Handling and Shaving a Swiss Mouse

Hi Readers,

As the veterinarians are working for the well being of animals. But it's also necessary to do some experiments on Laboratory animals. The animals which come under the heading of Lab. Animals include Swiss Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Poultry and Monkeys etc.

Each specie of animal needs some special care and management in the laboratory environment. Scientists handle and practice on them. But a veterinarian may manage his own lab, he can do experiments and can easily analyze different medicines.*

For the purpose he may house Swiss Mice, as the are frequent breeders, need less management, can easily live on common grains and wheat floor. For their proper food and management a new post would be published. But today I got a video, with basic information to handle these Mice.

The basic rules are:

- Catch them from tail base.

-Pull them slightly towards yourself.

(Due to this, it will try to move in opposite direction)

- Now put your hand between its shoulders.

- Lift the skin, capture with a tight grip.

- Hold its tail under the small finger of your hand.

- Raise the animal.

Now the animal is under your full control. No need to hesitate, and if it tries to bite you, you may suddenly leave it. Or You may through it on the table. A height of 1.5-2 feet can't kill them. But this doesn't mean that you can play a Catch and Through game with them. LOL :*)

* Don't try to violate the animal rights. Experiments can only be carried out upto a limited level.

Ok now watch the video and learn to capture and control a Lab. Animal.

Ok, Now for different protocols, mostly a shaved skin is needed, for the purpose we can use an electric shaving machine. With a sharp and smooth blade. The process is as follows:

Important: Take care about the rights of animals. Animals are also living creatures, they also feel pain, and I believe; they also have emotions. Learn on them, but don't try to abuse their services.

Ticks, A Big Danger for Live-Stock

Hi Readers!

Few days ago I was sitting by, my teacher Dr. A. G. Arijo (Ph.D). He is the Chairman; Dept. of Veterinary Parasitology, TandoJam, Pakistan. Really a hard worker and researcher. We discussed on a tour to the Province Balochistan, Pakistan. He told me some amazing things, which I want to share to you.

- Tick is a common arthropod vector for a variety of pathogens i.e.: rickettsia, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

- They are common problem for all type of live-stock and wild animals.

- Frequently infect the Dogs, Goat, Sheep, Cattle, Buffaloe, Camel, Deer, Blue Wildbeest and many many other animals.

- Secondary to primary infections, irritation, restlessness; they are also responsible for many other problems.

- Bacterial Diseases Caused due to Ticks are:

> Lyme disease

> Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

> Ehrlichiosis anaplasmosis

> Relapsing fever

> Tularemia

- Viral Diseases Caused due to Ticks are:

> Tick-borne meningoencephalitis

> Colorado tick fever

> Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

- Protozoal Infections Transmitted by Ticks are:

> Babesiosis

> Cytauxzoonosis

- And Above all ticks are poisonous as well and they are resposible for spreading a specific type of poison which is responsible for Tick Paralysis.

You can see ticks at the soft tissues of the animals, specially those where the head or legs cant reach. Find them under the tails, at the head and neck region specially on the ears. Be aware of the threat that this tiny arthropod can cause to live-stock as well as to the human beings. In case of animals Ivermectin through Subcut. route is a treatment to this problem, which mostly works efficiently.

Cheap Collars for Your Pet

Hey There! Today I am going to tell you a very very cheap method to make collars for your Pets. These Collars are used for the case, if your pet got an injury, or he has faced a surgery, or if he licks his wounds.

In these cases there may be the risk that your per may break the Stitches, or remove the bandage or any other complexity may be produced due to licking. Your pet may even swallow the Drug applied on his body.

To prevent him from doing so with the help of a collar.

Yes! You can make a pet collar at home, You simply need following few things:
1. An Old X-Ray Film
2. A Ribbon
3. Scissors

With the help of these things you can make a collar.

Let's Start:
First of all take the old X-Ray Film, Simply guess the neck length of your pet (It may be 2"-4").
Cut the X-Ray accordig to your need, Fold from the sides (Only to avoid sharp edges).
Make small pin holes in it's sides.
Pass the ribbon from these holes, at both sides.

See in the picture, that how simply the Collar is applied to Dog.

Now Your Collar is ready, Put it over the neck of your pet. Tight it with the help of ribbon. Now your pet is unable to turn its head back and lick it's injured parts.

