July 31, 2009
Pets on Summer Vacation 2009 Slideshow and Pet Travel Tips
Summer is vacation time and that includes our pets! Enjoy this Pets on Summer Vacation Boston Globe slideshow.
About to take a trip? Check out these Summer Tips for Safe Pet Travel
.
[Photo: Craigville Beach in Hyannis, submitted by Ann Curran]
July 31, 2009
Omega Paw Portion Pacer Ball -- Helps Eliminate Gulping and Bloat
Recently we posted on the pet emergency bloat, or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a leading cause of death in dogs. Gulping food is a major risk factor for bloat.
Prevent gulping, choking, vomiting, and bloat. The Omega Paw Portion Pacer Ball
is designed to slow your dog down at chowtime and can help your dog eat up to 8 times slower.
July 30, 2009
Mod Stripe Kitty Krackers from GEORGE
These fun Mod Stripe Kitty Krackers from GEORGE are super-sized versions of the popular kitty krackers. The GEORGE mod stripe fabric is stuffed with organically grown catnip, and fashioned into sausage-like shapes.
July 30, 2009
Flower Garden Straw Dog Tote
Looking for a cute pet carrier? This charming Straw Dog Tote
has a tan straw base decorated with multi-colored flowers. Inside there's a comfy bright pink lining with two inside pockets, one with a zipper. This small pet carrier is airline approved.
At Muttropolis -- Free Shipping over $75!
July 29, 2009
Angels' Eyes Tear Stain Eliminator for Dogs and Cats -- Doolittler Vet Blog Issues Caution
The pet supplement Angels' Eyes Tear-Stain Eliminator for Dogs and Cats 
has spent 847 days in the top 100 best sellers in Amazon's Pet Supplies
category. We have featured this pet beauty product in a prior post--basically, to eliminate your pet's tear stains "from the inside out", sprinkle some into your pet's food.
All good? Not according to Dr. Patricia Khuly at vet blog Doolitter, who argues that the underlying cause of the staining is being ignored: "Never mind that tears run down faces because eyes are misshapen. Never mind that the presence of excessive lacrimation is evidence of disease".
If you rely on this product to keep your cat or dog snowy white around the eyes and mouth, do your pet a favor and read what Dr Khuly has to say:
- Never mind that this product's active ingredient is a macrolide antibiotic called tylosin.
- Never mind that clearing up tear stains in this way means you've got to offer your dogs a daily dose of antbiotic for the rest of his natural life.
- Never mind that Angel Eyes is illegal in Europe and other places where antibiotics are not readily allowed in products like this.
- Never mind that while the rest of the world is looking for ways to curb bacterial resistance to antibiotics, Angel Eyes is promoting it...just so your dog can look "pretty" in the face of disease.
Dog Tweeter Training Whistle
Train your pooch to walk beside you on the leash without pulling and tugging. When your dog pulls on the lead, a whistling tone (non-electric) is emitted from the Dog Tweeter
.
Dogs are sensitive to this whistling sound, so in conjunction with a command such as "heel", your dog quickly learns to walk calmly at your side. Tugging sharply on the lead also triggers the whistling sound.
via Book of Joe
July 28, 2009
New Simon's Cat Animation -- "Fly Guy"
Are you a fan of the Simon's Cat animations by Simon Tofield? A new clip was released over the weekend.
via BlissTree
Water Twister Retrieval Toy
This cute coiled Water Twister
will stay afloat in the water, making it easy for your dog to spot and retrieve. Made from durable neoprene, it's lightweight and tough, sheds water and won't get soggy.
July 27, 2009
Tommy Pet Bed by Tommy Williams
The Tommy Pet Bed was designed by Tommy Williams to remove the allergens where your cat or dog sleeps. The premise is that keeping the air pure and allergy-free at the "source of the problem" will improve the air quality throughout your home. It's a start anyway.
via Hometone
How to Cover Expensive Veterinary Bills -- Trupanion Pet Insurance
Veterinary technology is advancing and becoming more expensive to the point where the cost of quality veterinary care often exceeds a pet owner's budget. Many pet owners are forced to choose between burdensome debt or medically neglecting their pet.
