Guest Post: Gift Baskets For Pet Lovers

 

Gift Baskets For Pet Lovers

Whether you are shopping for a pet owner or professional, you can never go wrong with a pet gift basket. The gift baskets allow you to show your recipient how much you care about them or appreciate their hard work. If you are shopping for pet gift baskets, here are several ideas that fit any occasion.

Pet Lover Care Package

The Pet Lover Care Package is a great idea for every pet owner and their beloved pet. It comes with a pack of chocolate chip cookies for your recipient. The gift also includes two gourmet biscuits for their dog, and their cat is sure to enjoy a fun mouse toy. Everything comes arranged inside an adorable pet themed box.

Great Pawsome Friends Gift

The Great Pawsome Friends Gift comes in three sizes to ensure it is big enough for everyone on the veterinarian, pet shelter or pet rescue staff. It includes cookies, butter toffee pretzels, tea and coffee. The gift basket also includes items for dogs and cats, from the cheddar cheese dog biscuits to the crinkle ball cat toy. Your recipients can find the items inside three paw print containers.

Dog Daze Dog Gift Basket

If you are looking for a gift basket designed just for pets, start with the Dog Daze Dog Gift Basket. The basket includes a gourmet dog biscuit and puppy cake mix. It also comes with peanut butter, beef liver, salmon and pineapple and pork dog treats. All the items are neatly arranged inside a yellow and white polka dot container.

Cat Fish Cat Gift Basket

Surprise your recipient with the Cat Fish Cat Gift Basket for their kitty. It comes with cheese cat treats, tuna cat treats and Fancy Feast Appetizers to keep them happy. The Zoom Stuffers Fat Cat Catnip Toy is sure to keep their kitty busy for hours. Everything comes arranged inside a green and white container with a matching green bow.

You can find amazing pet gift baskets for pet owners, professionals and their four-legged friends on Bisket Baskets.









Image Source: Pixabay


Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

PS Annie! is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!

Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy

 

Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Do you have a canine friend that you care about a great deal? If this is the case, you need to take the precautions to make sure that your dog is always in the best of health. There are a variety of ways that you can do this. Always remember that neglecting even a single element of your dog's health regimen could have negative consequences on your pet. You would be wise to educate yourself as much as possible regarding what a dog needs to stay healthy. This is especially important if you just became a dog owner for the first time. Here are several methods to ensure that your dog has a long and happy life.

1. Make sure that your dog gets an adequate amount of exercise.

A dog needs exercise just as much as a person does. Therefore, you need to take the time out of your schedule to take your dog for a walk on a daily basis. This might be hard for you to do if you have a full-time job and other commitments that take up your time. However, you made a commitment when you became a pet owner. It is your responsibility to ensure that your dog is happy and healthy. A dog that is not getting enough exercise on a daily basis will eventually start to develop more serious health problems. You might want to think about hiring a professional dog walker to take your dog for a walk if you do not have the time to do so. Giving your dog enough exercise is especially important if you live in an apartment with no yard for your dog to run around in.

2. Take your dog to a veterinarian on a regular basis.

You probably go to a doctor for a physical examination at least once every year. This is a smart decision on your part. Being proactive where your health is concerned allows you to discover any health problems before they become very serious. You should apply the same logic to the health of your dog. Find a very reputable veterinarian in your area who has many years of experience. Schedule regular appointments to have your dog evaluated by the veterinarian. This person can give you advice about certain things you need to be doing to help your dog stay healthy. The veterinarian might also prescribe medication for your dog to take. You can also shop with Vet Products Direct for dog worming products.

3. Only feed your dog the healthiest foods.

Giving your dog a lot of exercise is great. However, that will not mean very much if you are allowing your pet to eat foods that do not have any health benefits. This is why you need to take as much interest in the health of your dog as you do with your own. Ask your veterinarian to recommend some foods to you that will help to keep your dog healthy. There are certain foods that will make your dog's immune system stronger. Carefully read the labels of all the foods you are feeding to you dog. This will give you a clear understanding of what is going into your dog's body. You can then buy foods that will give your canine friend a balanced diet.