It's free and simple, Try it and then comment here. Your suggestions are welcomed.

Which Food is Good for Your Cat…?

Hi There! Thinking you and your pet will be fine. Today I'm going to tell you about the Food, which suits best for specific groups of cats. I'll explain you according to categories like; Kittens' Food, Adult Cats' Food, Senior Cats' Food and may also for ill pets. So, Keep studying. And If you are a real PET LOVER than you can follow this blog. As I regularly appear here.

Your "DUSTY"

(The Cat)

* Cats' Food:

We like fish. But to tell you frankly, the nutrient from fish-only dish or even from the home made food cooked by our beloved owner is actually not enough for our kinds.

Today readymade-cat food seems to be the best choice for us because it has been scientifically formulated to provide 100% completed and balanced nutrition for cats of all breeds. We do love its delicious either and both of crispy dry and wet foods are all yummy for us.

The crispy dry food helps keeping teeth and gums strong and healthy but consists less of water compared to the wet one. So, if we're fed with the dry cat food, we have to drink a lot of water. The wet cat food is tenderer and juicier but can bring tartar to our teeth earlier. The amount fed according to the age is also important since it directly affects our health.

* Kittens' Food:

The kittens should be fed with the kitten food because they need more protein and energy. They may not like it first, same as me when I was a little cat, the trick is to start with a little amount at the time they are starting to wean (5 weeks old). You can make the dry cat food easier to chew for the kittens by mixing it with milk or water. But after they have weaned, mixing with milk should be avoided because milk can't be well digested and can cause disordered stomach. If you have lots of kittens with you, be sure that the bowl is big enough for them to eat together. At the beginning, you should feed them around 4-6 times a day then reduce to 2 times a day once they're 6 months old, then switch to the adult food at the age of 1 year.

* Adult Cats' Food:

Adult cats, like me, need less protein and energy than kitten. So, if you keep feeding us with kitten food we will receive over nutrient than we actually need and that will affect our health. In case of illness or pregnancy (either intentionally or unintentionally), kitten food can be used because we need more nutrient and energy than usual. Anyway, if you notice any health problem, it would be better for us if you ask for medical advice from the veterinarian in order to adjust the food that suit the illness.

* Senior Cats' Food:

Unlike human, 7 years for us is considered old. The need for nutrient and energy is less than adult cats. Furthermore, the older we are, the weaker cats we become. So the menu should be adjusted to fit our health.

After having sterilization, we're lazy to do anything. So, if we still eat in the same amount, we will get fat easily. The owner should feed us only 75% of the usual amount and try to persuade us to do the exercise. If it's too late and your once lovely cat has become a big already, you should feed him or her with obesity cat food or consult the veterinarian to arrange the diet program.

Hope; the information above will help you much, and you'll follow this as a guide for your Cats' Food.

Yours' "Dusty"

Ecto-Parasites on Your Lovely Pet . . . ?

AA… Ahh…! I love Dr. Keyani too much. As, he keeps a very good care of me. And I think, you also keep a lovely eye on your own lovely Kittens and Cats. I am absolutely fine and perfect these days, as I take bath regularly, I eat well, and most important that I don't have any of Ecto-Parasite on me. But I think your pet may have some of them. Ecto-Parasites are one of the most dangerous threats to us. They bring and spread diseases. As well as they can also transfer diseases between you and your pet (Zoonosis*). I am going to include some common parasites in today's discussion. Hope you'll pick my points to take care of your pets.

Flea:
Whenever you've found the fleas on us, that means there are many stages of them such as eggs and larva in your house. To get rid of them, first you have to eliminate all stages of fleas around your house, then do it inside the house and eradicate ones that parasitise on us with the effective chemical solution suggested by the veterinarian, but it on your own can harm all of us and you.

Tick:
This is one of our villains that can make us weaker. The way to get rid of is quite similar to one of the fleas, the slightly difference is the cycle of life. And the use of the chemical should be under the supervision of the veterinarian.

Mite:
There are many kinds of Feline mites. They cause different symptoms according to the place they are. For examples, if they are in our ears, the result is the inflammation. If they are the kind that affects our skin, the result is the leprosy, either dry or wet (Yuck!). The cure is similar but it takes different length of time, especially if wee are weak, we can suffer from mite easily and pain will be severe. You'd better take us to see the veterinarian once you notice the symptom.

