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Christmas Pet Tips

Secure the Christmas tree so doesn't fall on your pets. Put it in a corner

Choose ornaments wisely glass and stringy hangings can harm your pets.

Keep harmful foods away from pets. Onions, chocolate, alcohol, etc.

Avoid giving your pets toys that can be torn pieces, possible choking hazard.

Stay away from deadly holiday plants like holly and mistletoe.

If you have a holiday party contain your pet in a separate area or let your guests know not to give table scraps or encourage bad behavior.

Keep wires and batteries and such out of your pets reach.

If leaving the house unplug decorations and take out the trash to avoid a mess and/or a potential house fire.

Keep candles, potpourri and any artificial "smellings" away. Not good for you or your pet.

If candles are lit keep them up high and blow them out before going to sleep or leaving the house.

Traveling in a car to visit family? Don''t leave your pet alone in the car and stop for breaks.

Keep number for your veterinarian, a 24/7 veterinarian and poison control close by in case of any accidents.

Prevent your pet from slipping out the door. Make sure your pet has a updated tag and microchip.

Thanksgiving Leftovers for Pets

Turkey
Yes feel free to feed your pets some turkey meat just avoid any bones.

Onions and other alliums
No to be on the safe side, large amounts can cause toxic anemia.

Mashed Potatoes
Yes but if its the boxed kind check ingredients. Also nix it on the gravy or any fatty trimmings which can reek havoc on your pet's digestive system.

Grapes and Raisans
Nope just not good for your pets.

Cranberry Sauce
Sure just watch out for the amount of sugar.

Artificial Sweeteners
Just say no to giving any to your pets period.

Macaroni and Cheese
Yes don't let your pets to over indulge on to much.

Chocolate
Nope can be deadly to pets any and all kinds.

Green Beans
Yes if your pet likes them. No if its green casserole and has onions.

Alcohol
Alcohol is bad for pets and can be bad for people just don't do it

The Snow is Coming....Keep Your Pets Warm

Know your pet's limits if they have short hair probably should not have them out in the cold.

Check your auto engine compartment for critters looking for warmth.

Wipe your pets paws to get off any salt, antifreeze and/or deicer chemical.

Keep your pets on a leash so they don't get lost in the snow or fall through a icy pond.

Avoid the ice so you or your pets don't fall or go under icy ponds.

Leave them home!  Don't leave your pets in a cold car.

Be seen! Always have a flashlight or reflective gear when walking in the dark.

Give your pets shelter! keep them inside or provide them with a warm, draft-free shelter.

Avoid spilling antifreeze its poison to animals.

Be prepare for winter emergencies like blizzards and such.

#NationalCatDay

#NationalCatDay

National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert & Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.
We explode the internet every October 29th. We live to celebrate cats and help them to find forever homes. Through our large social media & press platform, all year long we're able to partake in the wonderful world of cats and put the plight of cats in shelters, center stage. We educate literally millions all year long but on October 29th....it's party time! We encourage you to spoil your fur baby a little more on National Cat Day than any other day (you don't want them to get too demanding do you?) by buying them a new toy drenched in cat nip, giving them something simply scrumptious to eat, offering LOTS more cuddling and making a donation to your local shelter in their honor. The best way you can celebrate though is to save a life! So if you can....ADOPT....don't shop. Estimates reveal that there are approximately 4 million cats entering shelters every year with 1-2 million being euthanized. Often cats are overlooked and under-appreciated because they don't usually have jobs like dogs. But cats still lower blood pressure, offer unconditional love and companionship, tons of laughs and alert their owner to danger. Many cats have been named heroes. So take that...dogs!

NationalCatDayFacebook 

NationalCatDayInstagram

NationalCatDayTwitter

1. Adopt a cat from your local shelter or cat rescue.

 2. Make a commitment to your cat’s health and buy all natural products from food to litter.

 3. Donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations.

 4. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to play with some cats available for adoption, clean cages and litter boxes or anything else they need help with.

 5. Write your Congressman and ask that he/she support the ban of kitten mills and gas chambers in your state.

 6. Bake some cat shaped cookies for your kids, friends or office and bake some tuna cookies for your cat.

 7. Have a safety check of your home to make sure it's safe for your new cat.

 8. Spend the day taking photos of your cat and posting them on our Facebook page.

 9. Buy an official National Cat Day Tee and sport it proudly!

 10. Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by cleaning their cat’s litter box and playing with their cat.