4. Brush your dog's teeth twice every day.

The same problems that can develop in your own mouth when you do not brush your teeth regularly can happen in your dog's mouth. This is why you need to pay very close attention to the oral hygiene of your dog. Take the time to brush your dog's teeth twice every day. Doctors have linked many organ problems to poor oral hygiene. This means that your dog could face serious health problems if you neglect its oral hygiene. Get instructions from your veterinarian about the products you should buy and the proper brushing technique you should use.






Special Notice: This is a sponsored post.

Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

PS Annie! is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!

Book Review: Prancie’s Prayer by Ellen J. Pilch Illustrated by Nicolas Peruzzo

Prancie's Prayer by Ellen J. Pilch Illustrated by Nicolas Peruzzo

By now all of our readers know that we here at McClendon Villa are animal lovers. That is why we love Prancie's Prayer by Ellen J. Pilch, which was illustrated by Nicolas Peruzzo. It is such a wonderful story. It shows that animals are part of the Kingdom, too.

This story is Christian-based. It takes place around Christmas, so it would make a wonderful Christmas present, or early Christmas present, for your kids.

This very heartwarming story is extremely well-written and the illustrations are magnificent. We give it all five stars and a can of tuna. You are looking for a great gift for your young child. You could not do better than Prancie's Prayer.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.



Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Guest Post: Tips for Pets with Fireworks Anxiety

 

Tips for Pets with Fireworks Anxiety 

 

AUSTIN—While pets may enjoy a few table scraps from Fourth of July picnics, backyard parties and barbecues, some show signs of anxiety during the holiday’s main event. Pets who experience fireworks anxiety not only suffer from the mental effects of anxiety but also are at risk of running away, destructive behavior and even injuring themselves. To help pets cope with anxiety and ensure the celebratory night goes smoothly for everyone, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) is sharing a variety of treatment options with pet owners.

One treatment approach, which often resolves the symptoms quickly, is veterinary-recommended medication. Commercially available pheromone products often are effective as well. Adaptil, a synthetic analogue of a calming pheromone for dogs, can help calm dogs in a variety of situations, and it comes in various forms including diffusers, collars and sprays.

Pressure wraps like the Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap and supplements, such as l-theanine, may help some pets. L-theanine has shown to be beneficial for pets with sensitivities to noises like thunderstorms. Veterinarians can determine whether supplements are appropriate for your pet.

It’s also important to provide safe spots for pets during fireworks and ensure they have free access to these areas. Some pets seek spaces like closets or quiet, small rooms. An interior, first-floor room or closet may be more insulated to the sounds and light flashes of fireworks. Some owners find a white noise machine beneficial to block subtle to moderate sounds, and others report that playing classical music calms their pets. These and other treatment approaches apply to cats as well, who can also suffer from firework anxiety.

Finally, modifying a pet’s behavior through training can change the way it responds to the sound of fireworks. While behavior modification programs for firework anxiety are not always easy to implement on one’s own, many qualified trainers and behavior consultants can help tailor a protocol specifically for each pet. For information on behavioral consultants, visit these websites: www.dacvb.org, www.avsabonline.org, www.ccpdt.org and www.corecaab.org.

“Planning ahead can greatly reduce your pet’s anxiety during fireworks,” said TVMA member Amanda Florsheim, DVM, CBCC-KA, who owns Veterinary Behavior Solutions in Dallas. “Our goals in treating firework anxiety are not only to reduce anxiety but also to provide an appropriate environment during fireworks and to modify your pet’s behavior through training.”  

About the Texas Veterinary Medical Association

Founded in 1903, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association composed of more than 3,700 veterinarians committed to protecting public health, promoting high educational, ethical and moral standards within the veterinary profession and educating the public about animal health and its relationship to human health. For more information, call 512/452-4224 or visit www.tvma.org.



Image Source: Pixabay  

Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Book Review: My Pet Peeve by Renée Rodgers Barstack

My Pet Peeve by Renée Rodgers Barstack

Many of our readers on our How To Manage Your Monkey blog love children’s books about cats. This is one they should add to their collection.

My Pet Peeve by Renée Rodgers Barstack is a sweet, short story about a little girl who really wants a kitty. How she goes about getting one is priceless.

This book is very colorfully illustrated and should capture the imagination of most young children. We give it all five stars.

