In the YouTube Video: Cat Massage Tutorial, When Kitty Wants More than Petting I wrote about Maryjean Ballner's video where she declared that petting your cat was passe, your kitty really wants a massage. Well Maryjean is back with a new video, this time with instruction for dog massages.
In this video she offers bits of her wisdom like "voice massage is essential," she sings her version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot to Greta, and she demonstrates massage techniques like showing the "no-mo" move and the "waving down the back" on Henry Wrinkler, a large dog (and big sport). As Maryjean says "massage a dog and make a friend for life." So give this a try and report your results back here.
attempts to uncover what sustainability really means. Brenda and Robert Vale explore the environmental impact of the decisions we make, from what we eat and what we wear to how we travel and enjoy ourselves. Their book will make you see your life and your place in the world in a completely new light.
The authors compare the ecological impact of an SUV with that of a dog. Their analysis concludes that the SUV has half the impact of the dog. Cats have less of a carbon footprint than dogs and fish have very little. Perhaps the catchy book title will get attention and remind us that there are ecological consequences to all the actions we take and the way we choose to live. But I don't expect anyone to give up their pet based on a carbon paw-print.
I liked the Amazon reviewer who suggested that perhaps it was "time to eat this book."
This article is part of the Pet "Net Safety Event, a day when pet-centric bloggers and site editors publish articles in an effort to heighten awareness about critical issues related to pet safety. After you read this article visit the event's organizer, Petside.com to see topics and links to all the participating sites. ......................................................................................
You don't have to spend money to increase your pet's safety. Here's some quick, easy -- and free! -- steps you can take now.
1. Order the Free Pet Safety Pack from the ASPCA This kit includes a pet rescue window decal that, in the event of an emergency, alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home. The safety pack also includes an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet—a great way to keep the APCC's toll-free emergency number and website address handy in case your pets get into something they shouldn’t! Request the free kit here.
2. Learn about Pet Poisoning Hazards Most households have a number of items that can poison your pet. Some of the common hazards are human medications (these can be stolen from your nightstand, or could be a dropped pill licked up off the floor), certain people food (chocolate or grapes, for example), some household cleaners (like disinfectants) and some common household plants (lillies, etc.). Learn more about poisoning hazards by visiting the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and take steps to safeguard your pet's safety.
3. Put Together a Pet Emergency Information Kit Create a file that has your pet's photo (for id purposes), medical records, list of medications, your veterinarian's name and telephone, and telephone and address of nearest animal emergency care facility. Keep the file handy and easily accessible. If your pet is lost or experiences a medical emergency, this information will be invaluable.
4. Pet Proof Your Home The American Humane Society offers this great checklist for pet-proofing your home. Most of these steps are free. For example, keep the toilet lid closed to prevent drowning or drinking of harmful cleaning chemicals (besides that water is just not sanitary). Reading through this comprehensive checklist only takes a few minutes and is likely to reveal at least one potential hazard that you need to correct.
5. Don't Let Your Pet Get Underfoot Have you ever heard a pet described as a four-legged tripwire? You are probably aware that many (most?) accidents happen in the home and this goes for humans as well as for pets. And when you mix the two together it can be hazardous for both. This issue was addressed in a New York Times article, In the Home, a Four-Legged Tripwire. This article looked at the human side of the story: dogs and cats (and their toys and leashes) cause people to trip and fall resulting in about 240 people each day seeking treatment at an emergency room.
But there is another victim of these encounters -- the pet. I haven't seen the statistics, but imagine that the pet injuries range from the temporary pain of a stepped-on tail to a tragic death. Pets tend to be underfoot most often when they are excited, like when they're in the kitchen and see and smell all the cooking food. As they sit at your feet watching your every move they are vulnerable to getting hit by something falling off the counter, could have hot liquids spilled on them, etc. Keep you and your pet safe by exercising caution and keep them out of the kitchen when you are cooking.
6. Don't Feed Your Pet at the Table Some foods are poisonous to your pet so obviously you want to control what you (and others at the dining table) might hand down to a begging dog. Of course the other hazard presented by table feeding is obesity. The following cute and funny dog video by Simon Tofield shows what happens when you give in to your dog's pleading and begging and you think "what harm could it do if I toss him a bit of food?"
Enjoy the video, then visit Petside.com to read more about pet safety.
We'd all love to send off our pets on Pet Airways (read: Pets Only Airlines: First Class Travel For Dogs and Cats) but unfortunately that's not always possible, they have limited routes that they fly. So, it's more likely that when you and your pet travel by air you will need to bring your cat or small dog into the cabin with you. Sleepypod has a great new carrier that makes this much easier. Sleepypod Air is a revolutionary carrier that redefines in-cabin pet travel. This carrier adapts to the various under-seat storage requirements set by different airlines while providing maximum comfort for your jet set pet. Here's how it works:
Our patent pending folding system allows pets to travel in the largest space possible while the airplane is in the air, yet still allows for stowage under an airline seat during takeoff and landing. When the captain says you can recline your seat, rotate the Sleepypod Air so it is between your feet and expand the ends so both you and your little friend can stretch out comfortably for the duration of the flight. In-cabin pet travel has never been so comfortable.
There are several other features that I really like about the Sleeypod Air.
It's easy to reach in and comfort your pet during flight.
There is a pass through pocket that fits over your telescoping luggage handle making it easy to transport your pet to the gate.