According to the American Pet Products Association, only 2% of all United States pet owners currently carry pet insurance and up to 6% of pet owners will by 2010. Pet insurance tends to cost between $2,000 and $6,000 over the lifespan of the average pet.
Christine Merle, an Indianapolis-based veterinary consultant quoted in this Chicago Tribune article on pet insurance, suggests pet insurance policies be thought of, in a financial sense only,
as more akin to car insurance than human health insurance. You're hedging your bets against paying out of pocket should catastrophe strike.
"It's like indemnity insurance," Merle said. "For individuals looking at how to reduce the cost of vet care, especially the accident and illness side, and who don't want to have to make a financial decision, it can be useful. Is it for everyone? No."
One affordable and practical type of coverage we have found is a high-deductible plan, such as the Trupanion Veterinarian-Approved Pet Insurance
, recommended by PETCO.
This American Animal Hospital Association guide will help you to prepare yourself for potentially expensive urgent pet care.
July 24, 2009
Raising a New Puppy?
Yesterday, we wished our fabulous Golden Retrievers "Happy Birthday". The first night we brought them home, we must admit asking ourselves (in between the cuteness): "What on earth have we done to our lives??"
The New York Times has begun a weekly series, The Puppy Diaries, about "the challenges and satisfactions of raising a puppy through its first year of life". A snippet from author and new puppy owner Jill Abramson:
Somehow I had forgotten how much having a new puppy is like having a new baby. It's not only the made-up games, the hide-and-seek and stuffed animals. There is the special puppy smell, much like the distinctive scent, better than perfume, of a new baby's head. There is the reflexive urge to smother with kisses. There is the getting up in the middle of the night. There is the singing of lullabies to sleep, lying next to Scout's crate as if it were a cradle. There is the arrangement of play dates for socialization....There are the books written by experts (our puppy manual is by the Monks of New Skete, The Art of Raising a Puppy
). There is the feeling of total relief in seeing tired eyes close for a nap.
Have a new puppy or know someone who does? Sign up for Drs. Foster and Smith's email series: Puppy Care Today -- Everything you need to know about a new puppy through each stage.
Swimming Dog Crystal Glasses
Nothing beats enjoying a relaxing drink out on the deck in summer. These generously sized Swimming Dog Glasses are hand-etched with a water dog paddling along a ring of waves. The classic double old-fashioned shape is made of sturdy crystal that resists chipping and breaking. A terrific gift!
July 23, 2009
Bowlingual Voice -- Translates Your Dog's Emotions into Human Words
Who amongst us have not wondered what our dog is saying when s/he barks?
A Japanese toy company has invented Bowlingual Voice, a device that purportedly interprets the emotions expressed in a dog's bark then translates them into human words.
This gadget "detects" sadness, joy, alertness to danger, neediness, happiness and frustration, plus has a recorded repertoire of spoken phrases such as "play with me", "leave me alone", and "feel sad". And for the dog owner who doesn't want to miss a thing, an answering machine function can also record your pet's feelings when you are not around.
Or maybe, as is often the case in relationships, the less said, the better.
via DVICE / Daily Mail Online
Happy Birthday -- Let's Pawty Dog Tank and Musical Birthday Cake Toy
Today is the 6th birthday of the in-house Super Cool Pets Golden Retrievers. Happy Birthday, girls, and many more!
Even though the girls prefer to go "au naturel", they will wear their Let's Pawty Dog Tank Top
for their celebration today.
And because they love their toys, they will each get their very own Birthday Cake Toy
. This is a 6" plush golden (of course) cake with white icing and 6 candles in pretty colors. The cake plays the birthday song melody, and when that happens, the girls will bark along.
