Gift Idea A Petsitting Gift Certificate is a perfect gift for any pet owner. Available for any combination of sits: a day, a week, a weekend, etc. to purchase this most thoughtful gift. Cat Stuff Cat Trivia - In 7 years, an un-spayed female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 offspring.
- A cat cannot see directly under its nose. This is why the cat cannot seem to find tidbits on the floor.
- A cat has 230 bones in its body. A human only has 206 bones.
- All cats are born with blue eyes.
- A cat will spend 30% of its life grooming itself and over 60% of it sleeping.
The Cat Whisperer  Britain's leading veterinary journalist and cat expert shares her advice and experience with cat owners in this book - "The Cat Whisperer . . . The Secret of How to Talk to Your Cat". Click on the book cover for a description of what is covered in the book or to order from Barron's. Natural Scratch  If you're like most cat owners, your cats seem to love your furniture a little too much! We've found a scratch post that is natural white cedar and it won't tip over, even on big cats. We have one and our cat loves it! The post is 32" tall and has a X-shaped solid red cedar base. Pet Trivia BirdTrivia - Unlike humans, canaries can regenerate their brain cells. They have been extensively used in research to study neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons in the adult brain).
- There are 315 species of parrots in the world.
Fish Trivia - Fish have excellent senses of sight, touch, taste, and many possess a good sense of smell and 'hearing'.
- Tropical fish are one of the most popular pets in the U.S.
- The average life span of a Goldfish is about 17 years.
Reptile Trivia - can recognize faces and can do tricks.
- can change the color of their skin.
- The greatest age known for any snake is just under 30 years.
Critter Trivia - can see behind them without turning their heads.
- fur is considered the softest in the world and is 30 times softer than human hair. (Martha Stewart has 15 pet chinchillas.)
- If you're allergic to cats and dogs, you probably WON'T be allergic to a ferret.
- When a gerbil rubs his stomach on cage accessories, he is marking his territory.
- are extremely clean pets and are among the most intelligent and curious. Mice are also exceptionally clean and often organize their home into specific areas for food, shelter and bathroom.
- teeth grow continuously, so they need a suitable chew toy to keep their teeth worn down. Dog biscuits will even work.
 LOVE YOUR PET Top 10 Ways to Love Your Pet - Exercise
- Discipline by positive reinforcement
- Regular visits to the veterinarian
- Good nutrition
- Enrichment
- Grooming
- Reassurance and positive reinforcement
- Socialization
- Time
- Love
from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Organizations Click on the logo here, then choose "Get Critter Magazine" then "View Current Issue" to see some of the local cats (and dogs) available for adoption through area shelters and rescue organizations. Pet Products There are a lot of pet products out there, and who's to say which store has the best products, the best savings, the best variety, etc. PetSmart probably comes to mind. Well, we've got another choice for you to consider that will save you time and money . . . www.petedge.com. We ordered a grooming tool that we use on some of our clients that was $20 less than at a local pet store. PetEdge has small and large quantities. Go online and request a catalog so you can shop and compare. |
Dog Stuff Dog Psychology  If you're looking for a great way to modify your dog's behavior or to learn how to become the leader of your pack, we really suggest that you check out the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel (Fridays 8:00 p.m.). Cesar Millan uses calm and assertive methods that are amazing. He "rehabilitates dogs and trains people". He says that, "Daily exercise, discipline and affection are essential to keeping your pack happy." In that order. It will make you happier as well. Dog Trivia - In 6 years, an un-spayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 offspring.
- Dogs do not sweat by salivating - they sweat through the pads of their feet.
- All dogs have 321 bones and 42 permanent teeth.
- A dog's smell is more than 100,000 times stronger than a human's.
- A dog's nose print is as unique as a human's finger prints and can be used to accurately identify them.
Helpful Hints - Rubbing a dryer sheet over your dogs fur can help reduce the static caused by thunder. In some cases, this static may be the reason for their fear of thunder/lightning. (Thanks, Amy)
- Hydrogen peroxide will clean up pet stains and remove odor, and it's very inexpensive. (Thanks, Patricia)
- Kaeopectate and Pepto Bismal can be used to help dogs with loose or runny stools (use child's dose per each 40 lbs). (This advice was given by a vet on the Martha Stewart Show, but before administering, please check with your regular vet.)
- A more natural remedy for runny stools is Slippery Elm. (This advice was given by a retired petsitter. Thanks, Pam)
- If you're looking for something to entertain your puppies with boundless energy, try the laser beam. We bought one for our cat clients, but have found that puppies love it too! It will bring hours (if they can last that long) of entertainment to your pets and to you! The one pictured is $4.99 through www.petedge.com.
- We've found that some dogs love ice cubes. Ice will not only cool them down on a hot day, but will also occupy their attention and give them something fun to do.
- Use this formula to calculate your dog's age in human years:
1st year = 15 human years 2nd year = 10 human years 3rd year = 3 human years 4th year = 3 human years 5th year = 3 human years etc. EXAMPLE: A 10-year old dog would be 15 + 10 + (3 x 8) = 49 General Pet Stuff Choosing a Pet Sitter  The Humane Society of the United States has a page on their website dedicated to helping you find a pet sitter. (Of course, we hope that you will choose us.) Click on the logo to link you to the full page.  Pet Food"Nutrition is one of the most important things a pet owner can supply for a pet's long-term health." Here's a list of GOOD ingredients to look for: - Protein (chicken, beef, lamb, fish)
- Two fat sources
- Rice or barley
- Natural preservatives (Vitamin C or E, oils of rosemary, clove, or other spices)
Here's a list of BAD ingredients to avoid: - Peanut hulls, wheat, and soybeans
- Beet pulp sugar and other sweeteners
- Artificial colors
- Preservatives
Here's a list of human foods which are POISONOUS to pets: - Onions
- Chocolate
- Fatty foods
- Moldy and/or spoiled foods
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
Excerpts from: by Truth Publishing Holistic Pet Food We've found that a great source for holistic pet food is Smokey Mountain Feed. Click on their logo and it will take you to their website. They carry food and supplies for dogs, cats, horses, poultry, birds, and other small and medium animals. 317 Gill Street Alcoa, TN 37701 ( 865 ) 977 - 0689  Veterinary Pet InsuranceA VPI Pet Insurance policy helps pay for your pet's treatments, surgeries, lab fees, X-rays, and much more. We provide you peace of mind knowing you can care for your pet no matter what the cost. Get a free no-obligation quote to find out how little it can cost to get peace of mind from America's most trusted name in Pet Insurance, or call a licensed pet insurance specialist at (800) USA-PETS (872-7387). |
