I Love Animals

History

The title of “King Charles Spaniel” was bestowed upon these dogs during the reign of King Charles II, who adored his spaniels and would not be parted from them. A law that was passed by King Charles II, still stands today that these little dogs can enter any public place, including the houses of parliament!

These little dogs were used to warm the laps of nobility on carriage rides and in cold castles and buildings, so they really are the original “lap dog”.

Appearance

Cavalier’s are pretty little dogs, with long flowing coats with long flowing feathers on their legs and beautiful long ears (I’d recommend tying the ears back out of the way at dinner time!!)

They have very long, flowing coats and come in a number of colours; Black and Tan, Ruby (Rich red whole colour), Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolour (Black and white evenly spaced with tan markings)

Both dogs and bitches should stand between 30 – 33cm.

Temperament

These are very happy, friendly dogs; they walk around with their head and tail held high. They are not nervous dogs and will welcome friends and strangers alike.

They like to be close to their people and will take every opportunity to sit on your lap or lie next to you in bed and fall asleep!

They are patient and get along well with children and other dogs and animals; they make wonderful family pets, and also make an excellent companion for the elderly.

Grooming

Cavaliers require a moderate amount of grooming because of their long coats. A quick brush after walkies may be needed, because their flowing coats tend to pick up debris along the way!

Long flowing ears mean that care should be taken at feeding time or they get covered in dinner!

Exercise

Cavaliers certainly enjoy their walks, and require a moderate amount of exercise. They relish the opportunity to get out and meet other people and dogs.

They will trot happily along beside you, head held high, taking in the sights and sounds!

Health Problems

Cavaliers are prone to heart murmurs, although generally lead a healthy, active life with this condition.

They can also suffer from slipping knee joints ( subluxating patellas); the dogs weight should be kept under control to reduce the potential problems caused by this condition. If it does lead to the knee popping out of its joint, surgery will be required.

Cavaliers also have the highest incidence of any breed of Mitral Valve Disease. A defect in the mitral valve (one of the 4 heart valves) causes backflow of blood into the left atrium, or mitral regurgitation. Less commonly, a narrowing of the valve can be identified. Because of the leaky valve, the heart is less efficient at pumping blood to the body.

Everybody understands the reason why most plants can be seen in many aquariums. Healthy plants and their lush are beautiful to look at when they are in an aquarium. They also create a natural setting in the aquarium.

Most of the fishes feel secure, less stressed and safe whenever they have plants to hide in. Some species of fish do not survive in an aquarium without any plants.

Aquarium plants will not only give the fishes a helpful shelter and make your aquarium look attractive but they can maintain the quality of the water as well. Plants and fish both exist on the wild and they will surely match well in your aquarium.

The wastes discharged by the fish contain compounds that are useful for the plant’s nutrition. Therefore, the organic wastes can be contained in the plants instead of seeing them float in the water. The plants must be pruned regularly and the dead parts must be eliminated from the aquarium ASAP.

Not only that, the aquarium plants will also provide a shelter to many micro organisms which are useful for the ecology and environment of the aquarium. In addition, plants have also the capacity to inhabit the growth of ugly algae since algae and plants compete for similar nutrients.

Most species of fish will never reproduce in an aquarium without plants. This is because some species need plants for them to feel secured enough to reproduce, while other species need the leaves of the plants to place their eggs in. An abundantly planted aquarium will also enhance the survival growth of the fry especially if you want to increase the number of fry in a similar aquarium like with the adult fish.

However, we all know that plants rely too much to light and photosynthesis. An aquarium with no plants will only need little. But if you are planning to have an abundant number of plants in your aquarium, you will be required to put new lights. A fluorescent light will be better to your planted aquarium, make sure that they are made especially for aquariums.

If you are a beginner, the plant species that will be suitable for you are the Java Moss and the Java Fern. These are strong plants that can survive in water hardiness and pH values. They can even be placed in a brackish aquarium like the Molly aquarium.

Aquarium plants are very important to the survival of most fishes in the aquarium. It does not matter what aquarium plant you choose, the important thing is you know how to maintain your aquarium as naturally as the fishes and plants habitat.

PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have digestion problems, diarrhea, skin problems, food intolerances, or other chronic health problems? Supplement with a high quality pet probiotic to restore your pet’s healthy gut, and chances are you’ll improve your pet’s health.

