ISSUE #10 JANUARY 2011 FREE TO SUBSCRIBE
BARKING MAD ~ CATS MEOW~ FEATHERED FRIENDS PET PAPARAZZI ~ FEATURE ARTICLE ~ Q & A
Sarah( Tag 206858) This gorgeous girl is 3yr old Bull Arab, Sarah. She’s a very strong and confident dog, so needs a new owner that is experienced and able to give her the daily exercise she requires to keep content. Sarah is sociable with other dogs and ok for children aged 12 and over. She can be adopted from AWL for $170. ->
COVER ART “SARAH” By the AWL Gold Coast Meet our second Sarah (Tag 206563) This beautiful young girl has a real elegance about her..she walks so lightly and is very attentive to whoever is on the other end of her lead. Sarah is a 4 month old Border Collie with some Australian Cattle Dog and she is going to be a very intelligent, devoted companion with a real desire to learn. She can be adopted for $170. each
All AWL animals are de sexed, micro chipped, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated, health and sociability checked. In addition to this, our animals have a 10 day health guarantee (covering any illness arising as a result of having been in our care), and a 21 day ‘settling-in warranty’. They also offer the Friends For Life dog training program for new owners. Nora (tag 901167) 5 year old Nora’s an affectionate feline, but prefers you all to herself than to have to compete with another cat! She loves a gentle scratch behind her ears and is sure to be a welcoming and comforting presence in any home. She can be adopted for $70.
Romell (tag 206810) This happy, high energy boy is Staffy cross Boxer, Romell. Just 2 years of age, he was sadly surrendered to us due to his previous owner being allergic to him!. Romell is great with children and can “sit” and “come” on command. He can be adopted for $170 .
Marge (Tag 522555) is a lovely 2yr old puss, very quiet with a sweet nature and looks adoringly at her human friends. She’s gentle so would be a lovely family pet, She can be adopted for $70. The AWL Qld does not receive Government funding for its welfare work and is therefore reliant on volunteers and the community’s generosity. With the average cost being $400 per animal we rehome, the AWL Qld runs at a large loss when rehoming our animals.
http://www.awlqld.com.au/ Phone: 07 5509 9000
Contributors: Animal Welfare League Gold Coast RSPCA Pet Peoples Place David B Webber - Parrot Expert. Dr. Harry Cooper www.petscenemagazine.com.au
Scott Alan Lipe - The Welsh Corgi Ben Helm - Aquaculture Mike Selvon - Cat Journalist Omer Ashraf - Sphynx Enthusiast
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Disclaimer Notice: The information, images and graphic design (artwork) contained on this web site is owned by Pet Scene Magazine and/ or the original authors where applicable. Information contained in any of the articles is not necessarily the direct opinion of Pet Scene Magazine and, where applicable, does not take the place of a consultation with a qualified and competent veterinarian. Veterinarian advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient. Pet Scene Magazine tries to provide quality information but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained herein.
WELCOME TO PET SCENE MAGAZINE Australia’s hottest resource in the pet industry. We’re going to be doing a lot of exciting things here at Pet Scene Magazine and we are thrilled to bring you on board. Pet Scene is Australia’s own online publication dedicated to bringing you a quality monthly magazine available FREE right across the nation. We pride ourselves on promoting responsible pet ownership, education and community awareness. Jam packed with informative articles and professional advice, Pet Scene Magazine will have you up to date on all the latest news and information for your best friend.
With this ongoing support we look forward to a bright future and many happy, healthy pets throughout our beautiful country. Kristy Hunter Editorial Director
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We are a family owned business with a long history of volunteering our time to animal welfare and from this came the drive to produce Pet Scene Magazine. With Australia having one of the highest incidences of pet ownership in the world, our goal is to provide a countrywide resource which utilizes today*’s modern technology to reach a wider demographic quickly and efficiently. In keeping our publication Free it is hoped that we can reach as many people as possible with our important message of responsible pet care. But we need your help, so jump on our support page and join the Pet Scene Street Team!
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Pet Scene Magazine will not be held liable for any loss, injury, claim, or damage related to your use of this site whether from errors and omissions in the content or from any other use of this site. This web site is not a substitute for the advice of a competent veterinarian. Some of the articles in this web site contain links to other resources and are not intended to state or imply that Pet Scene Magazine sponsors, is affiliated or associated with or is legally authorized to use any trade name, registered trademark, or copyrighted symbol that may be reflected in the links. Warranty & Indemnity Content and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. While every effort is made to gather information from professionals in good faith, No liability is accepted for issues or damages arising from content or advertising by Pet Scene Magazine. No readers should act on the basis of information contained in this publication without first seeking professional advice that can take into account their individual needs and their particular set of circumstances. This publication is intended to inform and illustrate. The publishers and editors or Pet Scene Magazine give no representation and make no warranties, expressed or implied, in regard to the accuracy, completeness, currency or reliability of any of the material contained within the publication or its associated web site. No correspondence will be entered into in relation to this publication by the publishers, editors or authors. Articles are published in good faith without our knowledge of any copyright infringement. The contents, design and graphics of Pet Scene Magazine are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form in whole or part without the written permission of the publishers.
