Category Archives: Pets

Pets

Therapy Dog vs A Service And Support Dog

Therapy Dog vs A Service And Support Dog What Are The Differences?

Therapy Dog

A therapy dog is a pet that is trained, tested, registered, and insured.

This type of dog can go with it’s owner to visit patients and residents of facilities like hospitals and nursing homes to cheer up the people living there.

A therapy dog is not permitted to go to places that pets aren’t allowed. Such places include hospitals and nursing homes.

If the pet owner registers the dog with facility owner the pet will be allowed on the premises.

The purpose of registration is to show that this dog is well behaved, safe around people, and insured against liability.

Service Dog

A service dog is individually trained to perform tasks that compensates for the disability of it’s owner. Labrador Retriever make excellent service dogs.

A service dog falls in the category of medical equipment and is permitted to accompany it’s disabled owner to places where pets are not permitted.

Emotional Support Animal

An emotional support dog is for a person who a doctor has determined is disabled.

If the person lives in a home or wishes to fly on a plane that does not allow animals a letter from a medical doctor is required.

The owner of an emotional support animal has no more right than any other pet owner.

In Summary

  • Therapy animal works with his owner to improve the health of others.
  • Service dog works to help the owner perform tasks he cannot perform on his own because of his disability,
  • An emotional support animal works with it’s disabled owner to improve the health and quality of life.

For more information on therapy, service and support dogs click here.

To purchase our products click here.

Pets

Freezing Dogs: Deadly Winter Weather

Freezing Dogs: If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, please heed the following advice from our experts: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®

Freezing Dogs

  • Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside,
  • Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
  • Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter
  • Trim long-haired dogs to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals.
  • For a short haired dog , consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
  • Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws.
  • After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
  • Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells.
  • Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin.
  • If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
  • Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents.
  • Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation.
  • Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
  • Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
  • Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories.
  • Making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.
  • Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.
  • Dressing your pet in heating garment
  • Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.
Giveaways, July Giveway, Pets

July Giveaway: Terms and Conditions

July Giveaway: Terms and Conditions.

Multi Functional Dog Cape and Accessories

July Giveaway Terms & Conditions

Facebook link to enter the giveaway

  • No purchase is necessary to enter the July Giveaway.
  • The product that are being given away will be outlined on the individual post. No alternatives are offered and the products can not be exchanged for cash.
  • The number of winners is outlined on each giveaway and only this number will be selected.
  • The winner/s will be drawn randomly by number generator.
  • Odds of winning are based on the number of entries.
  • The closing date for the July Giveaway is outlined on the individual giveaway.
  • Only one entry is allowed per person.
  • If you enter the giveaway via Facebook you agree to a complete release of Facebook and you recognize that the giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Facebook. Facebook link
  • Anyone in the U.S 18 or over may enter.
  • If you win you will be contacted via the e-mail address that you use to enter, or through social media if you entered that way. We will contact the winner within 5 days of the closing date of the giveaway. You will have 7 days to respond.

Good Luck!

Tips On Wearing A Backpack, Cape or Vest

Benefits Of Having A Pet, Pets

Four Legged Friend Fido

Four Legged Friend: Dogs have always been, and continue to be “Mankind’s best friend”!

Our Four Legged Friend

Dogs especially, have become more important and involved with humans daily activities and challenges.

Dogs are especially helpful to:

  • Our wounded soldiers, who suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and are struggling to recover and resume normal civilian life.
  • Law enforcement personnel appreciate their four legged partners in various support activities for:

Senior Citizens and Their Four Legged Pet

  • Senior citizens. For some seniors walking the dog is the only exercise they get. Their four legged companions take their (two legged partners) humans for regular walks.
  • Walking is vital to our senior’s health and longevity, as well as their quality of life.

Dogs As Family Members

In most homes the pets have become official members of the family. They are totally accepted and integrated. Some pet owners even dress their dog or cat in clothes.

