How to take great photos of your pet

We all love our pets. They do such funny, adorable, and cute things. But somehow when that camera comes out they run and hide or they just seem to always be pointed away from the camera when you push the button. Well, here are some tips to help you have a better chance at getting great photos of your pet.

* Don't wake your pet out of deep sleep and attempt to coax him into performing for the camera. It won't work. Try to take photos of your pet during their routine playtime. A shot of your pet playing with a ball, or companion or even chasing its own tail would make a great shot.

* If there is enough daylight to take photos then turn the flash off. My dog has learned to close his eyes just before the flash goes off. He learned that little trick quick too! Many times a camera flash is just too bright for them, that's why they point away from you when they know that you're taking photos.

* Don't try to get them looking into the camera. If there is someone around who can play with your pet just get a shot of them playing with someone else. You can have the photo with the person and the pet or get close to crop the person out of the shot.

* If your pet always runs away from you every time you pull the camera out try leaving the camera out where it can be seen. This way your pet will get use to the camera and it would not be a big deal when you actually take it out to get pictures.

* Be prepared to grab your camera and take photos when your pet is ready. I've been able to get some of the best photos of my dog when he's just doing something on his own. Keep in mind that natural behaviour is best for captivating photos.

Remember don't put pressure on your animal to perform for the camera. Think more on the lines of catching them in their natural habitat. Our pets want to make us happy and you can easily confuse them by pressuring them to look good for the camera. Also be prepared to take a whole lot of bad photos for that one really good one. Happy photo taking folks!!!

Flower of the week :

Orchids

People in Sri Lanka have been associated with flowers for ages. This enables us to see the beauty in growing Orchid flowers.

The family of Orchid constitutes the second largest family of flowering plants and widely distributed in ranges throughout the world. They grow in areas of excessive rainfall at sea-level, under semi desert conditions and localities of perpetual fog.

Orchids can be divided into two groups depending upon their habitat. The majority of tropical species are epiphytes growing above ground, mainly on trees and occasionally on rocks and boulders.

Orchids that grow in areas of high rainfall are Vanda, Phalaenopsis etc. They grow in length with the help of a single bed. Such kinds of orchids have to be watered regularly. In contrast with epiphytes are the ground Orchids which grow like ordinary plants with their roots in the soil.

All Orchids do not grow under the same temperature. It depends with the varieties. Orchids do not like sudden changes in temperature. In return the flower reacts with a bud drop. A difference of 10-20 degrees between day and night temperature is ideal.

Tropical Orchids enjoy a humid, warm atmosphere while they burst into activity during the periods of rain and drought. Orchids enjoy direct morning sunshine, also some varieties can take full overhead mid-day sun. A plant which has being grown in the shade should gradually be shifted to sunlight so that with each move the orchid gets little more sunlight.

The first requirement in potting is to ensure that the pot is well cleaned. The mixture should be free of dirt. A liberal quantity of large crocks should be placed at the bottom of the pot and the mixture of broken brick, tile and charcoal is placed around it. The plant should be firmly potted until the roots establishes its growth.

Oncidium

Name: Oncidium Orchid commonly known as the golden shower orchid.

Description: delicate sprays of tiny flowers, shaped like skirted girls.

Colours: Yellow with Brown spots.

Care Tips: They can last several weeks. They like cool air and regular misting and are sensitive to ethylene gas to keep them away from fruit, vegetables and dying flowers. Snip off old flower heads.

Vanda

Name: Vanda is the Hindustani (Urdu) name of the flower.

Description: Elegant five petalled flower, several to a stem.

Colour: A wide range of shades with spots.

Care Tips: Vanda can last for several weeks. They like cool air and regular misting, and are sensitive to ethylene gas, so keep them away from fruit, vegetables and dying flowers. Snip off old flower heads.

Dendorium

Name: Dendorium Orchid/ Singapore Orchid

Description: Spreads of 10-12 dainty flowers on slender stems, often like daffodils in shape.

Colour: Available in creamy white, bright magenta purple, pink, green, red and some striped. Availability all year round.

Family: Dendoriums are just one species of orchid.

There are over 250,000 different orchid species and hybrids. The most decorative have been bred for cut flower use.

Care Tips: Like most orchids they last a long time both on the plant and once cut, looking fresh up to three weeks or more. Faded flowers on the bottom of the stem can be removed to encourage upper buds to open.

Facts: Dendorium orchids used to be considered exotic. In recent years they have become much more widely available. They still ooze glamour and elegance with just a couple of stems adding a sophisticated touch to a garden.

Pet Clinic

With Dr. Ashoka Dangolla. Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Sciences. B Vsc; Dip. vet. Epid; PhD.

Canine Distemper

Similar to Parvo, Distemper is also a virus infection. It spreads very rapidly. There are five different forms of Distemper and thus, it is fairly difficult to diagnose. Sometimes the signs of the disease differ. For instance, the animal can have either loose motion or nasal discharge.

Other signs of the disease include coughing or vomiting. There is also a case called "Hard Pad Distemper" where the dog walks around noisily, showing as if its footpad is stiff.

There are no commonly available tests done for Distemper. It is basically on the veterinarian's experience and clinical judgement that you decide on Distemper. Since it is a virus, just like Parvo, it is difficult to treat. However, the secondary infection can be controlled by giving different antibiotics.

Supportive therapy can be given to make the dogs stronger so that they can fight these germs better. It is essential to support the system by giving different types of fluids like Saline and Dextrose. The best thing for the animal lover is to vaccinate when it is necessary and to keep on boostering it every year.

The vaccine for Distemper does not come on its own. It comes either with Hepatitis and Leptospirosis (DHL). Or else there is the vaccination called "five in one", which is Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Rabies, and Parvo all included in one.

Generally, Distemper is the second vaccine that pups are injected within about 8 to 12 weeks after birth. Then it is boosted two or three weeks later. From there onwards, it is given every year. This vaccination schedule can be altered by the veterinary surgeon depending on the risk. For example, if there is an outbreak of Distemper, he can give it early and repeating it sooner.

Sometimes, if the mother is properly vaccinated, the vaccination of the pups could be delayed. This decision must be taken by the veterinary doctor.

However, in some cases, even after vaccination, there is a slight possibility that the dog can be affected with the virus. If you notice any of the signs of Distemper mentioned above, please take your dog to the vet without delay. Then the required treatment can be started immediately.

Generally, cross breeds or mongrels do not get the virus but there have been a few situations when stray dogs have suffered from it. The infection spreads through them. Since it is a virus, the germs can spread through air. Therefore, your household dogs should be vaccinated especially if they go and mix with other dogs.

Unlike for Parvo, Distemper has a long course. You can see the dogs becoming deteriorated. So if the signs are obvious, the vet can almost come to a correct diagnosis.

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