How Pets Keep Us Healthy

Interesting article from from MSN about the ways our pets help keep us healthy

Many of these are based on scientific studies being done on the effects of our pets.

Pet Fire Prevention

New data shows that pets start nearly 1,000 accidental fires a year. Here is an article that helps keep you and your pets safe.

Fire Safety and Prevention

Preparing for an Emergency

In response to the flooding we recently dealt with and the fact that many other areas have had similar experiences in the past few months, not to mention that it is hurricane season, I've included a list of emergency items for your pets. It is recommended that you keep these items in a plastic storage tote in the same area you keep the emergency kit for your 2-legged family members. While we hope that you never need them, it is always best to be prepared.

The ASPCA website has much more detailed information to help you before a disaster strikes, and you can order a free Rescue Alert decal for your home. Visit their website at www.aspca.org.


Emergency Tips for Pets

3 - 7 day supply of food and water. This is for each pet. Rotate these items every few months to keep fresh.

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Medications and medical records, including vaccination records. Store in a resealable plastic bag to keep dry.

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Leash/harness & crate for transportation. Disposable crate liners are also a good idea.

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Current photo and description.

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Several small toys and things to chew on.

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Remember, if it is necessary for you to evacuate your home, then it is not safe for your pets to stay there either.
While there may be an emergency shelter available to you, most will not accept pets. It makes sense to plan ahead!

The Cromwell, CT Dog Park Effort

Dog Parks are becoming more and more popular as dog owners look for ways to exercise and socialize their furry friends. In fact, many people inquire about the proximity of dogs parks when buying a new home.

I have since joined the effort of the passionate people in this beautiful town of Cromwell - located in central Connecticut. Our goal is to raise funds through private donations in order to construct a public use dog park.
For any companies who read this blog, we are currently asking for product samples for upcoming fundraisers (and money is always nice too! :-). The products will be used as door prizes and giveaways during our various events. Our next fundraiser will be an information/donation booth at the Cromwell Riverfest in August. We would be grateful for any help in our efforts to beautify a part of the community and create a place for dogs and their owners.
For more information about our efforts, check out this article http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2010/06/15/news/doc4c16f5ba0ecba526041112.txt.

A Green Way to Clean

Here is another (edited) press release I have received in regards to a unique cleaning product. If anyone has tried it out, let me know your thoughs:

Clean+Green® are eco-friendly aerosol pet cleaning products. Unlike most other cleaning products that can be harmful, require multiple applications and/or only temporarily mask odors, Clean+Green delivers instant results in a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution. Clean+Green permanently cleans pet stains and eradicates odors. It is safe for pets, people (kids too!), and the planet.

“Green cleaning” is especially important for pet owners - according to the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), typical household cleaning products and air fresheners are one of the leading contributors to poor indoor air quality. The agency reports that poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues that manifest soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. As people become more aware of the dangers of harsh chemicals in cleaning products, they may wonder if the eco-friendly products on the market work as well as their tried-and-true clean up tools.

You can visit www.odorandstainremover.com for more information.

The Exotic Pet Challenge

Retailers that deal in exotic pets must navigat through a jungle of regulations. Here is an interesting article from Pet Business magazine in regards to the many challenges facing the exotic pet industry

Check out the article Exotic Challenge

What is Your Dog Saying

When you dog talks, is he really saying anything? A Pet Place.com article debates this issue.

Taking The Stuffing Out of Toys

Here is an interesting press release I received in regards to a relatively new pet toy. Would love to hear from anyone who has tried this toy!

The Release:
Dogs love to play with their toys, not the stuffing inside, so SPOT Pet Products showed their stuff by getting rid of the stuff(ing) to create unique and easily identifiable pet toys called Skinneeez. Reflecting the recent trend toward more floppy pet toys, Skinneeez have a more realistic appearance that is more attractive to dogs, and brings out the hunter in domesticated companions.

Skinneeez toys are easy to distinguish from other pet toys on the market because of the way they look – they appear to be soft-sculpture toys that have not yet been filled with polyester fiberfill. But that is by design – Skinneeez toys are flat, easy to grab, hold and carry for any dog or cat, and despite their super-soft fur-like fabric exterior, Skinneeez are amazingly durable and last longer than regular plush dog toys, because of the lack of stuffing. Realistically made to look like favorite backyard critters and have the mouthfeel of real prey, Skinneeez allow dogs to indulge their inner hunters, an instinct that never goes away, regardless of how domesticated they are, reminding them of a day in the field and why fetch games are so much fun.


Skinneeez reflect on the recent trend in pet toys towards floppy toys, but Skinneeez takes this trend a step further and leaves out all the stuffing, creating a toy that flops even more than some toys designed to be floppy with more room inside for squeakers in the head and tail. The lack of stuffing also means that there won’t be any bits of fluff for the owner to pick up. Also, unlike most fiberfill stuffed toys, Skinneeez are washable, and have securely sewn-on eyes, ears and tails for added safety.
Skinneeez for dogs come in two sizes – regular and mini – and several different varieties, including Mallard Duck, Chicken, Jungle Cat, Pink Flamingo, Ostrich, Beaver and Flying Squirrel. Skinneeez dog toys retail pricing begins around $6.99.

The SPOT brand of pet products is a division of Ethical Pet Products, a Bloomfield, New Jersey company dedicated to serving pets and pet lovers since 1952. SPOT’s product line includes innovative dog and cat products, such as toys, dishes, waste management products, apparel and other dog and cat accessories. SPOT is committed to providing its customers with the best value and service in the pet industry, while keeping quality, safety, honesty and humanity in mind. SPOT pet products are available at retailers nationwide. For more information, contact SPOT at http://www.ethicalpet.com/

A New Pet Food Recall

1. Merrick Pet Care Recalls 10oz Bags Of Merrick Beef Filet Squares


Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Information about the recall can be found on the company’s web site: http://www.merrickpetcare.com/about_us/news_article.php?tid=430. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.
2. Nature’s Miracle, Excel, Pro-Pet, Petco, DDS and Drs. Foster & Smith Nutritional Supplements and Powdered Form Products
United Pet Group has recalled a variety of nutritional supplements for dogs and powdered form products for dogs and cats. THESE PRODUCTS ARE SOLD UNDER DIFFERENT NAMES AT DIFFERENT RETAILERS. Please check the FDA release for a complete listing of products affected by this recall here is the link: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm


The products involved in both recalls are very popular, so it is important that we get the word out to fellow pet lovers. Please let your followers and readers know about these recalls.

All About Catnip

There is a brand new blog dedicated to the joys of one of the most popular substances for cats - The Catnip.
Cat Nip Mouse will show the variety of reasons why catnip is so addicting. Check it out.