Double duty: It has straps that enable you to secure the carrier in your car for safe pet travel by auto.
It looks stylish and comes in various colors.
If your travel plans include toting along your pet, have a look at the Sleepypod Air. Do you have pet travel tips you would like to share? Comment below. -------------- Related reading: Traveling with Your Pet, 11th Edition: The AAA Petbook.
Pet-Centric Bloggers & Site Editors To Raise Voices In Unison To Shine Spotlight on Pet Safety
In an effort to heighten awareness about critical issues related to pet safety, Petside.com, the popular online destination for pet owners and pet enthusiasts from NBC Digital Networks, has organized a consortium of some of the Web’s favorite pet-focused sites to launch the Pet ‘Net Safety Event on Wednesday, October 21.
On this date Petopia, along with other participating sites, will highlight content devoted to the important topic of pet safety, with Petside.com hosting a comprehensive one-page hub with links to all of the special coverage. Additionally, Petside will join forces with the Associated Press to conduct a poll and collect data on people’s behavior and attitudes related to the safety of their pets, the results of which will be released on October 21.
"Common household dangers threaten our pets on a daily basis," said Joshua Fried, Director of Petside.com. “By raising our collective voice at once, we hope The Pet ‘Net Safety Event will help focus some much-needed attention to these important issues.” Topics covered will range from holiday dangers to travel safety to first aid tips. Other sites slated to participate in the event include:
Seeing how carrots are orange and Halloween is just around the corner, maybe you'd like to bake your dog a carrot cake and be ready when your doggie demands "trick or treat." Or maybe you find that you have a big bunch of carrots and you're trying to be creative. In any case, your dog, like all your other family members, always appreciates the aroma and anticipation of something baking in the oven.
If you'd like to try baking a carrot cake, look at this Guidepost article: Fido Want a Carrot? The article includes a recipe that looks easy to do and has lots of healthy ingredients. The article also offers a caution about overdoing it:
It’s also important to remember that while carrots are fine for dogs to eat, great for their teeth, and help a dog’s digestive system, you need to keep carrots to less than 10 percent of the total diet.
If you have any doubts about how much dogs love eating carrots, watch this cute video. The video shows a crowd of dogs at a doggie daycare eagerly waiting for their carrot snacks. Watch the video then get out your mixer bowl and start baking. Fido will give you extra licks. ------------ Related reading: The Healthy Dog Cookbook: 50 Nutritious & Delicious Recipes Your Dog Will Love.
A woman in Australia took in a homeless cat but then gave him to her vet when she had to leave town and couldn't take the kitty along. The vet found an embedded microchip and located the cat's original family. It seems that the beautiful long-haired Himalayan cat, Clyde, was 2,400 miles from home and hadn't been seen in three years. The family was surprised and thrilled to have their cat returned to them. Clyde seemed pretty happy, too.
Another successful reunion due to microchip embedding. Learn more about microchipping your pet by reading this article at The Humane Society.
Made from Pure Whole USDA Range chicken with a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion as well as help with those 'aromatic' moments that come between dog and guardian. Enzymes are the catalyst for every metabolic process in the body, and the very foundation for good digestion and overall health. Without these enzymes animals cannot absorb and utilize vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fats, leading to a lower quality of nutrition from even the healthiest diet. Enzymes unlock the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to help with allergies, immune function, digestion, skin and coat problems, bloating, flatulence and more.
Our elderly cat has become gassy and flatulence prone in recent years so I was intrigued to read that these treats are good for cats too. At least that is what I thought before I saw this book title: Blame It on the Dog: A Modern History of the Fart
-- now I'm wondering if it is the cat's problem. . .
The product name of "Fart Busters" is a bit strong -- I'm not sure I'd feel entirely at ease asking a pet food store clerk for the product by name, but it certainly is descriptive. Have you tried any products that have successfully addressed this issue?
You have probably heard of people who wear copper bracelets to help relieve arthritis pain. This new product, the Copper Therapy Collar, claims to offer a similar benefit for dogs and cats and other animals. It is described by the company as:
Copper Therapy for prevention and relief of your pet's joint pains! The Copper Therapy Collar is a new product that uses the natural benefits of copper to relieve arthritis and joint pain in almost all four legged animals. Each collar is hand made with custom copper inserts. . . If we really can offer our pets relief of their joint pains with the simple addition of a Copper Therapy Collar, it makes sense on many levels. . . is actually a "green" approach to pet care.
I'm not sure how the medical establishment views this therapy but I imagine these claims are somewhat controversial. The company does offer some testimonials on their website. But I would think that anytime your pet is experiencing joint pain, or any health problem, you should take him to a medical professional. --------- Related reading: Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.
A research scientist with sensitive skin formed the Itchy Bottoms Soap Co. shop and has formulated this all natural, vegan dog shampoo product for dogs. The herbal scent will leave behind a lasting but light, fresh scent. It promises to leave your dog's coat soft, fresh and clean smelling. The scent comes from pure essential oils of eucalyptus, rose geranium, lavender and cedarwood. This shampoo contains the following natural hair and skin conditioning oils: olive oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and avocado oil.
The Itchy Bottoms' products are all handmade and people tested. I think this sounds great. If anyone tries this shampoo, please let me know what you think.
an expos of the shocking practices with the pet food manufacturing industry: 
and this holistic approach to pet care, 
-- now I'm wondering if it is the cat's problem. . . 
