Holiday Tips for Pet Owners
Thursday, November 5, 2009
“Pets are curious by nature,” said Dr. Steve Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Hansen, whose department also includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, asks pet parents to be mindful of their pets this holiday season.
“Thinking about your home from your pet’s point of view will help ensure everyone has happy and safe holidays,” Hansen said. “Pets have the ability to get into everything, especially during the holidays when there is more to see and do.”
Simple holiday traditions, such as trimming the tree and decorating the house, can pose potential problems to pets if not monitored carefully.
Dr. Leon Robbins, doctor of veterinary medicine at Grandview Animal Hospital near Winston-Salem, NC, warned that much like toddlers, pets are attracted to bright lights, shining ornaments and dangling tinsel.
“Many holiday decorations are hazardous to pets,” said Robbins. “Try to use big, pet-friendly ornaments and keep the ornaments, as well as the lights, out of a pet’s reach.”
The most common pet-related emergency that occurs over the holidays is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Dr. Hansen said that many people keep their medications in daily pill minders, their luggage or even leave it lying out when staying with family or friends.
“All prescription and non-prescription drugs should be safely stored,” Hansen said. “Even in small doses, human medications can be potentially lethal to pets.”
Food is the culprit for the second most common holiday pet emergency. According to Dr. Robbins, pets should be kept on a normal diet, as it will alleviate digestive problems.
“If there is food left over, don’t give it to your pet as a holiday treat,” said Robbins. “Instead give baby carrots, green beans or broccoli as treats.”
To ensure a happy and safe holiday season for you and your pets, (Your Company’s Name) recommends that pet owners be cautious of the following:
Dark and baker’s chocolate. While milk chocolate is not poisonous, it will cause your pet to have an upset stomach. On the other hand, dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate contain high levels of theobromine and caffeine. Animals are extremely sensitive to both and ingesting either type of chocolate could be fatal.
Xylitol. This sugar substitute causes a dog’s blood sugar to drop quickly. This poisoning can be treated, but causes liver failure if not treated properly.
Macadamia nuts. Dogs experience severe weakness in their back legs, appearing paralyzed, after ingesting macadamia nuts. Dogs usually recover from this condition within three days.
Avocados. Avocados pose a serious threat to birds. Avocados cause respiratory distress in birds, causing fluid to build up in their lungs.
Bread Dough. When bread dough is ingested it continues to rise, causing an intestinal blockage.
If your pet ingests any potentially harmful product, call your vet or a local emergency animal hospital immediately.
At Home Pet Sitters offers pet owners these helpful hints to keep pets out of danger, while still enjoying the food, fun and festivities that accompany the holidays.
At Home Pet Sitters offers pet sitting, dog walking, overnight pet sitting, pet taxi and more. Bonded and insured pet sitters in Savannah, GA. Accredited members of Pet Sitters International. For more information, please visit our website: www.athomepetsitters.net
Labels: cat articles, cat tips, dog articles, dog tips
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
New Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The training pads of Dry Paws are a great help to house break a new pet. It is designed to be a pet's comfort zone, a place where he can eliminate during times when the pet owner cannot be available to let them out. This product is not also just for the newly introduced pets in the house. It can also be a perfect alternative for older pets that already are having a hard time eliminating outside or are unable to hold off eliminating long enough to go outside.
The product is also a great help for pet owners who live in apartments or homes that has limited outdoor areas to train their pets properly.
Dry Paws training and floor protection pads can be available in 7 count, 14 count large, 14 count, 30 count, and 50 count with different master pack dimensions and essentially the same sizes except for 14 count large.
Here are the different sizes of Dry Paws for shopping reference:
7 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PP07
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009525
UPC: 02777300952
Master Pack Dimensions- 16 1/8L x 12 1/4W x 8H
14 Count Large- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPL14
1-160 lbs.
