Tag: forever friend

As the calendar year approaches the holidays, you might have a lot on your mind. Perhaps you’re thinking about what type of pie to have at Thanksgiving, or maybe you’re wondering how big your Christmas tree needs to be to fill your place. If you’re a pet owner, especially of a cat, you know that they’re going to be near the top of your concerns. However, no matter how well of a cat aficionado you are, you may have forgotten one thing:

How do I keep my cat cozy during the holiday?

The winter weather will have a demonstrable effect on your feline friends, but there are many things to consider to make sure they are comfy.

Cats Sleep More During the Winter

The holidays fall around the same time that daylight outside becomes sparse. As a result, this can cause melatonin levels in pets to increase while serotonin levels to decrease. While the former leads to more lethargy or relaxation, the latter as a neurotransmitter affects mood regulation.

What does this mean for cats? More sleep! This is not to be a cause for concern, as sleeping is considered a show of being “content” with their surroundings. However, you can give your snoozy cat more light by placing their bed closer towards the window to get greater sun exposure.
Cats Eat More During the Winter
Not only does winter impact the sleeping pattern of cats, but it can affect their eating habits. The old adage of “eating more for winter hibernation” is not just for bears and other creatures in the wild. Cats increase their eating during his time in order to keep energized and warm during activity.

This is important to know if you’re concerned about your cats weight. Moderate your cat’s food intake during the winter to ensure that they are not overeating, and encourage more eating during the summer months when they are not as prone to eating as much. By tipping the “food scales” in this manner, you’ll allow your fluffy friend to keep a consistent weight right around the holidays.

Not All Cats Stay Warm During Winter

At first glance, you may think that a cat is able to survive against the harsh winds and snow of winter because of its fur. While this may be true for some cats, it definitely isn’t the gold standard for all. Cats with thicker fur will be able to handle it better, but species with thin fur will not be as lucky. This is especially true if they are “outside” pets or happen to find themselves out of the house.

To prevent your feline family member from getting hypothermia or other cold-weather ailments, consider keeping them inside at all times and blocking any exits that may get them out. Once inside, you can help keep them cozy with small sweaters or coats designed for them (provided the material does not irritate their skin). Not only will this add an extra layer of protection against cold temperatures, it allows your pet to take part in the holiday festivities!

Winter weather makes a wonder of us all, and that includes our pets. If you’re a cat owner and concerned about how the cold air will affect your little friend, don’t panic. By knowing how their sleep and eating habits will increase and what to do in case they do come across frosty temperatures, you can ensure that your cat will stay cozy through the holidays and beyond.

Sources:
https://www.petassure.com/new-newsletters/do-cats-get-cabin-fever-in-winter/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140528114828.htm
https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/grooming-and-daily-care/winter-cat-care

The cold weather is upon us, which means plenty of food, fun, and family time. It also means blistering cold winds and rainy nights. While this may be fine and well for people, it may not be ideal for your furry friends, especially if you’re looking to keep them sleeping.

To get the most out of your pup’s sleep schedule during the winter, remember:

Keep Them Inside

This may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your pet indoors is the first line of defense against cold sleepless nights. While there is nothing wrong with having an “outside” dog, dogs are just as susceptible to cold weather as humans. In fact, dogs that are adverse to the cold weather (ex. smaller breeds or those with thinner coats) begin to feel uncomfortable when temperatures fall below 40° F. When you begin to reach the 20’s, all dogs can be affected by ailments like frostbite.

If you’re concerned with housetraining (or lack thereof) and winter, start your training earlier by autumn at the latest in preparation for winter. However, if you’re already in the midsts of the snowy season, you can still provide consistent training to get your furry friend ready for cold nights provided that the wind and snow does not disrupt your training time.

Be Mindful of Your Pet’s Sleeping Space

After you’ve gotten your furry friend indoors, they should be fine sleeping anywhere, right?

Well, not exactly.

Treat your dog as if you were sleeping: with warm blankets and bedding. Regardless if your dog is still in the kennel or sleeping in your bedroom, ensuring that they have proper bedding that is elevated from cold tiles or floors is a must for comfort. In addition, while it may appear ideal to set their bed near a heat source, bear in mind how close they are. Worst case scenario, your dog might be tempted to get closer (especially if it’s a heater or fireplace) and burn themselves on the source. Just like you did when you first brought them home, be mindful of your surroundings.

Know Why Their Sleep is Changing

Dogs typically sleep more during the wintertime than in any other season as a result of light exposure. During these months when light is sparse, your dog’s melatonin (the hormone related to sleep) levels go up while their serotonin (the neurotransmitter that regulates mood) conversely goes down. The resulting shift in chemicals in the brain can cause more sleep along with more lethargy.

This is not to say that it should be a cause for immediate concern (though there have been some associations with Seasonal Affective Disorder and dogs during the winter), but it does mean less playtime with your pup. If you’re looking to regulate their sleep during the day, consider increasing their light exposure naturally by taking them outside during the brightest daytime hours, keeping their bed or kennel near the window, or using artificial lights that closely resemble sunlight. This process could slowly invert the aforementioned melatonin-serotonin levels and provide your dog with more energy to play and explore.

