Pet Supplies Show
August 26th, 2009 | 
Author: Pet Supplies Show
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 TWO SIDED Dog Tag Cat Pet ID Name Tags Collar Charm  US $3.00
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 Ultrasonic Dog Anti Bark Barking Stop Training Collar US $.61
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 Dog Collar Leash set Martingale Greyhound My Stars US $9.99
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 Dog Collar Martingale Greyhound The Zoo 14 18 neck US $5.99
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 Dog Collar Martingale Greyhound Elegance Dark US $9.99
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 Dog Collar Leash Set Martingale Stripes on Brown US $9.99
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 Dog Collar Martingale Greyhound 14 18 neck siz Brownie US $5.99
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 ST FRANCIS Protect My Pet Paw Medal Tag Charm Cat Dog US $7.95
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 Pick Any 2 Dog Pet Cat Puppies Collars Bandanna XS S US $2.99
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 GOD BLESS MY DOG St Francis Halo Pet Medal Tag Charm US $5.95
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 8 Pet Dog Cat CollarSmall Dog118 Wholesale US $12.99
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 Dog Collar Martingale Greyhound Fall Pumpkins 14 18 US $14.99
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 Med Dog Collar snoopy peanuts pet supplies leash NEW US $5.59
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 Top Paw 10 Pet Collar cat dog hunter green 3 8 NEW US $4.29
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 Garfield Cat Collar bell cartoon pet leash Yellow 10 15 US $4.49
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 Snake Chain Show Dog Choke Collar Ex Fine 20 4mm NEW US $14.00
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 Med Nylon Dog Collar pet supply leash Green NEW 16 US $4.19
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 Bone PET MEDAL God Bless My Pet Rhinestones Tag Charm US $8.99
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 RED Oval ST FRANCIS PET CHARM Cat Dog Medal Tag US $8.99
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 CUSTOM PET DOG COLLAR LEASH COTTON CHOOSE FABRIC SIZE US $19.99
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 Snake Chain Show Dog Choke Collar Ex Fine 24 4mm NEW US $14.00
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 Snake Chain Show Choke Collar Medium 22 5mm Chrome NEW US $15.00
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 NEW 2pc Christmas Polar Bear Dog Collar Lead Set 10 16 US $17.99
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 Dog Collar Twin co ordinated Set Martingale Autumn Leaf US $18.99
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 DT Systems 1145 DT Mini No Bark Training Collar NEW US $79.95
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 Dog Key Charm Pink BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Faith US $19.99 |
 Dog Key Charm Pink BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Believe US $19.99 |
 CUSTOM PET DOG OR CAT COLLAR COTTON CHOOSE FABRIC SIZE US $9.99
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 Snake Chain Show Dog Choke Collar Ex Fine 22 4mm NEW US $14.00
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 Snake Chain Show Dog Choke Collar Ex Fine 12 4mm NEW US $12.00
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Is having a pet leech a bad idea?
Ok, we're familiar with the pet dog or cat, but what about a leech? I have a Marine biologist teacher friend with whom I work that bought leeches to show his 9th graders. He didn't hesitate to let the leech suck his blood. At the end of the day he had 5 bites on his arm.
So I started to think about what a unique pet that would make. According to my friend, a single large feeding will keep a leech happy through an entire season. What a low maintenance pet! Plus, you can actually buy them online from biological supply companies at a cost of 3 for $10.
My only concerns are that it would somehow contaminate my blood causing septicemia as a worst-case scenario, and it might be hard to keep a date for a long time lest they grow uneasy of my pet leech. On the plus side, you wouldn't have to provide much except a bowl of water for the little guy and an occasional bloodletting. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
I am a strong advocate for invertebrates as pets. At the zoo where I work, I have handled and helped care for millipedes, cockroaches, and tarantulas. They are all very fascinating and easy to care for! As far as leeches as pets, yes! Go right ahead! But please please PLEASE, don't let it feed on your blood. It is incredibly easy to contract diseases from any blood-letting not conducted by a professional. Medical leeches are kept in perfectly sterile environment and are never re-used (after use they are incinerated). Instead, feed your leeches fresh liver once a month. Do not let the liver sit in their aquarium for a month; just let them feed on it for a day and throw it out. Clean the aquarium regularly and always provide fresh water. Another important thing about keeping leeches: THEY CAN GET OUT OF ANY SMALL SPACE!!! Keep their aquariums tightly closed at all times. Provide air for them by purchasing an aquarium with a top made of fine mesh. And, once again, do not let them feed on you! Always handle your leeches with thick rubber gloves. I have heard of a newly-discovered large leech species that does not feed on human blood. These animals may soon be a worthy addition to the invertebrate pet market, as soon as captive breeders can be established.
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