Home cooking for your pet isn’t just the latest trend in spoiling your pet, it is a great way to save money and extend your pets’ lifespan. Feeding your pet dog food every day is like us eating cereal every day, it lacks what we need most, protein. According to vet Francisco DiPolo of TriBeca’s Worth Street Veterinary Center, “any ingredient you use out of your fridge is going to be better than what’s coming out of a bag or a can,” this includes protein, fat, complex carbohydrates and vegetables. The following do’s and don’ts can help your pet to make a smooth transition to a healthy homemade diet.
Do’s: If you are considering switching your pet to a homemade diet it is important to consult a vet or a pet nutritionalist. Ask for a list of foods that you should not feed your pet to avoid your pet getting sick. Alldredge’s canine nutrition consultations recommend implementing a protein, a power-food fruit or vegetable and a whole grain into your pets’ diet.
Don’ts: Avoid feeding your pet chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes and avocados. These foods can be harmful to pets in large amounts. Anything containing artificial sweeteners can be dangerous as well. Don’t assume that all breeds are the same; some breeds may be more sensitive to foods than others due to their genetic disposition.
Pet Airways has created a new niche in the airline industry by creating a pet only airline. With Pet Airways pets aren’t treated as cargo or packages, they are treated as Pawsengers and fly with no cargo hold, no tarmac delays and no human passengers. According to the Department of Transportation 154 pets died, 63 were injured and 38 lost through August 2010. Pet Airways might just be a good idea for flying your pets.
The Pet Airways travel experience is one that will put both you and your pet at ease. Throughout the process pets are monitored to ensure that they have had a potty break less than 2 hours before departure and once on the flight they are monitored by a Pet Attendant every 15 minutes to ensure safety and comfort. Pet Airways allows pet owners to fly with comfort knowing that their pets aren’t being tossed around with the rest of their cargo.
Many dog owners take outstanding care of man’s best friend. They purchase the best food and spend hours walking, grooming and playing with their dog. However, many dog owners look at training their dog as a luxury, one that is often too expensive. This attitude is unfortunate because it deprives many people and dogs of the opportunity to enjoy their relationship to the fullest. Training your dog can help you to better manage and prevent a variety of behavioral problems. Training also gives you an incredible amount of insight into the way your dog’s mind works.
Training your dog can be free or cheap. There are lots of great resources on the internet, especially on youtube, that can teach you how to train your dog using positive reinforcement. Check out your local library for books on training your dog and canine behavior. When there is no price on this knowledge, there is no excuse not to use it! If you have the budget for it, look into obedience classes or, for those with bigger budgets, private sessions with a trainer. Make sure you see a trainer who does not use intimidation, punishment and fear. Your dog will thrive if you train him to respond to positive reinforcement!
Being out in nature, going for long walks and sitting around a campfire with the ones you love is a great way to unwind and create lasting memories for years to come. Have you ever wished you could share the joy and freedom of camping with your canine family members too? You and your pup can easily enjoy the great outdoors together. Check with your campsite to see if they allow dogs, pack some extra supplies for your pet and hit the trail. Remember, when you go on your camping trip, always keep an eye on your dog. Don’t let him run wild in the woods!
Running around in the fresh air, your dog will burn about twice as many calories as he normally does. Bring lots of extra food and treats to keep your pooch going strong. Remember to always keep your food secured away from hungry bears and other wild animals. You may want a longer leash for your dog at the campsite than you would use in the city. Additionally, pack a first aid kit for your dog. You will want to bring a liquid bandage product, a wrap bandage like Vetrap bandages to stop bleeding in case your dog breaks a toenail. If your dog is not used to walking in rough terrains, you may even want to purchase some booties to protect his paws. If you wouldn’t want to run around barefoot in the woods, chances are your dog wouldn’t like to either.
When you settle down in your tent at night, try to get your dog to come inside to sleep with you. You may want to practice a little tent-time in your yard at home to see how your dog responds to the idea of going inside a tent. To keep your dog out of your sleeping bag, bring along a bed or blanket for him to sleep on. Just like at home, always keep plenty of fresh water out for your dog. Hopefully you and your dog can follow these tips and safely enjoy camping together for many years to come! Do you camp with your dog? Share your tips and stories in the comments!
As a pet owner you know that somewhere along the lines your pet became more than a pet. Pets are more like our children. Dresses, rain boots, Halloween costumes and the latest fashion collar may help your pet to look great but rather than spending excessive amounts of money on things our pets don’t need, we should save that money for things that they will need, such as healthcare.
Most pet owners do not have pet insurance for their pet nor do they have the funds to pay for emergencies out of pocket. The American Animal Hospital Association urges pet owners to set money aside for their pet’s healthcare. According to Consumer Reports, pet owners would be better off putting several hundred dollars each year into an emergency fund rather than paying for health insurance due to the ambiguities of what is actually covered under pet insurance.
On the other hand, if a pet develops a chronic condition or needs major care, a pet owner may reap the benefits of pet insurance. When looking into a policy for your pet it is important to look at sample policies and their limitations, exceptions and co-payments. Some breeds have pre existing conditions that will not be covered with pet insurance.
There is no way to determine if one should purchase health insurance for their pet but we think it is safe to say that every pet owner should research their options and decide on what works best for them. In the event of an emergency our pets will be better off if we either invest in health insurance or a savings account rather than spending our every last penny on fashionable and cute but highly unnecessary accessories for our pets.