This holiday season, make your dog’s tail wag with glee by giving them the best sleep possible. By keeping them inside, providing them with a safe and comfortable bed, and keeping an eye on their nap times, you make snowy nights feel as comfortable as sunny days.

Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/how-cold-too-cold-dog
https://www.therapydogs.com/dog-care-winter-months/
https://topdogtips.com/do-dogs-sleep-more-in-winter/

You see them slither on the floor. You see them curl around tree branches and arms. You may even seem them stare back with an exotic confidence only reserve for nature’s most elusive creatures.

Now, imagine having this intricate animal as one of your new companions.

Snakes are more than just Indiana Jones’ biggest fear. They are reptiles that have often been misunderstood over the years among casual pet enthusiasts, but they do possess many traits that make them rival even man’s best friend. Such as…

1. Snakes Can Live for a Long Time
One of the most difficult parts about having a pet is the realization that one day they will leave this Earth. As a result, many people become hesitant about getting an animal companion. When you get a snake, those fears are assuaged, as they can live for many years. Corn snakes can live as long as ten years, while the ball python can last for up to three decades. This means that your snake can be more than just your pet, it can be part of your family.

2. Snakes are Low-Maintenance Pets
Much like cats, snakes are relatively independent in personality and therefore need little personal comfort while you take care of them. That is not to say that they are completely self-reliant since you will most likely be keeping them indoors, but they are low-maintenance in terms of housing and feeding. As long as you provide clean water, food, and a heated habitat with plenty of space to navigate in, they will be more than happy.

3. Snakes are Solitary Creatures
We all need our own space from time to time. Sometimes you just want to relax by yourself but your dog or cat may hop on your lap when you need to be alone. As mentioned earlier, snakes are independent in terms of their care, but this independence also carries over to their lifestyle. They prefer solitude, sometimes being shy when faced with new visitors. For those days when you want some “you time,” your snakes can have their own without recourse.

4. Snakes Groom Themselves
As much as we love our furry friends, cleaning up hair from the furniture or floor can be annoying and time-consuming. When you have a pet snake, you have one less thing to clean. Instead of fur, snakes have a scaly skin that undergoes shedding between two to four times a year where they leave their old skin behind as they grow a new layer. Clean-up becomes as easy as tossing the old skin in the trash.

5. Snakes Can Be Mesmerizing to Watch
Snakes have a smooth motion about them when they slither from place-to-place. Their slow pace during normal movement is a sight to behold, like watching a live piece of artwork. Having a snake can provide you with entertainment as you see it travel, wrap around its habitat, or even eat. For some people, it can be a soothing experience akin to watching rain roll down a window. While snakes should not be owned solely for personal gratification, they do give you something wonderful to witness.

If you’re ready to add a sleek, independent, and low-maintenance member to your family, consider getting a snake. With all due respect to the wonderful cats and dogs that roam the world, sometimes scales and tails beats fur and purrs.

Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/reptile/care/evr_rp_first_snake
https://www.petmd.com/reptile/care/evr_rp_snake_facts?page=2

Forget dogs or cats – Here’s why snakes make the best pets

https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-do-snakes-shed-their-skin
https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/why-snakes-make-great-pets.html

Going to a pet store for the first time may seem a bit intimidating. After all, you’re looking to get a new companion to play with and care for, and you want one that fits you. Will you get the peppy dog in the window? Would you rather have the sleek cat curled up in the corner?

Maybe you want something a little more unique. Perhaps you might be interested in one of nature’s most fascinating creatures: the tortoise.

Tortoises can make a fine addition to your family, but there are key things you need to know about them before making your first purchase. Such as…

1. Tortoises and Turtles are Not The Same
Despite popular misconceptions, the word “turtle” and “tortoise” are not used interchangeably. All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. If this seems confusing, here’s just a few quick differences between the two:
Tortoises are land creatures, while there are turtles who prefer water-based environments
Tortoises are vegetarian, while turtles are omnivores
Tortoises have a heavier shell than turtles
These may seem like irrelevant differences, but they do come into play when you consider how to take care of your tortoise, such as food, shelter, and climate. Make sure that you are intent on buying a tortoise that you receive a tortoise, not a turtle.

2. Tortoises Have a Specific Plant-Based Diet
As mentioned earlier, tortoises are vegetarians, meaning that what you purchase for your new friend will be strictly plant-based. With that said, they should be eating fresh vegetables like kale, collard greens, or peppers. You can also include apples and grapes, though it would be best to keep it on the lower side compared to vegetables. For an added calcium boost for their shells, include grinded calcium into their meals. Stick with this diet and your tortoise will be thanking you later!

3. Tortoises Need Space- A Lot of It
Ideally, your tortoises habitat should match its natural environment as much as possible. It is generally considered the best approach to have them as outdoor pets. However, there are indoor solutions you can use if keeping them outside is not an option. The most common indoor approach is to use a wooden tortoise table that is 30 in. x 18 in. x 6 in. for those under five years old and 4 ft. x 2 ft. x 8 in. for older tortoises. This should give them plenty of space to roam around and not be stressed over habitat size.

