It is very easy to get attached to pets, so make sure you can care for the pet before getting one. It would be hard to get attached to a pet and then have to give it up because of an unexpected move. or so rule that you were not aware of. Its also important to choose the right pet for you. Consider the life span, and gender of the pet, do you want a male or a female? Pets life expectancy is not as long as humans, so you may want to mate your pet before it is to late, so that you can always have one of your own pets off springs, which will help sooth the pain of losing a beloved pet. Pets depend on you to take care of them, just like children do. Some people even treat their pets like children, they shop for clothes for their pet, take them to the saloon for grooming, treat them to special foods, and some even let their pets sleep with them. If you are a pet lover and don't have the money to purchase a pet from a pet store, there are many wonderful pets at shelters just waiting for someone to give them a home. You may have to pay a small fee, but it will be well worth it.
1. Why do dogs eat their poop?
One reason dogs eat their poop is because it just plain taste good. Another reason is it could be a vitamin deficiency. One other reason for the poop eating is that it is an instinctual behavior in the wild to eat the poop to keep other predators from tracking their movements. Some solutions for stopping poop eating are: You can put meat tenderizer on their food and it is supposed to make the poop taste bad once it goes through the body. Check to make sure your dog food is nutritous enough and they are getting everything they need in their diet. The best and most effective way is to clean up after your dog immediately.
2. How do I get my dogs to stop barking?
Dogs bark as a form of communication. Dogs will also bark out of boredom. Dogs that are not with their pack [you are their pack] will bark to get the packs attention to let them know they are lonely. Dogs will bark to alert that there is a person walking by or another dog in their territory it is a natural form of communication. If you remove the stimulant then there is no need to bark at it. The best way to stop nuisance barking is to exercise/socialize your dog. If the dog is with their pack then they is no need to get the packs attention. Dogs also bark when they are excited it is their natural way of communication.
3. How do I get my dog to stop chewing up the furniture?
If you have a puppy it is probably teething and in some pain. The chewing is satiating to them and can possibly be soothing their gums. You can give them a cold carrot to chew on, make sure you give it to them outside it can get quite messy. You can also freeze chicken broth in ice cube trays for them to have to help relieve some of the discomfort. You can also use Bitter Apple spray to detour them from chewing. Mature dogs usually chew out of boredom and stress. Exercise is the best way to release the stress. You can turn there attention on to something else that is more exciting then your dinning room table leg.
4. How do I get my dog to stop nipping and play-biting?
One way is to yelp very loud and startle the puppy. If the puppy was playing with another puppy and it bite to hard then the puppy would yelp to let them know it hurt. If the play stops as a result of biting too hard then the puppy will learn from being shunned away that biting stops the play time. Another solution for play biting is to have a toy and redirect the attention on to something else. You can also change the dogs environment take them outside for a walk is very helpful.
5. How do I stop my dog from potting in the house?
Once a dog start using the bathroom in the house the only method that works is PREVENTION. Every time your dog uses the bathroom in the house it takes 10 consecutively times using the bathroom outside that teaches it outside is where to go potty. So if you get to 9 times outside and then they have a mistake inside you have to start all over again. You must look at your dog/puppy as a 9 month old crawling baby with out a diaper on. Surely you would not let a 9 month old baby loose in your house with out a diaper on.
2008年9月16日星期二
2008年9月4日星期四
Rabbits Swallows
Rabbits are fast-moving, big-eared mammals. There are about 25 different species of Rabbits. They live in a variety of environments, including deserts, swamps, marshes, forests, grasslands, and prairies. Rabbits are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world. There are seven different genera in the family classified as Rabbits, including the European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Cottontail Rabbits (genus Sylvilagus; 13 species), and the Amami Rabbits (Pentalagus furnessi, endangered species on Amami Ōshima, Japan). There are many other species of Rabbits, and these, along with pikas and hares, make up the order Lagomorpha.