Size: 29.5 x 23 5/8
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009563
UPC: 027773009566
Master Pack Dimensions- 18 1/8L x 11 1/4W x 10 5/8H
14 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPS14
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009532
UPC: 02777300953
Master Pack Dimensions- 18 1/8L x 8 1/4W x 10 5/8H
30 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPS30
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009549
UPC: 027773009542
Master Pack Dimensions- 18 1/8L x 10 5/8W x 16 1/8H
50 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPS50
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009556
UPC: 027773009559
Master Pack Dimensions- 24L x 12W x 18 1/8H
Pet owners who are interested can go to www.midwesthomes4pets.com for more information about the prices and how to shop online for this product. They can also check their local Pet Stores or feel free to use the online store locator to find a Midwest Homes for Pets Retailer nearest their area. Please visit www.midwesthomes4pets.com for more information regarding training and housebreaking pets.
MidWest Homes 4 Pets, a division of MidWest Metal Company since 1921
Address: 4211 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana 47303
Phone: 765-289-3355
Fax: 765-289-6524
Website: http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com
Labels: dog articles, dog grooming
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
Did You Know Pharaohs Had Pet Dogs?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Dogs do have their mysteries -- some of the more interesting ones revolve around the origins of different breeds. With the science of DNA now available, those questions are beginning to be answered, and more found to be asked, but DNA identification is still a relatively infantile technology and the databases available for reference have not yet become broad enough to arrive at definitive answers to many of our questions about where our dogs' true origins lie. In 2004, when researchers announced the determination of the “14 ancient breeds” they were working with DNA from only 85 of the more common breeds -- out of all the hundreds of known breeds.
One of the most intriguing mysteries revolves around the Pharaoh Hound, an elegant hunting hound that closely resembles the Egyptian god of the dead, Anubis. Ironically, the breed has often been characterized as being “as clean as a cat.”
For generations, it has been believed that the Pharaoh Hound is an ancient breed dating back to the time of the pharaohs. Images of dogs closely resembling the modern Pharaoh Hound found in Egyptian tombs and glyphs have seemed to support this belief. Egyptian artisans depicted dogs with the characteristic long, narrow nose, the large, pointed ears, the attentive stance, narrow waist and deep chest of the modern Pharaoh Hound. The tomb of Antefa II, dated at about 2300 BC is graced with a particularly striking drawing.
But now we have evidence that changes this supposition. And Anubis wasn't known as the “hound god,” but as the jackal god.
The dog images from ancient Egypt are now believed to be of a truly ancient and now extinct breed, the Tesem. Our Pharaoh Hound appears to be a comparatively modern breed whose origins can be traced back to Malta and the Ibizan Hound, whose origins are ancient, most likely descended from the Tesem, brought by the Phoenicians around 645 BC to the island of Eivissa (that's EIvissa, not ELvissa, home of the Ibizan sighthound, not Elvis sightings).
In spite of significant evidence to the contrary some breed clubs, breeders, registries and commentators at the most prestigious dog shows in the world continue to claim the Pharaoh Hound that we know today is one and the same breed portrayed thousands of years ago as a companion and hunting partner to the pharaohs. It is not unusual to read or hear the breed described as tracing its origins back to 5,000 BC, becoming known to the Mediterranean world after the Romans invaded Egypt two millennia ago and the Phoenician traders transported them to Malta and the Balearic Isles where they were prized for hunting small game.
We even “know” that the boy pharaoh, Tutenkhamen, owned one named Abuwitiyuw. Maybe that's why we call them Pharaoh Hounds? Problem is, the evidence now points to the Ibizan being the older breed with the Pharaoh Hound being a later offshoot of the Ibizan rather than the other way around.
In Malta, the breed is known by the name Kelb tal-Fenek and is considered an indigenous breed to the island, the national dog of Malta. The first recorded mention of the hunting dog of Malta was written in 1647 by the Vice Chancellor of the Order of St. John (more familiar as the Knights of Malta): “There are dogs called 'Cernechi' esteemed for the hunting of rabbits , and as far as France are in demand primarily for stony, mountainous and steep locations.” “Cernechi” or “Cirnechi” translates literally to “Rabbit Dog.” Ironically, the Kelb tal-Fenek -- the Cernechi -- didn't become known as the Pharaoh Hound until the mid 20th century, when Dr. Eugen Seiferle dubbed the group of similar dogs “pharaonenhunde.” This designation further confuses the question as to whether the original rabbit dog of Malta was what we now call the Pharaoh Hound or better fit the standard of the Ibizan. Or perhaps another variant breed.
