Exotic pets may expose young children to higher risks of disease and injuries than traditional household pets, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians in a new study published in their medical journal Pediatrics.

The pediatricians’ group says these non-traditional pets – which include hamsters, hedgehogs, baby chicks, monkeys, lizards and turtles – are likely to carry harmful or even potentially deadly germs. In addition, these exotic pets also tend to bite, scratch or claw much more often than the familiar cats and dogs.

The germs on their bodies and their unpredictable behavior can put younger children at risk, particularly those aged five and under. Children in this age group are more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing and they also put their hands in their mouths more often than at older stages.

Parents have little understanding of the risks from potential infections exotic pets carry, according to researchers. They cited that:

One out of 10 salmonella-related illnesses in children is believed to arise from playing with small reptiles like lizards, iguanas and turtles. One hundred and three cases of salmonella infection in the late 2007 were due to pet turtles.

The same germ is also found in hamsters and can induce severe diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

Salmonella is common in baby chicks. Young children love to kiss or touch these animals, and the germs transfer to their mouths.

Hedgehogs have sharp quills that can penetrate children’s skins. This can introduce bacteria into the inner layers of skin and cause fever, rashes and stomach pains.

In 2003, an outbreak of monkey pox infected 20 people in the Midwest. The germs came from imported African Gambian rats which infected prairie dogs subsequently sold as pets.

The study said pet reptiles may be present in nearly four million households across the country. This estimate was based on data from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The report also noted a 75 percent increase in the number of exotic pets in the country from 1992. By 2005, illegal importations of exotic pets into the country had grown to 88,000 mammals, 1.3 million reptiles and 203 million fish.

The report also warned that children can be infected even in public places when they touch animals at zoos.

Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe wireless dog fence.

Insurance is something that every pet owner must consider. After all, veterinarian visits cost as much as physician’s visits today.

You need pet insurance since your pets are getting old too, making them susceptible to age-related illnesses and diseases. Besides, what if your beloved pet figures in an accident? Do you have any idea how much pet care costs these days?

The key to make pet insurance work for you is to get it early – the minute you bought your pet. This will help you enjoy all the benefits that insurance offers.

Don’t worry if you have an exotic pet. Although most insurance covers only the “basic breeds”, there are many providers out there now today that cater to more unusual breeds. All you have to do is look for them.

Regardless of the type of pet you have, you need to do your homework when selecting the right animal insurance provider. This ensures that you will have a problem-free experience when trying to make claims.

Here are some questions to answer and consider in selecting a good pet insurance:

What are the different pet plans available?

Given the current age of your pet, which plan do they recommend and why?

Are claim payments based on the bill of a veterinarian or the provider’s benefit list?

Are the dental needs of your pet covered?

When you file a claim, will they increase the premium afterward?

As your pet gets older, will you need to pay higher premiums?

How are pet insurance claims handled exactly?

What is the exact coverage of the pet insurance they’re offering?

What are the limits the pet insurance they’re offering?

If you love your pet, ensuring that you can properly care for your dog or cat is a must. Having pet insurance not only provides the best care but it’s a financial safety net for you too if need to spend a big sum of money for your beloved pet’s care.

If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis pain, don’t make it suffer any longer. Relieve joint pain, lubricate the joints, increase flexibility and improve mobility with the right Dog osteoarthritis Medicine .

Pet medications are available either by prescription or over-the-counter. The latter means that anyone may purchase the medicine without the consent or advice of veterinary doctor. In short, no prescription is needed.

A prescription medication is one that Food and Drug Administration regulations allow to be obtained only by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Commonly, pet owners will ask a veterinarian for a written prescription for medications in order to procure those medicines from a source other than the examining veterinarian. Veterinarians are ethically bound to provide a written prescription upon the patient’s request and to document the data in the pet’s medical record.

The veterinarian may ethically charge a fee for writing the prescription and that prescription writing fee can be whatever the veterinarian chooses. The bottom line is that the client does not have to obtain or purchase the pet medication from the examining veterinarian.

Keep in mind that the veterinarian is not required to call, fax or correspond with the pet owner’s supplier; but that person is ethically obligated to provide a written prescription so that the patient can obtain the medication at a supplier of his or her own choosing.

Some non-prescription medications are “sold only to licensed veterinarians”. This is a company policy and not mandated by law. It is not illegal for a veterinarian to re-sell non-prescription medications to other pharmacies or outlets; nor is it illegal for another business to sell these non-prescription products.

All pet medications should be treated with respect. Keep in mind that individual animals may have an adverse reaction to just about any medication.

Your veterinarian should always be your first source of information about pet health care. Years of special training and a commitment to keeping your pet healthy will work to your advantage whenever your pet needs care or medications.

If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis pain, don’t make it suffer any longer. Relieve joint pain, lubricate the joints, increase flexibility and improve mobility with this best cats pain relief.