Mosquito:
The mosquito is a carrier of Feline Dirofiliasis disease. It cause parasitic worm in our heart which shorten our life. If you can't protect us from the mosquito or realize that we are in the risk, please ask for the advice from the veterinarian.

Oh! Poor Cute Kitten

When I tried to unlock the entrance door of my Quarter. I heard a sharp sound of a little kitten, coming from inside. This was much strange for me that about fifteen minutes ago there was not any living being left in my home as I moved out with my friends.

But now the kitten was an uncalled guest at my home. I heard that the screaming sound was coming from my kitchen. After a little search, I saw a cute white baby cat with big grey patches on her back, also a beautiful patch on the left side of her face.

I stretched my hand to touch her, but I think I was a first human being that she even saw. (At least I can think so) because she was not even knowing that what a love is. I tried my best to catch it, but failed. It was the time of noon. I put a bowl of milk near it and moved out of the home.

On my return, I think it was about 9 o'clock. I moved to the kitchen, the kitten was still sitting behind a bag of news papers. It was strange for me that she didn't even touched the milk. The bowl was still full of milk. It meant that she was hungry from more that 6 hours. I tried again to take her in my lap but she ran away. After an effort of about half an hour, I caught it in my towel. Yeah! in the towel which was under my use. But I was happy that I succeeded to catch it, but it became too much frightened, her heart beat was very fast. She even tried to scratch my hands. By the good luck she was wrapped and rolled in the towel. I put my hand over her head and slightly moved to her back. I repeated so several times, but she was still freighting. I put the her head over the bowl but she turned her face away. This worried me much that she was hungry from more than 7 hours and still she is not taking anything.

The reason that I understood for her such a behavior was that she was unable to drink the milk from a bowl and she is completely breast feeder. Suddenly an idea struck to my mind. I took a cotton bud and dipped it in the milk, and squeezed it over her mouth. Suddenly she sucked the whole cotton, but she also tried to swallow the cotton as well. As it was harmful for her. I tried to arrange an alternate.

The alternate was a tube feeder, which I invented with the help of a ball point pen. I used the covering of pen for sucking milk in it. I sucked some milk in the tube, during this my grip on the cat became loose. Suddenly the kitty tried to run away and I put some more pressure on her. This produced a jerk because of which the milk in the tube was swallowed by me. Yes, this was the same milk in which I put her mouth to drink it. But what can be done now.

I sucked again some more milk in the tube and than released drop by drop in her mouth. I was happy that she started taking milk. I repeated it several times. After that I felt that her belly has been filled to some extent. I released her back in the kitchen, and returned back to my bedroom. But her screaming sounds were still coming. I tried my best to sleep but she was not allowing me to do so.

I don't know that how many time was passed, I was passing my night in my eyes, but at last I fell asleep. I think I remained awakened up to 3 A.M.

But...

My desire to adopt this kitten was all vanished, in the morning, before going to University, I wished to put her in a basket to take it with me for necessary check-up and vaccination. But she was no-where in the home. I tried my best to find her out, but I failed. I think that her mother took her away because she was unable to climb the walls of my quarter. She was about 3-4 weeks old and I think her mother can easily take it with her mouth.

My little new guest remained in my home for just few hours. She entered my home strangely and then left me silently. I wish her to revisit my home, and I will put a little bell, with a red ribbon in her neck.

Dedicated to CUTE KITTY.

Amazing Cat Facts . . . !

Lets today, I want to share some amazing and interesting CAT FACTS with you.

Terawood Antigone:
4 Year-old Burmese cat, delivered 19 kittens on August 7, 1970. This was the largest amount of the kittens that can be born at a time. But 4 of them died, so 1 female and 14 male were left.

Ketalina Lady:
The Burmese cat from Melbourne, Australia, is now the oldest cat. She was born on March 11, 1977.

Puss:
Was the cat that had the longest lifespan. She was born in 1903 and died on November 29, 1939. One day after her 36th birthday.

Himmy:
Was the heaviest cat. She weighed 21.3 kg. (46.8 pound) and died at the age of 10 as the result of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis.

Dusty:
Back in 1952. In he life span of the cat from Texas named "Dusty". She delivered 420 kittens. This is the highest number we've ever recorded.