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Contents: Contributors...................................................................................2 Welcome........................................................................................3 Dr. Harry’s Cool Pets......................................................................6 Tips for Summer The Winners of our Children’s Writing Competition.....................10 Read their pet stories
Feathered Friends........................................................................12 Teaching Your Parrot To Talk - Part 3. Pet Paparazzi...............................................................................14
Sweet Itch ( Queensland Itch) in horses......................................16
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Cane Toad Poisoning....................................................................18 Advice from The RSPCA. Ask Mr. Beefy Q & A.......................................................................21 Barking Mad..................................................................................22 The Welsh Corgi Controlling Ammonia In A Fish Aquarium......................................24
Nothing’s Unhappier Than A Fat Cat.............................................26 A New Years Message From The AWL.........................................28 The Cats Meow.............................................................................30 The Sphynx
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“
Dr. Harry’
“Tips for s Dr. Harry Cooper likes a warm summers day as much as the rest of us. But reminds us that while we can shed down to our board shorts and thongs to beat the summer heat, our fur covered pets can’t do that. Their coats are permanently there. So he shares some of his advice for helping our four legged friends keep cool this summer.
When it comes to walking your dog use a bit of common sense and walk early in the morning or
late in the evening when the atmosphere is cool and so is the pavement, because it’s very easy to burn your dog’s feet. Take a collapsible water container with you so you can give your dog a drink where ever you are.
At home make sure your pets have at least 2 sources of drinking water at all times, and keep them in a cool shaded area. Try to make certain they can’t be tipped over or emptied easily. One can be quite large, like a plastic kiddie’s pool that the dog
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can cool themselves in, but beware if you’ve got young children because it’s a drowning risk.
Another novel idea for active dogs is a product called a “Cooler Coat”. You simply dunk it in water and wring it out, then fit it to the dog.
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’s Cool Pets
summer”
.
Dogs also love ice, so Dr. Harry suggests filling an old ice cream container with water. Add to this some food treats cut up into small pieces- like a cold sausage, some cheese, liver treats or left over cold meat. Place this in the freezer over night. Take it out in the morning and tip it out in a cool area of the yard. This will keep your dog cool and amused for hours.
cancer. Especially on the delicate belly area, the tips of the ears, nose and often around the eyes.
bridge of the nose. The eyes can be protected in other ways as well. Doggles are especially de-
Specially formulated pet sunscreens are available. Apply them around your pet’s ears, concentrating on the tips on those with erect ears and on the
signed doggy sunglasses. And there are a number of different pet sun hats available on the market. Proving its hip to be cool even if you’re a dog!
Any animal with light or pink skin that lies out in the sun is at increased risk of sunburn and skin www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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Dog Logic
A pooch’s guide to dogs behaving badly By Robyn Osborne Keen to turn your disobedient dog into the perfect pooch? Tired of man’s best friend ending up in the doghouse? Why not take an informative and entertaining walk on the wild side, with Dog Logic, a unique view of the world, one that is both canine created and related. Whether your best friend is a blue blood or a bitser, Dog Logic has them licked. Should you let sleeping dogs lie, exactly who is top dog and can you teach old dogs new tricks? Dog Logic helps get you on the right scent and ensures you’re not barking up the wrong tree. And who better to take you on a journey deep into the canine world, but a member of the pack himself; Sox, the quintessential Aussie cattle dog and four legged philosopher. With 20 chapters covering issues from barking, beds and biting, to worrisome walks and everything in between, Sox offers his humorous but practical advice on resolving your doggy dilemmas. Supported with terrific tips from humans in the know, each chapter provides both canine and twolegged advice that is fun, uplifting and relevant. As a RSPCA puppy who overcame a difficult start to life,Sox is proof that a dog from the wrong side of the pound can achieve greatness. As the creative canine consultant to Dog Logic, Sox is no stranger to fame having written a regular full page column in bark! Australia magazine. Combining the creative genius of Sox the Philosophical Pooch, and his human assistant, Robyn Osborne, Dog Logic is the must have book for anyone searching for the ideal canine companion. Purchase this book now Just $19.99 RRP
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The Power Of The Cat THE POWER OF THE CAT is a tribute not only to some of the remarkable cats who have walked beside the author on her journey through life, but an acknowledgement of the charisma and power of all cats everywhere. A power that has led to the cat being worshipped as divine, persecuted as a symbol of evil and even at times, changed the course of history. Many people, will admit that they ‘adore’ cats. The Oxford dictionary gives ‘worship as divine’ as a meaning for this word. Divine or mundane, cats have a mystic power found in few other creatures, including humans. It is this quality that makes some people fear them. Cats seem capable of not just looking at you but through you and deep into your soul. Ann Walker has lived with cats all her life; she says ‘I have admired, respected and loved cats, I have adored them, in the deepest sense of the word. I offer this book as a tribute to the special cats who have walked beside me on my life’s journey and those who keep me company today. If cats are an important part of your life this book will strike a chord in your heart and you will find it irresistible.
