December 15th, 2011
Pet ownership has been on the rise in the United States. We are a great nation of pet lovers it seems! Owning a pet means making the occasional trip to the veterinarian, but do you know how often you should go? If you don’t, you’ll be comforted to know you are not alone.
So how often should you and your furry companion make the trip to the vet?
You shouldn’t wait until your pet is sick. You and your pet should be visiting the vet twice every year. Think of it this way, if your pet only gets a check up once per year (or less) it is the equivalent of you only going to the doctor once every seven years.
Regular trips to the vet are important because pets, especially cats, will hide symptoms of sickness. Your pet could be sick or in pain and you may not know just by looking at them. Veterinarians can help identify habits or signs that could lead to diseases in the future. Obesity is a big indicator for illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Reasons for the decline could be that people are simply unaware of how often their pet needs to see the vet to maintain health. But it turns out another contributing factor to the decline is that pet owners will often turn to the Internet for answers. While online forums can be helpful, it is best to get professional advice from the veterinarian when it comes to your pet’s health. The personal experiences of someone you have never met are not as reliable.
Vets can help guide you in preventing these illnesses and maintaining your pet’s health throughout their years.
Tags: care, lately, out, pet, vet, visit
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December 9th, 2011
The holidays are arguably one of the busiest times of year… and the most fun. But along with all the festivities (baking, decorating, parties) there are a few things you can work into the planning to avoid hazards and to make sure your pets stay happy and healthy in the coming months.
For many of us, this time of year equates to putting up lights and a tree. Cords can be a tempting chew toy for curious pets. Make sure to inspect holiday string lights carefully for frays, cracked lamp holders or loose connections. This will help to insure your pets don’t get hurt if they go sniffing, but it also helps avoid fire and electrical hazards.
Chocolate, poinsettias, tinsel and fragile ornaments (that just so happen to look like balls and toys) all pose hazards to pets. You don’t have to sacrifice any of these holiday staples, but they need to be out of reach of your pets, as they are all harmful threats. And when it comes time to finally unwrap presents, be sure to clean up string, ribbon, plastic and wrapping paper right away! If the pet who eats anything ends up swallowing any of these it could lead to intestinal blockage and an emergency trip to the vet.
Finally, if you love to play the role of gracious host on the holiday party circuit it’s usually best to keep your pet away from all the strangers and commotion. Keep him in a bedroom with plenty of food and water, and a few toys for entertainment. A party situation can be stressful to your pet, and not all guests may love pets as much as you do.
Information provided in part by: JS Online
Tags: care, guide, hazards, health, holiday, out, pet, safety
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November 30th, 2011
Did you know? Owning a pet improves your emotional health. It’s a fact. So why not give back to the animals that help you live a healthier life everyday?
Volunteer opportunities at many shelters range from walking dogs to washing rags, but you get to spend time with the animals in the shelter, which has a dual benefit. The animals in the shelter need love and attention while they wait for a home, and of course as a pet lover, you are more than happy to give it to them! There are also opportunities for volunteers to foster newborn kittens, where you bring the kittens into your home and care for them for a short period of time. This helps the shelter, because kittens need extra care, and you get to play with adorable baby cats- definitely a win-win situation.
Another way you can help your local shelter is by donating supplies like pet toys, food, bedding and bowls. Shelters are often full to capacity, and they can use all the help they can get.
The great news is, animal causes are the top choice for volunteers. This is pretty impressive when you consider how many causes there are out there to choose from. If you are interested in joining the ranks of shelter volunteers you can get started by looking up your local animal shelter. Typically you must fill out a volunteer form before you begin, which can often be found online.
Good luck and happy volunteering!
Tags: care, donating, out, pet, shelter, volunteer
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November 18th, 2011
Think of your dog, cat, lizard, gerbil…whatever pet you have. Then, think of if you were your pet, wouldn’t you want some company when your owner was away?
Our furry friends need furry friends and this month there’s a holiday to celebrate just that. Saturday, November 19th is National Get A PAL For Your Pet Day, a holiday that encourages pet parents to consider bringing home a new friend for their pet.