When the pet gets sick, the whole family is concerned. When it is the dog or cats birthday, the whole family celebrate and have a birthday party.

Needless to say, children enjoy daily activities with Fido (or other species of pet) and also learn responsibility in caring for their companion.

Protector Of The Household

Home owners, rely on their dog to sound an (barking) alarm, that may discourage potential thieves especially at night.

Not All People Like Dogs

In spite of all the positive ways dogs can be useful to our society, not all people appreciate our four legged companion. Some people may even consider dogs a nuisance because of:

  • barking,
  • biting,
  • pooping,
  • drain on the house budget with additional expenses such as feeding, licenses, veterinarians, leashes, etc.

Fortunately, these people are a minority. They probably never had a pet and therefore, never experienced the joy, fun, and other benefits, that our four legged-furry companions can bring us.

So, YES our four legged companions are definitely still among our BEST FRIENDS.

PS: four legged companions also includes cats.

Dog Owners And Their Active Social Life

Millennials as pet parents

To checkout our products click here.

Pets

Good Veterinarians Who Really Care

Good Veterinarians realize that a pet’s family needs care just as much as the animal they are treating. That care is especially important when the family has to say goodbye to their beloved companion.

Good Veterinarians Who Really Care

Pets Are Family

For many people, a pet is not just an animal, it is a member of the family. So when a pet is sick, panic can set in. That is when it’s important to have a good relationship with your vet.

Good veterinarians help you make the tough decisions. They can talk you through the risks and benefits of treating your pet’s illness. They are honest about your pet’s condition yet sympathetic to how difficult these decision are to make.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Saying that final goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to go through. Good Veterinarins understand this and do all they can to support you and your family through the process.

When you come in for that last appointment, your vet will have scheduled extra time so you are not rushed. They usually take you right into an exam room so you can have the privacy you need. Many vets bring a blanket into the room so you and your pet can sit together comfortably. The staff is usually aware of your situation so they can make things easier for you.

After Care

Good veterinarians follows up with you after that last appointment. They usually send a sympathy card signed by the staff. They may also do a follow up phone call to see how you are coping with the loss of your pet. They understand that it takes time to recover from that loss.

So it is important that you choose your pet’s veterinarian carefully. Make sure that your vet is someone you connect with and can trust. They will be there for you throughout your pets life and beyond.

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

To purchase our products click here.

Pets

Abandoned Dog How You Can Help Tips

5 Tips To Re-Home An Abandoned Dog

Abandoned Dog: If you’ve noticed a stray dog hanging around at work near the dumpsters, or eating the cat food you leave on the porch at night; chances are you have an abandoned dog on your hands. Here are a few quick tips for dealing with this situation and how you can make sure the dog gets a good home.

1. Take out an ad in the local newspaper.

If you’ve found a seemingly abandoned dog that still has a collar on, he may have been separated from his family unwittingly.

Consider taking out an ad in the local paper’s classified section with a description of the dog and a contact phone number or email address.

2. Put up flyers in your neighborhood.

Consider putting up a few flyers with a picture of the dog and your phone number in your neighborhood where you found him.

The bulletin board at the post office is also a good place if you live in a small town. Perhaps the owner of the dog will see one of these flyers and contact you.

3. Take the dog to the vet to see if it’s been chipped.

Responsible dog owners often have their pets fitted with a microchip that contains their contact information. This microchip can’t be seen since it’s implanted in the animal’s skin. However,the vet’s office microchip reader scanner.

This option will cost a bit of money, but if the dog was in rough shape when you found him, you’re doing a kindness for the dog by getting him checked out at the vet’s office.

4. Talk to friends who might want to adopt.

If taking in an abandoned dog isn’t an option for you, you might consider friends and family who have spoken of wanting a new pet.

You can ensure the dog is given a good home with people who are looking to take care of a pet instead of abandoning him again.

