Silky Terriers - 6 Activities to Do With Your Silky Terrier

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=April_Osburn]April Osburn

Silky Terriers are very flexible little dogs and love to spend time with their family; so you can take your pet to most activities with you. However, here are six activities Silky Terriers love to do:

1. Walking

It doesn't matter if you are walking to the mailbox five feet away or going on a five mile hike, these dogs like to go for walks. Parks, trails, or around the block - they do not care as long as they get to go. Just remember to take water and clean up bags for your little adventure.

2. The beach

An all time favorite of the Silky Terrier is the beach. Running with the wind in their hair, smelling the fresh ocean air and trying to chase the birds. Hmmm what could be better than that?

3. Traveling

Most Silky Terriers love to travel. Usually all it takes is for you to grab your keys and they are at the door ready and waiting for you to take them out and into the vehicle. Going in the motor home? No problem, this dog will be your second in command. In the car? No problem, just roll down the window so they can catch a breeze. If traveling for long distances, it's always a good idea to take potty breaks. You'll probably want to make sure that you have a leash handy for when you stop. Do not open the car doors until you know the dog is not going to jump out.

4. Visiting Family & Friends

If you are going to someone's house that is pet friendly then your Silky wants to go with you. Terriers are social butterflies and want to socialize with people and other dogs whenever given the chance.

5. Showing or Agility Classes

Not only will your Silky Terrier love all of the attention, you will meet so many wonderful people. Plus they will get their exercise - especially in agility!

6. Spending time with you

No surprise, but spending quality time with their companion is at the top of their to do list. Whether you are cuddling on the couch or just chillin' by the pool, this dog will be your constant companion.

Find out more information on Silky Terrier grooming, behavior and other tips regarding this feisty breed of dog at [http://www.silky-terrier-dog.com]. About The Author - April Osburn has been raised around Silky Terriers [http://www.silky-terrier-dog.com] her entire life. She has two that are her constant companions, Gypsy and Samantha. She would like to share what she knows of this wonderful small breed of dog with anyone that would like to know more about them.

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Iguana Care - Trimming Your Iguana's Claws an Easy Step by Step Method

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Kincaid]Jesse Kincaid

Every pet has specific needs, and these needs vary per species. Iguanas are no different. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to respond to your animal's needs and care for him properly.

One specific maintenance procedure in caring for your iguana is claw trimming. This is not a time consuming task, and it should be performed regularly and correctly.

Untrimmed claws present many problems. First of all, they can hurt you a great deal when you handle your iguana. Secondly, iguanas with sharp lengthy claws can inflict injury to themselves, as well.

As an iguana's claws grow, they form into a "curved" shape. This causes the nails to get caught on the cage wire, which can result in a nail being snatched off or even worse.

The goal of the nail clipping is not to snip it down to the very base. You want to remove the sharp needlepoint portion of the claw so it does not have "puncture" capability. You want your iguana's claws to be dull, not razor sharp.

Trimming your iguana's claws may hamper his climbing ability somewhat. Some people have found that modifying the habitat is a solution. You can modify your iguana's climbing accessories by providing additional "branches" or "rungs" to improve his grip.

You can also add grooves in the added branches to give him a better foothold. If you only clip the sharp ends of the claws, the climbing issue is often not even a problem.

When your iguana is younger, his claws will grow faster and require more frequent trimmings. Once the iguana matures, his growth will slow and the number of trimmings required will decrease as well.

You and the iguana will both get used to the trimming process after you have practiced a few times. Just be cautious and careful not to harm your pet. You do need to be in full control, though, and your iguana needs to sense that. The younger the iguana is when you start a regular trimming process the better.

Reptile claw clippers are the recommended tool for the job. You can use other items such as scissors or human toenail clippers, but claw clippers designed specifically for this purpose work well.

You should choose an area where you will trim your iguana's claws and make that the routine trimming area. The area might also be where you provide other routine and first aid treatments. You want your iguana to associate this area with "good" helpful procedures, not negative ones.

You can offer your iguana a treat before you perform the trim and again after you are finished. A human heating pad is a great tool for relaxing your iguana prior to the procedure. If your iguana is fussy about the trimming procedure, it is because he is not feeling secure and relaxed.

Cut only one single claw at a time and have a routine pattern you follow. Move slowly, and pay attention to all areas of the iguana's body so you do not accidentally pinch another finger in the process.

If your iguana happens to jerk his finger or toe back during the trimming, don't force the issue by gripping the clippers tightly. Instead, just let go, and give your pet a few minutes before resuming the procedure.

