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July 8 2016

Icy Treats for Hot Dogs

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets dog treats, frozen dog treats, ice cream for dogs

Help your pets cool off in the dog days of summer with tasty frozen delights made just for them.

Frosty Paws When the heat seems to crank all the way up on sweltering summer days, nothing beats the refreshment of a cool treat. The next time you enjoy a tasty ice cream cone or popsicle, consider giving your dog one of his own. Several manufacturers offer frozen treats made just for dogs.

Sweet Frosty Scoops

The next time you’re tempted to share your ice cream cone with your dog, consider giving him Frosty Paws from Nestlé Purina. Simply pull off the top of this frozen treat and let him lick the treat out of the cup while you hold it for him, or scoop the contents into his bowl. Frosty Paws come in original and peanut butter flavors.

Yoghund A similar treat for dogs is Puppy Scoops Ice Cream from Puppy Cakes. This product comes as a mix; just stir hot water into as much or as little of the mix as desired, then freeze the mixture. When your dog needs a cool treat, take it from the freezer and let it thaw for 10 to 15 minutes, then serve to your canine companion. Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix comes in four flavors: peanut butter, vanilla, carob and maple bacon.

For a little variety in your dog’s frozen treat selection, offer him one of the flavors of Nature’s Variety SweetSpots. These frozen yogurt treats formulated specifically for dogs come in two flavors: sweet potato and molasses, and peanut butter and honey. Like the Frosty Paws treats, SweetSpots come in individual cups that you can help your dog eat or scoop into a separate sturdy bowl.

The Bear & The Rat Frozen Yogurt Other frozen delectables to consider include: YöPup frozen yogurt for dogs from Yöghund, available in Banana & Peanut Butter or Apple & Cheddar flavors; frozen yogurt from The Bear & The Rat, which comes in Bacon Peanut Butter and Banana Peanut Butter flavors in 16-oz. tubs and Pumpkin flavor in four 3.5-oz. tubs; and Freezy Pups Frozen Treat Kits from Head of the Pack, the kits include a bone-shaped tray and a sample packet of four flavors: White Cheddar Cheese, Chicken Soup, Banana Honey and Sweet Potato ‘n Maple.

Made With Love

If your local stores don’t stock these frozen treats or your dog has dietary concerns, you can make some at home quickly and easily. A Google search for “homemade frozen dog treats” turns up many recipes, ranging from peanut butter “pup-sicles” to chicken pops. Some ideas are as simple as making chicken broth ice cubes, or as elaborate as bone-shaped creamy peanut butter and jelly ice cream nuggets. If you have concerns about which ingredients are safe for your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Cool Alternatives

For times when you want to help your dog cool down without adding to his calorie count, try one of these frosty options:

Cool Pup Cooling Toys by Guardian Gear. These rubber toys can be filled with water and stored in the freezer (holes facing up) until your dog needs a fun way to cool off. As the ice in the toy melts, the cool water seeps from the holes in the toy. The toys come in ice cream cone and Popsicle shapes (shown right) in a variety of colors.
Arctic Freeze and Hydro Toys by Hugs Pet Products. Similar to the Cool Pup Cooling Toys, these rubber toys come in a variety of shapes to satisfy the cooling and chewing needs of all breeds of dogs. Arctic Freeze toys are prefilled with purified water, just store them in the freezer until needed; the Hydro toys feature a foam core surrounded by molded rubber, simply soak them in water and freeze for cool fun.
Chilly Bones by Multipet. These freezable canvas toys work well for teething puppies as well as hot dogs. Simply run the toy under water, put in back in the provided plastic bag, and place it in the freezer until you need it. Chilly Bones are available in two sizes, 5.5 inches and 7 inches.

And in a pinch, you can always put an ice cube or two in your dog’s water bowl so he can enjoy a nice, cool drink. Remember to keep your dog’s bowl out of the direct sun if possible, and be sure to offer him plenty of water all summer (and all year) long.

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.

July 8 2016

Fixing Bad Cat Behavior

melissa Cats, Health, Pets, Training cat behavior, cat spraying, cat training, litter box issues, train a cat

Here’s what you can do when your cat pees outside the litter box.

Cat Peeing Outside Litter Box — There are a number of things you can do to solve your cat’s litter box issues, such as changing the box type.
Photo credit: Ysbrand Cosijn/iStock

The things we love most about our cats are often the same things that make us the craziest. We adore their wild nature, but become frustrated when that wildness becomes destructive. This is particularly true when it comes to peeing outside the litter box.

Read more about our unique Cat Training course.

Spraying and inappropriate peeing are behaviors that frustrate us most. However, it shouldn’t because once you understand that your favorite feline is merely attempting to communicate with you, it becomes much easier to resolve this problem. Cats pee where they’re not supposed to for three primary reasons.

