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You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for June, 2012.

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Archive for June, 2012

Walking your dog in the extreme heat

Tuesday, June 19, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Well it’s here and it’s certainly not my favorite kind of weather, in fact I hate it! Tomorrow the temperature in New York will  reach the upper 90’s.  We have to take care of our pets in extreme heat. You should  only walk your dog in the morning or later in the evening. Keep him out of the sun in the middle part of the day not because the temperature is too high but the sidewalks will be too hot for the pads on your dogs paws. As a general rule, if the sidewalk or sand is too hot for you to walk barefoot then is too hot for your dog.  Bring along plenty of water and make frequent stops for your dog to drink.  Don’t take long walks or exercise your dog in the extreme heat. The walk itself will be light exercise.  If you are going on a hike with your dog, I wouldn’t do it in the extreme heat. Wait for a cooler day, hike in the morning and of course take along plenty of water and make frequent stops.

Remember, your pets count!

 

 

Scientists at Oxford University conducted a study a while back and found that dogs are  smarter than our feline friends. As an owner of two wonderful cats, I may challenge this. I believe that cats are not as social as dogs and there fore may be perceived as not as intelligent as our canine friends. I do believe that they are quite intelligent and simply do their own thing.  The researchers say that because dogs are more social, they have bigger brains. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, charted the evolutionary history of various mammals’ brains over 60 million years and found a link between the size of an animal’s brain in relation to its body and how socially active it was. The study also states that more interaction is good for the brain and because dogs interact more with humans, they are more intelligent. Never-the-less both dogs and cats have wonderful qualities and make great pets.

Remember, your pets count!

How to calm an overactive dog

Saturday, June 16, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

All  dogs are energetic but some are more energetic than others. Dogs need physical and mental stimulation just like us.  When we’re at work, we forget that our dogs are at home bored. That’s when the destruction begins. Here are some simple things you can do to clam an energetic dog.

  • Play with your dog everyday.  Play with a frisbee, catch etc . This will make your dog more obedient and establish a stronger bond between the two of you.
  • Walk your dog about three times a day. One of those walks should be at least 30 minutes.
  • Train your dog everyday. This could be as asking him for an obedience command before giving him a treat.
  • Make your dog work for all of his food through training, grooming or dog toys.
  • Provide your dog with safe chew toys and food toys when he’s home alone.

Remember, your pets count!

Breed specific Dog Food

Friday, June 15, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Today, many brands of dog foods are specially formulated  not only for your dog’s age but for his breed. Energy dense foods may help compensate for the fact that smaller breeds have a higher metabolism and are also more finicky eaters than larger breeds. Some companies also state that the antioxidants in their small breed formula can help support a small dog’s longer life expectancy. Meanwhile, larger breed dogs are more susceptible to bone and joint ailments.  They may benefit from food containing glucoseamine and chondroitin which  prevents cartilage breakdown as well as a low carbohydrate, low fat diet to control the excess weight that can stress joints.

Remember, your pets count!

How safe is an invisible fence for your dog?

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Is there any protection for your dog when you use an invisible fence? The answer is “no.” This type of fence only works when the dog is wearing an active shock collar. Other loose dogs and animals will have full access to your yard and dog.  If a pedestrian walks into your yard and your dog charges at him, there could be big problems.  There is also nothing to deter the theft of your dog. Dog theft is increasing and owners must make access to the yard and dog difficult.  There is also the danger of illness or rabies if a strange animal enters your yard and bites your dog.  Invisible fence don’t confine your dog properly. Sometimes the dog gets used to the shock and gets out of the yard.

Reading this, you now my opinion of invisible fences. Don’t use them, there are too many risks. Keep your dog secure, fence in your yard and keep a close eye on him.

Remember, your pets count!

Dogs, bones and calcium

Tuesday, June 12, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

One of the most essential elements of a dogs diet is calcium and vitamin D. These are necessary for the strong development of your dogs bones and teeth.  It’s especially important for growing puppies to get these nutrients.  They are also essential for pregnant and lactating dogs.  Dairy products, legumes and bones themselves contain lots of calcium.  Veterinarians will have a problem with dog owners who feed their dog a diet of meat and grain alone. These dogs can develop osteoporosis, suffer from broken bones, loose teeth and arthritis.  Today, calcium deficiency is rare thanks to commercial pet foods that are easily prepared and properly balanced.  If you suspect a problem, your veterinarian can use x rays to check your dogs bone density and to check for hairline fractures.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep your pet cool and safe this summer

Sunday, June 10, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

The hot days of summer are almost here and here are some tips to make sure that your pet stays cool and safe.

  • Provide cool and clean water for your pet at all times for your pet, especially when he’s out doors.
  • Never leave your pet in a parked car in warm weather. The temperature can reach 120 degrees and over in just a few minutes.
  • Limit exercise to the morning or evening and make sure that the exercise is light.
  • If your dog is at home on a hot day, always leave  the air conditioner on for him when you’re out.
  • Make sure that your pet is vaccinated against infectious disease and is on a monthly heartworm, flea and tick control program.
  • Keep your pets kennel cage clean and well ventilated. If he’s in it outside, always make sure that it’s in the shade.
  • Herbicides and pesticides can kill your pet. Keep your dog out of the yard for at least three days after your lawn is treated.

Watch out for heat stroke. Here are the signs to look for:

 

  • Panting
  • bright red tongue
  • drooling
  • warm, dry skin
  • vomiting
  • nervousness
  •  rapid heartbeat

Keep these things in mind and have a happy, safe summer with your pet.

Remember, your pets count!

Stress free 4th of July for your cat

Saturday, June 9, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Are your having  lots of people over for a barbeque this 4th of July?  Is your cat a bit high strung?  If so, you’ll want to follow a few simple rules for a stress free holiday. First of all, this is not the best time to introduce a new cat to the household.  Unfamiliar house quests can be a shock to your cat’s system and very few cats enjoy noise and parties. Find a safe, quiet retreat for your cat as far from all of the 4th of July festivities as possible. Leave her there until the last guests are gone.  Give her lots of attention. Pet her frequently because that reduces your stress as well as hers.. Have a safe and happy 4th!

Remember, your pets count!

Taking care of your dog’s teeth

Friday, June 8, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

If you catch your dog’s teeth problems early on, you can help avoid severe dental disease which can take years off your dog’s life. The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them regularly. Look for any signs that could indicate a problem. To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around his mouth then look at both the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be very gentle so he doesn’t accidentally  nip at you. If you notice any redness or swelling, see your vet right away. Your vet will closely examine your dog’s teeth during his regular visit. Visit your vet every six to twelve months. If he does find any problems, treatment can begin early. You should also brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week. Your vet will give you specific instructions on brushing.

Remember, your pets count!

Your cats internal clock

Wednesday, June 6, 2012
posted by Jim Murphy

Our cats have very accurate internal clocks. They know when it’s time to eat, sleep, play etc. My younger cat Millie is always given a snack around 8PM. She just came around and reminded me that I’m late since it’s 8:21 now. My older cat Mollie, goes in the bathroom every morning at the exact time that I take a shower. She waits for me to turn the water on for her so she can have a drink before I go into the shower. At 9:00pm every night, Millie jumps on the table next to her toys and reminds me that it’s playtime. If I’m not out of bed by 6:00am, both cats climb on top of the headboard and meow. I don’t even need an alarm! Cats are very intuitive and always follow specific patterns.

Remember, your pets count!