Available for purchase at: www.annwalker.com
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Winners Of Our Children’s
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Writing Competition
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Teaching your Parrot to talk. (PART 3) By David B Webber PART 3: Do’s and Don’ts. Most directly apply to the second technique of Parent-Parrot teaching but also apply to the other techniques.
spective. “Give me a peanut” instead of “Do you want a peanut?” • Reward your parrot when it talks with treats, praise, and/or attention. • Start when your parrot is young (though not necessary). • Communicate while out of site to simulate contact calls.
Tips, Do’s, and Don’ts
•
Sing songs to your parrot.
•
Tell stories to your parrot.
•
Read stories to your parrot.
• Repeat phrases at appropriate times. For example “I want water” when giving fresh water.
•
Be patient.
• Start with words and work up to phrases.
•
Make your vocalizations interesting.
•
Pronounce words clearly.
• Have fun during talking training sessions.
• Don’t say words that you don’t want repeated.
• Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes)
• Create verbal cues such as saying “Good Morning” in the morning.
•
Talk, Talk, Talk to you parrot.
•
Talk in context to your parrot.
• Place the cage where your parrot hears family communication.
• Use diction, drama, and inflection to make your speech more interesting.
• Don’t teach whistling before teaching talking.
•
•
Phrase your talk from the parrot’s perwww.petscenemagazine.com.au
Use interesting sounding words.
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• For some reason words with “tt” seem to be favorites such as “pretty” or “kitty”.
Summary
If you’ve ever heard a parrot joke, most likely it in• Use the word in differvolves a talking parrot. The ent phrases “This is a peanut”, parrot’s ability to “talk” has “Do you want a peanut”, “I like captured our imagination peanuts” for thousands of years. I’m • Don’t put the parrot in a sure that you will agree (if you own a parrot) that it’s covered cage during training. This myth goes back to ancient ability to talk is just one of the many characteristics Greek times. that make parrots fascinat• Do speech training early ing companions. A lot of in the morning and at dusk if people purchase a parrot possible when most parrots for their ability to talk but are very talkative. eventually learn that with or without it’s ability to talk, it is an awesome pet
and companion. Hopefully this introduction to teaching your parrot to talk has been useful. Check out some of the book links below if you’re interested in learning more. “The Pleasure of Their Company” by Bonnie Munro Doane and The Alex Studies by Dr.. Pepperberg are two good sources to start with. You will be amazed with the Dr.. Pepperberg’s successes and fascinated with her findings. Though technical at times and not necessarily a required reading for all parrot owners it is a fascinating book. By David_B_Weber The Author is the creator of the InfoSuperFlyway.com. It’s a webpage dedicated to Kibibi a Congo African Grey Parrot with parrot recordings, funny parrot videos, top ten lists, parrot jokes, clicker training info and a large database of parrot articles.
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” y t o o &S t e l “Ham Page 15
Sweet Itch (Queensland Itch) In Horses By Pet Peoples Place SWEET ITCH IS AN ALLERGIC SKIN DISEASE AFFECTING SENSITIVE HORSES AND PONIES FROM THE BITES OF MIDGES OF THE GENUS CULICOIDES. THE ALLERGIC REACTION DEVELOPS AT THE SITE OF THE BITE, AND IN THE MAJORITY OF CASES SKIN LESIONS DEVELOP ON THE MANE AND TAIL AND MIDDLE OF THE BACK, ALTHOUGH SOMETIME THEY ARE FOUND UNDER THE BELLY, EARS AND HEAD.
Image 1: Here you can see clearly the sores caused by his scratching. There is little you can do to stop it, we use fly spray, treat the sore spots with a hydrocortizone cream, and keep him out of the pasture where this problem first developed.
You will find your horse or pony intensely itching (called pruritus), which causes them to rub on anything and creates sores, sometimes with infection setting in. Control it can be a problem, with your main efforts focused on preventing the bites and treating the sores. Research indicated that this problem my run in families of horses showing the allergy.
Treatment
Common Names for Sweet Itch (USA) are Queensland Itch (Australia), Summer Eczema and Seasonal Dermatitis. Culicoides flies, which breed in wet land, rivers, lakes and standing water are the cause of this irritation. Symptoms include weeping blisters; crusting, scabs and scaling; constant rubbing and biting; and potentially hair loss and skin damage.
• Apply sponge on fly repellents often twice daily application may be required.
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Image 2: You can see that the tail head is missing some hair, and he has odd spots of missing hair on his flanks, armpits, face and scattered across his body.
Your Vet may be able to use drugs (e.g. corticosteroids) to control the problem, but good insect control is your best defense. • Stable the horse from 4.00pm until 8.00 am. • Use blankets, sheets, hoods to provide some protection.
• Use a very fine fly screen over the stable door. • Increase airflow by using a fan in the stable. • Move the horse away from wooded and wet areas.
