Sunday, December 28, 2008

Cold Weather Protection for Pets



Following are timely tips to protect pets in cold weather.

Before, during and after walks and outdoor exercise:
* Coats and booties can help your dog stay warm. In particular, short-haired or elderly dogs benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. Look for coats or sweaters with high collars or a turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath. Even lighter t-shirt type coats will help.

* Remember to be very careful with sick or older dogs, since they are more sensitive to cold weather. For any dog sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

* Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, papertrain your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.

* Clip the fur between toe pads to reduce the amount of snow that collects between toes.

* To help protect dry, sensitive paws, try coating them with a bit of cooking spray before walks in very cold weather.

* During deep snows, shovel out a potty spot for your dog.

* Upon returning home, wipe snow and ice off your dog's feet, legs and belly. Little ice cubes can form in the sensitive spaces between the toes and toe-pads. Remove the ice carefully with your fingers since it may cling to the hairs between the paws. Wiping off your dog will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that she could ingest them when licking her paws.

* Consider keeping a container of warm water and cloths by the door for use after walks. It is good to rinse the paws before you wipe them dry, because lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate the foot pads and cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked. Dunking in the water will also dissolve ice and remove mud.

* Many de-icing and ice-melting products are toxic. Read the labels of any projects you use, and store these products in tight containers.

* Even brief exposure to sub-zero temperatures can lead to frostbite of the feet, nose or ears. Frost-bitten skin appears red, gray or whitish and may peel off. Prevent frostbite by removing ice and snow from paws and fur right away. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place and thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels. Change them frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Then contact a veterinarian for further care.

* Do not be tempted to let dogs off leash in snow or ice. Canines often lose their scent in cold weather and can become lost. Dogs also can panic in snow storms and run away. The decreased daylight does not help either. More dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other season, so always keep dogs on leash when outside a fully fenced yard and make sure yours always wears proper identification.

Winter pet care:
* Brush your dog vigorously and regularly. The air in most houses becomes dry during the colder months, which depletes moisture from dog skin and fur. Brushing improves skin, coat and circulation.

* A thick-coated dog typically needs grooming in cold weather. The fur can get wet and matted, making it an irritant. Clean fur lofts and holds air in a manner similar to layering clothes, thus helping the animal stay warm.

* Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat longer for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.

* Use fatty acid supplements during the winter, ideally starting several weeks before cold weather sets in, to help skin and coat.

* If your dog engages in a lot of outdoor activities, increase his food supply to help keep his coat thick and healthy.

Safety measures:
* Do not leave antifreeze, coolant or windshield wiper fluid within reach. And do not let pets drink from puddles. These products taste appealing to pets but most are lethal to animals when ingested. So thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. Also, keep your pets on leash outdoors and steer them far away from any suspect puddles.
Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Some companies offer non-toxic antifreeze products, such as Sierra. Be sure to have your radiator flushed before you fill it with Sierra and do not mix Sierra with traditional antifreeze.

* Keep a winter survival kit in your car. Include blankets, towels, water, bowl, first aid kit, and a sign that dog is in the car.

* Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal can freeze to death. Of course, do not leave animals, or children, in cars during very warm weather either.

* Cats left outdoors and wild animals sometimes climb onto car engines or beneath cars to seek warmth. Please bang on the hood of your care honk the horn before starting the engine to warn cats away.

In-home health and safety:
* Provide your companion animal with a warm place to sleep, away from drafts and off the floor. Dog and cat beds with a warm blanket or pillow are especially cozy.

* If you know people who keep dogs in basements or tiled rooms, remind them that tile and uncarpeted areas can get very cold.

* The dryness in our homes can make animals more susceptible to problems such as dry noses, upper respiratory infections, dandruff, itchy skin, hair texture changes, dry throats and more. Some tips:
Use a humidifier. Consider a model that humidies and purifies the air.
Add skin conditioners to the diet. Get them from internet and other merchants who sell quality health products.
Spray or wipe the pet's coat with water with a few drops of Rescue Remedy or Green Hope Farms Healthy Coat before beginning grooming.

* Portable heaters and fireplaces can be deadly hazards for animals and children. Screen fireplaces and put portable heaters out of their reach. Do not run portable heaters when you are not there to monitor them; each year, a number of house fires start this way.

Emergencies:
* To avoid injuries, hypothermia and drowning, don't let dogs or kids venture onto frozen ponds.

