Archive for the ‘Pet Products’ Category
An article by the American Animal Hospital Association states, “Most people know that cats are easy animals to love and care for, and can be wonderful family pets. What you may not know is that owning a cat offers much more than just companionship. Studies show that owning a cat can have numerous benefits on overall mental and physical health for people of all ages. From lowering blood pressure in adults to helping children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cats are more than just furry friends — adopting a cat can mean a healthier, happier family.” I would say from my experience that dogs could also be included in that paragraph. What is sad though is that pets who provide humans with so much more than companionship are sometimes taken for granted and fed with the cat food or dog food that is on sale.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials dictates how meat, poultry, and seafood can be used in pet food names. At least 95% of the food, excluding water for processing and seasonings, must be the named ingredient. Your pet may require more or less of a particular food depending on its age, environment, and activity level. So when selecting food for your pet, know what is best for him or her (you may need to get suggestions from your veterinarian), then make sure you read the directions, and scan the ingredients list. After all, a pet that contributes to a healthier, happier family deserves to be fed what is most healthy for him/her.
I always assumed that cats had the easiest lives in the world because it seems to me that the majority of their day is spent sleeping. However, I read an article the other day in PetsMatter by the American Animal Hospital Association that says that cats lounging around the house DO feel stress and that it can lead to aggressive play. My initial thought was, “Cats laying around feel stressed? Are you kidding?” However, after thinking about it, I could see where the author was coming from because I know from experience that boredom can certainly be stressful.
What the article recommends to alleviate this anxiety is a minimum of ‘owner-involvement’ play five minutes a day with cat toys that involves chasing and pouncing. Now I am certainly guilty of not ‘playing’ with my cat at least five minutes a day. Sure, I brush him and pet him and hold him, but I am going to start playing with him. I have a feeling it will take both of us some time to get used to this since neither of us is a youngster, but , hey, you’re never too old to play. Wish us luck!
A few months ago, I was in the kitchen making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I was blissfully unaware of the world around me – my only thought was where to enjoy this delicious sandwich: outside in the sun or inside at the dining room table. Then my thoughts were disturbed by a distinct smacking sound. I turned around to find Rufus, my golden retriever, licking his lips expectantly. I’d forgotten how much he loves peanut butter.
Then inspiration struck. I dug out a few old dog toys and looked for one with a hole in the middle. I then applied liberal amounts of peanut butter to the inside of the toy and told Rufus to sit. He could barely wait to tear into the toy, and the peanut butter-laced treat kept him busy for the better part of an hour. It’s amazing just how little it takes to satisfy a dog.
Cats — what unique creatures with personalities all of their own! If I had to make a list of all the pros and cons of owning a cat, I truly believe the only con I could come up with would be the litter b0x. However, I have found that you can definitely turn that into a positive. I have owned up to four cats at one time and have never been able to come into the house and know that I have cats because of the odor. The secret is twofold: finding the appropriate litter for your situation and cleaning it daily (or even more). If you have more than one cat, it might require cleaning two or three times a day. People don’t wait and flush their toilet after numerous uses, so why not use that same habit with the litter box?
I am fortunate that I live in a home large enough that my litter box can be put in a niche that is very invisible. However, if your home is small, then that litter box may have to be placed in a noticeable site. But again that problem can be alleviated by covering it with a litter box lid. Cat furniture has definitely evolved; and litter box lids come in numerous styles and colors.
Does your dog love to chew anything and everything he/she can get ahold of? Does your dog have bad breath? With my dog Lottie I could definitely answer ‘yes’ to both of those questions. She and I are getting better with the teeth-brushing procedure; however, I have found something else that is helping with both concerns. I used to think that it was the food I was feeding her that was causing her bad breath; however, after reading numerous articles that all said the same thing, I now know that it is the bacteria in the mouth (just like us) that causes the bad breath. That is why I am now brushing her teeth. However, chewing is essential, too, because it helps to remove bacteria from the teeth.
So what did I find that is helping both concerns? It is a simple dog toy that is chewable and minty at the same time. So while she is chewing on this toy, it is not only helping get rid of the bacteria on her teeth and in her mouth that causes bad breath, it is also releasing that minty flavoring that complements the whole situation. Hopefully with both activities (teeth-brushing and chewing), we will conquer the bad breath (and she really seems to enjoy chewing the minty bone).
