Not endorsing... I'm just sayin'!
And this is THOR's favorite commercial... all we have to do anymore to get him to bark at the TV is say, "It's a puppy!" and he goes nuts!
And if this doesn't simultaneously make you cry and smile, or at least do one or the other... you have no soul.
With Independence Day right around the corner, and all of the excitement that goes along with it, Tara Nemeth of the Petlane family wrote a great blog on protecting your companion animal during the festivities. Here are Tara's recommendations:
* If you are going to a fireworks display, leave your pet at home. Even well-socialized dogs can become frightened and possibly aggressive when confronted with large crowds and thunderous explosions.
* Keep your pets indoors. A stressed or anxious dog can become destructive, so make sure to “dog proof” the area where your dog will be while you are gone. Leave out two or three favorite chew toys; chewing is a natural way for dogs to relieve anxiety. Even if your dog typically spends his days outside, he should be kept inside during the evening and preferably overnight. Outdoor dogs have been known to escape by digging their way out of yards or to become dangerously entangled in their chains or leashes.
* If your pet has a history of being frightened by loud noises, consult your vet about using an appropriate sedative. I’m a personal fan of the all-natural product Rescue Remedy.
* Ensure your pet is wearing identification tags. An ID tag is the absolute best way to ensure that a lost pet will be returned. If you are travelling with your pet, write your temporary contact information on a piece of masking tape and wrap it around your pet’s collar, or use a paper luggage tag (like those you can pick up at the airport).
Thanks, Tara, for sharing this great info!
'Tis camping season in Arizona, and your pup will want a tent of his own! Dogs in the wild live in a den which provides protection and a great deal of psychological satisfaction. All dogs, therefore, have a strong natural tendency to seek out this type of shelter - and these 'tent crates', featuring a pop-up and zip assembly, are the best to be had. No poles, bars, straps, or tools required.
This 'tent crate' is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It is made from water resistant material, has non-skid feed, mesh windows (which include privacy flaps to regulate visibility and ventilation), and even ground stakes so the tent will not blow away on a windy day. A zipper mesh door and zipper lock means that you, not your pet, can easily open or close the door. Storage pockets allow you to keep bones, favorite toys, or treats close at hand. Plus, the crate folds flat for easy storage, and comes with its own carrying case for easy transportation. Now your pet can be at home, even on the go.
Small- $74.99
Medium- $99.99
Large- $178.99
Visit the Live.Laugh.Love.Dog. Petlane page and click on the "Shop for Our Products" button for the full online catalog.
We taught THOR how to high-five a couple of weeks ago. It's been hours of entertainment ever since! (You should see the look on my mom's face when he gives her high fives... she's such a proud fur-grandma.)
The editors of Fido Friendly Magazine have complied this list of tips for traveling with your pup. Remember to keep cool and safe this summer as you and your pooch set out on your adventures!
Traveling with your pet is one of the most rewarding experiences that a pet guardian can have. By taking very little effort, you can make a checklist of things to accomplish before leaving for your destination.
No matter the length of your trip, you should always keep in mind the safety and comfort for your child with fur. Here are a few reminders to make your trip a success:
-When traveling with pets in extremely hot weather, you will want to make sure the air conditioning functions properly before you hit the road. Water is always a necessity no matter the weather condition so make sure you have plenty on hand for both you and Fido.
-As far as feeding your pet, you might want to curb the usual amount so as not to create too many pit stops.
-If you and your pet are the active sort, bring plenty of towels. You can wipe your feet at the door, but so far, to our knowledge, your dog will probably require some assistance to get the mud and gunk from his paws. Besides, if your dog is like most, they really don't mind the mud and gunk but your host will thank you for it!
-If you know your dog will jump on the furniture and bed, bring a couple of sheets to use as 'cover-slips' during your stay.
