What To Consider Before Becoming a Pet Owner

It's during this time of year that a lot of parents considering gifting a pet to the children for the holidays. Welcoming a furry friend to the household will undoubtedly bring you a lot of happiness, but it will also add to your workload. Even the most independent and well-behaved pets need care and attention. If you’re on the cusp of making a decision to introduce a new member of the family, here are some top considerations to make before making the final decision.

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Are You Ready To Commit To A Dog?

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Last weekend while at the pet store to pick up some prescription cat food, there was an adoption event happening. If you are an animal lover (or have kids), you know that these are dangerous places to happen upon. I always want to take home at least two or three cats. But last week, I was pulled in the direction of the dogs. The puppies were so cute! At that moment, I could just imagine one bouncing all over the house.

There are all sorts of questions to ask yourself before letting a dog into your life. While the benefits of a family pooch are plain to see, it's also a huge commitment. If you get a puppy, you may be looking at full-time dog ownership for upwards of fifteen years. I've heard that dog ownership is a lot like having another baby. You wouldn’t embark on that kind of commitment without covering all your bases first, would you?

Even if you think you’re ready for the early morning (and cold) walks and vet bills, this commitment stretches deeper than you know. Though your dog may become a staple member of the family, most pup owners admit to regretting their choice at some stage. Dogs are binding commitments, after all, and they can tie you down a fair amount.

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4 Reasons Your Dog Has Lost His Appetite

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Dogs love to eat! In fact, they will eat almost anything, whether it’s good for them or not. So it's only natural that we become alarmed when our dogs abruptly stop eating. When they turn their noses up at whatever you have put in their dish, it’s unlikely its because they are being fussy (although occasionally they might be). Here are four reasons why your dog may not be eating.

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How To Overcome Persistent Flea Infestations

Pets fast become staple family members in our homes. Your kids probably love that puppy or kitten like a parent loves a child, and you’re pretty fond of it, too. And, as with any other member of the family, the chances are that you’d go above and beyond to keep your dog happy and healthy. You take them for regular checkups and watch what they eat for that exact reason.

No matter how much care you take of your pet, it always seems to have a continual flea infestation. It’s a headache many pet owners face, and it can cause real stress. After all, fleas do more than irritate. In fact, untreated, they leave your pet at risk to a whole host of issues, including:

• Skin infections
• Internal infections
• Blood poisoning
• Tape worms
• Anemia

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3 Tips For Living With A Senior Dog

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The times out in the park with your pet dog are some of the best moments of your life. It's simple, there’s not much going on, but you, nature and your dog are having a blast. The mere fact that dogs run like crazy and have such a happy smirk on their face as they bound around and release all their energy, puts a smile on our faces.

Maybe it's something philosophical that we humans and dogs share; the feeling of freedom. That’s why they’re called ‘man’s best friend’. They have many qualities that could be deemed human-like. One of them is getting old and not being that same feisty person you once were. Dogs live about a 13-15 year lifespan, so they get old quite quickly compared to us. Which is why there can be a bit of a bridge between us as we don’t understand how they could change so quickly. Take your time with them and help them adapt to their age with these 3 tips.

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An Easy and Inexpensive Way To Help Your Local Cat Shelter

This post is sponsored by Cat's Pride but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Our cats are a special part of our family. While one was a backyard stray cat, our other two were adopted from a local shelter. When we decided that we were ready to adopt after our beloved 19 year old cat passed, there was no question that we would go straight to a local shelter in search of the perfect cat for our family.

Through our various adoptions from the local shelter, we learned that it takes a village to operate a shelter. From the generosity of volunteers and donors to the hard work that goes into daily operations and maintenance, it's no small feat. Even if you don't plan to adopt a cat, there's an easy way you can help your local cat shelter.

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10 Ways To Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy

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I talk a lot about cats around here, but that doesn't mean I don't have a tiny smidgen of dog person in me. We humans are complicated creatures. By comparison, dogs are a walk in the park...sometimes all it takes to make them happy is a literal walk in the park! Still, just because it doesn’t take a lot of effort to ensure they’re happy and healthy, there are still certain things that you need to do. Below are ten ways you can keep your friendly pooch fit and smiling.

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How to Deal With the Death of a Family Pet

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When a family pet dies, it impacts everyone in the family, and it can impact everyone in different ways. It’s up to you to make sure that you’re there to support your children because they’ll find it particularly difficult. It’s important to be sensitive to their needs and handle the situation with care. Six years ago, we had our first experience with a pet death when our beloved cat passed away after 19 years. 

