The many different breeds of turtles can just about be classifed as completely unique animals. Different types of turtles have specific requirements for diet, housing and health care to save on pricey vet bills. Here is a brief overview of the different breeds of turtles that people keep as house pets.

Box turtles- Box turtles the only species that has hinges near the front and back of their shell to actually close themselves completely in their shell. Their large high domed shell makes them awkward swimmers so beware any deep water areas with a box turtle.

The Painted Turtle- Beautiful pink and yellow markings make these turtles very easy on the eyes. They have a friendly disposition as pets, but tend to be fussy eaters at times. Try offering some crickets or earthworms for a snack thats too good to resist.

Snapping turtles- These include the aligator snapping turtle which is particularly aggressive and has an insane bite pressure. Snapping turtles are not ideal for a pet due to their temperament, but there are people that keep them anyway and say that if cared for properly they make excellent pets. Safety first with these types of turtles.

Mud Turtles- One of the easiet breeds of turtles to own as pets. A close relative to the Musk turtle, Mud Turtles are very hearty and resilient animals. You need to pay attention to a mud turtle just like any other, but they eat just about anything that any other turtle would eat and do not grow to be enormous. If there is such a thing as a beginner turtle the Mud turtle would be it.

Sliders- Red and yellow eared sliders are given their name from the colored splotch that is where there ears would be. Highly aquatic animals that require more attention to their water condition than different breeds of turtles.

Musk Turtles- Very hearty and resilient as pets. The Musk turtle is also nicknamed the “stinkpot” for its ability to secrete a bad smelling substance from the anal glands in times of danger. People have owned musk turtles for their whole life without once having the turtle secrete, which speaks to the mild mannered nature of the musk turtle.

Cooters- As far as pets go Cooters are known as one of the friendlier species of turtle. They grow anywhere from 6-16″ with females groing larger than males.

There are over 300 identified species of turtles in existence and dozens of them are different breeds of turtles that people keep as pets. Snapping turtles would have to be the most challenging. You have to worry about basic turtle care on top of their unique temperament. Don’t ever get too close to the jaws of a snapping Turtle or you will surely be sorry that you did!

(Spin)
As mentioned earlier the Mud turtle is fairly easy to care for making it a good beginner turtle. However the most popular species among the different breeds of turtles commonly kept as house pets is the red eared slider, but they are a bit more challenging due to their aquatic habitat.

To summarize, if you are looking for a beginner friendly turtle for a pet try a mud turtle. They are not nearly as expensive to keep as your everyday aquatic. If however you are interested in an aquatic turtle of some kind the painted turtle and red eared sliders are beautiful to look at and have the right temperament to make a good pet.

If you have ever wondered what type of lawn mower is best for you, read on. Learn which type of mower will be perfect for mowing around your garden or for mowing around your large land area. First, you need to evaluate what you will be using your lawn mower for. You should always go with a known brand, like a Toro or John Deere, as these have been awarded many times as being manufacturer of the year.

Which mower should you choose that will best suit your needs? One of the best brands of mower out today, is John Deere. These green power tools come in a wide selection and each is for many different purposes. If you plan to cultivate your own land for growing food, they have a special model just for that.

Also, the type of grass you are planning to cut should also be a factor when choosing the type of lawn mower you are going to buy. A John Deere Utility lawn tractor is perfect for those who have a yard larger than most. This mower will be able to provide you with the power and reliability that only lawn tractors can give.

A new model of lawn mower’s are the robotic lawn mowers which come equipped with a sonar detection system that will automatically slow down when it senses an object close by. These new sonar detection systems will also stop the lawn mower’s blades before they cut into the object. If you have small children or pets who like to leave objects around the yard, this is the best idea for you. Also, some of the robotic lawn mowers have touch sensors on them. These touch sensors are able to change the direction of the mower’s blades when they feel on object, other than grass of course, and will keep the object from being run over. These new detection systems make it very unlikely for any lawn mower related injuries to happen.

A big reason why the sonar detection systems were created was to make sure no pets get hurt because of a lawn mower. Since the detection systems were put on to some of the models, no incidents of injuries have been reported. Dogs have a natural inclination to bark and chase a moving object that makes noise. There is a better chance of your dog attacking these robotic lawn mowers than it is for a robotic lawn mower to hurt your family dog.

