Help, My Polar Bear Has Dental Caries!

If someone owns a polar bear with dental caries, that guy has a big problem: he owns a polar bear! Besides being dangerous, illegal, unethical and unmoral, owning a polar bear has to be very expensive.

Most of us never had, and will never have, to deal with health issues of polar bears. However, zookeepers and veterinarians have to deal with animal health issues everyday, and sometimes with polar bears teeth decay.

Health issues of a captive animal directly affect the biological and psychological welfare of that animal. So, quick diagnostic procedures are, or should be, a priority for modern zoos.

But, how to know if the polar bear has dental caries? Or the elephant is shortsighted? Or the penguin has lost weight? Well, some modern zoos are using positive training (reward-based training) as a quick and non-invasive way to assess health issues in captive wild animals.

Through positive training, which is based on principles of operant conditioning, some modern zoos have obtained the cooperation of their animals during diagnosis.

It is quite fascinating to know that polar bears open their mouth to let the vet check their teeth, penguins voluntarily step on a scale so zookeepers can weight them, tigers offer their tales to let the vet get a blood sample, and diabetic chimpanzees voluntarily extend their arms to receive their daily injections.

But it is even more fascinating to know all those amazing things happen because of mutual respect and cooperation between zookeepers and animals that have been trained without any punishment.

While this kind of training is not new, it was not accepted by zoos until a few decades ago. It was Karen Pryor, a biologist and dolphin trainer, one of the few scientists that strongly promoted positive training as an effective way to deal with captive animals.

Practitioners of her training method, known as clicker training, are increasing quickly.

Positive training should be part of enrichment programs of every current zoo and aquarium in the world. Hopefully, it will become a standard part of zoo procedures in the following years.

While training shouldnt be the only way of environmental/behavioral enrichment, it certainly can play an important role in any enrichment program.

Hopefully, environmental and behavioral enrichment guidelines will find grater acceptance beyond zoos and aquaria. It would be great to find those guidelines while reading books about dogs, cats, hamsters or any other pet. I believe this will happen soon.

Meanwhile, keep yourself away from polar bears with dental caries.

Rodrigo Trigosso is the editor in chief at http://www.dog-training-tutorial.com where you can find great info on canine training and behavior.

Hybrid Cars Save Money

Hybrid Cars Save Money If you have been sitting on the fence about deciding to purchase a Hybrid car, you no longer have any excuse to be squeamish. Consumer Reports just released a study this August that confirms that Hybrid cars will in fact save you money over the long run.

The combination of generous tax credits along with the fuel saving nature of these vehicles is what makes them a good long term value. The difference in up front cost between a hybrid and its traditional counterpart is often between $1200 and $7000. Thats a wide gap, and can be enough to leave you wondering if its worth it.

The good news is that if you act fast and purchase your new Hybrid car before the tax credits phase out in 2007, alot of that upfront additional cost will come back to you in the form of a tax credit. Meanwhile, you will enjoy long term savings on fuel costs.

Did you know that as of 2006, Hybrids account for only 1% of new car sales in the US? As gas prices rise, the ratio will likely change as people seek to cut costs out of rising fuel prices. Unfortunately, if you wait too long you will no longer be able to take advantage of the tax credits that are being phased out. If you are considering purchasing a Hybrid car, you are better to do it now.

The study, conducted by Consumer Reports assumes that you keep your Hybrid car for several years, long enough to notice the difference in cost of filling up. Of course, the more you drive to work, school, or on vacation, the faster and greater your savings will add up.

If you are researching Hybrid cars, be sure to check out http://www.hybridrevolution.org This site lists updated information on all makes and models of Hybrids available and soon to be available.
Amber Lowery is an author and webmaster. You can read more about Hybrid cars by visiting her site: http://www.netcarshopping.info/hybrid.html or by visiting: http://hybrid.autobuyerworld.info

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Obesity is on the rise for canines. The reasons for this influx are similar to those that humans experience, too much food and too little exercise. The results of obesity are similar for your canine friends too. Studies reveal that 25% of overweight dogs experience severe joint problems. This effects there daily activities such as walking, standing and sitting. It also increases pain and makes jumping up or down off the bed difficult. If a dog is overweight its lungs cannot function properly- the extra fat pushes against the lungs and diaphragm and makes breathing more difficult. Carrying extra weight decrease ability to preform daily activities. It takes more work to do everything. Body systems have to do more than they were designed for because extra weight places strain on the heart, muscles and respiratory system. Because being overweight causes daily tasks to be more difficult and causes more pain, dogs can become more irritable. Dogs who are overweight have a shorter life span and a lower quality of life. However, there are several things that a pet owner can do to help their animals shed the pounds and live a longer, happier life.

Assessing Your Dog

One way to get an idea if your dog is overweight is by checking their ribs. The ribs should not be visible as they stand, but still detectable when you touch them or when they move (such as jumping in the air to catch a Frisbee). If you cannot feel your dogs ribs, they are probably overweight. The first and for most important measure though, is to take your dog to their veterinarian. Your dog should be seen on a yearly basis for a routine check up. One reason why visiting your veterinarian is so important is that some dogs do not look overweight. Large dogs can especially hide weight well. Your veterinarian will be able to decide if your dog is overweight and why. To help your veterinarian keep a record of what you are doing with your dog before you go. Record your dogs patterns such as sleeping, eating and exercise. In some cases weight issues might be due to medical conditions, such a thyroid problems, verses overeating and under exercising.

Feeding

Dog's have a strong need for affection. One reason dogs overeat is that pet owners use food as an easy way to show their affection. It is not recommended to do this. Using food as a means of reward trains your dog to seek food for affection. This adds to their weight gain and all the other associated problems. Instead, fill their need for attention with games, petting and playing or get a new toy or go for a walk. Habits are hard to break, so here are few tips to help you. Do not leave food out all day. Set a schedule and a location to eat. One meal per day (or two small ones) is all that a dog needs. Also, one day each week with no food will help burn excess fat which they have stored in their bodies. Dogs are trained in behavior. If they beg at the table and someone gives them food, they learn that begging results in getting what they want. To help change this pattern feed your dog before you eat and keep them in another room while you have dinner. After, take them out for a walk or to play a game so they feel loved and get the attention they need. Once new patterns have been decided upon make sure everyone in the family is on board. Otherwise someone might feel "sorry" for the begging dog and give them "just a little something" and this will slow down or prevent your dog's weight loss, especially if that "little something" is every day. Meet as a family to discuss the need for changes in your dog's diet and how your animal will be effected if you don't. This will help everyone understand why and help them keep the new rules.

Excercise

The enthusiasm for new changes might cause over doing exercise at first, but it is important not to do this. Start slowly, for just a few minutes a couple times a day. This will be sufficient at first and then you can slowly increase their activity. Encourage your dog to move around the house with you. Movement frequently and throughout the day is essential. If you take your dog out for a hard run to get him "in shape" it might do more harm than good. Especially when no exercise has been implemented in his routine before. A nice, leisurely walk is sufficient each day and then a couple of times a day as directed by your veterinarian. Another way to get movement is by playing games with your dog. As your dog increases in strength and endurance playing fetch is fun for the dog and helps them get in more activity. Follow your veterinarian's plan and keep appointments. This is especially important if the weight loss is significant.

Loving your pet is doing what is best for them. Increasing their activity and reducing their treats and table scraps will help them become their ideal weight. Your dog will move easier and breath lighter and you can sleep better knowing their health is on the right track.

Emma Snow an animal lover works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet management.