The Aunt of a Tiger:
In Pakistan, People use to say that "A Cat is the Aunt of a Tiger".
The reason behind that is that it keeps much similarities to that of a tiger. So, Tiger is the nephew of a Cat

Eating can effect Your Cat's Health

Hi Dear Welcome Again! I think that you know me well. I'm your "DUSTY". Today I am going to tell you that how a cat's food can produce dangerous effects on its health. There are two main types of problems which are produced due to our meals.

• Hepatic Lipidosis:
This is the illness resulted from the excess of fat in the liver which affects the activity of the liver. This symptom usually found in the 4-12 year old cats because most of them are fat, especially the female, they will be fat easily after having sterilization (Removing reproductive abilities). If we don't eat anything for a long time our lives will stop working and that leads to the Jaundice and Hepatic Encephalopathy then we become coma and finally pass away. Before everything will be too late, you you can prevent this by observing us closely, make sure that we can eat if you change the food. If we're sick or bored of food, please take us to see the veterinarian if you find other symptoms.

• Urinary Calculi:
How could you know that we're suffering from calculi? You will know that we have urinary calculi if you see us urinate just a little or bloody. Once you notice that, please take us to see veterinarian immediately because it could cause us dead in 24-48 hours!

The way to prevent is so easy by letting us sip a lot of water to dilute the concentration of the urine. Place the bowl full of water for us around your house and change the water daily. Provide enough cat litter tray so we can urinate easily, and please don't forget to change the cat litter in the appropriate time for each kind.

- You know that?
Some times bad sanitation can also cause our illness. Please take a good care of our sanitation so that we don't have a veterinarian so often.

Ok, well I think that now you can also keep a good care of my friends, which are with you. Have a sweet smile to your pretty KITTY :-)

Hey Kitty, Lets take a Bath!

I am a three years old cat. Dr. Keyani Calls me "DUSTY". I actually don't like to take bath. All the cats mostly don’t like to take bath. But it is necessary to keep us clean. You should practice us to take bath since we were kittens and make us have a good attitude toward it.

Before starting, everything such as the tub, bath towel, comb and shampoo that suit the nature of our hair and skin, should be prepared. You should comb our hair before we get wet because it won't hurt us and it's much easier to comb. You can cut our nails and clean our ears and eyes if you'd like to.

Then apply the solution on eyes and plug the cotton wool into our ears to prevent the irritation from water and shampoo, put the towel on the bottom of the tub so that we wouldn't slip. Better bath us with warm water and avoid using the shower because we prefer you to pour the water on us. Chatting with your beautiful voice can relax us well. After bath take out the cotton wool in our ears it can cause inflammation if you forget. Finally, dry us with electric hair dryer and your can comb us as well. But some of us are scare of the electric hair dryer's sound. In this case, you can towel us as dry as you can and leave us where it is clean and not too cold.

So, Now I shouldn't be called as DUSTY, because I am no more DIRTY. But what could be done Keyani still calls me so because it is now my permanent name.

Be Happy and Have Fun with your Cute Kitty. Bye...

Vaccination Schedule for Your Cat

When the cats are kittens, they should be fed with Colostrum* in the first 36-48 hours, because it transfers the immunity against diseases from mother to offspring. Anyway this immunity doesn't lasts for life time. So, cats should be vaccinated with the vaccine of Feline Panleucopenia, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Rabies as Scheduled to keep them healthy.

Vaccination Schedule for Cats:
AGE VACCINE
7 Weeks: -> Combined Vaccine*
10 Weeks: -> Combined Vaccine, Feline Leukemia,(In Case of Risk)
12 Weeks: -> Rabies
13 Weeks: -> Combined Vaccine, Feline Leukemia (In Case of Risk)
16 and 19 Weeks: -> Feline Infectious Peritonitis (In Case of Risk)
Adult: -> Combined Vaccine, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Leukemia, Rabies

* Combined Vaccine of Feline Panleucopenia and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

The mother and her babies should be vaccinated one at a time. And the schedule can be rearranged according to the health of your cat or the situation of the diseases as analyzed by the veterinarian.

Things to do along a Vaccination:

The thing which should be done along with Vaccination is Parasitic-Worm Excretion.