If you have a young reader or soon to be reader, you really should add My Pet Peeve by Renée Rodgers Barstack to your bookshelf. Oh, plan to read it again and again to those little ones who love animals.


We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Book Review: One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying by Tom Baker

One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying by Tom Baker

Rarely does one find an inspirational book entertain as much as One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying by Tom Baker In this book, we follow Mango the dog as she teaches her readers all about faith. You have heard about the faith of a child. Mango tells her readers about the faith of a dog.

Baker has a good sense of humor and treats us to what the world might look like through the eyes of a dog. Mango tells her readers about how her owner, Tom, learned to “Let go and let God.”

Throughout the book, Mango helps us to see how we, just like Tom, can give our troubles to God and sit back and enjoy the ride.

If you are struggling with faith, are at what you feel is the lowest of the low spots, you need to read One Dog’s Faith and see how one dog, and her family, learned to lean on God.

We give One Dog’s Faith all five stars. It is funny, well-written, inspired, and magical. We see how Tom goes from worrying all the time to saying in his mind, “I wonder how God is going to take care of this.” This book is truly inspirational.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

5 Ways To Cope With The Death Of A Pet

5 Ways To Cope With The Death Of A Pet

The loss of a pet can bring as much grief as the loss of some human friends and family members.

This makes sense when you consider the role our animal companions play in our everyday lives. You cared for your pet’s every need and, because they could not speak, you learned to communicate in other ways. Such caring builds intimacy similar to that found between a parent and their infant; love without conflict, jealousy, or any of the other complications found in most relationships. So when a pet dies, the depth of your grief reflects your loss of a special relationship. 

 “When we lose a pet, we lose a relationship unlike any other,” says Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio (www.greengateleadership.com), a family therapist and author of The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice From Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups. 

 “Many of us love our pets the way we love our children. But in the immediate aftermath of this unique loss, too often family members and friends say things like, ‘Just get another one.’ Instead of devaluing your grief over the loss of this important relationship, as others may advise, embrace your sorrow. Your grief is important, for it will lead you to healing and teach you important things about what matters most in life.” 

Dolan-Del Vecchio offers these tips for those grieving the loss of a pet:

• Share your grief with empathetic friends. Spend time with people who understand your closeness with your pet. Even some friends may be insensitive, so be careful to avoid “get over it” types of people. “Unfortunately, many people see animals as if they were non-living objects,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says.

• Attend a pet loss support group. Pet loss groups provide a concentrated dose of social support. Meeting with others who also grieve and share similar emotions can boost one’s healing greatly.

• Keep moving. Exercise is a healer. It boosts feelings of well-being and calm, improves sleep and brightens your mood.

• Be creative. Whether you lean toward writing, scrapbooking, ceramics, photography or making collages, creative projects may contribute to healing.

• Spend time in nature. Nothing quiets the mind and soul like a stroll through a park, nature preserve, or by the seashore. “The natural world brings special benefits when your heart has been torn by grief,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “The sights, sounds, and smells of nature connect us to eternal, circular stories of life and death in ways that go beyond our usual thoughts and feelings, and this experience brings solace to many people.”

“It’s important to care for yourself when you’re grieving your pet,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “This requires some planning and acts of will, as grief can diminish energy and motivation. You can lessen your distress through self-care. Above all else, be gentle with yourself.”  

About Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio 

Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio (www.greengateleadership.com) is an author, speaker, family therapist, and leadership and life skills consultant. His books include Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents, The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice From Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups, and Making Love: Playing Power: Men, Women, and the Rewards of Intimate Justice. Ken founded GreenGate Leadership® after retiring from his role as Vice President, Health and Wellness, at Prudential, where he was responsible for behavioral health services for the company’s 20,000 U.S. employees.
.



Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Press Release: Humorous Oil Paintings of Pets Make for Unforgettable Christmas Gifts

Humorous Oil Paintings of Pets Make for Unforgettable Christmas Gifts

Anyone who is looking for that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for the person who has everything can now buy their loved ones a gift they will never forget: an oil painting of their pet.

Follow our handsome model at @BalouBlue

There are few things anyone loves more than their pet.  This holiday season, those who are struggling to find the perfect, one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for the person who has everything can take heart that they have an option that is truly unique: an oil painting of the recipient’s pet.