They are in Pain

Cats are very susceptible to urinary tract and bladder conditions (UTI, crystals or other medical condition), which are also quite painful. If your cat develops a urinary tract infection, she will experience pain when she urinates. The cat then begins to associate pain with using the box, and so she will avoid it.

They are Marking Territory

Cat Litter Box — Your cat’s litter box should be scooped every day, no matter what type it is or the litter you use.
Photo courtesy of HSUS

This behavior is common when you bring a new cat into the household and your old cat is “training” the new one. As he shows the cat your home, he might remind the new arrival that, “This is mine, this is mine and this is mine.”

Marking territory is a big reason why spraying begins and often the new cat joins in the game. It can also happen when a cat lurks outside your window or you enter the home smelling like someone else’s dog or cat.

They Have Nowhere Else to Go

Cats are fastidious creatures and they like to keep places clean. They might refuse to use a litter box if it’s not clean enough, if they don’t want to share, if you’re using an ineffective litter and it doesn’t smell clean, if it’s too small, or if they feel threatened when they enter the box.

Solving the Problem

Spraying and territorial marking are behaviors that can be fixed—usually quite simply and inexpensively. Follow the steps below.

Cat Litter Box Problems — If your cat is having litter box issues, before you do anything else, take her to the vet for a check-up.
Photo credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock

Vet check: The first thing you should do is eliminate any physical problem your cats might have. This includes a vet exam—and often a urinalysis to check for crystals or infections. If your cat is not already “fixed,” this is the time to talk to your vet.

Cleaning: It’s important to start fresh and that means using an enzyme-based stain remover to thoroughly clean areas where your pets have sprayed. For carpets and other materials, use a steam cleaner on the most obvious areas and then use an enzymatic cleaner. Allow the area to dry and repeat as necessary before allowing your cat back into the room.

Change the type of litter box: There are myriad litter boxes on the market. If your cat is not using her box, it’s important to experiment with new ones. Perhaps she needs that is larger, placed in a corner, covered/uncovered or simply placed in a new location (preferably a quiet, low-traffic area of your home).

Add a litterbox: Ideally, you should have one litter box per cat plus an extra one (if feasible). For example, if you have one cat, you would have two boxes. Four cats would have five boxes, eight cats equals nine boxes.

Litter change: There are many types of cat litter available and it’s important to find one your cat loves. Add a second box and begin to experiment with clumping or non-clumping litter and different types (e.g., clay, wood, paper, crystal, silica gel, sand, green tea, nutshells, corn, wheat, etc.).

Natural calmants: Your cat might be stressed and in need of calming. You could try using a pheromone-based spray or diffuser such as Feliway or calming chews, such as those from Pet Naturals of Vermont or Tomlyn.

It’s important never to “punish” your cat for not using the litter box. There is a reason she is not using it and she is trying to express this reason to you in the only way she knows how. It’s up to you to identify and resolve the problem without disrupting the relationship you share.

About the Author: Stacy Mantle is a fulltime 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.

July 8 2016

How to Prevent Bloat in Your Dog

melissa Health, Pets bloat, food puzzles, preventing bloat, slow feeders, slow feeding

Many canines are susceptible to this potentially life-threatening condition.

Most dogs are very enthusiastic about their food. In fact, one often wonders if they ever taste anything particularly those that vacuum up a meal in literally seconds. It’s a problem, because dogs who eat with such gusto can be candidates for developing a condition called bloat, which can be life threatening.

Bloat actually refers to two conditions, according to petMD.com. The first is gastric dilatation, in which the stomach distends with gas and fluid. The second is volvulus, in which the distended stomach rotates on its long axis. The spleen, which is attached to the wall of the stomach also rotates with the stomach.

When gas and fluid is trapped in the stomach, causing it to distend as the mixture ferments, blood circulation is cut off, which can result in a number of other medical issues, such as acute dehydration, bacterial septicemia, circulatory shock, cardiac arrhythmias, gastric perforation and even death.

Bloat can occur in any dog at any age, but typically occurs in middle-aged and older dogs. Large-breed dogs with deep chests are anatomically predisposed, such as Great Danes, German shepherds, St. Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Boxers and Weimaraners, as well as medium-sized breeds, such as Shar-Peis and Basset Hounds. While this condition is not common in small breeds, it has been known to occasionally occur when they are elderly.

In addition, dogs weighing more than 100 lb. have a 20 percent susceptibility to bloat, according to VCA Hospitals’ website. Whether or not your dog is predisposed to bloat, the condition can develop suddenly in what is otherwise a normally active and healthy dog. The sudden onset of bloat is why you should do all you can to prevent it from occurring.