And why not consider it? Pets bring so much joy to the lives of their owners that adding a new one not only increases the well being of the pet owner, but also gives the pets something in return, a new friend for life!
Of course, bringing home a new pet is a big decision and there are other ways to celebrate the holiday as well.
Ask your local shelter how you can help promote pet adoption. Talk to your friends who are considering owning a pet about the joy your pet has brought you. Organize a pet play date on November 19th and invite your fellow pet owners to the event. Then, invite some folks who don’t own pets to come to the pet date so that they can interact with the pets in attendance.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to mark your calendars for November 19th, National Get A Pal For Your Pet Day!
Tags: a, add, care, day, for, get, life, national, out, pal, pet, pets, your
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November 3rd, 2011
Pet lovers are very serious about making their pets part of their family, which, in some cases means having them at their weddings! These days, you won’t just find extended family at a given wedding; you’ll find pets as well. If you think about it, it makes sense. Many couples get a pet together before they decide to get married, or their love of pets is one of the things that helped them bond in the first place. So, why not right?
However, the pet situation at a wedding can be tricky; you don’t want any fur or unexpected messes around that beautiful (and expensive) white dress, amongst other things. Here are some tips to help you include your canine companion or furry feline in your wedding:
- Having a pet in the ceremony is something that needs to be in the plans from the start. Most churches don’t allow pets and some venues may have a no pets policy stemming from a bad experience. If having your pet there is important to you, check with the venue before you book.
- If your dog is more Chance than Shadow make sure to keep them on a leash. The last thing you need on your wedding day is a loving, but unknowing dog jumping up on guests. Delegate “dog duty” to someone your dog is already familiar with and will obey. On the other hand, if you have a perfectly behaved pup or kitty, they may be the perfect ring bearer or even a groomsman!
- Have a bridesmaid or groomsman escort your pet down the aisle! It’ll be a hit and will help ensure your pet doesn’t roam the church freely.
- Including your pets would make for very cute wedding photos. Make sure you have a lint roller on hand so you can be fur-free when you head to the reception!
Did you include your pet in your wedding? Or would you? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
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October 28th, 2011
Halloween is a festive, fun time for both pets and pet owners alike. For our pets, it means lots of attention and loads of excitement. For pet owners, well…how do you celebrate?
You don’t have to answer that, but as a pet owner, you should take a look at these important pet safety tips for All Hallows’ Eve:
- If you take your pup Trick-or-Treating, always be sure they have their proper identification. If they escape or become lost, having a collar and tag and/or microchip is critical.
- When trick-or-treaters come knocking, be cautious that your pet doesn’t head out the door with them as they travel from house to house.
- Keeping your canine or cat out of the candy bowl is critical. Chocolate is especially dangerous for dogs, and candy containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause issues. If you believe your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426- 4435.
- Halloween décor is great, but it’s not for eating! Keep your pets away from the multi-colored corn.
- Pet costumes are cute but be courteous to your pet; if you can tell their costume creates discomfort, chances are good they’ll look just as cute in their birthday suits.
- If you know your pets not a social animal, it’s best to keep them in a separate room during Halloween festivities, especially those with company.
For more safety tips, visit the ASPCA online!
Information provided in part by the ASPCA
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October 21st, 2011
Black cats are just as much a part of the Halloween mystique as ghosts, goblins, witches- even Jack-o-Lanterns. So the question is, how did black cats get such a bad rap?
As you might have guessed, it has a lot to do with witchcraft. America’s earliest settlers were, by nature, very superstitious. So, when black cats were perceived as the pet of choice for witches and warlocks, the common belief amongst the settlers was that black cats were evil. Talk about guilt by association!
Over the years, the myth gained momentum and became a significant superstition within American culture, a superstition that, to this day, has not lost popularity. Ask yourself this; if you saw a black cat crossing your path, would you change direction?
Every year during Halloween, it seems the superstition reaches its peak. This is due, in large part, to a great deal of Halloween propaganda that associates black cats with witches, witches with brooms, brooms with haunted houses and so on and so forth. It’s become a cornerstone of our society.