Most Rabbits live for about a year in the wild. They are hunted by dogs, foxes, raccoons, weasels, bobcats, lynxes, hawks, and eagles. They have a fast reproductive rate.
Anatomy: Rabbits range in size from 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) long. They have very big and powerful hind legs which they use for hopping and for digging burrows.
Diet: Rabbits are herbivores (plant-eaters). They eat grass, leaves, bark, and twigs.
Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata (having a notochord), Class Mammalia (mammals), order Lagomorpha (Rabbits, hares, and pikas), Family Leporidae (Rabbits and hares), many Genera.
Rabbits are raised world-wide for a variety of reasons. In Europe and Asia they are an important source of food. Rabbits produce white meat that is fine-grained, high in protein, low in fat, highly palatable, low in cholesterol, and that can be substituted for poultry in most recipes. Rabbits carcasses are only 20 percent bone. In the United States Rabbits are raised predominantly for nonfood purposes. High quality Rabbits skins are used in fur garments and trimmings. Medical and cosmetic research also requires a large number of Rabbits each year. Many people raise Rabbits for show or as pets.
for:http://www.rabbits-house.com
Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world. There are seven different genera in the family classified as Rabbits, including the European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Cottontail Rabbits (genus Sylvilagus; 13 species), and the Amami Rabbits (Pentalagus furnessi, endangered species on Amami Ōshima, Japan). There are many other species of Rabbits, and these, along with pikas and hares, make up the order Lagomorpha.
Most Rabbits live for about a year in the wild. They are hunted by dogs, foxes, raccoons, weasels, bobcats, lynxes, hawks, and eagles. They have a fast reproductive rate.
Anatomy: Rabbits range in size from 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) long. They have very big and powerful hind legs which they use for hopping and for digging burrows.
Diet: Rabbits are herbivores (plant-eaters). They eat grass, leaves, bark, and twigs.
Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata (having a notochord), Class Mammalia (mammals), order Lagomorpha (Rabbits, hares, and pikas), Family Leporidae (Rabbits and hares), many Genera.
Rabbits are raised world-wide for a variety of reasons. In Europe and Asia they are an important source of food. Rabbits produce white meat that is fine-grained, high in protein, low in fat, highly palatable, low in cholesterol, and that can be substituted for poultry in most recipes. Rabbits carcasses are only 20 percent bone. In the United States Rabbits are raised predominantly for nonfood purposes. High quality Rabbits skins are used in fur garments and trimmings. Medical and cosmetic research also requires a large number of Rabbits each year. Many people raise Rabbits for show or as pets.
for:http://www.rabbits-house.com
2008年8月28日星期四
Learning The Basic Commands Of Dog Training
Wanting a calm and obedient dog is important for a dog owner for a number of reasons. Well-trained and obedient dogs are often happier and less aggressive with other dogs and people. The law is another reason for a well-trained dog; many cities have ordinances requiring properly behaved dogs. This is true for certain breeds that are reputed to have aggression and other behavior issues, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
Training your dog well will make him a much better family companion, especially if you have children. Studies show that basic dog training can help to down the number of dog bites and other bad behaviors.
If you are thinking about training your dog or enlisting the help of a professional, there are certain basic commands that you and the dog should learn well in order for the dog to be considered trained. These basic commands are:
• Heel – it is important a dog learn to walk next to his owner on a loose leash, without pulling or being pulled
• Respond to “No” – This can save you and your dog a lot of trouble.
• Sit – This command is very basic and one of the most important.
• Stay – A well-trained dog should learn to stay where you tell him.
• Down – More than just a cute trick, down is a key element of a basic dog training program.
There is more to dog training than teaching obedience. Training your dog can help to create and strengthen your bond. Because dogs are pack animals by nature, they look to a leader for guidance. The key to successful dog training is to make sure you are the leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader to your dog is very important. Each dog pack only has one leader, and in your case, it must be you, the human. Without this, there will be many behavior issues to deal with.