5. Talk to “no kill” shelters in your area.

If no one has claimed the dog and you can’t add him to your family, search online for no-kill shelters in your area.

These shelters specialize in re-homing abandoned dogs and cats that have been left behind after a move or other event that made them homeless.

Traditional shelters often euthanize animals that haven’t been adopted after a certain period. No-kill shelters work with fosters and adoption programs to get their abandoned animals re-homed safely.

Tip on adopting a dog by Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker.

Dying Dog Or Pet Can Have A Devastating Effect On The Family

To purchase our products click here.

 

Pets

Dogs Licking Babies Do You Know The Risks?

Is There Any Harm In A Dog Licking A Baby’s Face?
Babies and puppies seem to go together. Photos of dogs licking small children warm our hearts because the image projects innocent affection between two things we love most in the world: our children and our pets. But, is there any harm in a dogs licking babies? Let’s find out.

Dogs Licking Babies

What is In Your Dog’s Mouth?

Like all animals, dogs’ mouths contain antibacterial properties. This allows for the saliva to act as a guard against infection and disease both inside and outside of the dog’s mouth. A dog’s saliva is similar to a human’s but designed specifically for canine physiology. It is more alkaline than human saliva which makes it better at fighting cavities in a dog’s mouth than human saliva does for us. It is also why dogs lick their wounds like other mammals do. But, should we be concerned our dog licking babies face?

The Dangers Lurking in Your Dog’s Mouth

While dogs’ saliva has antibacterial properties, that does not mean it is free of bacteria! Dogs eat and lick things that their immune system is designed to withstand that human immune systems are not. Dogs have been known to eat feces, garbage, and lick the anuses of other dogs. While their saliva may kill bacteria, there is a good chance that some of this bacteria is still in their mouth if they have been in recent contact.

Capnocytophaga Canimorsus

Capnocytophaga Canimorsus is a disease that can spread to humans through contact with dog saliva. While infection is very rare, it would be potentially hazardous to people with an open wound or those with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems; such as certain sick patients, the elderly, and babies. Your dog licking babies face is the most likely way for this disease to spread to your infant.

How Concerned Should You Be?

Transfer of illness between dogs and humans is rare. It most commonly occurs after a dog bite. But, because infants are still growing and developing their immune systems, dogs licking babies should be discouraged.

Resistance To Dog and Cat Allergies

To purchase our products click here.

 

Benefits Of Having A Pet, Pets

Grieving Pet Parents How To Deal With The Pain

Grieving pet parents can go through a rollercoaster of emotions after the death of a beloved pet.

Grieving Pet Parents

Pet owner grieving is much like grieving the loss of a person with whom you were close. Sadness, guilt and even anger can war within you as grief runs its course. It can be so difficult to come home and remember that your pet is not there to greet you.

Loss Of A Pet vs Loss Of A Person

As an animal lover, pets are not just animals that happen to live in your house, they are children who just so happen to have fur, feathers or scales. You may find that pet owner’s grief is the same as grieving for a beloved relative and may take time to overcome. Your pet owner’s grief can and will get better, but only if you allow yourself to mourn your loss and realize that this is a sometimes challenging process.

Do Not Keep Your Pain Bottled Up Inside

It’s important as you progress through your pet owner grieving to not let your feelings stay bottled up inside. Do not feel that your grief is somehow less valid because it is centered around an animal. Pet owner grief is just as legitimate as any other kind of grief because owners form a deep emotional bond with their animals.

Talk about your emotions with family, friends or a counselor so that you can vent your thoughts during this trying time. You may want to join a support group for grieving pet parents so that you can share your experiences, get insight from others who feel the same way you do and have had similar struggles.

