Pet Partners
An Educational Newsletter for Pet Lovers
May 2008
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Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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Your Oasis in the Desert
Contrary to popular belief, the desert environment of Las Vegas is a terrific place to have a pond and keep koi. The “warm” summers and temperate winters make koi keeping enjoyable year-round. Who can think of a better way to wind down from a stressful Vegas work day than sitting beside your very own oasis in the desert hand feeding a few of your 24” beauties? The mixture of vibrant colors, graceful swimming and flowing sounds of water are sure to release your tensions.
Just like the commitments we make to care for our dogs, cats and other pets, there are a few things to understand when keeping koi. They require space and a comfortable aquatic environment to develop and mature to their greatest potential. Proper nutrition to ensure healthy, maximal color and vitality are essential. Health care (yes, I said health care) is another point that shouldn’t be overlooked. Below are some of the basic points to consider when planning and maintaining a healthy pond.
1. Site:
- Plan for an area that gets partial shade from the mid day sun. Shade can be from trees, house, walls, trellis, etc.
- An ideal minimal size would be 8ft x8ft with a 2-3 foot depth.
- Consider a raised wall pond versus a ground level depending on your back yard theme or safety needs.
- Use of rubber lined pond or cement walled pond are options to consider, but it is strongly recommended not to have rocks on the bottom as it tends trap waste and toxic debris.
2. Water quality: (Steps taken to maintain the health of the aquatic environment)
- Filtration: 2 types should be used. Mechanical filtration is the use of filter media to remove large particles, leaves, algae, and debris from the water. Biological filtration is defined as the support and use of beneficial bacterial populations to breakdown and detoxify fish waste products in the aquatic environment. (hint: ammonia is MOST toxic).
- UV can also be added to help sterilize the water. An air pump is also recommended to maximize oxygenation.
- Use of both a bottom drain and skimmer are necessary to remove waste efficiently from the system. A return to the pond other than the water fall, like a jet in a hot tub, is encouraged to provide circulation in the pond.
- It is strongly recommended that regular water parameter testing is performed. It is better to use a liquid based test kit for accuracy and avoid the less accurate test strips type. Values most important to regularly check are pH and ammonia. These values can change quickly and will harm your fish if not detected early and dealt with quickly. See your test kit for information on evaluating all parameters.
- Water changes (about 10-20%) per week are recommended while backwashing the filter system to assist in the system clean out as well as to add fresh supply to the pond.
3. Nutrition:
- A good diet should be offered 2-3 times daily in the summer and 1-2 times in the spring and fall. No feeding should take place when pond water temps are less than 50 degrees.
- Periodic snacks like krill, fruits, and cheerios can be offered and often entice your fish to eat right from your hand.
4. Health care:
- Problems with our fish can be minimized by maintaining great water quality. Fish should be observed daily while feeding for signs of illness or abnormality.
- Ill fish may seek solitude from the rest of the school. They may be red or have sores on the skin. Often excessive mucus is seen on the body. Abnormal swimming like flashing (jetting quickly on its side either at the bottom or surface), listing, gasping or clamped fins are all signs of problems.
- Veterinary exams on fish can and are routinely performed both pond-side and in a hospital setting. Often skin scrapes, cultures, x-rays and even blood testing can be performed to make a diagnosis.
- It is a good idea to have the number of the Las Vegas Koi Club (221-1564), a pond professional and a qualified aquatic veterinarian handy in case of emergency.
With proper initial planning and some routine maintenance, koi keeping can be a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the following websites:
Article written by Dr. Jason Sulliban of Aloha Animal Hospital. Aloha Animal Hospital vets treat all exotic animals, including Koi Fish.
How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Jumping Up?
There are a wide variety of reasons your dog may jump up on visitors and guests. Most likely, your dog is seeking attention or trying to share in the excitement of a new arrival. Provided your dog is not being aggressive, try one of these hints:
- When your dog is trying to jump on you or your guests, instruct everyone to ignore your dog until the dog calms down or sits. Then give plenty of gentle attention as a reward for settling down.
- Teach your dog to go to “his spot,” whether it is a crate, couch, or simply a rug on the floor. This will teach your dog they must wait for their turn to greet.
- Keep treats or your dog’s favorite toy by the front door. Whenever someone comes to your home, ask your visitor to toss the toy or treat into the room. This will teach your dog to anticipate the “goods” being somewhere other than in your visitor’s lap.
There is a wide range of training and behavior treatment techniques for working with "problem" behaviors in canines. Please visit these links for access to reading materials and trainers who can work with you on this and other dog behavior issues.
Dogwise.com
This website provides a host of behavior books, videos and dvds focused on the training, behavior and husbandry of our canine friends.
APDT.com
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers provides resources for locating trainers and behaviorists in your area. They also have a section dedicated to helping owners determine the right trainer for their needs.
Dog.com
A great online resource for finding training toys, leashes, pet beds, and other great dog accessories.
CannyCo.com
A revolutionary new walking collar for dogs. This new head collar attaches to the leash at the back of the head, providing a safe alternative to other head collars.
Shelly Volsche is a graphic artist and pet enthusiast in the Las Vegas area. Her interest in dog behavior has culminated in time spent working at doggy daycares, obedience training, and canine behavior studies. These resources are available for educational purposes. Please consult a licensed behaviorist for help with your specific dog training concern.
Adoptable Pets at the
Nevada SPCA
Sam
I am a sweet bunny who loves to hop and play. I am a house rabbit looking for a forever home. I will make a great pet for someone who is willing to learn about proper rabbit care and give me the best home possible. I live indoors, want to hop around the house, and am litter trained. Please come visit me and my 80 bunny friends at the Nevada SPCA.
Freeway
Freeway got his name because he was found running loose on the side of the highway. He is a beautiful kitty who would prefer to be an only cat. He is about 2 years old and ready to go to a loving, forever home.
Hamsters, gerbils and
guinea pigs, oh my!
There is a wide range of pets available at the Nevada SPCA. Stop by to find a small pet to suit your home! Photo courtesy Greasie Wheels Productions, LLC.
For more adoptable animals, please visit www.nevadaspca.org.