Caring for a New Pet

Pets infuse new life and energy into the family, and spring is a great time to introduce a new puppy or kitten! Pet parents will enjoy these adorable and playful young animals, and can look forward to years of happy and rewarding companionship. New puppies and kittens have many needs, and Petmate has everything you need to ease the transition and welcome the new bundle of joy.

The New Kitten! With their larger-than-life eyes, loud purr and boundless curiosity, new kittens have an irresistible charm. This is an exciting time for both you and the kitten, and the first few weeks together are critical for ensuring a happy and healthy life. For the trip to their new home, place your kitten in a sturdy cat carrier. Petmate offers a variety of cat carriers built for safety and comfort; so you can choose the carrier that’s right for your kitten. They may yell at you to let them out – but don’t do it! Consider using a carrier like the Kennel Cab® Traditional, which features a heavy-duty eco-friendly plastic shell, a convenient seatbelt slot to secure your pet, side and back ventilation holes, and a floor perimeter to keep your pet dry. The Soft Sided® Kennel Cab also offers safe, comfortable and reliable transport in a modern design. Great for a visit to the vet, or a longer trip, this kennel carries Fluffy in comfort and style with plush patterned bedding fabric.
Once at home, select a quiet, closed-in area such as your bedroom, and stock it with a litter box, food and water, toys, and a scratching post. The Lean on Me™ Scratch Post is a perfect choice, with its stable base of durable polypropylene in taupe and a replaceable scratch pad made of natural jute with a beautiful brown leaf print. Catnip “reservoirs” at the top of the post, under the jute, give cats multi-sensory play without the catnip mess. And, no skid rubber feet hold the post in place so floors don’t get scratched.

Let the kitten become acquainted with that area for the first few days. Spend plenty of time in that room to make your kitten comfortable. It is common for kittens to hide in the closet or under the bed – don’t force them to come out. Sit on the floor and talk to them or offer treats to help them feel safe. Your new kitten will sleep up to 16 hours a day, so establish a comfortable sleeping place for them.

When she’s not sleeping, she’ll want to play! Cats go wild for the Swat N’ Swing™, an adorable plush character filled with catnip and connected to a rod with an elastic bungee cord that makes for unexpected movement of the plush and keeps cats entertained for hours. The Bat n’ Bobble® is another option, with feathers on top, a bell cage ball in the center and a weighted bottom.

And then there’s the litter box. It is important to find the right litter box for your new kitten. And, with so many styles available, it can easily become a daunting task. A good rule of thumb is to find a box with lower sides that they can easily get in and out of (about 1 inch). Cats are very proper, and a hooded litter box offers them the privacy they like. Place your kitten in the litter box after feeding, and anytime she begins nosing in corners or squatting. Gently scratch the kitten’s front paws in the filler. If your kitten has an accident, wipe it up with a paper towel and put it in the litter box, and place the kitten in the litter box. Do not punish your cat for having an accident. This won’t help them learn to use the litter box – it will only teach them not to go to the bathroom in front of you. A great place to start is the Petmate Starter Kit Litter Boxes – perfect for welcoming a new kitten or cat into your home. Each pearlescent colored, eco-friendly litter box includes a 12-count box of liners, a small lightweight double-diner dish and litter scoop. The rimmed top helps control litter scatter, and a slightly lower lip helps little kitties get in and out with ease.

For a list of recommended supplies for new kittens, visit http://www.petmate.com/special-shopping-lists/cats.

The New Puppy! New puppies mean high-energy play – so get ready to have fun! But puppies also rely on you to provide structure and discipline for their energy. There are millions of tips when bringing a new pup into the home, but here are some we at Petmate have found especially helpful – because we have pets too.

If possible, have your new dog come home when you can be home for a few days. Get to know each other and spend some quality time together. Dogs need an active life, so be sure to have plenty of exercise and game time – and toys! The Small Dog and Puppy Eco-friendly puppy plush toy is sized perfectly for puppies, and features 100% recycled stuffing on the inside and natural wool on the outside. The Lil’ Bit Floppy Disc is a fun, durable, interactive fetch disc made of waterproof fabric and flexible tubing. This brightly-colored disc is gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums and can even be used as a portable drinking dish. And to give puppies a safe way to chew, the Small Dog and Puppy Soft Bite™ Plush toys are a soft plush toy that makes a fun squeaking sound.

