Cat Trees and Pet Supplies

One of the biggest fears of pet owners is that they will lose their pets at some point. While people do harbor that fear at their homes, it is much more likely that pets are going to get lost when they’re out on walks or at the park. This is because dogs often react in slightly unexpected ways in unfamiliar environments. This means they are all the more likely to run off and bolt if they are somewhere they don’t recognize.

That’s why all pet owners should have a number of dog harnesses when they visit the dog park. These harnesses offer even more security than a collar, which some dogs can slip out of. Make sure that the harness fits correctly, and you can visit new and exciting places with your dog without having to worry that he’ll escape or get loose.

You might think that a couple of extra pounds on your pet isn’t a big deal, but you’d be wrong. An extra 5 pounds on a dog that should weigh 17 pounds is similar to an extra 50 pounds on a person who should weigh 170 pounds.

Those scraps from the table, or extra treats just because they look so cute, could be hurting your pets.  They may give you sad eyes when you don’t give them hand-outs, but it will benefit them in the future.  Animals carrying a heavy load have an increased likelihood of tearing ligaments and wearing down joints. When their joints become damaged and painful, animals don’t want to exercise, which then adds to their weight problems. This is especially a problem with older dogs.

Just simply cutting out table scraps and walking your dog daily can help prevent obesity.   Obesity is associated with heart and respiratory problems, diabetes, skeletal stress, and gastrointestinal disorders in pets. If you are worried about your dog choking himself while walking, or breaking free from your leash, invest in a dog harness.  And, if you think your dog may be overweight, check with your veterinarian, who can give you advice on a proper diet and exercise program.

With today’s economy, even pets who had a home need your help.  Families dealing with foreclosure, sometimes cannot find friends or family to care for their pets while they re-locate.  In these instances, their beloved pets end up in shelters. 

You can help.  Shelters need donations.  Some examples of items needed are bath towels, fleece blankets, tennis balls, cat toys, dog collars and leashes, easy-walk harnesses, cat collars (quick-release), large dog crates and kennel cabs, cat litter, and scratching posts. Check with your local shelter to see what they need.  And visit www.theanimalrescuesite.com  for a more detailed list of items needed, more ideas on how to help/donate, and sign the pledge to help pet victims of foreclosure.  (The bottom of the home page has a banner to click on to get to this information.)

Anyone with children knows that eventually they want to be the “big kid” and help walk the dog.  It’s good exercise for them, but you have to be careful so neither your child, or your dog get hurt.

• Children under 10 probably shouldn’t walk the dog unsupervised - especially if the dog is a large breed.   They run the risk of being pulled or dragged if the dog decides to run after something.
• Busy areas should be avoided.  There’s more of a risk that your dog may get spooked, or bolt out into a crowd or traffic. 
• A dog harness should be used so your child doesn’t accidentally pinch or choke your dog when pulling on the leash.
• You should always be ready to grab the leash if other animals are around, cars passing by, or large groups of people are near.

A nice, calm, relaxing walk can give your child practice at proper dog walking, and treats both your child and dog to some healthy “together time”.

 Every Dog deserves at least one walk a day, even if you have a fenced in yard for them to play in.  Fenced yards provide a safe environment for your dog to play and relax, but a walk provides several added benefits. 

A walk will help both you and your dog build strength and endurance, burn calories, breathe some well-needed fresh air, and spend quality time together.  Most dogs won’t run around a fenced yard enough to get the exercise they need or the same benefits of a walk.

When on a walk, your dog gets to socialize with other dogs. This is especially beneficial for puppies, who learn the rules of canine social interaction from meeting older dogs.  This also keeps your dog from getting bored with the same ole backyard. 

Try to do at least a mile for each walk.  Even if you can’t, a short walk is still better than no walk at all.  Once your dog sees that leash and/or dog harness, they’ll be ready to go!

Collars are a must-have pet supply, and not only to hook a leash to for walks.  Important information such as ID and vaccination tags attach to your pets collar. 

When choosing a collar for your pet, please keep in mind that collars do not expand, but your new puppy or kitten will grow quickly! If not loosened, collars can literally grow into your pet’s neck.  This can cause constant, excruciating pain for your pet.   Check your pet’s collar at least once a week until it is full-grown. You should be able to easily slip two or three fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck.  They do make soft leather dog collars, if you’re worried about your dog pulling during walks.  Or you can always try a dog harness.

If you have a cat, be sure to buy a “break-away” collar that can easily break if it gets stuck on something. This will prevent the collar from strangling your cat.

When taking your dog for a walk in the suburbs, there may be less traffic, but it’s most likely moving a lot faster.  For this reason, always keep your dog on a leash (with a dog harness if necessary). If he is well-trained, you can unleash him in selected safe spots, but always be prepared to snap on the leash if necessary.  Always use a leash when crossing streets.

Your dog will love walks in the woods, mountains, or if you are lucky enough to live near one- a beach. The woods are full of fascinating sights and scents. Let him roam on his own, but call him back when he gets out of sight. In the mountains, your dog will be more sure-footed if he is unleashed. The beach is a great place for giving your dog a good long run (and they can cool off in the water- if you don’t mind.)  Wherever you decide to walk, steer your dog clear of debris when you can, and check his paws when you get home.

If you live in the city, try to find a nearby park or enclosed area where you can let your dog stretch his legs and get rid of some energy, off the lead.  Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it used to be.  More and more cities are banning dogs from wider areas. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe, while still getting exercise where a park is not an option.

• Plan a route that has a few different areas where your dog can relieve himself.   If this is impossible, try to get him to go in the gutter.
• Carry a few plastic bags with you so you can “clean up” what your dog leaves behind.
• Avoid rush hour.  If that’s the only time you can walk, keep him on a short leash so he doesn’t get caught up in a huge crowd.
• Invest in a dog harness, so you don’t have to worry about him slipping out of the collar and into traffic.
• Try to keep your dog from engaging strangers, unless they are coming over to pet him.  Unfortunately, not all people are dog lovers!

If you keep these things in mind, you and your dog can still enjoy a nice relaxing walk together.

Now that Spring is on it’s way, it’s time to get outside.  You may have been walking your dog less, or not at all through the cold, winter months.  Now’s the time to make it up to them.  Dogs of all sizes need exercise to stay healthy and active.  Not to mention, they love their walks with you!  Dogs don’t have much to look forward to, so they look forward to spending time with you and enjoying a nice walk.

Make sure you have a leash, and a collar or pet harness to attach it to.  Even if your dog usually stays by your side, a collar or pet harness and leash can protect your pet from the unexpected.  They could spontaneously decide to chase after a small animal, or another dog, and end up getting struck by a car.  If lead by a collar/harness and leash, you can prevent that. 

Try to get out for a walk at least once a day.  Your dog will love you for it, and you’ll both benefit from the exercise and fresh air!