Monday, October 13, 2008

No Pet Left Behind!

Here's something for you crazy pet lovers:

At the VCLA (Virtual College of Learned Animals), your pet can earn a PetDegree! Browse their site for "Campus Life" events such as a concert by The Monkees and readings that are Co-sponsored by the departments of Engleash and Litterature.

Take a look at the "course catalog." Maybe your pet would like to take Barkeology, Barkitecture or Doo-Doo Economics.

VCLA obviously has some creative management. I found the site quite entertaining!

In VCLA's words, this is why you might want to consider this purchase:
"With a PetDegree diploma from VCLA, you can instantly build a pet’s self-esteem and stroke that furry ego until the cows come home. A VCLA PetDegree diploma is recognized throughout world as the ultimate bark of distinction in virtual animal education. It can open doors, rattle cages, and lead your pet quickly up the social ladder and rapidly down the career path to success."

And of course, the VCLA does not discriminate on the basis of the color or creed, gender or breed, or number of legs.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Send your pet through the mail - his picture, that is...

A picture of your pet can be turned into a customized postage stamp by uploading a digital photograph at www.photostamps.com. Photostamps are available with a variety of borders and in several different postage stamp values.

The process is easy, and what a fun way to show off your pet!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

5 Simple Exercises That You Can Do With Your Dog

by Jennifer Tanner

We all know that as humans we need to exercise to stay healthy, but our pets also need to stay healthy and can be included in your daily exercise routine. One of the most important things to remember when exercising with your dog is to start out slow and build up from there; a little exercise is better then none at all.

1) Walking: Walking is the most common form of exercise for both you and your dog. Try to find a nice park or if you don't live close to one then take a stroll around your neighborhood. This type of exercise is a good way to start your new routine with your dog. Remember to never take the leash off of your dog especially in high traffic areas.

2) Fetch and Chase: If you live in an area where you can not get out as much; you might want to try playing fetch or chase with your dog. This is a great exercise routine that you can even include in with your other exercises. We all know that after awhile exercise gets monotonous this is a great way to break up your routine. Try playing fetch with a ball and then work your way up to playing Frisbee with your dog. Make sure that when you are playing Frisbee not to throw the Frisbee to high so as not to hurt your dog. The other pro with these types of exercises with your dog is that it not only stimulates them physically, but also mentally and keeps their brains active.

3) Cycling: Cycling is probably going to be one of the most difficult exercises for you to do with your dog. You need to make sure that your dog is well behaved and you might want to check into some special leashes that allow you better control of your dog while cycling. The best area to do this in is an area where there is very little traffic so as not to hurt your dog or yourself.

4) Swimming: If you live in an area with a lake or pond this is a wonderful exercise for both you and your dog to enjoy (just make sure there are no alligators in the pond or lake especially if you live in Florida). Also if you have a swimming pool this is a good way to familiarize your dog with water so they will not get hurt if you are not around. There are products on the market that can be setup in a pool to make it easier for your dogs to get in and out of without hurting themselves.

5) Dog agility training: There are many companies that offer agility training equipment or you can easily create your own obstacle course in your backyard. This type of training will help both you and your dog get physically fit because you will run alongside the dog to make sure that he/she stays on the course track.

As with any exercise routine make sure you not only get your doctor's ok, but also your veterinarian's approval. Also talk to your veterinarian to find out what type of exercise is best for the age, breed and physical condition of your best friend.


About the Author
To learn more about your pets health and well being visit: www.schnauzeradvice.com

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Friday, September 5, 2008

Halloween: Pet Safety

Halloween Safety for Your Pet

Author: Brent Goodman

Soon enough the season of costumes and Jack-O'-Lanterns will fill our neighborhoods with an endless parade of trick-or-treaters heading for our doorsteps. This year, be prepared to make the season a safe one for all members of the family. Here are some important veterinarian-recommended tips:

· Halloween season is a time of mischief and pranks, and too often dogs and cats become unwilling participants. Keep your outdoor pets well supervised in the yard or, better yet, keep them indoors and safe from neighborhood hooligans at night.

· If your dog has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes. Just make sure the costume doesn't interfere with his ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Always make sure the fit isn't constricting, and keep an eye out for signs your dog may be getting stressed out.

· Like any other night you take your dog for a stroll, make sure he's wearing his collar & nametag/ID. And with so many other people on the street, it's important to keep him on a lead or leash.

· Just as you'd make sure your kids aren't eating unsafe candy, never let your dog get a hold of any bite-size sweets. Candy and wrappers are potential choking hazards, and chocolate is particularly dangerous for dogs - a toxin. Instead, pick up a container of baked cookies for Dogs to share or any other of your pooch's favorite biscuits and treats.

· No other time of year will so many strange kids in even stranger costumes be knocking on your door. This can be especially nerve-wracking for the territorial dog. With the door opening and closing all night, be careful of them darting out. You may even want to put up a temporary gate in the entranceway, or keep your pup in a separate room.

· For especially nervous animals, the haunting screams of kids and endless chiming doorbells can get to be too much for comfort. There are a variety of calming products designed for storm- and travel-shy pets, which are also useful on Halloween.