You are a playmate, but you also need to let your pet know who is the boss. Decide what the rules of the house will be – where your pup can go, where to sleep, and when and where to go to the bathroom. When your pup does something he shouldn’t, don’t lose your cool. Redirect the behavior and reward him with praise when he does well! It’s a tough job to do alone, so sign up for a local dog obedience class and learn what a joy it is to have a well-trained dog.

Housebreaking your new puppy is going to take patience, especially since a pup is not physically able to control the muscle that allows him to hold it until he’s around 12 weeks old. Choose a housebreaking method that’s right for your puppy. All a pup wants is to please you, so the goal is to make her understand what you want.

One useful tool is a crate. To you, a crate may look like the canine equivalent of a jail cell, but to your dog, the crate looks like a den — a room of his own! In addition to giving your new pup his own hip digs, crates make housetraining and obedience training easier and more pleasant for both you and the pup. A kennel like the Wire Kennels Training Retreat™ will help to house-break pups and halt behavior problems before they start. Created for both comfort and housetraining, the Training Retreat kennel boasts sturdy wire construction for safety, a rust-resistant black coating for durability, and a leak-proof removable pan for easy cleaning. A double-latch, single front door helps with control while also providing easy in and out access, and the handles on top make it mobile. It comes in six different sizes, and features an adjustable divider so the kennel can grow with the dog.

Like people, every dog is different and each breed has unique needs. Do your research and purchase supplies accordingly. For a list of recommended supplies for new puppies, visit http://www.petmate.com/special-shopping-lists/dogs.

Keep in mind that all new pets need vaccinations and health checks. Get connected with a good vet before you bring your new companion home.

Committed to the wellbeing of pets and the world they live in, Petmate is the trusted authority in smart solutions for devoted pet parents and discerning retailers alike. Sound advice and high quality products that are innovative, safe, practical and fun are Petmate hallmarks, as shown in our complete lines of: kennels, dog houses, bedding, litter maintenance, feeding and watering solutions, toys, collars and leads, and pet accessories. We, at Petmate, have pets too and are driven to create a healthy, happy life for your pets and ours. Petmate products can be found at pet supply stores nationwide. Call 1-877-PETMATE or visit www.petmate.com for more information.

Pet Owners Dangerously Overfeed Their Pets During Holidays

More Weight on Pets’ Bodies Often Leads To Joint Discomfort & Other Problems

FORT MYERS, FLA. – (November 30, 2010) – Flexcin International, the makers of Flexcin® joint nutrition supplement for people and FlexPet® joint nutrition supplement for pets, is advising pet owners to be cautious this holiday season and avoid overfeeding pets and animals. FlexPet inquiries historically jump 25 percent following each holiday season due to pets being overfed and experiencing more joint discomfort from weight gain.

It’s no secret that humans enjoy more than just gifts during the holiday season – they enjoy plenty of food as well. From Halloween sugary treats and Thanksgiving dinner to seasonal holiday feasts during December, people enjoy plenty of food with family celebrations. Often overlooked, though, are the pets that are fed from the table by owners, extended family and friends all wishing to share the feast and treats with pets, today considered part of the family.

Typically, during January and February, 25 percent more people begin to give their pets FlexPet because of the joint discomfort from excess weight gain, Pet obesity leads to a more sedentary lifestyle for pets, and the extra weight proves painful causing joint discomfort throughout many parts of a pet’s body frame.

“People don’t realize that pets can’t handle the same kind of food that we humans enjoy,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of FlexPet. “Even more dangerous, many pet owners fail to consider that the same portion of food they would normally eat is absorbed and processed drastically different by their pet, which in many cases can be a fraction of the size of a human body.”

FlexPet is made with cetyl myristoleate, an all-natural ingredient that builds back lost cartilage and improves overall mobility in the joints. With FlexPet, pets are able to get back to running, jumping and even walking, important functions of a normal pet exercise routine which can curb pet obesity further.

About Flexcin International, Inc.

