New Year's Resolutions for Pet People!

Cartoon from http://www.apariv.org/2011/01/happy-new-year/

Happy New Year from all of us at Nature's Pet Market and Earthwise Pet Supply! I hope that 2012 will bring some great new products, growth, prosperity, and an ever-increasing understanding of our beloved pet's needs! If you are looking for another New Year's resolution (as if you need another!) consider one (or all!) of these suggestions specifically for your pet. 

• Brush your pet's teeth with pet-specific toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, such as THESE from Four Paws. Good oral hygiene is very important for pets, and there are now many options available including multiple toothpaste flavors and even an electric toothbrush! Most dogs will tolerate a gentle toothbrush and enjoy the toothpaste thoroughly. Cats do well with a finger toothbrush or an extra-small one, and seem to like the malt flavored paste. Even a quick swipe over the teeth carries a lot of benefits! 

• Take your dog on more walks or even a few hikes this year! Exercise is the most obvious but the most underutilized weight-loss tool for dogs, and this is especially important when canine obesity is at an all-time high. A chubby dog is NOT a cute dog- a chubby dog is an unhealthy dog that is likely in pain. You are responsible for your dog's weight- change this with a mix of diet AND exercise! Here in the Northwest, we have abundant hiking trails from beginner to the most advanced canine hiker. Our stores carry many products designed to make hiking fun and enjoyable, such as doggie backpacks, rugged booties, and portable water bowls. Good for you and your dog!

• Keep up on toenail trimming for your dog and especially your cat! Many people don't realize that most cats take nail trimming very well, and actually need it! Trimming your cat's nails can really help with destructive scratching behavior and prevents ingrown toenails. 

• Give your dog a RAW bone, such as THESE from Nature's Variety. Raw Meaty Bones are an excellent way to help clean your dog's teeth naturally and are especially good in the summer months when they can be given outside. Feed them frozen, and with supervision of course!

• Consider supplementing your cat's dry food with fish oil. Not only do most cats love the taste, but . many cats can benefit from the extra boost of essential fatty acids, even if their dry food is of a premium brand.

• Try a new brand of pet food! Rotation of food is natural and healthy, and is well-tolerated by most pets that aren't especially sensitive. 

• Teach your dog a new trick! Old dogs CAN learn new tricks, and mental stimulation is important for retaining cognitive function into their golden years. Learning new behaviors using positive reinforcement can (and should be!) fun and will strengthen the bond between you and your dog. 

• Give RAW food a try! Raw food is one of the healthiest and most natural ways to feed your pet. It can be scary at first, but there are many wonderful products on the market that make raw feeding easy and safe. Try Nature's Variety Instinct Raw - The only raw food on the market using High Pressure Processing to kill bacteria, and available in convenient medallions, patties, and chubs for your pets of all sizes! 

• Consider signing your dog up to be a Doggie Blood Donor. Just like with people, blood is in need! Your young & healthy over 55lb dog can help save lives while getting a new toy, treats, and lots of love!

• Donate your time by volunteering at your local animal shelter or humane society, or even open your home to fostering! Fostering gives many dogs and cats a chance for a home that normally wouldn't get adopted in a shelter. This doesn't mean these pets are extra difficult though- they just might be older, plain-looking, have a minor medical issue, need a little training, or even mothers with new babies. Every pet deserves a second chance, and you (and your kids!) can help by fostering or volunteering at a shelter and socializing/exercising pets helping them to become more adoptable. 

Tips for a Successful Holiday with Pets

Tips for a Successful Holiday with Pets

As Christmas grows ever closer, the tree is likely decorated, presents are being wrapped, Christmas cooking is underway, and soon may come a steady stream of friends and relatives. As stressed out and anxious as the holidays might make you feel, it's easy to forget that our pets share the same living space and can easily share similar anxiety this time of year. Take a moment to read a few pointers on how to help your pets cope with the holidays so that everyone can have a safe and relaxing Christmas! 