Founder Chris Jensen says, “The love we get from our pets is unconditional. It's important to show them just how much we care for them, whether through walks, treats, or cuddles. With Nobilified, we give pet owners another to show the world how much we care about our furry loved ones.”

Which painting pet lovers choose all depends on the personality of the pet, whether you want Mittens memorialized as Napoleon Bonaparte or Fido memorialized as Jon Snow, from Game of Thrones, as blue Frenchie and “public figure” Balou Blue was painted.  

Da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine” and Bronzino’s “Portrait of a Lady with a Puppy” are popular choices.  Bruno Mars’s portrait of himself and his girlfriend even had his dog included in a Nobilified replica of Joseph Wright’s portrait of Thomas Gisborne and his wife.  When you’re selecting a painting as a gift, owners often enjoy a painting of what they love most, whether they juxtapose their fur baby in a famous oil painting from the 17th century, or a character from their favorite television show.

It’s not just dogs who have fun; cat lovers commission oil paintings of their favorite feline, too.  Jensen says, “Let's be honest, some of our feline friends tend to think they are emperors of their own empire. Nobilified helps us immortalize them through various a hand-painted oil portraits of them as Napoleon or Empress Dowager.”

For portraits of pets, Nobilified recommends customers select famous portraits that are from the waist up, which allows the artists to capture more details of the pet’s appearance.  Some examples include: Agnolo Bronzino’s portraits of Maria de Medici and Cosimo I de Medici, or even the Mona Lisa.

Jensen adds, “Getting someone a cool painting of their pet is a sure way to make them love you.  There are those people in our lives who have absolutely everything they could ever need. In these cases, commissioning a painting of their pets is a sure way to put a smile on their face and some love in their hearts."

What is Nobilified

So, what is Nobilified? Nobilified makes it easy to commission a hand-painted oil painting that is unique and tailored to its recipients tastes or hobbies. Nobilified helps cut down the process of commissioning a portrait from days down to minutes. The process is simple: select the painting or image of your choice, upload a clear selfie, and let us know whether you would prefer Louis XIV’s sweet wig, or whether you would rather Jim keep his own haircut. Check out using our secure system, and wait patiently while our classically trained artist turns your idea—brushstroke by brushstroke—into a masterpiece.  We then send you a photo of the painting before shipping to ensure satisfaction.

How the Process Works

The process is simple: customers can simply upload a picture of the person who they want to create a portrait of and select the oil painting that they want to add the recipient to.  Pets, significant others, and children can be added to the portrait as well alongside fire-breathing unicorns, Nyan cats and UFO’s.

Nobilified

Nobilified is dedicated to revolutionizing the art world. Nobilified believes that while not everyone may have the artistic skills required to paint a masterpiece, everyone possesses an intuitively creative mind. At Nobilified, customer dreams and fantasies are transformed into actual works of art, which can proudly displayed in any home, dorm, office, cabin, yacht, or even a swanky Chateau. Everyone has an artistic side, and everyone sees the world in their own unique way. Nobilified wants this diversity to make an imprint on the course of art history by immortalizing customers’ wildest dreams.

In addition to providing high quality oil paintings, Nobilified wants to change the way people perceive art, by making it fun and accessible, thus giving customers the opportunity to share or gift a unique custom made oil painting with friends and family. No longer will having an oil painting of oneself hanging above the chimney be out-of-reach. This privilege used to be reserved for the upper tiers of society, but, now, it is shared with everyone, even if they are not knighted. A unique, hand-painted, oil-on-canvas work of art can add a touch of grandeur to any living quarters.

To see more photos of Balou Blue, please check him out on Instagram @BalouBlue

For more information, please visit www.nobilified.com.

Follow Nobilified on Instagram at https://instagram.com/nobilified

Follow Nobilified on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nobilified.

Connect with Nobilified on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/nobilified.

Follow Nobilified on Twitter @Nobilified.

We have been featured on Ellen Degeneres, she’s a funny lady https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7mZg4bBqxI

Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Guest Post: How to Pet Proof Your Home or Rental

How to Pet Proof Your Home or Rental

View full, original article here.

