Cat Trees and Pet Supplies

According to the ASPCA pet statistics, approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.  Caring for animals is an expensive business. It also requires a great deal of time, space, and involvement, and these things are not always available for every animal.

Many Animal Shelters are usually privately funded and can do with all the help they can get from the local community. If there is an Animal Shelter in your area, you can consider making a donation or, if they allow it, volunteering your time.  Check with the shelter to see what items they are in need of most. 

For the most part, most shelters need:

• Financial Support- as stated above, it’s a very expensive business
• Litter and litter boxes
• Break-away cat collars and dog collars
• Food-Many of the animals dropped off or found are malnourished and in need of a good meal. 
• Flea treatments
• Toys and Treats- the best way to socialize rescue animals is through play.
• Cleaning supplies (Bleach, towels, trash bags, newspapers,plastic bags, laundry detergent,etc)
• Pet houses, pet beds, and pet cages and crates- If an animal needs to be confined due to an illness then a pet cage or crate is necessary. Pet carriers are also high in demand.
• stand alone scratching posts
• and of course, people willing to adopt

Anything you can do is a big help.  New shelters are going up every day, but they’re filling up immediately and need all the help they can get.

Winter is definitely here.  The frigid, arctic air has everyone bundling up to go outside.  Make sure your pets are warm and safe this winter too.

If venturing outside with your pet, here are a few ideas to keep them warmer:

• Pet Boots or Shoes-Keep their paws from freezing on a long walk.
• Pet coats- Not all animals have long fur.  Dress your pet in a pet coat for any outing this winter.
• Pet Sweaters- No reason your pet can’t be stylish while keeping warm!

If your pet is normally outside year round, make sure that they have a nice warm pet house to seek shelter in.  This will block the wind, and give them somewhere to relax out of the elements.  Make sure they have fresh food and water, and that it’s not frozen.  Keep  a warm blanket in their house for them to cuddle up on.  When temperatures get into the single digits or lower, bring them in the house or at least into the garage.  How would you like to be sleeping out in the frigid cold air?!?!?!

Your pets can’t tell you exactly what they want or need, so use your common sense and have a little compassion. Put yourself in their “shoes”.  If you think it’s way too cold outside, dress them warmer or bring them inside.

Make all the backyard barbeques, and family vacations more enjoyable this summer, by including your four-legged family members . By following a few summer pet safety tips, you can keep your animal friends healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun.

• Never leave Your Pet in the Car.  Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run some errands, leave the furry ones at home.
• Keep them leashed.  When outside enjoying the warm weather, keep them leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating and drinking things that could make her sick. This tip isn’t just for dogs–even cats can learn to walk on a leash if you train them.
• Stay Hydrated.  Indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to plenty of fresh water during the summer, so check her water bowl several times a day to be sure it’s full. If you and your furry friend venture out, bring plenty of water for both of you.
• Sunscreen.  Even with all that fur, your pets can sunburn, particularly if she has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause problems similar to those it can cause in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer. Try to keep your pet out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and when you do go out, rub a bit of sunblock on unprotected areas like the tips of her ears, the skin around her lips, and the tip of her nose.
• No drinking from Puddles.  When you’re walking your pet, make sure she doesn’t sneak a drink from the street.  The puddles may contain antifreeze or other chemicals.  Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but is extremely toxic.
• Watch for over-exertion.  Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps her body stay cool, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Keep the walks to a gentle pace and make sure she has plenty of water. If she’s panting a lot or seems exhausted, it’s time to stop.
•  Keep Elderly, very young, and ill animals out of the heat.  They have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay cool and out of the sun on steamy summer days. Dogs with snub noses, such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldogs, have a hard time staying cool because they can’t pant efficiently, so they also need to stay out of the heat. Overweight dogs also have a hard time in the heat.  Their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities.
• Bring them inside.  Animals shouldn’t be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your pet in the backyard, keep a close eye on her and bring her in when you can.  If you will be gone for a while, make sure she has a pet house for shelter, and plenty of water.
• Brush, brush, brush.  Keeping your pet well groomed will help her hair protect her from the sun and insulate her from the heat. If she has extremely thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, her fur may trap too much heat, so you may want to clip her.
  

