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My pack, looking slim, trim and healthy!

I love my mutts – I don’t think there is any better breed out there than a good mutt! A lot of people have misconceptions about mutts or think they’re somehow inferior to purebreds. It might be interesting to dig a little deeper into the world of non-purebred pups. The terms “mutt” and “mongrel” get thrown around pretty loosely these days, and they often come with a derogatory air. But anyone who owns a mixed dog knows that they have just as many, if not more wonderful qualities than purebred pets! The stigma that has followed mixed breed dogs is losing it’s grip, which is a great thing. Let’s talk about mutts so you can see why they can be just right for you!

Mixed Terms

First let’s get the terminology right. Mutt. Mix. Mongrel. Bitsa. Potcake. Heinz 57. These are all terms that denote a dog of more than one breed origin. The true definition of mutt and mongrel is an individual resulting from the interbreeding of diverse breeds or strains; especially:  one of unknown ancestry.  In the case of canines, these are individuals of unknown ancestry that belong to no single organizationally recognized breed and are not the result of selective breeding. Today, much of the terminology has become blurred with “designer breeds” rising in popularity.  Designer Dogs are selectively bred hybrids, specialized mixes of 2 or more purebred dogs intentionally bred to retain specific traits of those breeds. The term “mixed breed” encompasses dogs of mixed, untraced ancestry, though it is often used in reference to hybrids as well to make everything nice and confusing.
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Hi Pet Bloggers,

Hope you enjoyed your weekend!  Dealing with pet accidents and messes can be frustrating, time consuming and even expensive.  Today, guest blogger Keith Benton joins us with some neat ideas for cleaning up and preventing messes that save time and money.  As always, if you have any questions, comments, or cleaning tricks of your own that you would like to share, please let us know in the comments section below.  Thanks!

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If you’re like me, not much infuriates you more than a pet who continues to make a messy on the clean carpet. Pets are a joy to have around; they provide companionship, give us a low-maintenance responsibility, and are simply fun to cuddle up with under a warm fleece on a rainy Saturday afternoon. But they are not as trainable when it comes to potty duties. They will occasionally use your carpet or floor as a toilet. It is generally too expensive to call in the carpet cleaners or to replace a carpet each time it occurs, so let’s go over some of the precautions and solutions to dealing with pet mess.

Walk the Walk

Never forget to take your pets on walks. Dogs especially, but cats as well. Do it on a regular schedule so your pet knows exactly when it is about to be taken outside. If you’re a city dweller be sure to keep the neighborhood clean and pick up after your pet does the duty. I use two plastic grocery bags I get from WinCo or Walmart, put it over my hand like a glove, grab the droppings, and pull it inside out so that it doesn’t get on my hands and I’ve got a disposable way to collect pet waste. This works great outside but also can be used as a cleanup tactic in the house. That way you can snatch it up and throw it into the outside bin immediately.

Iron/Paper Towel Combo

A friend led me on to this one. When a pet urinates on the carpet, using Lysol or Resolve to scrub up the mess works but there is always just that little bit of waste imbedded in the carpet. A great way to lift those tough to get particles from the carpet is using a hot iron and some paper towels. Get the iron hot, place a paper towel on the carpet, then slowly move the iron across the paper towel in circular motions. The urine will begin to soak into the paper towel. I always use a couple paper towels to make sure most of the waste is lifted.

Apple Bitter Deterrent

Grannick’s Apple Bitter is a great product that can be used for all sorts of pet training. If a pet makes a mess, spray some Apple Bitter on the end of a towel. Take the pet to the area in which it made the mess and put the Apple Bitter towel up to the pet’s nose. Dogs are generally pretty smart about knowing what they did wrong, but I don’t have the experience with cats. Your animal will soon associate the bad action with the unpleasant bitterness. I was able to train my Labrador after only two Apple Bitter exercises.

Pet Crate

Pet crates can be used to house the animal during long days at the office. While not allowing them the freedom to roam about, pet crates are a way to eliminate a pet’s contact with your floor or carpet. Pets will also not leave waste in the crate.

When all else fails and the mess becomes too much for the carpet, a solid carpet cleaning service for your home might be tough to avoid. While it might be tough to come to terms with, this may be the best option. Be sure to take all the inexpensive precautionary steps so you can save money in dealing with pet waste. If you’re smart about the situation, you can prevent pet mess before it even occurs in addition to train the pet that using your home as a restroom is an unfavorable action.

