SeaWorld killer whale's severe injury: accident or battle wound?

 

I have always been fond of orcas or killer whales. After watching the movie Free Willy I thought I could get a large in ground pool in the backyard to my pet whale in it. Orcas are really smart fast swimming whales with teeth. They live in life long pods (small groups) and have one blow hole. The orca belongs to the dolphin family, so they simply a big black and white dolphin. I am sure everyone knows orca whales are predators, but did you know they will eat other whales such as the great blue whale.

There has been a recent incident with the orca whale at Sea World named Nakai which is the the first orca conceived and successfully born through artificial insemination. Nakai has a terrible wound on his lower jaw that may have been caused by another killer whale from the Sea World family. Although, it is unclear what happened I believe the predator instinct comes out of killer whales in captivity at random times. I think it is the natural reaction on their instincts after suppressing them for so long.No matter what the pictures show Sea World says it was an pool accident.

Well, I would like to say I admire Sea World for protecting the animals even when it seems like Nakai clearly was attacked by another killer whale. I say Battle Wound! Checkout the article and tell me what you think about this situation.

SeaWorld killer whale's severe injury: accident or battle wound?

Where is Your Mother?

I'm Lost!

This baby raccoon was found alone by some of my friends at their home. The mother was no where around so they tried to feed it. It wouldn't eat which was no surprise. After a while, they felt like it was best to let it go in the woods hoping it would find the mother. 

Apparently, parents in the animal kingdom are just as stressed out as us humans when it comes to parenting these days. Lately, it has been many cases in the news of parents leaving toddlers behind. The parents come back saying they were so focused on other things until the child was forgotten. On the other hand, you have a mama bear trying to get her cub out someone's garage because he thinks the garage is way more cooler then a tree. Wowzers! 

 Check out the Cub Play!

Well, it seems to be getting pretty stressful for animals too. I can see why parents in the wild stress because they have to worry about shortages on food, finding a patch of woods to live in,and they may go out to grab a berry or some worms for the kids to return to a shopping mall or subdivision instead of their home.

Dog Food Recall Alert

 

Recent Dog Food Recalls

 

 

 

Everyone please check your pet's food due to the recent recalls. If your pet's food is affected by this recall return the product to your nearest retailer.

Here are other recalls for pet products:

 

• Pedigree Dog Food Recall (6/30/2012)
• Diamond Issues Yet Another Dog Food Recall (5/18/2012)
• Solid Gold Dog Food Recall (5/8/2012)
• Apex Dog Food Recall (5/7/2012)
• Diamond Dog Food Recall Summary (5/6/2012)
• Canidae Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
• Wellness Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
• Natural Balance Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
• Kirkland Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
• Diamond Dog Food Recall Expands Again (5/4/2012)
• Diamond Dog Food Recall Widens (4/30/2012)
• Diamond Dog Food Recall Expanded (4/26/2012)
• Diamond Dog Food Recall (4/6/2012) 

4th Of July Pet Safety

Happy 4th of July pet lovers!! Today we celebrate our countries birthday by cooking out and popping fireworks. More pets get lost on 4th of July than any other day.While your enjoying this holiday here is some safety pet tips to remember:

• Fireworks terrify pets.
• Turn on the TV or radio to mask the sound
• Create a safe haven for your pet in your home with plenty of water.
• Dress your pet in unique patriotic apparel which can be found on one of these sites: http://www.squidoo.com/4th-of-july-dogs or http://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/ 

 

July 5th is the busiest day for animal shelters. To ensure your pets safety please keep the tips given in mind. 

Keep Pets Cool on Hot Days

The dog days of summer are here! It has been a massive heat wave across the south region of our country these past few days. The heat is not only dangerous for us but really dangerous for our pets. A few things to remember:

1.Walk your pet early in the mornings or after sun down.

2. Make sure your pet gets plenty of water.

3. Keep pets inside during the hottest part of the day. 

More fun ways to keep your pet cool is by giving them ice or frozen treats. Also, add ice cubes to their water.  It's fun for your pet to eat and they will stay cool.

Nature's Camouflague

  

Nature gets me so excited with it's creativity to do anything with colors,patterns, and designs. Nature is the ultimate Diva if you really think about. It has everything a fashionista needs no  wonder why we get our inspiration to design from nature.

  

On the other hand, I love to take walks through the trails, and parks often to just absorb nature's energy. On one of my walks, I came across a type of green moth that I thought was a leaf. I was so fascinating with the leaf until I decided to take a closer look to discover it was a moth. I know many people aren't insect lovers but this moth made me realize how nature is the best when it comes to camouflage. I have a new interest in moths now and there is over 150- 250,000 species of moths. Wow! So far I have seen a beautiful artful display of nature with each moth. That's why nature is such an amazing thing!

