AKUSA Magazine is Here

Check it out!

Animal Kingdom USA  has a new Pet Magazine—AKUSA Magazine.

After a few years on the drawing boards, our project has come to life.   We are offering a new magazine, free of charge, to our clients and supporting businesses.

This first issue has information on fish, small animals, dogs, birds, hermit crabs, reptiles, and important legislative issues that might affect your pet ownership.

We wanted our magazine to be fun, informative and to be one that you could share with your family.

We even have a children’s section with a tortoise coloring page.

There is also a section where we will answer your pet questions.  Please submit them to us and we will try to get you into an upcoming issue.

So pick up a copy in the store today.

Let us know what you think.

Here is a link to the magazine should you wish to view it on-line.

http://issuu.com/themagazineshoppe/docs/akusa_summer_2012_premiere_issue_lr/1

 

Save the Reefs

For those of you in the fish hobby, you know that there are many fish (fresh water and salt water) being tank-raised or nursery-raised.   The marine world specifically has had some major changes in order to save the reefs and the fish associated with them.  There are now farm raised clownfish, tank raised blennies, dotty backs and gobies to name a few.  Many responsible aquarists are now purchasing only captive fish.

Just wanted to take a moment to share this with you.

There are some great people doing some extraordinary things in trying to save coral reefs.   Take for instance, The Coral Restoration Foundation who has an off-shore facility growing frag corals and then replanting them on a selected reef; amazing.

Here is a little bit about them:

              “Coral Restoration Foundation is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs. We promote hands-on salvage of orphaned coral fragments and short-term care and growth in permitted offshore nursery sites. CRF is the continuation of a successful staghorn coral nursery and transplantation program initiated by Ken Nedimyer in the Florida Keys and the result of the re-organization of the former Keys Marine Conservancy. “

Take a moment to check out this link.  You can even help them save the reefs by adopting a coral.

http://coralrestoration.org/coralrn/catalog/index.php?osCsid=6daf04763acaa5a4f99f9f5204670b0e

Think about this for the next holiday or birthday where a gift is needed.   It could be for an aquarist or just someone interested in saving the environment.

There is also a Facebook page associated with the Coral Restoration Foundation that shows some interesting videos and some recent plantings done by the Michigan State Scuba Club.  You can spend hours looking at the amazing videos and reading some great articles on their work.

Glad there are people out there rebuilding our reefs.   You are all commended.  Hope we can all be a little more respectful of the deteriorating coral reefs.  And, hope organizations such as the Coral Restoration Foundation gains a little bit more respect and support for all they are doing.

 

 

Take Your Dog to the Beach

You want to take your dog with you to the lake or beach.  Sounds like a fun day; but let’s talk about taking some precautions.

First, are you sure dogs are allowed?   Many beaches and lakes do not allow dogs so check it out before you pack up to go.

If it is a very hot day, try to go early in the day or towards evening when the sun and heat are less intense.   Be sure to put a natural sunscreen on your dog and yourself!   Take a blanket for your pet and you to stretch out on and,  if you have one,  a nice large umbrella for you to both sit under.  Try to have your pet walk on grassy areas if they are available.  It will be much cooler on the feet.  Remember, sand and asphalt can get very hot on a sunny day.

Make sure your dog is polite.   Keep him or her from annoying other guests.  Ensure you have a leash and collar if it is mandated.   Have your dog be respectful of birds and other marine life. You may want to practice the “leave it” command before you head out.  If you have a flea collar on your pet, it is a good idea to take it off so it does not get wet.  It could also cause your dog’s skin to become irritated if it gets wet next to the skin.

Keep your pet away from steep cliffs and dunes.  Also be careful of rocks in the water (a little light foot covering might be required).  Make sure you always clean up after your dog and try to encourage no water pooping.

It is extremely important to make sure your pet stays hydrated at the beach.   Offer fresh clean water a multitude of times.   It is not safe for your dog to ingest salt water or lake water as it could make them very sick.

If your dog has never been in the water before, do not force the issue.  Start out just by walking along the edge and take it from there.   It is also a good idea to have a life vest on even for the stronger swimmers.   You never know when a powerful current or tow will come along.