Time to "pawty"!
July 22, 2009
Assessing Pet Supplements -- How Vets Tell if They are Effective and Safe
A recent ConsumerLab.com study raises questions about the effectiveness of, or even necessity for, pet supplements.
Miami, FL small animal veterinarian Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA writes the popular blog Dolittler. Explaining a professional method to evaluate pet supplements, she cites Dr. Nancy Kay, a veterinary specialist who practices in Northern California and is the author of the popular book Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
:
"We veterinarians are taught to use the ACCLAIM system (described below) to assess nutritional supplements. You too can use this system to make educated choices about these products for yourself and your four-legged loved ones.
A = A name you recognize. Choose an established company that provides educational materials for veterinarians and other consumers. Is it a company that is well established?
C = Clinical experience. Companies that support clinical research and have their products used in clinical trials that are published in peer-reviewed journals to which veterinarians have access are more likely to have a quality product.
C = Contents. All ingredients should be clearly indicated on the product label.
L = Label claims. Label claims that sound too good to be true likely are. Choose products with realistic label claims.
A = Administration recommendations. Dosing instructions should be accurate and easy to follow. It should be easy to calculate the amount of active ingredient administered per dose per day.
I = Identification of lot. A lot identification number indicates that a surveillance system exists to ensure product quality.
M = Manufacturer information. Basic company information should be clearly stated on the label including a website (that is up and running) or some other means of contacting customer support."
Still have questions? Read Supplementing Your Pet's Diet by Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff.
William Wegman Doodle Dog Bag by Crypton
The Crypton Doodle Dog Bag
is a fun and fashionable bag for shopping or traveling. This eco-friendly reusable bag is made of Crypton's signature super fabric with the same print on each side. It's stain, moisture and odor resistant, easy to spot clean, and machine washable.
Crypton Doodle Dog Bag Collection in the above colors Pool Blue, Gipsy Red, Kermit Green, Koala Tan, Persimmon Orange, and Twig Brown.
If you like this, you will love the William Wegman design Doodle Dog Pet Beds.
July 21, 2009
PetScoop: South Korea Customs Agency Clones a Six Pack of Sniffer Dogs
South Korean customs authorities have reportedly cloned a pack of six Labrador retriever sniffer dogs.
To create the ideal customs dogs, a team of Seoul National University scientists, led by researcher Lee Byung-Chun, cloned a successful Canadian sniffer dog in 2007. Lee was a former colleague of Hwang Woo-Suk, the scientist who was disgraced when his claims about his work with human stem cells were proved false. But Lee severed ties with Hwang in 2006, according to the Agence France-Presse.
Seven cloned puppies were born, and six completed the 16-month training program to become sniffer dogs. (The seventh had to drop out of the training program due to injury.) Three of the six Labradors that completed the training program have now reported for duty at South Korea's main airport, Incheon International Airport. The other three are assigned to customs checkpoints in Incheon and two other cities.
In keeping with humanity's never-ending quest to have us all march in step, all six dogs are have the same name, Toppy, a combination of "tomorrow" and "puppy."
via LA Unleashed
Sonic Scrubber Bird Cage Cleaning Tool
One chore we kind of dread at Super Cool Pets is cleaning the bird cage, but it has to be done from time to time.
We think the battery-powered Sonic Scrubber Bird Cage Cleaning Tool is a must-have to simplify the job and power away those tough bird messes easily. 3,600 scrubs per minute with a non-slip, ergonomic handle.
July 20, 2009
Pet Toy Safety -- Would You Buy that Toy for Your Child?
The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association has begun checking toys for safety. As we have learned in recent years, we cannot rely upon corporate America or watchdog agencies to keep our pets safe, but our own best judgment when purchasing pet toys. A few tips via The Examiner:
- Avoid toys with painted decals: the item may not have been tested properly, and we know that paint can contain lead.
- Toys that are inexpensive may be poorly constructed and disintegrate in a pet's mouth, leading to choking.