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Today wraps up National Dog bite Prevention Week which is recognized May 20-26 of every year. Did you know that 4.7 million people in this country are bitten by dogs every year, and children are by far the most common victims of dog bites. This week was created to make everyone aware of how important it is for humans and canines to prevent dog bites from occurring. Also, National Dog Bite Prevention Week hopes to bring awareness to the dangers of unrestricted pets

This week is very important to many people such as the mail carriers of the U.S. Postal Service; who reported 5,577 employees as victims to dog bites last year. Do you remember as kids the cartoons would show the dog chasing the mail carrier and we just thought it was the funniest thing. it was depicted as just a part of the American life well it happens everyday but it is not a laughing matter. 

So let's support this week of prevention by learning how we can do more by preventing do bites in the future. to get you started here's a link to the American Veterinary Medical Association:
http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/

Hamster Fun Facts

Hamsters are the most popular household pet of the rodent species. These small furry animals are very interesting and cute as a bear. Which is exactly how they received a few nicknames like black bears, panda bears,polar bears, teddy bears,and honey bear. To get you up on your Hamster knowledge here are a few fun facts:

• Hamsters are Omnivorous which means they eat pretty much anything they want from seeds to veggies. 
• Oh! What big teeth hamsters have! The better to chew on things because hamsters teeth better known as "incisors" never stop growing.
• Their are 25 hamster species and the best known are the Golden or Syrian Hamster. 
• Hamsters have two elongated pouches on each side of their head for food storage. Also, while giving birth if a hamster is startled they will put their pups in the storage pouch or eat them. 
• Lastly, hamsters are hind gut fermenters this means they have to eat their own feces in order to digest their food a second time. This process is called coprophagia and is necessary for the hamster to obtain the proper nutrients from it's food. Rabbits are one other animal that do this as well. Gross fact I know yet it is good information for my hamster fanatics!! 

Spring is Hopping with Rabbits

Hello Rabbit Lovers,

Spring is here and April is in full bloom; so this month is hopping with rabbits! Are you a rabbit lover or have you thought about getting as a pet? Well here are a few facts you should know about our floppy ear friends.

Rabbits are very social and loving animals which means having their humans time is an essential need. As a rabbit pet parent your bunny will soak up the attention you give. Also, there are 25 species of rabbits roaming desserts, swamps, grasslands, prairies, forests, and marshes. A domestic rabbit or pet rabbit will live a long life, but a wild rabbits life span is about one year! Awwh!


The good news is rabbits are fast paced mammals with big ears and strong hind legs for digging burrows. Last thing they have a very fast reproductive rate and they are herbivores( they eat plants).
Now your hopping with rabbit knowledge!

Goodbye Winter! Hello Spring!

Hi animal lovers! Spring is here and this is a great time to spend more time outdoors with your four legged friend. Spring is also the season when your cat or dog should be protected from fleas and ticks. On top of other things this a great time to get hit the groom shop for cut downs, nail trims, and baths. So while your getting ready for spring don't forget your furry friend is ready to shake off the winter blues with a spring pick me up.

Pet Travel Tips

Spring is here so it's time to pack up Spot and hit the road! To make your trip pawfect for your fury travel buddy here are some helpful travel tips:

• Make sure your pet is in good health. Some states and all foreign countries require current rabies and health certificates. So arrange a check up with your veterinarian before your trip.
• If your pet is not use to travel than start a week or more before a car trip, take a few short rides with your dog to get them comfortable with travel. 
• take measures to keep you pet under control at all times. This mean your pet should have a leash, and perhaps a muzzle. Keep windows closed far enough to prevent your pet from escaping.
• NEVER leave your pet alone in a closed car especially during summer months.
• If motion sickness is a problem, medication is available to prevent it and calm the dog. Always reduce food and water before traveling.
• Many motels and hotels welcome pets, but you should check to be sure when making reservations. Exercise your pet off the premises and away from lawns and use a leash of course.
• when you arrive, give food and water sparingly than give them loads of love and affection. 

I hope these tips will help you have a great travel experience with your beloved pet but if they do not than Paw Tracks Pet Care Services is your solution! Contact us via e-mail pawtrackspcs@yahoo.com

Separation Aniexty

Did you know separation anxiety is the second most common reason why dogs are given away or euthanized. Separation anxiety can cause a dog to be destructive, cause problems with the neighbors and it's just really hard on the dog. Dogs with separation anxiety make leaving the room or house a chore. A dog with separation anxiety can chew on things, bark, whine, get into trash, rip up carpeting, eat through drywall, climb bookcases, and scratch at doors.

How to treat minor separation anxiety:

• Don't make a big deal out of arrivals and departures. For example, when you arrive home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes then calmly pet him. 
• Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you, such as an old t-shirt that you've slept in recently. 
• Establish a safety cue-a word or action that you use every times you leave that tells your dog you'll be back. 

Dogs are pack animals by nature so they have a need to be close to people or other animals all times. If you would like for your dog to have more human interaction consider a pet sitter or walker. Call Paw Tracks Pet Care Services at (601) 454-2683, and we will help you cure your pet's separation anxiety.