One way to help prevent bloat issues to is train your dog to eat more slowly. Several products can help with the process, such as slow-feed bowls or slow-feed adaptors. DogIt, JW Pet, Petrageous Designs and Brake-Fast are just a few of the brands that offer slow-feeders. If you prefer not to buy new feeding dishes, you can opt for a slow-feed adaptor, which is placed inside your dog’s bowl. The Gobble Stopper is a bone-shaped adaptor that a dog has to eat around, which slows him down. Another adaptor is Omega Paw’s Stainless Portion Pacer, a metal ball that is placed inside a bowl to limit the amount of food your dog can access at one time.

Buster DogMaze Bowl — The Buster DogMaze was created to challenge and slow down dogs when they eat.

You could also put your dog’s meals in a food puzzle and make them work for it. Food puzzles come in different designs and sizes to suit your breed. Buster, Outward Hound and The Company of Animals offer food puzzles. I have tested a food puzzle and it can stop a dog from wolfing down a meal in three minutes and extend dining time to a “leisurely” 10 minutes, which can definitely help with the digestion.

If you feed your dog only once a day, consider increasing his mealtimes to two or more a day. Doing so could help lessen your dog’s tendency to gulp his food in just a few swallows by reducing his hunger level. Adding wet food to his kibble, and feeding a calcium-rich meat meal could also decrease the risk of bloat, VCA Hospitals website state.

No matter which methods you try, by slowing down your dog’s eating time, he might even get to use his taste buds and enjoy his meals even more.

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

July 8 2016

History’s Famous Felines

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets cats in history, famous cats, Matilda the Algonquin Cat, Mrs. Chippy, Socks the Cat

Quite a few cats were renowned long before their scions took over the internet.

While cats rule the internet and dominate Facebook, when it comes to animals making a name for themselves in history, dogs get the most attention. However, history has seen its share of famous cats. Here are a few that “made it big” before memes and Instagram.

Trim

The life of an explorer can get lonely at times, which is probably why Captain Matthew Flinders of the HMS Reliance took his cat Trim with him when he circumnavigated Australia in the early 1800s with the HMS Investigator. Flinders subsequently pronounced Australia a continent, with Trim at his side. Captain Flinders kept Trim on board during all his voyages. The two were constant companions.

Mrs. Chippy

Another sea-roaming cat, Mrs. Chippy sailed on the Endurance, the ship of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914 to 1917. Dubbed Mrs. Chippy after the nickname of the ship’s carpenter, Chippy, she was actually a he, but the name was too ingrained by the time the ship’s crew realized their mistake. You can find out more about this feline shipmate in “Mrs. Chippy’s Last Expedition: The Remarkable Journal of Shackleton’s Polar-Bound Cat” by Caroline Alexander.

Tabby and Dixie

Abraham Lincoln is not only known for being one of our greatest presidents, he also a big cat lover (and animal lover in general), and the first to have a cat in the White House. The Lincoln family cats, Tabby and Dixie, arrived in the White House as kittens, they were a gift form Lincoln’s Secretary of State, William Seward, in 1861. Lincoln was known to feed his cats from the table, which irritated his wife Mary to no end. When asked if her husband had a hobby, Mary Todd Lincoln replied, “cats.”

The Algonquin Hotel's current cat Matilda is a gray and white Ragdoll. — The Algonquin Hotel’s current cat Matilda is a gray and white Ragdoll.

Matilida

The Algonquin Hotel in New York City is famous for the Algonquin Round Table, a group of artists who met at the hotel restaurant every day for lunch during the 1920s. The hotel is also famous for always having a resident cat since the 1930s, named either Hamlet by legendary thespian John Barrymore (seven total) or Matilda (three total). The current Matilda is a gray and white Ragdoll adopted from a shelter; named Cat of the Year at the Westchester (N.Y.) Cat Show, Matilda now has her own website and Facebook page.

Socks

One of the most well-known White House felines was a black and white cat named Socks, who belonged to President Bill Clinton. Socks was reportedly a stray who jumped into the arms of Chelsea Clinton when she was leaving her piano teacher’s home one day, just a year before Bill Clinton was elected President. Socks became a media darling, and was one of the most photographed pets to ever live in the White House. He lived to be 20 years old and was memorialized by several news organizations and magazines, including CNN and People.

Room 8

In 1952, a big gray tabby wondered into a classroom at Elysian Heights Elementary School in Echo Park, Calif. The schoolchildren fell in love with him, and the cat became the school’s official mascot. He was dubbed Room 8, after the classroom where he made his debut. He lived at the school during the school year and left when classes let out, returning each year the first day of school.

He became famous in the Los Angeles area, and eventually around the country, for his dedication to the kids of Elysian Heights Elementary. Room 8 became the subject of a documentary film and children’s book (“A Cat Called Room 8” by Virginia Finley and Beverly Mason) and garnered a three-page spread in Look magazine. When he died in 1968 at the age of 22, the children of Elysian Heights Elementary raised money for his gravestone. He is buried at the Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park.

