Unique Dog and Cat Beds

It’s a dog’s world some say, and when it comes to pet toys and products, there sure seem to be more dog toys than cat toys. Honestly though, what’s good for the dog is often good enough for the cat! I came across one of the many dog only websites I often see when surfing around for cat related things. Looking at the dog beds, I realized that my cats would absolutely love them too. So of course I had to look closer and see what I might want. I mean, what the cats might like to snuggle in. In fact, many of the products on this dog only site would be good enough for cats. For instance, check ou the spa robe! Too cute.

Back to the beds! The first dog cat bed I liked (I mean, the cats liked!), is a really cool chaise lounge bed. It comes in most neutral colors so it will suit any decor you already have. The fabric is microfiber, and as I personally have a futon with this fabric, I know it repels water, is pretty stain resistant and pet hair wipes off very easily. It also comes with comfy cute fleece pillows! The top cushion and fabric cover of this bed is washable.

The second pet bed that appealed to me (err, the cats!) is the really unique Microvelvet Double Donut Dog Bed. Like the name suggests, it is made with microvelvet, which is similar to the microfiber in that it repels water, is stain resistant and pet hair wipes off easily. The color choices are again neutral enough to go with any decor. This entire bed is washable.

This third one is also unique, you don’t see these in Petsmart or Petco! At least, I haven’t. This one is a two tier plush microvelvet couch. Of course it is also in many neutral colors and like the others, it’s washable, stain resistant and pet hair easily wipes off.

I know any of the above would look great in my house! And the cats would like them too. We’ll just have to decide which one to buy first! Maybe Santa Claws will bring one for Christmas.

Caring For Your New Siamese cat

So you’ve just gotten home from visiting a Siamese cat breeder and now have a new addition to your family? Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a highly intelligent breed of cats - the Siamese cat. Siamese cats are one of the most loving cats in the world, even if it looks anything but friendly to the eyes of non-cat lovers. However, cat lovers will tell you that it is impossible not to fall head over heels with this expressive and charming breed of cats. Here are some tips on how to show your new Siamese cat some love after bringing it home.

Firstly, you should ensure proper nutrition is given to your beloved Siamese cat. These cats are not averse to eating veggies but meat is an essential ingredient in their daily diet. Feed your Siamese cat proper food such as dry kibble according to their age, weight and general needs and you will have a healthy, happy kitty in your hands. Cheap pet food is a big no-no, but table scraps and leftover meat or fish is deemed okay to be given as an occasional treat.

When it comes to kitty litter, it is recommended to get scoopable non-clay litter. Clay litter has sodium bentonite a natural clay ingredient that expands into a hard mass when it comes into contact with moisture. Cats will ingest fine sodium bentonite particles when they dig in the clay litter. The particles expand in the lungs and cause asthma and other lung problems. Good litters to choose from include newspaper, corn or wheat based litters.

Lastly, it does not hurt to show plenty of love and affection to your Siamese cat. Here’s to a lasting relationship with your feline friend!

Natural Pain Relief for Pets

If your cat or dog suffers from arthritis, they aren’t alone. One in five dogs will suffer from joint pain by the time they are 5 years old. And the odds are reportedly higher, for cats. As a member of your family, you suffer with your beloved pet when he isn’t feeling his best.

Your pets pain relief treatment can be natural, without drugs. Pain relief for pets doesn’t have to be via pharmaceuticals or prescription drugs.

Flex Pet has a patented all-natural compound that is clinically proven to promote optimal joint health in your dog, cat or any other pet. The combinations of ingredients in Flexpet with CM8™ are especially designed to nourish the joints, support stronger cartilage, help stimulate the lubricating fluid in the joints and increase total mobility.

With Flex Pet, you can treat your pet’s pain and inflammation naturally. Your cat or dog that is suffering from joint pain such as arthritis, bursitis, osteochondrosis (OCD), hip dysplasia and other degenerative problems with the shoulders, elbows and stifle joint, can benefit from CM8™. It’s not overly expensive, and it’s natural. Your cat or dog will thank you!

Natural Remedies for Pets

Animals, like humans, can suffer from a plethora of common ailments that can make their lives miserable. This is why loving pet parents need to not only protect their pets from the discomforts that can besiege them; they should also find a way to do so without the use of harsh chemicals.
The solution of course is via the use or of organic, holistic an herbal remedies that are gentle and safe for not only animals but their human caretakers.

There are a large variety of natural treatments for conditions that often assail dogs’, cats, or other domesticated animals on a regular basis. The top treatments can be found below, and are a few in a long list of things that can be done to give your pet comfort from distress.

