Though pets are animals, there is a difference between the meaning of an unfamiliar animal and that of our pet in our dreams. While cats and dogs, in general -or a specific breed in particular- will represent certain characteristics to us, those of our cats and dogs are very specific. We’re well acquainted with our pets’ personalities, quirks, and behaviors. These characteristics and particulars are used by our subconscious mind when choosing the perfect imagery/symbol to represent a specific idea or concept in our dreams.An unfamiliar domestic animal usually doesn’t have any personality to speak of associated with it in our dream, and rarely does it have any detailed physical traits other than being very large or small; red, black, white, etc.; or having too many or too few limbs (that sort of thing). It’s their general overall attributes such as loyalty, aggression, cunning, stealth, or their actions/behaviours that are of consequence in the dream. However, our own pets in dreams are usually more detailed and personal symbols.We had a family dog, Coty, for a little over fifteen years. He was obedient, loyal, protective, yet playful, funny and gentle. Near the end of his life, his health, his eyesight and his coordination was failing, but we loved him so much we selfishly couldn’t bring ourselves to end his suffering. I still feel guilty for my part in continuing his pain. When he appears in my dreams, it’s usually to draw my attention to an issue or situation that is making me feel guilty or bad, or wherein I am acting selfishly. However, on rare occasions, his appearance in a dream represents safety and protection or unconditional love.As with any dream symbol, the context and additional imagery will determine the specific meaning in the dream.Dogs other than Coty (our Husky), refer to entirely different concepts or issues. I used to dream about a black dog, which was always aggressive, pursued me, and always terrified me. This black dog had no personality, other than fear and aggression. Its presence, size and the emotional response is the reason for its appearance in the dream.Most dream analysts suggest that any animal, whether it’s a pet, a domestic animal or a wild animal, represents our emotions or our true nature. In the case of the black dog, the dream may have been suggesting that I was afraid of my own aggressive nature or emotions. This has some merit in that at the time of the dreams I was having difficulties in my marriage and was more often than not angry with my husband.Our dog, Coty, was a family pet. However, our cat (s), Smokey and Sheera, were considered by all of us, including them, to be my pets. Smokey was especially close to me. He slept with me, followed me everywhere, insisted on being picked up and carried around, and protected me. Smokey was a large, tough tom cat. He was very territorial in every way. He protected me, his home and his personal space. So when he would make an appearance in a dream, it usually meant that there was a territorial or protection issue being addressed.I rarely dreamt (or dream) of unknown cats, and when I did (or do) they are only mentioned briefly. I dream more often of unfamiliar dogs than I do unknown cats. This may be because I’ve always had cats, and since Coty passed away, I haven’t adopted another dog.When your pet appears in a dream, ask yourself what characteristic, personality trait or behaviour of the pet’s do you recognize in the dream. Is your dog a watch dog? Perhaps your animal spirit guide is trying to give you a warning. Is your dog a lazy, cuddly homebody? Maybe the issue of exercise or rest is the issue at hand. If you have a very finicky cat, and if the context and other symbols support this, maybe you need to address your diet, or your finickiness in other matters.Any animal in our dreams has a lot to offer, but our pets offer us a way to look at the issues, situations or problems from a different perspective.