Always wash the salt or lake water off your pet before leaving.   And, check the eyes and ears to make sure no sand has accumulated in them.   If so, flush the eyes out with fresh water and gently wipe the ears.

If you follow the above precautions everyone can have a fun day at the beach and look forward to the next one!

July 4th and Your Dog

You are ready for some fun this July 4^th; but let’s keep our four-legged friends safe.

Just because you love to see and hear the fireworks, most dogs do not.   Keep them safe and tucked away at home.   If your dog has anxiety from the noise and sights, try to keep them in a windowless room.  Also, keep a radio or TV on to keep them distracted from the outside noises.  Make sure they have a bowl of water and a favorite toy or two.  It is not a good idea to force them to be outside with the noise.

While you are celebrating with family and friends, remember that alcohol is not good for your pet.   Keep these types of drinks out of reach.   Also be aware of feeding your pet new foods during this time.   Stick to your normal dog food and treats so as not to cause stomach distress and a trip to the vet.   Make sure your guests are not giving treats under the table.

We are in the midst of a heat wave, hopefully, it will cool off by the fourth.   Be aware that the cement, asphalt and sand are very very hot and can burn the pads of your dog’s feet very quickly.   There are various products you can wipe on paws to keep them protected.  Keep your pet hydrated; make sure clean fresh water is always available.  Dogs can also get sunburn; especially on their nose and ear tips.  Be mindful of the hot sun.   There are sunscreens specifically made for dogs; do not use human grade unless you are sure it contains no harmful chemicals.

If you are taking your pet somewhere for some fun, make sure you do not leave it locked in a car for any length of time.   We all know how quick they can overheat; but sometimes we just need a gentle reminder.

Watch out for matches and lighter fluid during those great BBQs.  Don’t let your pet get into any of these.   And, also remember that the glow sticks are fun when night time comes along, but they can cause some serious health hazards for your pet.

Go out and have some fun but let’s keep the pets safe.

Flea and Tick Season

As many have you have realized already, flea and tick season is here.  Remember to keep your pet well groomed and to thoroughly inspect them after each trip outside into the grass and woods.   Even a trip out to the sidewalk can yield a tick (as I have already found out.)

Daily brushing becomes important and is a good time to check for uninvited pests.  Make sure you have a handy tick key or tick scooper in case you need it.

Besides the normal topical liquids available such as Frontline and Biospot, there are many natural repellents; Natural Chemistry and Pet Naturals of Vermont to name a few.  There are also products that work from the inside out.   There are tablets, powders and capsules that when taken internally, put a bitter taste into your pet’s bloodstream and make the pests drop off.  One that I have personal experience with is FT by Nature’s Finest.

You can also make your own repellent.   This one is safe for dogs, cats and ferrets and can be used as needed.  The recipe was given to me by a holistic vet and it smells nice too.

Take an empty clean 16 oz. spray bottle and fill with half white vinegar and half water (bottled or filtered).  Add one teaspoon each of:

Spearmint Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil

Always shake well before spraying.  This one is great for mosquitoes also!

What has been your success with fleas and ticks?

Puppy Love

Higgins

Having been in a pet store for most of my life; I certainly have had many pets.

Two canaries, seven cockatiels, two tortoises, two large fish tanks, an Amazon, a Grey Parrot and even some hermit crabs shared my home at some point.

But, I have never owned a puppy.  Well that changed about two months ago.   A little Havanese won my heart and home he came.

Well, I thought I knew dog products.   But, until you have tested them, you really don’t know them.

First, there was the test of finding the perfect dog food.   Of course, “Higgins” did not want to eat the food that was suggested I take home.   So after trial and error, I finally found one he liked.   Let’s see that’s about 5 opened unused bags, and I don’t know how many brands of wet food were tested and tossed.  No wonder why clients come in so aggravated that their dogs don’t like food.   I can honestly share their pain now.   Patience is all I can say!   Keep trying and you will find a brand that is loved or at least liked.

Luckily, most dog food companies will accept returns; but please leave your name and address with the unused bag when making a return.