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TOAD POISONING- Bufo marinas As most of us would be aware that the poison from a toad comes from the As most at of us would be aware that the poison from toad comes from the glands the glands the back of the toads head. It agets “squirted” into the atdogs/cats mouth then bite the“squirted” toad. From here the toxin rapidly and back of when the toads head. It gets into the dogs/cats mouthiswhen thenabsorbed bite the toad. action needs to be taken absorbed immediately. Theneeds secretion fromimmediately. the glandsThe contains From here the toxin is rapidly and action to be taken setwo components. Firstly one that is acutely cardiotoxic (i.e.cardioseverely cretion from the glands contains twogroup components. Firstly one group that is acutely damages the heart) andthe a second is like adrenalin. toxic (i.e. severely damages heart) andwhich a second which is like adrenalin.
Signs:-These maymay vary according to the dog’s of an existing disease suchexisting as if Signs:-These vary according to age, thepresence dog’s age, presence of an they havesuch a bad heart since ingestion, amountlength of toxinof absorbed disease as ifalready, they length haveofatime bad heart already, time in since relation to body weight etc With mild poisoning animals may salivate profusely (due to irriingestion, amount of toxin absorbed in relation to body weight etc tant nature of With mildand poisoning mayred. salivate tofind irritant nature secretion) their gumsanimals become very In more profusely severe cases(due we may irregular heart of secretion) and gums very red. In dilated more pupils severe we may beats, animal lyingtheir flat out, fluid become on the chest, convulsions, andcases even sudden find irregular beats, animal flat out, fluid on thewith:chest, convulsions, death within 15heart minutes of exposure. Welying can confuse toad poisoning other poisondilated pupils and even sudden death within 15 minutes of exposure. ing’s e.g. compost ingestion, some flea preparations eg pyrethrins, carbamates etc. Whatcan to do:We confuse toad poisoning with:- other poisoning’s e.g. compost ingestion, flea mouth preparations eg pyrethrins, carbamates 1. Wash outsome the animals for 10 minutes prior to getting them to vetetc. in an attempt to reduce the amount of toxin absorbed. This toxin is very rapidly absorbed through the gums. What to do:THIS STEP IS LIFESAVING. Try directing a hose into the mouth of the dog and washing out 1. Wash out the animals mouth for 10 minutes prior to getting them to the vet in an attempt to reduce the amount of toxin absorbed. This toxin is entire mouth! If this is absorbed not possible through simply wetthe a cloth wringTHIS it out STEP and wipe the anivery rapidly gums. ISaround LIFESAVING. mals mouth, rinsing the a raghose frequently. you rubof thethe gums andand teethwashing of the animal Try directing into Ensure the mouth dog outasthe the toxin is verymouth! waxy and entire If tenacious. this is not possible simply wet a cloth wring it out and wipe around the animals mouth, rinsing the rag frequently. Ensure you 2. Get to the Vets immediately rub the gums and teeth of the animal as the toxin is very waxy and What will my vet do? tenacious. 1. Lavage the mouth again, possibly under anaesthesia if the animal is difficult. 2. Get to the Vets immediately 2. May hook the animal up to an ECG machine to monitor and characterise the abnormal heat beat due to starting treatment. What will my vet do? 3. Initiate withmouth drugs toagain, combatpossibly the abnormal heartanaesthesia beat. These areifusually given is 1. treatment Lavage the under the animal intravenously. difficult. 2. May hook the animal up to an ECG machine to monitor and characterise the abnormal heat beat due to starting treatment. www.petscenemagazine.com.au Page 18
4. If the animal is convulsing will need drugs to control this. These animals will need to have their temperatures watched closely as fits can elevate the body temperature to dangerous levels. When do I go to the Vet? Basic rule of thumb is that it is better to be on the safe side and get them to the Vet ASAP. The toxin is absorbed so quickly that leaving it until the animal is showing clinical signs can mean you could be jeopardising your pet’s health. But definitely go immediately (after washing your pet’s mouth) to your Vet if:1. Your animal is salivating profusely. 2. You are unsure if all the toxin has been removed. 3. If your animal is elderly, sick or not in the best health. This fact sheet provides general advice only. Pet owners concerned about their pet should seek advice from their veterinarian.
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Aikiou interactive dog and cat toys are the latest development to hit the market in Australia.
What are your animals favorite activities? Play and eat! Aïkiou products (pronounced IQ) are designed to meet these needs and allow you to interact with your pet in a whole new way! If you are concerned about the well-being of your pet, then you know he instinctively loves to seek and hunt. As many of our indoor animals, it is difficult to fill these instincts and that can lead to behavioral disorders. Created to stimulate the animal’s natural passion to seek and find their food, the Aïkiou products offer several ways to meet those needs. The Blue and Pink AiKiou Dog Bowls are an innovative design. It is an activity food centre created to occupy, stimulate and entertain your dog during meal times. This in turn provides a fantastic enrichment activity for pooch, while contributing to better digestion. Available in Large or Small from Animal Behavioral Systems Australia Pty Ltd. The Stimulo Cat Dish is the newest product in the AiKiou range. The Stimulo is an interactive cat food dish. By necessity, animals in nature spend much of their time hunting and foraging for their meals. Cats in particular are adept at seeking and finding food. Unfortunately, this innate problem solving skill is often under exercised in domesticated animals sometimes leading to unwanted behaviours around the home. The Stimulo bowl was developed with this in mind. Food is hidden inside the bowl’s many tubes, which your cat can access by using their paws. Allowing your cat to exercise his or her problem solving instincts with the Stimulo bowl fun and rewarding for you and your pet. Both of these products come highly recommended to help stimulate the mind and intellect of your pets. This helps to maintain a healthy mental balance. www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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Q: I own a bearded dragon and he sits under his basking lamp with his mouth wide open. I am concerned. He has been doing it for a while but is still very active and seems normal. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. A) The good news is that this is a normal behavior for bearded dragons. The key to keeping bearded dragons happy is to have a basking spotlight that allows them to raise their body temperature to 35 to 44 degrees Celsius. When a bearded dragon reaches its thermal maximum, it will often sit with its mouth open. This behavior, called gaping, shows that the lizard is at its optimal temperature for basking. This allows a bearded dragon to dissipate extra body heat. Since lizards don’t sweat, this is an effective way for them to regulate their body temperature. It is important that your bearded dragon habitat have a thermal gradient, so that your lizards can move to a cooler location, if they so desire, once they have reached their optimum body temperatures.
