Your Pets Count

pet information that caters to your special friend

You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for June, 2022.

Archives

Calendar

June 2022
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  

Archive for June, 2022

Guidelines to Feeding Wet Food To Your Cat

Saturday, June 18, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

Cats are finicky eaters and owners need to find high quality foods for their feline friends. It’s also important to know exactly how much to feed your cat. I’ve included these guidelines . These guidelines explain on how much pet food to feed your cat. This article was published by Pet MD.

Pet MD’s Guidelines

How Much Wet Food Should I Feed My Cat?

For starters, have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian. He or she will weigh your cat, identify your cat’s ideal weight, and determine the number of calories your cat should take in every day to reach that goal.

A pet calorie calculator can also get you into the ballpark. If your cat is severely overweight, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription cat food for weight loss; otherwise an over-the-counter weight control cat food should suffice.

Next, look at the label of your cat’s wet food. At best, the feeding instructions will be somewhat vague, and they certainly don’t apply to every cat in every situation. It helps do some math. A wet cat food’s caloric content should be listed somewhere on the label.

For example, American Journey minced chicken and tuna recipe provides 73 calories per 3-ounce can. If you can’t find this information, look it up on the manufacturer’s website or give them a call.

Let’s say your veterinarian has determined that your cat should take in 240 calories per day. In this example, you simply need to divide 240 by 73 to determine how many 3-ounce cans of the American Journey chicken and tuna recipe you should offer your cat daily.

240 / 73 = 3.3

Therefore, your cat needs to eat roughly 3 1/3 cans of this food per day.

Cat Food Portions Matter

Cats who have a hard time keeping slim should be fed several measured meals of cat food throughout the day rather than having 24/7 access to food.

How often should you feed your cat? You and your veterinarian can discuss the right frequency based on your situation. But, in general, cats do best when they eat multiple smaller meals throughout the day—two at a minimum, but more might be better.

The math that you just performed can help inform your decision. In the example that we’ve used, the cat should be eating 3 1/3 cans per day. Wouldn’t it make sense to feed three meals of one can each with the extra third of a can added to the last meal of the day? Whatever you decide, simply divide the number of cans you need to feed in a day by the number of meals you want to provide, and you’ll have the right portion for each meal.

If you’re watching your cat’s weight, you’ll also need to subtract the calories provided by any treats you give as well as any dry food you offer. If it helps, keep a log of your cat’s daily caloric intake goals and then track the food and cat treats you give throughout the day to help keep your cat’s weight on track.

Small-Portion Wet Cat Food Trays

Foods that are already divided into meal-sized portions, like Sheba Perfect Portions grain-free multipack and Nutro Perfect Portions grain-free multipack can reduce the chances that you will inadvertently feed too much at any one time.

And if your pet’s food comes in cans and you have leftovers, the Petmate Kitty Kap can cover fits four sizes of cans. It will keep wet cat food fresh in the fridge until your cat’s next scheduled meal.

Guide on how much wet food to feed a cat

Thanks to Pet MD for making these guidelines available.

Remember, pets are family!

The greatest oldies play on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Guidelines to Feeding Wet Food To Your Cat

A Litter Box For Small Dogs?

Friday, June 17, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

Bad weather be it extreme heat or rain, snow of cold, could make it difficult for you to walk your dog.  I bet lots of you just wished that your dog could use a cats litter pan. The fact is that if you have a small dog, it is possible to train him to use a litter pan. Of course, long walks are good for a dog, but in cold, wet, snowy weather, it is actually more humane to have him just use a litter box.

How might your  house-trained dog learn to use an indoor litter pan? First, consider the surface on which your dog most often urinates or defecates outdoors. If she’s partial to grass or asphalt, using a similar surface would be best. Clay-based litter may be a reasonable substitute for asphalt or gravel but you may literally have to provide an indoor grassy surface – at least initially – for a dog that’s used to urinated in the yard.

For puppies, consider the times your dog’s most likely to urinate or defecate; instead of taking her outside take her to the litter box instead.  Praise her and reward her with a dog treat when she goes in the pan.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy your weekend with the greatest oldies of all time! Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on A Litter Box For Small Dogs?

Cats are Smarter Than You Think

Thursday, June 16, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

Because our feline friends are independent, we tend to confuse this with that notion that they may not be as smart as dogs. The truth is they are but the way they show it may not be apparent as with a dog. When my cat Molly was still with us, she bonded with me and knew every move I made.

