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.

Pet lovers all over the world are pampering their pets more than ever.  Considered part of the family, pets have their own beds, apparel, jewelry, and furniture.  It may not be a necessity, but it’s fun to buy and pets love being pampered!

If you’re looking for ideas for your Trendy pet, there’s a variety of places to search.  There are pet boutiques, general pet stores, and even Walmart is starting to carry more stylish pet attire and furniture.  Of course, you will find a larger variety online.  There are numerous pet websites that sell everything from pet houses and furniture, to pet steps and gourmet treats.  You can even find gift baskets filled with goodies for your favorite pet, or for a fellow pet lover! 

Wherever you look, have fun and enjoy pampering your pet!  They definitely deserve it.

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.

Intense heat is not only dangerous for humans but for pets as well. This summer, when the temperature keeps rising, make sure your pets are safe. 

Cars are potential death traps, inside temperatures can quickly climb to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  It’s best to leave your pet at home while running errands during hot weather.  If you must take your pet with you, open windows and vents as wide as possible without providing an escape route; or, put your pet in a well-ventilated cage inside the car and open the windows fully. Provide fresh water, and check the car every 10 minutes.  If your pet is panting, has warm, dry skin with a high fever, is vomiting, or has a rapid heartbeat, quickly lower their body temperature with cool water.  As a precaution- call your vet immediately.

If your pet is outdoors for long periods of time,  make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the midday sun and heat. Outdoor pet houses should be well-ventilated and in a shaded area. Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water, also in a shaded area to avoid being warmed by the sun. 

Exercise is important, but excessive exercise should be avoided during hot days. And, if your pet has long hair, you may need to trim or shave it to keep them cool.