Taking action may help relieve your pet owner’s grief. You may feel better by giving your pet a memorial service of some kind. You can even ask friends to make a donation to an animal charity in your pet’s name in lieu of flowers. If you have a yard or garden, setting up a grave marker, even a mock one, can give you a quiet space to reflect back on the good times you enjoyed with your pet. You may want to volunteer at a pet welfare agency or event, to help take your mind off your sadness, and give back to a worthy cause. No matter what actions you take, permit yourself to go through your emotions and your heart will mend itself in time.

Grieving Dogs How To Relieve The Pain

Why Losing A Pet Can Be Harder Than Losing A Relative

To purchase our products click here.

Pets

Grieving Dogs How To Relieve The Pain

Just like humans, dogs grieve the loss of a loved one, whether that be a canine companion or a human friend. Studies have shown that animals show similar symptoms as humans when they are grieving a loss. They become withdrawn, sleep more, and do not enjoy their favorite activities anymore. If you are in the presence of grieving dogs, you should take certain steps to make your pet feel better.

Grieving Dogs

Affection and Attention

One thing you can do to make your dog feel better is to show it more affection and attention. While your dog may not be interacting with you as much during the grieving process, it is still good for the dog to know that you are there for it and willing to support it during its time of need.

You should engage in what you know is your dog’s favorite activity, or you could invite friends over that you know your dog has a connection with. You can also use techniques with toys to take your dog’s mind off of its grief, such as hiding its toys or treats in their favorite spots throughout the day to help cheer them up. You can also comfort your pet with a massage.

Doggie Treats

It is important to not overcompensate with treats during this difficult time. For example, if your dog is howling out of grief for their loss, do not reward them with a treat in order to quiet them down. Instead, reward them with treats when they are participating in events that you do approve of, such as resting quietly or watching the birds or squirrels outside peacefully.

Replacing The Deceased Dog

Another important thought to consider is to not replace the lost dog right away. Your dog might not respond well to another companion right away. Both the owner and the dog need to adjust to the loss and fully go through the grieving process before adding another canine to the mix.

Tips

While it is hard to accept that an animal has passed on, you need to be compassionate for the grieving dogs that are left behind. Following the simple tips of being patient with your canine, showing it gradually more levels of love and compassion, taking it for more walks if the dog is cooperative, and even allowing the dog to see the deceased body are all ways to help your dog through the grieving progress.

For more information on canine grief click here.

Dog Massage Therapy and The Many Benefits

To purchase our products click here.

Pets

Senior Cats and Their Aging Process

Senior Cats: Across the United States there is about 90 million cats. Statistically speaking about 40% of US households have senior cats. A senior cat is between the age range of 7 and 10.

Signs of Aging

Limited Mobility

As cats progress into their senior years, it’s not uncommon for many of them to have limited mobility. Mobility can be effected due to the development of arthritis.

Body Weight

An overweight or obese cat can develop osteoarthritis and diabetes. If a cat is on the thin side they could suffer from things like dental or thyroid issues.

Sleeping Patterns of Senior Cats

When a cat is not getting proper sleep it may begin to have problems with awareness, or with its surroundings.

Senior cats who are having problem with their cognitive awareness maybe experiencing early Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Senior Cats Grooming

Self grooming for a senior cat is difficult.

Regular grooming by the pet owner can help the owner spot any hygiene issues and sores on the cats body,

Grooming Style

  • The striped style of grooming: The cats fur is shaved close to the body and is ideal when a cats fur is extremely matted or tangled.
  • The Lion cut: This requires the cats fur to be shaved close to the body but the fur on the head, tail and feet remain longer creating a grooming style similar to that of show poodles.
  • A hygiene cut: Long haired cats often get bits of feces stuck to the hair around the anus, by grooming this area the cats hygiene is considerably improved.
  • The peekaboo grooming style: The fur on the cat’s belly is clipped, and the length is merged into the fur on the cat’s back.This grooming style helps to ensure that it is more difficult for the cats to get their fur matted and tangled.

For more information on cat grooming.

Cat Massage Therapy – The Ultimate Meow

To purchase our products click here.