 11. Commission a custom portrait painted of your cat.

 12. Buy your cat a fun new toy....condo, bed or treats!

 13. Give your cat some fun exercise by putting up some walls shelves specifically for him/her.

 14. Make a window perch for your cat to lay in the sun.

 15. Brush your cat to eliminate excess fur and hairballs.

 16. Give your cat a calming massage.

 17. Paint your face, wear kitty ears or dress in cat related fashion.

 18. Buy your cat a collar and tag with your name and number, just in case they get outside and happen to become lost.

 19. Hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot.

 20. Have a National Cat Day party and invite all your friends and their cats!

Visit National Cat Day today!

Save Money on Pet Food

Need to save some money on pet food cause you have way to many critters over-running your lovely abode eating you out of house and home?

Buy it wholesale (bulk!)

Make it at home (raw food diet!)

Shop the sales (yay sale ads!)

Properly store pet food in a plastic container so it doesn't go stale.

Be careful when feeding your pet people food which can make a pet fat or sicken your pet.

Buy specialty food (grain-fee and such) only when absolutely necessary i.e recommended by a veterinarian.

Follow pet food brands on social media  for special discount codes and offers

Measure food and track servings (feed only the allotted serving per meal for the size of your pet)

Name brand is not always best but always check ingredients as well for the best nutrition.

Join a reward program (Petpal/Petperks etc.)

Try before buying. Try a sample size to make sure your pet will actually eat the food.

Try a pet food subscription service through places like Amazon or Petsmart to get possible discounts and free shipping.

And there you go you don't have to necessarily splurge on your pets food and go broke. Always, always look for discounts and such will save you a ton of money in the long run!

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Stash the Treats

Don't let your pet get into any type of candy. Place it high enough and out of reach or your pet.

Watch the Decor and Keep Wires Out of Reach

Don't let your pet chew or eat on decor and wires.Be careful with candles.Keep glow sticks away from pets.

Be Careful with Costumes

Avoid covering your pets face and keep dangling things to a minimum and out of reach.

Keep Pets Calm

If your pet doesn't like people or other pets keep them separated so as not to cause anxiety. Keep confined and way from the door

Keep Identity on Your Pets at All Times

Make sure your pet is micro-chipped and has a visible collar with your info on it.

Keep Pets Indoors

Don't leave your pet outside or in the yard especially without supervision.

Its Raining Outside

Protect your pet from the rain

If going for a walk put a raincoat and booties on your pet to keep them dry.

Keep your cats and dogs indoors.

Provide a airtight dog house for shelter.

Keep towels handy and rub your pets dry asap. when they come inside.

Keep dog preoccupied indoors with kongs and hiding games.

Keep your cat occupied with catnip and kitty toys.

Keep your dogs fur dry and clean their paws.

Keep your dog's bedding dry.

Keep your dog's ears dry inside and out

Be on the look out for infections when its wet outside especially if you have outdoor pet.

Keep your pet warm when its cold and wet outside

The Healthy Benefits of Owning a Cat

1. Cats Can Help You Cope With Stress or When Your Feeling Down

2. Cats Can Lower Your  Blood Pressure

3. Petting a Cat Has a Overall Calming Effect

4. Sleep Better with the Comfort of a Cat Around

5. Fewer Allergies When Exposed Early on to Cats

6. Cats Keep you Company So You Don't Feel Alone

7. Cat Purring Can Help Heal Your Bones

8. Cats Keep Heart Attacks ans Strokes At Bay.

9. Cat Purring Can Help Heal Soft Tissues

10. Cats Purring Can Fend Off Infection and Swelling

11. Cats Help When You Have Depression

12. Cats Can Boost Your Immunity

13. Cats Can Help You Socialize

14. Cats Can Lower Triglycerides and Cholesterol levels

15. Cats Can Help With Anxiety

Service Dogs

Definition of a Service Dog

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service dogs are dogs that are trained to performs tasks or do work for people with physical, medical, and mental disabilities.