* If your dog falls through ice into water, heed this guidance about drowning from Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, Dog Fancy writer and author of First Aid for Dogs:
If the dog is limp, unconscious or unresponsive, wrap him in a towel. Keep the neck and back immobilized to avoid aggravation of possible spinal injury. Place the dog on a flat board for transporting.
If the dog is not breathing, lay her on flat on his right side. Make several quick compressions to his chest to expel water, then feel for a heartbeat just behind the left elbow. If there's a heartbeat, but the dog is still not breathing, check the back of his throat for obstructions.
If you feel no obstruction, close the dog's muzzle by firmly encircling it with your hand. Put the dog's tongue in his mouth first so he doesn't bite it. Then, blow into his nose. Adjust the force of your breath to the size of dog. Watch for rise of his chest, and keep checking for a heartbeat.
If you can't feel a heartbeat, make one or two quick firm compressions on the chest wall with both of your palms flat on top of each other, and begin artificial respiration. Blow about 15 breaths followed by a chest compression. Continue until the dog regains consciousness, respiration and heartbeat return, or until emergency assistance takes over.

* Keep Rescue Remedy on hand. It's a Bach flower essence available in most health food stores. This gentle, natural stress reducing liquid can help people and animals recover from injury, fright, illness, travel fatigue and irritation. Put a drop drinking water. To help prevent travel sickness, a common dosage is four drops in the mouth about ten hours before the trip, repeating every four hours as needed. For stressed or injured animals, rub a drop on their ear or put a drop on the towel in their crate or carrier.

* If you see an animal in distress, please call your local humane society right away. It doesn't take long for companion animals to suffer and fall victim to severe winter weather. Frostbite occurs when the fluids in tissues freeze, frequently on the tips of the ears, paws or pads, flanks and belly. Hypothermia, which can lead to death, occurs when the animal's body temperature drops significantly below normal, causing the bodily systems to shut down. Furthermore, pets left outside are deprived of water, since water freezes at 32 degrees.

Leaving pets outdoors:
* If you know anyone who keeps pets outdoors, persuade them to bring them inside. Low temperatures, winds and precipitation can lead to illness and death. In addition, water bowls freeze in cold weather.

* Remember, dogs are domesticated animals who should live indoors with their people. Living outside in a dog house is a sad life, especially in cold, hot and wet weather.

* Please keep cats inside. Felines who spend time outside can freeze, or get lost or injured.

* Dog houses and the law: Local laws typically require that if dogs are kept outdoors, the owner must supply the dog with "proper" shelter from the weather, which includes a dog house big enough to stand up in and to permit posture positions that allow the dog to stretch out and stand up, but must not be oversized, since the dog needs to retain body heat; a wind flap on the dog house door; nonporous bedding such as straw; and, access to fresh, unfrozen water.

* If you see a dog in need of a caring friend, become that dog's advocate. Speak with the owner, and if that fails to improve the situation, contact your local SPCA, humane society of animal control office.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Test your Puppy's Personality


Win a prize in our monthly Pet Photo Contest!
This test will help you to rate your puppy’s personality. This is not meant to be a scientific evaluation. Look at it as providing some insight into your pups overall behavior. It’s best applied to a pup between three months and one year.

Rate your dog on each of the following statements. A "0" rating means the statement does not apply. A "5" rating means the statement very much describes the dog.


STATEMENTS RATING
..................................................................Does not apply.......... Very much applies
The pup is friendly to all in the family .........0------2------3------4------5
The puppy treats you like your special...... 0------2------3------4------5
The pup follows you everywhere ................0------2------3------4------5
The pup likes to play ...................................0------2------3------4------5
The pup likes treats ....................................0------2------3------4------5
It is not protective of the house ..................0------2------3------4------5
It is not protective of food ...........................0------2------3------4------5
It is not protective of toys ............................0------2------3------4------5
It does not mouth hands .............................0------2------3------4------5
It does not show teeth or raise lips ...........0------2------3------4------5
It is friendly to people it does not know ....0------2------3------4------5
It is friendly to other dogs ..........................0------2------3------4------5
It likes to go outside ...................................0------2------3------4------5
It walks OK on a leash ...............................0------2------3------4------5
It likes to be touched ..................................0------2------3------4------5
It is not destructive .....................................0------2------3------4------5
It quickly learns new behavior ...................0------2------3------4------5
It accepts confinement ..............................0------2------3------4------5
It was quickly housebroken ......................0------2------3------4------5
It is not fearful of loud sounds ...................0------2------3------4------5


Evaluate by adding all the scores. A perfect score which will almost never happen would be 100.
A score of 75 or More means your pup has the potential of being an excellent companion.
A score of 50 to 75 is fine but you should do some training.
A 25 to 50 score is a dog that is a problem and needs lots of training.
A score bellow 35 is a dog with serious problems and needs professional help.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

This Looks Like?????








