melissa

About melissa

Posts by :

January 12 2017

Exercise Your Dog

melissa Fun, Games, Health, Pets daily canine activity, dog exercise, dog walks, exercise benefits for dogs

Regular activity is good for your pet—and you.

No matter where you opt to go, daily walks outdoors (or in) provide your dog with essential physical exercise and mental stimulation. Photo credit: frank1crayon/Adobe Stock — No matter where you opt to go, daily walks outdoors (or in a shopping center) provide your dog with essential physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Photo credit: frank1crayon/Adobe Stock

When it comes to daily exercise, if it’s good for you; it’s good for your dog. All the incentive you might need to get out there and walk is your dog eagerly wagging his tail in anticipation—and possibly even bringing you his leash.

Even if you have a backyard for your dog to play in, there is no substitute for a nice long walk or a romp at a park. Dogs are great explorers and whether you are walking around the neighborhood, on country road or a in a mall, your dog will benefit physically and mentally—the myriad smells he encounters will add to his entertainment.

Dogs left alone at home for long hours offer suffer from “cabin fever,” leading to stress and anxiety, which could result in unwanted chewing behaviors. Daily walks allow a dog to blow off steam that might otherwise be acted out by such negative behaviors. It’s the same for people—a change of scenery can do wonders.

Various breeds, such as working or herding dogs, have high-activity requirements. A rousing game of fetch or fly disc, combined with daily walks, can help burn off their excess energy. Photo credit: fibena/Adobe Stock — Various breeds, such as working and herding dogs, have high activity requirements. A rousing game of fetch or fly disc at a park, combined with daily walks, can help burn off their excess energy.
Photo credit: fibena/Adobe Stock

Many dogs were initially bred to perform tasks and/or work; it’s in their DNA. This is why it’s vital that you understand your dog’s breed(s) characteristics so that the exercise you provide satisfies his natural instincts. For example, most herding dogs would jump at the opportunity to go to livestock-herding classes. And games of fetch engage many breed’s retrieval instincts.

Whatever size your dog is—large, medium, small or somewhere in between—regular exercise is essential. It’s a misconception that small dogs such as Yorkies don’t need as much exercise as a large Labrador does. All dogs benefit, irrespective of size. However, you do need to take your dog’s age and health into consideration. Always check with your vet if you’re not sure of the distance your dog can handle on a daily walk. You should also be cognizant of the route and its gradient, too, especially if you have an older dog with joint issues.

Small dogs need exercise, too! Just like working and herding dogs, many terriers need plenty of activity throughout the day. Photo credit: alexei_tm — Small dogs need regular exercise, too! Just like working and herding dogs, many terriers need plenty of activity throughout the day to keep them healthy and happy.
Photo credit: alexei_tm

However, this doesn’t mean you should not take your older dog for walks. A study by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna looked at how well physiotherapy—walking uphill, walking downhill and walking over low obstacles—helps relieve arthritic pain and immobility in dogs. The researchers found that walking downhill did not have much therapeutic benefit but walking uphill could help improve a dog’s joint flexibility, particularly at the hip, and that providing low obstacles could aid in improving the bending of the joints in the fore- and hind limbs.

Ideally, dogs should go for walks at least twice a day along with other forms of exercise, especially if they are home alone a lot. Another benefit of daily outings is that it allows a dog to develop good social skills and learn to deal with common situations when out and about. And you just never know what new friends you could make, too.

About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Catster, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats

January 12 2017

A Basic Guide to Cat Genetics

melissa Lifestyle, Pets cat coat markings, cat colors, cat fur, cat genetics

Cats’ fur colors, markings and patterns explained.

This cat's beautiful blue eyes and markings on her ears (called points) were determined by the genes she inherited from her parents. Photo credit: Esin Deniz/Adobe Stock — This cat’s beautiful blue eyes and markings on her ears and tail (called points) were determined by the genes she inherited from her parents.
Photo credit: Esin Deniz/Adobe Stock

Have you ever wondered how your cat ended up with her beautiful markings? Maybe she has dark paws, dark ears and a dark tail like a Siamese cat, or perhaps her coat features lovely patches of white, black and red. She might even have extra toes on her paws, like many of Ernest Hemingway’s cats. Just as you might have inherited your blue eyes from your mom or dad, your cat received the genes for her good looks from her parents.

Remember the basic genetic overview you received in high school biology? A child receives two copies of a gene from his parents—one from his mother and one from his father. These genes can be either dominant or recessive. If the child receives two dominant genes, or a dominant gene and a recessive gene, the dominant trait will show. If he receives two recessive genes, the recessive trait will show.

The same holds true with the genes a kitten receives from his father and mother. While cats come in a wide range of colors, that rainbow of fur is derived from just two main colors: black and red (e.g., orange).