And that’s just the beginning. As of 09/15/2008, Geneva’s list of canines declared as unsafe or vicious has grown to 15. The newest additions are the Bull mastiff, Thai Ridgeback, and French Mastiff, a.k.a. Bordeaux Bulldog.

The population’s outrage was felt in the first ever Geneva citizen ballot, which resulted in a landslide 80 percent in support of stricter laws regarding what kind of control and owner education and regulation should be required.

The inhabitants annoyance was felt in the first ever Geneva citizen election, which resulted in a total victory 80 percent in support of stricter laws on the subject of breed control and owner schooling and regulation.

Owners who owned one of the flagged breeds before legislation was passed may maintain the dog, but only after reporting ownership to the cantonal veterinary office, proving that the dog originated from an approved breeder, completing a dog training course, and licensing the dog. Only one dangerous breed is permitted per household.

Owners who owned one of the identified breeds before legislation was passed may retain the dog, but only after reporting ownership to the cantonal veterinary office, proving that the canine came from an approved breeder, completing a dog training lessons, and licensing the dog. Only one dangerous breed is allowable per household.

Geneva divides the 15 breeds into different categories, with each category holding specific requirements. A complete list of dangerous breeds and regulations can be obtained through Geneva’s cantonal veterinary office.

In addition to provisions that must be made for dangerous breeds, Geneva’s general dog owner population, caretakers of the canton’s 30,000 dogs, is subject to new rules. As previously declared, specific guidelines for the proper keeping of dogs must be followed. But more recently, every dog owner is now required to attend a dog ownership course, regardless of their dog’s breed.

Besides provisions that must be made for dangerous breeds, Geneva’s dog owner population, custodians of the canton’s 30,000 dogs, is subject to new policy. As earlier stated, specific guidelines for the appropriate keeping of dogs must be followed. But in recent times, every dog owner is now required to attend a dog ownership course, despite their dog’s breed.

Geneva isn’t the only Swiss canton that’s tightening the lead when it comes to pet control. Valais, Fribourg, Bern, and Zurich have their own legislation. And, prospects point in the direction of future rulings regarding concern and control of dogs in all of Switzerland, including tougher accountability for owners and national breed bans.

Whether you’re a lifelong Geneva local, sightseer, or expatriate, familiarizing yourself with the policy governing dog ownership within the canton will put a stop to complications. Following those rules will shelter you, your dog, and your record with the commandment.

Don’t fail to comply with Geneva’s freshest, and older, dog ownership regulations by acquiring half truths, or no information. These laws are in place to protect both you and your pet.

As with any enforced change, we’re likely to hear more from veterinary professionals, as well as pet owners, about the pending Swiss pet housing and care regulations. There will no doubt be friends, and opponents, of the plan.

We’ve all heard that No Man is an Island, and according to the Swiss Federal Council on September 1, 2008, no guinea pig or budgie should be either.

The new regulations aren’t targeted solely at owners of cavies and budgies, but include 175 pages of rules that apply to circuses, farms, and zoos, as well as individuals that own other domesticated pets.

Advocates of the new rules, prospected to be compulsory in September 2010, include the animals whose care is in question, as well as those worried about unemployment rates in Switzerland. There will be manpower required to enforce these rules, as well as trainers needed to teach pet owners.

Though established with the welfare of our furry friends in mind, these upcoming Swiss pet regulations have been met with a certain dose of cynicism.

Naysayers question the potential of these 175 pages to bring order. Case in point,

How can minimum enclosure sizes for budgies and guinea pigs be uniformly implemented?

How will a literal ban on canine possession for those who haven’t completed a dog ownership course be imposed? What will happen to dogs whose owners are disobedient?

How will inhabitants of Geneva, where tight dog ownership regulations are already in force, react to 16 hours of additional required instruction?

Farther out of the budgie budget are minimum cage size obligations for large animals, such as elephants and rhinoceroses. Sanitation guidelines relate to zoos and circuses, which the Swiss government reserves the right to insist on.

Farmers are likely to zoo out about the imminent enforcement. Some regulations are established, like the ban of chicken cages since 1981, but others might come as a shock. Continuous tethering of animals is now out of the question, while swine have get the right to showers on warm summer days and spotless pens all year round. And horses, like guinea pigs and budgies, will no longer be living solitary lives.

In the same way, breeders are going to have to rear a new viewpoint in regard to care of animals on their properties.

The most recent Swiss animal ownership rules will not go into full effect until September of 2010, and until they do, the Swiss administration wants to stress their wish to encourage education, rather than to implement with a strong arm. This, however, does not point toward a lax attitude on their part, when penalties are called for. If an event, such as a dog bite, calls for action, action will be taken.