This is what sorry looks like..









This is what Tired Looks like...














This is what Love looks like...













This is what courage looks like...

















This is what A little help from your friends looks like...











And this is what a Bad Mood looks like!!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Kitty Cookies

http://www.petsadored.com/ is not only for "dog people" but cats as well!

Cookies for Fluffy (the kitty) recipe

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1 teaspoon catnip
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1/3 cup powdered milk
1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix dry ingredients together. Add molasses, egg, oil and milk. Roll out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into small, cat bite-size pieces. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and store in tightly sealed container.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Choosing the Right breed

They are all "so cute when they are little" but then grow up to not fit with your family.

Choosing a breed depends on your situation.

Do you live in a house with a big yard?... or small apartment?

Do you have children or other pets? ...

Are you gone during the day or do you work at home? ...

These are just some of the questions you must ask yourself when choosing a new dog.
Use the "
Dog Breed Directory" You can see all the pros & cons for each breed.

After you have selected your new pet.... be sure to join in on our new
Pet Contest & win a prize!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

TIPS FOR PHOTGRAPHING YOUR PETS

Needing the perfect photo to add on to our great pet photo merchandise at www.petsadored.com? Clocks, Watches, & Much More!
Check out these great pet photography tips!

1. Use Natural Light
If possible always use natural light when taking your pet in picture. Avoid flash, as flash burst can, not only cause red-eye, but also frighten the animal. Instead try to go outside or, if it is not possible, in a room well lit by a large window.


2. Keep the Eyes Sharp
Having sharp eyes is important in any kind of portraits photography. As they say, “Eyes are the Window to the Soul” and pets eye can be very expressive. So make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes and keep the tack sharp


3. Go to Them
It is very important that your pet feels comfortable and at ease, so instead of forcing him to come to you go to him. Most important is to get down to his level; We all know how a dog looks when viewed from above, this is the way we always see them. Show us the way they see world! Sit on the floor or lie on your belly and remember to shoot from HIS eye level or below.


4. Give Value to their Character
You know your pet better than anyone else, and a successful picture is one that conveys the character of its subject. If you have a lazy cat show him yawning, if your animal is of a playful type show him in action performing his favorite trick.





5. Go Macro
Put on that long lens and fill the frame with your pet’s face and fur, close up shots often make beautiful animal portrait.


6. Surprise Them
One of the most difficult things is to let your pet hold still. An easy trick is to let him play quietly and once you have everything ready, let someone call for him or whistle. This will surprise him and catch his attention and you will have a few seconds to capture him in a nice and alert posture



7. Schedule your Session
If you are longing for a formal pet portrait shot, try to schedule the photo session when you’re animal is somewhat sleepy or has just woke up it will be much easier to keep him still then. If you want a more dynamic shot then pick up a time when your pet is energetic. If he is sick it is better to just postpone it for another day.


8. Be Patient
Pet photography requires a lot of patience. No matter how excited your furry friend is, if you are patient enough, he will end up by relaxing and you will have the opportunity to get a decent shot.



9. Experiment
Take your time and enjoy the session, try different approaches, angles and compositions. Shoot a lot you will have time to worry about the results later.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

PET TIPS #6

Dog urination burns your lawn? Try giving them some tomato juice every day (either in a bowl or on their food) and it should solve the problem.

After soaking up the majority of urine or picking up the poop baby wipes do a great job and pick up all smells with no stains left behind.

Monday, November 10, 2008

PET TIPS #5

I have a dog who loved to dig. When I'd fill the hole and re-seed, he'd just dig it up again. One day I was watching him wander around the yard, and I noticed he took extra care not to step in his droppings. So, the next time I filled up a hole, I buried a little dung under, and left some dung on top. He avoided the freshly-seeded grass, and his droppings made excellent fertilizer. This won't work for all dogs... I also have another dog who loves to dig. This trick does not work on her, as she does not care where she steps.

Please Note: the feces of dogs or any other meat-eating animal are NOT SAFE to use as fertilizer on plants that will be eaten by people, such as veggies, fruits, or herbs. The feces can spread disease, even if it comes from a healthy dog.

