Pet Care Articles
Courtesy of PawNation.com...
Despite a dragging economy and high unemployment in the U.S., it appears that we are not transferring our collective belt-tightening onto our pets. According to the Associated Press, Americans spent more than $53 billion on pets in 2012 - a new high. The figure represents a 5-percent increase from 2011, when American pets spending exceeded $50 billion for the first time.
Of the total amount, about two-thirds was spent on food and veterinary care. But spending on other products and services grew at increased rates. For example, spending on supplies and over-the-counter medicine grew more than 7 percent. Money spent on luxuries like grooming, boarding, hotels and petsitting rose about 10 percent.
The American Pet Products Association is predicting a similar total bump of about 4 percent this year. Clearly, while Americans continue to bicker about who's to blame for the struggling economy, we can all ...
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Whenever I am chatting with a friend who is as passionate about cats as I am, I find that after kitty “bragging” discussions are over, our conversations invariably turn to the pros and cons of the brands and different types of litter boxes which will keep our kitties healthy and happy.
And once we get into it and deeply delve into the topic, it’s darned easy to spend hours on end exploring the optimal size and shape of a perfect litter box, whether it should be covered or uncovered, scooped automatically or manually, where it ideally should be located and, to avoid “accidents”, precisely just how many boxes are necessary.
When the litter box talkathon is finally exhausted, it is immediately followed with a philosophical discussion of the merits of clumping litter vs. non-clumping, scented or odorless, manufactured out of clay, corn, cedar chips, or any other material. When it comes to the ... Read more...
Courtesy of Cheryl Lock from PetSide.com...
Are the following pet myths true or false? Read on and you may be surprised!
Myth: Every Year of a Dog’s Life is Like Seven for People
Verdict: Mostly False
While dogs and cats do age faster than humans, says Dr. Jules Benson, VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan Pet Insurance, the rate at which they age is not as simple as a 1:7 ratio. Dogs mature very quickly in their first couple of years of life, so by the time Fido celebrates his first birthday, he’s closer to 16 than seven. The size of the dog also plays into the aging process—small dogs tend to live longer than their larger cousins, so they experience middle age around the age of 10. For larger pets it’s around age six or seven.
Myth: Cats Always Land on Their Feet
Verdict: False
Unfortunately many cats are actually injured ... Read more...
Courtesy of Amanda Baltazar at PetSide.com
With a little more care, we can ensure our pets not only have healthier lives but also stay around and keep us happy for longer. Here are a few steps you can take to extend your pet’s life span and keep them healthy and happy.
1. Maintain good dental health by taking care of your pet’s teeth.
Dental health in dogs and cats should be a priority for pet owners, as poor oral health can lead to other complications throughout the body down the line.The bacteria from plaque buildup in the mouth can be swallowed and in turn affect the functioning of the internal organs, causing the animal pain (in its organs and mouth). Overall, poor dental health can lead to a less comfortable life for a pet and a shorter one as well.
A vet should check out your dog or cat’s teeth at about eight weeks old and thereafter about twice a year, advises Dr. Jon Woodman, DVM, a ...
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Courtesy of Emily Glazer from the Wall Street Journal...
Since 2008, pet food, veterinary care and other services have gone up about 4% on average annually, according to a 2011 Consumer Reports study. The following tips are some ways to lower your costs.
1) Read food labels since you may be paying more for specific wording. The study suggests bypassing anything deemed "premium" and searching for food labeled "complete & balanced," "total nutrition" or "100% nutritious," which will meet the minimum standards for nutrition set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, which helps regulate the sale of animal food and medicines. Premium brands with similar nutritional value can cost nearly 85% more per pound, the study found.
2) There's now more competition—translation, lower prices—in the market for flea-and-tick protection products because ...
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Courtesy of Yahoo! Finance... Dog and cat owners don’t pay the same amount for their four-legged family members. The ASPCA did a study on the average cost of owning a dog or a cat. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Small dog – $1,314 the first year, $580 per year after
- Medium dog – $1,580 the first year, $695 per year after
- Large dog – $1,843 the first year, $875 per year after
- Cat – $1,035 the first year, $670 per year after
These totals include the following first-year costs: spay/neuter, other initial medical, collar/leash, litter box/scratching post for cats, cage/crate for large dogs, carrier bag for small dogs/cats, and training class for dogs. Annual expenses include food, recurring medical, litter for cats, licenses for dogs, toys/treats, health insurance, and miscellaneous.
Of course, those are averages – the ...
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Oh, one more thing. We still have availability for New Years Day for those of you planning last minute trips.
Michael Nazarek
Paw Minders Plus Pet Sitters
Henderson, NV Read more...