- Exercise the same caution as you would when shopping for a young child's toy. If you wouldn't allow it in your playroom, it shouldn't be in your pet's toy box, either.
One solution is to make your own toys, as suggested in Make Your Own Cat Toys: Saving The Planet One Cat Toy At A Time.
New 2009 Collection -- Laurel Burch Latte Mugs
The new 2009 collection of beautiful bright Laurel Burch Latte Mugs
features 12 of her signature whimsical cat designs. These hand-finished ceramic mugs hold a generous 16 oz and are dishwasher and microwave safe.
July 17, 2009
How You Feed Your Large-Breed Dog Can Reduce the Risk of Bloat
Patty Khuly VMD, MBA is a small animal veterinarian in Miami, FL and writes a daily blog for pet lovers at PetMD that is a favorite here at Super Cool Pets. We wanted to bring yesterday's topic, bloat, to your attention.
This disease, also called torsion, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), can kill a dog in a matter of minutes or become chronic. From Dr Khuly's article The latest word on the dreaded "bloat":
Dogs of predisposed breeds or with relatives who have bloated should be "tacked." (Ed.--referring to the stomach) Steps should be taken to reduce eating speed (lots of bowls are made for such a purpose). Food should not be fed from a height (none of those raised dog bowls). And here are some other risk factors that have not necessarily been proven yet, but that should probably avoid these you can:
* Exercise immediately after feeding
* Rapid eating speed
* Decreased food particle size
* Once daily feeding
* Stress
At Super Cool Pets we focus on pet products that improve and enhance the lives of pets and the people they love. Dr Khuly recommends the use of bowls that reduce eating speed, such as the Brake-Fast Pet Bowl pictured above, and recommends against using raised feeders. If you are a dog owner, we recommend reading the entire article.
Earthbath All Natural Shampoo for Cats and Dogs
We wash off and hose down our pets a lot, but sometimes they just need a good scrub to soothe the various conditions that crop up, especially in the summer, such as itch relief, skin sensitivity, combating pests, odor relief, and coat conditioning.
Earthbath All Natural Shampoos
effectively combat skin irritation, promote healing, and re-moisturize pet dry skin. These shampoos are soap-free and pH-balanced for pets' sensitive skin--also non-toxic, 100% natural, entirely bio-degradable, phosphate and paraben-free, enzyme-free, and animal cruelty-free.
For dogs, a variety of Earthbath Shampoos are available--Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo, Clear Advantages Shampoo, Orange Peel Oil Shampoo, and Eucalyptus & Peppermint Shampoo.
For cats, Earthbath All Natural Cat Shampoo and Conditioner 
has gentle cleansers and conditioners with wild cherry essence to detangle and make your favorite feline's fur shine.
July 16, 2009
Rufus Rhymes -- Lullaby Book for Dogs and Dog Lovers by Animal Artist Ron Burns
Painter, animal welfare philanthropist, and all-around animal lover Ron Burns will release his new book, Rufus Rhymes, on August 15, 2009. The lyrics of popular nursery rhymes have been rewritten to be dog-centric, and are illustrated with his signature paintings.
Copies of the 24 page book ($8.99) are now available for pre-order at his website, www.RufusRhymes.com, where you will also find coloring pages, puzzles, activities, and e-cards to send to friends. All copies ordered during the "pre-order period," unitl August 15, will be autographed by Ron Burns.
"I wanted to create a book that any dog lover young or old can enjoy. For those just learning the classics, or having not heard them in decades, the lullabies in this book have a fresh twist making this a first-ever book for readers and their pooches," says Burns. "Each lullaby is brought to life with my painted images that show the clownish, endearing traits we all love about dogs."
Also available only during the "pre-order period" is a copy of the book plus a signed, limited-edition Giclee print, measuring 11 x 14, of an image from the book.
