Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pet Owners

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, please let us all keep are pet's safety in mind. A few common sense and not common sense rules will go a long way.

Watch the table! Your table can be beautifully decorating and also 'eye-candy' to your best buddy. Keep food covered and away from table edges. An easier solution might also be to keep the animal out of the dining room and/or kitchen during dinner time.

Discourage your family members and guests from indulging your pet with inappropriate snacks. Food high in sodium (especially peanuts and chips) and other fatty foods like poultry skin, beef or pork fat can cause an inflammation of pancreas. Pancreatitis is potentially life-threatening condition.

Secure your trash at all times! Keep your trash cans far away from your animals, or better yet, take it out right after your done with it. This will insure that your animals don’t jump inside the canister or knock it over to get to those juicy Turkey bones! Even a vegetarian house wants to keep an eye out, onions and chocolate can do just as much damage!

DO NOT give your pets animal bones! According to 'doghobbyist', “cooked turkey, duck, geese and other bird bones are dangerous to your pet. They are hollow and break and splinter easily. Also, because they are so easily breakable, dogs usually won’t chew them thoroughly. The results are sharp pieces that can choke the dog or block, tear the intestines.”

Consider giving your pets their own space during the time when family, friends and others are at your home during Thanksgiving. Sometimes even the calmest of animals can become highly stressed due to the added noise that we all have during the holidays. Consider taking them for a Long walk prior to company coming over.

Leave your pets at home when attending holiday parades and festivities. Though floats, large balloons and crowds can be a blast for your family, they can send your dog into an anxious or even aggressive state. Leave your dog at home and let them enjoy the festivities on TV while relaxing on their favorite blanket.

As always, make sure your pets are wearing their collars with tags. If someone forgets to shut the door, you want to make sure your pets are easily identifiable.

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday!

Thanksgiving is a time for thanks and generousity, unfortunately there are Thousands of pets put to sleep by reluctant pet owners, who are faced with financial challenges that prohibit them from rendering emergency and necessary medical care for their animals. We are doing our part.

Please go to www.wholesalepetdirectory.weebly.com to pick up your list of over 150 wholesale pet product manufacturers and companies, it will save you hundreds of dollars and also it will help this Great cause!

More Thrifty Tips for Petowners

We all know how expensive vet bills are and we have all paid them. But one thing you may want to think about when looking for or changing your vet is to find an older vet. One reason is because an older vet doesn’t have to pay any longer for his college education (with any luck), whereas he/she has been out of school for years and will sometimes offer less expensive rates. Some of the best vets I have ever met have more of an ‘old school’ thought process and don’t encourage the bigger and better ad ons. Another thought, if you happen to live near a vet school, inquire about discounts, most times it can save on vaccinations and routine issues and although the students aren’t as experienced, they are always supervised.

When it comes to dog food, shop around, sometimes the most expensive food does not mean it is the best. There is no doubt that there are superior brands, however again, shop around. Also, contact your manufacturer directly, or go to their website, don’t hesitate to ask for a coupon. If you tell them that you may go with ‘brand X’ because you feel it is the same quality but offered at a less expensive price, chances are they will give you that coupon and keep them coming.

Not to offend any groomers out there, but you can also do your own grooming between the times you take you pets in for their usual appoints. Perhaps do some good daily brushing or nail trimming, that way perhaps you can cut down your time and price when you go for your regular visits. Ask for a frequent visitor’s reward card of some kind, most groomers will give you the 6th or 10th or whatever grooming free. Never hurts to ask.

Join freecycle, for those of you who don’t know, the concept behind freecycling is finding new use for used items rather than throwing them out and utilizing land fills and everything is Free. Sometimes you can find crates or kennels or other pet supplies that people need to leave behind due to moves or for whatever reason. www.freecycle.org Also on craigs list you can look under the free section, they also will list pet items for free such as crates that their puppy has outgrown. www.craigslist.org

And please, for those of you looking for your new best friend, don’t overlook the shelters in your area. If you are looking for a particular breed, you could also look at the specific breed rescue. For a small donation, your new buddy will be spayed/neutered, up to date on shots, thus saving you money for puppy or kitten vet bills ~ but most importantly ~ he/she will be your forever friend!

If anyone has any other thoughts on saving pet owners money, please feel free to post them! Please no spammers, with a self-promoting agenda.

Tips for a Safe Pet Halloween

I read this on a rescue site and thought it should be repeated.....

Halloween can be a frightening time for family dogs. Each Halloween, veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could have been avoided. Here are some ways we can protect pets:

* Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits. Keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people in costumes.