A probiotic, sometimes referred to as good or friendly bacteria, is a microorganism necessary for a healthy and balanced intestinal tract. There are two types of bacteria found in the intestinal tract, good and harmful bacteria. Good bacteria, or probiotics, ensure good health as they are absolutely vital to help:

1. Produce natural antibiotics, which can fight harmful bactera.

2. Regulate and increase hormone levels.

3. Manufacture B group vitamins, biotin and folic acid.

4. Stimulate the immune system.

5. Reduce food intolerance.

6. Increase energy levels.

7. Inhibit the growth of some yeast.

8. Absorb nutrients, antioxidants and iron from food that is

eaten.

9. Reduce inflammation.

10. Increase digestibility of food.

Several things can destroy the intestinal bacterial balance in a pet’s gut. Overuse of antibiotics destroys good bacteria as well as bad. Moreover, stress, poor diet, pollutants, environmental changes, and prescription drugs can also deplete beneficial bacteria.

Other culprits of good bacteria include chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and soil sterilizers in agriculture which damage the soil ecosystem and the natural flow of bacteria found in the food chain. These chemicals, as well as chemicals in the water supply, reduce the good bacteria in the gut. This allows harmful bacteria to multiply and produce large amounts of toxins and carcinogenic agents. These toxins inhibit the normal function of the digestive system and increase the demands placed on the liver and kidneys. Consequently, this speeds up the aging process and leads to various diseases and digestion problems.

Pets with large amounts of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of unhealthy organisms. So, if pets are to maintain a healthy body, they need large quantities of friendly bacteria. Supplement a well-balanced diet with a high quality pet probiotic and give your pet the health that he most certainly deserves.

Why do birds make such good pets? It is interesting really, because birds are free and most likely do not wish to be put into a cage and yet they seem to like the companionship and safety from the outside world that cages offer and they seem to like the free food too.

Outside birds like Hummingbirds seem to hang around and will make your home their home as long as you feed the bird feeders for multiple generations. And it is a nice deal for them. They can enjoy buzzing around and knowing there is always food in the feeder for them, it is a win/win situation indeed for those who love birds.

Why does mankind love birds so much? After all we have a national bird; The Bald Eagle and there are endless bird watching sites on the Internet as well. In fact we seem to be all bird crazy, but why? Well many evolutionary biologists surmise that mankind has co-evolved along side our feathered friends.

The birds in the trees start making noise when intruders come near. And perhaps early mankind living in troops prior to our first civilizations used these warning sounds to reduce the element of surprise from something or some animal, which might harm them. Indeed this theory makes perfect sense. And so maybe we are genetically engineered to work together in this way some how. Perhaps this is why birds and people seem to go together? Consider this in 2006.

Hurling over jumps, running through tunnels, dodging weave poles, negotiating see-saws - do these sound like things your dog might enjoy? Then your pet might love dog agility training.

Inspired by equestrian events, agility training for dogs started in the late 1970’s in Great Britain. It’s a great sport for both dogs and their owners as the team up to negotiate a course of obstacles and is a true test of your dogs training as he will have to listen to commands in order to run the course.

If you want to start your dog in agility training he must be at least 9 months old to be assured that his growth plates have closed and in order to prevent injury. Your pet with start with dog agility training and must be able to clear the jump heights of his assigned division before he can compete.

He’ll first be put in the ‘starter’ division; which is the division for dogs that do not hold agility titles. When he makes it through a round here he earns his ‘starter’ title and is now qualified to compete at the advanced agility level. The next title your dog can earn is the “Advanced Title” which he can take when he clears three rounds as judged by 2 different judges.

Once he gets his Advanced Title, he can compete in the masters classes. Earning a “Masters Title” is a bit more difficult and consists of a 6 part qualification process along with three successfully completed games courses.

Although a fun sport for both you and your dog, dog agility training is also a serious competition that is well organized and has many guidelines and regulations. Dogs are placed in divisions based on their size. The mini division consists of dogs between sixteen and twenty-one inches from the shoulder. These dogs have jump heights that are 12, 18 and 24 inches. The larger dogs that measure over twenty one inches at the shoulders are sorted into the open division where they will jump heights of 26, 28 and 30 inches.

Dog agility training competition is a serious and well organized sport with many guidelines and regulations. The two divisions in the competition are based on the dog’s size. A dog between sixteen and twenty-one inches from the shoulder is put in the mini division.

Not every dog can win the coveted “Master” title, but I don’t think they really care because to them the fun is in the sport. Dog agility training is a great way for both man and beast to enjoy a little fun competition as well as each others company.

Dog collars are one of the most common things a pet owner buys for his or her pet. Most people purchase a normal collar for their pet but there are many more options available today which would delight not only the buyer but also the dog.