Katie's Bumpers Sqwuggies Dog Fetch and Tug Toy
Got a bunch of dog toys scattered around that no one plays with? Dogs of all ages like new toys as much as we do! These durable Sqwuggies
from Katie's Bumpers squeak and float and are perfect for tugging and fetching games.
They are made from pre-consumer recycled fire hose material with a strong sewn-in loop tug handle for tugging. They have a muffled squeaker that is quiet for us but plainly audible to your dog's sensitive ears.
Great to fetch on land, water and snow. Sqwuggies are for use by all size dogs.
July 15, 2009
Survey Says: Risk Prevents Shoppers from Buying to Store Brand Pet Products
Do you buy store brand products or choose a national brand when you shop for your pet?
A new study has found that for some products, shoppers just won't risk buying the store brand.
Shoppers will choose the store brands for food and household goods, but prefer name brands when it comes to their children and pets.
ICOM surveyed the shopping habits of 1,530 Americans over a six-month period. The study found that just 23 percent chose the store brand over national brands for pet care products.
What about you?
via Brandweek
Smoothies for Dogs -- Mr. Barksmith's Cool Treats
Smoothies aren't just for people anymore. On these dog dayz of summer help your dog beat the heat with a refreshing smoothie. Mr. Barksmith's Cool Treats
are simple and easy dog treats -- just freeze and serve.
Healthy too -- made of apples, pear puree, banana puree, natural peppermint extract, and vitamin C. These low-fat summer snacks are only 33 calories per serving and are wheat and rice gluten free.
July 14, 2009
Pet Airways Takes Off Today
The pet-only airline Pet Airways is taking off today. The Delray Beach, FL airline has teamed up with Suburban Air Freight to transport cats and dogs in 19-passenger Beech 1900 aircraft, flying out of New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles.
Up to 50 "pawsengers'' will travel in carriers in the main cabin in the care of a pet attendant. One-way ticket prices range from $149 to $299, and the first two months are sold out.
Feed and water your pet in advance, since no snacks or drinks will be served. The airlines does provide "potty breaks". Since we all know that flying can be stressful enough as it is, dogs and cats will not be allowed to mingle during the flight.
via boston.com
For Trips and Travel Use an Overnighter Dog Suitcase
Next time you go for an overnighter or on a trip with your pet, keep all your pet gear together in one place. Make sure you remember everything and organize all your pet medicine, treats, toys, etc. in a sharp-looking Overnighter Dog Suitcase.
This black nylon bag has a shoulder strap and smaller top handle with 7 functional pockets of various sizes, plus a window for a photo.
Free Shipping on All Orders over $75
July 13, 2009
I Tweet on Twitter Dog Shirt
For the pup who loves to network, this "I Tweet on Twitter" Dog Shirt is a soft cotton tank with a bit of stretchy lycra for comfort.
Super Cool Pets Tweets on Twitter --Stay current on the coolest and craziest pet products and news! Follow Us!
Super Cool Pets New Facebook Page--Become a Super Cool Pets Fan!
Sizzlin' Summer Sale at Drs Foster and Smith
Popular online pet retailer Drs Foster and Smith is announcing a Sizzlin' Summer Sale!
Save on hundreds of quality items through 9/08/09. Hot!
July 11, 2009
July 10, 2009
PetScoop: New Greener, More Economical CatGenie120 Launches 8/1/09
If you love cats, but would just as soon never touch, smell, or buy cat litter ever again, a good fit for you would be the CatGenie, "the only automatic cat box that flushes waste away and, like a cat, washes itself clean."
A new CatGenie 120 will be available on August 1. It has the same exterior, but is greener and more economical. Here are some of the 120 benefits and features:
• Greener, more economical cartridges
• Economical, eco-friendly cat activation
• SaniSolution level indicator
• Brand-new, smarter, software
• Save the washable granules
• Easier maintenance
As of August 1st, current CatGenie Owners can upgrade on the CatGenie website. As a current owner, you would purchase the CatGenie 120 Upgrade Package at the website price, then receive a $100 rebate when you return your old processing unit to be recycled.