Flexcin International, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of leading natural supplements that promote optimal joint health. Along with its FlexPet line of pet joint supplements, Flexcin products are the only degenerative joint relief supplements with the patented CM8 ingredient, clinically proven to stimulate joint fluid lubrication, strengthen cartilage and increase mobility. For more information visit http://flexcin.com, http://flexpet.com

Humorous but necessary disclaimer: I received this content in the form of an “as is” email asking if I would be willing to share this information.  I do not use this product nor have I received any of this product in exchange for this blog post. I ran this post because I thought it was an interesting spin and a gentle reminder: fat pets are uncomfortable.

 

 

Pet Cancer Awareness

Breakthroughs in veterinarian medicine across wellness, trauma, infections and surgery have led to our pets surviving more conditions and living longer. The extended life of a pet consequently provides an increased chance for developing other issues, including cancer. One in four domesticated dogs in the United States will die of cancer, and that number increases to almost one in two for dogs who reach the age of 10.

Owners can take a proactive role in identifying cancer in their pets. Skin tumors, the most common cancer in dogs and cats, can be easily felt while spending quality time your pet. Middle to older aged animals may display vague signs that including vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, lameness, or coughing, which can all be linked to cancers of internal organs.

The smaller the tumor the more effective therapy will be against it, so never just watch a lump on your pet. If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should bring your animal to the nearest VCA veterinarian.

If your pet is diagnosed with a cancer, ask your VCA veterinarian for a referral to the nearest veterinarian oncologist. Veterinary oncologists are veterinarians who have done 3-4 years of additional training in cancer diagnosis and treatment. VCA has more than 10 veterinary oncologists nationwide who are skilled at evaluating, treating and researching cancer in pets.

A cancer diagnosis comes with a variety of treatment options:

• Surgery: Typically a first line of treatment as it can offer a cure for many tumors if they are completely removed.
• Radiation: The least used treatment modality in veterinary oncology because of the lack of radiation units across the country. However, it is a great second line option when surgery is ineffective or incomplete. VCA currently has four hospitals across the country with radiation facilities.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy use in veterinary medicine is very different than the perception of cancer treatment in human medicine. Much lower dosages are used as quality of life is most important. Approximately 90% of dogs and cats will have little to no obvious side effects from their treatments; thus allowing our pets to be at home, feeling great, with their loved ones.
• Clinical Trials: Oncology has our own breakthroughs in cancer treatment and many veterinary oncologists are able to offer pet owners clinical trials for new cancer therapies.

If you have additional questions about cancer in pets please visit the following links.
www.acvim.org
www.vetcancersociety.org
www.morrisanimalfoundation.org
www.petcancercenter.org

- Zachary M. Wright, DVM DACVIM (oncology), Staff Oncologist and Intern Director at VCA Veterinary Care Referral Center in Albuquerque, NM

First National Food Drive for Family Pets

 

First National Food Drive for Family Pets Begins Just In Time for the Holidays

Pet lovers asked to donate pet food Nov. 5 -14 at PETCO locations nationwide to help furry friends in need;

PETCO stores serve as link for nation’s largest network of pet food banks

The PETCO Foundation and PETCO will host America’s first National Pet Food Drive from Nov. 5 through Nov. 14 to help pet parents in need provide a healthy and plentiful holiday season for their four-legged family members. Specially marked pet food collection bins can be found in PETCO stores across the country.

PETCO and the PETCO Foundation launched a first-of-its-kind National Pet Food Bank program in March, starting with about 250 stores in select markets. Today, all of PETCO’s more than 1,000 stores have designated pet food bins in place for year-round collection. Each store has partnered with a local food bank or animal welfare group to donate pet food and litter directly to economically stressed pet parents in that store’s community. The national program has already provided more than 110 tons of donated pet food and litter to those in need.

“We believe that no one should have to give up their pet companions due to financial stress, and our associates and customers agree,” said Paul Jolly, the PETCO Foundation’s executive director and a PETCO vice president. “Our national food bank program makes it easy for people to help keep pets well-nourished and with the families who love them in tough economic times. During this two-week national drive, we’re asking the communities we serve to give a little extra and help us raise awareness for this important year-round program.”

In support of the National Pet Food Drive, Best Friends Animal Society is mobilizing volunteers in about 200 PETCO stores to help consumers learn more about the program.

During the food drive, Hill’s Science Diet will match, bag-for-bag, every bag of Hill’s cat or dog food purchased at a PETCO store and donated to the food drive, up to 25,000 pounds.