When she wanted to wake me up, she would ever so gently crawl onto my nightstand and turn on my Bose radio. Buttons were on the top of the unit and she figured out what the buttons controlled. After she turned the radio on she would press her paw down on the volume control until the volume blasted so loudly that you would think  there was a symphony orchestra in my bedroom!

One time, I was awake and wanted to see how she did this so I pretended I was asleep until she made her way over to the nightstand. I saw that she would look at me and I appeared to be asleep then she would quickly push the “on” button on the Bose. When I didn’t respond, she would glance over at me again then slowly placed her paw on the volume button and kept it there until I was jolted out of bed!

I eventually had to remove the Bose radio. Molly won again! Don’t underestimate the intelligence of your feline friend.

Remember, pets are family!

Keeping your oldies alive, Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Cats are Smarter Than You Think

Good Fat for Your Cat

Wednesday, June 15, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

Fatty foods taste good, even to a cat who’s a finicky eater. If a cat has a diet that’s too high in fat, he could gain weight and become obese but that doesn’t mean that you should avoid feeding fats to your cat.  If fact, fats are a very important part of your cat’s diet. Fats give your cat the energy he needs throughout his day and helps keep his coat soft and shiny.  Fats also help your cats body absorb important vitamins such as vitamins A, B, D, and K. So check the label om your cats food. By law. it has to state the fat content. Talk to your veterinarian to determine what fat content is best for your cats age, health and overall activity level.

Remember, pets are family!

We’re keeping your oldies playing all day long on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to ” play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website; Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

 

add comment    Comments Off on Good Fat for Your Cat

The Toxicity of Blue Green Algae

Tuesday, June 14, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

I read a report of a dog who died from drinking in a lake containing blue green algae. While the lake and its environs are well tended by the parks department, lakes do pose some threats to your dogs’ health that are worth considering before turning them loose for a quick dive into the water. If you notice that the water is greenish, don’t let your dog go near it at all. There’s a good chance that it may contain blue green algae.  If you are walking in a wooded area and notice a pond, don’t let your  dog near it. It may be stagnant and contain blue green algae. Always play it safe and stay away.

Lakes also can contain pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals from drainage runoff, and these can irritate your dog’s skin and stomach. Again, you’ll want to be sure the lake is safe for swimming—for you as well as your Always make sure that the lake is clean and there is someone that you can check with regarding the condition of the water.

Always make sure that your dog is allowed to swim in a lake. Usually there are signs posted letting you know if it’s against the rules.

Be sure to bring a towel to dry off your pooch after swimming to avoid irritations and infections. Ears are an especially convenient breeding ground for bacteria, so make sure to dry them.

Remember, pets are family!

The best variety of oldies and Summer songs on Edgewater Gold Radio, ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on The Toxicity of Blue Green Algae

Fourth of July weekend will be here before you know it and most municipalities will have a fireworks displays this year. It’s a great time of year with lots of picnics and parties. All of this adds up to lots of fun but it could represent potential dangers for your dog.

The most common dog owner complaint during the 4th of July is their dog’s reaction to the fireworks.  The combination of loud noises and bright lights could scare your dog even if he’s never been afraid of these things before. Some dogs will show signs of fear that can include pacing, panting, trembling, salivating, trying to escape and/or barking.  Many dogs can injure themselves by trying to escape all of the noise. They could also get hit by a car if they try to run away from the fireworks display.

Here’s some tips on keeping your dog calm during the fireworks.

  • Don’t take your dog to the fireworks. Stay at home with him if the noise makes him nervous and make sure that he is in a comfortable place.
  • Don’t try too hard to calm your dog during a fearful event such as fireworks. This could make the problem worse and reinforce his fearful response.
  • Some dogs are very sensitive to peoples moods. Remain happy and upbeat and divert his attention by tossing him some of his dog toys.
  • If you must leave your dog home alone, think of what makes him most comfortable. Is it lying in his dog bed in a quiet room? Maybe he feels safer in his crate. Whatever it is, provide a comfortable or “safe” place for your dog during the fireworks.

Remember, pets are family!

Start your week with the best variety of oldies and Summer songs on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Keep Your Dog Safe During the Fourth of July

Ways to Reduce Cat Dander

Sunday, June 12, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

It’s usually cat dander that causes our cat allergies. There are ways to reduce the dander and provide some relief of allergy sufferers.