You may own a seemingly indiscernible pet, like a budgie or guinea pig, or a run an association that displays the largest land mammal alive. Whichever way, be prepared for education, restrictions, and tougher conditions

The best plan of action for any animal owner will undoubtedly be to familiarize him or herself with regulations that apply to their specific animal ownership situation.

Whether you’re a lifelong Geneva citizen or a newcomer to Switzerland, animal ownership instruction is not an option, it’s the law.

No matter your destination, when traveling abroad with your pet dog, cat, ferret, bird, or other pet, doing your homework can make your trip with your companion a seamless one. A trip to your pet’s veterinarian for paperwork and other provisions will likely be in order.

First, whenever traveling globally, always carry an international rabies certification for the dog, cat, or ferret that’s with you. Your animal’s veterinarian should be completely familiar with this certificate. The date of immunization on the certificate must be within 30 to 365 days of your arrival on overseas soil. Less than 30 days, the vaccination may not be in full effect. More than 365 calendar days, and the vaccination may be terminated.

The Swiss Federal Veterinary Office in each region will also check to make sure that the rabies certification was issued in the district of your primary, or most recent, home.

Other requirements consist of ensuring that animals traveling with you do not number more than five, that they will not be sold, or possession otherwise transferred, once inside Swiss borders, and that they are planned to act exclusively as pets.

Importation of canines with docked tails or cropped ears is forbidden.

An assessment fee of CHF 88 will be gathered for each imported cat, dog, or ferret at a customs locations or veterinary facility.

Regulations also apply to pets that are traveling back into Switzerland, but do not apply to pets traveling by highway or railway from other points in Europe.

Comprehensive requirements for specific pets, including procedures and records, for travel to Switzerland as an individual with a pet can be found at the Swiss Customs site.

Swiss arrival rules with an animal, as part of a global group can be found at the Swiss Mission site.

Customs regulations regarding importation of domesticated animals are in place for good reasons. Among which includes protection for you and your animal.

Whether visiting or moving to Switzerland, avoid a travel nightmare by making complete provisions for arrival with your pet. Equate your pet’s proper paperwork to your own passport. Without it, you and your dog, cat, rabbit, or other companion will not be crossing the border together.

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol that has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is toxic if consumed in even small quantities. Pet owners should use safe antifreeze in their vehicles that contains propylene glycol (it is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts). Ethylene glycol can be found in snow globes that’s why you must keep them out of the reach of animals.

Cocoa mulch contains ingredients that can be deadly to pets if ingested. It has achocolate smell that is tempting to some animals.

Fertilizer and plant food can be fatal to a pet. Chemicals should be avoided especially if your pet spends a lot of time in the yard unsupervised. Biological ways should be found for your plants’ protection.

Cedar, pine and other soft woods release fumes that can be unsafe to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Salts used to melt snow and ice is irritant and can be poisonous if licked off. Your dog’s paws should be washed and dried as soon as the animal comes in from the snow. Another option is the use of doggie boots with Velcro straps.

Insect control products, such as the insecticides may be toxic to companion animals. Prescription flea and tick control products recommended from the veterinarian are much safer and more effective

Vapors from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly to birds. Always be careful when using any pump or aerosol spray around birds.

Human medications can all be venomous to animals. Keep medication in safe places not easily reached from your pets. Never leave your pills or ointments in a place easily accessed from your pet.

Remaining food such as chicken bones that can easy brake in sharp pieces can choke a cat or dog. Other human foods that should be kept away from pets are onions and onion powder; alcoholic beverages; yeast dough; coffee grounds and beans; salt; macadamia nuts; tomato, potato, and rhubarb leaves and stems; avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and dairy goats); and anything with mold growing on it.

Some common plants can be poisonous for your pet like azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), lilies, mistletoe, and philodendron, among others.

Rawhide doggie chews may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can infect pets and humans who come in contact with the chews. These kinds of chews should be offered to a pet only with supervision, as they can cause a choking danger as well.

Cord, fiber, rubber bands, and even dental floss are easy to ingest and can cause intestinal blockage or strangulation.

Toys with removable parts can cause a choking danger to your pet. Buy toys that are for pet use (no plastic parts, material animal friendly)

For more information about common household dangers, see The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet Owner’s Guide to Common Small Animal Poisons.

The HSUS recommends that pet owners use all household products with caution and keep a pet first-aid kit and manual readily available. The HSUS puts out a first-aid book in conjunction with the American Red Cross entitled Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs. If all of your precautions fail, and you believe that your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary service immediately. Signs of poisoning include listlessness, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, lack of coordination, and fever.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center operates a hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 888-426-4435 for a fee of $45 per case. If you call, you should be prepared to provide the following information: the name of the poison your animal was exposed to, the amount and how long ago; the species, breed, age, sex, and weight of your pet; and the symptoms the animal is displaying. You’ll also be asked to provide your name, address, phone number, and credit card information.