“What PETCO and the PETCO Foundation have done by building a nationwide network of pet food banks and hosting this National Pet Food Drive just in time for the holiday season is incredibly helpful,” said Ellen Gilmore, national campaign specialist for Best Friends Animal Society. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our support and help ensure none of our furry friends go hungry now or ever.”

The food bank program is an extension of the PETCO Foundation’s “We Are Family, Too” fund, which provides seed funding for animal-welfare programs to help pet parents in financial crisis, including food banks, product donations, referral lists of pet-friendly housing, short-term foster care and veterinarian services. While the foundation also has programs in place to help feed pets in shelters, this program is specifically designed to support local food banks and families in financial crisis.

To learn more about the PETCO Foundation and how you can make a difference, visit www.petcofoundation.org. To learn more about PETCO or to find a location near you, visit www.petco.com. For the latest news on anything and everything PETCO – from updates about the company to incredible acts of animal kindness – visit the company’s blog at www.petcoscoop.com.

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support about 6,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

 

About Best Friends Animal Society®

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®.  The society’s leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country’s largest no-kill sanctuary.  This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation.

Purr-Fect Gifts for Every Cat and the Humans Who Love Them

FELINE-FRIENDLY GIFTS TO SPOIL KITTY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Purr-fect Gifts for Every Cat and the Humans Who Love Them

Finicky kitties want more than a stuffed mouse filled with catnip or a standard carpet-covered cat gym this holiday. Pamper your beloved pussycat this year with a unique gift from KittyUtopia.com™, which offers an array of luxury cat products for the even the most discerning felines—and their owners.

Here are a few recommendations from KittyUtopia^TM’s CEO Billy the Cat and his human pet, S. “Rain” Rainess:

Best Stocking Stuffers

Catnip Bubbles: There are only so many games a cat and human can play:  hide and seek, chase the lazor beam, dinner time.  Well, here is a new game that is sure to become a quick favorite.  Kitty will spend her time chasing and popping the delicious bubbles flavored with premium quality natural catnip, while her Human enjoys blowing the bubbles and watching Kitty go!

 

Remote Control Mouse: Want to play a little game of Cat-and-Mouse?  Great entertainment for both the human and Kitty, the Remote Control Mouse flies by and Kitty goes running!  The remote allows for easy navigation around curves and under furniture to keep Kitty guessing.

 

Best Holiday Gifts

Cat Tree House: Cats are inclined to climb, yet most kitty-friendly climbers are not designed for human homes… until now.  This stunning cat tree house is designed with both Kitty and Human in mind.  Kitty can perch and climb to her heart’s content while using the wood as a natural scratching post, while Human can enjoy the beauty of a stunning home accessory.

Best Gifts for Cat Lovers

What is My Cat Thinking T-Shirt: The perfect stocking stuffer for any cat lover, these shirts offer a twist on human perception, featuring scenes like a fish swimming in a bowl with the caption “Fast Food” and a cat’s litter box with the cat-translation of “Safe Deposit Box.”

ABOUT KittyUtopia^TM

KittyUtopia^TM is an online boutique, offering unique feline products as well as interactive content, including What is My Cat Thinking, where cat owners can try to figure out what a cat is thinking when it finds itself in interesting circumstances and Billy’s Purr-spective, the only blog in the world written by a cat.  Rain has also written the book Silly Billy, which showcases Billy the cat in precarious situations.

 

Pet Transport Soars To New Heights

A MATCH MADE IN THE SKY: PET TRANSPORT SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Petmate® Partners with Pet Airways® to Make Travel by Air Safe and Comfortable!

Arlington, TX (November 11, 2010) – Petmate, the company that invented airline-approved portable carriers, is proud to announce its partnership with Pet Airways, the first airline specifically designed to transport pets.

Pet Airways is the first pet-only airline, where pets fly in the main cabin – not in cargo. Pets fly in the specially equipped and climate controlled main cabin and are continuously monitored by the In-Flight Pet Attendant. The company’s mission is to provide safe and comfortable transportation of pets. The airline launched in 2009, and now serves coast-to-coast destinations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Omaha, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Atlanta and Ft Lauderdale.