A Homeopathic Solution for Fleas

If your dog or cat is biting at their skin or scratching this can be an indication of flea infestation. Brewer’s yeast is often recommended largely because the smell that your pet gives off acts as a deterrent to the pests. Fresh garlic works for this very same reason and can be used in conjunction with the yeast. Do note that garlic is toxic for cats. Also toxic to cats are onions, shallots and chives.

Use about a teaspoon of brewer’s (or nutritional) yeast daily for cats and small dogs, and a tablespoon for a 50-pound dog. Some animals are yeast intolerant and will react with a skin allergy. Discontinue use if this occurs. Combine the yeast with the garlic in your animal’s food, and consider doubling the dosage during peak flea season (August and September).

Treating Infections Without Chemicals

Garlic oil alongside echinacea and goldenseal in your pet’s food can raise immunity and help eradicate low grade infections. During the therapies, carefully observe your pet and make sure they are responding the treatment you are giving them. Again, note that garlic is toxic to cats.

If the infection persists, and you are not able to find a Holistic Vet in your area, you may have to take your animal to a a local Vet for a shot of antibiotics.

Also be aware that essential oils are NOT good for cats either. Cats lack the ability to metabolize the various compounds in essential oils.

Natural Ways to Treat Diarrhea, Vomiting and Dehydration

People use slippery elm to clam their own stomachs and the powdered version of the bark can help alleviate nausea, vomiting and excessive diarrhea in animals. If your animal experiences dehydration from their stomach troubles, powdered or liquid electrolyte solutions will work. If you opt for Gatorade or an equivalent, cut the solution with water as the sugar is not good for domesticated animals to ingest for long periods of time.

Healthy Skin and Coats

Fish based oils, like cod liver oil, can keep your pet’s skin and hair shiny and thick. Place it in your pet’s food a couple of times a day for best results.

Cod lover oil can also keep the skin from itching, as dryness is usually the reason for this symptom in the absence of fleas.

If for any reason your pet has itchy skin while using cod liver oil, try licorice or dandelion root. This will help boost the immune system which aids the skin and coat automatically.

Calming Anxiety Naturally

Pets can get skittish for any number of reasons. Animals who have been rescued from shelters or suffered previous abuse may routinely exhibit anxiousness. Calm their nerves as well as their fears with herbs like Valerian, which is used in humans for the same reason. Chamomile brews or a gentle rub of lavender oil on your pet’s snout or nose will also help keep your animal happy and stress free.

Be sure to adjust the doses to coincide with your pet’s weight. Small cats and dogs will not need as much herbal medicine as a bigger animal would. Also, begin the regimen slowly, a few days on and a few days off, so that you can observe any potential reactions.

Before starting therapy, take your pet to the vet for a full exam before beginning ant type of vigorous health program, holistic or not. Some herbs, while innocuous for some pets, can cause allergies in others.
Once your pet is cleared to receive herbal remedies for their conditions, you should be able to help them feel their best at all times without the use of damaging chemicals. If you are unsure, contact a Holistic Vet, or your local vet.

In addition to the fact that your pet will not have unnatural toxins fed to them in the form of medicine, holistically treating your pet can often times be significantly cheaper than traditional veterinary medicine.

Shannon Hutcheson is a CFA registered manx breeder in the Greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada.

Puppy Training

Puppy training is something all new puppy owners must take on. Even after house training your new puppy, it is wise to go futher with some obedience lessons to ensure your puppy becomes a well socialize, well mannered adult dog.

Daily walks and/or play sessions are essential to helping your new puppy to learn what is and is not acceptable in human terms. It’s really important that you socialize your dog with other dogs as well as with humans. For a properly socialized dog to learn how to behave with other dogs, you can make play dates with other dogs and their owners. A few places you can go online to meet other dog owners looking for play dates for their dogs are:

• Zootoo.com - personal blog, classifieds, play date section
• PawSpot.com - play date section, dog friendly parks, message boards
• PlayDateBuddy.com - arrange play dates for your dog (paid membership required)

A puppy training class or course is another great option for making sure your puppy grows up to be a well mannered dog. A professional dog trainer can target your puppy’s specific needs. Perhaps your puppy is jumping up, not coming when called, a bit too aggressive during play or maybe your new puppy has seperation anxiety when you leave the house. All of these issues, and other common ones, can easily be addressed with puppy training from a professional trainer.

Bark Busters is a company that provides professional dog training in your home. A Bark Buster trainer is mobile and can have a session or class in your home, or at a location you choose. Bark Busters has trainers world-wide and it is quite likely there is one in your area. When looking for a professional dog obedience school, consider Bark Busters.

Images courtesy Flickr

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