Q: Are all orange Tabby Cats male and are all Calico Cats Female? A: This is correct in most cases, but certainly not all. Orange tabby cats are male. It’s about 80/20 male to female. Calico and tortoiseshell cats, however, are almost always female. Here’s how it works. To have black and orange in the same cat, you need two X chromosomes. Two X chromosomes mean the cat will be female. Male cats need a Y chromosome and are XY. Occasionally a mutation will arise during embryonic development and a kitten will be born with an extra chromosome: XXY. The two Xs allow for it to be black and orange. The Y makes it a male. This is how you get a tortoiseshell or a calico male cat. They’re uncommon (one out of 3000 are male) As a result of this mutation, most of them are sterile. www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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Barking Mad The Welsh Corgi By Scott Allan Lipe
Description: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, low-slung dog that weighs between 28 and 30 pounds for the dog, and 25 to 28 pounds for the bitch. This dog stands 10 to 12 at the withers for both sexes. The coat of the Corgi is made up of hard, water resistant hairs. The usual coat colors for this dog can be red, black and tan, sable, and fawn, all with or without white extending over part of the muzzle, chest, legs, and stomach. This Corgi has a long, pointed muzzle and upright ears. The legs of this dog are very short and reflect its origins as a cattle herding dog where the short legs allowed it to escape kicks. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is sometimes born tailless, and sometimes has its tail docked. It is also known as the Welsh Corgi or simply as Corgi. The Pembroke Corgi can live up to 15 years. History: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an old breed, dating back to the 11th century where they were developed to herd cattle, horses, and sheep. They were brought to England at that time by weavers from Flanders and were still used as herding dogs and protectors of the farm and home. Breeding Skipperkes, Pomeranians, Keeshonds, and Swedish Vallhunds produced the dog we know today as the Pembroke Corgi. A charming Welsh legend has it that fairies developed the dogs to pull their tiny carriages, or to use as a mount when riding to battle. They were designated a separate breed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in 1934. www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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The Welsh corgi “The royal Dog” By Ursula
Temperament: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has often been called “a small dog in a big dog’s suit”. This is a bold and confident little dog that becomes devoted to its human companions. This dog is a good dog around children and will enjoy playing with them. This is a lively and spirited dog that is at its best interacting with its family. It will get along best with other dogs if properly socialized with them. They are good watchdogs and will bark at the first sign of an intruder. Health Problems: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a fairly healthy breed of dog. One major problem that can arise is back trouble. That long back can be subject to arthritis and disc problems. Some back problems can be avoided by making sure that your Corgi maintains its proper weight. It can also suffer from hip dysplasia.
Living Conditions: As the Pembroke Welsh Corgi began as a herding dog, this little dog still needs plenty of exercise. They love to play and walk with their human family and will suffer if kept outside for long periods. This dog is not able to live outside during the winter. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and live happily in an apartment as long as sufficient exercise is provided. For more information about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi including Training, Care, Puppies for sale and much more about all the different dog breeds please visit my sites below.
Grooming: As a short haired breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not require extensive grooming to keep its coat in good shape. A good brushing twice a week will remove dead hairs and distribute the coat’s natural oils evenly. The ears should be checked and cleaned as needed and attention to the teeth will help prevent tooth decay. www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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Controlling Ammonia In A Fish Aquarium Keep aquarium ammonia under control and understand the nitrate cycle for tank health. By Ben Helm Ammonia is sometimes referred to as one of the “invisible assassins” in aquaria (along with nitrite). The only acceptable ammonia level in an aquarium is zero. Why do we spend so much time discussing something we want little or nothing to do with? By understanding ammonia, we also come to understand many associated and fundamental facts and processes about our aquaria as a whole. Understanding ammonia both directly and indirectly makes us better aquarists.
building process, some amino acids may be altered or may be surplus, leading to their break down in the liver.
Ammonia — What Is It?
Why Is Ammonia So Bad?