“All other colors are variations of black and red with the exception of solid white,” said Beth Hicks, an all-breed judge for The International Cat Association (TICA). “White is a masking gene. It hides (masks) all other color. So a solid white cat is either black or red but the color is hidden by the white.”

An Abyssinian's coat can be Red (pictured), Ruddy, Fawn or Blue, according to the Cat Fancy Association's breed standards. Photo credit: e_polischuk/Adobe Stock — An Abyssinian’s coat can be Red (pictured), Ruddy, Fawn or Blue, according to the Cat Fancy Association’s breed standards.
Photo credit: e_polischuk/Adobe Stock

Different modifying genes can change the two basic colors resulting in what are called “dilute” colors, Hicks added.

“Red can change to cream,” she said. “Black can change to blue, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac or fawn.”

These colors are also known by other names:

Red: orange, rust, marmalade, yellow, ginger
Cream: buff
Chocolate, seal: brown
Cinnamon: light brown
Blue, silver: gray
Lilac, fawn: light gray

All of these colors can appear with different patterns, which are determined by other genes.

“The three most common patterns in cats are solid, tabby and pointed,” Hicks said.

She described the patterns as follows:

Solid: one color without stripes
Tabby: striped patterns; four different patterns are possible
Pointed: color appears on only the face, feet and tail. Points can be solid or tabby

A calico cat's varied coat is a result of three genes: red, black and white-spotting. Photo credit: farbkombinat — A calico cat’s tri-colored coat is the result of three expressed genes on the X chromosome: red, black and white-spotting.
Photo credit: farbkombinat

Hicks noted that all colors and patterns can have some white. The white markings—often appearing as mittens, boots, lockets or other patches of white—are caused by a “white-spotting” gene. Similar to the white masking gene (which removes all color), this gene hides some of a cat’s color and pattern.

The same white spotting gene can also contribute to the unique patched coat of calico cats. These cats have the genes for both black and red color as well as the white spotting gene. The majority of calico cats are female because of genetics.

“In cats, the red and black colors are on the X chromosome,” Hicks explained.

Because females carry two X chromosomes and males carry only one X chromosome, the likelihood of a cat receiving both black and red genes is much higher with a female cat.

The genes that determine color and pattern apply to all breeds of cat, including mixed-breeds. Obviously, some breeds have evolved over time to carry only certain color or pattern genes—a good example is the Siamese, which displays only the pointed pattern.

Even so, “It is not color and pattern that determine a cat’s breed,” Hicks explained. “That is established by the physical characteristics described in each breed’s standard. Just as all pointed cats are not Siamese, all longhaired cats are not Persians and all tailless cats are not Manx, all blue cats are not Russian Blues.”

About the Author: Stacy N. Hackett is an award-winning writer with more than 25 years’ experience in the pet industry. She is the former editor of Pet Product News and a former staff editor with Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA and Ferrets USA. To learn more about her work, visit stacynhackett.vpweb.com.

January 11 2017

Entertaining Products for Dogs & Cats

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources cat food, cat toys, cat treats, dog supplements, dog toys, pet monitor

Does your dog have a tough time choosing between a tennis ball or rubber toy? If yes, you could give him the best of both with JW Helmet Heads dog toys. Putting a fun spin on the classic Cuz dog toys, the Helmet Heads encase tennis balls in durable rubber to create a fun multi-use toy for your dog. Suitable for chewing and/or playing fetch, the toys’ characterized rubber exterior adds durability and creates erratic bounce during play. The toys are 3.25 x 2.75 x 2.75 in. size and come in various colors in three helmet shapes: Diver, Gladiator and Aviator. petmate.com

If your cats are like most, they spend a majority of their time sleeping with intermittent bursts of hyperactivity. Jackson Galaxy Ground Prey Toys make the most of that activity and help you keep your cats slim, healthy and happy. The all-new cat toys feature ball-and-socket joints that mimic ground prey movement when attached to the accompanying Ground Prey Wand. Available in four different animals—Snake, Iguana, Squirrel and Mouse—and various colors, the toys’ links can added or removed to create different sizes and movement. petmate.com-jackson-galaxy

While feeding your dog greasy fast food is never a good idea, you can, however, indulge your pup with stuffed-toy versions thanks to P.L.A.Y.’s American Classic plush-toy collection. Featuring handmade craftsmanship, double-layer exterior and double-stitched edges for extra durability, the toys are stuffed with eco-friendly PlanetFill® filler, which is made from 100 percent post-consumer certified-safe recycled plastic bottles. Available as a five-piece set or individually, the toys include Barky Burger, Hot Diggy Dog, Frenchie Fries, Fluffy’s Fried Chicken and Mutt’s Milkshake, and feature detachable components, crinkle paper or squeakers. petplay.com