It is best to cut too little than too much when you trim an iguana's claws. You can always trim off more later, but you cannot take back a painful nicking. If you do happen to cut into your pet, don't panic. It does not hurt as bad as you may think, depending on the severity. After you have some practice, you will know exactly how much to trim off from experience.

The quick of an iguana's nail appears as a black line through the middle of its claw. The quick extends down the claw to the very tip. You want to trim the part of the claw that is below the quick, only the very tip. You just want to clip off the sharp pointed part.

You can file the rough tip of the nail down after clipping if you iguana does not make too much of a fuss. It is not necessary, though, and your iguana may not be cooperative enough.

Keep styptic powder handy to stop the bleeding just in case you do cut too much. Other things you might try are soap, cornstarch, or flour. Styptic powder is inexpensive and one container will last you a while, unless of course you are a butcher of a nail trimmer.

Some iguana owners like to soak their iguana a half hour or so before they trim their nails, claiming it makes the nails softer. You might consider letting your herp veterinarian trim your iguana's nails the first few times, allowing you to observe.

In the beginning and until you are more experienced, you might enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist you in the nail trimming procedure. Some iguana owners use a towel to "wrap up" the iguana, gently pulling out only one foot or hand at a time, trimming, then replacing in the towel "wrap" until the job is finished.

As you and your iguana both become adjusted to the procedure, it is much easier than you may think to maintain your iguana's claws. Have the proper tools for the job, and know what you are doing ahead of time. You will be an expert claw trimmer in no time at all.

Jesse Kincaid is an avid iguana enthusiast and enjoys helping others learn how to properly and humanely care for pet iguanas. Jesse enjoys working outdoors as a kayaking, fly fishing, and rafting guide. You can read more about Iguana Claw Trimming [http://iguanacarebasics.com/iguana-claw-trimming/] care and needs at Jessie's website, Iguana Care Basics [http://iguanacarebasics.com]

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Iguana-Care---Trimming-Your-Iguanas-Claws-an-Easy-Step-by-Step-Method&id=3355785] Iguana Care - Trimming Your Iguana's Claws an Easy Step by Step Method

5 Iguana Facts Many People Don't Know

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal]Abhishek Agarwal

Iguanas are a well known and are generally well-liked among the human population. However, unless you are a lizard lover or basically a iguana lover, there are some things you may not know about this interesting creatures. Listed below are five facts about iguanas that you may not know.

1. Iguanas are herbivores. This means they do not eat meat but rather plants. Some sources cite that iguanas are omnivores. Yet, iguanas should not eat animal product because their metabolism is better adapted to absorbing the proteins of a plant. Animal proteins are too multifaceted for iguanas, it won't be used right. Basically, the proteins that animals have cannot be absorbed into the iguanas' bodies for nutrients.

What, then, happens to the proteins not absorbed? It turns into uric acid that is very dangerous for an iguana. When a build up for the uric acid happens in the iguana, it turns into a gout. Animal proteins can be very hard for iguana's digestive system to get rid of, putting pressure on the reptiles' kidneys. In turn, causing the reptile to have kidney complications. Feeding an iguana animal products will indeed shorten the lifespan of the iguana.

2. Iguanas Are Trainable. For those who think iguanas would be nice to have but are pretty stupid, you might be surprised to learn that iguanas are just as smart as a dog or even a cat. An iguana can be taught to things like human beings. Some people have taught their pet to use the bathroom while others have trained their iguanas to do many tricks. If lost, some iguanas can find their way home.

This is just to show you that even reptiles can learn things, provided their trainers take the time to teach them. People often are too quick to judge other animals because they are lower than other animals.

3. Iguanas do grow. Just because you bought your iguana's cage to fit him does not mean, he will always fit in that cage. Some iguanas have grown to six feet long. This is especially true if the iguana has a loving habitat and environment that will more than adequately let the iguana grow. When debating the size of the iguana's cage, a person should always keep in mind how long the iguana can grow for and plan accordingly to avoid future issues.

4. Iguanas are arboreal. What does this mean for its owner. Remember that iguanas in the wild spend a good chunk of time in trees. To stimulate growth of the iguana, an owner should stimulate its habitat as well. Place some type of climbing material in the iguana's home although you do not need to place "real" trees to create the official effect. Just something as simple as a post can let your iguana feel like they are back in the wild, perched on the tree.

5. Iguanas crave sunlight - Like most things that grow, iguanas need sunlight too. Not only to have the light but to also absorb it. An iguana will utilize UVA and UVB light so they can absorb nutrients correctly. The UVB light will trigger a chemical reaction in the reptile's skin which will help make vitamin D3. What does D3 do? It processes the calcium within the bloodstream.