For any of us pet lovers out there, we know the joys of curling up on the couch with our favorite fur baby after a long day at work and waking up to wet kisses in the morning. However, we also know the woes of having our pets eating, sleeping, and playing inside our homes. Broken blinds, destroyed garbage cans, and chewed-on furniture may start to seem like the status quo (hey, #dogshaming didn’t become a thing for no reason!).

The truth is, even if you have a very well-behaved pet, accidents are bound to happen. As dog lovers themselves, the folks over at Ashford Realty Group know this and decided to make a complete list of all the creative ways you can pet proof your home or rental.

Whether you are a property owner looking for tenants or homeowner who wants to keep their home intact, these tips include everything from the simplest home hack to a few more advanced upgrades that will protect the interior and exterior of your house for years to come. And not a single one of these tips include making your pet sleep outside!

Take a look at their infographic below and get ready to create a pet proofed home that you and your pet will love.

Please include attribution to Ashford Realty Group with this graphic.

Graphic provided by Ashford Realty Group.

Kitty image source: Pixabay.

Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Instagram Today

I’m Not Speaking to You! Photo Taken 14 November 2017. Mortal enemies. Yeah, right.😊 #cats_of_instagram #dogsofinstagram #jackchi #cats #topdown #topdowntuesday #topdownview

via Instagram

Guest Post: Take Precautions to Protect Pets this Thanksgiving, Pet Sitters International Advises

 

Take Precautions to Protect Pets this Thanksgiving, Pet Sitters International Advises

The association offers tips for ensuring pets and humans alike have a safe and happy holiday.

KING, N.C. (November 14, 2017) — Thanksgiving is a time when many families and friends gather to share food and spend time together, but the holiday can present some hazards for pets if their owners don’t take simple precautions.

Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s leading educational organization for professional pet sitters, advises pet owners to keep in mind their four-legged family members when planning Thanksgiving activities this year.

“Simple holiday traditions, such as hosting a Thanksgiving feast for friends and family, can pose potential problems to pets if not monitored carefully,” warned PSI President Patti J. Moran.

PSI offers the following tips for pet owners to keep in mind this Thanksgiving:

1. Don’t let your pets eat the wrong treats. Food is a culprit for some of the most common holiday pet emergencies, so be sure that any guests know which foods are off-limits for your pets. Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty scraps, bones from pork and poultry, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and other sweets and candies, can be harmful or toxic to pets. These foods have been linked to pancreatitis in pets. Signs and symptoms of an inflamed pancreas include vomiting and abdominal pain, and severe pancreatitis requires emergency medical care and treatment. Other dangerous substances for pets include the sugar substitute xylitol, bread dough and onions. If a pet ingests any potentially harmful product, call a veterinarian or a local emergency animal hospital immediately.

2. Keep holiday decorations out of pets’ reach. Will you be decorating your home with cornucopias, pine cones, plants, lights or other festive décor this Thanksgiving? Or will you put up a Christmas tree or other holiday decorations following the Thanksgiving feast? Be sure to keep out of pets’ reach any decorations that could be harmful if chewed on or ingested.

3. Provide a safe space for pets. If your pets are easily frightened or not used to being around a lot of people, Thanksgiving can be an especially stressful time. If your home will be the location for a Thanksgiving celebration, make sure you have a room set aside where your pet can relax with favorite toys and will not be disturbed by guests. And make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag with your name and contact information, in case he or she slips out the door as guests come and go. You may also want to consider microchipping your pet.

4. Don’t just hire a pet lover to watch your pet. If you will be celebrating Thanksgiving away from home—or perhaps will be gone for long hours shopping on Black Friday—your pet could benefit from the services of a professional pet sitter. PSI advises pet owners to only use the services of professional pet sitters.

“Just because someone is a pet lover and has a profile on an online directory—or even on a nationally-publicized site—doesn’t ensure he or she is a qualified pet sitter operating a legitimate business,” said PSI Vice-President Beth Stultz. “In today’s sharing economy anyone can offer their services online, so it’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover, but a pet lover who is also a true pet-care professional.”

Pet owners can download a free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist and search PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator free of charge at www.petsit.com/locate.

PSI offers one final tip: Don’t delay in booking pet care. Many pet sitters book up weeks in advance of major holidays.

