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Your Smile Is Blinding!
Bolt, Yorkie-Poo guest columnist: Hey! I finally had my teeth cleaned the other day. My vet strongly recommends this, especially for us smaller breeds, as we tend to have more problems with our teeth and gums. I am here to tell you from first-hand experience that it was easy and that I feel great! Now, my humans don’t say, “Ewww….Bolty Boy….your breath stinks!” I feel happy, confident, and ready to take the world by storm!
I am just so grateful that my humans did this for me, as it makes me feel better and it is helpful in preventing gum disease and other diseases that could result from bacteria getting into my bloodstream from my mouth. Plus, if this aspect of pet care is neglected, your poor pooch may have to face some serious tooth extractions. Not a road I would advise going down. You do want to still enjoy your treats, right?
Like I said…at the risk of sounding pompous, I look amazing! I am ready to put up my profile pictures on a dating site now!
Show Us a Whole Lot of Loving!
Party Marty here, in the party mood for Valentine’s Day! Ahhh…chocolates, roses, jewelry….geez! What am I thinking….what will I do with that? Cats don’t need those things! Neither do dogs! However, if you love your pet as much as I am loved by my human, then consider spreading a bit of that Valentine Love to your dog or cat this coming heart day. And, if you are thrifty as am I, then it won’t cost you a dime! If I was your cat and was looking forward to being spoiled and pampered on Valentine’s Day, this is what I would enjoy (recommendations subject to change to change based on mood and attitude of the day):
**A nice belly rub!
**Hugs and kisses!
**Let me sleep on the bed!
**Open the blinds further to allow more sun in the room and let me bask in its glory!
**Treats! Treats! Treats! I know you have more hiding in the cupboard!
**Let me lounge in your lap for a bit while you work on the computer.
**Lock the dog in the closet for the day! (Oops…how did that suggestion make its way onto the list? Oh, well…it’s already here…not much I can do about it now!)
**Let’s snuggle on the couch and watch “Animal Planet” together or “Cats and Dogs: The Revene of Kitty Galore!”
**Tell me how much you love and adore me at least ten times throughout the day!
You get the idea….just make us feel special, loved, and adored. Oh, wait! You do that every day! Oh, well…we promise to return the favor in kind. Treat, please! I’ll be waiting over here in the sunlight on your new couch, snuggled up in that new blanket of yours!
5 Ways To Save Money On Pet Expenses
- Don’t impulse buy. When shopping for your pet, go to the store with a list and determine ahead of time how much you plan to spend. Be sure to stick to it!
- Watch for deals. Check the Sunday paper for coupons on treats and food. Discounts are also available online from pet deal sites like doggyloot.com, which sends weekly emails offering discounts on treats and other dog supplies. Amazon.com has a large selection of pet food and supplies, often at a lesser rate than you’d pay elsewhere.
- Brush your pet’s teeth. Taking care of your pet’s dental health will go a long way to keeping vet expenses in check.
- Watch your pet’s weight. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can help reduce health problems such as diabetes. Don’t overfeed or over treat pets. It’s not good for weight control and will cost more to keep food stocked.
- Talk to your vet. Many vet offices offer discounts at different times of the year such as discounted dental services this month (Pet Dental Month).
Helping Your Pet Maintain Weight Through the Holiday Season
With the holiday season, we and our pets can tend to eat more and exercise less, leading to weight gain. Obesity is not good for anyone, human or animal. When it affects a pet, it can be quite unhealthy and dangerous.
What are the reasons for a pudgy pet? The answer rests in too much food intake and too little exercise. Pet owners can be too eager to please and often cannot resist that cute little face that is begging for more food or treats. The food intake of a dog is seldom accurately monitored.
What the human counterparts need to do is to control the pet’s unsatiable appetite in an effort to reduce its girth. The pet also needs to engage in some extra exercise. (It probably would be of equal benefit to the human to get out and take a brisk walk with the dog, too!)
For dogs, a steady weight loss of 15% over a two to three month period is good. Aim for a loss of one ot one and a half pounds per week for the dog.
Encourage more playtime with your pet. Stick to a fun routine that while take his mind off of food. Just like humans need a diversion from their weaknesses, so do pets!