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4 Tips For Identifying and Treating Skin Problems on Dogs

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Cats are definitely my thing, but every once in a while I get emails from readers who are looking for some information on dogs. Luckily, my niece is a veterinarian and is my go-to resource for pet-related questions and expertise.

For many pet owners, knowing when something is wrong with their pet comes as second nature. When a pet is sick, it is easy to tell that their personality is different, and many owners are very keyed into this part of their pet’s life. Of course, when something is bothering your pet, it isn't always obvious. When it comes to something subtle, like skin, it can be difficult to know what to watch for. In a lot of cases, though, your pet won’t have a way to show you their problems, and you will have to find them for yourself. So, to help you better identify potential skin issues in your dog, here a few of the things which impact your dog’s skin health.

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The Best Purebred Dogs To Own

If you are thinking of getting a dog for your family, you will have probably already narrowed down your choice to just a handful of breeds. But are you sure that your shortlist will all be suitable? Sure, all of your listed breeds will be super cute but there might be some hidden issues that you have yet to uncover. For instance, some dog breeds have been bred so much through the years that they now suffer from numerous health conditions because of the changes to their body. Not only that, though, but some breeds are known as being very aggressive and might not adapt to family life, especially if there are small children in the household.

But every dog breed has some negative aspects. You will find that if you take one of these breeds under your wing, all of the extra effort that goes into looking after them really pays off. You’ll develop a much stronger bond and will really feel like you’ve found your best friend!

Here are some dog breeds that are really worth all the extra effort.

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Questions To Ask Yourself Before Adopting A Puppy

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Puppies are so cute and so very easy to fall in love with that it can be easy to bring one home from the shelter or anywhere puppies are available, without really thinking it through properly. That is one of the main reasons why we have so many animal shelters filled with abandoned dogs - people just don’t take the time to think about what they are doing.

This time of year, shelters see an influx of puppies that were adopted or purchased as gifts, and now the reality of pet ownership has set in and many families realize that it's too much work and responsibility. If you want to be responsible and you want to ensure that you don’t end up taking on a pet you can’t handle, only to have to give him up further down the line, no matter how cute they are or how much your kids want one, you should consider the following VERY carefully before you bring a puppy home.

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The Health Benefits of Owning A Cat

Our family has two adorable and pesky cats. Jade is a gorgeous black cat, and Sam is our rambunctious striped tabby. Our lives have never been the same since we decided to adopt them. They both are little bundles of furry joy and a huge part of our family. But, owning a cat is so much more than having something to cuddle. Aside from the unconditional love, there are a myriad of health benefits when it comes to owning a cat. Cats make a perfect pet in any home. Put aside their playful personalities, the health benefits of cats are seemingly endless.

Here is what I have found to be the most beneficial health aspects of cat ownership.

Cats are Perfect Stress Busters

Did you know that stress can be reduced when you own a cat? Having a sweet little face to come home to is enough to make your heart melt. But, if you have had a long day in the office or out at work, cats can help you de-stress from the day. Their purrs can actually help soothe you if you have had a bad day. Plus, the feeling of stroking and grooming your cat is said to be good for your mental health.

Combating Loneliness

Those who own cats are often less lonely than those who live on their own. Loneliness can be bad for our emotional well being and overall health. So, if you live alone, having a cat can help you combat these feelings. They can be a positive boost to your mental health and your self-esteem.

Your Heart's Health is Increased

Cats are a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. Just the act of petting a cat can lower your blood pressure which is beneficial to your cardiovascular health. And playtime with your cat means that you are often getting light exercise.

But in order for you to benefit from your cat, your cat needs to be healthy. Feeding your cat a healthy diet is a must for optimal health. We choose only the best food, Hill's Science Diet®, for our cats. Hill's Science Diet is the #1 recommended brand of cat food by veterinarians.

Pet nutritionists scrutinize every recipe to ensure that your cat is getting the healthiest diet possible. Whether you have a cat with special dietary needs (weight control, urinary issues, hairball control, or something specific), Hill's makes a recipe to address your cat's specific needs.

When our cat Sam had urinary issues two months ago, our veterinarian recommended Hill's immediately. It's a special diet that he'll be on for life, and the veterinarian had the most confidence in a Hill's urinary formula to address Sam's specific needs.

Purchasing Hill's Science Diet formulas is easy with Amazon's Subscribe and Save program. When you join, you'll receive a coupon to save 20% off your first order and up to 15% off subsequent orders. You'll also receive free shipping on all orders. Get more information HERE. For this busy mom who doesn't always have time to trek to a specialty pet store, Amazon's Subscribe and Save is a true lifesaver. Just a few clicks, and cat food is delivered to my door within a few days.

