Recipe for Optimal Living: Love a Pet!

Pets can have an enormous impact on how we feel and how we live. They can improve our emotional and mental well-being, reduce anxiety levels, fight depression, and even enhance our physical health.  Read more...

A Dog Contest Worth Yapping About

Your dog could be the next four-footed supermodel thanks to EO, the all-natural, personal care product company. They've just launched the EO Dog Model Contest, which runs until March 11, 2011, to help them find the new face of their recently launched pet care product line.  Read more...

FDA Warns Dog and Ferret Owners about Sugar Substitute | Breed Trust

The FDA is so concerned about the toxic danger to dogs and ferrets from a common sugar substitute used by humans that it issued a warning this week to consumers. If you find xylitol listed as an ingredient on any product label in your home, keep that product well out of reach of your pet dog or ferret. While it is safe for human consumption, it is very toxic to these animals.  Read more...

Dream Job Available for Cat Lovers!

Love cats? Love to travel? Looking for a fun job that pays $50,000? Then look no further...Purina Cat Chow may be the answer to your dreams!

Purina Cat Chow has kicked off a nationwide search to find the first-ever Purina Cat Chow Correspondent. If you enjoy cat talk and can't get enough of cute kitties then this could be the perfect opportunity for you to start a new career in 2011. Best of all, no formal expertise or training is required for the $50,000 position! Read more...

Uncommon Dog Breeds Lead the Pack at Westminster

If you looked to the Las Vegas oddsmakers or dog breed popularity rankings to predict this year's winners at Westminster, you were barking up the wrong tree.


This year all bets were off when it came to predicting the finalists in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show The rare breeds on the roster of seven finalists took most people by surprise and left many wondering how a tall and lanky deerhound or a collie with a beard could come out ahead of an adorable little beagle, handsome lab, or endearing golden.Read more...

Mark Zuckerberg 'Likes' Dogs with Dreadlocks

Facebook’s CEO may soon be shopping for dog treats and squeaky toys to bring home to some four-footed sweethearts. According to recent reports inTMZ and OK Magazine, Zuckerberg’s sister Arielle announced in her blog that her brother has decided to get some new best friends; a Puli and a Komondor. Read more...

The Silent Killer of Pets: Poor Dental Hygiene

Would you go days, weeks or even years without brushing your teeth? The thought of a plaque-filled, bacteria-laden mouth and the stench of bad breath that would result makes most people squirm in disgust at the sheer thought of it. Yet, that is exactly what is happening in your pet’s mouth at this very moment if you’re not cleaning their teeth on a regular basis.

The Link Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease

The long-term impact to a lackadaisical attitude about your pet’s oral hygiene could ultimately compromise their overall health. According to a study by Professor Larry Glickman of Purdue University, there is a link between the severity of gum disease in dogs and their risk for some types of heart disease, including cardiomyopathy and endocarditis. In some cases, the increased incidence of heart disease was 6 times higher in dogs with severe gum disease than in those without it.

While Dr. Glickman’s study didn’t address the oral hygiene of cats and its potential link to heart disease, the number of felines with dental disease is cause for concern as well. According to an American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) study reported by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 70 percent of all cats and nearly 80 percent of all dogs have dental disease by age three.

By adopting a routine of brushing your pet’s teeth when they are young, you can help reduce these alarming statistics and ultimately improve your pet’s long-term health.

About Dental Disease

Similar to periodontal disease in humans, gum disease in dogs and cats is the result of untreated plaque and tartar build-up. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar causes inflammation and infection, which can travel into the bloodstream and lead to more serious health problems.

Pet owners often don’t do anything about their pet’s oral hygiene until the tartar build-up gets severe enough that it requires professional cleaning by a veterinarian. This will likely require that the veterinarian anesthetize your pet, which has its own inherent risks not to mention an impact on the pet owner’s wallet.

Recommended Dental Products

While the best home remedy for good dental hygiene is brushing your pet's teeth, you may also want to consider giving your pet specially made treats and foods designed to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are also new dental care water additives on the market that you can add to your pet’s water bowl to help fight plaque and bad breath.

Don’t rely on claims made on the packaging for pet dental care products; these are just marketing tools used to sell more products and often have no scientific basis. Your best bet is to use these VOHC approved products , which have met strict protocols established by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

A Word of Warning About Toothpaste

Never use human toothpaste or baking soda to clean your pet’s teeth. Pets can’t spit out toothpaste like humans and according to the AAHA, the foaming agents in human toothpaste can cause stomach upset in pets.

Human toothpaste can be toxic to your pet if it contains Xylitol, a human sweetener, which the ASPCA lists as one of the most dangerous poisons for pets. Pet toothpastes are not only designed specifically so pets can safely swallow all the ingredients, but they are also flavored in appealing pet-friendly varieties such as beef and chicken.

