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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

10 Amazingly Smart & Productive Animals Humans Can Learn From

Originally posted on: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
 
Humans have proven themselves to be the planet’s most dominant species, due to our highly developed communication, critical thinking and predatory skills. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any competition. There are plenty of animals that we can learn from by watching the ways in which they communicate and learn from each other. While you struggle to become a more efficient student for your online college classes, try taking a cue from these 10 amazingly smart and productive animals.

1. Octupi and squids: Cephalopods — octopi, squids and cuttlefish — may be some of the smartest animals in the ocean. After studying them, scientists have deduced that cephalopods are always trying to stay busy, as they hate being bored. They use tools, are efficient eaters, and can learn new skills.

2. Dolphins: Dolphins may love humans just as much as humans love dolphins. The highly collaborative marine mammal is also incredibly intelligent and communicative and may actually be the second-smartest animal in the world, just after humans. Their brains are 4-5 times larger than other animals’ brains who have similar sized bodies. They also have a well developed neocortex which helps them process emotion, recognize themselves in a mirror, demonstrate an ability for cultural learning, and understand abstract concepts.

3. Pigeons: Although they’re often associated with dirty, crowded urban environments, pigeons are productive animals with high intelligence. They have highly developed memories, recognize themselves in a mirror, and can identify even subtle differences between different objects.

4. Pigs: Pigs are known to compensate for their mud-slinging, trough-eating ways by demonstrating high intelligence, but did you know just how smart pigs are? They’re very social and even emotional animals that can "play" computer and video games at least as well as chimpanzees. They have an excellent sense of direction and learn from each other, when they’re not trying to trick each other.

5. Rats: Rats may be one of the most abhorred creatures on Earth, but they’re still pretty smart and very resourceful. Rats are extremely adaptable and can almost always find an escape route, which is why they’re so resilient.

6. Squirrels: A slightly cuter version of the rat is the squirrel, another cunning rodent. Squirrels sometimes trick spying animals by pretending to hide their food in one spot, and then really finding a safer place for it when no one’s watching. After months have passed, squirrels can remember the exact place they stored their food, sometimes using clues to help themselves.

7. Crows: Crows may have annoying calls and scare away other, more attractive birds, but they’re so smart that even humans could learn something from them. Crows are very resourceful animals that turn all kinds of objects into usable tools for getting food from hard-to-reach places. They also have great respect for their elders, and watch older birds when they want to learn a new skill.

8. Bees: Bees have shown scientists that they are very in tune with the natural world, not just including pollinating flowers. They use the sun for direction, are punctual, and also have the ability to learn colors, sounds and even exact places. And if you’ve ever noticed a bee’s seemingly erratic flying pattern, you’ve actually watched it communicate to other bees the specifics of the food they’re finding.

9. Dogs: Scientists are still discovering just how smart dogs are. They’ve already proven to be loyal, good communicators and may have decent memory, and now scientists believe that dogs may have the ability to understand someone else’s point of view. Through tests, dogs have also proven to understand concepts and form real perceptions of things.

10. Elephants: Elephants are widely regarded as smart, efficient animals that use tools, groom themselves, and have even inspired robotics. A new robotic arm was modeled after an elephant’s trunk, which can pick up nearly any type of object and seamlessly move it and use it as needed. Elephants also have large brains — weighing around 5 kilos — and use objects to protect themselves, either as weapons or to intimidate their attackers.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Simple Tips On Cleaning A Pet Cage

Originally posted on: Friday, November 19, 2010

Link to original post: Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com/.

Cleaning your pet’s cage is one of the keys to keeping your pet healthy at all times. It will make your pet’s living space free from germs and foul odor, making it a comfortable environment to live in. It can also minimize the chance of bacterial and fungal infections to your pet.

Cleaning cages is not a fun chore, but doing it as organized as possible will make the task less of a chore. Here are some simple tips when cleaning an animal cage:

Being systematic is really the solution to a much hassle-free cleaning process. Whenever you need to clean your pet’s cage, better transfer your pet to a safe place where he or she can feel comfortable during the cleaning time. You can put your pet in another cage while you are doing the cleaning. Bringing him or her in the yard or any confined space would be a good idea to avoid getting distracted.

Afterwards, start removing all the things inside the cage. Throw all the trash and dirt away. Be meticulous in getting rid of all the left-overs and animal wastes inside the cage. Clean up all the solid material first. Then, proceed to washing the litter pans, feeding bowls, toys, and other accessories. Don’t forget to clean the bedding. You can use fabric softener so that the bedding will be soft for your beloved pet.

Take extra time in cleaning the removable trays. Make sure you also disinfect the wire bottom and wipe it to remove any lingering poop or urine smell.

Bear in mind that the aim in cleaning your pet’s cage is to kill the germs, so it’s better to use hot water and proper cleaning agent when scrubbing the cage. To ensure the cage is cleaned very well, purchase a cage cleaner, which can be in the form of powder, wipes or spray bottle. Make sure it’s made from non-toxic materials. Use only the products that are proven safe for animals.

Whether you own a dog, cat, or any other animals, it is always important for you to make your pet’s cage clean. Doing this task regularly is essential to the health and well-being of your pet.

Andrei Smith writes for Midwest Homes 4 Pets, a company that offers a wide array of rabbit cages, bird cages and small animal cages. For more details, please visit MidwestHomes4Pets.com or contact the Toll Free Helpline: (800) 428-8560.

Added to post by Music My Pet:
When cleaning cages, pet carriers or other bedding, play Music My Pet CD's for additional stress relief for both you & your pet! 

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Pig Ears Dog Chews

This article originally posted on:

JUNE 4, 2011
in NEWS


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 3, 2011 – Bravo! is voluntarily recalling select boxes of Bravo! Pig Ears Chews because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products affected by this recall includes only Bravo! 50 ct bulk Oven roasted Pig Ears Product Code: 75-121 Lot # 12-06-10.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any other surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms including, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with the product. Bravo! is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.

Bravo! Pig Ears were distributed to retailers on the East and West Coasts. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between January 1 and February 28, 2011, where they were available for purchase.

The recall is the result of routine sampling program by the Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears. Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions about the recall, should visit www.bravorawdiet.com or call toll free 1.866.922.9222 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.