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/

July 7 2016

9 Nifty Products for Dogs & Cats

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources cat food, cat scratchers, dog toys, grooming products, pet beds, pet products

Lucy Pet Products ‘new Cats Incredible Cat Litter is a super-premium sodium bentonite clumping clay litter formulated with new “Smell Squasher” technology that stops ammonia from forming inside the litter box. And it works; one of our cat product testers tried it at home and noted that it was the best odor-controlling cat litter she’d ever used. The nontoxic, cat- and kitten-safe formula comes in patent-pending cat shaped recyclable bag with two ergonomic handles and a side spout for easy pouring. The 99.9 percent dust-free litter is available in unscented and lavender-scented formulas in 14- and 25-lb. bags. All profits go to fund the Lucy Pet Foundation, whose mission is to reduce pet overpopulation and the euthanasia of more than 80,000 cats and dogs per week in the United States. lucypetproducts.com

Squeakimals™ dog toys from Outward Hound feature cute characters packed with noisemakers to keep dogs engaged and entertained. Filled with squeakers, peepers, honkers and grunters, along with engaging crinkle material, the stuffing-free soft toys help make playtime much more fun and exciting. As an added bonus for tough chewers, the squeakers will still squeak when punctured. Available in two sizes, 9 in. and 21 in., the toys come in four cute designs: Moose, Monkey, 3-Eyed Monster and Lip Monster. outwardhound.com

Katris, from Papercut Lab, is an innovative modular scratching system for your cat—and home. It is designed to keep your cat happy, your furniture safe and not make your house look like a cat furniture junkyard. You can create endless configurations with the system’s five shapes (I, O, L, T & Z), based on your cat’s scratching preferences and what your aesthetic and functional needs. Each piece in the Kraft Bundle (shown) is made with more than 200 sheets of dense recycled paper and can withstand in excess of 300 lb. of force. The bundle also contains five bags of organic catnip and 10 Katris clips to hold the shapes together. katriscat.com

Solvits’ Car Cuddler™ is a combination seat cover and cuddling bed that uses multiple connection points to hold it firmly in place. The cover’s plush, central section of the cover is surrounded by a generous bolster that provides added comfort for traveling pets. Featuring microsuede fabric and faux sheepskin with a polyester-filled bolster, it is machine washable and has a lifetime warranty against material and workmanship defects. Available in two sizes, the single size covers a bucket seat and is designed for pets up to 35 lb. and the full sizes covers an entire bench seat for any size pet or multiple pets. solvitproducts.com

Petstages’ lnvironment Scratch N Roll cat scratcher and lounge combines scratch, roll and rest activities with the look and feel of nature to keep cats engaged. It features rugged sisal and durable carpet sides for vigorous claw sharpening, a sloped grassy area for rolling and resting (and scratching, too) and durable construction for long-lasting enjoyment. The scratcher/lounger is 16x7x11 inches in size, making it large enough for most cats yet small enough to fit anywhere. petstages.com

Does your dog excessively lick his paws? Deep Cleaning Paw Fizz Tablets for dogs from Warren London are here to help. The tablets are formulated with white tea tree oil to fight fungus, bacteria and yeast, which can be a root cause of itchiness that leads to paw licking. They also contain seaweed extract to help clean and condition a dog’s nails. A quick 5-minute paw soak, soothes and moisturizes as well as cleans and sanitizes your dog’s paws and nails; it also brightens the nails’ natural color. warrenlondon.com

West Paw Design’s Montana Nap is super comfortable and cushiony mat that your pets will love to curl up on. The lightweight mat is perfect for home or on the road—it fits perfectly in crates, carriers and on vehicle backseats, keeping the upholstery clean. Handcrafted in Montana from ecofriendly IntelliLoft fabric and featuring fill made from recycled plastic bottles, it is durable, machine washable and dryer safe. It is available in five sizes—XS – 20×15; S – 24×18;, M – 29×20; L – 35×22; XL – 47×27—and 11 colors and/or patterns, including Robin, Pumpkin, Jewel, Wine, Boulder, Midnight, Oatmeal, Chocolate, Stripe, Diamond and Plaid. westpawdesign.com/dogs westpawdesign.com/cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their nutritional needs can only be met through the consumption of animal-based diets. TikiPets’ Tiki Cat Born Carnivore dry cat food is made with more than 30 percent fresh chicken and/or fish (herring and salmon), along with chicken and fish meals, whole peas and chickpeas, pumpkin and salmon oil. The high-protein, low-carbohydrate kibble is baked to preserve key nutrients. It comes in three formulas—Fish Luau, Chicken Luau and Chicken & Fish Luau in 3-, 6- or 12-lb. bags. tikipets.com