I can’t believe I have tested so many toys also.   All I can say is that Kong, JW and Nylabone rule the roost!   The little Kong stuffed toys (bear, frog and duck) are a definite favorite.   Higgins will not even go outside without one of them.   This is great to know for talking about toys for little dogs.   Fetch is great with these guys, toss one, he brings it back and toss another.   It is great to have two to keep the game going.  The Crackle Heads by JW Pet are another favorite.   The sound keeps him busy for hours.   And the small and medium sized nylabones are great for the chewing instinct.   Higgins can spend hours chewing on one.  Don’t know if it is just this little guy, or if it is the same for all dogs, but having a great supply of toys and chewies have kept him from chewing furniture and shoes.   I even rotate different ones every couple of days to keep him interested.   After two months, there has been one little molding chew and one little piece of wallpaper down.   Not bad!!  Hope it keeps up!

Dog Days of Summer

Can’t really believe that Memorial Day has come and gone!

Your pet will be outside  much more so make sure you have up to date name tags on your pets.  They may have become worn during the winter months; plus there are some great summer colors and shapes to choose from; how about a red white and blue tag?

There are some really cute summer clothes for your dog also; colorful dresses, tees and even swim trunks.   What dog would not like a new bathing suit?

We like to keep our cool during the summer months; so do our pets.   How about some cool icy natural treats from your pet store’s freezer?  Or another favorite of mine; a JW Pet Megalast Bone…fill it with water, freeze and you have a wonderful hot weather treat for your warm dog.

Take a look at your dog seat harness, car seat or carrier.  Does it need updating?  Wow, there are some really nice summer patterns and colors available.  And, while you are at it; how about a nice new collar and leash…how about lime green, or aqua-water blue?

Also remember the hot pavement and sand can wreak havoc on your dog’s feet.  There are plenty of waxes you can coat them with; or you can use disposable booties.

Most of you know our store mascot; Turbo the tortoise.

He loves all his dog buddies and wants to let everyone know a few of his hot weather tips:

Turbo’s Advice for Hot Summer Days

Well, you all know that I spend most of my time in an air conditioned store.   But I can usually see the blazing sun from my windows and feel some of the heat.   Sometimes I even hear clients saying that it is “too hot out there”.

It’s not just you and I; please be aware that your pets can feel the heat and all the other summer stresses that occur.   In light of this, I want to take just a few moments to remind you of some great hot weather tips.  I am a pretty smart tortoise and have learned a few things over the years.

First, I want to remind you that when the temperature gets to 90 and above; make sure your dogs and cats are inside.   I know that they can overheat quickly and even though they release heat through sweat glands on their paw bottoms, they can have a hard time regulating their body temperatures.

I love water and so do my buddies.   Please ensure that whether your pets are indoors or out that they have plenty of clean cool fresh water in their bowls or bottles.   When filling these items, please make sure that you also clean and scrub them to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.   Also changing the water several times a day in really hot weather would be appreciated by your pets.

If you decide to venture outdoors for a walk with your pet on a hot day, bring along plenty of water for both of you.   Although puddles might appear tempting for your friends, please be aware that they may contain antifreeze or pesticide residue.  If you’re pet begins to pant, please stop and head back indoors.

Also, while walking on the street or pavement you must be careful of hot concrete or asphalt.   They get extremely hot on sunny days and can burn the surface of your pet’s paws.   Ouch!  That would not be good.   Also be aware that the temperatures closer to the ground are hotter than the air temperatures.

In doing some reading, I understand that signs of heatstroke can be:

Panting

Drooling

Weakness

Fever

Vomiting

Collapse

Rapid Heartbeat

Warm Dry Skin

Staring

Refusal to Obey

(Please remember to seek medical advice if any of the above occurs.)

Staff members at Animal Kingdom take me on fields trips from time to time.   But, they always remember not to leave me in the car!   Always take your pet out when you stop.   Remember, a closed-up car can overheat very quickly and become like a hot oven.

I know I cannot swim, but some dogs can.   Don’t assume that your dog knows how to swim.   You can practice in a shallow wading pool and there are also many floatation devices available.   Don’t forget your dog can use your outdoor sprinkler also.   They love to cool off.

I hope this has given you a few tips for the hot “dog days” of summer.   At least they don’t call them tortoise days!   Have a fun and safe season.

Turbo

Labyrinth Fish; Don’t You Love Them?