To learn more about PSI, visit www.petsit.com.

Article provided by Pet Sitters International (PSI). Read original here: https://www.petsit.com/pet-sitters-international-offers-thanksgiving-tips-for-pet-owners

Image source: Pixabay


Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Guest Post: Know the Signs of Diabetes in Pets

Know the Signs of Diabetes in Pets

AUSTIN—The prevalence of diabetes in pets is growing. According to Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health 2016 Report, diabetes in dogs has increased by nearly 80 percent since 2006 and by more than 18 percent in cats over the same time period. These findings stress the importance of observing National Pet Diabetes Month in November, marking a time for pet owners to educate themselves on the signs of diabetes and its risk factors. Reliable and accurate information on diabetes can be found on TexVetPets.org, the veterinary professional-written and peer-reviewed pet health website of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA). The website’s article on diabetes covers common signs, such as lethargy, excessive thirst and frequent urination; diagnostic testing; treatment options and prognoses.

Pet owners will learn that if their pets are showing signs of diabetes, it is vital to take them to be examined by their veterinarian because these signs may mean their pet is diabetic. With early diagnosis and proper care, a pet with diabetes can live a happy, healthy and active life.

Diabetes Management Varies For Dogs and Cats

Diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to process or release proper amounts of insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Treating diabetes in dogs most often requires insulin injections, but in cats, it can sometimes be managed by weight loss and diet changes. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed a pet with diabetes, he or she will determine the most effective management plan for the owner to follow.

“Diabetic animals require frequent monitoring, including blood tests, and insulin-dependent diabetics typically require injections every 12 hours,” said TVMA Past President Lori Teller, DVM, DABVP, CVJ, who practices at Meyerland Animal Clinic in Houston. “It is much easier to prevent diabetes than it is to treat it, especially in cats, so maintain your pet at an appropriate weight and get regular veterinary exams. If your pet is displaying the signs of diabetes, have it examined very soon before it progresses to a life-threatening state.”

Obesity, Age and Genetics Increase Risks of Pets Developing Diabetes

While diabetes can’t always be prevented, obesity has shown to be a contributing factor, especially in cats. Other risk factors in dogs include age, genetics and intact females. Dog breeds that have a higher risk of developing diabetes include cocker spaniels, pomeranians, golden retrievers and dachshunds. Age, genetics, disorders such as chronic pancreatitis or hyperthyroidism and neutering in males are among the risk factors in cats.

There is no cure for diabetes, so effective management of the disease is crucial to your pet’s quality of life. Partner with your veterinarian to establish a treatment to ensure a happy and active life for your pet.

About the Texas Veterinary Medical Association

Founded in 1903, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association composed of more than 3,900 veterinarians committed to protecting public health, promoting high educational, ethical and moral standards within the veterinary profession and educating the public about animal health and its relationship to human health. For more information, call 512/452-4224 or visit www.tvma.org.

Image source: Pixabay: Dog and Cat

Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Guest Post: HOW TO AVOID PET OBESITY Pet Obesity Is My Biggest Pet Peeve By Dr. Katy Nelson

HOW TO AVOID PET OBESITY

Pet Obesity Is My Biggest Pet Peeve

By Dr. Katy Nelson

So you walk into your veterinarian’s office for your dog’s annual exam and you’re feeling fine.  You’re within a few weeks of the due date of the necessary shots, you were on time for the appointment (almost), and you even remembered to bring the stool sample that they inevitably ask for (ew)!  Score!  All seems to being going well, when all of a sudden the vet says the ugliest word in the English language about your dog:  overweight. 

You develop tunnel vision.  The room spins.  Surely you heard her wrong?  Fifi isn’t FAT, she’s just FLUFFY!  She needs a haircut.  It’s right after the holidays.  You hurt your ankle and couldn’t take her for enough walks lately.

Your husband/son/daughter/mother-in-law has clearly been feeding her too many treats lately. She certainly is NOT overweight.  Besides, her neck rolls are so velvety, and it’s so cute when she sploots on the floor and you can see the rolls on her thighs.  Isn’t it?  She’s healthy, right?

Well, unfortunately, the answer to that last question is likely “no.” 