A well-trained dog will respond to all of your commands, and will not be anxious, confused, or belligerent. Any good dog training program focuses on teaching the dog what is expected of him, and will utilize positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
Obedience training is not only great for you, but it helps your dog as well. It fulfills his need for physical activity, security, and trust between you and him. Dog training provides your dog with an important task, and a goal to reach.
Giving the dog a job can be crucial to his well-being. Dogs were originally bred by humans complete important tasks with them and for them. Most dogs today are merely pets, and have no important job to do. This can lead to boredom and bad behavior.
Basic obedience training, along with constant reinforcement of the commands can provide the dog with a task. This is particularly crucial for high-energy breeds such as German Shepherds and Border Collies. Conducting training sessions with breeds such as these is ideal for letting these high-energy dogs expend their energy and have fun with you at the same time.
Making your training sessions fun is a great way to prevent boredom for both you and the dog. Playing with your dog while training him strengthen the bond of love and trust between you – the pack leader – and your dog.
Training your dog well will make him a much better family companion, especially if you have children. Studies show that basic dog training can help to down the number of dog bites and other bad behaviors.
If you are thinking about training your dog or enlisting the help of a professional, there are certain basic commands that you and the dog should learn well in order for the dog to be considered trained. These basic commands are:
• Heel – it is important a dog learn to walk next to his owner on a loose leash, without pulling or being pulled
• Respond to “No” – This can save you and your dog a lot of trouble.
• Sit – This command is very basic and one of the most important.
• Stay – A well-trained dog should learn to stay where you tell him.
• Down – More than just a cute trick, down is a key element of a basic dog training program.
There is more to dog training than teaching obedience. Training your dog can help to create and strengthen your bond. Because dogs are pack animals by nature, they look to a leader for guidance. The key to successful dog training is to make sure you are the leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader to your dog is very important. Each dog pack only has one leader, and in your case, it must be you, the human. Without this, there will be many behavior issues to deal with.
A well-trained dog will respond to all of your commands, and will not be anxious, confused, or belligerent. Any good dog training program focuses on teaching the dog what is expected of him, and will utilize positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
Obedience training is not only great for you, but it helps your dog as well. It fulfills his need for physical activity, security, and trust between you and him. Dog training provides your dog with an important task, and a goal to reach.
Giving the dog a job can be crucial to his well-being. Dogs were originally bred by humans complete important tasks with them and for them. Most dogs today are merely pets, and have no important job to do. This can lead to boredom and bad behavior.
Basic obedience training, along with constant reinforcement of the commands can provide the dog with a task. This is particularly crucial for high-energy breeds such as German Shepherds and Border Collies. Conducting training sessions with breeds such as these is ideal for letting these high-energy dogs expend their energy and have fun with you at the same time.
Making your training sessions fun is a great way to prevent boredom for both you and the dog. Playing with your dog while training him strengthen the bond of love and trust between you – the pack leader – and your dog.
2008年8月22日星期五
Choosing The Right Pet
People may use several methods for choosing a pet, but most people will select the right pet by following a gut instinct that lets them know that the animal would be perfect for a family. Some people follow the same gut instinct and decline ownership of a pet based on the animal's behavior or size. Every pet owner will have a personal preference that they base their pet decisions by and rely on luck or good fortune to be able to bring the right animal home.
The pet adoption process might have a great deal of influence on the type of pet that is approved for adoption. Some animal control agencies have certain requirements that must be met in order for the adoption to be approved. Some pet adoptions do not take place because the owner is unable to afford the adoption fees. The adoption process can be heartbreaking when a pet adoption is not approved and some pet owners might wonder why the process is so hard.
The requirements set by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals make choosing the right pet for the right home a top priority because if the match is not a good one, the owner will return the pet to the shelter one day. While the pet owners are at the shelter, they might visit each stall where dogs are kept, hoping to find the dog or cat that is perfect for them. The latest choices for pet adoption might be more extensive this time around, and the right pet will be found.