We have seen the beautiful colors of the dwarf gourami, the comical antics of the kissing gourami, the interesting shape of the paradise fish, the unbelievable color patterns of the pearl gourami and the magnificent presence of the Betta.  But what do these fish have in common?

The main characteristic of this species of fish is that they have an additional piece of breathing equipment!   It is a labyrinth organ which is adjacent to the gill behind the eyes.   This feature allows the fish to survive at very low oxygen levels.   They can also breathe air from above the surface of the water.   These fish originate in the poorly aerated waters in Asia and Africa.

Another characteristic of the labyrinth fish is that they also have long pectoral fins that extend to the front of their bodies.  This fin enables them to search and find food.

Most labyrinth fish are very hardy, peaceful and make perfect additions to a community tank.   This is true for all except for the male Betta.

The labyrinth species enjoy water temperatures between 76 and 84 degrees and survive best in a well-planted tank with hiding spots to avoid bright light.   They can be kept with larger schooling tetras and with more peaceful barbs such as cherry barbs or gold barbs.

Most of the fish in this species are also interesting breeders.   The male builds a “bubble nest” of small air bubbles at the top of the tank or on floating plants if they are in the wild.   Below the nest the pair has an active courtship and the eggs are fertilized and deposited in the nest.   The male cares for the eggs and the young.   He will keep them in the nest until they are able to swim and search for food on their own.  To breed these fish, they are best kept in pairs.  The males are usually more intensely colored and generally have a more pointed dorsal fin.  A few pairs can be kept together in a single tank.

An example of a labyrinth fish that cannot be kept together is the male Betta.   If in the same tank, they will usually fight until death.   If you wish to breed the Betta, it is best to carry it out in at least a ten-gallon tank with one male and three to four females.  In this way the male will not stress out one female; as he will constantly be on the chase.   There are, of course, other ways to breed the Betta; you can use a smaller tank with one male and one contained female (until the time is right to let her out).  Just pick a method you think will work.  Once the nest is built and the eggs deposited, the females must be removed.   The male will guard the nest and take care of the eggs until they start hatching.   At this point you will probably need to take the male out of the tank.   Breeding the Betta is a lot of work, but if you have time and patience, it can be a rewarding hobby.

One of the more difficult fish in this species to keep and breed is the Chocolate gourami.   This fish is a mouthbreeder, but sometimes they will build a small bubble nest with a few plant pieces.   The female can carry the eggs around in her mouth for a bit and then spit them out into the nest.  The chocolate gourami is not an easy fish to maintain and the fry are extremely slow growers.

One of the most popular fish in this labyrinth species is the dwarf gourami.   It comes to us in colors of turquoise, flame red and powder blue.   This fish, however, does like a lot of light.   It encourages the algae to grow which encourages this fish to breed.   They build a very large bubble nest with quite a bit of plant matter attached to it.

The kissing gourami is also quite fascinating.   When looking for food and algae, the lips on this fish become quite protruded.   These fish also touch each other with their lips (this is why they are called “kissers”).   Unfortunately, this really cute habit is generally a sign of threat or dominance.

The pearl gourami is definitely one of our favorite community fish in this species. They love to live in groups in a well-planted dimly-lit tank.   When they become acclimated, their orange color with a dotted pattern is simply gorgeous.   The male of the species will tend to have more color.   The pearl gourami will also spend most of its time toward the top of the tank, so remember to use gentle filtration.

As you can see, there are many interesting fish in this colorful, active and peaceful species.   They would make a great addition to your tank, even if you have no intention of breeding.

I know we love having these fish at the store….how about you?

Weeds And Pets

Since it is that time of year, I was doing some gardening and yard cleaning today.

Weeds on the concrete, weeds on the driveway; what is it will all the weeds?

I have a new puppy in the house and I did not want to use any weed killer that would be dangerous to him.  There must be something safe to use I thought.  So, I did some research and wanted to pass the information I found out along to all the pet lovers and gardeners.

We are all concerned about those pesky weeds; but what about weed killers and our pets?   Many are unsafe to use with pets and children.  So what do you use?  Believe it or not, boiling water……

The boiling water cooks the weed into the ground.  It is great to use on a sidewalk or driveway where weeds are coming through.  Just be careful not to put it on plants you wish to keep since it will kill them too!

