Your Pets Count

pet information that caters to your special friend

You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for April, 2023.

Archives

Calendar

April 2023
M T W T F S S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930

Archive for April, 2023

Eco Friendly Pet Care

Saturday, April 29, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Siberian husky with owner feeling relaxed in the park

When pet owners care for their pets in an eco-friendly way, our planet can also reap many benefits.  Here are some ways that pet owners can incorporate some ec0-friendly pet practices into their pet care.

  • Use a biodegradable bag to scoop waste – This is a much better option than re-using a bag from the grocery store.
  • Use organic food – Organic foods are free from artificial flavors and coloring. They are produced without the use of hormones or chemicals.
  • Don’t Use pesticides in your yard – Whenever possible avoid the use of these products so that your pet can roam and play in a chemical free environment.
  • Walk to the dog park if possible rather than drive – Many communities have dog parks where dogs can roam freely and play with the other dogs in the neighborhood. If possible, walk there to reduce your fuel consumption. If it’s possible to take your bicycle along with your dog, this is a great way for you and your dog to exercise plus it helps the environment.
  • Groom you pet in a green friendly way – Use natural products when you shampoo your dog. These products are not made with chemicals that can harm the environment and even harm your pet if ingested.

Remember, pets are family!
Enjoy the greatest oldies of all time this weekend. Edgewater Gold Radio plays the best variety of oldies. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Eco Friendly Pet Care

Diarrhea in Cats is Never Normal

Thursday, April 27, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

A clean cat uses its own litter box. The cat burrows the contents of the tray. Environmentally friendly cat litter. Beautiful Bengal cat.

The following information was obtained by Ped MD. Take note if your cat has diarrhea. My cat Millie and been pooping a little soft and more frequently for the past couple of days. She is eating and drinking normally but I’m still a bit concerned since she is 18 1/2 years old.

Diarrhea in cats is a common symptom of many diseases, and it is never normal. The causes range from harmless to deadly.

Kittens, senior cats, cats with chronic disease, and pregnant cats are all at increased risk of death-related to complications from untreated diarrhea.

If diarrhea is not self-resolving within a 24-hour period, especially in these populations, you should seek out veterinary care.

Stool consistency suggests the degree of severity to your veterinarian. Liquid diarrhea is concerning because it dehydrates and malnourishes an animal quickly. Soft, formed stool is generally less severe but should still be assessed by a veterinarian.
What Causes Diarrhea in Cats?

Cat diarrhea can be acute or chronic, and there are different sets of possible causes for each.

Acute means that the diarrhea just happened suddenly or doesn’t go on for long period of time. Chronic diarrhea is characterized as lasting for two to three weeks or longer.

add comment    Comments Off on Diarrhea in Cats is Never Normal

How Long Should Puppy Food Be Fed?

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Two 8 week old Golden Retriever puppies eating kibble from a bowl while laying on a hardwood floor.

A puppy needs a higher level of nutrients than what’s available in regular dog food.  Because of these special needs, your puppy should be on a high quality puppy food for the first year and up to 18 months for the giant breeds. Most dog food manufacturers offer a special formula for puppies that is higher in protein. (Protein should be between 28 and 30%)  and enriched with the fat soluble and water soluble vitamins, minerals, fats, and other essentials for your growing puppy needs.  Always check with your vet for the best type of food and check the back of the bag for the proper quantity. Remove uneaten food after about 15 or 20 minutes and make sure that you feed your pup at least three times a day if he’s under six months, two times from six to twelve months and then once after a year.

Remember, pets are family!

We have an oldies radio station that plays the best variety of oldies all the time. Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com. Edgewater Gold Radio is available on many apps such as Tunein, My Radio Tuner, Streema, Itunes, Apple Music and many more!

add comment    Comments Off on How Long Should Puppy Food Be Fed?

The Best Feeding Schedule for Dogs

Sunday, April 23, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Black and tan dog breed dachshund sit at the floor with a bowl and alarm clock, cute small muzzle look at his owner and wait for food. Live with schedule, time to eat.

You may think that feeding your dog is a no brainer but there are right and wrong feeding times for your dog. Most dogs eat their dog food twice per day. This stabilizes their metabolism and aids with digestion. You should select a feeding schedule and stick with it. Give dog food at 7:00am and 6:00pm. Remove any uneaten food but the dog water bowl should be kept filled with fresh water at all times.If you’re working on housetraining or have a dog who overdrinks, you can schedule the amount and times you provide it. But watch your dog carefully and, if he seems to be thirsty, increase the amount. A sample schedule for monitoring water would be:

  • 7:00 a.m. – Clean and fill bowl half-way
  • Noon – Rinse out and refill half-way.
  • 6:00 p.m. – Rinse and fill half-way.
  • Bedtime – Clean and fill bowl about 1/4 of the way.