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

Please welcome guest blogger Lilly Sheperd!  Today she has a post that asks us to be proactive in regard to the health of our friendly felines.  She covers how important preventative maintenance can be for your cat and how crucial it is for them to engage in exercise and activity while also enjoying a good diet.  If you have any questions, comments or tips of your own for keeping your cats healthy please let us know in the comments section.  Thanks!

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Cats are extremely agile and active pets known for their curiosity. For this reason, many humans find they are easily humored by the feline species’ innate sense of independence, and enjoy spending time with these furry little beholders of big personalities.

It is no wonder, then, that cat owners want to do whatever it takes to help their animal companions live long and healthy lives. Promoting longevity in your pet is not achieved by any miracle cure, but rather results from consistent effort throughout an entire cat’s life. By combining a well-rounded preventative care regimen, an increase in the amount of exercise your pet experiences, and a boost to the nutritional value of your cat’s diet, you may be able to carry your pet through over a decade of play, laughter, and fun.

Preventative Care Starts Early: Preparing Your Pet for a Long and Healthy Life

One of the most important aspects of health maintenance for your cat is preventative medicine – and prevention begins the moment that a cat is born. Staying up-to-date on regular vaccinations, anti-parasitic medications, and other preventative treatments can severely reduce the risk of your beloved pet developing illnesses and diseases. Since regulations regarding what medicines are required of domesticated animals often change, consultation with your veterinarian on an annual basis is necessary to help you ensure that you stay in compliance with policy.

Another key facet of preventative care for cats is maintenence of your pet’s dental hygiene – though it is often overlooked by pet owners. The process of taking care of your cat’s teeth and gums is relatively simple: with a small toothbrush and a pea-sized drop of toothpaste that is specially formulated for your cat’s mouth, gently massage the teeth and gum areas to remove plaque and any other buildup. Cats that are more finicky about the process of having their teeth brushed often can substitute crunchy dental health treats, designed to remove plaque as cats eat, for their brushing routine. Frequently serving crunchy dry food to your cat can also reduce the risk of buildup forming inside its mouth.

Achieving Regular Activity: Both Play and Exercise Are Critical to Cat Health

It is very important for cats to have access to toys and enough space for adequate play each day. Surely, stereotypes tell us that cats are fat, lazy, and lounge around all day – and veterinarians agree that it is healthy for cats to have relaxation time as well. However, play can help build the strength of your pet’s muscles, and staying active can prevent troubles with your cat’s joints and ligaments over time. It is far easier for active cats to maintain a healthy weight through engagement in exercise than simply through calorie restriction.

A Nutritious Diet: A Central Part of a Cat’s Healthy Lifestyle

Perhaps the most important part of a pet’s preventative care routine is the maintenance of a healthy, balanced diet. A cat should have a daily diet of healthy cat food. The ideal cat food brand has a high level of animal proteins, and is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that promote your cat’s health. Look for trusted brands that, unlike generic brands, have certification stamps of their safety, and use meats, carbohydrates, and other ingredients that are natural and of high quality. Access to a fresh bowl of clean water is also a key part of maintaining bodily health for a cat.

Did you know that over 54% of the cat population in the United States is overweight? Veterinarians warn that extra weight is an early indicator of disease, and can lead to kidney failures, heart disease, and other kitty illnesses over time. Weight management is based in part on portion control, but also depends upon the food’s nutritional quality. For more information about what your pet’s particular dietary needs are, consult your veterinarian.

This is a guest post by Lilly Sheperd. She is freelance writer, occasional guest blogger and pet lover.

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

Today we are joined by Animed, who has an informative post about dog arthritis.  A painful affliction that affects dogs young and old, arthritis can be a tedious and emotional problem to treat.  But as Animed describes, there are ways to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and allow your dog to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.  If you have any questions, comments or personal experiences with dog arthritis that you would like to share, please let us know in the comments section below.  Thanks!

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If your dog has been limping and displaying restricted mobility, you may be concerned about the possibility of arthritis. Other symptoms of canine arthritis can include favoring particular limbs, expressing difficulty in getting into a standing position, joints that appear stiff and painful, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, a lack of interest in playtime and exercise and behavioral changes.

The chances of developing arthritis becomes more likely as your dog gets older (especially if they are also overweight) but younger dogs can also be affected by the condition after infection, injury or trauma to the joints. Inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia can also encourage arthritis. Here’s what to expect if you suspect that your dog may have developed arthritis.

Speak to Your Vet

If you’re worried that your dog may have developed arthritis, speak to your vet about any worrying signs. This will set the ball rolling on getting an official diagnosis and paves the way for putting together a treatment plan.