The Cat Cave from Walking Palm is a cozy and comfortable handmade cat bed. Each cave is hand-felted from the highest quality merino wool to ensure your cat is as snug and happy as possible. Measuring 15 to 17 inches wide by 8 to 9 inches high, the cave’s entrance is 7 to 8 inches round and can be enlarged if needed. Available in multiple colors, the beds are come in select made-to-order special editions. walkingpalm.com

Turn your dog’s ordinary mealtime into a culinary one with Fruitables Broth Bowls. The all-natural, ultra-low sodium food toppers add flavor and hydration to any dish. Completely pet safe with no onions, garlics, leeks or MSG, the 2-calorie-per-ounce broths are formulated to be highly palatable, making them great appetite stimulants for picky canines. Made in the USA with USA-sourced ingredients, they come in 1-liter and ½-liter cartons in three tasty flavors: Chicken, Beef and Veggie. fruitables.pet facebook.com/FruitablesPetFood/

PawsIQ™ Dental Treats for Cats are formulated to help keep a cat’s breath fresh and maintain healthy teeth and gums by controlling tartar buildup. Made in the USA with natural ingredients, the treats are high in protein and have a crunchy texture that your cat will love. Free of wheat, soy, corn and artificial flavors, the dental treats come in five tasty varieties; Chicken, Catnip, Ocean, Tuna and Salmon. pawsiq.com

Wooly™ by Paw5 is an environmentally friendly and revolutionary dog feeder developed to engage dogs’ powerful sense of smell and encourage their natural foraging skills. To use, simply pour food or treats onto the snuffle mat, which has specially woven strands that require your dog to sniff and hunt his way through mealtime. The Wooly™ mat is hand woven from leftover pre-consumer fabric from the industrial textile industry in rural Thailand at the Bua Bhat Factory, a progressive, women-owned company. Machine washable and dryable, the one-size-fits-all feeding mat is completely pet safe. paw5.us

Solid Gold Pet Purrfect Pairings™ cat food is a light, airy and savory mousse that even selective eaters are sure to love. Formulated with real meat and goat milk—an easy-to-absorb and digestible source of essential nutrients—the grain- and gluten-free recipes provide a nutritionally complete and balanced meal that is perfect for cats and kittens of all lifestages. The delectable food may also be served as an accompaniment to kibble or as a tasty treat. Purrfect Pairings come in 2.75-oz. tubs and six feline-tempting varieties: Shrimp, Tuna, Chicken, Whitefish, Chicken Liver and Salmon. solidgoldpet.com

The Pawbo⁺ is an interactive, wireless pet camera with treat dispensing and laser-pointing capabilities. It’s internet-enabled wide-angle camera (130-degrees) and speaker/microphone combo lets you check on your pets no matter where you are. You can also remotely play with your dog or cat via the device’s laser-chasing game, as well as immediately provide treats for good behavior—or just because. The free accompanying app also lets you to talk to and your pets via live video streaming and easily share captured photos and videos. pawbo.com

December 1 2016

How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Pet

melissa Dogs, Pets, Training multiple pets, new pet introductions, old dog new pet

Slow and easy does it for most canines.

There are reasons why dogs are man’s best friend and one of the main ones is their natural instinct to protect their territory from outsiders. For nearly 30,000 years, we have encouraged dogs to protect our homes, property and even kids from intruders.

It’s little wonder that our dogs become confused when we tell them to stop barking at a visitor or defending our territory from other animals. To allow other animals into their home is a direct assault against all of those years of conditioning.

Fortunately, dogs have also become more socially aware as they have become more accepting to outside stimuli, which include people and other pets. The key to a successful introduction is reconditioning your dog to accept outsiders.

There are several ways to help your dog accept new pets into your home. This generally requires four steps spread out over several days.

Choose the Location

The physical introduction to a new pet should take place only after your dog has become used to her scent.

To integrate two animals successfully, you need to start slowly. Place your dog in a room with a door. If you’re integrating a new cat, dog or any free-ranging animal (e.g., a ferret or large tortoise) into the home, allow the new pet to roam his or her new home for a few hours, then isolate him or her into a closed room and release your dog to sniff where the new animal walked.

Continue this isolation process for at least a day or two until they have become accustomed to the new smells in the home. This is also a good time to share a brush or toy that they have both come in contact with. For example, try brushing your new cat, then use the same brush on your dog. This helps transfer smells and make them more familiar.

Tip: If you notice your dog focusing on the door where the new pet is being held, distract him with treats. Redirection is the best way to stop this predatory behavior.

Leashed Introductions

When possible, both pets—old and new—should be leashed for their first introduction in case it doesn't go as planned. — If applicable, both pets should be leashed for their first introduction in case it doesn’t go as planned.

When both your current dog and the new pet begin to display signs that the new smells are acceptable, you can begin to think about leashed introductions. Ask a trusted friend or family member to help you during this step.