Pets have the ability to transform our lives, so should we transform theirs by taking the absolute best care of them, starting with their diet? Cats are not just lovable companions; they are the best at keeping you healthy. There are physical, mental and general health benefits to owning a cat. They are the best companions to have, and they can truly make your family and you feel complete.

Don't have a cat? Hill's Science Diet offers recipes for dogs too.

Every little time saver counts. Will you use Amazon's Subscribe and Save program for ordering Hill's Science Diet pet foods? Check out how to join here.

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3 Ways To Take Your Cat On An Adventure

 

Cats aren't known for their sense of adventure. By nature they are sleepers. They can doze for up to 18 hours a day. But regular activity and adventure is a must to keep your cats happy and healthy.

But just how do you do that? Getting a cat moving can be a monumental task, even on the best days. My cats love to lounge, and they do it remarkably well, as do most cats.

June 15th is National "Take Your Cat On An Adventure" Day. You don't have to go far or plan anything grand to provide adventure for your cat. It can be something as simple as purchasing a new toy and having fun for a few hours. You know how cats just love anything new!

How can you provide adventure for your cat on June 15th? It's easy. Here are a few simple and inexpensive ways to give your cat the adventure of his or her life.

1. Buy a new toy and enjoy some one-on-one play time with your cat.
Don't just place the toy in front of your cat. Grab it and give it a throw across the room or tease him with it.

We recently purchased this cat tunnel at our local dollar store, and our cat Sam loves it! He'll hide in it, sleep in it, and run through it.

2. Venture outside with your cat.
If you have an indoor cat, buy a collar and a lead and get moving with him or her! It'll be fun for both of you. If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, accompany him while he's outside. Let him take the lead and you follow along for fun.

Our cat Jade loves the great outdoors. She loves to try to sneak out to have some tree climbing fun with Harper.

3. Open up a window and bring the outdoors in.
We have a lot of trees around our house, and the creatures living in them provide hours of entertainment for our cats. From birds to squirrels to bugs, our cats love sitting in the window and enjoying the views.

Just like people, cats need proper fuel for their adventures. Purina Pro Plan has a formula that's right for your cat and his dietary and nutritional needs. Take the pet quiz to find the formula that's ideal for your cat.

When I took the pet quiz, I received an email with details of the recommended formula and how it will be beneficial to my cats. When you complete the quiz, you'll receive a $5 coupon to apply towards the purchase of the Purina Pro Plan that's recommended for your cat.

How do you create adventure for your cat? Don't miss these other ways to create adventure for your cat.

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Five Points To Consider Before Adopting or Purchasing a Pet

Planning to take the plunge and welcome a new fur baby into the family? Dog, cat, bird or lizard, before you offer them a forever home, make sure to consider all the factors below. We recently added a hamster to our growing brood of fur babies, but before we did, we were sure to do our research and consider what is involved in caring for a new pet.

Cost
Cost is the number one thing you need to consider. Can you afford to support a pet? There are weekly food bills. Vet and medication bills. The cost of bedding and toys and the cost of having them looked after when you go away. Make sure you know all the costs involved, both daily and emergency costs.

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ThunderShirt™: The Best Solution for Pet Anxiety

Pets experience anxiety just as people do. Unfortunately, pets aren't able to vocalize when they are feeling anxious or to tell us what is causing the anxiety. It could be anything from a loud noise, an unfamiliar person, a car ride, or an unexpected situation.

We have two cats, and luckily for us, they don't get rattled too often or too easily. But when they do, it's a stressful situation for all. Generally it's trips to the vet and fireworks that set them into a tailspin. But we have finally found a solution for alleviating some of their anxiety and a means to put them at ease during stressful situations.

ThunderShirt™ is designed to apply gentle and constant pressure to cradle your cat in order to reduce and eliminate symptoms of anxiety. ThunderShirt™ wraps around your cat's body and attaches using velcro for a secure and comfortable fit.

ThunderShirt™ contains no drugs or harmful chemicals. What is does include is an absorbent pheromone patch to use with ThunderSpray. This is an added layer of anti-anxiety protection.

Thundershirt™ reports that there is an 80% success rate among the clients, vets, and animal trainers, and that most cats love to wear ThunderShirts.