Is your dog digging? Try putting cayenne pepper in the holes - they don't like the sensation when they go back to dig again.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

PET TIPS #4

For teething puppies mix chicken or beef broth (look for low fat, low sodium brands) with 1 ½ cup of water. Pour them into ice cube trays to made broth ice cubes. They are tasty treats on hot days. (be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. I have heard of small dogs getting too cold too quickly when chewing on ice.)

Do not leave your pet in an area with dangling phone cords, drape cords or other items that they may strangle on. Be aware of electric cords that may be chewed by the pet.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

PET TIPS #3


To keep your dog busy, buy toys with little holes in them (such as a Kong), put both big and small pieces of kibble in the toy and give it to your dog. This will keep him busy for quite awhile presuming he has a few small ones that he gets out quickly. You can also wedge dog biscuits in the holes with a smear of peanut butter.

When your dog is teething, instead of have him chewing on couches, walls etc. Buy a few (cheap) wash clothes. Soak the wash cloth and put it ion the freezer. When fully frozen give it to the dog to chew, it will thaw out so have another one ready in the freezer. (be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. I have heard of small dogs getting too cold too quickly when chewing on ice.)

Friday, November 7, 2008

PET TIPS #2

If your dog runs away from you and you finally catch up to it, no matter how angry you are at the dog, do not yell or smack it or your dog will never come to you when called for fear of being punished.

Do not leave your dog unattended on a choke chain. The chain could get caught and strangle the dog.

Do not leave your dog in the car unattended on hot days. Even with the windows open, temperatures in cars WILL reach deadly levels. It only takes 5 minutes!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

MORE PET TIPS #1

Using metal water dishes outside in winter may be a risk, because your pet's tongue could stick to the frozen metal. In the summer medal bowls can get very hot, and burn your dog.

If you have a puppy that pees on your carpet. After soaking up most of the mess with paper towel, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbontae of soda (baking soda) over the area and leave it to absorb both the traces of urine and the odor.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Pet Tips


Getting a new puppie ... kitten????

First... take their picture & have it put on one of our great custom products at www.petsadored.com


Then take a look at some of these great tips. Click on Comments to post YOUR tips or read more.



A new puppy will often whine because he misses his mother. Wrap a towel around a warm hot water bottle and place it in his bed. A ticking clock or a radio playing softly will also help.

To help keep your puppy from chewing on the carpet and furniture, be sure he has his own rubber toys. On furniture (table, chair legs, etc.) that he is chewing on, try putting a little oil of cloves on the wood. The odor should keep him away, if not, the bitter taste will.

For a new litter of puppies, confine them in a mesh playpen. With a wooden playpen with wooden slats, tape screen around the pen so they won't get out. Children's plastic pools are great for new puppies. The pool can be rinsed out to rid odors or messes.

For a new litter kittens, confine them in a mesh playpen. With a wooden playpen with wooden slats, tape screen around the pen so they won't get out. Children's plastic pools are great for new puppies. The pool can be rinsed out to rid odors or messes.

To get your puppy's attention, put a few pennies in a empty soda can and shake. The noise will make him stop what he is doing. This can be a good training tool.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Pet Rescue Websites

A list of wonderful Pet rescue centers, foundations & Shelters. They ALL need help! So List your favs.

Denver Dumb Friends League in Denver, CO.

http://coloradodachshundrescue.org/

Thursday, October 30, 2008

The CUTEST Dog Costume


This is just the most ADORABLE Halloween costume for a dog ever!

Put YOUR adorable Pet pics on watches, necklace, earrings, & much more at www.petsadored.com

POST some of your cute pet photos in the comments!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Dachshund Rescue Sponsor

www.Petsadored.com is proud to donate part of proceeds of sales from the
"Holiday Gifts For Pets and Their People 2008"
Tagawa Gardens
7711 S. Parker Rd.
Centennial, CO 80016

November 8-9, 2008

We will be donating our part of proceeds to
http://coloradodachshundrescue.org/

Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats

Plain Yogurt (No sugar or fruit added) is great for Dog Digestive Tract.

Homemade Dog Treat Recipe Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats

1-32oz. container of yogurt
1/4 cup of peanut butter... (creamy)
1. Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted.
2. Mix the yogurt and the melted peanut butter in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture into cupcake papers and freeze. OR spray mini muffin tins with a little PAM & after freezing... Pop out & keep in ziplocks. Smaller cool treats.


Keep your "best friend" close with his picture on a dog tag!

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