  • Finally, decorations and Jack-O'-Lanterns are tempting for pets to get their noses into. Needless to say, it's too easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it's in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Always keep these Halloween favors out of your pet's reach!




Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/halloween-safety-for-your-pet-548817.html



About the Author:

Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

National Dog Day August 26

Happy National Dog Day!

National Dog Day gives us a reminder of the value and importance of dogs in our lives. Dogs do a lot for us and deserve an extra pat on the head today.

Some dogs are working dogs that make it possible for people to stay safe and live a more normal life. I send my appreciation and thanks to all the dogs who:

* Lead the blind
* Provide search and rescue services
* Sniff out arson sources
* Watchdogs who provide safety (I think that's almost every dog)
* Find bombs and drugs
* Sense an oncoming seizure of their owner

Of course we also must honor dogs who are simply our pet and:

* Give love and companionship
* Give us someone to care for and forget about our own problems for a few minutes
* Save a life of their owner who may be considering suicide, but the love of their dog keeps them going another day
* Help us stay healthy by insisting on us going for a walk each day
* Provide a sense of security (bark to tell us when someone is coming to the house)
* Are our most faithful friend

On this National Dog Day, consider saving a dog from homelesness and abuse. Visit your local shelter if you think a dog might be a good companion for you, or to make a donation to help dogs who have been rescued and are waiting for a new home.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Cat Furniture: Not a Nicety, a Necessity

I just received my email newsletter from Drs. Foster and Smith that included an article about why cats really NEED cat furniture. The timing was perfect, as I recently purchased the Cat Cottage and my fuzzy feline loves it!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Let's Go Bye-Bye!


Walking your dog on a leash is one way to take your dog along wherever you may go, but checkout these alternatives. How fun!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Bring Your Pet On Your Family Vacation

Bring Your Pet On Your Family Vacation by Joseph M. Sabol

Everyone knows that people consider their pets as part of the family. Now it is becoming more common to include pets in vacation plans and many travel destinations are accommodating dogs and cats. Many hotels, resorts and state parks allow dogs, although there are certain restrictions, for example due to health codes, dogs can dine with their families only at outdoor restaurants or cafes. It is obviously important that your dog is socialized and well behaved, and remember, not everyone loves dogs!

Some of the top dog friendly resort towns include,

Carmel/Monterey, California Asheville/Blue Ridge, North Carolina Portland, Maine Key West, Florida Black Hills, South Dakota Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada Charlottesville, Virginia Cape May, New Jersey and Grand Canyon, Arizona.

These are just a few of the vacation destinations that are pet friendly. There are many State Parks and beaches that allow dogs but they are usually required to be leashed. There are over 200 dog friendly coastal beaches. San Diego is home to Dog Beach where dogs can run free without a leash, as long as they can get along with other dogs.

All dog friendly areas require that dogs are well behaved. When asked, most officials described well behaved as pertaining to the dog and the dog owner. For the dog, this means being calm around many people and other dogs, not barking excessively, not jumping on people and following commands of their owner. For the owner, well behaved means controlling your dog, not allowing him to do his "business" in inappropriate places and cleaning up after your dog.

There are several things you need to do to prepare for a road trip with your pet. You need to be sure your pet has been to the vet and has all his shots up to date. You should have a record of his vaccinations and make sure he is protected from Lyme disease, heartworm and fleas. Remember to pack his pet vitamins. He will need a license and an identification tag with all your information, especially a cell phone number since you will be away from home. It is a good idea to carry a first aid kit specifically for pets.

Make sure you have enough dog food and treats for the trip. It may be a good idea to buy bottled water since some dogs can get sick from drinking water they are not used to. Remember to pack a leash and towels for muddy paws. Also, bring favorite toys and bags for cleaning up after your dog. If you will be staying in a hotel, bring a crate for your dog to sleep in or stay in if you have to leave him alone for any reason.

Most people travel with their dogs, but some cat lovers bring their furry friends along on the family trip. Cats tend to be more attached to their territory so if you intend to travel with your cat, its a good idea to start taking them out when they are kittens. Start with brief trips and be sure to have a quality cat carrier. Have cat toys and a collar with an identification tag. Allow your cat some time to explore his new surroundings.

There are many products available to make travel with your pet easier. You can get car seats or seat belt harnesses for your dog. For dogs who love to go boating, there are doggie life vests. You can buy travel bowls and even portable dog potties and litter boxes. You no longer have to feel guilty for leaving your pet in a boarding kennel while you enjoy a great vacation. Now your pet can enjoy the family vacation with the famiy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

About the Author
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class doberman breeder. For further information go to http://theroadhousedobes.com or visit http://petvitamins4u.com

Friday, June 20, 2008

No More Dog Hair Messing Up Your Car



Does your dog love to ride in the car, but you hate to deal with the dog hair left behind? You'll want to checkout rear seat protectors.

Any quality pet supply store sells rear seat "hammocks" that protect the seat while Fido goes for a ride. No more messy hair to clean up, and his claws won't cause any problems with the seat. Most are very easy to install, and vary in price according to size.