Cat Trees and Pet Supplies

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.

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!

If you’ve recently invested a lot of money into getting hardwood floors, you’re probably still in the stage where you’re asking people to take off their shoes before entering the room. This is completely understandable. You spent a lot of time, energy, and money to get your floors just the way you want them, and that can all be destroyed if one person with stiletto heels walks heavily across your newly installed hardwood.

But what do you do about pets? If you have a large dog, you can’t exactly banish them to the outside. But their nails are just as likely to destroy your new floors as any pair of spiky high heels. And it’s equally unrealistic to get rid of your dog altogether. Your dog is a part of the family, and you can’t in good conscience choose the floors over your dog. If you want your floors and your dog to live in harmony, just purchase a simple pair of pet shoes. These booties fit over your dog’s paws and protect the polished wood from overgrown or sharp pet nails.

Dressing your pet can be a lot of fun, but it can also be practical. Pet shoes for example, can protect your dogs feet from some harsh climates.  From household surfaces to hot blacktop outdoors, pet shoes can be very useful.

Certain breeds have more sensitive pads on their feet and can be more prone to freezing. Look for comfortable pet shoes, with leather soles.  Leather soles are usually non-slip, and protect paws from a variety of harmful substances.