As a valued Pet Airways partner, Petmate is now the sole provider of carriers to help ensure the safe transport of the pets. Since October 2010, Pet Airways has exclusively transported pets in Petmate’s Vari Kennel carriers, an ideal solution that makes travel safe and enjoyable for pets and pet parents alike. With durable wire windows, covered door posts, rear vents, moated interiors, heavy duty kennel fasteners and a secure door that provides closure with a handy squeeze-latch entry, these carriers are designed with safety in mind. The line is offered in a wide variety of sizes to fit the tiniest of pups and cats to giant dog breeds.

“As a leader in the pet carrier industry, we’re a logical partner, with our expertise in safe pet transportation,” says Brad Kane, vice president of marketing for Petmate. “We feel that, as a cherished part of the family, on-the-go pets should experience safe and comfortable air travel, and their families should be able to rest assured that their pets are taken care of in the best way possible.”

“We are extremely excited to partner with Petmate. In our search for the right pet carriers, the Petmate line of products stood out as the products that would provide the safety, quality and durability we were looking for. Petmate is a premier company that is very passionate about all aspects of pet care and together we will make travel for pets safer and more comfortable one flight at a time,” says Dan Wiesel, CEO of Pet Airways, Inc. “The announcement of this partnership caps off some significant developments for Pet Airways in the last few weeks, including the announcement of our trading symbol PAWS on the OTC BB, and features in The Washington Post and New York Post.”

About Pet Airways, Inc. (OTCBB: PAWS)
Pet Airways is the first airline specifically designed for the safe and comfortable,  transportation of pets. Pet Airways’ pawsengerstm travel in the specially equipped main cabin of its planes – where pets are continuously monitored by an In-Flight Pet Attendant and the climate is controlled for maximum pet comfort. With Pet Airways, pet parents can be assured their animals will be treated with tender, loving care throughout the journey.  The airline launched flight operations in 2009, and currently provides coast-to-coast to 9 cities.  For more information, go to www.petairways.com

Petmate® is the trusted authority in smart solutions for devoted pet parents and discerning retailers alike. Our mission – making the experience of being a pet parent more enjoyable – has remained steady for nearly half a century because we have pets too. Attractive design and superb function are Petmate hallmarks, as shown in complete lines of quality pet products including portable kennels, dog houses, bedding, litter maintenance, feeding and watering products, toys, collars and leads, and pet accessories. All Petmate products can be found at pet supply stores nationwide.

Black Cats are “Lucky” After All

Pet insurance claims indicate that black cats are less prone to accidents

Halloween conjures images of mysterious black cats that cross paths and bring bad luck. According to Petplan pet insurance, however, nothing could be further from the truth. Among the cat population, black cats are the least accident-prone, resulting in the lowest number of pet insurance claims.

Based on Petplan’s insurance claims, black cats are 15% less likely to be victims of an accident or injury compared to their colorful kitty counterparts. By contrast, orange cats are twice as likely as their inky cousins to be involved in a mishap. These unforeseen accidents can cost a small fortune.

Petplan’s most “unlucky” cat to date is a grey one, named April. After ingesting a belly’s worth of plastic, she required extensive surgery. Luckily, April survived and so did the family’s bank account. Petplan picked up 99% of the $5,000 veterinary bill for the insured cat, their highest feline accident claim to date.

While black cats may be lucky in avoiding accidents, they are not as fortunate when it comes to being adopted. According to a study by the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, black cats are often the last to be selected at an animal shelter.

Despite this, “Lucky” is the third most popular name of black cats insured by Petplan. Subscriber favorites include “Midnight” as the top choice with “Boo” as the next preferred. Black cat names inspired by popular culture include “Beetlejuice,” “Optimus Prime,” “Leroy Brown,” and “Jesse James.”

“Regardless of the color of your pet, this Halloween keep all furry friends away from lit jack-o-lanterns, decorations, and candy,” advises veterinarian Dr. Jules Benson, Petplan’s Vice President of Veterinary Services. The average veterinary cost of chocolate ingestion by a pet is scary indeed… upwards of $1,000.00. Additional Halloween safety tips are available on Petplan’s webpage (http://www.GoPetplan.com/newsletter/201010/newsletter.aspx).

About Petplan

Petplan is America’s #1 rated pet insurance company, offering comprehensive accident and illness health insurance for dogs and cats. Petplan offers simple, customizable policies to meet any coverage requirements and budget and is the only pet health insurance provider to cover all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet without dollar limits per condition. For more information, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.