• For Kittens, you can do parasitic-worm excretion when they are 3 weeks old and repeat in the 5th, 7th, 9th week.
• For adults, you can do every 3-6 months.
• Do it once you've adopted a new cat and repeat in the 2nd week, then do it every 3-6 months. And they'll be fine.

This is the reference program from American Association of Veterinarian Parasitologist (AAVP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can be adjusted by Veterinarian.
Colostrum: The First Milk, produced from the udder of a Mother, in the first 24-36 hours; after giving birth to young one.

Recommendations:

This schedule is recommended by

• American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA)
• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)

Take Care of Your KITTY

Owning a pretty baby CAT is very interesting experience, especially when it is healthy and naughty. Cats are very beautiful creatures of God. A wild cat doesn't needs any specific care and attention, but a family animal should be cared regularly, as it keeps them healthy and clean. Children can play with them harmlessly. Following are some basic steps, which should always be considered for a CAT CARE.

Shampooing:
Shampoo your cat regularly with a special anti-flea shampoo. Use luke warm water. Wash the shampoo thoroughly, because cats lick their bodies very frequently. Dry their body with the help of soft absorbent towel.

Important: Handle the animal gently while shampooing. Rub the towel from head to tail only. Avoid direct sunlight during and just after shampooing.

Brush them Regularly:
To brush a cat is good for her hair and skin, and they can feel love from your touch. Some cats are not familiar with brushing, please go easy on them.

The Right direction to brush is from head to tail. I would be great if you can brush them daily, especially for the long-haired cats, fat cats or sick cats who face a difficulty in licking their hair. While brushing hair, you should their hair and skin if there is anything wrong so you can prevent it in time.

Brushing the hair can also prevent from the obstruction of hairball in the intestine, this hairball can go through gastrointestinal tract when cats lick their hair.

Clean Ears:
Please kindly clean the ears regularly. Don't let them be so filthy and filled with cerumen. If you notice that your cat is scratching and flipping the ears, that is the sign of the problem with the ears. If you suspect the inflammation in the ears, please take them to the veterinarian for proper care.

Eye Care:
Remove the matter from the eyes, since it can cause bacteria to develop in the eyes. Trim the eyelashes and keep it short to prevent irritation. If you are scare to do so, take her to the veterinarian.

Important: The color of eyelash can be changed by the touch of tears. Don’t panic, rub it with the solution that reduce tears reaction once a week.

Teeth Care:
Teeth grow when cats are four months old. Teeth brushing is needed in order to prevent teeth decay and plaque. You can find toothpaste and toothbrush that specially made for them. It's better to brush their teeth everyday in order to guard the teeth from tarter which can cause gum inflammation, achy gum, unstable teeth, even worse, the infectious disease flow through the blood current to the liver, kidney and heart, these are the results of bad teeth, which can be removed on your own. The only way is to take them to the veterinarian who will use a general anesthetic and get rid off tarter with the special equipment. Another way to prevent tarter is to feed them with the crispy, crunchy, dry cat food.

Nails Care:
If the nails of your cat are too long, it can scratch nails until they are broken and bled which results in the inflammation.

The best way to prevent it, to cut their nails every 3-4 weeks. If you unintentionally bleed her while cutting the nails, you can apply stop-bleeding powder which can easily be found at the pet shop or press the cotton wool on the wound around 1-2 minutes.

Important: Please go easy on you cat if she resist to cut the nails.

Conventional Pets / Check out Your Pet...

Some Intro. about Conventional Pets...

Dog:

The domestic dog has been one of widely kept working and companion animal in human history, as well as food source in some cultures. There are estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world. Dogs are very social animals, but their personality and behavior varies with breeds.Dogs are employed in various roles across the globe providing invaluable assets in areas such as search and rescue; law enforcement; guards for livestock, people or property; herding; guiding the blind; acting as pair of ears for deaf; assisted with hunting, and great many other roles which they may be trained to assume.

House Cat:

Cats are also been kept as a companion animal. Cat gathers much more attention than a dog; as you can find a cat very commonly in the beds and on the sofas, in the bedrooms, guest rooms and common rooms. It has been studied that keeping a cat prevents undesirable rats to come in the homes as that may destroy stocks of books, clothes, silk, food and grains etc. As well as transferring many infectious and epidemic diseases in the areas. It also has an ability to hunt vermin, snakes and scorpions.People are also interested in the cats because it use a variety of vocalizations and body language for communication, including meowing, purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking and grunting.