Place your dog and the new pet (if applicable) on separate leashes. Allow them to sniff one another. If either animal exhibits signs of aggressive or excited behavior, immediately return them to isolation and repeat step 1.

Tip: Do not allow the animals to be alone in a home together during this time period. Your pets should be supervised closely for the first month or two as these situations could quickly escalate.

Once your pets have met and remained calm, allow them to have a few supervised play sessions.

Monitored Interaction

Once the animals have become more familiar with one another and are not exhibiting excitement during encounters, allow them to have supervised visitation. The animals should not be left alone at this time. You’ll want to make sure both are calm, relaxed and playful. If the dog is focused on the other animal, you should return to leashed introductions (and possibly back to step 1).

Tip: When both pets seem at ease with one another, are sleeping and eating regularly, and are not excited when they see each other, it’s time to move on to step 3.

Unsupervised Interaction

Keep in mind it can take weeks, even months, to reach this step. While we all want to live in a harmonious world, it’s not always possible. The key to integrating new pets is to understand that it takes time to develop a trusting relationship.

With time, your dog and new pet will live together as harmoniously as this dog and ferret do.

Tip: Always make sure each animal has a safe place he or she can retreat to if things go wrong for any reason. For cats, this might mean a high place they are comfortable on that the dog cannot reach. For small dogs, it might be a small crate that your larger dog cannot get in to. For dogs similar in size, you’ll need to use your best judgment, but a pet door with a microchip sensor could give either dog access to a different room or area.

Remember that some dogs will never get along with other animals; their prey drive may be too high to accept a smaller pet or their habit of defending the home is too deeply engrained. If this is the case with your dog, you will need to make a decision. The responsible choice is not to bring any other pets into your home. However, if you are determined to do so, you might need to bring in an animal behaviorist or trainer or resign yourself to keeping the animals separated forever.

About the Author: Stacy Mantle is a full-time freelance writer, bestselling author and founder of PetsWeekly.com. She resides in the deserts of the Southwest with a few dogs, several cats and a very understanding husband.

December 1 2016

How to Make Your Own Cat Treats

melissa Fun, Pets, Resources homemade cat treats, make your own cat treats

Just remember to mark the container clearly before storing it in the refrigerator.

Christmas and Hanukkah coincide this year, so there’s no better gift to give cat owners (and their felines) than some tasty homemade treats.

Here are two recipes featuring two feline favorites: liver and tuna. The treats are easy and quick to make. Package them in a cellophane bag with a bow or have fun hand painting a mason jar or ceramic container that can be reused and/or re-purposed.

Liver and Pumpkin Squares

Ingredients:

½ lb raw beef liver

2 large eggs

4 tbsp vegetable oil

3 tbsp unsweetened canned pumpkin

1-cup instant oats

Water to make a batter

You will need:

A standard loaf pan or an 8- to 10-in. square cake pan

Food processor or blender

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F
Puree the liver in a food processor or blender.
Add the pumpkin and blend in to the mixture.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the vegetable oil.
Add the liver and pumpkin mix to eggs and oil bowl.
Next, mix in the oats and add a little water until the mix is the consistency of thick cake batter.
Use a cooking spray to lightly spray the pan and spoon in the mixture.
Bake on a middle shelf in the oven for about 50 minutes until the mixture feels firm on the top.
Allow to cool. Turn out onto a rack.
When completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut in to tiny feline bite-sized pieces. The treats should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Tuna Delights

Ingredients:

1 can of tuna in oil

1 large egg

1¼ cups of flour, plus a little extra to dust your working surface

½ cup water

¼ to ½ tsp. fresh or dry parsley

You will need:

A food processor or blender

A cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

A metal bottle top to use as a cookie-cutter. (For example, use the top from a bottle of olive oil.)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Drain the oil off the tuna.
Place all the ingredients in the food processor and blend until they reach the consistency of dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
Use flour to dust your working surface.
Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick and use the bottle top to cut out individual treats.
Place the treats on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes on a middle shelf in the oven.
Allow the treats to cool. Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh.

Happy holidays. And, remember to treat responsibly; treats have calories too!

November 30 2016

Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and Dog Lovers – 2016

melissa Fun, Pets, Products, Resources custom dog gifts, dog gifts, gifts for dogs

Here are a few ideas to help you fill out your shopping list.

Shopping for your dog or for the dog lover in your life can be lots of fun at this time of year. The pet products industry is offering a plethora of doggy oriented items perfect for pets and the people who love them.