I can certainly attest to that. When I first tried it on our cat Sam, he wasn't too sure about it. He needed a little conditioning. We prepared him by placing the ThunderShirt on the floor first so he could approach it at his own pace and convenience. He sat on it. He fell asleep on it. After we were convinced that he was comfortable with the ThunderShirt, we placed it on him. He liked it! He wasn't squirming or flailing trying to shake it off.

We live in a beach town where fireworks are a weekly occurrence. We decided to try out the ThunderShirt during the fourth of July fireworks extravaganza. The ThunderShirt passed the test with flying colors! Sam didn't run and hide under the bed or cower in a corner.

We haven't had a need to go to the vet since receiving the ThunderShirt, but I am most excited to see how our cats deal with the short ride in the car and the subsequent visit with the vet.

But for now, we'll be putting the ThunderShirt to plenty of use at home where it's been a lifesaver so far.

ThunderShirt is available for cats and dogs with prices starting at $39.95. More information can be found on the web site, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram.

Disclosure: I was provided with a ThunderShirt to facilitate this review. No other monetary compensation was received.

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7 Signs There's Something Wrong With Your Cat

Cats are great pets to keep, but you need to keep a close eye on them to make sure they’re happy. If a cat is unwell, the changes can be subtle. This makes it imperative you know what to look for before it’s too late.

We have two cats, and they are both very young, under 3 years old. However, illness can occur at any age. So, on a recent trip to our veterinarian's office for regular check ups, I asked him what to be on the look out for since signs of illness are often subtle and can be mistaken for some other issue.

He recommended that I be aware of these 7 signs and suggested to always contact your pet care provider if you suspect that your cat could be suffering.

1. They Sleep More

Is your cat sleeping more than usual? This could be a big sign that there’s something wrong. This might be the only sign or come with a number of other signs, so monitor your cat’s sleeping pattern to see.

2. They Are Eating More/Less

Pay attention to your cat’s feeding schedule. Are they eating more? Eating less? A sick cat will probably go one of two ways; they’ll either gorge or starve. Take them to the vet ASAP to be sure of what’s wrong with them.

3. They Look Slimmer

Pay attention to your cat’s silhouette. Do they look skinnier to you? Perhaps they look bonier than normal? If they look slimmer, it can be confusing because they might still be eating the same amount of food. If this is the case, you should take them to the vet to see what’s causing the sudden weight loss.

4. Their Coat is Dull and Messy

Sickly cats can't be bothered to groom themselves, so their coat begins to look dull and messy through lack of grooming. It might not be anything to worry about, but you should take them for a check up to be sure. It may just be a simple case of getting some medication from a site like www.365vet.co.uk. Don’t panic at the first signs of this, just make sure you don’t procrastinate.

5. They Have Bad Breath

We all know that cats don’t have particularly nice breath anyway, but if it’s really bad this could be the sign of a problem. They might have something wrong with their kidneys, for example. Even if the cat’s breath doesn’t smell ‘bad’, if it smells different, this could be a sign of a problem developing.

6. They’re Clinging on To Your or Shunning You

Perhaps your cat is normally very clingy, but now they are shunning you. Maybe they aren’t usually too bothered about having a fuss, but they’ve become a bit of a ‘velcro cat’ and can’t leave you alone. Either of these behaviors should be considered abnormal, and you should take them to the vet to see what’s wrong with them.

7. Their Litter Box Habits Have Changed

Nobody likes the litter box round as it is, but it’s a good way to see if your cat is as healthy as they once were. If their litter box habits have changed quite a bit, this could mean there’s something seriously wrong. This is cause for concern and you should get them checked out straight away.

I hope everything is well with your cat and you don’t spot any of these signs. However, if you do, take them to get checked out ASAP.

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Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Good Causes

This time of year when budgets are tight, it's tough for many households to justify making a charitable donation. However, there are a plethora of gifts that allow you to give to your favorite people as well as to your favorite charities.

Counterclockwise from top left:

1. Stand Up To Cancer has been supporting cancer research since 2008. Help make a difference in the lives of the 4,563 people who are diagnosed with cancer each day by purchasing an item from their shop. SU2C has something for everyone in the family including your furry friends.

Items shown: women's logo t-shirt and Alex and Ani bracelet.

2. FEED was created in 2007 by Lauren Bush Lauren with the mission of "Creating Good Products That Help FEED the World." This is accomplished through the sale of FEED bags, accessories, and apparel by building a set donation into the cost of each product.

Item shown: FEED (RED) LOVE 30 Bag

3. Best Friends Animal Society is an animal welfare society that helped pioneer the no-kill movement. Through various programs including spay/neuter initiatives, Best Friends helps to save more than 4 million unnecessary animal deaths each year.