Gold Fish: (Carassus auratus)

Ornamental fish of the carp family, originally domesticated by the Chinese. More than 120 breeds are recognized, as well as the common goldfish. They vary in color and markings, and in conformation of the fin, tail and head. Their lifespan can range from 2 years to 25 years. Size may vary from 5cm to 30cm or more.

Budgerigars:

A bird specie, related to the group of canaries and parrots. It is a cage bird and may be found in aviaries.

Guinea pig:

Also known as a “Cavy”, the guinea-pig is technically a rodent, Cavia porcella, originating from South America; it is better known as children’s pet, a laboratory animal, and as an animal bred for show purposes.

Siamese fish:

This is very popular hobby mainly concentrates on tropical fish. Many of these are imported. The methods used for their capture may cause injury. The result of this and subsequent mishandling may not be apparent until the fish are in the possession of hobbyist. Deaths even then can still be due to the method of capturing.

Zebra Fish:

It is also a famous aquarium fish, usually sold by the name of zebra danio. More details are included under the heading of Siamese fish.

Syrian Hamsters:

Small brown rodents popular as domestic pets: the dwarf russian and the golden hamsters. The former also known as the striped, hairy-footed hamsters, comes from Siberia, Central Asia and Northern China.

Ferrets:

These attractive creatures are extremely popular as pets. They need crefull and expert handling; a bite to the finger can penetrate to the bone. Their females are called “jills” while males are “hobs”. The jills not used for breeding are spayed.

Gerbil:

A small burrowing rodent, originating in deserts, popular as pets. They live for 3-5 yrs; adults weigh 50-90g, the females being larger than males. Sexual maturity occurs at 10 weeks. The gestation period is 24-26 days and the young are weaned at 21-24 days. Rectal temperature is 37.4-39oC. They are naturally healthy animals; markedly free from infectious diseases.

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND:

A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both; animals and humans.This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals and the environment. The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potentials of this relationship between people and other animals.The Bond Between human and animals is an immeasurable thing, but only in those cases where a strong love is present between them. If its there we can observe the companions in every aspect of their life; from bed to their class rooms, from breakfast to dinner, and from parties to loneliness. . . .


Different Types of Human-Animal Bond:

Just Only as a Property:

Some people believe that owning a pet is like owning a car. They consider the pet property and typically you only see this animal when it is ill, and has been ill for a period of time. The owner has finally decided that they should bring the animal in, but they do not want to pay a lot of money to treat it. They feel like the pet is a nuisance and unworthy of them spending any amount of money on it. After all, they can just get a new one.

Keeping as a Commitment:

Other People understand that having a pet is a commitment. They come in regularly for vaccinations and they do bring in the animal if it appears ill. These owners are willing to pay for blood tests to try to diagnose the animals’ medical problem, but they may not be willing to take it to a specialist if recommended.

A Deep Friendship:

Some People has a so deep relation to their companion animal; so that the animals have become family members. In some cases, these pets even get Christmas presents from Santa and have their own Christmas stockings so that they do not feel left out.

A Family Member:

These owners do not believe that their pet is an animal at all. It is a mutated human who can comprehend everything, and the owner can understand what the animal says. These animals sleep with the owner, are in family portraits, and if they have a slight cough, the owner is racing in like it is a full-fledged emergency. They are willing to do whatever it takes to find out what is wrong with their “precious baby” and to treat it.

Your Pet is Your Doctor...

ANIMAL FACILITATED THERAPY:

Pets also generally seem to provide their owners with non-trivial health benefits; keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit confined humans. Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.

• “The companionship of animals decreases loneliness and stimulates conversation,”

• “By encouraging touch and giving humans a sentient creature to care for, interaction with animals stimulates physical reactions that are very necessary and important in humans.”

• “Many times, pets give attention to a person who otherwise might not receive as much,”

• “They stimulate exercise, encourage laughter, and facilitate social contact,”

• “These benefits add up to an improved sense of well being.”