Another reason why so many people have opted to go with the robotic lawn mowers is because they move at a relatively slow pace, when compared to normal mowers, and it give people and/or pets the time to move out of the way. Even though it might take you a little longer to mow your lawn, it will help keep the seventy-two thousand lawn mower accidents a year from rising.

Pets are curious creatures by nature, always looking for something interesting to eat. This habit can sometimes get them into serious medical trouble when they accidentally find a toxic substance. Protecting pets from household poisons is all part of being a good pet parent. Start by following these tips on hazardous substances that are commonly found right where you live.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers for humans are frequently the cause of poisoning in dogs. Though some of these medications are sometimes used for veterinary care, the dosage is critical for safe administration. Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, can cause severe liver damage. Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can cause gastric ulcers and kidney failure. Naproxen can cause stomach perforation, gastric ulcers and acute kidney failure and should never be used on dogs. If you carry these drugs in your purse, ensure that your dog cannot get at them.

Antidepressants

Increasingly, doctors prescribe antidepressant medications not only for depression, but also for a variety of other medical conditions. When pets accidentally get ahold of these medications, they may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting and signs of -serotonin syndrome,- a condition that causes agitation, elevated temperatures, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures and disorientation. As with over-the-counter pain relievers, these medications are often left in purses or on nightstands where pets can get into them. Take extra precautions with these medications and keep them in childproof containers on a high shelf.

Chocolate

By now, everyone knows that some types of chocolate are poisonous to dogs. However, this information has not reached the dog world, and dogs continue to take every opportunity to snap up chocolate candy, cookies and cake whenever they get the chance. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which metabolizes much more slowly in dogs than in humans. Small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause serious toxicity that requires anti-seizure medications and IV fluids. Of course, dogs only know chocolate foods taste good, so they must rely on owners to keep them safe. A program for protecting pets from household poisons includes keeping these foods on high counters and shelves where pets cannot reach them.

Grapes and Raisins

Many dog owners may not yet have gotten the word on grapes and raisins being poisonous to dogs. It wasn’t until about 25 years ago that documented statistics on the toxicity of grapes and raisins have been available. It is not known why these foods are toxic to dogs, but some researchers believe it may be a mycotoxin, a substance produced by a fungus or mold that causes the problem. After consumption, the dog may show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, seizure and eventual acute kidney failure. The prognosis for recovery depends on how much was eaten and how quickly treatment was begun.

Onions

Onions can cause anemia in dogs and should not be given to them, either cooked in table foods or raw. Onions contain a substance called thiosulphate that is toxic to both dogs and cats. This substance damages the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the animal’s body. Hemolytic anemia can cause lethargy, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea. As little as five grams can cause toxicity.

Xilitol Sweeteners

Xilitol is a type of artificial sweetener that is found in many foods for humans. It is often used in chewing gum, cookies, candies and products made for diabetics. Xilitol is toxic to dogs and can produce changes in blood sugar levels, vomiting, lethargy and difficulty walking. Seizures and liver failure can also result. Protecting pets from household poisons means no Xilitol, ever.

Rodent Poison

Any poison you use to kill rodents in your home or yard can be ingested by your pet with disastrous results. Your dog or cat may find and eat the poison or consume part of an animal that has eaten it. Most rodenticides contain anticoagulant compounds that cause bleeding to kill the rats or mice. Symptoms of rodent poisoning in dogs may not occur until a week after ingestion. Bright green stools and bleeding from nose, ears, rectum or other areas can occur. Get your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you see these symptoms. Always use these poisons with great caution and keep your pets out of the area.

Household Plants

Generally, grown dogs will live with plants in their houses or yards without trying to eat them. However, puppies are often more adventurous and will try a taste of anything that is remotely edible and many things that aren’t. Common household plants that can be toxic to dogs include philodendron, ficus, croton, Boston fern, jade plant, snake plant, schefflera, antherium, ivy, spider plant, corn plant and pothos.