4. Tortoises Need UVA/UVB Light and Heat
In addition to a tortoise table, you need to be sure that your land-dweller has plenty of light. Direct sunlight (especially during the summertime) is not advised, so you can make do with a UVA/UVB bulb to simulate the light. In addition, their natural environment involves a lot of heat, as many come from deserts and tropical rainforests. You can mimic this heat with heat bulbs on one side of the enclosure. Keeping it to one side will give them a hot spot around 95°F and a cool spot near 75°F with a nighttime temperature around 60°F.

5. Tortoises are Docile Creatures with Longevity
When you purchase a tortoise, you can be rest assured that it will not be an overly aggressive pet. In fact, they are relatively shy and withdrawn but they can be more social when presented with a playmate. There is a catch to this: pairing two males together can result in competition with both hurting each other. If you do intend on getting multiple tortoises or having someone bring theirs to your place, it may be best to have two females together or a male and female in the same space.

If you’re ready to come out of your shell as a pet owner, consider purchasing a tortoise as your new friend. By keeping their habitat, climate, and temperament in mind, you’ll be rewarded with a low-maintenance pet that may surprise you with its personality.

Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-a-turtle-and-a-tortoise
https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/reptile-care/what-do-i-feed-my-new-turtle-or-tortoise/A0082.html
https://www.thetortoiseshop.com/tortoise-accommodation
https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/reptile-care/your-turtle-or-tortoises-new-home/A0094.html
https://www.thesprucepets.com/tortoises-as-pets-1237258

Whether you’re an avid gardener or mostly enjoy the flowers on walks with your dog, it’s important to understand that certain plants can be poisonous to dogs and cats. Knowing which plants in and around your home could potentially harm your pets is a critical part of keeping them healthy and safe. Once you do, it’s easy to find pet-safe alternatives for a dog-friendly garden or indoor space.

Browse Rover’s list of poisonous plants below to learn which plants are toxic to dogs, cats, or both, along with whether they’re commonly found in the wild, in gardens, or in homes as houseplants. Pet Poison Helpline provided common symptoms to watch out for should your pet encounter one of these poisonous plants.

African Evergreen
African Wonder Tree
Alocasia
Aloe Vera

FOR A COMPLETE LIST – CLICK HERE

Important: This list is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary help. If your pet has ingested a plant and is exhibiting strange behaviors or symptoms, contact your vet immediately, or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Source:
www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
www.rover.com/blog/10-safe-plants-dogs-can-add-almost-garden-right-now/

– Summer is here and the American Pet Product Association wants pet owners to enjoy the season with their pets-

(Stamford, CT) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is excited to announce how their members are encouraging pet owners to get active with their pets by enjoying outdoor activities this Summer season. With longer days, there is plenty of time to enjoy the warm weather. Below are products manufactured by APPA members that allow pets to maximize their summer fun!

Dogs with disabilities don’t have to skip out on the fun at the beach. Walkin’ Wheels by Handicapped Pets helps all pets keep moving forward. Pets can join their families and partake in their favorite activities, playing fetch, running on the beach, and enjoy life again. The wheelchair is adjustable in width, length and height, helping pets up to 180lbs. Price: Start at $199.00
www.handicappedpets.com

Dogs can scream for ice cream with Greek Style Frozen Yogurt Treats by Boss Dog® Brand. Made with 100 percent human-grade ingredients with flavors that dogs love to create an irresistible treat. There are three flavors including Butter & Banana, Cheddar & Bacon and Pumpkin & Cinnamon.
Price: Start at $10.99
www.bossdogbrand.com

Boating and swimming with pets is fun but requires safety. Fashion Pet’s Life Vest gives dogs the support they need in the water. It features reflective stripes, adjustable straps, and grip handle to easily pull dogs out of water. Available in multiple sizes and includes a metal-D ring to attach a leash.
Price: $14.99-$23.99
www.ethicalpet.com

Who says outside adventures are just for dogs? Cat owners can hit the trails with the Jackson Galaxy Convertible Cat Backpack Carrier by Your Cat Backpack. The product can be used as a backpack or as a traditional carrier with a detachable shoulder strap, and the removable comfortable mat fits when used either way.
Price: $139.99
www.yourcatbackpack.com

Portland Pet Food Company is the perfect on the go snack for pets. Pet owners don’t have to worry about giving their pet enough fuel during a long hike because these pouches are packed with nutrients keeping pets energized all day. Plus, there are only 11 ingredients and they’re lightweight for easy packing.
Price: $5.99
www.portlandpetfoodcompany.com

For more information, product samples, images or interview opportunities, please contact Liz Freeman at 775-322-4022 or liz@theimpetusagency.com.

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The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes more than 1,300 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Pets and Vets Program, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), The Pet Leadership Council (PLC), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK), and the Pet Care Trust. Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.

Source:
www.americanpetproducts.org/press_releasedetail.asp?id=199