of information and entertainment opportunities, especially for the bored and easily distracted. Which is how I found myself taking a quiz to determine my ultimate fantasy pet (a unicorn, in case you were wondering) one evening last week. It got me thinking: imagine if you could own the pet you’d always dreamed of when you were a child. Oh the fun you could have riding on the back of an elephant to school, walking your tiger in the park, or keeping a whale in the garden pond!

These fantasies are obviously unachievable and of course unethical – wild animals belong in their natural habitat and many of the most beautiful animals we all admire are on the endangered species list. But imagine what your life would have been like if you could have had your dream pet. Curious? Keep reading…

Dolphin

Personally I blame Flipper. Before he came along, children the world over were quite content with domestic animals such as cats and dogs. While dolphins have many plus points – intelligent, easy to train and long living – they also require huge pools of water to live in happily. A dolphinarium needs to be at least 11ft deep and have a surface area of nearly 3000ft – it would take you till your early twenties to dig out a hole this size, by which time you’d probably be far more interested in going to the pub and chasing girls anyway.

Tiger

My personal favourite fantasy pet – a gorgeous tiger cub. We could grow up together and he would’ve totally had my back when it came to handling the school bullies, but in reality a wild animal like this could turn on its owner at any time and inflect life threatening injuries. Vegetarians and those with weak stomachs need also not apply, since the average male tiger needs 75lbs of fresh raw meat to survive on every week.

Whale

Now a whale obviously wouldn’t require the same care as a tiger – no need for monthly courses of flea treatment or grooming – but imagine the cost of building and maintaining an Olympic sized swimming pool in your back garden. Free Willy may have inspired you to undertake work experience at your local Sea Life Centre, but in reality you’d have to own one if you wanted to keep one of these majestic creatures as a pet.

Elephant

Is there anything cuter than a baby elephant? Elephants live for ages so you’d never need a new pet, thus saving a bit of money, but the downside of this is that elephants tend to get quite large. As a child it would be all fun and games, hitching a ride to school and entertaining your friends, but imagine being a forty-something with two kids and a mortgage, having to muck out 300lb of dung EVERY day. Not such a good idea now, is it?

Parrot

Unlike the other four animals on this list, it is logistically possible to keep a parrot as a pet, but you’d have to stay on your toes if you wanted to keep up with it. A vibrant Macaw parrot is used to growing up in the rain forest, so it takes a lot of care and attention to keep one looking as healthy and preened as they do on those David Attenborough shows. Regular baths or showers are a must and parrots aren’t party animals – they require around 12 hours of sleep a day, so socialising after 7pm is strictly off the menu.

What was your favourite fantasy pet when you were growing up? Let us know in the comments below!

Louise Blake is a new mum and aspiring writer. She’s passionate about animal welfare and blogs for sites such as Petmeds in her spare time. When Louise was younger, she dreamed of owning a Bengal tiger called Stripes, but she settled for befriending next door’s tabby cat instead…

When I was a kid – a long time ago – we had farm cats. If they killed mice, they were called “mousers” and lived in the barn. If they didn’t kill mice, they became pets. But – ALL of them lived outside. They all had a lifespan of about 7 years.

These days, however, it’s not unusual for cats to live in excess of 20 years! How is this so? It’s due to better care, and the fact that cats are actually seen as companions. As our companions, we take much better care of the little beasts than we ever did of the farm cats.

The debate about whether or not to allow cats outside is ongoing. Sure, the wide, wide world is a dangerous place. But for those who would want to allow their cats to go outside, are there any safety precautions? There are, in fact, a few things you can do to keep your cat safer when it goes outside.