Toys for Dogs

Christmas Sticks: Dogs love sticks, but a piece of wood that will splinter and break in your dog’s mouth is not the safest fetch toy. Enter DOOG, which stands for Dog Owners Outdoor Gear, a company that is offering four seasonal stick-shaped dog toys for this Christmas. Called Christmas Sticks, each toy stick comes as a funny Christmas-y character: Twigfoot, Sticklaus, Rudy and Elfstick. Made from recycled rubber, the toys glow in the dark and float in the water and are designed for fetching (but not extended chewing). (doogusa.com)

Canine Skin Care

Bag Balm Pet: Yes, dogs need skin care too, especially in the wintertime. Vermont’s Original is producing Bag Balm Pet, with products designed to sooth dry, cracked noses and paws. Containing only four ingredients, people can use the product too to help with chapped lips and hands. Bag Balm comes in decorative 4- and 8-oz. tins, as well as a portable tube and a 4.5-lb. pail. (bagbalm.com)

Baby It’s Cold Outside

Dog Sweaters: Dogs with short hair need help staying warm during the holidays, and what better way to do it than with a cute, 100-percent wool wintery sweater? Chilly Dog is offering the Black Snowflake Dog Sweater as one of its Nordic dog sweater designs. The sweater is made following the Fair Trade guidelines, and is hand-knit in South America. Available in eight different sizes, from XXS to XXXL, the sweater is suitable for all breeds and sizes. (chillydogsweaters.com)

Stuff for Dog Lovers

Christmas Mugs: Everyone loves a cheerful mug for the holidays. Imagine being able to drink spiced apple cider or eggnog from a mug with a Christmas dog motif, while helping find a cure for canine cancer at the same time. The National Canine Cancer Foundation is offering nine different dog-themed Christmas mugs, with proceeds going to the organization. Each mug hold 11 ounces. (wearethecure.org)

Pet Pillows: Nothing says love like your dog’s face on a throw pillow, thanks to Custom Pet Pillows! Upload a photo of your dog and his face will be printed on a light gray or medium brown pillowslip, which covers a 20-inch by 20-inch feather pillow. Detailed instructions on how to choose the best photo of your dog (or any other pet) and upload it are available on the Custom Pet Pillows website. (petpillows.net)

Paw Print Ornament: You won’t find a better way to personalize a Christmas tree than with an ornament featuring your dog’s own paw print. Pearhead’s Pawprints Keepsake allows you to press your dog’s paw into a nontoxic, soft air-drying clay to capture the print. The kit comes with a plastic shaping ring, air-drying clay, a rolling pin, and a plastic hole punch. Red and green satin ribbons add a finishing touch and make the ornament hangable. The clay takes 24 to 48 hours to dry. (pearhead.com)

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

November 30 2016

Cat Gifting Ideas: Tis the Season – 2016

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources cat gifts, cat training, christmas cat gifts, christmas gift ideas for cats, christmas gifts for cats, gift ideas for cats, gifts for cats, presents for cats

Find the perfect item for every feline on your holiday list.

This holiday season, don’t forget your No. 1 furry friend—your cat! From the extravagant to the economical, there’s a present for every cat owner’s budget and a gift for every cat no matter how young or old. Check out these gift ideas for cats, then remind your cat to be nice (or not so naughty).

Frisky Kittens

Cat Wand Toy — No kitten can resist playing with a wand toy—and you.
Photo: dentharg/iStock

A kitten’s life seems to center around one clear goal: playtime. Kitten owners can foster their pets’ love for play with a range of toys, exercisers, cat trees and more.

Stocking Stuffer: Most kittens are just as happy with a wad of paper or pen cap as they are with a fancy toy, but not many cats—no matter their age—can resist simple stuffed catnip toys. Other good stocking stuffers include small balls, stuffed mice and other toys that can be batted or carried around. Look for toys without small parts a kitten could easily chew off and swallow.

Personal Package: Interactive toys allow you to join in on the fun with your young pet. Look for wand toys, laser pointers (made specifically for animals) and remote control toys that allow you to control the action.

Big-ticket Item: Consider giving your kitten an item that will entertain and amuse her throughout her life. One idea is a cat tree with multiple levels and structures. A piece of cat furniture will also give your kitten a place to sleep, scratch and relax.

Active Adults

Cat Carrier — If you want to travel with your cat, whether by car, plane or train, a Sleepypod Air carrier will help you both get wherever you’re going safely and in style.

While not quite as playful as their kitten counterparts, adult cats enjoy many of the same activities. All the gift ideas for cats above make ideal presents for adult cats, too, as well as these fun items:

Stocking Stuffer: A stylish collar with a personalized tag makes a great stocking stuffer for cats of all ages. Even if your pet does not enjoy the great outdoors, the identification will help reunite you with your cat on the off chance she sneaks outside.

Personal Package: Enjoy some one-on-one time with your feline friend with new grooming tools. Ideas include grooming gloves, rubber grooming massagers, slicker brushes and more.

Big-ticket Item: Do you wish you could take your cat on road trips with you? This holiday season, invest in a travel carrier. Manufacturers offer a range of styles and sizes, from soft-sided bags and backpacks to sturdy molded plastic designs. For the truly pampered pet, consider a pet stroller.