Thanks to dogster.com for providing some of this information.

Remember,pets are family!

Enjoy your weekend with Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen on one of the many apps. Listen from our website, Edgewter Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on The Best Feeding Schedule for Dogs

Cozy Pet Bed for Kitty or Doggie

Friday, April 21, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Cat and dog sleeping. Pets sleeping embracing

There’s nothing better than getting home after a hard day and resting on a high quality and inviting bed. It seems like the stress of even the worst day can be alleviated with the right bed and bed accessories. And if this holds true for humans, why not pets? Remember that sleep is just as important for our four legged friends, and for that reason, you should always ensure that they have a safe, comfortable, and luxurious place to rest.

Whether you’re looking for a dog bed or a cat bed, make sure your pet bed fits your animal correctly. A bed that’s too small will be uncomfortable for your pet, and they simply won’t enjoy sleeping in that space. Just like you need your own private space, so do your animals. Make sure that space is the best it can possibly be. Your furry friends deserve it! If you own a cat, that bed may remain empty at times. We bought our cats cozy pods about six years ago. Up until recently, they were never used. Now our cat has re-discovered them and spends many cozy hours inside.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy the best oldies 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 Cozy Pet Bed for Kitty or Doggie

Reducing Stress at Work

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

jack russell dog on a call center using the phone or telephone and computer pc keyboard , isolated on white background

A researcher at Eastern Kentucky University did a study to see what people thought of pets in the workplace.  She surveyed businesses that allowed dogs and cats in the office.   She found that people who work with their pets believe that their pets help reduce stress and improve their mental health. Even people who didn’t bring their own pets were extremely positive about having pets in the workplace. They said that it made for a happier and more positive day. Of course kudos to those businesses that allow pets. They are a special breed in themselves and I believe that it says a lot about the company.  Make sure that you take along plenty of treats for your dog and plan on taking him out for his regular walks while at work!

Remember, pets are family!

Music also reduces stress. Keep your oldies playing all the time 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 Reducing Stress at Work

Have Your New Pet Checked by a Vet

Sunday, April 16, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Vet examining dog and cat. Puppy and kitten at veterinarian doctor. Animal clinic. Pet check up and vaccination. Health care for dogs and cats.

There are many things you have to do when making a new pet a part of your lives but one important item on that list is to have your new pet checked out by a vet. If your pet already has been spayed/neutered and is up to date on his shots, a visit to the vet is still a good idea. Your vet will check for things like inflammation, arthritis and various other issues. Your vet will also provide feeding instructions and the best food to feed your new best friend.

Start things off on a healthy note with your new pet and make sure he gets checked out as soon as possible. Good luck and thanks for giving a loving animal a new life!

Remember, pets are family!

We keep your favorite oldies playing all the time 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 Have Your New Pet Checked by a Vet

Adopting a Dog From a Breeder or a Shelter

Friday, April 14, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Here’s an article written several years ago by Labradortraininghq.com on the pros and cons of adopting from a breeder or shelter. This article present comprehensive guidelines

Adopting a dog from a shelter or purchasing a puppy from a breeder is a matter of personal preference. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Labradortraininghq.com has put together a guideline that can make this important decision a little easier.

Pros of Buying from a Breeder

  1. You can see your puppy’s parents and have a good idea what your puppy will look like as an adult. You’ll also be able to see the environment where the pup spent the first few months of life.
  2. You know exactly what you’re getting in terms of the dog’s breeding and linage. No surprises!
  3. You will have the opportunity to mold your puppy as it grows.
  4. If you’re buying from a good breeder, the puppy will already come socialized, be comfortable with household noises and traffic, and may even know some basic training commands.
  5. Many breeders offer genetic health testing to confirm that your puppy is unlikely to develop any inherited diseases.
  6. Most breeders not only breed for conformation, but for solid temperaments. While this doesn’t guarantee your dog won’t grow up to be a nut, it improves your chances they will be a solid adult.
  7. Breeders are essential if you plan to take your dog to the show ring. They must be papered to compete.

Cons of Buying from a Breeder

  1. You’re buying a puppy. They are a lot of work, just like a human baby. Prepare for the perils of potty training and corralling little life forms whose sole purpose is to poop, pee and chew all over your home. They will also need to be fed multiple times per day and taken out at all hours.
  2. You are responsible for the training of your puppy. They are a blank slate; be sure that you know what to write on it.
  3. Breeders are usually much more expensive than getting your dog from a shelter. Depending on the location and breed, most breeders run from $500 to $1500 for a pup.
  4. Puppies need multiple vet checks and vaccinations during their first year of life. In addition to this expense, you will need to cover the cost of sterilization. This means that you could pay higher upfront costs just getting your puppy to adulthood.
  5. Finding a truly reputable breeder that cares more for about quality than quantity can be difficult.