In your yard, bulb plants such as amaryllis, daffodil, gladiolus, iris and tulips can be toxic to dogs if they are prone to digging them up. Asparagus fern and lace fern are also poisonous. Hydrangea, kalanchoe, foxglove, morning glory, nightshade and tomato plants can also be poisonous to dogs. Shrubs like oleander, rhododendron, yucca, holly and sago palm should also be monitored closely to ensure that dogs do not eat them. The list of plants found in fields and wooded areas is extensive and varies from region to region. If you are out in these areas with your dog, ensure that he does not sample the local (possibly poisonous) flora.

Insecticides

Insecticides can be deadly to your pets. Always remove pets from the area when using them. Ensure that toys, feeding bowls, rawhide chews and other equipment are removed to avoid contaminating them with the pesticide. Keep pets out of the area until the insecticide has completely dried. Signs of insecticide poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors or seizure. Get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible if you notice these symptoms after using a home or garden insecticide. Bring the insecticide with you to the vet so that he or she can treat the animal appropriately.

Household Cleaners

Substances like ammonia and bleach are highly toxic to pets if consumed. When these chemicals are mixed together, they can produce toxic fumes that can be deadly. Chlorine products used for cleaning and pool care are also toxic. Any type of floor, bathroom or all-purpose cleaner can contain harmful amount of these substances. Cleaners should always be stored in cabinets that close securely to prevent accidental ingestion.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Generally, dogs encounter this substance when it drips from car engines. It gets left on the garage floor where the dog can lap it up. Some people use antifreeze in their toilets to keep pipes from freezing. Because antifreeze has a sweet taste, dogs may be attracted to it. However, it can affect kidneys, liver and the brain of these animals. Always store antifreeze on high shelves or in cabinets. Clean up any spills immediately. Seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze.

Fertilizers

Garden and lawn fertilizers can also be toxic to your pets. Though the pet may not directly eat the fertilizer compound, he can pick it up on paws, bones or toys. Always water the fertilizer to allow it to seep into the ground before allowing your pet into the area. Signs of fertilizer poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. There may also be difficulty breathing. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for emergency care if this happens.

Alcohol

Some manufacturers of conventional pet medications add dangerous amounts of straight grain alcohol to their products. Alcohol is a cheap preservative which allows products to be warehoused for many years with minimal spoilage. But alcohol, even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA and an increasing number of informed veterinarians, animal rights organizations and medical researchers.

Makers of pet dental care products that remove plaque and tartar are among the worst alcohol abusers. Many of them spike their products with 190 proof Grain (Ethyl) Alcohol, equal to a whopping one-fourth (25% by weight) of their product’s ingredients. That’s like serving our beloved animal companions a 50 proof cocktail with every application.

Pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City offer affordable yet luxurious accommodation for guests and their pets. There’s no better way to experience the warmth of Oklahoma City than by the oodles of hospitality showered all over you. While the innumerable attractions of Oklahoma City would be a feast for the senses, the hotels in Oklahoma City would offer the warmth those tired and aching muscles need.

The actual services offered may vary from hotel to hotel, though you can always expect a great package. Most pet friendly hotels in OKC are well-equipped with features such as free local phone calls, handicap rooms, free wireless Internet, iron and ironing boards, complimentary parking, satellite TV, coffee makers, room service, smoke detectors, voice mail, valet cleaning service, safe deposit boxes, hairdryers, buffet breakfast, great dining options, etc. Recreational opportunities include gym, outdoor pools, heated pools, wading pools, and tennis courts. Other options are also provided by hotels.

The suites in some OKC pet friendly hotels are extremely spacious and offer the ideal blend of exclusivity and relaxation. The features offered include living room area with sleeper sofa, large screen TV, refrigerator and microwave, coffee maker, guest bathroom, king size bed, garden tub, Jacuzzi tub, exclusive patio, and more. Pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City offer non-smoking as well as smoking rooms.

Dogs require to be leashed, and it’s also important that you specify you’ll be bringing your pet while reserving online. Pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City generally offer shuttle services to either all or nearby points of interest in the city. Reserve your pet friendly hotel, and you can experience OKC better.

Oklahoma City Hotels – The Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center is one of the finest pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City. Located only 1.5 miles from downtown Oklahoma City’s historic Bricktown District, the Bricktown Hotel is your destination for superior lodging when you travel to Oklahoma City.