Dog collars are of many different kinds, depending on the material used. These include cotton, nylon, leather, suede, metallic, handmade, woven, velvet, foam, and even gold, silver and platinum. They are designed in beautiful patterns such as polka dots, python prints, crocodile prints, animal prints, valentine, tuxedo style, denim, bandana, mink, crystal, bone, bows, Victorian, neon, glitter, mink, and others. Some collars are also being fitted with devices like speakers, RFID, GPS, reflectors, adjustable buckles, and other attachments.

Most people would not hesitate to spend a fortune to please their canine friends. Many manufacturers are taking this opportunity to design exquisite collars that would delight even the choosiest of pet owners and their friends. Some of the fanciest collars are those made of gold, silver, platinum or other expensive metals, embedded with precious and semi-precious gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and Swarovski crystals.

Some are also personalized with beautifully decorated beads that spell the pet’s name, or slide-on letters encrusted with gemstones. Some collars are also attached with attractive charms shaped like hearts, bones or the pet’s name, decorated with gemstones. Prices of these can start from $20 and may go up to $300 or more. Some manufacturers also allow the buyer to design the collar. This can also be done even online, over the manufacturer’s website. Dog collars are also provided with attractive buckles. Fancy dog collars are also available in wholesale quantities of 12 or 24.

An explanation of why the first English Shih Tzu imports were “very large” is during the days of imperial rule eunuchs were in charge. Eunuchs tried to profit from all breedings. The oversized specimens produced were passed into the hands of the general public.

Eunuchs fed glass to the small Imperial Shih Tzu just shortly before committing suicide themselves. This practice kept others from breeding their bloodlines of the smaller type Imperial Shih Tzu. I suppose feeding the Shih Tzu glass was the only way they could think of to “protect their bloodlines. This practice is comparable to the Shih Tzu breeders of today, some of whom, routinely spay and neuter their Shih Tzu at the very young age of 8 weeks. There are, however, many health advantages to spaying and neutering a Shih Tzu puppy early. Most vets agree spaying and neutering should be done not sooner than 6 months of age.

The Countess d’Anjou was a leading western authority on the Shih Tzu breed. She felt the first English Shih Tzu imports were too large. She agreed to a Peking Kennel Club standard of 10 to 15 pounds. This was an agreement she later regretted. In a very famous letter the Countess wrote to Mrs. Widdrington, she states the Shih Tzu really should be under 12 pounds. At one time in Peking they had two classes, up to 12 pounds and over 12 pounds judged separately. She went on to say in her letter to Mrs. Widdrington, “they never had the big ones in the Imperial Palace…” The Countess acquired her information from the Princess Der Ling who was a lady-in-waiting at court. Princess Der Ling had a unique position to know exactly what the palace dogs were truly like. The Countess’ letter gave no explanation as to what happened to the larger Shih Tzu. Her letter did make it quite clear that only the small Shih Tzu were kept in the Imperial Palace. There was some measure of priority given to them at Peking Kennel Club Shows. The Countess’ wanted this arrangement to continue in Europe. Obviously this did not happen.

Empress Dowager and the eunuchs did not want outsiders to have possession of the smaller size Shih Tzu. However, these little guys do still live on with some of us. The tactics used to keep the smaller size Shih Tzu a secret of the Imperial Palace was not completely successful.

I want to emphasize the fact that the American Kennel Club’s standard weight for a Shih Tzu is 9 to 16 pounds. Any Shih Tzu entered into AKC competitions under this weight is considered a fault and is disqualified.

There are not two separate types of Shih Tzu according to the current American Kennel Club standard in the year of 2005. The nicknames of Imperial and Teacup Shih Tzu for Shih Tzu under 9 pounds in weight are just that – Nicknames. These are not official names given to the Shih Tzu.

Take a closer look at the history and development of the Shih Tzu since the fall of the Imperial Palace. The smaller type Shih Tzu genes are interspersed throughout our bloodlines. Imperial and Teacup Shih Tzu, commonly nicknamed, are a direct result of the Original Imperial Palace Shih Tzu. The Pekingese cross after the fall of the Imperial Palace also accounts for the smaller size Shih Tzu. It is not true that “size” predicts health status. It is not true that all small size Shih Tzu are produced from excessive line-breeding and inbreeding of close relatives.

This article does not promote or advocate the crossbreeding of Shih Tzu with any other breed to reduce size or for any other reason. The American Shih Tzu Club code of ethics clearly states this is not acceptable. The code of ethics should be followed.