Savvy Tabby Neptune Napper -- Cat Crinkle Tunnel
We love the fun goldfish look of this SavvyTabby Neptune Napper
crinkle tunnel. It's a cat play tunnel and cozy napper in one.
The tunnel has soft plush fabric to keep cats warm, a crinkle lining in its walls and two openings to provide easy access for one or more cats.
July 9, 2009
Animal Bike Helmet Toppers
Have some fun on your next bike ride. Attach one of these animal Helmet Toppers to your bike helmet and turn a few heads.
via Nerd Approved
Grabber Dooley Doo One-Handed Poop Scoop
No more bending or stooping down when cleaning up after your pet. This Grabber Dooley Doo Scoop
pet waste shovel is designed to pick up pet poop, even in grass, and hold it until you are ready for disposal.
The Grabber can be operated one-handed. The handle is 32" long with a non-rusting plastic shovel blade on one side and a rake on the other. Easy to clean with a garden hose.
The Grabber makes a great accessory for use with the Doggie Dooley Pet-Waste Disposal System.
July 8, 2009
Dream Cat Venus Robot Pet from Sega Toys
If you love cats, but they just don't gel with your lifestyle right now, a Dream Cat Venus might fill the bill. This realistic cat from Sega Toys moves in response to the sound of your voice and the feel of your touch, will purr when comforted and even express displeasure when neglected. And don't throw away your lint remover yet, the Dream Cat sheds on your furniture.
To see the "real thing", click here. Available after July 30th for $110 in Japan.
via DVICE
Where Were You at 4:05 and 6 Seconds This Morning?
Interesting tidbit found at Maluna, Joie de Vivre. Admittedly, totally un pet-related, unless your dog was out barking at the full moon early this morning.
Doggles Bucket Hat
This fun Doggles Bucket Hat will sure turn heads...and shield your dog's head and eyes from the bright sun. Mix an old-fashioned style (we used to call them Aussie Hats) with color for a super cool pet look.
The Bucket Hat is made of cotton-blend material with elastic chin and ear straps. Available in Sunset Orange-Yellow, Hot-Baby Pink, or Navy-Grey, accented with embroidered peace, love, and fire hydrant symbols that circle the brim. In sizes Teacup to Large.
July 7, 2009
Does Your Pet Have Intestinal Irregularity? Vets are Recommending Probiotics
For the pet who experiences intestinal distress--diarrhea, constipation, flatulence--veterinarians are starting to prescribe probiotics to help support the "good" intestinal bacteria. One such product available is the NaturVet Enzymes and Probiotics Digestive Tract Aid For Dogs and Cats
above.
Miami vet, Dr Patricia Khuly, explains in her must-read blog Dolittler:
First up, here's the current working definition of a probiotic according to the World Health Organization:
"[Probiotics are] live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host."
The idea is that adding "good" bacteria will stimulate more "good" bacteria (the ones that are presumed to be associated with health benefits). In this way, the entire balance of the intestinal flora will be shifted toward the beneficial bacteria. Makes sense, right?
Lots of veterinarians think so, too. Many are recommending probiotics for any pet with symptoms of "bacterial imbalance" associated with unhappy symptoms of the aforementioned "irregularity:" diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and sometimes vomiting. Sometimes the probiotics are offered on a short-term basis or short-term symptoms. For others with more chronic or chronically-intermittent symptoms, however, they may serve well as a lifetime stopgap for whatever underlying intestinal malady ails them.
As always, run any supplements and meds you give your pet by your veterinarian.
Custom-Made Cat Tree House
This custom-made Cat Tree House gives your cats the room to play, jump, explore and sleep. Made of wood, cedar, removable plush carpeting and synthetic silk leaves, this pet house will be a durable interactive play center for your cats.