Another great weed killer to use around pets and children is vinegar.  Put it into a spray bottle and spritz those weeds you want to destroy.  Some of the tougher weeds may need a few doses.

After doing some research, I also found out that corn meal is another weed deterrent.  It apparently stops them before they even appear.  The corn meal actually stops seeds from germinating.   So, if you have an area where plants are growing, and want it to be weed free, sprinkle some corn meal.  It will not hurt the existing plants but will keep the weeds out.

I found all this information extremely helpful; hope you do too.

After a trip to the grocery store and boiling a few pots of water, I am happy to say my weeds are in check!

How About Those Dogs?

How about those dogs?

We all know they are man’s best friend; but could we really learn some important lessons from our four-legged friends?

Take a moment to look at your dog’s life and see how closely it might resemble yours.

They want to get outside and play….Dogs love and need to exercise.   Whether it is walking, running, fetching or playing ball; they just want to be outside doing it.   This daily routine is something most dogs look forward to.  A dog needs physical stimulation as well as mental stimulation.   And, most of the time it just has to be fun.   It does not matter how silly they look doing something…as long as it is fun.

It is part of our responsibility as dog owners to make sure your pet gets the exercise and fun it needs; and while your dog is at it; how about you?   Are you exercising?   Are you having fun?

After all the exercise your dog will take a nice long drink to rehydrate.   Smart ones they are!  How many of us drink enough water every day?   Another reason to take a cue from our pet!   They know when their bodies need water and don’t hesitate to drink.

Even though they love to exercise, they also know when to relax.   And, when they relax there seems to be no stress involved.    Just relaxing and chilling when needed.   Close their eyes, drift off to sleep…hum……

You know the saying “if it does not seem right speak up!”   Well, dogs have no problem with that either.   We all know when a dog senses something is not right it will bark and bark until everything is back to normal or the problem is investigated.  Even if barking is not involved; we all know when our pet senses something is not quite right.   It could be it seems anxious or won’t leave a family members side.   Whatever it is, we always seem to check it out or investigate.   We sometimes even resort to other people’s help.  This is another instance where we can take the lead from our pet.  Too many of us fail to speak up when it is needed most.   Trust your instincts; they are normally correct.

Back to the mental stimulation; we really know that all dogs need this or they will be bored and may become destructive.   Yes, this can happen to humans too!   We all need to use our brain and so do the dogs.   There are so many interactive toys, puzzles, chew toys and various other objects to test the brainpower of your pet.   They know what they like and know what they need.   Think of all the toys you have purchased that they did not enjoy or took one sniff of and turned away.    But…think of the ones they love!   We all know what we like and don’t like.   Some of us like to read, some of us play sports, some of us ride bikes, some of us do puzzles; yes we all have ways to keep our minds stimulated.

Many of us have trouble when it comes to eating.   We will eat and eat until we are stuffed.   Think about your dog.   We portion out their food and they seem happy with it; the ultimate portion control.   And, they are extremely happy with the occasional treat.   They look forward to them and really relish them since they are “occasional.”   Maybe they are on to something?  Of course, there are those that always need more food, but like us humans it could a sign of something lacking in their nutrition or other health issues.

What about love and hate?  Your dog loves you no matter what.   You could have been in a bad mood; you may have forgotten to replace a water bowl, you may not have had time to play….it does not matter.   Your dog will still love you no matter what you have done or did not do.  How many of us always love and can always be so forgiving?

Dogs also have an appreciation for people in their lives.   They say goodbye to you when you leave.   They wait in anticipation for you to return.   They do this not only for one person in their life…it can be entire families and friends.  Do we always appreciate everyone in our life?   More to think about!

I think we might all be able to learn a few things from our dogs:

Learn to play and have fun on a regular basis

Learn to always rehydrate our bodies

Learn how to truly relax

Investigate or get help when something does not appear right

Keep our minds stimulated with things we like to do

Portion control our food and learn to really relish those treat items

Learn to love and forgive more

Learn to really appreciate the people in our lives

Seems simple; guess those dogs may already have a leg up on us!