Diagnosing Your Dog’s Arthritis

A physical examination is likely to be conducted as the first part of diagnosing your dog. Depending on the outcome of this, X-rays may then be recommended to confirm an arthritis diagnosis. X-rays are particularly useful in diagnosing canine arthritis.

Living With Your Dog’s Arthritis

Generally speaking, canine arthritis is a degenerative condition. This means that it will usually get worse over time. Affected dogs can be in a lot of discomfort, which would have a big impact on their well-being as well as their physical health. This is difficult to deal with as a pet owner but there is some good news: treatment can help your dog to have an improved quality of life.

The first step is to find ways to manage arthritis pain. There are a number of options that can be tried to reduce your dog’s discomfort, including Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and non-prescription treatments containing glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, which have also been shown to have some positive effects for arthritis. NSAIDs are commonly tried first, and can be combined later with over-the-counter supplements.

Your dog will also benefit from some health and lifestyle changes. A healthy, balanced diet is key, as is gentle exercise that will not put too much stress on your dog’s joints. While exercise will generally be uncomfortable, low impact options such swimming and walking will help your dog to maintain a healthy weight and will not add too much stress to the joints. Painful joints mean that weight gain is often a side effect of canine arthritis and this problem can make pain and discomfort worse by placing additional stress on the joints. If your dog is overweight, losing weight is strongly recommended.

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

Today we have a post from guest blogger Mike Warner.  He takes a look at what it means to be a responsible pet owner and why our furry friends depend on us for love, companionship and proper care.  If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section below.  Thanks!

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Handling and dealing with pets is not an easy task as it might appear. Do you know how sensitive cats and dogs are when they are left unattended? It is absolutely not possible for you to render the care and attention to your four-legged friend 24*7, right? What should you do in such a situation? Have you thought about it?

How to offer high standard pet care?

Don’t let your canine friend suffer from anxiety, depression or behavioral changes. Work, business trips, and personal reasons often cause us to be away from home. It is during such occasions when you seriously require the advice of professional experts and you have to be extremely cautious and careful with the selection.

The market is full of such service providers claiming to provide the best performances. But in reality there are very few who can actually accomplish your desires and requirements. It is your responsibility to evaluate and inspect, only then investing money by hiring any one particular professional.

Why is pet care so important?

Just because they are animals does not mean they are without emotions or feelings. They are, in fact, similar to human beings and many are considered as close as your own child or friend. Don’t you think he or she must get the best care and treatment regardless of any situation?

Moreover, it has been found that if these creatures are left alone on their own they show visible signs of depression, anxiety and some weird behavioral patterns. Therefore, it becomes mandatory that they are addressed with the best and optimal treatment. Let your canine companion enjoy and have a good time.

Don’t take pet care lightly

Being a responsible pet owner, you need to have the knowledge and the sincerity to take the complete responsibility of the animal in the best possible manner. It is advisable not to take things lightly but rather consider them seriously.

Therefore, before you take your new friend home, make sure you understand how you should treat him/her and the amount of love they require. Check these highlighting points:

• Give proper housebreaking and crate training.
• Make sure you visit the veterinarian so that shots and preventive vaccinations are given to your dog or cat.
• Obedience training is one of the most important tips that must be followed by every pet owner.

These are some of the tips that you need to execute before you plan to bring your pet home.  Allow him or her to mix and adjust in the new environment with you and your family members.

How should you render the complete and proper tender?

• He or she shouldn’t be handled roughly. Instead they should be given the complete attention in a very tender manner.
• There should be a regular routine for the food time, play time and the sleeping time. Even these animals enjoy the daily maintenance of routine in life.
• Proper and nutritional food must be provided to the animals.
• Make sure the pet is not left unattended for long hours. If such a situation arises, hire a sitter or you can even leave them in a boarding care center.
• Spend quality time with your four legged friend if you want to see him/her happy and healthy.
• Try to render him/her comfort in every possible manner at optimal level.

Caring for pets is not as easy as it might appear. The animals like cats and dogs are extremely sensitive creatures and require extensive tending and attention. If you fail to do so, he or she might suffer from depression, anxiety and other behavioral changes and fall sick. Thus, it is very important that proper pet care and attention is rendered.

Act responsibly with your pet dog or cat

Often you have to be away from your home for a variety of reasons. How do you handle and tender the canine in such a situation? Who will attend to them when you are away home? This is a serious issue because they cannot stay alone as they require constant care and attention.