So what exactly does that look like? Here are some examples of what a service dog can perform:

• Guiding someone who is blind
• Alerting someone who is deaf
• Pulling a wheelchair
• Carrying or picking up items for someone with a mobility disability
• Alerting and protecting someone who is having a seizure
• Reminding someone to take their necessary medications

Service dogs can be extremely beneficial to someone with a disability, but it’s important to remember that service dogs aren’t pets. They are working animals that have been trained to do something directly related to a disability. For that reason, emotional support dogs — dogs that only provide comfort — don’t qualify as service dogs.

Rules about service dogs

The ADA also has a number of rules about service dogs that are important to know:

• Businesses that serve the public can’t discriminate against people with disabilities. Therefore, these businesses must allow service dogs to accompany someone with a disability in any area where customers are permitted. Covered business include places such as restaurants, stores, hotels, movie theaters, taxis, and sports arenas, along with state and local governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
• Service dogs need to be under control in the form of a leash, harness, or tether unless it gets in the way of the service dog’s work or the disability prevents the use of a control device.
• If someone walks into a place with a service dog, employees can’t ask the person about their disability or require any kind of medical documentation or identification. They also can’t ask the dog to demonstrate its specific task. Employees are only allowed to ask two questions if someone walks in with a service dog:
  • Is this a service dog?
  • What has the dog been trained to do?
• A service dog can’t be removed from somewhere unless the dog is out of the control or isn’t housebroken.
• A person with a disability can’t be denied or refused service if someone is afraid or allergic to their dog. In a hotel or motel, they cannot be limited to “pet friendly” rooms and must have the same choice of accommodations as any other guest.

While it’s not a requirement, it is advisable to have your service dog wear a vest to let others know that the dog is working and shouldn’t be petted.

Abusing the service dog law

Recently, some people have been abusing the system. They pass their dog off as a service dog even though they don’t have a disability and the dog hasn’t been trained for a specific task. Not only is this wrong and an abuse of the system, but it can also be disruptive and dangerous for legitimate service dogs.

Some states are taking fake service dogs so seriously that they’ve enacted laws making it a crime. 

Article Credit/ Source Link:

https://www.cesarsway.com/about-dogs/service/The-truth-about-service-dogs?utm_content=sf101365234&utm_medium=spredfast&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=Cesar%27s%20Way%2C%20Inc.&sf101365234=1

State Assistance Animal Laws

https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-assistance-animal-laws

How to be a good neighbor when you have a dog

Train and exercise your dog regularly.

Scoop that poop!

Introduce your dog to the neighbors suttley and cautiously frankly you never what know what kind of persons your living next to

Secure your dog. Nobody likes a nuisance roaming dog not to mention its quite unsafe.

If your dog has any behavioral issues at least mention it to your neighbors.

Check in on your pet periodically to make sure they are not barking up a storm or creating havoc for your neighbor.

On that note do not leave your dog unattended outside for over 8 hours a day and/or 24/7. Not safe and unintentionally screw up your dog behaviorally. Maybe doggy day care? Dog sitter?

Crate training is always awesome but once again if your going to be gone for more then a couple hours come up with a better arrangement for your dogs sake.

If your the neighbor assume better judgment. If you have a issue calmly bring it up. Be patient.

If your the dog owner stay calm, listen, hear and understand the problem and brainstorm a solution for your pet's sake and neighbor's sake and your own sanity.

How to know its time to say good-bye

At one point there will come a time in your life that you may have to say good-bye to your beloved pet. Be it old-age, illness or tragic accident here are some questions to ask yourself whether or not the best decision maybe to let go and no longer let your pet suffer. Be it let them die naturally or have to choose the dreaded but merciful euthanasia. 

So in considering what to do, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your dog have a terminal illness? Ask your veterinarian what to expect at the next stage and then ask whether you’re prepared to go there.
• Is your dog in the kind of pain that cannot be significantly alleviated by medication?
• Will more treatment improve his quality of life, or simply maintain a poor quality of life?
• Can you afford treatment? End-of-life care can run into thousands of dollars, and people can end up prolonging their grieving while paying off credit cards.
• Is your dog so old he has lost most bodily functions? If he can no longer stand up, get down stairs, defecate, and urinate on his own, the quality of his life is pretty poor.
• Does he still want to eat? Once a dog loses his appetite he’s signaling he’s close to the end.
• Are his gums pink? When gums aren’t a normal pink, your dog isn’t getting enough oxygen.
• Is it in his best interest to extend his life, or are you extending his life for yourself? This last point is the most difficult one for most of us to sort out, but it may well be the most relevant.