It can be an uncomfortable conversation on both sides, believe me.  Over 65% of Americans are overweight, and our pets are following suit.  According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), over 57% of dogs and 53% of cats are overweight.  And in a survey conducted by APOP, among pets that veterinarians ultimately classified as obese, an astounding 93% of dog owners and 88% of cat owners classified their pets’ weight as normal. 

So pet owners out there, please hear this:  when your veterinarian is discussing your pet’s weight with you, please do NOT be offended.  They are NOT calling you a bad pet parent. They are not asking you to make excuses for your pup’s physique.  This should be no more offensive to you personally than your vet telling you your pet has a dysfunctional valve in her heart, or that her cruciate ligament is torn.

A long-term study was conducted with 48 Labrador Retrievers from 7 different litters divided into 2 dietary groups.  One group was fed an adult maintenance diet, the second group was fed the same diet at 75% of the amount.  The dogs in the restricted group lived an average 1.8 YEARS longer, weighed less, had better body condition scores (similar to BMI in people) and had longer delay to treatment of chronic disease.  This is powerful evidence that proper weight has an impact not just on quality of life, but longevity itself. 

This is why the “weight discussion” with your veterinarian is so very important.  If you feel like your pet may have a weight problem, or if you just can’t tell, have her assessed by your veterinarian.  She will assign a body condition score, and if your pet is indeed overweight, discuss any workup that may be required, a daily caloric goal, an exercise program, which diet is best for your individual pup and whether any nutritional supplementation should be instituted.

Take the time to re-examine your relationship with your pup.  Are you constantly rewarding/bribing with treats?  Do you always add just a few extra kibbles to her bowl because she’s “such a good girl?”  Maybe instead of those indulgences, you can indulge her in different ways.  How about a little window shopping together? Or a scenic ride in the car (properly secured, of course)? Or a good old-fashioned roll in the grass?  Remember that the greatest treat you can ever give your pet is your time…and that is completely calorie-free. 

Also be very mindful about what you feed your pet.  If possible fresh food is a great option and if you don’t have time to cook for your pet try a pet food like Freshpet, which has fresh, refrigerated food for your pet made with only real meat, veggies and fruit.  Try to avoid pet foods where you don’t recognize the ingredient list or that list meal versus meat. Always follow the amount to feed your pet as well because overfeeding at meal time can also be a huge problem. For more on healthy eating www.freshpet.com/what-is-freshpet/

The bottom line is, if you want your pet to live a long, healthy and happy life, you can’t afford not to listen when your vet talks about your portly Pug, your rotund Retriever, your chunky Chow Chow, your bulging Bulldog, your swollen Sheltie or your corpulent Corgi (I know, I promised not to do that).

“Killing with kindness” is, as it turns out, a real thing.  The kindest thing you can possibly do for your dog is to keep her slim and trim in order to make the most of your years together. 

About Dr. Katy Nelson:

Dr. Nelson is an associate veterinarian at the Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Alexandria, VA. as well as the host and executive producer of "The Pet Show with Dr. Katy" on Washington DC's News Channel 8. She has been featured on the TODAY Show, Fox & Friends, NPR, CNBC, The Meredith Vieira Show, HuffPost Live, and is the expert for the second season of the popular show “Unlikely Animal Friends” to air this Spring on NatGeo Wild.

Dr. Katy is the Medical Director of Pet Health for Stop Aging Now, a leading nutrition and lifestyle company that relies on the latest clinical research to guide them in their efforts to help people and pets. She is also the Medical Director of Pet Health for BioStem Logics, the leader in regenerative medicine for humans and pets. She is a frequent contributor to HuffPost Pets, BarkPost and PetMD and you can also read "Ask Dr. Katy" quarterly in the Virginia-Maryland Dog Magazine, or online.

Dr. Nelson is passionate about health and fitness, and she strives to help dogs and cats to live the longest, fullest life that they can lead by staying fit and trim. Along with Steve Pelletier from SlimDoggy and Krista Wickens from DogTread, she is a founding partner of PetsMove.org, a national health and fitness initiative aimed at getting people healthy alongside their dogs. 



Dr. Nelson is a Certified Veterinary Journalist (CVJ), accredited by the American Society of Veterinary Journalists (ASVJ).

 Image Source: Pixabay.


Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!