Pet Care Articles

June 10th, 2015
By Dr. Patty Khuly at vetstreet.com

Think you know your pet‘s every unspoken wish? Think again. Your pet is unlikely to be capable of communicating her wants and needs in ways you might assume she would. Even those of you most in touch with your pets‘ feelings are likely missing a few cues here and there.

What Pets Keep Mum About

1. I hurt. Pain is probably the No. 1 thing your pet won’t communicate directly. Sure, she may limp, chew funny or shake her head, but whining, crying and carrying on (like we humans would) isn’t her MO. Slowing down, taking the stairs more tentatively, being reluctant to jump and struggling to rise are more than likely signs of true pain — not just “old age.”

2. I‘m scared. When pets get aggressive, owners often assume their pets are acting out because they’re being dominant, angry or just plain bratty. But the truth is often much simpler: They may be just plain scared. And fear must be dealt with differently — far ...   Read more...

May 10th, 2015
Courtesy of the News Journal
Story by Deborah Lucas

If your cat or dog has really bad breath that doesn't go away, it's a red flag that gum disease, and/or something more serious, could have set in.

That funky smell is caused by bacteria in your pet's mouth, lungs, gastrointestinal tract or internal organs. A trip to your veterinarian to find the cause will likely start with an examination of your pet's teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the most common disease in pet dogs and cats, according to the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

Pets that don't receive good oral care from their owners usually start showing signs of gum disease around age 5. Soft dental plaque forms on the hard dental tartar on the surface of the teeth, just as it does in humans. Bacteria thrive in the plaque, irritating the gums.

Before you know it, your pet can have an infection that can spread far beyond its mouth.

"Bacteria can get into the ...   Read more...

April 12th, 2015
Courtesy of Time.com...

In recent years, pet owners have been tempted—perhaps guilted—into treating their beloved dogs and cats to products and services that run the gamut from $350 doggie strollers to pet tattoos, luxury doghouses , and gourmet pet cuisine. And how can anyone forget about the fitness-tracking dog collar and the Grumpy Cat-endorsed line of bottled coffee? (The latter was created for human consumption, natch.)

At some point, it would seem like pet marketers simply must run out of every dog-gone idea under the sun. But based on American pet spending—a total of $56 billion last year, and forecasts call for $60 billion in 2014—for entrepreneurial players in the pet economy, the best time to roll out new pet-related products and services is always right meow. Here, in celebration of National Dog Day on Tuesday, are some of the latest options to trot onto the scene.

Personal Trainers for Dogs

Crain’s New York recently reported on some of ...   Read more...

March 31st, 2015
Courtesy of multibriefs.com
By Lauren Swan

Going to the veterinarian's office is never a pleasant experience if your cat is ill — particularly if you are on a budget. Often, it is $50 or more just to walk in the door, and a BCB (blood test) is another $50-$200. Basic costs generally include vaccine boosters, a heartworm test and a fecal exam — which is about $100 total, not counting the office call fee.

For pet owners, this can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are a recent college graduate or still paying student loans. Then there is always the "what if" scenario, where you might wind up in the ER with your pet. One night in the pet hospital, on average, will run you $600-$700.

So what should you do? Anyone with a pet understands that you can't just leave them to suffer. They have to be taken care of, but how on earth can you plan for an emergency situations? Two words: pet insurance.

Pet insurance has become a common practice in Europe, and it ...   Read more...

March 10th, 2015
Courtesy of mcall.com...

More than 70 percent of apartment renters reported owning pets, with cats and dogs as the most popular types, according to a survey.

Despite the high pet ownership numbers, the survey by Apartments.com found that it may still be hard for renters to find a pet-friendly apartment.

Nearly two-thirds of pet-owners in 2014 reported having some difficulty finding an apartment that allows pets, but the rental listing website said that may be changing.

“We see the rental industry moving toward accommodating the needs of this important and growing segment of renters,” Tammy Kotula, spokesperson for Apartments.com, said in a statement.

The survey found that apartment building's pet policies played a major role in the decision about where to rent for nearly nine out of 10 pet owners.

Seventy percent of pet owners said their choice of where to rent was influenced by nearby pet amenities, such as parks, veterinary facilities and pet ...   Read more...

January 19th, 2015
HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston company that already sends human remains out of this world now offers the same memorial space flights for four-legged loved ones.

Celestis Inc. announced last fall that rockets carrying the cremated remains of dogs and cats have begun.

Spokeswoman Pazia Schonfeld says the cost will be about the same as for human remains sent into space and returned, starting at about $995.

Celestis Pets is working with a California company, Into the Sunset Pet Transition Center of San Diego, for pet cremations.

Celestis for years has offered a rocket service that takes partial human remains into space and brings them back, including ashes of "Star Trek" TV show creator Gene Roddenberry.   Read more...

December 25th, 2014
For Marcia, my wife, and Bomber & Bella, our precious dogs, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season! We'd like to thank all of our clients for entrusting us with your pets. We love what we do and we love your pets! Thank you for allowing us to make a living pet sitting and dog walking. Take care and God bless!

Oh, one more thing. We still have availability for New Years Day for those of you planning last minute trips. Just give us a call... 702-558-6115.

Michael Nazarek
Paw Minders Plus Pet Sitters
Henderson, NV   Read more...