• Yes, they are nocturnal animals, but turning a cat loose at night actually makes it more vulnerable to traffic accidents. Have you ever seen your cat freeze in the street when it seed car lights? It’s the same response you see with deer – the old “deer in the headlights” look. Cats are predators, and when they can’t see, they’ll freeze until the threat is over. Night time is the deadliest for cats, for this reason.
• If you live in the country, your cat is not any safer at night. Sure there may not be any traffic, but that’s when other predators are hunting. Coyotes consider cats a delicacy, and will certainly thin out your cat population if you’re not careful.
• NEVER allow a declawed cat outdoors. It has absolutely no defense. It can’t claw an attacker, and it can’t climb a fence or tree to get away. Don’t even let your cat outside if you have clipped its claws, because of these same reasons.
• Be familiar with neighborhood threats. If you let your cat out during the day, try to do it during school hours. We had a cat that LOVED kids, and would beg to be let out when the school bus stopped at the corner. I would always stand there to make sure no one harmed the cat. Some kids are mean, and most of them don’t understand mortality, so your cat can be in danger from children.
• Dogs are another form of neighborhood threats. If there is a neighbor dog that gets out regularly, of a pack of dogs that roams at will, keep your cat in. It’s not worth losing your pet to such a terrible fate.
• Make sure your cat is current on immunizations. There are deadly diseases out there that can kill your cat. It should see the vet regularly for a check up, too, since cats often fight each other. Their skin is almost self-sealing, so you won’t find a puncture wound until it gets infected under the skin.

With proper management, your cat can enjoy the outdoors. There are several ranges of cat products you could purchase to increase your pets indoor entertainment. If your cat is going out in the evenings you can’t guarantee the cat’s safety, but you could also consider an outdoor cattery, or indoor perches.

Ben Farnsley is adores his pets, he owns quite a few pets from rats to fish! He is currently working for a company selling pet products in the UK.

A pet dog can do far more than fetch sticks and keep you company. The right dog will fit into your current lifestyle and enhance it. An active individual who loves running, hiking or kayaking can find a four-legged friend that loves these activities too. You will need an energetic and intelligent dog if you want a partner that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Certain breeds tend to carry their characteristics, helping you narrow down the search for your next pet.

Large Dogs

If you have the space for a large breed, look for puppies from Airedale Terrier, German Short-haired Pointer, Dalmatian or German Shepherd parents. These dogs were bred selectively to create athletic and smart animals that could accompany fishermen, hunters and other busy people. All four need discipline and training, but become devoted and useful companions once they are acclimated to their new family. One of these dogs will keep up with you for a solid hour of running or biking around the neighborhood, and they all need this much exercise on a daily basis. Many active dog owners choose a German Shepherd or Short-haired pointer to provide personal protection. No one will consider hassling you while you are out for a run with a large and well-trained dog by your side.

Medium Dogs

The Siberian Husky is full of energy, but doesn’t get as large as some other breeds. They tend to reach a top weight of 60 pounds and a full height of 24 inches or less. Despite their compact frame, Huskies are incredibly strong dogs with plenty of stamina. You will need to keep your pet on a leash or fenced in at all times if you choose a puppy from this breed. Border Collies are another good mid-sized option. These dogs were bred to herd sheep, so they love a chance to stretch their legs and use their minds. They tend to develop car chasing habits if not properly trained, but can be discouraged from this behavior with constant attention as they grow up.

Small Dogs

If you have an apartment or share a home, you don’t have to give up on your dreams of a working dog just to save space. The Miniature Pinscher may have short legs, but it can keep up with you on hikes and bike rides around the neighborhood. These dogs are often purchased as sedentary companions, but they can develop serious behavioral issues if they don’t get enough stimulation. Terriers also tend to be active and clever dogs because most of the breeds in this group were trained to retrieve small game or clear out animal dens. If you have plenty of experience in training dogs, a Jack Russell Terrier could be the right choice.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher living in Austin, Texas. Peter runs the hike & bike trail every day with his well behaved Husky. He recommends you teach your dog the right way to act with the help of Sit Means Sit dog training in Austin.

If you’re like 99% of people in the world your pet will be part of the family. From the moment you bring them home you instantly fall in love. It’s your duty to look out for them and do your best to make them as comfortable as possible. Some homes aren’t really ideal for a pet. You can give them all the love in the world, but if their life could be in danger because of where they live it’s something you have to look at.

If there was any way you could make their life more enjoyable it would be just as important. You have the ability to turn your home into a pet palace. Somewhere they can love just as much as you do, plus all the other people who walk around on 2 legs. Simple things are all that’s needed. Things that will make your home more pet friendly and a lot more fun. Let’s look at some ways you can build that palace.

It needs to get out when you’re not there

When you work all day there won’t be anywhere for your pet to go. You definitely want to fit a little cat-flap in your door. Not only is this great for cats, but it will also let small dogs out whenever they want to go to the toilet. It’s not hard to fit, although you will probably not want to do it yourself. You can hire a joiner and they will be able to fit it for you in a few hours for very little cost. Now you don’t need to worry about your house being covered in pee when you get home.