Stately Seniors

Cat Bed — Most senior kitties love to snuggle down in a soft, comfy bed, such as this one from elevele (sold on Etsy).

When a cat reaches his senior years (10 and older), he has earned the right to lay back and relax. Help him enjoy his golden years with gifts meant for a life of leisure.

Stocking Stuffer: Slip a bag of tasty treats into your senior cat’s stocking. Pet stores typically carry small bags of treats, allowing you to purchase a variety of flavors and types at economical prices. Many include supplements to help with stiff joints or other age-related ailments. If your cat has a definite treat preference, surprise her with her favorite.

Personal Package: Does your senior cat prefer to curl up in the same spot every day for an extended nap? Wrap up a soft bed to place in his napping spot. Today’s cat beds come in a range of styles, sizes, colors, fabrics and price points.

Big-ticket Item: If your cat shows signs of arthritis or other ailments related to age, consider investing in accommodations to make getting around the house easier for your pet. Manufacturers offer a range of products, such as ramps, steps and carriers to allow older pets to access their favorite napping and bird-watching spots easily.

About the Author: Stacy N. Hackett is an award-winning writer with more than 25 years’ experience in the pet industry. She is the former editor of Pet Product News and a former staff editor with Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA and Ferrets USA. To learn more about her work, visit stacynhackett.vpweb.com.

November 30 2016

12 Indispensable Products for Dogs & Cats

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources cat books, cat collars, cat food, cat toys, cat treats, dog books, dog food, dog toys, dog treats, pet products

Every dog and cat, whether naughty or nice, deserves a fun and festive holiday toy and West Paw Design has new ones for dogs and one for cats. The white-and-white striped Holiday Bear comes in two sizes (9 in. and 6 in.), contains a squeaker for extra fun. The soft and cuddly Holiday Stocking and Holiday Mitten are ideal for play or nap time; both are 6 inches in size. The bright-red Holiday Star is a soft, plush squeaker toy, 4 inches in size. In addition to the three new toys, the holiday line for dogs includes reindeer, gingerbread men, candy canes, Christmas trees and merry bones. For cats, West Paw Design offers the new Catnip Star. Hand-filled with USDA-certified organic catnip, your cat will love batting around and snuggling with the soft, Christmas-green toy. If you really want to spoil your cat, consider getting her a Holiday Field Mouse and/or a Holiday Big Sky Mouse as well. westpawdesign.com/dog-toys westpawdesign.com/cat-toys

Zuke’s PureNZ Jerky Dog Treats are handcrafted in small batches from New Zealand sourced ingredients. Every pouch contains 80 to 90 percent real meat protein, such as grass-feed beef, green-lipped mussels, salmon and whitefish, along with high-quality fruits and vegetables. The limited-ingredient dog treats are available in four forms: 4-calorie Bites in Beef with Rabbit, Beef with Lamb and Beef with Venison recipes; soft, Cords in Beef & Turkey, Beef & Chicken and Beef & Duck recipes; thin-sliced Cuts in Beef with Salmon, Beef with Whitefish and Beef with Green Lipped Mussel recipes; and Steaks in Beef with Carrot, Beef with Potato and Beef with Sweet Potato recipes. Each form and recipe comes in 5-oz. resealable bags. zukes.com

Pamper your finicky felines this holiday season with Soft ‘n Tasty Baked Bites cat treats from Caru Pet Food. The first ingredient in these small-sized baked bits is USDA-inspected meat—chicken, chicken liver, salmon. Other beneficial ingredients include chickpeas, chicken broth and fish oil. The grain- and soy-free tidbits are formulated without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Made in the USA by a family-owned company, the treats come in two recipes: Chicken and Salmon. carupetfood.com

Does your dog like to chew on toys? If yes, then KONG Dotz dog toys just might end up on your holiday shopping list. The interactive toys come in three shapes—circle, square and triangle—and feature layered textures (the dots) that will entice and delight the most eager of canine chewers. The toys’ playful, unpredictable bounce keeps dogs guessing as to where they’ll land next, while the nubby dots help keep dogs’ teeth and gums clean and healthy. To see the toys in action, click here. kongcompany.com

Keep your cats entertained—and away from the holiday decorations—with Coastal Pet Products’ Turbo Random Roller Cat Toy. Measuring 22-in. round, the interactive toy is designed to offer your cat (or cats) hours of mental stimulation and physical fun. The unpredictable movement of the battery-powered ball appeals to cats’ hunting instincts, while the dual-sided cover makes enticing crinkle noises during play—and keeps the ball from rolling away. Battery included. Click here to see just how much a cat enjoys playing with it. coastalpet.com