-Check ahead for daycare and pet sitters before you travel. The day will certainly present itself when you want to take in an event and Fido is not permitted. We suggest you don't leave him in the room alone unless he is kenneled. Even then, it's probably not a good idea unless yours sleeps all day and you know he won't bark his head off. A strange place brings out strange behavior and many hotels do not allow you to leave your pet unattended for any reason, kenneled or not.
-If boarding your dog: Did you bring his health record? Better make sure you did because there is no admittance without them. Your vet would be able to fax updated info in case you forget, but if it's Sunday and you just decided to leave your dog in daycare, you'll be out of luck.
-Work up to activity: If you have a couch potato at home and expect him to hike to the tallest peak on your vacation, you will probably be disappointed. Although he is sure to try and please you, give him the opportunity to work up to any extra activity. Start taking him out more often for extended walks and hikes before the big vacation so it's not a shock to his system and his paws.
-Remember the first aid kit: Just in case of ouchies.
-Safety restraints: When traveling by truck: Do not let your best friend ride in the back of a pick-up. Road debris can fly up and harm him and in case of an accident, he will have no protection. When traveling by car, use a special safety restraint or place Fido in his kennel which is secured. There are many sad stories of pets being used as projectiles during a car accident.
-Airlines: All airlines differ in their policy of flying your pets. Be sure and check policy before planning your trip. Remember, you will probably have to fly your dog as cargo and the weather may dictate what time of year you fly. Be sure to ask the airline if their cargo area is heated or air-conditioned. Temperatures can be extreme. Some airlines prohibit flying your pet during certain times of the year.
-Timeshares: Carefully researching your travel destination when planning your vacation is a must. Timeshares are especially attractive to pet-owners because dogs feel most comfortable with a certain level of routine and there are pet-accommodating timeshares for sale all over the world. When researching, you'll want to consider whether the resort imposes weight-limits, ensure that the resort offers pet-sitting or grooming, and note its vicinity to Fido's favorite activities. One way to ensure that these criteria are met is to try your timeshare on a rental basis. Trying pet-friendly timeshares for rent is a great way to learn more about the area before you commit to ownership.
-And finally, bring the usual from home; lots of toys and chewies, water, food, his dog bed or blanket and most of all, lots of hugs and kisses. Happy Travels!
Petlane offers a dog seatbelt to keep your dog safe during your long drives!
Product Description: IMMI conducted a crash test of their Pet Seatbelt restraining system with a 35-pound dog crash test dummy in a vehicle traveling 30mph. When the vehicle impacted, the dog generated 1,135 pounds of force. It is NEVER safe for you or your dog to travel unrestrained in your vehicle. An unrestrained animal might not only kill herself, but someone else traveling in the vehicle. Harness, tether and adapter are included. Fits almost any vehicle including the backs of SUVs. Not recommended for dogs with girth below 14 inches.
$53.99-$56.99
Now that we have officially breached the 110-degree mark, this nifty fan is a must-have for these unbearably hot summer months in Arizona. Keep the panting at bay while he's resting at home and you're at work or out and about.
Product Description: Help keep your pet cool in the warm weather. This two-speed fan creates a refreshing air flow into your pet's crate while forcing the warm air out. Retractable arms allow the fan to be hung on a cage, crate or pet carrier, so you can keep your pet cool at home and on the go. Fan features a thermostatic control that automatically activates the fan when a pre-set temerature is reached. Powered by four "C" batteries (not included).
#3116
$24.99
Visit the Live.Laugh.Love.Dog. Petlane page and click on the "Shop for Our Products" button for the full online catalog.
A while back I wrote a little ditty about vegetarianism and whether or not it is in conflict with a dog's diet. The verdict: It's too new of a concept to tell. I took THOR in to the vet to get his vaccinations updated and asked William Langhofer, DVM whether or not it was a good idea to feed my dogs a vegetarian diet. He said that it's quite the controversial issue, but that since dogs are historically carnivores (it is only since they have become domesticated that they have taken on more omnivore-tolerant characteristics) it is not a good idea to keep them from eating what they would naturally eat in the wild. He said that until more research is done and published to prove that it is beneficial to a dog's and/or cat's health, it is too early to advise it as a healthy alternative for your furry companion.