Article Credit: Read more at http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/60-when-to-say-good-bye#aOZko2jEdEiY3T3S.99

In the end its up to you as a owner and friend to decide your dog's fate. If the quality of your pet's life has diminished to the point and your pet can no longer enjoy the things they love it maybe time to say goodbye. Do what is in your pet's best interest.

Reasons you need to Scoop the Poop

1. Storm water carries pet waste and other pollutants directly into waterways.

2. Animal waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the oxygen in water necessary 

for beneficial underwater grasses, wildlife and fish.

3. Animal waste may contain harmful organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals by ingesting contaminated water.

4. Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals can live in the soil for long periods of time and be transmitted to other animals and humans.

5. It’s the law! Many urban and suburban areas require you to pick up after your pet. Even if there is no restriction, cleaning up after your pet is always the right thing to do.

6. Joining the growing number of responsible pet owners may encourage hotel managers to accept pets when you are traveling and help keep fees to a minimum.

7. No one likes to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars and businesses.

8. Scooping on a daily basis and applying lime will help prevent odors.

9. It’s easy to clean up by carrying plastic baggies and paper towels in your pocket. The baggies can be secured and thrown away in the garbage.

10. Your neighbors will appreciate your good manners.

Article Credit: For more information on pollution prevention, visit DCR’s website, www.dcr.state.va.us.

Summer pet tips

Shield delicate skin and use some pet sun screen for ears, nose or pets in the nude (little or no fur-hair). For that matter keeps pet coats long, brushed and un-matted to avoid over exposure from the sun with access to water at all times especially for the thick haired breeds.

Sooth burns with pure aloe.

Walk with caution avoid times when temperatures are so high heats up asphalt and cement which in turn can burn your pets paw pads.

Don't leave your dog alone in the car period.

Look for signs of heat exhaustion-heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, or wobbly legs basically if your pet is panting up a storm take a break and give them some water.

keep it cool indoors with fans, air conditioners, open windows any way for air circulation.

Beware of riptides and currents if near the ocean. Use a pet life-jacket if going boating with your pet. Always make sure there is a exit for your pet in all bodies of water.

Keep a eye out for parasites.

Opt for pet friendly insect repellents ask your veterinarian.

Don't let your pet get into charcoal briquettes which can cause havoc internally.

Don't feed table scraps which can cause havoc in a pet's tummy.

Avoid certain backyard scrubs that could be poisonous to pets like azaleas and lilies

Avoid yard chemicals like plant foods, pest control, fertilizer which could be poisonous to your pets.

Keep them away from fire works. Keep pets indoors during times of fireworks use.

Flea Control Home Remedies

Feline Flea Proofing 
Add to the food for each adult cat: 
1/2 level teaspoon brewer's yeast 
1/4 level teaspoon garlic powder 

Flea Destroyer 
Set up a plate of sudsy water with a light hovering over it. The fleas are attracted to this and drown themselves. 

Flea Repellent (for cats) 
1/8 teaspoon tamari soy sauce 
1 crushed whole clove 
1/8 teaspoon water 
1 fresh garlic clove 
Marinate the garlic in the liquid for about 10 minutes and then remove it. 
Add 1/16 teaspoon soy liquid to each 1/2 cup cat food. Use this repellent immediately. 

Flea Repellent Pillows 
These pillows are for dogs. 
Source: Glen Brook Farms Herbs and Such 
2 parts penny royal 
1 part thyme 
1 part wormwood 
Herbs may be cut or whole; construct a pillow for your pet to sleep on and then stuff it with the pennyroyal, thyme, wormwood. This makes a nice gift for those favorite dogs in your life. These herbs help to repel fleas naturally and without harsh chemicals. 

Flea Repellent Sleep Pillows 
For cats 
2 parts sage or rosemary 
1 part catnip 
1 part chamomile 
For dogs 
2 parts penny royal 
1 part thyme 
1 part wormwood 
Herbs may be used cut or whole. Mix enough to stuff a 2-foot square pillow for a cat or a 3-foot square (or larger) pillow for a dog. Sew the pillowcase out of a tough, washable fabric such as denim. 