Health benefits

So,

This shows that;

the pets have the ability to stimulate their caregivers, in particular the elderly, giving people someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past. Having a pet may help people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress. There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help a person lead a longer, healthier life. In a study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments, within a year 11 of the 29 without pets had died, compared to only 3 of the 52 who had pets. A recent study concluded that owning a pet can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 2% and that pets are better than medication in reducing blood pressure. Dogs which are trained to be guide dogs can help people with visual impairments.Even pet owners residing in a long-term care facility, such as a hospice or nursing home, experience health benefits from pets.In the field of mental health, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been found to be a helpful treatment in the following areas:

Emotional safety:

The therapist may be viewed as more approachable if there is an animal present. The power structure has shifted and the environment is less threatening.

Relationships:

Clients who have difficulty developing a relationship with other human beings are able to relate to an animal. The animal can be a source of love and companionship and the client can direct feelings of love and concern for an animal when he or she may have difficulty with the expression of emotions in a human relationship.

Attachment:

An animal can offer the opportunity for uncomplicated attachment. Learning the skills of attachment from the relationship with an animal will help in developing a relationship with other human beings.

Grief and loss:

Many people have experienced the loss of a beloved animal. Processing that loss can assist the client in working through issues of loss and abandonment.

Socialization:

The presence of animals provides the opportunity for social interaction and interpersonal connection. Play and laughter--a client can learn how to play through interactions with an animal.

Anxiety:

The ability to focus on the animal rather than the internal feelings of anxiety can help the client to learn distraction skills in a non-threatening environment.

Zoo Staff and Their Responsibilities

ZOO:

"Zoo" means an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public and may include a circus and rescue centers.

ZOO STAFF:

Individuals, who care for animals in zoological parks or aquariums, are called as “Zoo-Staff”.Zoo staff offers an opportunity in the specialized and demanding profession of maintaining captive exotic animals for conservation, research, public education and recreation.Zoo staff cares for a diverse collection of animals from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians to fish and invertebrates. Some keepers become highly specialized, such as those who work in animal hospitals or who concentrate on a specific group of animals such as exotic birds, great apes, elephants or reptiles.

MEMBERS OF ZOO-STAFF:

Following are the positions at which members of staff in zoos and aquariums provide their everyday jobs; and a brief description of their duties. Not all positions are found in all zoos, and responsibilities may vary in different conditions.

1. Director/Chief Operating Officer: Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. He is responsible for the institution's operation and plans for future development. He may also be defined as the “Head Authority”, at the zoo.

2. Assistant Director: Assists the director and assumes charge in the director's absence. Helps in the routine tasks of the director or may even report about the matters, being operated in the department.

3. Finance Manager: Manages the institution's finances, including payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.

4. General Curator: Oversees the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. He is responsible for strategic collection planning.

5. Animal Curator: Manages a certain portion of an institution's animal collection. He may manage a specific category of animals in which he has to show his efficiency and full ability; i.e., mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc.

6. Veterinarian: A veterinarian is responsible for the health care program for the animals and the maintenance of health records.

7. Veterinary Technician: Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.

8. Registrar: Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.

9. Director of Research: Supervises research projects, serves as link between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals.

10. Director of Conservation: He oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. He serves as link with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.

11. Conservation Biologist/Zoologist: Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.

12. Head Keeper: Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.

13. Senior Keeper: Provides primary animal care for a department.

14. Keeper/Aquarist: Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.

15. Operations Director: Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment. He supervises the daily activities of the zoo.

16. Curator of Exhibits: Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics. May also give guidance in the matter of designing, style and arrangements of benches, stalls, paths etc.

17. Curator of Horticulture: Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.

18. Curator of Education: Plans and implements the institution's education programs.

19. Public Relations Manager: Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media. He may also assign sign boards, banners and other advertising activities even in the zoo. Deals with the problems and complains from the public during their visit at zoo.

20. Development Officer: Develops and manages fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.

21. Marketing Director: Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.

22. Special Events Coordinator: Develops and implements events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.

23. Membership Director: Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. He may also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds.

24. Shops Manager: Manages staff and all aspects of shops and canteens, from buying products to designing shops.

25. Visitor Services Manager: Supervises the staff and facilities that are provided to the visiting public; including concessions and restrooms.

26. Volunteer Coordinator: Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public. He may also stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.