Caring for an animal is a process that owners usually take quite seriously at various stages of their lives. Most pets are reliant on preventative and immediate based care in the same manner as their humans and can often include the need to focus on specific conditions and well being issues that could be faced throughout the aging process. Owners that are worried about this wellness concern should know how to implement an effective joint health program for their canine.Joint health is a major concern among dog owners as they age and become more lethargic over time. Canines in particular are known to develop calcium deposits in their joints which limit their movement capabilities and leads to various health conditions as a result. Preventive and corrective solutions are usually implemented with a great deal of caution.Canine owners that are focused on this health concern are offered a significant number of program options to consider. Each breed and dog is unique in the kinds of complications they could face with their joints which creates the need to carefully sort through all options. Focusing in on the most common and helpful tips allows the owner to improve this health issue for their canines.Obtaining a comprehensive veterinary exam is the most pertinent and initial step in this process. Many animals have unique joint concerns that must be reviewed by a medical professional to ensure all preventative needs are fully understood. Veterinarians are able to determine what specific issues are present to help owners decide what course of action is the most effective for alleviation.Daily exercise routines are also essential for owners to consider when addressing this issue. Exercise increases could be as simple as taking longer and more frequent walks or even going up and down progressively taller flights of stars on a regular basis. Circulating blood through the joints on a frequent basis helps correct the issue over time and alleviates immediate levels of pain.Creating an appropriate diet is also an integral part of this entire process. Specialty foods are available that help promote joint health that are rich in glucosamine and effective weight control ingredients. Most of these foods are clearly labeled with active ingredients and are helpful in creating long term alleviation.Supplements are also pertinent to consider for joint health in canines. Chondroitin for dogs and other helpful supplements provide the increased vitamins and minerals needed for joint health improvement. Many of these supplements are easily purchased at local and online pet stores.

Every guy knows that it is crucial to his health to get the proper amount of vitamins, but not everyone knows what those vitamins do. Take vitamin A, for example. How much does the average man know about this vitamin, or how he can make sure he gets enough of it; or what benefits (if any) it has for penis health? For most guys, vitamin A is nothing more than a nutrient they heard about long ago, maybe in a high school health class or when trying to score a date with that leggy nutritionist.What is Vitamin A?Surprisingly, vitamin A doesn’t refer to a single nutrient. Rather, it is (to quote the National Institutes of Health) “the name of a group of fat-soluble retinoids.” In layman’s terms, this means that vitamin A refers to a range of similar nutrients that go by different names. The name that is probably most familiar to the general public is beta-carotene, one of a group of nutrients in the family carotenoid that the body converts into vitamin A, which comes in certain plant sources of food. For the record, vitamin A derived from animal sources is called a retinoid.What Foods Contain Vitamin A?Vitamin A is found in many different foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Probably the single biggest source of vitamin A is the sweet potato; one serving of this tuber contains a whopping 213.5% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A. Carrots (113.2%) and spinach (104.8%) are also great for vitamin A intake. Other vegetables fall below the 100% mark, but such familiar dietary items as kale, greens, winter squash and cantaloupe can help a guy meet his RDA for this vitamin.As for animal-based foods, milk, eggs and shrimp are among the best bets for getting a little vitamin A.What are the Benefits?Do you remember all those stories about carrots being good for the eyes? It turns out they’re true; the vitamin A from carrots and other food sources can play a big role in maintaining vision health due to its ability to affect photopigments in the eyes.Beyond that, vitamin A is known to help immune system function, which translates into improved ability to ward off colds, infections, etc. The immune system creates antibodies to go after bacteria and other causes of inflammation; vitamin A plays an essential role in making this process work more smoothly and effectively. Therefore, a guy with a health supply of vitamin A is likely to be healthier overall.The bones need vitamin A, as well, since this nutrient is a strong supplier of the calcium that bones require to grow, develop and repair. Skin health is also improved by absorbing adequate amounts of vitamin A. Too little of it can cause skin to develop a flaky or scaly appearance; it can also worsen cases of acne.Vitamin A and Penis HealthMen should also be interested in vitamin A for the effects it can have on penis health. There are two ways in which vitamin A benefits the penis. First, it is necessary for proper sperm formation; studies have linked vitamin A deficiency to a decrease in spermatogenesis, which can make impregnation more difficult to achieve.Second, vitamin A’s anti-bacterial properties can aid both the look and the smell of the penis. The dermatological benefits mentioned above can impact the kind of dry, flaky penis skin that is a turn-off to partners (current or potential). Equally important, those same properties help diminish the bacteria that can cause unwanted and off-putting penis odors. Unpleasant male organ aromas are one of the most frequent complaints from women.Men interested in using vitamin A to target the penis are advised to locate and use a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that includes this vitamin in its ingredient list. The use of a topical cream helps to ensure delivery to the penis; this is especially valuable where skin quality or odor issues are of concern.