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You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for October, 2011.

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Archive for October, 2011

Construction and your pets

Wednesday, October 5, 2011
posted by Jim Murphy

I hate remodeling the house. There’s always the mess, work and upheaval.  What an inconvenience! Imagine how our pets feel during this unsettling time.  They don’t know that all of the strangers in the house are actually being paid for this disruption. There are some ways that you could minimize the stress. If the construction is major, see if a friend or kennel can board your pet during the construction period. If not, keep pets confined to an area far away from the noise. Provide a cozy crate along with favorite dog or cat toys, blankets and clothes with your scent. When the workers go away, your pets may come out but keep them away from paints, solvents, nails or anything that could injure them. Try to maintain your normal routines during remodeling. Feed, walk and play with your pet as usual. This will help you both stay calm until the dust clears and the workers are gone! Remember, your pets count!

Is your dog a digger?

Tuesday, October 4, 2011
posted by Jim Murphy

You let your dog outside in your yard for some good wholesome fun and exercise but when it’s time for him to come back inside, the yard looks like the surface of the moon!  There are mini “craters” all over the place. I’m sure that this activity is something that you could do without.  Dogs often dig out of  loneliness, boredom, and the stress of being confined. Because dogs are pack animals, dogs may dig at a fence or gate to try to join other dogs.  Dogs that are not neutered may be trying to find a mate. In Summer, dogs may dig to cool off because the ground is cooler than the air.  Dogs like Terriers dig instinctively for prey. Some dogs just dig to explore. By taking your dog for a long walk, tossing a dog toy like a frisbie in the park, and just more human interaction may help satisfy your dog’s needs in a less destructive way. Remember, your pets count!

Healthy weight for cats

Sunday, October 2, 2011
posted by Jim Murphy

Yesterday, we spoke of healthy weights for dogs. We’re going to continue with this theme today and discuss healthy weight for cats. Some cats are naturally slim, like my younger cat Millie. They are perfectly healthy at this weight. Many times I thought that she was a little too thin but now I realize that this is just the right weight for her. Other cats who appear thin may not be eating enough or may have a health issue. To check your cat for undernourishment, place your thumb on the cats spine and run your fingers lightly along both side of her rib cage. You should be able to feel a thin layer of fat between your finger and her ribs. The ribs should not be visible. Unlike a dog, slightly protruding shoulder blades are normal for a cat. When viewed from above, like a dog, your cat should have an hourglass shape. If your underweight cat seems to have a normal feeding routine and she seems to be eating, take her in for an exam. Your veterinarian can also help you analyze your cat’s diet.

Give her lots of cat toys, a fair amount or treats, lots of attention, a good diet and lots of love. Remember, your pets count!

The healthy weight for dogs

Saturday, October 1, 2011
posted by Jim Murphy

When you determine the appropriate food portions for your dog, you should be able to keep him at approximately the right weight for his size. If you’re concerned that your dog may be  too thin, look at him from above. He should have an hourglass shape from his shoulders to his behind. He should also be well proportioned with muscle covering his hips and shoulder bones. There shouldn’t be any bones protruding from his shoulders, hips and spine.  His ribs should be just barely visible.  Anything more than that may indicate that your dog is under nourished.  If your dog has trouble maintaining it’s weight even though he gets the proper food portions and exercise, talk to your veterinarian because weight loss can indicate a serious health concern. We will discuss they types of food, portions and treats in another posting.

Remember, your pets count!