Babble Ball in About.com

Thanks to About.com: Cats for the great review for our great toys Babble Ball. Filled in Products and Shopping, Product Reviews under Cat Toys.

Excerpt:
I’m not sure who had the most fun with the Babble Ball, our test cats or the humans in our household. “Installation” consisted of pulling the plastic deactivation strip out of the back of the ball. The ball has a very sensitive interface; we found it responds to picking it up, or rolling it across the floor. Even the slightest movement by one of the cats sets off its high pitched voice with a series of phrases: “Whoops! Here we go again!” “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.” “Meow, meow, meow,” as well as whistles and chirping sounds resembling a rodent or chipmunk. I realize the Babble Ball was not developed for this purpose, but we’ve found it to be a pretty good tool for getting the attention of our cats. We’ve even used it to locate a cat that was missing inside our house: Billy was peacefully asleep in a back closet, and came running when he heard the “Here, kitty, kitty.” The Babble Ball is a pretty well-rounded toy, I’d say.

Thanks to Franny Syufy, About.com

Exercise for dogs

Would you have ever thought that you would turn on the discovery channel and see a dog on a treadmill courtesy of the dog whisperer? Whether I agree or disagree with Cesar’s methods, he has a point. Exercise has benefits for us all even our canine counterparts.

Providing our dogs the health benefits of exercise is only a reflection of our love for our pets. It is also linked to our beliefs in the benefits of exercise for ourselves. As an individual that has worked in the human fitness field and veterinary science, the concepts and rewards are mirror images.

Physiologically and anatomically there are differences in canines and humans, but primarily we are very much alike. Our bodies function quite similarly. We suffer from the same diseases linked to inactivity and poor nutrition such as, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and orthopedic problems due to obesity. Our lungs function the same, just at different capacities. Obviously the greyhound and the equine may have one up on us in some ways, but overall it is time to pump up that cardio system!

Inactivity is a detriment to us both, but activity rewards more than just our physical fitness levels. It is a time to bond with our pets,train them, and to stimulate their minds and improve our sense of well-being.

The fitness principles that are guidelines for adults are very adaptable to our canine mates. Before we begin fitness programs, we should clear our health status with our physicians, so also should we be sure the veterinarian gives our dog the okay to get started. The basic health issues of concern for dogs regarding exercise are the following. Is our dog on heartworm preventative? Does our dog pass an orthopedic exam ruling our injuries that first require medical intervention, and does our dog have a heart murmur? A great place to start is to getting a starting weight for our dog, and get nutritional recommendations from our veterinarian, including how to adjust food quantity and type as activity increases.

For cardiovascular benefits walk yourself and your dog three to fives time a week for 30 minutes per day (after building up to 30 minutes over a one to two week period). You may split up the 30 minutes into three intervals to still gain fitness benefits and to work with your dog’s potty routine. Walking also builds muscle which improves metabolic function and strengthens joints. Remember to increase speed gradually and to provide a cool down.

Change up your routine, aka interval training. Take your dog for a swim, play Frisbee, do some hiking in the hills, ride your bike, be creative, but have fun and do it safely.

What if you are more fit than your dog? Allow the dog to build up his/her fitness level. Also be aware of heat related injuries that can harm your pet. Be sure water is available. Their our collapsible waterers specifically made for dogs that allow you to pour water into them during outings. Most pet stores and even Walmart carry these items.

If you are not sure how to best provide exercise for your pet, always consult your veterinary professional, your veterinarian or their veterinary technician.

About the Author Lisa Kirkwood

Photo credit: greatdogsite.com

The Ventura County Star: Babble Ball Live Video Feeds

Thanks to Jason Love and to Ventura Country Star newspaper for this live video feeds.

The Ventura County Star newspaper has been good enough (and brave enough) to provide live video feeds for selected humor columns. It should be noted that The Star is arguably the most popular and widely read newspaper in the universe.

Watch the video.

Make Funny Pictures

Share Your Funny Pictures With Your Friends, Family and The World!

mine.icanhascheezburger.com is your lol caption and funny picture creations.

Share and laff freely!

How to make lol* pix:

1. Go to their lolcat builder
2. Pick a picture or upload funny pic of a cat/dog/walrus/hamster/human/ that u own
   (the kittehs prefer: clear, larger images (larger teh better) they also hate animal abuse. that’s a no-no.)
3. Write a capshun. need tips? try current events, pop culture references, movies, songs.
   1. Originality is moar better.
   2. Clear and concise ’cause kittehs have short attenshun… Ooh, catnip!
   3. No profanity *gasp* pleez.
4. And click “Save & Submit”. OR:
   1. If you don’t want to submit it, you can just press “Save” and feel free to email ur lol* to friends! Our lol builder provides free image hosting and a page for your image.
   2. After review, your photo will be moved on the Voting page.

Choosing That Special Dog Name For Your Dog

So you’ve bought a puppy but just can’t come up with a name? You’re looking for something original right?

Healthy-Dogs.net have thousands of dog names for you to choose from – don’t be boring, pick a special dog name for your special dog!

Try their Dog Names section – they have hundreds of great names for you to choose from!

Photo credit: 321dogs.com

The Ten Most Important Tips for Keeping Your Older Dog Healthy

1. Establish a relationship with the best veterinarian you can find. For most older dogs, it is advisable to make an appointment with the vet every six months. Your vet should be someone whom you trust and with whom you feel very comfortable.
2. Become informed about the conditions common to older dogs and the therapies used for them. Be alert to symptoms, bring them to your vet’s attention promptly, and be prepared to discuss treatment options.
3. Feed your older dog the best food you can afford; consider feeding him a home-prepared diet and two small meals daily rather than one large one.
4. Don’t overfeed your dog. Obesity will create health problems and shorten his life.
5. Consider the use of dietary supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis.
6. Give your senior dog adequate exercise, but adjust it to her changing abilities.
7. Attend to your dog’s dental health. Brush her teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally whenever your vet advises it.
8. Tell your vet you wish to have your dog vaccinated only once every three years, as currently advised by the major veterinary colleges.
9. Be diligent in controlling fleas and ticks, and keep your dog and his environment scrupulously clean.
10. Make your senior dog as much a part of your life as possible, and do all you can to keep him interested, active, happy and comfortable.

(Of course, these ten tips also apply in large part to young dogs, too.)

These topics are among those discussed in depth on the Senior Dogs Project website. You can find them in the “Care” segment of the website..

What makes the Babble Balls so appealing to pets?

All pets love toys that make noise. Most pets also love balls. The Babble Balls combine both features into a single toy. Inanimate squeak toys or plain balls don’t hold a candle to the Babble Balls. From the pets perspective, the Babble Balls are playing with them! The more they play, the more the balls will talk back to them.

For more information visit our Frequently Ask Question page in our Pet Qwerks website to learn more about our Babble Balls.