When your pet’s weight is at a normal level, he will feel better, have more energy, and be happier. Life will certainly be more enjoyable to him.
Be Sure Your Pet Buckles Up
Are you planning to drive to a family holiday gathering, and take your pet with you? If so, check out these tips to ensure safe arrival for you and your pet:
- Although dogs love to stick their heads out the window while you’re driving, it can be dangerous due to flying debris that can injure their eyes.
- Feed your pet several hours before you’re set to leave. This will help prevent your pet from getting carsick.
- Don’t leave your dog in a parked car. It can get quite cold very quickly and leave them at risk for being stolen.
- Be sure to stop periodically for potty breaks (every 3-4 is a good interval). This is a chance for you to stretch your legs and give your dog a chance to go potty. Make sure your dog is on a leash before opening the car door to let him out.
- Pets should ride in the back seat, either in a harness or attached to the seat belt. Regardless of your dog’s size, there are many options available to secure or restrain your pet including: harnesses, carriers, pet car seats and vehicle barriers.
Stay safe and enjoy the holidays with your family and your pet!
Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
Party Marty back on the scene, the cool cat who avoids the cold elements! I don’t know about all of you, but this cold weather is for the birds! Hate it! Would rather be on a warm beach somewhere. However, because I live in the Midwest, I have to suffer the elements along with everyone else around here.
If you have pets, perhaps you can benefit from this quick checklist of pet supplies to have on hand in the event you get snowed in one day and cannot get out. I am confident you make sure to have all of the necessities you need in such an event, but don’t forget about your lovable pets!
You should have at least the following on hand if Old Man Winter decides you are locked in for a day or two:
**Pet food
**Litter
**Fresh water supply
**Soft warm bedding
**Any medications your pet may need on a regular basis
Now, throw in a couple of DVDs, some treats, a warm blanket, and I’m good to go….or stay in, if you will!
Also, do not leave your pet outdoors for an extended period of time in freezing temperatures. Just like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite and….oh, crud! Where’s Jessie? That dang dog…where the heck is she? (Marty looks towards the front door) Uh….I’ll be right back. Do as I say, not as I do! (Yelling towards the door) I’m coming, Jessie!
Stay warm!
Thanks to vetmedicine.about.com for these helpful tips!
You Can’t Put a Price on Love!
Marty Party here, with an economic update from the trenches: If you own a pet, chances are you couldn’t put a price on the love and affection your pet gives to you. Admit it…we rock! And we are ever-so-grateful for how much time you invest in us…and for how much money it takes to keep us around. Based upon the following stats, you really do love us! Check these out:
In 2010, within the US market, Americans spent $18.76 billion on pet food. They spent close to $11 billion on supplies and over-the-counter medications for their pets. They spent over an additional $13 billion on veterinarian services and $3.51 billion on pet services, grooming, and boarding.
Well…as a smart cat, I can tell you there are ways to cut your expenses in this regard. To avoid costly dental bills from your vet (and those can be staggering!), brush your pet’s teeth regularly.
You can also do some low-maintenance grooming, too. Trim those doggie nails yourself!
It may be tempting to buy the less expensive dog food brands, but the end result could be costly. Higher quality dog food keeps your pet healthier and you can potentially save on training costs, as some vets belive that food made with fillers can lead to hyperactivity. Also, be sure to follow the guidelines for how much food to give your pet. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and that can bring a host of health problems down the road that will suck the life right out of your wallet!
Additionally, check out the affordable pet sitting services at Joy of Living! You will be pleasantly surprised!
So…those are my tid bits to share today! I hope you learned something! I obtained these from my handy-dandy newsletter called “Money Talk” from my local Platinum Realty office in Overland Park, Kansas. Thanks, Rick Sheahan!
Most Common Canine Diseases
Whole Dog Journal published some interesting statistics from a Banfield Pet Hospital study of their patients in 2010.
One of the most startling stats was a 32 percent increase in canine diabetes. A leading cause of diabetes in dogs is obesity. Obesity was one of the leading diagnoses in dogs in 2010, correlating with the diabetes increase.