The new and improved Pill-Masker from Tomlyn is formulated to make giving your pet pills much easier. The moist, shapeable, highly palatable bacon-flavored paste fits all pill sizes, doesn’t dry out, won’t stick to floors or furniture and can even be used as a treat and/or for training purposes. Available in two formulas, Paste for Cats and Paste for Dogs & Cats, Pill-Masker comes in 4-oz. jar that holds approximately 56 servings. tomlyn.com

May 31 2016

Teaching Basic Dog Obedience

melissa Dogs, Lifestyle, Pets, Training basic dog training commands, dog obedience, dog training, well-behaved dogs

Everyone loves a well-behaved dog; here is how to ensure yours is one.

Whether your dog is a puppy, an adult or a senior pooch, he needs to know basic obedience commands. Teaching him the Sit, Down, Come and Stay will help make him a joy to live with and welcome in many homes and places—and even some businesses.

Photo credit: AntonMatveev/iStock — Photo credit: AntonMatveev

The Sit

Attach your dog’s leash to his collar. Hold the leash in one hand and hold a treat in the other.
Hold the treat high up above your dog’s head and toward his back. Say, “sit” as you do this. You can also use a visual cue at the same time. Many people hold their non-treat hand out flat, with their palm facing the dog, above the dog’s head.

Your dog will look up at the treat over his head and naturally sit down. As soon as his butt hits the ground, reward him with a treat or toy and plenty of praise.

Practice the sit command several times a day for at least three days in a row. Eventually, treats won’t be needed, although it’s a good idea to reinforce this command with a treat every now and then to keep your dog fresh.

The Down

Ask your dog to sit.
Grasp a favorite treat in your thumb and index finger and hold it in front of your dog’s nose.
Say “down” as you move your hand slowly to the floor. Your dog will follow the treat with his nose. He will probably start to lick it or nibble at it while it’s in your hand. He will start to lie down so he can reach the treat in your hand as you gradually lower it.
As soon as your dog’s body is all the way down on the floor, you can give him the treat. Don’t give it to him until he lies all the way down.

Your biggest challenge in teaching the down command might be getting your dog’s rump to the floor. Some dogs will only lower their front end, keeping the backend up in the air. If your dog does this, do not give him the treat until his rump goes down to the floor. You can help encourage him to perform the down correctly by pulling the treat toward you so he has to stretch out to get to it. Hopefully, his back end will hit the ground in the process. When it does, give him the reward immediately, along with lots of praise.

Eventually, you can say “down” and move your hand to the floor as an accompanying visual cue without the treat. When your dog has made it all the way to the floor and can hold the down for at least a minute, release him and give him a treat or toy as praise.

The Recall

Begin this exercise indoors. Get a box of dog treats. Shake the box and then give your dog a few of the treats. You want him to know that the sound of the box shaking means he’s going to get something to eat.
Attach your dog’s leash to his collar and stand in front of your dog, holding the leash and the box of treats. Enthusiastically say your dog’s name and then the word “come.” Add the visual command of waiving your hand toward your body as if to signal someone to come to you.

When your dog comes toward you, take some steps backward. When he follows you, make a big fuss over him and give him some treats from the box. Only give him treats if he follows you. If he doesn’t follow you, walk back up to him and try it again.

Practice this maneuver several times a day for three days. Pretty soon, your dog will come toward you when you say his name and the word “come,” even if you don’t have the box of treats.

The Stay

Put some treats in your pocket. Attach your dog’s leash to his collar.
Tell your dog to sit.
Hold the leash and stand in front of him. Say “stay,” and hold up your hand to your dog’s face, with the palm facing him. If he moves, make him go back to where he was and say, “stay” again, repeating the hand gesture.
Do this a few times until he doesn’t move when you step away from him. Once he stays put, tell him he’s a good boy and give him a treat.

You will need to practice this exercise for a few days, several times a day. Once your dog learns to stay when you tell him to, you can start to make it a bit harder for him. Ask him to stay for longer periods of time. Eventually, move to an area with distractions that will challenge his attention. If he stops listening to you, go back to the basics of teaching this command.

May 31 2016

Celebrate Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

melissa Lifestyle, Pets adopt a cat, cat rescue, foster a cat, shelter cats

Here are six ways you can help felines find their forever homes.

It’s June. That time of year when we celebrate warmer weather and the start of summer. Not coincidentally, it’s also National Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, which in turn coincides with the height of kitten season and more cats in need of great homes.

You can help celebrate Adopt A Shelter Cat Month by adopting, volunteering and/or spreading the message of adoption. There are thousands of adoption events planned around the nation and your animal-loving friends might not know June is one of the best times of year to bring home a new feline friend.