And the mystery and romance of the Pharaoh Hound continues. Which to choose to believe? Glyphs and drawings, myths and legends from ages past or hypothesis supported by fairly compelling although admittedly incomplete scientific evidence.
Provided by Tom Figler of www.pet-super-store.com: find great deals on GPS Tracking Collars such as Garmin Tracking Collars.
Labels: dog articles
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
Dog Sweaters - Warm And Cozy
Monday, September 28, 2009
Dog sweaters are needed to protect them from cold and any kind of winter diseases; if your pet is taken care of properly he will never fall sick during winter. Not only sweaters but other accessories are also available like socks, caps, shoes, ponchos, scarves, etc. to make your dog look more beautiful and even help them to be warm and fit during the winters.
It is necessary to protect your puppy with more care because they are more immune to cold and can fall sick very fast. Dog sweaters for puppies are a must and they should also be covered with other accessories as well. These sweaters are available in abundance in various sizes and colors. The colors range from whites, black, blue, pinks lovely mauves and the list goes on and on. The sizes of the dog sweaters are no issue at all since they are readily available in all sizes and can be easily stitched if there is a mismatch of size. A popular model is the Princess Sweater with Organza Ribbon.
Sweaters are also available in various patterns and designs like dotted, striped, textured, multicolor, single color and even have pockets in them that really make them look very smart and cute. The designs and patterns on the sweaters do match with the occasion or festival also, like the sweater might have a Christmas tree or Santa Claus, Halloween, etc. The All American Handmade Patriotic Sweater has design to depict patriotism and various other designs to grace the festivity occasion. Even for family functions there are dog sweaters available, these sweaters range from all prices to suit all classes of people. It is fun to see the pups dress up in sweaters of various designs and colors to match and grace each and every occasion.
Dog sweaters are available for extreme cold season to early winters. These sweaters are available as machine made or hand knitted. Some of the dog sweaters, such as the Marabou Glamour Sweater are also made of fur to make the dog look more cozy and fluffy. For your female dog, sweaters are also made of lace and frills to make them look more fancy and trendy. They are designed in such a way with matching colors and fabrics that make the sweaters look really cute and just appropriate.
To make the dog look more attractive they can have matching socks, shoes or scarves that are easily available in the market. Some sweaters have attached hoods and some have separate hats or caps.
Labels: dog articles, dog health, dog tips
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
Ways to Care For Your Pet For Free
Friday, September 11, 2009
Pet samples are a great way for you to help save on the cost of owning a pet. You will find nutritious samples available online that can really help you to provide for your pet. These samples are provided by the leading pet manufacturers, so you know that they are especially safe.
Many of the samples available will include products like pet food. Many times the samples provided can easily allow you to provide enough food for your pet for an entire week. The sample size may actual be the same bag as what you would have gotten at the store. So, this is a great way for you to help minimize the cost of owning your pet.
There are so many people who are looking for ways to reduce expenses as much as they can. This is one way that you can cut back on costs while still providing the same level of care for your pet. It only involves you thinking outside of the box to explore the possibilities available online. Just by simply filling out a form, your pet can enjoy a delicious treat.
Free Pet Samples offers a wide variety of completely free samples that you can get for FREE. Check out top product samples and learn how you can get more for less.
Labels: cat articles, dog articles
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
Helping Your Cat Express Its Creativity Through Scratching
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
And indoor cats are no different. Just because a tree is not available, it does not decrease their desire to "leave a mark on the world" by scratching. From a cat's point of view, chairs, sofas, and even the woodwork can serve as a good substitute. But cat owners often take a different view. They see scratching as a destructive behavior, and seek to redirect or stop it. In many cases, a scratching post can be a good compromise.
But even better, why not help your feline pal create original pieces of art you will be proud to display in your home or office?