If a more likeable animal is present, the selection process will start again. The pet owners will begin the process with expectations that are more realistic. The size of the dog might be reduced somewhat, and the coloring of the animals coat will be less important. The pet owners might place personality traits higher on the list and the fact that a small dog will eat less will be viewed differently too. One pet is likely to be selected that day, and the SPCA will ensure that this selection sticks by allowing the pet owners to spend time with the animal before walking out the door with it.
Some pet adoption agencies require a fenced in yard for any adoption for a dog. The size of the dog does not matter or the fact that the animal will be restricted to living inside the house at all times. A prospective pet owner may fall in love with a dachshund breed on a Humane Society pet adoption website and with one telephone call, the future pet owner's hopes will be doused because there is no fenced yard for the animal to play in each day. With so many pets eligible for adoption, some pet owners believe that adoption rules should be edited on a case by case basis.
Some animals are high-energy breeds and require a large amount of space to exercise in. A pet owner with limited space might have to accommodate the rules and invest in fencing around the back of the home. If the animal is the right pet, the pet owner should not mind this inconvenience. Other requirements are viewed as obstacles to pet ownership. Puppies and kittens cannot be left alone all day while the owners go to work. If nobody is able to be at home, then the pet adoption rules state that the adoption will be denied. Finding the right pet is worth the time, but complying with rules and regulations can take away from the joy of pet ownership.
The pet adoption process might have a great deal of influence on the type of pet that is approved for adoption. Some animal control agencies have certain requirements that must be met in order for the adoption to be approved. Some pet adoptions do not take place because the owner is unable to afford the adoption fees. The adoption process can be heartbreaking when a pet adoption is not approved and some pet owners might wonder why the process is so hard.
The requirements set by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals make choosing the right pet for the right home a top priority because if the match is not a good one, the owner will return the pet to the shelter one day. While the pet owners are at the shelter, they might visit each stall where dogs are kept, hoping to find the dog or cat that is perfect for them. The latest choices for pet adoption might be more extensive this time around, and the right pet will be found.
If a more likeable animal is present, the selection process will start again. The pet owners will begin the process with expectations that are more realistic. The size of the dog might be reduced somewhat, and the coloring of the animals coat will be less important. The pet owners might place personality traits higher on the list and the fact that a small dog will eat less will be viewed differently too. One pet is likely to be selected that day, and the SPCA will ensure that this selection sticks by allowing the pet owners to spend time with the animal before walking out the door with it.
Some pet adoption agencies require a fenced in yard for any adoption for a dog. The size of the dog does not matter or the fact that the animal will be restricted to living inside the house at all times. A prospective pet owner may fall in love with a dachshund breed on a Humane Society pet adoption website and with one telephone call, the future pet owner's hopes will be doused because there is no fenced yard for the animal to play in each day. With so many pets eligible for adoption, some pet owners believe that adoption rules should be edited on a case by case basis.
Some animals are high-energy breeds and require a large amount of space to exercise in. A pet owner with limited space might have to accommodate the rules and invest in fencing around the back of the home. If the animal is the right pet, the pet owner should not mind this inconvenience. Other requirements are viewed as obstacles to pet ownership. Puppies and kittens cannot be left alone all day while the owners go to work. If nobody is able to be at home, then the pet adoption rules state that the adoption will be denied. Finding the right pet is worth the time, but complying with rules and regulations can take away from the joy of pet ownership.
2008年8月14日星期四
Choosing a Fish Tank Heater
Aside from the condition of the water there is probably nothing as important to properly maintaining a fish tank then keeping the temperature of the water at a set level. Both salt water and fresh water fish thrive best in warm water that stays constant. They are after all tropical fish. Gold fish on the other hand are cold water fish and can handle fluctuation in temperature.