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered to be the original dog from which most of the “Molosser breeds” of today have descended. The high and forbidding mountains of Tibet is the environment which produced this fierce and protective guarding dog. The unforgiving climate and mountainous terrain demanded an animal with endurance, a coat that possessed natural protection against the elements and courage and fearlessness to fight off predator animals. The Tibetan Mastiff was used by the wandering shepherds and nomadic tribes and later by the Monks of Tibet as a protective dog which would effectively give warning of strangers and would guard the sheep. Mention of the large black dog with a fearsome bark can be found in Chinese documents as early as 1100 B.C.

The Tibetan Mastiff of today has changed very little from that original dog. The breed today is actually not as large as some of its descendants. It should stand about 25-26 inches at the shoulder with a weight of 100 to 130 pounds. The chest is deep and as mentioned the neck is heavily ruffed with loose folds of skin. Legs are straight and heavy boned. The face has the typical pendulous flews with a soft expression and fold over ears lying close to the skull. The head has a typical bear like appearance with the lips of the upper jaw lying over the lower jaw. The tail is plumed and curls over the back like that of the Spitz breeds. He is usually black or black and tan but can be red or gold.

The temperament has become more stable through selective breeding. The Tibetan Mastiff has a strong will to protect its family and will be wary of strangers and yet gentle of nature and affectionate to its family. It is a dog that one can easily train but because of its large size needs to be trained early since it has a great deal of strength. The neck of the Mastiff is heavily coated and is somewhat impervious to pain, this is common with Mastiff breeds. The natural reason for this is that predators would of course bite in this vulnerable location. Because of this, the “survival of the fittest” produced a dog with loose skin and heavy coat which would protect the neck area. Therefore when one is training the Mastsiff and most of the dogs with this genetic inheritance it is important to realize that the typical “jerk and pull” training is not going to influence the dog very much. Training is more easily accomplished with the use of the prong collar placed high on the neck behind the ears, or with “clicker training” . The Tibetan Mastiff is a highly intelligent breed that can be quite independent but is willing to please and tireless in its loyalty. He is a dignified member of the household when grown, making a calm and gentle pet for the children and a brave and fearless watchdog and guardian of his family.

When we first came to Spain, we brought our two dogs with us, both Yorkshire terriers, brother and sister. In a moment of madness my wife christened them Cagney (apparently after James Cagney, because the dog looked like a little toughie, bless him) & Lacey (I still do not know where this name came from, but she is a cutie, the dog that is, not the wife).

Our experience of obtaining passports could not have been easier. This pet passport is a great idea because apart from exceptional cases it does away with the need for quarantine, which is a distressing experience for everybody. There is a government information website and a telephone helpline 0870 241 1710.

The local vet in our hometown in Ormskirk knew exactly what was needed and the timescale involved. Therefore, it was just a case of turning up with the dogs and paying him. Bye, the way, the vets are excellent in Spain, where it is a popular profession and most have a smattering of English, so a trip to the vet is not a linguistic nightmare. Also, the fees and medications are considerable cheaper than in the UK. Pet insurance is also available from a number of insurance companies; premiums are considerably cheaper than the UK and provide cover against all the usual contingencies.

There are a number of ways to transport your dog, rail, ferry and plane; animals are allowed to travel to most airports in Spain. All need notifying prior to your departure. We decided to combine our travel with a little bit of sightseeing and left England via the Chunnel, which was excellent, but the plan was flawed, our route took us through Paris, what an absolute nightmare, it wasn’t romantic I can tell you. However, the French hotels were excellent and when I asked for a room for the four of us, they could not have been more accommodating.

Not quite the same story once we got into Spain, here the hotels prohibited animals and we finished staying in motels, mostly used by businessmen and long distance lorry drivers. Whilst, the furnishing were somewhat old, the food and drink was fabulous, all you could possible eat for 10 euros. If you are not in a hurry to get to your final destination, then this easy driving is recommended, the scenery is incredible, and don’t worry about the roads , they are quiet and mainly dual carriageway.