Ever since he was a kitten, my cat Henry has always loved to scratch. He soon grew tired of the scratching post I bought him and went on tocreate interesting textures on the living room sofa and chair. I was determined not to have him declawed. So what was the answer?
I remembered hearing that a friend's cat liked to scratch a piece of carpet she had nailed onto the wall. So I went to the surplus store and bought a few pieces of carpet remnants.
It did not take Henry long to catch on. Almost as soon as I nailed the carpet up on the wall, he discovered that he really enjoyed scratching it. He was very pleased that it didn't turn over with him like his old scratching post sometimes did, and he enjoyed working with the
texture.
A few months later, when Henry had nearly scratched the carpet remnant to pieces, I decided to replace it with another strip of carpet. But instead of throwing the scratched carpet away, I decided to put a hanger on it and display it. After all, it looked like a modern piece of fiber art. It had long, fluffy loops of all lengths, and it looked like someone had spent a great deal of time creating it. (Actually they did -- only the "someone" happened to be feline!)
Last summer when I was exhibiting some of my own fiber art at the Bangor Public Library in Bangor, Maine, I decided to include a few pieces of Henry's work. The library patrons enjoyed viewing it, and were surprised to learn that a cat had created it! Within a few
months, Henry and his work were also featured in the Bangor Daily News.
If you would like to help your feline friend express their creativity, all you need are a few nails or screws and a strip of carpet that's at least 5-6 inches across and at least a foot long. Make sure that the carpet does not have loops that are cut, or your cat will only be able
to pull out clumps of fiber, and cannot make the beautiful loop-covered wall hangings he or she would like to create. Nail it securely to the wall, and watch what happens! If your cat needs a little encouragement, you can always rub the carpet remnant with catnip, or spray it with catnip spray.
Who knows what wonderful masterpiece your cat might create!
Cat Playpens
Kitten Playpens
Labels: cat articles, cat tips
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
Dog Containment System Importance
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Besides pampering your dog, it is equally important to give him the necessary freedom and space where he can play and enjoy the beauty of the outside world while ensuring his safety.
Here are some of benefits of using dog containment devices:
With the help of pet containment systems such as dog exercise pens and dog kennels, leaving your canine alone will no longer be an issue! Dog containment devices can either be wireless, electronic or motorized that are installed in traditional fences or under the ground. They are generally portable and can be set up in a few minutes. Many pet containment systems available in the market these days are battery-operated and comes with a training collar that is placed around the dog’s neck. The collar has a receiver that detects when the dog is getting near the wire. Within this boundary, the collar will give a signal to your canine by discharging static stimulation.
Other systems are wireless and have constant radio signal to create a “safe zone” for your pet. Having said that, the primary benefit of using dog containments is that they have the ability to teach your dog to behave properly and stay only within specific locations. Electronic dog containment is also a lot cheaper than setting up traditional metal or wooden dog fences.
You can also prevent your dog from running away or stepping outside the house if you install dog containment devices. This can be particularly effective for controlling aggressive dogs that can destroy your neighbor’s property or attack passersby. You can also keep you dog away from valued properties and causing damage to the flowers, shrubs and other things in your garden or backyard. Dogs, especially puppies, are highly prone to getting lost when they venture out. In order to avoid such incidents from happening, dog owners must install dog containment devices.
Labels: dog articles, dog tips, dog training
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
Different Types of Cat Barrier
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Here are a few types of cat barriers and the many good benefits they can bring to you and your beloved cat:
Cat Doors
Cat barrier, in the form of a cat door, will allow your kitty to enter and exit the house in a safe manner. As you all know, cats are naturally territorial and they immensely enjoy playing inside and outside the house. If you have a small cat door installed specifically for her, it can make the life of your cat easier and convenient. Hence, there’s no more need to exert effort to open the main door at all times to let her out or in.
Cat Flaps
This unique feline door design will let your cat to enter and exit a house on their own without needing you to open the main door from time to time, while providing protection against wind, rain and other harsh elements.