Unfortunately, outside of superstition and the fun of Halloween, there’s a very serious matter at hand. Shelters around the country are filled with black cats looking for loving homes!
October 29th is National Cat Day and that gives everyone a chance to spread the word about the need for black cat adoption while black cats are fresh in our minds!
Tags: adoption, bad, black, care, cat, Halloween, out, pet, rap
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September 22nd, 2011
September is National Disaster Preparedness Month (who knew there was such a thing?!), and following hurricanes along the East coast and earthquakes it seems especially timely to encourage you all to have an emergency plan.
Pet owners have an added concern when it comes to planning for natural disasters. An ASPCA study found that more than 80 percent of pet owners would take their pets with them if they needed to evacuate their home. These days many emergency shelters account for the pet lovers, but do you have a plan in place to get your pet there safely?
After the tornado hit Joplin, Missouri earlier this year more than 1,300 animals were lost or abandoned animals and kept in an emergency animal shelter. In the craziness of the tornado people and pets got separated, and collars and microchips were fundamental in reuniting pet and owner. Make sure your pet has identification and a microchip, these will help ensure that if your little guy is ever lost he will bet returned to you.
Here are some other things to consider when creating your emergency plan:
At the first warning a storm or disaster is coming your way make sure your pets are inside. Dogs especially have a tendency to bolt or hide when they sense weather related trouble coming, get them inside so they don’t end up separated from you.
If you are in an area where hurricanes or tornados or extreme snowstorms are an annual occurrence get a rescue alert sticker for your home. This will let rescuers know pets are in your home.
Arrange a safe place for pets in case of an emergency or evacuation. Don’t leave your pets behind.
Have you ever had to evacuate during an emergency? How did you manage your pets during that time?
Tags: care, month, national, out, pet, plan, preparednes, rescue
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September 15th, 2011
Plenty of people love to take their dogs with them everywhere they can. Which inevitably means your dog is spending some time in the car with you as you move from Point A to Point B. As long as you are careful about not leaving your pup in a hot car, bringing your dog with you is a good alternative to leaving them home alone. Here are some things to consider before your next car ride.
Just like you need a seatbelt, your dog should have some protection in the car too. Either having a carrier in the back or a harness to secure them. Not only will it ensure their safety in case of a crash, but it will keep them from distracting you while you drive.
Never, ever leave your dog in the car on a hot day. I’m sure this is old news by now, but whatever the temperature is outside, add 20 more degrees and thats’ the temperature it will be inside your car after only 10 minutes! Now imagine you have fur… Not good.
Taking your dog in the car can leave your backseat looking like a veritable fur ball. Before you take on hair-free passengers clean up your car with the Out! Lint Roller and a spray of Out! Odor and Allergen Remover. Your friends will thank you.
How often does your dog come on car trips with you? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
Tags: car, care, dog, out, pet, ride, safety
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September 9th, 2011
A dog’s sense of smell is quite possibly its most remarkable ability, but just how remarkable is that sense of smell? Well, it can be life saving.
A new study published in the European Respitory Journal showed that trained dogs were able to successfully identify 71 samples of lung cancer out of a 100 samples taken from healthy volunteers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and lung cancer patients. The dogs also correctly detected 372 samples that did not have lung cancer out of a total of 400. That’s a 93% success rate!
Amazingly, the dogs were able to distinguish between lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tobacco smoke. Through their powerful sense of smell, the dogs were able to recognize lung cancer and not be deterred by the interference of tobacco smoke. Similarly, the dogs could detect lung cancer markers independently from COPD.
What’s astonishing is that even our latest medical technologies cannot separate lung cancer markers from these other variables, variables that only a dog’s nose could identify.
What does it all mean? In theory, dogs could serve a large role in the early detection of lung cancer in the future, perhaps even becoming a staple at cancer centers and hospitals around the world.
The study ultimately shows it pays to have a friend whose nose knows.
Information provided in part by Forbes.com
Tags: ability, care, dog, nose, out, pet, sense
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