Dental disease is also very common, affecting 3/4 of all dogs over age 3. Dental disease can lead to other problems like heart and kidney disease. Many small breeds like Toy Poodles and Pomeranians pare very prone to dental problems.
Flea infestation has increased 16 percent since 2006. Tick problems have also risen 6 percent in the last five years. This tick increase undoubtedly led to double the number of dogs diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the last five years.
Ear infections were the second most diagnosed illness in dogs, increasing 9.4 percent since 2006. Infections are often linked to allergies, with some dog breeds more susceptible to them. Beagles, Bassett Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers are a few breeds most often impacted.
Heart worm disease is also on the rise. Cases have been found in all states, but Southern states have the highest number of cases.
Knowing what’s ailing our dogs can help us watch for signs of trouble. It’s important to pay close attention to subtle signs your dog may not be feeling well. Annual, or twice yearly exams get help nip problems in the bud.
Is something ailing your dog?
Five Pet Travel Accessories to Pack for Your Pet
The August 2011 issue of Dog Fancy lists 13 new travel items to pack for your dog when traveling. Here are a few items from that list:
- Buddy Meals-this kit contains a package of dog food, bottle of purified water, treats and even a scented pick-up bag! $4.89 each, available from mybuddymeals.com
- Wander Bed-this travel bed will work for indoor or outdoor use and rolls up like a sleeping bag. It’s machine washable and is available for different sized dogs, prices range from $50-$65, order at kurgo.com
- Tempalert Harness and T-Shirt-These products have a specially designed patch that changes color when temperatures go over 100 degrees to alert pet owners it is too hot for their dog. Available at Petco stores or petco.com for $24.95 each.
- Petmate Curvations Luxury Pet Carrier-this carrier is made of soft cushioned material and is designed for pets under 16 pounds. There are ventilation panels all around to maximize airflow, and it also has a special safety clasp for added safety. The carrier folds flat for storage when not in use. Priced at 49.99 and is available at Petsmart stores or online at petsmart.com
- Brushless Paw Wash-the washer is filled with soapy water or pet-enzyme cleaner and then is rubbed up and down each paw to loosen dirt. There’s a squeegee that will then remove all liquid. Prices range from $17.99-$19.99 and can be ordered at brushlesspawwash.com
These items will ensure your pet has a great time on vacation!
Guest Post: Could Your Pet Benefit From Reiki?
Today’s post was written by Lori Carter, a Usui Reiki Master based in the Kansas City area.
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The word “Reiki” means spiritually guided energy. Reiki is ideal for use with animals because it is gentle and non-invasive. It does not cause stress, discomfort, or pain, yet yields powerful results.
Our animal companions can feel pain, sadness, and experience deep worry and concern just as we do. Animals also pick up and absorb our stress. When you come home from a stressful day at work and see that wagging tail and bundle of fur giving you joyous kisses of welcome, do you find your stress has dissipated? Your little animal friend may have just absorbed all your frustration and anger, but may not have the means to easily release these sticky and heavy energies from his body.
Animals respond intuitively to Reiki’s power to heal emotional, behavioural, and physical illnesses and injuries. Even when a physical healing is not possible, Reiki can bring peace and comfort and ease the transition to death. Animals often respond more quickly to Reiki than people do and positive results can be seen in a short period of time. Science has shown there is an inter-connectedness between the health of the body, mind, and spirit. Reiki fulfills the need to address the mind and spirit, while veterinary care fulfills the immediate needs of the physical body.
For animals that are healthy, Reiki helps to maintain their health, enhances relaxation, and provides an emotional sense of peace and contentment.
When animals are ill, Reiki assists healing at the deepest levels and is a safe complement to conventional Western medicine, Chinese medicine, and all other forms of healing. Reiki helps to reduce the side effects of other treatments as well.
For dying animals, Reiki is a highly effective yet gentle way to provide comfort; relieve pain, fear, and anxiety; and ease the transition from this life. It provides support and helps with grief and fear for the human companion as well.
Lori regularly uses Reiki on her two cats and Amazon Parrot. She also conducts Reiki classes to attune others to the healing energy of Reiki for pets and their people. If you would like more information on the use of Reiki for pets, Lori may be contacted at (913) 219-4415 or email her at ldcarter@everestkc.net
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