Item shown: squeaky bone

4. Every year since 1999 Build-A-Bear Workshop has supported WWF in the U.S. and Canada through their CollectifriendTM make-your-own plush animal series by donating $1 to WWF for each plush animal purchased.

Item shown: WWF red panda

5. Product (RED) joins forces with iconic brands to provide great (RED) products, events, and new ways to fight AIDS.

Item shown: Beats by Dre (PRODUCT)RED Solo2 Headphones
6. TOMS' One for One^™ Movement matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes for a child in need.  In 2011, the One for One model was expanded and TOMS Eyewear was launched. With every pair purchased, TOMS helps restore sight to a person in need.

Item shown: Red woven plaid women's classic slip-ons

7. Susan G. Komen helps to save lives through breast cancer research and awareness. Susan G. Komen also offers emotional support and online resources.

Item shown: breast cancer awareness necklace

For more ways to support good causes, refer to this list of 10 non-profit ways to shop good.

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A New Kitten To Love

It was with a lot of thought and consideration that we allowed our youngest daughter to add another cat to our family.

After Harper suffered a broken arm and bravely had surgery, wore a cast for 8 weeks, including during a vacation in Florida, we wanted to give her something special for being a model patient.

Little did we know that she'd ask to adopt a kitten. But we indulged her.

It was with some trepidation though. We already have a 1 year old cat and the Hubs has been known to suffer from allergies to cats. Although he is generally ok with domestic short hairs.

We picked up the little bundle 2 weeks ago, and he has totally turned our house upside down and has found a special place in all of our hearts, including that of our other cat.

Presenting Sammy...

He loves to play "hide-and-seek".

The girls adore him.

And he adores the girls.

Even Jade is warming up to the idea of having a little brother.

There's always the question, "Who rescued who?"

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My Latest Contribution at Meridian Momtourage: Say Yes To The Pet

Are you considering adopting a pet? Before you make the decision, be sure to visit Meridian Momtourage and read my post, "Say Yes to the Pet: How to Know When You Are Ready for a Furry Friend".

You can read my full story here.

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Say Yes to the Pet

It's been 6 months since we made the agonizing decision to put our beloved 19 year old cat down. It was a difficult but necessary decision. At the time, I thought I'd never be ready to bring another pet into our home.

In fact, a month ago I wasn't ready. And then I read an article in a local newspaper that 60 cats and kittens were rescued from a hoarding situation in a nearby town. Yes, you read that correctly. It was six-zero. I'm a bleeding heart when it comes to stray cats, but there clearly is a line to be drawn. This hoarder wasn't drawing that line, and the pets were suffering.

Our daughters have been haranguing us for months to get another cat, maybe even a dog. My answer, time and time again, was a resounding no! I wasn't ready to make that kind of emotional commitment, and let's admit, no matter how much time you invest in a pet, it always ends up resulting in an emotional attachment.

So when I finally sat down to make a list of the pros and cons, the list was unbalanced. There were more pros than cons. I was running out of reasons NOT to have a pet. And after reading the article about the cats rescued from the hoarder, I now had 60 more reasons to adopt a cat. So, we sat the girls down and told them the good news. However, there would be some compromise involved. We could adopt a pet, but it couldn't be a dog or any rodent-type thingy. I am not ready for the commitment that a dog entails, and rodents disgust me.

We spent the following Sunday at Point Paws, a local cat shelter where 30 of the 60 rescued cats were taken in. We were overwhelmed. There were so many to choose from, and all of them were absolutely adorable. How would we ever decide and agree on just one?

It didn't take long. There was a little black one who kept sticking her arm out and reaching for the girls. They asked if they could hold her. I was skeptical. A black cat? She had no distinguishing physical characteristics. No stripes. No rings. Nothing. But it wasn't my decision to make. She would be a pet for the girls. They could decide which one they wanted, and they would help care for it.

They loved the black kitten. They didn't want to hold any other cats. She was the one for them. I completed an application and learned a few days later that we had been approved. But we couldn't pick her up just yet. We were leaving for vacation until September 1st. This little black kitty would have to wait until September 2nd to come to her new home.

And so, on September 2nd the moment the shelter opened, we showed up on the doorstep with our pet carrier in tow.

I introduce to you Jade, the newest and fluffiest member of our family.

The girls are quickly learning that having a kitten is tons of fun, but it's a lot of work also. And to think that they wanted a dog...

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