Here some simple ways you can help cats in your area.

1. Share the Message on Social Media

Visit PetFinder.com and select a long-term shelter cat near you who might need some extra attention. Post the following: “This cat has been in the shelter forever. June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat month. Save a life: Adopt a Cat.” Be sure to copy and paste the link to your selected project cat. The photo will automatically load.

Dedicate yourself to helping one long-term cat a week by tweeting his/her photo on Twitter, adding a post to Facebook or letting your friends know on Instagram. Let’s get these animals into lifetime homes and out of the shelters.

2. Help Shelters Stock Up on Supplies

PetFinder Cat Adoption — A quick location search on PetFinder shows there are more than 1,800 cats ready for their forever homes within a 25-mile radius in L.A.

Nearly every animal shelter has a wish-list of supplies they burn through each day or just need to help make their shelter a better place.

Choose one shelter or rescue and help them stock up before the rush of lost pets arrives courtesy of Fourth of July celebrations. You could also ask your community to adopt that shelter through the month of June by donating one or more wish-list items.

3. Foster a Cat (or Cat Family)

This is typically the month that no-kill shelters need the most help. Why not assist one by fostering a cat or two. Animal rescue groups need room to bring in and care for new animals. In many cases, entire families of mama-cat and her kittens just need a safe place to grow up for a few weeks.

Delegate one room of your home to serve as a “kitten nursery” or foster an older cat until a family is found. Many shelters help with all medical expenses and you will have the option to adopt if you so choose. This is a great way to help a rescue.

4. Educate Others

There are many ways you can educate others about cat rescue and adoption. One way is to visit Pinterest and find some fun, educational facts in a visual format and then share them via social media. (For example, here are some fun facts about Tabby Cats with plenty of visual cards you can share). Also, don’t forget that National Hug Your Cat Day is on June 4 this year.

5. Buy an Adoption Gift Certificate for a Friend or Family Member

Cat Fostering — If you can’t adopt a cat, consider fostering one or whole cat family. Socialized cats and kittens stand a better chance of being adopted.
Photo credit: Salinde/iStock

You should never give pets as gifts, but giving an adoption certificate is always appropriate. This could be the exact motivation a person needs to find a new best friend and change both their lives for the better.

Nearly all animal rescues offer gift certificates that allow you to pay for the cost of the adoption (which usually covers spay/neuter and vaccines, and ensures the pet is healthy). Don’t forget to encourage them to go the rescue and meet all the animals in June.

To help them find the perfect cat, consider telling them these fun facts…and then invite your friend to disprove them.

Cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are generally more easygoing than longer, leaner cats with short hair.
Long, lean cats with short hair are generally more active than shorter, rounder cats.

6. Promote Adoption to Kids

While it is adults who do the adopting, it is their children who will be inspired to carry on the tradition and help care for the next generations of animals.

You can help kids realize how important animal adoption is by encouraging a local youth group to visit a shelter and help out (e.g., cleaning enclosures, socializing pets or just reading to a cat). There are many opportunities to interact with animals who someone to show them love.

Who knows? The life you change might be your own.

May 31 2016

Dogs and Things that Go Boom!

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Safety calming a dog, fireworks, Fourth of July, pet safety

Keep your pet calm during Fourth of July celebrations.

You might find fireworks beautiful to watch, but their loud booms and pops could frighten your dog. Photo credit: jose1983/iStock — You might find fireworks beautiful to watch, but their loud booms and pops could frighten your dog.
Photo credit: jose1983/iStock

With Independence Day approaching, it’s a good time to remind your pet-owning friends that fireworks can be extremely frightening, often causing dogs to bolt if not kept securely locked up at home. (Your dog’s hearing is much more acute than yours is.)

In fact, pet detectives report that calls for assistance to find lost pets always increase in the days following Fourth of July fireworks. What happens is that some dogs panic and bolt, running blindly away from the noise. Some will run and hide close by, while others will run for miles.

A single really, negative experience of loud fireworks can have a long-lasting detrimental effect, states Professor Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Department at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton. Mass. Dodman, the author of the popular book “The Well-adjusted Dog,” says it’s imperative that dogs be protected from such adverse experiences to avoid scaring them and to help prevent the development of noise phobia.

If your dog does this during a nearby fireworks show, consider using calming products, such as a wrap, to help him get through the worst of it. Photo credit: A8-dct/iStock — If your dog runs and hides during a fireworks show (nearby or on the TV), consider using calming products, such as a wrap or pheromone spray, to help him get through the worst of it.
Photo credit: A8-dct/iStock

“Dogs seem to fare worse than cats,” he says. “But that may be because they are more demonstrative. Cats tend to hide and quake with fear in private.”