Ammonia is a chemical compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. Our fish experience it in two different forms: free ammonia NH3 and the ammonium ion NH4+. The makeup of the form we encounter depends on certain environmental factors within our aquariums. The form that ammonia takes also determines its toxicity to our fish and other tank inhabitants. Ammonia can enter our aquaria via three different routes. The least likely source of ammonia introduction in an aquarium is through tapwater. To ensure that water is disinfected and safe for us to drink, water companies have treated water with chlorine for years. Chlorine is a relatively unstable gas, and if you live a long way from where it is added to the water, chlorine concentrations could drop below the levels required for disinfection. Consequently, water companies have started to add a more stable, longer-lasting disinfectant called chloramine, which is chlorine bound to ammonium. By adding tapwater treated with chloramine to an aquarium we are inadvertently adding ammonium. Some tapwater conditioners release chlorine from our tapwater, which can lead to the ammonia being released. You should opt for a tapwater conditioner that treats both chlorine and ammonia, especially during water changes when fish are already in place. Decomposition of organic matter in the aquarium is a second route through which ammonia can enter your aquarium. Proteins are highly abundant in all living organisms, such
Fish either reprocess the resultant amine group from each amino to make new amino acids that can be used to build more fish protein. Otherwise, it is rejected back into the blood. From there, ammonia is excreted from our fishes’ bodies via the gills. Alternatively, if our fish are offered too much protein, something similar will happen.
as plants, animals and microorganisms. These proteins are made up of soluble building blocks called amino acids (can you spot their association with ammonia yet?). Each amino acid contains an amino group that consists of NH2. So the break down of proteins inevitably leads to the release of ammonia into the water. In a healthy aquarium, plants shed leaves, fish constantly shed mucus and when we add fish food (live, frozen or dried), we add a quantity of protein to our aquarium. When these proteins are broken down by a host of opportunistic heterotrophic bacteria in our filters, substrate and water, the amino groups are released and form ammonia. We can bear testimony to this from our own aquarium experiences. If in our earlier days of fishkeeping we were to overfeed, or we found dead fish, we would soon notice a change of behavior in our other fish caused by, among other things, a steep rise in ammonia. The third route also involves the break down of proteins, but this time, through our fishes’ digestion and assimilation of proteins. After our fish consume and digest protein, they then take up amino acids and distribute them to where they are required in their bodies. They are then synthesized into new protein, causing fish to grow. As part of this protein-
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How does feeding too much protein lead to a rise in ammonia? If a high protein growth diet is offered in excess amounts to your fish, they will not be able to utilize all the protein efficiently, so levels of excretion will increase, having a negative effect on water quality. Excess protein in particular is likely to affect water quality. It is all in the balance. If protein in the diet is in excess of what your fish require, they will not utilize all of the protein in the diet for growth, but either break it down and burn it for energy or excrete high levels undigested. This is highly undesirable, and it is a problem that advanced fish food formulations are designed to try to address. Fish excrete ammonia because it is toxic. It is colorless and readily dissolves in water. That’s why it is not possible to conclude that any aquarium water is in top condition simply because it is clear and sparkling. Because of ammonia’s toxicity the only way to ensure your fish do not suffer from its effects is to keep it at zero. But what determines the ammonia levels in our aquaria? Ammonia Quantities The first thing to consider is the actual quantity of ammonia. The amount of ammonia that can accumulate is really a function of the inputs and outputs of ammonia within your closed-aquarium system. What are our inputs? We’ve already seen how the various different sources of ammonia can affect the overall ammonia levels
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in an aquarium. But all inputs of ammonia, however extreme, should be judged in relation to their outputs. In an aquarium (besides the regular partial water changes that really dilute more persistent, accumulated pollutants) filtration is the means of removing (or outputting) ammonia. Even though a biofilter facilitates the removal of ammonia within an aquarium, I prefer to describe it as reprocessing rather than filtration. This is because filtration removes, whereas reprocessing changes the characteristics of something, which in this case is exactly what happens to ammonia. Ammonia is converted to nitrite (NO2) by aerobic bacteria. The greater the capacity for such bacteria in a system, supported by all their requirements (oxygen, removal of wastes, etc.), will determine how much ammonia can be reprocessed. If filtration is limiting, as in an undersized filter, then ammonia will soon accumulate. A classic period for ammonia accumulation is when an aquarium and its filtration system are new and immature. These are the circumstances under which most new aquarists find themselves, and it is usual that this is also when they experience ammonia problems for the first time — hardly a warm welcome to the fishkeeping hobby! It is because of ammonia, its toxicity and the inability of an immature biofilter to reprocess it, that “New Tank Syndrome” can become a fatal reality for many fish. To avoid it, new fish should be added gradually and the water tested frequently to check that the new tank and maturing filter are able to cope with the ammonia input from the initial few fish. Only then can additional fish be introduced and so on, over the first few months, until the aquarium is brought up to its full capacity. Ammonia Varieties Ammonia exists in an aquarium in two forms: free or unionized ammonia (NH3) and ionized ammonia, called ammonium (NH4). Free ammonia is highly toxic compared to ammonium (not that this means you can relax if your ammonia is in the form of ammonium), and the proportion of toxic to less toxic ammonia depends on several factors, the most important being pH and temperature. Basically put, the higher the pH and temperature, the greater the proportion of ammonia in an aquarium will be in the form of the highly toxic free ammonia (NH3). This has bigger implications if you have a hard water aquarium at 80 degrees Fahrenheit