The Tree

• Use plain 'ol water to fill up the tree stand. Additives might help the longevity of the tree, but they can be toxic to pets that drink the tree water, in addition to pesticides/herbicides that may reside on the tree's trunk. Keep pets away from this stagnant water. 
• Of course, cats will almost inevitably attempt climbing the tree. Make sure it is secure and won't topple. 
• Sometimes, a male dog just can't resist the urge to mark the new large outside thing that's inside the house. Try spraying the base of the tree with D.A.P to reduce anxiety-based marking. Same goes for cats that like to spray new objects.
• The tree itself is considered mildly toxic with oils that may irritate the mouth and digestive system, causing excessive drooling and/or vomiting. Munching on the Christmas tree is not recommended.
• Tinsel is irresistible to some cats but it can be deadly if ingested, causing internal blockages. Please monitor your cat to make sure she isn't tinsel-crazy, and if you aren't completely confident she won't eat it- use another type of decoration. 
• Christmas lights can pose an electrical and mechanical danger- they can cause burns and the risk of electric shock if chewed, and the lights themselves easily shatter and become embedded in tender paws. Check cords regularly for signs of chewing. Unplug when not at home!
• Use shatter-proof ornaments near the bottom of the tree, and glass ornaments near the top where they are less likely to be knocked off. 
• Check your tree skirt regularly to make sure it hasn't been used as a nifty new bathroom. 
• Secure fragile presents and gifts likely to topple over. 

Decorations

• Much like tinsel, ribbons used for decorating are unfortunately quite popular snacks. Call your vet if you see any signs of distress and suspect that your pet ate ribbons. 
• Despite insistence otherwise from the pup, large bows stolen off gifts aren't toys!
• Please promptly put away and secure wrapping materials. Pens, markers, bows, scissors, and tape have a tendency to find their way to the far corners of the house where picked up by curious pets. 
• Potpourri is popular this type of year, but it can also pose a hazard to your pets. 
• Keep candles and other burning objects above tail-level. Pets can singe whiskers, tails can knock over candles, and can be a very real fire hazard!
• Many holiday plants can be toxic to animals. Poinsettias and holly are considered mildly toxic and might cause mouth/stomach irritation, but aren't fatal unless ingested in large quantities. Lilies are highly toxic, as well as mistletoe. If you have a kitty prone to plant-munching, best just to go faux. 

Festivities

• Although the holidays are full of culinary overindulgence, please don't share this tradition with your pets! Keep feeding routines consistent, and treats should be given responsibly and not too often. No fatty leftovers, no turkey skin, no onion, no unbaked dough! If this makes you feel guilty, purchase some pet-specific treats to share during special times. 
• Please keep holiday chocolates and other sweets out of reach.
• Make sure guests know the treat policy, and aren't sharing forbidden foods behind your back! 
• Also, make sure food garbage is promptly and appropriately disposed of to avoid trash raiding. Cooked poultry bones can easily splinter and be deadly if ingested by a hungry dog. 
• Sugar-free baked goods and candy may contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol that is toxic. 
• Alcohol is toxic to dogs! Ask guests to monitor mulled wine and eggnog, or put the dog away when the party starts.

Christmas Stress

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be a very stressful time, even for a normally calm dog. There are many new objects in the home, people keeping odd hours, blinky lights & odd smells, a constant stream of people coming & going, and unfamiliar strangers infiltrating their once-familiar and safe home. 

• Make sure your pets have access to their preferred "safe place" where they can retreat from commotion. 
• Guests that bring children need to be aware that you have pets and of their limitations, for the pet's AND the children's sake. The cat doesn't always like to be picked up, and the dog may not take a treat nicely when excited. It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your pets and guests in your home! Be fair to your pets and your guests and be considerate of each's needs. 
• Make sure guests are aware of petting/jumping/treat policies. 
• Watch your pets for signs of stress (panting, shivering, tension in the face, hyperactivity) and remove them from guests if they appear overwhelmed. 
• Do not force your pet into unwanted interaction! On the other hand, don't always shut away pets that prefer to be social- this can also lead to anxiety and stress. Try leashing a social dog to your belt loop or the end of a sofa. They can be part of the festivities, but aren't underfoot or constantly pestering guests. Settle them down with a new toy or chew bone. 
• Stick to your pet's usual routine as much as possible. 
• Use D.A.P and Feliway to help reduce stress. 
• Carefully monitor open doors. Many pets unfortunately get lost as guests come and go during holiday festivities.
• Children's excited squeals and unusual noises from new toys can agitate pets or cause extreme excitement. Best to put the dog away during the unwrapping of gifts to prevent stolen stuffed animals, stomped-on robots, slobbered-on Bratz dolls, wailing children, and extraction of the dog/cat from under the chair.
• If you are feeling stressed or anxious, it's very likely that your pet feels it also! Your stress and attitude affect your pet more than you think. Try a few calming techniques yourself and take it down a notch to help everyone. Relax! 

Using a little common sense, some consideration, a few precautions, and a good bit of observation during the next week can help both you, your guests, and your pets enjoy a calm, healthy, and happy holiday. 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

-Erika