The temperature of the water is important for the health and welfare of your fish. If the temperature drops by one degree over a twenty four hour period it can leave many fish susceptible to diseases such as "Ich". If not caught soon enough it can create irreversible damage and kill any and all the fish in a tank. This is why it is doubly important to keep a close eye on the water temperature during the change of season, particularly as winter approaches and temperatures drop.
There are a variety of different fish tank heaters on the market and depending on how much you are willing to spend will determine how functional the one you get may be. The cheaper ones may save you money but they are more likely to break or malfunction, thereby endangering the investment you have made in your fish. Many times the cheap heaters also do not have an accurate heat setting, which makes dialing in the temperature difficult.
For most people a mid priced heater will do the job they are looking for. Their thermostat controls are reliable and they maintain a constant temperature without having to make adjustments all the time. It is important to check your fish tank heater periodically to make sure it is operating correctly and after about a year of use there is a good chance that it may need to be replaced.
The best way to make sure your fish tank heater is working properly is to invest in a thermometer. These days you can purchase thermometers that stick to the outside glass of the fish tank. This makes it easy to monitor the temperature because it is always in a conspicuous spot. You can use the type that float around inside the fish tank but they are not always as easy to read and more often then not they float behind a filter or some other obstruction making it impossible to see what the temperature is.
Once you have your heater it is best to place it near a filter. This allows the heated water to be distributed throughout the tank keeping hot and cold spots to a minimum. A heater is an important part of any fish tank ecosystem and by keeping the water temperature at a constant level your fish will be disease free and entertain you for many years.
The temperature of the water is important for the health and welfare of your fish. If the temperature drops by one degree over a twenty four hour period it can leave many fish susceptible to diseases such as "Ich". If not caught soon enough it can create irreversible damage and kill any and all the fish in a tank. This is why it is doubly important to keep a close eye on the water temperature during the change of season, particularly as winter approaches and temperatures drop.
There are a variety of different fish tank heaters on the market and depending on how much you are willing to spend will determine how functional the one you get may be. The cheaper ones may save you money but they are more likely to break or malfunction, thereby endangering the investment you have made in your fish. Many times the cheap heaters also do not have an accurate heat setting, which makes dialing in the temperature difficult.
For most people a mid priced heater will do the job they are looking for. Their thermostat controls are reliable and they maintain a constant temperature without having to make adjustments all the time. It is important to check your fish tank heater periodically to make sure it is operating correctly and after about a year of use there is a good chance that it may need to be replaced.
The best way to make sure your fish tank heater is working properly is to invest in a thermometer. These days you can purchase thermometers that stick to the outside glass of the fish tank. This makes it easy to monitor the temperature because it is always in a conspicuous spot. You can use the type that float around inside the fish tank but they are not always as easy to read and more often then not they float behind a filter or some other obstruction making it impossible to see what the temperature is.
Once you have your heater it is best to place it near a filter. This allows the heated water to be distributed throughout the tank keeping hot and cold spots to a minimum. A heater is an important part of any fish tank ecosystem and by keeping the water temperature at a constant level your fish will be disease free and entertain you for many years.
2008年8月9日星期六
New Canine Obesity Drug Launched!
The FDA in the USA approved a drug on 5th January 2007 that claims to be a useful weapon in the fight against canine obesity. Slentrol (dirlotapide), manufactured by Pfizer, is aimed at dogs that are clinically obese rather than those that are just slightly overweight. Could your dog be a candidate for this new drug? Here we look at what Slentrol is and how it works.
Indications
Slentrol Oral Solution is indicated for the management of canine obesity. With canine obesity on the increase globally, many veterinarians see it as the most important health issue facing pets today. Though the approval of this drug has been welcomed by the veterinary community, they are also stressing that it must be used together with an appropriate weight loss diet and exercise program to be effective. It is not a cure for obesity, once the dog stops taking the medication, the obesity will return unless lifestyle changes are enforced.