Your cat will be stimulated by the motion, rustling sounds and flexibility while playing and climbing. Makes a nice accent for your home!
In Small, Medium and Large.
July 6, 2009
Detroit Painter Embeds Pet Remains in Portraits
People are finding novel ways to memorialize our deceased pets. As we posted in June, the Soft-Hearted Pillow can be stuffed with the cremains of beloved family pets. Now we discover Detroit painter Gretchen Kiefer turns ashes and pet photos into textured plaster portraits.
Working off the pet's photograph, this artist paints an eight-layer plaster portrait, embedding up to 4 ounces of ash cremains for a unique pet final resting place that you can hang on your wall.
via PeoplePets
Tuff 'n Rugged™ and Cozy Cottage™ Dog Houses by Pet Zone
These cozy Pet Zone Doghouses will keep your outdoor dogs and cats protected from the elements - rain, hail, wind, snow. With 10 times more insulation than other doghouses, the double-ply walls keep your pets warm in winter and cool in summer.
These houses are spacious and well ventilated. Be sure to size your doghouse correctly. Your dog should have just enough room to lie down comfortably. A doghouse that is too large will not provide proper insulation to keep your dog warm.
Easy to maintain -- the roof lifts off for easy cleaning. These impact-resistant doghouses are guaranteed for life against cracking or breaking.
July 4, 2009
Super Cool Pets July 4th 2009 Annual Pet-Friendly Tips
Happy 4th of July! We hope this is a fun weekend for you and your pets. Since this holiday is often more stressful than relaxing for animals, following is the annual Pet-Friendly Fourth Of July Tips via AKC.org:
As we prepare for barbeques and fireworks this Fourth of July, The American Kennel Club, a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, offers tips on how to keep your pets safe and calm during this Independence Day.
* It is safer to keep your pets at home during Fourth of July celebrations instead of bringing him to your neighbor's party. Keep your pets in the house, rather than in your yard. He will be a lot happier indoors, and not tempted to leap over a fence to find you.
* Dogs can be startled by the loud noise of fireworks. Once the festivities begin, keep your pet in a safe room where he can feel comfortable. If he is crate trained put him in his crate covered with a blanket to make him feel secure.
* Block outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television. Play soothing music in the background to counteract the cacophony during the "rockets' red glare.
* If your pet seems overly anxious, spend some time with your pet, speaking soothingly to help them to relax.
* Avoid scraps from the grill. While tempting to our pets, any sudden change to your pets' diet can cause stomach upset. In addition, some certain foods like onions, avocado, grapes and raisins can be toxic.
* Human products can be dangerous to animals. Avoid spraying your pet with insect repellent and only use special sunscreen that is intended for animal use. Keep your pets away from matches and lighter fluid. They can be extremely irritating to the stomach, lungs and central nervous system, if ingested.
* Should your dog get scared, escape and run away, help find him with microchip identification. Collars and tags can fall off so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Keep contact information current with your recovery service provider
We would also advocate the use of calming products to reduce anxiety of the stressed pet.
Photo: Dog Tags Chewy Shoe
July 3, 2009
Pet Stuff Steals & Deals -- 7/3/09
Amazon is having a Pet Supplies Summer Sale over the holiday weekend. Save up to 60% July 2 through July 7.
Feeling patriotic? Shop the Amazon Made-in-USA Pet Products.
Save $5 on your PetSmart.com
order of $30 or more. Use code JULYPERK. Ends 7/14 at noon ET.
Get up to 20% off at PetSmart's Super Summer Sale
. Ends 7/27.