Is there any solution to the problem? Don’t get distressed, rather give a big smile because there is an amazing solution and it lies with the pet sitters or the boarding care centers. Depending upon your tastes and preferences you can choose either of the one for proper guardianship of the animals in your absence.

You have to be a knowledgeable owner

Don’t forget that your new cat or dog relies or depends on you with all the necessities and requirements of life. This is a huge responsibility and you have to act in such a manner that you always render a happy, healthy and comfortable life to the canine friends.

It is important that you execute your research work and get in touch with other pet owners so that you can render some useful tips of handling such animals. With awareness and acting responsibly you can provide love and a happy home to your new companion.

Don’t let too many restrictions on your new companion

Animals like cats and dogs are similar to human beings in terms of emotional behavior. They too value freedom and enjoy spending their time moving around and playing. They are extremely energetic and enthusiastic and thereby it is advised not to restrict them to a small room or cage. Rather you should allow them complete freedom and independence.

Taking care of their diet is a part of the responsibility too

If you want to ensure that your friend is healthy and in the best of fitness, you have to ensure that he or she is given the proper diet that is full of nutrition values. There are certain kinds of items that are not advisable for pet animals like cats and dogs as they are dangerous and can be fatal too.

Author Bio:

This post has been contributed by Mike Warner. He loves to write about pet care. He recommends John’s Pampered Pooch for providing you the best dog and cat boarding services.

Christmas is just around the corner and it just wouldn’t be complete without some gifts under the tree for your favorite feline(s)!  There are some great gifts for your cats to add to the list this year…read on to make this holiday a success for your precious pet with these great holiday suggestions!

1. Cat/Cloud Shelves

Everyone who shares a home with a cat knows they love to climb and explore areas that provide the best view of the room. Whether you have limited space or not, a cumbersome cat tree may not be an option. Enter the new line of cat shelves available at thatpetplace.com. These innovative and attractive wall mount shelves are functional wall decor, so they’re as much a gift to you as they are for your kitties. Install the shelves on any wall to create open and secure resting and perching spots for your pets. The shelves are sleek and stylish, and a variety of colors allows you to choose the unit that best fits your existing decor. Each shelf features a wide, cushioned base to accommodate cat weight up to 50 lb. Read More »

You know your pets better than anyone, but even though you love them no matter what, their adorable and often mystifying behaviors may sometimes make you ask “why do you do that”?  Here are some simple answers to common questions on cat behaviors you may witness every day.

Why does my cat purr?

Your cat’s purr may be one of your favorite things about hime or her.  Where that distinctive sound originates is still debated, but cat owners know that unmistakeable trill, which begins when the cat is about a week old. Cats purr when they are content and happy, but also when they are stressed by fear or pain. The frequency of the purr has been linked to stimulated bone growth and healing, and it is also believed that endorphins are released while the sound is produced. So, despite the obvious communicative properties of a good healthy purr, it may actually be contributing to your pet’s overall well-being, as a self-soothing, self-healing, relaxing therapy. You probably already know that a purring cat can have similarly soothing, healing, relaxing powers on you too!

Why does my cat knead me with his paws?

Not all cats knead, but the explanation for why those that do is pretty simple. Kittens knead as a sign of contentment, and the action helps their mothers milk flow while they nurse. As the cat matures, kneading is still a signal of contentment at their situation, and it is also a way to mark territory, as cat’s perspire through the pads on their paws. Getting a kitty massage is usually pretty fun, but some cats can be obsessive with kneading, or the behavior may lead to or be done in conjunction with suckling or chewing, which leads us to… Read More »

That Fish Place – That Pet Place has earned the Google Trusted Store badge for demonstrating a track record of on-time shipping and excellence in customer service. The badge is displayed across the site to remind you, as our consumers, that you can shop from thatpetplace.com with confidence and with Google’s free purchase protection. If there is an eligible issue that comes up with your order and you cannot resolve it with the merchant to your satisfaction, Google will work with you and the merchant for a resolution. You can read more about this award here.