Presentation
Slentrol is a solution formulated at a concentration of 5 mg/ml of dirlotapide for oral administration to dogs. It can be administered directly into the dogs mouth or on a small amount of food, with a meal or at a different time of the day.
Slentrol is available in 20, 50 and 150 ml bottles.
Slentrol should be stored in its original container at room temperature, 15 to 30 degrees centigrade.
How it works
Dirlotapide is a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor that blocks the assembly and release of lipoprotein particles into the bloodstream (via the lymphatic system).
The exact mechanism for producing weight loss is not completely understood, according to the FDA, but seems to result from reduced fat absorption and sending a feeling to the dogs brain of being full.
If used correctly, Slentrol helps to achieve weight loss of at least 2.8% body weight per month.
Dosage
Slentrol is given dosed in 2 phases:
1) Weight loss phase
2) Weight management phase
Weight loss phase
The initial dosage of Slentrol is 0.01 ml/kg (0.0045 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily orally for the first 14 days.
After the first 14 days of treatment, the dose should be doubled to 0.02 ml/kg (0.009 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily for the next 14 days.
In subsequent months of therapy, the recommended dose varies for each individual dog and the dose volume must be specifically calculated each month, based on percent of weight lost during the previous month of therapy.
Dogs should be weighed monthly on accurate weighing scales at your veterinary clinic and the dose volume adjusted every month, as necessary, to maintain a target percent weight loss of at least 0.7% per week.
Weight management phase
A 3 month weight management phase is recommended to successfully maintain the weight loss achieved. During the weight management phase, the veterinarian and the pet owner should together establish the optimal level of food intake and physical exercise required.
When Slentrol is discontinued, the daily amount of food offered and physical activity should be continued as established during the weight management phase. Reverting to previous food intake or exercise levels at this point can contribute to a regain of some or all of the weight loss that has been achieved.
What if my dog is not losing any weight despite after 1 month of therapy?
The dose volume (number of ml administered each day) should be increased by 100%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to 2 times the dose administered during the previous month. Only perform a 100% dose increase once during treatment after day 14.
What if my dog is still not losing weight after increasing the dose?
If additional dose increases are necessary in the following months, the dose volume should be increased by 50%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to
1.5 times the dose administered the previous month of dosing.
The dose should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 0.2 mL/kg (0.09 mL/lb), based on the dogs current body weight, during any part of treatment.
Precautions
Prior to starting treatment with Slentrol, all dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination by a veterinarian. This should include laboratory tests to screen for underlying conditions that can cause weight gain, such as Cushings syndrome and hypothyroidism.
The safety of Slentrol use in dogs has not been evaluated beyond 1 year.
Safety in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established.
Slentrol has not been evaluated in dogs less than 1 year of age.
Slentrol is not recommended for dogs receiving long term corticosteroid therapy or dogs with liver disease.
Slentrol must not be used in cats due to the risk of causing hepatic lipidosis in obese cats.
Slentrol causes serious adverse reactions in humans such as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting. Keep well out of reach of children.
Adverse Effects
Vomiting / Diarrhea.
Almost 1 in 4 of dogs placed on Slentrol therapy experience occasional episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases these episodes lasted for one or two days before clearing up. Vomiting occurs most often during the first month of treatment or within a week of a dose increase. If vomiting is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, consult your veterinarian and have your dog examined.
Inappetance
Of course this is the aim of the therapy to an extent, but if during therapy a dogs food consumption is excessively reduced for several consecutive days, stop giving Slentrol until the appetite returns (usually 1-2 days) and then resume dosing at the same volume as before.
Lethargy
Further information for the pet owner
Achieving your weight loss target for your pet requires a great deal of motivation. It is important to maintain an active and on-going line of communication with your veterinarian for the duration of therapy, until the medication has been discontinued and beyond. Above all else, veterinary weighing scales are likely to be far more accurate than your average human bathroom scales, and it is important to get your measurements correct so you can chart your progress and adjust the dose as necessary.