Don’t let them run away

If you decide to let your dog roam free you definitely need to have a fence up in the garden. It won’t make any difference to a cat because they’ll just jump over it anyway, but if your dog manages to escape you might never see it again. If you already have a fence in the garden you need to make sure there’s no way it can get out. If there’s a gap it needs to be covered. If you don’t have one you’ll need to get someone to build you a fence. It will make a huge difference when your dog isn’t trapped indoors all day.

Keep it safe from falling objects

Let’s face it, most pets aren’t the most intelligent animals in the world. They like to run around and climb things. If they manage to run into a set of drawers it’s quite easy for something to fall and land on top of them. The only way you can stop this is by not keeping big heavy items on your drawers and tables. Cats are just as bad because they will climb everywhere. Don’t leave anything lying around that they could climb on only to have it topple on their head.

They will eat your cables

Some pets like to stick anything they find in their mouth. That’s fine if it’s a toy, but when they start chewing electric cables you have to start worrying. The easiest way to get around it is by hiding them away. Don’t leave any lying out, because if they’re hungry the cables might start to look a lot more tasty. It wouldn’t be the first time a pet has had an electric shock because they’ve ate their way through the TV cable, yet some people don’t think about keeping them out of reach.

Watch out for your blind cords

Just like a young child, your pet will like to play about in the blinds or curtains. You might think they are just trying to look out the window, but they are actually subconsciously trying to rip them down. It’s the only way to explain why they find them so fascinating. If there’s cords lying around it’s quite easy for them to get tangled around your pet’s neck. That means there’s a slight chance they could be strangled. It’s definitely not worth the risk.

Christina Appleworth is a home remodelling expert who suggests the use of  coloured roller blinds from web-blinds.com

Every year there are millions of people in the United States bitten by dogs. Out of those bites one in every five require immediate medical attention. The majority of bites reported were by large breed dogs since smaller dogs often do less damage when they bite, however you have to keep in mind that small dogs are just as likely to bite as large dogs. If someone is bit by a dog enough to cause bodily harm, a dog bite lawyer is often contacted and through dog bite attorneys the insurance industry pays almost a billion dollars in claims a year. Only 24 percent of human fatalities involving dog bites were from dogs off their property.

Out of the close to 800,000 dog bites that needed medical care, 92 percent of them involved male dogs, the majority of which were not neutered. The top five dog breeds are rated most likely to bite and cause enough bodily harm to be reported are listed from the most dangerous to least.

Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Terriers are medium sized dogs with short hair and solid bodies. Pit Bull bites are regularly reported because they have a large locking jaw, so their bites frequently do bodily harm. Additionally, Pit Bulls are bred and trained for inhumane and illegal reasons including dog-fighting leading to more aggressive behaviors.

Rottweiler 
Often used as a guard dog since they are protective of their territory, Rottweiler are found in large to medium sizes. As with Pit Bulls, the Rottweiler’s bite strength often leads to bodily injury and reports of dog bites.

Wolf Hybrid
When a dog is mated with a wolf, it is considered a wolf hybrid. Since wolf hybrids have a mixture of traits and genetics, their behavior is less predictable than a normal dog. This can lead to aggression in dogs that are not trained and socialize properly.

German Shepherd
Known as large breed dogs, German Shepherds are habitually employed in military and police roles. German Shepherds are bred to protect their pack and territory making them aggressive dogs to strangers on their property. With a large jaw, German Shepherd bites can easily cause injuries.

Akita
A large breed longhaired dog from Japan, the Akita is a dominate breed that is protective of its family members. As a powerful dog, the Akita can cause bodily injury when it bites.

Many dog bites are preventable by following basic safety tips when you are around dogs. The first basic tip is to avoid unfamiliar dogs, 25 percent of bites involve dogs that are chained up. If you see one walking down the street or wandering, so inside of your home and call animal control to capture the dog and return it to their owner. If a dog is approaching, you do not run or scream, stand still and calm while avoiding direct eye contact, and the dog will usually sniff you then leave. If you are bit, you should immediately contact animal control, the Center for Disease Control and a dog bite attorney.

Tyler loves dogs and blogging. If you are looking for a dog bit attorney in San Diego and to get more law advice visit seriousaccidents.com