compared to a softer cold water aquarium at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. An ammonia reading in the first aquarium would prove far more toxic than in the colder one. A useful rule of thumb is that at a pH of 8 ammonia is 10 times more toxic that at a pH of 7, and at 68 degrees Fahrenheit it is five times more toxic than at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Marine aquarists are more fortunate, as ammonia is 30 percent less toxic in a marine tank compared to a freshwater tank at the same pH. But remember, the only safe ammonia target is zero, irrespective of pH, temperature and salinity! Ammonia’s Effect On Fish Ammonia is a tissue irritant, causing real problems for delicate areas such as exposed gill tissue. The gill tissue responds to this irritation by hemorrhaging, with the delicate filaments thickening and clumping together — a condition called hyperplasia. The vast reduction in surface area caused by the clumping reduces a fish’s ability to absorb oxygen from the water. In addition to their undesirable state of affairs, any oxygen that is absorbed is done so suboptimally, as the presence of ammonia reduces the blood’s carrying capacity. If that’s not bad enough for our fish, the reduction in the surface area of the gills also reduces a fish’s ability to excrete ammonia from its body, causing the ammonia levels in the fish to increase, damaging every cell in the fish’s body. More than 90 percent of all ammonia excreted by fish is done so by the gills. It’s not surprising therefore that when fish do experience ammonia in an aquarium, they show a pronounced and
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typical gasping response.
If ammonia strikes in what has previously been a mature and stable aquarium (not a result of New Pond Syndrome), then you should check the following: 1) Food and feeding. Have you (or anyone else) changed the food or fed more than usual? 2) Check the filter. Is it blocked? Is its flow rate reduced? Does the media need cleaning? 3) Fish count. Are there any fish missing? Is a dead fish decaying unnoticed behind your tank decor? 4) Too many fish? Have you recently added more fish — perhaps more than your tank can handle? In summary, ammonia is lethal, and we should aim for zero levels at all times. Sublethal levels can also go unnoticed, causing fish stress and making them more susceptible to disease. If an ammonia spike does occur, it is likely to be in either a new aquarium (New Tank Syndrome) or due to an acute catastrophic event (overfeeding, fish death, etc.). However, rapid intervention and a mature filter will address both the problem and enable your aquarium (and fish) to recover.
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Nothing’s Unhappier Than A Fat Cat By mike selvon Many people refuse to see the fact that too much food is the cause of their fat cat and its weight problem. You may not be feeding your cat many treats, but you may be feeding them too much at one time, too often, or not enough meals in a day. A cat that gets food once a day tends to gorge in case there won’t be a next meal. Veterinarians suggest that you serve your cat two to four meals a day - and think in ounces, not cups. 0.6 to 1.0 ounces per serving is plenty. Cats were never made to digest carbohydrates. Humans and dogs have special enzymes in their saliva to break down carbohyDo you have a fat cat? Dog and cat obesity is the number drates in the mouth. Researchers have found one pet health problem that vets see today. Our pets are that cats have considerably less of these as susceptible to obesity as humans are. Of course, you enzymes than we do. Dry pet food can have love your cat and want the best for it. You make sure to high amounts of carbohydrates (usually in treat it well and provide for its needs. the form of flour or sugar). You may be treating your cat a little too well. If your cat Dry cat food diets are not always the best for is obese, it is at risk for diseases such as diabetes, Hepatic your cat’s metabolism. The carbohydrates are Lipidosis (fat seeping into the liver cells), and arthritis. immediately converted to fat and the result Just like humans, if a cat (or any other mammal for that is a fat cat. Cats need a meat-based diet with matter) takes in more calories than its body can burn, the high levels of protein. Research shows that cat will gain weight. Forty percent of all cats in the United diets high in fat and protein are best for carStates today have a diagnosis of sedentary obesity and nivores such as cats - combined with plenty that percentage is growing. of exercise. In the wild, a cat expends a lot of energy to hunt down A lot of pet foods claim to be “perfectly baland catch its prey. Cat’s bodies are designed to store anced”. The only way your cat is going to nutrients when hunting is slim. A domestic cat that lives get its true, proper diet is if it was living in indoors doesn’t have to hunt. Food is right there waiting the wild. Popular brands of canned food use for felines any time they want it - the perfect environmany fillers, such as grain, to make the food ment for a fat cat. more visually appealing to the owners.