Getting Your Dog From a Shelter

In an ideal world, there would be no need for shelters and every pet would have a loving home. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats that enter US animal shelters each year.

While many of these animals go on to find loving homes, 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are not so lucky and are euthanized each year because there is no space or money to house them.

Pros of Adopting a Shelter Dog

There are many good reasons to adopt a shelter dog.

  • You are saving two lives. You’re saving the life of the dog that you adopt and the next dog that needs that space in the shelter or rescue by opening up a new kennel.
  • Most adult shelter dogs have all of their vaccinations up-to-date. You won’t have to go through that expensive puppy year, unless you adopt a puppy. Also, shelters usually spay or neuter all of the dogs leaving their facility, saving you those extra expenses.
  • It’s much less expensive to adopt than purchase from a breeder. Most shelters charge $150 adoption fee. This covers the cost to house and feed the dog, have them sterilized and microchipped, and have their medical evaluation and necessary medications. That’s a pretty good deal by today’s rates!
  • Some shelters also give you a voucher for a reduced or free first vet visit.
  • Many adult dogs have lived in a home previously and are already potty trained. Some may even have more advanced levels of training.
  • Shelters and private groups often will take the dog back if it’s not a good match for your home.
  • When you adopt an adult dog, you have a good idea of their temperament and size. With a puppy, their future is a gamble.
  • Most shelters give a temperament evaluation before placing the dog. The staff can advise you of a personality that would best fit your family.
  • Most hereditary issues show up in dogs before their second birthday. If you adopt a dog after this time period, you have less of a chance of having hereditary illnesses.
  • While it hasn’t been fully proven, most vets attest that mixed breeds often have less inherited diseases. However, this isn’t always the case. Mutts can get dealt a bad DNA hand as well.

Cons of Adopting a Shelter Dog

  • Just like people, dogs react differently when going through traumatic situations based on their personality. Some pooches just roll with the punches while others suffer emotional scars from their abandonment or abuse. Many shelter dogs come from very bad pasts. More sensitive dogs may require extra patience to bring them out of their shell.
  • You may not know the exact breed of your dog. However, this is only a bad thing if you plan to show. Mixed breed dogs are just as smart, capable and beautiful as purebreds. In fact, one shelter is creating a fun campaign to celebrate the one-of-a-kind nature of mixed breed dogs – giving them unique breed names.

Thanks again to Labradortraininghq.com  for providing this very useful information!

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy great oldies all the time 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 Adopting a Dog From a Breeder or a Shelter

Having a Dog Can Help Your Heart

Monday, April 10, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

A blonde woman and her pet dog are enjoying a sunny autumn day on the beach.

Dogs add warmth, love and comfort to our lives but did you know that owning a dog can help improve your heart? According to Harvard Medical School, owning a pet, particularly a dog can decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Harvard says that it doesn’t mean that there is a clear cause and effect relationship between the two but that owning a dog can be an overall strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.

Harvard Medical school has indicated that studies show that dog owners have lower blood pressure than non owners. This is probably due to the fact that dog owners get more exercise through daily walking and also because of the calming effect that dogs have on their owners. There is also the “petting effect.” Studies have also shown that blood pressure goes down when a person pets a dog.

Remember, pet’s are family!

Start your week and keep smiling with Edgewater Gold Radio! The greatest oldies of all time, music you remember and grew up with! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website, on Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Having a Dog Can Help Your Heart

Buy the Right Dog Leash For Your Best Friend

Saturday, April 8, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Urban life with pets, dogs as companions

One of the first things that you need to do when you adopt a dog or a new puppy is buy a leash. This may not be as simple as it sounds.  You must keep in mind that a dog leash is a training tool.  You can pay lots of money for a fancy leash but what good is it if it can’t keep your dog under control? The best leash is one that allows you to communicate with your dog and get him to do what you want him to do.  A  standard 6 inch nylon or leather dog leash s great for walks or basic obedience exercises, but it won’t allow you to give corrections to your dog over long distances.  A retractable 25 – 30 foot leash is good for training a puppy or teaching him the “stay” command but it may be a little difficult to keep him under control.  Never use a chain leash, they are not good for training and they may injure your dog.

The size of the leash depends on the size of your dog.  The bigger the dog, the wider his leash should be. When buying a leash for a puppy, think in terms of the size he’ll be when he’s full grown. A leash should be long enough to give him some slack but too long which will make it difficult for you to control him. Avoid  leashes with decorations or glitter. They could come off and choke your dog. Always have more that one leash available.

Remember, pet’s are family!

You favorite oldies are playing 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 Buy the Right Dog Leash For Your Best Friend