1. Try not to have your cat sleep in the bed with you. I let mine, but sometimes pay for it in the morning.

2. Wash all bedding with hot water at least twice each month.

3. Use HEPA air filters in the rooms where your cats are.

4. Vacuum at two to three times per week using a HEPA filter.

5. Wash your hands immediately after petting your cat and do not rub your eyes. I get itchy eyes for hours,  sometimes days if I don’t wash my hands.

6. Confine your cat to an area of the house.

7. Use pet wipes on your cat regularly to moisten the skin and contain the dander so it doesn’t fly all around the room.

8. Clean the cat bed regularly. Use a vacuum and if you can, it may be a good idea to wash it occasionally.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy the greatest oldies of all time and Summer favorites on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website; Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Ways to Reduce Cat Dander

It seems like it’s getting tougher and tougher to find a beach that allows dogs. In Los Angeles County, out of over 70 miles of coastline and beaches, only one smaller beach  allows dogs on a regular basis. I live in  Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Rehoboth is a dog friendly town but dogs are not allowed on the beach or board walk from May 15 until after September 15th. In Dewey Beach, which is the next town south of Rehoboth, dogs are allowed on the beach before 9:30am and after 5:30 pm during the summer months.  A study showed that the main reason why dogs are banned from most beaches is a disregard for leash laws. Problems often arise when someone lets their dog off leash, and then either ignores their dog or does not have their dog trained well enough to listen to them. This scenario can lead to the off-leash dog having a confrontation with another person or child, or even another dog. If everyone obeyed the law, you may find more beaches that allow dogs.

Keep the local laws on dogs on the beach in mind when you are on vacation. Have a safe and happy summer with your pet!

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy your weekend with the best oldies. Edgewater Gold radio plays all of your favorites. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website; Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Finding Beaches That Allow Dogs Can Be a Challenge.

The Importance of Therapy Dog Trainers

Friday, June 10, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

The most important member of any therapy dog team is the handler.  You’re the one who must make the commitment and then follow a schedule of regular visits.  To make sure it’s an activity that’s suited to you, find a therapy handler working nearby and ask if you can accompany her on several visits. Just you, without your dog.  Your best canine friend may or may not be a good therapy dog candidate. Besides having good obedience skills, he has to be willing to meet and act with strangers, work well with other dogs and react calmly to distractions and stress. To test your dogs basic temperament, socialize. Take him into the community to face new people and new situations.  He’ll let you know if he likes it.  Give him an extra dog treat for hard work and good behavior.

Remember, pets are family.

Enjoy your weekend with the greatest oldies. Edgewater Gold Radio…Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on The Importance of Therapy Dog Trainers

The Importance of Kitten Rescues

Thursday, June 9, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

We have several stray or feral cats living in our neighborhood. We provide food and water on our porch  for several that stop by each day. One of our stray’s recently had kittens under a neighbor’s porch. Thankfully all of these kittens were rescued and are now ready for their forever homes. Small Lives Kitten Rescue outlines the importance of getting these little creatures to safety as soon as possible.

The following was provided by Small Lives Kitten Rescue

Small Lives Matter Kitten Rescue provides rescue services to the most vulnerable population to death or euthanasia in both on the streets and in shelters today. Motherless kittens too young to eat on their own usually die if brought to a shelter or are tossed into dumpsters, because they demand more resources than shelters or families can typically provide. For shelters, especially during kitten season, such resources are stretched even thinner than usual and these fragile lives fade quickly. Although kitten nurseries are not available in the majority of our shelters, some more progressive shelters have partnered and together created networks of foster homes to care for underage and sick kittens until they are ready for adoption.

Many rescues and shelters refer to kitten season as one of the most difficult periods in the year. Kitten season starts in April and ends in some time in the fall or winter depending on the weather. It tends to start with a few litters showing up in shelters in early spring. By summer, they’re pouring in. During these months, the kitten population can be as large as 300 kittens per month for some of the Jacksonville city shelters. Just think of how difficult it would be to juggle that many intakes in a single day. Then, stop to consider how you would manage 30 more the next day. And the next, and the next, for weeks on end.

Remember, pets are family!

Turn on the best oldies of all time! Edgewater Gold Radio plays em all from the 50’s 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Just ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

 

add comment    Comments Off on The Importance of Kitten Rescues