I have a shih tzu named Lottie (I got her from the Animal Shelter) and a Persian cat named Shadow (their pictures are above). Because they bring me such delight, I wrote a poem about them and thought I would share it with you.
- When God made man, He wanted us to know
- Just how much He loved us so.
- So He gave us rivers, oceans, and seas,
- Deserts, mountains, flowers, and trees.
- He knew the world had resources galore
- So He gave us brains so that we would explore.
- Creations, ideas, theories, and inventions
- Were God’s thoughts and His intentions.
- Machines, gadgets, levers, and motors,
- Electricity, telephones, radios, rotors.
- Autos, airplanes, ships, and trains,
- Balloons, blimps, rockets, and planes.
- TV’s, cell phones, ipods, and computers,
- Bikes, surfboards, rollerblades, and scooters.
- Technology, medicine, rules, and regulations
- Instant messaging between all nations.
- Food to eat and clothes to wear,
- Houses to live in and friends to care.
- Aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers,
- Grandmas and grandpas, fathers and mothers.
- He said, “Is there anything I’ve missed
- To add to this important list?”
- And then He said, “No, I didn’t forget.
- You need unconditional love.” And He gave us pets.
Pets are indeed precious; and so when you need pet products, don’t forget to get the best for the best!
Have you been out to a furniture store lately and looked at beds? Wow, some of them are so high they require steps to get into them. Even my bed that I sleep in seems high, and my shih tzu who is 4-5 years old has to take a running jump to get up on it. She loves to sleep by my feet on the covers at night, and she loves to help me make the bed in the morning (yes, it does take longer than usual). I know that pet steps are normally for older animals who have developed arthritis and have trouble walking (let alone jumping up on something); however, I am now realizing that they may not be just for the older dogs.
If you allow pets on your furniture and they are just too small to make it up, you may want to consider cat or dog furniture such as pet steps. It certainly would save you a lot of lifts!
I am not much of a camper; however, I have done it numerous times. I used to be fine laying on the ground with nothing but my sleeping bag. However, now I prefer having foam or an aerobed or a raised cot under my sleeping bag. I know, I am somewhat of a wimp! However, I definitely have compassion for dogs who sleep outside. Unlike my dog (who sleeps on the bed with me), some dogs have to or like to sleep outdoors or in the garage. However, with portable outdoor cots, they do not have to sleep on the cold, hard ground. These cots are raised a few inches above the ground or floor so your ‘best friend’ is kept away from the coldness and dampness and the bumps and uneven ground.
These cots also provide air circulation in the summer when it is really hot outside, and they keep your pet away from the ground and the insects . There are various brands and styles of these raised dog beds, and maybe (just maybe!) your outdoor dog needs one!
Pets get bored without their owners during the day. Usually, they sit and wait or sleep until the owner gets back. Pets get very excited when their owners arrive home and want to play. But since many people work long days, they are often too tired to run around the house with their pets. This can be frustrating for the pets because they also need exercise.
Fortunately, there are pet toys that are designed especially for this reason. Get remote control cat toys to keep your cat entertained. These toys are perfect for owners who are just too lazy to get up off the couch after work. They allow cats to chase after string and feather for hours.
I went on an Alaskan cruise about a year and half ago and was thrilled to visit two sites where huskies are bred and trained for the Iditerod. Those dogs were beautiful and amazing. When it was time for them to get ready for a run, their enthusiasm was something I cannot even begin to describe (Oh, that I would that be thrilled about going for a run). However, as I heard their owner talk and as I have read, that is what they live for: running! So you certainly don’t need to worry about them getting exercise.
However, not all dogs are huskies; and those who do not love to run need to move. When the weather is nice, one of my favorite times of the day is when Lottie and I go for a walk. It is really good for both of us, and our journeys take us about two miles a day. For those of you who do not enjoy biking or walking with your dogs, another way to get them moving is playing with them with their dog toys. I swear that Lottie would run after her little Red Husker dog and bring it back to me a thousand times a day if I had the time and energy. So whatever way works for you, get your dog exercising. It will allow you to spend more precious time with your ‘best friend’.