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Yes, that’s right; the food is produced to be appealing to you and not the cat. Grain is a replacement for real meat that your cat needs more than the carbohydrates grains provide. Pre-packaged treats are another problem that create a fat cat. A treat once in a while is fine. However, owners make a habit of doling out treats far too much when they think the cat is restless or want to reward it for being cute. Never give your cat a treat to stop it from meowing, as this will only encourage your cat to vocalize more. In effect, you’re telling your cat “Good kitty! Keep talking and I’ll give you another one of these treats!” If you must give your cat a treat, try giving it a small piece of cooked fish or chicken, something that is high in protein and better for the cat. Of course, exercise is important to avoid a fat cat. If you can’t change what your cat eats, you can at least try to help your cat burn extra calories. Unfortunately, you can’t go for walks with your cat like you would a dog. Some cats might take to leash training, but it’s rare. A typical domestic cat’s day consists of sleeping, eating, sleeping, and then waking up to sleep some more. If you have a fat cat, those habits will only increase as its weight slows it down. You need to provide your cat with toys and interesting things to do. A cat needs to chase things, play hide and seek, stalk, and do something other than take naps in its favorite sunny window! If you can, get a second cat. The two cats will keep each other busy during the day while you’re away at work. Before starting any diet plan for your fat cat, bring the cat to a veterinarian. Your vet will give your cat a thorough physical exam and discuss with you exactly what options you have at hand to help your cat lose weight. Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our cats portal for more great tips on treating a fat cat, and leave a comment at our cats [http://www.mynicheportal.com/petsanimals/nothings-unhappier-than-a-fat-cat] blog.
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A New Years message from AWL: Adopt from Animal Welfare League of Qld this month and help break rehoming record ! THE start of a new year is the perfect time to start afresh; so what better time to adopt an animal and give them the ultimate rejuvenation – a new home and a new chance at a happy life. The Animal Welfare League Qld’s best month for adoptions was in January 2008, with 585 cats and dogs going to new homes, so this year AWLQ public relations manager Gabrielle Wheaton is appealing to the public to come and adopt and help break the record. “We know more people than ever are choosing to support pet adoption when it is time to bring a new animal into their lives, which is really exciting, and now that we have other animals to adopt as well we should be able to beat our adoption record of 585 new homes found in a month,” Ms Wheaton said. “Not only do we have dogs and cats to adopt, but now you can also give a home to all the ducks, geese, chickens, roosters, goats, sheep, pigs, guinea pigs, rats, and mice we have, and we also have two doves here at the moment, and all these animals need homes.” Ms Wheaton said November had been particularly slow for adoptions this year, with about 50 fewer animals being adopted (284 adoptions in 2010 compared to 338 November 2009) so the shelter was again at full capacity. She also said she was confident that the record could be beaten, as there were new, first-time visitors coming into the shelter every day. “Some animal lovers think shelters are sad places to visit, so they decide to stay away, but that does not help our guests and it’s a real shame because it’s exactly those kinds of people – people who have a genuine love for animals – that we want to see coming to adopt,” she said. “What they need to realise is, because we’re a zero-euthanasia shelter, there’s no
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time limits or age restrictions on our animals - so there’s no such thing as death row here at AWL. “Instead, when you adopt from us you’re actually helping to save two lives – the animal you are taking home, and the animal that can return from foster care and enter our adoption pens.” Miss Wheaton said adopting from AWLQ also gave peace of mind as animals are already desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, have been health-checked by a vet, and have all their flea and worm treatments up to date. She also said anyone who adopts a dog gets a free session in the Friends for Life new dog owner training program, and all animals are covered by a 10-day health guarantee and 21-day settling in period, during which time AWLQ will provide all the advice and training tips you may need.
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The Sphynx Cat By Omer Ashraf
Sphynx is one of the most extraordinary felines. It is remarkable for its appearance which comprises of a supple and hairless body. The singular appearance is owing to a mutated gene that renders the Sphynx into its individual morphological form. It is quite a rare mutation and has been seen for the last few decades in Europe and North America.
However, the first known breeding program initiated in Canada in the mid nineteen sixties after a hairless kitten was born in a litter of regular domestic cats. Its remarkable appearance was noted and presence of hairless cats in subsequent litters led to the development of the breed in earnest. For its country of modern origin, the feline is also known as Canadian Hairless. Today Sphynx cats are universally recognized and greatly admired by cat fanciers.
head, with large ears. Tail and legs are also long and slender. There are very small short hair present on the surface in the form of the down coat. They yield a leathery texture to the Sphynx’s skin. Whiskers are often completely absent though. Skin is seen in all sorts of colors and patterns, the colors and markings being the same of their furs - were they to exist. Wrinkles are often present and serve to insulate the cat from outside temperatures.
A well built cat, Sphynx possesses a strong musculoskeletal framework. Body is long and so is the
Owing to lack of hair, Sphynxes are prone to hot and cold weathers and should be best kept in-
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doors. In winter they are often seen snoozing under bed sheets and lying next to humans and each other to keep warm. Their skin feels warm to touch and is often oily since the hair that absorb skin’s natural oil production are absent in Sphynx. Thus it is appropriate to periodically bathe and groom these cats. Despite popular belief they are not hypoallergenic cats.
Generally though these are very healthy and robust cats who love to play and enjoy themselves. The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Sphynx cat.
In many parts of the world, Sphynx are outcrossed with Devon Rex cats even as experts discourage this practice these days owing to risk of acquiring some hereditary illnesses from the Devon gene pool. www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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Sadly some people’s holidays are more important than taking care of their pets. Every Christmas the RSPCA cares for thousands of abandoned animals across Australia. Become a Guardian Angel to an animal in need and donate now. rspcaguardianangel.com.au