The past couple of days have been extremely hot and humid across many areas of the Country.  This weather can be extremely dangerous for your pets.  Here are a few tips to keep your pets safe:

1. Make sure your pets have plenty of water.  They need to keep hydrated.
2. If possible, don’t keep them outside for long periods of time.  If you MUST keep them out for more than an hour or so, make sure they have plenty of water outside with them.  Keep them in a shaded area, and/or get them a pet house for some shelter from the sun.  If possible, put the pet house in the shade.  Pet tents are also a great idea.  Especially if going to the beach or camping.
3. Don’t bring your pet with for car rides, unless absolutely necessary.  If you have to take them to the vet, or on vacation, etc. make sure the air is on while driving, or all windows are open for fresh air and ventilation.  Do not leave them in the car while shopping!
4. Take them for their daily walk early in the morning, or later at night when the sun isn’t as hot.  If you’re walk is mainly on black top roads, have your pet wear pet shoes to protect their paws.
5. If your pet insists on playing ball, (like mine always does!), make play time shorter.  Let your pet rest in-between sets, either in the shade or air-conditioned house.  Give him water during breaks.
6. If you do not have air conditioning in your house, open all the windows and hook up a fan for ventilation.  If you have a basement, take them down there to cool off.  Make sure if your basement floor is cement, that you lay a blanket or mat down so their hips aren’t directly on the cold floor.

If you follow these simple tips, your pet should be just fine during the hot days ahead.  They rely on you to keep them safe, so make sure that you do!

We love our pets more than ever.  They have become like children for many of us.  Pets entertain us, make us laugh, and love us unconditionally.

Here’s a list of things you can do to show your pet how much you love them:

• Spend quality time with them by taking a nice walk through the neighborhood, playing catch in the backyard or at the park, or snuggling with them as you watch TV. 
• Always get them immediate veterinary care if you suspect that something is wrong.  A respected veterinarian is your greatest ally. 
• Feed them healthy food intended for their consumption, not potato chips, cookies, and other fatty human foods. 
• Protect them from home hazards and from extremes of weather. They cannot protect themselves.  If they spend a lot of time outside, invest in a pet house to protect them from the sun, harsh winds, or cold air.
• Update your pet’s identification tags. if your pet gets lost, it’s one of the best tools to ensure a safe return.

Just like you and me, dog’s need their own haven to turn to when they need to rest.  Dog houses give them that needed space.  You can make your own dog house from scratch, make one using a kit, or buy one already assembled.

Making a dog house can be a tedious job, especially for those who have practically no experience or skill at carpentry. And with all of the different materials, sizes, prices, and designs, selecting the right house for your dog can be just as tedious.   

Always keep in mind your budget, the size of your dog or dogs, and the type of dog house you really want and will suit you and your dogs the best. No matter which style you choose, it is always advised to keep it clean and free from bacteria.  After all, dogs deserve a clean, safe, and comfortable sanctuary, and providing them one is our responsibility.

Pet crates aren’t exactly a neccesity on your list of pet supplies.  Your pet can survive without one.  But with all the things they can be used for, it would be wise to eventually invest in a pet crate.  Here’s a short list of uses:

• potty training
• travelling (whether it be to the vet, or out of town)
• dog shows
• camping
• attach to an exercise pen for shelter when outside

There’s a wide variety of styles and sizes available.  Take your time looking around, I’m sure you’ll find one perfect for you and your pet’s lifestyle!

This beautiful Stable dog house is perfect for both indoor and outdoor pets, as it can be easily moved from the backyard to the den when the weather turns cooler.
Rich finishing on the wood leaves it with a deep coloring, which works well with the green roof. A front door displays small detail work which adds to the already exquisite overall appearance of this house. Add to that a raised base and shuttered windows, and you have a house that suits both your pet, and your home.  It features a removable roof top and bottom panel for easy maintenance.

Dimensions (L,W,H):
THE STABLE - 46.8″ x 39.1″ x 34.5″Door Dimensions: 18.1″ x 20.8″
Internal Dimensions (LxWxH): 33.25″ x 29″ x 27″

The Stable Dog House is suitable for medium dog breeds such as (but not limited to): Bulldog, Boxer, Lhasa Apso, Standard Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Setters, Shar-Pei, etc.

Warranty Information Manufacturer’s Warranty: One year, under normal use, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.

The door height should be at least three quarters of your pet’s shoulder height (from the ground to the neck).  The length and width of the house should be at least equal to 25% larger than the distance between the nose and the root of the tail of your pet. The height of the house should be at least 25% taller and no higher than 50% taller than your pet when standing.

A lot of places will list the dog breeds that fit in each of their pet houses, this makes the guessing game a little easier!

When getting supplies for your pet, the necessities always come to mind.  Food, water, bowls, litter boxes, collars, etc.  Keep in mind there’s also a wide variety of fun pet supplies to pamper your pet with.

For cats:

• cat trees - add some fun to their day and give them something to climb up and play on.
• cat condos - give them their own “house” to relax in.
• cat cuddlers - a nice bed to lounge in for naps.
• scratching posts - a carpeted post to sharpen their nails on.

For dogs:

• Pet beds - Let them rest in their own bed.  There are many different styles and sizes to choose from.
• Stylish attire - for outings and fun photos.
• Pet tents - their own refuge for camping trips.
• Gourmet treats - healthy snacks to reward them.
• Pet houses - Shelter from the sun and/or harsh elements when outside.

The pet industry has a huge variety of fun pet supplies to choose from.  Pamper your pet, they deserve it!