Petcurean Gather™ Organic pet food for dogs and cats is formulated using sustainably produced, certified organic ingredients that are caringly blended and balanced to provide your dog or cat with natural premium-quality nutrition. With nothing added that’s not needed, the pet foods feature single-source proteins, organic peas, lentils and other essential ingredients, such as omega 3 and 6 oils, to provide healthy, tasty meals for your dog or cat. There is one recipe for cats: Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken, which comes in 4- or8-lb bags. And three recipes for dogs, including Wild Ocean Line-Caught Cod and Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken, which are available in 6- or 16-lb. bags. petcurean.com/for-cats petcurean.com/for-dogs

Your feline companions deserve to look and feel their best while remaining safe indoors and out. Angel Pet Supplies’ Studded Cat Collars not only look great, their elastic breakaway and bell safety features ensure your cats stay safe wherever they are. The genuine leather cat collars are lightweight and comfortable, and come in two sizes—10 in. and 12 in.—and six stylish colors: black, white, pink, red, purple and turquoise blue. They are available from variety of independent pet retailers—brick-and-mortar and online. Where To Buy angelpetsupplies.com

Could your dog do with a little extra protection from the weather this winter? Kruuse’s Buster brand offers a range of stylish jackets and coats for dogs that will help keep your best friend warm and dry in all types of weather. The Outdoor Winter Jacket provides warmth in extreme winter conditions; the Raincoat protects dogs in wet and windy weather; the Active Dog Jacket provides fashionable warmth; and the City Dog Jacket provides functional style on chilly days. All of the jackets and coats are easy to put on and take off; come in a range of colors; and are available in nine sizes, from XXS to XXL, for a comfortable and secure fit. kruuse.com

OurPets® Pounce House™ is designed to stimulate cats’ hunter instinct and engage them in fun and healthful play. A motorized (and quiet) feather wand spins randomly to entice cats inside, while the large multiple openings provide them with easy access to bat at and pounce on their prey. After an exhausting workout, the ample-sized house (18x18x15 inches) is a great place for a catnap until it is time to spring back into action. The house is easy to set up and fold for storage; the wand’s motor is removable and powered by two AAA batteries (not included). ourpets.com

Rosie’s™ Soft Dog Treats are made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, including 100 percent vegetarian-fed chicken, sustainably sourced salmon, chia and flax seeds. The grain- and soy-free treats come in four dog-palate-tempting flavors in 6-oz. resealable bags: Peanut Butter with Banana, Salmon and Ginger, Pumpkin with Cinnamon, and Chicken and Rosemary. As an added bonus, when you buy a bag of Rosie’s treats, you will also be helping homeless dogs find their forever homes. Through its Rescue Ally Project, Rosie’s will donate 10 percent of its proceeds to four rescues twice a year and place their images and stories on the treats’ packaging. rosiesdogcompany.com

Shoeboxes and paper bags are fine for other cats. However, your favorite felines deserve luxurious living spaces. “Cat Castles: 20 Cardboard Habitats You Can Build Yourself,” by Carin Oliver, provides easy instructions on how you can build your cat “paw-some” homemade habitats common materials. The 96-page DIY guide tells you how to make cardboard trains, ships, food trucks, rockets, and other hideouts, as well as climbing towers and scratching pads that you cats can use to stay sharp. All are customizable to match every cat’s wildest desires. Published by Quirk Books: quirkbooks.com

“The Dog Tales Collection” by Patricia A. Brill, PhD, is an award-winning set of illustrated books that help parents start a conversation with their children about caring for pets. Three of the books—“Do Bad Dogs Get Cancer?” “The Road to Recovery is Paved with Dog Treats!” and “Don’t Say Good Bye Just Say See You!”—help children understand what occurs when a pet or loved one has cancer, under goes surgery and/or stays overnight at a hospital or dies. The fourth book, “Porsche Bella’s Forever Home” shows children the benefits of rescuing, fostering and/or adopting animals. functionalfitnessllc.org

Woman is sitting on a bench with two german shepherds

November 19 2016

How to Earn Extra Money This Holiday Season

melissa Courses & Career Animal Jobs, animal related jobs, careers with animals, earn extra cash during the holidays, extra cash during holidays, how to make extra cash during the holidays, jobs working with animals, make extra money during the holidays, make money from home, part-time jobs, seasonal jobs, work with animals

7 Ways to Earn Extra Cash for the Holidays

Guest post by Rover

Looking to earn extra cash during the holidays or even long after? We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to make money from home or get out there and meet people, it’s easy to find the perfect seasonal gig for your goals.

Become a Rover.com Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

Rover is the nation’s largest community of pet sitters and dog walkers. On Rover, you set your own schedule and rates, get access to 24/7 support, and enjoy automatic and secure payments. Curious about what you can charge? Here are what top dog walkers in San Antonio and top dog boarding sitters in San Diego are charging.