David A. Dzanis, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVN, a correspondent for dognutrition.com, wrote an extensive article warning pet owners against feeding their naturally carnivorous animals a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet. His best advice to those who refuse to feed their pets any animal products because it is against their own moral fiber: get a pet that would thrive on a completely vegetarian diet (birds, iguanas, rabbits, horses and goats, to name a few). It is not in any dog's best interest to force it to eat a vegetarian diet.
So what should you feed your dog? It has become quite trendy to give pooches food that sometimes appears to be even more palatable than the things we eat! While dining on hot dogs and beans out of a can, my dear grandmother used to feed and prepare our dog filet mignon- yes, the same kind you would order at Ruth's Chris Steak House. While I do not agree with that philosophy necessarily, I think it is equally important to be aware of what you are feeding your pup and to eat healthy yourself. Just because your dog likes something (and perhaps it is cheap, too) does not make it healthy for him. College students aside, I highly doubt you would dine on Ramen noodles every day for the rest of your life simply because it is cheap and tastes good.
It's important to be familiar with the nutritional content of the food you give your dog. Stay tuned for more details on what to look for in a dog food, the nutrients your dog needs, "fillers" to avoid, and my recommendations for optimal health for your four-legged friend!
I saw a disturbing news story yesterday on CBS 5 that I felt compelled to share with my fellow pet lovers. Apparently it is baby season in the cat and dog world, and the county shelter is becoming overloaded with cats and dogs, and they are having major space issues. Space issues to the tune of euthanizing healthy dogs and cats to account for the massive influx of animals during the summer months. Here's what they have to say:
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) has hit a crisis stage, as have MCACC’s rescue partners. As the weather heats up, kittens and puppies are born, adding to the already overpopulated pet problem we have in Maricopa County. Our Care Centers are full to brimming with dogs and cats of all ages and breeds.
MCACC is asking people to think twice about bringing their pets to the shelter. We receive up to 200 dogs and cats a day during the summer months. The chances of each one getting adopted (or adopted quickly) is about 50%. And we are also encouraging those with puppies and kittens to wait a little longer before bringing the litter in to us. The older they are, the better chance they have of surviving.
MCACC needs the public’s help to battle this crisis. We encourage everyone to get their pet spayed or neutered. It helps the overpopulation problem, ensuring less unwanted animals are born, keeping them off the streets and out of our care centers. A fixed animal is less likely to roam. They are also less likely to mark their territory. We encourage all pet owners to get their pets licensed. It helps us to return your pet to you if he gets loose. It is also the law in Maricopa County for dogs to be licensed.
If you have been thinking of adding to your family, this is a great time to do so. We have so many wonderful, loving pets to choose from. Whether you want an itty bitty dog or a large furry one, we have the dogs for you. If you are shopping for a kitten or two to play with, or a nice, friendly adult to snuggle with, we have them. Even more, MCACC is offering great adoption specials this summer. All cats over 6 months are $25. All dogs over 40 pounds are $50. These fees cover the spay/neuter surgery, a rabies vaccination and for dogs, a County dog license.
If you are not ready to adopt, you can volunteer to be a foster family. Foster care is needed for our youngest animals, as well as for those that are sick and need a little extra TLC.
As heartbreaking as it is, sometimes there is only so much we can do. ALWAYS spay or neuter your pet. If you can't do so, you don't deserve to own one.
We have updated the Live.Laugh.Love.Dog. Calendar of Events for June and July- check it out and take your dog out for a night on the town!
Could this be any cuter?
The American Institute of Floral Arts has an instructional page for the ambitious who want to take on this project. Imagine being the recipient of this- you couldn't help but smile!