It’s always best to lock dogs up, and give them all the necessary creature comforts, such as food, water, toys and a bed. You should also close the windows and blinds, and pump up the classical music. This is a good plan even if you aren’t having fireworks in your own backyard because you can be sure someone in your neighborhood will be celebrating with them.

Behaviorists also state that dogs should never be tethered under any circumstances, because this only increases their state of panic and they could harm themselves.

Fortunately, there are many excellent products to help reduce a dog’s fears and anxiety. Garments such as the ThunderShirt are available in all sizes for dogs (and cats). Anxiety wraps work on the principle mothers have used for centuries; that of “wearing their babies” in a sling or blanket strapped close to the body so the baby feels secure and bonded with his or her parent.

Putting your dog in a quiet room with his favorite bed and toys can help keep him calm during a noisy celebration. Photo credit: Jevtic/iStock — Putting your dog in a quiet room with his favorite bed and toys, along with tasty treats and water, can help keep him calm during a noisy celebration.
Photo credit: Jevtic/iStock

Other calming aids include Rescue Remedy or Pet Remedy, which can be added to a water bowl. Pheromone sprays, such as Sentry Calming Spray and Adaptil (and Feliway for cats), also help ease anxiety by mimicking the pheromones mother dogs produce naturally to calm their young. There are also pheromone diffusers that can be plugged into the room where your pets are sequestered. There are even calming collars. If you are considering a collar, be sure to put it on a couple of days beforehand to ensure its efficacy.

Lastly, if you happen to be watching fireworks displays on TV, either turn down the sound so as not to spook your pets or sequester them in another room.

May 31 2016

Buyer’s Guide: Cat Treats

melissa Pets, Products, Resources cat treats, dental crunchies, indulge your cat

From freeze-dried nuggets to dental crunchies and soft chews, there’s a type and flavor to satisfy every cat.

Cat Treat Thief — Cats can love treats just as much as dogs do–even if they don’t show it when their humans are around. Photo credit: April Turner/iStock

If you look up the word “treat” in the dictionary, you’ll find several definitions, including “an item that gives great pleasure”; synonyms for the word include “delicacy” and “delight.” If you’ve lived with a cat for very long, you know your feline views delicacies and delights that give great pleasure as his rightful due.

Manufacturers understand that cats love treats and cat owners love to indulge their pets. A variety of tasty little nuggets waits for you on the shelves at your local pet store. Norm Shrout, co-owner of Long Leash on Life in Albuquerque, N.M., categorized the types of treats available as follows:

Freeze-dried. “These are real-deal meat treats with very little processing,” Shrout said. “They are low carb and very appropriate for an obligate carnivore.”
Shrout said the benefits of these types of treats include their palatability, ease of use, low processing and excellent nutritive value.
Soft chews. “These are good for interactive treat-dispensing toys,” Shrout said, noting that they are also good for older cats with fewer teeth and typically cost less than other types of treats.
Dental treats. As the name implies, these treats “contain ingredients for better oral hygiene,” Shrout explained. He also noted that these treats have a “super crunch factor.”
Functional treats. Shrout views this type of treat as one that provides some type of health benefit, such as a daily vitamin supplement. “Health benefits vary by chew,” Shrout said, noting that his store carries formulas for hairballs, urinary tract, skin/coat, hip/joint, stool odor reduction, weight control, digestive upset and more.
Extruded crunchy treats. The benefits of these types of treats include price, crunch factor and good ingredients, Shrout said. “They are also good for interactive treat-dispensing toys.”

Caitlin Sullivan, marketing manager of the four Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies in New Jersey and a former store manager, includes bonito flakes, grain-free and limited-ingredient varieties on her list of treat types.

“Grain-free treats are free of all grains such as wheat, oats and rice,” she explained. “Limited-ingredient treats are great for cats with allergies and sensitive stomachs…. Bonito flakes can be used as a treat or an appetite stimulator for finicky cats.”

Just a Taste of Tasty Treats

CatTreats-1 — It might take a few tries to find a treat your cat prefers. Photo credit: Laks-Art/iStock

With such a variety of treats at their disposal, you might be tempted to feed all the treats all the time (and many cats would encourage that course of action). However, like almost everything in life, treats are best in moderation.

In fact, veterinarians recommend that cat treats make up no more than 10 percent of a cat’s diet. If you are adding calories with treats, you might need to slightly reduce the amount of cat food you offer at your pet’s regular mealtimes.

Beyond just simply making your cat happy, however, cat treats can actually encourage your cat to be active and healthy.

“We advocate the use of treat dispensing cat toys as a major way to control weight, provide enrichment and give the cat something to do besides sleep,” Shrout said. “We also recommend clicker training for cats (with uses cat treats) as yet another way to stimulate them and enrich their lives.”