Snag a Seasonal Retail Gig

According to the National Retail Federation, retailers are expected to hire between 640,000 and 690,000 seasonal workers in 2016. If you’re looking for short-term work, have a flexible schedule and would love a store discount, holiday retail work could be the perfect job for you.

Become a Tasker on TaskRabbit

Are you the person your friends call to fix their dripping sink? Do you finding cleaning your baseboards oddly rewarding? List your services on TaskRabbit. Potential clients can contact you directly from the site, and you can offer everything from bartending to assembling IKEA furniture.

Rent Your Car on Turo

Don’t use your car very much? Turo makes it easy to share it with your neighbors. They’ll set your car’s rental price based on market value, location, and time of year—allowing you to get the most out of sharing your ride.

Sell Your Stuff on Craigslist or eBay

We all have things we’d like to get rid of, and the holidays are the perfect time to give old stuff the old heave-ho. An easy way to do that is to list them on Craigslist. If you don’t feel like doing the work of taking photos, creating a listing or handing off your stuff, eBay Valet could be your best bet.

Rent Your Home on Airbnb

If you’re traveling for the holidays or have an extra room in your house, rent it out to travelers on Airbnb. Right off the bat, Airbnb will tell you how much you could make based on your space and the demand in your city.

Become a Driver with Lyft

Are you most relaxed when you’re driving? Do you like meeting new people? Become a driver with Lyft and earn up to $35 an hour. You’ll get to keep your tips, take advantage of Prime Time pricing during peak hours and get access to insurance protection at no extra cost.

Whether you need in-home dog boarding, pet sitting, dog walking or day care, Rover connects pet parents with people who’ll treat their dogs like family.

November 1 2016

Holiday Pet Safety

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Safety holiday dangers, holiday pet safety, pet safety precautions

The do’s and don’ts for cats and dogs during the festive winter months.

Holiday Dog Safety Tips — Delicious holiday dishes could tempt even the most well-behaved dog; remind your guests that feeding from the table (or kitchen counter) is not allowed.
Photo: martince2/iStock

At this time of year, it’s easy to be swept up in the spirit of the holidays. Friends and family are visiting, decorations are everywhere and delicious treats abound. If you love your dog or cat, you probably feel the urge to get him or her involved in all the festivities, too. To keep your cats and dogs safe during the holidays and ensure they have a fun time, follow these do’s and don’ts.

Do keep a close eye on your pet during the holidays. When people are coming and going, it’s easy to lose track of your pet’s whereabouts. Pets can get into trouble or even run out of the house when you’re not looking. In addition, an open gate in the backyard could result in your dog getting loose.

Do be sure your pets are wearing a collar with an identification tag. If they get out of the house or yard, they are much more likely to find their way home if they have an easy-to-read ID tag with your address and phone number. Also, consider having your pets microchipped before the holidays. This will help ensure they find their way home should a collar come off.

No matter how busy you are during the holidays, make sure you spend some quality time with your pets.
Photo: Cathy Yeulet/iStock

Do buy your pets presents for the holidays. Pet supply stores are full of all kinds of holiday toys and treats made just for dogs and cats. Holiday collars, leashes, sweaters and even hats can also help your pet be included in the festivities.

Do try to maintain your pet’s normal routine through the holidays to help ease stress. If you walk your dog in the evenings, try to keep this up, even though you may be short on time. Even a brief 10 to 15 minute walk will help your dog feel like he’s still high on your priority list. Don’t forget to give your cat plenty of attention, too. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, kitties can feel neglected. Take a few minutes each day to sit down with your cat and give her some petting.

Do give your dog or cat a break from all the holiday commotion. If you have guests over and your pet isn’t used to a house full of people, consider sequestering her to another part of your home, where she can have some peace and quiet. This is especially true for cats, who are often overwhelmed by having to deal with a lot of strangers.

In many a dog or cat’s eye, decorations are meant to be played with. Always keep pet safety in mind when decking your home’s halls for the holidays.
Photo: BranstonandTwiglet/iStock

Don’t give your pet food from the table. Rich foods can make your pet sick to his stomach. Certain foods, like chocolate and grapes, can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. Even a small amount of gum or candy made with a natural sweetener called xylitol could be fatal to pets. Be sure your guests know the rules about feeding your cat or dog from the table.

Don’t let your pet get into the holiday decorations. Tinsel on a Christmas tree is very tempting for cats, and if swallowed, can cause serious digestive obstruction. Eating pine needles can also make a cat sick. Dogs can be inclined to chew on Christmas ornaments or electrical cords.

With the right amount of care and supervision, your dogs and cat can have a great holiday season, right along with their human families. You might be surprised to discover just how much your pets enjoy this time of year.

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

Exercise Your Dog

Regular activity is good for your pet—and you.

A Basic Guide to Cat Genetics

Cats’ fur colors, markings and patterns explained.

Entertaining Products for Dogs & Cats

How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Pet