* Find a secure place in your home to keep your dogs, especially if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many dogs get loose when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares animals, increasing the chance dogs will run away or get hit by cars.

* Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.

* Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access in case someone accidentally lets your pet out of the place where he's confined. Many dogs will run after trick-or-treaters.

* If your dog has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible at least a half-hour before trick-or-treaters arrive.

* Consider crating your pet, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever comforts the animal. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds.

* If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors, keep him on leash. Pets can become very stressed by holiday activities and unwelcome interruptions in routine. A nervous dog might feel threatened and growl, lunge or bite.

* Keep dogs indoors. It's a bad idea to leave dogs out in the yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts. Plus they're likely to bark and howl at the constant flow of treat or treaters.

* As for cats, as the ASPCA and other organizations advise, keep cats indoors at all times.

* Do not leave dogs in cars.

* Keep dogs out of the candy bowl. Dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them, since the wrappers can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Make sure the dogs can't get into the trash. Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is -- and the smaller the lethal dose.

* Explain to everyone in your home (including kids) how dangerous treats are to pets. Take young childrenUs candy supply and put it somewhere out of reach of pets. Caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor.

* Make sure pets can't reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations or ornaments.

* Halloween costumes can annoy animals and pose safety and health hazards...so think twice before dressing up the dog. Make sure the dog can breathe, see and hear, and that the costume is flame retardant. Remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and swallowed. Avoid rubber bands, which can cut off the animal's circulation or, if accidentally left on, can burrow and cut into the animal's skin.

* If the animal is very high-strung, consult your vet about tranquilizing for the night.

* When walking dogs during or after Halloween, watch carefully for what they might pick up and choke on. Bits of candy and wrappers abound on sidewalks and streets after holidays.

* If you notice these symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to your vet or an emergency vet right away because your pet's life may be in danger:

Excessive drooling
Excessive urination
Pupil dilation
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting and diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Muscle tremors and seizures
Coma

written by: paw-rescue.org

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Pet insurance ~ Is it necessary ~

There are obvious reasons for pet insurance and there are obviously pros and cons to it.

Is pet insurance becoming more popular, it appears so, whereas according to reports, approximately 5% of pet households now carry one form or another, which is up from less than 1% in past years. Pet insurance can be expensive. So look closely at different policies before you buy and try and figure out what care your pet will likely need.

As we all know, vet bills are outrageously expensive these days, and they appear to continue to rise. Know Your Vet. Although most vets are reputable, watch closely for add ons which are not needed. When I brought Maxwell into be neutered and micro chipped at my ‘vet at the time’, all appeared to be fine until the checkout. This particular vet informed me that there was a ‘problem’; he told me that Maxwell had a overbite, but he could correct it with braces for a minor expense of over $3,000 +. I looked at this man as though he had four heads and needless to say, Maxwell did not get braces.

Now back to insurance. There are different policies: Safety plans, Wellness plans, Comprehensive plans and so on. So what is what? Well in a nutshell, safety plans are the least expensive, and only covers issues such as broken bones, etc. Wellness plans include routine care, such as physicals and vaccinations. Some experts say that the premiums, deductibles, and copays for these plans usually cost a bit more than paying out-of-pocket. Of course, if your pet gets injured, such a plan may save you money. Comprehensive plans are on the pricier side, some policies cover a broad range of treatments, from cancer medications to acupuncture.

Before deciding on if insurance is right for you, take into consideration all aspects such as your pet’s age ~ some policies won’t cover pets when they reach a certain age and if they do, it could be considerably more expensive. Consider your dogs breed, whereas some breeds are more prone to medical issues than others but if your policy covers those issues, you could save a lot of money in the long run. Consider the overall health of your pet, are they overweight, do they get plenty of exercise, and have they been healthy most of their life. Also to be considered ~ how much can you afford to keep your pet alive. Sometimes with insurance, it is a safety net and you won’t have to think about things like that.

Finally if you decide on insurance, make sure you shop around, ask plenty of questions, check with the Dept of Insurance and read the fine print.

I Rescued a Human Today ~

I Rescued a Human Today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel, I blocked her view from the little accident I had in the back of the cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card, I hoped she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and the side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon, my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to be always by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more out there who haven't walked the corridors. So man more to be saved. At least I could save this one.

I rescued a human today.

Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog's professional dog trainer.