As you can see, care for an iguana is no easy feat. Yet, by learning more about them, you can assure your iguana will live a full and happy life.

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Pet Iguana Care, Maintenance, and Training - Is an Iguana the Right Pet For You?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Kincaid]Jesse Kincaid

A pet iguana can make a wonderful companion. If you are considering getting an iguana for a pet, there are a few things to consider beforehand. Iguanas are very interesting creatures and can provide you with hours of enjoyment and entertainment. If you decide to become an iguana pet owner, take time to understand what an iguana needs and be prepared to provide it so that your iguana experience is a rewarding one.

The most popular pet iguana is the green iguana. Iguanas are herbivores, or vegetarians. You need to establish a well balanced nutritional diet for your iguana early on. If a young child is asked to plan his diet, he might tell his mother he'd prefer a diet based on sugar, candy, sodas, and ice cream. His mother, however, knows very well that is NOT what he needs, and it is her job to teach him early in life how to eat properly. It is no different with your green iguana. Your iguana's diet should be rich in carbohydrates, high in fiber, and low in fat. Get your iguana on a proper diet in the beginning.

When you hold a hatchling iguana in your hand, it seems harmless enough. How much space could he possibly need? How much could he possibly eat? Iguanas get big. There is an old wives' tale that you can control the size of your iguana by limiting the size of his enclosure. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Attempting it is not healthy for your iguana.

When setting up the initial habitat for your pet iguana, allow for future growth. An iguana's habitat should be at a minimum 1.5 times the length of his body. Remember that other things have to fit into his living space besides him, such as lighting, feeding dishes, water bowls, heating equipment, and iguana "playground" accessories.

Your little hatchling will grow at least a foot per year and eventually reach five or more feet in length. Your iguana needs room to move around in his enclosure. There are many choices when it comes to iguana enclosures. Just keep size in mind when setting up your iguana's living area.

Using a smaller enclosure in the beginning is fine. Just bear in mind that your iguana will continue to grow, and he needs sufficient space to do so. Be prepared to modify or replace the enclosure if you choose to start out small.

Green iguanas are natives of a tropical climate, specifically South and Central America, and they require tropical living conditions. The amount and type of lighting and heat required for your iguana depends partly on your specific geographical area.

There are many products available for providing proper heat and light for your iguana. Do not assume that just any light or heat source is safe for your iguana. There are certain ultraviolet light sources that are not safe for your pet iguana, including specific types of fluorescents. Be sure to provide iguana safe heating and lighting sources to avoid problems.

Pets usually require some type of training. They also need socialization. Just like a devoted dog yearns to be petted and loved, your iguana needs attention, too. Just as the devoted dog has to be trained to behave properly, your iguana needs to be trained, too. You will have to work with your iguana regularly to gain his trust.

Your iguana will respond to touch, snacks and treats, exercise, freedom from his enclosure, and your love and attention. You might be finding this hard to believe. You are thinking this is an iguana, right? Yes, it is an iguana, and while iguanas are rarely domesticated and socialized in their natural wild habitat, they can be tamed. It is up to you to do it properly.

If you do not tame your iguana early and regularly, you will end up with a wild uncontrollable iguana that won't allow you near him. There is, unfortunately, no guarantee that every single iguana is capable of training regardless of the time and effort you invest. That is a chance you take when you decide to own an iguana.

It is similar with dogs. Dogs in the wild are similar to wolves and rarely trained or domesticated. Dogs respond to touch, snacks and treats, and your love and attention. Dogs require early and regular training in order to become well behaved, controllable animals. A dog treated badly, cruelly and totally ignored has the potential of becoming uncontrollable.

An iguana can make a great pet for you. It is best that you know up front what will be required of you to be a responsible iguana pet owner. Owning an iguana as a pet is not for everyone. If you are willing to follow iguana pet care guidelines properly and give your iguana the care and attention he deserves, you will have a very adventurous and rewarding relationship with a wonderful animal.

Jesse Kincaid is an avid iguana enthusiast and enjoys helping others learn how to properly and humanely care for pet iguanas. Jesse enjoys working outdoors as a kayaking, fly fishing, and rafting guide. You can read more about pet iguana [http://iguanacarebasics.com/considering-a-pet-iguana/] care and needs at his website, [http://www.iguanacarebasics.com]

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pet-Iguana-Care,-Maintenance,-and-Training---Is-an-Iguana-the-Right-Pet-For-You?&id=2927182] Pet Iguana Care, Maintenance, and Training - Is an Iguana the Right Pet For You?