Do you ever consider the dangers of carbon monoxide to pets? One of our Facebook fans recently shared with us a tragic story of 12 pet birds lost to carbon monoxide poisoning. The heartbreaking tale also involved the family dog who, after some time has made a full recovery. This blog post is intended to raise awareness of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning not just for people, but for the pets we keep as well. Most cases of carbon monoxide toxicity in pets occur, sadly, due to human error, and the results can be devastating.  A dog left in an enclosed garage with a running automobile, for example, can be exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide in about ten minutes. But animals may also exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide when they are trapped in a building that is on fire, or when a slow leak from a heating system amongst other causes. It’s important to make yourself familiar with easy ways to prevent exposure, as well as a course of action should evacuation or medical attention be necessary.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, non-irritating gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon fuels. It is potentially toxic and may even cause death. Carbon monoxide may be produced by unventilated kerosene or propane heaters, gasoline engines, automobile exhaust, or fumes from carbon-based fuel heating systems. When inhaled, Carbon Monoxide gas is readily absorbed into the bloodstream, combining with hemoglobin and rapidly reducing oxygen delivery to the body,leading to decreased oxygen to the brain and heart. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide leads to hypoxemia (critically low blood oxygen levels) and eventually death.

What are the signs and symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Depending upon the concentration and duration of exposure of carbon monoxide, the symptoms may manifest quickly, or gradually over a period of prolonged exposure. Some pets, such as birds, are more sensitive to Carbon Monoxide levels and relatively small exposure may prove detrimental. Acute behavioral and physical symptoms include:

•Sleepiness
•Weakness
•Lethargy
•Labored breathing
•Seizures
•Depression
•Deafness
•Erratic movements
•Coma

Pregnant animals, especially those in late gestation, may abort their babies pre term. Examination of your pet’s skin and mucous membranes such as nostrils, ears, genitals may show bright red coloration, though this symptom may not be apparent on most pets.

Consistant exposure to lower levels of carbon monoxide include flu like symptoms like nausea, vomiting, aches, weakness and loss of stamina. Blood acidosis is also a side effect.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Carbon monoxide is life-threatening and treatment will require immediate veterinary attention. If you know or suspect that your pet is suffering from carbon monoxide toxicity, the first step is to move your pets away from the source of the carbon monoxide to a place where they can breathe fresh air. As soon as possible, transport them to the vet for oxygen therapy and fluids. The oxygen will remove the carbon monoxide from the blood, bringing your pet’s oxygen levels back to normal. Your vet will also collect blood samples for a complete blood count and biochemistry, as establishing the levels of carbon monoxide, carboxyhemoglobin and acids in the blood will dictate the initial treatment plan and continued treatment. Urinalysis and other applicable body fluid tests may also be performed. In some cases, your veterinarian may perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if your pet’s heart function has also been affected.

Your vet will instruct you on extended care. Generally, while your pet is recovering from the carbon monoxide poisoning, activity should be limited for several weeks following the exposure. Shorter walks, limited play and exercise, and a little extra TLC will be required until your pet is fully recovered. Observe your pet closely during recovery for residual signs of nervous system issues, and if you see any anomalies, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Prevention

Obviously, the best course of action is to prevent your pets and the rest of your family from exposure of any detrimental levels of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide detectors are the first line of defense against this elusive killer, and should be installed in various areas of your home. Minimize or prevent exposure to carbon monoxide by ensuring that your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances are serviced annually by a qualified technician. Don’t use generators, charcoal grills or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window where gasses could accumulate in an enclosed area.
And don’t run a vehicle inside a garage attached, even if you leave the door open, and especially if the garage is attached to your house. Provide adequate ventilation for any fuel powered device and be sure to know what to do should an unfortunate exposure to carbon monoxide should occur.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can occur any time of year and is often due to human error. Protect you and your family, including four-footed members through prevention and close attention to potential sources.

White dog sleeping image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Eli Duke

Offering your pet a sweet or savory treat seems like it would be a simple gesture of affection, but with so many treats and chews to choose from sometimes it can be rough to find the right one to buy.  If you’re fortunate enough to be able to take your pet inside your local pet store to pick out his or her own favorites you’re a step ahead, but if you’re on your own while shopping it may be a little tougher to navigate to the the right products. Here is a brief description of some of the best dog treats and chews and why they may or may not suit your pet. Please remember that no matter what tasty tidbit you offer your pet, observe them closely to make sure they’re enjoying their snack safely.

Chances are you know your pet better than anyone, so you probably have a good idea what they might like and what will be appropriate to offer. Your dog may already show an affinity for certain flavors or textures, or he may have some habits or behaviors that need to be considered while you shop. For example, if your dog is a strong chewer, you’ll want something that doesn’t break or splinter. If your dog is a little “chunky” low calorie snacks may be just the ticket. Small breed and senior pets may only want bite-sized, soft or chewy products that are easy to break apart. It may even be possible your pet has some medical issue, sensitive stomach, allergies, dry skin, ect. that steer you towards supplemented or specially formulated creations. Read More »