How to Brush Your Dog or Cat's Teeth

If you're not sure how to brush your pet's teeth, these videos can help.

Cornell Feline Health Center Video



The Cornell Feline Health Center offers this helpful instructional video for cat owners who wish to learn how to properly brush their cat’s teeth.

American Veterinary Medical Association Video



This video from the American Veterinary Medical Association offers helpful information about how to make dental hygiene fun for you and your pet. It also provides a demonstration on the proper way to brush your pet’s teeth.

Resolve to Start Brushing This Week

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and it’s also American Heart Month. It’s the perfect time to resolve to make your pet’s oral hygiene and ultimately their cardiovascular health a priority.

Watch the how-to videos provided here and resolve to start brushing your pet’s teeth this week. By adopting this new habit for your pet, you will not only help them enjoy a fresh, clean set of pearly whites, but you’ll also improve your beloved furball’s overall health and happiness.

Do you have questions about dental hygiene in pets or can you offer tips to help other pet owners make brushing teeth a fun or stress-free activity? Please post your comments below.



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Purrr-fect Cat Lover Gifts for Valentine's Day

If you want to see your valentine purr with pleasure on February 14th, we've got some gift ideas to help you surprise and delight even the most finicky cat lover in your life.   From gifts that fund programs to help abused animals to a movie night of cuddling, we're ready to let the cat out of the bag and announce some gift ideas that will help make this Valentine's Day your best one yet.

Share your Love for the ASPCA: Send Flowers that Give Back

Flowers are the cat’s meow of all Valentine's Day gifts. This year you can give flowers that not only express your love for that special someone in your life, but also show your love for animals and the ASPCA. Purchase your flowers through Teleflora and they’ll donate 20% of the purchase price to the ASPCA.  Browse Teleflora/ASPCA Valentine's Day Bouquets

Cool Cat: Porcelain Figurine

Artist Kim Lawrence has created an exquisite Gentle Companion figurine of a person embracing a cat. Emotive and romantic, this tasteful contemporary porcelain gift is a lovely addition to any home. 6.75" H.  $35.88 from Amazon.

Groovin' Kitty: Ipod or MP3 Speaker

This adorable, posable plush cat has built-in speakers that plays music from your iPod/MP3 player or most any other music source; and it dances! Squeeze the left paw to use the pet in speaker-mode only. Automatic shut-off. Includes audio connection cable plus 4.5V DC power jack (adapter is not included). Uses 3 AA batteries (not included). 12" high. Kitten Dancing MP3 Ipod Speaker, $49.95 from Potpourri Group

Some Meow-velous Bling: Cat-Themed Jewelry

     

Jewelry is often at the top of gift requests on Valentine’s Day and these adorable cat-themed items won’t disappoint the special cat lover in your life.

Collectible Ceramic Sweetheart Kitty Pin: This cute, heart-covered ceramic cat pin brightens up any wardrobe.  $19.98 from Nature's Jewelry.

Edward Gorey Sterling Silver Dangling Cat Pendant, This whimsical kitty sterling silver necklace was adapted from illustrator Edward Gorey''s cover illustration for his book series, Amphigorey. The artist''s signature appears on the back. $49.95 from Potpourri Gifts.

Love My Pet Earrings: Artist Mark Poulin captures the sweet, unconditional love of cats in these delightfully simple earrings.  Handcrafted of sterling silver and enamel, they are the perfect way to express your love. $48.00 from Uncommon Goods.

Purrr-fect Pet Parents: Cat Mom and Cat Dad Apparel

          

This adorable women’s hoodie by Embroidery4U tells the world what your cat already knows, you’re the “Purrr-fect Cat Mom”.  Embroidered cat curled up with a smile on its face as it dreams of its pet parent makes this a lovely gift for any cat mom.  Available in XS-XL, from Zazzle, $49.25.
It’s not just women that are crazy cat ladies; "real men love cats too" and want to tell the world about it in these stylish t-shirt by Rekoe’s Room. Available in various colors, sizes S-3XL, Cafepress, $25 t-shirt or $38 zip hoodie.

Unleash your Thoughts: Cat’s Meow Journal

Let the fun and funky cats adorning this journal cover will inspire the recipient to fill its pages with wise and witty words. Embossed with gloss highlights. 160 lined pages, 5 wide x 7 high, bookbound, elastic band place holder. $8.99 from Amazon.

Cuddle Corner: Movie Night

Enjoy movie night with the one you love watching some of the best movies featuring fabulous felines. Amazon $5.99-$18.49.

                    

Some of our top movie picks featuring cats include:

Oldies but Goodies: That Darn Cat and Harry and Tonto

Friendly Rivalry: The Adventures of Milo and Otis and Cats vs. Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

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Winter Storm Dangers for Pets

Pets are not immune to the potential dangers that can cause injury both during and immediately after winter snow storms.  Storm-related injuries sustained by a puppy and kitten treated at MSPCA-Angell in Boston should make pet owners pause and take notice about precautionary measures they can take to help ensure their pet's safety during inclement weather.