And of course, offering your cat a treat can help strengthen the bond you already share with your feline friend. With such a range of treat types, you’re sure to find one both of you love.

May 31 2016

Fun-Inducing Pet Products

melissa Pets, Products, Resources cat toy, dog collars, dog leashes, dog tent, dog toy, dog treats, pet products

‘Tis the season for camping and what better way for you and your dog(s) to go than with the Scout & About Outdoor Tent from P.L.A.Y. Made from durable outdoor fabric, the stylish tent makes adventures with your dog easy thanks to its compact and collapsible design. A fully enclosed floor keeps the outdoors where it belongs and prevents intrusion from unwanted visitors. Mesh sides provide ample ventilation and visibility, while providing shelter from the elements—its water-resistant roof to keeps your dog(s) dry. Weighing only 4.63 lb., the easy-to-clean tent comes with four stakes and is available in two colors: Mocha (shown) and Vanilla. petplay.com

If your cats like to hide in paper bags, they’ll love the Cat Caves from PetRageous Designs. Whether they’re looking for a place to nap or to play a rousing came of king of the castle, your cats will be snug as a bug (pun intended) inside. Made of durable canvas, the caves have crinkle paper sewn inside for added enticement and noisy fun. The flexible frame folds easily for storage and travel. The caves are available in three styles: Bumble Bee, Ladybug and Raccoon (not shown). petrageousdesigns.com

Kurgo’s Backyard Birdie is a great dog toy for any bird-loving (and play-loving) canine. Made with chew-friendly, non-toxic material and not real feathers, the birdie is designed to float on water. You can hit the birdie with your badminton racket for a game of long-run fetch, add a person with a racket for a combined game of keep-away and fetch or throw it like a football for more up-close fun. You can also create your own games, and if you submit your ideas to Kurgo at yardgames@kurgo.com, you might win a $50 Kurgo gift card. kurgo.com

Snuggly Cat’s Ripple Rug takes a simple concept—cats’ love of throw rugs—and turns it in into a fun, feline enrichment toy. The top rug has 14 holes of varying size that cats can use as a toy play zone, a scratching spot and/or fun place to play hide and seek—or just hide. The top rug also has multi-point Velcro fasteners to adhere to the bottom rug, which has an anti-slip coating. Made using recycled plastic bottles, the durable, ribbed needle-punch carpet’s edges are anti-fray and non-raveling and its fibers are mold, mildew and stain-resistant, making it easy to clean with just soap and water. Measuring 35 x 47 inches, the full-sized cat toy weighs less than 4 lbs., and folds easily for storage. snugglycat ripplerug.com

Einstein Pets’ All Natural Omega Dog Treats contain simple, delicious and nutritious ingredients, such as oats and chia seed, that are mixed in small batches by hand. Plus, they are free of preservatives, wheat corn and soy. The low-calorie, crunchy treats are rich in fiber, protein and omega 3 and help support healthy bones, coat, teeth and digestion. Made and sourced in the USA, the treats come in five tasty flavors: PB & Jelly Time, Great Pumpkin, Peas and Carrots, I Yam What I Yam and Turkey Bacon/Pride. A sixth flavor, Cha Cha Coconut is exclusive to a six-pack treat sampler. einsteinpets.com

You can stimulate and satisfy your feline’s hunting drive with the Catrine Catmosphere cat treat dispenser from Kruuse. Designed to roll unpredictably, the ball’s erratic movements encourages cats to bat at it and the dispensed treats ensure they’ll keeping chasing it. In addition, the chasing activity combined with random treat rewards make it a great way to get overweight cats to exercise and limit their food intake. The treat ball comes in two colors, red (pink) and black and is 4 in. (95mm) in diameter. kruuse.com

Petmate’s new Glow in the Dark dog collars and leashes use glow-in-the dark (GID) thread or rubber throughout their design for enhanced nighttime visibility; the glow can be seen from distances up to six feet. To activate the GID technology, simply expose the collar and/or leash to a bright light for 5 to 10 minutes before use—no batteries needed. The new leashes and collars come in four solid colors (yellow, green, pink and blue) and various fashionable patterns and colors. A line of GID rubber dog leashes and collars are also available in three patterns (dots, stars and tossed grid) in various colors. All collars are available in sizes X-small to large; the leashes are 6 ft. in length. petmate.com

While your cats do not need to eat their veggies, they can certainly play with them. OurPets PetZone Veggie Cat Toys, made from sustainable, renewable and recyclable materials, are designed to entice cats. Their insides contain buckwheat for irresistible rattle sound as well as PetZone’s premium North American-grown catnip for extra enticement. Available in carrot, eggplant and sweet pepper shapes, the cat toys are natural, safe and nontoxic. petzonebrand.com

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Just a Taste of Tasty Treats

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