Remember that successful long-term weight management requires changes that extend beyond the period of drug therapy. To maintain the weight lost when treated with Slentrol, the adjustments in dietary management as well as exercise that were begun as part of the overall weight loss program must be continued by the owner after drug therapy is discontinued. The appetite suppression caused by Slentrol only lasts for 1 to 2 days after stopping treatment, so unless food is limited the dog will gain weight again.
Indications
Slentrol Oral Solution is indicated for the management of canine obesity. With canine obesity on the increase globally, many veterinarians see it as the most important health issue facing pets today. Though the approval of this drug has been welcomed by the veterinary community, they are also stressing that it must be used together with an appropriate weight loss diet and exercise program to be effective. It is not a cure for obesity, once the dog stops taking the medication, the obesity will return unless lifestyle changes are enforced.
Presentation
Slentrol is a solution formulated at a concentration of 5 mg/ml of dirlotapide for oral administration to dogs. It can be administered directly into the dogs mouth or on a small amount of food, with a meal or at a different time of the day.
Slentrol is available in 20, 50 and 150 ml bottles.
Slentrol should be stored in its original container at room temperature, 15 to 30 degrees centigrade.
How it works
Dirlotapide is a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor that blocks the assembly and release of lipoprotein particles into the bloodstream (via the lymphatic system).
The exact mechanism for producing weight loss is not completely understood, according to the FDA, but seems to result from reduced fat absorption and sending a feeling to the dogs brain of being full.
If used correctly, Slentrol helps to achieve weight loss of at least 2.8% body weight per month.
Dosage
Slentrol is given dosed in 2 phases:
1) Weight loss phase
2) Weight management phase
Weight loss phase
The initial dosage of Slentrol is 0.01 ml/kg (0.0045 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily orally for the first 14 days.
After the first 14 days of treatment, the dose should be doubled to 0.02 ml/kg (0.009 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily for the next 14 days.
In subsequent months of therapy, the recommended dose varies for each individual dog and the dose volume must be specifically calculated each month, based on percent of weight lost during the previous month of therapy.
Dogs should be weighed monthly on accurate weighing scales at your veterinary clinic and the dose volume adjusted every month, as necessary, to maintain a target percent weight loss of at least 0.7% per week.
Weight management phase
A 3 month weight management phase is recommended to successfully maintain the weight loss achieved. During the weight management phase, the veterinarian and the pet owner should together establish the optimal level of food intake and physical exercise required.
When Slentrol is discontinued, the daily amount of food offered and physical activity should be continued as established during the weight management phase. Reverting to previous food intake or exercise levels at this point can contribute to a regain of some or all of the weight loss that has been achieved.
What if my dog is not losing any weight despite after 1 month of therapy?
The dose volume (number of ml administered each day) should be increased by 100%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to 2 times the dose administered during the previous month. Only perform a 100% dose increase once during treatment after day 14.
What if my dog is still not losing weight after increasing the dose?
If additional dose increases are necessary in the following months, the dose volume should be increased by 50%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to
1.5 times the dose administered the previous month of dosing.
The dose should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 0.2 mL/kg (0.09 mL/lb), based on the dogs current body weight, during any part of treatment.
Precautions
Prior to starting treatment with Slentrol, all dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination by a veterinarian. This should include laboratory tests to screen for underlying conditions that can cause weight gain, such as Cushings syndrome and hypothyroidism.
The safety of Slentrol use in dogs has not been evaluated beyond 1 year.
Safety in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established.
Slentrol has not been evaluated in dogs less than 1 year of age.
Slentrol is not recommended for dogs receiving long term corticosteroid therapy or dogs with liver disease.
Slentrol must not be used in cats due to the risk of causing hepatic lipidosis in obese cats.