Fortunately, both animals treated by the MSPCA are now stable as they recover from their serious injuries. The puppy was a beagle that required amputation of its tail and a pin placed in its leg after it was hit by a snow plow. The kitten encountered severe burns to its paw pads as a result of the corrosive chemicals in ice melt products used by property owners and public works departments to prevent slips and falls on ice.
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent these injuries from occurring in your pets:

• Always use pet-safe, salt-free ice melter on your property. The chemicals in ice melts that are not designed with pets in mind can cause severe burns to a pet’s paw pads.
   
• Use paw protection products on your pet’s paws when they are outdoors. Even if you use pet-safe ice melt, your neighbor or your public works department likely does not do the same. See our article with reviews of paw protection products for pets for more information on bootie and paw ointment options.
   
• Don’t let your pet outdoors off-leash. Even if you have an "outdoor" cat or your dog is well-trained to come when called there are too many risks that could compromise their life during a storm.  If a driver sees your pet running into the street and there is snow or ice on the pavement, even the most well-intentioned, animal-loving driver can’t fully control their car when they slam on the brakes quickly to prevent themselves from hitting your pet.
   
• Always wash your pet’s paws after they come in from outdoors.  Chances are they will lick their paws clean if you don’t do it for them.  If the road salt chemicals on their paws is ingested it could be toxic.
   
• Bundle up your pet before taking it outdoors.  Some people think putting coats on dogs and cats is going overboard, but pets are prone to hypothermia and frostbite, particularly senior pets and breeds that are short-haired or hairless.  When the temperature dips and the winds are howling, dress your pet appropriately to protect it from these winter dangers.
  
  
• Older pets need extra care during the cold weather, as noted by the experts from The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in their new book, 'Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy and Comfortable'.  Shorter walks, extra-warm bedding and even pet-heating pads can help alleviate the joint stiffness pets often experience when the temparature drops outside.

What steps have you taken to keep your pet safe during and after the storms this winter?

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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers

Love is in the air this month and our list of irresistible dog-themed gifts for Valentine’s Day is certain to surprise and delight your pooch-loving friends, family or significant other. With ideas ranging from wine bottles personalized with your favorite photo to sleepwear that will bring out the animal in you and Valentine's Day cards that help shelter animals, these gifts are sure to make February 14th a special day for any dog lover in your life.

Pic of the Litter: Custom Photo Book

Nothing is more touching than receiving a personalized gift and these custom photo books are guaranteed to win over the heart of someone special. Download My Publisher's free software, upload your digital photos for the book and submit your order - it's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Starting at $9.99 for a paperback pocketbook or $29.80 for a classic hardcover book. MyPublisher PhotoBooks - Get Started Today with a Free $20 Gift Card!

Wag and Whine: Personalized Bottle of Wine

Your Photo + Wine = Romance...Add to the romance on Valentine's Day with a bottle of wine that has your best friend's photo on the label with your personalized caption! Available in Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Red Reserve, starting at $18.00 per bottle. Real Dogs and Cats Wine with Custom Photo Labels

Bow Wow Bliss: Handcrafted Doggie Wine Stoppers

These adorable pooches top off your gift of wine perfectly. Handcrafted of recyclable materials. Set of one black and one white is $19.95. Dog Stoppers Set of 2

Doggone Special: Paw Prints Heart Locket

Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without a little bling and this locket keeps a faithful friend close at heart. Antique silverplated locket contains your photo and reads "Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts", for just $24.98. Dog Paw Prints Heart Picture Holder Pendant 24in

Animal Attraction: Puppy Love Sleepwear

Puppy Love Boxer Puppy Love Lounge Pant Puppy Love PJ Set

Curl up with the one you love in Puppy Love sleepwear printed with hearts and dogs. Available in boxers for $24.95, lounge pants for $39.95, or as a classic PJ set for $69.95.

Fur-ever Friends: Love Me Love My Dog Hoodie

This unisex hoodie's subtle humor rings true for any pet lover. Give them the gift that tells the world how they really feel! $54.95 Love Me Love My Dog Hoodie

Paw Perfect: All You Need is Love T-Shirt

A creative way to express love for animals of all kinds, this unisex tee is the purr-fect way to show your love. $19.95 All You Need Tee

Send a Valentine's Day Card that Gives Back!

If you plan to send Valentine's cards for the holiday, consider sending an adorable SHELTER SWEETHEARTS eCard from the Mass Society for the Prevention of Animals (MSPCA). For as little as $15, choose from one of seven designs and your card will not only feature one of their shelter animals with a clever caption, but the proceeds will help fund care for the many shelter animals in their adoption centers. Shelter Sweethearts from the MSPCA.
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