So there we are, the four of us (me, the wife and the two dogs) sitting on a beach in the mid-day sun, thinking it might be a good idea to find some shade, watching some young Spanish lads tease a little dog. The dog was obviously starting to get a bit distressed, so the wife goes over to offer her assistance and comes back with the little fellow, he is obviously not a pedigree, what we call a “bitsa”, a bit of this and a bit of that, but he is very friendly and even our two dogs seem to like him. He shares our lunch, has some liquid refreshment and decides he quite likes us. So, when it time to go home our new found friend decides he fancies the challenge of learning a new language and walks home with us. He’s been with us ever since, we call him “Chico”

At this time we where living in a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment in the centre of Aguilas. Renting an apartment or villa in a prime location for long-term stay is quite difficult. The property owners are quite happy to have you for the winter, but come summer and the prospect of high short-term rentals, means that you will have to find somewhere else to live. When we rented the apartment, the property owner told us “no animals or pets”, we told him “no cockroaches”. Surprisingly, in our block, almost everybody seems to own a small dog. This flagrant breach of rules is typical of Spanish behaviour; they often say one thing, then either ignore it or, do the complete opposite.

Today, is a day that Chico and I will remember for the rest of our lives, he is having the snip, as the Spanish say he is being castrada, (it does not need translating). It does sound painful, even though the vet assures me, (whilst she takes my 170 euros), that it is not. She would like the Spanish people to follow my example and have their dogs castrated. This would help reduce the number of stray dogs and cats, although to be fair, the situation has improved considerably since we first came here.

We sit in the reception area, smiling and nodding at the other dog owners, however, both of us are shaking involuntarily. Dogs seem to know that a trip to the vet is not going to be a pleasant experience. Our names are called and I take him into the surgery. I have a terrible feeling of betrayal, I say goodbye to Chico promising that I will return and then I make a dash for the nearest bar, a quick brandy should do the trick, and suddenly I remember I have given up the drink for Lent.

The waiter smiles - Buenas dias I reply “Coffee con leche, por favor”

Now the Spanish have a somewhat tarnished reputation when it comes to caring about animals. In the past, they have inflicted cruelty to animals that we British just cannot accept.

I still think bullfighting is horrific, if you get the chance to go, and then do not, you have been warned. Irrespective of what people say about tradition and art, bullfighting is gory, but it is big business, there is a lot of money involved, some of it even coming from the EU in the form of subsidies. Surprisingly, the majority of Spaniards are actually against or indifferent to bullfighting and the disgraceful behaviour of so-called “hunters” appalls them.

Following the bombings Madrid, there has been a change of government and now the ruling PSOE is considering introducing the much-needed national animal protection legislation; we will have to wait and see how.

However, the good news is, it is getting better, helped of course by the Brits, who open charity shops, rescue centres, and do a truly wonderful job. Here in the southeast corner of Spain, in the little coastal town of Mojacar, there is a charity rescue organisation called PAWS (Peoples Animal Welfare Society), who since 1990 have done outstanding work, rescuing and caring for abandoned animals. Their work was recognised in 2000 when they were awarded a prestigious Certificate of Association by the R.S.P.C.A.

Several internal parasites (frequently referred to as worms) make dogs their victims. The most common ones are the roundworms that infest puppies at some time in their young lives and tapeworms that can be a cause for worry when flea infestations get high. Evidence of roundworms and tapeworms can be easily seen without the aid of a microscope, but other worms are rather difficult to diagnose. Occasionally, adult whipworms are seen in the stool when the infestation has already caused some debilitation or weight loss in the dog. Early diagnosis of the presence of the species of intestinal parasite is extremely important, for not all worms respond to the same treatment. Therefore, stool samples should be immediately taken to the veterinarian for microscopic examination if worms are suspected. Most veterinarians include the stool check as part of the annual health examination.

Most worm infestations cause some or all of these symptoms: diarrhea, sometimes with blood in the stool, weight loss, dry hair, general poor appearance and vomiting, perhaps with worms in the vomitus. However, some infestations may cause few or no symptoms at all. In fact, some worm eggs or larvae remain dormant in the dog’s body and activate only in times of stress. In the case of roundworms, it is only in the latter stages of pregnancy that the worm activates, infesting the soon to be born puppies. Several worms that infect dogs may also infect humans. Therefore, treatment and eradication of the worms in the environment is very important. Dog feces must be removed from the back yards if not daily, then at least weekly, appropriate vermicides are to be used under veterinary supervision, and the dog’s feces should be checked frequently in persistent cases. One should not mix wormers and not use any wormer if the dog is currently taking any other medication, including heartworm preventative, without consulting the veterinarian.

When walking the dog in a neighborhood or park, all feces must be removed so that the dog does not contribute to contamination of soil away from home as well. Dogs which are in generally good condition are not threatened by worm infestations and may not even show symptoms. However, it’s a good idea to keep the dog as worm-free as possible and take all possible steps for its upkeep.