Herbal Flea Powder 
Use herbs in powdered form only. 
2 ounces penny royal (use sage or rosemary for cats) 
1 ounce rosemary 
1 ounce wormwood 
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
Mix and store in a covered container. Use as often as any flea powder and rub into skin. 
DO NOT LET POWDER GET INTO PET'S EYES. 

Herbal Flea Powder 
1 part eucalyptus powder 
1 part penny royal powder (use sage or rosemary for cats) 
1 part fennel powder 
1 part yellow dock powder 
Combine all ingredients in a shaker top jar and shake to mix. 
Apply to your pet's fur by brushing backward with your hand or comb and sprinkling the powder into the roots of the hairs. Concentrate on the neck, back, and belly. Use just enough to add a little odor to the hairs. 
For severe flea infestations, treat daily; otherwise, use two or three times a week. 

Ways to help reduce the stray cat population

Spay or neuter your cat.
Start a catch-and-release spay/neuter program for stray/feral cats.
Keep you cat indoors.
Always have physical identification (collar/tag/tattoo) on your cat at all times.
License and microchip your cats.
Volunteer with shelters and rescues
Report stray cats to local animal control, shelters and rescues.
Donate to shelters and rescues.
Foster or adopt shelter cats.
Give a home to a barn cat.
Do not support "backyard" breeders. Don't shop, adopt.
Do not feed or leave out trash for stray cats can get into.
Deter cats from your home and garden with natural deterrents like lavender, citrus, citronella, peppermint, rue, cinnamon and rosemary
Spread the word about ways to reduce stray cat populations.
If you have any other humane ways that you know of to help reduce the stray cat population feel free to leave comment.

Need help paying for your pet's care?

Here are some options if you need help paying for your pets care.

1. Ask family and friends
2. Ask local animal shelters/rescues\
3. Ask local veterinarian clinics.
3. Youcaring.com
4. Redrover.org
5. Harley's Hope Foundation
6. ASPCA
7. Breed-specific rescues
8. Brown Dog Foundation
9. Disease-specific groups
10. The Pet Fund  
11. Banfield Charitable Trust
12. Meals on Wheels
13. The Onyx and Breezy Foundation
14. Go Fund Me
15. Most crowdfunding platforms
16. Comment if you know of any other options!

Still to Cold Outside? How about moving to Hawaii with your pets?

Information to know if you are moving to Hawaii with pets.

Moving Pets to Hawaii

Are you moving to Hawaii with pets or just visiting but can’t leave your furry family members behind? In order to save time, heart-ache, and money…here is a summarized version of Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Law and qualifying your pet for the “5 Day or Less Program.”

Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Law

1. Your pet must have been vaccinated at least twice for rabies in its lifetime, and they must have been administered more than 30 days apart from one another. The most recent one must be done at least 90 days before the pet’s arrival to Hawaii but no later than the expiration date of the vaccine.
2. Your pet must be “micro-chipped” prior to arrival…if the chip cannot be read, your pet will have to undergo the 120-day quarantine.
3. Your veterinarian must draw blood samples and forward them to an approved lab for an OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Test. After these results are received, (results are valid for three years) 120 days must pass before your animal arrives in Hawaii. Arriving before the full 120 days has elapsed will result in disqualification from the 5 day or less program!
4. A veterinarian must treat your pet for ticks and pests with an approved product such as Fipronil and record it on your pet’s health certificate. (Within 14 days prior to arrival.) If there is any evidence of infestation upon inspection at the station, your pet can be quarantined despite meeting all the other criteria.
5. All documents need to be mailed to the Animal Quarantine Station at least ten days in advance of your pet’s arrival and they must be originals. No fax or photocopies will be accepted. (Do keep copies for your records.)

The animal inspection office is only open from 8:00AM – 5:00PM. Make sure that you are on a flight that arrives in Honolulu by 3:30PM if you plan on taking your pet home that day. (It could take as long as an hour for your pet to be transferred from the plane.)

Fees

Direct release at the airport is $165 per pet, $224 for the 5 day or less program, and $1,080 for the full 120-day quarantine. They can process this payment on-site but recommend you mail it in together with the other documentation to avoid long waits.


Credit:http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/04/moving-to-hawaii-with-pets/