Save Money on Toys, Dog Crates and other pet items ~

Save Money on Toys, Dog Crates and other pet items ~

To do this, begin by purchasing pet items from the supplier or distributor. As everyone knows, pet ownership can be Expensive and even more Expensive when you purchase your items from a pet supply store.
You can save money however by simply buying from the manufacturer or distributor ~ meaning the companies that make the items, the companies that supply the pet store or your vet, which in turn marks the price up and resells it to their customers ~ You.

By cutting out the middleman, pet owners can see savings of fifty percent or more on pet supply purchases - a great money saving opportunity.

All you need to do is cut out the middleman, it’s that simple, by doing that, you can save 50% or more ~ Is that a huge saving or what. Quite a few wholesalers and manufacturers will sell directly to the public, not to mention in this economy more “guarded” wholesalers are doing just that. Shipping can be an issue for larger items, such as crates and beds but some will even include free shipping or pass out promos. Not to mention, the more you buy, the more you can save. So get a list together and plan ahead because if you buy direct you will save a lot of money.

Good Luck ~ Save Money!

Also, you can get a list of over 150 pet product wholesalers and manufacturers of different pet items by visiting: http://wholesalepetdirectory.weebly.com

The Natural Home ~ Part 2

To get rid of doggy smells and pet odors, spray bedding regularly with a solution of 3 drops eucalyptus oil and 2 drops rosemary to 2 oz of purified water. This makes a quick, instant spray. As there is no alcohol to preserve the oils, make up small amounts at a time and shake the bottle vigorously before using.

Natural Alternatives for Insect Repellants
The following essential oils have been found to have moderate to high effectiveness in keeping various insects away from you.
~To repel mosquitoes: Basil, Cedarwood, Citronella, Geranium, Juniper, Rosemary To repel house flies: Citronella, Geranium, Juniper
~To repel ants: All Mints To repel fleas: Cajeput, Lemon, Pine
~Citrus oils can be used as natural cleaning agents around the house. Simply add a few drops of Orange, Lemon, Bergamot or Mandarin oil to water, moisten a clean cloth with the mixture and wipe down children's rooms and school bags.

Keep Lemon on hand to kill germs.Keep a spray bottle handy for quick cleanups in children's playroom. Add to dishwashing liquid or any mild hand soap. Use in a spray for disinfecting the air. You'll find plenty of other uses I'm sure. It has high antibacterial properties. It's antiseptic properties will last for 20 days. Lemon has the ability to stimulate white corpuscles that defend the body against infection. Combine with Angelica to stimulate the body's immune system. It is a powerful bactericide and great for kitchen clean ups.

How much easier can it get! Lightly scent your home by placing a cotton ball containing a few drops of essential oil in an open window.

Ylang Ylang Chocolates Essential oils can be infused into chocolates or any other sweets by placing the loose chocolates in a box then adding a piece of absorbent paper to which you have placed a drop of Ylang Ylang. Cover and let sit until absorbed, a few days should do it.Try other oils like Orange or Mandarin for a different twist.

Cinnamon Ginger Stars
These fragrant stars are a great addition to potpourri. They can also be used as ornaments or glued to craft projects.
Mix together in a plastic bag:
1/2 cup powdered cinnamon
1 tablespoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
In a small bowl, mix together: 3/8 cup smooth applesauce 1 tablespoon white craft glue Add the applesauce mixture to the bag. Close the bag and squeeze to mix until the mixture forms a ball. Take out and knead on a cinnamon sprinkled surface. Roll out the dough to a 1/4" thickness and cut into shapes with small cookie cutters. For ornaments, use a straw to make a hole before drying. Let the stars dry slowly, turning the frequently.

Scented Stationary, Business Cards, Note Pads Put a few drops of your favorite essential oils on blotter paper or cotton balls. Place items and oils in a tightly closed box. Let sit for about 1 week.

Ice Candles Melt one pound of paraffin in a double boiler. Cut a milk carton to height desired, center a taper candle inside, then fill with crushed ice. Add six drops Spearmint essential oil and a sprinkling of glitter to the cooling paraffin.....pour the paraffin into the carton. Let cool, then pour off the water and tear away the carton to reveal a candle that glistens like ice

How to Make Scented Rocks
from http://www.make-stuff.com
Place rocks in a bowl or dish to scent a room. A nice alternative to potpourri!
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 teaspoon essential oil (your favorite scent)
2/3 cups boiling water Food coloring, if desired
In bowl, mix dry ingredients well. Add essential oil, and boiling water to dry ingredients. (Scent will be strong, but will fade slightly when dry.)
For colored stones, blend in food coloring, one drop at a time until desired shade is reached. Blend ingredients, and form balls into different shape and sizes to look like stones. Allow stones to dry.

And it is All that easy !!

Enjoy!!!

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