Cat Enclosures
For outdoor use, cat enclosures are very functional to contain your cat in the backyard or the park. More than being a cage, this spacious cat containment system can serve as an outdoor feline barrier where your furry friend can play, run, exercise and rest safely while enjoying the beauty of the outside world.
Cat Playpens
For indoor use, on the other hand, cat playpens and kitten playpens are a great solution. This type of cat barrier provides a comfortable space for your feline pet to stretch out, move around and play inside the house, while preventing her to get in touch with fragile objects such as furniture and other precious decorations. Cat playpen is also ideal to use if you leave your cat home alone.
Labels: cat articles, cat tips
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
How to Solve Your Dog's Excessive Barking
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Here are a few tips to help you solve your bestfriend’s nuisance barking:
The primary thing you need to check is if you’re giving your k9 all the things and necessities he needs. Barking is a natural behavior among dogs and they usually bark to communicate something with you. If their needs are not being met, the barking might be a cry or signal that he longs for your care and assistance. Always ensure that you give them the right amount of food and water everyday. You also have to clean after your dog.
Dogs could be barking because of irritation. Flea or tick infestations and skin allergies can cause your dog to make excessive noise. Taking your dog to a veterinarian can help you determine whether or not he is healthy and free from any canine diseases.
If your beloved pet barks a great deal, you might observe that they are either bored or energetic. Don’t let your dog be confined inside your house, instead, take him outside where he can play and interact with other dogs as often as you can. You can also train him using tools such as dog training crates and dog exercise pens. A dog that is properly trained to socialize with people and other animals will not bark excessively. Training your dog is a great way to improve his physical and mental stimulation. Dogs naturally enjoy the outdoor and like to experience new things. The barking problem may be solved when the dog is taken on regular walks.
By and large, dogs bark for they beg for a little attention. So don’t be rude. Never yell, hit or scold your dog when they are barking. These kinds of reaction can aggravate your k9’s anxiety. If your dog barks because he is stressed or lonely then your yelling is just going to confuse and hurt him.
Along with these behavior modification methods, you may also try using some gadgets that are designed to address the barking. You can buy bark control collar and other training collar equipment that will quickly train your canine to stop his nuisance barking.
Labels: dog articles, dog tips, dog training
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:
Dog Leash Training
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Begin by allowing your dog time to get used to the collar around his neck. When you put it on for the first time, your puppy will scratch, roll around or try to get it off. Make sure you fasten the collar securely and don't remove it when the dog is trying to. When he finally calmed down and shows signs of being comfortable with it, you can remove the collar for a short while. This teaches the dog two important things: first, that the collar won't come off when he wants it so he'd best get used to it and second, the collar is not a permanent attachment. Check the collar regularly to make sure it isn't too tight. Your dog grows in size and you need to adjust the collar regularly.
When the dog is ready, attach a leash to the collar and allow the dog time to adjust to the leash. Allot a few minutes every day to for leash training with your puppy and have some treats handy. Your goal is to be able to walk around with your dog on a leash without him pulling at the other end. This means you should be able to stand still with your dog and walk around at your pace, not his.
To get started, fasten the collar securely around your pup's neck and attach the leash. Hold the other end securely. Try and have the dog stand still beside you. When he starts to wander too far and pulls on the leash, call the dog back to your side and reward him with a treat when he does. When he finally is able to stand still beside you for the time you wish to, you can begin walking him around. When he wanders too far to the point of pulling on the leash, call him back to your side. Pull on the leash if needed. When the dog returns to a comfortable distance - walks beside you without pulling on the leash, reward him with a treat.
Do these training exercises with a reward system for several days or weeks or until your dog learns to consistently respect the leash. When your dog is finally able to stand still beside you or walk around your house or backyard with a loose leash, reward your dog with a lot of praise, hugs or pats and some treats. He is ready to be taken out for a walk.
Remember that to condition your dog to respect the leash, focus on allowing your dog to progress forward when the leash is loose. If you allow your pet to proceed forward when the leash is tight, you're teaching him to pull.
Labels: dog articles, dog tips, dog training
Reminder: If you want to add this article to your website or blog, you must include the following information:
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Here is the code:

posted by 