Slentrol causes serious adverse reactions in humans such as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting. Keep well out of reach of children.
Adverse Effects
Vomiting / Diarrhea.
Almost 1 in 4 of dogs placed on Slentrol therapy experience occasional episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases these episodes lasted for one or two days before clearing up. Vomiting occurs most often during the first month of treatment or within a week of a dose increase. If vomiting is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, consult your veterinarian and have your dog examined.
Inappetance
Of course this is the aim of the therapy to an extent, but if during therapy a dogs food consumption is excessively reduced for several consecutive days, stop giving Slentrol until the appetite returns (usually 1-2 days) and then resume dosing at the same volume as before.
Lethargy
Further information for the pet owner
Achieving your weight loss target for your pet requires a great deal of motivation. It is important to maintain an active and on-going line of communication with your veterinarian for the duration of therapy, until the medication has been discontinued and beyond. Above all else, veterinary weighing scales are likely to be far more accurate than your average human bathroom scales, and it is important to get your measurements correct so you can chart your progress and adjust the dose as necessary.
Remember that successful long-term weight management requires changes that extend beyond the period of drug therapy. To maintain the weight lost when treated with Slentrol, the adjustments in dietary management as well as exercise that were begun as part of the overall weight loss program must be continued by the owner after drug therapy is discontinued. The appetite suppression caused by Slentrol only lasts for 1 to 2 days after stopping treatment, so unless food is limited the dog will gain weight again.
2008年8月3日星期日
How to Stop Your Dog From Begging
You have company over for dinner. The table is beautiful and the food smells and looks delicious. Unfortunately, your dog thinks so too and is sitting up and begging for morsels off everyone's plate and, if not rewarded, attempting to take the food on his own or pawing at your guests. This can ruin the dinner party and is not particularly good for your dog either. How could this have been avoided?Know that his is not the dogs fault and it started a very long time ago. Some horribly misguided individual who was trying to be a good pet owner did this while the pup was still very young and trained the dog for this very behavior. Want to know who taught your dog this trick? It was YOU.No doubt you weren't consciously training your pet for this unwanted behavior and you did it with the best of intentions but the behavior is here now and must be dealt with. Your dog learned this trick from all those times when little scraps of food were tossed down to a cute little puppy who staring up at you with those sad brown eyes. All of this could have been prevented by a simple act of will power then but now you have a problem to deal with.So how can you stop your dog from begging?Stop rewarding the behavior. This means not giving in and not paying attention to your dog when he begs. Make sure everyone in the household knows not to share their meals with the dog and follows this rule no matter what the circumstance. You may even have to confine your dog to its kennel or a separate room during meal or snack times if this is difficult. This is especially useful if you have people in the household who tend to feed the dog from the table despite the rules.Don't fool yourselves - you have created a monster and it will take several weeks of consistent work on your part to break your dog of this habit. Once you start, he will most likely begin to whine and howl loudly in complaint of the treatment. DO NOT GIVE IN. If you do, the battle is lost and will be that much harder next time. One weak moment of slipping the dog a treat just to be nice (and you are not really being nice at all) can ruin all the prior training so standing your ground and enforcing the rule of not giving meal time treats to the dog is a must.One way to implement this change is to feed the dog at the same time the rest of the family, preferably in a separate room. This way the dog has its own meal and will not feel the need to beg food from others in the household. If this is not an option, give your pet something to distract it, perhaps a toy to play with to keep them occupied throughout mealtime.Consistent and rigid training is the only effective way to correct it. Every member and guest of your household must enforce the rules or all your work will be of no avail. Guests can pose a problem, especially if they slip their dogs treats when they eat. Just explain the rules before you sit down to eat and, I hate to say it but... watch them. It is a habit for them and they may not even know they are doing it. In this circumstance, I like to keep my dogs away from the table just in case.Once you stop your dog from begging, you will be blessed with a healthier pet, a happier household and pride in your well-mannered canine friend.
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