The holiday season is right around the corner and it’s extremely important to remember there are a number of foods we should not share with our faithful four-legged friends. These foods may be devilishly delicious, but they can have a negative effect on our pet’s health. Take a look at the list of foods below and think twice before passing the plate to your pet:
Alcoholic Beverages: Stick to water this holiday season. Alcohol can cause severe intoxication, coma and death
- Baby food: Some baby food contains onion powder, which can be very toxic to dogs
- Fish bones, poultry bones & other meats: Fish and poultry bones can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system
- Chocolate, coffee & caffeine: Your pets do not need the caffeine high. Caffeine can be very toxic and have harmful affect on the heart and nervous system
- Fat trimmings: Fat trimmings aren’t healthy for you or pet, so be sure to cut off all the fat before sharing scraps with your pet. If not, you may be putting your pet at risk for developing pancreatitis
- Grapes, raisins & macadamia nuts: These simple snacks can cause kidney disease and have negative health risks on the digestive and nervous system
- Milk & other dairy products: Believe it or not, many dogs and cats are lactose-intolerant and have a difficult time breaking down the enzyme lactase
- Mushrooms, onion & garlic: Mushrooms contain toxins that may affect multiple systems in the body as well as cause shock or even death. Onion and garlic can damage red blood cells and cause anemia
- Too many table scraps: Keep your pet healthy, strong and slim by keeping your pet away from table scraps.
Your dog’s feet aren’t just made for walking. In fact, they serve a precious purpose. The pads provide extra support to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation from extreme weather, aid walking on rough surfaces, and help protect deep tissue within in the paw. It’s no wonder your pet’s paws take a bit of a beating. Follow these paw care tips and you will always be one step ahead of your pet.
- Pampering Pedicures: If your dog’s nails are clicking or snagging on the floor, it’s time for a puppy pedicure.
- Snip and Trim: It’s extremely important to trim paw hair regularly to avoid matting. All you need is a grooming tool to simply comb the hair out and trim evenly around the pads. Millers Forge Pet Grooming Scissors are a good option for in-home grooming. The rounded blunt tips ensure safety when trimming.
- In Between: Make sure to clean in between your pet’s pads. Be sure to check regularly for foxtails, small bits of broken debris and pebbles. VetDepot offers the Magnifying Pet Tweezers by Miracle Point are great for safely removing ticks, thorns, fleas, splinters or burrs.
- Moisturize: With the wear and tear of your pet’s pads be sure to use a good pad moisturizer to help treat and prevent cracking and dryness.
- Pup Paw Massage: Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing massage? Similar to giving a human massage, a paw massage will promote better circulation and be very relaxing for your pet.
- Dodge the wintertime blues: Don’t let frosty steal the holiday cheer from your pet. Be sure to rinse off your pet’s paws in warm water to get rid of the salt and toxic chemicals that can cause sores, infections and blistering.
- TLC – tender, love and care: Just like us, our dogs need some TLC. Your pet’s paws are unforgiving, so be sure to treat them right.
This month is American Diabetes Month, an important time to raise awareness about the health risks Diabetes could pose for your cat. Many American cats are overweight and it is estimated that one out of every 200 cats in this country have Diabetes. Just as in humans, obesity in cats leads to a higher risk of developing Diabetes. If your feline friend is looking a little extra “fluffy”, we urge you to watch for the following early warning signs of Diabetes:
Your cat may want to eat and drink more yet suddenly lose weight. You might also notice your cat urinating much more frequently and appearing very lethargic. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Feline Diabetes is typically more manageable when caught in its early stages. Home Glucose Monitoring Kits are available to help pet owners track cats’ blood sugar levels and ensure that their diet is effective in managing Diabetes. Many cats with Diabetes are able to live active and healthy lives thanks to the great care and attention they receive from their owners and veterinarians.
Few things can add a sense of joy and excitement to your home like the addition of a new puppy or kitten. The pitter-patter of little paws will bring your house to life as your new little friend explores every room. Before you bring a new puppy or kitten home, make a few simple preparations to welcome your new pet to your world.
Walk around your house and think carefully about things in your home that could be dangerous for a tiny kitty or puppy. Also pay attention to protecting things a young furball might not be able to resist chewing, scratching or otherwise destroying. Keep wires and electrical cords out of the reach of tiny mouths by wrapping them up high or encasing them in hard plastic. Store breakable and irreplaceable items away from your curious critter in a closet or on a high shelf. Wherever you can, fill in gaps between your furniture and the wall so your new pet can’t get stuck in hard to reach places. At www.puppyeducation.com you can find many more great tips for puppy-proofing your home and training your new puppy.
You will also need to do a little shopping to get ready for your new pet. Most importantly, be sure to stock up on pet food designed for puppies and kittens. Puppies and kittens alike will need a good safety collar with an id tag. If you are planning to bring home a pup, don’t forget to get a leash! In recent years, many cat owners have been introducing their cats to life on a leash too. www.kittenbaby.com is a great resource to learn more about leash-training your kitten and many other aspects of cat care. Finally, when your home is ready and your shopping is done, get ready to enjoy a world of fun with your new pet!
By law of nature, cats are natural predators and birds serve as their prey. To your cat, dropping a bird at your feet is the greatest gift they can give, but what do you do if their victim is still alive?
If your cat drops a bird at your feet that appears to be alive and kicking don’t be deceived. A bird may appear fine at first but often times will die after 24 hours of your cats attack. The bird ultimately will die of a bacterial infection caused by your cat’s saliva.
Despite how the bird may act or appear, it should be treated for external and internal injuries. If you decide to rehabilitate a bird yourself you should still take it to a veterinarian for proper antibiotic treatment. If rehabilitating a wild bird is not for you, there are many wildlife rehabilitators who would be more than happy to nurse your bird back to health. For more information on finding a wildlife rehabilitator or for more information on rehabilitating an animal yourself you can visit Rainbow Wildlife Rescue.