27. Docent Volunteer: Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.

28. Junior Keeper: Some institutions offer a summer program for high school students who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are; often similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZOO-STAFF:

For the day-to-day management of the animal collection and the operation of the routine activities of a zoological park, each of the members of the zoo staff should contributes to future development and improvements to the zoo. They should communicate with other zoos, conservation organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies. So that; best service can be provided to the animals, visitors and as well as to the other members of the staff. For that; zoo staff should be:

1. Responsibly communicate effectively both orally and in writing with subordinates, staff members, and the general public.

2. Knowledge of principals and practices of supervision to direct large numbers of people. Ability to make decisions that affect all aspects in the operation of an accredited zoological park.

3. Ability to effectively use the Animal Record Keeping System (ARKS) and Single Population Animal Record Keeping System (SPARKS) animal record keeping systems. Ability to use computer processing and electronic mail systems.

4. Ability to be able to communicate effectively with all Zoo Sections, other Divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department, other City Departments, and other zoological facilities and colleagues.

5. Must have the ability to make decisions concerning animal husbandry standards and have the ability to communicate and coordinate veterinary activities with veterinarians.

6. Possess in depth knowledge of the standards and programs of the zoo and to actively participate in them.

7. Ability to oversee the day-to-day operation of the physical plant of the zoo and coordinate all work requests and projects with the maintenance department while considering budget constraints.

8. Possess knowledge of modern zoo exhibit design and the ability to convey that knowledge to support organizations, architects, staff and public.

9. Ability to solicit and establish service contracts with numerous manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and other businesses as needed.

10. Ability to operate high-powered firearms and tranquilizing equipment.

11. Serve as Zoo Administrator responsible for zoo operations exercising independent judgment in supervising staff on duty in absence of any other staff member.

12. Knowledge of animal behaviors, since close contact with potentially dangerous animals can occur daily.

13. Basic understanding of the transmission and prevention of zoonotic disease.

14. Manages the institution's finances, payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.

15. Oversee the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff.

16. Maintain computer records on the animal collection and apply for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.

17. Supervise research projects, provide a link between the institution and the academic community, and publish articles in scientific journals.

18. To oversee the institution's conservation activities.

19. Provide scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assist in conducting various research or field conservation projects.

20. Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.

21. Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment.

22. Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.

23. Plan and implement the institution's education programs.

24. Promote the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.

25. Develop and manage fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.

26. Create advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.

27. Develop and implement events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.

28. Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only.

29. Manage staff and all aspects of shops and canteens.

30. Recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers. Also to stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.


OTHER ABILITIES:

Beside these responsibilities, each and every member of staff should also have following abilities. So that, in case of any emergency any one can manage the matter on the spot; without losing any time.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Must possess knowledge of modern zoo, animal and personnel management. The ability to manage the day to day operation of the physical plant of a zoological park including contractual services, communication between city divisions and departments and the understanding of federal, state and local regulations. The ability to use computers and to communicate effectively in written form. Must possess skills to speak effectively to staff, media, public and civic groups. Must possess the organizational skills to maintain high standards of operation in a job requiring a myriad of skills. Possession a valid Driver's License.


EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:

Ø Some years progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution.

Ø Bachelor's degree in related field. Training in one or more related schools.


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

Ø Computer processing and records keeping.

Ø Electronic mail systems

Ø Knowledge of routine processes and organizational structure.


SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Ø Experience working in or with zoo conservation organizations, Species Survival Plans, Fauna Interest Groups.

Ø Ability to communicate, formulate plans and compromise with staff members from different departments.


MACHINES/EQUIPMENT USED:

Members should have an exposure to the following:

Ø Firearms/tranquilizing equipment
Ø Printers
Ø Motor vehicles
Ø Copiers
Ø Animal restraint devices
Ø Egg incubators
Ø Computer
Ø Calculator


PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ø Ability to be able to handle/direct emergency situations to include: weather, animal escape, animal injury/illness, zoo guest injury/illness or burglary/robbery.

Ø Ability to be able to cope with potentially irate and/or defensive zoo guests.

Ø Ability to be able to exercise independent judgment in a wide variety of situations.

Ø On occasion must be able to work outdoors in weather extremes.


CONCLUSION:

Simply;Zoo management needs highly responsible and efficient staff. Which should be active 24 hrs a day & should remain ready for any emergency matter, at any time.