Dyson Unveils New Handheld Vacuum with World's Fastest Motor -- DC31 Animal
An upgrade to the powerful Dyson DC16 Root 6 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is on the horizon. The Telegraph reports that Sir James Dyson has invented a new handheld Dyson DC31 vacuum cleaner with a motor that's ten times faster than a jet engine, and much quieter. The small, lightweight DC31 Animal for pet hair will debut in the UK and US this fall at $270.
via Blisstree / PopSci
July 2, 2009
PetScoop: New Oral Meds for Dog Flu, Fleas And Ticks In Dogs And Cats
Fleas and Ticks - New Jersey scientists are reporting the discovery and successful tests of the first once-a-month pill, N-tert-Butyl Nodulisporamide, a purportedly safe and effective means of controlling both fleas and ticks in domestic dogs and cats. From Science Daily:
In tests on fleas and ticks in dogs and cats, a single dose of the new pill was 100 percent effective in protecting against both fleas and ticks for a month. There were no signs of toxic effects on the animals. Scientists obtained the flea and tick fighter from a substance first found in a fungus that "has the potential to usher in a new era in the treatment of ecoparasitic [ticks and fleas, for instance] infestations in companion animals."
Dog Flu - If your pup is distinguished by a cute snubbed nose, meaning a Pekingese, a pug or a Shi-Tzu, s/he may be susceptible to a flu virus, H3N8 dog flu, that jumped from horses to dogs a few years ago. This virus puts a strain on short-nosed dogs' ability to breathe.
According to NYTImes it has hit hard in Florida, New York City's northern suburbs, Philadelphia and Denver. They have the scoop on the new flu vaccine just approved by the US Department of Agriculture:
It has now been found in 30 states, but almost exclusively in settings where dogs live closely together: shelters, pet stores, kennels and dog schools. Because the owners of these establishments have learned to turn away sick dogs just as school principals facing swine flu send home sick children, the disease's progress has been slowed.
"Probably over 10,000 dogs have been infected," Dr. Crawford said, "but I can't say whether it's 20,000 or 30,000. In a population of 70 million, that's a drop in the bucket."
Dr. Edward J. Dubovi of the veterinary school at Cornell University, another discoverer of the virus, said it is "probably not as well adapted to dogs as it could be." It took five mutations to let it jump to dogs from horses, where it had circulated for 40 years.
Another mutation or two "could make it a very serious issue," he said, but at the moment, "it takes a certain density of dogs to keep it going."
Biodegradable Olive Unisex and Super Poop Bags
Rather than scooping pet poop into petroleum-based plastic bags which slowly break down over the centuries in landfills, why not try putting the 100% biodegradable pet poop into equally biodegradable pick-up bags?
Olive Unisex Poop Bags
and Olive Super Poop Bags
are made naturally from GMO-free corn starch and vegetable oil, are certified 100% biodegradable and compost in as little as 40 days.
Available in two convenient sizes -- Unisex Poop Bags (small) and Super Poop Bags (large).
July 1, 2009
Keep Both Hands on the Handlebars and Let Your Dog Set the Pace on Your Bike Rides -- Springer Bike Leash
Dogs love the Springer Bike Leash
which lets them set the pace on your bike rides. And you can keep both hands on the handlebars.
This leash keeps your dog by your side. S/he is protected from traffic and from getting tangled up in the bike pedals and wheels. The leash should reduce your dog's tugs by up to 90%.
The Springer Bike Leash comes complete with a specially designed comfortable biking harness, so your dog pulls with its shoulders and chest instead of with its neck, thus reducing neck strains and injuries.
Super Cool Pets Monthly Roundup -- June 2009
We dug up a lot of fun super cool pet gear this past June -- it's summer!
Accessories and Supplies
Apparel for Pet Lovers
Apparel for Pets
Artwork
Bedding
Behavior
Birds
Books & Media
Collars and Leashes
Continue reading: "Super Cool Pets Monthly Roundup -- June 2009"
edition. We love our Kindle 2 and consider it more than worth the investment. To never be without a book to read again--priceless! 
by Randy Grim with Melinda Roth
by Roy Rowan and Brooke Janis
by Mike Darton
. A potpourri of canine facts, embracing the essential, the trivial, the intriguing, and the extraordinary. 
by John Katz
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