Pet Care Articles

February 20th, 2014
Guess what? It's national Love Your Pet Day!

Take your pet out and show he/she some love! Click the following link to view a few more ideas...

http://petspot.aaa.com/pet-news/celebrate-national-love-your-pet-day-february-20/   Read more...

February 10th, 2014
Courtesy of Prevention.com

Myth #1: Table scraps are good for dogs

The reality: With the dog treat recall and past dog food scandals, such as the melamine-tainted food that killed thousands of pets in 2007, it might seem that people food could be a better choice for your animal companions. But Dr. Rubin warns against going there, because our animals' health improves when they receive a consistent source of fat, protein, and carbohydrates—and that's not how human diets generally work. He recommends a high-quality natural food, such as the Wellness and Holistic Selectbrands. Other good options include Organix, a high-quality pet-food line that's certified organic; Annameat is also a high-quality, made-in-the-USA dog food that doesn't source ingredients from China. Be sure to feed your dog appropriate portions of a high-quality food twice a day, as opposed to letting food sit out in a bowl all day.

And forget about doling out excess treats—the majority of America's ...   Read more...

January 26th, 2014
Courtesy of the New York Post...

When Adam Marsh lost his 6-year-old Pomeranian, Astor, to lung disease in June, he wasn’t the only one in their downtown apartment devastated by the death. Marsh’s other dog, Cooper, a 2-year-old, 6-pound Chihuahua- dachshund mix, seemed to be grieving as well.

“He would just cry. It would break your heart,” says Marsh of Cooper’s behavior in the months after his canine playmate’s death. “He knew that Astor wasn’t there anymore.”

While there’s no conclusive scientific research proving that animals experience grief, scientists say it is likely, and there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence. “The more we study animals, the more we recognize them having emotions,” says Dr. Ellen Lindell, a veterinary behavior consultant with a practice in Westchester. “Why wouldn’t they grieve?”

Central Park Zoo’s famous polar bear, Gus, certainly appeared to be grieving when he lost his female habitat-mate, Ida, to ...   Read more...

January 10th, 2014
Courtesy of Kurgostore.com...

In order to ensure the safety of your dog, there are some basic safety tips you should follow.

Leash Your Dog Before Opening the Car Door

Every year hundreds of pets are lost or injured as they dart out of cars uncontrolled. Be sure to collar, id tag, and leash your dog before opening the car door. When in a strange and busy environment, pets can be frightened and run off into traffic or to places that are difficult to find. Have control of your dog(s) at all times.

Keep Heads, Arms, & Legs Inside the Car

Many dogs love to put their head out of the window or ride in the back of a truck. But if it isn’t safe for children, then it isn’t safe for a pet. Not only are there risks of being hit by other traffic or roadside objects, the ASPCA reports that dogs can also get debris in their eyes and lungs leading to illness. Some dogs have also been known to jump out of car windows while driving or stopped, running into traffic or ...   Read more...

January 2nd, 2014
Happy New Year!

The following article is courtesy of dogchannel.com...

Humans love fruit and we know bananas and strawberries are good for us, but did you know they are good for your dogs too? Not only will your dog love that he is getting "human food,” but you will love that the same benefits fruits provide us – aids in digestion, antioxidants, immunity boosts, better eye sight, healthier skin and hair – they also provide for your dog.

Feed fruits to your dog as a small training treat or stuff your dog’s favorite treat stuffer toy with some peanut butter and fruit for a great and healthy occupier.

Tips for Feeding Fruit to Dogs

•Always talk to your veterinarian about any treats you feed your dog, including fruit.

•Give your dog small portions of fruit only, especially the first time feeding them to your dog. Even though fruit is good for him, fruit is not calorie free. Also, you don’t know if your dog will have an allergic or other ...   Read more...

December 21st, 2013
Courtesy of PawNation.com...

Save Your Dog’s Life in Five Easy Steps

1. Do not allow your dog to be fat.

The pain of arthritis starts earlier and is more severe in overweight dogs. I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty: It’s well established by research. Yes, we have marvelous medications that can ease an arthritic dog's pain. But if you keep your dog's weight at or slightly below ideal, he may not need them for years. That means when we say “a little padding on the ribs” we mean “very little padding, indeed.” And a tuck-in behind the rib cage — a real, honest-to-heavens waist. If you do nothing else on this list but prevent your dog from being overweight, you may have helped him to a longer, happier, more active life.

2. Do not take your dog for a ride in the car without securing him.

A loose dog can be a distraction to a driver, and in an accident, the dog can become a projectile, injuring himself or others in the car, possibly ...   Read more...

December 17th, 2013
Courtesy of mediapost.com...

Consumer spending in the U.S. pet market will reach $62 billion in 2013, up 4.7% over 2012, according to U.S. Pet Market Outlook 2013-2014, a recently released study from market research firm Packaged Facts.

Veterinary services and pet food make up the bulk of the market, with over $21 billion each in sales projected for 2013. However, non-medical pet services -- which includes grooming, boarding, training, and pet sitting/walking services -- is growing at the fastest rate, at 6.0% annually.

While dogs account for two-thirds of sales in the overall pet products and services market, they are showered with 90% of the spending in this non-medical services category.

Although the country has not yet completely emerged from its economic depression, the pet industry continues to perform. Pet product shoppers were not immune to the Great Recession’s effects, but the most recent Packaged Facts Pet Owners Survey shows that they are ...   Read more...